Industrial washer with rinse system and wash basket or cart docking

Abstract

An industrial washer (100) configured for washing items or equipment including a wash chamber (102) defining a cavity (104) to receive the items or equipment, at least one nozzle arrangement (106a) positioned in the cavity (104) of the wash chamber (102), a water source (122) fluidly connected to the wash chamber (102), a tank reservoir (132) fluidly connected to the water source (122) and the wash chamber (102), a pump (128) fluidly connected to the tank reservoir (132), and a valve (138) positioned in-line with a lower conduit (130) fluidly connecting the pump (128) to the tank reservoir (132), in which the valve (138) is configured to be moved between an open position and a closed position, and in which, with the valve (138) in the closed position, the water source (122) is configured to direct water to the tank reservoir (132) that is used to rinse the items or equipment held in the wash chamber (102).

Description

[0001] INDUSTRIAL WASHER WITH IMPROVED RINSE SYSTEM AND WASH BASKET OR CART DOCKING

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure is related generally to an industrial washer such as a pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical or biotechnology washer and, more particularly, a pharmaceutical washer with a single pass final rinse system and mechanism for rinsing the loaded contents of the pharmaceutical washer in a single pass. The present disclosure is also directed to enhancements to industrial washers, including an improved docking structure for wash baskets or racks that fluidically connect to the washing and rinsing circuits of industrial washers.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] Industrial washers are used in laboratories to clean parts and components of equipment such as glassware, containers, filling lines, bioreactors, and other equipment used for research purposes and for biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical production and quality control, and within facilities in the research, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. These washers, also called washers / dryers or automated washers, can be used as stand-alone devices or as part of an integrated washing and sterilization system. Industrial washers of this kind generally have a chamber equipped with spray nozzles on a rotating arm, in which equipment and components are installed for washing and disinfecting. Washers generally have one or more wash cycles, during which heated water and / or cleaning agents, disinfectants, detergents, or other agents are sprayed into the interior of the chamber. This may be followed by one or more rinse cycles as required, and the process may conclude with a drying cycle in which hot air is blown into the chamber. Exhaust is ejected through an outlet or chimney.

[0006] Many components used in biotechnology and pharmaceutical laboratories or production sites have residues of potentially contaminated or otherwise hazardous materials. Therefore, it is desirable to remove such materials from the waste generated during cleaning. This also applies to the air released during the washing cycle, the rinse cycle and more particularly the drying cycle of the washing machine.

[0007] Shown in FIG. 1 , is a schematic of a commercially available industrial washer 1 in a standard configuration without a single pass final rinse option. A pump 10 with a rotating impeller is fluidically connected to a sump 8. The sump 8 is filled with water and a drain valve 9 is closed. The pump 10 is run for a few minutes and water recirculates to the basket 15, as well as the lower spray arm 11 and upper spray arm 13, thereby washing the items within the chamber 3. In this configuration, the water is recirculated through the hydraulic circuit (i.e., through the spray arms and nozzles of the basket, collected into the sump, and back to the pump for recirculation back to the spray arms and nozzles of the basket). The water therefore makes multiple passes through the fluidic conduits. Once the recirculation process is stopped via stopping the pump 10, the drain valve 9 is opened and the fluid contents are drained into a drain 17.

[0008] Shown in FIG. 2, is a schematic of a commercially available industrial washer 2, similar to the configuration of FIG. 1 , but further comprising a single pass final rinse (SPFR) capability. A tank 4 is connected to the water loop. In some examples, the tank 4 is sized as a 75 liter water tank requiring an increase in overall washer size as compared to the washer of FIG. 1. A valve 6 may be positioned between the sump 8 and the inlet of a pump 10. Similar to the pump of FIG. 1 , the pump 10 is typically of the type comprising a rotating impeller for pumping fluid. When the single pass final rinse phase of the industrial washer 2 is launched, the valve 6 is closed and a tank valve 12 is opened. The large volume of rinse fluid (typically water) from the tank 4 fills and otherwise “primes” the pump 10, and the pump 10 is started for 5 to 10 seconds until the tank 4 is empty. The water is pushed everywhere throughout the chamber 3 of the industrial washer 2 via the fluidic pathways, including the water column, the upper spray arm 13, the lower spray arm 11 , and one or more baskets or racks 15. The water finally reaches and collects in the sump 8 and is drained afterwards by opening drain valve 19. The water during this single pass final rinse step does not get recirculated back into the chamber. While this solution achieves the desired cleanliness in the industrial washer 2, this rinsing process is not optimized. Depending on the size of the basket, the tank 4 may be too small to rinse all of the parts of the industrial washer 2. Also, the pump 10 requires a large quantity of water to “prime” the pump prior to pumping, thereby requiring much space within the region of the washer that is internal to the washer’s 2 exterior frame, yet external to the washer’s chamber 3, thereby increasing the resulting ground surface area (i.e., “footprint”) taken up by the washer 2. The pump 10 is also not designed to start and run for such a short amount of time. Additionally, the use of a water tank 4 for single pass final rinse processing implies that the tank 4 shall be drainable and vented and that it does not contribute to the soiling or bioburden load in the chamber 2. The tank 4 in such a configuration also is to be monitored and controlled, such as to monitor the temperature and time water is stored in the tank 4, since using water in a rinse phase is not permissible or desirable if the water resides in the tank 4 before use for an extended period of time. Tank 4 would likely be designed with much involved complexity, including for example one or more rupture disks, one or more vents with a sterile air filter, a spray ball nozzle 20 to disperse water entering the tank from a water source 22, a water level sensor for monitoring each of a high level of fill and a low level of fill, a temperature sensor, and in some instances a heating element to elevate the temperature of fluid in the tank 4. Furthermore, during a normal recycling phase of a wash cycle, the valve 6 adds fluidic resistance and penalizes the pump performance of the industrial washer 2. This industrial washer 2 requires a considerable amount of space inside the washer technical area and uses a considerable amount of water, thereby requiring the tank 4 to be substantial in size and similarly requiring the overall frame of the washer to be large which takes up valuable floor space (“footprint”) in the facility the washer is housed within.

[0009] In view of the foregoing, there is a current need in the art for an industrial washer that implements an improved rinse process (such as a SPFR process), mechanism and / or arrangement to (i) improve the rinsing capabilities of the industrial washer, (ii) avoid recirculation of contaminated water back into the industrial washer’s chamber and (iii) avoid the otherwise large “footprint” required to use conventional impeller pumps and their associated large volume rinse fluid tanks to accommodate their need for priming of the pump during rinsing. Furthermore, there is a current need in the art for an industrial washer that can rinse the washer and the load in a single pass. There is also a current need in the art to improve the fluid distribution of pumped water in rinse and wash cycles to wash baskets received within the wash chambers of industrial washers.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] According to one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, an industrial washer configured for washing items or equipment may include a wash chamber defining a cavity to receive the items or equipment, at least one nozzle arrangement positioned in the cavity of the wash chamber, a water source fluidly connected to the wash chamber, a tank reservoir fluidly connected to the water source and the wash chamber, a pump fluidly connected to the tank reservoir, and a valve positioned in-line with a lower conduit fluidly connecting the pump to the tank reservoir, in which the valve is configured to be moved between an open position and a closed position, and in which, with the valve in the closed position, the water source is configured to direct water to the tank reservoir that is used to rinse the items or equipment held in the wash chamber.

[0012] According to one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, the valve may be a pinch valve. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the pinch valves preferably have a cross-sectional diameter when open of greater than 75% of the valves inlet and outlet diameters, more preferably greater than 85%, and even more preferably greater than 95%, and most preferably the same diameter as the valves inlet and outlet diameters. A valve may be positioned in-line with an upper conduit that fluidly connects the at least one nozzle arrangement to a junction. The at least one nozzle arrangement may include an upper or top nozzle arrangement positioned in the wash chamber and a lower or bottom nozzle arrangement positioned in the wash chamber. A process air source may be fluidly connected to the tank reservoir and the wash chamber. A valve may be positioned in-line with a process air source conduit that fluidly connects the process air source to the wash chamber. An upper conduit may be provided that fluidly connects the wash chamber to a junction. A water source conduit may be provided that fluidly connects the water source to the junction. A valve may be positioned in-line with the water source conduit. A valve may be positioned in-line with the upper conduit. A supplemental nozzle arrangement may be positioned in the wash chamber, in which the supplemental nozzle arrangement is fluidly connected to the pump. A valve may be positioned in-line with a pump conduit that fluidly connects the pump to the supplemental nozzle arrangement. The lower conduit may be fluidly connected to the pump conduit. An exit conduit may be provided that fluidly connects the wash chamber to the pump. The tank reservoir may be configured to hold up to 5 liters of fluid. The water source and the tank reservoir may be separated from one another. The water directed from the tank reservoir to the wash chamber may not be recycled back into the wash chamber after rinsing the items or equipment. A heater may be positioned in-line with a water source conduit that fluidly connects the water source to a junction.

