Patent GB-455002-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to washing machines
IPC: A47L15/42
Filed: 1936-05-02
Abstract: 455,002. Dish - washing apparatus. BRITISH THOMSON-HOUSTON CO., Ltd., Crown House, Alclwych, London. May 2, 1936, No. 12502. Convention date, May 3, 1935. [Class 138 (i)] Dish-washing apparatus comprises a washing vat provided with an overflow through which liquid flows after a predetermined level of liquid has been reached in the vat, the excess liquid controlling and actuating a signal device. In the construction shown, a washing vat 11 supported in a casing 10 is provided with a motor-driven impeller 17 adapted to splash liquid over the dishes in racks located above the impeller. The shaft of the driving motor 18 extends through an opening 16 in the bottom of the vat and is surrounded by a valve 25 adapted to close the opening 16. The valve is provided with a tubular portion 27 on which is mounted an adjustable sleeve 28. The space between the portion 27 and a tube 24 surrounding the motor shaft constitutes an overflow for the vat. Liquid is applied through a pipe 32 and pipes 130, 31 to a reaction spray device 29. The vat is provided with a panel 36 on which are mounted three knobs 43, 48, 35 for controlling, respectively, the supply of liquid to the vat, the operation of the motor 18, and the operation of the drain valve 25. The knob 43 is connected by links and levers to the shaft 33 of a supply valve. The knob 48 is connected to a member 48<b> engaging a switch 47 which controls the supply of current to the motor. The knob 35 is connected by links and levers to a shaft 40 which is adapted to raise or lower a collar 42 engaging the drain valve 25. The collar is of the form of an annular channel with a discharge lip 57<a> and liquid overflowing from the vat falls into the channel and is directed bv the lip 57a into a receptacle 56. This receptacle is pivotally mounted on the end of an arm 55<b> secured to one end of a shaft 55, the other end of which is fixed to a lever arm 55a provided with a weight 58. When the overflow liquid collects in the receptacle 56, the shaft 55 is turned against the influence of the weight 58, so that a switch 53 is closed, whereby a lamp 50 is energized to convey a signal to the attendant who will then close the supply valve 33. The receptacle 56 holds the switch closed until the drain valve is opened. The operating shaft 40 for this valve is provided with a lever 59 adapted as the valve is closed to engage the lever arm 55a whereby the receptacle 56 is raised and emptied through its engagement with a stop 61. The shafts 43a, 48a of the knobs 43, 48, respectively, are formed with flat portions 63, 64 between which is a slide bar 62. The length of the bar is such that only one of the knobs can be in its operative position at any time, so that the impeller 17 is inoperative when the vat is being supplied with liquid, and the supply valve cannot be opened when the impeller is operative. In a modification, the signal device is an indicating member adapted to be brought into view behind a window when the liquid overflows from the vat. The member is provided on one end of a lever, the other end of which is spoon-shaped and is positioned to receive the overflowing liquid.