Abstract: High pressure parts cleaner having: grit blaster, as well as hand directed and machine oscillated spray nozzles; an enclosing part's chamber defining a spray zone of the nozzles and a collecting basin therebelow which holds the parts; and a base of neutralizing drums supporting the collecting basin. The basin communicates with the base, allowing the drums to act as receptcles for filtering and chemically neutralizing therein the run-off of expended cleaners. The drums continually directly discharge the thus acceptable effluent by regular sewage disposal.

Abstract: A lens washing apparatus includes a wash chamber, a reservoir for holding wash fluid, a pair of spaced nozzles facing each other, a lens support for holding a lens between the nozzles, a pump for squirting wash fluid through the nozzles onto the lens, a heater for heating the wash fluid, mechanism for maintaining a wash fluid vapor atmosphere in the wash chamber after the pump shuts off, and electronic elements for controlling the operation of the apparatus. A method for washing a lens includes the steps of impinging the lens surfaces with an organic volatile wash fluid during a wash cycle, shutting off the flow of wash fluid, allowing residual wash fluid to be drawn off the lens edge by fibers or filaments, and drying the lens in the presence of a wash fluid vapor atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning golf club heads and grips, the apparatus comprising a first tank for receipt of the club grip portion, a second tank for receipt of the club head portion, an acoustic wave generator, a tank filling mechanism, a tank emptying mechanism, a tank cleaning component, and an operational control unit. The tank filling mechanism is coupled to the first tank for filling the tanks with a cleaning liquid in response to the operational control unit. The acoustic wave generator is arranged to selectively produce acoustic waves in the cleaning liquid to effect the cleaning of the golf club portion(s) located therein for a predetermined period of time as established by the operational control unit.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes apparatus for washing side and rear surfaces of a vehicle and apparatus for washing the front and upper surfaces of a vehicle. The apparatus for washing the side and rear surfaces includes a side and rear follower mounted on a support frame to the side of a vehicle path and moveable from a first position to the side of the vehicle path to a second position inwardly of the side of the vehicle path, nozzles being mounted on the end of the follower. With the follower in the first position, the nozzles are directed towards the vehicle path and thus towards a side surface of a vehicle, and when the follower is moving between the first and second positions, the nozzles are directed along the vehicle path and thus towards the rear surface of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vibrational cleaning apparatus is presented that has a base with a plurality of suction cup legs attached. Included is a reciprocating armature motor and a tubular housing releasingly attached to the base. The reciprocating armature motor imparts a vibrational pulse to the base. A support disc is releasingly attached to an inside surface of a wall of the tubular housing. A solution container is within the tubular housing and is in intimate contact with the disc. A spring clip, to releasingly suspend and retain items to be cleaned, is attached to the tubular housing. A timer switch, to activate the motor for preselected periods of time, is attached to and passes through the wall of the housing. A wallk plug extends through a base port in the base to the motor and is plugged into a source of AC power.

Abstract: Improvements to an integrated circuit wafer rinsing and washing machine which include a streamlined housing for low turbulence air flow, improved rear maintenance capability, improved wafer carriers, foot operated switches and improved rotating part fastening means.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning small automotive parts. The apparatus includes a spray device for distributing a cleaning solution throughout the cabinet of the apparatus. The cleaning solution may be reused and recycled through the apparatus saving money and preventing the dumping of volatile solutions into the environment.

Abstract: A control circuit for dispensing detergent and a wetting agent in a dishwasher is provided in which a single triac can be utilized to selectively energize either the detergent dispenser operator or the wetting agent dispenser operator by connecting the two operators, each in series with an oppositely oriented diode, in parallel, and such connection in series with the triac, and then biasing the triac into low impedance at the beginning of either positive or negative half line cycle depending on the operator selected to be energized. If an operator is of low resistance, it is connected in series with the heater which then acts as a current limiter, and if the operator is of high impedance, it is connected in parallel with the heater.

