Abstract: The circuit board plasma etching apparatus includes a preheating chamber, a plasma reaction chamber and a cooling chamber for etching circuit boards with plasma in a quasi continuous operation. The plasma reaction chamber is sealed by a gas-tight preheating sealing slide adjacent the preheating chamber and by a gas-tight cooling sealing slide adjacent the cooling chamber. A preheating door selectively closes the preheating entry end and a cooling door selectively closes the cooling chamber exit end. Boards to be etched are placed in printed circuit board cages supported by a guide rail within the chambers. The guide rail is separable into a preheating segment, a reaction chamber segment and a cooling segment contained within the respective chambers. A preheating chamber bellows allows axial movement of the preheating door, as does a cooling chamber bellows for the cooling chamber door. Axial displacement of the doors allows selective segmentation of the guide rail.

Abstract: A transportable treatment apparatus includes a multi-compartment unitary tank mounted within a support structure along with an oven extending over the tank area as well as tank circulation means upon a side support wherein the support is attachable at opposite ends to a respective wheeled carrier device and a track coupling trailer device so that the assembled unit may be transported down a roadway.

Abstract: An improved processing apparatus for a substrate surface, which provides uniform and smooth air flows A within the processing chamber 26, by which an even thin film of a processing solution can be formed on the substrate surface. Undersirable surplus processing solution is collected primarily in a first chamber 13. A second chamber 15 is provided which is separate from the first chamber and pneumatically communicated therewith through a slit 16.

Abstract: A resist developing apparatus comprising a developing tank consisting of a top portion, a body portion, and a bottom portion, at least one of the top, body, and bottom portions being comprised of an inner wall and an outer wall, a heat exchange chamber being defined between the inner and outer walls for being supplied with a heating medium; a chuck disposed inside the developing tank for holding a work piece in position, a nozzle for spraying chemical liquid toward the work piece held in position by the chuck; a heating medium supply unit for supplying heating medium at a specified temperature to the heat exchange chamber; and piping connecting between the heating medium supply unit and the heat exchange chamber, whereby the interior of the developing tank is adapted to be controlled to a specified temperature.

Abstract: A reflector apparatus with multiple reflecting facets for chemical vapor deposition reactors. For vertical and barrel reactors, the facets are annular and fit around the bell-jar shaped process enclosure. The facets may be adjusted by orienting or curving the reflecting facet surfaces so that the radiant energy from the reactor susceptor may be reflected back to the susceptor and wafers as desired for uniform heating of the processed semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: A thermographic printing machine has a powder applicator, a heating stage, and a cooling stage wherein the heating stage has a paper transport path which is sinuous and passes on both sides of a heater, the paper passing around rollers which define the ends of the transport path. The rollers at one end do not touch the printed surface of the paper and a guide shell prevents buckling. The machine can run much faster than any previous thermographic machine because of the compactness of the heater stage. The machine may have a re-folding device for continuous fan-folded paper, wherein the paper is drawn through the machine by a drive mechanism at the exit end of the machine prior to the re-folding stage, and wherein an adjustable linkage between the drive mechanism and the re-folding device ensures re-folding of fan-fold paper of different sheet lengths.

Abstract: The process provides for the firing in a furnace of ceramic bodies and their coating in an incandescent state on one face with dry granular or powdered glaze when all firing reactions of the ceramic bodies have substantially reached completion; a subsequent thermal treatment fires the glaze and gradually cools the tile.The apparatus for carrying out the process provides for a furnace for firing ceramic bodies, the furnace being divided into two section between which is a device for distributing glaze over the ceramic bodies conveyed to pass through the furnace.

Abstract: An upper crucible part comprises several chambers containing a supersaturated growth solution with which a semiconductor wafer is coated with a monocrystalline semiconductor layer by way of epitaxial growth. The semiconductor wafer is contained in a cassette-shaped lower part which is moved underneath the upper part. The coating itself is effected within a protective-gas atmosphere within a reaction space which, by a diffusion furnace, is heated up to a temperature which is very exactly adhered to.

