US3070104A

US3070104A - Glassware washer

Info

Publication number: US3070104A
Application number: US724157A
Authority: US
Inventors: Francis S Faust; Ernest R Edmunds
Original assignee: R G WRIGHT CO Inc
Current assignee: R G WRIGHT CO Inc
Priority date: 1958-03-26
Filing date: 1958-03-26
Publication date: 1962-12-25
Anticipated expiration: 1979-12-25

Description

Dec, 25, 1962 s, us AL 3,070,104

GLASSWARE WASHER Filed March 26, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. PAM S PM Dec. 25, 1962 F. s. FAUST ET AL 3,070,104

.GLASSWARE WASHER Filed March' 26, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 VIII/(I575? 709 INVENTOR. FM; 3. FM

Dec. 25, 1962 F. s. FAUST ETAL GLASSWARE WASHER 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 26, 1958 0 INVENTOR.

BY 2 Ana-4} R. i

Dec. 25, 1962 F. s. FAUST EFAL 3,070,104

GLASSWARE WASHER Filed March 26, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 79,2 795 INVENTOR.

BY {M R. SM-L.

dfforweyz United States Patent Ofiice 3,070,104 Patented Dec. 25, 1962 3,970,104 GLASSWARE WASHER Francis S. Faust, Buffalo, and Ernest R. Edmunds, Tonawanda, N.Y., assignors to R. G. Wright Company, Inc., Buifalo, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Mar. 26, 1%8, Ser. No. 724,157 6 Claims. (l. 134 145) This invention relates to glassware washers, and more particulariy to a washer for laboratory type glassware as used in hospitals and research organizations.

The washer of the present invention represents an improvement in prior art washers of this type and features certain innovations providing for the more efficient washing of laboratory glassware. For example, the washer of the present invention makes it possible to handle a great variety of laboratory glassware with an adjustable washing arrangement patterned to provide a thorough washing operation for the particular type of glassware being washed. The washer can be conditioned by a simple manual setting to provide the desired spray or washing pattern for the particular type of glassware being washed. In addition, the washer of the invention features a washing rack especially adapted for holding plpettes for the efiicient washing thereof, which rack allows the convenient placing and removal of the pipettes. Another important feature is that a form of spindle racl is provided for washing glassware impaled on the spindles in which the pattern of the spindles can be readily arranged or rearranged to suit the particular requirements.

The main object of this invention is to provide a washer for the efiicient washing of laboratory type glassware.

A more specific object of this invention is to provide a washer which will handle a great variety of laboratory glassware and produce a thorough washing irrespective of the particular type of glassware being washed.

Another object is to provide a washer having a simple manual setttin which may be used to adjust the washing pattern required for the particular type of glassware being washed.

Still another object is to provide a washer having a washing rack especially adapted for holding pipettes for the efficient washing thereof, which racks allows a convenient placing and removal of the pipettes.

Still another object is to provide a washer having a washing rack which, in addition to holding pipettes, also is adapted to receive and hold spindles which are removably attached in place of the pipettes and can be readily removed and inserted in any pattern to suit the requirements of a particular washer.

These and further objects and features of the invention will become more apparent from the following descrip tion and accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a glassware washer embodying the principles of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a section view generally as seen along line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a section view generally as seen along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, slightly screen member used in the washer of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a section view 55 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged section view generally seen along line 6-6 in FiG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a section view 7-7 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged section view of certain valves used in the washer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of water circuits used in the washer of FIG. 1;

enlarged of a generally as seen along line generally as. seen along line FIG. 10 is an enlarged section view generally as seen along line 10-10 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged section view generally as seen along line 11-11 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a view in partial section of a baffle plate actuating means used in the washer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a side view of a general flatware rack used in the washer of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a Petri dish rack used in the washer of the invention;

.FIG. 15 is a side view for use in the washer of FIG. 16 is a plan view in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective View of a test tube rack and basket for use in the washer of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a section view of a test tube basket used in the rack of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a spindle rack used in the washer of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a washer rack forming part of the invention, this washer rocking being used to wash pipettes and also being adapted to have spindles secured thereto in any pattern to be used in the same manner as the spindle rack shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged section view generally as seen along line 21-2i in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 21 through the top wall of the washer rack shown in FIGS 2, 20 and 21 and showing the manner in which pipettes are inserted therein for washing;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of a spindle used in the rack shown in FIGS. 2 and 20-22;

FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 22 showing the manner in which the form of spindle shown in FIG. 23 is mounted in the form of washer rack shown in FIGS. 2, 20, 21 and 22.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, the numeral 26 identifies a washer for laboratory glassware which embodies the principles of the invention, and which includes an upright rectangular cabinet 27 the front wall of which has a glass panel door 28 hinged along a lower edge, an instrument panel 29 containing a plurality of control instruments the function of which will be explained later herein, a wash pattern control knob 31, a water fill control knob 32, and a door 33 hinged along a lower edge and which may be opened for cleaning purposes. A plate 34 is permanently affixed to the front wall at the lower region thereof, which may be removed for obtaining access to the inside of a wash water storage tank 36 for clean-out purposes. A gauge 37 is arranged for indication of wash water temperature, while adjacent thereto is a gauge 38 arranged for indication of rinse water temperature. A water level gauge 35 is arranged on the front of the cabinet 27 to indicate the water level in tank 36.

As best seen in FIG. 2, the washer is divided generally into three sections one of which comprises the storage tank 36, another of which forms a washing compartment 39 located above the storage tank and accessible by way of the door 28, and the last of which forms a motor and pipe compartment 41 and which extends vertically adjacent the tank 36 and compartment 39. A bottom .2 of the washing compartment tapers toward the center to an elongated opening 43 having flange members or horizontal tracks 44 along the lower edge. Slidably supported by the flange members 44 is a screen assembly 46, which is removable from the washer via the door 33. The screen assembly serves to strain the wash water for the removal of lint and other waste material from the articles being washed. A second screen assembly 47 of a large mouthed beaker rack the invention;

of a portion of the rack shown may be positioned on the tapered bottom 42 over the opening 43 if desired, which screen assembly 47 is useful to catch any broken glassware. The screen assembly 47 may be removed via the door 28, for cleaning or replacement purposes.

A trough 48, positioned along one side of the storage tank 36, extends the full depth of the washer, and has a drain pipe 49 in open connection with the back end thereof. A deflector plate 51 is mounted upon a shaft 52 in such manner that by rotation in one direction, water flowing from the opening 43 may be directed into the tank 36, while rotation in the opposite direction will cause fiow of the water into the trough 48. Means for rotation of the shaft 52 in either direction, and as best seen in FIG. 12, consists of a piston assembly 53, a plunger 54 operated by the piston assembly, and an L-shaped lever 56 aifixed to the end of the shaft 52. One arm of lever 56 is engageable by the plunger 54, while the other arm has a weight 57 on the end thereof. A bumper 58, se-

cured to the back wall of the washer, limits movement of the lever 56 in one rotary direction, while a plunger guide 59 is arranged to limit movement of the lever 56 in the opposite direction. A pipe 61 delivers water under pressure to the piston assembly 53 for actuation of the plunger 54 for movement of the lever 56 in one direction. The weight 57 moves the lever 56 in the opposite direction when the water pressure acting on the piston assembly is released. The rotation of the deflector plate 51 toward either end position, is programmed according to the washer operating cycle, as established by timing mechanisms to be described in further detail hereinafter.

Drain pipe 49 joins with a drain pipe 62 which is in open communication with the lower end of the storage tank 36. A valve 63 is arranged in the pipe 62, said valve having a handle 64 extending to the front of the cabinet 27 whereby the valve may be conveniently opened or closed.

Within the washing compartment 39 are two parallel flange tracks 66 which extend practically the full depth of the compartment. The tracks 66, as best seen in FIG. 5, are arranged for alignment with tracks 67 formed in the inside of the door 28 when the latter is fully opened, i.e., substantially perpendicular to the front wall of the cabinet 27. In such manner any one of the various glassware racks or trays, as will later be described, may be conveniently moved in and out of the washing compartment 39. A pipe 40 having a baffle plate 45 at the lower end, is arranged at the top of the washing compartment 39 to vent steam therefrom.

Extending through the back wall of the cabinet 27 is v a rack 68 engageable by a pinion gear 69 the latter of which is adapted to provide reciprocal movement to the rack. A hook or notch 71 is provided on the end of the rack 68, for engagement of a portion of a glassware tray, whereby the tray will be reciprocated during an entire washing operation to expose the entire area of the glassware being Washed to upwardly directed jets of water. Motor means (not shown) together with a motion transmission mechanism are mounted on a shelf 72 positioned on the rear wall of the cabinet 27, whereby the pinion 69 will be turned in the desired manner.

