Abstract: A radiator having a header is cleaned by at least partially immersing the radiator in a cleaning liquid and then applying ultrasonic energy to the liquid. The cleaning liquid is held in a container which has a sludge pit along the bottom thereof. An ultrasonic transducer is mounted on a carriage and is movable above the sludge pit. A rack is provided above the movable transducer for holding or supporting radiators. The movement of the ultrasonic transducer is controlled in accordance with the width of the radiator being cleaned.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatically cleaning extrusion screens in finishing machines of a type having a generally cylindrical perforated screen arranged in a housing, juice or the like laden with solids being introduced into the interior of the screen and urged against the screen by a screw element, paddle assembly, or the like to cause the juice to flow through the screen with the solids being retained on the screen. The cleaning method and apparatus comprise a cleaning unit with a plurality of spray nozzles arranged about the screen, the cleaning unit being moved back and forth along the screen by a reversing motor additionally controlled by suitable limit switches. The method and apparatus of the invention are preferably adapted for causing relatively increased cleaning action adjacent a solids outlet end of the screen to better remove larger amounts of juice solids or pomace deposited on that portion of the screen.

Abstract: A motorized shower head mechanism is disclosed in which a housing is provided with a track and a trolley, and a motor mounted on the trolley. The trolley is moved along the track by the motor and a shower head which extends through the housing is carried along by the trolley.

Abstract: Hot tank washer for cyclically repeated temporary intervals of spray cleaning operation, and controls therefor automatically coordinating operation of the system initiating switch, a heat interruption switch, and a door switch with one another and with other system operations. The heat interruption switch inherently puts the hot tank heating on standby momentarily with no power, incident to the user operating the spray system initiating switch; the spray system comes on under full power, incident to, and only contingent upon, the hot tank heating being first put on standby with no power; the spray system and a washer defogger system are automatically secured from operation, incident to the door switch being operated by opening of an access door allowing new work to be put into the washer.

Abstract: A belt cleaning apparatus for cleaning continuous wide sanding belts which includes a belt drive assembly. The belt drive has a tensioning roller or bar which applies tension to the belt to be cleaned. A cleaning head with a spray nozzle reciprocates on a tracking lead screw to direct the spray against a belt surface as the belt rotates. Adjustable belt width sensing block cooperates with proximity switches on the cleaning head to conform travel to the belt width. Cleaning fluid is returned to a tank where the clogging material is allowed to either settle to accumulate on the fluid surface. Clarified solution is recycled and directed to the nozzle or returned to the tank via a heat exchanger unit.

Abstract: Cleansing equipment and a daily process for cleansing an ostomy faceplate and the peristomal area while on the ostomate's body. This equipment and process are intended to reduce the occurrence of infections in long-term ostomates. Pressurized fluids delivered through a specially configured nozzle and premoistened antiseptic swabs are used to dislodge, rinse and remove bacteria and bacterial growth medium from the corresponding faceplate surfaces and peristomal areas. The hygiene unit accomplishes this cleansing process by pumping water and cleansing fluids in an orderly predetermined sequence at the required flow rates, volumes, composition and pulse frequencies. Special adapters permit the hygiene unit nozzle to connect with and cleanse ostomy appliance receptacles and urinary drainage systems. The hygiene unit is equipped with a "clean" function so that it can clean itself.

Abstract: A pipet cleaning apparatus in which cleaning liquid is fed into a cleaning tank, where a pipet is accommodated, through a feeding pipe line, a liquid level in the tank is raised to the full liquid level to immerse the pipet in the cleaning liquid, then the used cleaning liquid is overflown through an overflow portion of a discharging pipe line and by repeating the same process, the pipet cleaning is carried out, characterized in that the cleaning liquid is detected by a sensor at a level lower than the full liquid level by each cleaning time, the detected signal is counted by a counter, and when a preset number of cleaning times is counted, a valve of the feeding pipe line is closed.