[0013] According to one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, a method of rinsing items or equipment in an industrial washer may include closing at least one valve that fluidly connects a tank reservoir to a pump, opening a valve positioned inline between a water source and the tank reservoir, filling the tank reservoir with water from the water source, opening the at least one valve that fluidly connects the tank reservoir to the pump, and directing process air from a process air source into the tank reservoir to move the water held in the tank reservoir into a wash chamber to rinse the wash chamber and the items or equipment held in the wash chamber.

[0014] According to one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, the tank reservoir may be configured to hold up to 5 liters of fluid. The water used to rinse the items or equipment held in the wash chamber may not be recycled into the wash chamber. The at least one valve may be a pinch valve.

[0015] Embodiments of the present disclosure are also disclosed in the following clauses: An industrial washer configured for washing items or equipment, the industrial washer comprising: a wash chamber defining a cavity to receive the items or equipment; at least one nozzle arrangement positioned in the cavity of the wash chamber; a water source fluidly connected to the wash chamber; a tank reservoir fluidly connected to the water source and the wash chamber; a pump fluidly connected to the tank reservoir; and a valve positioned in-line with a lower conduit fluidly connecting the pump to the tank reservoir, wherein the valve is configured to be moved between an open position and a closed position, and wherein, with the valve in the closed position, the water source is configured to direct water to the tank reservoir that is used to rinse the items or equipment held in the wash chamber.

[0016] The industrial washer of Clause 1 , wherein the valve is a pinch valve.

[0017] The industrial washer according to anyone of the preceding Clauses, further comprising a valve positioned in-line with an upper conduit that fluidly connects the at least one nozzle arrangement to a junction.

[0018] The industrial washer according to anyone of the preceding Clauses, wherein the at least one nozzle arrangement comprises an upper or top nozzle arrangement positioned in the wash chamber and a lower or bottom nozzle arrangement positioned in the wash chamber.

[0019] The industrial washer according to anyone of the preceding Clauses, further comprising: a process air source fluidly connected to the tank reservoir and the wash chamber; a valve positioned in-line with a process air source conduit that fluidly connects the process air source to the wash chamber; a water source conduit that fluidly connects the water source to the junction; and a valve positioned in-line with the water source conduit.

[0020] The industrial washer according to anyone of the preceding Clauses, further comprising a supplemental nozzle arrangement positioned in the wash chamber, wherein the supplemental nozzle arrangement is fluidly connected to the pump.

[0021] The industrial washer according to Clause 6, wherein the supplemental nozzle arrangement is located on a wash basket, and the wash basket is configured to reversibly dock with a docking connector disposed on a first end of a spray arm holder located in the wash chamber.

[0022] The industrial washer according to Clause 7, further comprising a lower spray arm configured to rotate about the spray arm holder, the spray arm holder having a second end and a lumen extending between the first and second ends for permitting water to enter through the second end of the lumen and exit the first end of the lumen through the docking connector and into a conduit of the wash basket when the conduit of the wash basket is connected to the docking connector.

[0023] The industrial washer according to Clause 8, wherein a sidewall of the lumen of the spray arm holder comprises one or more apertures that establish fluid communication between the lumen of the spray arm holder and conduits of the spray arm extending from a bearing surface of the spray arm through the arms of the spray arm.

[0024] The industrial washer according to any of Clauses 8 or 9, wherein the conduit of the wash basket comprises an end that comprises a flange, and wherein the docking connector is configured to reversibly receive the flange of the conduit of the wash basket and establish fluid communication between the wash basket and the lumen of the spray arm holder, and wherein the lumen of the spray arm holder is in fluid communication with both the pump conduit and the lower conduit.

[0025] The industrial washer of Clause 10, further comprising a valve positioned in-line with a pump conduit that fluidly connects the pump to the supplemental nozzle arrangement.

[0026] The industrial washer of Clause 11 , wherein the lower conduit is fluidly connected to the pump conduit.

[0027] The industrial washer according to anyone of the preceding Clauses, wherein the tank reservoir is configured to hold up to 5 liters of fluid.

[0028] The industrial washer according to anyone of the preceding Clauses, wherein the water source and the tank reservoir are separated from one another.

[0029] The industrial washer according to anyone of the preceding Clauses, wherein the water directed from the tank reservoir to the wash chamber is not recycled back into the wash chamber after rinsing the items or equipment.

[0030] The industrial washer according to anyone of the preceding Clauses, further comprising a heater positioned in-line with a water source conduit that fluidly connects the water source to a junction.

[0031] A method of rinsing items or equipment in an industrial washer, the method comprising: closing at least one valve that fluidly connects a tank reservoir to a pump; opening a valve positioned in-line between a water source and the tank reservoir; filling the tank reservoir with water from the water source to establish a water fluid column; opening the at least one valve that fluidly connects the tank reservoir to the pump; and directing process air from a process air source to the water fluid column to move the water fluid column held in the tank reservoir into a wash chamber to rinse the wash chamber and the items or equipment held in the wash chamber.

[0032] The method of Clause 17, wherein the tank reservoir is configured to hold up to 5 liters of fluid.

[0033] The method of Clause 17, wherein the water used to rinse the items or equipment held in the wash chamber is not recycled into the wash chamber.

[0034] The method of Clause 17, wherein the at least one valve is a pinch valve. The method of Clause 17, wherein the step of opening the at least one valve that fluidically connects the tank reservoir to the pump begins prior to the step of opening the at elast one valve that fluidically connects the tank reservoir to the pump.

[0035] The method of Clause 17, wherein the step of opening the at least one valve that fluidically connects the tank reservoir to the pump begins after the step of opening the at least one valve that fluidically connects the tank reservoir to the pump.

[0036] The method of Clause 17, wherein the step of opening the at least one valve that fluidically connects the tank reservoir to the pump begins concurrently with the step of opening the at least one valve that fluidically connects the tank reservoir to the pump.

[0037] The method of Clause 17, wherein prior to the step of closing the at least one valve that fluidly connects a tank reservoir to a pump, the method comprising the step of circulating water from a circulating pump into the wash chamber, and draining from a sump water collected in the sump.

[0038] A method of washing and rinsing items or equipment in an industrial washer, the industrial washer comprising a wash chamber, and a circulation pump comprising an impeller, the method comprising: recirculating a first volume of water through a plurality of nozzles in the chamber through the circulation pump , where the water is collected in a sump portion of the wash chamber before passing through the circulation pump and subsequently is delivered to the plurality of nozzles; establishing a fluid column of water in a tank reservoir by closing a valve located downstream from a tank reservoir and filling the tank reservoir with water; passing the fluid column of water through the plurality of nozzles in the chamber by exposing the fluid column of water in the tank reservoir to a gaseous fluid that is pressurized higher than atmospheric pressure and opening the valve located downstream from the tank reservoir.

[0039] The method of Clause 25, wherein the gaseous fluid is air.

[0040] The method of any of Clause 25 and 26, wherein prior to the step of passing a second volume of water that is different than the first volume of water through the plurality of nozzles, all or a portion of the first volume of water is drained from the chamber.

[0041] The method of any of Clauses 25- 27, wherein the gaseous fluid is pressured to 1.5 bar or higher.

[0042] A docking system for establishing fluid communication between a fluid circuit of an industrial washer and a wash basket configured to be reversibly inserted into and removed from a wash chamber of the industrial washer, the docking system comprising: a conduit connected to and in fluid communication with the wash basket; a docking connector configured to reversible connect to an end of the conduit of the wash basket; the docking connector disposed on a first end of a spray arm holder, and a spray arm configured to rotate about an axis of the spray arm holder.

[0043] The docking system of Clause 29, wherein the spray arm holder comprises a lumen that establishes a fluid connection to the conduit of the wash basket when the conduit of the wash basket is mechanically docked to the docking connector of the spray arm holder.

[0044] The docking system of Clause 29, wherein the spray arm is configured to rotate about an external surface of the spray arm holder, the spray arm holder having a second end and a lumen extending between the first and second ends for permitting water to enter through the second end of the lumen and exit the first end of the lumen through the docking connector and into the conduit connected to and in fluid communication with the wash basket when the conduit of the wash basket is connected to the docking connector.

[0045] The docking system of Clause 31 , wherein a sidewall of the lumen of the spray arm holder comprises one or more apertures that establish fluid communication between the lumen of the spray arm holder and conduits of the spray arm extending from a bearing surface of the spray arm through arms of the spray arm.

[0046] The docking system of any of Clauses 29-32, wherein the washer further comprises a pump configured to deliver pressurized water through a conduit and into the lumen of the spray arm holder, wherein water pumped into the lumen of the spray arm holder exits through both (i) a plurality of nozzles associated with the conduit of the wash basket and (ii) a plurality of nozzles associated with the spray arm.

[0047] The docking system of any of Clauses 29 - 33, wherein one of either (i) the conduit of the wash basket or (ii) the docking connector comprises a flanged end, and the other of (i) the conduit of the wash basket and (ii) the docking connector comprises slots to reversibly receive the flanged end into the slots when the docking connector is moved relative to the conduit of the wash basket.

