EXHIBIT 10.17
United States Patent
IMMERSION WASHER
United States Patent Patent Number: 5,518,013
Mansur Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
IMMERSION WASHER APPARATUS
Inventor: Pierre G. Mansur, Miami, Fla.
Assignee: Mansur Industries Inc., Miami, Fla.
Appl. No.: 364,800
Filed: Dec. 27, 1994
Int. Cl.6...........08B 3/04; BOBB 13/00
US. Cl. ...........134136 R, 134/104. 1.
134/1 08; 134/1 1 1; 134/135; 134/147. 1341164
Fleld of Search ..........134/56 R, 104.1,
134/107, 109, 109, 111, 135,141, 147,
164,165
References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
2,724,392 11/955 Cooper..................... 134/165 X
5,186,193 2/1993 Gullberg etal ............. 134/135 X
5,277,208 1/1994 Mansur..................... 134/111 X
PRIMARY Examiner-Philip R. Coe
ATTORNEY, AGENT, OR FIRM-Robert M. Downey
ABSTRACT
An apparatus for soaking and cleaning articles in a cleaning solution includes
a primary cleaning chamber for containing a predetermined volume of the cleaning
solution therein and a filter assembly including a filtration sheet pulled from
a supply across a drainage trough for removing contaminants from the cleaning
solution. A sensor activates movement and replacement of saturated sections of
the filtration sheet upon detecting a rise of fluid level in the drainage
trough. A fan forced electronic beater supplies heat to an oxidation chamber for
thermal oxidation of refuse placed therein, the resulting flue gasses being
directed through a heat transfer duct, wherein heat is transferred to the
solution contained in the cleaning chamber, the flue gasses exiting through a
flue stack. An article support assembly includes a platform for supporting the
articles to be cleaned thereon, the platform being movable between a raised
position and a lowered position within the cleaning chamber to facilitate
immersion of the articles in the cleaning solution. The platform and articles
thereon can be agitated to cause movement relative to the cleaning solution and
thereby promoting more thorough cleaning.
12 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
[DIAGRAM]
U.S. PATENT MAY 21, 1996 SHEET 1 OF 3 5,518,013
[FIGURE 1 DIAGRAM]
U.S. PATENT MAY 21, 1996 SHEET 2 of 3 5,518,013
[FIGURE 2 DIAGRAM]
U.S. PATENT MAY 21, 1996 SHEET 3 of 3 5,518,013
[FIGURE 3 & 4 DIAGRAM]
5,518,013
1
IMMERSION WASHER APPARATUS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an apparatus for soaking and cleaning articles
with a cleaning solution, and more particularly, to an immersion washer
apparatus having means for removing and disposing of contaminants and refuse
during a recycling and solution recovery process.
2. Description of the Related Art During maintenance, repair and rebuilding
operations in virtually all industrial and commercial environments, it is
necessary to wash a wide variety of parts and articles in order to remove
grease, oil, dirt and other contaminants. To remove contaminants, various
solvents and aqueous cleaning solutions are used in a variety of cleaning
machines and assemblies. Some parts and articles are cleaned in spray washer
machines of the type set forth in my previous U.S. Pat. No. 5.277,208. Still
other parts, particularly smaller parts, are washed using a solvent in a sink
type apparatus, of the type set forth in my previous U.S. Pat No. 5,349.974.
There are however many parts, articles and devices which need to be immersed and
soaked in a cleaning solution, particularly those having blind holes and
crevices which are difficult to clean. Examples of these types of articles
include radiators, engine blocks and transmissions. Presently, these types of
articles, comprising blind holes and crevices, are in a tank containing cleaning
solution for a period of time. The articles are then removed from the tank and
brushed rinsed to remove loose contaminants such as grease, oil, rust and dirt.
In a short period of time, after soaking several articles, it can be appreciated
that the cleaning solution becomes saturated with contaminants. Eventually, the
entire charge of cleaning solution in the tank needs to be disposed of and
replaced with clean solution. In a busy facility, this may need to be done one
or more times a week. When changing the cleaning solution, the contaminated
solution must be taken way and disposed of in a manner complying with EPA
contaminant disposal guidelines. This procedure is inefficient, costly and time
consuming, leaving a busy manufacturing or repair facility with no other
alternative than to perform parts cleaning operations using dirty, contaminated
cleaning solution for extended periods of time.