Abstract: A vapor phase system for soldering of a workpiece. A vessel for containing an electronic liquid which is heated to generate a zone of saturated vapor. A first inclined throat communicates with the vessel and a solder pot is located within the vessel. The solder pot including a reservoir for containing molten solder, a second throat aligned with the first throat and communicating at one end with molten solder contained in the reservoir means and communicating at the other end with the saturated vapor, molten solder contained in the reservoir means is pumped through the second throat and is captured by the reservoir and a conveyor carries work product through the first throat, through the saturated vapor and into the second throat whereby the work product will become immersed in the molten solder contained within the second throat.

Abstract: A vapor phase processing machine is disclosed. The machine has an open tank which is sealed by a lid assembly which is universally free to move within selected limits established between the lid assembly and the closure arm to which it is secured.

Abstract: A barrel-type coating apparatus includes a perforated barrel rotatably and pivotably mounted on a frame, and a cup-shaped heating chamber slidably supported on the frame and reciprocably movable toward and away from the barrel for removably receiving therein the barrel from an open end thereof while the barrel is held in an upwardly tilted position. The cup-shaped heating chamber includes a heater mounted thereon for heating the atmosphere in the heating chamber and a paint-spraying nozzle projecting into the interior of the heating chamber. With this construction, the barrel atmosphere is heated and cooled immediately after the barrel has been received in and removed from the hot atmosphere in the preheated heating chamber so that the paint-spraying, setting, baking and cooling steps can be carried out at a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: A vessel contains a volume of solder and a volume of electronic liquid floats on the solder. A heater heats the electronic liquid to generate a zone of saturated vapor and to transfer heat to the solder across the interface therebetween. Hot saturated vapor is drawn downwardly through a manifold in the solder. To heat the solder, means for conveying work product to the saturated vapor zone, and molten solder is applied to work product which is conveyed through the saturated vapor zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating particulate granules is disclosed. The method is practiced by providing a fluidized charge of granules suspended in a flow of a drying gas within a rotating perforated coating pan. A portion of the fluidized granules is drawn along the pan's surface to a position above the fluidized charge of granules and allowed to cascade back into the fluidized charge. Flow of the drying gas is concentrated in the vicinity of the granules movement, and a coating material is dispensed onto the moving granules. The apparatus disclosed comprises a rotating perforated pan having gas inlet and exhaust plenums in contact with the rotating pan's exterior. The inlet plenum introduces a stream of drying gas to fluidize and suspend the agitated granules; the outlet plenum exhausts the drying gas and thereby draws granules along the pan's inner surface to the outlet plenum's position.

Abstract: A treatment tank (14) for the tinning of printed-circuit boards with a continuous interior chamber (22) has a bottom tank portion (16) joined to a wider upper tank portion (20) by sloping wall sections (18). The heatable bottom tank portion (16) is filled with molten solder (24) over whose surface in the upper tank portion (20) a highly heatable thermofor oil heated approximately at the temperature of the molten solder is poured. Under the surface of the thermofor oil, in the upper tank portion there are disposed two spaced apart jet-nozzle tubes (32) with nozzles (34) aimed toward one another and inclined slightly downwardly from which thermofor oil delivered by a pump (38) can be squirted onto a printed-circuit board (12) drawn upwardly between the jet-nozzle tubes (32) after immersion into the molten solder.

Abstract: In a rotary drum spray grainer there is provided a solid product material exit at the same end as the inlet hot air so that air classification of the solid product material according to size is achieved while the solid product material passes counter-current to the inlet hot air as the solid product material exits the drum.

