Container and process for cleaning and inspecting parts

Abstract

The present invention is drawn to a wire container comprising a plurality of spring-like wires having wave patterns forming a part support that minimize contact points between the container and one or more contained parts when the container is subjected to a vibration causing the wires and the parts to move, thereby eliminating any fixed contact points between the part and the supporting part support. Another aspect of the current invention is a process for removing penetrant from parts comprising: placing one or more parts with penetrant applied in a container having spring-like wire with wave patterns forming a part support; oscillating the container during a cleaning process thereby compressing and expanding one or more spring-like wires thus exposing part surfaces and removing the penetrant from the parts.

1 . A container for a washing system comprises: a plurality of spring-like wires having wave patterns forming a part support that minimize contact points between the container and one or more contained parts when the container is subjected to movement causing the wires and the parts to move, thereby eliminating any fixed contact points between the part and the supporting part support. 
     
     
         2 . The container in  claim 1  wherein the wave patterns are one of serpentine, sawtooth or sinusoidal shapes. 
     
     
         3 . The container in  claim 1  wherein the spring-like wires are fixed at two opposing ends of the frame side portions of the container. 
     
     
         4 . The container in  claim 1  further includes an open top portion, a bottom portion, and at least two side portions for permitting the passage of fluid and debris. 
     
     
         5 . The container in  claim 1  further includes a means to control a period, frequency and amplitude of the vibration. 
     
     
         6 . The container in  claim 5  wherein the wires move one of longitudinally and transversally due to forces transmitted to the wire through a connection between the wires and a frame member. 
     
     
         7 . The container in  claim 5  wherein the wires move one of longitudinally and transversally due to forces transmitted when a liquid spray moves the part. 
     
     
         8 . A container for a washing system comprises: a container constructed of stainless steel rods having a wire mesh with wave patterns that allow selected parts to flex and reflex in conjunction with an oscillation of the container. 
     
     
         9 . The container in  claim 8  wherein the oscillation is a result of mechanical forces to the frame members. 
     
     
         10 . The container in  claim 8  wherein the oscillation is a result of mechanical forces from a pressured liquid spray on the parts. 
     
     
         11 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A support wire for a basket containing a part to be cleaned in a chamber which moves the basket between cleaning positions, said wire having a wave-like configuration and directed from one side to the other side of said basket to minimize the contact area between the wire and part and to enable momentary separation during movement. 
     
     
         19 . The support wire according to  claim 18  wherein said basket has multiple support wires of said wave-like configuration. 
     
     
         20 . The support wire according to  claim 18  where said chamber has a plurality of spray jets and where said part is sprayed by selected jets at each cleaning position.