Non electric dishwasher

An improved water powered dishwasher uniquely adapted to be operated by a domestic water supply line of either high, low or medium pressure including a housing, a rack rotatably mounted within the housing, the rack being adapted to support articles to be washed and a water jet subassembly for directing jets of water in the direction of the rack to impart rotational movement thereto. The jet subassembly comprises a collimated jet for emitting a collimated stream of water in the direction of the lower periphery of the rack for initiating and assisting in sustaining the rotation thereof and a second spray jet for washing the articles and for urging forward rotation of the rack. The dishwasher also embodies a novel control mechanism, including a timer valve for controlling the period of time water flows toward the jet means and a diverter assembly for controlling the collimated jet so as to urge forward rotation of the rack in low water pressure conditions, or, alternatively, to accomplish braking of the rotation of the rack under high water pressure conditions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates generally to dishwashers and more 
particularly to a non-electric, self-contained, dish-washer unit adapted 
to be removably interconnected with either a high pressure, medium 
pressure or low pressure domestic water supply. 
2. Discussion of the Prior Art 
Portable dishwashers operable solely by water pressure are not new. Several 
such units have been manufactured and sold in recent years. A common 
drawback of such units, however, has been their inability to rapidly and 
effectively clean dishes and cookware and their inability to operate 
satisfactorily when connected to domestic water supplies. 
Many of the prior art units are cheaply constructed and have been sold more 
as a novelty item than as a bona fide, high performance dishwashing 
device. Generally, the washing action in such units is attempted by one or 
more rapidly rotating emitters located beneath or along side a rack 
holding the dishes. These emitters, which operate in much the same manner 
as lawn sprinklers, have proven ineffective in the removal of most 
troublesome types of food residue on the dishes. Other types of emitters 
have from time to time been tried, but for the most part have also proven 
to be ineffective. 
Included among the most effective dishwasher units ever developed are the 
units discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,368,747 and 4,444,213. These units, 
for the first time, overcome the quality and performance drawbacks 
inherent in their predecessor prior art devices. Like the apparatus of 
these earlier designs, the present invention is not a toy, or a novelty 
item, but rather is a carefully engineered, high performance device 
adapted to rapidly and efficiently remove even the most difficult food 
residue from dishes and cookware. The improved water jet means of the unit 
of the present invention controllably directs a multiplicity of high 
velocity water jets at the articles to be washed while they are supported 
within the unit on a unique holding rack which is precisely rotated at an 
optimum rate of speed without regard to the pressure of the domestic water 
supply. These water jets can be directed to impinge upon all the surfaces 
of the dishes supported within the rotating rack and create a unique 
scrubbing type of action which loosens and dislodges even the most 
difficult of residues. A dosing chamber of improved design precisely mixes 
an emulsifier, such as liquid soap, with the water upstream of the water 
jets thereby enhancing the cleaning efficiency of the device. 
A important aspect of the present invention is the improved water jet means 
which enables the unit to work at peak efficiency even when attached to 
domestic water systems having very low pressures of on the order of 5 to 
10 psi. The water jet means comprises an adjustable first collimated jet 
means which can be used in low water pressure situations to initiate and 
assist in sustaining the rotation of the rotatable rack which supports the 
dirty dishes. The water jet means also includes an adjustable second spray 
jet means which accomplishes the efficient scrubbing and cleansing action 
and also functions to sustain the rotation of the rack. The control means 
which are operably associated with the jet means permit the collimated jet 
means to be used at full pressure in low water pressure conditions, to be 
discontinued under normal water pressure conditions or to be used in high 
water pressure conditions to effect a braking action to the rotating rack. 
Accordingly, the unique control means of the invention permits the rack to 
always be rotated at an optimum rate of speed for maximum cleaning 
efficiency by the spray jet means regardless of the water pressure of the 
domestic water source to which the apparatus is connected. 
The spray jet means of the device is readily adjustable with respect to the 
rack so that a multiplicity of fine, very high velocity water jets bombard 
the dishes from all angles, from above, from below and from the sides. The 
unique hole pattern formed in the spray jet means permits optimum 
controlled rotation of the supporting rack while at the same time 
accomplishing maximum cleaning and scrubbing of the dishes. 
Another important aspect of the present invention resides in the provision 
of a novel timer valve apparatus embodied in the dishwasher unit for 
automatically and adjustably controlling the period of time during which 
the domestic water will flow into the unit. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved 
non-electric free standing, self-contained rotatable dishwasher for 
washing dishes, cookware and the like which is operated solely by domestic 
water pressure either at high, medium or low pressure with equal 
effectiveness. 
It is another object of the invention to provide a dishwasher of the 
aforementioned character in which, in operation, a multiplicity of very 
fine high velocity jets of water are directed at the articles to be washed 
from a multiplicity of directions, said jets being of such force as to 
quickly and efficiently dislodge and thoroughly clean even the most 
stubborn of food residues and greases. 
