Abstract: The cryogenic aerosol substrate cleaning system of the present invention includes a substrate support system that is disposed within a cleaning enclosure. A wafer, or other article to be cleaned is disposed upon the substrate support system. A cryogenic aerosol spray cleaning device is disposed within the enclosure to direct a cryogenic aerosol spray upon the surface of the wafer. The substrate support system includes an electrically floating chuck which supports the wafer, such that the chuck is separated from a grounded plane by an insulator. The chuck is capacitance-coupled to the grounded plane, and in alternative embodiments the chuck is also electrically coupled to the grounded plane. The substrate support system of the present invention acts to reduce the creation of tribocharges on the wafer, such that damage to wafers caused by such tribocharges is reduced and a cleaner wafer surface is created.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a container cleaning, draining and drying apparatus comprising: a transfer mechanism for transferring a container filled with a content; a cleaning mechanism for cleaning an outer surface of the container during the transfer; a draining mechanism for draining the cleaning liquid; and a drying mechanism for drying the outer surface of the container which performs cleaning with good efficiency to completely remove the content or filler stuck onto the outer surface, folded parts or the like of the container in a short time during the container transfer, and momentarily draining and drying the remaining cleaning liquid used.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method for cleaning curved sheets of glass. The apparatus indexes glass sheets in a non-continuous manner through at least a pre-washing zone, a washing zone, a rinsing zone, and/or a drying zone. The glass sheets proceed through any or all of these zones in a substantially upright orientation in certain embodiments. In at least one of the wet zones, a robot arm manipulates a plurality of spray nozzles so as to follow the contour of at least one major surface of the glass. The nozzles may be manipulated back and forth across the surface in order to rinse and/or wash the glass. A similar manipulation of air knives along the contour of the glass sheet may be utilized in the drying zone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for washing a plurality of cored lettuce heads as they are harvested in the field is disclosed. The apparatus incorporates a multi-segment hinged conveyer forming a loop, at least one support platform having an opening, at least one lettuce head guide connected to the support platform and an aqueous solution spraying system. Workers harvest lettuce heads, core the lettuce heads and then place them on the lettuce head guides which are moving along the conveyer. The lettuce heads are conveyed to an aqueous solution spraying system which washes the cored areas of the lettuce heads. The lettuce heads are then removed from the conveyer into a produce bin.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for microbial intervention and pasteurization of food processing equipment. The apparatus comprises a chamber, a steam generator, a controller, a timer, a power source, and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor, along with the timer, is used to control the exposure of food processing equipment to steam. After a controlled period of steam application, a chilled water source is used to bathe the food processing equipment. The method includes the steps of placing food processing equipment in the chamber, adding steam to the chamber, continuing to add steam until the surface of the food processing equipment is greater than a first preselected temperature, maintaining the surface temperature by the continued application of steam for a period of about 60 seconds or until it is greater than a second preselected temperature, and then bathing the outer surface of the food processing equipment with chilled water for about 60 seconds.

Abstract: A heated high pressure air and/or a high pressure water are spouted through nozzles. Therefore, the coated layer is removed without crushing the bumper unlike in the conventional method, and therefore, a plurality of process steps can be skipped. Thus the bulk of the apparatus can be reduced, the operating cost can be lowered, and the environment can be protected. The method for removing a coated layer includes the step of installing a bumper to be subjected to a removal of the coated layer. Then the coated layer is removed from the bumper by spouting water and/or a pre-heated air to the bumper. Then the bumper is carried to a predetermined psition after removing the coated layer, and then the bumper is detached. The apparatus includes an installing/detaching means for installing/detaching the bumper to be subjected to a removal of the coated layer.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus which comprises a spray cleaning arrangement capable of even cleaning of devices. The cleaning arrangement is disposed within a housing, and is directed towards a conveyor belt, which transports the device to be cleaned across the various wash, rinse and drying zones of the apparatus. At least one spray wand is provided for the circulation of a wash fluid having at least one row of holes disposed longitudinally thereacross for releasing the wash fluid onto the device to be washed. The spray wand has a decreasing internal traverse cross-sectional area from one end to the second end such that a substantially uniform internal pressure is maintained between the two ends during washing. The holes on the spray wands are preferably microtunnels which can be disposed at high density along the spray wand. The spray wand can also be rotated such that the direction of spray may be adjusted.

