Abstract:
An industrial washing machine for manufactured parts includes a cabinet with a support mounted in it to hold parts to be washed at any desired height to facilitate loading and unloading, and to permit the machine to hold parts of different sizes and shapes to increase its utility. A manifold in the cabinet sprays hot washing liquid on the parts, and includes a centrally located port so washing liquid can be sprayed longitudinally along the axis of rotation, and radially outwardly from the center of the cabinet. The load of parts being washed is supported by the manifold. A door with an adjustable latch seals the washer during the washing operation. A filtration system removes contaminants from the washing liquid, which is recycled for additional cleaning of parts. A pressure relief valve and a vent permit gas to flow from the cabinet when the pressure in the cabinet is at one value, and impedes flow of gas from the cabinet when the pressure is at a lower value. A coalescing and condensing chamber in the cabinet reduces the loss of washing liquid through the vent. A return drain collects washing liquid from around the cabinet door and returns it to a reservoir for the liquid in the cabinet. An improved thermally insulating shell around the cabinet conserves energy.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates to industrial cleaning machines used to wash various kinds of mechanical parts to remove oil, dirt, or other contaminants.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Cleaning machines (parts washers) have been used for many years to clean various kinds of manufactured parts by spraying them with a heated washing liquid (usually a hot (150° F. to 175° F.) liquid of soap or other detergent and water) to remove oil, grease, grit, grime, or other contaminants. U.S. Pat. No. 6,115,541 discloses a parts washer, and is incorporated herein by reference. A typical parts washer has a turntable which holds parts and rotates about a vertical axis in an enclosed cabinet. A perforated manifold in the cabinet, and offset from the vertical axis, sprays washing liquid under high pressure against the parts to be washed. In some forms the manifold rotates about a vertical axis, and the parts remain stationary. These prior art machines do not do a good job in reaching the center of the axis of rotation. Consequently, there is a “dead” zone where little or inefficient washing action occurs. Moreover, the prior art machines cannot easily be modified to hold parts of different shapes and sizes. This often-requires a dedicated washer for each type of part to be washed. In addition, the turntable which holds parts to be washed is at a fixed height, which sometimes makes it difficult to load heavy or awkward parts into and out of a washing position. Another disadvantage of prior art industrial parts washers is that they emit a spray of hot washing liquid at the start of a cleaning cycle. This not only wastes heat and washing liquid, but often requires expensive installation of a duct to carry the spray outside the shop or building when the washer is operated.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     This invention provides an improved cleaning machine which is less expensive to manufacture, more efficient and safer to operate, and easier to use than previous machines. In one preferred form, the invention includes a thermally insulated cabinet with a thermally insulated front door and an upright support in the cabinet. Preferably, the support includes a rotor having an upper end connected to a drive shaft supported by a thrust bearing from the top of the cabinet to be rotatable about vertical axis in the center of the cabinet. At least one vertically adjustable stop is secured to the support to hold parts to be washed at different vertically spaced locations in the cabinet. A manifold in the cabinet sprays a washing liquid on the parts, and a drive mechanism rotates the support and manifold relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis of rotation in the cabinet. In one arrangement, a plurality of vertically adjustable stops are secured to the support to hold platforms at different levels so a plurality of parts can be held in the washer at different vertical locations for simultaneous washing to increase the capacity of the machine. Alternatively, selected stops on the support are used to hold a heavy part at a convenient height for loading and unloading.  
         [0004]     Preferably, a layer of thermal insulation is sandwiched between outside surfaces of the cabinet and interior surfaces of a shell disposed around and spaced from the cabinet. A frame secured to the washer holds the shell out of contact with the cabinet to minimize heat loss.  
         [0005]     In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention a substantially horizontal lower section of the manifold passes through the axis of rotation, and a lateral conduit opens upwardly from the manifold in a direction substantially collinear with the axis of rotation, and toward the central part of the cabinet. A removable closure in the conduit permits the conduit to be used when desired for spraying washing liquid into the central part of the cabinet, thus eliminating the “dead” zone found in many prior art cleaning machines. Each end of a substantially horizontal upper section of the manifold is connected to a respective upper end of a separate upright side section of the manifold. The lower end of each side section is connected to a respective end of the horizontal lower section of the manifold. Manifold outlets deliver powerful streams of washing liquid directly at the axis of rotation of the support, or, more preferably, offset slightly from the axis so that spray from one side of the manifold strikes the parts being washed at a slightly different angle from that of the other side for better cleaning without losing impact power due to an excessively “glancing” blow as with previous washers.  
         [0006]     Preferably, the support is suspended from the upper section of the manifold, which also passes through the axis of rotation. The manifold is secured to the interior of the cabinet to provide structural support as part of the cabinet framing. This simplifies construction of the machine, and reduces cost.  
         [0007]     In one form of the invention, the support rotates within the cabinet. In another form, the manifold rotates around the support. In yet another form, the upright support includes a threaded section which carries a stop nut that can be rotated to move the nut up and down the threaded section to support a platform or table, or other fixture or attaching accessory for holding parts to be washed at a position in the cabinet determined by the location of the stop nut. In another preferred form of the invention, the support includes a rotor with vertical and horizontal bars, and the adjustable stop includes clamps releasably secured to the bars so the clamps can be moved up and down or horizontally to hold platforms or fixtures in desired positions. Various types of part-supporting fixtures are attached to the clamp for holding different kinds of parts to be washed.  
         [0008]     One preferred type of fixture includes mutually transverse coupling nuts secured to each other and the clamp so various fixtures can be threaded into the coupling nuts to provide desired configurations for supporting different kinds of parts. For example, the clamps or coupling nuts can be connected to hanging fixtures, V-shaped and U-shaped propping fixtures, locating pins, hooks, and bolt-through lever arms with adjustable stops.  
         [0009]     In another preferred version of the invention, a swing-out platform is mounted on the upright support to pivot about an upright axis to facilitate loading parts to be washed. In another form, a roller-topped table on the support is at the same height as a roller-top roll-on cart to facilitate transferring heavy parts into and out of the machine. In yet another form of the invention, a swivel pipe with an L-joint is connected to the lateral conduit of the manifold, and provided with jets for washing parts with blind cavities or other areas which are difficult to reach. In another form of the invention, a standpipe connected to the lateral conduit, and provided with perforations sprays liquid upwardly and outwardly onto a surrounding part, such as a greasy hub. An outwardly extending brush on the standpipe expedites cleaning by contacting the interior of the hub as the hub is rotated around the standpipe.  
         [0010]     A swivel hose can also be connected at one end to the lateral conduit, and the other end of the swivel hose can be connected to the oil-feed galleries in a typical engine block so that the galleries are cleaned at the same time the exterior of the engine block is washed by spray from the surrounding manifold.  
