Abstract: A deionized water cleaning system suitable for movement as a complete unit to different locations. The unit includes an integrated rinse and sump tank where the PC boards are washed and the water is collected. The sump is sized to allow the water temperature to be lowered before leaving the tank. The water is cleaned by a filter system which includes particle filters, deionizers, and an ultraviolet sterilizer. The cleaned water is recirculated through the tank and is allowed to be diverted through an on-demand water heater when the water is to be used for washing. A back pressure regulator assists the diversion through the heater and a float switch allows for automatic replenishing of the water in the system. All of the components are supported by a platform structure which can be easily moved.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning and drying components, such as electronic or electrical components, by contact with a flammable liquid organic solvent, such as alcohol for example, including a reservoir (24) for a highly fluorinated compound, a heating device (22) for heating the reservoir and evaporating the highly fluorinated compound therefrom, a cleaning chamber (12) containing the liquid organic solvent (21) into which the components to be cleaned are emersed for cleaning, a fluid conduit (25) for conducting highly fluorinated compound vapor from the reservoir (24) to the cleaning chamber (12) to cover the organic liquid (21) in the cleaning chamber and directly heating the organic liquid, cooling coils (13) on which the vapor above the organic liquid condenses in the tank (12). Heavy, largely immiscible condensate sinks to the bottom of the tank (12) and is pumped by a pump (20) through a filter (19) to a gravity separator (14).

Abstract: Method for cleaning objects with the aid of an aqueous cleaning fluid containing a washing agent, in which the objects are rinsed with an aqueous rinsing fluid after treatment with the cleaning fluid and wherein, to avoid any components having a low boiling point being returned to the cleaning and rinsing fluid as well as to avoid any loss in washing agents, the cleaning fluid is first subjected to membrane filtration, the permeate hereby recovered and containing washing agents is distilled, the concentrate resulting therefrom and containing washing agents is added to the cleaning fluid used in the cleaning process and the distillate is supplied to the rinsing process.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are described for removing contaminants from soil or other substrate materials. A hot pressurized liquid is continuously supplied to a volume of soil or other material contained in a processing vessel. The hot pressurized liquid may be steam, which vaporizes a fraction of the contaminant which is then released through a vapor filter to prevent atmospheric cross-pollution. The remaining contaminant is removed as either a liquid phase or a solid solution phase along with the steam driver. The waste stream and stream driver condense in a collector and are removed from the system. The driver may be recovered for reuse or may be discarded along with the waste stream. The processor may also be used to remove various types of contaminants ranging from light hydrocarbons, chlorinated, solvents, and water soluble organics to heavy oils, paints, heavy metals, and radionucleides.

Abstract: Scrap metal chips, which may be oily, wet and dirty and which may be of varying lengths and widths, twisted, curled and cracked, resulting from machining metal articles, are cleaned and dried by passing them sequentially through a washer cylinder, a rinse cylinder and a dryer cylinder. A thread formed of a plate-like metal strip is secured within the interior surface of each cylinder to provide a deep, spiral trough within each cylinder. Each cylinder is rotated so that the chips are moved, in a tumbling motion, along the troughs due to the auger-like thread, from one end to the opposite end. A hot, aqueous washing solution is flowed through the washer cylinder in a direction opposite to the movement of the chips. Similarly, a hot rinse water is flowed through the rinse cylinder in a direction opposite to the movement of the chips therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and drying workpieces which comprises a closable chamber, means for introducing a cleaning solvent to the chamber, means for removing the solvent from the chamber, means for introducing an inert gas to the chamber, means for receiving workpieces and for moving the workpieces with respect to the level of the solvent, and means for transmitting megasonic energy with respect to the solvent.

Abstract: A fluid heater having a fluid chamber with a base wall and an upright sidewall is positioned above a feed chamber having an upper wall. A plurality of identical tubular passage heaters, each having an upper outlet end connected to the fluid chamber base wall and an inlet end connected to the upper wall of the feed chamber, are disposed in at least one lateral protective niche recessed with respect to the fluid chamber upright wall. Return ducts located inwardly of the passage heaters connect the base wall of the fluid chambers to the upper wall of the feed chamber. Thermostatically controlled electric heating elements helically disposed on the passage heaters produce a thermosphonic circulation of fluid from the feed chamber through the passage heaters to the fluid chamber and back to the feed chamber through the return ducts. The heating capacity of the fluid heater can be varied within wide limits by energizing different numbers of passage heaters.