Abstract: A heated high pressure air and/or a high pressure water are spouted through nozzles. Therefore, the coated layer is removed without crushing the bumper unlike in the conventional method, and therefore, a plurality of process steps can be skipped. Thus the bulk of the apparatus can be reduced, the operating cost can be lowered, and the environment can be protected. The method for removing a coated layer includes the step of installing a bumper to be subjected to a removal of the coated layer. Then the coated layer is removed from the bumper by spouting water and/or a pre-heated air to the bumper. Then the bumper is carried to a predetermined psition after removing the coated layer, and then the bumper is detached. The apparatus includes an installing/detaching means for installing/detaching the bumper to be subjected to a removal of the coated layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for washing and drying a piston and thereafter coating the piston skirt with a dry film lubricant coating and oven-curing said coating. In the washing and drying operation the piston is carried through the apparatus on a conveyor, is spun while wash solution is sprayed on it, is spun while rinse water is sprayed on it, is spun to throw off rinse water, and has air blown against it to remove moisture from its surface. A flash chamber is used in the curing step.

Abstract: A sealed aqueous self cleaning rinse sump is provided for an aqueous spray washer. The rinse sump is pressurized by a weir restriction which directs return fluid into the rinse sump while simultaneously providing a pressure seal at the inlet of the rinse sump. The pressurized sump facilitates evaporation of the rinse fluid in order to separate contaminants out of the rinse fluid. The evaporated rinse fluid is then condensed and then returned to the rinse sump, thereby providing a consistently acceptable supply of clean rinse fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning articles such as pallets, totes, containers, bins, trays, carts, and other like articles. The apparatus includes a main housing having a conveyor system on which articles are transported into and through a washing chamber. The apparatus is versatile and employs adjustable guide rails to hold in place a wide variety of different sizes and configurations of a wide assortment of articles. A plurality of high pressure, jet-stream spray nozzles rotating at high speeds are supplied with a high pressure wash fluid. The spray nozzles provide rapid, powerful, knife-like jet streams of wash fluid which impact the surfaces of the articles moving through the washing chamber repeatedly to lift and blast off contaminants adhered to the articles. The apparatus is portable and includes a closed-loop water reclamation system having a plurality filter assembly and is environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A processing apparatus, which removes a processing agent adhered to an peripheral portion of a substrate on which the processing agent is coated, comprises a nozzle having a recess portion into which the peripheral portion of the substrate is inserted and for supplying a solvent to the peripheral portion of the substrate which has been inserted into the recess portion, a moving mechanism for moving the nozzle along the peripheral portion of the substrate, and rotating bodies for guiding the peripheral portion of the substrate to an inlet of the recess portion of the nozzle, whereby the processing agent on the peripheral portion of the substrate can be removed by the solvent which has been supplied to the peripheral portion of the substrate.

Abstract: Machine for removing salt cores from pressure die-cast or injection molded articles, having a washing tunnel, inside which there are a plurality of washing stations, and a conveyor designed to advance the articles one after the other through each washing station where a plurality of nozzles, pointing in a plurality of directions, project jets of a saline solution which is saturated or supersaturated with the same salt as that used to make the cores, on to the articles; the machine also having a tank, positioned underneath the conveyor, to recover the supersaturated saline solution containing, in suspension, the salt from which the abovementioned cores are made, a pump for conveying the saline solution contained in the tank to the nozzles and, lastly, a filtering device for recovering the excess salt in suspension in the tank.

