US2681844A - Washing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

June 22, 1954 F. A. WALKER WASHING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed Oct. 30, 1948 INVENTOR Forrest A. Walker June 22, 1954 F. A. WALKER 2,681,844

WASHING APPARATUS Original Filed Oct. 30, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 2

INVENTOR. Forresi A. Walker F. A. WALKER WASHING APPARATUS June 22, 1954 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed Oct. 30, I948 INVENTOR. Forres? A. Walkev Aims June 22, 1954 WALKER 2,681,844

WASHING APPARATUS Original Filed Oct. 30, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG. 5

j; l 1W 0 Q r 93 g g: l 94 -5 "V62 I I 1 4,50 7 10096 2 84 86 M48 23 a i) KM 98 s3 40 FIG 6 19 W INVENTOR. Forms? A. Walker June 22, 1954 F. A. WALKER 2,681,844

WASHING APPARATUS Original Filed Oct. 30, 1948 7 Sheets-Shea t 5 no 77 78 62 I 80 55 J 68 so 54 I00 34 3 50 [I'IVBnfOP BY Forrest A Walker June 1954 F. A. WALKER 2,681,844-

WASHING APPARATUS Original Filed Oct. so, 1948 'r Sheets-Sheet e M 9 co :0 3 Q\ A &

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N O 0 f! N l v: I A j N 9! r a J (D 2 21 g) LL. INVENTOR m LL.

Q Y Forres! A. Walker w w B a Um I June 22, 1954 F. A. WALKER WASHING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Original Filed 001;. 30, 1948 Atiys,

3 w 1 mm mA F m m W m v) Q j m ily q u m m U f 3 m u M w m I k I Mo w. n w m m U m m Patented June 22, 1954 UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE WASHING APPARATUS Forrest A. Walker, Wheaten, Ill., assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Claims.

The present invention relates to dishwashing apparatus, and more particularly to improved dishwashing apparatus of the general character of that disclosed in the co-pending application of Forrest ,A. Walker, Serial No. 27,002, filed May 14, 1948, now Patent No. 2,620,811. This application is a division of the copending application of Forrest A. Walker, Serial No. 57,448, filed October 30, 1948, now Patent No. 2,657,697, granted November 3, 1953.

This dishwashing apparatus disclosed in the Walker application mentioned is of the timed washing cycle type that performs automatically and in predetermined sequence given steps including spraying, washing, rinsing and drying of the dishes and other utensils contained therein. Th s apparatus comprises a cabinet housing a vertically disposed vat including a front opening and a door for closing the opening, the door being mounted for movements between a substantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position. In this apparatus the opposite side walls of the vat carry aligned guide rails and rollers upon which a dishrack is mounted for movements through the front opening into and out of the vat over the door in its open position.

While this dishwashing apparatus is entirely satisfactory and eiiicient in operation, the arrangement including the guide rails and rollers carried by the side walls of the vat for mounting l the dishrack for movements into and out of the vat possesses the disadvantage that the parts mentioned carried by the side walls of the vat interfere to some extent with cleaning of the interior of the vat.

Accordingly, it is the general object of the present invention to provide dishwashing apparatus including a vat of the front opening type having a door movable with respect to the front opening between a substantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal position and a dishrack mounted for rolling movements through the front opening into and out of the vat over the door in its open position, wherein the roller mounting arrangement comprises rollers carried by the dishracl: and smooth trachways carried by the side walls of the vat and by the inner Wall of the door so that the dishrack is completely removable from the apparatus permitting ready cleaning of. the smooth surfaces of the interior of the vat and the door.

Another object of the invention is to provide in cabinet structure of the front opening type including an associated door and a receptacle movable through the front opening into and out of the cabinet structure over the door in its open position, an improved roller mounting arrangement for the receptacle so that the receptacle is shifted from a first position supported entirely by the walls of the cabinet structure into a second position supported jointly by the walls of the cabinet structure and by the door in response to movement of the door from its closed position into its open position in order that the receptacle may then be readily rolled into a third position disposed over the door and supported entirely thereby.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the elements of the dishwashing apparatus, whereby the aboveoutlined and additional operating features thereof are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure l is a front elevational view, partly broken away, of dishwashing apparatus embodying the present invention; Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the dishwashing apparatus, taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 2-2 in Fig. 1, illustrating the construction and arrangement of the vat, the receptacle arranged within the vat and the associated front door; Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectional view, partly broken away, of the dishwashing apparatus, taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 3-3 in Fig. 2, further illustrating the construction of the vat, the receptacle arranged within the vat and the associated front door; Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the dishwashing apparatus, taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 11*; in Fig. 3, illustrating the arrangement for mounting the receptacle within the vat and indicating the movements of the front of the receptacle in response to movements of the associated front door; Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view, similar to Fig. 3, of the dishwashing apparatus, illustrating the front of the vat and the associated front door in its open position; Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the dishwashing apparatus, taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 6-6 in Fig. 5, illustrating the construction of the lower front portion of the vat and the associated front door in its open position; Fig. 7 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the dishwashing apparatus, taken in the direction of the arrows along the line l'-'.' in Fig. 3, illustrating the construction of the right-hand side of the front doorway into the vat and the adjacent portion of the righthand side wall of the vat, and indicating the associated front door in its fully removed position with respect to the front doorway; Fig. 8 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the dishwashing apparatus, taken in the direction of the arrows along the line SS in Fig. 3, illustrating the construction of the left-hand side of the front doorway into the vat and the adjacent portion or" the left-hand side wall of the vat, and indicating the associated front door in its open position; Fig. 9 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the lower portion of the dishwashing apparatus, similar to Fig. 2, illustrating the position of the receptacle within the vat when the associated front door occupies its closed position; Fig. 10 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the lower portion of the dishwashing apparatus, similar to Fig. 9, illustrating the position of the receptacle within the vat when the associated front door occupies its open position; Fig. 11 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the lower portion of the dishwashing apparatus, similar to Figs. 9 and .0, illustrating the receptacle in its partially withdrawn position with respect to the vat and the associated front door in its open position; Fig. 12 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the lower portion of the dishwashing apparatus, similar to Figs. 9, l0 and 11, illustrating the receptacle in its fully withdrawn position with respect to the vat and the associated front door in its open position; and Fig. 13 is an exploded side elevational view of the receptacle of the dishwashing apparatus, illustrating the three component and detachable parts thereof.

Referring now to Figs. 1 to 3, inclusive, of the drawings, the dishwashing apparatus ID there illustrated, and the embodying features of the present invention, is of the general character of that disclosed in the previously mentioned Walker application and comprises a cabinet H provided with top and bottom walls [2 and I3, opposed side walls M and [5, a rear wall l6 and a front wall ll having an opening l8 formed in the upper central portion thereof. The front wall ll carries a front panel if! having an opening formed in the upper central portion thereof, the openings [8 and 20 being arranged in substantial registry. The general outline of the panel it conforms to that of the front of the cabinet l I, whereby the top and sides of the panel 59 are disposed substantially flush with the top wall 12- and the respective side walls I4 and I5. The front wall i1 is rearwardly oifset adjacent to the bottom wall [3 providing connecting substantially vertical and horizontal panels 2i and 22 adjacent to the lower front to the cabinet II in order to define a foot-receiving recess, permitting a person to work close to the front panel l9. Finally the bottom of the panel I9 is disposed substantially flush with the horizontal panel 22 lending a finished appearance to the front of the apparatus Ill.

The cabinet I 1 houses a substantially vertically disposed vat 23 arranged in the upper central portion thereof and secured in place in any suitable manner, not shown. The vat 23 comprises top and bottom walls 24 and 25, opposed side walls 2t and 21 and a rear wall 28, the top and bottom walls 24 and 25 and the side walls 28 and 2'! terminate in a forwardly directed doorway 29 having a front opening '30 arranged in substantial registry with the front openings I8 and 25!.

More particularly, the doorway 29 comprises a top flange 3| and opposed side flanges 32 and 33,- while the bottom wall 25 is provided with a flange 34 terminating in an upwardly and outwardly extending ledge or lip 35 extending between the side flanges 32 and 33. The ledge 35 is directed first upwardly and outwardly and then downwardly terminating adjacent to the front opening 39 of the doorway 2%, whereby the upper edge of the ledge 35 is disposed considerably above the bottom flange 34, and consequently the bottom wall 25. A substantially centrally disposed sump 35 is formed in the bottom wall 25 and communicates with a downwardly embossed de pression or groove 37 formed substantially centrally in the bottom flange 3 and extending forwardly toward the central portion of the ledge 35. Further, an upstanding inverted substantially U-shaped inwardly embossed vat rib 38 is formed in the top wall 24 and the side walls 25 and 2 at the junction thereof with the top flange 3i and the side flanges 32 and the vat rib 38 including an inwardly directed top portion 39 joining the top wall 24 and the top flange 3i and inwardly directed side portions or legs 59 and M respectively joining the side walls and 2'! and the side flanges 32 and 33. The ends of the legs 48 and ll terminate just above the bottom flange as and well behind and below the ledge 35.

