U.S. patent application number 11/777302 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-12 for parts washing system.
Invention is credited to Francis A. Marks, James C. McClure, Thomas W. McNally, J. Leland Strange.
Application Number | 20080135073 11/777302 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23226560 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080135073 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McClure; James C. ; et
al. |
June 12, 2008 |
PARTS WASHING SYSTEM
Abstract
Provided is a parts washer that includes a multi-tiered basin, a
cleaning fluid and a biological component, living within the fluid,
that breaks down organic waste. The multi-tiered basin includes a
sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter are
interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink
member. The false bottom, support grid, and filter are readily
removable from the sink member. The tank is partially filled with
the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly direct a flow of
the cleaning fluid to the basin. The cleaning fluid discharged into
the basin flows through a drain hole in the false bottom, through
the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole in the
bottom panel of the sink member back into the tank for reuse. The
cleaning fluid includes, at least, a surfactant that functions to
remove organic waste from the parts being washed. The biological
component within the cleaning fluid includes nonpathogenic
microorganisms that break down the organic waste. `The cleaning
fluid is not toxic to the microorganisms. The pump and conduit
assembly, in addition` to aiding `in the removal of organic waste,
functions to aerate the cleaning fluid to maintain a proper
environment for the microorganisms A heater, thermostat, and level
control assembly function to maintain the cleaning fluid within a
certain temperature range so as to aid in the removal of organic
waste and maintain a proper environment for the microorganisms
Inventors: |
McClure; James C.;
(Norcross, GA) ; McNally; Thomas W.; (Norcross,
GA) ; Marks; Francis A.; (Atlanta, GA) ;
Strange; J. Leland; (Duluth, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOMBLE CARLYLE SANDRIDGE & RICE, PLLC
ATTN: PATENT DOCKETING 32ND FLOOR, P.O. BOX 7037
ATLANTA
GA
30357-0037
US
|
Family ID: |
23226560 |
Appl. No.: |
11/777302 |
Filed: |
July 13, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11089305 |
Mar 24, 2005 |
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11777302 |
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10947091 |
Sep 22, 2004 |
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11089305 |
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10407342 |
Apr 4, 2003 |
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10947091 |
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10055263 |
Oct 25, 2001 |
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10407342 |
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09515731 |
Feb 29, 2000 |
6374835 |
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10055263 |
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09491227 |
Jan 25, 2000 |
6451125 |
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09515731 |
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09097439 |
Jun 15, 1998 |
6095163 |
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09491227 |
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08841463 |
Apr 22, 1997 |
6019110 |
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09097439 |
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08315902 |
Sep 30, 1994 |
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08841463 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
134/186 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 3/34 20130101; C02F
2103/44 20130101; C02F 3/344 20130101; C02F 3/343 20130101; Y02W
10/15 20150501; C02F 3/04 20130101; C02F 3/10 20130101; B08B 7/00
20130101; Y02W 10/10 20150501; B08B 3/006 20130101; C12R 1/00
20130101; B08B 2203/007 20130101; C12P 1/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
134/186 |
International
Class: |
B08B 3/00 20060101
B08B003/00 |
Claims
1. A combination for cleaning organic matter from a part, the
combination comprising: a fluid; a washing apparatus including, at
least, a tank for containing said fluid, a basin for receiving the
part, said basin including a drain in communication with said tank,
and a pump and conduit assembly for pumping said fluid from said
tank into contact with the part within said basin, wherein said
fluid flows from said basin back to said tank; and a biological
component within said fluid for biodegrading the organic matter.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
11/089,305, filed Mar. 24, 2005; which application is a division of
application Ser. No. 10/947,091, filed Sep. 22, 2004; which
application is a division of application Ser. No. 10/407,342, filed
Apr. 4, 2003; which application is a continuation of Ser. No.
10/055,263, filed Oct. 25, 2001; which is a continuation of
application Ser. No. 09/515,731, filed Feb. 29, 2000, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,374,835; which is a continuation of application Ser. No.
09/491,227, filed Jan. 25, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,451,125; which
is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/097,439, filed Jun.
15, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,163; which is a continuation of
application Ser. No. 08/841,463, filed Apr. 22, 1997, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,019,110; which is a continuation of application Ser. No.
08/315,902, filed Sep. 30, 1994, now abandoned.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0002] The disclosures, including specifications (with claims) and
drawings of U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/089,305;
10/947,091; 10/407,342; 10/055,263; 09/515,731 (U.S. Pat. No.
