Abstract:
An automatic washer for receptacles that is connectable to an external water source, the washer comprising: a bottom portion, capable of holding the receptacles; and a top portion, encompassing the bottom portion to create an inner volume, wherein water from the external water source flows into the inner volume to wash the receptacles, and wherein initiation of the water flow is mechanical.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to washing of receptacles. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices and methods for automatic washing of various types of receptacles, without the need for a supply of electrical power. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Manual washing of receptacles, such as drinking glasses or coffee mugs, usually consumes a large amount of time, especially when these receptacles are washed individually. Public establishments such as restaurants, nightclubs and bars, have a limited space for drinking glasses and must wash a large amount of these glasses each night, as typically every twenty minutes these glasses need to be rewashed in order to serve new customers. The staff of such establishments therefore wastes a lot of time (and water) on cleaning receptacles manually, instead of serving new clients. There are commercially available dishwashers, however these machines consume a large amount of electricity and also wasting a large amount of water (as the full volume of the dishwasher must fill up with water during the washing operation). 
         [0003]    For example, a bar serving chaser/shot glasses (typically having a volume of 60 cc) with each bartender serving about 200 customers each night, out of which roughly 50% will consume “shots” (an alcoholic drink consumed in small glasses). As the chaser/shot glasses are relatively small the drink is consumed quickly, thus creating a large amount of dirty glasses that require cleaning. However, the bar cannot make a profit if the bartender washes glasses instead of serving customers (especially during rush hour, when most drinks are served). Most bartenders typically gather these glasses in a washtub (with stagnant water), and once the washtub is filled (typically every twenty minutes), one of the bartenders must wash all glasses. In order to save time, some bartenders only rinse these glasses (e.g. under a water tap) without properly washing them. As a result, “shots” are served in unclean glasses, and about 10% of all glasses are broken each night due to the unwary manual handling. 
         [0004]    There is therefore a need for an automatic solution that can provide considerable saving of time, water (and money) on washing of such receptacles. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    According to a first aspect of the present invention, an automatic washer for receptacles that is connectable to an external water source is provided, the washer comprising a bottom portion, capable of supporting the receptacles, wherein water from the external water source flows to the bottom portion to wash the receptacles, and wherein initiation of the water flow is mechanical. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments, the washer further comprises a top portion, encompassing the bottom portion to create an inner volume. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, the bottom portion is surrounded by at least one wall. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the automatic washer is coupled to a detergent dispenser. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the washer further comprises a water pipe passing through the bottom portion, and wherein water flows through the water pipe and into the inner volume. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, the water pipe is perforated. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the washer further comprises at least one nozzle coupled to the water pipe and configured to allow spraying water in a predetermined angular distribution into the inner volume. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, each nozzle is configured to wash a single receptacle. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the at least one nozzle is provided as an embedded single unit with the bottom portion. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the detergent dispenser is provided as an embedded single unit with the bottom portion. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the washer is meshed with a plurality of holes, and wherein water is sprayed through the plurality of holes into the inner volume. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, the washer further comprises at least one drainage outlet. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, the washer further comprises a tray configured to allow gathering water drained through the at least one drainage outlet. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, the top portion further comprising at least one water distribution segment having a shape configured to allow redistribution of water sprayed from the at least one nozzle onto the top portion. 
         [0019]    In some embodiments, the bottom portion further comprises at least one dedicated nozzle corresponding to the at least one water distribution segment, and wherein the at least one dedicated nozzle sprays water directly onto the at least one water distribution segment. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, the washer further comprises a mechanical switch capable of initiating the washing. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, the bottom portion comprises a stainless steel material. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, the washer further comprises a flow controller coupled the external water source. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the flow controller is further coupled to the bottom portion. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, the flow controller provides a predetermined amount of water for each washing. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, the flow controller operates a predetermined amount of time for each washing. 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, the detergent dispenser is physically connected to the flow controller, and wherein initiation of the flow controller simultaneously initiates dispensing of detergent. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, the washer further comprises a pumping mechanism operable by the pressure of the water. 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, the pumping mechanism further comprises a piston movable through an inlet space and an air-filled outlet space, and wherein the inlet space is capable of being filled with water. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, water enters the inlet space and moves the piston towards the outlet space. 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, the pumping mechanism is connected to a first one-directional valve coupled to the detergent dispenser, and wherein air pressure caused by movement of the piston into the outlet space moves a predetermined amount of detergent through the first one-directional valve. 
