Abstract: A residue removal device includes an object, a sink, and a conveying device. The object includes a contact surface. Residue exists on the contact surface. A solution is contained in the sink. The sink is disposed below the contact surface. The solution corresponds to the contact surface. The conveying device drives the relative motion between the object and the sink. When the residues on the contact surface are contacted by the solution and relative motion is generated between the residues of the contact surface and the solution, the residues are removed by the solution.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning paint accessories and particularly roller covers and/or other paint accessories simultaneously or individually. A spray head has a fluid inlet engageable to a source of fluid and a fluid collection chamber in communication with the fluid inlet. A plurality of spray apertures are radially spaced within the spray head to be adjacent the nap of a roller cover during use. A sealing surface positioned within the radius of the spray apertures seals off an end of the roller cover. A housing having an inner cavity for receiving a roller cover has a diameter sized to create cleansing fluid flow through the nap of a roller cover. A plurality of outlet apertures in communication with the inner cavity are radially spaced to be adjacent a nap portion of a roller cover during use. A plurality of decreased diameter nestable sleeves adapted to fit in the housing are also provided to accommodate variously circumferentially dimensioned paint rollers.

Abstract: A load sensing system for maximizing the cleaning efficiency of particulate raw materials such as sand, gravel, rock, ores, etc., in a log washer by sensing the weight of the aggregate in the log washer tank and adjusting the angle of inclination of the tank for cleaning efficiency. The system includes a log washer tank pivoted at its lower end and supported by hydraulic cylinders at its upper end. A height sensor detects changes in the weight of the load and raises or lowers the upper end of the tank when low or high pressure limits are exceeded through solenoid activated hydraulic valves.

Abstract: Dispensing device of washing agents for a dishwashing machine, of the type comprises a body (2) to be fastened to a surface or wall delimiting a washing tub, having at least a portion of said body (2) protruding inside the washing tub; said dispenser (1) has at least a tank (11) for containing a liquid washing agent, means for dosing and/or dispensing a dose of liquid washing agent, a filling port (10) through which the liquid washing agent can be introduced into the tank (11), and closing means (15) of the filling port (10). According to the invention, the closing means (15) are capable of at least two different operating positions, where in one position they are apt to receive the liquid washing agent and direct it or convey it to the filling port (10), in order to fill the tank (11).

Abstract: A programmable microcomputer controlled load sensing system for maximizing the cleaning efficiency of particulate raw materials such as sand, gravel, rock, ores, etc. in a log washer by sensing the weight of the aggregate in the log washer tank and adjusting the angle of inclination of the tank for cleaning efficiency. The system includes a log washer tank pivoted at its lower end and supported by hydraulic cylinders at its upper end. A high/low pressure sensor detects changes in the weight of the load by changes in hydraulic fluid pressure communicated to the microcomputer, and raises or lowers the upper end of the tank when the programmed low or high pressure limits are exceeded through solenoid activated hydraulic valves.

Abstract: An oscillating machine for washing trays. The machine includes a housing, a frame, a water system, and an air system. The frame is oscillatingly mounted in the housing and holds the trays to be washed. The water system is contained in the housing and supplies water to wash the trays. The air system is contained in the housing and supplies air to dry the trays.

Abstract: A mobile cleaning workbench that may be used for manually washing equipment components, parts or other articles is provided. The cleaning station provides a source of water or other cleaning liquid for use in the washing of an article in a wash basin. A drain is provided for removal of cleaning liquid from the wash basin. Since some chemicals produce vapors which are emitted as chemical-laden articles are moved about, alternative embodiments of the invention include a ventilation exhaust system that removes the vapors from the washing area and transfers them to a remote location via appropriate ducting.