6,374,835); 09/491,227 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,451,125); 09/097,439 (U.S.
Pat. No. 6,095,163; 08/841,463 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,110); and
08/315,902 are incorporated herein by this reference in their
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of
cleaning and more particularly to the field of parts washers.
[0004] Parts washers are well known and are often employed in the
cleaning of parts that are contaminated with organic waste products
such as, for example and not limitation, hydrocarbons, oils, and
greases. For background and understanding, the type of parts
normally being discussed as washed in a parts washer are, for
example automotive parts such as valves, pistons, transmission
parts, covers, and so forth. Most conventional parts washers
include a basin mounted to the lop of a tank. The tank is partially
filled with a mineral spirits solvent that is pumped from the tank
through a conduit that discharges into the basin where the parts
are washed. The mineral spirits solvent drains from the basin back
to the tank for reuse. A filter is sometimes interposed in the
solvent flowpath to collect organic waste products and particulates
washed from the parts.
[0005] While mineral spirits are an effective cleaning solvent,
there are many drawbacks to the employment of parts washers that
utilize mineral spirits. For example, some mineral spirit solvents
are presently classified by government regulatory agencies as
hazardous materials because of their low flash point and potential
health concerns. Because of this classification, mineral spirits
must be used, handled, and disposed of in compliance with extensive
governmental regulations. Further, mineral spirits that are not
properly contained can have a negative impact on the environment,
and it is not uncommon for workers to have dermatitis and
respiratory problems exacerbated by unprotected use of mineral
spirits. Additionally, many users of mineral spirits find it
necessary to dispose of used mineral spirits by having a waste
disposal company pick up the used mineral spirits so that the used
mineral spirits can be disposed of in compliance with the various
governmental guidelines and regulations; such disposal can be
expensive.
[0006] Filters are often incorporated into conventional parts
washers to remove the organic waste products and particulates from
the solvent. Thus, the filters eventually become saturated with the
organic waste products and particulates and therefore need to be
replaced. The filters are often difficult to access and replace.
Furthermore, the filters, once they have absorbed the organic waste
products, are often considered a hazardous material and are
therefore difficult to dispose of.
[0007] There is, therefore, a need in the industry for a system and
method which addresses these and other related, and unrelated,
problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Briefly described, the present invention comprises a parts
washing system characterized by a cooperative interaction among a
mechanical component, fluid component, and biological component.
The parts washer apparatus (herein also referred to as the "parts
washer") of the parts washing system includes, in the preferred
embodiment, a holding tank, cleaning fluid retained within the
tank, microorganisms living with the cleaning fluid, a wash basin,
a fluid delivery system and an in-line filter.
[0009] In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the wash basin is a multi-tiered basin including a sink
member defining a bottom panel and a false bottom disposed above
the bottom panel. The multi-tiered basin further includes a support
grid and filter interposed between the false bottom and the sink
member; and the false bottom, support grid, and filter are readily
removable from the sink member. The tank is partially filled with
the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly direct a flow of
the cleaning fluid to the basin. The cleaning fluid discharged into
the basin flows through a drain hole in the false bottom, through
the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole defined
through the bottom panel of the sink member and cleaning fluid is
then returned to the tank for reuse.
[0010] In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the cleaning fluid includes, at least, a surfactant that
functions to remove organic waste from the parts being washed. The
biological component includes microorganisms that digest the
organic waste. The cleaning fluid is not toxic to the
microorganisms such that the microorganisms survive and reproduce
within the cleaning fluid environment. The pump and conduit
assembly, in addition to aiding in the removal or organic waste,
functions to aerate the cleaning fluid to maintain a proper
environment for the sustainment of the microorganisms. A heater,
thermostat, and level control assembly function to maintain the
cleaning fluid within a certain temperature range so as to aid in
the removal of organic waste and maintain a proper environment for
the sustainment of the microorganisms. The microorganisms are
preferably introduced into the cleaning fluid as spores (i.e., in a
dormant state). The microorganisms in spore form are preferably
adhered to the filter prior to use, and released from the filter
when the cleaning fluid flows through the filter.
[0011] While the present invention is presented, for the most part,
in the context of a system the multi-tiered basin, in isolation,
and the combination of the fluid component and biological
component, in isolation, are each considered inventive.
[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a new method, and apparatus for washing parts.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
"environmentally friendly," parts washing system.
[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to-decrease
the production of hazardous waste materials.