Abstract: A solder leveling system for use in vapor phase soldering of printed wiring boards. A transport system operating in a near-horizontal mode moves the board to be solder coated through a vapor zone in a chamber having a solder pot which has a throat in line with the plane of the transport system. The near-horizontal movement through the vapor and into and out of the solder pot prevents solder sag and permits control of the thickness of solder deposited on the opposing board surfaces. Leveling nozzles are positioned in a vapor-filled chamber astride the transport system between the solder pot and the chamber throat. Perpendicular nozzle offset distance from the board and nozzle angle are adjustable. Preferably one nozzle projects a stream normal to the board, with the other nozzle projecting a grazing stream for clearing through holes. A nozzle flow rate corresponding to a predetermined energy threshold provides reliable hole clearing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rotating printing device and process for transferring a product from an engraved printing cylinder to a continuously moving web. A press or presser roller is adapted to provide a contact zone with the web and to apply the contact zone against the printing cylinder during the transfer of the product to the web. The device includes an enclosure adapted to enclose both the contact zone and a container for containing the product. Gas flow means are included for providing a flow of temperature controlled gas so as the temperature of the contact zone and the temperature in the product container at substantially equal. The process includes the step of flowing a gas in the enclosure to substantially equalize temperature of the contact zone and in the product container.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating steel objects with an alloy of zinc and aluminium. The steel objects are preheated in a furnace to within 400.degree.-950.degree. C. within a protective reducing gas, and then introduced into a zinc bath containing about 5% aluminium in a cage. After a predetermined time, the cage is raised out of the bath into a centrifuging chamber having an oxygen-free atmosphere therein.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for applying a coating material to a sheet material which is particularly useful in connection with preventing evaporation or drying out of the coating material when the apparatus is not in use. The apparatus basically includes a reservoir for containing a supply of coating material and an applicator roll having an applicator surface or surfaces thereon which is rotatably mounted in the reservoir so that coating material is received by the applicator surfaces and applied to the sheet material which is placed in contact therewith during rotation of the applicator roll.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a thin, adhesive coating to plate-shaped bodies of glazed ceramic, e.g., tiles, glass or enamel. To this end, there are provided: a heated tank for receiving the dipping liquid; a cover hood shielding the tank and the liquid bath from the environment and comprising inlet and outlet slits for the plate-shaped bodies; a cooling device arranged in the cover hood; a conveyor mechanism extending from the inlet to the outlet slit on a downwardly curved path through the tank and a mechanism for adjustment of the length of the dipping section to lower and raise the liquid level in the tank.

Abstract: In a rotary drum spray grainer there is provided a deflector plate overlying the spraying nozzles in the spraying zone to provide a drying zone where spray grained particles fall in a substantially uninterrupted downward path through the drying gas.

Abstract: In a rotary drum spray grainer there are provided adjustable spraying nozzles in the spraying zone to achieve optimum spray pattern dispersion on the spray grained particles as the particles fall through the spraying zone.

Abstract: A seed coating machine comprising an upper mixing drum wherein a liquid adhesive coating is applied to seed and where the rate of application is regulated by a valve controlled by the seed feeder. Coated seed is dried to a state of tackiness and passed to a second, lower mixing drum. A variety of powders are applied onto the tacky seed after being mixed and sifted in a screen distributor. The resulting coated seed has an outer powder layer which adheres to the inner adhesive coating.

Abstract: In a drum which is rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation, inlet and outlet lines for a gas, for drying a material contained in the drum, are connected to an immersion body. The immersion body has inlet and outlet openings for the gas and is disposed within the drum to be immersed in the material. The immersion body contains a tunnel through which the material can flow and has arranged in its interior at least some of the inlet and outlet openings for the gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for staining biological slides comprises a support housing; a slide conveyor assembly mounted within the support housing and including a slide support tray for holding a plurality of biological slides; a stain dispensing assembly within the support housing, having a plurality of dispensers adapted to be located above the slide support tray; and a stain removal assembly located within the support housing adjacent the dispensers, and including a fluid drain and a fluid evaporator. The slide tray is manually inserted and removed from the support housing, and is adapted to hold the slides throughout the entire staining process to minimize slide damage. Only two fluids, a stain and a buffer, are required and the entire procedure may be completed within seven minutes.

Abstract: A dual-purpose production plant for cold rolled steel sheets and hot-dip galvanized steel sheets having, successively disposed in series, a heating zone, a soaking zone, a primary cooling zone, an overaging zone equipped with a controlled cooling facility, a molten galvanizing zone, an intermediate cooling means, a secondary cooling zone, a temper rolling means, and a chemical treatment means, and a bypass for directly connecting the overaging zone and the secondary cooling zone with each other.

Abstract: A machine for applying a layer of cement along the outer circumference of a tire for the purposes of retreading the tire, the machine comprises an air blower for removing dust adhered to the tire after the buffing process, a tire cart carrier which automatically raises the tire into spraying position and a spray head which applies a layer of cement on the outer circumference of the tire as the tire is rotated upon the tire cart carrier. The cement spraying machine is enclosed within a vent hood which is associated with a blower to vent all fumes from the spraying area. The tire cart carrier comprises a rotating support structure for contacting the upper bead of the tire and a weighted centering beam which contacts the lower bead of the tire as the tire cart carrier is raised into spraying position. The centering beam centers the rotating tire on the rotating support structure during spraying.

