US3416544A

US3416544A - Tool washing machine

Info

Publication number: US3416544A
Application number: US600421A
Authority: US
Inventors: Paiva Joseph
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1966-12-09
Filing date: 1966-12-09
Publication date: 1968-12-17
Anticipated expiration: 1985-12-17

Description

Dec. 17, 1968 J. PAIVA TOOL WASHING MACHINE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 9, 1966 m /V m a M NW Dec. 17, 1968 J. PAIVA TOOL WASHING MACHINE 2 Sheets-Sheet B Filed Dec.

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Joseph Paiva INVENTOR.

United States Patent 3,416,544 TOOL WASHING MACHINE Joseph Paiva, 6260 Woodleaf, Star Rte., Oroville, Calif. 95965 Filed Dec. 9, 1966, Ser. No. 600,421 14 Claims. (Cl. 134102) The instant invention is concerned with a device for cleaning tools, machine parts, and the like, and more particularly relates to a device wherein the object can be subjected to a pressurized solvent bath.

It is a primary object of the instant invention to provide a tool washing machine which consists of an enlarged washing tank wherein the tool or item to be washed can be subjected to .both a general solvent spray or bath, and a selective pressurized cleaning.

In conjunction with the above object, it is a significant object of the instant invention to provide a washin machine wherein the tool being washed can be physically manipulated through selected access ports which enable the use of the device to physically grip and wash the tool while standing adjacent the exterior of the tank.

In addition, it is a significant object of the instant invention to provide a washing tank incorporating an enlarged viewing window so as to enable the user of a device to view, and thereby better perform the washing operation. I

Furthermore, it is a significant object of the instant invention to utilize, in addition to a full length spraying unit within the tank, a separate hand held solvent spray gun which is insertable into the tank through the hand access ports.

Also, it is an object of the instant invention to provide a washing tank wherein the solvent is continually recirculated and filtered through removable filtering units.

Further, it is a significant object of the instant invention to provide a tool washing machine which is of a simple, compact, and economical manufacture, while at the same time being particularly unique in construction.

Basically, in order to achieve the above objects, it is intended that the washing machine of the instant invention include an elongated rectangular tank having an access door defined along the top thereof and selectively closed by a transparent plastic lid. In addition, the front wall of the tank is provided with a pair of spaced flexible flap protected hand access ports to enable the user of the device to insert his hands within the tank in a protected manner so as to prevent any discharge of the solvent through the ports. Within the tank, the tool to be washed is subjected to a spray by means of a spray unit including a full length pressurized air manifold having a plurality of discharge nozzles spaced along the length thereof, and a full length solvent manifold positioned immediately below and forward of the air manifold and communicated with each of the air nozzles by individual tubes whereby the air rushing through the nozzles will create a partial vacuum so as to draw the solvent upwardly into the nozzles for discharge therefrom with the pressurized air. In addition, a spray gun is also provided with the gun being flexibly tethered for introduction through either of the hand ports for a manual manipulation of the gun, this gun also being directly communicated with the solvent receiving portion of the interior of the tank and the source of pressurized air so as to effect a controlled discharge of the solvent. Finally, the solvent within the tank is to be recirculated, and as such, the bottom of the tank has a solvent directing and filtering floor therein whereby an effective filtering of the solvent is provided for during the recycling thereof.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter de- 3,416,544 Patented Dec. 17, 1968 scribed and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the tool Washing machine comprising the instant invention;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken substantially on the plane passing along line 22 in FIG- URE 1;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 33 in FIG- URE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 44 in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional detail through the air and solvent manifold illustrating the nozzle association therewith; and

FIGURE 6 is a schematic perspective view of the flow lines for the air and solvent.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, reference numeral 10 is used to generally designate the tool washing machine comprising the instant invention. The machine 10 includes an enlarged washing tank 12 mounted in an elevated position upon four depending legs 14 having caster wheels 16 affixed to the lower end thereof so as to introduce a degree of mobility into the unit 10.

