Abstract: Disclosed is a self-contained, portable apparatus for cleaning chemical and/or radioactively contaminated articles. A cleaning chamber is provided where contaminated articles are placed. Solvent from a solvent reservoir is sprayed onto the contaminated articles to dissolve the chemical contaminants and to dislodge the radioactive particulates. The solvent and contaminants drain through a short vertical duct connecting the cleaning chamber to the solvent reservoir. There is a cooling means present in the short vertical duct which serves to condense the solvent vaporized during the cleaning operation. A filter means is provided to filter particulate contaminants from the solvent before the solvent is delivered from the solvent reservoir to the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: The pneumatic desedimentation machine, is designed to provide a means of recirculating, reciprocally, a fixed volume of solvent or solution through a closed system such as boilers or equipment, water cooling and/or heating systems on machinery, or any other remote system, for the purpose of removing the calcium and/or mineral deposits which form on the inside of these systems and inhibit efficiency, in an efficient and safe manner, it could also be used, to clean the inside of distribution plumbing where sedimentation is a problem, such as is found in bulk paint systems. This is accomplished by the controlled flow of solvents and/or solutions from one reservoir to another through a remote system, which is the system being cleaned, by applied air and/or vapor pressure in a controlled reciprocating manner and at a controlled temperature for maximum efficiency of the solvent and/or solution used.

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: A spray gun cleaning apparatus having a cleaning basin with an open top portion, a cleaning solvent reservoir, means for circulating solvent from the reservoir to the interior of the basin, and a vapor collection system associated with the basin. The vapor collection system includes a vapor collection manifold positionable adjacent to the periphery of the basin, manifold inlet means extending about the periphery of the basin, an exhaust opening in a portion of said manifold, a vacuum source having its inlet end in communication with the manifold exhaust opening and its outlet end in communication with a vapor discharge line. Upon actuation, the vacuum source evacuates vapors from the manifold interior by inducing air and vapor flow from the interior of the basin through the manifold and into the vapor discharge line.

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: Apparatus for continuous ultrasonic cleaning all exposed surfaces of endwise advancing strip material employ an elongated ultrasonic cleaning chamber with entry and exit portals formed near the lower edges of its end walls through which the strip travels into, through and out of the cleaning chamber. Cleaning liquid flows continuously from the cleaning chamber through both portals and an overflow conduit into collection chambers from which it is drained, filtered, cooled and recirculated into the ultrasonic cleaning chamber at a high volumetric flow rate. Two parallel elongated ultrasonic plate diaphragms energized at substantially different ultrasonic frequencies flank the advancing strip immersed well below the free surface of liquid in the cleaning chamber, and sonic waves travel rapidly along the strip, cooperating with nearfield vibratory effects near the plate-liquid interface of both plates to achieve intense and highly efficient cleaning of the strip.

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: Improvements in pot and pan washing machines (as opposed to dishwashing machines and drinking glass washing machines); a device adapted to receive large pots and pans used in cooking operations in a restaurant or the like which is downstream, typically, in the work process of cleaning pots and pans, from an initial scraping and scrapping tank, then, typically, is followed by a rinsing tank, the latter then followed by a sanitizer tank; a pot and pan washer tank utilizing a multiplicity of relatively high velocity, underwater, spaced apart water input jets on one wall thereof which provide a tank-wide circulating flow from upper back to lower front and then upwards and back within the tank from the front wall, the jet nozzles being positioned below the operating water level, there preferably being an overflow opening above the jet nozzles and pipes associated therewith, a pump circulating water from a lower portion of the tank at one side thereof to the noted jet nozzles, a faucet being preferably provided abo

Abstract: An apparatus for exposing the fibrous reinforcements of a fiber reinforced resin body comprises at least one stage in which a portion of the resin body is brought into contact with a heated resin removing liquid while the resin body is vibrated. According to this apparatus subsequent processing of the resin body, e.g., connecting to another similarly treated resin body, can be advantageously conducted by utilizing the exposed fibrous reinforcement.