A plurality of water manifold assemblies 76 to 82 inclusive, are arranged in the washing compartment 39. Assemblies 77 and 79 each have a plate 83 with a row of closely spaced holes 84, while

assemblies

76, 78, 81 and 82 each have a plate 86 with a row of less closely spaced holes 87 therein. As best seen in FIG. 11, the plate of a manifold assembly has a flanged periphery 85 which extends downwardly for seating in a grooved rubber gasket 88 supported on a ledge 89 extending about the inside upper edge of a manifold 91. The plate 86 is held within the gasket 89 by means of bolts 92 arranged toward each end of the manifold 91 and extending through the plate for reception of wing nuts 93. Water under pressure entering the manifold will be forced through the plate holes 84 or 87 as the case may be, to form an upwardly directed spray pattern. The manifold assemblies 77 and 79 are used for test tube washing, while

manifold assemblies

76, 78, 81 and 82, are used for flatware washing, all as will be more fully explained hereinafter.

Manifold assemblies 77 and 79 have downwardly extending pipes 95 connecting with a horizontal pipe 94, while

manifold assemblies

76, 78, 81 and 82 have pipes at one end for connection with a horizontal pipe 96. A three way valve assembly 97 is arranged for connection on one side with the

pipes

94 and 96, and on the other side with a pipe 98, which is connected at the other end to a check valve 99. The check valve has a ball 101 which permits flow of water either from pipe 98 into an upwardly directed pipe 102, or from a pipe 103 into the pipe 182; however, it restricts flow of water from pipe 98 into pipe 103, or vice versa.

Three way valve assembly 97, as best seen in FIGS. 6 and 8, includes a cup-like valve 104 having an opening which permits flow of water from the interior of the valve into one of the

pipes

98, 96 or 94, depending upon the rotary setting of the valve. A pipe 107 leads upwardly from a water supply source (not shown) to the valve assembly for flow of water into the valve 104. A shaft 108 is affixed to the valve 104 for the rotary positioning thereof, said shaft being connected at the outer end to wash pattern control knob 31, and the other end to a shaft 109 of a distilled water control valve assembly 111.

The valve assembly 111, as best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, includes a cup-like valve 112 having an opening 113 which permits flow of water from the interior of the valve selectively into pipe 103, pipe 114 or pipe 116, depending upon the rotary setting of the valve. The shaft 109 is afiixed to the valve 112 so that the rotary move ment of valve 112 is synchronized with the rotary movement of valve 104. A pipe 117 connects with the valve assembly 111 for flow of water from a solenoid controlled valve 118 into the valve 112, while a pipe 119 is arranged to connect the water valve 118 to a source of distilled water (not shown).

Pipe 114 leads upwardly along one side of the washing chamber 39, passes to the other side of the washing chamber, and joins with a pair of spray pipes 121 extending between

manifold assemblies

76, 77, and 78, 79. Pipes 121 each have a series of holes arranged to direct an upward spray of water into the washing chamber. Pipe 116 leads upwardly and downwardly for connection with four spray pipes 122 arranged adjacent the front side of

manifold assemblies

76, 78, 81 and 82. Each of the pipes 122 has a series of holes arranged to direct an upward spray of water into the washing chamber 39.

A pipe 123 leads from pipe 107 to a solenoid operated valve 124, which is connected to a water supply source (not shown) by means of a pipe 126. Extending upwardly from pipe 123 is a pipe 127 which is connected to a check valve assembly 128. The check valve assembly 128 has a ball (not shown) similar to ball 101 of check valve assembly 99, which permits flow of water from pipe 127, or from a pipe 129, into an upwardly directed pipe 131. The pipe 131 branches into three pipes 132 each of which has a plurality of holes (not shown) for directing a spray of water downwardly into the washing chamber 39.

A rotary pump 133, which is driven by an electric motor 134, is adapted to pump water from the water storage tank 36 via a pipe 136, and to deliver it under pressure into pipe 107, and pipe 61. A pipe 137 leads from pipe 126 into the upper end of the water storage tank 36. A valve 138, which is operable through control knob 32, regulates flow of water in pipe 137 into the storage tank.