         [0031]    In some embodiments, the pumping mechanism is further connected to a second one-directional valve coupled to the water pipe, and wherein air pressure caused by movement of the piston into the outlet space moves a predetermined amount of detergent through the second one-directional valve to mix with the water in the water pipe. 
         [0032]    In some embodiments, the pumping mechanism further comprises an elastic spring capable of pushing the piston back into the inlet space. 
         [0033]    According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for washing receptacles with a connection to an external water source is provided, the method comprising:
       providing a bottom portion, capable of holding the receptacles;   providing a top portion, encompassing the bottom portion to create an inner volume;   providing a detergent dispenser coupled to the bottom portion;   mechanically initiating a washing cycle;   passing a predetermined amount of water from the external water source to mix with a predetermined amount of detergent; and   passing the water into the inner volume, to wash the receptacles.       
 
         [0040]    In some embodiments, the method further comprises: providing a flow controller: and operating for a predetermined amount of time. 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, the method further comprises: providing at least one nozzle coupled to the bottom portion; and spraying water from the nozzle into the inner volume. 
         [0042]    According to a third aspect of the invention, a flow pump, connectable to an external water source is provided, the flow pump comprising: a pump body; and a piston movable through an inlet space and an air-filled outlet space in the pump body, wherein the inlet space is capable of being filled with water, and wherein the flow pump is operable by the pressure of the water entering the inlet space and moving the piston towards the outlet space. 
         [0043]    In some embodiments, the flow pump further comprises a one-directional valve, and wherein air pressure caused by movement of the piston into the outlet space moves a predetermined amount of fluid through the one-directional valve. 
         [0044]    Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0045]    The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. 
           [0046]    In the drawings: 
           [0047]      FIG. 1  schematically illustrates a transparent perspective view of an automatic piped washer, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0048]      FIG. 2A  schematically illustrates a perspective view of a nozzle, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0049]      FIG. 2B  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the internal pipe structure of the automatic piped washer coupled to a plurality of nozzles, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0050]      FIG. 2C  schematically illustrates a perspective partial view of a piped bottom portion, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0051]      FIG. 2D  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the automatic piped washer coupled to a plurality of nozzles in an open state, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0052]      FIG. 3A  schematically illustrates a perspective view of an internal pipe structure with pillars and coupled to a plurality of nozzles, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0053]      FIG. 3B  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the automatic piped washer with pillars and coupled to a plurality of nozzles, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0054]      FIG. 3C  schematically illustrates a perspective view of an elongated internal pipe structure coupled to a plurality of nozzles, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0055]      FIG. 3D  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the automatic piped washer with the elongated internal pipe structure, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0056]      FIG. 4A  schematically illustrates a perspective view of a mesh bottom portion, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0057]      FIG. 4B  schematically illustrates a perspective view of an automatic mesh washer, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0058]      FIG. 5A  schematically illustrates a perspective view of an extruded bottom portion, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0059]      FIG. 5B  schematically illustrates a perspective view of an extruded mesh washer, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0060]      FIG. 6A  schematically illustrates a perspective view of a water distribution segment, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0061]      FIG. 6B  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the water distribution segment embedded into the top portion of the automatic washer, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0062]      FIG. 6C  schematically illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the automatic washer with water distribution segments embedded into the top portion, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0063]      FIG. 7  schematically illustrates a perspective exploded view of a compact automatic washer, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0064]      FIG. 8A  schematically illustrates a perspective view of a detergent dispenser and flow controller coupled to the water pipe, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0065]      FIG. 8B  schematically illustrates a side view of a detergent dispenser and flow controller coupled to the water pipe, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0066]      FIG. 8C  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the detergent dispenser physically connected to the flow controller, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0067]      FIG. 8D  schematically illustrates a side view of the detergent dispenser physically connected to the flow controller, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0068]      FIG. 9A  schematically illustrates a perspective view of a flow pump, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0069]      FIG. 9B  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the flow pump connected to the water pipe of the automatic washer, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0070]      FIG. 10A  schematically illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the flow pump in a closed state, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0071]      FIG. 10B  schematically illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the flow pump in an open state, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0072]    Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0073]    For clarity, non-essential elements were omitted from some of the drawings. 