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: A machine is provided for rinsing eating utensils and includes a rinse station wherein the utensils are finally rinsed to eliminate spotting thereon. The water used in the final rinse of the utensils is of high quality and contains less than 275 ppm of total dissolved solids. The high quality rinse water is collected in a tank having a heating element therein and pumped to the rinse station after being heated. After each rinse cycle, the water drains back into the tank where it is reheated and recirculated to rinse each additional group of utensils subsequently introduced into the second station until the level of total dissolved solids in the water exceeds 275 ppm.The method of rinsing eating utensils comprises moving the utensils through a rinse station where they are finally rinsed with a heated quantity of high quality water having less than 275 ppm of total dissolved solids.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a continuous, long, linear object in a solvent medium includes an inlet ramp and an outlet ramp for the object, and a tubular guide open at its ends for guiding the long, linear object. The object moves inside the tubular guide along an imposed trajectory in the form of a continuous curve. The tubular guide is provided, adjacent one end, with an inlet for clean solvent medium and, adjacent the other end, an outlet for dirty solvent medium. The solvent medium circulates through the tubular guide in contact with the long, linear object in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the object through the tubular guide. A device for subjecting the solvent medium to ultrasound is also included. The apparatus is particularly intended to be used for cleaning filiform objects, objects in the form of a strip or objects consisting of unit elements joined together to form a strip.

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: A method for preparing plates primarily intended for use in a dry charge battery includes washing pasted and formed battery plates in water flowing at a low flow rate until most, but not all, of the forming acid has been removed, and thereafter washing said plates in additional water flowing at a higher flow rate to remove residual acid; treating the additional wash water using an ion exchange bed to remove the acid and reusing the deacidified water as wash water.

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: A method for cleaning dirty objects using cleaning fluid and rinsing fluid and an apparatus using the method. The method has consecutive steps of spraying the surface of a dirty object with high pressure spray of cleaning fluid, immersing the dirty object in an immersion chamber containing cleaning fluid, spraying additional cleaning fluid at high pressure into the immersion chamber at a location downstream from the initial location where the dirty object is immersed to turbulate cleaning fluid therein to scrub the surface of the dirty object, removing the dirty object from the immersion chamber, and spraying the surface of the dirty object with a high pressure spray of rinsing fluid.

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: Apparatus for decontaminating certain types of semiconductor wafer handling equipment is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame having structure for applying decontaminating and electrostatic elimination fluid to handling equipment. It includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber removes contaminants from handling equipment and restricts the removed contaminants to the first chamber. The second chamber includes structure for drying handling equipment. The apparatus further includes structure for removing static from dried handling equipment.

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: An article washing apparatus is provided which has a washing chamber and a heating element spaced upwardly from the bottom wall thereof. Apparatus is also provided for distributing washing liquid within the washing chamber including a pump associated with the bottom wall of the washing chamber and a rotatable horizontally elongated thermoplastic wash arm in communication with the pump to effect washing of the articles by spraying liquid thereon. The thermoplastic wash arm is protected from heat radiated by the heating element by at least one generally U-shaped heat reflecting member supported on the rotatable thermoplastic wash arm. The heat reflecting member is positioned between the thermoplastic wash arm and the heating element with a wall portion of the heat reflecting member spaced from the thermoplastic wash arm and providing an air gap therebetween. The wall portion of the heat reflecting member effectively dissipates and reflects radiant heat from the heating element.

Abstract: A basin for simultaneous or consecutive dewaxing and curing of denture molds is disclosed. The basin is generally box-shaped and is provided with three vertically-shaped trays of which the topmost remains above the high fluid level. The upper rear portion of the basin has a pivotally-secured frame-arm provided with a plurality of nozzles adapted to spray over the entire area of the topmost tray. The fluid from the nozzles drains back into the basin; a recirculating pump recirculates the fluid back into the nozzles. A separate fluid inlet is provided to fill the basin for curing. The basin is further provided with an upper and lower fluid level-limiting means, a heating element, a thermostat and, preferably, an automatic timer.

