Abstract: A vehicle washer includes vehicle washing apparatus including multiple washing operations or mechanisms. The washer also includes a power source, message transmitter such as an electronic digital voice recorder, an input mechanism such as a coin box or keypad, and an activation circuit. The message transmitter is provided with an audio or other message to be played for a vehicle operator while adjacent the coinbox or keypad, from a speaker. The input mechanism accepts multiple manual inputs and responsively provides multiple input signals including multiple washing mechanism activation signals and a recorder activation signal. The activation mechanism is interconnected to the input means, the power source, the washing mechanisms and the recorder means for receiving the multiple washing mechanism activation signals, and responsively interconnecting the power source and the washing mechanisms, and responsively interconnecting the power source and the recorder.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention described herein is a cleaning device employing both ultrasonic and heat cleaning techniques and a method of cleaning an object utilizing techniques possible with the apparatus of the invention. The cleaning device includes a housing which receives a container for holding the object to be cleaned as well as a cleaning media. The housing defines a well which receives the container and the well is filled with water to partially surround the container. Heating elements raise the temperature of the cleaning media to at least 65.degree. C. Independent means generate ultrasonic waves which are transmitted through the container wall to the object being cleaned. Sequential timing means first operates the ultrasonic wave generating means followed by the heating means. In this manner, particulate matter may be removed from the object to be cleaned by the ultrasonic waves including pulsating currents which are induced by the ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning solder paste from stencils, screens, misprinted circuit boards, and tools associated with the manufacturing of surface mount technology circuit boards. The apparatus includes a holder assembly for holding the solder-laden objects during cleaning and rotatable spray arms connected with a chemical pump for spraying a transversely directed, cyclic waves of solvent onto the object's surfaces. The cleaning action of the spray arms permits use of the solvent at or below room temperature thereby substantially reducing evaporative loss of solvent, environmental injury resulting from such evaporative loss, and exposure of workers to solvent vapors. The apparatus includes filters for filtering heavy metal particles washed from the objects to contain the heavy metals for safe disposal. Safety mechanisms are included in the apparatus to prevent worker injury.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus particularly adapted for the thorough washing of vehicle wheels including a wheel washing device or unit including a pivotally mounted carrousel supporting a rotary spray head and control means for actuating the carrousel to sweep the spray head across and along the wheel as the wheel moves past the washer unit. The carrousel is preferably computer controlled to move in response to the increments of travel of the vehicle so that the washer unit consistently tracks the vehicle wheels regardless of the length of the wheel base or the speed of travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: An oil filter cleaning system includes a piercing apparatus for cutting openings in a used oil filter to allow drainage of excess dirty oil therefrom. A rinsing and cleansing mechanism is provided atop a chamber containing liquid solvent and includes one or more nozzles upon which the original bottom opening of drained oil filters are mounted following which, a pump is actuated to inject solvent into the filters and which is expelled from the pierced openings. Thereafter, pressurized air is injected into the filters from the same nozzles to remove all residual solvent and oil therefrom. Separate piercing and rinsing and cleansing stations may be provided for treating one filter at a time or alternatively, these stations may be combined into one station operable to simultaneously treat a plurality of filters. In the latter instance, it is proposed to include a sorting device to facilitate the accumulation of several filters having the same diameter in order to accommodate a gang piercing mechanism.

Abstract: An arrangement for treating hair with a liquid in a circulating process, comprises a circulating pump, an electric motor arranged to drive the circulating pump, a treatment time determining device, at least one treatment start switch arranged to control the treatment time determining device, the treatment time determing device being connected with the electric motor so that the electric motor is turned off at a treatment end, and a sensing element arranged to sense a parameter of a treatment liquid and operative so that the treatment time determining device is controlled through the sensing element in dependence upon the parameter of the treatment liquid which no longer substantially changes.