         [0011]     The invention also provides a unique adjustable door latch and door seal for confining washing liquid in the cabinet during the washing operation. A unique vent with a pressure relief valve is also provided for venting the machine and conserving heat. A coalescing chamber for condensing water vapor and collecting water droplets in the cabinet is connected to the vent to minimize loss of heat and water when the machine starts a wash cycle. This avoids the need for an expensive plumbing installation previously required to vent the water vapor and droplets to the atmosphere outside the building in which the parts washer operates. An improved filtration and circulating system and return drain for the hot washing liquid is also provided for greater operating efficiency and conservation of energy. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]      FIG. 1  is a front elevation of a parts washer made in accordance with this invention;  
         [0013]      FIG. 1A  is a fragmentary perspective view of the frame which supports the insulating shell surrounding the cabinet;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a view taken on line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 , omitting the rotor and components mounted on the exterior of the cabinet;  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a view, partly broken away, taken on line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3A  is a view taken on line  3 A- 3 A of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 3B  is a fragmentary view taken on line  3 B- 3 B of  FIG. 3A ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged fragmentary view taken on line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2  showing an overflow drain located in the lower left (as viewed in  FIG. 1 ) side of the parts washer;  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a fragmentary view taken on line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged view, partly in cross section, taken on line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 1  showing an adjustable latch for securing the door in a closed position;  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a view taken on line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the support (rotor and drive shaft), suspended by a bearing from the manifold to be rotatable about a vertical axis within the parts washer cabinet (not shown in  FIG. 8  for clarity);  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged fragmentary exploded view of the drive for rotating the drive shaft and rotor shown in  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 9A  is a plan view of a dust seal for the bearing shown in  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 10  is a fragmentary sectional elevation of the support mounted in the cabinet and suspended from the upper section of the manifold;  
         [0026]      FIG. 11  is a fragmentary view taken on line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 12  is a fragmentary view taken on line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 1 , showing the central portion of the lower section of the manifold;  
         [0028]      FIG. 13  is a view taken on line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 14  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 12  showing a dirty part mounted in the parts washer for washing with streams aimed slightly off the axis of rotor rotation so streams from the left side strike the dirty part at an angle different from those streams from the right side;  
         [0030]      FIG. 15  is a view taken on line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 1  showing a vent and pressure relief valve from the top of the parts washer;  
         [0031]      FIG. 16  is a view taken on line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15 ;  
         [0032]      FIG. 17  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 15  showing an alternate embodiment of a vent and pressure relief valve from the top of the parts washer;  
         [0033]      FIG. 18  is a view taken on line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 17 ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 19  is a view taken on line  19 - 19  of  FIG. 20 , showing a clamp secured to the rotor;  
         [0035]      FIG. 20  is a view taken on line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 19 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 21  is a view taken on line  21 - 21  of  FIG. 20 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 22  is an elevation of an alternate embodiment of a clamp used on the rotor;  
         [0038]      FIG. 23  is a view taken on line  23 - 23  of  FIG. 22 ;  
         [0039]      FIG. 24  is a plan view of a platform secured to the rotor by clamps, and with a roller table on the platform to facilitate moving heavy parts to and from a washing position in the cabinet;  
         [0040]      FIG. 25  is a fragmentary plan view of an alternate clamp for securing the platform to the rotor;  
         [0041]      FIG. 26  is a view taken on line  26 - 26  of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0042]      FIG. 27  is an elevation of a fixture used to secure parts to be washed to the rotor;  
         [0043]      FIG. 28  is a view taken on line  28 - 28  of  FIG. 27 ;  
         [0044]      FIG. 29  is a view taken on line  29 - 29  of  FIG. 28 ;  
         [0045]      FIG. 30  is an elevation of a fixture used to secure parts to be washed to the rotor;  
         [0046]      FIG. 31  is a view taken on line  31 - 31  of  FIG. 30 ;  
         [0047]      FIG. 32  is a view taken on line  32 - 32  of  FIG. 30 ;  
         [0048]      FIG. 33  is an elevation of a J-hook used to secure parts to be washed to the rotor;  
         [0049]      FIG. 34  is a view taken on line  34 - 34  of  FIG. 33 ;  
         [0050]      FIG. 35  is an elevation of a U-shaped propping fixture for securing parts to be washed to the rotor;  
         [0051]      FIG. 36  is a view taken on line  36 - 36  of  FIG. 35 ;  
         [0052]      FIGS. 37, 38  and  39  are elevations similar to that of  FIG. 36  showing alternate embodiments of propping fixtures;  
         [0053]      FIG. 40  is a perspective view of an adjustable swing arm fixture and a tripod fixture, which can be used together or separately to hold parts to be washed;  
         [0054]      FIG. 41  is a fragmentary plan view of the fixture shown in  FIG. 40 ;  
         [0055]      FIG. 42  is a view taken on line  42 - 42  of  FIG. 41 ;  
         [0056]      FIG. 43  is a plan view of a bolt-through fixture for holding parts in the washer;  
         [0057]      FIG. 44  is a view taken on line  44 - 44  of  FIG. 43 ;  
         [0058]      FIG. 45  is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a bolt-through fixture for holding parts in the washer;  
         [0059]      FIG. 46  is a view taken on line  46 - 46  of  FIG. 45 ;  
         [0060]      FIG. 47  is a plan view of a grid fixture for holding parts in the washer;  
         [0061]      FIG. 48  is a view taken on line  48 - 48  of  FIG. 47 ;  
         [0062]      FIG. 49  is a plan view of a C-clamp secured to a rotor clamp for mounting parts to be washed;  
         [0063]      FIG. 50  is a fragmentary elevational view of a rotor with a pair of vertically spaced swing platforms mounted on it for moving parts into and out of the washer;  
         [0064]      FIG. 50A  is an enlarged elevation of a hinge (partially assembled) in the lower right-hand part of  FIG. 50  which supports a swing platform;  
         [0065]      FIG. 51  is an elevational view taken on line  51 - 51  of  FIG. 50 , with the upper one of the two platforms removed;  
         [0066]      FIG. 52  is a plan view taken on line  52 - 52  of  FIG. 50  showing the lower swing platform positioned within the parts washer;  
         [0067]      FIG. 53  is a view similar to  FIG. 52  showing the rotor turned about  45  degrees from that in  FIG. 52 , and with the platform swung to a position outside the parts washer cabinet;  
         [0068]      FIG. 54  is a cross-sectional plan view of the bottom of a rotor which includes a pair of rotors journaled around the lateral conduit in the lower section of the manifold;  
         [0069]      FIG. 54A  is a view taken on line  54 A- 54 A of  FIG. 54 ;  
         [0070]      FIG. 55  is an elevation of a spray head connected to the lateral conduit of the manifold, and attached by a clamp and sleeve arrangement to a rotor;  
         [0071]      FIG. 56  is an elevation showing a spray distributor assembly connected to the lateral conduit in the lower section of the manifold;  
         [0072]      FIG. 57  is an elevation of an engine block disposed on a rotor with oil-feed galleries in the engine block connected through a swivel to the lateral conduit in the lower section of the manifold;  
         [0073]      FIG. 58  is an elevation showing an alternate embodiment of the invention in which the lateral conduit is connected to open downwardly from the upper section of the manifold, and supply washing liquid to a spray distributor disposed within a part which rests on a rotatable turntable in the lower portion of the parts washer;  
         [0074]      FIG. 59  is a view similar to  FIG. 58  showing the lateral conduit opening out of one of the side sections of the manifold;  
         [0075]      FIG. 60  is an elevation of an alternate embodiment of the invention in which the support for the parts to be washed is a vertical threaded shaft constructed to rotate with respect to the manifold, and platforms at different levels for holding parts to be washed;  
         [0076]      FIG. 61  is an elevation of an alternate embodiment of the invention in which the manifold rotates relative to a fixed platform which holds a part to be washed with a spray delivered by a vertical distributor pipe connected at its upper end to a lateral conduit in the upper section of the manifold, which is supplied washing liquid through a swivel;  
         [0077]      FIG. 61A  is an enlarged view of the upper part of  FIG. 61 ;  
         [0078]      FIG. 61B  is an enlarged elevation of an alternate embodiment for supplying washing liquid to the vertical distributor pipe shown in  FIG. 61 ;  
         [0079]      FIGS. 62, 63  and  64  are side, end, and plan views, respectively, of a cart with rollers for transporting parts to be washed to and from the parts washing machine;  
         [0080]      FIG. 65  is a fragmentary elevation of a stand pipe and brush connected to the lateral conduit in the manifold;  
         [0081]      FIG. 66  is a view taken on line  66 - 66  of  FIG. 65 ;  
         [0082]      FIG. 67  is a fragmentary plan view of the manifold lateral conduit equipped for operating the machine with cycles for washing, rinsing, and drying parts;  
         [0083]      FIG. 68  is a schematic view taken on line  68 - 68  of  FIG. 67 ;  
         [0084]      FIG. 69  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 6  showing a preferred embodiment of a door latch handle; and  
         [0085]      FIG. 70  is a view taken on line  70 - 70  of  FIG. 69 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0086]     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  3 ,  3 A, and  3 B, a parts washing machine  100  made in accordance with this invention includes an upright rectangular cabinet  102  which has a back wall  103 , a top wall  104 , a left (as viewed in  FIG. 3A ) sidewall  106 , and a right side wall  108 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the cabinet has a front wall  109 , and a bottom wall  110  which slopes downwardly from right to left (as viewed in  FIG. 1 ). As shown in  FIG. 3 , upwardly and outwardly extending front and back sections  112  and  114 , respectively, of the bottom wall are bonded (preferably welded) to the respective lower edges of the front and back walls of the cabinet. The left (as viewed in  FIG. 1 ) edge of bottom wall  110  includes a vertical section  113  welded to the lower edge of left side wall  106 , and the right edge of the bottom wall is welded to the lower edge  115  of right side wall  108  to form a watertight reservoir  116  ( FIG. 5 ) in the bottom of the cabinet.  
         [0087]      FIG. 1A  shows a frame  120  which is disposed around and spaced from the upper portion of the cabinet, which is not shown in  FIG. 1A  for clarity. The frame includes an upper rear member  122 , an upper front member  124 , an upper left side member  126 , and an upper right side member  128 . The upper members are substantially the same length, and lie in a common horizontal plane. The upper ends of left and rear vertical members  130 ,  132 , respectively are connected to the left and right rear corners of the upper end of the frame formed by upper members. The upper ends of left and right front vertical members  134 ,  136  are each respectively bonded to the respective left and right front corners of the upper end of the frame formed by upper members. The left and right ends of a lower horizontal rear member  138  are respectively bonded to the lower ends of the left and right vertical members  130  and  132 . The rear ends of lower left and lower right horizontal members  140 ,  142 , are respectively bonded to the lower ends of the left and right rear vertical members. The front ends of members  140  and  142  are bonded to the rear faces of front vertical members  134 ,  136 , respectively. The lower ends of the vertical members  134  and  136 , and the lower surfaces of members  138 ,  140  and  142  all lie in a common horizontal plane. The lower members are substantially the same length as the upper members so the frame is substantially square in cross-section as viewed from above, and as shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0088]     The lower edges of the front, back and side walls are each bonded to the upper end of a respective vertical leg  144  ( FIGS. 1 and 3 ). Each leg is a section of box tube with vertical walls disposed so each leg has a wall coplanar with a respective wall of the cabinet, each of which rests on, and is welded to, the upper edge of a respective flange. A separate horizontal, outwardly extending pad  145  is welded to the lower end of each leg for increased stability and to spread the load of the parts washer over a suitable area of the floor (not shown) on which the washer rests. As shown in  FIGS. 2, 3A , and  3 B, the frame  120  is spaced from the outer walls of the upper, front, and side walls of the cabinet. A shell  146  includes top, back, and left and right side walls  148 ,  150 ,  152 , and  154 , respectively, attached to adjacent frame numbers with blind rivets  156 . A layer of thermal insulation  158  is disposed in the space between adjacent faces of the walls of the cabinet and the surrounding shell. Upper edges of the cabinet are fastened to adjacent portions of the frame by spacing brackets  160  to stabilize the position of the cabinet within the shell. Conveniently, the brackets  160  are made of short pieces of box steel tubing. The cabinet, shell, and frame can be of any suitable material. For example, the walls of the cabinet are made of  12  gauge steel sheet metal, and the walls of the shell are made of  16  gauge sheets of the same material. The frame is also preferably made of steel. For example, the rear vertical members are each sections of 2″×2″ angle iron, the upper rear, left and right, and lower rear, left and right horizontal members are each 1″×1″ angle iron. The upper front horizontal member, and left and right front vertical members are each 1″×1″ box tubing.  