As best shown in Figs. 3 and 8, the left-hand side wall 25 carries baffle structure that cooperates with the leg 40 of the vat rib 38 for the purpose of deflecting washing fluid on the side wall 25 away from the doorway 29 as explained more fully hereinafter. This baffle structure comprises a first upstanding inwardly embossed baffle 42 disposed rearwardly of and substantially parallel to the leg is of the rib 38 and a second upstanding inwardly embossed bafile 33 disposed rearwardly of and substantially parallel to the bafile 42. Similarly, as best shown in Figs. 3 and '7, the right-hand side wall 2! carries bafile structure that cooperates with the leg 4i of the vat rib 33 for the purpose of deflecting washing fluid on the side wall 27 away from the doorway 29 as explained more fully hereinafter. This baffle structure comprises a first upstanding inwardly embossed baffle 54 disposed rearwardly of and substantially parallel to the log 4| of the rib 38 and a second upstanding inwardly embossed baflie 45 disposed rearwardly of and substantially parallel to the bafile a l. Also, two inwardly directed and substantially parallel opposed guide members 45 and L'i'l are respectively embossed in the side walls 26 and 21, as best shown in Figs. 3, 4, 7 and 8. The guide members and ll extend substantially horizontally, declining slightly toward the rear wall 23, and are disposed well above the bottom wall 25. More particularly, the guide member 46 extends below the baffle l3, terminates below the baffle 42 behind the leg til of the rib 38, and projects inwardly with respect to the leg 40. Similarly the guide member GXJEIIClS below the bafile d5, terminates below the bafile M behind the leg 4| of the rib 3B, and projects in wardly with respect to the leg 4 I. The rear ends of the guide members 46 and it? terminate adjacent to the rear wall 28 and cooperate in supporting a receptacle or dish-rack provided in the vat 23 and described more fully hereinafter. Preferably, the component parts of the cabinet ll, as well as the panel I9, are formed of sheet steel and the exterior surfaces thereof are provided with a suitable enamel coating to lend the apparatus [0 a finished appearance. Preferably,

3 the vat 23 is formed of sheet steel and the interior surfaces thereof are given a suitable coating of vitreous enamel in order to prevent Corrosion thereof as a result of contact with the washing fluid.

The cabinet i l is provided with a front door 43 for closing the opening 29, that comprises, as best shown in Figs. 2, 3, 5, and 6, an outer body sheet 49 terminating in an inverted substantially U- shaped rearwardly directed marginal flange including top and opposed side portions 58, El and 52, and an inner body sheet 53 terminating in an invertedsubstantially U-shaped rearwardly directed marginal flange including top and opposed side portions 5, 55 and 5E. The inner body sheet 53 is arranged in nested relation within the outer body sheet 19 and suitably secured in place so that the principal portions of body sheets at and 53 are arranged in upwardly approaching spacedapart relation. More particularly the rear ends of the portions as, 5| and 52 of the marginal flange provided on the outer body sheet 49 engage the respective rear ends of the portions 54, 55 and 55 of the marginal flange provided on the inner body sheet 53'. Moreover, the inner body sheet 53 is provided with two forwardly projecting bosses 5i disposed adjacent to the top portion 5d of the marginal flange carried thereby, which bosses 5T engage the inner surface of the outer body sheet =39 adjacent to the top portion 50 of the marginal flange carried thereby. Accordingly, the upper portions of the body sheets it and 53 are arranged in contacting relation, while'the lower edges thereof are arranged in considerably spaced-apart relation defining a wedge-shaped space therebetween. Also, two laterally extending rows of elongated opening 5411 are formed in the top portion 54 of the marginal flange provided on the inner body sheet 53 and utilized for a purpose more fully described hereinafter. Furthermore, the inner body sheet 53 carries on the outer surface thereof an outwardly projecting bracing sheet 58 contacting the inner surface of the outer body sheet 49 in order fur ther to retain the sheets 49 and 53 in proper lower edge of the outer body sheet 49 terminates i in a rearwardly off-set laterally extending groove 58 that cooperates with an inwardly directed laterally extending edge 6| carried by the panel is adjacent to the bottom of the opening formed therein, the groove 60 and the edge 6| cooperating to give the cabinet I! a finished appearance when the door 48 occupies its closed position as explained more fully hereinafter. The marginal flange provided on the inner body sheet 53 terminates in an outwardly directed rim provided with top and opposed side portions 62, $3 and 6 that respectively cooperate with the corresponding portions 39, ll) and 4| of the vat rib 38 when the door 48 occupies its closed position.

The door 48 is arranged within the doorway 29 and mounted for pivotal movements with respect to the front opening 28 between a substantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position by an arrangement including two laterally spaced- apart hinge mechanisms 65 and 55 arranged in the doorway 29. More particularly, when the door 48 occupies its closed positionthe outer body sheet 49 is disposed imasubstantially vertical position and is-positioned substantially flush with the front of the panel [9, while the inner body sheet 53 is disposed in an upwardly and forwardly inclined position. On the other hand, when the door l8 occupies its open position, the inner body sheet 53 is disposed in a substantially horizontal position and the outer body sheet 59 is disposed in an upwardly and forwardly inclined position. This arrangement is very advantageous as the door 58 may be moved between its open and closed positions through an angle somewhat less than ninety degrees.

Preferably, the hinge mechanisms 65 and 66 are identical. More particularly, the left-hand hinge mechanism comprises a first hinge element 67 secured to the bottom flange 3d adjacent to the left side flange "i2 and rearwardly of and below the ledge 35, and a second hinge element 68 secured to the outer surface of the inner body sheet 53 adjacent to the lower left-hand side thereof. The first hinge part 67 carries a pintle 69 that cooperates with a substantially U-shaped open-ended saddle member Til carried by the second hinge element 53. Likewise, the right-hand hinge mechanism 56 comprises a first, hinge element H secured to the bottom flange 3d adjacent to the right side flange 33 and rearwardly of and below the ledge 35, and a second hinge part 12 secured to the outer surface of the inner body sheet 53 adjacent to the lower right-hand side thereof. The first hinge element it carries a pintle 13 that cooperates with a substantially U-shaped open-ended saddle member it carried by the second hinge element 12. The upper portion of the second hinge element 83 of the leihand hinge mechanism 65 is cover d by an outer bumper member 15; and the upper portion of the second hinge element 52 of the right-hand hinge mechanism 66 is covered by an outer bumper member it.

The lower ends of the body sheets ts and 53 are arranged in straddling relation with respect to the ledge 35 so that when the door d8 occupies its closed position the lower end of the inner body sheet 53 is disposed rearwardly of an below the ledge 35 and the lower end of the outer body sheet 49 is disposed forwardly of and below the ledge 35. Also when the door ts occupies its closed position the groove Gil carried by the lower end of the outer body sheet 39 is disposed rear- Wardly of the edge 6! carried by the panel is and substantially in contacting relation therewith in order to give the front of the cabinet 5 l a finished appearance. When the door 58 is pivoted into its open position the bumper members '55 and 75 of the respective hinge mechanisms 55 and 66 engage the top of the adjacent portions of the ledge 35, as clearly indicated in Figs. 6 and 8, in order to support the weight of the door it, as well as the weight of the dish-receptacle that may be carried by the door 43 at this time, as explained more fully hereinafter. Also when the door 6.8 occupies its open position the groove 66 carried on the lower end of the outer body sheet is is swung inwardly about the pintles 59 and Z3 oft-he respective hinge mechanisms 65 and 56 away from the cooperating edge SI carried by the panel id, as clearly indicated in Fig. 8.

Due to the construction of the hinge mechanisms 85 and 65 the door at may be completely removed from the doorway 29 when it comprises an intermediate pivoted position with respect to its open and closed positions, as illustrated in Fig. '7. More particularly, when the door 48. is moved into its intermediate position the open-ended saddle members :13 and 14 may be'lifted from the respective pintles'69 and 13 respectively incorporated in the hinge mechanisms 65 and 6.6. Specifically, the door 48, when it occupies its intermediate position, is lifted upwardly and outwardly in order to clear the doorway 29; which arrangement permits the complete removal of the door 48 from the doorway 23. Subsequently the door 48 may be replaced in the doorway 29 by following -a substantially identical reversed procedure. This arrangement permitting complete removal of the door 48 from the doorway 29 is very advantageous as it permits ready access to the interior of the vat 23 facilitating complete and thorough cleaning thereof.