         [0074]      FIG. 1  schematically illustrates a transparent perspective view of an automatic piped washer  10 . The automatic piped washer  10  may serve as a container with at least partial hermetical sealing (in a closed state), into which dirty receptacles  7  (e.g. drinking glasses) may be inserted for washing. The automatic piped washer  10  has a bottom portion  11  surrounded by at least one wall  12 , whereby the receptacles  7  may be placed onto the bottom portion  11 , and between the wall  12 . Additionally, the automatic piped washer  10  has a top portion  13  as a lid for the “container”, such that in an open state the top portion  13  may be moved in order to insert the receptacles  7 . Alternatively, the receptacles may be inserted into the container from a side opening instead of the top portion. Once the washer is in a closed state again, water may flow into the inner volume of the automatic piped washer  10  (i.e. between the bottom portion  11 , the wall  12 , and the top portion  13 ) such that the exterior of the automatic piped washer  10  remains dry. 
         [0075]    A water pipe  15  passes through the automatic piped washer  10  such that water may flow from the water pipe  15  (for instance via perforations) in order to wash the dirty receptacles  7  that are placed inside the automatic piped washer  10 , further described hereinafter. The water supply for the water pipe  15  may be received at a proximal end  18  from an external source  5  (for instance a household water tap). Optionally, a stopper is located at a distal end  19  of the water pipe  15  so that the water pressure may increases inside the water pipe  15 , and thus water may flow into the automatic piped washer  10 . It should be noted that the automatic piped washer operates automatically, for instance with a mechanical switch that allows a predetermined amount of water to flow and wash the receptacles, whereby no electrical power is needed for such operation. 
         [0076]    In some embodiments, a detergent dispenser  17  may be coupled to the automatic piped washer  10  and connected directly to the water pipe  15 , for instance as a built-in unit that is embedded into the wall  12  of the automatic piped washer  10 , so that a small amount of detergent may be released into the water pipe  15  prior to initiating water flow into the automatic piped washer  10 . Alternatively, the detergent dispenser  17  may be an external unit that is connected to the water pipe  15 , between the external water source  5  and the proximal end  18  of the automatic piped washer  10 . After all of the detergent is washed from the water pipe  15 , an additional amount of water may be required to wash the detergent from the receptacles  7 , further described hereinafter. Similarly, the detergent dispenser  17  may be replaced to dispense other materials (e.g. disinfecting substances). 
         [0077]    It is appreciated that the automatic washer may be used in any environment having a water source, including offices, hotel rooms (e.g. to allow visitors to clean drinking glasses), household kitchens (near or inside a sink), and also bars/restaurants. The dimensions of the automatic washer may vary according to the required number of receptacles to be inserted therein, for example a small washer for hotels (e.g. for one glass or two) and a large washer for restaurants (e.g. for up to twenty glasses). 
         [0078]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2A-2D , these figures show nozzles coupled to the automatic piped washer.  FIG. 2A  schematically illustrates a perspective view of a nozzle  24 , and  FIG. 2B  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the internal pipe structure  25  of the automatic piped washer  10  coupled to a plurality of nozzles  24 . 
         [0079]    At least one nozzle  24  may be coupled to the internal pipe structure  25  of the automatic piped washer  10 , for instance with coupling to perforations at predetermined locations along the water pipe  15 . Each nozzle  24  comprises a bottom segment  27  that is configured to connect to the water pipe  15  such that water may flow from the water pipe  15  and into the nozzle  24 . Additionally, each nozzle  24  may comprise a body  28  capable of holding a predetermined amount of water, and also at least one aperture  29  through which the water may flow into the inner volume of the automatic piped washer  10 . Preferably, each nozzle  24  may spray water (through the at least one aperture  29 ) with a predetermined angular distribution being in the range of 0°-360°. 