It is another object of the invention to provide a dishwasher of the 
character described in which means are provided for uniformly and 
controllably mixing a soap or detergent with the high velocity water jets. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a dishwasher as described in 
the previous paragraph in which, under low water pressure conditions, a 
first collimated water jet is directed at the rotatable rack to initiate 
and assist in sustaining rotation of the rack. Under medium water pressure 
conditions, on the other hand, the collimated water jet can be closed and 
the full force of the water directed toward a jet spray system which 
sustains the rotation of the rack. Under high water pressure conditions 
the novel control mechanism of the invention uniquely permits the first 
jet to be used to brake the speed of rotation of the rack. The novel 
design of the control mechanism of the invention thusly permits the easy 
and rapid regulation of the collimated jet means from a forward drive mode 
to an off mode to a braking mode. 
A further object of the invention is to provide an improved dishwasher of 
the class described which is compact, light weight, highly attractive and 
extremely simple to use and maintain. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a dishwasher of the 
aforementioned character which can be readily interconnected to domestic 
water outlets without the use of special tools and which includes drain 
means for conveniently draining the unit into an existing kitchen or 
bathroom sink. 
Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved dishwasher 
of the class described in which there is provided a novel timer valve 
means which can be set from the exterior of the unit to precisely control 
the time period during which water will flow to the unit during the 
washing cycle and to automatically and positively shut off the water 
supply at the completion of the washing cycle. 
These and other objects of the invention are realized by an improved 
rotatable dishwasher adapted to be connected to a domestic water supply 
line comprising a housing, a rack rotatably mounted within the housing, 
the rack being adapted to support articles to be washed, jet means for 
directing a jet of water in the direction of said rack to impart 
rotational movement thereto, the jet means comprising a collimated jet for 
emitting a collimated stream of water in the direction of the lower 
peripheral portion of the rack when the apparatus is used with domestic 
water supplies having very high or very low pressures and a spray jet 
means for emitting a multiplicity of water spray jets in the direction of 
the rack during the washing cycle. A novel timer means controls the time 
period during which water will flow toward the jet means.

DESCRIPTION OF ONE FORM OF THE INVENTION 
Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the 
dishwasher of the present invention, generally designated in FIG. 3 by the 
numeral 12, includes a housing 14, a rack assemblage 15 mounted for 
rotation within housing 14, jet means 16 for directing a jet of water at 
rack assemblage 15 to impart rotational movement thereto, and dosing means 
18 adapted to cooperate with the jet means for dosing with an emulsifier 
water flowing through the jet means. 
As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 14 of the unit, which can suitably be 
constructed of thin plastic or sheet metal, comprises a first stationary 
part 14a and a rotatable part 14b which comprises the closure means of the 
apparatus. While the housing shown in the drawings is generally 
cylindrical in shape, it could be constructed in other configurations to 
meet particular design requirements. 
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the housing 14 is received in concentric, 
circular tracks 20a and 20b formed in the upper portion 22a of a generally 
rectangular base 22. The fixed portion 14a of the housing is sealably 
received in track 20b while the movable portion 14b of the housing is 
received for sliding movement within track 20a. To assist the smooth 
rotational movement of the housing 14b relative to the housing 14a, a top 
closure member 17 is provided within a spherical bearing 17a which is 
rotatably received within a recess 17b formed in the top surface of 
housing 14a. 
As best seen in FIG. 2, track 20b defines the outer periphery of a floor 24 
which slopes radially inwardly toward a frustoconically shaped, upwardly 
extending hub 26. Extending upwardly from hub 26 is a frustoconically 
shaped column 28 having at its upper end a recess 30 adapted to closely 
receive a ball bearing 32. The upper portion 22a of the base is affixed to 
a lower portion 22b to form an internal cavity, the purpose of which will 
be presently discussed. 
Turning once again to FIG. 1, rack assemblage 15 includes a rack having 
upper and lower circularly shaped members 15a and 15b and apertured hub 
portion 15c and 15d. Radiating outwardly from these hub portions are a 
plurality of spokes 15e and 15f. The upper and lower members 15a and 15b 
are maintained in a vertically spaced apart location by four supports 15g. 
Receivable with the apertures of hub portions 15c and 15d are inserts 15h 
and 15i. The rack is preferably constructed of coated steel wire and is 
specially configured to carry and strategically position various items of 
crockery, cutlery, dishes and cookware with the housing and in a specific 
relationship with respect to the spray jet means. 
As shown in FIG. 3, rack assemblage 15 is rotatably supported by column 28 
with insert 15i being disposed in close proximity with the lower portion 
of the column and with insert 15h resting upon and being rotatably 
supported by the ball bearing 32. With this arrangement the rack 
assemblage is freely rotatable with housing 14 about the central column 
28. 
Also forming a part of the rack assemblage 15 is a uniquely configured 
silverware holder 34 comprising upper and lower members 34a and 34b. These 
members, which are held in a vertically spaced apart position by means of 
adjacent pairs of the supports 15g, are provided with silverware support 
means for positioning the silverware to be washed at a slight angle with 
respect to the vertical axis of the unit. More specifically, the upper 
member 34a is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart 
hook-like protrusions 34c which define openings therebetween adapted to 
receive the handle portion of the silverware. Similarly lower member 34b 
is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart apertures 
34d, or recesses, adpated to support the opposite end of the silverware. 