Abstract: A parts washer device including a liquid container, a tank and a pump where the liquid container is adapted to carry a liquid solvent therein and has an open end defined by a rim and a closed end remote therefrom. The tank is adapted to be removably positioned on the liquid container such that parts can be washed therein and includes a parts washing portion adapted to be supported above the open end of the liquid container and a skirt portion extending below the parts washing portion and adapted to fit within the open end of said liquid container. The pump includes a pump discharge tube for carrying the liquid solvent from the liquid container to the parts washing portion of the tank and is mounted on the tank so as to extend through and substantially below the skirt portion into the liquid solvent when the tank is supported on the liquid container.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing an article, especially an automobile, comprises an article through which the article can pass, nozzles mounted on the framework, a tank provided with means for maintaining pressure therein and connected to the nozzles, a valve for controlling the flow of liquid from the tank to the nozzles and a timer. Upon actuation, the timer opens the valve for a predetermined interval, thereby allowing liquid to flow from the nozzles and wash the article passing through the framework. The pressure within the tank ensures that at least a predetermined quantity of liquid is sprayed during the interval fixed by the timer, even if the pressure in a water main supplying the apparatus fluctuates.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process and apparatus for cleaning contact lenses by the association of a thermal treatment with a mechanical vibratory treatment.The thermal treatment is constituted of:a first increase in temperature of the liquid containing the said lenses from the ambient temperature (T1) to a temperature (T2) at which the material adhered to the lenses does not undergo denaturation,a series of stoppages and startings of heating permitting the oscillation in temperature between temperature T2 and another temperature T3 less than T2 and greater than T1,finally a second increase in temperature from T3 to another temperature T4 greater than T2.The vibratory treatment is to be applied in an independent manner with respect to the thermal treatment, either during the entire period between T1 and T2 or during that between T1 and T4.

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: A foraminated cylindrical container has a loading port into which loose fill media may be loaded for cleaning. The container is rotated to tumble the media and a pan for containing solvent is located so that the media will be immersed during rotation. A hose supplied by a high pressure pump is used to further clean the media. The container may be raised and tilted to facilitate removal of the media. The solvent may be pumped from the pan to a storage tank. Separate switches are provided for the pumps and the rotation and hoisting mechanism so that the operator can adjust the timing of each portion of the cycle as needed to complete the cleaning.

Abstract: A beverage tube cleaner especially applicable as a permanent installation for cleaning draft beer distribution systems includes automatically controlled valves and a centrifugal pump for sequentially draining, cleaning, rinsing and draining conduits along the full length from their pressurized beverage sources to their spigots. The standardized fittings normally connecting the conduits to the kegs or other beverage sources are removed from the sources and connected end-to-end in pairs via unions mounted directly on the cleaner casing. Water pressure and pump vacuum force the cleaning and rinsing solutions through the conduits and the connecting unions, and under control of a sequence controller, treat the entire length of each conduit.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducer apparatus for cleaning applications and method for cleaning wafers of semiconductor material in which the method includes positioning the wafer proximate to but closely spaced away from a cleansing face of the ultrasonic transducer, supplying space between the cleansing face and the wafer with a cleansing fluid through an orifice in the cleansing surface and ultrasonically vibrating the cleansing face transversely to the wafer by applying an electrical signal to piezoelectric material symmetrically disposed about the orifice in the cleansing face via which the cleansing fluid is supplied, with the ultrasonic transducer including piezoelectric material symmetrically disposed with respect to the orifice in the cleansing face through which the cleansing fluid is supplied.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a plurality of work pieces at spaced apart treatment stations 19 arranged around a circle comprises a conveyor 8 that is a horizontal ring and that is mounted on supports 5 connected to an outer housing for rotation about its vertical axis by a drive 10, and hangers 12 mounted on the ring 8 and including reciprocating means 15 by which a work piece 13 may be lowered into or raised from a treatment station 19. The apparatus is useful for conducting inspection penetrant treatment processes and other processes.

Abstract: Articles which require the removal of an adhering substance, such as residue of a galvanizing bath, are rinsed by spraying an aqueous rinsing agent against them repeatedly. Each spraying interval is followed by a run-off interval during which the sprayed-on rinsing agent can run off the articles. The length of the run-off intervals is equal to, or greater than, the length of the spraying intervals.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus for a vacuum-operated milk conveying system in a dairy comprises a cleaning liquid tank, timer-controlled components which periodically supply fresh cleaning liquid to the tank, connections by which liquid in the tank (fresh or used) is periodically provided to the system, and a timer-controlled drain control valve assembly mounted on the tank. The valve assembly comprises two (upper and lower) symmetrical molded plastic valve housings secured on opposite sides of a horizontal plate having sets of holes therein which are cooperable with chambers, ports and openings in the housings. The valve assembly also comprises an inlet port, an outlet port, a circulating port, and a single solenoid for operating three rod-mounted valves, namely: a fill valve located between the inlet port and the circulating port, a dump valve located between the inlet port and the outlet port, and a drain valve for a drain port on the tank.

