US2813534A - Kitchen apparatus combination - Google Patents

Description

Nqv. 19, 1957 F. D. LOW

KITCHEN APPARATUS COMBINATION.

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United States Patent KITCHEN APPARATUS CONIBINATION Frank D. Low, La Grange Park, Ill., assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Application May 14, 1956, Serial No. 584,487

14 Claims. (Cl. 134-57) The present invention relates to a kitchen apparatus combination, including a sink and a dishwasher and a food waste disposer, and more particularly to control circuits for the dishwasher and disposer of the combination.

A kitchen counterline conventionally comprises a sink provided with a communicating food waste disposer disposed therebelow, an adjacent dishwasher provided with a dish-receiving vat, independent water supply connections to the sink and to the dishwasher vat, independent drain connections from the disposer and from the dishwasher vat, and independent control circuits for the disposer and for the dishwasher. Since a kitchen normally comprises a single drain pipe extending to the exterior, the drain plumbing connections from the disposer and from the dishwashing vat are frequently rather extensive and expensive, particularly where the sink and the dishwasher in the kitchen counterline are installed in a location remote from the existing drain pipe in the kitchen.

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved kitchen apparatus combination of the character described, wherein it is practical to drain the dishwasher vat directly into the disposer and to drain the disposer directly into the drain pipe, without danger of flooding water from the disposer back into the communicating sink incident to the drain operation of the dishwasher, thereby to simplify and to render less expensive the total drain connections required.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a kitchen apparatus combination of the character described an improved circuit control arrangement so that the draining of water from the dishwasher vat into the disposer is effective to bring about operation of the disposer, so that any food waste accumulated therein is comminuted and positively discharged therefrom, along with the drain water from the dishwasher vat, into the connected drain pipe.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a kitchen apparatus combination of the character described, an improved control circuit arrangement for controlling simultaneously the draining operation of the dishwasher and the operation of the disposer, so that any food waste accumulated therein is comminuted and positively discharged therefrom, along with the drain water from the dishwasher vat, into the drain pipe connected to the disposer, thereby positively to prevent flooding of water and food waste from the disposer back into the communicating sink incident to the drain operation of the dishwasher.

A further object of the invention is to provide in a kitchen apparatus combination of the character described, an improved control circuit arrangement so that the normal operation of the disposer incident to. the draining operation of the dishwasher is positively prevented in the event the normal stopper-valve mechanism arranged in the throat between the sink and the disposer occupiesits removed position, as is necessary when the housewife deposits food waste therethrough into the disposer, thereby to prevent operation of the disposer while the housewife is engaged in depositing food waste thereinto.

A further object of the invention is to provide in a kitchen apparatus combination of the character described, an improved control circuit for operating the disposer at the will of the housewife and independently of the operation of the dishwasher, and an improved control circuit for operating the dishwasher, whereby there is no interference between the control circuits named in the various combinations of possible controls of the disposer and of the dishwasher.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the elements of the kitchen apparatus combination and of the elements of the control circuits therefor, whereby the above-outlined and additional operating features thereof are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following specification taken in connection with the tlCCOl'lh panying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a kitchen apparatus, combination, including a sink, and a food waste disposer and a dishwasher, and embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged front elevational view of the manually operable control dial that is incorporated in the,

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of the control circuits for the dishwasher and for the disposer.

Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings, the kitchen apparatus combination 10 there illustrated, and embodying the features of the present invention, is in the form of a kitchen counterline including a substantially horizontally arranged counter top 11, supported by two adjacent upstanding cabinets 12 and 13 disposed therebelow, and terminating in an upstanding backsplash 14'. arranged at the rear edge thereof. The left-hand section of the counter top 11 carries a sink 15 depending therefrom into the lefthand cabinet 12 disposed therebelow and communicating through an aligned opening provided therein; the bottom wall of the sink 15 carries a food waste disposer 16 depending therefrom and housed within the cabinet 12; and the cabinet 12 is provided with an open front that is normally closed by a pair of upstanding cooperating front doors 17 respectively mounted adjacent to the opposite sides thereoffor swinging movements into open and closed positions. The right-hand cabinet 13 houses a dishwasher 18 including an upstanding dish receiving vat 19 provided with an upstanding front opening and a cooperating front door 2%, also arranged in an aligned front opening provided in a front wall 21 of the cabinet 13, the front door 20 being mounted adjacent the lower edge thereof for pivotal movements between a substantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position.

Accordingly, the dishwasher 13 is of the frontcpening type and may be of the general construction and arrangement of that disclosedin U. S. Patent No. 2,657,695, granted on November 3, 1953 to Forrest A. Walker; whereby a sump is formed in the central portion of the Patented Nov. 19, 1957 bottom wall of the vat 19 in which an impeller 22 is arranged and rotated by a cooperating drive motor 23 disposed therebelow and carried by the bottom wall of the vat 19. An electric heating unit 24 is operatively associated with the impeller 22; and a drain conduit 25 communicates with the sump formed in the bottom wall of the vat 19. A spray device 26 is arranged in the u per portion of the vat 19 substantially centrally of the top wall thereof and carried thereby: which spray device 26 communicates with an inlet conduit 27 in which there is arranged an inlet valve 28 provided with an operating solenoid 28a. The inlet valve 28 is normally biased into its closed position and is operated into its open position upon energization of the solenoid 28a. Also, the dishwasher 18 com rises a drain ump 29 provided with an intake ort communicating with the drain conduit 25 and a discharge port communicating with an upstanding discharge conduit 30, the drain pump 29 being provided with n o er t ng motor 31. Fur her. the dishwasher 18 comprises a me suring c il or relav 32. that is employed for a ur ose more fnllv ex lained herein-after. as well as a program controller 33 that is provided with a manually rotatable control di l 34 carried by the front wall 21 adiacent to the upper left-hand corner of the cabinet 13. Also, a pilot lam 35 is o eratively associated with the manual dial 34 and visible from the exterior through a cooperating hole provided in the front wall 21. Moreover, a door switch 36 is incor orated in the dishwasher 18 and controlled by the osition of the front door 20, the door switch 36 being o erated into its respective closed and o en positions when the front door 20 is oper ted into its corres onding closed and open positions. As i lustrated in Fig. 2. the dial 34 carries the indicia off and on ha coo erates with an index marker 34a that is carr ed by the front wall 21 of the cabinet 13.

