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

Abstract: Green sand having a residuum of retained clay is reconditioned by screening and predrying it to about zero moisture; calcining the sand to burn off organic matter; cooling the sand; mechanically scrubbing the cooled sand to free mechanically bonded clay and a portion of the clay magnetically adhered to the sand; mixing an acid/water solution with the sand to react with the remaining magnetically adhered clay to permit such clay to break free from the sand; drying the sand to release the freed clay; and extracting the thus-released clay from the sand.

Abstract: In a leaf loading method, leaves are picked up from the ground by operating a rotary beater and a rotary broom. The leaves are then delivered between the beater and the broom by rotating the beater and the broom in opposite directions. Next, the leaves are guided from between the beater and the broom toward an auger disposed rearwardly of the broom. Finally, the leaves are transferred from the auger into a thrower by rotating the auger and then the leaves are discharged by operating the thrower.

Abstract: A method of cleaning residual dye material from rollers of a textile fabric drying oven during passage of a travelling cloth lead therethrough. The method involves applying a cleaning material to the travelling cloth lead in advance of the oven and rotating the rollers to be cleaned at a surface speed different from the surface speed of the cloth lead to cause a cleaning action of the cloth lead against the rollers. The change in roller speed can be accomplished progressively, either by acceleration or deceleration and can be accomplished on the rollers individually or in sets.

Abstract: A method for removing asbestos-containing materials from substrates including a nozzle assembly for directing streams of pressurized steam to penetrate asbestos-containing material sufficiently to loosen binders therein so that the material can be easily dislodged from the substrate by a second stream of higher pressure steam. The nozzle assembly also includes a suction device having an inlet opening arranged adjacent steam ejection nozzles to draw-in asbestos particles and fibers entrained by the steam directed onto the asbestos-containing materials.

Abstract: An improved bath for use in pickling of steel strip manufactured in a hot strip mill. Pickling fluid, usually acid, is supplied to the bath through apertures in the sidewalls of the bath. A plurality of apertures are provided spaced at differing heights from the bottom of the bath so that acid may be supplied to the bath at various fluid depths. Advantageously, the bath comprises downwardly and inwardly sloping surfaces and the outlets of the apertures are elliptical in shape. In this manner the bath accommodates steel strip of varying widths while ensuring addition of acid to the bath adjacent the edges of the steel strip. Improved agitation of the fluid in the bath enhances the throughput speed of steel strip. To further enhance agitation the inlet apertures are arranged to introduce pickling fluid in a direction which so countercurrent to the direction of movement of steel through the bath.

Abstract: For cleaning and/or drying the inner walls of projected pipelines the pressure in the interior of the pipeline is decreased and the vapor formed by evaporation of the substance adhering to the pipe inner wall and, if applicable, present foreign gases are exhausted from the pipeline. Upon exit from the pipeline and prior to entry into the exhausting apparatus, the exhausted medium passes through a condensating apparatus whose cooling surfaces are maintained at a temperature that is lower than the pipe wall temperature. With a temperature difference sufficient to condense the substance vapor on said cooling surfaces it was possible to considerably enhance the drying rate as compared to pure vacuum-type drying.

Abstract: A method for using a foamed liquid for cleaning and/or inerting a vessel is described which allows for continuous recycling of the foam and its breakout liquid and gas components into regenerated foam which is continously directed back into the vessel.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for decoking a vertical tube reactor. The decoking process involves contacting the coke with an oxidizing substance in the presence of a carrier liquid to oxidize the coke and produce carbon dioxide, water and by-products. The post-oxidation temperature is maintained below the critical temperature of the carrier liquid at the local pressure. The conditions of the coke oxidation are maintained in such a manner as to assure that the by-products are substantially suspended or dissolved in the liquid.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removal of sludge (26) from a tank (10) having a floating roof (16) floating on the upper surface of oil within the tank (10). Discharge nozzles (58) are received within existing sleeves (22) on the floating roof (16) and positioned adjacent the upper surface of the sludge (26) for the recirculation of the contents of tank (10) directly into the sludge (26) from a position above the sludge (26). A recirculation pump (30) provides pressurized fluid to a manifold (48) on roof (16) for distribution through flexible lines (54) to the discharge nozzles (58).

