US3773266A

US3773266A - Washing machine including oscillatory spray system

Info

Publication number: US3773266A
Application number: US00203196A
Authority: US
Inventors: R Raefield
Original assignee: SYSTEMS ENTERPRISES Inc
Current assignee: SYSTEMS ENTERPRISES Inc
Priority date: 1971-11-30
Filing date: 1971-11-30
Publication date: 1973-11-20
Anticipated expiration: 1990-11-20

Abstract

A washing machine having an oscillatory spray system particularly useful in laboratory, hospital and industrial applications is disclosed. A plurality of tubular spray risers are rotatably mounted on a liquid distribution manifold and connected to an oscillating mechanism to impart oscillatory rotation to the risers through an arc about their longitudinal axes during discharge of liquid from nozzles mounted on the risers. A rotary union joining the manifold and risers for flow of liquid therethrough is also disclosed. The oscillating risers are mounted to the manifold and oscillating means for easy removal.

Description

United States Patent WASHING MACHINE INCLUDING OSCILLATORY SPRAY SYSTEM Primary ExaminerLloyd L. King Attorney-Manfred M. Warren et al.

[75] Inventor: Robert W. Raefield, Concord, Calif.

[73] Ass1gnee: iyz'islzgms Enterprises Inc., Concord, I 57] ABSTRACT A washing machine having an oscillatory spray system [22] Ffled' 19.71 particularly useful in laboratory, hospital and indus- [21] Appl. No.: 203,196 trial applications is disclosed. A plurality of tubular spray risers are rotatably mounted on a liquid distribution manifold and connected to an oscillating mecha- 23904125519533 ism to impart oscillatory rotation to the risers [58] Fie'ld 185 through an are about their longitudinal axes during discharge of liquid from nozzles mounted on the risers. A rotary union joining the manifold and risers for flow of liquid therethrough is also disclosed. The oscil- [56] References and lating n'sers are mounted to the manifold and oscillat- UNITED STATES PATENTS ing means for easy removal. 3,391,701 7/1968 Richardson et a1. 239/243 X 3,422,827 1/1969 McCulloch 239/185 10 Clams 4 Drawmg Flgures I x f l I Q I \1 I I P20 a w 1' 4 317 \L 22/ 2 1 78 7' A 7 8 36 64 28 78 WASHING MACHINE INCLUDING OSCILLATORY SPRAY SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In recent years the need for and advantages of specialized washing machines for cleaning of various kinds of equipment, containers and utensils has become widely recognized. In hospitals, for example, carts, stretchers, wheel chairs and beds have often been hand cleaned. This has proven to be a most expensive cleaning operation, and because of the relatively unskilled labor normally used, the cleaning job is often of poor quality. In the hospital environment a degradation in the quality of cleaning will in turn be a main source of recontamination.

Similarly, laboratory facilities are often faced with difficult cleaning tasks which, if not properly carried out, will affect the laboratory testing. In animal laboratories, for example, cages, racks and shelving must be periodically cleaned. As will be readily appreciated, in other areas of industry there are similar situations in which containers, utensils, equipment and objects of various descriptions must be or preferably are periodically thoroughly washed.

In order to meet this demand various industrial or laboratory washing machines have been developed. These machines commonly employ a pump, liquid dis tribution manifold system including nozzles for directing wash and rinse spray over objects. Such machines have employed a variety of manifold configurations in combination with spray nozzle arrays in an attempt to direct the wash and rinse waters to all surfaces of the objects being washed. Initially fixed manifold and nozzle configurations were employed, and in more recent machines reciprocating manifolds have been used in an attempt to more evenly distribute the wash water and reach all surfaces.