Abstract: A load sensing system for maximizing the cleaning efficiency of particulate raw materials such as sand, gravel, rock, ores, etc. in a log washer by sensing the weight of the aggregate in the log washer tank and adjusting the angle of inclination of the tank for cleaning efficiency. The system includes a log washer tank pivoted at its lower end and supported by hydraulic cylinders at its upper end. A high/low pressure sensor detects changes in the weight of the load by changes in hydraulic fluid pressure, and raises or lowers the upper end of the tank when low or high pressure limits are exceeded through solenoid activated hydraulic valves.

Abstract: A processing apparatus essentially includes a rotatable rotor 21 for carrying semiconductor wafers W, a motor 22 for driving to rotate the rotor 21, a plurality of processing chambers for surrounding the wafers W carried by the rotor 21, for example, an inner chamber 23 and an outer chamber 24, a chemical supplying unit 50, an IPA supplying unit 60, a rinse supplying unit 70 and a drying fluid supplying unit 80. With this constitution of the apparatus, it is possible to prevent the wafers from being contaminated due to the reaction of treatment liquids of different kinds, with the improvement of processing efficiency and miniaturization of the apparatus.

Abstract: A jar fillable with cleaning fluid has a lid with a suspension system for roller bearings hanging from the inside of the lid. On each of two or more suspension systems, bearings are interwoven between two sides of an overlapping plastic tie looped through a securing loop in the lid. Any desired number of bearings of various sizes and shapes are secured, with a synching of the tie at the bottom, in an alternating array with all bearings parallel, no bearings touching, and each bearing positioned to receive a flow of cleaning fluid through it. The container is shaken in a direction perpendicular to each bearing for maximum cleaning. The bearings are installed by screwing on the lid and removed by removal of the lid.

Abstract: A liquid process tank that provides a quick dump feature includes a fixed bottom wall assembly and moveable tank side walls that contain liquid and also act as a quick dump valve for the liquid. The bottom wall assembly includes an acoustic transducer secured thereto. The tank side walls are secured to a plurality of linear actuators adapted for vertical movement. A seal is secured to the lower edge of the side wall assembly to impinge on a land surface that extends about the perimeter of the bottom wall assembly. The linear actuators are retracted to draw join the bottom and side wall assemblies to retain liquid, or activated in unison to drive the tank walls upwardly from the fixed bottom wall assembly, creating a bottom opening in the tank that quickly discharges all the liquid from the tank.

Abstract: A guide wire holding apparatus includes a tray, one or more raised corrugated areas, a fluid source, a syringe, a valve, a drainage system, and one or more coupling devices. Each of the one or more raised corrugated areas is located on the inner surface of the tray and includes one or more slots. A reservoir is formed by the inner surface of the tray and the tray end caps. A flow of fluid provided by the fluid source or the syringe and controlled by the valve partially fills the reservoir. The height of the fluid in the reservoir is partially controlled by the location of the cap hole. Preferably, the cap hole is located at a height that causes the guide wire, which is shown resting in a slot formed in the one or more raised corrugated areas, to be slightly submerged when fluid is flowing from the fluid source or syringe to the drainage system.

Abstract: A household dishwashing machine of the type having a wash chamber in the form of a drawer, with the drawing being moveable between a lowered to a raised position for facile loading and unloading of the dishes.

Abstract: A guide wire holding apparatus includes a tray, one or more raised corrugated areas, a fluid source, a syringe, a valve, a drainage system, and one or more coupling devices. Each of the one or more raised corrugated areas is located on the inner surface of the tray and includes one or more slots. A reservoir is formed by the inner surface of the tray and the tray end caps. A flow of fluid provided by the fluid source or the syringe and controlled by the valve partially fills the reservoir. The height of the fluid in the reservoir is partially controlled by the location of the cap hole. Preferably, the cap hole is located at a height that causes the guide wire, which is shown resting in a slot formed in the one or more raised corrugated areas, to be slightly submerged when fluid is flowing from the fluid source or syringe to the drainage system.

