Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating sheets or plates from a bundle and for placing said sheets or plates spaced-apart on a support rack. The bundle of sheets or plates is inclined to a position causing the sheets or plates to slide relative to each other by gravity and to abut at their lower edge on a substantially horizontal surface. The bundle of sheets or plates is subsequently erected to an approximate vertical position causing the sheets or plates to separate at their bottom. The sheets or plates are then separated at their top by means of a "comb" member, and a rack provided with support and separating pins is lifted into engagement with the bottom of the spaced-apart sheets or plates. The apparatus may be used in reverse for rebundling spaced-apart sheets or plates.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning, plating and/or coating articles comprising a container adapted to contain a liquid cleaning, plating or coating material. A barrel is at least partially submerged in the container and supported for rotation about its longitudinal axis. A novel support for the barrel comprises a pair of rings concentric with the barrel and suspended by a plurality of rollers. Laterally spaced stationary end walls are mounted in fixed positions covering the ends of the barrel. The barrel has end openings and the stationary end walls fit within the end openings. A novel discharge chute extends from inside the barrel to the exterior thereof.

Abstract: Motor controlled dispenser apparatus for a washing appliance includes a first dispenser for storing and dispensing a first treating agent having a dispensing member movable between a closed position in which the interior of the dispenser is sealed and an open position in which the interior of the dispenser is exposed to enable the dispensing of a first treating agent; a second dispenser for storing and dispensing a second treating agent; a dispenser actuating member movable between a rest position, a first dispensing position and a second dispensing position; and a gear assembly coupling the dispenser actuating member to a motor-driven shaft, for controlling the rate of movement of the dispenser actuating member in accordance with the rate of rotation of the shaft. The dispensing member is coupled to the dispenser actuating member for movement therewith. The rate of movement of the dispensing member from its closed to its open position being determined by the rate of rotation of the motor-driven shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning the surface of small quartz-crystal pieces with aqueous hydrofluoric acid is disclosed wherein the quartz pieces are introduced into a vessel containing a conveying means and conveyed e.g. horizontally in counter-current to aqueous hydrofluoric acid introduced at the opposed end of the vessel. During the washing the quartz pieces are tumbled.

Abstract: A glass washing machine which includes a circular glass rack supported for rotation and divided into three separate sections by partitions. The rack may be turned to successively move each section from a glass loading station to a wash compartment wherein the glasses are washed and rinsed, and finally to an unloading station which is accessible for removal of the clean glasses. The bottom and side edges of the partitions bounding the wash compartment are sealed to the housing of the machine by seal strips. Sealing curtains seal the top portions of the partitions on their surfaces which face into the wash compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for aseptically filling premanufactured, presterilized, flexible containers, connected in a continuous web, includes a chamber with an inlet mouth for receiving empty containers seriatim, and an outlet mouth for dispensing filled containers seriatim. The inlet and outlet mouths have respective seals for sealing to the surface of the containers to prevent entry of contaminants into the chamber. This chamber is partitioned to form a spraying compartment, adjacent to the inlet mouth, and a filling compartment, adjacent to the outlet mouth, with a drying compartment therebetween. A sterilizing agent is continuously sprayed, as a mist, into the spraying compartment to coat the exterior of the containers with the sterilizing agent as they are serially advanced through the chamber. This mist also provides an aseptic barrier between the inlet mouth and the drying compartment.

Abstract: Printed circuit boards which are to be tin-plated pass through a liquid application station in a horizontal direction, and thereafter through an activation station for the activation of the applied liquid. Then the printed circuit boards arrive at a receiver element of substantially U-shaped cross-sectional configuration, which subsequently is pivoted about a horizontal pivot shaft, out of a horizontal take-up position into a vertical transfer position. During this pivotal movement the printed circuit board bears upon a support element or part which supports the printed circuit board. By means of grippers the printed circuit board, previously brought by the receiver element into a vertical position, is immersed in vertical position into a solder bath. After a certain residence time the printed circuit board is inserted by the gripper into a further receiver element likewise having a U-shaped cross-sectional configuration, this receiver element being located in a vertical receiving position.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for treating work pieces, and particularly to electroplating small metal articles such as nuts, bolts, arms, hangers and the like. The apparatus, with little variation, could also be used for cleaning, pickling, tumbling, blackening, dying, etc. The apparatus comprises a plurality of horizontally disposed cylinders, each having an inlet and an outlet, with the outlet of the first cylinder in communication with the inlet of a succeeding cylinder. The cylinders are rotatable about their axes in opposite directions and each has a spiral rib in the body thereof pitched in a certain direction, and a spiral rib in the outlet also pitched in said certain direction. Each cylinder also has a spiral rib in its inlet and this spiral is pitched in a direction opposite to that of the ribs in the cylinder body and the outlet thereof.