Apertures 34c and 34d are angularly offset so that the silverware will be 
maintained on an angular, or sloping, orientation during the washing 
operation which has been found to be optimum for an efficient scrubbing 
action by the water spray jets. 
In the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, the jet means 16 
comprises a collimated jet means for directing a collimated stream of 
water at the lower peripheral portions of the rack assemblage and a spray 
jet means for providing the washing action and for continuously urging 
controlled rotation fo the rack assemblage. To control the rotation of the 
rack, control means is provided. This control means is cooperatively 
associated with the spray jet means and the collimated jet means to 
control the flow of the domestic water thereto. 
Turning to FIGS. 2, 4, 5 and 6, the control means of the invention can be 
seen to comprise timer valve means 36 for regulating the flow of water 
from the domestic water system, or water source, to the jet means and 
diverter means 38 for selectively dividing the flow of water between the 
collimated jet means and the spray jet means. 
As best seen by referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in the present embodiment of 
the invention, the second spray jet means is provided in the form of a 
specially configured hollow tubing comprising a first substantially 
horizontal extending conduit leg portion 40 extending beneath rack 
assemblage 15, a substantially vertically extending conduit leg portion 42 
disposed proximate the periphery of rack 15 (FIG. 3) and a substantially 
horizontally extending portion 44 disposed above rack 15. The inboard ends 
of portions 40 and 44a are closed by plug assemblages 47. 
The tubing of the spray jet means may be constructed from copper, aluminum, 
plastic or other suitable durable material which can be bent into the 
configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In FIG. 2 it can be seen that a 
multiplicity of small holes 50 are drilled in a specific pattern in each 
of the leg portions as well as in the vertically extending portion of the 
tubing. The pattern of holes 50 is carefully engineered to create a three 
dimensional water spray pattern within housing 14 which sustains rotation 
of rack 15 and produces a unique scrubbing type of cleansing action on the 
dishes and cookware supported in rack assemblage 15. The velocity of these 
jets coupled with the three dimensional pattern thereof creates a highly 
novel and unique scrubbing action upon the articles supported within rack 
assemblage 15. 
The spray jet means is in communication with the domestic water supply via 
the dosing means 18 through conduit 52 one end of which is connected to a 
connector 54 which forms a part of the spray jet means (FIG. 2). The 
dosing means is, in turn, connected to the timer valve means 36 by conduit 
52a. Connector 54 has a shank portion 52a and a flange portion 54b. Shank 
54a extends through floor 24 for connection with conduit 52 and flange 54b 
is provided with a groove adapted to receive a resilient O-ring 56 which 
is disposed in sealing engagement with the lower surface of a "T" adapter 
58. Adapter 58 is affixed to floor 24 by threaded connectors 60. 
As seen in FIG. 2, adapter 58 has an inlet passageway 62 in communication 
with connector 54, a first outlet 64 adapted to communicate with leg 
portion 46 via the collimated jet means and a second outlet 66 adapted to 
rotatably receive the lower end of leg portion 42 of the spray tube. 
Outlet 66 is externally threaded to accommodate a closure member 68 having 
a throat portion 68a within which the lower end of the leg portion 42 of 
the spray tube is closely received. With this arrangement the spray tube 
can be rotated angularly with respect to the rack assemblage about its 
vertically extending axis by simply loosening closure member 68. In the 
present embodiment of the invention closure member 68 and adaptor 58 
comprise the primary components of the adjustment means for adjusting the 
orientation of the spray jet means. While the components are shown as 
threadably interconnected, other connections such as slipfit or 
bayonet-type connections can be used. By adjusting the spray tube in the 
manner described, the angle at which jets of water eminating from the 
spray tube strike the dishes emplaced upon the rack assemblage can be 
precisely adjusted. This enables precise control over the speed of 
rotation of the rack assemblage during the washing cycle and insures an 
optimum scrubbing action by the jets of water striking the dishes at the 
most effective angle. 
Referring now to FIG. 8 it is to be noted that the inboard end of leg 
portion 40 is supported by frustoconical portion 26a and in this way is at 
all times maintained in a spaced relationship with the sloping floor 24 
and out of contact with the dishwater as it drains toward the center of 
the unit. 
As best understood by referring to FIGS. 3 and 8, the collimated jet means, 
generally designated by the numeral 70, is disposed proximate the 
interconnection point of the horizontal spray tube 40 and the vertical 
spray tube 42. This important means functions to emit a collimated stream 
of water in the direction of depending vanes 72, which vanes depend from 
the outer periphery of rack member 15b. In the present embodiment of the 
invention the collimated jet means comprises a length of conduit 74 
disposed intermediate the junction of the lower horizontal portion and the 
vertically extending portion of the spray tubes 40 and 42 of the spray jet 
means. Conduit 74 is provided with strategically located circumferentially 
spaced first and second apertures 76 and 78 (FIGS. 9 and 10), the purpose 
of which will presently be described. 