Abstract: Food products such as produce, fish, meat, and poultry are rapidly cooked and chilled in separate units through which a continuously running conveyor belt passes in a spiral pathway to converse cabinet space and produce energy efficient operation. Water is used as the heating and chilling medium in 100% humidity steam and cold humid air atmospheres respectively preferably at a pressure above atmospheric. This keeps all equipment surfaces moist and not readily contaminated by dried, accumulated, burnt on drippings, fat, proteins or other food residues. Thus, the sanitization process is simplified.The system operates with the conveyor belt continuously running in both food processing and mechanical sanitizing modes. The latter mode includes continuous cleaning of the belt and a periodic sanitation cycle with the food processing system shut down. The sanitization is achieved by jet spray scrubbing with warm water and detergent solution and circulation through the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning dirty objects with fluids is disclosed. The apparatus has a housing within which a high pressure wash chamber is located at the input end of the housing. A high pressure rinse chamber is located at the discharge end of the housing. An immersion chamber containing cleaning fluid is disposed between the wash chamber and the rinse chamber. The dirty objects are moved serially through the wash chamber, the immersion chamber and the rinse chamber to clean the dirty objects by mechanical scrubbing and chemical action. A guide rail system is provided to insure that dirty objects less dense than the cleaning fluid are submerged into the cleaning fluid in the immersion chamber. In the preferred embodiment, ultrasonic transducers are mounted in the immersion chamber below the level of the chemical fluid to generate vibrations to loosen and remove a portion of the dirt therein.

Abstract: A separation apparatus for a condensation-drying plant is disclosed wherein in an autoclave the material to be dried is heated by the heat of condensation of a readily volatile fluid and where this material contains a less volatile fluid (e.g. oil). Two evaporators are provided to separate this less volatile fluid during the drying process. Thermal energy is conserved by feeding the steam of the more volatile fluid from the first evaporator to the autoclave.

Abstract: A dishwasher comprising a dishwashing tub, a liquid circulation pump, and an immersion heater disposed at a lower section of the dishwashing tub. The immersion heater is covered by a heater cover which includes a bottom free end and an upper free end. When the liquid circulation pump and the immersion heater are energized, warm liquid is circulated through the bottom free end of the heater cover. When only immersion heater is energized, the liquid disposed in the heater cover is heated up to generate the steam through the upper free end of the heater cover.

Abstract: Soiled foodware is cleaned in a batch-type machine in which the foodware is subjected to a washing cycle and a chemical sanitizing rinsing cycle. A controlled flow of fresh preheated rinse water is supplied to an accumulation tank during the wash cycle while a drying agent is optionally added to the water in the tank. Thereafter, the rinse cycle is initiated by pumping the accumulated fresh water into a rinse line at a predetermined pressure to provide uniform flow in the rinse line. A liquid chemical sanitizing agent is then introduced directly into the uniform flow of water in the rinse line. This sequence of operations provides a desired uniform water pressure, independent of water supply pressure, for effective rinsing action and accurate metering of sanitizing agent into the uniform flow of water in the rinse line.

Abstract: A control circuit for a dishwashing machine to economize its energy consumption and usage. In order to conserve energy, the dishwashing machine has a control system for automatically actuating the components such as the heating elements of the dishwashing machine.

Abstract: In a direct drive clothes washing or cleaning machine, motor power control circuit losses in the form of heat, particularly from power switching semiconductors, are advantageously employed for additional heating of the wash water, thus simplifying the necessary heat sinking of the semiconductor elements as well as utilizing otherwise wasted heat. In one embodiment, a metallic plate like element, for example aluminum, has one side in contact with wash water. Heat-producing circuit components are mounted to the other side of the plate like element, preferably employing direct bonding techniques wherein metallic conductors are direct bonded to a non-metallic layer of high thermal conductivity and high electrical resistivity, for example alumina (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3) or beryllia (B.sub.e O). Semiconductor bodies are bonded to the metallic conductors, and the non-metallic layer is bonded to the plate like element.

Abstract: A cleaning device including a housing having an open top and a closed bottom with a chamber mounted therein, the chamber having an open top and an open bottom. The housing is disposed to receive a liquid solution therein, the liquid solution containing at least two immiscible components of different densities, the chamber portion of the housing containing only one of the components therein.

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: A domestic dishwasher is provided with a control system having circuitry including timer switch means adapted to insure automatic wash water at a normal set temperature for all cycles with the user having an option to preselect an elevated wash water temperature. During wash periods, power for the heater is provided through timer switch means connected through a first thermostat whereby if the water in the chamber is below its set temperature, the first thermostat will energize a heater to provide auxiliary heat to the wash water. The timer switch means is operative to stop the timer motor until the water is heated to said set temperature. Once the water reaches the minimum set temperature, or if the water supply is initially above said minimum setting the first thermostat will switch, deenergizing the heater.