Also, the inner body sheet 53 carries an upstanding inverted substantially U-shaped inwardly directed bafiie provided with top and opposed Side portions 11, i8 and Te respectively directly engaging and attachedto the corresponding portions 54, 55 and 56of the marginal flange carried by the inner body sheet 53. The top portion H of this baffle is provided with an inwardly depressed body Ila extending under the top portion 54 of the marginal flange carried by the inner body sheet 53 and covering the openings 54a formed therein, which arrangement is employed for a purpose subsequently described. More particularly, the top and side portions TI, '18 and T9 of this baffle project through the doorway 29 past and in cooperative relation with the respective portions 39, 4|] and 4| of the vat rib 38, when the door 48 occupies its closed position. Further, when the door 43 occupies its closed position, the side portions 18 an 1'3 of this baiile project further rearwardly into respective cooperation with the bafiles 42 and carried by the respective side walls 25 and 2'5 oi the vat 23. Also, when the door 138 occupies its closed position, the portions '53, and 52 of the marginal flange carried by the outer body sheet 49 cooperate with the respective flanges 3!, 32 and 3-3 of the doorway 23; and the pOltiOl'lSBZ, 6'3 and64 of the rim disposed about the marginal flange carried by the inner body sheet 33 abut the corresponding shoulders or faces provided on the corresponding portions 39, 4G and 4| of the vat rib 33. The portions 32, 63 and 64 of the rim disposed about the marginal flange carried by the inner body sheet 53 project beyond the adjacent edges of the corresponding portions 53, 5| and 52 of the marginal flange carried by the outer body sheet 43 and are arranged in non-scraping relation with respect to the corresponding flanges Si, 32 and 33 of the doorway 29 in order to permit ready movements of the door 48 with respect to the doorway 29. Further the portions 11, 18 and E9 of the bafile secured within the marginal flange carried by the inner body sheet 33 are arranged in non-scraping relation with respect to the corresponding portions 33, 49 and 4| of the vat rib 38, and the side portions '18 and '59 of this battle are arranged in non-scraping relation with respect to the respective bafiies 42 and 44 in order further to accommodate ready movements of the door 48 with respect to the doorway 29.

In order to restrain the door 48 in its closed position an arrangement is provided that comprises a first latch element 80 disposed between the end of the portion 53 of the marginal flange carried by the outer body sheet 49 and the portion 52 of the rim provided on themarginal flange carried by the inner body sheet 53, and-a second latch element 8| carried by theflange .3| within the doorway 29. The first latch element may be formed of 'I-extolite, or the like, and is disposed substantially centrally of the top portion 59 of the marginal flange carried by the outer body sheet 49; while the second latch element 8| may take the form of a short resilient corrosionresistant spring secured to the corresponding central portion of the flange 3| adjacent to the face of the portion 39 of the vat rib 38. When the door 48 is moved to its closed position, the latch element 8!) rides under the latch element 3| and is restrained in engagement therewith by friction. In order to disengage the latch elements 83 and 81 it is only necessary to pull upon the handle 59 carried adjacent .to the top of the door 43. Accordingly, the door .3 may be readily moved to its closed position and latched in place automatically by the cooperation between the latch elements 83 andfii. Likewise, the door 43 may be moved out of its closed position merely by pulling upon the handle 59 inorder to disengage the latch elements 30 and 8|.

Further, an electric switch or circuit controller 82 is carried by the lower left-hand front side of the ledge 33 and arranged in cooperative relation with respect to a trip element 83 carried by the inner surface of the outer body sheet 49. More particularly, when the door 48 occupies its closed position the trip element 83 engages the plunger of the switch 82 moving the switch 82 to its closedcircuit position; and when the door 48 occupies its open position the trip element 33 disengages the plunger of the switch 82 moving the switch 82 to its open-circuit position; all for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter.

Further, the inner body sheet 53 carries two substantially L-shaped inwardly directed embosses 84 and 85 respectively disposed adjacent to the opposite sides thereof. More particularly, the emboss 84 comprises a stem 86 constituting a strengthening rib disposed substantially parallel to the portion 78 of the bafile arranged within the marginal flange carried by the inner body sheet 53 and spaced inwardly therefrom, as well as an inwardly directed leg 81 constituting a baflie positioned adjacent to the lower edge of the inner body sheet 53 and substantially parallel thereto. Likewise, the emboss 85 comprises a stem 88 constituting a strengthening rib disposed substantially parallel to the portion 19 of the baffie arranged within the marginal flange carried by the inner body sheet 53 and spaced inwardly therefrom, as well as an inwardly directed leg 89 constituting a baffle positioned adjacent to the lower edge of the inner body sheet 53 and substantially parallel thereto. Accordingly, the legs 81 and 89 are directed toward each other, while the stems 86 and 88 are disposed in substantially parallel relation with respect to'each other. Also the inner body sheet 53 terminates in a downwardly projecting substantially centrally disposed tail 90 that is received within the groove 31 formed in the bottom fiange'34 when the door 48 occupies its closed position; and an upstanding substantially centrally disposed trackway 9| is embossed in the inner body sheet 53, the lower end of the trackway 3| extending onto the tail 90. The leg -81 of the emboss 84 terminates short of the trackway 9|, while the leg 89 of the emboss 85 joins the trackway 9|. Accordingly, a space is provided between the end of the leg 81 and the trackway 9|, in which space a recess 92 is ,provided in the inner body sheet 53. An inwardly opening detergent cup 93 is arranged in the recess 92 and suitably secured in place between the inner body sheet 53 and the outer body sheet 459. Also, the detergent cup 593 is surrounded by an outwardly extending flange 94 spaced inwardly from the inner body sheet 53. Accordingly, when the door it occupies its closed position the bottom wall of the inwardly opening detergent cup 3 is disposed substantially in line with the pintles es and E3 of the respective hinge mechanism 65 and 68 and somewhat below the upper edge of the ledge 35; all for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter. The central trackway ti terminates adjacent to the upper end thereof in a depression 95 disposed just below the portion 55 of the marginal flange carried by the inner body sheet 53 for a purpose fully explained hereinafter.

Finally the stems 86 and 8B of the respective embosses 84 and d5 carry two side trackways E6 and 9? respectively adjacent to the leg 81 and v 89. The side trackway 96 is secured to the bumper member i5, to the second hinge element 68 of the hinge mechanism 65 and to the inner body sheet 53 by an arrangement including a plurality of securing devices 98, which may take the form of cooperating threaded studs and eyelets. Preferably the bumper member 15 and the side trackway 95 are formed of Textolite, or the like, and are securely clamped together by the common securing devices 98. Likewise, the side trackway ii? is secured to the bumper memher it, to the second hinge element E2 of the hinge mechanism lit and to the inner body sheet 53 by an arrangement including a plurality of securing devices 99, which may take the form of cooperating threaded studs and eyelets. Preferably the bumper member it and the side trackway 9i are formed of Textolite, or the like, and are securely clamped together by the common securing devices 99. The side trackways Fit and Q? comprise respective rearwardly sloping surfaces ltd and Ill! and respective forwardly sloping surfaces Hi2 and IE3 when the door it occupies its open position; which surfaces are utilized for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter.

Finally two laterally spaced-apart and mwardly directed bosses ltd and i535 are formed in the inner body sheet 53 adjacent to the lower edge thereof. More particularly, the boss l 6% is disposed between the lower side of the portion it of the baiile arranged within the marginal flange carried by the inner body sheet 53 and the lower side of the emboss 8 adjacent to the side trackway 96; while the boss are is disposed between the lower side of the portion it of the baliie arranged within the marginal flange carby the inner body sheet 53 and the lower side of the emboss 85 adjacent to the side trackway Ell. extreme lower end of the portion "iii of the baffle arranged within the marginal flange carried by the inner body sheet 53 termihates in an inwardly directed lip W5 disposed lmeloa the boss lii l; while the extreme lower end of the portion it of the baffle arranged within he marginal flange carried by the inner body beet terminates in an inwardly directed lip iii disposed below the boss Hi5. More particularly, the inwardly directed lips its and EM are positioned respectively adjacent to legs 81 and of the respective embosses 84 and 85 and are utilized for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter.

Preferably, the sheets 49, 53 and 58 incor porated in the door at are formed of aluminum in order to obtain a strong light-weight construction and the exterior surfaces of the door 48 are provided with a suitable enamel coating to match that of the cabinet I l.