An extremely important aspect of the present invention resides in the 
unique and improved control means for controlling the flow of water 
between the collimated jet means and the jet spray means. As previously 
mentioned, this control means comprises a timer valve means and a diverter 
means. Considering the diverter means first, this means comprises a 
rotatable control member 80 (FIGS. 8, 9 and 10) having a radially 
extending aperture 82 formed therein. Control member 80 is rotatably 
carried by conduit 74 and is angularly movable relative to conduit 74 from 
a first position as shown in FIG. 9 wherein aperture 82 is aligned with 
aperture 76 formed in length of conduit 74 to a second position wherein 
the walls of the control member are blocking aperture 76 (see the 
intermediate phantom lines in FIG. 9). When the control member is in the 
first position a collimated jet of water under pressure is directed at 
vanes 72 in a manner to urge forward rotation of the rack assemblage 15 
(FIG. 3). When the control member is rotated to said second position, flow 
of water through the collimated jet means will be blocked and all of the 
water coming from the domestic water source will flow through the spray 
jet means. 
Another unique aspect of the present invention resides in the fact that the 
control member 80 can be moved to a third position wherein aperture 82 is 
aligned with aperture 78 formed in tube portion 74 (see phantom lines at 
the right of FIG. 9). In this third position, since apertures 76 and 78 
are circumferentially spaced by approximately 90 degrees, the collimated 
jet means is directed in a rearwardly direction and thereby functions to 
brake the forward rotation of the rack assemblage. 
The novel design of the diverter means uniquely permits accommodation of 
high, low and medium domestic water source pressures. When the domestic 
water pressure is low, the diverter is set at the first position wherein 
the collimated jet means is assisting the spray jet means in overcoming 
starting inertia and in maintaining uniform rotation of the rack 
assemblage at an optimum rate of speed. In cases where the domestic water 
pressure is nominal, the diverter is set at the second position blocking 
flow of water to the collimated jet means. In this situation the rack 
assemblage is rotated at an optimum speed solely by the spray jet means. 
In instances of high domestic water pressure, the control member of the 
diverter means can be set at the third position wherein the collimated jet 
is directed at the vanes in a rearward direction tending to brake, or 
slow, rotation of the rack assemblage. 
As will be appreciated from an analysis of FIG. 9, fine adjustments of the 
collimated jet means can be made by rotating the control member 80 so that 
apertures 76 and 78 are partially covered rather than indexed in the 
manner shown in FIG. 9. In this way, domestic water pressures in the low 
to medium and in the medium to high range can also uniquely be 
accommodated. 
Turning particularly to FIG. 8, member 80 can be seen to have an enlarged 
diameter portion 80a and a skirt portion 80b. Skirt portion 80b is closely 
received over, and rotatably movable relative to, an outwardly extending 
tubular portion 83 which is integrally formed with adapter 58 and defines 
first outlet 64. Both skirt portion 80b and tubular portion 83 are grooved 
to receive a split ring member 86 which rotatably interconnects the parts. 
Portion 80a and skirt portion 80b are also provided with circumferentially 
extending grooves adapted to receive elastomeric O-rings 88 which prevent 
water leakage between the rotatably interconnected members. As indicated 
in FIG. 9, portion 80a of control member 80 is knurled or grooved at 90 to 
facilitate rotation of the member among the first, second and third 
positions. 
Turning now to FIGS. 4 through 6, the timer valve means portion of the 
control means is there illustrated. This valve means functions to regulate 
the flow of water from the domestic source of water under pressure to the 
jet means and comprises a housing 90 provided with a water inlet 92 and a 
water outlet 94. Housing 90 is generally L-shaped in plan, having an 
internal chamber 96 (FIG. 5). A first leg 98 of the housing is adapted to 
be interconnected with an inlet conduit 100 while an externally threaded 
second leg 102 is adapted to be interconnected with an outlet conduit 104 
(FIG. 6). The conduits are connected to the housing by means of slip fit, 
quick couplings 105 which are commercially available and from no part of 
the present invention. A first internal valve seat 106 is formed within 
chamber 96 intermediate the flow path of the water flowing between the 
inlet and the water outlet. 
Reciprocally movable within chamber 96 is a valve member 108 which is 
normally disposed in a first closed position wherein a seat engaging 
portion thereof is in sealable engagement with the valve seat 106 in the 
manner shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In this closed position valve member 108 
functions to block the flow of water between the water inlet and the water 
outlet. However, as illustrated in FIG. 7, valve member 108 is movable 
from the first closed position into a second open position wherein the 
seat engaging portion of the member is spaced apart from the valve seat 
106. 
Valve member 108 is generally cylindrical in shape, having an internal 
fluid passageway 110 formed within the elongated body portion 112 of the 
valve member. Interconnecting body portion 112 with a stem portion 114 is 
a tapered wall portion 116 having formed therein a plurality of 
circumferentially spaced apertures 118. As indicated in FIGS. 5 and 6, 
valve member 108 engages valve seat 106 at a location proximate the 
intersection of the tapered wall portion 116 and the body portion 112. To 
assist in forming a fluid tight seal, the valve member 112 is provided 
with a circumferentially extending groove adapted to carry an elastomeric 
O-ring 120 which is adapted to sealably engage valve seat 106 when the 
valve is in a closed position. 
