Patent Abstract:
A multi-function parts washer for removing contaminants from parts either by hand or automatically using an aqueous cleaning fluid includes a base cabinet having sides, a floor and an open top defining a compartment. A parts receptacle is mounted in the compartment for receiving parts to be washed. The receptacle is mounted for reciprocating, vertical movement in the compartment. An agitator assembly includes one or more compressed gas bladders mounted to the parts receptacle. The bladder has an inlet for introducing compressed gas into the bladder and an outlet for discharge of the compressed gas from the bladder. As compressed gas is introduced into the bladder, the bladder inflates and the parts receptacle is raised, and as compressed gas is discharged from the bladder, the parts receptacle is lowered to provide an agitating motion of the parts receptacle and the parts thereon in the cleaning fluid. The agitator can include a hydraulic cylinder to effect movement of the parts receptacle.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/322,233, filed Jan. 29, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/658,950, filed Sep. 9, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,484,515, incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus for washing articles and more particularly relates to a combination agitating, vat-type and sink washer for washing articles such as automotive parts to remove grease, oil and other contaminants, preferably using a washing fluid which consists of a non-solvent based, non-flammable, biodegradable and environmentally acceptable washing solution. 
     Various types of parts washers are commonly used in machine shops, garages, automotive shops and the like for removing the grime, oil and contamination from parts. In the past, most parts washers of the sink type utilized toxic cleaning fluids such as petroleum-based solvents and non-biodegradable detergents. The use of such toxic cleaning solutions is environmentally objectionable and, as a result, both state and federal authorities have restricted or severely limited the uses of these types of solutions and solvents. 
     Accordingly, there developed a need for an environmentally acceptable parts washer which utilizes safe, biodegradable, preferably aqueous cleaning solutions and which are effective to remove accumulated grime, particularly hydrocarbon-based contaminants such as oil and grease. 
     One type of parts washer is the standard sink-type washer which uses a recirculated solvent which dispenses a cleaning solution at a nozzle or brush. The user will simply scrub the part with the brush and the solvent will assist in removing contaminants. Sink-type parts washers, since they are manual, may be messy and time-consuming in use. 
     Various sink-type washers can be found in the prior art, such as the ATEC Trans-Tool T-6010-AQ Aqueous Manual Sink Style Parts Washer. Cuda also has a portable, solvent-free manual parts washer. 
     These devices generally have a sink mounted on a housing which has a reservoir with an accessory such as a flow-through brush, spigot and drain strainer for catching parts. The parts are washed and the solvent flows through the drain into a fluid tank below the sink. 
     Automatic jet washers are another type of parts washers found in the industry. Generally these type of devices have a cabinet in which is located a spray system connected to a pump for delivering pressurized cleaning solution. A standard jet washer usually includes the cabinet, a basket or turntable on which the parts are to be cleaned and one or more spray manifolds. 
     Cabinet washers are larger parts washers that have a cabinet with a large load capacity into which the parts are placed for cleaning Parts such as transmission cases, engine blocks, and the like are cleaned in these units. The washers are designed to use a non-flammable, water-based cleaning solution that is sprayed into the cabinet from a manifold. 
     Also known in the industry are agitating vat-type washers. These washers are designed to allow a larger part to be placed on a tray that sits above a volume of petroleum-based solvent or water-based cleaning solution. The tray can be lowered so that the part soaks in the solution to remove accumulated grime, oil and grease. Some of these vat-type units are also equipped with mechanisms that raise and lower the tray, promoting additional cleaning efficacy through the agitation of the part through the solution as the tray and part rises and lowers. 
     Other types of parts washers are shown in the prior art. Reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,232,299 which shows a recirculating parts washer which provides both automatic jet washing and manual sink-type brush washing for automotive parts and the like. The parts washer uses a water-based detergent cleaning solution. The housing provides an enclosed wash area, jet wash means providing automatic jet washing, a brush wash means allowing manual cleaning and a pump for delivering a flow of cleaning solution to the wash and brush means. 
     Thus, while the prior art suggests various types of parts washers including automatic parts washers, sink-type parts washers, jet washers, cabinet-style washers and vat-type washers, there exists the need for a versatile, economical parts washer that can provide multiple washing options, including a parts washing sink, a jet washer and an agitating vat-type washer. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly, the present invention relates to a versatile parts washer that preferably uses a water-based, biodegradable detergent solution for cleaning and degreasing mechanical parts such as automotive parts. The washer can be utilized as a parts washing sink, as well as a jet washer and an agitating vat-type washer. Such a washer is efficient to use and compact and economical to manufacture. The present invention is such a combination unit which provides the benefits of a sink washer, a jet washer and an agitating vat-type washer in a single, compact unit requiring minimal shop floor space. 
