Abstract: A container washer equipped with external label filter means and label separator means connected in a two-stage circulating system in which a chamber for the label filter means receives washing solution burdened with labels from the container washer and the filter means holds out the labels so the washing solution returned to the container washer is free of labels and in which a portion of the washing solution burdened with labels filtered out by the filter means is drawn into a label separator means which extracts the labels and delivers label free washing solution to the filter means to flush off labels that may cling to the filter means.

Abstract: Container washing apparatus arranged for controlling the handling of the labels as they detach from the containers and for collecting the labels in spaced zones which are in communication through a system of transfer passages and baffles so that fluid flow directing nozzles will be effective to move the labels in an orderly and substantially non-turbulent manner to an outlet connected to apparatus for separating out the labels and returning the washing solution for reuse.