Abstract: A washer capable of simultaneously washing trays and dishware. The single unit washer has a dual conveyor system. One conveyor transports trays through the washer and another conveyor transports racks containing dishware and drinking vessels. Preferably, the single unit also includes a dryer which efficiently utilizes the same supply of air to dry both the trays and the dishware. The conveyor system is specifically configured to prevent fast racking and to provide ease in loading/unloading.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-cost and practical method for cleaning objects such as wheelchairs on a continuous basis. In one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention is a mobile, self-contained system in which objects are cleaned and sanitized as they travel in a U-shaped path within a wash chamber. As the objects enter the first side of the wash chamber, suitably located water jets spray the objects with a mixture of detergent and water to remove associated foreign materials until shortly after the objects make a U-turn. At this point, the objects are first sprayed with a mixture containing a rinse agent and water, then with a spray containing disinfectant and water. The objects are thereafter dried by suitable drying means such as a high velocity air curtain system. The continuous washing system of the present invention preferably has a self-contained water heater to pre-heat the water prior to its being sprayed onto the objects.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning, assembling, testing and inspecting contamination sensitive hardware. The apparatus includes an environmental process enclosure having an inner processing chamber, and a carbon dioxide jet spray cleaning system. The enclosure includes a loadlock pass-through having front and rear access doors for providing access to the inner processing chamber. A blower is disposed in the enclosure for circulating purified gas therethrough. A prefilter disposed prior to an inlet of the blower, and a high purity filter and laminar flow screen are disposed in the inner processing chamber. A heater is provided for heating the purified gas and a temperature controller is coupled to the heater for controlling the temperature of the purified gas. A table is disposed in the inner processing chamber upon which contamination sensitive hardware and testing and assembly apparatus may be placed.

Abstract: A method is provided for cleaning an electronic circuit board having first and second opposing surfaces. The method includes directing a stream of carbon dioxide particles against the first surface. Steam is sprayed toward the first and second surfaces such that condensation of the steam caused by cooling from the CO.sub.2 particles forms a thin film of water on the first surface for conducting electrostatic charge away from the first surface. The CO.sub.2 particles substantially remove residue present on the first surface, thereby cleaning the circuit board.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus (10) is disclosed for cleaning electronic components within JEDEC or Auer containers (59). The containers with electronic components and assemblies therein are conveyed through the apparatus by a conveyor assembly (18). A manifold assembly (16) defining precision planar surfaces (60) establishes a predetermined separation, preferably 0.020 inches, between the manifolds and the tops (57) of the containers (59) to prevent the electronic components and assemblies from being lifted out of the containers under the influence of the washing and rinsing operation The manifolds have apertures formed therethrough for spraying the washing and rinsing fluids and drying gases onto the electronic components and assemblies.

Abstract: A printing screen cleaning and reclaiming apparatus comprises a cleaning device defining a cleaning and reclaiming path and a plurality of low pressure-high volume water washoff stations, in series, along the path. An ink degradent, an emulsion remover, and a degreaser are each applied successively along the path, and an ink removal station, an emulsion removal station, and a degreaser removal station are positioned successively along the path to provide the low pressure-high volume water washoff. Each station is capable of delivering washoff fluid to the screen of up to 20 feet in height and any length in the range of approximately 40-400 psi, and in the range of approximately 10-250 gallons per minute for efficient and inexpensive cleaning of the screen.

Abstract: A diverter member is installed in a dishwasher to reduce detergent consumption therein. The diverter member includes an upwardly disposed liquid receiving surface in fluid communication with a drain for receiving a portion of the rinse liquid sprayed on dishware in a rinse section of the dishwasher to increase the amount of rinse liquid communicated to the drain. A lesser amount of rinse liquid returns to the wash tank, thereby reducing dilution of the wash liquid and consumption of detergent.

Abstract: When carrying out a method for sterile bottling of beverages, which comprises the steps of cleaning the bottles first in a cleaning station by means of lye, transporting them then to a separate filling station, filling them in said filling station with the previously sterilized beverage, and closing them finally in a closing station, the sterilization of the interior of the bottles by introducing steam and/or hot water is carried out several times successively in spatially separated stations. This fractional sterilization of the bottles achieves a very high germ destruction rate, the amount of energy consumed being low and the bottles being treated carefully. In addition, measures against a reinfection of the bottles in the area of transport between the stations can be dispensed with so that a good accessibility of the transport area is guaranteed.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting and cleaning brine shrimp eggs on the open water is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention as comprising a buoyant support frame having a collection assembly operably disposed in relation thereto. A concentration member provides a means for collecting a naturally occurring mixture of brine shrimp eggs and debris floating at or near the surface of a body of water. The concentration member provides means for concentrating the mixture of brine shrimp eggs and debris into a concentrated egg/debris mud mixture having a general thickness of about 7.5 cm to 45 cm (3 inches to 18 inches). Engageably disposed in relation to the collection assembly, an extraction apparatus provides a means for transporting the concentrated egg/debris mud mixture introduced into the collection assembly to a filtering/cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A machine for removing oil, dirt and grinding debris from a metal surface comprises a plurality of wash, rinse and dry stations separated to prevent contamination carryover from one station to the next. Razor blades in stacks are passed through the stations, the stacked blades being mounted on rods supported by a fixture and the nozzles or jets within the machine being so oriented as to cause a riffling of the blades due to water or air pressure. A purified water rinse and preferably an aqueous cleaning solution are employed in the machine and are circulated through the stations by a flow system which provides efficient and economical usage of the cleaning solution and rinse materials.

