EXHIBIT 10.26

                                           BAR CODE NO US005549128A

UNITED STATES PATENT  (19)                 (11)  PATENT NUMBER:        5,549,128
MANSUR                                     (45)  DATE OF PATENT: * AUG. 27, 1996
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(54)  GENERL PARTS WASHER

(75)  Inventor:    PIERRE G. MANSUR, Miami, Fla.

(73)  Assignee:    MANSUR INDUSTRIES INC., Miami, Fla.

(*)   Notice:      The portion of the terms of this patent subsequent to
                   Sep. 27, 2011, has been disclaimed.

(21)  Appl. No.:   394,290

(22)  Filed:       FEB 24, 1995

(51)  INT. CL. ............... B08B 3/10

(52)  U.S. CL. ............... 134/104.1; 134/104.4; 134/108; 134/111

(58)  FIELD OF SEARCH ........ 134/104.1, 104.4, 134/105, 107, 108, 109,
                               111; 202/170

(56)              REFERENCES CITED

                 U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

       1,697,767   1/1929  Hirst
       2,070,204   2/1937  Hetzer
       2,243,093   5/1941  Flahive
       2,352,356   6/1944  Albertson
       2,682,273   6/1954  Rosch
       2,698,288  12/1954  Dinley, Jr.
       2,834,359   5/1958  Kearney ............... 134/108 X
       2,924,557   2/1960  De Furia
       3,011,924  12/1961  Rand
       3,070,463  12/1962  Barday
       3,177,126   4/1965  Charreau
       3,598,131  8/1971   Weihe, Jr. .............. 134/107
       3,610,260  10/1971  Kearney
       3,707,404  12/1972  Carlson et al
       3,718,147   2/1973  Laroche ............... 134/108 X
       3,771,539  11/1973  De Santis
       3,915,808  10/1975  Wilcox
       3,996,949  12/1976  Boynton ............... 134/108 X
       4,008,729   2/1977  Chizinsky ............... 134/107
       4,051,858  10/1977  Mele
       4,101,340   7/1978  Rand
       4,122,861  10/1978  Lee
       4,141,373   2/1979  Kartanson et al
       4,170,240  10/1979  Gentry
       4,223,140   9/1980  Hirdler et al .......... 544/192
       4,290,439   9/1981  Charpentier ............. 134/107
       4,299,663  11/1981  McCord
       4,353,323  10/1982  Kobienzer ............. 134/107 X
       4,433,698   2/1984  Blaul
       4,443,269   4/1984  Capella et al
       4,451,298   5/1984  Yagishita et al
       4,505,284   3/1985  Kyatt
       4,581,133   4/1986  Tomes
       4,596,634   6/1986  McCord ................ 134/107 X
       4,616,377  10/1986  Urbani
       4,707,878  11/1987  Urbani
       4,715,868  12/1987  Kennedy ................... 95/94
       4,755,261   7/1988  McCord ete al
       4,770,197   9/1988  Prisco, Jr. et al
       4,771,503   9/1988  Urbani

           (List continued on next page.)

      FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

      662742   3/1929  France .............. 134/105
     2394334   2/1979  France .............. 134/109
      369641  12/1958  Switzerland
      290285  12/1928  United Kingdom

PRIMARY EXAMINER--Philip R. Coe
ATTORNEY, AGENT, OR FIRM--Robert M. Downey, P.A.

(57)        ABSTRACT

An apparatus for washing automotive, aviation, marine and other general parts
with a cleaning solution during maintenance, repair and rebuilding operations,
includes a solution holding reservoir, a wash basin with a drain to facilitate
return of the cleaning solution to the holding reservoir, and a pump in the
holding reservoir for recirculating the cleaning solution through a discharge
spout and into the wash basin for washing parts therein. A first valve assembly
between the drain and the cleaning solution holding reservoir closes during
periods of non-use to prevent vapors from escaping to the atmosphere. During a
recycling process, a second valve assembly releases used, contaminated solvent
from the holding reservoir into a distillation chamber where the solvent is
heated to produce vapors. A condenser cools the vapors to a liquid state,
yielding non-contaminated cleaning solutions, which is directed into the holding
reservoir for future parts washing as demanded.