[0048] The docking system of any of Clauses 29 - 34, wherein the wash chamber comprises one or more rack runner guides, and the wash basket comprises a plurality of wheels to roll along the rack runner guides, and wherein the docking connector and conduit of the wash basket are positioned and arranged such that horizontal movement of the wash basket into and out of the wash chamber causes docking and undocking of the wash basket with respect to the docking connector.

[0049] A method for washing items or equipment utilizing a wash cycle of an industrial washer, the wash cycle comprising a wash phase, a rinse phase, and a single pass final rinse phase, the industrial washer comprising: a wash chamber defining a cavity to receive the items or equipment; at least one nozzle arrangement positioned in the cavity of the wash chamber, the nozzle arrangement comprising an upper spray arm comprising nozzles and a lower spray arm comprising nozzles; a water source fluidly connected to the wash chamber; a tank reservoir fluidly connected to the water source and the wash chamber; a circulation pump fluidly connected to the tank reservoir; and a valve positioned in-line with a pump lower conduit fluidly connecting the circulation pump to the tank reservoir, wherein the valve is configured to be moved between an open position and a closed position, and in a wash phase of the wash cycle, circulating washing fluid in the wash chamber of the washer through the use of the circulation pump pushing the washing fluid through a fluid conduit arrangement wherein the washing fluid is pumped through the lower spray arm and the upper spray arm; draining the washing fluid of the wash phase of the wash cycle from the sump of the wash chamber; in a rinse phase of the wash cycle, circulating rinsing fluid in the wash chamber of the washer through the use of the circulation pump, thereby pushing the rinsing fluid through the fluid conduit arrangement wherein the rinsing fluid is pumped through the lower spray arm and the upper spray arm; in a single pass final rinse phase of the wash cycle, closing the valve positioned in-line with the pump lower conduit that fluidly connects the circulation pump to the tank reservoir; filling the tank reservoir to establish a fluid column of water in the tank reservoir; exposing the fluid column of water to a pressurized gaseous fluid; opening the valve positioned in-line with the pump lower conduit that fluidly connects the circulation pump to the tank reservoir causing the fluid column of water to flow through to the lower spray arm.

[0050] The method of Clause 36, further comprising a drying phase, the drying phase occurring after the single pass final rinse phase.

[0051] The method of any of Clauses 36 and 37, wherein prior to the step of exposing the fluid column of water to a pressurized gaseous fluid, delivering water from the water source to the upper spray arm.

[0052] The method of Clause 38, wherein after the step of delivering water to the upper spray arm during the single pass final rinse phase; closing a valve positioned in-line with an upper conduit that fluidically connects the upper spray arm to the water source.

[0053] The method of any of Clauses 36 through 39, wherein during the single pass final rinse phase; isolating the circulation pump by closing a valve positioned in-line with a supplemental pump conduit that fluidly connects the circulation pump to the lower spray arm.

[0054] The method of any of Clauses 36 through 40, wherein during the single pass final rinse phase but prior to the step of opening the valve positioned in-line with the pump lower conduit that fluidly connects the circulation pump to the tank reservoir; isolating the circulation pump by closing a valve positioned in-line with a supplemental pump conduit that fluidly connects the circulation pump to the lower spray arm. The method of any of the Clauses 40 - 41 , wherein during the single pass final rinse phase but prior to the step of isolating the circulation pump; rinsing the circulation pump by passing rinse water through the circulation pump.

[0055] The method of any of Clauses 36 through 42, wherein during the single pass final rinse phase but prior to the step of closing the valve positioned in-line with the pump lower conduit that fluidly connects the circulation pump to the tank reservoir; prefilling the lower spray arm and the wash basket.

[0056] The method of any of Clauses 36 through 43, wherein during the single pass final rinse phase but after to the step of opening the valve positioned in-line with the pump lower conduit; measuring the conductivity of water in the sump.

[0057] The method of any of Clauses 36 - 44, terminating the single pass final rinse phase of the wash cycle as a result of the measured conductivity of the water in the sump.

[0058] The method of any of Clauses 36 through 45, wherein the wash cycle comprises a pre-wash rinse phase prior to the wash phase, wherein the pre-wash rinse phase utilizes at least a portion of the steps of the single pass final rinse phase of the wash cycle.

[0059] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] The novel features described herein are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. Such features, however, both as to organization and methods of operation, may be better understood by reference to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0061] [FIG. 1] is a schematic illustration of a prior art industrial washer;

[0062] [FIG. 2] is a schematic illustration of a prior art industrial washer having a single pass final rinse option;

[0063] [FIG. 3] is a schematic illustration of an industrial washer according to one nonlimiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure.

[0064] [FIG. 4] is another schematic illustration of an industrial washer according to one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure.

[0065] [FIG. 5] is an isometric illustration of an industrial washer according to one nonlimiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure.

[0066] [FIG. 6A] is an isometric illustration of select internal components and features of the industrial washer of FIG. 5.

[0067] [FIG. 6B] is a sectional view taken about section line B-B in FIG. 6A, illustrating the internal lumen structure of a tank reservoir according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. [FIG. 7] is a flowchart of an example wash cycle according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure.

[0068] [FIG. 8] is a flowchart of an example single pass final rinse phase of a wash cycle according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure.

[0069] [FIG. 9] is an isometric illustration of an industrial washer being loaded with a wash basket through the assistance of a trolley, according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure.

[0070] [FIG. 10] is an isometric illustration of a wash basket of an industrial washer according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure.

[0071] [FIG. 11 A] is a cross-sectional view of a fluidic connector of the wash basket of FIG. 10, with the basket portion removed, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] [FIG. 11 B] is an isometric view of the fluidic connector of FIG. 11 A.

[0073] [FIG. 11 C] is a cross-sectional view of a fluidic connector for a wash basket with a manifold of fluid channels, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] [FIG. 12A] is an exploded isometric view of a docking connector assembly and fluidic connector useful with the wash basket illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0075] [FIG. 12B] is an isometric view of the docking connector assembly of FIG. 12A in an assembled view, with the fluidic connector conduit of the wash basket vertically offset with respect to the docking connector, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] [FIG. 13A] is an isometric view of the docking connector assembly of FIG. 12A, with the fluidic distribution conduit of the wash basket horizontally offset with respect to the docking connector, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] [FIG. 13B] is an isometric view of the docking connector assembly of FIG. 12A, with the fluidic distribution conduit of the wash basket connected to, docked and axially aligned with the docking connector.

[0078] [FIG. 14A] is a side elevation cross-sectional view of the docking connector assembly of FIG. 13B, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] [FIG. 14B] is a detail view of the region defined by boundary 230 of FIG. 14A.

[0080] [FIG. 15A] is a close up isometric view of the docking connector of an industrial washer according to one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure.

[0081] [FIG. 15B] is an overhead view of the docking connector of FIG. 15A, according to one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure.

[0082] [FIG. 16] is a side elevation view of a wash basket docked with a docking connector assembly, according to one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure. DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0083] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. The illustrative features shown and described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other features may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the scope of the subject matter presented here.

[0084] Before explaining the various aspects of the industrial washer and various features thereof in detail, it should be noted that the various aspects disclosed herein are not limited in their application or use to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and description. Rather, the disclosed systems may be positioned or incorporated in other devices, variations, and modifications thereof, and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. Accordingly, aspects of the industrial washer features disclosed herein are illustrative in nature and are not meant to limit the scope or application thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and expressions employed herein have been chosen for the purpose of describing the various aspects of the industrial washer for the convenience of the reader and are not to limit the scope thereof. In addition, it should be understood that any one or more of the components of the industrial washer, expressions thereof, and / or examples thereof, can be combined with any one or more of the other components, expressions thereof, and / or examples thereof, without limitation.

[0085] Also, in the following description, it is to be understood that terms such as front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Terminology used herein is not meant to be limiting insofar as devices described herein, or portions thereof, may be attached or utilized in other orientations. The various aspects of the industrial washer will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0086] With reference to FIG. 3, in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, a schematic illustration of an industrial washer 100 is provided and described in detail herein. The industrial washer 100 may include a wash chamber 102 designed and configured to receive items or equipment to be cleaned and washed in a cavity 104 defined by as sidewall 103 of the wash chamber 102. Nozzle arrangements 106a, 106b may be positioned and held in the wash chamber 102 to spray water and disinfecting fluids on the items or equipment to be cleaned and sanitized. In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, an upper or top nozzle arrangement 106a is configured as an upper rotating spray arm and a lower or bottom nozzle arrangement 106b is configured as a lower rotating spray arm. Preferably both spray arms rotate about an axis perpendicular to the ground surface or horizon relative to the industrial washer when installed, and both located in the wash chamber 102 and spaced apart from each other to accommodate space for a wash basket to be inserted and removed to and from the wash chamber 102 between the upper and lower rotating spray arms. It is to be understood that any type of nozzle arrangement may be provided in the wash chamber 102 including nozzle arrangements provided on the sides of the cavity 104 of the wash chamber 102, nozzle arrangements that are movable in the cavity 104 of the wash chamber 102, and / or any additional types of nozzle arrangements that supply fluids, liquids, or gases to the wash chamber 102.

