Patent ID: 6109277
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: B08B,C23G

Abstract:
A parts washer for washing parts, comprising:a housing having a washbasin, wherein the washbasin defines an inner cavity and is chargeable with a volume of fluid;a spray tube within the housing and rotatably coupled to the housing, wherein the spray tube has an axis of rotation and is configured to define a volume of rotation as it rotates about its axis of rotation;a support structure configured to support parts to be washed, wherein the support structure is positioned within the housing and is at least substantially within the volume of rotation of the spray tube;a plurality of outlets on the spray tube configured to direct fluid substantially towards parts to be washed on the support structure;at least one outlet on the spray tube configured to direct fluid in a direction to cause fluid-propelled rotation of the spray tube about its axis of rotation;a sump adapted to collect fluid dispensed from the outlets;a pump adapted to receive fluid from the sump and deliver fluid under pressure to the spray tube;a heater adapted to heat fluid in the sump;a first thermostat for measuring the temperature of fluid within the parts washer and for automatically disengaging the heater if the temperature of the fluid exceeds a defined maximum temperature;a second thermostat for controlling the heater to maintain the temperature of fluid in the parts washer between defined upper and lower temperatures; anda pressure switch within the sump for disengaging the pump and the heater if pressure from fluid in the sump is less than a defined minimum pressure.