Abstract: A spray cleaning apparatus for tubular filter elements, comprises a spray chamber in which a filter element is mounted between opposed rotary turntable discs. The chamber is provided with liquid sprays for spraying both the inner and outer surfaces of the element as it is rotated by the turntable. The sprays are reciprocated vertically so as to traverse the height of the filter element. Particular features of the invention reside in the turntable construction; a control system for accurately reversing the up-and-down movement of the sprays dependent on the height of a filter being cleaned; and a particular form of spray nozzle structure useful for cleaning pleated filter elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and sterilizing soft contact lenses comprises a disinfection unit and a control unit. The disinfection unit comprises a receptacle for selectively containing a cleaning liquid and a sterilizing liquid, and a lens holder having perforate lens compartments. The lens holder is removably mounted in the receptacle and rotatable therein. The rotation of the lens holder effects enhanced cleansing action by turbulent flow of the cleaning liquid over the lenses. A heater is preferably mounted on the control unit in intimate heat transfer relation with the disinfection unit when the units are secured together (e.g. with permanent magnets) for heating the sterilizing liquid in the receptacle. The control unit controls the heater for providing alternating high temperature periods (not greater than about 60.degree. C.) and lower temperature periods for sterilizing the cleaned lenses.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the ultrasonic cleaning of transmissions, such as automotive transmissions and the like, and which comprises a housing or tank for receiving cleaning liquid therein, a turntable mounted within the housing for supporting the transmission within the cleaning liquid, at least one transducer secured to the housing for impressing ultrasonic energy on the cleaning liquid, heating elements secured to the tank for heating of the cleaning liquid, the transmission being rotatable simultaneously with the turntable for passing the entire outer periphery or external surfaces of the transmission across the face of the transducer within specified or selected spacing therebetween whereby the transmission is cleaned both interiorly and exteriorly without the necessity of disassembly and ultimate reassembly of the transmission during the cleaning operation.

Abstract: The specification discloses an improved pressure cleaning system (10) which is adapted to facilitate complete purging of air and thus priming of the system in minimal time, and which incorporates all mechanical or electrical components constructed and arranged so as to be suitable for use in hazardous areas. The cleaning system (10) includes a float entry tank (20) connected via a U-shaped conduit (38) to a pump (42) located at substantially the same level as the tank. An electrical heater tank (88) is connected to the pump (42) and is located beneath the pump. A flow sensor (28) on the inlet to the float water tank (20) and temperature sensor (132) on the heater tank (88) are provided for sensing conditions which could lead to overheating and thus premature burnout of the heating elements in the heater tank. The controls are responsive to the flow sensor (28) and temperature sensor (132).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring predetermined amounts of liquid additives, such as a detergent, acid, and/or a sanitizer which may then be automatically dispensed during a cleaning cycle of the dairy pipeline cleansing system. The apparatus includes metering chambers for each of the liquid additives which are connected by a supply line to respective bulk containers. A vacuum source is connected to the metering chambers through an intermediate trap chamber. A valve assembly is provided within each of the metering chambers to block off the vacuum source once the chambers are filled to the desired level. Valves are provided in each of the metering chambers for dumping the respective liquid additive into the cleaning system tank at a selected time.

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.

Abstract: The scour jet array system includes a pump, both fresh water and surface er intakes, an automatic water mixing valve, a chemical buffer injector, a water heater, a series of scour jets with control valves, and a central control system.The control system senses the beginning of ebb tide for starting an initial scour jet, and as each jet scours the freshly deposited mud from the area, temperature, salinity and pH of the surface suction intake water are measured to determine the amount of fresh water injection, chemical buffer injection, water heating and duty cycle time in order to minimize the energy required to scour the sediments from the area.

Abstract: A system for developing a photo-resist material of an optical recording medium on which digital information is recorded in the form of a series of pits whose position and length represent the digital information. In order to precisely control the size of the pits formed during the developing process, a diffraction beam of the monitoring energy beam passing through the pits is received by a sensor means which monitors the intensity of the diffraction beam and which produces a signal for controlling the supply of developing solution on the recording medium. A partition means is provided for isolating the path of the monitoring energy beam so as to eliminate absorption, diffraction or scattering effects due to the particles of developing solution sprayed on the surface of the recording medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a system for developing a photo-resist material of an optical recording medium on which digital information is recorded in the form of a series of pits whose position and length represent the digital information. In order to precisely control the size of the pits formed during the developing process, and to reduce the deviation from one recording medium to another, a monitoring beam is applied on the recording medium during the developing process. A diffraction beam of the monitoring energy beam passes through the pits, and is received by a sensor means which monitors the intensity of the diffraction beam and which produces a signal for controlling the supply of developing solution on the recording medium.

