Patent ID: 7207197

Claim:
A machine for washing articles comprising: a sealable enclosure for containing articles to which washing liquid (including detergent and water) is to be supplied; a heater tank and heater external to the enclosure, in which the washing liquid is heated to a high temperature; a liquid pump by which the washing liquid is forced via a conduit pipe towards the enclosure under a pressure of the order of 175 psi (1.2 Mpa); a fine mesh filter plate connected to the conduit pipe through which the washing liquid is forced to enter the enclosure, the filter plate having a plurality of small apertures of such a size as to produce finely dispersed or diffused droplets forming a mist or vapour, so that under the greater than atmospheric pressure in the enclosure the washing liquid droplets are forced into at least the surface of, if not through and into the very structure of, the material from which the articles are formed, so as to assist in the washing process; means for replacing the washing liquid with rinsing water; means for maintaining the pressure in the enclosure above atmospheric pressure during rinsing; suction means for removing the washing liquid and the rinsing water from the articles and from the interior of the enclosure by suction, the suction means also being adapted to create a partial vacuum in the enclosure during drying of the articles after rinsing; and in which said suction means comprises a venturi suction pump for reducing the pressure in the enclosure below atmospheric pressure, and for assisting in drying of the articles after rinsing, and further comprising a sump to which water is conveyed and which includes a pipe for returning water to said liquid pump, whereby the water is conveyed to the sump after leaving the venturi pump for return to the liquid pump.