Abstract: An apparatus (10) for liquefying tires is shown in a first form including a plurality of tire modules (12) holding tires which are immersed in and preheated by a slurry located in a tank (22). After preheating, the tire module (12) and tires held thereon are removed from the preheat tank (22) and are immersed in a slurry located in a high temperature tank (28). The temperature of the slurry in the high temperature tank (28) is sufficient to liquify the tires. As the tires liquify, the slurry produced is retained in the high temperature tank (28) to immerse further tires and also overflows from the high temperature tank (28) to the preheat tank (22) and then to a storage tank (36). The slurry from the storage tank (36) can be pumped to the burner (42) of the heat exchanger (48) for heating the slurry in the high temperature tank (28) or can be used for other purposes.

Abstract: A floor scrubber (10) is disclosed including a drive lug (62) for removably connecting a scrubbing member (64) to a drive (60) and having a trough for receipt and catching of solution for passage to the surface. The mount (58) for the drive (60) is biased by a spring (67) to pivot relative to a linkage plate (46) in turn pivotably mounted to the chassis (12) at an acute angle to the forward movement direction. The vacuum assembly (92) is sandwiched in a socket (100) formed in the bottom wall of a recovery tank (90) by a mount (106) to deaden the sound generated thereby and to allow air communication inside of the socket (100) but generally preventing entry of solution therein. The squeegee assembly (152) is biased by a gas spring (150) to engage the surface at a constant force independent of the pivotal position of the squeegee mount (148).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for cooling and tempering bacon slabs supported upon wheeled trucks (24) which can be rolled on the floor (14) inside a cooler (12) includes an evaporator (26) having multiple fans (34) for moving air through refrigerated coils (32) and in the cooler (12). Moisture collecting on the refrigerated coils (32) drops into a drain pan (30) and is drained through pipes (38) outside the cooler (12). The fans (34) are alternately rotated in opposite directions for equal time segments and baffles (40) are provided inside of the cooler (12) to assure uniform air chilling. A controller (46) operates the evaporator (26) so that the air inside of the cooler (12) is cooled to a temperature less than the internal product temperature which is greater than freezing and specifically in the preferred form at a desired temperature differential of 20.degree. F. (11.degree. C.) until an intermediate internal product temperature is reached.