         [0089]     Referring to  FIGS. 1A, 3A , and  3 B, the lower edge  162  of the upper right side member  128  of the frame rests on, and is welded to the upper edge of the forward extending part  164  of the right rear vertical member  132 . In a similar arrangement, the lower edge  166  of the downwardly extending flange  168  of the upper rear member  122  is welded to the upper edge of the inwardly extending flange  170  of the right rear vertical member  132 . As shown in  FIG. 1A , the adjacent ends of the upper rear and upper right side members  122 ,  128  are mitered to accommodate the structure just described. The rear end of the upper left member and the left end of the upper rear member are mitered and bonded together on the upper end of the left rear vertical member  130 , in the same manner as just described for the right rear vertical member. The front ends of the upper left and right members  126 ,  128  are each respectively welded to the inner face of the left and right ends of the upper front member  124  so the upper surfaces of the upper rear, left, right and front members all lie in a common horizontal plane.  
         [0090]     The upper ends of the left and right front vertical members  134 ,  136  are each mitered to make a smooth fit with the mitered left and right ends, respectively, of the upper front member  124 , all of which are welded together so the front faces of the left and right front vertical members and the upper front member lie in a common vertical plane, and so the faces of the members parallel to the right and left sides of the frame members lie in respective common left and right vertical planes.  
         [0091]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the front edges of the left and right side walls  106 ,  108  of the cabinet are welded to the respective inner faces of the left and right front vertical members  134 ,  136  so the front edge of the side walls lie in the same vertical plane as the front faces of those vertical members. The front edge of the top wall  104  ( FIG. 3A ) of the cabinet is welded to the lower face of the upper front member  124  ( FIG. 1A , which shows only upper front member  124 , but not top wall  104 ) so the front edge of the top wall is flush with the front vertical face of upper front member  124 . Adjacent edges of the top, back, side, front and bottom walls are welded together to form watertight joints along their entire respective lengths.  
         [0092]     Front wall  109  is welded to the inner faces of the left and right sidewalls  106  and  108 , respectively. The upper edge of the front wall  109  ( FIG. 5 ) of the cabinet is horizontal and terminates at a height about one fourth that of the parts washing machine, leaving substantially all of the rest of the front of the cabinet open as a doorway  170  ( FIG. 1 ), which can be opened and closed by a door  172  secured at its right (as viewed in  FIG. 1 ) edge by a pair of vertically spaced hinges  174  to the right front vertical member  136 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , the door has a layer of thermal insulation  178  secured between a pair of front and rear panels  180 ,  182 , respectively. A door handle and latch mechanism  184  at the left side of the door facilitates sealing the door in a closed position as described in more detail below.  
         [0093]     An inwardly extending annular flange  186  lies in a vertical plane slightly to the rear of front wall  109  ( FIGS. 1 and 5 ), and is welded around its top and side edges to the interior surfaces of the top and side walls. The inner periphery of the annular flange defines the doorway  170 . A horizontal lower edge  188  of the flange lies below a normal operating level  190  for hot washing liquid in the reservoir  116 , and acts as a return drain baffle.  
         [0094]     As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2  and  5 , a single-piece annular gasket  192  includes an outwardly opening slot  194  which makes a snug fit over the inner edge of the annular flange  186 , and carries an outwardly facing tubular section  196 , which rests on an outwardly extending annular shelf  198  welded to the front face of the flange. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the inner edge of the flange at the corners of the doorway is rounded to present a smooth curved surface so the single-piece gasket fits smoothly around the entire periphery of the annular flange without creating any wrinkles or kinks.  
         [0095]     As shown best in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , an upwardly opening horizontal gutter  200  includes a front wall  201 , the upper edge of which is welded to the lower edge of the door. A horizontal section  202  extends from the lower edge of wall  201  and terminates at its rear edge in an upwardly extending short wall  204 . The end of the gutter  200  remote from the hinged edge of the door is closed by a vertical wall  206  ( FIG. 1 ). The other end of the gutter is open so that liquid collected in it drains toward the hinged edge of the door and into an L-shaped trough  208  having a horizontal section  209  welded to the upper edge of front wall  109  so that liquid collected in the trough drains into a vertical space  211  formed between the rear face of front wall  109  in the forward face of flange  186 . Each end of the trough is closed by a separate respective plate  212  ( FIG. 3 ). The vertical space  211  forms a drain for returning liquid from the exterior of the cabinet to the location below the normal operating level  190  of the washing liquid in the reservoir  116 . The lower edge  188  of the flange extends a sufficient distance (say at least several inches) below the normal operating level of washing liquid in the reservoir to provide a water seal which prevents a draft of cold air through the cabinet.  
         [0096]     A shown in  FIG. 5 , a shell front wall  220  is fastened by blind rivets  222  to vertical flanges  224  of upper and lower horizontal L-shaped steel strips  226 ,  228 , respectively, welded to the front face of the front wall  109  so the flanges  224  are spaced from the front wall, and extend toward each other. A layer  230  of thermal insulating material is disposed in the space between front wall  109  of the cabinet and front wall  220  of the shell.  
         [0097]     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  6  and  7 , the door handle and latch assembly  184  includes a flat handle  232  which lies in a substantially vertical plane, and carries a horizontally extending internally threaded collar  234  at one end. A forwardly extending horizontal threaded bolt  236  is welded at its rear end to the front face of the cabinet door  172 . A laterally extending cylindrical locking pin  238  is welded at one end to the rear end of the internally threaded collar, which is threaded on to the bolt  236  so that the locking pin  238  makes a snug fit in an annular external groove  240  in a retaining screw  241  which extends upwardly and inwardly into an internally threaded coupling nut  242  welded to a mounting bracket  244 , which is welded to the front face of the cabinet adjacent the doorway  170 . With the door in the latched position shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the inner face of the door makes a snug fit against the annular bulb  196  ( FIG. 5 ) of the gasket, and compresses the gasket into a sealing position so that no liquid can flow through the door when the door is in the closed and latched position. The amount of compression exerted by the door latch is easily adjustable by unlatching the door, swinging it partially open, and then rotating the handle strap and internally threaded collar to adjust the position of the laterally extending latching pin  238  to the desired distance from the front of the door. Moreover, the exact position of the annular detent groove  240  on the retaining screw  241  can be precisely adjusted by rotating the screw into and out of the coupling nut  242 . An allen screw  245  in the end of threaded coupling nut  242  remote from the retaining screw  241  locks the retaining screw in the desired position in coupling nut  242 . An alternate preferred embodiment of a door latch assembly is described below with respect to  FIGS. 69 and 70 .  
         [0098]     Washing liquid in the reservoir  116  is heated by an immersion heater (not shown), which may be of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,115,541. Hot washing liquid is circulated from the reservoir through an L-shaped inlet pipe  254  ( FIG. 1 ) sealed through vertical section  113  at the left side of the reservoir, and connected to the inlet of a centrifugal pump  256  mounted on the exterior of the lower left side of the cabinet. A discharge pipe  256 a connected to the pump outlet is sealed through the lower left side of the cabinet, and delivers hot washing liquid under pressure to the lower end of a vertical riser  257  welded to the inside face of the cabinet left side wall. The inlet end of inlet pipe  254  is connected to the bottom of a sump box  258  mounted on the inner face of vertical section  113  at the left end of the reservoir. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the sump box is in the center of section  113 , with the bottom of the box adjacent the lower edge of section  113 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the sump box is open at its top so that washing solution can flow into the box and down into inlet pipe  254 . A horizontal sump baffle  258 a is welded at its left (as viewed in  FIG. 1 ) edge to the inner face of left side wall  106  a slight distance above the open upper end of the sump box. The sump baffle projects slightly beyond the upper edges of the sump box to prevent particles from inadvertently entering the sump box, such as when filter bags (described in detail below) are removed for cleaning or replacement. A drain line  258  behind the sump box extends from the bottom of the left end of the reservoir through the vertical section  113  at the left edge of the bottom wall  110 . A ball valve  258 c in the drain line is opened when the reservoir is to be cleaned.  
         [0099]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the cabinet in plan view is approximately square, but for reasons explained below, the vertical riser  257  is located slightly to the rear of midpoint of the left side wall. The upper end of the riser is connected (as best shown in  FIG. 8 ) to the lower left corner of a manifold  259  laid out in the shape of a vertically disposed rectangle, and having a horizontal lower section  260  connected at each end to a respective lower end of a vertical left and right side sections  261  and  262 , respectively. The left and right side sections of the manifold are respectively welded to the interior surface of the left and right sidewalls  106  and  108  (see  FIG. 2 ). The upper end of each of the left and right side sections of the manifold are respectively welded to the left and right ends of a horizontal upper section  263  of the manifold. The riser  257  and manifold sections can be of any suitable material or size. I presently prefer that they be made of steel rectangular tubing. For example, the riser in a presently preferred form is 2″×2″, and each of the manifold sections is 1″×2″. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the ends of the manifold sections are beveled so they fit smoothly together. As shown in  FIGS. 8, 12  and  14 , the manifold sections include a series of longitudinally spaced apertures  264  for directing powerful streams of washing liquid into the center of the cabinet.  