Further, the apparatus It comprises a dish and utensil supporting assembly or rack lit including, as best shown in Fig. 13, a lower receptacle or basket ill, a detachable upper outer receptacle or basket 2a, and a detachable uppe* inner receptacle or basket H21); all formed of open wire-work stainless steel construction. The lower basket H! is substantially rectangular in plan and carries a substantially vertically dis-- posed. supplemental bafiie HS adjacent to the left-hand front side thereof and is provided with a centrally disposed structure H4 adapted to resolve a removable perforated silverware receiving cup, not shown, and o her structure H5 expressly adapted to receive and to support dishes in an upstanding position surrounding the structure H5. Also, the bottom of the lower basket I i l carries a reticulated screen H6 that prevents any small articles from falling therethrough into the bottom of the vat 23. The upper outer bas ket llZa and the upper inner basket HZb are removable together with respect to the lower basket l I l. The upper outer basket 2a is adapted expressly to support cups and saucers while the removable inner upper basket H2?) is adapted expressly to receive glassware. The lower hasket l l l comprises an upper rim I ll provided with a plurality of spaced-apart notches H8 adapted to receive corresponding abutments H9 carried by the upper outer basket 20L. Finally the upper inner basket 2b carries structure 2% adapted to be supported by corresponding structure lZi carried by the upper outer basket H205. The rack structure Hi) as a whole is movable through the doorway 29 into and out of the vat 23 when the door ell occupies its open position, by virtue of a mounting arrangement including a first pair of laterally spaced-apart rollers I22 carried by the rear of the lower basket Hi and cooperating with the respective guide members it and 5?. Also, this mounting arrangement comprises a pair of laterally spaced-apart feet I213 carried by the front of the lower basket I ll and cooperating with the respective guide members 45 and ll, as well as a substantially centrally located front roller ll l carried by the front of the lower basket ill. and cooperating with the central trackway 9i carried by the inner body sheet 53. Finally, the mounting arrangement comprises a second pair of laterally spaced-apart rollers I25 carried by the lower rear of the lower basket I l i and respectively cooperating with the side trackways 9t and 9'? carried by the inner body sheet 53.

The mounting arrangement for the rack structure lit will best be understood by reference to Figs. 9 to 12, inclusive, of the drawings. When the rack structure l it occupies its position within the vat Z3 and the door at occupies its closed position, the rollers I22 respectively engage the rear ends of the guide members 45 and ll and support the rear of the rack structure Hi3: while the feet E23 respectively engage the front of the guide members 46 and A l and support the front of the rack structure l M, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 9. At this time when the rack structure i it occupies its position within the vat 23 and the door 58 is moved from its closed position into its open position, the tail 9b of the inner body sheet 53 engages the front roller iii-t and lifts the front of the rack structure H0, as clear ly illustrated 10. More particularly, the tail 83 of the inner body sheet 53 lifting the front roller I25, lifts the front of the rack structure I I causin the feet I23 to disengage the front ends of the respective guide members 4'5 and 41. Accordingly, when the rack structure H0 is arranged within the vat 23 and the door 48 occupies its closed position, a four-point support is provided for the rack structure I56; on the other hand, when the rack structure II!) is arranged within the vet 23 and the door 48 occupies its open position, a three-point support is provided for the rack structure I I0. lhus at this time the rear of the rack structure III is supported by the pair of rollers I22 and the front of the rack structure l I9 is supported by the front roller I24. Moreover, the front roller I24 is aligned with respect to the central trackway SI carried by the inner body sheet At this time the rack structure H0 may be moved from its position within the vat 23 through the doorway 23 over the door 48 in its open position merely by pulling upon the front of the rack structure H0, the pair of rollers IE2 riding upon the respective guide members 46 and 4? and the front roller I24 riding in the trackway 3 I. When the rack structure I I0 has been moved to a partially withdrawn position with respect to the vat 23 over the front door 48 in its open position, as illustrated in Fig. 11, the second pair of rollers I25 respectively engage the side trackways 65 and 91 carried by the inner body sheet 53. More particularly, the second pair of rollers I25 respectively engage the side trackways 96 and 9? before the first pair of rollers I22 respectively dis engage the guide members 46 and 47. Accordingly as the rack structure H0 is moved into its partially withdrawn position, as illustrated in Fig. 11, the mounting arrangement substitutes a five-point support for the prior three-point support for the rack structure I ll].

As forward movement of the rack structure i ill is continued the second pair of rollers I25 roll up upon the respective surfaces I60 and IEBI provided on the respective side trackways 36 and 9? .7

and the first pair of rollers I22 respectively disengage the guide members 46 and 41; whereby another three-point support is substituted for the prior five-point support for the rack structure H3. As forward movement of the rack structure Iii! continues the front roller i124 continues to ride in the central trackway 9i and the second pair of rollers I25 ride over onto the respective surfaces I52 and IE3 carried by the respective side trackways 96 and 91. rack structure I10 is moved into its fully withdrawn position, illustrated in Fig. 12, it is supported by the front roller I24 riding into the depression 95 formed in the front end of the central trackway SI and by the second pair of rear rollers I engaging the respective surfaces 152 and IJS respectively carried by the side trackways 96 and 31. The fully withdrawn position of the rack structure Ht, illustrated in Fig. 12, constitutes a stop position so that the rack structure H0 is retained in a steady state in its fully withdrawn position. At this time, dishes, or the like, may be appropriately loaded into or removed from the various baskets III, II2c and H22) of the rack structure H6. Moreover, at this time the weight of the rack structure I I0 and the various dishes or the like, carried thereby, is sup ported entirely upon the door 48. Specifically the bumper members 15 and I6 engage the associated portions of the upper edge of the ledge and When the the hinge elements of the hinge mechanisms and 66 are engaged.

At this time the upper inner basket II2b may be removed from the upper outer basket II2a or both the upper inner basket IIZZJ and the upper outer basket [I211 may be removed together from the lower basket III. Finally the assembled rack structure I I0 including the lower basket III, together with the upper baskets II2a and 21), may be readily removed entirely from the door 48 in its open position merely by lifting up upon the front end of the lower basket HI and then by moving the rack structure IIO upwardly and forwardly to clear the front portion 54 of the marginal flange carried by the inner body sheet 53. In passing it is noted that the marginal flange carried by the inner body sheet 53, together with the baffle arranged within this marginal flange, constitute a retaining wall preventing accidental displacement of the lower basket III in its fully withdrawn support position from the door 48 in its open position. The subsequent replacement of the rack structure IIO upon the inner body sheet 53 of the door 48 is substantially identical to that described above, the above-described steps being followed in reverse order.

In order to return the rack structure I I0 from its fully withdrawn position back through the doorway 29 into the vat 23, it is only necessary to push inwardly upon the front of the lower basket III. As the rack structure III) moves from its fully withdrawn position over the door 48 in its open position into its partially withdrawn position, as respectively illustrated in Figs. 12 and 11, the first pair of rollers I22 again respectively re-engage the front ends of the respective guide members 46 and 41. As further inward movement of the rack structure H0 is continued the second pair of rollers I25 respectively disengage the side trackways 96 and 91, as indicated in Fig. 10. After the rack structure I ID has been moved back into the vat 23 and the door 48 is again returned from its open position into its closed position the front end of the rack structure H0 is again lowered causing the front roller I24 to disengage completely the tail of the inner body sheet 53 and the pair of feet I23 again to engage the front ends of the respective guide members 46 and 41, as illustrated in Fig. 9.

Finally the lower basket II I carries resilient rear bumper structure I26 and resilient front bumper structure I21 that are utilized for the purpose of preventing direct striking of the rear and the front of the lower basket III upon the respectively adjacent rear wall 28 and inner body sheet 53. Specifically when the rack structure II 0 occupies its final position within the vat 23, it is located by engagement between the rear bumper structure I26 and the rear wall 26. On the other hand, in the event the door 48 should be moved into its closed position before the rack structure IIO has been moved into its final position Within the vat 23, the front bumper structure I21 engages the inner body sheet 53 forcing the rack structure IIO into its final position within the vat 23.

The arrangement of the inclined surfaces I00 and I M upon the respective side trackways 90 and 91 biases the rack structure IIO back into the vat 23; while the arrangement of the inclined surfaces I02 and I03 upon the respective side trackways 96 and 91 biases the rack structure IIO into its fully withdrawn position over the door 43 in its open position. Accordingly, the trackways 96 and 9? are effective to cause return movement of the rack structure I I back into its final position within the vat 23 when the rack structure I is is moved in this direction; and likewise the trackways 96 and ill are efiective to cause forward movement of the rack structure Hi3 into its fully withdrawn position over the door 48 in its open position when the rack structure is moved in this direction.