Abstract: A washing apparatus for small parts which will permit the loading of the parts into the apparatus in a fast and efficient manner and at the same time will afford maximum cleaning of the parts. The particular component parts for which the machine is specifically designed are utilized in the fabrication of intravenous solution administration sets. The washing apparatus includes a plurality of basket members which are pivotally carried by a rotatable carrier member. The baskets are pivoted in such a manner in conjunction with the apparatus that they can be extended outwardly for emptying purposes, yet are locked into the carrier so that the parts are retained therein. A spray system is also provided in the washing apparatus so as to afford maximum cleaning of the parts as well as a rinsing of the washing solution with subsequent drying.

Abstract: An apparatus, used in the treatment of cans, is made up of a number of individual units, each of which essentially comprises a pair of drums that are mounted for rotation about parallel axes which are vertically disposed. One of the drums is used in the treatment of the interior of the cans, while the other is utilized in the treatment of the exterior of the cans. Each of the rotary drums is provided with means for holding a number of cans in circumferential alignment around the outer periphery of the drum such that the longitudinal axes of the cans are radially oriented relative to the rotational axes of the drums. Other means are provided to successively transfer the cans from one drum to another. A number of such units can be used, in tandem, to treat the cans beginning from washing, rinsing and drying of the cans to heating, coating and drying of the coated cans.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a vertically movable arm member pivoted at one end about a vertical axis and a chucking head mounted at the other distal end thereof, for engagement with and holding an apertured article, said chucking head being arranged to rotate the chucked article and whereby apertured articles being successively fed to a loading position are subjected to a revolving movement and an upward movement while being transferred to an unloading position via a working position where they are subjected to a desired treatment.

Abstract: In a spraycoating apparatus for round workpieces such as drums, the drums are supported on turning cones while being sprayed. The turning cones are supported on pins moved round in part of a circle from an inlet to an outlet about a horizontal axis. Spray units for putting on the spraycoating material are able to be changed in angle and to undergo adjustment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for containing, washing, rinsing and drying presorted flatware by category, after which the flatware is automatically discharged from the apparatus by category into separate receiving receptacles. Alternate types of conveyors, containers and methods of discharging flatware from containers are included, and certain embodiments provide simultaneous washing of other tableware within the same apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating bean sprouts to remove hulls, cut-off roots from the sprouts, and to wash them. The apparatus comprises essentially an open-top tank having a chute at one end for receiving sprouts to be cleaned, and a plurality of jets adjacent to the chute which delivers water thereto to agitate the sprouts. A source of water under pressure includes spray nozzles for filling the tank and further agitation. A conduit extends to a low pressure screen drum. From the latter, another conduit extends to a pump. A discharge chute communicates with the screen drum. Between the screen drum and the feed chute is a cylindrical screen which rotates in unison with the screen drum. A motor-driven drive belt rotates the screen drum and the cylindrical screen in unison. The cylindrical screen enhances the agitation and partially removes foreign material from the cylindrical member. The screen drum also has a plurality of radially extending blades which not only further the agitation, but also pick up foreign matter.

Abstract: A developer unit for sheet film in which individual sheets are moved through processing tanks by holders moved by an elevator from tank to tank and thence the sheets are disposed from the developer, the holders are recovered in the developer after disposal of the sheet film and are conveyed via a holder store to a film reception station where sheets are loaded individually with the holders for processing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is proposed for cleaning ampules or similar containers which includes the steps of rinsing, spraying, and drying and includes an ultrasonic generator for pre-treating the ampules prior to the aforementioned steps.