Abstract: An improved dishwashing system includes operating methods and apparatus for water and energy conservation and elimination of spot-reducing chemicals in the rinse water. Return water from the rinse cycle is stored in insulated tanks and rinse water flowing to the dishwasher absorbs heat from the return water to thereby conserve the heat energy of the return water while simultaneously cooling the return water to a selected temperature in preparing a feed solution for membrane separation. A controlled quantity of make-up water is added to the feed solution which is raised to a selected pressure to provide for reverse osmosis purification and deionization. The reverse osmosis effluent is accumulated and, when needed, boosted in pressure to a desired operational dishwasher pressure, and heated to sanitizing level so as to achieve desired bacterial count levels during rinse cycles. Rinsing with the purified and deionized water results in film-free and spot-free dishes after drying.

Abstract: Drum-type continuous washer for small parts in manufacture, e.g., fasteners. The parts, requiring oil and other soil removal, are tumble-washed therein, in steps in order: at an immersion station for tumbling the soaking parts in hot washing liquid; at a liquid-impingement station for loosening and spraying off the wetted soils by the force and cleaning action of impinged, hot sprays of continuously recycled washing liquid; at a drip-dry station for tumbling off excess liquid from within and without the individual tumbling parts, leaving them wet and hot; at a blow-dry station for rendering the hot parts damp by means of compressing and blowing-on hot, recycling-steamy atmosphere drawn from the process and preferably containing rust-inhibitor coating material; and at an evaporative dry (final dry) station for discharging the cleaned, hot, rust-proofed parts essentially moisture-free by flash drying.

Abstract: Strip is cleaned by passing it through a molten salt bath in a rectangular tank having U-shaped heating tubes arranged horizontally along each longitudinal side of the tank. Agitators positioned within L-shaped ducts at diagonally opposite corners of the tank cause movement of the bath past the heating tubes, thus heating the bath uniformly and keeping it in motion to prevent sludge from settling out. A second tank arranged along one side of the main tank has two spaced apart openings into the main tank and an agitator which causes movement of molten salt therethrough. The second tank also has a settling chamber therein through which molten salt passes slowly so as to cause sludge to settle out.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling glass jars with lids as they move toward a labeling machine to receive labels thereon. The jars are initially disposed in a crate which holds a number of layers of the jars and, after being unloaded from the crate, one layer at a time, the jars are moved by a conveyor along a generally horizontal path and are subjected to a hot water spray for a predetermined time. In this way, the jars are preheated so that the labels will more positively adhere thereto. Also, the spray removes dust and water spots from the lids of the jars. After passing through the spray, the jars are directed, one by one, through the labeling machine.

Abstract: The carbon-wax coating is removed from carbon paper by sequentially immersing the coated paper in hot aqueous baths, the paper being squeeze-dried prior to immersion in each bath after the first. Ultrasonic vibrations are applied to the first bath to mutually separate the individual pieces of the paper.

Abstract: Articles are heated in a condensation heat transfer facility to effect soldering thereof by transporting said articles into a body of hot saturated vapor within the facility. The hot saturated vapor condenses on, and gives up latent heat of vaporization to, the articles to effect solder reflow. The articles are subsequently quenched in a liquid prior to the withdrawal of the articles from the facility.

Abstract: A vapor generating and recovering apparatus for separating one component from a second component of a liquid solution and recovering the first component including at least one chamber for generating vapor from the liquid solution and recovering the vapor in a liquid form, the vapor generating portion of the chamber being in heat emitting relation with a heat emitting means and the vapor recovering portion chamber being in heat absorbing relation with a heat absorbing means. A preferred system for providing heat to the vapor generating portion of the chamber and removing heat from the vapor recovering portion of the chamber is a refrigerating system which includes condensing coils and evaporating coils in heat transfer relation with the vapor generating and vapor recovery chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning articles in volatile solvent is provided wherein the article to be cleaned is situated in a solvent collector with siphon tube attached above a reservoir of solvent and below a water-cooled vapor condenser, the solvent being heated to boiling to generate solvent vapors to bathe the article in solvent vapors and condensate which forms on the condenser and drips into the collector below to wash impurities from the article, the condensed solvent also boiling and rising in the collector until the siphon height is reached, whereupon solvent and impurities siphon from the collector and the cleaning cycle recommences.