Abstract: Cleaning system to clean articles to remove foreign matters from surfaces of the articles. At least two treatment baths filled with respective cleaning liquids are provided. An intermediate bath is located between the adjacent two treatment baths. The intermediate bath is filled with the cleaning liquid filled in one of a pair of the adjacent treatment baths adjacent to the intermediate bath, and the cleaning liquid filled in the intermediate bath is then replaced with the cleaning liquid filled in the other treatment bath. At least one of the articles is moved successively from a first to the last one of the at least two treatment baths and through at least one the intermediate bath, while the article is maintained continuously and completely immersed in the cleaning liquid.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing semiconductor wafers is described as having a rotor mounted on a horizontal axis with support bearings at each end of the rotor. Wafers are arranged in a carrier which can be loaded and unloaded into the rotor of the apparatus through an access opening which is directed in a generally upward position when the rotor is stopped. Control means provide for automatic stopping of the rotor in a correct position for unloading and reloading at the end of each processing cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus for admitting a cleaning agent into the vacuum line of an animal milking installation has a reservoir the lower portion of which communicates with an intake portion of the vacuum line, a metering device having a vessel which is installed in the upper portion of the reservoir, valved conduits which connect the vacuum line with a source of water and with the upper part of the vessel, a source of cleaning agent which is connected to and admits into the vessel cleaning agent when the vessel is connected to the vacuum line, a buoyant valve element which floats on the supply of cleaning agent in the vessel and seals the vessel from the vacuum line when the supply of cleaning agent in the vessel rises to a predetermined level, and a valve which allows the supply of cleaning agent to flow into the reservoir when the pressure differential between the interior of the vessel and the reservoir decreases to a predetermined value subsequent to sealing of the vacuum line from the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: A fully automated method and apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting blood dialyzers for reuse having multiple stations simultaneously capable of cleaning a plurality of dialyzers. The dialyzer, the station cleaning the dialyzer, and the patient are identified and the identifications are stored in memory. A predetermined sequence of cleaning procedures tailored to the type of dialyzer to be cleaned are provided. The cleaning procedures are automatically machined sequenced, and the sequence is selectively controlled in response to automatic test procedures measuring indicia of dialyzer reusability. The tests performed on the dialyzer include a blood presence test, a pressure leakage test, and an ultrafiltration rate test. If it is determined that the dialyzer is not reusable, it is either cleaned further to make it reusable or machine sequencing of subsequent cleaning procedures is inhibited.

Abstract: Apparatus for decontaminating certain types of semiconductor wafer handling equipment is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame having structure for applying decontaminating and electrostatic elimination fluid to handling equipment. It includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber removes contaminants from handling equipment and restricts the removed contaminants to the first chamber. The second chamber includes structure for drying handling equipment. The apparatus further includes structure for removing static from dried handling equipment.

Abstract: A spray assembly for a refrigerated display case has inclined bottom plates defining a first chamber below the bottom plates and a spray chamber above the bottom plates. Pressurized water is delivered into the first chamber through a water pipe having a normally closed control valve connected thereto for pressure delivery of water to a spray support pipe which extends from the first chamber into the spray chamber centrally thereof. A spray pipe is mounted on and communicates with the spray support pipe and has a plurality of opposed rows of water outlets for delivering a pattern of pressurized streams of water onto interior surfaces of the case and the undersurfaces of the grates and tubing of the cooling system for washing them down and for successive disposal through a drain pipe depending from the bottom plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for pickling the inner wall of a tubular member, for example, a zirconium or zircaloy tubular member as a cladding tube for nuclear fuel. The apparatus features the use of ultrasonic instruments for measuring the inner diameter of the tubular member while pickling the inner wall of the same. Owing to the interlocked association of the instruments and mechanism for supplying a pickling liquid into the tubular member, the supply of the pickling liquid can be stopped as soon as the inner diameter has reached a predetermined value. Various mechanisms may also be incorporated in the apparatus to minimize the temperature variation along the length of the tubular member and to improve the accuracy of the measurement by the instruments.