Abstract: A washing arrangement for and method of removing burrs of moldable substances from upper and lower major surfaces of lead frames on portions of which the burrs were undesirably applied during molding comprises a transfer assembly which is located outside a washing chamber of the arrangement. The transfer assembly is not subject to the hot and humid environment existing within the washing chamber, thereby preventing corrosion, and facilitating ready inspection and maintenance of the arrangement.

Abstract: In a brush-less washing installation comprising a nozzle assembly for spraying washing fluid on to the vehicle, the nozzle assembly being movable relative to the vehicle and including at least one vertically arranged row of nozzles, the vertically arranged row of nozzles is movable around the vehicle and at the same time is rotatable about a vertical axis, in such a way that it can spray washing fluid on to at least one side surface and at least one of the front and rear end surfaces of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a washing device for cuvette sets. The cuvette set is placed into a holder (11) in a rotor (10). The washing liquid is removed from the cuvettes by rotating the rotor.

Abstract: This invention is an automated system and method for washing automobiles. The invention provides a device which sprays liquid onto the vehicle, while closely following the general contour of the vehicle. The system determines that contour by analyzing and recording patterns of broken light beams when the vehicle passes by an array of photoelectric sensors. The system uses the stored information about the contour of the vehicle to control the movement of a spray bar which contains a set of nozzles. As the vehicle is pulled into the washing area by a conveyor, the spray bar initially moves with the vehicle, spraying the front grill while maintaining a constant distance from the vehicle. Then, the spray bar reverses direction, while the vehicle continues to move forward. The spray bar then travels around the vehicle contour, while adjusting the direction of the nozzles so that the liquid flows in the proper direction. After having traced the entire contour, the spray bar reverses direction again.

Abstract: A device for the automatic cleaning, testing, and sorting of discoidal, flat substrates (9, 9', . . . ) for example magnetic memory plates, having three support mandrels (12, 13, 23) for the substrates (9, 9', . . . ) to be treated, three magazines (6, 7, 8) to deposit the treated and the untreated substrates (9, 9', . . . ), and having a transporting device fixed to a machine frame (2) or a machine support with several transferring arms (14, 15, 16) which can be moved on several levels and which are equipped with gripping devices (20, 21, 22) is provided with a motor-driven first support mandrel (23) rotating round its longitudinal axis (r) and with a nozzle (25, 26) disposed directly adjacent to said support mandrel in order to apply a cleaning liquid onto the substrate (9, 9', . . . ) which is firmly held by the first support mandrel.

Abstract: An automatic high pressure, frictionless, water and chemical vehicle washing device is self-contained and has a light weight aluminum frame which can be attached to a floor by adjustable leg supports or suspended from a ceiling, allowing it to be installed easily and quickly into any self-service or automatic car wash bay. The device is powered by relatively low air pressure and the spray washing head is movable in perpendicular directions allowing the spray head to seek any possible location within the boundaries of the machine itself. Photo-electric infra-red beams sense the presence of the vehicle being washed; relay signals to a programmable controller, and direct the spray head to seek the dimensions of various sized vehicles. Once the vehicle dimensions are established via communication between the photo-eye and the programmable controller, the machine maintains a safe but effective washing distance between the spray head and the vehicle surface of approximately fourteen inches.

Abstract: A car washing installation has several jet nozzles (20) for a cleaning fluid, if necessary mixed with chemical substances, arranged one next to the other transversely to the length of the car and moved past the car in its longitudinal direction. The jet nozzles (20) are designed as rotative nozzles that supply a point contact jet that emerges from the rotative nozzles at a maximum acute angle of about 30.degree. in relation to the axis of rotation of the nozzles. To ensure that all car surfaces are reliably cleaned, even when the car has a rugged surface, characterized by recesses, the jet nozzles (20) can be periodically moved along the profile of the car on a perpendicular plane to the longitudinal axis of the car.

