Abstract: Blank washer for cleaning individual sheet metal blanks with a drawing compound liquid suitable for press operations which employs pressurized liquid vortex diffuser means to replace conventional scrubbing brushes. An enclosure with air knives at entrance and exit to the blank washer provides closed loop recirculating of both air and cleaning liquid, which is filtered and repumped to plenum chambers feeding individual vortex diffuser cylindrical outlets which discharge liquid vortexes in close proximity to the passing sheet metal.

Abstract: Pineapple processing method comprising automatic steps of slicing the raw pineapple, positioning individual slices on conveyor pallets progressing through sequential processing stations for individually scanning each slice, recording an image of each slice based on distinguishing relative transmissivity of edible fruit from unedible shell, flaws such as eyes, and core, using control responsive to recorded image for cutting irregular perimeter path along the boundary line of edible fruit, determining maximum diameter of edible cylindrical slice within the irregular perimeter path for selective size whole slice processing, followed by small piece processing of remaining perimeter of edible fruit.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying articles on a cushion of fluid including a longitudinally extending rail defined by a plurality of longitudinally extending members each having a supporting surface oriented in opposed relationship with respect to the supporting surface of the other said members. Each member is formed with a plurality of ports in the supporting surface thereof which are disposed in communication with a plenum connected to a supply of pressurized fluid for discharge from the ports to support and convey an article on a cushion of fluid and in spaced relationship from the supporting surfaces. A shroud is provided along a portion of the length of the rail extending between the members to restrict escape of fluid discharged from the ports laterally between the supporting surfaces to impart an axial flow pattern of the fluid along the shrouded section and to impose a braking force on the articles as they approach the upstream end of the shroud.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for conveying articles on an elongated rail formed with a plurality of ports therein, which are disposed in communication with a plenum connected to a supply of pressurized fluid for discharge through said ports for supporting and conveying an article along said rail on a cushion of fluid. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, each of the ports incorporates an apertured disc incorporating deflection means thereon for controlling the quantity and fluid flow pattern discharged from each port. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is of a modular construction comprising individual sections, each comprising a rail enclosed within a housing including duct work for recovering a controlled proportion of the fluid discharged from the rail and effecting a recirculation thereof through the fluid supply means for reuse.

Abstract: A rotary conveying apparatus comprising a plurality of rails for supporting and conveying cup-shaped cylindrical articles on a cushion of fluid during their translatory movement from the inlet ends to the outlet ends of the rails. The apparatus incorporates a framework on which a plurality of the rails are mounted in longitudinally extending spaced substantially parallel relationship, with the inlet and outlet ends thereof arranged in a circular pattern at equal circumferentially spaced increments therearound. Each of the rails is formed with a plurality of cavities or ports in a supporting surface thereof, through which a fluid such as air is discharged against the surface of an article in a manner to support the article on a cushion of fluid in spaced relationship from the supporting surface.

Abstract: A process for conveying thin-walled cup-shaped circular cylindrical articles on a cushion of fluid by positioning them between a plurality of longitudinally-extending members formed with opposing shape-conforming supporting surfaces and having ports therealong for discharging a pressurized fluid against the walls of the article. The magnitude of fluid discharged is controlled to effect an inward deflection of the walls of the article along its trailing open end, imparting a converging taper thereto and producing a force vector for propelling the article in the direction of intended travel along the members. The discharge of fluid from the opposed members is also controlled to produce a separating air cushion between the ends of adjacent articles, resisting impact therebetween during their conveyance along the members.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling workpieces and particularly cup-shaped articles, such as containers or the like, which travel at spaced intervals at high speed along a processing path. The transfer mechanism includes a movable member interposed in the path of travel of the workpieces and is movable laterally thereof for transferring the intercepted workpieces to an alternate path in which they may undergo additional processing. The movable member of the transfer device includes a cushioning member thereon for decelerating and absorbing the momentum of the workpieces impacting thereagainst and further includes a suction member for releasably retaining the workpieces in transporting engagement on the movable member for at least a portion of their lateral transfer movement.

Abstract: A process and apparatus designed to recover metal ions from a solution in which the anode is in the form of a vortex diffuser. The vortex diffuser radiates an electrolyte solution upon an ion collector plate in such a manner that the fluid impinges upon the collector perpendicular and then turning parallel to its surface to thereby wipe away any tendency toward dendritic metal formation.