         [0100]     Referring to  FIGS. 8-11 , a vertical rotatable support shaft  265  makes a loose sliding fit through a vertical sleeve  266  ( FIG. 10 ) which extends through the center of the upper section  263  of the manifold. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the outer diameter of sleeve  266  is less than the interior transverse dimension of upper section  263  of the manifold, and is welded to the upper and lower walls of the upper section  263  of the manifold to provide a watertight connection which permits washing liquid to flow in either direction through the upper section of the manifold and around the sleeve. The lower end of the rotatable support shaft  265  includes a bolt head  267  from which is suspended a rotor  268  described in more detail below. The support shaft  265  extends up through collinear openings in the cabinet top wall  104  and the shell top wall  146 , and makes a close sliding fit in the opening in the cabinet top wall. A thrust bearing  270  disposed around the support shaft  265  includes an inner race  272  and an outer race  274  which rests on the upper surface of the top wall  104  of the cabinet. An O-ring  275  seals around the rotatable support shaft, and against the cabinet top wall and the thrust bearing. An annular shaft collar  276  surrounds the thrust bearing, and includes a horizontal threaded bore  278  which receives the threaded inner end of a horizontal pipe  280  disposed between the top walls of the cabinet and shell. The pipe  280  extends out through the left side wall of the shell, and carries a fitting  282  which permits grease to be injected into the thrust bearing as needed.  
         [0101]     An annular lubricant and dust seal  284  of elastomeric material, such as neoprene or butyl rubber, includes an inner periphery  285  ( FIG. 9A ) which makes a tight stretch fit around a hexagonal load nut  286  threaded on to the support shaft  265  to bear against the upper surface of an annular hub  287  on the inner race  272  of the thrust bearing. The seal  284  includes an outer periphery  288  which is pressed against the upper surface of the shaft collar to provide a lubricant and dust seal for the thrust bearing. The seal  284  is conveniently made from a sheet of elastic material in the shape of an annular disk shown in  FIG. 9A . For a hexagonal nut having an interior diameter of about ¾″, and a maximum exterior dimension of about 1¼″, the inner periphery  285  of the seal  284  is about ⅝″ and the outer periphery  288  is about 2½″. The thickness of the sheet which forms the seal is about 1/16″. When the seal is stretched to force it to fit over the exterior of the load nut, the seal takes the frusto-conical shape shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 .  
         [0102]     A pulley  290  bears against the top surface of the load nut, and is held firmly in place by a lock nut  292  threaded on the upper end of the support shaft  265 . A drive belt (not shown) disposed around the pulley  290  is connected to a drive pulley (not shown) on an electric motor (not shown) mounted on top of the washing machine. As shown best in  FIG. 10 , the vertical load on the support shaft  265  is transferred from the load nut to the thrust bearing and against the upper surface of cabinet top wall  104 , which bears against the top surface of the horizontal upper section  263  of the manifold, which transfers the load to the manifold left and right side sections  261  and  262 , respectively, which are welded to the inner faces of the left and right side walls, respectively, of the cabinet. Some of the load is also carried by the back wall of the cabinet, which is welded to the cabinet side walls. As previously stated, the lower edges of the cabinet back and side walls are welded to the upper ends of the machine legs  144 , which carry the entire load of the washer and the parts in it. This construction provides maximum support for the load with minimum material and manufacturing cost. Moreover, the pulley  290  can easily be changed by simply removing the lock nut. This facilitates driving the rotor  268  at different speeds for various types of washing operations. For example, it is often useful to turn the rotor at a slow speed, say less than 1 rpm, to “peel” heavy dirt loads off exceptionally dirty parts.  
         [0103]     A conventional electrical control panel  292  mounted on the exterior of the left (as viewed in  FIG. 1 ) side of the washing machine provides switches for the pump and rotor motors, as well as a timer to control the wash cycle, and a thermostat to control the temperature of the washing liquid.  
         [0104]     Referring to  FIGS. 8, 12  and  13 , the rotor  268  includes a pair of horizontal collinear upper top cross bars  300 . The inner end of each upper top cross bar is welded to the opposite sides of the top surface of a rotor drive plate  302  disposed around the support shaft  265  to rest on bolt head  267  ( FIG. 10 ). A pair of horizontal, collinear lower top cross bars  304  are welded at their respective inner ends to the bottom surface of the opposite sides of the drive plate  302 . With the drive assembled as shown in  FIG. 10 , the bolt head  267  on support shaft  265  makes a snug fit between the inner ends of the lower top crossbars  304  so when the support shaft is rotated, the rotor  268  is forced to rotate about a vertical axis in the center of the cabinet.  
         [0105]     A first pair of vertical rotor rods  306  are welded at their respective upper ends to opposite sides of the outer ends of one set of upper and lower top cross bars  300  and  304 , respectively. A second pair of vertical rotor rods  308  are welded at their upper ends to opposite sides of the outer ends of the other set of upper and lower top cross bars  300  and  304 .  
         [0106]     A pair of horizontal and parallel lower cross bars  310  are welded at their central portions to opposite sides of a vertical collar  312  which makes a sliding fit around a vertical lateral conduit  314  welded to a lateral opening  316  ( FIG. 13 ) in the bottom horizontal section  260  of the manifold. The lateral conduit  314  is internally threaded at its upper end to receive a plug  318  having a square fitting.  320  to facilitate moving the plug  318  into and out of a sealing position in the lateral conduit  314 . Preferably, the plug has a vertical bore  319  through it so that even with the plug in the sealing position shown in  FIG. 13 , a stream of washing liquid is directed upwardly collinear with the axis of rotor rotation during the washing cycle.  
         [0107]     As shown best in  FIGS. 8 and 12 , each of the lower cross bars  310  is made up of two collinear sections  321 . The inner ends of the sections of one of the lower cross bars are welded to one side of the collar  312 , and the inner ends of the other sections of the other lower cross bar are welded to the opposite side of the collar. The outer ends of each cross bar are connected together by a separate respective short stub  322  welded to the bars. The lower ends of the vertical rotor rods  306  and  308  are each welded to a respective outer end of a lower cross bar. Thus, as the driven pulley turns, the support shaft rotates the rotor about the vertical axis in the center of the cabinet. The upper and lower cross bars and the vertical supports rods of the rotor are dimensioned so the rotor makes a close fit within the rectangular manifold as the rotor rotates through a circular path  324  shown in phantom line in  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the vertical left and right side sections  261 ,  262  of the manifold project into the cabinet. Therefore for efficient use of space, the cabinet is wider than it is deep by an amount about equal to the sum of the horizontal exterior dimensions of the two side sections. To simplify manufacturing and inventory control, the left and right side walls  106  and  108  are identical in shape and dimension with back wall  103 . The forward edges of side walls  106  and  108  project forward of the inner face of the door when it is in the closed position shown in  FIG. 2  by an amount about equal to twice the maximum horizontal dimension of one of the manifold vertical sections. Thus, even though side walls  106  and  108  and back wall  103  are identical in size and shape for efficient manufacturing and inventory control, they are assembled so that the cabinet interior is slightly wider than it is deep.  
         [0108]     A plurality of horizontal platforms  340  are secured by vertically adjustable clamps  342  to the vertical rotor rods  306  and  308 . Thus the platforms  340  can be adjusted to any convenient height to receive parts to be washed.  
         [0109]      FIGS. 8, 12  and  14  show a preferred arrangement of the apertures  264  in the manifold  259  for washing a dirty part  343  (shown only in  FIG. 14 ) resting on a platform  340  (not shown in  FIG. 14 ) mounted on the rotor  268 , which turns about a vertical axis  344  ( FIG. 14 ) in the center of the cabinet (not shown in  FIGS. 8, 12  or  14 ) of the parts washer. Each aperture  264  is spaced a uniform distance “d” from an adjacent aperture. The set of apertures in the left section  261  ( FIG. 8 ) of the manifold begin at a distance “d”/2 from the lower face of the upper horizontal section  263  of the manifold. The set of apertures  264  in the right section  262  of the manifold began at a distance “d” below the lower face of the horizontal section  263  of the manifold. Thus, each aperture in the left section  261  is offset a vertical distance of “d”/2 from a corresponding aperture in the set in the right section  262  of the manifold. This provides efficient coverage of dirty parts with streams of washing liquid as the parts revolve in the cabinet.  
         [0110]     As shown best in  FIG. 14 , the aperture in the left and right sections  261 ,  262  of the manifold are located in a plane closer to the forward edge of the manifold than to a vertical plane passing through the center of the manifold and the axis of rotation. This arrangement aims the streams of washing liquid from the right and left sections  261 ,  262  of the manifold slightly offset from the axis of rotation  344  so the streams from the left side strike the dirty part at an angle different from that of the streams from the right side. This provides more efficient scrubbing of dirty parts which are difficult to clean. The arrangement is especially effective when it provides a “glancing” blow against the dirty part so that the stream of washing liquid does not bounce back against itself from the part.  