Abstract: A conveyor mechanism for automatically removing articles, such as cheeses, floating in a liquid includes a horizontal section adapted to be positioned below the surface of the liquid and an integral upwardly inclined section. Articles that float upon the horizontal section are moved to the inclined section which lifts them out of the liquid and delivers them to an elevated point. The articles are prevented from jamming the conveyor by moving stepped walls located on either side of the horizontal section at the location where jamming is likely to occur. The stepped walls move longitudinally back and forth 180.degree. out of phase with one another to gently bump and align the articles. In the preferred embodiment, a single motor drives the conveyor and rotates cam wheels which move the stepped walls.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing soiled comminuted products, such as comminuted plastic foils, bands or the like comprises an elongated container adapted to be filled up to a predetermined level with a washing solution into which the products to be washed are fed at one end of the container and discharged from the other end, in which a separating wall extending transverse through the container between the ends thereof defines in the container a washing zone between the one end of the container and the separating wall and a discharge zone between the separating wall and the other end of the container, and in which an agitating device is provided in the washing zone for agitating the products therein and for driving the products below a lower edge of the separating wall from the washing zone to the discharge zone, from where the cleaned products are discharged by a discharging device including a sieve drum rotatable about an axis extending transverse to the longitudinal direction of the container.

Abstract: In order to achieve a seal which is as effective as possible, there are provided at the input and output ends of a metal sheet cooling machine flaps such as flap (input flap) which are journalled in a frame of the machine to turn about an axis X--X and are actuated by jacks. Supports carried by a rigid girder ensure that these flaps do not buckle under the effect of the pressure forces created in the machine.

Abstract: Screw blanks are loaded automatically into a rotatable tub while the latter is in an inclined loading-washing position. As the tub rotates, a washing liquid is sprayed into the tub to clean residue from the blanks and to wash chips from the blanks, the liquid and the chips escaping through a gap of adjustable width at the bottom of the tub. The tub then is swung to a vertical position and is rotated at a much faster speed to dry the blanks. Thereafter, the tub is tilted to an unloading position and the blanks are automatically dumped from the tub.

Abstract: An automatic pick-up and release mechanism including a curved surface having an axis of curvature; a rotatable shaft having an axis parallel with and eccentric to the axis of curvature; at least one pick-up element extending radially from and fixed to rotate with the shaft; each element extending beyond the curved surface in an area of the curved surface which is closer to the shaft axis and short of the curved surface in an area farther from the shaft axis; and a slot, corresponding to each of the elements in the curved surface, extending circumferentially about the axis of curvature for accommodating motion of its associated element.

Abstract: An immersion cooling apparatus includes a mechanism for immersing a hot metal pipe with the axis thereof directed horizontally in a cooling tank containing cooling liquid, and a mechanism for locking the immersed pipe in position in the cooling tank. While the locking mechanism is preventing the pipe from moving, a nozzle extending toward the interior of the pipe in the direction of the pipe axis injects cooling liquid into the pipe. The cooling liquid thus injected flows completely through the pipe so that the pipe being cooled is not injured or bent.

Abstract: A machine, and method, for tumbling objects or parts, generally of plastic material, to remove thin flange-like projections left along mold mating lines and frequently referred to as "flash". An advancing belt-like conveyor has a portion disposed to define an object-supporting surface so upwardly sloped in the direction of conveyor advance, as to cause tumbling and consequent deflashing of a mass of objects supported on said surface. The conveyor is also movable between two positions in which the objects are, respectively, loaded upon and automatically discharged from the conveyor. In the illustrated apparatus these are upper and lower positions. Tumbling occurs in the upper position, and discharge takes place in the lower position, under the influence of the advancing movement of the conveyor. The system includes mechanism for effecting additional cleaning of the objects, while tumbling on the conveyor, by subjecting them to a blast of impact cleaning media.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously cleaning grossly soiled products of plastic material, such as sheets, bands, sacks or the like and for preparing the material for subsequent re-use, comprising an elongated container having at least one downwardly extended funnel-shaped portion closed by a valve, means for feeding soiled comminuted plastic material in the region of one end wall into the container in which a bath of washing solution is maintained, a partition adjacent the other end wall extending into the bath and dividing the interior of the container into a washing zone and a discharge zone, communicating with each other adjacent the bottom of the container, means for agitating the working solution and the comminuted plastic material in the washing zone, and a sieve conveyor for removing the comminuted and cleaned plastic material from the discharge zone.