Disposed within the rearward, or left, portion of chamber 96 is an annular 
shaped member 121, the forward inwardly tapering wall portion of which 
forms a second valve seat 122. Valve member 108 is also provided with a 
second annular groove adapted to receive a second elastomeric O-ring 124 
which, when the valve is in a closed position, is adapted to sealably 
engage second valve seat 122. This second sealing arrangement functions to 
preclude flow of water from the inlet 100 rearwardly or to the left of the 
housing as viewed in FIGS. 5 and 6. 
When the valve is in an open position as shown in FIG. 7, water will flow 
into the valve through the inlet 92, past seat 106, through apertures 118 
in the valve member and rearwardly in the direction of the arrows 109 
toward outlet 94. 
Extending radially outwardly from body portion 112 proximate the left end 
thereof are spring retainer means 126 which define shoulders 128 adapted 
to engage biasing means, provided herein in the form of a coil spring 130, 
which surrounds the rear, or left hand, extremity of body 112 of valve 
member 108. 
Threadably interconnected with housing 90 is an adapter member 134 which 
includes an internally threaded enlarged diameter portion 134a and a 
smaller diameter cylindrical portion 134b within which conduit 104 is 
removably received. Adapter 134 functions to hold member 120 in position 
within chamber 96 and also is provided with a circumferential, axially 
extending groove 137 which receives the rear, or left, portion of spring 
130. With the biasing means or coil spring 130 positioned within the valve 
in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the forward extremity of the 
spring is in engagement with shoulder 128 while the rear extremity is in 
engagement with the end wall of groove 136. With this construction, the 
biasing means, or spring 130, functions to yieldably resist movement of 
the valve member from the first closed position shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 to 
the second open position shown in FIG. 7. A rubber gasket 131 is disposed 
between housing 190 and adapter 34 to prevent leakage of water rearwardly 
of the housing. 
Also forming a part of the valve means of the present invention are 
operating means for moving the valve member from the first closed position 
to the second open position and for maintaining the valve member in the 
second position for predetermined periods of time. In the present 
embodiment of the invention the operating means comprise cam means and 
actuating means which are carried by a second housing 140, which housing 
is connected to valve housing 90 by means of connectors 141 (FIGS. 5 and 
7). The cam means is adapted to interact with stem portion 114 of the 
valve member to move the valve member from the first closed position to 
the open second position upon movement of the cam means in a first 
direction. Operably associated with the cam means are actuating means 
which function to move the cam means a predetermined distance in a first 
arcuate direction, from a first starting point to a second end point, and 
then for controllably moving the cam means in an opposite direction from 
the second end point to the first starting point in a predetermined 
elapsed time. With this construction, the actuating means initially 
functions to rotate the cam means in a first direction, which in turn 
moves the valve member from the first closed position to the second open 
position against the urging of the biasing means or spring 130. The 
actuating means then rotates the valve member in the opposite direction 
from the second position to the first, or starting, position in a 
predetermined elapsed time permitting the valve member to automatically 
return to the first closed position due to the urging of spring 130. 
In the present embodiment of the invention, the actuating means comprises a 
shaft 142 which is rotatably carried within housing 140, a motor means 144 
connected to one end of the shaft and a handle means 146 connected to the 
opposite end of the shaft. As best seen in FIG. 5, the housing 140 
comprises an enlarged diameter portion 140a defining a chamber 146 and an 
upper cylindrically shaped portion 140b. Contained within chamber 146 is 
the motor means which can be any one of a number of types of commercially 
available mechanical motors capable of driving shaft 142 at a 
predetermined rate of rotation. The motor means is held within chamber 146 
by an apertured closure base plate 145. In the drawings (FIG. 5), the 
motor means is shown as comprising a spiral spring 148 formed of an 
elongated strip of spring steel which has been wound into the shape of a 
loose spiral. Spring 148 is provided proximate its inner end with a tab 
which is adapted to be interconnected with shaft 142 through insertion of 
the tab into a slot 150 formed in a shaft 142 which extends upwardly from 
chamber 142 through a suitable bushing 152, carried by housing 140. The 
outer extremity of the spiral spring is connected to the housing 140 so 
that rotation of shaft 142 in a first direction will tend to wind or 
tighten spiral spring 148 to a predetermined tension. Once the spring is 
wound and the handle means is released the spring will then tend to 
unwind, causing shaft 142 to rotate in a second, opposite direction. 
Spring motors of this character are well known in the prior art and can be 
calibrated so that the unwinding of spring 148 and the counter-rotation of 
shaft 142 can be accurately correlated with time. 
In the form of the invention shown in the drawings, the cam means and the 
cooperating handle means are of highly novel design. Referring 
particularly to FIG. 5, the handle means comprises a first cylindrical 
portion 156 which is rotatably carried within a depending sleeve 158 which 
is formed as a part of the upper portion 22a of base 22. Cylindrical 
portion 156 is provided with a keyway 160 which receives a key 162 formed 
on the shank portion 164 of a handle 166. With this construction, rotation 
of handle 166 will cause rotation of cylindrical portion 156. 
Formed at the lower extremity of cylindrical portion 156 is a centrally 
apertured base plate 168 having depending therefrom a central portion 170. 