Abstract: Etching method and etching and etchant removal apparatus. A specific embodiment includes two sets of fan spray nozzles located adjacent to the etching chamber and positioned to direct a spray at the work piece as the work piece exits the etching chamber. A sensor is also located adjacent to the etching chamber for turning the nozzles on when the work piece is present. Hydrometer means for determining the specific gravity of the etchant solution controls one set of nozzles whereby the nozzles are turned on to decrease the density of the etchant and turned off to increase the density of the etchant.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying lubricant to articles such as connectors. The connectors 10 with projecting terminals 12 are loaded into a holder 19 enclosed within a housing 16 having an entry door 23. The door is shut and lubricant is pumped into a tank 28 to overflow into a catch receptacle 66 whereafter the holder is moved to dip the terminal ends into the lubricant. During the dipping operation a pair of locking members 98 and 133 are positioned to block opening of the door. Following the dipping operation the locking member 98 is withdrawn while the lubricant is drained from the receptacle. Upon completion of the draining of the receptacle, facilities 126-132 are operated to withdraw the locking member 133 thus permitting an attending operator to open the door without exposure to any noxious frames emanating from the lubricant.

Abstract: An apparatus for rapid, efficient and safe de-icing and cleaning of primarily aircrafts. A de-icing and cleaning system, includes one or more devices for spraying the object in question, preferably aircrafts, with a liquid or gas or irradiating the object, and includes a mechanism for sensing the position of the object relative the devices, and is disposed for controlling the devices to automatically start and stop the spraying and irradiation in response to the position of the aircraft relative the devices.

Abstract: Extremely cold gaseous nitrogen is used as a cooling medium in the highly exothermic reaction between a chemical etch solution and silicon. This greatly increases the throughput of silicon material through the etchant over prior art techniques, particularly where it is desired to maintain the temperature of the etchant solution below 25.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for drying treatment of articles requiring the drying, and for rinsing and drying small glass tubes such as pipettes used in the chemical analysis or the like effectively.

Abstract: A fully automated system for cleaning and disinfecting blood dialyzers is disclosed.

Abstract: The system comprises a plurality of on-line cleaning tanks, through which continuous metal strip is passed, and a plurality of storage tanks, each containing a different cleaning solution. Different combinations of cleaning solutions are transferred to the on-line tanks from the storage tanks by selecting a particular combination or sequence of cleaning solutions in accordance with the type or composition of metal or metal alloy comprising the strip and automatically feeding the cleaning solutions to the on-line tanks in accordance with the sequence selected. The on-line tanks and storage tanks are interconnected by a network of conduits, pumps and valves which are automatically conditioned by a control element to operate in response to the selection of a particular cleaning sequence. Upon completion of a cleaning operation, each of the solutions is returned to its corresponding storage tank.

Abstract: Spray flux apparatus (10) of a soldering system is automatically cleaned by delivery of a predetermined amount of solvent to the apparatus. A control system (50) transmits signals for controlling the delivery of air or solvent through holes (33) in an air manifold (32) located in a flux tank (21). After a predetermined amount of solvent is delivered to the tank (21), the control system (50) signals a solenoid valve (62) to close to stop the flow of solvent to the tank (21) and then signals another solenoid valve (52) to open to allow compressed air to enter the tank (21) to aid in the cleaning of the apparatus (10).

Abstract: A washing head, having two annular compartments, includes a plurality of ported posts in fluid communication with one of the annular compartments; each of the posts being respectively aligned with a first aperture in one of a plurality of radially oriented dual apertured chambers of a rotor to inject a washing fluid into each of the chambers. Each of the second apertures in each of the plurality of chambers is in fluid communication with and discharges the washing fluid to the other of the annular compartments.

Abstract: A uniform developing method of a film for use in an automatic developer in which the film light-exposed is moved in developing solution in a developing vessel, wherein the moving speed of the film is gradually reduced depending on a deterioration rate of the developing solution with respect to the length of the film to be developed.

Abstract: A processor of sheets of photosensitive material includes an entrance opening through which sheets enter the processor, developer, fix and wash tanks; a dryer; an exit opening through which the sheets exit the processor; and a transport system for transporting the sheets through the processor. Signals from a film sensor positioned proximate the entrance opening indicate when a leading edge and a trailing edge of each sheet enters the processor. An encoder provides signal pulses for each incremental movement of a drive shaft which drives the transport system. The signal pulses, which provide an indication of the linear travel of the sheets through the processor, are counted. Based upon the signals from the film sensor and the counted pulses, a signal is provided when the trailing edge of the last sheet passes out of the developer tank, so that the speed of the transport can be changed without affecting the developing of the images on the last sheet.