Abstract: A bottle cleansing apparatus having bottle cradles hingedly mounted to a first conveyor for movement of said cradles along a path and part rotation of said cradles about an axis longitudinal of said path, said cradles having a floor portion for supporting bottles presented laterally thereto in generally upstanding disposition and a roof portion with an aperture therein for supporting bottles in inverted disposition when said cradles are part-rotated, said roof portion being peaked to direct the downwardly directed mouths of the bottles into register with said apertures. Nozzles are carried on a second conveyor so as to be in register with a respective cradle aperture over a predetermined distance for injection of fluid into the bottles through their downwardly directed mouths. A rotary valve may be used for directing fluid to each nozzle only when said nozzle is in register with a bottle mouth.

Abstract: A device for coating granular solids has a rotary drum and a casing or housing air-tightly housing the rotary drum. The space between the rotary drum and the casing is divided by sealing means into a gas supply passage and a gas exhaust passage which in turn are communicated with a gas supply duct and a gas exhaust duct, respectively. The rotary drum is of a double-cone structure consisting of a cylindrical section and frustoconical side walls, and the cylindrical section consists of a plurality of circumferentially arcuated louvers overlapped one upon another and radially spaced apart from each other at a suitable distance to define gas passages between the interior and exterior of the rotary drum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid containing apparatus for receiving potatoes or other such fruits and vegetables wherein the received material is washed and/or treated by the contained fluid, after which the material is transferred from said apparatus by a driven paddle wheel assembly including a plurality of circumferentially spaced finger assemblies that engage the material within the apparatus and lift the material upwardly towards an exiting edge of said apparatus in a generally arcuate path motion, where the material is deposited onto an adjacent conveyor or otherwise received by some other appropriate receiving structure disposed adjacent to the apparatus.

Abstract: An arrangement for surface treating workpieces has a pair of rotary conveyors each rotatable about a respective vertical rotation axis and provided with a plurality of angularly spaced holders each of which can grip a respective workpiece and advance it angularly stepwise through a plurality of respective working stations. In addition each of these holders can be rotated about an axis generally radial of the respective rotation axis for the rotary conveyor for treatment on all sides of each workpiece as it is stepped through the various surface treatment stations. A line conveyor extends tangentially passed the two conveyors and is of the walking-beam type. This line conveyor feeds workpieces to the upstream conveyor so that they then move around the working stations of this upstream rotary conveyor, then takes them off the upstream rotary conveyor and feeds them to the downstream rotary conveyor where they are stepped through the respective working stations of this conveyor.

Abstract: A bearing washing machine is provided having cleaning stages through which disassembled bearing races are continuously processed. The machine includes a pair of parallel support tracks selectively spaced from one another which are disposed at an angle to the horizontal. The tracks support opposite side edges of a bearing race which rolls down the inclination provided by the tracks. Cleaning nozzles are disposed adjacent to the tracks to provide cleaning stages through which each bearing race passes. The nozzles at the upper end of the tracks provide a washing solution to impinge against each bearing race while nozzles at the lower end of the tracks provide air for blowing off washing solution and drying the races. An overhead guide rail engages one of the upper edges of each race to maintain it in aligned rolling contact with the support tracks. The tracks and guide rail are selectively spaced from each other to accommodate races of various thicknesses or widths and of various diameters.

Abstract: In combination with at least one vessel for containing a molten salt for chemically hardening or otherwise surface treating objects of glass or similar materials, a conveyor for transporting the objects through a treatment zone comprising at least one vessel for containing a molten salt, the conveyor comprising a plurality of driven sprocket wheels, a sprocket chain trained over the sprocket wheels, the objects so mounted on the sprocket chain as not to permit the objects substantially to change their orientation with a change in the orientation of the sprocket chain, the sprocket wheels and sprocket chain being so arranged that the objects are first carried downwardly into the vessel and are then carried upwardly out of the vessel with the opening of any depression or cavity in each of the objects facing downwardly during the upward movement.

Abstract: An elongate soaking basin has a screen mounted on a movable frame. The screen is vertically movable into and out of the soaking basin. The soaking basin has a compression wheel feeding pieces of lumber transversely into the soaking basin against the screen. The pieces of lumber are compressed between the screen and the compression wheel. The screen is pivotally supported between two limit positions in the movable frame and when the screen is forced against one of the limit positions, the frame is moved to reposition the screen, thus keeping the pieces of lumber aligned and under the proper compression.