Abstract: A device for solvent recovery in an ultrasonic cleaning machine is based on utilization of the negative pressure originating from the liquification of the solvent vapor itself in a heat exchanger and the negative pressure from an ejector. Thus, the solvent vapor in a vapor zone is led out of a distillation vessel, cooled outside of the vessel, liquidfied, once again returned to a solvent vessel and, at the same time, the liquification of the solvent vapor which is incompletely liquified from this cooling and liquification process is accelerated even more in the negative pressure section of the ejector. Accordingly, the amount of water mixed into the recovered solvent is extremely reduced so that satisfactory cleaning in the ultrasonic cleaner can be ensured.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and process for removing lube and other contaminants from the inside of a tube, the apparatus comprising a flexible hose having a nozzle at one end thereof which is conveyed by a pair of pinch rollers through the length of the tube to be cleaned. A high pressure cleaning fluid is supplied to the nozzle and the pressurized fluid removes the lube and other contaminants from the inside of the tube. The apparatus seals both ends of the tube to be cleaned and provides drainage of the cleaning fluid from the interior of the tube. The apparatus can be used for automatic cleaning of tubes manufactured from a pilger reduction mill or other similar manufacturing process.

Abstract: A venetian blind or similar flexible flat article is held in tension on a foraminous belt and passed through washing, rinsing and drying zones. The condensate from the air from the drying zone is used as final rinse. The slats of the blind are held at a slight angle to improve drainage and prevent sag or the blind below the edge of the belt.

Abstract: A device to be utilized for drying dishes in a dishwasher. The tub of the dishwasher communicates with the atmosphere via an open passageway comprising a condensation chamber (12, 14) which is placed outside and at a distance from the outer surface of the tub.

Abstract: Microprocessor controlled isopropyl alcohol vapor dryer system for robotic drying of wafer cassettes containing wafers or substrates. A wetted wafer or substrate is robotically placed into a virgin isopropyl alcohol vapor zone. The wetted surface and free-moving contaminants are replaced by a layer of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) which condenses on the surface. The dryer then robotically moves the IPA coated wafer or substrate into an upper cooling zone causing the isopropyl alcohol layer to flash off of the substrate surface, leaving the surface completely dry to a molecular level. IPA vapors are heated at the bottom of a quartz tank and maintained as a vapor by electric heating panels surrounding the quartz tank.

Abstract: The apparatus and system utilize sprays of steam to clean the exterior or laminated objects, preliminary to electrostatic powder coating, as well as to effect volatilization of liquid contaminates trapped between lamina thereof. Off-gassing that would otherwise occur when the objects are heated to effect fusion of the powder deposit is thereby avoided. The apparatus includes a conveyor for transporting a workpiece along a horizontal travel path through a chamber, above and below which path a spray compartment and collecting compartment are defined, respectively.

Abstract: A transportable, self-contained work site, designed specifically to facilitate manual vehicle washing and engine cleaning, comprising a rigid skeletal structure which is constructed of preformed, connectable modules and a lightweight raised platform or flooring which slopes inwardly to capture liquids for recycling.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing oxides, millscale and other impurities from continuous metal strip longitudinally fed at regulated speeds from a coil at one end through a series of horizontally aligned treatment stages, including three shallow pickling tanks, to a recoiler at the other end. The pickling tanks are constructed of granite slabs formed into a V-shaped cross section near the ingress and a flat ramp near the egress. Variable speed pinch rolls at the ends of each tank regulate the immersion of the strip in the tanks.

Abstract: Object surfaces such as semiconductor wafers which are suspended in a rinsing fluid may be dried by replacing the rinsing fluid, such as water, with a drying vapor by directly displacing the water from the surfaces at such a rate that substantially no liquid droplets are left on the surfaces after replacement of the water with drying vapor. Preferably, the drying vapor is miscible with water and forms a minimum-boiling azeotrope with water, such as isopropanol. The drying vapor is then purged with a stream of dry, inert, noncondensable gas such as nitrogen. A vaporizer with automatic refill mechanism produces saturated drying vapor which may then be flashed to a superheated vapor prior to contacting the surfaces, which preferably are at the same temperature as the vapor. Preferably, no liquid is removed by evaporation, and the drying takes place in an enclosed, hydraulically full system which does not require movement or handling of the surfaces between rinsing and drying steps.

Abstract: A method and means is provided for cleaning of drums with interior linings wherein sulfuric acid is utilized. The process of the present invention is especially suitable for cleaning epoxy, phenolic, epoxy phenolic linings and other linings from steel drums. In certain instances chains may be used in conjunction with the cleaning process.