         [0111]     The apertures  264  in the lower section  260  of the manifold are arranged so that those on the right side of the cabinet begin at a distance “d”/2 from the inside face of the right section  262  of the manifold. The apertures on the left side of the manifold are disposed so they begin at a distance “d” from the inner face of left section  261  of the manifold. Thus, the streams of washing liquid from the apertures on the right side of the lower section of the manifold concentrate on different area of a dirty part (not shown) on a platform (not shown) rotated about the axis  344  from the areas concentrated on the streams from the apertures  264  on the left side of the lower horizontal section  260 . The apertures  264  in the lower section  260  of the manifold are preferably located along a line adjacent the rear face of the manifold  260  to avoid interference with streams of washing liquid emitted from the apertures in the right and left vertical sections  261 ,  262 , respectively, of the manifold. The apertures  264  in the upper section  263  of the manifold are not shown in  FIGS. 8, 12  or  14 , but they are disposed in a manner similar to that of the apertures in the lower horizontal section  260  so that the streams of washing liquid from the apertures on the left side of the upper section  263  cover areas different from those covered by the streams of washing liquid from the apertures on the right side of section  263 .  
         [0112]     As shown in  FIGS. 1, 3 ,  15 , and  16 , a vertical cylindrical vent pipe  350  at the right rear corner of the upper end of the machine is welded at its lower end to the upper surface of cabinet top wall  104  around a square opening  352  extending through the top wall. A square flexible flap  354  is secured by screws  356  to one edge of the square opening so the flap normally rests on the upper surface of the top wall  104  to cover opening  352 . The flap  354  is made of any suitable flexible material which permits it to act as a pressure relief valve when the washing machine is turned on to start a washing cycle. At that time, relatively cool air in the machine is rapidly heated by the streams of hot washing liquid emitted from the apertures of the manifold. This pressure could be dangerous or at least destructive to the machine if not properly vented. To minimize loss of washing liquid droplets and moist hot air from the cabinet at the start of a washing cycle, a coalescing and condensing chamber  360  is formed in the upper right rear corner of the cabinet ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) by a vertical baffle  362  welded at its vertical edges to the inner faces of the rear and right side walls  103 ,  108 , respectively, of the cabinet. The lower edge  363  of the baffle terminates just above the midpoint of the cabinet, and the upper edge of the baffle is welded to the inner surface of the top wall  104  of the cabinet so that vapor rushing from the cabinet toward the vent opening  352  must flow under the baffle and up through the coalescing chamber  360 . This flow promotes coalescing of droplets and condensation of water vapor to minimize loss of heat and liquid from the cabinet. The coalescing chamber eliminates the need to provide an expensive vent to carry vapor from the machine to a point outside the building in which the machine is operated.  
         [0113]     The flap  354  normally lies in the horizontal closed position shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . When the machine is turned on, causing rapid heating and expansion of relatively cool air in the cabinet, the flap is momentarily lifted to the phantom line position shown in  FIG. 16  to relieve pressure within the cabinet. The flap then quickly closes to minimize heat and moisture loss from the cabinet. This operation of the pressure relief valve cooperates with the coalescing and condensing chamber, and the water seal created by the lower edge  188  of the return drain baffle ( FIG. 5 ) to conserve heat and washing liquid. Thus, although the return drain  211  collects liquid from trough  209  and returns liquid from exterior of the cabinet to the reservoir, there is no open draft for allowing warm vapor to flow through and out of the machine.  
         [0114]      FIGS. 17 and 18  show an alternate embodiment for a pressure relief valve for handling larger volumes of vapor flow than that provided in the embodiment shown in FIGS.  15  and  16 . Referring to  FIG. 17 , the lower end of the vertical vent pipe  350  is welded to the upper surface of the top wall  104  of the cabinet around a circular vent hole  362  extending through the top wall  104 . A circular flap  364  having a diameter slightly greater than that of the vent opening  362  is disposed on the upper surface of the top wall of the cabinet to cover the vent opening  362 . A horizontal restraining strip  366  extends across the center of the flap and is secured to the top wall  104  by screws  368 . The flap is secured to the underside of the restraining strip by screws  369  and nuts  370 . The operation of the pressure relief valve shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18  is similar to that described for the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . The circular flap, which opens on both sides of the strip, provides a more fully open position for handling larger volumes of vapor.  
         [0115]     After hot washing liquid strikes parts being washed in the cabinet, the liquid drains down on to a horizontal filter plate  374  located just above the normal operating level  190  of washing liquid in the reservoir  116 . The forward edge ( FIG. 5 ) of the filter plate is welded to the rear face of the drain baffle, which is formed by the lower part of flange  186  extending down into the reservoir. The right and rear edges (as viewed in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the filter plate are welded to the interfaces of the right and back walls  108 ,  103 , respectively of the cabinet. The left (as viewed in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) edge of the filter plate includes a vertical dam  376  ( FIG. 4 ) welded to the riser  257 , and having an upper edge which terminates just below the lower horizontal section of the manifold, which bisects the dam.  
         [0116]     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  4  and  5 , four bag filters  380  are each mounted in a separate respective filter bag retaining ring  382  suspended in a respective filter hole  384  extending through the filter plate  374 . Thus, used washing liquid falling from washed parts collects on the filter plate and flows down through the filter bags to return to the pump inlet for recirculation. If the filter bags become plugged, excess washing liquid collected on the filter plate  374  overflows the dam  376  and returns to the reservoir  116 . A bypass overflow sensor  386  is mounted on the left side walls of the cabinet and shell to provide an alarm signal when liquid flows over dam  376 . An elongated deflection panel  388  is disposed over the space between the dam  376  and the left side wall  106  of the cabinet to prevent washing liquid from flowing directly into the space between the dam and the side wall. The left edge of the deflection plate is welded to the inner face of the left side wall  106 . The deflection plate is also bisected by the lower horizontal section  260  of the manifold, and therefore includes a front section  390  and a collinear rear section  392 . The front edge of the front section  390  is welded to the inner face of drain baffle  186 , and the rear edge of the front section of the deflection panel is welded to the front face of the lower horizontal section  260  of the manifold. The forward edge of the rear section  392  of the deflection panel  388  is welded to the rear face of section  260 , and the rear edge of the rear section  392  is welded to the inner face of rear wall  103 . As shown best in  FIG. 4 , the deflection panel extends downwardly from left to right, and the inner edge of the panel terminates just inwardly of the dam  376 , and at about the same elevation as the upper edge of the dam. The deflection panel prevents sprayed washing liquid from flowing directly to the reservoir without first passing through a bag filter.  
         [0117]      FIG. 19  is a plan view of one of the clamps  342  shown in  FIG. 8  for supporting the platforms  340  in the washing machine cabinet. The clamp includes a horizontal internally threaded coupling nut  400  which extends through, and is welded to, an L-shaped bracket  401  so the longitudinal axis of the coupling bisects the interior angle of the L-Shaped bracket. A bolt  402  is threaded into the end of the coupling lying within the interior angle of the L-shaped bracket. A clamp washer  404  is disposed around the bolt to be between a bolt head  406  and the interior faces  408  of the L-shaped bracket. The pair of right vertical rods  308  are disposed on opposite sides of the bolt and between the inner face of the clamp washer  404  and the inner faces  408  of the L-shaped bracket. Thus, as the bolt head  406  is tightened in the coupling nut  400 , the vertical support rods are firmly gripped between the washer in the L-shaped bracket. Each platform  340  is welded to the exterior faces  410  of the L-shaped bracket of the clamp to provide firm support for the platform within the confines of the rotor. The platforms can be of any desirable shape. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , each platform is a web of intersecting flat metal strips  412  with the major plane of each strip  412  being substantially vertical. This gives the platform a grid structure with vertical openings  413  of different shapes and sizes at different locations. A major advantage of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 8  is that the platforms (or any other attaching accessory (some of which are described below) can be positioned to any desired height (for example, to match the height of pre-existing material handling equipment on the shop floor reduce back strain of an operator loading and unloading heavy parts to be washed). Another advantage as described in more detail below is that accessories can easily be added, removed, or installed in various multiple or mixed combinations. For example, three platforms instead of only one wash three times the load of only one platform. An important aspect of the rotor, clamps, and accessories (described below) is that the same rotor clamp can be used with many different accessories. The clamp is easily installed by inserting the clamp bolt through two vertical rods and into the coupling nut. The rotor clamps are either welded to an accessory (described below) or bolted through the exposed end of the coupling nut. In some instances dirty parts are supported by bolting them directly to the rotor clamp. Customers can easily create their own customized parts-holding devices by using the rotor clamps as a starting point.  
         [0118]     The adjustable platforms hold dirty parts for washing in the cabinet, and are easily removed when the cabinet needs to be cleaned. Large objects are placed directly on top of the platforms. Small parts are placed in mesh baskets (not shown) to prevent the small parts from falling through. When two or more platforms are used, the grid shape of an upper platform serves as a guide to support tall and skinny objects which are first inserted through the grid of the upper platform to support the object horizontally, and then lowered onto a lower platform for vertical support. The grids of adjacent platforms can also be spaced and staggered to accommodate the insertion of various parts. Moreover, the platforms can be designed with notches or cutouts so that tall objects on a complete lower platform bypasses notched or cutout upper platforms. Baskets (not shown) which sit on a platform to hold small parts may also have a notch or cutout to prevent interference with bypassing tall objects. A basket can also have an upwardly hinging or removable trap door in its bottom to allow occasional protrusion of tall parts from below.  