From the arrangement above described it will be seen that with the control knob 31 turned counter-clockwise (when facing front of the washer) a maximum amount to a first position, the valve assembly 97 will be set so that water can flow from pipe 107 through the valve 104 and into pipe 98, from whence it can flow into check valve 99 and pipe 102. Simultaneously, the valve assembly 111 is set so that water from pipe 117 can flow through valve 112 into the pipe 1123 to check valve 99 and pipe 102 At the same time, water from pipe 123 can flow into pipe 107 when the solenoid valve 124 is operated. In such manner the washer is conditioned for washing of spindles in a special washer tray, as will be explained fully hereinafter. However, the operation of the pump 133 and

solenoid valves

124 and 118 are regulated for sequential and individual operation by means of the control instruments on the panel 29. Thus each Washing cycle includes a sequence of washing and rinsing steps which bring these various units into operation, as required, at the proper time.

When the control knob 31 is turned clockwise approximately 120 from the first position to a second position, the valve assembly 97 will be set so that water can flow from pipe 107 through the valve 104- and into pipe 96, from whence it will flow into the

manifold assemblies

76, 78, 81 and 82. Simultaneously, the valve assembly 111 is set so that water from pipe 117 can fiow through valve 112 into pipe 116 then into pipes 122. The washer will now be conditioned for washing of flatware.

When the control knob 31 is turned clockwise approximately 120 from the second position to a third position, the valve assembly 97 will be set so that water can flow from pipe 107 through the valve 104 and into pipe 9-1, from whence it will flow into the manifold assemblies 77 and 79. Simultaneously the valve assembly 111 is set so that water from pipe 117 can flow through valve 112 into pipe 114 then into pipes 122. The washer will now be conditioned for washing of test tubes.

It will be seen that the

valve assemblies

97 and 111 function to direct the wash and rinse waters into one of three patterns depending upon the setting of the control knob 31. It may be mentioned that a check valve 121), arranged in pipe 107, permits one way flow of water in pipe 107.

Mounted upon an instrument panel 29 are timing switches: timing switch 14-1 being adapted for control of the motor 134 for operation of pump 133, said switch being adjustable for an operating range of from 0 to minutes; timing switch 142 being adapted for control of solenoid valve 124 and being adjustable for an operating range of from O to 5 minutes; and timing switch 143 being adapted for control of solenoid valve 118, and being adjustable for an operating range of from 0 to 60 seconds.

Adjacent to timing switch 141 is a switch 14 which may be set to three positions, one of which cuts out the operation of the motor 134 from a washing cycle, a second position which puts the operation of motor 134 under manual control, and a third position which puts the operation of motor 134 under control of the timing switch 141.

Adjacent to timing switch 142 is a switch 146, which may be set to three positions, one of which cuts out the operation of the solenoid valve 124 from a washing cycle, a second position which puts the operation of the solenoid valve 124 under manual control, and a third position which puts the operation of the solenoid valve 124 under control of the timing switch 142.

Adjacent to timing switch 14-3 is a switch 147, which may be set to three positions, one of which cuts out the operation of the solenoid valve 118 from a washing cycle, a second position which puts the operation of the solenoid valve 118 under manual control, and a third position which puts the operation of the solenoid valve 118 under control of the timing switch 143.

It will be seen that the switch arrangement above described gives the operator a great degree of flexibility in the manner of conditioning the washer for any washing pattern desired.

A switch 1455 is arranged for the operation of the motor driving the pinion 69, so that reciprocating movement of the rack 68 may be had during a washing cycle. In this respect it may be noted that operation of the rack 68 will either prevail during a complete washing cycle, i.e wash and rinse, or will not be operated during such a complete washing cycle. This is necessary, because during use of a spindle rack, as will be described, it is not necessary to reciprocate the spindle rack during washing and rinsing operations.

A starter button 149, is positioned above switch 144 which button when depressed, will initiate operation of the washing cycle after all the other switches are set for the desired washing pattern. Adjacent the button 149 is a signal light 151 which goes on at beginning of a washing cycle, and goes out at the end of said cycle. A master switch 152 is arranged for energizing all the electrical switches.