         [0080]      FIG. 2C  schematically illustrates a perspective partial view of a piped bottom portion  21 , and  FIG. 2D  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the automatic piped washer  20  coupled to a plurality of nozzles  24 , in an open state. Dirty receptacles  7  may be placed upside-down onto the piped bottom portion  21  (similarly to the bottom portion  11  as shown in  FIG. 1 ), whereby each receptacle  7  may be positioned over a single nozzle  24 . It should be noted that all of the nozzles  24  are positioned in the same plane such that water may pass in the same direction therethrough. Thus, once the automatic piped washer  20  is closed and water flows through the water pipe  15 , the inner space of the receptacles  7  may be washed. Optionally, the water pipe  15  may be branched inside the piped bottom portion  21 , such that the nozzles  24  may be positioned in various locations. 
         [0081]    In some embodiments, the nozzles are provided as an embedded single unit with the bottom portion, for instance using extrusion to create a bottom portion with a plurality of built-in nozzles. Optionally, the bottom portion comprises a solid polymeric material with corrugation corresponding to accommodate the water pipe. In some embodiments, the detergent dispenser is also embedded into the automatic piped washer as a single unit. 
         [0082]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-3D , these figures show additional configurations for the positioning of the nozzles.  FIG. 3A  schematically illustrates a perspective view of an internal pipe structure  37  with pillars  32  and coupled to a plurality of nozzles  24 , and  FIG. 3B  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the automatic piped washer  30  with pillars  32  and coupled to a plurality of nozzles  24 . 
         [0083]    The water pipe  15  may be elongated with at least one pillar  32  in order to allow additional configurations for the positioning of the nozzles  24 . Preferably, a nozzle  34  coupled to the at least one pillar  32  is perpendicular to the other nozzles  24  connected to the water pipe  15 . Thus, water flowing from the nozzles  34  connected to the at least one pillar  32  may wash the sides of the receptacles  7 , in addition to the other nozzles  24  washing the inner side. Optionally, each pillar  32  also has a stopper end so that the water pressure may increases inside the water pipe  15 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 3C  schematically illustrates a perspective view of an elongated internal pipe structure  33  coupled to a plurality of nozzles  24 , and  FIG. 3D  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the automatic piped washer  31  with the elongated internal pipe structure  33 . 
         [0085]    In some embodiments, the at least one pillar  32  (perpendicular to the water pipe  15 ) is further elongated in a direction that is parallel to the water pipe  15 . The elongated pipe  35  may also be coupled to nozzles  36  such that the receptacles  7  may be placed between nozzles  24  connected to the water pipe  15  and a nozzle  36  connected to the elongated pipe  35 . Thus, the receptacles  7  may be washed from the inner side (by nozzles  24  connected to the water pipe  15 ), and also from the outer side (by nozzles  36  connected to the elongated pipe  35 ). Optionally, the elongated pipe  35  also has a stopper end  39  so that the water pressure may increases inside the water pipe  15 . 
         [0086]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4A-4B , these figures show an additional configuration for the washing system with an automatic mesh washer.  FIG. 4A  schematically illustrates a perspective view of a mesh bottom portion  43 , and  FIG. 4B  schematically illustrates a perspective view of an automatic mesh washer  40 . 
         [0087]    The mesh bottom portion  43  comprises a plurality of holes  41  (typically 100-150 holes, each with a diameter of about 0.3-1 mm) that spray water flowing from an external supply into the inner volume of the automatic mesh washer  40 , similarly to a shower head spraying water through multiple tiny holes. Thus, by simply placing the receptacles  7  onto the mesh bottom portion  43 , the inner side of the receptacles  7  may be washed without the need for additional nozzles. Optionally, the mesh bottom portion  43  may further comprise at least one groove  42  capable of gathering water from the mesh bottom portion  43  for drainage. 
         [0088]    By initiating water flow from the external source (e.g. by opening a water tap), the water may flow through into the automatic washer. Increasing water pressure inside the washer may cause water to be sprayed into the inner volume of the receptacles  7  through the holes  41  in the mesh bottom portion  43  (thus cleaning the inner surface of the receptacles  7 ). In some embodiments, additional holes may be provided at the walls of the automatic washer such that the outer side of the receptacles may also be washed. 
