Dishwashing device

March 24, 1942.

2,277,291

F. P. BLAIR

DISHWASHING DEVICE

Filed June 12, 1939

<img file="US2277291A_D0001.tif" />

Patented Mar. 24, 1942

2,277,291

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

2,277,291 DISHWASHING DEVICE Frank P. Blair, Chicago, III. Application June 12, 1939, Serial No. 278,695

Claims.

My invention relates in general to dish washing devices. It relates more in particular to a dish washing device adapted to deliver steam or water under pressure to be directed in a stream against the dishes during the washing operation.

The objects and features of the invention will be brought out in connection with the following description, taken with the accompanying drawing illustrating a preferred embodiment.

In the drawing— .

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of the device.showing one way in which it may be used, a cover illustrated in the figure being shown in section;

Fig. 2 is a substantially full size vertical sectional view taken through the device shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 3—3 of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 4—4. of Fig. 3.

In accordance with the main features of my invention, I provide a relatively small, flash type of boiler, the ceils of which are electrically heated, in combination with a control valve operable to deliver water alone through a delivery line or to deliver water through the boiler for complete conversion into steam and subsequent delivery through the same delivery line. Associated with the control mechanism is an electric switch designed to be in full-off position when the water is completely shut off, but adapted to deliver current to the heating element at all “on” positions, as will be pointed out. The device is adapted to be used in a particular fashion to obtain the most suitable results, but the preferred manner of use will be pointed out after the detailed description which follows.

A base member 10 is surmounted by a shield 11 housing a flash boiler, the base 10 having an interiorly threaded boss 13 for mounting on a hot water pipe 14. In general, the pipe 14 is adequate for supporting the entire device, but separate mounting means, such as an auxiliary bracket, may be used if thought advisable.

Running transversely of the base 10 is a tapered port in which a valve member 18 is carried. This valve member is held in place by a packing nut 17 which extends around an extending shank 18 to which a handle 19 is pinned Pack'ng 2! is suitably inserted to prevent leakage of water along the shank 18.

Running vertically at right angles to the port carrying the valve member 16 is a port 22 in line with the pipe 14. This port carries a valve 23 urged by spring 24 against a seat 26 provided (Cl. 219—39) near a restricted portion of the port 22. The valve 23 has a rounded pin-like extension 27 the end of which is adapted to fall into a cam-like recess 28 on the exterior of the valve member 16. 5 In Fig. 4, the parts are shown in “off” position, in which case the valve 23 is closed by spring 24. When the handle 19 is turned, however, the valve member 16 turns in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 4, causing a cam surface 29 10 to depress the valve and allow water to pass from the pipe 14 in a direction toward the valve member IS.

An annular recess 31 on the exterior of the valve member 16 communicates with a port 32 IB which in turn communicates with a larger port 33 which comprises the main inside portion of the valve member 16. The larger port 33 communicates with ports 34 and 36, which, however, are offset longitudinally from the port 32. Thus, 20 when the valve member 16 is turned, water is admitted past the valve 23 and, through the series of ports described, will reach both ports 34 and 36, and will continue to flow through ports 34 and 36 unless these ports are closed because of 25 the positioning of the valve member 16. To explain the function of ports 34 and 36, the boiler arrangement and outlet line will first be described.

Communicating with the large Port occupied ³⁰ by the valve member 16 is a transverse port 37. The exterior portion of the port 37 is enlarged and threaded to receive a coupling member 38 for attachment of a hose 39 (Fig. 1). A copper tube 4i, wound to produce interior and exterior coil •I·'» sections 43 and 44, respectively, has its ends running parallel for engagement by coupling nuts 46 and 47, these coupling nuts being threaded in vertical openings provided in the top surface of the base 10. One of these openings communicates with the port 37 and the other communicates with a short port 48 of relatively small cross section. With this arrangement of ports, it is obvious that water may be delivered through the 45 port 34 directly to port 37.and thence through coupling 38, or it may be delivered through port 36 and passageway 48. In one case, water is delivered directly to the hose 39, and in the other case, the water is delivered through the boiler 50 and thence in the form of steam to the hose 39.

Between the coil sections 43 and 44,1 place an electric heating element 49, leads 51 of which are shown running to binding posts 52 carried on a small bracket within the housing 11. Cur55 rent is supplied to the heating element through

2,277,291 in because the port or passageway 48 is still closed, the port 36 not having attained a position in line with this port. At this time, however, the electric current is delivered to the 5 heating element and heat is being built up therein for the subsequent conversion of water into steam. The hot. water is sprayed by the nozzle over the dishes, and, because of its relatively high speed, most of the adhering food 10 particles and the like will be removed. Spraying hot water on the dishes will also heat them so thrt subsequent application of steam will not cause them to crack.

When the dishes are reasonably as clean as 15 can be expected from the use of hot water alone, that is, after the passage of a minute to two minutes in the usual case, the handle 19 is turned to the steam position and the dishes are. then sprayed with steam to remove grease and the 20 like therefrom. In connection with the steam operation, it will be noticed that the passageway 48 is relatively small and is designed so that no more water will be . admitted than can be completely evaporated into steam by the boiler as 25 designed. Accordingly, steam alone will be delivered at this setting of the handle 19. If it is thought desirable, the user may make an-, other application of hot water, but most times a second application of hot water to rinse the 30 dishes is unnecessary. After the dishes are entirely clean, the cover 64. is placed over them and the nozzle inserted through the small opening at the top. Steam is then fed to the inside of the cover for a minute or two to thoroughly heat 35 the dishes and sterilize them. This steam condenses partly on the dishes and partly near the bottom of the cover, and will not escape in such a way as to possibly cause burning. After the thorough steaming, the handle 19 is turned to 40 the off position, the nozzle set up in position, out of the way, and the cover 64 removed. Because of the relatively high temperature of the steam, the dishes will almost immediately dry and the dish washing operation has been com45 pleted.

I have explained my invention in detail in order that those skilled in the art may practice the same, but the invention is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.