The various trays or racks used with the washer of the invention are best seen in FIGS. 13 to 20. A rack 156, illustrated in FIG. 13, may be used for the support of general flatware during a washing operation, and consists of wires 157 arranged in spaced relation to form a shallow basket, having flanges 158 at the lower side edges for riding in the

tracks

66 and 67. A bar 159 at the lower rear end of the rack is arranged for engagement by the hook 71 of reciprocating rack 62, whereby the tray can be reciprocated during washing. The dimensions of the rack 156 are such as to allow the upward directed jets of water from the

manifold assemblies

76, 78, 31 and S2 to cover the entire rack area during reciprocal movement thereof.

A rack 161, illustrated in 151G. 14, is similar to rack 156 but diiiers therefrom by having a plurality of sloping compartments defined by

wires

162, 163 and 164, which compartments may be used for holding Petri dishes during washing operations.

A rack 166, illustrated in FIG. 15, may be used for the support of large mouth beakers during washing. The rack 166 includes a plurality of upstanding wires 167 grouped in fours, as best seen in FIG. 16, each group being adapted to hold a large mouth beaker in inverted position. The groups of wires 167 are supported by cross wires 168, the ends of the latter being secured to a frame 169 which is arranged for riding in the

tracks

66 and 67. The rack 166 includes a bar 159 adapted for engagement by the book 71 of the reciprocating rack 68.

A rack 171, illustrated in FIG. 17, may be used for the support of wire baskets 172, in which may be placed test tubes for washing, as best seen in FIG. 18. Each basket 1'72 has a plurality of intercrossing wires 173 arranged to form squares, each of which will maintain a test tube in inverted position within the basket. The baskets 172 are designed to fit into channel members 174 for support of the rack 171. A cover 176, having a finger 177 at one end and a latch arrangement 178 at the opposite end, is adapted to fit into each basket against the upturned end of the test tubes whereby they will be firmly held in the basket during washing. The .rack 171 is arranged for engagement by the book 71 of the reciprocating rack 68 whereby the baskets 172 will be moved over the manifold assemblies 77 and 79 during washing.

A spindle rack 181, illustrated in FIG. 19, which may be used for the support of small mouth beakers or test tubes for washing, includes three parallel. pipes 182 arranged to intersect a central pipe 183, the pipes 182 being afiixed to wire frames or runners 184 on each side, which are slidable on the

tracks

66 and 67. The middle pipe 182 is bent upwardly at one end and has a male hose connection thereupon. Each pipe 182 is shown as provided along its crest with a line of spaced threaded holes in each of which is screwed the lower end of a spindle 186, formed of small diameter pipe. For this purpose the lower end of each spindle 136 is threaded as indicated at 188, and the upper end of each spindle has secured thereto a generally conical spring 187 which, as best seen in FIG. 23, extends beyond the upper end of the spindle. In such manner the beaker being supported upon the spindle, is maintained a given distance from the end of the pipe, whereby the water being jetted from the end of the pipe will be cascaded over the entire inner surface of the beaker. The spring 187 also provides a resilient support for the beaker which serves to protect the beaker against breakage during loading and washing operations.

A pipette washer rack 191, illustrated in FIGS. 2, 20, 21, 22 and 24, comprises a generally rectangular tray or pan 192, and a cover assembly 193 removably secured to the pan by bolts having wing nuts 194 at the upper end. Extending from the pan on each side, are slide means or tracks in the form of bent rods 196, arranged for sliding in the

tracks

66 and 67. An L-pipe connection 197 is arranged on one side of the tray 192, which connection has affixed thereto a male hose connection 198. The latter has a reduced diameter end 199 having an annular peripheral detent groove 206. This reduced end 199 fits into a female hose connection 201 affixed to a flexible hose or conduit 202, the other end of which is connected to the pipe 102. Connection 201 includes an axially movable latching sleeve 203 adapted to maintain a plurality of detent balls 204 within the groove 206 of the reduced end 199. These detent balls are in radial openings. in the wall of the female hose connection 201 and which openings are of reduced size at their inner ends so that the detent balls 204 cannot escape when the male and

female connections

198, 201 are separated. Axial movement of the sleeve 203 permits the balls 204 to move out- Wardly into a. groove 207 formed on the inner surface of the sleeve 203, so that the connection 201 can be removed from connection 198. A lever 20S, pivotally mounted upon the cover assembly 193, is arranged to straddle the male connection 198, whereby upward movement of the lever will cause upward movement of the sleeve 203. In

such manner the connection between the hose 202 and the rack 191 may be conveniently disrupted.