Abstract: An apparatus useful for providing a plurality of chemical compositions useful to clean an item, e.g., a tank, comprises a plurality of reservoirs each containing a concentrated form of a different chemical composition and each having an outlet through which the concentrate exits the reservoir; a subsystem for providing diluent to the concentrates which exit the reservoir to form the chemical compositions; and a control subsystem to automatically control the time during which each concentrate exits from each reservoir. A method for providing chemical compositions useful to clean an item is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically treating a drain system to prevent or at least minimize clogging problems particularly in grease traps of the type provided in restaurants and other food preparation establishments. The apparatus includes a valve for directing fresh water into the grease trap for pretreating the trap in preparation for the injection of bioactive liquid cultures by the pump. The liquid cultures liquify and digest contaminants in the grease trap which are flushed therefrom by fresh water. The apparatus is controlled by a system which cyclically operates the apparatus in accordance with a preferred operational sequence and at adjustably variable time periods.

Abstract: An immersion type vapor degreaser has a tank divided by an upright partition into an immersion chamber and a boiling chamber and defining a vapor zone thereabove. A roof panel on the tank covers the top of the boiling chamber, and the open mouth of the tank is provided with condensation means above the immersion chamber for condensing vaporized degreasing solvent. A drip plate is positioned above the partition, and is movable to cover the immersion chamber at an angle sloping upwardly from the partition and extending out over the immersion chamber. A motor drive is provide for moving said drip plate to an open position to expose the immersion chamber in response to an open signal. The purpose of this arrangement is to drastically decrease the vapor interface with the atmosphere n so as to reduce solvent emission. The function of the drip plate is to channel dirty solvent which condenses and drops from dirty parts back into the boiling chamber.

Abstract: A waste tank cleaning system in a preferred embodiment includes a flowmeter interposed in the line carrying cleaning fluid to the tank. A pair of solenoid valves are controlled by an electronic counter coupled to the flowmeter. In response to predetermined volumetric flows of fluid, the solenoid valves alternatively deliver fluid to a hydraulically operated drain valve and to a spray/rinse outlet in the waste tank. In one alternative embodiment, a flowmeter is mechanically coupled to a valve structure which alternatively applies fluid to the drain valve and to a spray/rinse outlet in the tank, directly. In other embodiments, the volume of flow can be determined by liquid level sensors in the tank and a predetermined cleaning sequence can be carried out based on the signals sent by the sensors. Power can be furnished by a rechargeable power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for in-place cleaning and priming of an in-place nozzle assembly which in normal operation receives from a reservoir and discharges to a work area a fluid material which tends to leave behind an accumulation of undesired residue. The apparatus includes control means for sequentially actuating for a selected cleaning time period first selectively actuatable means thereby to deliver an effective quantity of the cleaning substance to the nozzle and for actuating for a selected rinsing time period second selectively actuatable means thereby to deliver an effective quantity of the rinsing substance to the nozzle. The apparatus also includes third selectively actuatable means for drawing fluid material from the reservoir and delivering the same to the nozzle for a selected priming time period first to flush out any remaining rinsing substance from the nozzle and then to leave the nozzle primed with the fluid material.

Abstract: Time periods required for dipping semiconductor wafers in a treatment liquid in a treatment bath and for replacing the treatment liquid etc. are previously stored in a memory. Based on these data, the expected clock time when the semiconductor wafers reach each treatment bath is calculated and the replacement of the treatment liquid and transporation of the wafers are controlled on the basis of these data and the expected clock time.

Abstract: Method of solvent spray impact cleaning utilizing a hand directed pump nozzle for impact spraying of parts, by eye through a viewing window, and an enclosing chamber containing the parts in a manner whereby the zone for solvent spray by the pump nozzle is closely confined within the enclosure so as not to expose the operator or the outside environment to the liquid runoff of the solvent, or to the sprayed particles thereof, or to solvent steam or vapors rising at the spraying temperature. The internal air of the chamber and all solvent are continually recycled electrically by blower and pump for re-use after the latter, once in an operative status, are then activated according to the washing procedure. The recycled air re-enters through a blower nozzle directed so that it clears the window.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for cleaning internal combustion engines by providing a cart with wheels to transport the apparatus to the engine to the serviced. The apparatus can contain a battery or be connected to the power supply of the engine. A cleaning solution is poured into the reservoir of the apparatus. A pump delivers the cleaning solution to the input junction of the fuel supply line of the engine. Control switches insure the apparatus is started and brought up to operating pressure. If internal pressure is not achieved or if pressure is lost during operating, the power to the pump is interrupted. A return line is provided to establish a pathway for excess cleaning solution to be returned to the reservoir of the apparatus. The return line incorporates an adjustable pressure regulator to compensate for an inadequate or manufactioning engine fuel pressure regulator.