Accordingly, there is a definite need in all industries requiring parts
cleaning during maintenance, manufacturing, repair and rebuilding operations,
for an immersion washer apparatus having means for recycling the cleaning
solution by regularly removing the contaminants from the solution and disposing
of contaminants and refuse on site during normal operation of the apparatus in a
manner complying with EPA disposal guidelines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an immersion washer apparatus for
washing articles such as radiators, engine blocks, transmissions and virtually
any articles, particularly those having blind holes and crevices.
More particularly, the present invention includes a primary cleaning
chamber for containing a predetermined charge of aqueous cleaning solution
therein. During normal operations, a pump draws the cleaning solution from a
bottom sweep in the cleaning chamber and delivers the solution to a drainage
trough having a filtration
2
sheet pulled there across. The cleaning solution is deposited on the filtration
sheet and, upon passing there through, contaminants are removed from the
solution. A sensor activates movement and replacement of saturated sections of
the filtration sheet upon detecting a raise of fluid level in the drainage
trough due to an inability of the solution to easily pass through the saturated
filtration sheet.
An electronic or gas heater supplies heat to an oxidation chamber for
thermal oxidation of refuse placed therein, including the used saturated
filtration sheet sections. The hot flue gases resulting from the thermal
oxidation process are directed through a heat transfer duct which at least
partially surrounds the primary cleaning chamber. Heat is transferred to the
solution in the cleaning chamber as the hot flue gasses pass through the heat
transfer duct and exit through a flue stack.
An article support assembly includes a platform for supporting the articles
to be cleaned thereon, the platform being movable between a raised position and
a lowered position within the cleaning chamber to facilitate immersion of the
articles in the cleaning solution. The platform and articles thereon can be
agitated to cause movements of the articles relative to the solution and thereby
promoting more thorough cleaning of the articles.
Many aqueous cleaning solutions employ the use of coagulants or flocculants
to gather and clump contaminants such as oils and grease into clusters which are
then more easily separable from the cleaning solution. Some coagulants and
flocculants act near the surface of the aqueous solution for lighter
contaminants, while others act near the bottom to clump together heavier
contaminants. Because coagulant and flocculent agents are generally somewhat
delicate by nature, they cannot be passed through pumps, such as centrifugal
pumps, because the violent turbulence will cause breakup of the charges in the
agents. To address this concern, the present invention employs the use or a
vacuum chamber which is specifically designed to draw both surface coagulants
and flocculants as well as bottom coagulants and flocculants from the primary
cleaning chamber without disturbing the charges in the various agents. From the
vacuum chamber, the coagulant and/or flocculant agents are lead through a
transfer conduit and deposited onto the filtration sheet in the drainage trough.
During normal operations, the cleaning solution is drawn through a sweep
arm which rotates about a 360 degree movement on the extreme bottom of the
cleaning chamber. In order to move contaminants which have settled on the bottom
into the sweep zone of the sweep arm for pickup, the present invention further
employs the use of a bottom wash system which includes a three-way valve for
redirecting the discharge from the pump. Rather than the discharge being
directed to the drainage trough for filtering, the three-way valve facilitates
directing of the discharge of solution from the pump to bottom flush jets which
wash the bottom and push bottom contaminants into the sweep zone of the bottom
sweep, and thus, together with the sweep arm, achieving complete cleansing and
removal of contaminants from the bottom of the cleaning chamber.
Accordingly, with the foregoing in mind it is a primary object of the
present invention to provide an immersion washer apparatus for use in cleaning
various articles during maintenance, repair and rebuilding operations, and
particularly articles having blind holes and crevices, wherein the apparatus
includes means for recovering and recycling of aqueous cleaning solution used
therein, removing contaminants therefrom and providing on-site disposal means
for disposing of the contaminants and refuse.