The tank 12 includes a vertical front wall 18, a vertical rear wall 20 of a greater height than the front wall 18, two vertical side walls 22, a funnel-shaped bottom 24 and a top wall 26 consisting basically of a horizontal ledge 28 and an inclined pivotally mounted access panel or door 30. The bottom 24 converges downwardly to a centrally located drainage hole 32 which is selectively closed by a removable plug 34. A horizontal support floor is provided within the tank 12 immediately above the converging sides of the bottom 24 so as to define in effect a solvent storage tank between the floor 36 and the bottom 24. This floor 36 includes a central rigid imperforate support panel 3-8 and a pair of filter units 40 to each side thereof. The floor panel 38 and the units 40, as will be appreciated from FIGURE 3, span the tank from the front wall 18 to the rear wall 20. Each of the filter units 40 consists of three removable elements, a lower heavy screen 42, an intermediate filter 44 of any suitable type, and a lighter upper screen 46. It is contemplated that all of the liquid utilized in the washing process will drain through the filter units 40 into the solvent tank therebelow for subsequent re-use, with the filter units 40 straining or filtering a large percentage of the impurities therefrom. The removable nature of the filter units 40 enables their ready removal as needed for cleaning or replacement.

The objects to be washed are introduced into the tank 12 through the enlarged full length slightly inclined door 30 which, when closed, sealingly engages an enlarged gasket 48 locked within a channel-defining flange integrally formed from the top edges of the front and

side walls

18 and 22. This door 30 is to be transparent in nature, formed of a suitable high impact plastic or the like whereby the user of the device 10 can observe the cleaning procedure taking place Within the tank 12. A suitable hooded venting stack 52 is mounted on the horizontal ledge 28 of the top wall 26 and is .communicated within the interior of the tank 12 for a venting of the fumes therefrom. Incidentally, as will be noted from the drawings, the door 30 is provided with a suitable handle 54 so as to facilitate the raising and closing thereof.

Direct access to the interior of the tank 12, by the user of the device, is provided for by means of a pair of access ports 56 through the front wall 18 in laterally spaced relation to each other. Each of the ports 56 includes a radially split curtain 58 of a suitable solvent resistive resilient material, such as rubber, which will snugly conform to any article introduced therethrough and immediately close upon a retraction of the article.

It is contemplated that the cleaning operation is to consist of the subjecting of the tool or machine part to a pressurized flow of solvent, this pressurized flow of solvent consisting of either the introduction of a spray along the full length of the tank or a specific directing of a limited discharge of the solvent through a hand manipulated gun-like device 60. In order to effect a spraying of the solvent along the full length of the tank, a first elongated pressurized air manifold 62 is mounted along the top 26 of the tank just to the rear of the hinged edge of the door. This air manifold 62 includes, at spaced intervals along the length thereof, a plurality of forwardly and downwardly directed discharge nozzles 64, each of which is in turn communicated, by a hollow tube 66, with a solvent manifold 68 paralleling the air manifold 62 immediately forward and below the air manifold 62. The air manifold 62 is in direct communication, through an on-off valve type switch 70 and an air line 72, with any appropriate source of pressurized air, while the solvent manifold 68 is directly communicated, through a pair of solvent lines 74, with the solvent receiving area of the tank 12 below the filtering floor 36. In this manner, as pressurized air is introduced into the air manifold 62 and discharged through the nozzles 64 therein, a partial vacuum is created so as to draw the solvent through the solvent lines 74 and into the solvent manifold 78 for subsequent introduction into the nozzles through the communicating tubes 66 whereby a forceful discharge of the solvent in conjunction with the pressurized air is effected.

The gun-like solvent dispensing device 60 consists of a hand held implement which is of a size so as to enable it to be introduced through one of the ports 56 and held within the hand of the user of the device for a selective directing of a pressurized solvent discharge at the tool or part being washed. This device 60 also includes an air line 76 directly communicating with the air line 72 and the solvent line 78 in communication with the interior of the tank 12 below the filtering floor 36 with the discharge of pressurized air through the device 60 and the comrningling of the pressurized air and solvent being effected through the utilization of a trigger type valve, common in various types of spraying guns.

It is contemplated that the air line 72 also includes an off-on control therein, this being in the nature of a foot pedal device 80 which will enable the user of the tank 12 to control the flow of solvent with his foot, this being highly desirable so as to allow the user to work with both hands within the tank 12 and still instantaneously control the flow of the fluid. With reference to FIGURE 1, it will be noted that

suitable brackets

82 and 84 have been provided for both the foot pedal control 80 and the hand gun 60 so as to allow for a mounting of these parts when not in use. Also, it should be appreciated that a suitable wheel lock is to be associated with one or more of the caster wheels 16 so as to allow for a complete stabilization of the device 10 during the use thereof.