     In one embodiment, the washer has a cabinet, which may be mobile, and may be mounted on casters or wheels so it may easily be moved about in a shop. The cabinet may be any shape but is preferably square or rectangular and fabricated from steel suitably finished and insulated. The cabinet defines a reservoir, a mechanical enclosure and a jet washer compartment which contains electrical connections and other components. A heater is provided for maintaining the washing solution at a suitable temperature for effective contaminant removal. Safety controls, such as a low water level heater shutoff sensor, is located within the housing. 
     In such an embodiment, a basket for receiving parts to be washed is located within the housing and mounted for rotation in suitable bearings. The basket is foraminous and is rotatably driven in the upper part of the cabinet either by suction-induced fluid flow to the pump or by a suitably sealed gear motor which drives a pulley arrangement. The basket is disposed approximately 1″ to 14″ below the upper edge of the cabinet so that parts may be easily placed in the basket and removed once cleaned. 
     The pump has an inlet near the bottom of the housing which will deliver pressurized fluid to a manifold spray which directs pressurized fluid both vertically and horizontally for total coverage of the parts basket in the jet washer compartment. 
     The upper open end of the cabinet receives a parts sink which may be steel, stainless steel or other durable, chemical resistant material. The sink also serves as a lid or cover for the jet wash compartment in the cabinet. The sink is hinged to the cabinet so that it may be pivoted to the open position to access the interior of the cabinet. Preferably the sink is connected to the cabinet by a suitable mechanism such as a gas spring which will maintain the sink in the open position and dampen the return of the sink to the normal closed position overlying the cabinet. 
     The sink has a downwardly inclined bottom surface which directs fluid and contaminants to a central drain. The central drain discharges through a strainer. A baffle in the jet spray compartment deflects the jet spray so it does not discharge through the sink drain. 
     The present invention provides a versatile parts washer providing the combined features of both automatic and manual cleaning utilizing a water-based solution. In one mode of operation, the device is a portable parts washing sink. The cleaning solution is delivered to a brush via a hose and valve to regulate the flow. The parts washing sink can be utilized to clean smaller, less contaminated parts. The jet washer will normally be used to clean larger, more contaminated parts which makes the process more efficient. Small parts may also be washed and cleaned in the jet washer. 
     The parts can be automatically washed by pivoting the sink to the open position and placing the parts in the basket. The sink is closed to cover the cabinet compartment and the automatic cycle is initiated, causing cleaning solution to be sprayed from a manifold covering the parts in the cleaning basket. 
     In another embodiment, the parts washer has a manual sink washer for pre-cleaning which drains to a first reservoir. A second, separate reservoir in the hosing is for precision cleaning and has a parts receptacle. After initial cleaning, the parts may be placed in the receptacle in the second reservoir and subjected to precision cleaning by ultrasonic immersion. 
     In still another embodiment, an agitating vat-type cleaner includes a parts receptacle mounted in the compartment for receiving parts to be washed. The parts receptacle is mounted for reciprocating, vertical movement in the compartment. 
     An agitator assembly includes one or more compressed gas bladders mounted to the parts receptacle. The bladder has an inlet for introducing compressed gas into the one or more bladders and an outlet for discharge of compressed gas from the one or more bladders. The bladder(s) can be formed in bladder sections that communicate with or are open to one another. 
     As compressed gas is introduced into the bladder, the bladder inflates and the parts receptacle is raised, and as compressed gas is discharged from the bladder, the parts receptacle is lowered to provide an agitating motion of the parts receptacle. 
     An alternate washer having an agitator assembly includes a hydraulic assembly mounted to the tray to move the tray and parts in an vertical, reciprocating manner. The washer includes, as with the other embodiments, a heater and pump for supplying the hose/brush assembly. The hydraulic assembly can be located within the housing or on a side or bottom of the housing. A sink can also be provided, similar to the prior embodiments. The hydraulic assembly functions the same as the air bladder assembly to move the tray (and parts) to effect an agitating movement to facilitate cleaning the parts. 