    12 CLAIMS, 3 DRAWING SHEETS

 (SCHEMATIC DRAWING)

<PAGE>

                                    5,549,128

                                     Page 2


                 U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

       4,785,836  11/1988  Yamamoto
       4,865,061   9/1989  Fowler et al ............. 134/108
       4,874,472  10/1989  Kohler
       4,879,004  11/1989  Ocsch et al
       4,929,312   5/1990  Westcott
       5,069,755  12/1991  Durr et al
       5,095,925   3/1992  Elledge et al
       5,141,009   8/1992  Morantz .............. 134/104.1 X
       5,180,438   1/1993  Hockh et al
       5,193,561   3/1993  Robb et al
       5,232,299   8/1993  Hiss
       5,318,056   6/1994  Kusz et al
       5,349,974   9/1994  Mansur ................. 134/108 X
       5,357,771  10/1994  Schaal
       5,377,705   1/1995  Smith, Jr. et al
       5,402,806   4/1995  Hakeem et al
       5,415,193   5/1995  Taricco

<PAGE>

U.S. PATENT       AUG. 27, 1996      SHEET 1 OF 3           5,549,128

                              (SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS)
<PAGE>

U.S. PATENT       AUG. 27, 1996      SHEET 2 OF 3           5,549,128

                              (SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS)
<PAGE>

U.S. PATENT       AUG. 27, 1996      SHEET 3 OF 3           5,549,128

                              (SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS)
<PAGE>

                                    5,549,128

                                        1

                              GENERAL PARTS WASHER

                           BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

  1. Field of the Invention

  This invention relates to an apparatus for washing articles with a liquid
cleaning solution, and more particularly to a general parts washer providing for
recycling of contaminated, dirty cleaning solution during a recycling process
to produce fresh, non-contamined cleaning solution on a regular basis for use
in washing parts during maintenance, repair and rebuilding operations.

  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. Typically, volatile solvents or aqueous solutions are used in
small parts cleaning operations, as they have been found to be most effective
in removing grease and other accumulated residue from metal parts and other
articles.

  In order to facilitate washing of various parts with a cleaning solvent, such
as a hydrocarbon or halogenated hydrocarbon, there is presently available a sink
which is removably supported on the top of a 55 gallon drum filled with cleaning
solvent. A pump is provided which pumps the solvent from the drum to a spicket
in the sink where it is used to rinse parts. From the sink, the sovlent is
drained back into the drum. During washing operations, the solvent becomes
immediately contaminated after the first use. However, the contaminated solvent
is continuously used during cleaning operations until a next scheduled solvent
replacement, which is usually on a monthly basis. The regular replacement of
contaminated solvent is ordinarily provided by a service, which also supplies
the washing apparatus, on a service contract basis. To replace the solvent, the
sink is removed from the drum containing the contaminated solvent and is placed
on another drum containing fresh solvent. The contaminated drum of solvent must
then be taken away 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 solvent between
scheduled solvent replacement dates.

  The present invention improves upon my previous parts washing apparatus as
set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,349,974, the subject matter of which is
incorporated herein by reference. Specifically, the present invention provides
for the optional elimination of a vacuum pump during the distillation process
if the atmospheric vaporization temperatures of the cleaning solution being used
is not dangerously high, and thus safe distillation at atmospheric pressure can
be achieved. Also, the present invention eliminates the need for a removable lid
on the distillatin chamber due to the sloping bottom configuration of the
distillation chamber which is specifically structured to centrally gather
contaminants which remain in the distillatin chamber. To gain access to the
distillation chamber and remove the contaminants, a small port with a threaded
cap and seal may be provided on the lower front of the distillation chamber, the
cap being exteriorly accessible on the front of the apparatus. This structural
modification provides for easier cleaning of the distillation chamber, in less
time, and substantially reduces the cost of production of the apparatus.
Further, in instances where it is desirous to distill under a vacuum, or