Abstract: A Method for washing items in an automatic washing line, and an automatic washing apparatus. When items (1) are conveyed to a washing zone (2), the method uses a sensor (6a) for detecting if there is a continuous flow of items (1) to the washing zone (2). If there is a break in the flow of items, washing in the washing zone (2) is interrupted. The apparatus comprises a sensor (6a) for detecting if there is a continuous flow of items (1) to be washed to the washing zone (2). In addition the apparatus comprises a program for interrupting the wash in the washing zone (2) when the sensor (6a) detects a break in the flow of items (1) to be washed.

Abstract: When making meals ready for air transport, soiled service and cutlery (24), when arriving in an airport, are sorted, cover-divided in baskets, for use for the next flight. The soiled service is sent into an industrial dishwasher, following which it is provided with food and packed in carts. Large amounts of storage space are saved in this manner in the individual airports, since the cycle time for storage of service and cutlery can be reduced from 26 hours to about 2 hours.

Abstract: A pre-wash process and apparatus for recycling polymer tubing contaminated with large amounts of organic matter, soil, and so forth. The pre-wash process includes the steps of sizing the contaminated polymer tubing into small pieces, conveying the polymer tubing on a first conveyor into a rotating wash trommel, washing the polymer tubing in the rotating wash trommel, conveying the polymer tubing on a second conveyor through a pre-rinse stage and then into a rotating rinse trommel, rinsing the polymer tubing in the rinse trommel, discharging the polymer tubing from the rinse trommel into a float/sink tank, passing the polymer tubing through the float/sink tank to a third conveyor, and conveying the polymer tubing into a suitable container for delivery to a final wash and pelletizing process. The wash trommel and rinse trommel each comprises a rotating cylinder with internal helical flighting that causes intense rolling and agitation of the polymer tubing.

Abstract: A method of removing photoresist or redeposited material from a substrate or other surface using a carbon dioxide jet spray. A substrate having photoresist or redeposited material on its surface is disposed in an environmental enclosure. A carbon dioxide jet spray is generated and directed onto the surface of the substrate and photoresist or redeposited material. The carbon dioxide jet spray cools or freezes the material and causes a mismatch in the thermal coefficient of expansion of the material and the substrate. The material debonds from the substrate due to the induced thermal shock to the material. This rapid shrinkage loosens the material and allows the solid particles in the spray to knock the material from the surface of the substrate. The removed photoresist or redeposited material may be collected in a filter, and removed.

Abstract: A machine dishwashing process for cleaning soiled crockery is provided. The process comprises: (1) optionally prewashing the crockery in a prewash zone; (2) washing the crockery in a wash zone with washing liquor; (3) spraying the crockery from the wash zone with a spraying solution; and (4) rinsing the crockery in a clear washing zone. The washing liquor includes used spraying solution from step (3). The spraying solution has an alkali content of at least 0.8 % by weight. An additive which is substantially free of alkali is supplied to the washing liquor to give a concentration in the washing liquor in the presence of the used spraying solution of at least 0.004 % by weight of complexing agent(s) and/or sequestering agent(s).

Abstract: An apparatus and method that enhances removal of contaminating particles from surfaces of a static-sensitive components that are cleaned using a carbon dioxide cleaning spray produced by a jet spray gun. The apparatus has a programmable power supply that is connected to ground, to the static-sensitive component, and to the jet spray gun. The static-sensitive component is cleaned using the cleaning spray and the surface charge generated on the surface of the component or substrate is simultaneously monitored to determine the amount and polarity of the charge that is generated thereon. The programmable power supply then applies a reverse bias to the jet spray gun that is equal to and has the opposite polarity of the charge that is generated on the surface of the static-sensitive component or substrate, which neutralizes the charge generated on the surface of the component.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a razor blade includes steps for removing oil, dirt and grinding debris from a metal surface by providing a plurality of wash, rinse and dry stations separated to prevent contamination carryover from one station to the next. Razor blades in stacks are passed through the stations, the stacked blades being mounted on rods supported by a fixture and the nozzles or jets within the machine being so oriented as to cause a riffling of the blades due to water or air pressure. A purified water rinse and preferably an aqueous cleaning solution are employed in the method and are circulated through the stations by a flow system which provides efficient and economical usage of the cleaning solution and rinse materials.