As illustrated in Fig. 6, the program controller 33 further com rises a rotatably mounted operating shaft 37 connected to the manual dial 34 and carrying seven insulating cams C1 to C7, inclusive, that respectively cooperate with seven sets of switch springs S1 to S7, inclusi e. Also the program controller 33 comprises a timer motor 38 of the synchronous type and that is provided with an operating shaft 39 connected via reduction gearing 40 and a friction clutch 41 to the operating shaft 37. Tn the arrangement, the manual dial 34 may be ro ated in the clockwise direction from its off position into its on position etfecting corresponding rotation of the operating shaft 37 by virtue of the provision of the friction clutch 41; whereby operation of the timer motor 38 is initiated so that the operating shaft 37 is rotated further in the clockwise direction by the operating shaft 39 of the timer motor 38 through the reduction gearing 40 and the friction clutch 41 so as to restore the manual dial 34 back into its off position. Also, as illustrated in Fig. 6, the measuring coil or relay 32 is of the marginal type and is provided with a bridging member 32a, controlling an associated pair of contacts, for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter.

Again referring to Fig. 1, the counter top 11 carries a faucet 42 disposed adjacent to the rear of the sink 15 and forwardly of the backsplash 14 and provided with a hot water valve 43 and a cold water valve 44, as well as a discharge spout 45 disposed over the sink 15. In the kitchen, there is arranged a hot water supply pipe 46, a cold Water supply pipe 47, and a drain pipe 48. The hot water supply pipe 46 is connected both to the hot water valve 43 of the faucet 42 and to the inlet conduit 27 of the dishwasher 18; while the cold water supply pipe 47 is connected to the cold water valve 44 of the faucet 42. Also arranged in the connection between the cold water supply pipe 47 and the cold water valve 44 of the faucet 42 is a faucet flow switch 49 that comprises, as shown in Fig. 6, a bridging member 50 controlling an associated pair of contacts, as well as a resilient bellows 51 communicating with the cold water supply pipe 47 and actuating the contact bridging member 50. In the arrangement, the normal gauge pressure of the water in the cold water supply pipe 47 expands the bellows 51 moving the contact bridging member 50 into its open position; however, when the cold water valve 44 of the faucet 42 is opened, the pressure in the cold water supply pipe 47 is reduced, so that the bellows 51 contracts moving the contact bridging member 50 into its closed position.

Again referring to Fig. 1, a backsplash switch 52 is carried by the top of the backsplash 14 adjacent to the upper left-hand side thereof; a throat switch 53 is arranged in the throat of the disposer 16; and a pump flow control switch 54 is arranged in a side inlet provided in the disposer 16; which switches 52, 53 and 54 are utilized for purposes more fully explained hereinafter.

The upstanding discharge pipe 38 extending from the discharge port of the drain pump 29 projects rearwardly and upwardly to a position behind the central portion of the backsplash 14, and the extreme outer end thereof is disposed above and in spaced relation to a cooperating funnel 55 arranged therebelow; whereby an air break is disposed between the end of the discharge pipe 30 and the funnel 55. In turn, the funnel 55 communicates with a conduit 56 that is connected to the side inlet of the disposer 16, as explained more fully hereinafter. As illustrated in Fig. 6, the pump flow switch 54 comprises a bridging member 57, controlling an associated pair of contacts, as well as a resilient bellows 58 communicating with the conduit 56 and actuating the contact bridging member 57. In the arrangement, the bellows 58 normally biases the contact bridging member 57 into its open position; however, in response to the flow of Water through the conduit 56 the bellows 58 is expanded moving the contact bridging member 57 into its closed position.

Again referring to Fig. 1, the discharge outlet of the disposer 16 is connected by a substantially U-shaped trap 59 to the drain pipe 48 that extends exteriorly of the kitchen.

Referring now to Figs. 3, 4 and 5, the disposer 16 essentially comprises an upstanding substantially tubular casing, including cooperating lower and upper sections 60 and 61. The upper casing section 61 terminates in an upstanding tubular throat 62 projecting into a drain opening 15a formed in the bottom wall of the sink 15' and carrying an outwardly directed annular flange 63 overhanging the adjacent marginal edge of the drain opening 15a. The disposer 16 is secured in place to the bottom wall of the sink 15 by an arrangement including an annular clamping ring 64 carried by the lower portion of the tubular throat 62 and an intervening surrounding clamping collar 65 arranged above the clamping ring 64 and below the marginal edge of the drain opening 15a formed in the bottom wall of the sink 16. More particularly three substantially equally angularly spaced-apart set screws 66 are carried by the clamping ring 64 and projecting upwardly into engagement with the clamping collar 65 so as to urge the clamping collar 65 toward the annular flange 63 with the marginal edge of the sink 15 surrounding the drain opening 15a arranged therebetween, along with a suitable gasket 67 disposed between the upper surface of the clamping collar 65 and the lower marginal edge of the sink 15 surrounding the drain opening 15a. Accordingly, a food waste receiving chamber 68 is defined in the upper casing section 61 and communicates through the tubular throat 62 with the interior of the sink 15; and removably arranged within the tubular throat 62 is a stoppervalve mechanism 69; whereby the interior of the chamber 68 is accessible through the tubular throat 62 from the sink 15 when the mechanism 69 occupies its removed position.