5,518,013
3
It is another object of the present invention to provide an immersion
washer apparatus, as described above, which provides a practical and economical
means of complying with Environment Protection Agency contaminate disposal
guidelines.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an immersion
washer apparatus providing for regularly and constantly removing contaminants
from the cleaning solution during operation thereof, and further providing
self-contained means for disposal of contaminants and refuse in a manner which
complies which EPA disposal guidelines.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an
immersion washer apparatus which eliminates the need to regularly dispose of
large volumes of contaminated cleaning solution.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an immersion
washer which is relatively inexpensive and requires minimal maintenance.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an
immersion washer apparatus which complies with all government imposed safety
requirements.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an
immersion washer apparatus which employs several means of removing and disposing
of contaminants during normal operation thereof.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be
more readily apparent in the description which follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention,
reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a front, top perspective view of the immersion washer apparatus
of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a front elevation, in partial section, of the immersion washer
apparatus;
FIG. 3 is an isolated view, shown in perspective of an article support
assembly of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a partially exploded and isolated view, shown in perspective, of
a pump and bottom wash system of the present invention; and
FIG. 5 is an isolated view, shown in perspective, of an oxidation chamber
and cleaning solution purification assembly of the washer apparatus of the
invention. Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several
views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the several views of the drawings and initially FIGS. 1 and
2, there is generally illustrated the immersion washer apparatus 10 of the
present invention. The apparatus 10 includes a primary cleaning chamber 12
surrounded by front, rear and opposite side walls and a bottom floor 13. The
primary cleaning chamber 12 may further include a lid 14 for covering an open
top thereof. The cleaning chamber 12 is specifically sized and configured to
contain a predetermined quantity of cleaning solution, preferably an aqueous
cleaning solution, for immersing articles to be cleaned therein.
4
A filter means 20 is provided for removing contaminants from the cleaning
solution and includes a filtration sheet 22 which is pulled from a supply source
24, such as a roll. The filtration sheet extends from the supply source 24
across a drainage trough 23, wherein cleaning solution deposited on the
filtration sheet is caused to be transferred through the filtration sheet 22 and
removing contaminants in the process. A fluid level sensor 26 in the drainage
trough 23 senses when the cleaning solution in the trough 23 reaches a
predetermined level due to saturation of the filtration sheet 22 with
contaminants, and thus impeding passage of the cleaning solution through the
filtration sheet. Upon sensing the cleaning solution reaching a predetermined
level, the fluid level sensor 26 activates a roller motor 28 causing rollers 29
to be rotated and thus pulling the filtration sheet 22 from the supply 24 so
that the saturated portion of the filtration sheet is removed from the trough 23
and a clean section of filtration sheet is positioned in the trough 23.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, there is illustrated pump means 30 for
transferring the cleaning solution from the primary cleaning chamber to the
drainage trough 23 for discharge on the filtration sheet 22. Once having passed
through the filtration sheet 22, the cleaning solution returns to the primary
cleaning chamber 12. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the pump means
30 includes pump motor 31 and centrifugal pump 32. An intake line 34 extends
from a lower channel 35, below the cleaning chamber bottom floor 13, in fluid
flow communication therewith. An opposite end of the input line 34 leads to the
intake of centrifugal pump 32. An output line 36 extends from an output of
centrifugal pump 32 to a three-way valve 38. The three-way valve 38 is
specifically structured to control direction of fluid flow from the output line
36 to either a filter delivery line 40 leading to the drainage trough 23 or,
alternatively, to a bottom wash return line 42 leading to a bottom wash jet
assembly 44 on the bottom floor 13 or the primary wash chamber 12. The bottom
wash jet assembly 44 includes opposite jet wash channels 46, 46' positioned and
disposed on opposite sides of the wash chamber floor 13 as been seen in FIG. 2.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the opposite jet wash channels 46, 46' arc
interconnected in fluid communication with one another and the return line 42 by
a channel 48. The opposite jet wash channels 46, 46'include openings 47 along an
inboard lower edge 49, forming an opening between the lower inboard edge 49 and
the bottom floor 13 for discharge of the cleaning solution across the bottom
floor 13 of the wash chamber 12. Accordingly, operation of the one-way valve 38
by movement of level 39 serves to selectively direct flow of the cleaning
solution from the pump 32 to either the filter means 20 or to the bottom jet
assembly 44. This serves to wash the bottom floor 13 of accumulated sediment,
forcing the bottom sediment (contaminants) into a central sweep zone defined by
a circumferential area through which a bottom sweep arm 50 rotates. The bottom
sweep arm 50 is disposed in fluid flow communication with the lower channel 35
and, preferably includes opposite arm portions 51, 51. Each of the arm portions
51, 51' includes fluid intake means (such as apertures) on a lower portion
thereof of intake of the cleaning solution and bottom sediment there through for
subsequent transfer through the bottom channel 35, and to intake line 34, when
the pump means 30 is activated, as illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 2. With
reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is generally illustrated article support means
60 for supporting articles to be cleaned in the primary cleaning chamber 12. The
article support means 60 includes a platform 62 having a back plate
5,518,013
5
63 and support base 64 preferably comprised of a metal grate. The support
base 64 is specifically positioned disposed to support the articles to be
cleaned thereon, the platform 62 being sized and configured to be lowered down
into an interior of the primary cleaning chamber 12, so that the articles can by
completely immersed in the cleaning solution. To facilitate raising and lowering
of the platform 62, a lead screw 66 extends vertically from a motor 67 above the
cleaning chamber 12 and terminating at or near the bottom floor 13. A ball screw
or like coupling 65 is movably engaged on the lead screw 66, such that upon
selective rotation of the lead screw 66, clockwise or counterclockwise, by motor
67, the ball screw coupling 65 is be moved up and down along the length of the
lead screw 66. The ball screw coupling 65 is attached to a back of the 63 of the
platform 62 so that upon rotation of lead screw 66 platform 62 is caused to be
selectively raised or lowered within the cleaning chamber 12. Guide rollers 68
the back plate 63 ride within a guide channel 69 to stabilize vertical movement
of the platform 62 during raising and lowering.