         [0089]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5A-5B , these figures show a further configuration for the washing system with an extruded automatic washer.  FIG. 5A  schematically illustrates a perspective view of an extruded bottom portion  55 , and  FIG. 5B  schematically illustrates a perspective view of an extruded mesh washer  54 . 
         [0090]    The entire bottom portion  55  of the automatic washer  54  may be extruded as a single unit, such that optimal water distribution may be achieved. The extruded bottom portion  55  may comprise a plurality of built-in spouts  56  from which the water may flow (e.g. from a water pipe) into the automatic extruded mesh washer  54 . Each spout  56  may comprise a base  58 , into which water may accumulate in order to increase the water pressure, and also a spout opening  59  from which the water sprays. Preferably, a single receptacle  7  may be fitted onto a single spout  56 . Optionally, the extruded bottom portion  55  further comprises at least one outlet  57  into which water accumulated inside the extruded mesh washer  54  may drain. 
         [0091]    It is appreciated that in all embodiments for the automatic washer, a drain outlet that is configured to prevent accumulation of water within the automatic washer and their elevation to a height from the bottom that allows the water to touch the receptacles. 
         [0092]    Optionally, the automatic washer may be placed over a sink (for draining dirty water, e.g. in a bar) and connected to a water tap. Dirty receptacles may be cleaned with the automatic washer simply by opening and closing the water tap in a totally automatic manner. After a predetermined time, when the receptacles are clean and may be removed from the automatic washer, the water source is closed. Alternatively, the automatic washer comprises a water draining unit (e.g. a dedicated tray), instead of being placed over a sink, and/or operated with a mechanical switch with constant water pressure from the water source, instead of being operated with opening of the water source. 
         [0093]    It should be noted that the automatic washer does not consume electrical power in order to operate (as it only requires water pressure). Furthermore, the automatic washer does not require filling the entire volume of the container with water (as the water is sprayed onto the receptacles). In this way, the automatic washer may prevent wasting large amounts of water and/or electricity. 
         [0094]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6A-6C , these figures show a water distribution segment embedded into the top portion of the automatic washer.  FIG. 6A  schematically illustrates a perspective view of a water distribution segment  65 , and  FIG. 6B  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the water distribution segment  65  embedded into the top portion  63  of the automatic washer.  FIG. 6C  schematically illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the automatic washer  60  with water distribution segments  65  embedded into the top portion  63 . 
         [0095]    The water distribution segment  65  has a shape that is configured to redistribute water sprayed onto the top portion  63  such that the outer side of the receptacles  7  may be washed by the redistributed flow from the top portion  63 , whereby there is no need for additional water pipes on the top portion  63  as water only flows from the bottom portion  61 . The shape of the water distribution segment  65  is preferably a concave wall  68  with a central convex segment  67  such that water splashed onto the wall  68  may be directed towards the convex segment  67  and then distributed away from the distribution segment  65 . Optionally, additional partitions  69  may be positioned along the concave wall  68  in order to further distribute the water flow. It is appreciated that many other shapes for the water distribution segment may also be used in order to redistribute the water inside the washer. 
         [0096]    Therefore, the top portion  63  with embedded water distribution segments  65  may provide optimal washing for the outer side of the receptacles  7  without additional water flow in the top portion  63 . In a preferred embodiment, each water distribution segment  65  may be positioned to be opposite of a dedicated nozzle  24 , whereby the dedicated nozzle  24  is configured to direct the water flow onto the opposite distribution segment  65  instead of washing the interior of a receptacle  7  (for example dedicated nozzles  64 , as shown in  FIGS. 2C-2D ). Thus, with the same water amount passing through the water pipe  15  enhanced washing of the receptacles  7  may be provided due to the redistribution of the water from the distribution segments  65 . Optionally, the top portion  63  further comprises a mechanical switch  66  such that in a closed state the top portion contacts the switch  66  and the washing process may commence with the need for electricity. 