Abstract: A jar fillable with cleaning fluid has a lid with a suspension system for roller bearings hanging from the inside of the lid. On each of two or more suspension systems, bearings are interwoven between two sides of an overlapping plastic tie looped through a securing loop in the lid. Any desired number of bearings of various sizes and shapes are secured, with a synching of the tie at the bottom, in an alternating array with all bearings parallel, no bearings touching, and each bearing positioned to receive a flow of cleaning fluid through it. The container is shaken in a direction perpendicular to each bearing for maximum cleaning. The bearings are installed by screwing on the lid and removed by removal of the lid.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus having a cleaning system including at least one downwardly directed spray nozzle is supported by the chassis proximal the chassis forward end and in fluid communication with at least one cleaning solution tank. The at least one spray nozzle sprays cleaning solution from the tank onto the floor. At least one ground engaging agitation brush is disposed rearwardly of the at least one spray nozzle for agitating the cleaning solution sprayed onto the floor. At least one vacuum shoe is supported by the chassis rearwardly of the at least one agitation brush, and in fluid communication with the at least one recovery tank, wherein cleaning solution drawn into the vacuum shoe is deposited into the at least one recovery tank. In one embodiment the apparatus is drivable. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a second cleaning system including a vacuum squeegee.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cleaning a torch for a vertical furnace used in semiconductor processing are disclosed. The apparatus is constructed by two main components of a basket-shaped fixture body and a cleaning bath. The fixture body is formed of cylindrical shape with a top ring, a bottom ring and three support rods connecting the two rings together. The top ring is provided with an outwardly extending flange portion for engaging an opening in a cleaning bath for supporting and suspending the fixture body in the bath. The bottom ring is equipped with a pair of symmetrically positioned, inwardly extending arcuate-shaped flange portions adapted for supporting an edge of a bottom surface of the furnace torch in the cleaning bath.

Abstract: A system for dispensing, collecting, and processing wash fluid includes a first movable support frame including a first tank that stores clean wash fluid, a first pump that pressurizes the clean wash fluid and delivers the pressurized wash fluid to a dispenser, a second tank that stores used wash fluid, and at least one of a separator unit and a reverse osmosis unit that process used wash fluid delivered from the second tank. A second movable support frame includes a used washed fluid collection area and a second pump at one end that transfers the collected wash fluid back to the second tank of the first movable support frame through a conduit. The second movable support frame also includes an inclination adjustment mechanism that adjusts the inclination of the second movable support frame so that the collected fluid is supplied to the second pump.

Abstract: A processing apparatus essentially includes a rotatable rotor 21 for carrying semiconductor wafers W, a motor 22 for driving to rotate the rotor 21, a plurality of processing chambers for surrounding the wafers W carried by the rotor 21, for example, an inner chamber 23 and an outer chamber 24, a chemical supplying unit 50, an IPA supplying unit 60, a rinse supplying unit 70 and a drying fluid supplying unit 80. With this constitution of the apparatus, it is possible to prevent the wafers from being contaminated due to the reaction of treatment liquids of different kinds, with the improvement of processing efficiency and miniaturization of the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising first and second containers for holding contact lens care compositions and contact lens cases, respectively. The first container defines a chamber adapted to hold contact lens care composition. The second container defines a compartment and is adapted to be removably secured to the first container such that the second container extends outwardly away from the first container with the second container removably secured to the first container. The second container is adapted to accommodated one or more contact lens accessory items in a side-by-side relationship. The contact lens accessory items are preferably selected from the group consisting of a contact lens holder, a supply of enzyme tablets and an information pamphlet.

Abstract: A device for washing and drying foods has an elastic sleeve-shaped body having two opposite ends, one of the ends being fixable elastically and water tightly onto an edge of a container, a filter provided with a plurality of openings for water to run through and arranged in another end of the body and a closing cap adapted to close and to open the filter.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a cleaning device for jewelry comprising a container having a top rim, side walls, and a bottom; a mesh liner operatively arranged to be removably secured within the container and proximate the side walls and bottom; a lid having an outer and inner surface, the lid operatively arranged to be secured to the top rim to seal the container; and, a foam member secured to the inner surface of the lid. The invention also includes a new method of cleaning and polishing jewelry, comprising the steps of immersing the jewelry in liquid cleaning solution contained in a foam-lined sealed container; and, agitating said cleaning solution. An alternative method includes a preliminary step of coating the jewelry to be cleaned with polishing compound prior to immersion.