[0087] In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid conduit arrangement or system (e.g. piping conduit) 108 may be provided establishing fluid communication with the nozzle arrangements 106a, 106b of the wash chamber 102. The fluid conduit arrangement 108 is provided to supply purifying / purified air, water, and disinfecting liquids / gases to the wash chamber 102 to wash and sanitize the items or equipment held in the wash chamber 102. As discussed in the following disclosure, the term “fluidly connected” may be understood to mean the representative conduit elements are connected to one another so as to permit a fluid, including a liquid or a gas, to pass from one conduit element or portion to another conduit element / portion. The fluid conduit arrangement 108 may include an upper conduit 110, a fluid column conduit 118, a tank reservoir 132 configured as a conduit with an expanded inner diameter, and a lower conduit 130, wherein the upper conduit 110 is fluidly connected between an upper or top nozzle arrangement 106a and a junction 112, the fluid column conduit fluidically connects the junction 112 to an enlarged diameter conduit portion 132, sometimes referred to as a tank reservoir 132 even though the both ends of the tank reservoir 132 are open to and in fluid communication with adjoining conduits. Preferably, upper conduit 110, between junction 112 and the upper nozzle arrangement, is configured to slope downwards from an apex location at the junction 112 towards the upper nozzle arrangement 106a such that gravity alone can drain any fluid in the upper conduit towards the upper nozzle arrangement 106a. In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, the junction 112 may be a four-way junction. A valve 114 may be provided in-line in the upper conduit 110. In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, the valve 114 may be a pinch valve. In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, the valve 114 may be a sanitary pinch valve. It is also considered that any other type of valve may be used in the upper conduit 110 to limit and / or control a flow of liquid or gas through the upper conduit 110.

[0088] In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, the junction 112 may be in fluid communication with the upper conduit 110, a process air source conduit 113, a water source conduit 116, and a tank reservoir or fluid column conduit 118. The process air source conduit 113 may be in fluid communication with a process air source 120 to establish fluid connection between the junction 112 and the process air source 120. The water source conduit 116 may be in fluid communication with a water source 122 to connect the junction 112 to the water source 122. A valve 124 may be provided in-line with the process air source conduit 113. In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, the valve 124 is positioned in-line with the process air source conduit 113 between the junction 112 and the process air source 120. Valve 124 may also be configured as a pinch valve similar to valve 114. Valve 124 can be configured as a shut-off valve or alternatively as a metering valve. In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, a valve 126 is positioned in-line with the water source conduit 116 between the junction 112 and the water source 122. Valve 126 may also be configured as a pinch valve similar to valve 114 and 124. Valve 126 can be configured as a shut-off valve or alternatively as a metering valve. In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, valve 126 is positioned in-line with the water source conduit 116 between the junction 112 and the water source 122.

[0089] In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, the process air source 120 is provided to supply process air to the wash chamber 102 via the fluid conduit arrangement 108. The process air supplied by the process air source 120 may be used to dry any items or equipment held in the wash chamber 102, as well as dry the wash chamber 102 after use of wash and rinse cycles of the industrial washer 100. In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, the water source 122 is provided to supply water to the wash chamber 102 via the fluid conduit arrangement 108. The water supplied by the water source 122 may be used to wash and rinse any items or equipment held in the wash chamber 102, subject to the open / closed status of valves positioned between the water source 122 and wash chamber.

[0090] With continued reference to FIG. 3, according to one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, the bottom or lower nozzle arrangement 106b may be fluidly connected to a circulation pump 128 via a lower conduit 136. The circulation pump 128 is provided to remove the water from the wash chamber 102 using a suction or negative pressure applied to water exiting the sump of the wash chamber and flowing to the circulation pump 128 of the wash chamber 102. Gravity can also be used to remove the water from the wash chamber. The water may be pulled from the wash chamber 102 via one or more exit conduits 131 , 134 fluidly connecting the wash chamber 102 to the pump 128 (see conduit 131) and a drain (see conduit 134). One or more drain valves 119 may be employed to drain both the the sump and the circulating pump 128 at certain parts of the wash cycle. The drain valve can be configured as as a single valve 119 (as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4) or as separate valves (119A and 119B of FIG. 5A). When contructed as two drain valves, the valves may be configured to be controlled in unison so that both are either open or closed at the same time.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 3, lower conduit 130 may also be fluidly connected to a tank reservoir or fluid column 132. In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, the tank reservoir 132 is configured to act as a fluid conduit with an enlarged luminal diameter, having a luminal diameter that is larger than that of the conduits connected to the ends of the tank reservoir 132. According to a non-limiting example embodiment, the tank reservoir may have an effective inside diameter between 7 and 13 centimeters, more preferably between 9 and 11 centimeters. Preferably, the luminal diameter of the tank reservoir is greater than 3, more preferably 4, and even more preferably 5 times the luminal diameter of the conduits adjoining the tank reservoir above and below it. The inner luminal diameter of the tank reservoir sized with respect to the inner luminal diameter of adjacent conduits connected to the tank reservoir is illustrated in FIG. 6B, which is a sectional view taken about section line B-B of FIG. 6A.

[0092] Additionally, the tank reservoir may have a length between 80 and 100 centimeters, more preferably about 90 centimeters. In an alternative embodiment, the tank reservoir may have a length that is within twenty percent of the height of the wash chamber. The tank reservoir 132 may be sized and shaped to hold a small volume of water that can be used in the rinse process (such as a single pass final rinse process) when the conduit downstream from the tank reservoir 132 is sealed with a valve 138 and the tank reservoir is backfilled with water, forming a fluid column. In one example, the tank reservoir 132 is configured to hold approximately 5 liters to 7 liters of water or fluid. It is to be understood, however, that alternative tank reservoirs may be used that have a higher or lower tank volume capacity. Preferably, the tank reservoir 132 is configured to act as a bi-directional fluidic conduit. Certain tanks such as the tank 4 of FIG. 2 cannot act as a bi-directional fluidic conduit, as the spray ball nozzle precludes the tank 4 of FIG. 2 to perform bi-directionally in the same manner as tank reservoir 132 When a valve 138 located downstream from the tank reservoir 132 is closed and water is filled upstream of the valve 138, the tank reservoir acts as a fluid column. The fluid column tank reservoir 132 as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6A is arranged and oriented vertically and having an internal diameter or cross-sectional luminal shape that has tapered ends 133 at each of its upper and lower ends to conform to the diameter of the associated fluid conduits connected to each end of the tank reservoir

[0093] 132, as best shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0094] In reference to the schematic of FIG. 3, according to one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, a supplemental nozzle arrangement 107 may also be positioned and located in the wash chamber 2 associated with a wash basket 115. The supplemental nozzle arrangement 107 may be fluidly connected to the circulating pump 128 via a pump conduit 136. The pump 128 may create a pressure in the fluid conduit arrangement 108 to move the process air or water (more preferably water) to the supplemental nozzle arrangement 107. In one example of the present disclosure, one end of the lower conduit 130 may be fluidly connected to the pump conduit 136 to establish fluid communication with the pump 128. Lower conduit 130 may also be used to deliver rinsing fluid to supplemental nozzle arrangement 107 and lower nozzle arrangement 106b.

[0095] With continued reference to FIG. 3, according to one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, a valve 138 may be provided in-line to the lower conduit 130. In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, the valve 138 may be a pinch valve. In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, the valve 138 may be a sanitary pinch valve. It is also considered that other types of valves may be used in the lower conduit 130 to limit and / or control la flow of liquid or gas through the lower conduit 130.

[0096] According to one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, a valve 140 may be provided in-line in the pump conduit 136. In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, the valve 140 may be a pinch valve. In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, the valve 140 may be a sanitary pinch valve. It is also considered that other types of valve may be used in the pump conduit 136 to limit and / or control a flow of liquid or gas through the pump conduit 136.

[0097] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic illustration of an industrial washer 100 in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. The schematic of FIG. 4 is similar to the schematic of FIG. 3, but illustrates different locations for conduits 116, 113 and valves 126 and 124 to fluidically communicatelly with the upper conduit 110. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, upper conduit 110 is located between an apex location 125 of the conduit 108 and the upper nozzle arrangement 106a is shown to slope downwards and away from the apex location 125 such that gravity will pull fluid within the upper conduit 110 towards the upper nozzle arrangement 106a, provided valve 114 is not closed. With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, according to one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, the operation of the industrial washer 100 is described in detail, in further reference to the flow chart of FIG. 7.

