Abstract: A bottle cleaner that inverts the bottles to spray solutions into them. The bottles invert and receive, for example, a spray of a cleaning solution. The cleaner then returns the bottles to the upright orientation. Each pass of the bottles utilizes two sets of linked grippers arranged as a chain. One chain contacts the bottles on one side while the second chain contacts them on the other side. The two chains squeeze the bottles between them to firmly hold them. A single adjustment sets a uniform distance between the two chains of each path through the cleaner at four different locations, and the same adjustment equalizes the distances between the two chains of the two paths so that they will effectively retain the same bottles through two passes through the machine. Four motors running at the same speed keep the chains moving together.

Abstract: A bottle cleaner that inverts the bottles to spray solutions into them. The cleaner sends the bottles through two inverting passes for multiple stages of liquid cleaning. Thus, on the first pass, the bottles invert and receive, for example, a spray of a cleaning solution of some sort. The cleaner then returns the bottles to the upright orientation. On the second pass, the bottles again turn upside down and then may receive a liquid rinse. After returning the bottles to the normal orientation, the cleaner may then pass the bottles off to another location for further operations. Each pass of the bottles utilizes two sets of linked grippers arranged as a chain. One chain contacts the bottles on one side while the second chain contacts them on the other side. The two chains squeeze the bottles between them to firmly hold them. A single adjustment accomplishes a multitude of tasks.

Abstract: An adjustable rotor machine having a plurality of adjustable spoke assemblies radially spaced apart for holding bottles or other objects therebetween as the machine is rotated in a circular path, wherein the separation distance of the spoke assemblies can be varied to hold objects therebetween of different diameters. One spoke of each spoke assembly is rigidly affixed to the axle of the rotor. A second spoke of each spoke assembly is arcuately movable relative to the fixed spoke.

Abstract: A bottle filling machine comprising a rotary spoke assembly rotating in a vertical plane on a horizontal axis carries bottles between each spoke with their open necks facing radially inward toward the central axis of the rotating spoke assembly. A valve assembly is positioned around the central axis of the rotary spoke assembly, having a rotating valve cup which rotates with the spoke assembly and bottles carried between the spokes. Filler tubes extend from discharge apertures through the rotating valve cup to the open necks of the bottles. The valve assembly includes a stationary valve plate which bears against a corresponding bearing face of the valve cup. An inlet aperture and inset distribution groove of the valve plate flows distilled water or other fill material to and through the discharge apertures of the rotating valve cup as they rotate past to thereby fill the bottles.

Abstract: A method for removing exterior material from vials following a serpentine path through various steps of cleaning and drying. The movement of the vials may be limited to a predetermined path formed as an elongated opening in a sheet of material. The sheet may be replaced with a similar sheet with a different width of opening for bottles of differing sizes. The vials are rotated as they move along the path which may be accomplished by slight deviations in the straight sections of the elongated slot such as a zig-zag or sinusoidal wave. Changing the sheet can alter the number of straight path segments and thus the overall path of the vials through the equipment. The cleaning of the vials may include a washing with detergent, water rinsing, and air and vacuum drying. Air is drawn through the paths to produce a completely dry product. Liquid is removed from the vials' bottoms by a vacuum underneath the paths.

Abstract: A vial washer in which the vials follow a serpentine path through several stages of cleaning. A sheet having the serpentine path in the form of an elongated slot guides the vials through their washing. Conveyor belts moving in opposite directions underneath the elongated slot move the vials in the directions through the equipment. The conveyor belts have an open grid allow for the passage of the cleaning liquids through them. The sheet with the cut-out slot may be replaced with a similar sheet with a different width of opening for bottles of differing sizes. The cleaning may include one or more stages of a detergent wash, water rinse, and air and vacuum drying. Slight deviations in the straight sections of the elongated slot will cause the vials to rotate so that all sides become clean.

Abstract: A cleaner for removing particulate matter on bottles moving on a conveyor line. As the bottles move along the conveyor, they contact brushes in the form of continuous, endless belts. The belt has motion relative to the bottles which it contacts. Preferably, the belt moves in the same direction, but faster than, the bottles. On the other side of the bottles, a screw auger having spaces large enough for the bottles to fit in may assure the correct motion of the bottles. Alternately, a brush also in contact with the bottles and on the other side of the belt brush may also help assure the proper cleaning of the bottles. The second brush may take the form of a rotating cylinder, a rotating auger formed of brush bristles, or even a second endless, continuous belt brush.

Abstract: A cleaner for removing particulate matter on bottles moving on a conveyor line. As the bottles move along the conveyor, they contact brushes in the form of continuous, endless belts. The belt has motion relative to the bottles which it contacts. Preferably, the belt moves in the same direction, but faster than, the bottles. On the other side of the bottles, a screw auger having spaces large enough for the bottles to fit in may assure the correct motion of the bottles. Alternately, a brush also in contact with the bottles and on the other side of the belt brush may also help assure the proper cleaning of the bottles. The second brush may take the form of a rotating cylinder, a rotating auger formed of brush bristles, or even a second endless, continuous belt brush.