Abstract: A permanently mounted tank cleaning apparatus cleans interior surfaces of a bulk milk storage tank using a plurality of cleaning cycles, each cycle characterized by a separate cleaning step. The tank includes a device for dispersing fluid against the interior surfaces of the tank and an outlet proximate its bottom interior surface. A pump is fixedly associated with the dispersing device by a conduit and pumps fluid to the dispersing device through the conduit. A three-way valve assembly is fixedly attached to the outlet of the tank and is positionable in a closed position, a milk removal position, and a tank cleaning position. A solenoid drain valve is positioned between the pump and the tank cleaning position of the three-way valve and below the bottom interior surface of the tank.

Abstract: A portable lavage device comprising a moveable tank for holding a cleansing liquid, a pump coupled to the tank for circulating the cleansing liquid under a pressure which varies from a maximum to a minimum and spaced nozzles coupled to the circulating pump and arranged to spray the cleansing liquid under varying pressure against an item to be cleaned.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a contact lens sterilizing device (10,54,118) which chemically disinfects contact lenses (L) in a cell (20,64,134) containing antimicrobial solution (42,104,144) and which subsequently transfers the lenses (L) to a storage cell (22,66,136) containing storage solution (44,106,146). Momentum generated as the striker arm (6) of a mechanical timer (2) snaps from a first position to a second position is utilized to propel a cage (C,70,140) holding the contact lenses (L) from the sterilizing cell (20,64,134) to the storage cell (22,66,136), thereby effecting the transfer operation. In one embodiment (10) of the present invention, the striker arm momentum is indirectly imparted to the contact lens cage (C) via a flipper (28). In other embodiments (54,118) of the present invention, the striker arm momentum is directly imparted to the contact lens cage (70,140) via a hook (72,142) integrally formed on the cage (70,140).

Abstract: Apparatus for washing an article, especially an automobile, comprises an article through which the article can pass, nozzles mounted on the framework, a tank provided with means for maintaining pressure therein and connected to the nozzles, a valve for controlling the flow of liquid from the tank to the nozzles and a timer. Upon actuation, the timer opens the valve for a predetermined interval, thereby allowing liquid to flow from the nozzles and wash the article passing through the framework. The pressure within the tank ensures that at least a predetermined quantity of liquid is sprayed during the interval fixed by the timer, even if the pressure in a water main supplying the apparatus fluctuates.

Abstract: A dental appliance cleaning device which includes a housing having at least one chamber therein, wherein a receptacle can be removably inserted into the chamber of the housing such that at least one dental appliance is receivable into the receptacle, wherein a mechanism for rotating the receptacle within the housing can be provided. A mechanism for cleaning the dental appliance within the receptacle is provided, wherein the cleaning mechanism is a mechanism for spraying a cleaning liquid on the dental appliances disposed within the receptacle.

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 car washer and dryer installation in which a shroud is suspended from a frame and is controlled to be lowered and raised relative to an automobile which is to be washed and dried. A source of water and chemical cleaner is connected to the shroud and is selectively operated to enable a wetting operation to take place as the shroud is lowered during a first cycle and to enable chemical cleaner and water to be applied during the first cycle as the shroud is raised. Between the first cycle and a second cycle is provided an open period during which manual operations on the automobile may take place. Then, an alarm is sounded to indicate that the second cycle is about to take place whereafter the shroud is lowered and raised in order to rinse the car. A drying apparatus is applied in the form of a hood which may be raised by a piston assembly but which is otherwise permitted to rest on the automobile through the intermediary of a roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a test electrode in process control and chemical engineering. The apparatus includes a storage container from which a cleaning solution is intermittently drawn in by a pneumatically operating peristaltic pump. The pump supplies the cleaning solution to a nozzle which sprays the solution on the electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously lubricating a conveyor belt with a mixture of water and soap or detergent during normal operation and for washing the conveyor belt during a preselected time interval after normal operation has ceased. Solenoid valves are interposed in water lines to a lubricating nozzle and wash nozzles to control the flow of water to the nozzles, and pumps are provided to inject soap or detergent into each of the water lines. During normal conveyor operation, electrical power is supplied only to the lubricating line solenoid valve and the lubricating line pump to produce a lubricating spray of water and soap or detergent from the lubricating nozzle which is directed onto the belt. When the master on-off switch is switched to the "off" position, a wash timer is actuated for a predetermined interval of time and cooperates with a relay to also enable the wash line solenoid valve and the wash line pump to deliver water and soap or detergent to the wash nozzle for cleansing the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automated system adapted to be connected to commercial film processors, the system including a common automated sequencer for advancing the wash, rinsing and fill cycles in both the developer and fixer containers. To accommodate the level requirements in the various containers and the variations in pumping rate there are periodic wait logic sections which bring the developer and fixer cycle into synchronism. The foregoing system includes an interface panel provided with level detectors and the necessary interconnections with the commercial units.