Prior spray manifold and nozzle systems, as above described, have not been found to be effective in reaching the total volume of the washing chamber, and they commonly leave blindspots or gaps which the washer water does not reach. Additionally, considerable problems have been encountered in connection with the washing of interior surfaces of objects such as cages or containers, since there may be an access opening on only one side thereof. Additionally, such objects have long surfaces which extend parallel to the direction of the spray as it enters the access opening from the nozzles. Still further, during the normal operation of industrial washing machines, the cleansing agents placed in the wash water will build up within the nozzles and may occasionally plug or impede the spray from the same. Thus, periodic cleaning or even replacement of the nozzles may be required, and prior washing machine spray systems have been constructed in a manner making cleaning and replacement of the nozzles most difficult and time-consuming.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine, primarily for industrial, laboratory or hospital use, which is formed for the distribution of wash and rinse waters to all portions of the washing chamber.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a washing machine which is constructed to distribute wash and rinse waters in a manner enabling washing of objects having relatively inaccessible surfaces such as narrow-mouthed containers and the like.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a washing machine which is constructed for rapid and convenient maintenance and replacement of parts.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a washing machine construction which is durable, easy to operate, and easy to adapt to specialized washing problems.

Other objects and features of the washing machine of the present invention are set forth more fully hereinafter and will become apparent from the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The washing machine of the present invention is comprised, briefly, of a housing defining a washing chamber, a liquid distribution manifold positioned in the chamber, a plurality of elongated tubular spray risers with spray nozzles affixed thereto, union means mounting the risers to the manifold for flow of liquid from the manifold to the risers, oscillating means connected to the risers for oscillatory rotation of the risers during discharge of the liquid from the nozzles, and pump means connected to the manifold for pumping liquid to the nozzles. The oscillatory rotary motion of the nozzles insures complete coverage of the washing chamber by the spray and effective washing of relatively inaccessible surfaces. The nozzle carrying risers are mounted to the manifold and connected to the oscillating means for rapid disconnection and cleaning or replacement of the nozzles. A ball and socket union for transmission of liquid from the manifold to the risers enables oscillatory rotation of the risers for extended periods in the adverse washing chamber environment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a washing machine constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary, side elevational view, in cross-section, of the manifold, union and a spray riser as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, end elevational view of the spray riser oscillating mechanism shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of the oscillating mechanism of FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIG. 1, the washing machine of the present invention can be seen to be comprised of a housing 21 (shown in phantom) defining a washing chamber internally thereof. Mounted in the washing chamber is a liquid distribution manifold means, in this case including an upper manifold having horizontally extending

portions

23 and 24 and connecting portion 26 and a lower manifold comprised of

manifold portions

27 and 28 and connecting conduits 29 and 31. As shown herein, the upper and lower manifolds are isolated from each other with the upper manifold being used to distribute rinse water and the lower manifold being used for wash water. These manifolds are supported in spaced relation by comer channels 25, which are not liquid-carrying members. Manifold

portions

23, 24, 27 and 28 are, by contrast, tubular to provide a liquid passageway therethrough. Formed in the manifold portions are a plurality of relatively spaced apart outlet openings which communicate with the passageway and which have elongated tubular risers 32 mounted therein. Each spray riser carries at least one and preferably a plurality of spray nozzles formed for discharge of liquid from the tubular risers into the washer chamber.

Certain types of containers and apparatus have been found to be particularly difficult to wash automatically by a machine. Typical of such a container is an animal cage, such as cage 19 (shown in phantom) having an end opening 20 therein. Cage 19 is closed on all sides except at the opening 20 and accordingly presents internal surfaces which are most difi'icult to reach and have not been effectively cleaned by prior washing machines. lt is a most important feature of the present invention to provide a spray system which is particularly well suited for automatic washing of surfaces such as the internal surfaces of cage 19. Thus, instead of fixedly mounting the spray risers 32 to the manifolds or reciprocating the manifolds, the spray system of the present invention is formed for oscillatory rotation of the spray manifolds 32 about their vertical axes whereby the angle at which the spray impinges upon the surfaces being washed is constantly varied. It is the oscillatory motion of the spray risers which causes the spray to enter opening 20 in cage 19 at various angles which, when combined with ricocheting within the cage, causes the spray to effectively wash the internal surfaces of the cage as well as the external surfaces. The oscillating spray risers further insure that the entire volume of the rectangular washing chamber defined by housing 21 is reached. It is preferable that the nozzles on the spray risers be fan-jet nozzles producing a sector-shaped spray pattern of substantially uniform width with the sector-shaped spray pattern being oriented in a vertical plane. Thus, oscillation of the risers about a vertical axis causes spray pattern of the fan-jet nozzles to sweep across the washing chamber.