Abstract: A method for separating a substance such as a hydrocarbon from a particulate material such as soil is provided. An aqueous slurry is formed and a shear force is applied to the slurry, such as in a reversible helical screw conveyor, while the slurry is vibrated. The substance thus separated can then be removed from the particulate material.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing magnetic particles including a well plate for receiving an array tube holder having x rows of tubes, each tube containing magnetic particles, the well plate having (x+1) rows of wells for enabling the array tube holder to be shifted from a first position to a second position. The apparatus also includes ((x/2)+1) rows of magnets asymmetrically positioned within the well plate adjacent to the rows of wells. Placing the array tube holder in the first position causes magnetic fields produced by each magnet to attract the magnetic particles in the x rows of tubes to one side of each tube, and shifting the array tube holder to the second position reverses the magnetic fields, causing the magnetic particles to stream across to the other side of each tube. The array tube holder may be a 96 tube array tube holder (8 rows by 12 columns) in which case, the well plate includes 108 wells (9 rows by 12 columns) for simultaneously washing 96 tubes.

Abstract: A portable power-cleaning device for use with commonly available containers includes a pulsation device consisting of an electric motor with a shaft, an eccentric weight attached to the motor shaft, a speed control for the motor, and a mount that connects the motor to an adjustable bracket. A clamp or strap attaches the adjustable bracket to a container, and a cover protects the user from contact with the motor, electronic controls, and the eccentric weight.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising first and second containers for holding contact lens care compositions and contact lens cases, respectively. The first container defines a chamber adapted to hold contact lens care composition. The second container defines a compartment and is adapted to be removably secured to the first container such that the second container extends outwardly away from the first container with the second container removably secured to the first container. The second container is adapted to accommodated one or more contact lens accessory items in a side-by-side relationship. The contact lens accessory items are preferably selected from the group consisting of a contact lens holder, a supply of enzyme tablets and an information pamphlet.

Abstract: The cleaning container for spectacles comprises a cap and a bellows arranged on the bottom of the cleaning container, the spectacles to be cleaned being adapted to be clamped longitudinally between the cap and the bellows. For mounting the bellows, the circumferential wall of the cleaning container has provided therein a plurality of indentations which are evenly distributed over the circumference and form inwardly projecting noses which grip over the bellows in an axially slightly compressed state. The mounting of the cleaning container is thereby simplified, and the shape of the indentations guarantees that upon axial compression the bellows can always return into the initial state without getting jammed.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and storing pacifiers, comprising an essentially cylindrical body containing two compartments, the first being vertically disposed above the second. The first compartment is designed for cleaning a pacifier and has a water-tight, screw-on lid. The lid contains a channel for accommodating a strap which is used to conveniently attach the apparatus to a baby stroller or other location. The second compartment has a snap-on lid and is designed for the sanitary transportation of a spare pacifier.

Abstract: A system for abrasively cleaning small parts, and a container for holding small parts undergoing abrasive cleaning. An abrasive cleaning cabinet has a bottom member and a cover hingedly connected to the bottom member. The cover is pivotable between a closed position in which the cover is closed against the bottom member to define a cleaning chamber therewithin and an open position permitting access into the cleaning chamber. The cover has a viewing window and a pair of arm apertures through it, with a glove attached to each arm aperture and extending into the cleaning chamber to permit insertion of a person's hands through the arm apertures and into the gloves in the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising first and second containers for holding contact lens care compositions and contact lens cases, respectively. The first container defines a chamber adapted to hold contact lens care composition and has an outlet. The second container defines a compartment and is adapted to be removably secured to the first container such that the second container extends outwardly away from the first container with the second container removably secured to the first container. A closure assembly is preferably provided and is coupled to the outlet of the first container. The closure assembly includes a passageway in fluid communication with the outlet and is adapted to provide for egress of the contact lens care composition from the chamber. A cap member is adapted to be moved between an open position in which the passageway is open and a closed position in which the passageway is closed.