Abstract: A rectangular container having a divider at one end of the container. The divider separates the container into a large processing region and a second region from which the solvent fluid is drained from the container. The divider acts as a weir over which the solvent flows from the processing region into the second region. Contaminating particles which fall onto the surface of the solvent and are momentarily trapped by surface tension are quickly removed from the processing region by the overflow action into the second region.

Abstract: There is described a cleaning apparatus, suitable for cleaning components for pharmaceutical containers, such as for example pharmaceutical closures, which comprises a plurality of processing chambers interconnectible by valve means capable of providing a bacteriological barrier between the first and last chambers. Typically, the apparatus may be arranged to wash, dry and sterilize the container components.

Abstract: A wafer washing and drying apparatus including a chemical cleaning bath for cleaning a wafer, such as a semiconductor wafer and a silicon wafer set in a carrier, with a liquid chemical reserved therein, a rinse bath for washing off the liquid chemical attached to the wafer with a washing liquid such as pure water or an organic solvent reserved therein, an organic vapor drier for drying the wafer in contact with a vapor flow of an organic solvent and a wafer holding device having a holder for holding the wafer only to be transferred from the carrier, which holder has a heat capacity smaller than that of the carrier, and which wafer holding device has a function of transporting the wafer from the rinse bath to the organic vapor drier and a wafer transferring device for transferring the wafer from the carrier to the holder in the rinse bath.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cleaning apparatus for cleaning workpieces such as semiconductors and other electronic devices by using chloro-fluoro-carbon solvent such as R113. Chloro-fluoro-carbon vapor is drawn from a lateral position of a layer of chloro-fluoro-carbon vapor through a suction duct and is cooled and liquefied in a collecting tank. The resulting liquid is returned to a cleaning tank through a return duct. This feature allows the gas generated from the chloro-fluoro-carbon vapor to be collected for repeated use, reduces the amount of chloro-fluoro-carbon solvent consumption, and prevents air pollution by the chloro-flouoro-carbon gas. Further, the entire apparatus may readily be constructed as a unit, thus at low manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus which includes an ultrasonic cleaning tank, a rinse cleaning tank, a vapor cleaning tank and a distilling tank. The distilling tank has, at its inner lower portion, a heater. Means are provided for directing the flow of the cleaning liquid in each of the ultrasonic, vapor and rinse cleaning tanks into the distilling tank. Cooling means are disposed above the level of the cleaning liquid in each of the tanks to condense rinsing cleaning liquid vapors. Supply means supply a cleaning liquid cooled by the cooling means into the rinse cleaning tank and the vapor cleaning tank.

Abstract: A commercial warewasher is disclosed, in which racks of soiled ware, such as dishes, are consecutively washed through a machine cycle which includes recirculating wash water over the ware followed by a fresh water spray rinse. A portion of the wash water is drained and a second portion is intentionally retained in the machine during the rinse period after each rack of dishes is washed. The retained portion is thereby combined with the fresh rinse water to provide a volume of water sufficient for pumped wash recirculation for the next rack without cavitation, while enabling usage of a minimum quantity of rinse water required to provide effective rinsing. Reduced water consumption, reduced energy to heat the water and reduced chemical usage (detergents, sanitizers and rinse agents) are all possible in amounts and degrees depending upon the type and design of warewasher with which the method and apparatus is employed.

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 cleaning apparatus for removing synthetic residues from rotating parts of plastics processing machines includes a heatable tubular container which contains a dry powder or granular filling and is provided with an upper axial opening through which the part to be cleaned is introduced into the container. The part is clamped at its one end by a chuck which cooperates with a double-acting piston/cylinder unit so as to be movable upwardly and downwardly for introducing the part to be cleaned in the container and removing it therefrom after the cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A process for treating workpieces in a normally closed treatment chamber. The process comprises providing a pressure within the chamber which is less than atmospheric and providing an unsaturated treatment vapor within the chamber. A workpiece is then moved into the chamber to be treated by the unsaturated vapor. The process is particularly suited for the vapor phase soldering of printed circuit boards. The unsaturated vapor in the chamber is heated to a temperature higher than the melting point of the solder used and the circuit boards with solder thereon are passed through the vapor in the chamber to reflow the solder.The invention is also directed toward an apparatus for carrying out the process.