More particularly, the mechanism 69 comprises a substantially annular stopper or body portion 70 having a centrally disposed valve port 71 formed therethrough, as

well as a centrally disposed valve element 72 cooperating with the valve port 71. The valve element 72 is carried upon the lower end of a rod 73 that is mounted upon the stopper body 70 for reciprocatory movement, the upper end of the rod 73 carrying a handle 74 disposed in the tubular throat 62 and readily accessible from within the sink 15. Thus it will be understood, that by manipulating the handle 74, the valve element 72 may be moved into respective open and closed positions with respect to the valve port 71, when the stopper body 70 occupies its placed position within the tubular throat 62. Also the lower end of the. tubular throat 62 and the annular-marginal rim of the stopper body 70 carry interengaging structure, indicated generally at 75, for the.

purpose of locking the stopper body 70 in place in the tubular throat 62 when the mechanism 69 occupies its placed position. Further, the handle 74 is provided with an arrow or index marker 76 that cooperates with the indicia remove and lock carried upon the top surface of the annular flange 63, as shown in Fig. 3; whereby the mechanism 69 is unlocked for removal when the index marker 76 is rotated to cooperate with the indicia remove carried by the annular flange 63.

Now when the mechanism 69 occupies its placed position in the tubular throat 62, the valve element 72 may be selectively operated into open and closed positions with respect to the valve port 71 by selective reciprocation of the handle 74 to control the draining of water from the sink 15 into the chamber 68. Of course, it will be understood that it is necessary to remove the mechanism 69 completely from the tubular throat 62 in order to accommodate the deposit of waste food from the sink 15 through the tubular throat 62 into the chamber 68.

As previously noted, the throat switch 53 is selectively operated by the mechanism 69, and more particularly this arrangement includes a rotatably mounted shaft 77 carried by a journal 78 secured in an opening provided in the side wall of the casing section 61 just below the lower end of the tubular throat 62; the outer end of the shaft 77 cooperates with a plunger 79 carried by the throat switch 53; and the inner end of the shaft 77 carries a crank 80 that extends into cooperating relation with a notch 81 provided in the annular flange carried by the stopper body 70 of the mechanism 69. In the arrangement, when the mechanism 69 is placed within the tubular throat 62 and then rotated into its lock position, as previously explained, the notch 81 provided in the annular flange of the stopper body 70 cooperates with the crank 88 so as to eifect rotation of the shaft 77 and the consequent transmission of motion via the plunger 79 to the throat switch 53 operating the throat switch 53 into its closed position. Of course, a reverse action is obtained upon rotation of the mechanism 69 into its remove position preceding physical removal thereof from the tubular throat 62. Thus, it will be understood that the throat switch 53 is selectively operated in response to selective operation of the mechanism 69 into and out of its lock position.

In the lower portion of the upper casing section 61 in the bottom of the chamber 68, there is disposed a shredding or comminuting ring 82 that cooperates with a number of hammers 83 carried by a flywheel 84 arranged in the bottom of the chamber 68; which flywheel 84 is carried by the operating shaft of an electric drive motor housed in the lower casing section 68 (the drive motor being indicated at 85 in Fig. 6). The extreme lower portion of the chamber 68 terminates in a discharge tube 86; and it is, in fact, this discharge tube 86 that is connected to the trap 59, as indicated in Fig. l. A side inlet tube 87 is arranged in an opening provided in the upper casing section 61; and it is, in fact, the outer end of this inlet tube 87 that is connected to the conduit 56, as indicated in Fig. 1. In the arrangement the inner end of the inlet tube 87 communicates with the chamber 68 at a 6 position well below the tubular throat 62 and well above the comminuting ring 82.

Also the pump flow switch 54 is mounted upon the top of the lower casing section. 60 and is provided with a tube 88 that communicates with the interior of the inlet tube 87. As indicated in Fig. 4, the inner end of the inlet tube 87 terminates in a restricted nozzle 89 communicating with the chamber 68 so that when water from the dishwasher vat 19 is pumped through the con In view of the foregoing, it will be understood that when the disposer motor is operated, the flywheel 84 is rotated, causing the hammers 83 to move outwardly closely adjacent to the shredding ring 82 for the purpose of shredding or comminuting any food waste that has been deposited in the chamber 68; whereby the resulting material is discharged alongwith any water contained in the chamber 68 to the exterior via the discharge tube 86 and ultimately into the drain pipe 48. Further, it

will be appreciated that water may be conducted into the chamber 68 either from the sink 15, with the mechanism 69 in its open position, or from the dishwasher vat 19 via the side inlet tube 87, incident to operation of the drain pump 29; and in this regard, it is mentioned that it is contemplated that the disposer 16 will be operated only when water is supplied to the chamber 6 8 from one of the sources mentioned, as the Water supplied to the chamber 68 effects the flushing of the shredded or comminuted food waste from the bottom of the chamber 68via the outlet tube 86 to the exterior.