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, in conjunction with the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated from the following description, claims and drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the parts cleaning apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 1  partly broken away to illustrate the details of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is perspective view of the sink portion of the parts cleaning apparatus; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the sink portion of the parts cleaner; 
         FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional detail of the sink drain; 
         FIG. 5  is detail view illustrating an alternate drive assembly for the parts basket; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic of the electrical system; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of another embodiment of the sink and cabinet; 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of still another embodiment of the parts washer sink cabinet; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the parts washer according to the present invention incorporating ultrasonic cleaning; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of still another alternate embodiment of the parts cleaner having an agitator system, shown with the sink or cover in an open condition, in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10A  is a sectional view taken along lines  10 A- 10 A of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a partially broken away perspective view, with the sink or cover closed; 
         FIG. 11A  is a sectional view taken along lines  11 A- 11 A of  FIG. 11 ; and 
         FIG. 12  is a an exploded view of still another alternate embodiment of the parts cleaner, shown without the sink or cover in place for ease of illustration, the cleaner being of the agitating-type and having a hydraulic system to effect the agitating movement. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Turning now to the drawings, the parts washer of the present invention is generally designated by the numeral  10  and includes a lower cabinet generally designated by the numeral  12 . The lower cabinet is shown as being generally square or rectangular in horizontal cross-section having front wall  14 , rear wall  16  and opposite sidewalls  18  and  20 . It will be apparent that the cabinet may be other shapes such as round. The cabinet has a floor  22  and defines a chamber having jet cleaning chamber  25  in its upper end and a fluid reservoir  26  in its lower end. A vertical panel  28  extends between the front wall  14  and rear wall  16 . The upper edges of the panel connect to a horizontal panel  30  which defines a mechanical enclosure  32  which is accessible through a vented access door  34  in the sidewall  18 . The enclosure  32  may be located at any convenient location in the cabinet. The cabinet  12  may be fabricated from a suitable material such as a 12 gauge, rolled steel which is preferably insulated having a laminated insulative covering. A layer of fiberglass over the steel with a covering a sheet metal stitch-welded to the cabinets is a suitable material for this purpose. The cabinet may be mounted on casters  15  for mobility. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 2 , a pump  40  such as a pump of the type manufactured by Teel is mounted within the mechanical enclosure  32 . The pump  40 , typically ¾ to 1½ hp, has an inlet which communicates with the lower reservoir  26  via a conduit  44  in an opening in the vertical baffle  28 . The pump discharge is connected to conduit  46  which extends vertically through the horizontal panel  30  along the sidewall  18 . The conduit communicates with a spray manifold  50  having upper horizontal section  47 , lower horizontal section  48  and vertical section  49 . The horizontal sections  47 ,  48  extend at least half way across the interior of the cabinet. A plurality of orifices  50 B are positioned at spaced-apart locations in the vertical manifold section  49 . Similarly, a plurality of spaced-apart orifices  50 A and  50 C are disposed in the horizontal sections  47 ,  48  of the spray manifold  50  and are disposed to deliver a jet spray upwardly, downwardly and horizontally. The combination of the vertically disposed spray and the horizontal disposed spray patterns will provide a substantially full coverage to insure adequate cleaning of the parts on the parts basket  60  as it rotates with contained parts. 
     The parts basket  60  is shown as being generally circular with a bottom  62  and a peripheral sidewall  64  of steel mesh. Typically, the diameter of the basket is approximately 18″ to 24.″ A shaft  65  depends downwardly from the center of the bottom  62  of the basket and is mounted in journal bearing  66  for rotation. Rotation to the basket is imparted by fluid flowing from the reservoir  26  into the pump inlet conduit  44 . The conduit  44  is in close proximity to a plurality of vanes  70  arranged peripherally around the lower end of the shaft  65 . The fluid flow passing the vanes induced by the suction of the pump will cause the shaft and basket to rotate. 