Again referring to Figs. 1 to 3, inclusive, of the drawings the apparatus 18 further comprises an impeller I 30 which is provided with blades I3! that may have any suitable shape, the important feature being that the blades are given a shape such that the washing fluid supplied to the vat 23 and allowed to accumulate in the sump 35 is thrown upwardly and outwardly in an efiicient manner through the rack structure Ill). The impeller 539 may be formed of any suitable material, such, for example, as Textolite and is mounted upon a substantially vertically disposed operating shaft I32 of an electric motor I 33 arranged below the sump 36. More particularly, the sump 36 terminates in a substantially vertically disposed tube I34 through which the shaft I32 of the motor I33 projects and which is surrounded by the hub of the impeller I39. The hub of the impeller E38 may be removably secured to the upper end of the shaft I32 by an arrangement including a bolt I35 extending through an associated spacing collar are arranged within the tube ltd and abutting the upper end of the shaft I32, the end of the bolt I 35 being threaded into a cooperating recess provided in the upper end of the shaft I32. The motor 533 is carried by suitable structure I31, that is, in turn, secured to the bottom wall I3. Finally, the shaft I32 carries a disk l3ll disposed below the spacing collar I35 and the bottom of the tube I34 in order to fling from the shaft I32 any washing fluid that may escape from the vat 23 into the upper open end of the tube I34 between the hub of the impeller E30 and the wall of the tube Hi l. This arrangement permits ready rotation of the impeller 53!! by the motor l33 and prevents the escape of any substantial amount of the washing fluid from the vat 23 through the tube ltd. Also, an upstanding cylindrical reticulated screen 38 is carried by the bottom wall of the sump 38 in surrounding relation with respect to the blades llll of the impeller lild. Accordingly, the shaft 132 of the motor 233 rotates the impeller 36 about a substantially vertical axis, the rotation of the impeller i353 being in a counterclockwise direction as viewed from the top of the vat 23.

Provided in the space in the casing i i below the vat 23 is a suitable fluid supply pipe led which is adapted to be connected to a source of supply of cleansing or washing fluid, not shown, by coupling unions, or the like, not shown. For ex ample, in the event the washing fluid is water the source of supply be a convenient hot water tank, or the like. The washing fluid is piped from the bottom of the casing I l upwardly between. the rear wall of the casing ii and the rear wall of the vat 23 by a flexible conduit I l! and into the top of the vat 233. Specifically, spraying device M2 is carried by the lower surface of the top wall 2 of the vat 23 and is positioned substantially centrally of the vat 23 so that the washing fluid may be sprayed down through the rack structure I I0 provided in the vat 23 and allowed to accumulate in the sump 3t. Specifically, the fluid supply pipe [46 is suitably connected to an inlet valve mechanism N3 of the solenoid-dashpot type arranged to discharge into the conduit MI. The inlet valve mechanism M3 normally biased to its closed position in order to cut oil the supply of washing fluid from the fluid supply pipe M8 to the conduit l li, but is operated to its open position when the associated solenoid is energized, in order that washing fluid may be supplied from the fluid supply conduit i l! via the casing of the inlet valve mechanism 563, the conduit Ni and the spraying device I42 into the upper portion of the vat 23. Subsequently, when the solenoid of the inlet valve mechanism Hi3 is de-energizcd, the inlet valve mechanism M3 is returned slowly to its closed position cutting off the communication between the fluid supply pipe Mil and the spraying device I 52. The provision of the slow closing inlet valve mechanism M3 is very advantageous in view of the fact that it eliminates water hammer in the kitchen plumbing preceding the fluid supply pipe Hi3. Also, a strainer, not shown, is incorporated in the casing of the inlet valve mechanism M3 in order positively to prevent foreign material in the fluid supply pipe I40 from being conducted into the fluid supply conduit MI and thence into the spraying device M2.

Also provided in the lower portion of the casing ll below the vat 23 is a drainpipe l l i that is connected through a suitable trap 545 to a drain connection I46. Provided in the drainpipe Hi4 is an elbow t ll terminating in a drain valve mechanism M8 that is suitably connected to a drain conduit Mil, that, in turn, communicates through an opening E59 formed in the bottom wall of the vat 23 with the bottom of the sump 3%. More particularly, the drain conduit Hi9 may be formed of rubber, or the like, and is arranged in fluid-tight relation with the portion of the bottom wall 25 surrounding the opening The drain valve mechanism 443 is normally biased to its open position in order to connect the-sump via the opening ice, the drain conduit 249, the casing of the drain valve mechanism M8, the elbow Ml, the drainpipe HM and the trap I45 to the drain connection ME. In order to operate the drain valve mechanism I48 there is mounted on the structure it! a platform I5I carrying an electromagnetic device 52 which has an armature E53 that is actuated in response to energization of an associated solenoid i5 3. Connected to the armature 553, by a suitable spring 555, is a lever i515, which is, in turn, connected to a shaft l5? extending into the interior of the drain valve mechanism hill and operatively COZT- nected to the valve element, not shown, thereof. Specifically the shaft i5? is normally biased by an arrangement, not shown, in order to the drain valve mechanism M8 to occupy its open position, as previously noted. When the solenoid ltd is energized the armature l53 of the electromagnetic device I52 is actuated so as to rotate through the spring 555 the shaft l5? in a counter clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 2, whereby the drain valve mechanism I58 is operated to its closed position, cutting off the communication between the sump 36 and the drain connection Hit. Subsequently when the solenoid 25d of the device ltE is ole-energized, the armature E53 is released, whereby the shaft i5? is rotated in the clockwise direction again operating the drain valve mechanism 468 to its open position in order drain vs v .gain to place the sump 3i; into communication "i 11 the drain connection ME.

Mounted within the lower portion of the vat 23 above the bottom wall and the sump 36 and surrounding the impeller is a suitable electric heater I66 which is preferably of the sheathed resistance conductor type; which heater i8!) is employed for the purpose of drying dishes after they have been washed and rinsed as explained y hereinafter. Also an electric control is the lower portion of the below the bottom as 25 or the vet 23 and carried by the bottom wail 53. The ccntrol panel Hi supports electric apparatus, that is connected and arranged in the manner described in previously mentioned Walker application and substantially in the manner disclosed in United States Patent No. granted on 19 5, to Leslie A. iieinpton, for the purpose of controlling the electric motor 533, the elec'trc-responsive i let valve mechanism I43, the electro-re ponsive device iii associated with the e mechanism hit, and the electric heater Specific-shy this electric circuit network includes start not shown, that is controlled by a push button 562 carried by the front panel 53 or" the casing ll adjacent to the upper lei Joan-3 corner thereof, as illustrated in l, s well as eiectri switch 82 of the type. Also this electric control network comprises a pick-up relay, not shown, and an electromagnetic timer, not shown. The electric circuit network is so connected and arranged that when the door (it is closed the interlock switch S2 is operated to its closed position in order to prepare the start switch, not shown. At this no en the push button M2 is operated the start vitch, not shown, is closed in order to eiiect oper ion of the picicup relay, not shown, whereby c ration of the e ctromagnetic timer, not ShO; i initiated. [at this tihie the timer, shown, p.- ceeds through a timed cycle of operation of dishwashing apparatus Ii: in i washing, rinsing and dr *ing of the dishes supported by the rack structure HQ in the vat 23 then is reset at the conclusion of the cycle, reconditioning itself for another cycle of operation. During the cycle of operation of the d ".vashing apparatus iii, should the door it be moved from its closed position the interlock witch is operated to open position in order to rovers. electric control circuit to bring about sstoration of the pickup relay, not show the not shown, is reset into initial position.

The details of the electric control network incorporated in the dishwashing apparatus I3 have been omitted in the interest of brevity but are fuily disclosed in the previousl mentioned Kempton patent; however, the complete timed washing cycle of the dishwashing apparatus I0 may be understanding from the following outline.