[0015] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a parts washer that does not require frequent fluid
replacement.
[0016] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a parts washer that breaks down organic waste into its
non-contaminating components.
[0017] Still another object of the present invention is to sustain
a biological component within a parts washer.
[0018] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a parts washer with a multi-tiered sink structure.
[0019] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a parts washer with a readily accessible and replaceable
filter.
[0020] Still another object of the present invention is to greatly
reduce (or eliminate) the need for disposal of organic waste washed
from parts.
[0021] Still another object of the present invention is to wash
parts and recycle resultant organic waste in a closed, self
contained environment.
[0022] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a cleaning system that does not have a toxic effect on users.
[0023] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a parts washing system that does not employ a volatile and
flammable cleaning fluid; whereby, contrary to that which is
required for most, if not all, conventional parts washers, an
automatically closing lid is not required on the parts washer of
the present invention to isolate the cleaning fluid in the case of
a shop fire.
[0024] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent upon reading and understanding this
specification, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is an exterior perspective view of a parts washer in
accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] 5 FIG. 2 is a cut-away, perspective, exploded view of
isolated components of the parts washer of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a front, vertical cross-sectional, cut-away view
of the parts washer of FIG. 1, wherein certain portions of the
parts washer are not cross-sectioned or cut-away.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective, cut-away view of a filter pad
portion of the parts washer in accordance with the preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0029] Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, in which
like numerals represent like components throughout the several
views, FIG. 1 is an exterior, perspective view of a parts washer
apparatus (the "parts washer") 10, in accordance with the preferred
embodiment of the present invention. The parts washer 10 includes a
tank 12 and a basin 14. The basin 14 includes a sink member 16 that
defines a basin cavity 18. The sink member includes a sink ledge 20
around the periphery of the inlet to the basin cavity 18. A
back-splash 22 extends upward from a rear portion of the sink ledge
20, and a flexible faucet 24 penetrates the rear portion of the
sink ledge 20 and terminates in the form of a nozzle 26. An
optional work light (not shown) extends upward from the basin and
illuminates the basin cavity 18. The tank 12 preferably includes a
level indicator 28 and a control panel 30. The level indicator 28
is depicted as comprising a temperature sensitive, liquid crystal
display. The control panel 30 includes an off/on switch 32, a power
indicator light 34, a low fluid warning light 36, and a timer
switch 38.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a cut-away, perspective, exploded view of certain
components (mentioned below) of the parts washer 10, in accordance
with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. A lower
portion of the tank 12 is cut-away, and the faucet 24 and
components associated with the lower portion of the tank 12 are not
shown in FIG. 2. The tank 12 includes tank walls 42 that define a
tank cavity 44 therebetween. The tank 12 further includes a tank
lip 46 that extends around the periphery of the inlet to the tank
cavity 44. The sink member 16 includes sink walls 48 extending
downward from the sink ledge 20 to a bottom panel 50 that defines a
drain hole 52 therethrough. The sink walls 48 and bottom panel 50
define the basin cavity 18. The sink walls 48 further define an
upper ledge 54 and a lower ledge 56. Each of the ledges 54,56
encircle the basin cavity 18 and include four segments that
together define a rectangular shape. Each edge of a planar,
rectangular support grid 58 rest upon a segment of the lower ledge
56 such that the support grid 58 partitions the basin cavity. A
rectangular filter pad 60 rests upon and covers the support grid
58. Each edge of a generally planar, rectangular false bottom
member 62 rests upon a segment of the upper ledge 54 such that the
false bottom member 62 also partitions the basin cavity 18 and is
disposed above the support grid 58. The false bottom member 62 is
preferably unitary, defines a drain hole 64 therethrough and
includes an upwardly protruding lip 66 around the periphery
thereof. A strainer (not shown) is defined within the drain hole
64. A pair of supplemental drain holes 70 are defined through the
rear sink wall 48 just above the filter pad 60.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a front, vertical cross-sectional, cut-away view
of the parts washer 10, wherein certain portions of the parts
washer are, for explanatory purposes, not cross-sectioned or
cut-away. FIG. 3 represents each of the mechanical component (i.e.,
the hardware, or "parts washer" 10, as herein described), the fluid
component (represented by a cleaning fluid 72), and the biological