The platform 62, and articles supported thereon, can be agitated by various
means in order to cause movement of the cleaning solution relative to surfaces
and crevices of the articles, thereby promoting washing by loosening and/or
removing contaminants therefrom. In a preferred embodiment, the platform 62 is
agitated by quick start and stopping of the motor 67, causing the platform to be
raised and then lowered a short distance near a lower portion of the cleaning
chamber 12.
Heating means 80 are provided for supplying heat to a thermal oxidation
chamber 84 at temperatures preferably in excess of 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. In
a preferred embodiment, the heating means 80 includes a fan forced electronic
heater 82 interconnected to an open port 83 leading to the thermal oxidation
chamber 84, whereupon heat is forced fed therein, as indicated by the arrows in
FIG.5. Other heat generating means, such as a gas heater, could be used. The
thermal oxidation chamber 84 is specifically sized and configured to receive
refuse, including contaminated filtration sheets from the filter means 20
therein. A tray for holding the filtration sheets and other refuse can be used
in order to promote thermal oxidation by heat convection, whereupon the refuse
disintegrates slowly at high temperatures emitting close to zero harmful
emissions. A cleaning solution burn-off assembly 86 includes a valve 87
controlled by solenoid 88. A fluid transfer line 89 extends from the cleaning
chamber 12 to the valve 87, which is normally closed when the burner 82 is not
operating. Upon operation of the burner 82 for a predetermined period of time, a
heat sensor 90 attached to the burner 82 senses that the heater 82 is operating
and triggers the solenoid 88 which opens the valve 87. When the valve 87 is
open, cleaning solution containing contaminants, is released through the
delivery line 91 leading to the interior of the thermal oxidation chamber 84. An
orifice 92 can be provided in the delivery line 91 to achieve a controlled
release of cleaning solution into the thermal oxidation chamber 84. As the
cleaning solution is deposited in the thermal oxidation chamber 84, the high
temperatures cause the liquid to immediately vaporize, whereupon metal deposits
and other contaminant solids are deposited in a tray 93 in the thermal oxidation
chamber 84. Thus, an additional means of removing contaminants from the cleaning
solution and disposing of the contaminants in a environmentally sound manner is
provided. Between the filter means 20 and the cleaning solution burnoff assembly
86, a substantial amount of contaminants are regularly removed and disposed of
during normal operation. Water, cleaning detergents and various coagulant agents
would be added as needed to maintain predetermined control standards and fluid
level in the cleaning chamber 12.
Referring to FIG.2, there is shown a heat transfer duct 96 which
interconnects with the thermal oxidation chamber 84 to receive hot flue gases
generated therein during thermal oxidation or from just the continuous operation
of heater 82. The heat transfer duct 96 passes through the cleaning chamber 12
interior, along a side and the back thereof, and interconnecting with a flue gas
exhaust stack 98 through which flue gases are exhausted to atmosphere. Heat from
the hot flue gases passing through the duct 96 is transferred to the cleaning
solution surrounding the portion of the duct 96 within the cleaning chamber 12.