After the dishes to be washed have been loaded into the racl: structure I re and the rack structure IIil has been moved into its normal pushed-in position in the vat .23 the door 43 is closed by the handle 53, whereupon the push button I62 is operated in order to initiate the timed washing cycle. At this time the pick-up relay, not shown, and the timer, not shown, are operated in order to initiate a first spray step. Specifically operation of the electric motor I33 is initiated and the inlet valve I43 is operated to its open position while the drain valve mechanism I43 occupies its open position. Accordingly, the impeller I3!) is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction and washing fluid is supplied from the fluid supply pipe I40 to the spraying device I42. The washing fluid sprays downwardly from the spraying device I42 through the dishes supported by the rack structure II into the sump 36. This washing fluid passes from the sump 36 into the drain conduit M9 and thence into the drain connection I48. Some of the washing fluid in the sump 36 passes through the reticulated screen I39 and may be cau t and flung upwardly and outwardly through the dishes supported by the rack structure III! by the blades I3I of the impeller I30 at this time, aithough this action is not considerable since the drain valve mechanism I48 occupies its open position. This first spray step is carried out through a time interval of approximately 30 seconds under the control of the timer, not shown.

The timer, not shown, then initiates a first washing step and specifically the electromagnetic device IE2 is operated in order to close the drain valve mechanism I48 while the inlet valve mechanism I43 occupies its open position and the electric motor I33 is running. At this time the washing fluid sprayed through the dishes supported by the rack structure I ID from the spraying device I42 accumulates in the sump 36 since the drain valve mechanism I48 occupies its closed position. The washing fluid accumulating in the sump 3B of the vat 23 passes through the reticulated screen !39 and is caught by the blades I3I of the impelier I353 and is flung upwardly and outwardly through the rack structure I I 9 and the dishes supported thereby against the Walls of the vat 23 and the door 48 and again returns to the sump 36. The supply of washing fluid from the spraying device I42 continues until a predetermined quantity of washing fluid accumulates in the sump 36 imposing a predetermined load upon the impeller I30 and consequently upon the electric motor I33. The electric circuit network is responsive to this increased load imposed upon the electric motor i352 and operates in order to de-energize the solenoid of the inlet valve mechanism I43, whereby the inlet valve mechanism I43 is operated to its closed position to shut off the supply of washing fluid from the fluid supply pipe I40 to the spraying device Hi2. Also the electric circuit network comprises an arrangement for tie-energizing the solenoid of the inlet valve mechanism I43 in order to shut on: the supply of washing fluid from the fluid supply pipe M3 to the spraying device I42, after an elapsed time of forty-five seconds, in the event this operation has not already been effected by the previously mentioned arrangement responsive to the increased load upon the electric motor I33. After a predetermined quantity of washing fluid has accumulated in the sump 36 a given charge of detergent is introduced into the washing fluid in order that the first washing cycle may be effective to remove grease and other foreign materials from the dishes supported by the rack structure I I9, the arrangement for introducing the detergent into the washing fluid accumulated in the sump 36 during the first washing step being described more fully hereinafter. Pref erably, the detergent mentioned is of the type sold under the trade name Calgonite, that comprises about forty per cent sodium hexametaphosphate and sixty per cent sodium metasilicate. This first washing step is carried out through a time interval of approximately five minutes under the control of the timer, not shown, whereupon the timer operates to effect the release of the electromagnetic devices I52, whereby the drain valve mechahism 448 is operated to its open position while the inlet valve mechanism 143 occupies its closed position and the electric motor I33 is running. The washing fluid accumulated in sump 38 is then drained into the drain conduit Mt, which takes place in not more than forty-five seconds. The timer, not shown, then operates at the conclusion of forty-five seconds in order again to effect operation of the inlet valve mechanism M3 to its open position while the drain valve mechanism M8 occupies its open position and the electric motor M3 is running, thereby to initiate a second spray step.

Washing fluid is again supplied from the fluid supply pipe I40 to the spraying device I 32, whereby the dishes supported by the rack structure I iii are again sprayed, and the washing fluid in the sump 36 passing through the drain valve mechanism M8 into the drain connection hit. This second spray step is carried out under the control of the timer, not shown, through a time interval of approximately ten seconds, whereupon the timer again operates the electromagnetic device 52 in order to efiect closure of the drain valve mechanism Hi8 and the consequent initiation of a second washing step.

The second washing step proceeds in the manher of the first washing step described above, whereby the inlet valve mechanism is operated to its closed position depending upon the load upon the electric motor I33 or at the conclusion of forty-five seconds. The second washing step continues for a timed interval of five minutes under the control of the timer, not shown, whereupon the electromagnetic device IE? is again released in order to open the drain valve mechanism I 58 while the inlet valve mechanism hi3 occupies its closed position and the electric motor E33 is running. The washing fluid accumulated in the sump Ed is then drained into the drain connection 1%; and after forty-five seconds the timer, not shown, again operates to effect operation of the inlet valve mechanism 143 to its open position while the drain valve mechanism its cupies its open position and the electric motor .1;

533 is running, thereby to initiate a third spray step. The washing fluid supplied from the fluid supply conduit l iii to the spraying device 52 sprays through the dishes supported by the rack structure lit and is drained from the sump 36 I into the drain connection I46. This spray step continues throughout a timed interval of ten seconds under the control of the timer, not shown, whereupon operation of the electromagnetic device 852 is eiiected in order to effect closure of the drain valve mechanism [48, thereby initiating a first rinse step.

Washing fluid is sprayed from the spraying device 152 into the vat 23 and accumulates in the sump 3E; and thereafter the inlet valve mechanism M3 is operated to its closed position depend ing upon the load upon the electric motor 33 or upon the elapsed time interval of forty-five seconds, as previously explained. This rinse step continues through a time interval of one minute, whereupon the timer, not shown, releases the electromagnetic device I52 to cause the drain valve its to be operated to its open position. The washing fluid accumulated in the sump 36 is then drained through the drain valve I48 into the drain connection I 55.

At the conclusion of forty-five seconds the timer, not shown, again operates the inlet valve mechanism M3 to its open position in order to initiate another spray step in the manner previously explained. After ten seconds the timer, not shown, operates the electromagnetic device it?! in order to effect operation of the drain valve mechanism its to its closed position, whereby washing fluid is again accumulated in the sump 3t initiating a second rinse step. Subsequently the inlet valve mechanism M3 is operated to its closed position depending upon the load upon the electric motor i533 or at the expiration of forty-five seconds, as previously explained. This second rinse step continues through a time interval of one minute and thereafter the timer, not shown, releases the electromagnetic device I52 in order to cause the drain valve mechanism its to be operated to its open position. The washing fluid accumulated in the sump is then drained through the drain valve mechanism hi8 into the drain connection hi6.

After the expiration of forty-five seconds the timer, not shown, operates to supply heating current to the heater 1% while the inlet valve mechanism 5 33 occupies its closed position and the drain valve mechanism Hi3 occupies its open posi tion. At this time operation of the electric motor it? is continued and when the heater ltd is heated the air circulated in the vat 23 by the blades it! of the impeller 13% passes over the heater ltd and is directed into contact with the dishes supported by the rack structure I it. This initial drying step is continued for twenty minutes under the control of the timer, not shown, with the electric heater i6!) being supplied with current and the electric motor E33 running. After the expiration of twenty minutes the timer, not shown, opens the circuit to the electric motor i333, while retaining closed the circuit for supplied heating current to the heater I80. Accordingly, the motor I33 stops and operation or the impeller its is arrested. Drying of the dishes supported by the rack structure Hi3 continues after operation of the impeller 53% has been arrested for additional ten minutes under the control of the timer, not shown. After the expiration of this additional ten minutes the timer, not shown, interrupts the supply of heating current to the electric heater I69, and releases the pickup relay, not shown. The timer, not shown, has completed the timed cycle and is returned to its initial position resetting the circuit network for another timed cycle of operation of the dishwashing apparatus i5.

During the operation of dishwashing apparatus it through the timed cycle above described the door it must be retained in its closed position as previously explained. Also during the various wash and rinse steps when considerable Washing fluid is accumulated in the sump 36 it is pointed out that the reticulated screen I39 prevents large particles or" foreign matter such, for example, as lettuce leaves, or the like, accumulating in the sump 33 from being caught in the blades id! of the inpeller I38 and again flung upwardly and outwardly thereby into the rack structure H0 and the dishes supported thereby. Finally, at the conclusion of the timed cycle the dishes supported by the rack structure Iii) have not only been thoroughly washed and rinsed but they have also been dried. At this time the door 48 may be moved from its closed position to its open position and the rack structure Hill may be moved from its fully pushed-in position to its fully withdrawn position and the dishes removed therefrom and replaced in a kitchen cabinet or the like if desired.

In the operation of the dishwashing apparatus after the dishes have been loaded into the rack aesnsaa structure i Hi and the rack structure 5 it has been moved into its fully pushed-in position in the vat 23, a predetermined quantity or charge of detergent is placed in the detergent cup E13 and the door BS is moved from its open position to its closed position by the handle 59. Even though the door 48 is moved rather rapidly into its closed position no substantial quantity of the charge of detergent placed in the detergent cup 533 is jarred out of the pocket therein into the vat 23 since the pocket formed in the detergent cup 9% has considerable depth and the bottom wall thereof occupies a substantially horizontal position at this time.