Portion 170 is provided with a central bore 171 having a flat surface 
which is adapted to mate with shaft 142 which is also provided with a flat 
surface 142a (FIG. 6). Accordingly, when shaft 142 is telescopically 
received within bore 171, rotational movement of handle 166 will cause 
corresponding rotational movement of shaft 142. 
Provided proximate the periphery of base plate 168 is a depending finger 
172 which, as best seen in FIG. 6, is closely receivable within an arcuate 
slot 174 formed in a cam plate 176 which comprises a part of the cam means 
of the invention. With this construction, rotational movement of handle 
166 in a first, clockwise direction will cause finger 172 to also rotate 
cam plate 176 in a first clockwise direction from the position shown in 
FIG. 6 to the position shown in FIG. 7. Because of the novel configuration 
of the peripheral surface of cam plate 176, rotation of the cam plate will 
cause the outer periphery of the plate, which is in constant contact with 
stem 114 of the valve member 108, to move the valve member against the 
urging of spring 130 into the open position shown in FIG. 7. 
When handle 166 is released, the spring motor will cause the shaft 142, 
along with the handle means, including finger 172, to move in the 
opposite, or counter-clockwise direction at a predetermined rate of 
rotation. As shaft 142 rotates, finger 172 will move within slot 174 from 
the position shown in the solid lines of FIG. 7 to the position shown in 
the phantom lines of FIG. 7. When the finger reaches the end of slot 142 
the motor will cause rotation of cam plate 176 in a counterclockwise 
direction caming it to return to its starting point as shown in FIG. 6. 
With the cam plate in this position spring 130 will have moved the valve 
member 108 to the right into the closed position shown in FIG. 7 thereby 
blocking further flow of water through the valve means. 
Since the motor 144 drives shaft 142 at a known rate of speed, the time 
required for the finger 172 to move from one extremity of the slot 174 to 
the other can easily be determined. This time will represent the minimum 
time period during which the valve will remain open. Once the end of slot 
174 is reached, the speed of rotation of the cam plate by the finger 172, 
will be the same as the speed of rotation of the shaft 142. This being the 
case, the time required for the cam plate to return to its starting 
position from various rotational positions of the handle 160 can also be 
easily determined. These times when added to the minimum time period 
previously discussed will give the total time period during which the 
valve will remain open. Accordingly, calibrations representing time can be 
marked on the upper surface of the housing as indicated by the numerals 2 
through 5 in FIGS. 6 and 7 (identified by the letter "T"). By inscribing 
an arrow or pointer "P" on handle 166 and by rotating the handle until the 
arrow aligns with one of the calibration marks "T", the time of operation 
of the dishwasher can selectively be set by the operator. Obviously the 
greater the amount of initial clockwise rotation of the handle 166 and the 
com plate 176, the longer will be the time period during which the valve 
means remains open. If desired, signal means such as a bell can be 
incorporated into the control means to signal the close of the valve and 
the completion of the washing cycle. 
Also forming a part of the apparatus of the present invention is the 
previously mentioned dosing means 18 which is adapted to cooperate with 
the jet means for dosing the water flowing through the jet means with an 
emulsifier. In the present form of the invention, the dosing means 
comprises a housing 180 having an upper chamber 180a (FIG. 2) disposed 
above floor 24 and a lower chamber 180b disposed below floor 24. Chambers 
180a and 180b are divided by a partition 182 and are in communication 
with one another via holes extending through the partition. Chamber 180a 
is closed by a cap 184 which is removably interconnected to housing 180 by 
any suitable means. With the cap removed, a liquid or powdered soap can be 
added to chamber 180a. The dosing means has an inlet 186 which is 
connected to the outlet 94 of valve means 36 by means of conduit 52a and 
an outlet 190 which is connected to the jet means by conduit 52. Flow of 
water through the dosing means will cause the soap to mix with the water 
and to flow toward the spray jet means. 
Another feature of the improved dishwasher of the present invention is a 
retractable drain trough 192 (FIG. 2) which conveniently slides into and 
out of a guide 194 disposed within the cavity defined between the upper 
and lower base members 22a and 22b. As best seen in FIG. 2, the guide 192 
is integrally formed with floor 24 and is in communication with the 
washing chamber so that when trough 192 is in an extended position water 
will flow by force of gravity along the sloping floor 24 into the trough 
for deposition into an adjacent sink or drain conduit. The drain trough is 
of a capacity sufficient to adequately drain the apparatus with no fear of 
the water level therein rising above a safe, predetermined level. 
OPERATION 
In operating the apparatus of the embodiment of the invention shown in the 
drawings, the entire unit may be conveniently placed on a sink cabinet 
with the trough 192 being movable into the extended position shown in FIG. 
3 overhanging the sink portion of the sink cabinet. In this position, 
water flowing from the interior of the unit along trough 192 will be 
safely deposited into the sink for drainage through the drain lines 
attached to the sink unit itself. With the assemblage in position on the 
sink cabinet, or drainage board, the device can be interconnected with the 
domestic hot water source. 