Abstract: An automatic production apparatus for processing semiconductor wafers which include a rotor rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis where the rotor includes a removable carrier capable of holding a plurality of semiconductor wafers or glass photomask plates and a plastic-coated bar for retaining the semiconductor wafers in the carrier when inverted at low RPM's and a plurality of spray nozzles for providing the processing medium and a recessed drain for removing the expended processing medium. A timing device sequentially controls the processing functions and structure is provided to accomplish these functions.

Abstract: An electrically operated device such as a duplicating machine has a recptacle for accommodating a fluid for the chemical treatment of sheet material and like objects. The receptacle may be in the form of a dip tank designed for passing sheet material therethrough. This dip tank is connected via a supply conduit to a storage tank and the supply conduit includes a pump controlled by an automatic charging and metering unit for supplying fluid to the dip tank. A drain conduit leading to the storage tank is connected to the dip tank. This drain conduit includes a solenoid valve for stopping or allowing the flow of fluid through the drain conduit.

Abstract: In an automatic paint spraying apparatus automatic control means comprises two parts, the first part providing programmable control means for determining a desired sequence of operations and the second part comprising position indicating means for generating an electrical digital signal representing the position of a spray gun and comparator means for comparing the signal from the position indicating means with reference signals determining the sequence of operation and providing an output for use in controlling the spray guns, the second part of the automatic control means being arranged for location within a paint spraying area having an hazardous atmosphere.

Abstract: There is disclosed a purging system for removing foreign matter from a fluid conducting conduit in which a sensor detects the presence of the foreign matter and produces an electrical signal which activates a timer which, in turn, connects a pump to the conduit for a given time duration to purge the conduit of the foreign matter. A counter also maybe connected to periodically activate the timer and purge the conduit, whether or not the sensor has detected foreign matter.

Abstract: Ambient water and steam in a predetermined ratio are delivered into the entrance of a venturi chamber in a fluid accelerator. The steam condenses and in so doing elevates the water temperature significantly. The heated water passes through a venturi throat and then has its pressure elevated considerably above the pressure of the incoming steam prior to discharging from the accelerator into valved piping leading to cleaning spray headers on opposite sides of the moving metal strip. High pressure, high temperature water cleaning sprays are directed through header nozzles onto the strip to thoroughly clean its entire surfaces. Venturi vacuum is utilized whenever desired to draw a cleaning additive into the system where such additive is entrained in the water stream. Simplicity and economy are achieved in a highly efficient cleaning system.

Abstract: During the processing of an image-wise exposed radiation sensitive device, such as a radiation sensitive plate for lithographic printing plate production, by contacting the device with developer liquid, a temperature sensitive member is immersed in the developer liquid. The member produces an output signal in dependence on the temperature of the developer liquid. This signal is used to control the degree to which the device is processed in a manner dependent on the temperature of the developer liquid for example by controlling the residence time of the device in the developer liquid, by controlling the degree to which the developer liquid is agitated in contact with the device, or by controlling the degree to which the device is subjected to an overall exposure to radiation prior to or during contact with the developer liquid.

Abstract: A cleaning tub having therein a holding basket mounted for rotation about a vertical axis. The basket has a lower section with circumferentially aligned holding and partition members to contain tubular-like members to be cleaned in circumferential alignment. There is also an upper section having radial partitions to contain other objects to be cleaned. During a first washing and rinsing cycle, the basket is caused to oscillate throughout the filling period, the washing period, the emptying period, and also through a final "shake-off" period. There is also a transfer tub to hold either a pasteurizing liquid (i.e. hot water) or a disinfect liquid. Subsequent to the washing cycle, the liquid in the transfer tub can be moved over to the cleaning tub either to pasteurize or disinfect the articles in the basket. Heat control means are provided to bring the transfer liquid to the proper temperature in the transfer tub, and also to maintain this proper temperature in the cleaning tub.

Abstract: In a rotatable shake-out drum designed to receive refractory moulds containing hot metal castings and to break them up, cooling water is fed to the drum in synchronization with the feeding of moulds to the drum so that the quantity of water fed into the drum varies with the rate of delivery of moulds into the drum.