[0098] Operation of the industrial washer 100 uses more valves than current industrial washers to create a small reservoir that is provided as a part of the hydraulic system of the industrial washer 100. In one example of the present disclosure, five valves are added to the fluid conduit arrangement 108 to separate the hydraulic circuit of the industrial washer 100. In this example, sanitary pinch valves are used with open inner diameters sized in approximation to the inner diameter of the conduits flowing towards the pinch valves so as not to disturb the flow of water through the fluid conduit arrangement 108. The pinch valves of the fluid conduit arrangement 108 can also use pressure as a command utility. The pinch valves may act as safety or security devices if the pressure in the pressurized area of the fluid conduit arrangement 108 is too high. In the event the pressure in the tank reservoir 132 is too high, the pinch valves will automatically open and release the pressure.

[0099] In one example, the valve 140 is provided at the outlet of the pump 128 to separate or otherwise isolate the circulating pump 128 of the industrial washer 100 and the fluid conduit arrangement 108. The valve 140 may be used to avoid mixing the inlet water with the water in the sump 208. Further, the valve may be used to rinse the circulation pump 128 when not in use and perfused with water. Further, the valves 114, 138 can be used to fill and isolate the tank reservoir 132 and to sequence the rinse process of the industrial washer 100. In order to wash or sanitize the items or equipment held in the wash chamber 102, water is supplied to the wash chamber 102 from the water source 122 through the nozzle arrangements 106a, 106b.

[0100] The washer 100 of the present disclosure may be provided with a control unit 166 to control and measure various features of the washer 100. For example, alarms, level sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, conductivity sensors, circulating pump operation and operational speed, conductivity sensors, flow sensors, alarms, user displays, user input panels, valve controls, etc. may be controlled by control unit 166. The control unit 166 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 has simply been illustrated as a separate component in the schematic diagram. It should, however, be understood that the control unit 166 may be appropriately operatively connected, such as by wired or by wireless communication means, to various other components and modules of the washer 100, including but not limited to the previously mentioned flowmeters, valves, pumps, level sensors, and pressure sensors. It should be understood that the control unit 166 may include one or more distributed processing circuits, electronic memories, etc. and does not necessarily have to be confined to one common location within the washer 100.

[0101] The washer 100 may suitably also comprise a source of an additive, such as a detergent, cleaning agent, and a dosing pump for administering the additive into the washing chamber 102 at certain times during the various cycles and phases of operation.

[0102] According to one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, FIG. 7 depicts five phases of a washing cycle, between the start state 172 and completion state 184 of a wash cycle 170. More or less than these five phases may be utilized according to non-limiting aspects of the present disclosure. According to an example embodiment, a first and optional pre-wash rinse phase 174 occurs. The items to be washed are rinsed with water using the upper spray arm or both the upper and lower spray arm.

[0103] The phase following the optional pre-wash rinse phase is a washing phase 176. During this phase, water and one or more detergents or cleaning agents are circulated in the chamber of the washer by the circulation pump 128 pushing fluid through fluid conduit arrangement 108. Therefore during this phase the circulation pump 128 pushes fluid through both the lower spray arm 106b and the upper spray arm 106a. It is understood that fluid reaching the upper spray arm 106a from the circulation pump passes through tank reservoir 132, entering first through the bottom end before exiting through the top end portion and eventually the nozzles of the upper spray arm 106a.

[0104] After the washing phase 176, the sump is drained and a rinse phase 178 commences. During the rinse phase 178, the circulation pump 128 circulates water through the wash chamber 102 similar to the wash phase, but without cleaners or detergents. The water collected in the sump is drained and fresh water is introduced, permitting circulation of the water with the circulation pump 128 to continue for multiple iterations or cycles. Preferably, the conductivity of the water collecting in the sump is measured to determine the improved cleanliness of the water after each rinsing cycle within the rinsing phase.

[0105] After the items or equipment held in the wash chamber 102 are washed / sanitized in the wash phase 176 and the rinse phase 178, a final rinse phase (sometimes referred to as a single pass final rinse phase) 180 is launched or initiated for the industrial washer 100. Details of an example emobodiment for carrying out the single pass final rinse phase as further illustrated in FIG. 8 will be described herein.

[0106] During the single pass final rinse phase, the valves 138, 140 of the lower conduit 130 and the pump conduit 136, respectively, may be closed. Furthermore, the valve 126 of the water source conduit 116 may be opened. Water from the water source 122 may be first directed through upper conduit 110 to the upper spray arm (see step 186 of FIG. 8). A timer may be set to dictate the end of step 186. Next (per step 188 of FIG. 8), valve 114 may be closed so that water flowing from the water source conduit 116 is redirected towards lower conduit 130, and eventually will be directed towards the circulation pump 128, after passing through lower conduit 130 and pump conduit 136. Passing the rinse water through the circulation pump 128 permits the rinsing of the circulation pump 128 from any contamination achieved during the prior wash phase 176 or rinse phase 178. In a subsequent step (per step 190 of FIG. 8), the circulation pump 128 is isolated from the fluid circuit by closing valve 140. Next (per step 192 of FIG. 8), the closing of valve 140 causes water to back up and fill lower conduit 130 and eventually lower spray arm 106b. If a wash basket 200 is fluidically connected to the lower conduit 130 circuit as well, it too will be permitted to fill and be pre-loaded with water during this step. In an example embodiment, a timer may be set and calibrated to determine how long step 192 will need to run for the wash basket 200 and lower spray arm 106b to be adequately prefilled with rinse water. Next (see step 194 of FIG. 8), lower conduit 130 continues to fill with water and overflow the lower spray arm 106b until valve 138 is closed. Closing this valve 138 permits tank reservoir 132 to fill and establish a water / fluid column. Filling of the fluid column may continue until tank reservoir 132 is partially filled, but may also continue according to example embodiments until tank reservoir 132 is completed filled and begins to fill tank reservoir conduit 118. A maximum level of water is detected in the fluid column with the assistance of a sensor such as either a level sensor or pressure sensor. Thereafter (see step 196 of FIG. 8), pressurized air such as process air or sterile air is released into the fluid circuit from the process air source 122 by opening valve 126.

[0107] The process air is pressurized above atmospheric pressure, and preferably may be in a range of 1.5 bar to 6 bar, and more preferably may be in a range of 2.0 bar to 3.5 bar. Once valve 138 is opened the process air pushes the column of fluid through the lower conduit 130, thereby rinsing the wash chamber 102 as well as those items properly arranged in the wash basket 200 (when a wash basket is utilized and flluidically connected to the lower conduit 130). The rinse water is thereafter collected in the sump 208, measured for conductivity (see step 198 of FIG. 8) and drained through the drain line connected to the sump 208. Accoringly to an example embodiment, these steps make up the single pass final rinse phase 184 of the cycle, and all or a portion of the steps can be repeated to further eliminate possible contamination by ensuring fresh water is used, and soiled rinse water is not recycled. In the single pass final rinse cycle, water passes items in the wash chamber once before being drained, preventing contact with recirculated water.

[0108] Variations of the single pass final rinse may differ yet achieve satisfactory results, without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure. In an example embodiment, valve 138 may be closed, and water directed towards the tank reservoir 132 fills the tank reservoir 132 entirely. After the tank reservoir 132 has been filled, the water overflows into the upper conduit 110 and with valve 114 open, water passing through upper or top nozzle arrangement 106a flushes the upper part of the wash chamber 102. After the water flows into the wash chamber 102, the valve 114 of the upper conduit 110 and the valve 126 of the water source conduit 116 are closed. At this point in the final rinse phase, the tank reservoir 132 and the fluid conduit arrangement 108 remain filled with water.

[0109] In the next stage of the final rinse phase of the industrial washer 100, the valve 124 of the process air source conduit 113 and the valve 138 of the lower conduit 130 are opened. Process air from the process air source 120 is directed into the tank reservoir 132 to push the water stored in the tank reservoir 132 into the bottom or lower part of the fluid conduit arrangement 108, such as the lower conduit 130. With valve 140 closed, the water that is pushed from the tank reservoir 132 will enter the chamber 102 and pass through lower nozzle arrangement 106b and wash basket 200 and rinse the items or equipment held in the wash chamber 102.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 7, a final drying phase 182 may occur, thereby yielding the eventual completion of the wash cycle 170.

[0111] Depending on the item or equipment to be washed and the desired cleanliness of the item or equipment, the final rinse phase 180 can be cycled as many times a desired by a user, or as programmed for the washer 100. Additionally, the final rinse phase can be used in place of the pre-wash rinse phase 174, such that the circulation pump 128 is only used for the wash phase 176 and rinse phase 178 of the wash cycle 170.