<PAGE>

                                       2

partial vacuum, the present invention provides for the use of a liquid ring
vacuum pump. A primary advantage of liquid ring vacuum pumps is that they have a
substantially longer operating life than other vacuum pumps due to their nature
of operation, using liquid, as the means for creating a seal, eliminating
friction and wear. Further, the liquid ring vacuum pump used in the present
invention operates on standard 110 volt power, providing for greater efficiency.
To accommodate a liquid ring vacuum pump, and prevent damage thereto, the
present invention employs the use of a secondary reservoir, enabling the vacuum
pump to operate using non-contaminated cleaning solution.

                            SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

  The present invention is directed to an apparatus for rinsing and washing
(cleaning) articles such as general machine and engine parts, which provides
pure, fresh cleaning solution on demand.

  More particularly, the present invention provides for the recycling of
contaminated, dirty cleaning solution (including solvents and aqueous cleaning
solutions) on a regular basis to provide fresh, non-contaminated solution for
cleaning, and thus eliminating the need for regular replacement and disposal of
contaminated cleaning solution. Accordingly, the present invention provides a
practical and economical means for complying with contaminant disposal
guidelines of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

  In accordance with the general parts washing apparatus of the present
invention, there is provided a wash basin including an at least partially
surrounding wall structure defining a splash guard, an open top and a removable
front wall portion. The wash basin further includes a floor which slopes
slightly downward from the sides, front and rear towards a centrally disposed
drain to facilitate recovery of cleaning solution after use. Once the cleaning
solution has passed through the drain and a filter, the cleaning solution
returns to a holding reservoir. A pump recirculates the cleaning solution from
the holding reservoir to a spout which discharges the cleaning solution into
the wash basin for rinsing articles during what might be termed a wash cycle.

  During a recycling process, a containment valve assembly is opened, releasing
the cleaning solution from within the holding reservoir to a distillation
chamber. Once the cleaning solution has drained into the distillation chamber,
the containment valve assembly is closed and the cleaning solution is heated to
a boiling point resulting in vapors entering a condenser. In the condenser, the
vapors condense to a liquid state, producing fresh, recycled cleaning solution.
This fresh cleaning solution is then lead into a holding reservoir for
subsequent use during the wash cycle.

  A vacuum pump may be used to create a vacuum in the distillation chamber,
thereby lowering the cleaning solution boiling point temperature. In a preferred
embodiment, a liquid ring vacuum pump is used to provide extended pump life and
greater efficiency to the apparatus. In this instance, the condensed, purified
cleaning solution is directed from the distillation chamber to a secondary
holding reservoir, enabling contaminated cleaning solution in the primary
holding reservoir to be dumped into the distillation chamber. In this manner,
the fresh cleaning solution, once transferred from the secondary holding
reservoir to the primary holding reservoir, can be used to operate the liquid
ring vacuum pump which requires solution free of sediment and contaminants in
order to prevent damage thereto.

  Accordingly, with the foregoing in mind, it is a primary object of the present
invention to provide a general parts

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                                   5,549,128

                                       3

washing apparatus for use in cleaning pans during maintenance, repair and
rebuilding operations, and which includes means for recovering and recycling
cleaning solutions so as to provide a user with "on-demand" pure cleaning
solution on a regular basis for cleaning.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a general parts
washing apparatus, as described above, which eliminates the need for constant
replacement and disposal of contaminated cleaning solution while providing a
practical and economical means of complying with EPA contaminant disposal
guidelines.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a relatively
compact and inexpensive parts washing apparatus adapted to recycle cleaning
solutions so as to provide fresh, non-contaminated cleaning solutions on a
regular basis.

  It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a general
parts washing apparatus as described above which operates on standard 110 volts
and which further requires no special water or air requirements.