         [0119]      FIGS. 22 and 23  show an alternate embodiment of a clamp  428  similar to that shown in  FIGS. 19-21 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , an L-shaped bracket  430  is long enough to accommodate two coupling nuts  432 , each of which has a clamp bolt  434  and a clamp washer  436 . The advantage of the clamp shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23  is that it grips the rods  308  over a wider span to provide increased rigidity and support for heavy parts (not shown) carried on the platform (not shown).  
         [0120]      FIG. 24  is a plan view of a table  440  with horizontal rollers  442 . The table includes a horizontal frame  444  which projects below the lower level of the rollers  442  to rest directly on a supporting platform so the rollers are free to turn while the table  440  remains stationary on the platform, which is supported by clamps  342  secured to vertical rods  306  and  308  of the rotor  268  (not shown in  FIG. 24 ). The rollers project above the upper level of the frame so they can support a load out of contact with the frame to facilitate rolling the load onto and off the platform.  
         [0121]      FIGS. 25 and 26  show an alternate embodiment of a clamp  450 , which includes a U-bolt  452  disposed around a vertical rod  454  of a rotor (not shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 ). Threaded ends of the U-bolt extend through openings in the side of a platform  456 , and nuts  458  screwed onto the threaded ends of the U-bolt to hold the platform in the desired position.  
         [0122]     Referring to  FIGS. 27, 28  and  29 , a pair of mutually perpendicular coupling nuts  460  are welded together at their respective midpoints in a “cross” shape ( FIG. 27 ) to form a fitting which can be used in combination with threaded rods and bolts (not shown) to provide an unlimited combination of connections supported by the clamps  342  on the rotor  268  ( FIG. 8 ).  
         [0123]      FIGS. 30, 31  and  32  show a first coupling nut  462  welded at one end to the midpoint of a second coupling nut  464  so the two nuts are mutually perpendicular and form a T-shaped fitting which can be used as just described for providing various connections for supporting parts to be washed.  
         [0124]      FIGS. 33 and 34  show a J-hook  470  having a threaded section  472  which can be screwed into one of the previously described fittings to provide a hook upon which to hang parts being washed.  
         [0125]      FIGS. 35 and 36  show a U-shaped propping fixture  474  which includes one of the clamps  342  mounted on a pair of vertical rods  308  as described above. A bolt  476  is screwed into the free end of a first coupling nut  477  on a clamp  342 . The head  478  of bolt  476  is welded to the exterior of the midpoint of a second coupling nut  480 . A locking nut  482  on bolt  476  is used to lock the shaft  476  in a desired position in the first coupling nut  477 . For example, the locking nut  482  permits the bolt  476  to be adjusted longitudinally with respect to the first coupling nut  477 , and also permits the position of second coupling nut  480  to be set and locked in any position between vertical and horizontal. A pair of L-shaped rods  484  each have a threaded end screwed into a respective end of the second coupling nut  480 . A separate respective locking nut  486  on each of the threaded ends of the L-shaped rods permit the rods to be set and locked in various desired positions with respect to the second coupling nut. One use of the propping fixture shown in  FIGS. 35 and 36  is to mount it on the rotor above a platform to prop up a part (not shown) resting on the platform.  
         [0126]      FIGS. 37, 38  and  39  show propping fixtures identical with that of  FIGS. 35 and 36 , except for the exact shape of the rods. For example, in  FIG. 37 , the outer ends of propping rods  490  are bent into an acute V-shape. The propping rods  492  in the fixture shown in  FIG. 38  are bent to provide a U-shaped support. The propping rods  494  shown in  FIG. 39  are bent at their outer ends to provide a less acute V-shape support than that of  FIG. 37 .  
         [0127]     Referring to  FIGS. 40, 41  and  42 , an elongated and upwardly extending dirty part  498  (shown only in phantom line) rests in an inverted tripod fixture  500 , which has three upwardly and outwardly disengaging fingers  502 . The fingers converge at their respective lower ends, and are each welded to the head  503  of a vertical bolt  504  screwed into a coupling nut  400  of a first clamp  342  (described above with reference to  FIGS. 19 and 20 ) secured to horizontal lower crossbars  321  of the rotor  268  shown in  FIG. 8  so the clamp can be adjusted horizontally to various positions along the crossbars. A cylindrical hoop or ring  506  encircles an upper portion of the part and is welded to the exterior of a vertical coupling nut  508  screwed onto a vertical threaded rod  510  secured to the outer end of a horizontal swing arm  512 . The inner end of swing arm  512  is threaded into one end of a first horizontal coupling nut  514 .  
         [0128]     A horizontal pivot bolt  516  has a hexagonal head  518  welded to the exterior and midpoint of first coupling nut  514  so the pivot bolt and first coupling nut  514  are mutually perpendicular. Pivot bolt  516  screws into a second horizontal coupling nut  520 , which is welded at its midpoint to the head  522  of a bolt  524  screwed into the coupling nut  400  of a second clamp  342  secured to the vertical rods  308  ( FIG. 41 ) of the rotor  268  shown in  FIG. 8 . (For clarity of illustration, the vertical rods  308  are shown only in fragments in  FIG. 40 , and the swing arm is offset to the right (as viewed in  FIG. 40 ) about  900  from the position required to secure the second clamp  342  to the vertical rods  308 .) A lock nut  526  on bolt  524  permits the coupling nut  520  to be set and locked in any position between vertical and horizontal. A stop bolt  528  is screwed into the end of coupling nut  520  opposite from pivot bolt  516  so that the inner end of stop bolt  528  acts as a stop to limit the travel of pivot bolt  516  into coupling nut  520 . A lock nut  530  on stop bolt  528  locks the stop bolt in any desired position within coupling nut  520 . Thus, swing arm  512  can easily be lifted from the horizontal position shown in  FIG. 40 , and then be dropped back to the horizontal position where it is held by engagement of the inner end of pivot bolt  516  against the inner end of stop bolt  528  in coupling nut  520 . The arm  512  can also be rotated about a horizontal axis, and locked in any desired position by a lock nut  532  on the threaded inner end of rod  512  adjacent coupling nut  514 .  
         [0129]     The hoop or ring at the outer end of swing arm  512  can be replaced by a downwardly extending pin (not shown), which fits into a cavity on a dirty part (not shown). The tripod can also be replaced with a single pin to work with the pin mounted on the outer end of the swing arm. In that case, the two opposed pins work together, with one located at the top of a part being washed, and the other at the bottom of the part being washed. For example, the upper pin can be two inches long and the lower pin one inch long, the vertical space between the adjacent ends of the pins being less than the length of the part being washed, which could be a dirty tube. In that case, the tube is first inserted over the lower end of the upper two inch pin, and then dropped down over the upper end of the lower one inch pin, thereby holding the part in place. In another embodiment, a single pin may be used at the top of the part being washed, which rests on a turntable shelf at the bottom. Another alternative is to use a long single pin at the bottom, with short parts (say tubes) dropped over the pin. Ordinarily, the pin or pins are used inside available cavities of the parts being washed, and the hoop or hoops hold dirty parts by encircling them.  
         [0130]      FIGS. 43 and 44  show a bolt-through arrangement which can replace the hoop  506  shown in  FIG. 40 . The bolt-through arrangement includes a large flat washer  540  welded to one end of a rod  542 , the other end of which includes a threaded section  543  to permit rod  542  to be connected to the outer end of the swing arm  512  with a fitting such as that shown in  FIGS. 27 and 28 . As shown in  FIG. 44 , a mounting bolt  544  can be dropped through the washer and screwed into any available threaded hole in a dirty part to be washed. In an alternate embodiment of the rod and washer arrangement show in  FIGS. 43 and 44 , the washer  540  is omitted, and the unthreaded end of the rod is given a hemispherical finish so it can serve as a mounting pin, such as that described above with respect to  FIG. 40 .  
         [0131]      FIGS. 45 and 46  show a similar arrangement in which the washer is an elongated flat piece  546  having an elongated slot  548  so that a plurality of mounting bolts  544  can be suspended from elongated washer  546 .  FIGS. 47 and 48  show a further modification in which a horizontal grid  550  replaces the washers shown in  FIGS. 43-46 . Openings  552  in the grid permit mounting bolts to be located over a wide area to accommodate various types of dirty parts with threaded holes located in different positions. Alternatively, parts to be washed, such as bolts, can be suspended from the grid.  
         [0132]     Referring to  FIG. 49 , a threaded shaft  560  is welded at one end to a conventional C-clamp  562 , and is screwed at its other end into the coupling nut  400  of a clamp  342  (described above with reference to  FIGS. 19 and 20 ). A lock nut  563  on threaded shaft  560  secure the C-clamp in the desired position for holding the part(s) to be washed. The C-clamp can also be a conventional toggle clamp, or locking pliers (Vise Grip). Thus, many dirty parts of almost any shape can be held by the C-clamp or other tool on the rotor for washing.  
         [0133]     Referring to  FIGS. 50, 51 ,  52 ,  52 A and  53 , a pair of horizontal and vertically spaced swing platforms  571  are each secured by respective vertical hinges  572  to clamps  428  (of the type shown in  FIGS. 22 &amp; 23 ) secured to the vertical rods  306  and  308  on each side of the rotor  268  to swing in a horizontal plane from a washing position within the cabinet out to a loading position outside the cabinet. The two swing platforms are identical. For brevity, only the lower swing platform is described in detail.  