Abstract: A supplementary self-contained cleaning fluid distribution system provides for the selective flushing and cleaning of the waste fluid holding tanks of a recreational vehicle. From an external connection cleaning fluid is directed to grey water or sewage tanks respectively, by means of a tank selector and backflow prevention system. Components of the system include a pair of normally closed solenoid valves and a normally open pressure switch responsive to the delivered pressure of the cleaning fluid. A predetermined reduction of the cleaning fluid supply pressure automatically isolates the vehicle system from the external fluid supply.

Abstract: A soap concentration control apparatus comprising: a pump for supplying a cleaning solvent to a washing tub; a liquid quantity sensor for measuring a quantity of the solvent supplied to the washing tub by the pump; a soap supplying pump for supplying a soap to the washing tub; a sampling container for sampling the solvent; a soap concentration measuring sensor for measuring a soap concentration in the sampled solvent; a setting device for setting a desired soap concentration; an arithmetic device for calculating an operating time of the soap supplying pump required for making a soap concentration of the solvent in the washing tub approach to the set desired soap concentration on the basis of the measured quantity of solvent, the measured soap concentration and the soap supplying capacity per unit time of the soap supplying pump; and a controller for operating the soap supplying pump on the basis of the calculation result of the arithmetic device, which is useful to maintain a desired soap concentration in the

Abstract: A roll-over high-pressure washer for non-contact washing of stationary vehicles. A gantry frame having two independent U-shaped spray arms is mounted to roll back and forth over the vehicle, while independent low- and high-pressure spray systems mounted on each of the U-shaped spray arms pre-soak, wash and rinse the vehicle in a preprogrammed sequence. The U-shaped spray arms are maintained in close proximity to the upper surfaces of the vehicle, without contacting them, by primary non-vehicle-contacting and secondary vehicle-contacting sensing means. Side spray arms are also mounted on the gantry frame to wash the side surfaces of the vehicle.

Abstract: The pneumatic desedimentation machine, is designed to provide a means of recirculating, reciprocally, a fixed volume of solvent or solution through a closed system such as boilers or equipment, water cooling and/or heating systems on machinery, or any other remote system, for the purpose of removing the calcium and/or mineral deposits which form on the inside of these systems and inhibit efficiency, in an efficient and safe manner, it could also be used, to clean the inside of distribution plumbing where sedimentation is a problem, such as is found in bulk paint systems. This is accomplished by the controlled flow of solvents and/or solutions from one reservoir to another through a remote system, which is the system being cleaned, by applied air and/or vapor pressure in a controlled reciprocating manner and at a controlled temperature for maximum efficiency of the solvent and/or solution used.

Abstract: A device for washing automobiles, vans, and other vehicles is shown which comprises a movable spray bar with high velocity spray nozzles mounted thereon, as well as associated supporting structure, and motion inducing means, In the washing process, the lateral profile of the vehicle is tracked by an array of photoelectric cell detectors mounted on the spray bar. Based on electronic output signals from the detectors, which are processed by a preprogrammed logic control unit and relayed to the motion inducing means, the spray bar is maintained at a predetermined height above, and the nozzles at a constant angle to, the vehicle surfaces being washed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the care of contact lenses in which the process comprises supporting contact lenses on a lens holder within a treatment container provided with a motor-driven stirrer and introducing into the container a liquid, e.g.