In operation, the tool or machine part to be cleaned is introduced into the tank through the transparent lid after which the tool is subjected to either or both a general or a selective discharge of solvent, utilizing the overhead spray system or the spray gun 60. The solvent subsequently drains through the side located filtering units to the tank below the floor 36 for recirculation through the spraying apparatus with the tool being manipulated as required by the users hands inserted through the protected access ports 56. It will be appreciated that the solid rigid central portion 38 of the floor 36 provides a stable base for the tool itself during the washing operation with the solvent falling thereon immediately draining to the opposite side thereof for passage to the filtering units 40. After the cleaning operation, the filtering units can be easily raised from the supporting ledges upon which they are positioned and removed from the tank 12 for a washing of the impurities therefrom. By the same token, any solvent remaining in the tank 12 which is considered too dirty for re-use, can be quickly drained from the tank through the drainage hole 32 in the funnelshaped bottom thereof. Incidentally, while the term solvent has been used throughout the specification, it should be appreciated that this is intended to cover any cleaning liquid, including water.

From the foregoing, it should be appreciated that a unique washing or cleaning machine has been defined, this machine enabling the complete cleansing of a tool or the like through a subjecting of the tool to both an over-all pressurized solvent spray and a selective pressurized cleansing action as needed. In addition, the machine provides for the user thereof to insert his hands and arms into the cleaning tank for a direct manipulation of the tool being washed with the user being fully protected from otherwise contacting or being splashed by the solvent during the cleaning operation.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling Within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A tool washing machine comprising an enlarged tank including a top, bottom, and front, back and side walls extending vertically between the top and bottom, a first elongated solvent manifold mounted along the back wall near the top, solvent line means communicating said first manifold in liquid transferring relation with the lower interior of the tank, a second elongated manifold mounted on said back wall above and generally parallel to the first manifold, a series of lateral discharge nozzles on said second manifold, flow line means extending from said second manifold for communication of said second manifold with a source of pressurized fluid for discharge through said nozzles, tube means extending between said first manifold and each nozzle, said tube means allowing a drawing of the solvent into the nozzles upon the creation of a partial vacuum in the nozzles effected by the passage of pressurized fluid therethrough, and control mean for selectively opening and closing said flow line means.

2. The machine of claim 1 wherein a major portion of the top is removably mounted so as to define an access panel to the interior of the tank, said access panel extending rearwardly from the front wall and being transparent.

3. The machine of claim 2 including a pair of access ports through the front wall, each access port having a resilient split curtain thereacross for allowing limited access therethrough.

4. The machine of claim 3 wherein the bottom of said tank is defined by a plurality of downwardly sloping panels terminating in a central drain, and a horizontal floor overlying said bottom in spaced relation thereabove, said floor consisting at least in part of a solvent passing filter unit, said solvent line means extending below said floor.

5. The machine of claim 4 wherein said floor includes an imperforate central support section with one of said filter units being located to each side thereof.

6. The machine of claim 5 wherein each filter unit includes upper and lower removable screen panels and an intermediate filter panel.

7. The machine of claim 6 including a solvent discharg ing gun, an elongated flexible solvent line communicating said gun with the lower interior of the tank, and an elongated flexible flow line communicating said gun with said flow line means between the control means and said second manifold, said gun being selectively insertable through one of said access ports.

8. The machine of claim 7 including valve means between the flow line means and the second manifold for selectively allowing and preventing flow therebetween, and valve means associated with said gun for controlling flow therefrom.

9. The machine of claim 8 including storage brackets on the exterior of said tank for said control means and said gun.

10. The machine of claim 1 including a pair of access ports through the front wall, each access port having a resilient split curtain thereacross for allowing limited access therethrough.

11. The machine of claim 10 including a solvent discharging gun, an elongated flexible solvent line communicating said gun with the lower interior of the tank, and an elongated flexible flow line communicating said gun with said flow line means between the control means and said second manifold, said gun being selectively insertable through one of said access ports.

12. The machine of claim 11 wherein said floor includes an irnperforate central support section with one of said filter units being located to each side thereof.

13. The machine of claim 1 wherein the bottom of said tank is defined by a plurality of downwardly sloping panels terminating in a central drain, and a horizontal floor overlying said bottom in spaced relation thereabove, said floor consisting at least in part of a solvent passing filter unit, said solvent line means extending below said floor.

14. The machine of claim 13 wherein each filter unit includes upper and lower removable screen panels and an intermediate filter panel.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,604,895 7/1952 Fechter 134-102 XR 2,616,095 11/1952 Stuckey 134-111 XR 2,797,530 7/1957 Garver 134102 XR 3,075,646 1/1963 Giesse 134-102 XR ROBERT L. BLEUTGE, Primary Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R.