         [0134]     As shown in  FIG. 52 , the swing platform  571  is in the shape of a hexagon having six outside members  573  of about equal length. Each outside member  573  is in the shape of an elongated rectangular strip with the major plane of each strip lying in a vertical plane. Adjacent ends of the outside members  573  are bonded together, say by welding. The vertical hinge  572  includes a cylindrical sleeve  576  ( FIG. 50 ) disposed around a vertical hinge pin  578 . Adjacent ends of a pair of outer members  573  of the platform  571  are welded to the hinge sleeve  576 . Adjacent ends of three interior swing platform members  580  are each also welded to the hinge sleeve. The other ends of each interior member  580  extend out to a respective junction of adjacent outer members  573 , and are welded to the outer members at that point. A separate gusset  582  is welded to the underside of the end of each member welded to the hinge sleeve, and is also welded to the hinge sleeve.  FIG. 52A  shows the swing platform members welded to the sleeve  576  before it is assembled on the hinge pin  578  of the hinge  572 .  
         [0135]      FIG. 50A  shows the hinge  572  before the sleeve  576  and swing platform  571  are assembled on it. The vertical hinge pin  578  includes a hexagonal bolt head  583  which rests on an upper horizontal washer  584  welded to the L-shaped bracket  430  and the coupling nut  432  of the upper part of clamp  428  as shown in  FIG. 52 . (The clamp  428  is of the type shown in  FIG. 22  described above.) The hinge pin  578  extends down through upper washer  584 , an upper bushing  585 , and a lower bushing  586 , which rests on the upper surface of a lower horizontal washer  587  welded to the lower part of L-shaped bracket  430  and the lower coupling nut  432  of clamp  428 . The lower end of hinge pin  578  is externally threaded, and carries a hex nut  588 , which locks the hinge pin to the upper and lower washers. A horizontal stabilizing bar  589  is mounted at one end to a coupling nut  432  on the lower part of clamp  428  to which the hinge is attached. The other end of the horizontal stabilizing bar is welded to a coupling nut  400  on a clamp  342  secured to the vertical rods  306  of the rotor. The hinge permits the platform to be moved from the washing position shown in  FIG. 52  out to the loading position shown in  FIG. 53 . This facilitates use of a crane (not shown) for rapid loading and unloading of parts which are heavy or awkward to handle.  
         [0136]      FIGS. 62, 63  and  64  show a cart  590  with four wheels  592  and a table top  594  provided with parallel rollers  596  to facilitate transporting heavy parts, and loading them on and off the roller table  440  on platform  340  ( FIG. 24 ). The cart includes four legs  597  which are vertically adjustable so the cart rollers  596  can be set at a height most convenient for efficient handling of parts to be washed. An important advantage of this invention is that the height of platform  340  can easily be set so rollers  442  on the roller table on the platform matches that of the cart rollers to facilitate transfer of parts into an out of the cabinet of the washer.  
         [0137]      FIGS. 54 and 54 A show a more robust and larger version of a rotor  600  in a cabinet (not shown). Rotor  600  includes four pairs  602  of horizontal and parallel lower cross bars  604  each of which is of circular cross section. The lower cross bars lie in a common horizontal plane, and the cross bars in each pair are spaced apart by a distance about equal to the diameter of the bars. The inner end of each cross bar  604  is welded to the collar  312  surrounding the vertical lateral conduit  314  attached to the manifold. Two of the pairs of lower cross bars extend outwardly in generally the same direction but diverge from each other at an angle of about 15°. A second pair  602  of lower cross bars extend outwardly in an opposite direction and also diverge from each other at an angle of about 15°.  
         [0138]     The outer end of each pair of lower cross bars is welded to a respective horizontal stub  605 .  
         [0139]     Four pairs  605   a  of horizontal and parallel upper cross bars  605   b  ( FIG. 54A ) of the rotor  600  are constructed substantially identical of those shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , but include two diverging pairs of parallel bars on each side of the support bolt  265 . The upper bars are also of circular cross-section, and the upper bars in each pair  605   a  are vertically spaced by a distance about equal to the diameter of the bars. The inner ends of each pair of upper bars are welded to the plate  302  disposed around bolt  265  as shown in  FIG. 54A . The rotor  600  includes four pairs  605   c  of vertical rods  605   d . As shown best in  FIG. 54A , the lower end of each vertical rod is welded to the outer end and upper surface of a respective lower bar  604 . The upper end of each vertical rod  605   d  is welded to the outer end and outer surface of each upper rod  605   b  in a respective upper pair  605   a . A horizontal platform  605   e  is secured by four clamps  342  to the four pairs  600  of vertical rods  605   d , in the same manner previously described with respect to  FIG. 8 . In effect, the more robust rotor of  FIG. 54  is the equivalent of using two rotors of the type shown in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0140]     Referring to  FIG. 55 , an elongated vertical spray head  606  is externally threaded at its upper end, which is closed by an internally threaded hemispherical cap  607  with apertures  608 . The lower end of the spray head is threaded into the upper end of a pipe coupling  609 , the lower end of which is threaded onto a hose fitting  610  connected to the upper end of a flexible hose  611  secured at its lower end to the outlet of lateral conduit  314  of the manifold. A vertical cylindrical guide sleeve  612  makes a close sliding fit around the pipe coupling. A horizontal coupling nut  613  is welded at its left (as viewed in  FIG. 55 ) end to the exterior of the guide sleeve, and is connected by an externally threaded rod  614  to the left end of a horizontal, internally threaded coupling nut  615  welded to the exterior of a clamp  342  secured to vertical posts  308  of rotor  268  in the cabinet (not shown in  FIG. 55 ). A horizontal washer  615   a  is welded around the upper end of pipe coupling  609 , and rests on the upper end of the guide sleeve  612 . The spray head  606  includes vertically and radially spaced apertures  616 .  
         [0141]     The arrangement shown in  FIG. 55  is useful for many types of difficult washing jobs. For example, the spray head can fit up into the crankshaft cavity of an engine block (not shown) supported on a platform (not shown) secured to the rotor above clamp  342 . As the rotor turns (usually at a relatively slow rate of about 1 rpm), powerful streams of washing liquid spray outwardly from apertures  608  and  616 . Each stream of washing liquid from the apertures flows in substantially a fixed direction as the sleeve and spray head are carried around the axis of rotor rotation. The engine block crankshaft cavity, which is offset from the axis of rotation, rotates 360° with each revolution of the rotor so that the entire crank shaft cavity is thoroughly scrubbed by the streams of washing liquid from the apertures  608  and  616 . When not in use, the spray head  606  can be unscrewed from the pipe coupling, which can be closed by a plug (not shown), or receive a spray head of different configuration from the one shown in  FIG. 55 .  
         [0142]      FIG. 56  shows a spray distributor  632  with a central vertical pipe  634  connected at its lower end to the lateral conduit  314  of the manifold. A plurality of vertically and radially spaced apertures  636  in the pipe  634  direct streams of washing liquid in a generally horizontal direction from the center of the cabinet. Outwardly extending horizontal and vertically spaced pipes  638  are connected at their respective inner ends to respective cross fittings  639  to the vertical pipe  634 . A plurality of longitudinally and radially spaced apertures  640  in the upper and lower portions of the horizontal pipes  638  direct strong streams of washing liquid upwardly and downwardly throughout the volume of the cabinet against dirty parts (not shown in  FIG. 56 ) supported on horizontal platforms  642  mounted by clamps  342  on the rotor  268 .  
         [0143]      FIG. 57  shows an engine block  650  resting on a platform  652  secured by clamps  342  to the rotor  268  in the washer cabinet. A flexible hose  654  is connected at one end to the oil galleries (not shown) of the engine block, and at the other end through a swivel  656  to the lateral conduit  314  of the manifold. With the arrangement shown in  FIG. 57 , the exterior of the engine block is washed as the rotor turns, and simultaneously the oil galleries are also washed.  
         [0144]     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 58 , a turntable  660  is secured to the upper end of a vertical rotatable shaft  662  which extends down through the bottom of the cabinet (not shown) through a suitable rotatable seal (not shown). An external drive (not shown) rotates the shaft and turntable. The washer manifold  259  is mounted in the cabinet (not shown) as previously described, except that the lower horizontal section of the manifold jogs around the rotatable shaft  662 , which is journaled through a watertight connection in the bottom of the cabinet. A downwardly extending lateral conduit  664  is connected to the center of the upper horizontal section  263  of the manifold to supply washing liquid to the upper end of a downwardly extending pipe (not shown) or flexible hose  666 , the lower end of which is connected to the upper end of a vertical spray head  668  with longitudinally and radially spaced apertures  669  to direct streams of washing liquid outwardly against the interior of a part  670  resting on the turntable. Thus, as the turntable rotates, the interior of the part is thoroughly washed. When not used, the hose and spray head are secured by a releasable strap against the side of the cabinet to the position shown in phantom line. Alternatively, if a pipe (not shown) is used instead of flexible hose  666 , the upper end of the pipe is threaded so it can be screwed into and out of lateral conduit  664  for storage when not in use. The lateral conduit is then closed with a threaded plug (not shown).  