Considering now the control circuit for the disposer 16 and for the dishwasher 18 and referring again toFig. 6, it is notedthat the arrangement comprises a source of 118- volts A. 0., including two conductors 91 and 92; the.

conductor 91 is commonly connected to one contact of the pair operatively associated with the bridging member 50' and to one terminal of the door switch 36; while the conductor 92 is commonly connected to oneterminal of the disposer motor 85, to one terminal of the dishwasher motor 23, to one terminal of the solenoid 28a, to one terminal of the timer motor 38, to one terminal of the pilot lamp 35, to one terminal of the heater 24, and to one terminal of the pump motor 31. The other contact of the pair operatively associated with the contact bridging member 50 is connected to a conductor 93 that is terminated by one contact of the backsplash switch 52; the other contact of the backsplash switch 52 is connected to a conductor 94 that is terminated by one contact of the throat switch 53; and the other contact of the throat switch 53 is connected by a conductor 95 to the other terminal of the disposer motor 85. The other contact of the. door switch 36 is connected to a conductor 96 that is commonly terminated by the left-hand spring of the set 52, by the left-hand spring of the set S4 and by the left-hand spring of the set S6. The other terminal of the dishwasher motor 23 is connected to a conductor 97 that is commonly terminated by one terminal of the winding of the relay 32 and by the right-hand spring of the set S4. Theother terminal of the solenoid 28a is connected to a conductor 98 that is terminated by one contact of the pair operatively associated with the bridging member 32a. The other contact of the pair operatively associated with the bridging member 32a is connected to a conductor 99 that is termi-- one contact of the pair operatively associated with the bridging member 57, and the other contact of this pair is connected to a conductor 101 that is terminated by the right-hand spring of the set S7. The other terminal of thewinding, ofthe relay 32 is connected to a conductor 2, th at is terminated by the right-hand spring of the set $1; the other terminal of the heater 24 is connected toa conductor 103 that is terminated by the right-hand spring of the set "S5; the other terminal of the timer motor 38 is connected to a conductor 104 that is commonly terminated by the left-hand spring of the set S1, by the left-hand spring of the. set S3, by the left-hand spring of the set- S5, by the right-hand spring of the set S6, and by theother terminal of the pilot lamp 35.

In the circuit arrangement: a strap SP1 is indicated in dottecl lines that may be connected in shunt relation with respect to the faucet flow switch 49 in the event the last-mentioned switch is omitted from the kitchen apparatus, combination 10. Similarly, a strap SP2 is indicatedinf dotted lines that may be connected in shunt relation with respect to the .backsplash switch 52 in the event the last-mentioned switch is omitted from the kitchen .apparatuscombination 10. Similarly, a strap SP3.is indicated in dotted lines that may be connected inrshunt relation with respect to the throat switch 53 in the event the last-mentioned switch is omitted from the kitchen apparatus combination 10. Similarly, a strap SP4 is indicated in dotted lines that may be connected in shunt relation with respect to the pump flow switch 54 in the event the last-mentioned switch is omitted from the kitchen apparatus combination 10. Similarly, a strap SP5 is indicated in dotted lines that may be connected in shunt relation to the set of switch springs S7 in the event the last-mentioned set is omitted from the program controller 33. In other wor ds, the faucet flow switch 49 and the backsplash switch 52 are really alternative to eachother; and the pump flow switch 54 and the set of switch springs S7 are really alternative to each other. Moreover, the throat switch 53 may be eliminated in the event one of the elements 49 or 52 is provided in conjunction with one of the elements 54 and S7. However, for thepurpose of the present description, it will be assumed that all of the elements 49, 52, 53 and 54 and S7 are present in the circuit arrangement; whereby each of thestraps SP1 to SP5, inclusive, is omitted from the circuit arrangement.

Considering now the normal operation of the disposer 16,-whenthe housewife has food waste that is to be disposed, she removes the stopper-valve mechanism 69, and then deposits the food waste through the tubular throat 62 into the chamber 68, and then returns the stoppervalve mechanism 69 into the tubular throat 62 operating the same into its lock position and into its open valve position; whereby the throat switch 53 is operated into its closed position. Next, the housewife opens the cold water valve 44 of the faucet 42; whereby the cold water from the cold water supply pipe 47 passes through the spout45 of the faucet 42 into the sink and runs through the stopper-valve mechanism 69 in its open position into the chamber 68; whereby the faucet flow switch 49 is operated into its closed position. Then the housewife operates-the backsplash switch 52 into its closed position; whereby an'obvious circuit is completed for operating the disposer motor 85 so that the disposer 16 is operated to bring about shredding or comminuting of the food waste and the consequent flushing of the resulting material therefrom and through the drain pipe 48 to the exterior. In order to arrest operation of the disposer motor 85, the backsplash switch 52 may be manually operated into its open position, or the cold water valve 44 of the faucet 42 may be operated into its closed position, or the stopper-valve mechanism 69 may be operated into its remove position; closure of the cold water valve 44 of the faucet 42 effecting operation of the faucet flow switch '49 into its open position,'and operation of the stopper-valve mechanism 69 into its remove position efiecting operation of the throat switch 53 into its open position.