In order to mount risers 32 to the liquid distribution manifold means for oscillatory rotation of the risers, a rotary union means has been developed and is illustrated in detail in FIG. 2. Union means, generally designated 34, is comprised of a first union member 36 and a second union member 37 formed with threaded

portions

38 and 39 for selective connection and disconnection of the union members.

Members

36 and 37 are formed with oppositely facing

bearing surfaces

41 and 42 defining a socket 43 for receipt of rotatable joint element 44. Joint element 44 has bearing surfaces 46 formed to mate with portions of socket 43 for retention of the joint element in the socket and rotation of the joint element with respect to the socket.

Although the parts may be reversed, it is preferable to fixedly secure member 37 to manifold 27 in opening 47, provided for that purpose, and to fixedly secure joint element 44-to riser 32 for rotation with the riser. Joint element 44 is further formed with a passageway 48 terminating in an opening 49 in general opposed alignment with opening 51 of passageway 52 in first union member 37. Thus, liquid in passageway 53 of manifold 27 will exit the manifold at opening 47 and flow down passageway 52 into passageway 48 and to tubular riser 32 for discharge from the nozzle.

As will be set forth more fully in detail hereinafter, risers 32' are reciprocally rotated or oscillated as shown by arrow 54 in order to distribute the wash water throughout the washing chamber. Accordingly, the continuous rotary motion would normally cause threaded

members

36 and 37 to become unthreaded, with resultant failure of union 34. Thus, the union is provided with locking means, preferably formed as a pin 56 positioned in channel 57, which can be seen to pass through both

members

36 and 37. Threaded

portions

38 and 39 are preferably formed to effect a connection and disconnection of

members

36 and 37 upon relative rotation of the members by rotation of member 36 about members 44 and 37 through about one turn to provide a quick disconnect union. It is highly desirable and a feature of the present invention that the union means can be connected and disconnected rapidly and without the use of tools. Thus, member 36 can be rapidly screwed down upon member 37 until the channel 57 in said members lines up, at which point pin 56 may be dropped through the channel and held there by gravity or by separating the ends of the pin. For removal of the union, the process is reversed, allowing riser 32 to be disconnected from manifold 27 and union member 37.

Union means 34 are subjected to an extreme and corrosive environment in the washing chamber. The wash water in the washing chamber is at a very high temperature and live steam is often employed as part of the washing cycle. Additionally, the washing compound and the objects being washed often include corrosive chemicals and particles. Accordingly, in order to insure the continuous oscillatory motion of the risers while washing liquids are being transferred thereto, the union means 34 is preferably provided with a sealing and thrust bearing O-ring 58 positioned between the ball and socket of members 44 and 37. The O-ring is preferably forrned of teflon and has an internal diameter greater than, and surrounds, the diameter of the openings 49 and 51.

Threads

38 and 39 are formed to deform the O-ring slightly upon alignment of the channel 57 so that the O-ring acts as a seal with respect to the majority of flow of liquid reaching the union and directs that liquid down passageway 48 to riser 32. The threads, however, are not tightened so as to deform the O-ring to prevent all leakage past the O-ring into socket 43. It has been found that a small or minor portion of the flow of liquid is preferably allowed to pass beyond sealing means 58 and into the socket to act as a lubricant of the socket during rotation of the risers. Additionally, the liquid passing beyond O-ring 58 will carry foreign substances out of the socket as it passes over bearing surfaces 42. Forming O-ring 58 of teflon provides a low friction bearing surface which further enhances the rotation of the risers. Additionally, the quick disconnect feature of the union 34 allows O-ring 58 to be periodically cleaned or replaced, as may be required by the wear experience during use.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the oscillating means, generally designated 61, used to impart an oscillatory rotation to risers 32, is shown. Oscillating means 61 is comprised of a linkage member or bar 62 and drive means for pneumatic cylinder 63 connected to the linkage member. Linkage 62 is provided with guide means in the form of L-shaped