Abstract: A contact lens washer having a plurality of disposable solution containers for sequential cleaning cycles using daily cleaning solution, enzymatic, solution, disinfecting solution and saline/neutralizing solution. The containers are inserted into the contact lens washer in an inverted condition. A plurality of liquid released solenoids cause the solution containers to inject liquid into a cleaning chamber having a pair of contact lenses to be cleaned. The contact lenses are encased in a lens-encasing member which is agitated to enhance the cleaning capabilities of the contact lens washer. A timing cycle module provides sequential fluid supply both to and from the cleaning chamber and controls agitation of the lens-encasing member.

Abstract: A liquid application system particularly adapted to being employed in motor vehicle washing is disclosed. The system includes a manually actuable liquid applicator and a supply subsystem which supplies liquid under pressure to the applicator from several discrete liquid sources. Sequencing control so as to achieve a supply of liquid from one and then another of the sources is achieved by sensing a pressure condition within the liquid supply, such as, an increased pressure which occurs within the liquid supply system when the applicator is changed from its operable mode to its inoperable mode. Valving control is then achieved so that fluid communication is cyclically established between the one and another liquid sources in response to a cyclical change of operation of the applicator between its operable and inoperable modes. In such a manner, by merely changing the applicator between its operable and inoperable modes, one can effectively select a particular liquid supplied to the applicator.

Abstract: A system for cleaning cone/shake makers in place. Cone/shake makers have at least one freezer for making ice cream cones or milk shakes. Each freezer has a product inlet, a product pump for pumping product from the inlet into the freezer, and at least one draw valve for dispensing the product in the freezer. The cleaning system has a mixing tank for mixing water with a cleansing chemical, the mixing tank having a capacity of less than one-fourth the volume of the water and cleansing chemical mixture to be used while cleaning a cone/shake maker. The system controllably provides the cleansing chemical to the mixing tank at a rate corresponding to the rate at which water flow into the mixing tank, thereby making a cleansing chemical solution of predefined concentration on the fly as the mixture is being used to clean the cone/shake maker.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and sealing the peripheral knife edge of a coke oven door has a vertical mast which is positioned adjacent one edge of a door suitably supported in vertical position on a door rack. A treatment carriage in the form a horizontal arm is mounted for vertical reciprocation along the mast. Spray heads are mounted on an endless conveyor chain looped around turning point sprockets at opposite ends of the treatment carriage. The diameter of the turning point sprockets and the distance therebetween are related to the curvature of the corners of the door and the width of the door so that as the drive chain traverses the upper part of its endless run the spray heads can spray a path corresponding to the profile of the top edge of the door and the curved corners at opposite ends thereof.

Abstract: In normal washing operation of the beverage glass washer of the invention, detergent solution discharged from a set of washing nozzles is collected in a tank from which a recirculation pump withdraws it and delivers it back to those nozzles for redischarge; and rinsing liquid from another source is delivered to a set of rinsing nozzles for discharge from them. For cleaning and deliming all nozzles, the tank is filled with a cleaning solution and the two sets of nozzles are connected, either by opening a normally closed solenoid valve in a permanent connection between the two sets of nozzles or by slipping opposite ends of a suitably sized hose over a cylindrical nozzle body of each set. The recirculation pump then flushes the solution from the tank through all nozzles of both sets.

Abstract: Treatment baths for surface treatment of semiconductor wafers by dipping thereof into a treatment liquid are arranged in a treatment bath train.One or more selected treatment baths among these treatment baths are constructed to have a plurality of unit treatment vessels. The treatment liquid in these treatment vessels is replaced successively one by one of the unit treatment vessels. The semiconductor wafers are dipped in the treatment liquid contained in that unit treatment vessel that is not being subjected at that moment to the replacement of the treatment liquid.

Abstract: An automatic cleaner device for automotive headlamps and the like which uses cleaning solution sparingly and hence which require only a small cleaning solution reservoir. For each cleaning operation, the fluid is jetted in two spurts. The first spurt penetrates and dissolves the dirty film on the lens, and the second spurt washes away the dissolved film.