Abstract: An improved transfer device comprised of powered endless surface elements for supporting and moving coated articles in an upright position, such as coated can bodies, from one treatment station, e.g. a coating station to a further treatment station, such as a coating/curing oven. Various parts of the endless surface elements are arranged at selected levels in a trough through which a suitable aqueous medium, e.g. deionized water, is substantially continuously circulated. The height within the trough of this aqueous medium is advantageously controlled relative to the top surface portions of the endless surface elements so that there will be a substantially continuous cleaning of the endless surface elements as excess coating material moves towards and drains from the lower portions of the article being transported while the article is moved through the trough by way of the endless surface elements.

Abstract: A device for cooling bulk material by low-boiling liquefied gas includes a precooling zone and a spraying zone. The precooling zone is inclined from the horizontal downwardly toward its discharge end to which is attached a rotatable drum-shaped chamber as its spraying and draining zone which is constructed as a worm conveyor. Where used for scrap tires, a spray pipe is provided at the discharge end with a ring mounted on the internal wall between the spray orifices and the discharge opening, the ring having a thickness corresponding to the average tire thickness.

Abstract: Wafer-like articles are inserted through an input port into one of a plurality of slots in a rotatable disc having a slotted periphery. The disc is disposed in a vertical plane between a pair of closely-spaced parallel plates which laterally retain the articles in the slots. The slots advantageously are inclined toward the direction of rotation so that the wafers tend to remain therein as rotation and treating proceeds. The rotating disc urges each article between the plates to an aperture in one of the plates through which one side of the article is exposed to a treating medium, such as a scrubbing brush and detergent solution. Further rotation of the disc brings each article to an aperture in the opposing plate through which another side of the article is exposed to another treating medium of like or different kind.

Abstract: Surface treating apparatus comprising treating bath means; a carrier bar having devices for vertically suspending workpieces; lifting means provided at the sides of the bath means for vertically conveying the carrier bar and dipping said workpieces into and out of said bath means, the lifting means also including means for conveying the carrier bar in a substantially horizontal direction; loading means rotatable between a horizontal and a vertical position and adapted to removably receive the carrier bar having workpieces attached in the horizontal position for loading the carrier bar onto the lifting means in the vertical position; unloading means rotatable between a horizontal and a vertical position and adapted to receive the carrier bar supporting finished workpieces in the vertical position, the workpieces being released from the carrier bar when the unloading means is in a horizontal position; and returning conveyor means between the loading and unloading means so that the carrier bar moves from the loa

Abstract: Apparatus for washing aggregate material comprises a cylindrical drum including first and second end walls having central openings defining respectively an outlet and an inlet. The drum is inclined from the horizontal to provide flow of the aggregate material toward the outlet along the interior of the drum. The drum is mounted for rotation on its longitudinal axis, driven by a tangentially engaged chain and sprocket, and is supported and stabilized by a system of guide rolls. The drum contains a series of longitudinally extending agitator vanes spaced around the cylindrical inner wall of the drum. As the drum rotates, the vanes agitate the aggregate material in the presence of wash water for efficient aggregate cleaning. A series of scoop-shaped flume elements attached to and abutting the outlet end wall bodily rotate with the drum.

Abstract: Processing chambers formed by circumferentially spaced pockets of a rotor rotatable in a cylindrical chamber disposed with its axis substantially horizontal are loaded through a top access opening in the cylinder and unloaded by a single or double vaned scoop rotatable about an axis parallel to the axis of the casing to sweep product out of an upwardly opening rotor pocket. The spider rotor and unloading rotor are power-driven intermittently so that the unloading rotor sweeps through a pocket of the spider rotor when the spider rotor is stationary, and the spider rotor is indexed to expose successive pockets to the access opening of the casing when the unloading rotor is out of the path of movement of the spider rotor partition vanes.

Abstract: A machine, and method, for tumbling objects or parts, generally of plastic material, to remove thin flange-like projections left along mold mating lines and frequently referred to as "flash". An advancing belt-like conveyor has a portion disposed to define an object-supporting surface so upwardly sloped in the direction of conveyor advance, as to cause tumbling and consequent deflashing of a mass of objects supported on said surface. The conveyor is also movable between two positions in which the objects are, respectively, loaded upon and automatically discharged from the conveyor. In the illustrated apparatus these are upper and lower positions. Tumbling occurs in the upper position, and discharge takes place in the lower position, under the influence of the advancing movement of the conveyor. The system includes mechanism for effecting additional cleaning of the objects, while tumbling on the conveyor, by subjecting them to a blast of impact cleaning media.