Abstract: A cleaning system for use in an apple pre-sizing or packing line including a plurality of high pressure spray nozzles located a short distance above the apples on the line. The spray is maintained at a pressure in the range of 70-300 psi and is directed so as to substantially contact all of the surfaces of the tumbling apples as they move along the packing line. The spray fluid is collected beneath the packing line, and recirculated back to the spray nozzles by a pump, at a volume rate of 50-600 gpm. In modifications of the apparatus, the spray fluid may be heated to a temperature between ambient and just below that which is known to damage apples. In addition, chemicals may be added to the fluid, and/or the fluid may be heated and the fluid sent through a length of contact piping prior to being recirculated to the nozzles, with the piping being of sufficient size and length such that mold spores are killed by the chemicals/heat of the fluid during residence in the contact piping.

Abstract: The method and the apparatus according to the invention relate to pasteurization of products in a tunnel pasteurizer. In the application of heating systems comprising water/steam heat exchangers in the zones for heating of sprinkling water, the pipelines and the valves for controlling the water and the steam become very complex and vulnerable, and the number of analog valves for steam become equal to the number of heat exchangers as a minimum. Leakages in analog valves for steam are frequent after some time in operation. According to the invention this problem is eliminated in that hot water is taken out under low pressure from a heating source (7) comprising a heat-insulted storage tank and a shared source of heat, where the water is circulating constantly, said hot water being supplied in a controlled amount directly to each zone (14b, . . .

Abstract: A method of cleaning an integrated circuit chip module prior to attaching wire bonds thereto. The method involves disposing a module containing an integrated circuit chip and IC bond pads without wire bonds in an environmental process enclosure. A carbon dioxide jet spray cleaning system having a spray nozzle and orifice assembly is disposed the environmental process enclosure. A jet spray of carbon dioxide is generated using the jet spray cleaning system. The carbon dioxide jet spray is directed onto the surface of the module such that the spray impacts the IC bond pads and module bond pads to clean unwanted adhesive from the surface of the module and thus clean the IC and module bond pads.

Abstract: A device for washing and removing liquid on a gauze conveyor for conveying products, the gauze conveyor having an upper side for carrying products and being provided with link portions and having a gauze pattern. The device having means for removing liquid on the upper side of the gauze conveyor and being formed by a hollow, rotatable roll which is provided with rows of separate projecting teeth, said rows extending axially on the roll, the teeth fitting into the gauze pattern and the link portions being enclosable by the teeth. The roll has holes between the teeth which holes extend into the cavity of the roll.

Abstract: An object (12) may be cleaned by CO.sub.2 reduced ESD by directing a first water mist (23) at a surface (14) of the object while imparting a relative motion between the object board and the mist to form a film of water on the object surface. As the relative motion is imparted between the board and the first mist (23), a second water mist (32) is injected into a stream (30) of solid CO.sub.2 particles (27) directed at the object surface downstream of the first mist. Water droplets in the second mist in the second mist combine with the CO.sub.2 particles to create carbonic acid that disassociates into charged ions that increase the conductivity of the water film, allowing for increased charge dissipation, thus reducing the incidence of ESD.

Abstract: An industrial parts washer having a split canopy for enclosing the processing zones and conveyor system of the washer includes a fixed first section and a selectively removable second section for accessing the internal processing areas of the washer. The removable section of the canopy is optionally constructed as a single piece of material covering all processing zones across the length of the washer, or alternatively the removable section is segmented into two or more subsections which are easily removed and replaced onto the washer by one or two operators. The removable sections of the canopy are releasably attached to the washer with appropriate quick release latches, and the removable section of the canopy is appropriately sealed to the washer to prevent the escape of moisture, steam and chemical contaminants. The canopy is also made of molded fiberglass or plastic materials.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing objects. The apparatus comprises a frame supporting a housing dimensioned to receive various, irregularly shaped objects. A conveyor belt having exterior sections that extend beyond the housing entrance and exit, conveys objects through the housing as a first series of nozzles spray the objects with a cleaning solution, Then, the objects are washed by a pair of high speed rotating sprayer arms, mounted on the exterior sides of the housing, which direct pressurized water through circular cut out portions formed in the sides of the housing to the objects being conveyed through the housing. The objects are then rinsed by a second series of nozzles and subsequently exit the housing. The exterior sections of the conveyor belt are rotatable and are rotated toward the housing to form a compact configuration for transportation and storage.

