Parts washing system

Abstract

Provided is a parts washer that includes a multi-tiered basin, a cleaning fluid and a biological component, living within the fluid, that breaks down organic waste. The multi-tiered basin includes a sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter are interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink member. The false bottom support grid, and filler are readily removable from the sink member. The tank is partially filled with the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly direct a flow of the cleaning fluid to the basin. The cleaning fluid discharged into the basin flows through a drain hole in the false bottom, through the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole in the bottom panel of the sink member back into the tank for reuse. The cleaning fluid includes, at least, a surfactant that functions to remove organic waste from the parts being washed. The biological component within the cleaning fluid includes nonpathogenic microorganisms that break down the organic waste. The cleaning fluid is not toxic to the microorganisms. The pump and conduit assembly, in addition to aiding in the removal of organic waste, functions to aerate the cleaning fluid to maintain a proper environment for the microorganisms. A heater, thermostat, and level control assembly function to maintain:the cleaning fluid within a certain temperature range so as to aid in the removal of organic waste and maintain a proper environment for the microorganisms.

1 - 22 . (canceled)  
     
     
         23 . A method for cleaning organic matter from a part comprising: 
 placing a part in a basin, wherein the basin includes a drain in flow communication with a tank containing a biodegradable non-caustic non-flammable oil dispersant cleaning and degreasing fluid;    pumping the fluid from the tank into the basin in order to contact the part with the fluid; and    biodegrading the organic matter in the tank with a biological component in the fluid.    
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , further including heating the fluid.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , further including monitoring the temperature of the fluid.  
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein a thermostat cooperates with both the fluid and a heater for heating the fluid, whereby the thermostat activates and deactivates the heater.  
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 23 , further including monitoring the fluid level in the tank with a level sensor, wherein the level sensor cooperates with both the fluid and a heater for heating the fluid, whereby the level sensor deactivates the heater.  
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 23 , further including filtering the fluid.  
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein filtering of the fluid occurs as the fluid passes from the basin to the tank.  
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the basin includes a sink member defining a first drain aperture therethrough and including at least a bottom panel and side walls extending upward from said bottom panel and defining a basin cavity therebetween, a partition member defining a second drain aperture therethrough, wherein the first partition member is disposed above the bottom panel and extends between the side walls and a filter interposed between the first partition and the bottom.