component (not seen) living within the cleaning fluid 72. As
depicted in FIG. 3, the periphery of the false bottom member 62
preferably snugly contacts the sink walls 48. The tank cavity 44 is
preferably partially filled with a cleaning fluid 72. A submersible
pump 73 is disposed within the tank cavity 44. When the pump 73 is
operating, it draws the cleaning fluid 72 from the bottom region of
the tank cavity 44 and discharges the cleaning fluid 72 into a
conduit 74. The conduit 74 is connected to and discharges into a
base (not shown) of the faucet 24, whereby the fluid discharges
from the nozzle 26. The parts washer 10 is preferably further
equipped with optional cleaning accessories (not shown) such as a
fountain brush (not shown) that is in fluid communication with the
conduit 74. A heater 76, that is controlled by a thermostat 75,
selectively heats the cleaning fluid 72, and the heater 76 is
acceptably in the form of an electric heating element that extends
from the control panel 30 into the depths of the tank cavity 44. A
level probe monitors the depth of the cleaning fluid 72, and the
level probe is acceptably in the form of a float actuated electric
switch 78 that includes a magnet equipped float 80. A lip 82
extends around the periphery of the sink ledge 20 forward of the
back-splash 22. The lip 82 and back-splash 22 seek to keep cleaning
fluid 72 from dripping over the edges of the sink ledge 20. In
accordance with the presently preferred construction of the present
invention, much of the parts washer 10 is acceptably constructed
from high density polyethylene. In addition, the sink walls 48,
bottom panel 50, upper ledge 54, lower ledge 56, sink ledge 20, and
backsplash 22, are, in accordance with the presently preferred
construction, formed as a single, molded, unitary piece.
[0032] The biological component is preferably in the form of
microorganisms that biodegrade organic compounds such as, for
example and not limitation, hydrocarbons, oils, greases, petroleum
by-products, creolates, polychlorinated biphenols, and other carbon
based compositions. For example, the microorganisms convert
hydrocarbon compounds into elements of water, carbon dioxide, and
other digestion products. The microorganisms employed preferably
not only have the capability of biodegrading organic waste, but
further are resistant to environmental shock and have metabolic
versatility. Additionally, the microorganisms are preferably
nonpathogenic. Acceptable microorganisms, for example and not
limitation, are those from the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and
Flavobacterium. Suitable species are well known and reported in the
art. The microorganisms preferably range in size from approximately
three to five microns, whereby they readily pass through the filter
pad 60. The microorganisms are preferably employed in combination
with nitrifying or denitrifying bacteria, phosphate solubilizing
strains of microorganisms, bio-emulsifier producing strains of
microorganisms, and strains of microorganisms which produce growth
factors such as, for example and not limitation, B-vitamins.
[0033] The microorganisms are preferably subjected to a
preservation technique in an effort to ensure their viability in
the field, their viability while remaining in spore form for
extended periods, and their resistance to environmental shock. For
example, nutrient and buffer components such as, for example and
not limitation, agar, and water soluble adhesives such as, for
example and not limitation, gum, are preferably mixed with the
microorganisms to promote stability of the microorganisms prior to
mixing the microorganisms with a carrier. The carrier is, for
example and not limitation, acceptably an inert and nutrient
organic material such as, but not limited to, heat treated,
expanded, cellulose material. The carrier preferably preserves and
protects the microorganisms in spore form during storage and
transportation. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the
present invention, an acceptable example of the microorganisms is
available from the Louisiana Remediation Company, located in
Motaire, La., as part number LRC-1.
[0034] In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the filter pad 60 functions as a vehicle for bringing
the microorganisms in spore form into contact with the cleaning
fluid 72. The filter pad 60 is acceptably constructed, for example
and not limitation, from cotton, cellulose, polyolefin fibers,
polyester fibers, fiberglass, or the like. Additionally, the filter
pad 60 is acceptably constructed from combinations of such
components. Further, the filter pad 60 is acceptably a ten micron
filter or larger. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of
the present invention, microorganisms in spore form are attached to
the filter pad 60 with an adhering agent 84 (FIG. 4) that is water
soluble and releases the microorganisms when the cleaning fluid 72
is introduced to the filter pad 60, as discussed below. Referring
to FIG. 4, which is a perspective, cut-away view of the filter pad
60 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the filter pad 60 includes a layer 86 of inert material
that is disposed below a layer 88 of micron-rated media. The inert
material is acceptably fiberglass. The micron-rated media is
preferably a material that does not have an affinity for
hydrocarbons such as, for example and not limitation, polyester.