  It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved
general parts washing apparatus which may incorporate the use of a liquid ring
vacuum pump operating on 110 volts, and thus providing an extended pump life and
greater efficiency.

  It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a general parts
washing apparatus as described above, including a distillation chamber having a
bottom structured and disposed to gather contaminants contained therein, thereby
enabling the contaminants to be removed through a small port and eliminating
the need for a removable lid and a lid lifting assembly, resulting in greater
efficiency and reduced cost of construction.

  It is still another object of the present invention to provide a general parts
washing apparatus as described above which complies with all government imposed
safety regulations and requirements.

  These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more
readily apparant in the description which follows.

                       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

  For a further 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 general parts washer apparatus
of the present invention;

  FIG. 2 is a rear top perspective view, in partial cutaway illustrating the
primary structural components, in general form, contained within a cabinet
interior of the apparatus.

  FIG. 3 is a side elevation, in partial section, illustrating the structure
and interconnection of the components of the apparatus; and

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the functional relationship
between the various components of the present 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 FIG. 1, there is
generally illustrated the general parts washer apparatus 10 of the present
invention. The

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                                   5,549,128

                                       4

apparatus 10 may be provided with a cabinet 12 including an upper portion
defining a wash basin 14 and a lower portion 16 including a base 17, side walls
18. 18' rear wall 19 and a front wall 20. The wash basin 14 includes side wall
portions 21, 22 and a rear wall portion 23 partially surrounding the wash basin
14, and defining a splash guard. A front wall panel 24 is removably fitted
within opposite channels 25, 25' formed in the opposite side wall portions 21,
22 of the wash basin 14. During washing operations, the front wall panel 24 can
be pulled upwardly and removed from a remainder of the apparatus 10. In this
manner, access to the wash basin 14 is unobstructed from a front of the
apparatus 10.
  The floor 26 in the wash basin 14 is preferably sloped from the sides, rear
and front, downwardly from a central zone where there is located a drain 28
including a drain plate 29 through which cleaning solution drains after use for
washing articles in the wash basin 14. After passage through the drain plate 29,
the cleaning solution is directed through a filter 30 fitted directly below the
drain plate. From the filter, the cleaning solution is lead through a return
canal 32 which leads to a cleaning solution holding tank 40. A vapor
containment valve assembly 34 is provided at the connection of the return canal
32 to the holding tank 40. During periods of non-use, the vapor containment
valve is closed, thus preventing vapors from escaping to atmosphere from within
the holding tank 40. The holding tank 40 is sized and configured to contain a
predetermined amount of cleaning solution therein. The cleaning solution is
recycled and reused throughout operation of the apparatus.

  A pump 44, supported within the holding tank 40, recirculates the cleaning
solution in the holding tank 40 through a return conduit 46 leading to a 3-way
valve 48 interconnecting between the return conduit and a spout 50 and a hose
52 having a wash brush 54 attached to an end thereof. A valve lever 56
facilitates operation of the valve to direct flow of cleaning solution to
either or both the spout 50 and hose 52 for subsequent discharge into the wash
basin 14 (see FIGS. 1, 3 and 4). The brush 54 attached to the hose 52 is
specifically designed to permit fluid flow therethrough so that articles may be
brushed and simultaneously rinsed with cleaning solution to remove accumulated
grease, dirt and other contaminants from the articles being washed. Once
discharged from either the spout 50 or brush 54, the cleaning solution returns
to the holding tank 40 through the drain 28 and return canal 32. An electric
switch is provided and is easily accessible on an exterior of the apparatus 10
(not shown for purposes of clarity) to facilitate deactivation of the pump 44
during periods of non-use. To this point, a wash cycle has been defined which
continues during parts washing operations.