Abstract: Bottles to be cleaned are fed in succession to an infeed starwheel from which they are transferred to a rotor on which there are circumferentially spaced apart cam operated bottle inverting devices that grip the bottles and invert them with their mouths over a nozzle that injects cleaning fluid into them. The gripping devices have on them gripper fingers which are V-shaped and are molded, respectively, of a resilient and deflectable synthetic resin such as a polyamide. There is an upper gripper having finger tips spaced apart to engage the neck of a bottle and a lower gripper having finger tips or the like that grip or support the cylindrical body of the bottle.

Abstract: The closed-loop multistage printed circuit board cleaning system applies a generous flow of water to rinse printed circuit boards previously cleaned in a wash section, the water then being recirculated through a purification system and reused to clean the printed circuit boards. When the printed circuit boards require application of a saponified liquid for adequate cleaning, the saponified liquid is applied in pre-wash and wash stages, the boards thereafter being air blasted to remove substantially all of the saponified liquid before they are rinsed. In the saponified system, the pre-wash and wash water is recycled within the pre-wash and wash stages themselves, then passed to a drain. In a system that does not require saponification, the wash liquid also may be recycled, thereby permitting both the wash and rinse stage to employ generous flows of water.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating printed circuit boards or other items is provided, wherein a drying apparatus is specifically provided, generally for use as part of a cleaning or other treatment apparatus, but which can be separately provided, if desired. The drying apparatus employs preferably warm air discharge tubes, for drying items of varying thicknesses, and/or that have varying thicknesses of components mounted thereon. Generally, the printed circuit or other items are carried through the apparatus between upper and lower foraminous conveyor belts, with one of the belts, conforming to the varying thicknesses of the items, or components carried by the items. While some of the air discharge tubes may be stationarily mounted, at least some of them are pivotally mounted, such that their discharge opening zones can slide along and conform to variations in thickness. The discharge tube will pivot in response to the varying thicknesses.

Abstract: A coin game machine island and a coin treating device for use with the coin game machine island is provided, wherein coins as game media can be washed inside the island so that no coin washing equipment needs to be provided outside the island, thereby making it possible not only to restrict the increase in space but also reduce the costs. A coin circulating path is constituted by a distribution conveyer extending at the upper portion of the island, overflow passageways extending downwardly from the outlet end of the distribution conveyer and respective coin game machines, a recovering conveyer extending at the lower portion of the island for connecting the respective overflow passageways, a coin tank placed at the outlet end of the recovering conveyer and a lifter device lifting coins inside the tank to the inlet end of the distribution conveyer. A coin treating device is provided along the length of the coin circulating path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided wherein poultry nest pads are moved on a conveyor between a plurality of cleaning stations, involving first bending the pads prior to wetting in order to separate debris and dried manure by cracking and breaking from the projections of the pad and to further expose the internal pad recesses, then spraying the pads with a cleaning fluid at high pressure in a wiping motion across the bent pad, and then spraying with a sheet of cleaning fluid at low pressure across the top and bottom surfaces of the pad while it is in an inverted orientation over a tank or receptacle for receiving the debris, manure and spent cleaning fluid. That receptacle includes an auger for removing the settled manure and debris. A filtering and recirculation system is incorporated with the receptacle for reusing at least a portion of the spent cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine is proposed which is considerably shorter in design than the previously used, continuously operated transport-dishwashers. In order permanently to reduce the consumption of water, energy and rinsing agent, the crockery in the individual crockery baskets is washed cyclical operation, the circuits of the rinsing apparatus being started up only in their respective time span within the wash program.