Abstract: A soft contact lens cleaning device is disclosed which imparts a high amplitude short duration mechanically generated force to the lenses while the lenses are stored within their standard storage case. The shock of the force dislodges protein, film and other buildups which become attached to the lens surface while being worn in the eyes of a user. Embodiments are disclosed comprising leaf, coil and torsional spring members along with a solenoid member.

Abstract: A new Nonsplashing Washing System for preventing splashing of a hazardous liquid when cleaning parts and for preventing the hazardous liquid from igniting by using a fire retarding screen. The inventive device includes a solvent container, a compression spring within the solvent container, a cleaning solvent partially filling the solvent container, and a fire retarding screen within the solvent container engaging the compression spring.

Abstract: An cleaning mechanism especially well suited for agricultural products in which the agricultural products are moved by a flow of water through a channel in which the water is agitated by vibration of the channel. The agitation of the water, together with contact with other products, dislodges dirt, rocks, and other debris from the products. The dislodged debris settles into troughs at the bottom of the channel. The washed agricultural products fall over a baffle at the end of the channel and are ready for packaging. In one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning system is conveyed through the agricultural field to clean the product immediately after harvest so that the agriculture product leaves the field in a wrapped or packaged state.

Abstract: A method and kit for cleaning jewelry and small paits to 95% and greater clean. A holding basket has a plurality of apertures formed therein, and is adapted to securely retain jewelry and small parts therein. Jewelry is placed in the holding basket and dunked into a container filled with cleaning solution to coat the jewelry with cleaning solution. The holding basket is removed from the container of cleaning solution, and is placed in an automatic dishwasher and run through a wash cycle and dry cycle, thereby exposing the jewelry to impinging water and the action of steam to remove the cleaning solution and grime from the jewelry and small parts. The steam helps prevents formation of water spots. The kit includes a hinged jewelry holding basket with handles and a container filled with cleaning solution. The hinged jewelry holding basket is sized to be dunked into the cleaning solution.

Abstract: A bearing cleaning apparatus contains a cage assembly (14), bottle (10), and cap (12). The cage assembly (14) includes rectangular-shaped vertical side arms (16) which define one or more channels (26) in which one or more circular bearings (20) may be placed. The cage assembly (14) contains perforations (28) to facilitate solvent flow through the bearings (20) and through the cage assembly (14). The cage assembly (14) also includes shoulders (30) at the bottom of the assembly (14), a closure mechanism (22) at the top of the assembly (14), and flanges (44) in order to prevent the bearings (20) from exiting the cage assembly (14) during cleaning.

Abstract: A rice washing apparatus comprising a rice washing apparatus body including a rice washing vessel portion and a carryout portion formed on an upper outer periphery of the rice washing vessel portion and a lid adapted to cover an upper opening portion of the carryout portion, the rice washing vessel portion including a nozzle port formed in a central area of a bottom portion thereof, a stream guide tube vertically supported at a central area within the rice washing vessel portion immediately above the nozzle port and between the nozzle portion and the lid with a space, and a drainage hole opening at an area in the vicinity of the nozzle port, the carryout portion including an outlet port, and switch means disposed between the lid and the rice washing apparatus body and adapted to selectively switch between a rice washing position for tightly closing the rice washing vessel portion and a carrying out position where the rice washing vessel portion is in communication with the carryout portion.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning bearings, jewelry, brushes and various parts including a container having a rim, a container seal ledge resting on the container rim forming a fluid seal between the container rim and the container seal lodge, this is a way of supporting a screen a distance from the container bottom including a riser and a cap plug to seal the container while it is being agitated. In one embodiment the riser supports a screen which wedges against the container wall to hold the screen in place. Another embodiment has a frusto conical tube which holds the screen in place.