Considering now the operation of the dishwasher 18, the housewife places the dishes to be washed and the detergent in the vat 19, with the front door 20 in its open position, in the usual manner, and then closes the front door 20 so that the door switch 36 is operated into its closed position. Finally, the dial 34 is operated from its off position into its on position, whereby an automatic cycle of the dishwasher 18 proceeds under the control of the timer motor 38 so that the dial 34 is ultimately rotated back into its off position in order to arrest the operation of the dishwasher 18. More particularly, in the automatic cycle of the dishwasher 18 when the dial 34 is operated into its on position, the control cams C1, C2, C3, C4, C6 and C7 operate the respective sets of switch springs S1. S2, S3, S4, S6 and S7 into their closed positions. Closure of the set of switch springs S4 completes a direct circuit for operating the dishwasher motor 23; closure of the sets of switch springs S1 and S6 prepares an alternative circuit for operating the dishwasher motor 23 in series relation with the winding of the relay 32; closure of the set of switch springs S2 completes a circuit for energizing the solenoid 28a; closure of the sets of switch springs S6 and S3 completes a circuit for operating the pump motor 31; and closure of the sets of switch springs S6, S3 and S7 prepares a circuit for operating the disposer motor 85. Upon operating the dishwasher motor 23 rotates the impeller 22; however, without effect at this time. Energizatio-n of the solenoid 28a effects operation of the inlet valve 28 into its open position; whereby water from the hot water supply pipe 46 is supplied to the spray device 26 and thence sprayed downwardly into the vat 19 accumulating in the sump and consequently in the drain conduit 25 and the drain pump 29. Upon operating the pump motor 31 drives the drain pump 29, thereby to discharge the water from the drain conduit 25 through the drain pump 29 and thence through the conduit 30 into the funnel 55 and via the conduit 56 into the inlet tube 87 and ultimately into the chamber 68 of the disposer 16. The passage of the water through the inlet tube 87 of the disposer 16 operates the pump flow switch 54 into its closed position, thereby to prepare a further point in the previously-mentioned circuit for operating the disposer motor 85. At this time, it may be assumed that the stopper-valve mechanism 69 occupies its normal position in the tubular throat 62 of the disposer 16 so that the throat switch 53 occupies its closed position. In this case, the circuit for operating the disposer motor is complete and extends from the line conductor 91 via the door switch 36, the conductor 96, the closed set of switch springs S6, the conductor 104, the closed set of switch springs S3, the conductor 100, the closed set of switch springs S7, the conductor 101, the closed contact bridging member 57, the conductor 94, the closed throat switch 53, the conductor 95 and the disposer motor 85 to the line conductor 92. Accordingly, operation of the disposer motor is initiated whereby any food waste previously deposited in the chamber 68 is shredded or comminuted by the operation of the disposer 16 and the resulting material along with the water discharged from the vat 19 into the chamber 68 is further discharged therefrom via the drain tube 86 and ultimately into the drain pipe 48 and thence to the exterior.

This operation of the disposer motor 85 in response to the discharge of water from the dishwasher vat 19 into the chamber 68 is very advantageous in view of the fact that it positively prevents flooding of the water from the chamber 68 back through the stopper-valve mechanism 69 into the sink 15 in the event there is a previous deposit of food waste in the chamber 68 such as substantially to retard the fiow of the water from the chamber 68 through the drain tube 86. However, it is noted that initiation of operation of the disposer motor 85 is dependent upon the closed position of the throat switch 53, which,

' in turn, is dependent upon the stopper-valve mechanism 69 occupying its placed and lock position in the throat 62,

in the manner previously explained; whereby the control circuit is so interlocked and arranged that there is no danger of initiation operation of the disposer motor 85 in the event the housewife is at the instant depositing food waste through the open tubular throat 62 into the chamber 68. In other words, the arrangement of the throat switch 53 in interlocked position in the above described circuit for operating the disposer motor 85 positively prevents completion of this circuit and the consequent initiation of operation of the disposer motor 85 at any time the stoppervalve mechanism 69 is removed from the tubular throat 62 of the disposer 16.

Subsequently, in the cycle of the dishwasher 18, the control cams C3 and C7 respectively operate the sets of switch springs S3 and S7 into their open positions so as to interrupt the circuit for operating the pump motor 31 and the circuit for operating the disposer motor 85, whereby the discharge of water from the vat 19 is arrested when operation ofgthe drain pump 29 is arrested, and operation of the disposer 16 is arrested when operation of the disposer motor 85 is arrested. Also, at this time, the control cam C4 operates the set of switch springs S4 into its open position completing the previously mentioned alternative circuit for energizing the dishwasher motor 23 in series relation with the relay 32; which circuit extends from the line conductor 91 via the door switch 36, the conductor 96, the closed set of switch springs S6, the conductor 104, the closed set of switch springs S1, the conductor 102, the winding of the relay 32, the conductor 97 and the dishwasher motor 23 to the line conductor 92. Accordingly, at this time, the operating current for the dishwasher motor. 23 traverses the winding of the relay 32;

however, the relay 32 is not operated at the moment as it is of the marginal type and since the current mentioned is not excessive. Thus at this time, the hot water sprayed downwardlyfrom the spray device 26 into the vat 19 is accumulated-in the sump in cooperating relation with the rotating impeller 22, so that the hot water is circulated by the impeller 22 through the vat 19 and the dishes arranged therein, effecting a first washing step thereof with the contained detergent. Asthe water accumulates in the vat 19, the load imposed upon the impeller 22 is increased; whereby the current traversing the dishwasher motor 23 and the winding of the relay 32 is increased, so that ultimately when a full charge of washwater is ac cumulated in the vat 19, the load imposed upon the impeller 22 is such that the current mentioned is adequate to effect operation of the relay 32. Upon operating the relay 32 opens the contact bridging member 32a so as to interrupt the circuit for energizing the solenoid 28a; whereby the inlet valve 28 is returned into its closed position to cutoff the supply of hot water to the. spray device 26.