At this time the timed cycle of operation of the dishwashing apparatus iii is initiated by operating the push button 82 in the manner previously explained, whereby the first spray step is initiated. More particularly, washing fiuid is sprayed the spraying device 342 downwardly through the dishes supported by the rack structure Hi3 arranged in the vat 23 while the drain valve mechanism hi8 occup'es open position and the electric motor N33 is running. Accordingly, some of the washing fluid from the spraying device Hi2 strikes the inner body sheet 53 of the door it some of the washing fluid may be flung up from the sump by the blades 23! of the impeller are upon the inner body sheet 53 however, this washing fluid runs down the inner body sheet 53 and is deflected from the pocket opening in the detergent cup 93. Specifically, the surrounding flange 9 carried by the detergent cup 93 in spaced relation to the inner body sheet 53 prevents the entry of the washing fluid into the pocket of the detergent cup st. Thus during the spray step of the timing cycle no substantial quantity of washing fluid enters the pocket of the detergent cup 93, whereby the charge of detergent placed in the pocket or" the detergent cup t3 remains therein substantially undisturbed during the first spray step.

Subsequently, at the beginning of the first washing step when the drain valve mechanism M8 is operated to its closed position washing fluid begins to accumulate in the sump 36 and is recirculated through the rack structure IE8 and the supported dishes by the blades it! of the impeller I36. As the quantity of washing fluid accumulating in the sump 36 increases the level thereof rises with respect to the top of the ledge 35 and with respect to the pocket formed in the detergent cup 93 and disposed just above the ledge 35. Before the inlet valve mechanism 1:33 is operated to its closed position a sufficient quantity of washing fiuid has accumulated in the sump 3% in order to raise the level thereof up toward the pocket formed in the detergent cup 93, since the impeller i353 is operating at this time. Subsequently, the inlet valve mechanism M3 is operated to its closed position while the level of the washing fluid accumulating in the sump 38 is well below the top of the ledge 35, and the first washing step continues as previously explained.

When the level of the washing fluid accumulating in the sump 36 is raised a predetermined amount up toward the pocket formed in the detergent cup 93 during the initial part of the first washing step, the washing fluid is washed into the pocket formed in the detergent cup 93. This action is obtained in the dishwashing apparatus It by virtue of the fact that the impeller !30 is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction as viewed from the top of the vat 23, whereby the washing fluid is recirculated from the sum 36 into the pocket of the detergent cup 93 and thence out of the pocket of the detergent cup 93 back into the vat 23 and thence into the sump 38. This recirculation of the washing fluid into the pocket formed in the detergent cup 93 positively insures that all of the charge of detergent contained in the pocket of the detergent cup 93 is washed out and introduced into the quantity of washing fluid contained in the sump 36. Of course, the detergent is placed in solution and the solution is flung upwardly and outwardly by the blades SI of the impeller I38 through the rack structure H9 and the supported dishes in order to obtain the washing action upon the dishes in the manner previously explained.

The arrangement described is very advantageous in view of the fact that the charge of detergent placed in the pocket of the detergent cup 93 is automatically introduced into the quantity of washing fluid contained in the vat during the initial portion of the first washing step merely by the normal operation of the impeller I36; and, accordingly, requires no externally operated detergent cup mechanism to obtain introduction of the detergent at the required point, in the first washing step. Moreover, the previously described deflector or baille arrangement carried by the inner body sheet 53 and by the detergent cup 93 positively prevents any substantial quantity of washing fluid from entering the pocket of the detergent cup as during the preceding first spray step.

Again considering the operation of the dishwashing apparatus iii, the door 48 occupies its closed position during the entire timed washing cycle, whereby the side door bafiles it and 79 are disposed in respective cooperating relation with the side wall baffles 52 and as in order to limit the quantity of washing fluid entering between the cooperating bailles either from the spray device M2 or from the blades iiil of the impeller {36. Also, at this time the supplemental bafiie Elli carried by the lower basket Ill is so related with respect to the cooperating baffles '55 and it that the upwardly directed washing fluid from the blades M of the impeller I30 is deflected from entering between the cooperating baiiles i8 and it. This arrangement including the supplemental bafile H3 disposed on the left-hand side of the rack structure H0 is very advantageous since the impeller 83% rotating in the counterclockwise direction has a tendency to throw more washing fluid between the cooperating bafiles and d2 than between the cooperating bullies it and 4 However, it will be under stood that even though the supplemental baflle i is is omitted from the rack structure lit, there will be no substantial entry of washing fluid between the cooperating bailles 12 and it due to their position and arrangement. Also, the tWo side wall baffles 43 and 55 disposed respectively rearwardly of the cooperating side wall baiiies 42 and M deflect washing fluid on the re spective side walls 26 and 2? from between the cooperating bafiies i3 and 42 and the cooperating baffles 59 and Mi, respectively. Thus the baffle arrangement described limits the quantity of washing fluid entering between the legs 40 and ii of the vat rib 38 and the cooperating door baiile disposed within the marginal flange carried by the inner body sheet 53 of the door 43. Moreover, most of the washing fluid that passes between the cooperating bafiies 42, i8 and 44, i9 loses its horizontal component and falls down- 21 wardly before it reaches the portions fill and M of the vat rib 38.

Further the portions Ti, 18 and it of the door baffle respectively cooperate with the portions 39, it and t! of the vat rib 38 in order further to limit the amount of washing fluid entering into the doorway 2t. Moreover, the portions 62, 63 and st or the rim disposed on the marginal flange carried by the inner body sheet 53 of the door 38 respectively engaging the forwardly directed shoulders or faces provided on the respective portions 39, so and 4| of the vat rib is further to limit the amount of washing entering into the doorway 29.

By virtue of this related structure described above very little washing fluid enters the doorway 29 when the door 43 occupies its closed position; and, the portions 5G, 5! and 52 of the marginal flange carried by the outer body sheet ii? of the door 48 respectively cooperate with the top and side flanges 3!, 32 and 53 in order positiv ly to prevent any of the washing fluid from escaping from the doorway 29 through the front opening 36 and thence through the front opening 28 provided in the panel 59. The washing fluid entering the doorway 29 between the top flange 3i and the top portion to of the marginal flange carried by the outer body sheet 49 flows laterally across the top portion 56 of this marginal flange and thence downwardly along the side portions at and 552 of this marginal flange onto the bottom flange 3t rearwardly of the ledge 35 and ultimately back into the sump 3B. The washing fluid entering the doorway 2s between the side portion 5! of the marginal flange carried by the outer body sheet at and the side flange falls downwardly onto the bottom flange 53!; rearwardly of the ledge 35 and is drained back into the sump 36; and, likewise, the washing fluid entering the doorway 29 between the side portion 52 of the marginal flange carried by the outer body sheet 49 and the side flange 33 falls downwardly onto the bottom flange 34 rearwardly or the ledge 35 and is drained back into the sump 33.

Also during the operation of the washing apparatus m the washing fluid that strikes the rear surface or the inner body sheet 53 flows downwardly therealong and back onto the bottorn flange 34 and thence back into the sump 35. Some of this washing fluid travels down the rear surface of the inner body sheet 53 between the stem 86 of the emboss 8A and the central traclrway ill and cascades over the leg 8'5 and around the body of the detergent cup 93 onto the bottom flange 3t; while other of this washing fluid travels down the rear surface of the inner body sheet 53 between the stem 88 of the emboss t5 and the central trackway 9! and cascades over the leg 39 onto the bottom flange 3%. Still other of this washing fluid travels down the rear surface of the inner body sheet 53 between the stem 86 of the emboss 8d and the side portion is of the bafile carried by the marginal flange of the inner body sheet 53 and is directed outwardly by the boss Hid onto and beyond the leg 8?; and, likewise, still other of this washing fluid travels down the rear surface of the inner body sheet 53 between the stem 88 of the emboss 85 and the side portion 79 of the baffle carried by the marginal flange of the inner body sheet 53 and is directed outwardly by the boss Hi5 onto and beyond the leg 89. Finally washing fluid travelling down the inner surface of the side portion :8 of the bafile carried by the marginal flange of the inner body sheet 53 is directed inwardly by the lip I536 out of the corner and over the leg 8?; and, likewise, washing fluid travelling down the inner surface of the side portion is of the baffle carried by the marginal flange of the inner body sheet 53 is directed inwardly by the lip H37 out of the corner and over the leg 89.