Abstract: In the glass washer of this invention, a linear conveyor carries glasses successively through a prewash, a detergent wash and a germicidal rinse. Once discharged from rinsing nozzles, rinsing liquid is collected in a prewash tank from which it is pumped exclusively to other nozzles that provide the prewash. Detergent solution discharged from washing nozzles is collected in a wash tank and recycled back to the washing nozzles. Hot water and detergent chemical are fed into the wash tank at predetermined rates whenever the machine operates, to provide a makeup detergent solution and some overflow from the wash tank to the prewash tank. Novel screening means ensure against entry of foreign matter into the nozzles. Novel control means cause the machine to operate with its conveyor almost always fully loaded, for economical utilization of water, chemicals and current.

Abstract: A washing apparatus for providing a fluid such as hot water to either a spray nozzle or a dishwasher. A thermostatically controlled heated water storage tank supplies fluid to a piping system having a first branch and a second branch. The first branch is directed to the inlet of a pumping system which pumps hot water to a first outlet of the apparatus. The first branch also includes a bypass line. The second branch of the piping system is directed toward a second outlet of the apparatus and includes a flow sensing switch. The first outlet is adapted for connection to a spray wand having a high pressure nozzle therein for supplying high pressure sprayed fluid as desired. The second outlet is adapted for connection to a dishwasher having a solenoid controlled inlet valve. As long as the dishwasher is not running, the pumping system and spray wand may be used normally.

Abstract: In accordance with a method of and arrangement for reducing heat consumption in a bottle cleaning machine, the machine has a plurality of lye solution preheating zones, a main lye solution bath, a plurality of spraying cells, and two heat pumps each having a hot side and a cold side, the hot side of one of the heat pumps being connected with one of the lye solution preheating zones while the cold side of the one heat pump is connected with at least one spraying cell, the one heat pump having an outlet connection leading to the one lye solution preheating zone and having a branching conduit leading to the cold side of another of the heat pumps and leads back to the one lye solution preheating zone, the hot side of the second heating pump having a circulating connection with the main lye solution bath.

Abstract: An improved dishwasher and hot water heater system is disclosed in which the dishwasher comprises means for automatically causing the water temperature in the hot water heater storage tank to be raised to a temperature suitable for sterilization of dishes by rinsing upon actuation of the dishwasher. No operator input is required, yet water is not maintained at the rinse temperature when the dishwasher is not being used.

Abstract: A contact lens cleaning and disinfecting apparatus with a cavity (14) in which a contact lens is to be cleaned by an aqueous non-chemosterilant liquid such as a saline solution. An ultra-sonic transducer (20) applies vibrations to the cavity (14). The oscillator driving the transducer includes a transformer feedback circuit using one or more cores of high magnetic permeability and low core loss to give a stable resonant frequency. A timer (34) may be driven from this resonant frequency. In one embodiment the cavity (14) and the sealing cap (16) may be removable together with the transducer (20) from the rest of the housing of the apparatus so that lenses can be transported conveniently after cleaning and before use. According to another embodiment the waste heat from power transistors (Q2, Q3) can be used to heat the cleaning liquid in the cavity.

Abstract: A wash and dry apparatus by the use of organic solvent which comprises a working bath for holding the organic solvent in the lower space thereof, heating means disposed within the space of the solvent, and cooling means provided in vertically coiling manner in the upper space above the space for the solvent. The upper space is divided into a main chamber surrounded by the cooling means and a cooling chamber outside the cooling means. The cooling chamber is in communication with the main chamber and has a lower temperature than the main chamber. By the provision of the cooling chamber, an article is washed and dried while the organic solvent is substantially completely condensed and recovered.