The microorganisms in spore form, the components mixed therewith as
discussed above, and the adhering agent 84 are preferably
sandwiched between the layers 86,88 of the filter pad 60. A portion
of the layer 88 is cut-away for explanatory purposes in FIG. 4 such
that the adhering agent 84 is seen. In accordance with the
preferred embodiment of the present invention, an acceptable
adhering agent 84 is "Super 77 Spray Adhesive", which is available
from the 3M Corporation of St. Paul, Minn. Once the microorganisms
in spore form are attached to the filter pad 60, the filter pad 60
is acceptably stored until its usage within the parts washer 10 is
desired. In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present
invention, the microorganisms are added directly to the cleaning
fluid 72 without being initially attached to the filter pad 60.
Thus, the filter pad 60 functions, in accordance with the preferred
embodiment, as both a mechanical filter (i.e., straining
particulate matter from the fluid 72) and as an initial transport
medium for the microorganisms, and in an alternate embodiment, the
filter pad 60 functions solely as a mechanical filter.
[0035] In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the cleaning fluid 72 is compatible with (i.e. is non
toxic to) the microorganisms such that the microorganisms are
capable of living within the cleaning fluid 72. Additionally, the
cleaning fluid 72 tends to remove organic waste from parts washed
in the basin 14, as will be discussed in greater detail below. An
acceptable cleaning fluid 72, for example and not limitation, is a
mixture of pH neutral emulsifiers and surfactants containing no
volatile organic compounds, phosphates, formaldehyde, biocides, or
other toxic materials. The emulsifier and surfactants are blended
in liquid form to produce a biodegradable, non-toxic, non-caustic,
non-flammable oil dispersant cleaner and degreaser. Further, and
for example and not limitation, the exemplary acceptable cleaning
fluid 72 contains no known carcinogens, no OSHA (Occupational
Health and Safety Act) or DOT (United States Department of
Transportation) regulated chemicals, no ingredients requiring SARA
(Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act) Title III reporting,
no RCRA (Solid Waste Disposal Act as amended by the Resources and
Conservation Recovery Act of 1976 was amended), hazardous waste
chemicals, and no items on the CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act) hazardous substance list
(based upon the relevant regulations at the time this application
was filed). Additionally, and for example and not limitation, the
exemplary cleaning fluid 72 is a freely flowing liquid with a
specific gravity of 1.083, a slight pleasant odor, no flash point,
a boiling point of 210.degree. Fahrenheit, a pH of approximately
seven, and which is infinitely soluble in water. In accordance with
the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an acceptable
example of the cleaning fluid 72 is available from Warren Chemical
Corporation of Robert, La., as part number SeaWash 7.
[0036] Referring further to FIG. 3, in operation, the pump 73,
conduit 74, and faucet 24 circulate cleaning fluid 72 from the
depths of the tank cavity 44 to the basin cavity 18 where parts
cleaning takes place. The false bottom member 62 is preferably
sufficiently sturdy and well supported such that a variety of parts
are capable of being placed thereon for cleaning. In accordance
with one method of the present invention, cleaning fluid 72 flows
out of the nozzle 26 and the part being washed is oriented within
the stream of cleaning fluid 72 exiting the nozzle 26. The cleaning
fluid 72 removes organic waste from the part being washed, and then
the cleaning fluid 72, along with the organic waste and any small
particulate washed from the part, flows by gravity through the
drain hole 64 and the strainer (not shown) associated therewith.
The strainer will, of course, keep certain objects from passing
through the drain hole 64. The cleaning fluid 72, organic waste,
and remaining particulate matter then encounter the filter pad 60.
Subsequently, the fluid 72 and organic contaminants pass through
the support grid 58, and drain hole 52 to deposit into the tank
cavity 44. Should flow through the filter pad 60 become obstructed,
flow will divert through the pair of supplemental drain holes 70
defined through the rear sink wall 48 just above the filter pad 60.
The filter pad 60 preferably functions to trap the particulate
matter and allow the organic contaminants and cleaning fluid 72 to
pass therethrough. Because the filter pad 60 does not collect the
organic contaminant, it is capable of being disposed of as a solid
waste.
[0037] If the filter pad 60 is new or relatively new such that all
of the microorganisms in spore form have not been previously
released therefrom, the cleaning fluid 72 releases dormant
microorganisms attached to the filter pad 60, and the released
microorganisms flow with the cleaning fluid 72 and organic.
contaminants through the drain hole 52 into the tank cavity 44.