     In use, the reservoir in the cabinet contains a suitable cleaning solution such as a water-based, non-flammable, biodegradable detergent. The effectiveness of the cleaning solution is enhanced by heating a solution to a suitable temperature, as for example 150° F. Heating is accomplished by a heating element  90  which is shown as an electric resistance heating element that extends into the reservoir  26  at a location above the floor of the cabinet. A thermostat  92  is attached to wall  32  and the opening around the thermostat is sealed. The thermostat is connected to a source of electricity and controls the temperature of fluid within the reservoir. 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic of the electrical components. The pump is connected to a source of power such as 110VAC or 220VAC, as appropriate, across a ground fault interruptor. The pump is operable by means of a timer  110  having a safety interlock  102  which is moved to an operative position only when the sink is in a closed position. The timer  110  will energize the pump motor  40  for a predetermined period of time with 10 minutes being typical for most cleaning operations. The pump will withdraw heated washing fluid from the fluid reservoir  26  and direct it through the conduit  46  to the manifold  50  which discharges spray against the washing basket  60 . When the timer  110  times out, the pump motor  40  will cease operation and can be restarted by restarting the timer. The thermostat is set at a suitable temperature as for example 150° F. A low fluid level sensor  120  will shut off the pump and heater if the fluid level drops below a minimum level. The fluid level may be visually checked by reference to the level indicator markings  125  on an interior wall of the cabinet. 
     Safety switch  102  is located on the side of the cabinet and will permit operation of the spray system only when the sink  110  is in the closed position shown in  FIG. 2 . The sink  110  is a parts washing sink and also serves as the lid or cover for the jet spray chamber within the cabinet. The sink has a front wall  132 , rear wall  134  and opposite sidewalls  136 ,  138 . The walls are dimensioned so that the lower edge of the sidewalls extend into the cabinet to fully enclose the chamber when in a closed position. 
     The sink sidewalls have a continuous circumferentially extending flange or lip  140  which extends outwardly and upwardly at about 25° from the horizontal to assist in containing fluid within the sink. The sink has a floor  142  and is inclined downwardly to a central section  144 . The central section  144  defines a drain opening  145  which has a drain screen  148  to prevent small parts from falling through the drain. A horizontal baffle  160  is disposed below the drain suspended on vertically extending hangers  162  from the underside of the sink floor to deflect spray within the interior of the cabinet to prevent if from exiting the drain  145 . 
     The rear wall of the sink is hinged to the rear wall of the cabinet by spaced-apart butt-welded hinges  170 . The hinges allow the sink to be pivoted to the open position shown in  FIG. 1  or returned to the closed position shown in  FIG. 2 . In the closed position, the lower edge of the sink rests on flange  172  extending around the interior of the cabinet below the upper edge. 
     Parts cleaning or washing fluid is directed to the sink through a flexible hose  175  which, at its distal end, terminates at a handle and brush assembly  178 . The hose  175  is connected to the manifold  50  so that pump  40  provides a flow of pressurized cleaning solution to the brush. The brush may be metal or a synthetic material. In use, the mechanic may direct a regulated flow of cleaning solution through the brush by manual adjustment of flow control valve  182 . 
     Items to be cleaned are placed in the sink or held over the sink and manually cleaned by brushing the parts using the brush. The flow of cleaning solution through the brush will assist in removing contaminants and will serve to flush the contaminants from the sink into the center drain. Small parts that are inadvertently dropped in the sink will be caught in the drain screen. Fluid and removed contaminants will flow through the drain to be collected in the reservoir. The rear of the sink may also be provided with a fixed nozzle  185  which may be operated to direct a stream of washing fluid on to the part or the item to be cleaned. The stream will flush away contaminants and allows hands-free operation as the part can be placed in the sink with cleaning fluid directed on to the parts. The reservoir  26  may be periodically drained and flushed at drain plug  188 . 
     A suitable closer  190  extends between the sink sidewall  138  and the upper end and at sidewall  20  of the cabinet. Although only one closer is shown, two may be used. The closer serves to maintain the sink in the generally vertical, open position, as seen in  FIG. 1 , so that the mechanic may access the interior in order to place parts on the cleaning basket or remove them. The closer also will damper closing of the sink so that it slowly descends to the closed position as shown in  FIG. 2  overlying the reservoir. The closer will also maintain the sink in a safe, open position when the washer is rolled from one location to another on the casters  15 . The closer preferably is a gas spring damper for controlling the lowering of the sink at a controlled, constant speed such as manufactured by Suspa. As indicated, the reservoir contains a suitable cleaning solution such as a water-based, non-flammable, biodegradable detergent solution. The effectiveness of the solution is enhanced by heating the solution. The pump, when actuated, withdraws fluid from the reservoir and discharges it through the spray nozzles or through the manual brush or both. 