  After a period of washing operations, at such intervals as may be selectively
determined, the cleaning solution contained within the holding tank 40 (now
contaminated after being used for washing various articles in the wash basin) is
released into a distillation chamber 60. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, at the
initiation of a recycling process, the vapor containment valve assembly 34 is
closed by motor M1, or solenoid, which rotates a cam 36 moving lever 35,
resulting in spring 33 urging valve stem 37 upward and causing the valve head
38 to mate against valve seat 39, and thus preventing vapors within the holding
tank 40 from escaping to atmosphere. The vapor containment valve assembly 34 is
operated in a similar manner during all periods of non-use, as a safety measure
to prevent vapors from escaping. In the recycling process, motor M2 (or
solenoid) is activated causing rotation of cam member 64, thereby operating a

<PAGE>

                                   5,549,128

                                       5

cleaning solution containment valve assembly 66. Upon initiation of the
recycling process, partial rotation of cam member 64 moves lever 67 which
applies an axial downward force on valve stem 70 to release a valve head 72
from engagement with a valve seat 76. Upon opening of the cleaning solution
containment valve assembly 66, the contaminated cleaning solution is released
from within the holding tank 40 through transfer canal 58 and into the
distillation chamber 60. The bottom 41 of the holding tank 40 is specifically
configured to slope toward the cleaning solution containment valve assembly
66, as seen in FIG. 3, so that upon opening of the valve assembly 66, the
cleaning solution will readily flow through the transfer canal 58 and into the
distillation chamber 60. Thereafter, a small amount of purified cleaning
solution is sprayed onto the valve seat 76 as well as the bottom 41 of the
holding tank 40 (as described more fully hereinafter) in order to wash sediment
into the distillation chamber, leaving the now empty holding tank 40 clean and
generally free of contaminants. The distillation chamber includes side walls 80,
81, a front wall 82, rear wall 83, a bottom 85 and a ceiling 84. The
distillation chamber 60 is insulated on all sides, the bottom and top thereof
to maintain heat therein. The bottom 85 of the distillation chamber 60 is
specifically structured and configured to slope downwardly towards a lower
central zone 86 so that sediment and other contaminants will settle and gather
at the central zone 86, facilitating easier cleaning thereof. A removable cap 87
on the front of the apparatus removably fits in covering, scaling relation to a
port 89 formed through the front wall of the distillation chamber 60 near the
lower central zone 86. Removal of the cap 87 facilitates access to an interior
of the distillation chamber 60, enabling accumulated contaminants in the lower
central zone to be periodically removed. A tool, such as a spade on a rod, can
be used to reach through the port 89 and scrape the bottom of the distillation
chamber 60, pulling accumulated sediment out through the port. Once cleaned, the
cap is replaced in covering, sealed relation on the port so that liquid and
vapors do not escape therefrom during the distillation process.

  A plurality of heating elements 90 are provided within the disstilation
chamber 60 to heat the cleaning solution to a temperature sufficient to produce
vapors for distillation. The heating elements 90 may be comprised of
electrically operated elongate elements each individually fitted within a tube
which extends within an interior of the distillation chamber 60, so that the
tubes are surrounded by the cleaning solution.

  A condenser 100 is positioned and disposed within a cooling zone and is cooled
by a fan 102. The condenser 100 includes a first conduit 104 extending to and
terminating at an open distal end within an upper portion of the distillation
chamber 60. The open end 105 of the conduit 104 is specifically positioned and
disposed for receipt of vapors therethrough. The vapors are thereafter led
through the conduit 104 to the condenser 100, wherein the vapors are condensed
to yield fresh, non-contaminated cleaning solution. A second conduit 108 extends
from the condenser 100 to a second lower cleaning solution holding tank 110. The
distilled, purified cleaning solution is directed into the lower holding tank
110 for temporary storage. At this point there is a separate charge of cleaning
solution contained in the upper holding tank 40. When the charge of cleaning
solution in the upper holding tank 40 is contaminated from parts washing
operations, and recycling is needed, the charge of cleaning solution is released
from the holding tank 40 into the distillation chamber 60, as described above.
Thereafter, a small quantity (approximately one to two pints) of the

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                                   5,549,128