Abstract: A belt cleaning apparatus for cleaning continuous wide sanding belts which includes a belt drive assembly. The belt drive has a tensioning roller or bar which applies tension to the belt to be cleaned. A cleaning head with a spray nozzle reciprocates on a tracking lead screw to direct the spray against a belt surface as the belt rotates. Adjustable belt width sensing block cooperates with proximity switches on the cleaning head to conform travel to the belt width. Cleaning fluid is returned to a tank where the clogging material is allowed to either settle to accumulate on the fluid surface. Clarified solution is recycled and directed to the nozzle or returned to the tank via a heat exchanger unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning those parts of processing machines of synthetic materials on which synthetic residues adhere includes a container which receives the parts and is airtightly closable. This container is associated to a heating unit which heats a liquid carrier medium to a temperature above the melting point of the synthetic residues adhering to the parts to be cleaned therefrom. The container is tiltable around a horizontal axis between a horizontal charging position and a vertical operating position. Connected to the container is a tank which is located below the container when the apparatus is in the horizontal position, and which accommodates the heat carrier medium. Upon movement of the container and the tank from the horizontal position into the vertical position, the heat carrier medium flows into the container and upon reverse movement flows back into the tank. An overflow determines the maximum filling level of the heat carrier medium in the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for vaporizing a liquid and condensing the vapor includes at least one chamber in which the liquid is vaporized and at least one chamber in which the vapor is condensed. The apparatus has a conveyor inlet channel preferably at one end of the vaporizing chamber, and a conveyor outlet channel preferably at the opposite end of the vaporizing chamber. A conveyor for moving items to be treated through the apparatus extends through the conveyor inlet channel into the vaporizing chamber and out of the vaporizing chamber through the conveyor outlet channel. The apparatus includes a heat emitting device in the vaporizing chamber for vaporizing the liquid therein, and a cooling device in the condensing chamber for condensing the vapor.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and sterilizing soft contact lenses comprises a disinfection unit and a control unit. The disinfection unit comprises a receptacle for selectively containing a cleaning liquid and a sterilizing liquid, and a lens holder having perforate lens compartments. The lens holder is removably mounted in the receptacle and rotatable therein. The rotation of the lens holder effects enhanced cleansing action by turbulent flow of the cleaning liquid over the lenses. A heater is preferably mounted on the control unit in intimate heat transfer relation with the disinfection unit when the units are secured together (e.g. with permanent magnets) for heating the sterilizing liquid in the receptacle. The control unit controls the heater for providing alternating high temperature periods (not greater than about 60.degree. C.) and lower temperature periods for sterilizing the cleaned lenses.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning arrangement particularly suitable for the cleaning of cylindrical filters to remove contaminations of medium sticking ability where the cleaned object is exposed to radiation of a close ultrasonic field while a liquid cleaning medium flows, in the course of cleaning, through the object to be cleaned.

Abstract: A continuous flow laundry system and method incorporates a fluid flow control, temperature control, and heat recovery systems. Steam is injected into the system to derive appropriate temperatures for washing laundry; rinse water is provided at a predetermined elevated temperature by passing fresh water through a heat exchanger to derive heat from designated outflows of the system. As soiled laundry enters the system to flow counter to the washing fluid flow, it is subjected to a flushing section provided with flush water at a reduced elevated temperature; the laundry is then passed through a washing section where it is subjected to water at an elevated temperature for the washing cycle. The washed laundry is passed to a rinse section and subsequently to an extractor section for removal of excess water therefrom.

Abstract: Transfer waste water from wash cycle of dishwasher to collection tank beneath heat exchanger surrounding hollow central space, pass waste water through dual tube heat exchanger in countercurrent relation to cool feed water for hot water heater in central space of heat exchanger, supply heat to water in heater, then hot water to dishwasher rinse. May circulate feed water downwardly through outer space of heater, formed by partition, to lower end of inner space, in which heat is supplied by electrical immersion heaters. Ends of tank of hot water may be semi-oval, semi-elliptical or the like, while partition may be sufficiently close to bottom of tank to produce a wire-drawing effect as inlet water flows from outer to inner space, thereby maintaining light or small particles which fall off electric heaters in circulation, so that such particles will be removed with hot water. Heavier particles will collect in bottom of tank and may be drained periodically.

Abstract: A holding tank receives waste water from a dishwasher or laundry machine having a rinse cycle and at least one wash cycle. A pump moves the waste water through a heat exchanger at the same time that the rinse cycle requires hot water from a hot water heater. The cold water feed for the hot water heater is also passed in countercurrent heat exchange relationship with the waste water to provide warmed or heated makeup water at the same time that hot water is being withdrawn therefrom. The cooled waste water from the heat exchanger may be collected in a tank and supplied to any one or more of several additional devices, such as a water cooled refrigerant compressor, a grease extraction ventilator having water contact means, a waste food grinder, etc. The ventilator and compressor may also be placed in series, while the cooling water heated in the compressor is recirculated to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method and container cleaning machine for reducing the harmful materials which pass into the waste water from a bottle cleaning machine which includes a preliminary soaking tank, a subsequently arranged soaking and washing solution bath which includes at least one bath, and spraying sections which are arranged after the soaking and washing solution bath. Soaking solution is used as the bath solution for the preliminary soaking tank. At least a partial flow of the soaking solution is removed from the preliminary soaking tank, is cleaned, and is returned to a soaking bath of comparable wash solution concentration for further bottle handling while observing the bath solution levels which are to be maintained and while observing a sufficient wash solution regeneration. The used spray water from the spraying sections is withdrawn from the container cleaning machine while bypassing the preliminary soaking tank.