The cover assembly 193 includes an upper plate 209 the edges of which extend downwardly outside the pan 192, a lower plate 211 which fits securely within the pan 192, and a rubber pad 212 arranged between the

plates

209 and 211. A plurality of holes 213 in the upper plate 209 are disposed in alinement with a plurality of holes 214 formed in the lower plate 211, while a plurality of tapered holes 216 are formed in the pad 212 each hole 216 being in alinement with a

hole

213 and 214, as best seen in FIG. 21.

From the foregoing, as illustrated in FIG. 22, it will be seen that the washer rack 191 allows for the easy insertion of a pointed end 220 of a pipette 221 into any *of the holes 213, through an adjacent tapered hole 216, and a hole 214. Such insertion will cause a peripheral stretching of the tapered hole 216, about the pipette end, whereupon the pipette will be securely clamped in upright position, and a substantially water-tight engagement will be provided between the pipette and tapered hole. Hence, water under pressure within the tray 192 can flow upwardly through the pipettes and be jetted from the upper end of the pipettes into the washing chamber 39.

It is to be noted that the lower end of each tapered hole 216 comes to a point in the region of the lower surface of the rubber pad 212. Thus, during use of the rack 191, water will be substantially prevented from passing upwardly from the pan 192 through any holes not having a pipette therein.

An important feature of the rack 191 as shown in FIGS. 2, 20, 21, 22 and 24 is that it can also be used in conjunction with the spindles 186, FIG. 23, to provide a spindle rack functioning similarly to the spindle rack, FIG. 19, with the important distinction, however, that the spindles can be arranged in any desired pattern within the limits of the spacing of the holes 213, FIG. 20. To secure ,a spindle 1 86 in any hole 213, a nut 225 is first screwed on the threaded end 188 of each spindle to be put into service. The threaded end is then passed through the selected hole 213 of the cover 193, from the outside, and which cover has first been removed by removing the wing nuts 194. A second nut 226 is then applied to the threaded end 188 of the spindle to clamp the cover 193 between the two nuts 225, 226 and thereby hold the spindles upright on the cover 193. When the cover 193 is replaced and the wing nuts 194 tightened, the threaded ends 188 of the spindles protrude far enough into the tapered holes 216 of the rubber pad to stretch and hold the lower ends of these holes open and permit liquid to flow from the interior of the rack 191 up through each spindle 186.

It will be appreciated that the hose 202 will be of sufficient length so that it may be placed at the side of the washing compartment 39, when it is not required, as when using any one of the

racks

156, 161, 166, and 171. Likewise, the reciprocating rack 68 will not be operated when using the spindle rack 181, or pipette rack 191.

The washer 26 includes a switch (not shown) which is operated by the door 28, to disrupt the electrical circuits of the washer should the door be opened during a washing operation. In addition, a light (not shown) may be placed in the washing compartment 39, to illuminate the compartment during use of the washer.

From the above disclosure it will be seen that an efficient washer for glassware is provided which may be used to automatically wash and rinse various types of laboratory glassware ranging from flatware to pipettes. The washer not only provides a thorough Washing and rinsing operation, but is economical in the use of wash Water detergent, since it saves the wash water after use for subsequent washing operations. All that is required to install the washer of the invention, is a source of heated tap water, and a source of distilled water if the latter type of water is desired for final rinsing. In addition, a heater may be placed in the wash water compartment 36 to maintain the wash water at temperatures up to 200 R, if desired.

The foregoing description has been given in detail without thought of limitation since the inventive principles involved are capable of assuming other physical embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A glassware washer including a washing compartment formed to provide an opening in the bottom thereof, a wash water storage tank positioned beneath the washing compartment, a plurality of manifold assemblies arranged in the washing compartment near the bottom thereof, each of said manifold assemblies being formed to provide an opening through its top and a plate having a plurality of holes adapted to direct an upward spray of water, a plurality of spray means arranged in the washing compartment near the top thereof and adapted to direct a downward spray of water, a track means arranged in the washing compartment for support of a rack of glassware to be washed, a rack on said track means having means for spraying wash water against the glassware carried by said rack, a hose means in the washing compartment having a coupling connection at the end thereof for coupling with said spraying means of said rack, and means supplying said wash water under pressure to said manifold assemblies, to said spray means near the top of said washing compartment, and to said hose means.

