초록 ▼

Provided is a "parts washer" that includes a fluid that performs a cleaning function and maintains the viability of microorganisms in the fluid which biodegrade organic material in contact with a biological component, the parts. "Parts" include objects befouled with organic material and/or particula

Provided is a "parts washer" that includes a fluid that performs a cleaning function and maintains the viability of microorganisms in the fluid which biodegrade organic material in contact with a biological component, the parts. "Parts" include objects befouled with organic material and/or particulate matter. The cleaning fluid includes a surfactant that functions to separate organic waste from the parts being washed. A multi-tiered basin houses the cleaning fluid and the biological component living within the fluid that breaks down organic wastes produced by the cleaning fluid. The multi-tiered basin which forms the mechanical component of the washer, includes a sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter to support microorganisms interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink member. The tank is partially filled with the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly directs a flow of the cleaning fluid to the basin and aerates the cleaning fluid. Recirculation is facilitated by discharge of the cleaning fluid into the basin to flow through a drain hole in the false bottom, through the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole in the bottom panel of the sink member back into the tank for reuse. A heater, thermostat, and a level control assembly function to maintain the cleaning fluid within a certain temperature range so as to maintain a proper environment for the microorganisms.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An apparatus for cleaning parts fouled with organic and particulate matter, the apparatus comprising a wash basin used for cleaning the parts by contacting the parts with a fluid, and a holding tank that houses a plurality of live microorganisms to biodegrade the organic matter the wash basin bei

1. An apparatus for cleaning parts fouled with organic and particulate matter, the apparatus comprising a wash basin used for cleaning the parts by contacting the parts with a fluid, and a holding tank that houses a plurality of live microorganisms to biodegrade the organic matter the wash basin being in communication with the holding tank so that the fluid recirculates in a closed environment, and a non-cylindrical filter positioned in the holding tank said filter having microorganisms affixed to it. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid comprises water and surfactants. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid recirculates intermittently through the first and the second mechanical components when parts are being cleaned. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pump to move the fluid between the first mechanical component and the second mechanical component to form a closed loop recirculation. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the filter is a flat sheet positioned beneath a removable false bottom in the first mechanical component. 6. A portable self-contained parts washer comprising: a first chamber to wash articles with a washing liquid; a porous medium through which the washing liquid flows, said porous media including microorganisms; a second chamber for biodegrading organic matter; the second chamber in communication with the first chamber; and a circulating mechanism for circulating the washing liquid between the first chamber and second chamber. 7. The device of claim 6 further comprising a controller in electrical communication with the circulating mechanism. 8. The device of claim 6 further comprising a heating mechanism to heat the washing liquid to a temperature suitable for maintaining microorganisms in a viable state to biodegrade the organic matter. 9. The device of claim 6 wherein the first chamber includes an opening to convey the washing liquid from the first chamber to the second chamber. 10. The device of claim 6 wherein the porous medium is contiguous with the first chamber. 11. The device of claim 6 wherein the first chamber comprises a sink. 12. The device of claim 6 wherein the circulation mechanism comprises a pump. 13. The device of claim 6 further comprising a switching mechanism for activating the circulating mechanism. 14. The device of claim 13 wherein the switching mechanism comprises an automatic switching device to activate the circulation mechanism.