rods

64 and 66 which pass under bar 62 and are preferably mounted or secured to manifold portion 27. As best may be seen in FIG. 4, cylinder 63 is attached by a connecting yoke 67 to bar 62, and the bar 62 is supported in sliding engagement with the

guide rods

64 and 66 so that it is free to reciprocate as indicated by arrow 68 upon reciprocation of the piston in cylinder 63. As will be apparent,

an electric motor with appropriate gear reduction unit and linkages can be employed in place of pneumatic cylinder 63 to provide drive means for oscillation of the risers.

In order to impart the oscillatory motion to risers 32, oscillating means 61 further includes a plurality of connecting rods 69 secured to the risers and bar 62. The connecting rods 69 are preferably fixedly secured to risers 32 to impart an oscillatory rotary force to the risers upon reciprocation of bar 62 and are further releasably and pivotally secured to bar 62 to allow rapid disconnection of the risers from the oscillating means and relative angular movement of the connecting rods with respect to the bars. As will be understood, the connecting rods might alternatively be fixedly secured to the linkage 62 and releasably secured to the risers in a manner imparting angular motion to the risers. As shown in the drawings, however, bar or linkage 62 will reciprocate and further be drawn toward or displace away from the risers along guide bars 64 and 66 during the reciprocal motion. Thus, linkage 67 must be constructed in a manner accommodating the inward motion of the bar 62 as well as the reciprocal motion indicated by arrows 68. l

A detailed illustration of the connection of connecting rods 69 to bar 62 is shown in FIG. 2. As will be seen, linkage 62 is preferably formed with openings or sockets 71 which are generally vertically oriented and connecting rod 69 is formed with a vertical portion 72 which is dimensioned for slidable insertion into and removal from opening 71. The vertical portion 72 of connecting rod 69 is further preferably formed for rotation within socket 71 as bar 62 is reciprocated on guide means 64.

In prior washing machine constructions, considerable problems have been encountered in connection with periodic cleaning of the spray nozzles which have been employed. In industrial washing machines, the washing liquids and naturally occurring minerals and the like often cause a build-up of solid particles in the spray nozzles. Thus, it is necessary periodically to use a small wire or other similar object to clean the debris from the throats of the spray nozzles in order that the sprays will continue to operate effectively. Cleaning the spray nozzles by pushing debris out of the throat of the nozzle into the spray riser has been found to be quite troublesome since this debris is trapped in the spray riser and will often become relodged in the nozzles rather than discharge therefrom.

Accordingly, in the present invention it is an important feature that in addition to being rotatable, the spray risers may be rapidly removed from the remainder of the washing machine for cleaning. As will be seen in FIG. 2, the upper end of spray riser 32 is formed with an end closure 76 on which a veritcally extending pin 77 is secured. Mounted on upper manifold 23 is a generally U-shaped bracket 78 having an opening 79 therein for receipt of pin 77. Opening 79 is dimensioned to receive pin 77 loosely and merely acts as a guiding means positioned adjacent the upper end of riser 32 and formed to cooperate with union 34 to maintain the risers in substantially vertical position for oscillation thereof. It should be noted that the ball and socket construction of union 34 has the additional advantage of accommodating misalignments between union 34 and bracket 78 which would otherwise catise binding of the risers during rotation.