Abstract: A continuously cast strand is guided through a cooling chamber and brought into direct contact with a coolant evaporating partially. The coolant vapor is brought into heat exchange with a closed surface condenser arranged within the cooling chamber, and a flow-through medium of the surface condenser is brought into further heat exchange with a heat transformer arranged outside the cooling chamber and connected with the condenser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the cleaning or stripping of coated objects. The coating is dissolved in a receiver tank rendered inert by means of nitrogen, by a solvent and the mixture of solvent and coating product is transferred into a thickening tank swamped by a heated nitrogen flow. The nitrogen-solvent mixture is separated by cooling and condensation of the solvents extracted. The invention is applied to the stripping of objects coated with paints and varnish.

Abstract: Heat losses in a bottle cleaning machine are kept to a minimum by recirculating a first liquid from a pre-heating zone, where the bottles are showered with the first liquid, in indirect heat transfer relationship with a recirculating second liquid from a re-cooling zone, where the bottles are showered with the second liquid.

Abstract: A system for recovery and recycling of a washing liquid and heat contained in the washings discharged from a metal surface treatment process comprises a hot water washing tank with an associated cushion tank, a cold water washing tank with an associated cushion tank, a heat exchanger, an ion exchanger and a filter. The second-mentioned cushion tank is in communication with the hot water washing tank through the heat exchanger, while the first-mentioned cushion tank is in communication with the cold water washing tank through the filter, the heat exchanger and the ion exchanger.

Abstract: A degreasing apparatus comprises a vessel (3) the lower portion of which is shut off by means of a bowl-shaped plate (5), to form a container (1) with a heating means (2) for boiling solvent. The bowl-shaped plate (5) has an opening (6) at its lowest point. A valve means (7) is arranged at the opening (6). The valve means (7) comprises a body, preferably a ball, which can seal against a seat which surrounds the opening (6). The density and size of the body are related to the size of the opening (6) so that the body floats up from the seat in the presence of solvent condensate, so that condensate can pass from the valve means to the container (1). Vapor pressurized in the container (1) by the heating means (2) lifts the body from the seat so that vapor can flow up into the treatment space of the vessel (3). When the apparatus is shut off, the body seals the opening (6) and thereby prevents evaporation of solvent from the container (1).

Abstract: A coolant recirculating system permits water from a municipal source to be circulated continuously in a dry cleaning plant in order to perform necessary cooling and condensing operations. The water is permitted to be dumped from the closed system only upon exceeding a temperature at which its cooling function has reduced efficiency. An additional benefit of the inventive closed circulating coolant loop is that the preheated water may be employed to supply a boiler in the dry cleaning plant and also that the loop water may be utilized in the lavatory facilities of the dry cleaning plant and in the laundry facilities of such dry cleaning plant.

Abstract: Installation for cleaning painted parts comprising a treatment chamber (1) in which the painted parts to be cleaned are exposed to jets of hot water-miscible, cleaning solvent. The installation also includes separating means (7, 8, 14, 18) for the light paint solvents, the cleaning solvent of the paint, the water cleaning solvent, and the gas cleaning solvent, with a view to recycling the cleaning solvent.

Abstract: A self-contained pipet washer and dryer which utilizes a container assembly within which is located a quantity of the pipets that are to be washed and dryed. An acid storage tank is included which includes a volume of acid which is to supply acid into the container to soak the pipets for a period of time. Tap water is to be supplied into the container to initially rinse the pipets after the acid soaking. A second source of rinsing solution, in the form of deionized water, is provided to function as a final rinse for the pipets. Heated air is to then be blown across the pipets to dry the pipets.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating articles with a solvent, a solvent-containing liquid such as a lacquer, or with solvent vapors, comprises an open treating vessel provided with a device for raising and lowering the articles in the vessel and a heating unit at the bottom of the vessel for heating solvent therein. Around the wall of the vessel, above the bottom thereof, cooling tubes are provided which are connected to the cold branch of a heat pump so as to condense solvent vapors which can collect in a trough below these tubes and can be returned to a compartment of the vessel adjacent the treating compartment. The hot branch of the heat pump is connected via a heat exchanger to a water boiler and heat storage tank and the heater is connected to this boiler by a pump controlled by a control device responsive to the raising and lowering of the articles.