Abstract: A brushless vehicle washing apparatus and process which cleans all four sides and top of any sized vehicle uniformly and in an efficient manner, without touching such vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the sideview mirror or mirrors of a vehicle in a washing line. A cleaning mechanism, such as a spray nozzle or drying nozzle holder, that essentially extends in a vertical direction is disposed to the side of a vehicle. The sides of the vehicle, along with the sideview mirror or mirrors thereof, are conveyed to pass along the cleaning mechanism. In order to improve cleaning of the sideview mirrors, a mirror-cleaning element, such as a spray nozzle element or a drying nozzle element, is disposed on the cleaning mechanism and is directed in the transport direction of the vehicle. This mirror-cleaning element can be a follower element by being mounted on a lever arm.

Abstract: In the glass washer of this invention, a linear conveyor carries glasses successively through a prewash, a detergent wash and a germicidal rinse. Once discharged from rinsing nozzles, rinsing liquid is collected in a prewash tank from which it is pumped exclusively to other nozzles that provide the prewash. Detergent solution discharged from washing nozzles is collected in a wash tank and recycled back to the washing nozzles. Hot water and detergent chemical are fed into the wash tank at predetermined rates whenever the machine operates, to provide a makeup detergent solution and some overflow from the wash tank to the prewash tank. Novel screening means ensure against entry of foreign matter into the nozzles. Novel control means cause the machine to operate with its conveyor almost always fully loaded, for economical utilization of water, chemicals and current.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a tank-like vessel comprising(a) a supporting arm attached to a fixing plate, which can perpendicularly extend downward,(b) a folding arm of which base portion is rotatably attached to the lower end of the supporting arm, a position of the folding arm being changeable between a housed position and a position in use wherein the folding arm is approximately horizontally stretched out,(c) a rope winded up and winded down by a hoist, and(d) a cleaning nozzle capable of injecting jet water in a two-dimensional direction or three-dimensional direction.

Abstract: An automatic washing and sterilizing apparatus for a stable provided with shooting and spraying nozzles fixed on two cranes which can be moved right and left in the stable by means of two wires wound around wire drive wheels driven by a speed transmission system connected with motors. The nozzles are connected with pipes and valves to shoot or spray water or sterilizing solution selectively. The moving direction of the cranes is altered by two locating switches having a control bar to be touched by the plates of the cranes.

Abstract: A cleaning system is provided for cleaning fuel injectors of deposits inhibiting their efficient operation. The system provides a circuit for cleaning fluid to be passed through the injector and includes a pump for fluid and controls whereby the fluid is passed through the injector with periodic reversals of flow. A flowmeter is provided to check the cleaning action and an electrical supply to the injector ensures it is in an open condition during cleaning. The injector is releasably located in fluid communication with the fluid.

Abstract: An applicator is supported by primary and secondary arms for movement along the contour of the front, top and rear surfaces of a vehicle. The applicator is shifted to a position out of the path of vehicle travel in the event of electrical power or pressure fluid failure. A sensory mechanism controls actuators which position the primary and secondary arms. From a lower rest position, the primary arm is raised to progressively position the applicator above the hood and roof areas of the vehicle. The primary arm is then dropped to its rest position while the secondary arm is raised and knuckled toward the primary arm to maintain the applicator above the vehicle roof. The secondary arm is extended as the vehicle passes.

Abstract: A device for washing automobiles, vans, and other vehicles is shown which comprises a movable spray bar with high velocity spray nozzles mounted thereon, as well as associated supporting structure, and motion inducing means. In the washing process, the lateral profile of the vehicle is tracked by an array of photoelectric cell detectors mounted on the spray bar. Based on electronic output signals from the detectors, which are processed by a preprogrammed logic control unit and relayed to the motion inducing means, the spray bar is maintained at a predetermined height above, and the nozzles at a constant angle to, the vehicle surfaces being washed.