                                       6


purified, fresh cleaning solution in the second, lower holding tank 110 is
dispersed into the upper tank 40 from a transfer line 116 leading from transfer
pump 114. The transfer pump 114 is interconnected to the bottom of the lower
holding tank 110 by line 112 having a check valve 113 therebetween, to hold
vacuum, as described hereinafter. The small quantity of cleaning solution
dispersed on the valve assembly 66, removes sediment from the valve seat 76.
At the same time, a liquid ring vacuum pump 130 discharges a small quantity of
fresh cleaning solution contained therein, and within an output line 132, onto
the sloped bottom 41 of the holding tank 40 to wash the sediment through the
transfer canal 58 and into the distillation chamber 60. Once the holding tank
40 and valve assembly 66 are rinsed, the containment valve assembly 66 closes
to seal off the distillation chamber 60. At this point, the transfer pump 114
is activated, resulting in the purified, non-contaminated cleaning solution in
the lower holding tank 110 being transferred into the upper holding tank 40.
When the charge of purified cleaning solution has been completely transferred
from the lower tank 110 to the upper tank 40, liquid ring vacuum pump 130 is
activated. The purified cleaning solution is drawn through an intake line 134
from the holding tank 40 to the vacuum pump 130, where it is thereafter
discharged through output line 132, and through a second condenser 140 for
cooling prior to returning to the holding tank 40. Operation of the vacuum pump
130 results in a suctin through vacuum line 150 leading to an upper portion of
the lower holding tank 110. Continued operation of the vacuum pump 130 results
in a vacuum being formed in the lower holding tank 110, the condenser 100 and
the distillation chamber 60. In this manner, the temperature at which the
cleaning solution will vaporize is substantially lowered, resulting in greater
efficiency in the operation of the apparatus 10. To hold the vacuum in the
distillation chamber 60, and the lower holding tank 110, a second check valve
136 is provided along the vacuum line. Referring to FIG. 4, a solenoid valve
144 is provided in the fluid intake line 134 leading from the holding tank 40
to the vacuum pump 130. Once a vacuum is achieved in the distillation chamber
60, the solenoid valve 144 is closed and the vacuum pump 130 is deactivated.
Thus, the solenoid valve 144 prevents the cleaning solution from draining from
the holding tank 40 and backing up into the vacuum pump 130. The contaminated
cleaning solution in the distillation chamber 60 is thereafter heated and
vaporized, as described above, resulting in the distilled, purified cleaning
solution being collected in the lower holding tank 110. Subsequent recycling is
repeated in the same manner as described above.

  While the invention has been shown and described to 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 washing articles with a solution comprising:

  at least one holding reservoir structured and disposed to contain a
    predetermined charge of the solution therein,

  a wash basin including at least a partially surrounding wall structure, and
    a floor having a drain means therein for draining the solution from within
    said wash basin and into said holding reservoir,

  means for discharging the solution into said wash basis,

  means for recirculating the solution from said holding reservoir to said
    discharging means,

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                                   5,549,128

                                       7

  a distillation chamber being structured and disposed to receive said charge
    of solution therein.

  means for releasing and directing said charge of solution from said holding
    reservoir into said distillation chamber, and including solution containment
    valve means selectively operable between an open position to release
    contaminated solution into said distillation chamber and a closed position
    to either contain the solution in the holding reservoir or to prevent vapors
    from escaping from said distillation chamber once the cleaning solution has
    been released from said holding reservoir and is contained within said
    distillation chamber,

  heating means structured and disposed for heating the contaminated solution
    contained in said distillation chamber so as to produce vapors, and

  a condenser in fluid communication with said distillation chamber and
    structured and disposed for receipt and condensing of the vapors to yield
    purified, condensed liquid solution and being further structured and
    disposed for directing the purified, condensed liquid solution into said
    holding reservoir.