The removal of spray risers 32 for cleaning can be accomplished easily as follows. First, pin 56 is removed from

members

36 and 37, allowing member 36 to be rotated manually through about one turn, thus releasing a first or lower end of the riser from manifold 27. The riser may then be lifted vertically causing portion 72 of pin 69 to be lifted from opening 71 in the reciprocating bar 62. Vertically upward motion is accommodated by reason of the space between end plate 76 and bracket 78. Once connecting rod 69 is free of bar 62, the riser may be displaced downwardly to free pin 77 and the upper or second end of the riser from bracket 78, and the riser is completely disconnected from the washing machine. Nozzles 33 can be cleaned in the conventional manner by pushing the build-up in the nozzle throats into the center of the risers. The debris, however, may then be easily removed from the riser by tapping the end of the riser and allowing the debris to pass out the passageway 48 in joint element 44. After cleaning of the nozzles, the riser may be rapidly reconnected to the washing machine system by reversing the above-described process.

As above described, the washing machine of the present invention is formed with separate washing and rinsing manifolds in order that the rinsing manifold not be contaminated by chemicals in the wash water. Several different manifold constructions are suitable for the present invention, but as illustrated, the upper rinse manifold is connected to pump 81 through conduit 82 for distribution of rinse water to the risers. In FIG. 1 there are three rinse risers on each side of the washing chamber and five wash risers. The rinse risers are connected by unions 34 to

portions

23 and 24 and are guided at their lower ends by brackets 78 mounted on manifold portion 27. The use of pump 81 is optional, and conduit 82 may be directly connected to a source of rinse water. Pump 81 can be used in order to increase the velocity of the spray discharged from the rinse risers. The wash manifolds are shown as a pair of manifolds connected by conduits 29 and 31 to a single pump 83. Obviously, a plurality of pumps may also be employed or a single connecting manifold portion, such as portion 26 in the rinse manifold, may be employed. Additionally, while the manifolds are shown in a horizontal position with the spray risers generally vertically oriented, the positions may be reversed with the spray risers horizontally disposed and oscillating about a horizontally extending axis without departing from the present invention. Additionally, it is a feature of the present invention that risers on both the wash and the rinse manifolds are connected for oscillation to the same oscillating means 61.

Pumps

81 and 83 as well as pneumatic source 84 and control panel 86 are shown mounted adjacent a side of the washing chamber. As will be understood, these devices may be conventionally mounted in other places, including beneath, above and behind the washing chamber.

The washing machine of the present invention can be formed of various conventionally available materials. In many' laboratory and hospital applications 304 or 316 stainless steel alloy is preferably used for structures within the washing chamber. The washing machine is also preferably constructed as a walk-in model affording a washing chamber large enough for receipt of wheel chairs, beds and the like.

The angle of rotation of the spray risers can be varied in accordance with the cleaning task encountered and is preferably between about 90 and about 120 around the vertical axis of the risers, depending upon the number of risers and the type of objects which are washed. Similarly, the nozzle employed is preferably a fan jet having an angle of about 50 to 80 on the vertical plane, with an angle of 65 being very versatile, and a width on a horizontal plane of about one-half to 1 inch. The volume of wash water in capacity of the pumps also can vary substantially in accordance with the washing conditions commonly encountered. A fairly typical industrial washing machine will have a 10 horsepower wash pump capable of pumping about 350 gallons per minute, although the volume of water pumped may range from about 200 to over 1,000 gallons per minute. The washing machine of the present invention can further be provided with optional cleaning cycles and accessories such as a pre-wash, live steam purge, steam sanitation cycle, and single or double doors.

I claim:

1. A washing machine comprising:

a. a housing defining a washing chamber;

b. liquid distribution manifold means positioned in said chamber and formed with a liquid passageway therethrough and a plurality of relatively spaced apart outlet openings communicating with said passageway;

c. a plurality of elongated tubular risers each formed with at least one spray nozzle for discharge of liquid into said chamber;

(1. union means mounting said risers in said outlet openings for rotation about the longitudinal axes of said risers, said union means being formed with a passageway therethrough for passage of liquid from said manifold means through said union means to said risers and being further formed for selective release and removal of a first end of said risers from said manifold means;

e. riser guiding means positioned adjacent a second end of each of said risers and formed to cooperate with said union means to maintain said risers in substantially vertical position, said riser guiding means being further formed for removal of said risers therefrom upon release of said first end of said risers and vertical reciprocation of said risers;

f. oscillating means connected to said plurality of risers for oscillatory rotation of said risers through an arc during discharge of liquid from the nozzles on said risers; and

g. pump means connected to said manifold means for pumping liquid to said nozzles.