Abstract: A flatware washer comprising a cogged endless belt mechanism mounted lengthwise in a vertical orientation within a water containment housing; the top end of the cogged belt mechanism being hung around a drive wheel mechanism having complementary cogs mating with the cogs of the belt mechanism; the drive wheel mechanism being mounted at the top of the housing and supporting the belt mechanism in a vertical lengthwise orientation such that a curved bottom end section of the belt mechanism is spaced above the bottom edge of the housing and such that a pair of relatively elongated lengthwise sections of the belt extend downwardly from around the drive wheel mechanism in substantially parallel opposing relationship; the curved bottom end section of the hung belt mechanism being open for receiving a plurality of pieces of flatware between the pair of lengthwise sections; the drive wheel mechanism being connected to a drive mechanism programmed to drivably oscillate the wheel mechanism between predetermined degrees

Abstract: This invention is described an automatic developing device. The automatic developing device according to this invention is comprising: a stage on which the substrate to be treated is disposed after application of the resist and the patterning step is complete; a sealed frame capable of movement, that is used to sealingly cover the substrate disposed on this stage; a supply pipe for supplying developer into this sealed frame; a treatment vessel in which installs the stage, the sealing frame and the developer supply pipe; and at least one nozzle which sprays rinsing liquid provider in this treatment vessel.

Abstract: In an appliance operable in any of a number of different cycles, selectable by a user, a default control selects a default cycle of operation of the appliance in an absence of a current user selection. The control counts the number of times each cycle is executed by the appliance and compares the relative magnitudes of the cycle counts to identify the cycle that currently is the "favorite". In the preferred embodiment, default cycles and options in a dishwasher are selected based upon prior patterns of usage.

Abstract: A machine for reprocessing catheters of the type having a double lumen, one of which leads to a balloon. A used catheter is sealed within a cassette which in turn is connected by multiple ports to a cleaning side of the machine. Cleaning solution is flushed through the inside and outside of the catheter. The balloon integrity is tested by adding step wise volume additions and monitoring the pressure. The data generated is compared to a standard curve for new catheters. The cleaned, sterile catheter is then rinsed to remove all traces of sterilant. Sterile saline is alternatively flushed through the cassette and catheter. The balloon is again tested for leaks. No portion of the rinse side of the machine requires sterilizing except for the disposable tubing set and saline source. The rinsed, clean and sterile catheter is removed from the cassette for reuse.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle washing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a single support column, a boom assembly cantileverly supported on and hinged to pivot horizontally about the support column and mounted to move up and down on the support column. The boom assembly includes a magnetic catch to prevent the boom from pivoting during normal operation. Mounted on the boom are fluid dispensing nozzles and a photoelectric assembly which senses the relative position of the boom assembly and the contour of a vehicle being washed. The photoelectric assembly includes a plurality of pairs of photoelectric emitters and detectors, set such that the beam between each pair is at an angle with both the horizontal plane of vehicle movement and vertical plane containing the ends of the boom assembly. The photoelectric assembly is connected to a control means which controls a drive mechanism to raise and lower the boom assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle washing system having apparatus for following the surface contour of a vehicle includes a redirectable directional discharge manifold assembly for a cleaning solution that is supported by an overhead, pivotally mounted boom at a washing station. Sensors mounted in the region of the manifold assembly sense the contour of the passing vehicle and a controller responsive to the sensor provides drive signals which activate a motor to move the boom and maintain the boom and manifold assembly at a predetermined distance relative to the vehicle as the vehicle passes the washing station.

Abstract: An arch-like body member includes conduit means and is of a dimension to allow a vehicle to move therethrough. The arch is associated with acidic and alkaline detergent supplies as well as a rinse, and controls are provided to sequentially apply the acidic detergent, the alkaline detergent, and the rinse. The system may also employ three arches having respective association with the acidic detergent supply, the alkaline detergent supply, and the rinse.

Abstract: Automatic vehicle washer. The washer includes a vehicle washing apparatus, source of electrical power, manual input, code verifier and activator. The manual input allows a driver of a vehicle to transmit a numerical signal to the code verifier. If the code verifier determines that the numerical signal corresponds to a predetermined numerical code, the energizer interconnects the vehicle washing apparatus with the source of electrical power.