[0112] Aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure yield additional process flexibility and advantages not available in prior systems. For example, the process air source 120 can be advantageously set, adjusted and controlled as a parameter to control the flow of water in the single pass final rinse phase in a manner not available for or relevant to impeller driven pumps. Among other advantages, this feature further enables different settings to be used for different racks or wash baskets and different loading conditions of the racks / wash baskets. In an example embodiment, the operator may be able to select from a control panel a library of options involving different pressure settings. Alternatively, the selection process may be fully or partially automated. For example, the washer may have installed a reader such as a barcode reader that can identify the specific wash basket that is inserted into the wash chamber, and can reference within the control unit 166 the programmed pressure setting for the single pass final rinse cycle that is applicable to the specific wash basket. Using this final rinse phase operation, the industrial washer 100 and the items or equipment held in the industrial washer 100 can both be rinsed in a single pass. The final rinse phase is the last rinse of the cycle for the industrial washer 100 before the drying phase of wash cycle used to dry the items or equipment. The final rinse phase 180 takes away any small residue that could be left in the fluid conduit arrangement 108 or on the item or equipment held in the wash chamber 102. It is also contemplated that this rinse phase can be used to pre-wash the items or equipment in the first phase of the wash cycle to remove a maximum amount of dirt or residue from the item or equipment before the wash cycle to avoid spreading the dirt or residue in order to minimize contamination of the industrial washer 100.

[0113] In a normal rinse phase for current industrial washers, the wash chamber is filled with water and a circulation I recycle pump is run for a few minutes and then the wash chamber is drained. When the circulation / recycle pump is run, residue from the item or equipment is mixed with the water and can become stuck on the item or equipment, on the nozzle arrangements, and / or on the chamber walls with the water. The residue may be spread everywhere in the washer hydraulic system and may be reapplied on the surface of the item or equipment when the recycle pumps stops.

[0114] In contrast, by using the industrial washer 100 of the present disclosure, during the final rinse phase, the water is not recycled through the wash chamber 102 and / or the fluid conduit arrangement 108. The supplied water only passes once in contact with the item or equipment and the fluid conduit arrangement 108 and then goes directly to the sump of the system. With the industrial washer 100, if the water removes any residue, the residue is carried with the water and directed to the drain. As the recycling is not active in this phase of the wash cycle, the residue is not reapplied to the item or equipment held in the wash chamber 102.

[0115] The use of the tank reservoir 132 in the industrial washer 100 provides several advantages over current industrial washers. In particular, the industrial washer 100 of the present disclosure uses a reduced volume of water needed for the final rinse of the item or equipment. By using the water source 122 to fill the tank reservoir 132, the volume of water that is needed for the final rinse phase can be adapted according to the item or equipment being washed in the wash chamber 102. It is also considered that a controller or control unit 166 may be used with the industrial washer 100 to automate or control the process of supplying process air from the process air source 120 so the airflow and pressure can be adapted to the specific item or equipment held in the wash chamber 102. In the present disclosure, the circulation pump 128 is not used during the final rinse phase such that the performance and condition of the pump 128 is maintained for a longer period of time. Furthermore, by using the water source 122 to flush the fluid conduit arrangement 108, the sanitary aspect of the tank reservoir 132, such as cleaning, drying, the maximum amount of time the water is held in the tank reservoir 132, the temperature control of the tank reservoir 132, and the sanitary design of the tank reservoir 132, can be ignored. Since the tank reservoir 132 is provided as an element of the fluid conduit arrangement 108, the tank reservoir 132 is cleaned, rinsed, and dried during the normal phase of the industrial washer 100. Furthermore, no water is stored in the tank reservoir 132.

[0116] In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, an additional valve may be added to the fluid conduit arrangement 108 at the top of the tank reservoir 132 to avoid filling the tank reservoir 132 before rinsing the upper or top nozzle arrangement 106a. This valve can be closed to prevent water from entering the tank reservoir 132. It is also considered that the final rinse phase would also work effectively without the valve 140 of the pump conduit 136. In another example of the present disclosure, an inline water heater may be provided in-line with the water source conduit 116 upstream of the valve 126 of the water source conduit 116 to heat the water that is supplied by the water source 122. It is also contemplated that an air gap may be inserted before the valve 126 of the water source conduit 116 since the fluid conduit arrangement 108 does not depend on the flow rate and / or the pressure of the water supplied by the water source 122.

[0117] FIG. 5 illustrates an industrial washer 100 associated with the improvements described herein and schematically illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, and shows a reduced “footprint” of the industrial washer resulting from not requiring a separate tank for storing rinsing fluid for an impeller driven pump 128. The washer 100 may be configured to have a width 150, a depth 154, and a height 152. Dimensions for width 150 may be 1450 centimeters, 895 centimeters for depth 154, and 2275 centimeters for height 152. In a preferred embodiment, the washer’s “footprint” is less than 1.3 square meters. The washer 100 is further illustrated to have a control panel 156 and an emergency process termination switch 158 located in proximity to the chamber 102. The industrial washer 100 may further comprise a door to provide front access to the wash chamber 102. In non-limiting embodiments, both a front access door and a rear access door may be provided to provide both front and rear access to the cavity 104 of the wash chamber 102 for loading and unloading the washer on opposite sides of a dividing wall.

[0118] FIG. 6A illustrates interior portions of the industrial washer 100 depicted in FIG. 5, with the external casing and frame removed to enhance visibility. The washer 100 of FIG. 6A is consistent with the washer 100 shown schematically in FIGS. 3 and 4, and details in an example embodiment the arrangement of the tank reservoir 132, valve 140, and valve 138. An additional improvement to industrial washers as disclosed herein includes an improved docking connection for wash baskets, especially those that are elevated with respect to the floor a washer may be supported on. Certain commercially available washers are constructed with a wash basket having the ability to fluidically connect to the washer through side ports or side connectors, while the bottom of the wash basket comprises spaced apart wheels to glide along a rail or rack runner 160, and provide ample space to permit a rotating lower spray arm of the wash chamber to rotate and spray fluid around the lower region of the wash chamber. As circulation pumps are typically located underneath the wash chamber of certain washers, to deliver fluid to the wash cart requires accessing the fluid channels of wash carts with a conduit that is different from the conduit that is used to bring fluid to the lower spray arm. The additional conduit adds additional material, additional costs, additional conduit length, and additional fittings, turns and bends to the fluid flow path. Some of these aspects increase the fluidic resistance the circulation pump needs to overcome to pump water to the wash basket, thereby causing additional stress to the circulation pump’s operational effectiveness. Embodiments of the present disclosure overcome some or all of the shortcomings identified with commercially available industrial washers.

[0119] FIG. 9 illustrates an improved docking configuration for an industrial washer 100. A wheeled trolley 232 is configured to support a wash rack 200 on rack runners 160. The rack runners 160 are positioned and oriented on the trolley 232 such that when the trolley engages an opening of the washer 100, the wash rack can be conveniently moved into the wash chamber 102 of the washer 100 due to the rack runners 160 of the trolley aligning to the rack runners of the washer, and thereby providing a convenient transfer of the wash basket 200 to the washer through a rolling transition. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the underside of the rack washer is constructed with a flanged conduit to engage a docking connector 212 of a spray arm docking assembly 205. Washing and / or rinsing fluid can be delivered to the wash basket 200 through the same conduit that brings fluid to the lower spray arm 106b.

[0120] FIG. 10 illustrates a wash basket (or rack) 200 usable with the industrial washer 100, and comprises additional improvements to industrial washing processes. The basket 200 is shown in FIG.10 to have an upper level 202, and a lower level 204, but may have one or more than one levels (including for example 2, 3, 4, or more levels). The basket 200 may comprise a supplemental nozzle arrangement 107 as described previously and schematically represented in FIGS. 3 and 4, and may be configured with a plurality of fluidic channels 198 and localized nozzles 196 for the washing of objects such as glassware and vials (see FIG. 11 C), or may be configured to distribute fluid more generally, such as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 wherein the nozzle arrangement is configured as a rotating rinse arm, rotatable about an axis 207 of fluidic distribution conduit 206. Fluidic distribution pipe or conduit 206 is preferably vertically arranged with and mechanically secured to wash basket 200 by a welded connection such that when the wash basket 200 is placed inside the chamber of the industrial washer, washing fluid and / or rinse fluid may be distributed through nozzles, conduits and / or channels within the wash basket. The conduit 206 is preferably cylindrical and tubular (with circular luminal cross-sections), elongate, and tapering from a wider lower end region 209 to a narrower upper end region 211. Fluidic distribution conduit 206 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 11 A, 11 B and 11C, wherein a flange 210 (such as a bell-shaped or flared flange) is disposed at the lower end of the conduit and configured to reversibly connect with a snap-fit engagement to a docking connector 212, such that the flange 210 of the distribution conduit 206 can be reversible secured to slots 213 of receiver (or docking connector) 212 as shown in FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 14A and 14B. Slots 213 formed in connector 212 form two cantilevered protrusions 215 which can be used to establish a cam engagement with the flanged end 210.

