Abstract: A fuzzy logic based control method adjusts the pump speed of a cleaning apparatus in which tubes or other article are located in a tank of cleaning solution. The tank has a circulation system with a discharge header for directing the cleaning solution at the tubes and a suction header for pulling fluid from the tank. The circulation system has a variable speed pump for circulating the fluid. A funnel directs the flow from the tubes towards the suction header. A fuzzy logic controller is used to determine when the pump speed may be stablized at a cleaning speed creating the proper flow of a cleaning solution through the tubes. The fuzzy logic controller utilizes a novel algorithm to determine the proper pump speed which uses fuzzy input variables for the input flow, the output flow, and the amplitude of the difference.

Abstract: An automated assembly that can be retroactively added to a bank of machines in order to advance an object across the bank of machines in an automated fashion. The automation assembly includes a plurality of elongated elements that can be rotated from a first orientation, capable of engaging an object to be moved across the bank of machines, to a second orientation that is clear of the object to be moved. Each of the elongated elements are equidistantly spaced on a common support along a line matching the linear path along which the object on the bank of machines will be moved.A reciprocating device joins the common support of the elongated elements to a stationary point. As a result, the reciprocating device causes the common support and the various elongated elements to reciprocate back and forth between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A fluid actuated cylinder in combination with a container, the cylinder operating to lower an object into the container and to raise the object out of the container. The cylinder and container comprise a cylinder, a mounting assembly attached to the wall of the container for mounting the cylinder to the wall of the container. A cylinder a pivot bearing arrangement associated with the cylinder and the cylinder mounting assembly is provided for allowing the cylinder to move laterally in an orbital motion with respect to the cylinder mounting assembly when the cylinder is subjected to bending torques resulting from the lowering and raising of the object.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for immersing at least one contaminated part in a fluid, wherein the contaminated parts are moved through the fluid with both a rotational and reciprocal movement. The compound movement of the contaminated parts cause the parts to be repeatedly lifted from, and immersed within, the fluid, thereby improving the interaction of the fluid on all surfaces of the contaminated parts regardless to the shape or orientation of the contaminated parts.