Once the dishwasher apparatus is interconnected with the hot water line of 
the domestic supply and the drain trough is extended in the manner shown 
in FIG. 3, the closure housing 14 is rotated to an open position. In this 
open position free and convenient access to the rack assemblage 15 is 
provided. The dishes and silverware to be washed can be placed on the rack 
assemblage and are strategically supported thereon by the structural 
elements of the assemblage so that continued rotation of the rack by the 
jet means will be assure. 
Next, the diverter means is set to accommodate the pressure of the domestic 
water source being used. If the source pressure is low, the control member 
38 is set so that the aperture therein aligns with aperture 76 in the 
conduit 74 of the collimated jet means. With this setting, part of the 
water will be diverted to the collimated jet means and a collimated jet 
stream will be directed in a forward direction against the vanes provided 
at the lower periphery of the rack assemblage. With this setting, both the 
collimated jet means and the spray jet means will cooperate to rotate the 
rack. 
If the water source is a normal pressure the control member 38 is set to 
block the apertures in conduit 74 thereby permitting all of the water to 
flow to the spray jet means. 
On the other hand, if the domestic water source is at high pressure, the 
aperture in the control member 38 is aligned with aperture 78 in the 
conduit 74. With this setting, the collimated jet means will direct a 
reverse stream of water at the vanes tending to brake the speed of 
rotation of the rack. 
Once the diverter means is set and the dishes and silverware have been 
loaded into the dishwasher apparatus, the rotatable portion of the closure 
housing can be moved into a closed position. With the rotatable portion of 
the closure housing is disposed in this closed position, the unit will be 
entirely waterlight and the only water coming from the unit will be water 
draining through drain trough 192 into the sink. 
With the closure housing in the closed position, the hot water valve or 
faucet may be turned on, causing water to flow into apparatus through the 
"In" conduit 197 (FIG. 2). However, since the valve means is normally 
closed, no water will flow through the valve until the handle 166 is 
rotated to the desired time setting. By rotating handle 166 in a clockwise 
direction, the motor spring will be wound and the cam plate 176 will be 
rotated causing valve member 108 to move into an open position against the 
urging of spring 130. This opening of the valve will permit water to flow 
toward the water jet means through conduits 52a and 52. 
After the handle 166 is set the motor 144 will drive shaft 142 in a 
reverse, counter-clockwise direction at a predetermined rate of speed. 
Rotation of shaft 142 will cause finger 172 to pass through the slot 174 
in the cam plate and then to rotate the cam plate to its starting position 
wherein the valve means will automatically close thus completing the 
washing cycle. 
Turning to FIG. 11, there is shown an alternate form of upper spray tube 
designated as 44a. This tube is provided with a downwardly depending leg 
45a which has at least one aperture "A" formed therein. Leg 45a is closed 
by a removable closure plug 47a. With this construction, calcium build-ups 
and other foreign matter in the water flowing through the spray tubes will 
tend to collect within depending leg 45a. These foreign materials can 
periodically be removed by removal of plug 47a. 
Referring particularly to FIGS. 12 and 13 of the drawings, there is shown 
still another form of dishwasher of the present invention, generally 
designated in FIG. 12 by the numeral 200. Many of the operating components 
of this form of the invention are identical to those of the embodiments 
previously described herein and like numerals are used to identify like 
components. This embodiment of the invention includes a housing 14, and a 
differently configured rack assemblage 202 mounted for rotation within 
housing 14 upon a different and unique form of suspension means, the 
details of which will presently be described. 
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 through 15, the jet means 16, including 
the spray jet means and the collimated jet means, for directing a jet of 
water at rack assemblage 15 to impart rotational movement thereto and the 
valve and diverter means for controlling water flow are substantially 
identical to the means previously described herein and their details of 
construction will not be repeated. 
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 12, the housing 14 of the unit, comprises a first 
stationary part 14a and a rotatable part 14b which, as in the earlier 
described embodiments, comprises the closure means of the apparatus. The 
housing 14 is received in concentric, circular tracks formed in the upper 
portion 22a of a generally rectangular base 22. 
Disposed interiorly of the tracks is a floor 204 which defines near its 
center portion a frustoconically shaped, upwardly extending hub 206 (FIG. 
13). Located within an aperture 208 formed in the top closure wall 210 of 
hub 206 is the female portion of a first bearing means, shown here as 
insert member 212. Member 212 has a generally hemispherically shaped 
concave portion 214 which defines a female bearing surface adapted to 
rotatably receive the male portion of the first bearing means, provided 
here in the form of a frustoconically shaped tip 216 carried by the rack 
supporting column. Column assembly 218 comprises a rigid tubular main body 
portion 220 having hollow upper and lower ends. Received within the upper 
end of portion 220 is part of a second bearing means comprising an insert 
222 having an upwardly extending reduced diameter portion 224 which forms 
the journal of the second bearing means. As best seen in FIG. 13, the male 
portion of the first bearing means, namely tapered tip 216 is formed on a 
lower insert 226, which insert is received in the lower end portion of 
body portion 220 of the column assembly. 