[0121] FIG. 12A illustrates a view of the lower end region 109 of conduit 206 in an exploded view with the sub-components of a spray arm docking assembly 205. FIG. 12B illustrates the assembled view of the spray arm docking assembly 205, and further illustrates the conduit 206 and its flanged end 210. As shown in FIG. 13A, the docking connector / receiver 212 of the spray arm docking assembly 205 is configured with undercuts that form slots 213, such that the flange 210 can be reversibly slid horizontally into the slots 213 in order to establish both an axial luminal alignment between the connector 212 and the conduit 206 and a mechanical connection between the distribution conduit 206 and the connector 212 such that fluid may pass vertically through a central lumen of the spray arm docking assembly 205 and through the conduit 206. The directional movement to cause engagement of the conduit 206 and the connector 212 is illustrated in FIG. 13A by the illustrated arrows, while FIG. 13B illustrates the conduit 206 docked or otherwise connected to the spray arm docking assembly 205. As best shown in FIG. 9, preferably the slots 213 of connector 212 are arranged substantially parallel to the rack runners 160 of the washer 100 such that movement of the wash rack 200 into the wash chamber 200 facilitates alignment and reversible mechanical engagement between the wash rack 200 and the connector 212.

[0122] As can be seen in FIG. 12A, spray arm 106b has a rounded inner bearing surface 222 that acts as a bushing and is configured to rotate about an external surface of spray arm holder 214 such that spray arm holder 214 acts as an axel for the spray arm 106b to rotate about. A plurality of apertures 220 are located on the sidewall of spray arm holder 214 and are configured to establish fluid communication between the inner lumen of spray arm holder 214 and the lumens or conduits of the spray arm 106b, thereby permitting fluid entering a lower end of the lumen of spray arm holder 214 to enter the horizontally extending conduit arms of spray arm 106b while rotating about an axis of spray arm holder 214, irrespective of the angular orientation of the spray arm 106b with respect to the spray arm holder 214. Fluid entering the horizontally extending conduit arms of spray arm 106b exit the spray arm through one or more nozzles 224 located at the upper side of each conduit arm (to assist in distributing water or washing fluid inside the wash chamber 102) or through one or more directional nozzles 226 (to cause rotation of the spray arm 106b about holder 214). Receiver 212 connects to spray arm holder 214 via a clip or pin 216, thereby securing the rinse arm 106b to the spray arm holder 214 in the vertical direction, while permitting rotation of the rinse arm 106b about the spray arm holder 214. Arrows depicted in FIG. 14A show the direction of the flow of fluid from the pump(s) to portions of the chamber as carried by the distribution conduit 206 during washing and rinsing steps.

[0123] As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, docking connector 212 may comprise an undercut 217 on opposite sides to mechanically engage an external wall surface of the distribution conduit 206 to help secure and maintain the alignment of the lumen of the spray arm docking assembly with the lumen of the distribution conduit 206. Depending on the materials and dimension selected of the components, adjustments to the amount of force required to engage and disengage the wash rack 200 to the washer 100 via connector 212 can be adjusted. The undercuts 217 are preferably formed as curves and are spaced apart from each other to form a dimension such as a diameter 234 that is similar to the external diameter of the conduit 206 where the conduit will make contact with the undercuts 217. Additionally,

[0124] As further illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the sealing surface 240 of docking connector 212 may comprise a plurality of grooves or channels 164 extending radially outward. The channels 164 are sized to permit fluid to leak or permeate around the sealing interface of the distribution conduit 206 and the docking connector 212. While eight channels are shown, more or less than eight can be selected to achieve different degrees of controlled leakage. As shown in FIG. 13B, with the distribution conduit 206 connected to the docking connector 212, the channels are not fully encapsulated by the flanged end 210 of the distribution conduit 206, since the largest diameter of the flanged end (see reference dimenson 236 of FIG. 13B) is smaller than the diameter 238 representative of the radial distance the channels extend away from the central axis of the docking connector 212, the channels permit fluid to exit the sealing surface 240 of the docking connector 212 when the distribution conduit is centrally aligned and mated to the sealing surface 240. Therefore, the channels permit localized fluid to escape from the inner lumen of the spray arm docking assembly 205 when water is pumped through the assembly, thereby helping maintain cleanliness of the docking connector and preventing the accumulation of debris.

[0125] FIG. 16 illustrates the wash basket 200 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure connected to the docking connector 212 at the lower end of the distribution pipe 206. To aid in understanding the connection, the frame and chamber of the washer have been removed. The wash basket 200 may be arranged with wheels 162 to permit the wash basket 200 to glide horizontally on one or more rack runners 160 when being inserted into or removed from the wash chamber 102 of the washer. Rack runners 160 may be rails and may be flat or rounded similar to an elongate metal bar. Additionally as illustrated in FIG. 16, pump conduit 136 is arranged under the wash chamber and extends straight and vertical, permitting water pumped from circulation pump 128 to pass through the lumen of the spray arm docking assembly without bends or turns that would increase the fluidic resistance of the conduit, thereby permitting maximum pumping efficiency for the pump and the resulting distribution of water exiting the pump for entering the fluid channels of the wash basket 200 and the lower spray arm 106b, as well as the supplemental spray arm 107 of the wash basket 200 when employed.

[0126] It is worthy to note that any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0127] One skilled in the art will recognize that the herein described components (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and the discussion accompanying them are used as examples for the sake of conceptual clarity and that various configuration modifications are contemplated. Consequently, as used herein, the specific exemplars set forth and the accompanying discussion are intended to be representative of their more general classes. In general, use of any specific exemplar is intended to be representative of its class, and the non-inclusion of specific components (e.g., operations), devices, and objects should not be taken as limiting.

[0128] With respect to the use of any plural and / or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations are not expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0129] The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, other different components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that, in fact, many other architectures may be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermediate components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include, but are not limited to, physically mateable and / or physically interacting components, and / or wirelessly interactable, and / or wirelessly interacting components, and / or logically interacting, and / or logically interactable components.

[0130] Some aspects may be described using the expression “coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. For example, some aspects may be described using the term “connected” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. In another example, some aspects may be described using the term “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term “coupled,” however, also may mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

[0131] In some instances, one or more components may be referred to herein as “configured to,” “operative,” “adapted,” etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that “configured to” can generally encompass active-state components, and / or inactive-state components, and / or standby-state components, unless context requires otherwise.

[0132] While particular aspects of the subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the scope of the subject matter described herein. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and / or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

[0133] In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that typically a disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be typically understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” In summary, numerous benefits have been described which result from employing the concepts described herein. The foregoing disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the precise form disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is intended that the claims submitted herewith define the overall scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An industrial washer configured for washing items or equipment, the industrial washer comprising: a wash chamber defining a cavity to receive the items or equipment; at least one nozzle arrangement positioned in the cavity of the wash chamber; a water source fluidly connected to the wash chamber; a tank reservoir fluidly connected to the water source and the wash chamber; a pump fluidly connected to the tank reservoir; and a valve positioned in-line with a lower conduit fluidly connecting the pump to the tank reservoir, wherein the valve is configured to be moved between an open position and a closed position, and wherein, with the valve in the closed position, the water source is configured to direct water to the tank reservoir that is used to rinse the items or equipment held in the wash chamber.

2. The industrial washer of claim 1 , wherein the valve is a pinch valve.

3. The industrial washer according to anyone of the preceding claims, further comprising a valve positioned in-line with an upper conduit that fluidly connects the at least one nozzle arrangement to a junction.

4. The industrial washer according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one nozzle arrangement comprises an upper or top nozzle arrangement positioned in the wash chamber and a lower or bottom nozzle arrangement positioned in the wash chamber.

5. The industrial washer according to anyone of the preceding claims, further comprising: a process air source fluidly connected to the tank reservoir and the wash chamber; a valve positioned in-line with a process air source conduit that fluidly connects the process air source to the wash chamber; a water source conduit that fluidly connects the water source to the junction; and a valve positioned in-line with the water source conduit.

6. The industrial washer according to anyone of the preceding claims, further comprising a supplemental nozzle arrangement positioned in the wash chamber, wherein the supplemental nozzle arrangement is fluidly connected to the pump.

7. The industrial washer according to claim 6, wherein the supplemental nozzle arrangement is located on a wash basket, and the wash basket is configured to reversibly dock with a docking connector disposed on a first end of a spray arm holder located in the wash chamber.

8. The industrial washer according to claim 7, further comprising a lower spray arm configured to rotate about the spray arm holder, the spray arm holder having a second end and a lumen extending between the first and second ends for permitting water to enter through the second end of the lumen and exit the first end of the lumen through the docking connector and into a conduit of the wash basket when the conduit of the wash basket is connected to the docking connector.

9. The industrial washer according to claim 8, wherein a sidewall of the lumen of the spray arm holder comprises one or more apertures that establish fluid communication between the lumen of the spray arm holder and conduits of the spray arm extending from a bearing surface of the spray arm through the arms of the spray arm.

10. The industrial washer according to any of claims 8 or 9, wherein the conduit of the wash basket comprises an end that comprises a flange, and wherein the docking connector is configured to reversibly receive the flange of the conduit of the wash basket and establish fluid communication between the wash basket and the lumen of the spray arm holder, and wherein the lumen of the spray arm holder is in fluid communication with both the pump conduit and the lower conduit.

11. The industrial washer of claim 10, further comprising a valve positioned inline with a pump conduit that fluidly connects the pump to the supplemental nozzle arrangement.