2. A glassware washer including a washing compartment formed to provide an opening in the bottom thereof, a wash water storage tank positioned beneath the washing compartment, a door on the front of the washing compartment, a plurality of manifold assemblies arranged in the washing compartment near the bottom thereof, each of said manifold assemblies being formed to provide an opening through its top having a gasket along the edge thereof and a plate compressively mounted atop the gasket, said plate having a plurality of holes adapted to direct an upward spray of water, a plurality of spray means arranged in the washing compartment near the top thereof and adapted to direct a downward spray of water, a valve means arranged to direct water selectively to certain of said manifold assemblies and to said spray means, a track means arranged in the washing compartment and on the inside of the door, a rack on said track means having means for spraying wash water against the glassware carried by said rack, a hose means in the washing compartment having a coupling connection at the end thereof for coupling with said spraying means of said rack, and means supplying said wash water under pressure to said valve means and hose means.

3. A glassware washer including a washing compartment formed to provide an opening in the bottom there of, a wash water storage tank positioned beneath the washing compartment, a first spray means arranged in said washing compartment and directed toward the center thereof, track means arranged centrally in the washing compartment, a rack for the glassware to be washed riding along said track means, a second spray means mounted on said rack for spraying water against the glassware supported by said rack, a hose means having a coupling connection at the end thereof for coupling with said second spray means, and means supplying said wash water under pressure to said first spray means and to said hose.

4. A glassware washer including a washing compartment formed to provide an opening in the bottom thereof, a wash water storage tank positioned beneath the washing compartment, a first spray means arranged in said washing compartment near the bottom thereof and directing an upward spray of water, a second spray means arranged in said washing compartment near the top thereof and directing a downward spray of water, track means arranged in said washing compartment, a rack for the glassware to be washed riding along said track means, a third spray means mounted on said rack and spraying water against the glassware carried by said rack, a hose means having a coupling connection at the end thereof for coupling with said third spray means, and means supplying said wash water under pressure to said first and second spray means and to said hose.

5. A glassware washer including a Washing compartment formed to provide an opening in the bottom thereof, a wash water storage tank positioned beneath the washing compartment, a plurality of spray means arranged in the washing compartment near the bottom thereof and adapted to direct an upward spray of water, a plurality of spray means arranged in the washing compartment near the top thereof and adapted to direct a downward spray of water, a track means arranged in the washing compartment for support of a rack of glassware to be washed, a rack on said track means having means for spraying wash water against the glassware carried by said rack, conduit means in the Washing compartment having a coupling connection at the end thereof for coupling with said spraying means of said rack, and means supplying said wash water under pressure to said spray means arranged near the bottom of said washing compartment, to said spray means arranged near the top of said washing compartment, and to said conduit means.

6. A glassware washer as set forth in claim 5 wherein said spray means arranged near the bottom of said washing compartment is in the form of a plurality of manifold assemblies and wherein said means supplying wash water under pressure includes valve means arranged to direct said wash water selectively to certain of said manifold assemblies and to said spray means arranged near the top of said washing compartment.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 684,112 Sears Oct. 8, 1901 971,231 Weiscopf Sept. 27, 1910 1,048,885 Risser Dec. 3, 1912 1,452,710 Schmelzer Apr. 24, 1923 1,466,192 Schmelzer Aug. 28, 1923 1,581,134 Merseles Apr. 20, 1926 1,633,669 Irvin June 28, 1927 1,662,496 Forsgard Mar. 13, 1928 1,757,035 Bechman May 6, 1930 2,051,233 Webb Aug. 18, 1936 2,222,676 Mahler Nov. 26, 1940 2,372,205 Hertz Mar. 27, 1945 2,395,968 Ornas Mar. 5, 1946 2,508,999 Hirsch May 23, 1950 2,597,359 McDonald et a1 May 20, 1952 2,682,213 Shapiro June 29, 1954 2,706,990 Lyman Apr. 26, 1955 2,713,866 Kaye July 26, 1955 2,786,480 Hofer Mar. 26, 1957 2,827,063 Roy Mar. 18, 1958 FOREIGN PATENTS 390,748 Great Britain Apr. 13, 1933 452,510 Great Britain Aug. 24, 1936 497,149 Germany May 3, 1930 908,680 France Oct. 11, 1945