Abstract: Teat cups are connected through a milk transport conduit to a receptacle communicating with a vacuum source, and a storage tank having a drain outlet is adapted to receive milk from the receptacle by way of a pump. A unit for controlling a cleaning procedure is connectable to the receptacle through the milk conduit. The pump can be connected selectively to either the control unit or a sprayer for cleaning liquid which opens into the storage tank; and the drain outlet of the tank can be connected selectively to either the receptacle or a discharge line.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a base including an air pump with an electrically driven diaphragm and an air outlet tube passing through the wall of the base and projecting above its top surface; a separate container adapted for receiving a cleaning liquid and an object to be cleaned, the bottom of the container being provided with an inwardly projecting air inlet collar, the projecting air outlet tube snugly fitting into the air inlet collar; and a porous air distributor mounted on the air inlet collar within the container to distribute minute air bubbles throughout the entire cleaning space in the container and to prevent leakage of the cleaning liquid when the container is removed from the base. An auxiliary capsule adapted to receive the object to be cleaned is insertable into the container. Devices for regulating the amount of the air supplied to the liquid can be added to the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically processing photogravure images onto curvilinear surfaces including automated conveying means, etching means, etch terminating means, staging material removing means, and etching resist removing means.

Abstract: Electronic laundry machine controller apparatus for automatically synthesizing, in response to single operator program selections, complete laundry cycles or programs from laundry machine control instructions stored, independent of operator selection or control, within an electronically read memory. A read only memory is preprogrammed to store laundry machine control instructions and program synthesis instructions for compiling a large number of different laundry programs, each having laundering steps or operations preconfigured to satisfy the peculiar laundering requirements of a large number of different commercial and institutional users. Program variation select means presettable by the manufacturer or upon installation of the controller enables preselection for execution from the large number of possible laundry cycles, only those laundry machine cycles which best satisfy the user's specific laundering needs.

Abstract: A mobile cabinet encloses a plurality of basins or receptacles to which hot and cold water may be conducted under control of valves for cleaning, washing and drinking purposes through flexible conduits and from which water is drained through a flexible waste conduit. A water heater and a waste drain pump associated with one of the receptacles cooperates with other facilities therein to clean articles during a timed-controlled cleaning cycle, while manually operated valves control the supply of water to the other receptacles for washing and drinking purposes.

Abstract: A delicate workpiece, such as a semiconductor wafer is cleaned by supporting the workpiece on a shaft which is rotated. A film of liquid solvent is caused to continuously flow across the exposed workpiece surface while the workpiece is in rotation and ultrasonic energy is applied to the liquid film for causing cavitation in the solvent, thereby effecting cleaning of the workpiece surface. Upon shutting off the solvent and the ultrasonic energy, the workpiece is dried by spinning it at high speed.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for automatically mixing and circulating cleaning solutions through dairy equipment, such as in-place milk line equipment, bulk storage tanks, or the like. The apparatus comprises individual pumps for supplying ingredients, such as a detergent, an acid and a sanitizer, in a predetermined sequence to a mixing receptacle for mixing with a solvent such as water to form different types of cleaning solutions which are then circulated by a main pump through the equipment in a predetermined sequence. Control means, including a timer, are provided to fill the mixing receptacle with water and to operate the individual pumps and the main pump in a predetermined sequence to provide desired cycles of operation, such as first rinse (with water), wash (with detergent), second rinse (with acid), OFF, sanitize (with sanitizer), and OFF.

Abstract: Apparatus and logic circuitry for selection of a desired wash program in a laundry machine in which multiple programs are available and occupy zones of varied extent on a continuous program surface. An indexing surface is connected to and moves with the program surface. The indexing surface is divided into a plurality of tracks, each of which is marked to identify the position and extent of a distinct program encoded on the program surface. Individual pushbutton selection switches provide power to enable individual sensing switches paired with the tracks. An enabled switch senses the markings defining the program selected by actuation of a particular pushbutton. The pushbutton switch enabling an individual sensing switch also actuates an indexing drive which rapidly and automatically drives the indexing surface to a position where the enabled sensing switch senses a program point corresponding to the beginning of the selected program.