Tray washer apparatus

Abstract

A machine for washing articles which are of greater height than width dimension when supported by an article receiving rack includes a cabinet of generally rectangular horizontal cross-section capable of accommodating the horizontal dimensions of the rack. The cabinet defines a washing chamber and a front access opening of sufficient height to accommodate lateral movement of a rack containing upright articles into the washing chamber. A lower door is pivotally mounted on the cabinet adjacent to the lower edge of the access opening for movement from a vertical closed position to a horizontal open position. The lower door includes a rack supporting surface and is dimensioned to correspond in size to the rectangular horizontal cross-section of the cabinet. An upper door is mounted for vertical movement from a lower position covering the remaining upper portion of the access opening to an upper position uncovering the upper portion of the access opening. A mechanical linkage interconnects the upper and lower doors and coordinates opening and closing movement of the doors. The lower edge of the access opening and the lower edge of the lower door define a vent opening which permits pressure equalization between the washing chamber and the exterior of the washer. A C-shaped lip along the lower edge of the lower door directs fluid sheeting down the inner surface of the door inwardly to prevent fluid from being expelled through the vent opening.