In order to remove coagulants and flocculants from the cleaning solution in
the cleaning chamber 12, while preventing breakup of the charges in the
coagulant/flocculant agents, a vacuum chamber 100 is provided to draw both
surface coagulants/flocculants as well a bottom coagulants/ flocculants from the
cleaning chamber 12 in a non-turbulent manner. To achieve negative pressure in
the vacuum chamber 100, a vacuum pump 102 is used, interconnecting to the
chamber 100 and structured to draw air therefor. A bottom suction conduit 104
includes an upper end located within the interior of the vacuum chamber 100 and
an opposite lower end disposed in fluid communication within the channel 35
below the cleaning chamber 12. A second upper level suction conduit 106 includes
an upper end within the interior of the vacuum chamber and a lower end within
the upper interior portion of the cleaning chamber 12. A filter 107 may be
provided on the lower end of the conduit 106 to prevent intake of large
particles. A delivery conduit 108 has first end disposed at a lower portion of
the vacuum chamber 100 interior and an opposite end leading to the drainage
trough 23. The upper ends of each of the respective conduits 104, 106, 108
(within the vacuum chamber 100) are normally closed by individual valve members
110 disposed in blocking engagement on the open top ends of the conduit 104,
106, and 108. The valve members 110 are each independently interconnected with
respective linkages 112 leading to corresponding actuators 114 on a top of the
vacuum chamber 100. The actuators 114 are each structured to move the respective
linkage 112, on demand, to raise and lower the respective valve member 110 into
and out of flocking engagement on the open end of the conduits 104, 106, and
108. In this manner, with a negative pressure in the vacuum chamber 100 creating
a suction, release of the valve members 110 on the bottom and upper level
suction conduits 104, 106 will serve to selectively draw cleaning solution and
coagulants/flocculants from either the bottom or surface of the cleaning
solution in the cleaning chamber 12. Upon returning to atmospheric pressure in
the vacuum chamber 100, the collected cleaning solution and
coagulants/flocculants therein can be released through the delivery conduit 108
by raising the respective valve member 110 on the open end thereof. The
collected cleaning solution and coagulants are thereafter lead through the
delivery conduit 108 and deposited on the filtration sheet 22.
Control means 120 provided on a control console 122 for facilitating
selective control of the movement of the platform between the raised and lowered
positions, as well as agitation of the platform. Further, the control means 120
facilitates control of the vacuum chamber 100, including selective control of
each of the actuators 114 and the vacuum pump 102. Finally, the control means
120 enables actuation of the pump means 30 and heater 82 during normal start-up
operation.
While the invention has been shown and described in what is considered to
be a practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be
made within the spirit and scope of the following claims which, therefore,
should not be limited except within the Doctrine of Equivalents.
Now that the invention has been described,
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for soaking and cleaning articles in a cleaning solution
comprising:
a primary cleaning chamber sized and configured to contain a predetermined
charge of the cleaning solution for immersing the articles therein,
filter means for removing contaminants from the cleaning solution and
including a filtration sheet pulled from a roll on a roller assembly
across a drainage trough,
fluid level sensor means in said drainage trough for actuating movement of
said filtration sheet to provide a clean section of said filtration sheet
in said trough upon the cleaning solution reaching a predetermined level
in said trough due to saturation of said filtration sheet with
contaminants,
roller means triggered by said fluid level sensor for pulling said
filtration sheet from said roll to provide said clean section of said
filtration sheet,
heating means for heating said cleaning solution and including a fan forced
electronic burner structured and disposed to generate hot flue gasses,
said heating means further including a heat transfer duct in fluid air-
flow communication with said fan forced electronic burner and an exhaust
flue stack and structured for passage of the hot flue gasses
therethrough, said heat transferred duct being exposed to said cleaning
solution in said primary cleaning chamber for transferring heat from the
hot flue gasses passing therethrough to said cleaning solution,
a thermal oxidation chamber communicating with said fan forced electronic
burner and said heat transferred duct and being structured and disposed
to receive refuse and contaminants therein for disposal by thermal
oxidation,
pump means for transferring the cleaning solution from the primary cleaning
chamber to said drainage trough for passage through said filtration sheet
and including a sweep arm on a bottom of said primary cleaning chamber
and a pump in fluid flow communication with said sweep arm, said pump
being structured and disposed to draw the cleaning solution and
contaminants settled on the cleaning chamber bottom through said sweep
arm for delivery to said filter means,
article support means including a platform for supporting the articles to
be cleaned thereon, and means for lowering and raising said platform and
the articles supported thereon into and out of the primary cleaning
chamber for selectively immersing and removing the articles from within
the cleaning solution,
vacuum means for drawing the cleaning solution from said primary cleaning
chamber and including a vacuum chamber having means for creating a vacuum
therein and further including a bottom suction conduit for selectively
drawing the cleaning solution from the bottom of the cleaning chamber
into the vacuum chamber and an upper level suction conduit for
selectively drawing the cleaning solution from an upper portion of the
primary cleaning chamber into the vacuum chamber, the cleaning solution
being drawn through the conduits by a suction force created by the vacuum
in said vacuum chamber, and a delivery conduit for selectively delivering
the cleaning solution to said filter means.