Still subsequently, in the cycle of. the dishwasher 18-,

the control cam C2 operates the set of switch springs S2 into its open position so as to interrupt a further point in the circuit for energizing the solenoid 28a of the inlet valve 28; Still subsequently, in the cycle of thedishwasher 18,. the control cams C3, C4and C7 reoperate the sets. of switch springs S3, S4 and S7 back into their closed positions. Reclosure of the set of switch springs S4 recompletes the previously mentioned direct circuitfor energizing the dishwasher motor 23 so as to short-circuit the winding of the relay 32 inorcler-to cause the latter relay to restore so as to reclose the contact bridging member 32a for the purpose of repreparing the circuit for energizing thesolenoid 28a of the inlet valve 28. Reclosure of the set of switch springs S3 recompletes the circuit for operating the pump motor 31 so that the first charge of wash water in the vat 19 is discharged into the disposer 16, in the manner previously explained; whereby the pump flow switch 54 is reoperated into its closed position. Reclosure of the set of switch springs S7 and reclosure of the pump flow switch 54 recompletes the circuit for operating the disposer motor 85, inthe manner previously explained. At this point, it is mentioned that afterall of the wash water has been discharged from the vat 19 into the disposer 16, the flow of water through the inlet tube 87 ceases; whereby the pump flow switch 54 is automatically operated back into its open position so as to interrupt the circuit for operating the disposer motor in order to arrest furtheroperation of the disposer 16 at this time.

In the automatic cycle of the dishwasher 18, the dishes arranged in the vat 19 are subjected to the preliminary spray step and to the first washing step in the manner described above; and thereafter the dishes are subjected to a second washing step followed by first and second rinsing steps, that are substantially identical to the first washing step described above; whereby the last-mentioned steps are not described in detail in the interest of brevity.

At this time in the automatic cycle of the dishwasher 18, and at the conclusion of the second rinsing step, the sets of switch springs S4 and S6 occupy their closed positions, while the sets of switch springs S1, S2 and S3 occupy their open positions; whereupon the set of switch springs S5 is operated by the cam C5 into its closed position so as to complete a circuit for energizing the heater 24. This circuit extends from the line conductor 91 via the door switch 36, the conductor 96, the closed set of switch springs S6, the conductor 104, the closed set of switch springs S5, the conductor 103 and the heater 24 to the line conductor 92. Accordingly at this time, heat is generated by the heater 24 and the impeller 22 is operated by the operating dishwasher motor 23; whereby hot air is circulated in the vat 19 into drying relation with respect of the heater 24 continues for the purpose of efiecting static drying of the dishes arranged in the vat 19.

Ultimately in the automatic cycle of the dishwasher 18, the program controller 33 is returned back into its off position by the timer motor 38, in the manner previously explained; whereby the control cams C6 and C5 operate the set of switch springs S6 and S5 into their open positions. Opening of the set of switch springs S5 deenergizes the heater 24; while opening of the set of switch springs S6 deenergizes the timer motor 38 and extinguishes the pilot lamp 35 so as to arrest operation of the program controller 33, while the dial 34 is in its off position, and so as to indicate to the housewife that the dishwasher 18 has completed its automatic cycle.

The details of the automatic cycle of the dishwasher 18 as established by the program controller 33 have not been described with particularity as to time durations, as these items are in no way critical and may be con-- ventional.

As previously noted in the primary control circuit for the disposer 16, the faucet flow switch 49 and the backsplash switch 52 are really alternative; whereby one of these switches may be omitted and the corresponding strap SP1 or SP2 employed. Also, in the secondary control circuit for the disposer 16, the pump flow switch 54 and the set of switch springs S7 are really alternative; whereby one of these elements may be omitted and the corresponding strap SP4 or SP5 employed. In the event, the set of switch springs S7 is omitted and the corresponding strap SP5 is employed, it will be appreciated that potential is connected to the conductor 101 at the time potential is connected to the conductor incident to each closure of the set of switch springs S3 and incident to each operation of the pump motor 31; whereby in this case, the flow of water from the vat 19 through the inlet tube 88 effects closure of the pump flow switch 54 and the consequent operation of the disposer motor 85, in the manner previously explained. On the other 1 1 hand, in the event the pump flow switch 54 is omitted and the corresponding strap SP4 is employed, it will be appreciated that the operation of the disposer motor 85 is fundamentally under the control of the set of switch springs S7; whereby the set of switch springs S7 may be governed either concurrently with the set of switch springs S3 or in time-displacement therewith as desired; whereby the operation of the disposer motor 85 may be effected simultaneously with that of the pump motor 31 or either slightly ahead or slightly behind, as a matter of time, of the operation of the pump motor 31.

Furthermore, the throat switch 53 may be omitted and the corresponding strap SP3 employed, in the event the initiation of operation of the disposer motor 85 while the stopper-valve mechanism 69 occupies its removed position is not considered to be particularly objectionable or hazardous; however, as a practical matter, the omission of the throat switch 53 is not recommended, as it is not considered to be altogether safe to permit initiation of operation of the disposer motor 85 under the sole control of the dishwasher 18, and without reference to the sink manipulation that may be in progress by the housewife at the time.

In view of the foregoing, it is apparent that there has been provided a kitchen apparatus combination including a sink, a food waste disposer and a dishwasher, in combination with automatic control circuits, whereby the operation of the disposer may be governed by a manually controlled primary circuit and by an automatically controlled secondary circuit governed by the operation of the dishwasher.