Abstract: A commercial-type automatic dishwasher includes a motor-driven circulating pump for recirculating a washing solution, a motor-driven detergent supply pump for adding detergent to the washing solution, and a control system, including control means for operating the circulating pump for a wash cycle of predetermined length, and detergent supply pump control means responsive to the pH level of the washing solution for operating the detergent supply pump as required during the wash cycle to maintain a desired water/detergent ratio.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the addition of liquid in the cleaning of containers, especially of milk tanks, has a circulating pump operative for circulating a cleaning liquid withdrawn from a lower part of the container and again sprayed into the container at a higher part thereof, a measuring path flanked by two measuring electrodes directly introduced into the measuring path and incorporated into the circulating arrangement, so that the continuous variations of the electric resistance of the liquid column flowing through the tubular measuring path during the circulation are sensed by the measuring electrodes and transmitted as signals to a control element which converts the signals to a further signal which actuates a closing valve arranged at a liquid inlet conduit.

Abstract: A system is provided for control of ion concentration (as for example in pH or redox control), for use for example in etching articles, wherein other features such as specific gravity control are also provided. The ion concentration control is provided with cleaning and recalibration features. In a specific embodiment, provision is made for adding ammonia to an etching solution and for continuously monitoring the pH of the system. Visual indicators are provided for operator observation of fluid flow through various lines, generally by windows being provided in the cabinet apparatus. A particular electrode cell is disclosed as a prominent feature of ion concentration control.

Abstract: A machine for cleaning heavy vehicle parts and the like in maintenance shops by spraying them with a detergent fluid or solvent. A parts tray with wheels may be rolled on tracks in and out of a heavy cabinet. The cabinet has a power-actuated door. Inside a cleaning chamber the parts tray is surrounded by a cage-like spray assembly of pipe equipped with spray nozzles directed inward at the parts. The spray assembly is mounted on a swinging parallel linkage, and is reciprocated back and forth by a motor. Below the spray or cleaning chamber is a tank or sump with an internal heater, which is normally full of fluid. A pump circulates heated fluid from this tank up to the spray nozzles; the fluid then runs back down into the sump for recirculation. A clean-out trap is provided for cleaning the sump. The operator's controls, including the door actuator control, are all located at the side of the machine for safety. An interlock switch prevents the pump from being started when the door is open.

Abstract: A sanitary backwashing system for an automatic milking machine having a milking unit and a source of vacuum, the system including a valve having a first port connected to the milking unit and a pair of second ports alternately connected to the first port, one of the second ports being connected to the source of vacuum; and a source of sanitizing fluid under pressure connected to the other of the second ports and the valve having a first position in which the valve connects the milking unit to the source of vacuum while blocking off the other of the second ports and a second position in which the valve connects the milking unit to the source of sanitizing fluid while blocking off the source of vacuum.

Abstract: Equipment designed to automatically process a photoengraving cylinder through a variety of processes including plating on a metal roll, surface polishing, corrosion, development, printing and the like. In order to make more efficient such processes, this invention is directed to an equipment improvement which can automatically determine the condition of a cylinder during any process steps common to any of such processes, and further move a roller to be processed (hereinafter called a photoengraving cylinder) successively during the whole sequence of steps of work.

Abstract: A film holder receives film chips for developing and enters through an input opening where a transport mechanism carries it into a developer tray having a thermistor for providing a signal representative of the developer temperature. This signal is used to control the development time to be inversely proportional to temperature. At the end of the development cycle the transport mechanism lifts the film holder from the developer tank, carries it to the fixing tank and deposits it in the fixing tank. At the end of the next development cycle, the transport mechanism lifts the film holder from the fixing tank, transports it to the wash tank and deposits it in the wash tank. At the end of the next development cycle, the transport mechanism lifts the film holder from the wash tank and deposits it in the drying chamber where forced hot air dries the developed fixed washed film chips. They may be removed through an exit door.

Abstract: A sanitary backwashing system for an automatic milking machine having a milking unit and a source of vacuum, the system including a valve having a first port connected to the milking unit and a pair of second ports alternately connected to the first port, one of the second ports being connected to the source of vacuum; and a source of sanitizing fluid under pressure connected to the other of the second ports and the valve having a first position in which the valve connects the milking unit to the source of vacuum while blocking off the other of the second ports and a second position in which the valve connects the milking unit to the source of sanitizing fluid while blocking off the source of vacuum.