Cleaning and liquid contact with solids – Processes – Work handled in bulk or groups
Patent
1997-01-27
1998-10-13
Ludlow, Jan
Cleaning and liquid contact with solids
Processes
Work handled in bulk or groups
134 10, 134 255, 134111, 134180, 134199, 134200, B08B 302
Patent
active
058206949
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to washing apparatus and, more particularly, to apparatus for washing produce.
2. Description of Related Art
Washing machines for crockery have been available for years. Such machines provide racks for supporting the crockery on edge or inverted to encourage drip drying after the washing process. The cleaning function is performed in part by a plurality of nozzles, whether stationary or moveable, which a spray pattern of fine water droplets in the form of a hollow expanding cone with a relatively high impact force. The washing function is substantially aided by the use of very hot water and the chemical deterging and degreasing properties of a cleaning agent.
For produce, including fruits and vegetables, a spray providing fine water droplets having a substantial impact force would bruise or damage the produce and such sprays must be precluded. The use of a cleansing agent to wash produce would leave an unacceptable after taste unless extraordinary and time consuming rinsing were incorporated. Moreover, the cleaning agent may produce an unacceptable chemical reaction with the produce that would result in deterioration or damage of the produce. Finally, a high temperature washing fluid would wilt or otherwise damage the produce.
The produce washers known provide a swirling immersion bath that provides a gentle rinse to the produce to prevent damage and deterioration. Unfortunately, such gentle rinsing fails to clean the crevices, interstices and other surface perturbations of the produce. Moreover, debris lodged within folds, in depressions or in cavities is usually not removed. Thus, such produce washers are primarily used for an initial washing operation to be followed by hand washing prior to presenting the produce for cooking or eating. Manually operated produce washers are also known and are effective to the extent an operator diligently directs the washing fluid on and about the produce.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Produce is loaded upon a basket of mesh material placed within a closeable cabinet. A plurality of nozzles, which nozzles may be fixed or movable, are located above and below and possibly on the sides of the basket to direct sprays of washing fluid onto the produce; preferably, the washing fluid is slightly acidic. The nozzles are configured to provide a non hollow expanding cone spray pattern to provide relatively large but slow moving droplets to gently agitate and to scour the produce surfaces impinged. The large droplets tend to dislodge, float and convey any liquid or solid debris on the produce. Because of the relatively low impact forces of the droplets, soft surface produce, such as strawberries, may be washed equally as well as hard surfaced produce, such as celery. The washing fluid containing debris is filtered and collected in a trough. A pump recycles the washing fluid from the trough through the nozzles for a period of time sufficient to complete the washing process. After washing is complete, the washing fluid is discharged. A rinsing fluid, such as tap water, is sprayed onto the produce to rinse the produce and remove any residual washing fluid or debris.
It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a washer for washing produce of any type.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a produce washer for washing robust and tender produce with equal effectiveness and without damage.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a produce washer for simultaneously washing a mixture of different produce.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a produce washer for recycling the washing fluid.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of nozzles for omnidirectionally spraying produce with a washing fluid.
A yet further object of the present invention is to provide stationary and moveable nozzles for spraying produce with a washing fluid.
A still further object of the present is to provide a produce washer
REFERENCES:
patent: 2249792 (1941-07-01), Skinner
patent: 3041212 (1962-06-01), Booth
patent: 5357993 (1994-10-01), St Martin
patent: 5409026 (1995-04-01), St Martin
patent: 5451266 (1995-09-01), Kirk et al.
patent: 5551461 (1996-09-01), St Martin
patent: 5562114 (1996-10-01), St Martin
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