While there has been described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A kitchen apparatus combination comprising a sink provided with a drain opening, a dishwasher including a vat provided with a drain opening, a drain conduit, a disposer including a casing provided with an intake port connected to said sink drain opening and an inlet port connected to said vat drain opening and a discharge port connected to said drain conduit, said intake port accommodating the passage therethrough of both water and food waste from said sink and through said sink drain opening into said casing, said dishwasher also including first mechanism operative to wash dishes in said vat and second mechanism operative to discharge water from said vat via said vat drain opening and said inlet port into said casing, said disposer also including third mechanism operative to comminute food waste deposited in said casing and to discharge the resulting material and water therein via said discharge port into said drain conduit, means including a first control device for selectively operating said first and second and third mechanisms, and additional means including a second control device independent of said first control device for selectively operating said third mechanism.

2. The kitchen apparatus combination set forth in claim 1, wherein said first control device comprises a program controller operative through a timed cycle selectively to operate in a predetermined sequence said first and second and third mechanisms.

3. The kitchen apparatus combination set forth in claim 1, wherein said second control device comprises a control switch that is selectively operable by the performance of manual operations selectively to operate said third mechanism.

4. A kitchen apparatus combination comprising a sink provided with a drain opening, a guard device cooperating with said drain opening and selectively operable into a removed position unobstructing said drain opening and into a placed position obstructing said drain opening, a

control element operated into a control position in response to operation of said guard device into its placed position, a dishwasher including a vat provided with a drain opening, a drain conduit, a disposer including a casing provided with an intake port connected to said sink drain opening and an inlet port connected to said vat drain opening and a discharge port connected to said drain conduit, said intake port accommodating the passage therethrough of both water and food waste from said sink and through said sink drain opening into said casing, said dishwasher also including first mechanism operative to wash dishes in said vat and second mechanism operative to discharge water from said vat via said vat drain opening and said inlet port into said casing, said disposer also including third mechanism operative to comminute food waste deposited in said casing and to discharge the resulting material and water therein via said discharge port into said drain conduit, means in cluding a control device for selectively operating said first and second mechanisms, means including said control device and governed only in response to operation of said control element into its control position for selectively operating said third mechanism, and additional manually controllable means for selectively operating said third mechanism.

5. A kitchen apparatus combination comprising a water supply conduit, a sink provided with a drain opening, a first valve for selectively controlling the supply of water from said supply conduit to said sink, a first control element operated into a control position in response to opening of said first valve, a guard device cooperating with said drain opening and selectively operable into a removed position unobstructing said drain opening and into a placed position obstructing said drain opening, a second control element operated into a control position in response to operation of said guard device into its placed position, a dishwasher including a vat provided with a drain opening, a drain conduit, a disposer including a casing provided with an intake port connected to said sink drain opening and an inlet port connected to said vat drain opening and a discharge port connected to said drain conduit, said intake port accommodating the passage therethrough of both Water and food waste from said sink and through said sink drain opening into said casing, said dishwasher also including a second valve operative to control the supply of water from said supply conduit to said vat, said dishwasher further including first mechanism operative to wash dishes in said vat and second mechanism operative to discharge Water from said vat via said vat drain opening and said inlet port into said casing, said disposer also including third mechanism operative to comminute food waste deposited in said casing and to discharge the resulting material and water therein via said discharge port into said drain conduit, means including a control device for selectively operating said second valve and said first and second mechanisms, means including said control device and governed only in response to operation of said second control element into its control position for selectively operating said third mechanism, and additional means and governcd only in response to operation of said first control element into its control position for selectively operating said third mechanism.

6. A kitchen apparatus combination comprising a sink provided with a drain opening, a guard device cooperating with said drain opening and selectively operable into a removed position unobstructing said drain opening and into a placed position obstructing said drain opening, a control element operated into a control position in response to operation of said guard device into its placed position, a dishwasher including a vat provided with a drain opening, a drain conduit, a disposer including a casing provided with an intake port connected to said sink drain opening and an inlet port connected to said vat drain opening and a discharge port connected to said drain conduit, said intake port accommodating the passage therethroug-h of both water and food waste from said sink and through said sink drain opening into said casing, said dishwasher also including first mechanism operative to wash dishes in said vat and second mechanism operative to discharge water from said vat via said vat drain opening and said inlet port into said casing, said disposer also including third mechanism operative to comminute food waste deposited in said casingand to discharge the resulting material and water therein via said discharge port into said drain conduit, means in cluding a first control device for selectivelyoperating said first and second mechanisms, means including said first control device and governed only in response to operation of said control elementintoits control position for selectively operating said third mechanism, and additional means including a second control device independent of said first control device and also governed only in response to operation of said control element into its control position for selectively operating said third mechanism.

7. A kitchen apparatus combination comprising a sink provided with a drain opening, a guard-valve device cooperating With said drain opening and selectively operable into a removed position both uuobstructing and opening said drain opening and into afirst place position both obstructing and opening said drain opening and into a second placed position both obstructing and closing said drain opening, a control element operated into a control position in response to operation of said guardvalve device into either of its first and second placed positions, a dishwasher including a vat provided with a drain opening, a drain conduit, a disposer including a casing provided with an intake port connected to said sink drain opening and an inlet port connected to said vat drain opening and a discharge port connected to said drain conduit, said intake port accommodating the passage therethrough of both water and food waste from said sink and through said sink drain opening into said casing, said dishwasher also including first mechanism operative to wash dishes in said vat and second mechanism operative to discharge water from said vat via said vat drain opening and said inlet port into said casing, said disposer also including third mechanism operative to comminute food waste deposited in said casing and to discharge the resulting material and water therein via said discharge port into said drain conduit, means including a control device for selectively operating said first and second mechanisms, means including said control device and governed only in response to operation of said control element into its control position for selectively op erating said third mechanism, and additional manually controllable means and also governed only in response to operation of said control element into its control position for operating said third mechanism.

