Automatic batch article washing machine

• US 7,784,310 B1
• Filed: 04/18/2006
• Issued: 08/31/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 04/18/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kirsten M. Bradford, Stephen D. Bradford
• Original Assignee: Kirsten M. Bradford, Stephen D. Bradford
• Inventors: Bradford, Kirsten M., Bradford, Stephen D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Perrin; Joseph L
• Application Number:
  US11/406,413
• Time in Patent Office: 1,596 Days
• Field of Search: 68/17.R, 68/121.8, 68/122.7
• US Class Current: 68/12.18
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 34/28 Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/02 Devices for adding soap or other washing agents

Abstract

This invention relates to an automatic batch washing machine where the potential product or products that are being cleaned includes, but is not limited to, clothes and dishes. The machine combines user input and data gathered from sensors to operate to automatically dispense all necessary cleaning and treatment chemicals at proper times and optimally measured doses. Manual measurement and insertion of requisite chemicals has been eliminated. Efficiency and performance are enhanced through the use of optimally measured, timed and placed chemical dispensions. The chemical supply containers incorporated in conjunction with the machine are marked in such a way that they can only be inserted in a certain location in conjunction with the machine eliminating the possibility of mistakingly locating one chemical in a dispensing location for another chemical.

Claims

1. An automatic batch article washing machine comprising:

a wash basin adapted to contain an article(s) to be washed;

a central processing unit (CPU) included within said machine, said CPU comprising an electronic programmable computer which is to be preprogrammed with certain initial parameters and able to receive external input via a user interface, said interface also included within said machine;

a collection reservoir adapted to contain contents connecting with said wash basin, a main dispensing valve connected to said connection reservoir, activation of said main dispensing valve by said CPU causes emptying of the contents of said collection reservoir into said wash basin;

a first supply reservoir adapted to contain first contents, a first valve connected to said first supply reservoir, activation of said first valve by said CPU is to cause a predetermined quantity of first contents to be dispensed into said collection reservoir;

a second supply reservoir adapted to contain second contents, a second valve connected to said second supply reservoir, activation of said second valve by said CPU is to cause a predetermined quantity of said second contents to be dispensed into said collection reservoir; and

each said supply reservoir including a marking means with there being a different marking means for each said supply reservoir, said marking means allowing the transfer of information about each said supply reservoir to a sensor integrated in said machine and permitting installation of said supply reservoir at only a single location in conjunction with said machine, each said, supply reservoir being removable and replaceable; and

a fresh water supply connected to said machine, said fresh water supply to function to supply a selected quantity of fresh water into said wash basin and to rinse out said collection reservoir after discharge of the contents from said collection reservoir into said wash basin.

2. The automatic batch article washing machine as defined in claim 1 wherein:

a main sensor mounted in conjunction with said collection reservoir, said main sensor to ascertain the amount of discharge of said first contents or said second contents into said collection reservoir and via said CPU and said first valve or said second valve, cause shutting off of the discharge of said first contents or said second contents, respectively, to said collection reservoir upon the desired amount of contents being supplied within said collection reservoir.

3. The automatic batch article washing machine as defined in claim 1 wherein:

a separate sensor is mounted in conjunction with each said supply reservoir with each said sensor having function to indicate to said CPU the level of liquid contained in each said supply reservoir and with said CPU to cause discharge of the contents from said supply reservoir into said wash basin and also to terminate the supply of contents from said supply reservoir into said wash basin without the need for said collection reservoir or said main dispensing valve.

4. The automatic batch article washing machine as defined in claim 1 wherein:

a third supply reservoir adapted to contain third contents, a third valve connected to said third supply reservoir, activation of said third valve by said CPU is to cause a predetermined quantity of said third contents to be dispensed into said collection reservoir.