     As mentioned above, an important aspect of the present invention resides in the versatility of the device in that it can be used as an automatic jet washer, as well as a parts washer. When used as a jet washer, the sink will be pivoted to the open position as shown in  FIG. 1  and parts to be cleaned can be placed on the parts basket  60 . Once the sink is returned to the closed position, the safety interlock  102  will allow the user to actuate the pump causing fluid to be delivered to the manifold system and also causing the fluid impart rotation to the basket. Generally, the jet washing cycle will be set for a predetermined period of operation controlled by the timer, as for example 10 minutes. When the cleaning cycle is completed, the sink can be lifted to the open position to provide access to the interior chamber and the parts can be removed. 
     Fluid is delivered through hose  175  to the brush  178  from the manifold  50 . Fluid and removed contaminants are removed from the sink by hand washing and will be discharged from the sink into the cabinet reservoir. It is not necessary for the user to place the parts to a separate sink such as the side-by-side sink of a conventional part washer. The design of the parts washer of the present invention is extremely versatile, compact and economical. The user is not required to buy three separate units as is often the case with conventional washers. 
     Further, the device may be portable as the casters  15  can allow the device to be easily transported to the area where the mechanic is working, as for example as is the case when a vehicle is on a lift and the mechanic is replacing brake parts and the brake components require cleaning. In this case, the sink can be positioned below the brake assembly. The brush can be applied to the brake parts on the vehicle and the fluid and contaminants collected in the sink and will flow into the sink and will flow into the cabinet. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an alternate drive mechanism for the rotatable parts basket  60 . In this case, basket  60  is supported on a bearing assembly  200  located on a support channel  202  extending from wall  28  of the enclosure  32 . A gear motor  210 , such as a fractional horse power gear motor is mounted within the mechanical enclosure having an output shaft  212  extending vertically through panel  30 . The opening in the panel is suitably sealed. A pulley  214  is attached to the output shaft and may include a downwardly depending cup  216  to protect the shaft. An O-ring belt  225  extends from the pulley  214  to a cylindrical cup  230  secured to the lower end of the basket support shaft  65 . The relative diameters of the gear motor spindle and the basket support pulley can be selected to provide the appropriate rotational speed for the basket. Typically, rotational speeds will be from approximately from 1 to 10 rpm. The O-ring belt is twisted into a figure-8 configuration to increase retention so it will not slip on the exterior of the cup  230 . Actuation of the gear motor will drive the basket through the O-ring belt and pulley system. 
       FIG. 7  shows another embodiment of the invention in which the sink  110  rests on flange  172  in the closed position. The sink  110  is a lift-off sink which may be removed to access the interior of the cabinet  12  or may be placed on the flange  172  to enclose or cover the jet washing chamber. 
     In  FIG. 8 , the sink  110  again has a closed position over the top of the cabinet. The sink  110  has rollers  210  which rest on guide rails  200  and may be slid rearwardly to an open position or moved forwardly to a closed position. Side panels  204  extend rearwardly to enclose the sink when in the forward position to prevent spray from exiting the cabinet. Stops  215  and  220  limit the travel of the sink. 
     In  FIG. 9 , another embodiment of the present invention is shown which is designated by the numeral  300  and includes a lower cabinet  310  having front wall  314 , rear wall  316 , and opposite side walls  318  and  320 . The cabinet has a floor  322  and defines an internal chamber  325 . 
     A vertical panel  328  extends between the front and rear walls forming a first reservoir  330 . A removable cover panel  332  extends over the reservoir  330 . A pump  340  is mounted within the reservoir  330  having an inlet  344 . The pump discharge is connected to a conduit  346  which communicates with a manual cleaning device  350  in sink  375  such as a spout or brush. 
     A second reservoir  352  is in chamber  325  adjacent reservoir  330  defined by panel  328 , front wall  314 , rear wall  316 , sidewall  320  and floor  322 . Mounted on sidewall  320  are one or more ultrasonic transducers  321  in housing  360  which are connected to an ultrasonic generator to direct ultrasonic waves to the fluid contained in the reservoir  352 . A parts receptacle or basket  365  is sized to be received in the reservoir  352 . The basket may be wire mesh having handles for convenience so it may be lifted from or placed in the reservoir  352 . The reservoirs in the cabinet contain a suitable cleaning solution such as a water-based, non-flammable biodegradable detergent. 