         [0097]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , this figure schematically illustrates a perspective exploded view of a compact automatic washer  70 . The compact automatic washer  70  may be mostly useful for washing of a small number of receptacles  7  (preferably one or two receptacles), for instance in a hotel room. The compact automatic washer  70  comprises a bottom portion  71 , onto which the receptacles  7  may be placed, surrounded by a wall  72  and a top portion  73  (similarly to the automatic washer shown in  FIG. 1 ). The bottom portion  71  may be meshed (similarly to the mesh bottom portion, as shown in  FIG. 4A ) such that water from a water pipe  75  may spray the inner volume of the compact automatic washer  70 . Optionally, the water pipe  75  may receive water from an external water source  5 . 
         [0098]    The bottom portion  71  may also be perforated and comprise a drainage unit  74  with tubes corresponding to drain perforations in the bottom portion  71 . The drained water may be gathered in a dedicated removable tray  79  at the bottom of the compact automatic washer  70  (for example such a tray may be replaced once a week in order to remove the accumulated water there). Optionally, the compact automatic washer  70  may be further connected to a detergent dispenser  77  configured to allow dispensing a detergent together with the water flowing into the compact automatic washer  70 . In a further embodiment, a mechanical switch  76  may initiate the washing process. 
         [0099]    In a preferred embodiment, the bottom portion of the automatic washer comprises a stainless steel material such that water does not damage the washer. 
         [0100]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8A-8D , these figures show a flow controller coupled to the water pipe.  FIG. 8A  schematically illustrates a perspective view of a detergent dispenser  17  and flow controller  87  coupled to the water pipe  15 , and  FIG. 8B  schematically illustrates a side view of the same. It should be noted that by controlling the flow of water through the water pipe, the need to manually stop the water flow (e.g. by closing the water tap) may be eliminated if only a required amount of water is released into the water pipe. Optionally, the flow controller may be connected directly to the external water source, or alternatively connected between the external water source and the automatic washer. 
         [0101]    There are different types of controllers for controlling the water flow in the water pipe (similarly to automatic watering controllers used in gardening). A first option is a flow controller fixed for a predetermined amount of water (e.g. for a volume of one to three liters). Once the flow is initiated (e.g. by pressing a button, or turning a knob), the predetermined amount of water flows through the pipe, and the flow controller prevents further flow of water. In this way, the washing of the receptacles is completely automatic as the washing only needs to be initiated manually, and stops when the water flow ceases. A second option is a flow controller fixed to work for a predetermined amount of time. Once the flow is initiated (e.g. by pressing a button, or turning a knob), the water may flow through the pipe for the predetermined amount of time, so that the flow controller prevents further flow of water beyond this time. 
         [0102]    In a preferred embodiment, the automatic washer comprises a timed flow controller  89  having mechanical means (for instance a spring release mechanism) that allows water to flow into the water pipe  15  (inside the automatic washer) for a predetermined amount of time, typically a thirty seconds flow is sufficient to wash the receptacles. Optionally, the timed flow controller and the detergent dispenser are embedded into the washer as a single unit. 
         [0103]      FIG. 8C  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the detergent dispenser  17  physically connected to the flow controller  87 , and  FIG. 8D  schematically illustrates a side view of the same. In this embodiment, a plate  88  may physically connect the detergent dispenser  17  and the flow controller  87  such that imitating the washing commences both the timed flow controller  89  for a predetermined amount of time, and also commences dispensing a predetermined amount of detergent from the detergent dispenser  17  into the water pipe  15 . For example, closing the top portion of the automatic washer (similarly to closing a lid of a container) may press onto the plate  88  and thus initiate the detergent dispenser  17  and the flow controller  87  that are connected thereto. 
         [0104]    In some embodiments, the top portion of the automatic washer may be connected with a hinge, similarly to a lid of a box. Once the top portion is closed, it may physically contact a mechanical switch, for instance the top portion may press a button and initiate the washing process (for example the mechanical switch  66 , as shown in  FIG. 6C ). Thus, the detergent from the detergent dispenser may be automatically released into the automatic washer and provide water with detergent to wash the receptacles. Optionally, such a mechanical switch may also initiate the timed flow controller. 