Abstract: Apparatus adapted for cleaning or degreasing work pieces by contacting with an organic degreasing agent such as a halogenated hydrocarbon. The work pieces are moved in and out of contact with the degreasing agent and are supported on an array of substantially parallel, spaced, elongate members, in fixed position. Means are included for moving the work pieces across the top surface of the array in the direction of elongation of the members.

Abstract: An oven apparatus or dishwasher apparatus having a combination chamber wherein a heated liquid is impelled and recirculated in a chamber comprising of an oven chamber or a dishwasher chamber to carry out food cooking or surface cleaning operations within the combination chamber of the apparatus, also operations to prevent redeposition of food particles. A timer is also provided and adapted to operate the apparatus for cooking or cleaning cycles, which also allows selection of a pre-wash, or a main wash having a settling down abeyance period before a reuse of prior impelled liquid, or selection of a portion of the operation cycle for liquid cooking or steam cooking operations or dry heat operations.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine having a gas-fired heater is provided with a flue structure having wall portions common to the tank and wash chamber of the machine. While the machine is running liquid splashes against these wall portions and exchanges heat therewith. When the water circulation system is stopped, the heater is limited to a standby condition which is predetermined to maintain these wall portions at substantially the same temperature as during running conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus adapted for cleaning or degreasing work pieces by contacting with an organic degreasing agent such as a halogenated hydrocarbon. The work pieces are moved in and out of contact with the degreasing agent and are supported on an array of substantially parallel, spaced, elongate members, in fixed position. Means are included for moving the work pieces across the top surface of the array in the direction of elongation of the members.

Abstract: Circular wafers of semiconductor (silicon) are chemically treated, e.g., etched, by supporting the wafers vertically by contacting their edges with annularly grooved drive rollers, immersing the supported wafers in a body of chemical medium (e.g., etchant solution) for treatment, and rotating the wafers by rotation of the drive rollers while the wafers are immersed in the body of medium to uniformly and precisely treat the surfaces of the wafers. Apparatus for effecting such precision etching includes an etchant tank, a wafer rack including the drive rollers which support the edges of the wafers in vertical face-to-face relationship, the rack being lowered into the etchant to immerse the wafers. Means is disclosed for rotating the drive rollers for rotation of the immersed wafers and provision is included for circulating the etchant for causing uniform flow thereof past the rotating wafers. A heat exchanger maintains the etchant substantially at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An and apparatus for removing and recovering contaminating liquid from articles comprising washing the article with a liquid two phase system, one of the phases in the two phase system being immiscible with and preferably insoluble with the contaminating liquid. The remaining phase being miscible with but not the same as the contaminating liquid. The apparatus comprises a series of wash and separating tanks in conjunction with appropriate valves and pumps for utilizing the method to automatically recover contaminating liquid and return it to the process step in which it is used. This creates a balanced rinse and recovery system which prevents loss of contaminating liquid and substantially eliminates the necessity for adding new contaminating liquid to the process step in which the contaminating liquid is used.

Abstract: An automatic cleaning machine for cleaning reusable foodstuff containers, such as bottles, cans or boxes, wherein the machine is of the type containing successive liquid cleaning and rinsing baths or stages, and is characterized by apparatus for supplying and circulating liquid in the machine which improves waste water composition. Steam derived from an evaporator holding soft water is passed through a heat exchanger to heat washing liquid in the machine. The condensate from the heat exchanger is supplied to a first rinse water tank or container for use as rinsing water immediately following the last cleaning solution stage and before the final fresh water rinse. Preferably the first rinse water container has two chambers, a second chamber receiving the condensate and storing the excess, and a first chamber receiving overflow from the second chamber.

Abstract: A method for removing adherent deposits from metal surfaces is disclosed. The method comprises contacting the adherent deposits with a liquid and then heating and cooling the liquid in alternation for a time sufficient to dislodge the deposits from the surfaces.

Abstract: An alkaline wash water system for cleaning metal-working oil and scale from metal parts including a heated wash water recirculation system in which a small portion of the wash water is continuously removed, the oil and scale separated, and the cleaned portion returned with any make-up water required. The wash water is recirculated through a central zone of the separator. The separation may be a dual, alternate batch separation with a surge tank.