agitation means for agitating said platform and the articles supported
thereon when immersed in the cleaning solution, creating movement of the
cleaning solution relative to surfaces of the articles, resulting in
loosening and removal of at least some contaminants therefrom and thereby
promoting cleaning of the articles, and
control means for selectively controlling movement of said platform and
said agitation means and further for controlling said vacuum creating
means, said pump means and the selective drawing and transfer of the
cleaning solution through said bottom suction conduit, said upper level
suction conduit or said delivery conduit.
2. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further including a bottom wash
system for moving contaminants on the bottom of said cleaning chamber into a
sweep zone, defined by a circumferential area through which aid sweep arm
rotates, so that the contaminants are drawn through said sweep arm for delivery
to said filter means, said bottom wash system including jet means near the
bottom of said cleaning chamber and structured to direct a flow of the cleaning
solution therefrom towards said sweep zone.
3. An apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said bottom wash system
further includes a 3-way valve structured and disposed to selectively direct a
discharge of the cleaning solution therefrom to either said filter means or said
jet means.
4. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further including a cleaning
solution burn-off system for removing contaminants from said cleaning solution
and including a fluid transfer line extending from said cleaning chamber to a
valve and further including a delivery line extending from said valve and
further including a delivery line extending from said valve to said thermal
oxidation chamber, whereupon opening of said valve results in delivery of the
cleaning solution, at a predetermined flow rate, to said thermal oxidation
chamber for vaporization and separating of contaminants therefrom.
5. An apparatus for soaking cleaning articles in a cleaning solution
comprising:
a primary cleaning chamber sized and configured to contain a predetermined
charge of the cleaning solution for immersing the articles therein.
filter means for removing contaminants from the cleaning solution and
including a filtration sheet pulled from a supply source across a
drainage trough.
fluid level sensor means in said drainage trough for actuating movement of
said filtration sheet to provide a clean section of said filtration sheet
in said trough upon the cleaning solution reaching a predetermined level
in said trough due to saturation of said filtration sheet with
contaminants,
heating means for heating said cleaning solution and including a burner
structured and disposed to generate hot flue gases, said heating means
further including a heat transfer duct in fluid air-flow communication
with said burner and an exhaust flue stack and structured for passage of
the hot flue gasses therethrough, said heat transfer duct being exposed
to said cleaning solution in said primary cleaning chamber for heating
the cleaning solution by transfer of heat thereto from the hot flue
gasses passing through said heat transfer duct,
a thermal oxidation chamber disposed in fluid communication with said
burner and said heat transfer duct and being structured and disposed to
receive refuse and contaminants therein for disposal by thermal
oxidation,
pump means for transferring the cleaning solution from said primary
cleaning chamber to said drainage trough for passage through said
filtration sheet and including a sweep arm on a bottom of said primary
cleaning chamber and a pump in fluid communication with said sweep arm
said pump being structured and disposed to draw the cleaning solution and
contaminants settled on the cleaning chamber bottom through said sweep
arm for delivery to said filter means and passage through said filtration
sheet,
a bottom wash system for moving contaminants on the bottom of said cleaning
chamber into a sweep zone, defined by a circumferential area through
which said sweep arm rotates, so that contaminates are drawn through said
sweep arm for delivery to said filter means, said bottom wash system
including jet means positioned and disposed near the bottom of the
cleaning chamber and structured to direct a flow of the cleaning solution
towards said sweep zone,
a three-way valve structured and disposed to selectively direct a discharge
of the cleaning solution therefrom to either said filter means or said
jet means,
a cleaning solution burn-off means for removing contaminants from said
cleaning solution and including a fluid transfer line extending from said
cleaning chamber to a valve to said thermal oxidation chamber, whereupon
opening of said valve results in delivery of the cleaning solution, at a
predetermined flow rate, to said thermal oxidation chamber for
vaporization and separation of contaminants therefrom,
article support means including a platform for supporting the articles to
be cleaned thereon, and means for lowering and raising said platform and
the articles supported thereon into and out of the primary cleaning
chamber for selectively immersing and removing the articles from within
the cleaning solution,
agitation means for agitating said platform and the articles supported
thereon when immersed in the cleaning solution, creating movement of the
cleaning solution relative to surfaces of the articles, resulting in at
least partial loosening and removal of contaminants therefrom and thereby
promoting cleaning of the articles, and control means for selectively
controlling movement of said platform and said agitation means, and
further for controlling actuation of said pump means.