Abstract: A method of treating printed circuit boards or other items is provided, wherein a drying apparatus is specifically provided, generally for use as part of a cleaning or other treatment apparatus, but which can be separately provided, if desired. The drying apparatus employs preferably warm air discharge tubes, for drying items of varying thicknesses, and/or that have varying thicknesses of components mounted thereon. Generally, the printed circuit or other items are carried through the apparatus between upper and lower foraminous conveyor belts, with one of the belts, conforming to the varying thicknesses of the items, or components carried by the items. While some of the air discharge tubes may be stationarily mounted, at least some of them are pivotally mounted, such that their discharge opening zones can slide along and conform to variations in thickness. The discharge tube will pivot in response to the varying thicknesses. The pivotal motion of the tube may be provided with a means for balancing the same.

Abstract: In a dish washing unit for trays loaded with dishes having a separating stage with a turning device, a delivery and removal stage and a washing stage, the supply conveyor is a transverse conveyor belt with a right-angle deflector. Additionally, the inner conveyor belt of the turning conveyor is a lattice belt which in the discharge direction has a substantially pear-shaped eccentric rotating path and is guided at its outer edge. The outer belt is a double-chain conveyor belt, the outer and inner strands of which are spaced and guided substantially parallel to one another and to the turning semicircle. Removing belts are present in the same number as the items to be washed of different dimensions. Finally, washing transport belts are provided in vertical superimposed parallel arrangement in the washing station such that they respectively cooperate with one of the removing belts and further convey the flatly lying items to be washed through the washing, rinsing and drying zones.

Abstract: A portable washer for extruded, cast, or molded parts includes a washer tank, a water reservoir, and a water pump which pumps the water into the tank under pressure to spray the parts with pressurized water stream or spray to remove grease, oil, or metal shavings therefrom. The washer recycles and filters the water which is used to clean the parts and need not be connected to a drain or a source of water. The washer is also provided with a drier to dry the parts after they are washed.

Abstract: A drum processing apparatus serves to purge and decontaminate successive product-containing storage drums. The drum processing apparatus includes a drum deheading station, a drum emptying station, and at least one drum cleaning station. The drum deheading station includes high frequency torch or non-flammable cutting device for removing a lid of the drum to provide an opening at one end of the drum. The drum emptying station includes a drum invertor for emptying the contents of the drum through the opening in the drum. The drum cleaning stations are located downstream of the drum emptying station, and function to remove contaminants from the interior and exterior surfaces of the drum. A drum table moves the successive drums downstream from the drum deheading station to the drum emptying station and the drum cleaning station.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for washing and then drying industrial parts. The apparatus includes a housing having an inlet for receiving the parts to be washed and an outlet for discharging the parts after drying. A first conveyor has one end positioned adjacent the housing inlet for receiving the incoming parts to be washed, and a second conveyor having one end adjacent the housing outlet. The conveyors are preferably positioned in a side by side relationship and are constructed from an endless chain. A motor drives the first and second conveyors. A liquid sprayer has a plurality of outlet nozzles positioned above the first conveyor so that liquid washing fluid is directed against parts on the first conveyor. A transfer rail transfers the parts from the first conveyor to the second conveyor after washing and an air blower having a plurality of air outlet nozzles are directed towards the parts on the second conveyor to thereby dry the parts prior to their discharge from the housing outlet.

Abstract: Inverted DI cans are fed by a conveyer having partitions in a plurality of rows such that they are spaced apart in each row, and treatment liquid is sprayed against the travelling cans from above and below the center of each row. The liquid is sprayed from above in a uniform and a full-cone pattern greater in area than the top surface of the can and from below also in a full-cone pattern or in a fan-shaped pattern narrow in the widthwise direction of the conveyer and greater in length than the can open end diameter. The liquid is further sprayed against the travelling cans from side nozzles on the opposite sides of and symmetric with respect to the center of each row. The side walls of the cans are thus washed without contact of adjacent cans in the direction of travel of the cans. The washing force is increased in the space between adjacent cans in the direction of travel to prevent washing irregularities and thus permit uniform surface treatment of the inner and outer surfaces of the cans.

Abstract: The apparatus, system and method utilize sequential sprays of wet, low-temperature steam, and dry, high-temperature steam to clean the exterior of laminated objects as well as to effect volatilization of liquid contaminates trapped between lamina thereof. Water is injected into the conduit through which the low-temperature steam is delivered, so as to produce a desirable concentration of droplets therein. A conveyor moves the laminated objects along a horizontal path through zones in which they are sprayed by the low temperature and high temperature steam, and then through a zone in which they are electrostatically coated with powder.