12. The industrial washer of claim 11 , wherein the lower conduit is fluidly connected to the pump conduit.

13. The industrial washer according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the tank reservoir is configured to hold up to 5 liters of fluid.

14. The industrial washer according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the water source and the tank reservoir are separated from one another.

15. The industrial washer according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the water directed from the tank reservoir to the wash chamber is not recycled back into the wash chamber after rinsing the items or equipment.

16. The industrial washer according to anyone of the preceding claims, further comprising a heater positioned in-line with a water source conduit that fluidly connects the water source to a junction.

17. A method of rinsing items or equipment in an industrial washer, the method comprising: closing at least one valve that fluidly connects a tank reservoir to a pump; opening a valve positioned in-line between a water source and the tank reservoir; filling the tank reservoir with water from the water source to establish a water fluid column; opening the at least one valve that fluidly connects the tank reservoir to the pump; and directing process air from a process air source to the water fluid column to move the water fluid column held in the tank reservoir into a wash chamber to rinse the wash chamber and the items or equipment held in the wash chamber.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the tank reservoir is configured to hold up to 5 liters of fluid.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the water used to rinse the items or equipment held in the wash chamber is not recycled into the wash chamber.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one valve is a pinch valve.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of opening the at least one valve that fluidically connects the tank reservoir to the pump begins prior to the step of opening the at elast one valve that fluidically connects the tank reservoir to the pump.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of opening the at least one valve that fluidically connects the tank reservoir to the pump begins after the step of opening the at least one valve that fluidically connects the tank reservoir to the pump.

23. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of opening the at least one valve that fluidically connects the tank reservoir to the pump begins concurrently with the step of opening the at least one valve that fluidically connects the tank reservoir to the pump.

24. The method of claim 17, wherein prior to the step of closing the at least one valve that fluidly connects a tank reservoir to a pump, the method comprising the step of circulating water from a circulating pump into the wash chamber, and draining from a sump water collected in the sump.

25. A method of washing and rinsing items or equipment in an industrial washer, the industrial washer comprising a wash chamber, and a circulation pump comprising an impeller, the method comprising: recirculating a first volume of water through a plurality of nozzles in the chamber through the circulation pump , where the water is collected in a sump portion of the wash chamber before passing through the circulation pump and subsequently is delivered to the plurality of nozzles; establishing a fluid column of water in a tank reservoir by closing a valve located downstream from the tank reservoir and filling the tank reservoir with water; passing the fluid column of water through the plurality of nozzles in the chamber by exposing the fluid column of water in the tank reservoir to a gaseous fluid that is pressurized higher than atmospheric pressure and opening the valve located downstream from the tank reservoir.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the gaseous fluid is air.

27. The method of any of claim 25 and 26, wherein prior to the step of passing a second volume of water that is different than the first volume of water through the plurality of nozzles, all or a portion of the first volume of water is drained from the chamber.

28. The method of any of claims 25- 27, wherein the gaseous fluid is pressured to 1.5 bar or higher.

29. A docking system for establishing fluid communication between a fluid circuit of an industrial washer and a wash basket configured to be reversibly inserted into and removed from a wash chamber of the industrial washer, the docking system comprising: a conduit connected to and in fluid communication with the wash basket; a docking connector configured to reversible connect to an end of the conduit of the wash basket; the docking connector disposed on a first end of a spray arm holder, and a spray arm configured to rotate about an axis of the spray arm holder.

30. The docking system of claim 29, wherein the spray arm holder comprises a lumen that establishes a fluid connection to the conduit of the wash basket when the conduit of the wash basket is mechanically docked to the docking connector of the spray arm holder.31 . The docking system of claim 29, wherein the spray arm is configured to rotate about an external surface of the spray arm holder, the spray arm holder having a second end and a lumen extending between the first and second ends for permitting water to enter through the second end of the lumen and exit the first end of the lumen through the docking connector and into the conduit connected to and in fluid communication with the wash basket when the conduit of the wash basket is connected to the docking connector.

32. The docking system of claim 31 , wherein a sidewall of the lumen of the spray arm holder comprises one or more apertures that establish fluid communication between the lumen of the spray arm holder and conduits of the spray arm extending from a bearing surface of the spray arm through arms of the spray arm.

33. The docking system of any of claims 29-32, wherein the washer further comprises a pump configured to deliver pressurized water through a conduit and into the lumen of the spray arm holder, wherein water pumped into the lumen of the spray arm holder exits through both (i) a plurality of nozzles associated with the conduit of the wash basket and (ii) a plurality of nozzles associated with the spray arm.

34. The docking system of any of claims 29 - 33, wherein one of either (i) the conduit of the wash basket or (ii) the docking connector comprises a flanged end, and the other of (i) the conduit of the wash basket and (ii) the docking connector comprises slots to reversibly receive the flanged end into the slots when the docking connector is moved relative to the conduit of the wash basket.

35. The docking system of any of claims 29 - 34, wherein the wash chamber comprises one or more rack runner guides, and the wash basket comprises a plurality of wheels to roll along the rack runner guides, and wherein the docking connector and conduit of the wash basket are positioned and arranged such that horizontal movement of the wash basket into and out of the wash chamber causes docking and undocking of the wash basket with respect to the docking connector.

36. A method for washing items or equipment utilizing a wash cycle of an industrial washer, the wash cycle comprising a wash phase, a rinse phase, and a single pass final rinse phase, the industrial washer comprising: a wash chamber defining a cavity to receive the items or equipment; at least one nozzle arrangement positioned in the cavity of the wash chamber, the nozzle arrangement comprising an upper spray arm comprising nozzles and a lower spray arm comprising nozzles; a water source fluidly connected to the wash chamber; a tank reservoir fluidly connected to the water source and the wash chamber; a circulation pump fluidly connected to the tank reservoir; and a valve positioned in-line with a pump lower conduit fluidly connecting the circulation pump to the tank reservoir, wherein the valve is configured to be moved between an open position and a closed position, and in a wash phase of the wash cycle, circulating washing fluid in the wash chamber of the washer through the use of the circulation pump pushing the washing fluid through a fluid conduit arrangement wherein the washing fluid is pumped through the lower spray arm and the upper spray arm; draining the washing fluid of the wash phase of the wash cycle from the sump of the wash chamber; in a rinse phase of the wash cycle, circulating rinsing fluid in the wash chamber of the washer through the use of the circulation pump, thereby pushing the rinsing fluid throughthe fluid conduit arrangement wherein the rinsing fluid is pumped through the lower spray arm and the upper spray arm; in a single pass final rinse phase of the wash cycle, the single pass final rinse phase comprising the steps of: closing the valve positioned in-line with the pump lower conduit that fluidly connects the circulation pump to the tank reservoir; filling the tank reservoir to establish a fluid column of water in the tank reservoir; exposing the fluid column of water to a pressurized gaseous fluid; opening the valve positioned in-line with the pump lower conduit that fluidly connects the circulation pump to the tank reservoir causing the fluid column of water to flow through to the lower spray arm.

37. The method of claim 36, further comprising a drying phase, the drying phase occurring after the single pass final rinse phase.

38. The method of any of claims 36 and 37, wherein prior to the step of exposing the fluid column of water to a pressurized gasoiusl fluid, delivering water from the water source to the upper spray arm.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein after the step of delivering water to the upper spray arm during the single pass final rinse phase; closing a valve positioned in-line with an upper conduit that fluidical ly connects the upper spray arm to the water source.

40. The method of any of claims 36 through 39, wherein during the single pass final rinse phase; isolating the circulation pump by closing a valve positioned in-line with a supplemental pump conduit that fluidly connects the circulation pump to the lower spray arm.

41. The method of any of claims 36 through 40, wherein during the single pass final rinse phase but prior to the step of opening the valve positioned in-line with the pump lower conduit that fluidly connects the circulation pump to the tank reservoir;isolating the circulation pump by closing a valve positioned in-line with a supplemental pump conduit that fluidly connects the circulation pump to the lower spray arm.

42. The method of any of the claims 40 - 41 , wherein during the single pass final rinse phase but prior to the step of isolating the circulation pump; rinsing the circulation pump by passing rinse water through the circulation pump.

43. The method of any of claims 36 through 42, wherein during the single pass final rinse phase but prior to the step of closing the valve positioned in-line with the pump lower conduit that fluidly connects the circulation pump to the tank reservoir; prefilling the lower spray arm and the wash basket.

44. The method of any of claims 36 through 43, wherein during the single pass final rinse phase but after to the step of opening the valve positioned in-line with the pump lower conduit; measuring the conductivity of water in the sump.

45. The method of any of claims 36 - 44, terminating the single pass final rinse phase of the wash cycle as a result of the the measured conductivity of the water in the sump.

46. The method of any of claims 36 through 45, wherein the wash cycle comprises a pre-wash rinse phase prior to the wash phase, wherein the pre-wash rinse phase utilizes at least a portion of the steps of the single pass final rinse phase of the wash cycle.

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