6. An apparatus for soaking and cleaning articles in a cleaning solution
comprising:
a primary cleaning chamber sized and configured to contain a predetermined
charge of the cleaning solution for immersing the articles therein,
filter means for removing contaminants from said cleaning solution,
heating means for heating the cleaning solution for a predetermined
temperature,
pump means for circulating the cleaning solution from said primary cleaning
chamber to said filter means for passage of said cleaning solution
therethrough,
sweep means on a bottom of said primary cleaning chamber in fluid
communication with said pump means, said sweep means including a sweep
arm structured and disposed to move through a circumferential area
defining a sweep zone and to draw the cleaning solution and contaminants
within said sweep zone therethrough for delivery to said filter means,
jet means positioned and disposed near the bottom of said primary cleaning
chamber and being structured and disposed to direct a flow of the
cleaning solution therefrom towards said sweep zone, causing contaminants
on the bottom of said primary cleaning chamber to be moved into said
sweep zone for suction through said sweep arm,
article support means including a platform for supporting the articles to
be cleaned thereon,
means for lowering and raising said platform and the articles into and out
of the primary cleaning chamber for selectively immersing and removing the
articles from within the cleaning solution, and
control means for activating said pump means and said article support means
to selectively control raising and lowering of said platform within said primary
cleaning chamber.
7. An apparatus as set forth in claim 6 further including agitation means
for agitating said platform and the articles supported thereon when immersed in
the cleaning solution, creating movement of the cleaning solution relative to
surfaces of the articles, resulting in at least partial loosening and removal of
contaminants therefrom and thereby promoting cleaning of the articles.
8. An apparatus as set forth in claim 6 further including a thermal
oxidation chamber being structured and disposed to receive refuse and
contaminants therein for disposal by thermal oxidation.
9. An apparatus as set forth in claim 8 further including cleaning solution
burn-off means for removing contaminants from said cleaning solution and
including a fluid transfer line extending from said cleaning chamber to a valve
and further including a delivery line extending from said valve to said thermal
oxidation chamber, whereupon opening of said valve results in delivery of the
cleaning solution, at a predetermined flow rate, to said thermal oxidation
chamber for vaporization and separating of contaminants therefrom.
10. An apparatus as set forth in claim 9 wherein said filter means includes
a filtration sheet pulled from a supply source across a drainage trough.
11. An apparatus as set forth in claim 10 further including fluid level
sensor means in said drainage trough for actuating movement of said filtration
sheet to provide a clean section of said filtration sheet in said trough upon
the cleaning solution reaching a predetermined level in said trough due to
saturation of said filtration sheet with contaminants.
12. An apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein said heating means
includes a burner structured and disposed to generate hot flue gasses, said
heating means further including a heat transfer duct in fluid air-flow
communication with said burner and an exhaust flue stack, said heat transfer
duct being structured for passage of hot flue gasses therethrough and being
exposed to said cleaning solution in said primary cleaning chamber in heat
transferring relation therewith for heating the cleaning solution by transfer of
heat thereto from the hot flue gasses passing through said heat transfer duct.
ISSUE NOTIFICATION [SEAL] UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Patent and Trademark Office
ASSISTANT SECRETARY AND COMMISSIONER
OF PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20231
APPLICATION NUMBER PATENT NUMBER ISSUE DATE ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.
08/364,800 5518013 05/21/96 MANSPA394
8013 7707
ROBERT M DOWNEY
701 BRICKELL AVENUE
SUITE 1480
MIAMI FL 33131
APPLICANT(S) PIERRE G. MANSUR, MIAMI FLORIDA