Abstract: A pipline bulk residue remover and method for efficiently removing such residue. The apparatus includes a cable passing through the length of a pipeline potentially thousands of feet in length and connected to a device at each end to enable the cable to be moved in opposite linear directions together with a unique pipe cleaning device consisting of a central tubular structure provided with a plurality of radially extending pivotal plates in staggered sets with the plates being freely swingable in one direction and prevented from free swinging in the other direction so that the periphery of the plates can be located adjacent the internal periphery of the pipline for removing residue therefrom in one direction of movement and passing freely through the pipeline in the other direction of movement.

Abstract: The specification discloses an apparatus and method for cleaning printing screens or the like work surfaces in which solvent is pumped from a reservoir to the surface to be cleaned at a point closely adjacent a vacuum cleaning tool. The vacuum cleaning tool is connected by a vacuum line to the reservoir and vacuum means are provided to draw a vacuum on the reservoir whereby solvent is delivered to the surface to be cleaned and residue laden solvent is vacuumed off the surface to be cleaned through the vacuum tool and vacuum line. A clean up tray and light panel are provided to facilitate the clean up operation. A control assembly comprising independently or simultaneously actionable foot pedals for control solvent feed and vacuum is provided.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a machine and method for automatically removing a curing film or membrane from a concrete floor surface and etching that surface in preparation for applying a surface coating and doing this in less time than has heretofore been required for such floor preparation.

Abstract: Method for complete wet removal of asbestos from pipes comprising placing a trough with semi-circular recesses in insertable end walls around a pipe, sealing spaces between recesses and pipe after securing trough to pipe, pouring solution on to trough to immerse pipe and soften asbestos, removing solution, cleaning off asbestos with tool, and wiping pipe with a soaked cloth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in cleaning residue from boiler tubes including a housing having an upper chamber and a lower chamber separated by a wall having a plurality of openings permitting airflow from the lower chamber into the upper chamber. A vacuum is generated in the upper chamber and filter bags surround the openings for filtering air flowing through said openings. A vacuum hose is connected to the lower chamber and is adapted to be connected to one end of the boiler tube. An air driven tool is inserted into the opposite end of the boiler tube to remove material from the inside of the boiler tube. The bottom of the lower chamber defines a trough adapted to receive particulate material cleaned from the elongated tubes. An auger is housed in the trough for selectively discharging the particulate material from the trough. A spray nozzle is also provided for wetting soot as it is discharged from the trough.

Abstract: A vapor generating and recovery apparatus for vaporizing a liquid and condensing a vapor, the apparatus including a container having a liquid therein with a heating and cooling system in heat transfer relation with the liquid and vapor in the container. The heating and cooling system includes means to vaporize the liquid and means to condense the vaporized liquid disposed within the container. The apparatus further includes means to remove liquid from the container and return same to the container into the liquid below the top surface of the liquid in the form of a spray at boiling or higher temperatures to provide agitation of the liquid sufficient to create treating action on objects which have been placed in the liquid.

Abstract: A cleaning device serves for cleaning sensing or sensor rollers which are mutually biased towards each other and between which travels a fiber sliver. Roll cleaning is effected by means of a scraper blade which, in accordance with the invention, is moved intermittently into a scraping position and away therefrom. This provides the advantages of reduced wear on the scraper blade provided at the cleaning device and also reduced wear on the peripheral surface of the associated sensing or sensor roller which is to be cleaned.

Abstract: A method for washing and vacuum drying long necked laboratory flasks. The apparatus includes a cabinet which presents a washing and drying compartment and a pump and rotary spray arm. A special rack which can be rolled into and out of the compartment includes a central manifold and a plurality of distribution arms extending radially from the manifold. Upright spindle tubes extend from the distribution arms to receive the inverted flasks such at that the tubes extend through the narrow necks of the flasks with the open ends of the tubes located within the bodies of the flasks. A diaphragm coupling allows water to be pumped to the manifold for delivery to the spindle tubes during washing and rinsing cycles. The tubes spray the water directly inside of the flask bodies for thorough washing and rinsing. A vacuum conduit extending from the manifold carries a seat which engages a gasket to couple the manifold with a vacuum blower when the rack is moved into the cabinet.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a machine and/or system as well as a method of operation and an assembly whereby a sweeping unit may be quickly converted into a scrubbing unit and vice versa. The system is capable of operation either in a sweeping mode or a scrubbing mode and is also adaptable to include a vacuum wand assembly when the unit is to be operated in its sweeping mode.

Abstract: A swimming pool skimmer includes a float having skimming foil attached thereto. The skimming foil projects above the surface of the water to receive leaves and other debris thereover for deposit and retention in a receptacle. The receptacle may comprise a removable screen mounted below the float.