Abstract: Device for effecting protective treatments on manufactures in concrete constituted of the combination in a single apparatus of a panel for the heating of the surface to be treated provided with means for establishing on the surface itself a constant flow of hot air with the possibility to regulate the temperature, and of an assembly being apt to impregnate with a catalyzed monomer the surface of the already heat-treated concrete and to polymerize with hot water the catalyzed monomer once it has been absorbed by the manufacture itself.

Abstract: A process for preparing a surface for adhesive bonding to a second surface having the steps of abrasion cleaning the surface and then applying an adhesive thereon, wherein the improvement over prior art processes comprises the displacement of atmospheric gases from the surface by means of a dry inert gas. The abrasion cleaning is preferably achieved by bombarding the surface with particulate matter and removing the particulate matter before application of adhesive to the surface. The process is suitable for preparing metal surfaces for metal to metal bonds.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing lithographic plates after they have been exposed and developed having a system for feeding plates forward one after another in a predetermined path with the exposed and developed face of the plate facing up, a heating system for heating each plate as it travels along said path, a system for blowing air on each plate to cool it, a system for spraying water on and scrubbing the upper face of each plate for washing it, and a system for delivering preservative onto and rubbing it over the upper face of each plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for curing coatings applied to can seams during manufacturing the cans on a can assembly line. The method includes placing the cans on a conveyor then exposing the coatings on the cans to infrared radiation from a plurality of serially arranged lamp modules as the cans are moved on the conveyor. The apparatus for carrying out the method includes a conveyor, a variable speed motor for driving the conveyor and a plurality of independently controlled, variable intensity, infrared lamp modules positioned serially along the length of the conveyor. By adjusting the speed of the conveyor and the intensity of each lamp module, the temperature profile at which the coatings are cured can be adjusted in accordance with the characteristics of the particular coating. Adjustment of the height of the module above the can will also affect the curing temperature profile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semi-open method of growing an epitaxial HgCdTe layer on a CdTe substrate, including the steps of placing the CdTe substrate and a growth solution of Hg, Cd, and Te within a pressure and temperature controlled container, flowing an inert gas under pressure through the container to reduce the vaporization of Hg from the solution, establishing a cooling zone within the container to condense Hg vaporized from the solution, increasing the temperature of the solution for a time sufficient to react the Hg and Cd with the Te in the solution, reducing the temperature of the solution, establishing contact between the solution and the substrate, maintaining the solution at a temperature sufficient to melt the substrate for a time sufficient to eliminate a Hg vapor diffused layer, reducing the temperature of the solution to near the saturation temperature, and reducing the temperature of the solution at a rate sufficient to cause the solution to crystallize in an HgCdTe layer on the CdTe substrate.

Abstract: Semiconductor compounds which are alloys of group III-V compounds are grown by a liquid phase epitaxy method which includes heating growth apparatus in a reducing atmosphere while maintaining a solvent for the compound, a source of the group III-V compound and another element of the alloy separate from each other. After heating to reduce oxides, the element is added to the solvent, the source is brought into contact with the solvent and the resulting solution is brought into contact with a substrate to effect growth of the compound. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: A closed apparatus (10) and method for coating the interior of a tank (12) includes a plurality of interconnected conduits (36, 40, 60, 178), valves (34, 58) and a pump (62) for supplying a coating solution to the tank and draining the tank while containing deleterious fumes. Another plurality of conduits (66, 42), valve (64), and a pump (68) can work therewith to supply a hot curing solution to the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for the staining of a plurality of biological slides which comprises a slide support tray adapted to hold a plurality of slides in parallel position adjacent each other, a support tray rack assembly adapted to slidably receive said support tray, said rack assembly including a stain composition dispensing assembly providing a plurality of dispensing spigots, said spigots mounted on said rack assembly in overhead relation to said support tray when said support tray is fully received within said rack assembly, and means for removing excess stain composition and drying said slides, wherein said support tray is adapted for removable insertion and securement within said rack assembly. The apparatus of the present invention is contained within a central housing which also includes a single slide staining apparatus comprising a reciprocable slide support tray slidably connected to a separate rack assembly.