Referring particularly to FIGS. 13 and 14, attached to the top wall "W" of 
part 14a of housing 14 is another portion of the second bearing means, 
shown here in the form of a downwardly depending member 228 which is 
generally triangularly shaped in plan. Member 228 which rotatably supports 
the column assembly 218, can be connected to topwall "W" by any suitable 
means, but preferably is secured as by bonding, press fit or by the use of 
fasteners to downwardly depending, spaced apart conically shaped 
protuberances 230 formed integrally with top wall "W". Protuberances 230 
are closely receivable within spaced apart, conically shaped openings 232 
formed proximate the ends of a main leg 234 of member 228. Extending 
angularly inwardly from leg 234 are two legs 236 which complete the 
triangle and cooperate to form an apex portion 238. Apex portion 238 is 
provided with an aperture 240 which forms the bearing of the second 
bearing means adapted to rotatably receive the journal portion 224 of 
insert 222. 
While various materials can be used in the construction of the column 
assembly and bearing means, the column assembly and first bearing member 
212 are preferably constructed of a rigid stainless steel or nickel plated 
steel. Members 210 and 228, on the other hand, are preferably constructed 
of glass-filled nylon, teflon or other similar low friction materials. 
Turning once again to FIGS. 12 and 13, rack assemblage 202 includes a rack 
having upper and lower circularly shaped members 202a and 202b and 
apertured hub portions 202c and 202d (FIG. 13). Radiating outwardly from 
these hub portions are a plurality of spokes. The upper and lower members 
202a and 202b are maintained in a vertically spaced apart location by a 
plurality of supports 202e. Receivable with the apertures of hub portions 
202c and 202d are annular shaped inserts 244 and 246 (FIG. 13). These 
inserts, which are preferably constructed of glass-filled nylon, teflon or 
the like, telescopically receive body portion 220 of column assembly 218 
and function to removably interconnect the rack assembly and the column 
assembly so that the rack assembly is freely rotatable within the housing 
14. As best seen in FIG. 13, insert 246 has an enlarged diameter lower 
portion 246a which is closely receivable over hub 206 when the rack is in 
position on the column assembly. The rack is preferably constructed of 
coated steel wire and is specially configured to carry and strategically 
position various items of crockery, cutlery, dishes and cookware within 
the housing and in a specific relationship with respect to the spray jet 
means. 
With the construction of the central column assembly, the rack assembly and 
the first and second bearing means as described in the preceding 
paragraphs, the axes of the column assembly and the rack assembly are 
maintained in precise alignment with the vertical centerline of the 
housing 14. Because of the unique construction of the rigid central column 
and of the first and second bearing means of the apparatus, the rack 
assembly, even when fully loaded with dishes, cutlery and cookware, will 
be precisely maintained in coaxial alignment with the vertical axis of the 
housing 14 and will freely rotate therewithin with an absolute minimum of 
frictional drag. More particularly, the male bearing portion 216 of the 
first bearing means, being tapered toward its lower contact point, has 
minimal area contact with, and is freely rotatably within, the concave 
female bearing portion 214. Similarly, the journal portion 224 of the 
second bearing means is freely rotatable within the aperture 240 provided 
in the apex portion of the triangularly shaped, low friction material 
member 228. The choice of materials for the column assembly insures that 
the rack assembly will run true with minimum distortion. Similarly, the 
choice of materials for the bearing means insures that minimum frictional 
drag will occur during operation of the apparatus. Accordingly, an 
absolute minimum amount of force is required to start and to maintain free 
rotation of the rack assembly. This being the case, and as will be 
discussed in greater detail in the paragraph which follows, the dishwasher 
of this form of the invention is ideally suited for operation in areas of 
abnormally low domestic water pressure. 
As in the previously described embodiments, in the embodiment of the 
invention shown in FIGS. 12 through 15 of the drawings, the jet means 16 
comprises a collimated jet means for directing a collimated stream of 
water at the depending vanes 250 disposed about the lower, outermost 
peripheral portion of the rack assemblage and further comprises a spray 
jet means for providing the washing action and for continously urging 
smooth rotation of the rack assemblage. To control the rate of rotation of 
the rack, control means of the same character as previously described 
herein are provided. However, in this latter form of the invention, free 
rotation of the rack assembly is substantially enhanced because of the 
unique construction of the suspension means, included in the previously 
described column assembly and bearing means. Accordingly, this last 
described embodiment of the invention can successfully be used in areas 
having lower domestic water pressure than those in which the former 
embodiments of the invention can successfully be used. 
Turning now to FIG. 16, another improved feature of this last to be 
described form of the invention resides in the provision, within the 
dosing means, of unique emulsion metering means 252 of the configuration 
thereshown. This metering means, which is inserted within upper chamber 
180a of the dosing means housing 180 (FIG. 2) and rests proximate portion 
182, effectively controls and precisely meters the flow of the emulsion 
into the stream of water flowing toward the spray jet means. The precise 
metering of the emulsion is made possible by the strategically located 
inner and outer rings of spaced apertures 254 and 256 respectively. With 
disk 252 in place within the dosing means, the soap, or emulsion, is 
uniformly metered through the rings of apertures from chamber 180a into 
the water flowing through the dosing means in a precisely controlled 
manner such that uniform amounts of the soap will impinge on the dishes 
and cookware within the rack throughout the entire washing cycle. 
Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the 
requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have 
no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts 
or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or 
conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing 
from the scope claims.