     Sink  375  is a manual parts washing sink and also serves as a cover or lid for the chamber  325 . The sink has a front wall  432 , rear wall  434  and opposite sidewalls  436 ,  438 . A floor  442  is inclined downwardly to a drain pipe  445 . The sink is dimensioned to fully enclose the chamber  325  when in the closed position. A suitable closer  390  such as a gas spring extends between the sink and sidewall  436  and the cabinet sidewalls. In the closed position, drain pipe  445  is received within the drain tube  450  which communicates with reservoir  330  to direct and return fluid from the sink to the reservoir. 
     Fluid for manual cleaning is directed through conduit  346  which at its distal end terminates at a cleaning device  350  such as a brush or spout. The conduit may include a flow valve  382  to regulate the flow of fluid to the cleaning device. Electrical controls for the pump, transducers and resistance heaters  425  are housed in the electrical panel  390 . 
     Parts to be cleaned are placed in the sink  375  or held over the sink and may be manually cleaned using the cleaning device  350 . The flow of cleaning solution through the device will assist in pre-cleaning by removing contaminates which will then be carried through the drain tube  450  to the reservoir  330 . The major contaminates will be flushed away in the pre-cleaning operation and will be collected in the reservoir  330  which will be periodically flushed and replenished with clean fluid at a drain plug  392 . The pre-cleaning in the sink and collection of the pre-cleaning fluid in the separate reservoir  330  avoids excessive contamination of the precision cleaning reservoir  352  resulting in better overall cleaning efficiency. 
     Subsequent to preliminary cleaning, the parts may then be precision cleaned by placing the parts in receptacle  365  and immersing them in fluid in reservoir  352 . The initial pre-cleaning and subsequent ultrasonic cleaning results in highly effective removal of contaminates from the parts and in small crevices in the parts. The washer preferably is mounted on casters  415  for portability and ease of operation. 
     Still another embodiment of the parts washer  500  is shown in  FIGS. 10-11A . The washer  500  includes a cabinet  501 , having a lower cabinet  502 , with a front wall  504 , a rear wall  506 , and opposing side walls  508 . The cabinet  501  is shown having a rectangular or square shape, but as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the cabinet  501  can have many different sizes and shapes to fit a particular application. A present washer  500  has about a 50 gallon fluid F capacity. The cabinet  501  has a floor  510  and defines a chamber indicated at  512  for agitation washing. 
     An agitator system  514  is positioned in the agitation chamber  512 . The system  514  includes a tray  516  on which parts are positioned for cleaning. The tray  516  is preferably foraminous, and can be formed from a screen or open mesh material. It is anticipated that the tray  516  will be formed from a non-corroding metal material (such as stainless steel), a coated metal material (such as a coated steel) or a high strength polymer (plastic) material so that relatively heavy objects can be placed on the tray  516 . 
     The system  514  includes an air or gas bladder or series of air or gas bladders  518  that are inflated and deflated to increase and decrease the volume (height) of the bladders  518 . As illustrated, one air bladder  518  having three (3) air bladder sections  518   a - c  are used in a present system  514 , however, any reasonable number of bladders or bladder sections  518  may be used. The bladder  518  is referred to as an air bladder, but any compressed gas can be used to inflate the bladder  518 . A compressor (not shown) can be included with the washer  500 , or any suitable source of pressurized gas can be provided. 
     As can be seen, the bladder sections  518   a - c  are presented in series in a vertical orientation, below and at about a center of the of the tray  516 . Accordingly, in order to maintain the tray  516  in a horizontal orientation the system  514  includes a mounting  520  pair of guide rails or guide towers  522  to which the tray  516  is mounted. The mounting  520  includes bearings  524  to permit the mountings  520  (and the tray  516 ) to smoothly move up and down within the cabinet  501 , as balanced and held horizontal by the guide rails  522 . A limit switch  526  on one or both of the guard rails  522  provides an upper stop location for the tray  516 . The deflated bladder  518  provides a lower stop. 
     One or more valves  528  are located in an enclosure  530  below the cabinet  501 . the valves  528  control the flow of compressed gas to and from the bladders  518  to inflate the bladder  518  to raise the tray  516  and to deflate the bladder  518  to lower the tray. In a present system  514  gravity (with the valves  528  open to atmosphere) deflates the bladders and lowers the tray. It will be appreciated that although not shown, a driven system can be used to force air from the bladder  518  to lower the tray as well, and that such a driven is within the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     A heater  530  in the cabinet  501  is used to heat the cleaning fluid F to enhance the cleaning ability of the fluid F. The heater  530  can, as illustrated, be covered or protected by a cover  532  (or baffle) to prevent damage to the heater  530  (as by parts falling from the tray  516  or dropped into the cabinet  501 ) and prevents personnel from inadvertently touching the heater  530  element when the cabinet  501  is opened. 