Abstract: A method of automatic underwater painting over metal surfaces of ships and offshore constructions is disclosed, which broadly comprises the steps of freely running a painting machine along the metal surface, sealably attaching the machine onto the metal surface of a location as desired and thereby forming a painting chamber over the metal surface for painting, transferring the water within the painting chamber to a ballast tank of the machine, and while paint jetting nozzles of the machine being reciprocated within the painting chamber, jetting a paint to effect an even painting over a wide area of the metal surface. The painting machine, which is also disclosed, includes an improved maneuvering mechanism, improved buoyancy adjusting mechanism, improved waterproof electromagnet, nozzle driving mechanism and paint circulation system.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing blood samples containing red blood cells for automated analysis wherein the blood sample on a slide is spun to create a monolayer of randomly distributed red blood cells. To inhibit cell morphology distortions from occurring during drying, the morphologies of the cells contained in the monolayer are preserved by a fixing agent after monolayer preparation but prior to drying when such distortions would otherwise develop. The method and apparatus are particularly useful for fixing red blood cells to prevent loss of or deformation of a central pallor which would be detrimental to a subsequent automated analysis.

Abstract: A system and process is disclosed for eliminating paint solvents released during paint spraying operations into the circulated air including a liquid spray solvent stripper over which the exhaust air is passed, and a heating and cooling arrangement for regenerating the solvent absorber liquid. A heat exchanger recovering heat from an incinerator vaporizes the solvent and the absorber is recovered by being passed over cooling coils in a condensing chamber. The exhaust air is treated with a water circulation system to remove paint solids, a proportion of the solvent vapors passing into solution with the treatment water. A solvent stripper is provided consisting of an arrangement for applying a vacuum to the water circulated from a paint solid removal unit, causing the solvent to be vaporized out of solution, with the vapors condensed by being passed over cooling coils in a condensing chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a coating composition to an article and drying the solvent from the so applied coating prior to introduction of the coated article into the ambient atmosphere, comprising a housing or chamber in a generally "J" shape in which the small upwardly turned portion of the "J" defines an inner compartment isolated from the ambient atmosphere by the "J" configuration when the chamber is filled with a volatile solvent vapor and the inner compartment vapors are at an elevated temperature with respect to the remainder of the vapors in the chamber. The apparatus is provided with condensing means at the ambient atmosphere entrance and exit, a source of solvent vapors which may be integral with the chamber, and a means to introduce heat to the vapors and articles when they are in the inner compartment.

Abstract: A tool assembly is provided for maintaining and repairing the runner surfaces and edges of skis. The basic unit of the assembly is a hand held tool to which blades may be attached for planing or scraping the running surface and longitudinal center groove of the ski. The basic unit also has provisions for mounting a flat file to file and sharpen the metal edges of the skis. A waxing attachment for applying a uniform wax coating to the ski is also provided along with a polishing unit. The assembly further includes a base and heater with a wax reservoir.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating timbers, such as railroad ties and the like, which comprises at least one pressure sealed tube or pipe filled with the treating fluid normally utilized for treating timbers, and of a size for receiving the timbers in sequential end-to-end relation for longitudinal movement therethrough. The timbers are initially loaded into the treating pipe through one end thereof from a movable tube containing a single timber therein, with the single timber being ejected from the movable tube into the treating tube by a suitable ram member, such as a hydraulic piston. As timber after timber is introduced into the fluid filled treating pipe, each timber pushes the preceding timber longitudinally through the pipe and the timbers absorb the treating fluid during the longitudinal passage through the filled pipe.