Abstract: A draw-tube solvent retaining and draining cover is disclosed, comprised of a main body, of a generally linearly elongated, cylindrical, hollow configuration. The main body is of sufficient length to allow a conventional pick-up tube to pass through the main body and into a paint can. Grooves to improve gripping are located on the exterior circumferential surface of the main body. The main body is comprised of an upper portion and a lower portion, which connect via mated threads on the bottom of the upper portion and the top of the lower portion. An upper cap is located on the top of the upper portion, releasable secured to the top portion of the main body via mated threads. The upper cap is releasably secured to the packing cylinder of the majority of airless sprayers via a universal attachment means. The upper cap has a pick-up tube hole and a return hose hole. O-rings are located between the various components.

Abstract: A bearing cleaning apparatus contains a cage assembly (14), bottle (10), and cap (12). The cage assembly (14) includes rectangular-shaped vertical side arms (16) shaped so as to form one or more channels (26) in which one or more circular bearings (20) may be placed. The cage assembly (14) contains perforations (28) along the inner base surface (40) in order to facilitate solvent flow through the bearings (20) and the cage assembly (14). The cage assembly (14) also includes shoulders (30) at the bottom of the assembly, a closure mechanism (22) at the top of the assembly (14), and flanges (44) in order to prevent the bearings (20) from exiting the cage assembly (14) during cleaning.

Abstract: A device for rinsing objects has a holder (1) for supporting an object (4) to be cleaned, two passages (8, 9) at opposite sides of the object situated in the holder in operation, and two reservoirs (10, 11) for holding rinsing liquid (18), a first reservoir (10) communicating with a first passage (8) and a second reservoir (11) communicating with a second passage (9), and at least the first reservoir (10) having a variable volume.

Abstract: A washing device for a cathode ray tube is provided. The panel washing device includes a carrier for transferring the panel, a tank installed below the panel, a meshed plate member installed inside the tank, an elastic member, installed between the inner bottom surface of the tank and the meshed plate member, for elastically biasing the meshed plate member in an upward direction, and a lifter for lifting the tank. Accordingly, inner and outer surfaces and the sealing end of a panel skirt can be effectively washed.

Abstract: The present invention provide for a recuperation basin. The basin comprises a basin section having a bottom and circumscribing walls, and an adjacent liquid storage container having walls circumscribing a central chamber. One of the walls of the basin and one of the walls of the container intermediate the two form a common wall. An aperture is located in the common wall so as to permit passage of liquid in the container chamber into the basin and to permit passage of liquid from the basin into the container chamber by tilting the recuperation basin so the basin is somewhat above the container chamber.

Abstract: A method of flushing an outboard marine motor using a marine outboard motor flush and run tank wherein the marine outboard motor flush and run tank comprises a flush trough member, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The method of flushing an outboard marine motor flushes from the coolant system of an outboard marine motor salt, silt and other material. An organic detergent is added to fresh water for forming a mixture which is siphoned into the coolant system for breaking down and purging the salt, silt and other material from the coolant system.

Abstract: When an object of treatment is subjected to, for example, a gas treatment in an airtight chamber, reaction products adhere to the inner wall surface of the chamber, an object holder therein, and the corner portions of the chamber. When a cleaning medium is injected into the chamber, according to the present invention, the reaction products are dissolved in the cleaning medium by hydrolysis. Thereafter, the cleaning medium is discharged from the chamber. Then, the chamber is heated and evacuated, so that water vapor is discharged to provide a predetermined degree of vacuum, whereupon the treatment can be started anew. Therefore, a wiping operation can be omitted. Moreover, the reaction products remaining at the corner portions of the chamber can be removed without forming a source of polluted particles, so that the necessity of overhauling can be obviated. Thus, fully automatic cleaning, so to speak, can be effected, and the chamber need not be open to the atmosphere, so that the throughput can be improved.