         [0145]      FIG. 59  shows an arrangement similar to that of  FIG. 58 . In  FIG. 59 , a horizontally extending lateral conduit (not shown) extends out of the right (as viewed in  FIG. 59 ) vertical section of the manifold  259 , and is connected by a swivel  672  to a horizontal pipe  674  which can pivot about the swivel in a vertical plane from the horizontal position shown in  FIG. 59  to the intermediate and vertical positions shown in phantom line. Pipe  674  includes an elbow or a swivel connection  676  at its outer end to receive the upper end of a vertical spray pipe  678 , which has longitudinally and radially distributed apertures  680  for directing streams of washing liquid against the interior of a part  682  resting on rotatable turntable  660 .  
         [0146]     With the embodiment shown in  FIG. 60 , three horizontal and vertically spaced platforms  700  in the washer cabinet (not shown in  FIG. 60 ) each rest on a separate respective stop nut  702  on a vertical threaded support shaft  704  journaled at its upper and lower ends in the upper and lower horizontal sections, respectively, of the manifold. A separate lock nut  706  is threaded around the shaft above each platform, and is tightened so that each platform rotates with the shaft  704 , which extends upwardly through the washer to a driven pulley  708  used to rotate the platforms during the washing operation. Each platform is easily and quickly adjusted vertically to different heights to accommodate various types of parts to be washed. If desired, the shaft  704  can be driven from below, as described above with respect to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 58 .  
         [0147]     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 61 and 61 A, a manifold  709  rotates about a vertical axis around a circular platform  710 , which can be adjusted to different heights on a supporting vertical column  712 . A swivel  714  at the center of the upper horizontal section of the manifold supplies washing liquid to the manifold. A downwardly opening lateral conduit  716  through the lower face of an upper horizontal section  717  of the manifold supplies washing liquid to a vertical distributor pipe  718  which has vertically and radially spaced apertures  720  for directing streams of washing liquid outwardly from the center of the cabinet (not shown in  FIG. 61 ) to wash the interior of a cylindrical part  722  resting on the fixed platform. The manifold  709  is similar to that shown in  FIG. 8 , except that a lower horizontal section  723  of manifold  790  is offset at its center to pass around the vertical column  712 , which is supported at its lower end by conventional means (not shown, but arranged as described above and shown in  FIGS. 8 and 14 ). The manifold includes inwardly opening apertures (not shown) for spraying streams of washing liquid on the exterior of the part to be washed, and vertically spaced and tangentially opening apertures  724  in the side sections to emit horizontal streams of washing liquid to rotate the manifold about a vertical axis in the central part of the cabinet of the washing machine, and which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the distributor pipe  718 . Alternatively, the manifold and distributor pipe  718  are rotated by a driven pulley  726  secured to an internally threaded pipe  728  on the swivel joint  714 . An annular stop  730  welded to the pipe  728  below the pulley supports the pipe  728  by resting on a thrust bearing  732  of the same type shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The bearing  732  includes an outer race (not shown in detail in  FIGS. 61 and 61 A) which rests on the top wall  104  of the cabinet. An O-ring (not shown in FIGS.  61  or  61 A) makes a static seal between the outer race of the bearing and the top wall  104 , and a sliding seal against the exterior of pipe  728 , where the pipe passes through an opening  733  in the top wall. The lower end of pipe  728  is connected to the center of an upper horizontal section  734  of the manifold  709 .  
         [0148]     A vertical support  736  (similar to rotor  268  shown in  FIG. 8 ) is secured at its lower end to the circular platform  710 . The support includes left (as viewed in  FIG. 61 ) front and rear parallel vertical rods  738  and  739 , respectively. The lower end of each rod  738  and  739  to the periphery of the platform  710 . The rods are spaced from each other in a manner similar to vertical rods  306  of the rotor shown in  FIG. 8 . Right (as viewed in  FIG. 61 ) front and rear parallel vertical rods  740  and  741 , respectively, are each secured at their lower ends to the periphery of the circular platform  710  to be diametrically opposed to the left vertical rods  738  and  739 . A pair of parallel, horizontal, front and rear rods  742  and  741  are each secured to the upper ends of the left and right front and rear rods  738 ,  739 ,  740  and  741 , respectively. The upper rods  741  and  742  are spaced apart by a sufficient distance to provide clearance for the distributor pipe  718 . Thus, clamps  342  of the type shown in  FIG. 8  can be secured to the vertical rods of the support  736 , so that various fixtures and platforms can be positioned at desired locations within the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 61 and 61 A. A drive belt (not shown) disposed around pulley  726  is connected to a drive pulley (not shown) on an electric motor (not shown) mounted on top of the washing machine.  
         [0149]     In the alternate embodiment shown in  FIG. 61B , the upper end of the distributor pipe  718  shown in  FIG. 61  is threaded into the lower leg  743  of a pipe cross  744 , which is connected in the center of the horizontal section  717  of the manifold  709 . The lower leg  743  forms a lateral conduit to supply a flow of washing liquid in a direction substantially collinear with the axis of rotation of the manifold. A pump (not shown) supplies washing liquid to the pipecross, manifold, and distributor pipe  718  through a horizontal supply pipe  745  connected to a pipe elbow  746 , a first threaded pipe nipple  747 , a swivel joint  748  and a second externally threaded pipe nipple  749  to the upper leg  749 a of the pipe cross  744 . The first pipe nipple  747  is sealed through the top wall  104  of the cabinet (not shown  FIG. 61B ) of the washing machine. The spray manifold is rotated about a vertical axis by streams of washing liquid expelled from the tangentially opening apertures  724  of the manifold (shown in  FIG. 61 ).  
         [0150]      FIGS. 65 and 66  show a vertical distributor pipe  750  threaded at its lower end into the upper end of the lateral conduit  314  in the center of the lower horizontal section  260  of the manifold. Outwardly extending bristles  752  mounted on the exterior of the distributor pipe  750  engage the interior surfaces of a part (not shown) to be washed, and which rests on a platform (not shown) in the cabinet. Vertically and radially spaced apertures  754  in the distributor pipe direct outwardly flowing horizontal streams of washing liquid against the interior of the part, which rests on a platform (not shown) and rotates around the bristles on the stationary distributor pipe  750 .  
         [0151]     Referring to  FIGS. 67 and 68 , a first vertical wash pipe  800  is threaded into a fitting  801  at the upper end of lateral conduit  314  connected to the manifold  259 . The upper end of wash pipe  800  is externally threaded, and can be connected to various pieces of apparatus previously described for supplying washing liquid from the manifold to the interior of the cabinet (not shown in  FIG. 67  or  68 ). When washing liquid is not required, pump  256  is turned off. A vertical rinse pipe  802  is sealed through the fitting  801 , and extends down through the lateral conduit  314  and out through a sealed connection (not shown) through the bottom of the manifold. The lower end of rinse pipe  802  is also sealed through the bottom of the cabinet (not shown in  FIG. 68 ), and connected to conventional plumbing and timer for supplying rinse liquid to the cabinet interior when required. A vertical drying pipe  804  is sealed through the fitting  801 , and extends down through the lateral conduit  314 , and out through a sealed connection (not shown) through the bottom of the manifold  259 . The lower end of the drying pipe extends out through a sealed connection (not shown) in the bottom of the cabinet, and is connected to suitable plumbing to receive hot drying air to provide a drying cycle for parts which have been washed in the machine. With the arrangement shown in  FIGS. 67 and 68 , during the washing cycle hot washing liquid is distributed through the manifold and wash pipe  800  to wash parts in the cabinet as previously described. After washing is completed, a rinse liquid from rinse pipe  802  rinses washed parts. Thereafter, warm drying air is circulated through the drying pipe  804  to dry washed parts in the cabinet.  
         [0152]     Referring to  FIGS. 69 and 70 , a preferred embodiment of the door handle and latch assembly for the cabinet door includes a flat handle  820  which lies in a substantially vertical plane, and carries a horizontal collar  822  at one end. The free end of the collar makes a close sliding fit over the right (as viewed in  FIG. 69 ) end of a horizontal coupling nut  824  welded at its left end to the front face of the cabinet door  172 . A horizontal bolt  826  has a bolt head  828  welded to the door handle  820  within collar  822 . The threaded portion of the bolt is collinear with the collar and fits into the right end of coupling nut  824 . A laterally extending cylindrical locking pin  830  is welded at one end to the left end of the collar  822 . The locking pin  830  makes a snug fit in an annular external groove  832  in a retaining screw  834 , which extends upwardly into an internally threaded coupling nut  836  welded to a mounting bracket  838  on the front face of the cabinet adjacent doorway  170 . With the door in the latched position shown in  FIG. 69  and  70 , the inner face of the door makes a snug fit against the annular bulb  196  ( FIG. 5 ) of the gasket, and compresses the gasket into a sealing position so that no liquid can flow from the cabinet when the door is in the closed and latched position. The amount of compression exerted by the door latch is easily adjustable by unlatching the door, swinging it partially open, and then rotating the handle and bolt  826  to adjust the position of the laterally extending latching pin  830  to the desired distance from the front of the door. The exact position of the annular detent groove  832  on the retaining screw  834  is precisely set by rotating the retaining screw  834  in or out of the coupling nut  836 . An alien set screw  840  in the upper end of coupling nut  836  locks the retaining screw in the desired position.  
         [0153]     From the preceding description, it will be apparent that this invention provides an improved industrial parts washer which is easier to manufacture, and more economical and convenient to operate. Moreover, the provision of vertically adjustable platforms for supporting parts of various shapes and sizes increases the utility of the washer, and eliminates the need for dedicated washer for parts of certain sizes and shapes.