8. A kitchen apparatus combination comprising a sink provided with a drain opening, a dishwasher including a vat provided with a drain opening, a drain conduit, a disposer including a casing provided with an intake port connected to said sink drain opening and an inlet port connected to said vat drain opening and a discharge port connected to said drain conduit, said intake port accommodating the passage therethrough of both water and food Waste from said sink and through said sink drain opening into said casing, said dishwasher also including first mechanism operative to wash dishes in said vat and second mechanism operative to discharge water from said vat via said vat drain opening and said inlet port into said casing, said disposer also including third mechanism operative to comminute food waste deposited in said casing and to discharge the resulting material and water therein via said discharge port into said drain conduit, first means including a first control device for selectively operating said first and second mechanisms, second means responsive to the discharge 14 of water from said vat via said inlet port into said casing for operating said third mechanism, and third means independent of said second means and including a second control device for selectively operating said third mechanism.

9. The kitchen apparatus combination set forth in claim 8, wherein said second means essentially'comprises a water flow responsive switch.

10. A kitchen apparatus combination comprising a sink provided with a drain opening, a guard device cooperating with said drain opening and selectively operable into a removed position unobstructing; said drain opening and into a placed position obstructing said drain opening, a control element'operated into a control position in response to operation of said guard device into its placed position, a dishwasher including a vat provided with a drain opening, a drain conduit, a disposer including a casing provided with an intake port connected to said sink drain opening and an inlet port connected to said vat drain opening and a discharge port connected to said drain conduit, said intake port accommodating the passage therethrough of both water and food waste from said sink and through said sink drain opening into said casing, said dishwasher also including first mechanism operative to wash dishes in said vat and second mechanism operative to discharge water from said vat via said vat drain opening and said inlet port into said casing, said disposer also including third mechanism operative to comminute food waste deposited in said casing and to discharge the resulting material and water therein via said discharge port into said drain conduit, first means including a first control device for selectively operating said first and second mechanisms, second means jointly responsive to operation of said control element into its control position and to the flow of water via said inlet port into said casing for operating said third mechanism, and third means independent of said second means and including a second control device and also governed only in response to operation of said control element into its control position for selectively operating said third mechanism.

11. A kitchen apparatus combination comprising a sink, a disposer, a first connection from said sink to said disposer, stopper-valve mechanism included in said first connection for selectively controlling the retention of water in said sink and the draining of water from said sink into said disposer and for accommodating the deposit therethrough of food waste from said sink into said disposer, a dishwasher, a second connection from said dishwasher to said disposer, a pump arranged in said second connection and operative to discharge water therethrough from said dishwasher into said disposer, a drain conduit, a third connection from said disposer to said drain conduit, means including a first control device for selectively operating said dishwasher and said pump, means including a second control device for selectively operating said disposer to comminute food waste deposited therein and to discharge the resulting material and Water therein via said third connection into said drain conduit, and additional means also including said first control device for selectively operating said disposer.

12. A kitchen apparatus combination comprising a sink, a disposer, a first connection from said sink to said disposer, stopper-valve mechanism included in said first connection for selectively controlling the retention of water in said sink and the draining of water from said sink into said disposer and for accommodating the deposit therethrough of food Waste from said sink into said disposer, a dishwasher, a second connection from said dishwasher to said disposer, a pump arranged in said second connection and operative to discharge water therethrough from said dishwasher into said disposer,

a drain conduit, a third connection from said disposer to said drain conduit, means including a first control device for selectively operating said dishwasher, means including a second control device for selectively operating said disposer to comminute food waste deposited therein and to discharge the resulting material and water therein via said third connection into said drain conduit, and means also including said first control device for simultaneously and selectively operating said disposer and said pump.

13. A kitchen apparatus combination comprising a sink, a disposer, a first connection from said sink to said disposer, stopper-valve mechanism included in said first connection for selectively controlling the retention of water in said sink and the draining of water from said sink into said disposer and for accommodating the deposit therethrough of food waste from said sink into said disposer, a dishwasher, a second connection from said dishwasher to said disposer, a pump arranged in said second connection and operative to discharge water therethrough from said dishwasher into said disposer, a drain conduit, a third connection from said disposer to said drain conduit, means including a first control device for selectively operating said dishwasher, means including a second control device for selectively operating said disposer to comminute food waste deposited therein and to discharge the resulting material and water therein via said third connection into said drain conduit, and additional means responsive to flow of water through said second connection for operating said disposer.

14. A kitchen apparatus combination comprising a sink, a disposer, a first connection from said sink to said disposer, a stopper-valve mechanism included in said first connection for selectively controlling the retention of water in said sink and the draining of water from said sink into said disposer and for accommodating the deposit therethrough of food waste from said sink into said disposer, a dishwasher, a second connection from said dishwasher to said disposer, a pump arranged in said second connection and operative to discharge water therethrough from said dishwasher into said disposer, a drain conduit, a third connection from said disposer to said drain conduit, means including a first control device for selectively operating said dishwasher and said pump, means including a second control device for selectively operating said disposer to comminute food waste deposited therein and to discharge the resulting material and water therein via said third connection into said drain conduit, and additional means governed jointly by said stopper-valve mechanism and by said first control device for selectively operating said disposer.

No references cited.

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