Abstract: A cleaning and drying apparatus comprises a vessel having a closed bottom and a side wall extending upwardly from the circumference of the bottom. The vessel has an inlet for introducing the discrete parts on the bottom of the vessel and an outlet formed in an upper end of the side wall for removing the parts out of the vessel. A spiral track is formed on the interior surface of the side wall to ascend therealong in a spiral manner about a vertical center axis of the vessel from the bottom to the outlet. A liquid line is connected to supply a cleaning liquid into the vessel. An level controller is provided to keep a level of the cleaning liquid in the vessel well below the outlet in such a manner as to divide the length of the spiral track into a drying zone immersed in the cleaning liquid and a drying zone disposed above the level.

Abstract: A cleaning and drying apparatus comprises a vessel having a closed bottom and a side wall extending upwardly from the circumference of the bottom. The vessel has an inlet for introducing the discrete parts on the bottom of the vessel and an outlet formed in an upper end of the side wall for removing the parts out of the vessel. A spiral track is formed on the interior surface of the side wall to ascend therealong in a spiral manner about a vertical center axis of the vessel from the bottom to the outlet. A liquid line is connected to supply a cleaning liquid into the vessel. An level controller is provided to keep a level of the cleaning liquid in the vessel well below the outlet in such a manner as to divide the length of the spiral track into a drying zone immersed in the cleaning liquid and a drying zone disposed above the level.

Abstract: A device for surface treating of parts which includes a base frame with an elongated channel thereon. The channel includes a first end wall at a first end of the channel and a second wall which defines a crosswise extending dam at a second end of the channel remote from the first end, the dam including an inclined ramp extending from the lowest part of a bottom wall to a top of the dam. A drive device is provided for vibrating the channel to cause parts to travel from the first end wall toward the dam whereby the parts rise to a sufficient level in advance of clearance of the dam. A fluid delivery device is provided for spraying a treatment solution toward either the bottom wall or the inclined ramp. A fluid outlet drain is provided for draining the treatment solution introduced into the channel by the fluid delivery device from the channel, the fluid outlet opening into the channel solely through the aforesaid first end wall.

Abstract: A plane of a treatment liquid holder having a number of through holes faces a treatment surface of a substrate. A treatment liquid is held between the treatment surface and the liquid holder by utilizing a surface tension of the treatment liquid. Since the treatment liquid is applied only to the treatment surface, an extremely small amount of treatment liquid suffices for the treatment. In addition, since a fresh treatment liquid can be used in every treatment, cross-contamination is suppressed and the treatment can be performed with safety at a low cost.

Abstract: An automated process, and a device for implementing the process, for preparing a printing block from a photopolymer plate which has been previously exposed to ultraviolet radiation to convert it into a printing block for flexography or typography, or dry offset. The process includes at least the steps of lowering the plate with its sensitive face down into an etching vat, and then etching the plate by the resultant effect of a reciprocating horizontal movement of plane brushes and a to-and-fro movement of the etching vat in a horizontal direction perpendicular to that of the brushes, with the plate being held in place by gravity during the etching.

Abstract: When an object of treatment is subjected to, for example, a gas treatment in an airtight chamber, reaction products adhere to the inner wall surface of the chamber, an object holder therein, and the corner portions of the chamber. When a cleaning medium is injected into the chamber, according to the present invention, the reaction products are dissolved in the cleaning medium by hydrolysis. Thereafter, the cleaning medium is discharged from the chamber. Then, the chamber is heated and evacuated, so that water vapor is discharged to provide a predetermined degree of vacuum, whereupon the treatment can be started anew. Therefore, a wiping operation can be omitted. Moreover, the reaction products remaining at the corner portions of the chamber can be removed without forming a source of polluted particles, so that the necessity of overhauling can be obviated. Thus, fully automatic cleaning, so to speak, can be effected, and the chamber need not be open to the atmosphere, so that the throughput can be improved.