2. The washing machine as defined in. claim 1 wherein, 7

said oscillating means includes a linkage member formed as an elongated bar positioned transverse and extending horizontally and adjacent to said risers, said bar being formed with a plurality of openings therein at spaced distances along said bar adjacent each riser; and wherein,

said oscillating means further includes a plurality of connecting rods fixedly secured to said risers and releasably secured to said bar to impart an oscillatory rotary force to said risers upon reciprocation of said bar, said connecting rods being formed and dimensioned for slidable insertion and removal from and rotation in said openings.

3. The washing machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said union means is comprised of:

a. first and second union members formed for selective connection and disconnection and mounted in connected relation, said members being formed with oppositely facing bearing surfaces defining a socket;

b. a rotatable joint element mounted in said socket and having bearing surfaces formed to mate with portions of said socket for retention and rotation of said joint element therein;

c. said joint element being secured to a first of said manifold means and said riser and said first union member being secured to the remainder of said manifold means and said riser;

(1. said joint element and said first union member each being formed with passageways terminating in generally aligned opposed openings in said socket, said passageways extending to said manifold means and said riser for flow of liquid from said manifold means through said union to said riser; and

e. locking means formed for and selectively locking said first and second union members against disconnection during rotary motion of said joint element and passage of liquid through said union.

4. The washing machine as defined in claim 5 wherein said bearing surfaces of said joint element and said socket are provided by generally spherical surfaces to form a ball on said joint element mating with said socket; and

sealing and thrust bearing means positioned between said ball and socket and surrounding said opposed openings, said sealing and thrust bearing means being deformable to resist leakage of fluid from said union and formed to provide a low friction bearing surface to enhance rotation of said ball in said socket.

5. The washing machine as defined in claim 6 wherein said sealing and thrust bearing means is an O-ring formed of teflon and having an internal diameter greater than the diameter of said opposed openings.

6. The washing machine as defined in claim 6 wherein said first and second union members are formed with interfitting threaded portions formed to effect connection and disconnection of said members upon relative rotation of said members through about one turn to provide a quick disconnect union.

7. The washing machine as defined in claim 8 wherein said locking means is provided by a channel through said first and second members and a locking pin inserted in said channel.

8. The washing machine as defined in claim 8 wherein said threaded portions are formed for securement of said socket by manual engagement of said second union member and rotation thereof about said joint element until said ball portion is urged into and deforms said sealing and thrust bearing means sufficiently to insure flow of substantially all of the liquid reaching said union through said union to said riser while allowing flow of a minor portion of said liquid past said sealing means and between said ball tor to be substantially aligned with a vertical plane.

10. A washing machine as defined in claim 1, and

a second liquid distribution manifold means used to distribute rinse liquids and positioned in said chamber, a second set of risers rotatably jointed to said second manifold means by unions formed for passage of liquid therethrough, a second pump connected to said second manifold means for pumping rinse liquids, and said oscillating means for said first named risers further being secured to and oscillating said second set of risers.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE I CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION patent 5,773,2 6 w Dated November 20,1973

Inventor) ROBERT w. RAEFIELD It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shownbelow:

Column 1 line I! change "washer" to wash Column 5, line 4, change "washer" to washing Column 8, line 26 (first line of Claim LI) change the numeral "5" t0 3 v I I Column 8, line 39 (first line of Claim 5), change the numeral "6" to I Q 7 Column 8, line #5 (first line of Claim 6) change the numeral "6" to line 52,(first line of Claim 7), change the numeral "8" to 6 and line 5'7. (first lineof Claim 8), change the numeral "8" to 6 v Signed and sealed this 15th day of August 197 (SEAL) Attest:

MCCOY M. GIBSON, JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents FORM P0-1050 (10-69) USCOMWD; and, U.$ GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE I! o-au-au

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising: a. a housing defining a washing chamber; b. liquid distribution manifold means positioned in said chamber and formed with a liquid passageway therethrough and a plurality of relatively spaced apart outlet openings communicating with said passageway; c. a plurality of elongated tubular risers each formed with at least one spray nozzle for discharge of liquid into said chamber; d. union means mounting said risers in said outlet openings for rotation about the longitudinal axes of said risers, said union means being formed with a passageway therethrough for passage of liquid from said manifold means through said union means to said risers and being further formed for selective release and removal of a first end of said risers from said manifold means; e. riser guiding means positioned adjacent a second end of each of said risers and formed to cooperate with said union means to maintain said risers in substantially vertical position, said riser guiding means being further formed for removal of said risers therefrom upon release of said first end of said risers and vertical reciprocation of said risers; f. oscillating means connected to said plurality of risers for oscillatory rotation of said risers through an arc during discharge of liquid from the nozzles on said riseRs; and g. pump means connected to said manifold means for pumping liquid to said nozzles.

2. The washing machine as defined in claim 1 wherein, said oscillating means includes a linkage member formed as an elongated bar positioned transverse and extending horizontally and adjacent to said risers, said bar being formed with a plurality of openings therein at spaced distances along said bar adjacent each riser; and wherein, said oscillating means further includes a plurality of connecting rods fixedly secured to said risers and releasably secured to said bar to impart an oscillatory rotary force to said risers upon reciprocation of said bar, said connecting rods being formed and dimensioned for slidable insertion and removal from and rotation in said openings.

3. The washing machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said union means is comprised of: a. first and second union members formed for selective connection and disconnection and mounted in connected relation, said members being formed with oppositely facing bearing surfaces defining a socket; b. a rotatable joint element mounted in said socket and having bearing surfaces formed to mate with portions of said socket for retention and rotation of said joint element therein; c. said joint element being secured to a first of said manifold means and said riser and said first union member being secured to the remainder of said manifold means and said riser; d. said joint element and said first union member each being formed with passageways terminating in generally aligned opposed openings in said socket, said passageways extending to said manifold means and said riser for flow of liquid from said manifold means through said union to said riser; and e. locking means formed for and selectively locking said first and second union members against disconnection during rotary motion of said joint element and passage of liquid through said union.

4. The washing machine as defined in claim 5 wherein said bearing surfaces of said joint element and said socket are provided by generally spherical surfaces to form a ball on said joint element mating with said socket; and sealing and thrust bearing means positioned between said ball and socket and surrounding said opposed openings, said sealing and thrust bearing means being deformable to resist leakage of fluid from said union and formed to provide a low friction bearing surface to enhance rotation of said ball in said socket.

8. The washing machine as defined in claim 8 wherein said threaded portions are formed for securement of said socket by manual engagement of said second union member and rotation thereof about said joint element until said ball portion is urged into and deforms said sealing and thrust bearing means sufficiently to insure flow of substantially all of the liquid reaching said union through said union to said riser while allowing flow of a minor portion of said liquid past said sealing means and between said ball portion and socket for lubrication thereof during rotation.

9. A washing machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said manifold means is used to distribute wash liquids and includes two horizontally extending portions positioned on opposite sides of said chamber and a connecting portiOn joining said horizontally extending portions, said portions having each a plurality of vertically extending risers mounted for rotation thereon; and wherein, said nozzles are formed as fan jet nozzles producing a sector-shaped spray having substantially uniform width with said nozzles oriented to cause said sector to be substantially aligned with a vertical plane.

10. A washing machine as defined in claim 1, and a second liquid distribution manifold means used to distribute rinse liquids and positioned in said chamber, a second set of risers rotatably jointed to said second manifold means by unions formed for passage of liquid therethrough, a second pump connected to said second manifold means for pumping rinse liquids, and said oscillating means for said first named risers further being secured to and oscillating said second set of risers.