Abstract: A device for coating wire tire cord on a spool with an agent for increasing the bond between the wire tire cord and rubber material used in the production of tires. The device is composed of at least one hollow pipe which forms a chamber in which the spools of wire are coated. The pipe is declined to help facilitate movement of the spools of wire through the pipe and allow drainage of any trapped liquid from the pipe. A hydraulic cylinder is provided adjacent the mouth of the pipe to engage and push a number of spools, in tandem, through the pipe in axially aligned, end-to-end relation. Means are supplied for circulating a liquid, containing the agent, into the chamber and for alternately creating a vacuum and pressure within the chamber to increase penetration of the liquid coating into the interstices between segments of wire cord wrapped on the spools. Other means are provided for circulating a heated fluid in the chamber to dry the liquid coating on the wire of each spool being treated.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a bump-plating on one surface of a semiconductor wafer, which comprises a plurality of cup-shaped plating basins and a plurality of holders, each of the holders being engageable with a relevant one of the basins to set a semiconductor wafer horizontally, in which the underside of the wafer is contacted with plating liquid vertically blown up, the respective plating basins having an annular protrusion provided on the inner peripheral surface thereof to thereby bias internally a portion of plating liquid blown up along the inner surface of the plating basin so as to contact uniformly the plating liquid to the underside of the wafer as well as to average electric field density applied on the wafer surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for bump-plating on one surface of a semiconductor wafer, in which the upper surface of a horizontally set semiconductor wafer that is not to be plated has a gas, blown thereon preferably with an inert gas, and the lower surface of the wafer is contacted with plating liquid that is blown vertically upward, to thereby prevent the non-plated surface from being contacted by with the plating liquid without usage of any coatings such as photoresist to being applied thereon so as to facilitate the bump-plating of semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: The specification discloses a paint spray booth adapted to provide radiant heat to an object in preparing the object for painting. The booth chamber includes a structure for housing a vehicle or other objects to be painted with tubing fixed in surface contact with the sides of the structure. A system for circulating a heated fluid, such as water, through the tubes is provided to thereby heat the walls of the structure. The heated fluid is circulated through the tubing being heated by a boiler unit and driven by a standard pump acting in conjunction with a thermostat and the boiler. The tubing in the walls is insulated to direct radiant heat into the structure whereby the object to be painted is heated and kept at an optimum drying temperature.

Abstract: The velocity of a free falling coating composition stream emitted from a coating applicator is altered prior to reaching a web by streams of gas directed over air foils situated immediately adjacent said coating composition stream.

Abstract: A traveling web is coated on both sides with an aqueous coating composition by a method that utilizes apparatus providing two coating stations. The two coating stations are spaced from each other in the direction of travel of the web and each station includes a backing roll, a doctor blade and a device for applying coating composition to one side of the traveling web. One side of the web is brought into contact with the backing roll at the first coating station and aqueous coating composition is applied to the other side of the web. The web is then passed between the backing roll and the doctor blade at the first coating station. At the second coating station, the coated side of the web is juxtaposed with the backing roll and aqueous coating composition is applied to the uncoated side of the web. The web is passed between the backing roll and the doctor blade at the second coating station, while the doctor blade is maintained in contact with the coating composition applied at the second coating station.

Abstract: A device for coating wire tire cord on a spool with an agent for increasing the bond between the wire tire cord and rubber material used in the production of tires. The device is composed of at least one hollow pipe which forms a chamber in which the spools of wire are coated. A hydraulic cylinder is provided adjacent the mouth of the pipe to engage and push a number of spools, in tandem, through the pipe in axially aligned, end-to-end relation. Means are supplied for circulating a liquid, containing the agent, into the chamber and for alternately creating a vacuum and pressure within the chamber to increase penetration of the liquid coating into the interstices between segments of wire cord wrapped on the spools. Other means are provided for circulating a heated fluid in the chamber to dry the liquid coating on the wire of each spool being treated.

Abstract: A single chamber type coating and baking apparatus which includes a chamber having one opening through the ceiling and two openings through the floor. A means for discharging the air within the chamber to the outside is connected to one of the openings through the floor. There are means for generating and directing hot wind toward the opening in the ceiling, and a means for recycling the air in the chamber to the hot wind generating means which is connected to the inlet side of the means for generating hot wind at one end and at the other end to one of the openings in the floor part of said chamber. Also, a means is provided for introducing fresh air into the system and is connected to the recycling means.

Abstract: Drum-type continuous washer for small parts in manufacture, e.g., fasteners. The parts, requiring oil and other soil removal, are tumble-washed therein, in steps in order: at an immersion station for tumbling the soaking parts in hot washing liquid; at a liquid-impingement station for loosening and spraying off the wetted soils by the force and cleaning action of impinged, hot sprays of continuously recycled washing liquid; at a drip-dry station for tumbling off excess liquid from within and without the individual tumbling parts, leaving them wet and hot; at a blow-dry station for rendering the hot parts damp by means of compressing and blowing-on hot, recycling-steamy atmosphere drawn from the process and preferably containing rust-inhibitor coating material; and at an evaporative dry (final dry) station for discharging the cleaned, hot, rust-proofed parts essentially moisture-free by flash drying.