         [0105]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9A-9B , these figures show a flow pump that may be coupled with the water pipe of the automatic washer.  FIG. 9A  schematically illustrates a perspective view of a flow pump  90 , and  FIG. 9B  schematically illustrates a perspective view of the flow pump  90  connected to the water pipe of the automatic washer. 
         [0106]    The flow pump  90  comprises a pumping mechanism (further described with  FIGS. 10A-10B ), and an inlet  99  that may be coupled to a portion of the water pipe  96  such that the water therein applies pressure onto the pumping mechanism inside the pump. Furthermore, the flow pump  90  may further comprise an outlet  98  through which a detergent may be dispensed into the water pipe from the detergent dispenser  17 . Optionally, the flow pump  90  further comprises a ventilation aperture configured to maintain a predetermined air pressure in an air filled outlet space inside the pump  90  (preferably an ambient atmospheric pressure). 
         [0107]    The outlet  98  may be connected to a first one-directional valve  91  placed between the outlet  98  and the detergent dispenser  17 , such that the detergent may only floe from the detergent dispenser  17  and towards the outlet  98 . The outlet  98  may be further connected to a second one-directional valve  92  placed between the outlet  98  and a different portion of the water pipe  97  into which water mixed with the detergent are entering. Preferably, the portion of the water pipe  97  that is connected to the second one-directional valve  92  is also the portion from which the water flows into the inner volume of the automatic washer. 
         [0108]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10A-10B , these figures show the pumping mechanism of the flow pump  90 .  FIG. 10A  schematically illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the flow pump  90  in a closed state, and  FIG. 10B  schematically illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the flow pump  90  in an open state. 
         [0109]    The pumping mechanism comprises a piston  100  coupled to elastic means  102  (e.g. a spring) that may be move in accordance with the water pressure. Once water flows to the inlet  99 , the water pressure in the inlet space  101  rises and thereby presses the elastic means  102  such that the piston  100  moves towards the outlet  98 . Optionally, the pumping mechanism further comprises seals between the piston  100  and the water pipe. Alternatively, the seals may be replaced with an elastic membrane that may push the piston  100 . 
         [0110]    It is appreciated that at the end of the previous washing cycle, a predetermined amount of detergent has been released from the detergent dispenser  17  towards the outlet  98 . Therefore, with the movement of the piston  100  into the air filled outlet space  103 , the air pressure there rises and forces the detergent at the outlet  98  to move towards the second one-directional valve  92  (shown in  FIG. 9B ) in order to allow the detergent to be mixed with the water flow in the pipe. 
         [0111]    At the end of each washing cycle, the water pressure at the inlet space  101  decreases such that the piston  100  is pushed towards the inlet  99  due to the elastic force applied by the elastic means  102 . Then, an additional amount of detergent may flow through the first one-directional valve  91  (shown in  FIG. 9B ) towards the outlet  98  due to the “sucking” effect caused by the air pressure in the outlet space  103 . With the detergent in the outlet  98 , the washer is ready for an additional washing cycle wherein no electrical power is required for the washer. 
         [0112]    It should be noted that the inlet space  101  has a larger volume compared to the outlet space  103 , such that sufficient water pressure may be created in order to push the piston towards the outlet  98 . 
         [0113]    In a further embodiment, the automatic washer may further have a sterilization system operating with steam. By heating a predetermined amount of water, the steam may be created for sterilizing the receptacles. The heating may be accomplished with electrical power (e.g. using a battery), or with solar power (using a solar panel). Optionally, the automatic washer may be operated with an electrical mechanism controlling both the water flow and the detergent dispensing. Preferably, all portions of the automatic washer may withstand heating of up to 100° C. 
         [0114]    Additionally, air can be introduced through the pipe by connecting an air source such as pressurized air balloon. The air can be introduced through the same water holes in order to dry up the receptacles. The pressurized air can pass through a side pipe connected to the main water pipe. Alternatively, air may be introduced through the pipe by a manual air source (e.g. a pump). An additional controller may control the process of washing the glasses as well as drying them. 
         [0115]    It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub combination. 
         [0116]    Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.