Abstract: A container cleaning machine using hot caustic solution for cleaning containers and detaching labels in which the residual heat usually lost in the discharge end portion of the machine is conserved and put to use in the loading end portion of the machine by being released in a cascading film over the carriers and the containers for the purpose of prewarming the same whereby there is a significant reduction in the steam requirement and substantial quantities of heat usually lost to the sewer system are usefully employed.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting either empty or filled transparent containers for foreign matter in which the containers are moved through spaced apart inspection stations to present different sides thereof to high intensity pulsed light sources which casts the illuminated image beams along paths which intersect at a beam directing member operable to align and direct the respective beams into an electronic scanning device, and in which apparatus the containers at the respective inspection stations are not necessarily the same containers so that the inspection at the stations occurs in a predetermined sequence.

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: Apparatus for forceably flushing labels from containers being conveyed in pockets through a container washing machine, and a system of fluid flow in the apparatus for extracting the flushed out labels from the washing solution so the latter solution may be recirculated to repeat the flushing cycle. The fluid flow system is arranged to operate in a manner that will conserve energy without impairing the effectiveness of the flushing action.

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.

Abstract: Container washer apparatus for removing labels from the containers and from the apparatus as soon as possible by means causing washing solution agitation through the container conveying pockets into the area between the down and up passes of the conveyor movement in the washing solution tank, and by cooperating means effecting controlled transfer of the removed labels out of the tank.

Abstract: Separator apparatus for separating out the insolubles and pulpy material from a container washing solution in a rotary screw separator apparatus which is provided with means to extend the useful life of the apparatus and maintain efficient separation by adjustment of the separator screen to restore as nearly as possible the original working clearance of the screen about the rotary screw.

Abstract: A tandem bottle carrier assembly in which the carrier is provided with two rows of pockets to support bottles in tandem in the direction of travel and the roller chain has a pitch which relates one link and a pair of rollers for each end of each carrier with means to attach the links to the carrier ends for accommodating chain stretch and minimum chord line displacement at turns in the chain travel.

Abstract: A flow distribution system which embodies a source of fluid under pressure, a plurality of delivery lines, a rotating valve body which progressively connects the source of fluid with the delivery lines, a housing for the rotating valve and means in the housing to absorb the shocks of redirecting the fluid flow to each of the delivery lines and releasing the absorbed energy back to the fluid flow to subsequent fluid lines as a resonant system.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning containers such as bottles for reuse in which the bottles are placed in carriers for movement along a horizontally directed path comprising means operably supporting the carriers for concurrent movement in a vertical path, and jets of cleaning fluid which follow a generally horizontal path and move from a starting position aligned with the bottles while the carriers with the bottles are in a vertically lowered position and return to the starting position while the carriers move the bottles upwardly in the vertical path. The apparatus includes means to coordinate the motions set out above and means to assure proper alignment of jets and bottles.

Abstract: A container discharger with safety mechanism consisting of a group of finger elements positioned to guide the containers in the initial discharge from the pockets of a conveyor, and in which the finger elements are mounted so as to be readily movable when engaged by even one misplaced or improperly discharged bottle, a safety switch in the power circuit of the apparatus which is actuated in response to the movement of any finger element being engaged by a bottle not in proper discharge position to stop the apparatus, and means to jiggle the fingers with the object in mind of dislodging any improperly placed bottle so that there will be no need to dismantle the apparatus or remove any components.