Finally, during the operation of the washing apparatus 58, the interior of the vat 23 is vented to the exterior through the doorway 29 around the door 418 in its closed position; and, further, the interior of the vat 23 is vented directly through the openings Ma formed in the top portion E i of the marginal flange carried by the inner body sheet 53 into the space between the inner body sheet 53 and the outer body sheet t5 thence into the space below the vat 23 in the cabinet II. The rearwardly depressed body lid of the top portion of the baflie carried by the inner body sheet 53 extending under the top portion 55. of the marginal flange carried by the inner body sheet 53 covers the openings 54a formed therein and prevents washing fluid from being splashed from the interior of the vat 223 through the openings 54a while accommodating ventilation as described above. Any condensate accumulating between the upper portions of the inner body sheet 53 and the outer body sheet as flows downwardly and is caught by the bras-- ing sheet 58 and conducted laterally and then downwardly along the outer surface of the inner body sheet 53 onto the bottom flange 34- just rearwardly of the ledge 35, which condensate then flows laterally inwardly into the depression 3? and below the tail 99 provided on the inner body sheet 53 back into the sump 3'5. Also vaporized washing fluid arising from the bottom flange 3 just rearwardly of the ledge 35 tends to condense on the bracing sheet 52 and then to run back on the outer surface thereof onto the bottom flange 36 just rearwardly of the ledge 35.

Accordingly, it will be understood that the door is or the gasketless type providing open ventilation of the interior of the vat 23 during operation of the washing apparatus l0, and preventing the escape of the washing fluid from the vat 23 through the front opening 30 of the doorway 29 about the door it when the door 48 occupies its closed position by virtue of the baffling arrangement incorporated in the washing apparatus it and carried by the vat 23, by the door Q8 and by the rack structure iiii. This arrangement is very advantageous in view of the fact that no special ventilating structure need be incorporated in the door it; and, since no sealing gasket is employed in order to prevent the escape of wash ing fluid from the opening to of the doorway no maintenance or repairs are required in this connection during the life of the washing apparatus iii.

in view of the foregoing it is apparent that there has been provided washing apparatus of the front opening type incorporating an improved arrangement for preventing the escape of washing fluid from the vat even though the associated door is of the gasketless type and for providing open ventilation or the interior of the vat about the door in its closed position. Also, the washing apparatus incorporates an improved arrangement for mounting the dish-supporting rack structure for movements through the front opening into and out of the vat over the front door in its open position.

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

What is claimed is: 1. In combination, cabinet structure including a pair of oppositely disposed side walls defining a chamber having a front opening, a door associated with said front opening and mounted for movements with respect thereto bet-eon a sub stantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position, said door provided with an inner wall, a receptacle adapted to be moved through said front opening into and out of said chamber over said inner wall when said door occupies its open position, both the lower rear and the lower front of said receptacle being supported entirely by said side walls when said receptacle is in said chamber said door cct pies its closed position, and an element carried by the lower front of said receptacle and en" by the lower portion of said door incident to movement thereof from its closed position into its open position to shift the support of the lower front of said receptacle from said side walls to said inner wall and disengaged by the lower portion of said door incident to movement thereof from its open position back into its closed position to shift the support of the lower front of said receptacle from said inner wall back to said side walls.

2. in combination, cabinet str:cture including pair of oppositely disposed side walls dea chamber having a front opening, a pair of guide elements respectively carried by said side walls, a door associated with said front opening and mounted for movements with respect thereto between a substantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position, said door being provided with an inner wall, a receptacle adapted to be moved through said front opening into and out of said chamber over said inner wall when said door occupies its open position, a first pair of supports carried by the lower rear of said receptacle and respectively engaging the rear ends of said pair of guide elements, a second pair of supports carried by the lower front of said receptacle and respectively cooperating with the front ends of pair guide elements, and a fifth support carried by the lower front of said. receptacle cooperating with the lower portion of said inner wall, the ower portion of inner wall engaging said fifth support and lifting said second pair of supports from respective engagement with the front ends of said pair of guide elements when said door is moved into its open position in order to provide a three-point support for said receptacle, the lower portion of said inner wall disengaging said fifth support and lowering said second pair of supports into respective engagement with the front ends of pair of guide elements when said door is moved into its closed position order to provide a four-point support for said receptacle.

3. in combination, cabinet structure including a pair of oppositely disposed side walls defining a chamber having a front opening, a pair of guide elements respectively carried by said side walls, a door associated with said front opening and mounted for movements with respect thereto between a substantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position, said door being provided with an inner wall carrying a trackway, a receptacle adapted to be moved through said front opening into and out of said chamber over said inner wall when said door occupies its open position, a pair of rollers carried by the lower rear of said receptacle and respectively engaging the rear ends of said pair of guide elements, a pair of feet carried by the lower front of said receptacle and respectively cooperating with the front ends of said pair of guide elements, and a third roller carried by the lower front of said receptacle and cooperating with said trackway, the lower portion of said track-way engaging said third roller and lifting said pair of feet from respective engagement with the front ends of said pair of guide elements when said door is moved into its open position, the lower portion of said trackway disengaging said third roller and lowering said pair of feet into respective engagement with the front ends of said pair of guide elements when said door is moved into its closed position, said pair of rollers engaging said pair of guide elements and said third roller engaging said trackway guiding the movements of said receptacle through said front opening into and out of said chamber over said inner wall when said door occupies its open position.

4. In combination, cabinet structure includin a pair of oppositely disposed side walls defining a chamber having a front opening, a pair of guide elements respectively carried by said side walls, a door associated with said front opening and mounted for movements with respect thereto between a substantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position, said door being provided with an inner wall, a receptacle adapted to be moved through said front opening into and out of said chamber over said inner wall when said door occupies its open position, first and second pairs of rollers carried by the lower rear sides of said receptacle, a pair of feet carried by the lower front sides of said receptacle, and another roller carried by the lower front center of said receptacle, said first pair of rollers respectively engaging the rear ends of said pair of guide elements and said pair of feet respectively engaging the front ends of said guide elements when said receptacle is supported in said chamber and said door is closed, said first pair of rollers respectively engaging said pair of guide elements and said other roller engaging said inner wall when said receptacle is supported in said chamber and said door is open, movement of said door between its closed position and its open position effecting said engagement by said inner wall of said other roller and disengagement by said pair of feet of the front ends of said guide elements, movement of said door between its open position and its closed position effecting disengagement by said inner wall of said other roller said engagement by said pair of feet of the front ends of said guide elements, said second pair of rollers engagin the lower end of said inner wall and said other roller engaging the upper end of said inner wall when said receptacle is supported over said inner wall with said door in its open position.

5. In combination, cabinet structure including a pair of oppositely disposed side walls defining a chamber having a front opening, a pair of guide elements respectively carried by said side walls, a door associated with said front opening and mounted for movements with respect thereto between a substantially vertical closed position and.

25 a substantially horizontal open position, said door being provided with an inner wall, a receptacle adapted to be moved through said front opening into and out of said chamber over said inner wall when said door occupies its open position, means including a first pair of rollers carried by the lower rear of said receptacle and respectively engaging the rear ends of said pair of guide elements and a pair of feet carried by the lower front of said receptacle and respectively engagin the front ends of said pair of guide elements for supporting said receptacle within said chamber when said door occupies its closed position, means including said first pair of rollers respectively engagin said pair of guide elements and another roller carried by the lower front center of said receptacle and engaging said inner wall for supporting said receptacle within said chamber when said door occupies its open position, said first pair of rollers respectively engaging said pair of guide elements and said other roller engaging said inner wall accommodating rolling movement of said receptacle from within said chamber to a partially withdrawn position over said inner wall with said door in its open position, and means including said first pair of rollers respectively engaging said pair of guide elements and a second pair of rollers carried by the lower rear of said receptacle and engaging said inner wall and said other roller engaging said inner wall for supporting said receptacle in said partially withdrawn position over said inner Wall with said door in its open position, said other roller and said second pair of rollers all engaging said inner wall accommodating rollin movement of said receptacle from said partially withdrawn position into a fully withdrawn position over said inner wall with said door in its open position and supporting said receptacle in said fully withdrawn position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 851,711 Tory Apr. 30, 1907 1,144,882 Whitaker June 29, 1915 1,209,962 Heath Dec. 26, 1916 1,417,162 Gagen May 23, 1922 1,621,387 Warren Mar. 15, 1927 1,946,181 Stoddard Feb. 6, 1934 2,290,653 Stoddard July 21, 1942 2,342,298 Pearson Feb. 22, 1944

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