  2. An apparatus for washing articles with a solution comprising:

  a holding reservoir for containing the solution,

  a wash basin including a floor with drain means therein structured and
    disposed for draining the solution from said wash basin and into said
    holding reservoir,

  solution discharge means for recirculating and discharging the solution from
    said holding reservoir into said wash basin,

  a distillation chamber operatively associated with said holding reservoir to
    receive contaminated solution,

  release means for selectively releasing and directing contaminated solution
    from said holding reservoir to said distillation chamber,

  access means for removing accumulated contaminants contained within said
    distillation chamber,

  heating means structured and disposed for heating the contaminated solution
    contained in said distillation chamber so as to produce vapors, and

  a condenser structured and disposed to condense the vapors from said
    distillation chamber to yield purified, condensed liquid solution and to
    direct the purified, condensed liquid solution into said holding reservoir.

  3. An apparatus as recited in claim 2 further including vacuum means for
creating a vacuum in said distillation chamber in order to lower a vaporization
temperature of the cleaning solution.

  4. An apparatus as recited claim 2 further including means for rinsing said
holding reservoir after release of the contaminated solution into said
distillation chamber, said rinsing means being structured and disposed to wash
sediment and accumulated contaminants from an interior surface of said holding
reservoir into said distillation chamber.

  5. An apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said drain means includes
filter means structured and disposed for passage of the solution therethrough
for removing sediment and particulate from the solution prior to entering said
holding reservoir.

  6. An apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said solution discharge means
includes a pump within said holding reservoir and a conduit connecting between
said pump and a discharge spout, said discharge spout being structured and
disposed for discharging solution pumped from said holding reservoir into said
wash basin.

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                                   5,549,128

                                       8

  7. An apparatus as recited in claim 2 further including a vapor containment
valve assembly structured and disposed to be operable between an open position,
permitting the solution to flow through said drain means into said holding
reservoir, and a closed position, preventing flow of the solution from said
wash basin to said holding reservoir and further preventing fumes and vapors
from the solution from escaping from within said holding reservoir to
atmosphere.

  8. An apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said release means includes a
solution containment valve assembly selectively operable between a closed
position to either contain the solution within said holding reservoir or to
prevent vapors from escaping from said distillation chamber when said solution
is contained therein, and an open position to release the solution from within
said holding reservoir into said distillation chamber.

  9. An apparatus for washing articles with a solution comprising:

  a first solution holding reservoir structured and disposed to contain a
    predetermined charge of the solution therein,

  a wash basin including at least a partially surrounding wall structure, and
    a floor having a drain means therein for draining the solution from within
    said wash basin and into said first solution holding reservoir,

  means for discharging the solution into said wash basin,

  pump means structured and disposed to circulate the solution from said first
    solution holding reservoir to said discharging means,

  a distillation chamber being structured and disposed to receive said charge
    of solution therein,

  means for releasing and directing said charge of solution from said first
    solution holding reservoir into said distillation chamber and including
    solution containment valve means selectively operable between an open
    position to release contaminated solution into said distillation chamber
    and a closed position for either containing the solution in said first
    solution holding reservoir or for preventing vapors from escaping from said
    distillation chamber once the contaminated solution has been released from
    said first solution holding reservoir and is contained in said distillation
    chamber,

  heating means structured and disposed for heating the contaminated solution
    contained in said distillation chamber so as to produce vapors,

  a condenser structured and disposed for receiving and condensing the vapors
    from said distillation chamber to produce purified, condensed,
    non-contaminated liquid solution,

  a second solution holding reservoir structured and disposed to receive the
    purified, condensed liquid solution from said condenser, and

  transfer pump means for transferring the purified, condensed liquid solution
    from said second solution holding reservoir to said first solution holding
    reservoir.

  10. An apparatus as recited in claim 9 further including vacuum means for
creating a vacuum in said distillation chamber in order to lower a vaporization
temperature of the solution.

  11. An apparatus as recited in claim 10 wherein said vacuum means includes a
liquid ring vacuum pump.

  12. An apparatus as recited in claim 11 wherein said liquid ring vacuum pump
is operable using the purified, condensed liquid solution.

                                    * * * * *