Within the tank cavity 44, a large percentage of the microorganisms
and organic contaminants will tend to accumulate proximate to the
surface of the cleaning fluid 72 such that a large portion of the
biodegradation takes place proximate to the surface of the cleaning
fluid 72. In theory, this forms a sort of vapor barrier that tends
to minimize the evaporation of the cleaning fluid 72. If living
microorganisms are not present in the parts washer 10, increasing
amounts of organic waste will accumulate toward the surface of the
cleaning fluid 72 in the tank cavity 44, and this condition is
indicative of the need to replenish the microorganisms. In theory,
however, if the parts washer 10 is used for normal parts cleaning,
new microorganisms should never need to be added to the cleaning
fluid 72 of the parts washer 10. Nonetheless, by virtue of the fact
that the filter pad 60 is the vehicle for adding the microorganisms
to the cleaning fluid 72, as discussed above, microorganisms are
added to the cleaning fluid 72 each time a new filter pad 60 is
added to the parts washer 10, as discussed in greater detail below.
By virtue of the microorganisms digesting the organic waste within
the tank 12, the cleaning fluid 72 is "recycled" within the parts
washer 10, whereby the cleaning fluid 72 has the potential to last
for extended periods of time. It is likely, however, that some
cleaning fluid 72 replenishment will be required, however, to make
up for evaporative and "drag-out" losses incurred as parts are
removed from the basin cavity 18 in wet condition. Furthermore, by
virtue of the cooperative effect of the filter pad 60 (removing
particulate matter) and the microorganisms (digesting organic
waste), the tank is, potentially, seldom in need of "dredging" to
remove waste. The pump 73 is preferably proximate to the bottom of
the tank 12 such that any sludge that might tend to accumulate at
the bottom of the tank cavity 44 is circulated through the filter
pad 60.
[0038] Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 3 when the off/on switch 32 is
in the "on" position, electricity is supplied lo circuitry (not
shown) which is housed within the control panel 30 by way of a
conventional power cord (not shown), and the indicator light 34 is
illuminated. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the
present invention, once the off/on switch 32 is in the "on"
position, the circuitry, in combination with the thermostat 75,
will activate and deactivate the heater 76. While the thermostat 75
senses that the temperature of the cleaning fluid 72 within the
tank cavity 44 is below a desired temperature, the heater 76 is on,
and while the thermostat 75 senses that the temperature of the
cleaning fluid 72 is at or above the desired temperature, the
heater 76 is off. The cleaning fluid 72 is preferably maintained in
a temperature-range which supports the lives of the particular
microorganisms employed within the parts washer 10. In accordance
with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
temperature is acceptably maintained in the range of approximately
110.degree. to 115.degree. degrees Fahrenheit. The float actuated
electric switch 78 also controls the operation of heater 76. When
the magnet equipped float 80 drops downward due to a low level of
cleaning fluid 72, the switch 78 is actuated which in combination
with the circuitry, disables the heater 76 and causes the low level
warning light 36 to illuminate. Operation of the pump 73 is
controlled by the timer switch 38. A user can manually actuate the
timer switch 38 which, in combination with the circuitry, causes
the pump 73 to operate and automatically cut off after a certain
period of time. In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the
present invention, an additional switch (not shown) is provided
that overrides the timer switch 38 such that the pump 73 will
remain running as long as the additional switch is "on".
[0039] Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3, the parts washer 10 is
designed to provide easy access to the filter pad 60. Access is
obtained by simply lifting the false bottom member 62 out of the
basin cavity 18. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the
present invention there is no restrictive engagement between any of
the components that are depicted as exploded away from each other
in FIG. 2, whereby the components of the parts washer 10 are
readily accessible.
[0040] While certain of the preferred and alternate embodiments of
the present invention have been disclosed herein, other embodiments
of the apparatus and methods of the present invention will suggest
themselves to persons skilled in the art in view of this
disclosure. Therefore, it will be understood that variations and
modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the
invention and that the scope of the present invention should only
be limited by the claims below. Additionally, while it is intended
that the scope of the present invention also include various
alternate embodiments, it should be understood that each of the
embodiments disclosed herein, including the preferred embodiment,
includes features and characteristics which are considered
independently inventive. Accordingly, the disclosure of variations
and alterations expressed in alternate embodiments is intended only
to reflect on the breadth of the scope of the present invention
without suggesting that any of the specifics features and
characteristics of the preferred embodiment are in any way obvious
or unimportant.
* * * * *