     A sink or cover  534  is positioned at the top of the cabinet  501 . As with the prior embodiments, the sink  534  is used to manually wash parts, as needed. A hose  536  with, for example, a brush  538  attached to an end thereof, can be included to facilitate manual washing. A pump  540  is positioned in the cabinet  501  and draws fluid F from the cabinet  501  and pumps it to the hose  536  to facilitate manual (e.g., brush) cleaning A drain  542  in the sink  534  drains fluid F back to the cabinet  501 . 
     An additional hose  544  and brush  546  assembly is provided within the chamber  512 , located below, preferably mounted to the bottom of the sink  534 . The chamber hose  544  and brush  546  assembly is provided to permit manually washing items that are placed on the tray  516  with the fluid F returning directly to the chamber  512 . Valves (not shown) are located at each of the hose and brush assemblies  536 ,  538  and  544 ,  546  to control the flow of fluid F to the respective assemblies. 
     The agitator system tray  516  moves in a continuous manner along the rails  522 . In an uppermost position, the tray  516  can be loaded with the part or parts to be cleaned. Manual cleaning can be carried out with the part on the tray  516 , using the chamber hose  544  and brush  546  assembly. The cover (sink)  534  can then be closed and an agitation cycle commenced. In an agitation cycle, the tray  516  moves in an up-and-down manner along the rails  522 , by inflation and deflation of the bladder  518 . It is anticipated that the total distance traveled by the tray  516  is about 10 inches to 20 inches and each stroke (up or down) is carried out in about 3 seconds to 4 seconds. This agitation further enhances cleaning the part. 
     The washer can include one or more interlocks  548  that prevent the washer  500  from moving into an agitation cycle when the cover or sink  534  is open. Gas cylinders  550  positioned between the sink  534  and the cabinet  501  facilitate maintaining the sink  534  up and the cabinet  501  in an open condition. A controller  552  controls the overall automatic (e.g., agitation cycle) of the washer  500 . 
     Still another type of agitating washer is shown in  FIG. 12 . The washer  600  includes a cabinet  601 , having a lower cabinet  602 , with a front wall  604 , a rear wall  606 , and opposing side walls  608 . The cabinet defines a chamber indicated at  612  for agitation washing. The cabinet  601  is shown without a sink for ease of illustration, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that such a sink can be a part of the washer  600 . 
     An agitator system  614  is positioned in the agitation chamber  612 . The system  614  includes a tray  616  on which parts are positioned for cleaning. The tray  616  can be foraminous as shown in the prior embodiments of the washer. It is anticipated that the tray  616  will be formed from a non-corroding material with sufficient strength to support/carry relatively heavy objects placed on the tray  616 . 
     In this agitator system  614 , a hydraulic system  618  including a hydraulic cylinder  619  is used to effect the movement (up and down, reciprocating movement) of the tray  616 . The hydraulic system  618  as shown is mounted within the chamber  612 , but can be mounted externally of the cabinet  601  as in the rear  606  or bottom, below the floor  610  of the cabinet  601  with appropriate seals provided to provide for fluid collection and/or to prevent leakage as appropriate. The washer  600  also includes a heater  630  to heat the fluid and a pump  640  to supply fluid to one or more hose/brush assemblies  636 / 638  for parts cleaning, whether in the sink (not shown) or when, for example, a part is placed on the tray  616  with the tray  616  in a raised position for easy cleaning access. Operationally, the hydraulic agitator system  64  functions the same or similar to the air bladder system  514  and can include the same interlocks and functional control system. Other types of agitating systems can be used and will be recognized by those skilled in the art and such other types of agitating systems are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     It will be seen that the present invention provides a unique, efficient parts washer. Because of the compactness of design and its ability to be used as both a manual sink, an automatic jet washer and an undercarriage parts cleaner. As such, the washer of the present invention replaces several units in the shop area providing substantial economy to the shop operator. The washer may be mobile and may be transported to a work location as beneath a lift or hoist to assist a mechanic working on a brake system. Multiple manual cleaning operations can be accomplished with the same unit further increasing efficiency of the mechanic and increasing profitability. 
     In the present disclosure, the words “a” or “an” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular. 
     All patents referred to herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, whether or not specifically done so within the text of this disclosure. 
     From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1