Abstract: A system for conveying dishware through a cleaning cycle. The system includes a conveyance assembly having a receiving surface to receive and retain dishware. The conveyance assembly rotates the receiving surfaces about an axis to convey the dishware to each of at least two unique locations.

Abstract: A rocker-type poultry chiller, including a tank for receiving poultry carcasses and holding chilled water, an axle mounted in the tank, a main paddle connected to the axle, and a side paddle connected to the axle. The oscillation of the main paddle and the side paddle urges the carcasses upwardly and laterally, which contributes to the cooling of the carcasses as a result of their thorough contact in the chilled water. The movement of the paddles also gently massages the carcasses by gently bumping them against the paddle blades and the wall of the tank. The repeated compression of the carcasses tends to tenderize the meat. The side paddles ensure more predictable and consistent contact between the paddles and all of the carcasses, which causes more agitation of the carcasses and more effective washing of the carcasses.

Abstract: A rocker chiller includes a tank having a bottom wall and a dasher assembly, which includes an axle extending in a lengthwise direction and a dasher blade extending adjacent the bottom wall. The dasher blade is mechanically coupled to the axle by a plurality of support arms extending in a radial direction between the axle and the dasher blade. A carcass deflector is provided, which is attached to the axle so that each back-and-forth oscillation of the axle and dasher blade during operation of the rocker chiller causes a back-and-forth oscillation of the carcass deflector in unison with the back-and-forth oscillation of the axle and dasher blade. The carcass deflector is spaced longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the axle and has a carcass deflection region therein that extends above a top surface of the axle and in a plane that is generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the axle.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the empty condition of a container cell of a container cleaning machine, preferably a container cleaning machine for cleaning returnable bottles in a beverage filling plant, comprising at least one foreign body ejection device for ejecting a foreign body that is present in a container cell from said container cell, wherein a checking device for checking the integrity of the container cell is provided.

Abstract: A personal dishwasher washes and dries a dish that is manually or mechanically moved through a dishwasher chamber or is manually placed in and manually removed from the chamber. Pressurized water, possibly containing soap, wetting agent, etc., may be added to the wash water. Steam may be used to for cleaning and/or disinfecting. Ultraviolet light may be used for disinfecting. The dishwasher chamber may be enlarged to pass larger dishes, bowls, glassware, etc. for washing. A method of washing dishes, comprising inserting a dish manually into a dishwasher, passing the dish through the dishwasher, and withdrawing the dish. A method of washing a dish, comprising inserting a single dish into a dishwasher, directing fluid under pressure at the dish, directing air flow at the dish, and withdrawing the dish.

Abstract: Disclosed are a device for automatically cleaning printed circuit board and a method using the same. The device includes: a printed circuit board (PCB) tray, a transferring unit, an elevator unit, a cleaning unit and a unloading deck; the elevator unit includes a horizontal part and a vertical part; when the elevator unit is descended to the lowest position, an upper surface of the transferring unit is at a same horizontal position with an upper surface of the horizontal part of the elevator unit; the elevator unit is located below the cleaning unit, and the unloading deck is located above the transferring unit. The invention can not only save manpower, but also achieve standardization of the cleaning process and improve working efficiency.

Abstract: Washing plant to perform a washing cycle of objects providing at least a pre-wash operation and a washing and heat disinfecting the objects operation. The plant includes a first battery of pre-wash units, in series one after the other along a first alignment axis and a second battery of washer and heat disinfection machines along a second alignment axis, different from the first alignment axis to operate parallel with each other and perform object washing and heat disinfecting. The second battery is able to receive, along a feed direction transverse to the second alignment axis, the objects subjected to pre-wash exiting from the first battery along the first axis alignment. The second battery feed direction is also transverse to the first alignment axis. Movement members are provided to divert the objects exiting from the first battery and direct them, aligned with the direction of feed, towards the second battery.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring a vehicle from a first dual belt conveyor to a second dual belt conveyor utilizes transitions between the belts of the first and second conveyors which are offset along a direction of travel. The offset transitions result in only one wheel of the vehicle at a time crossing a transition. The transitions utilize fixed rollers positioned on either side of a plurality of recirculation rollers. The fixed rollers minimize the gap between the ends of the belts and the transitions while permitting the belts, particularly with cleats, to pass by the fixed rollers.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes an apparatus for washing a product with a fluid. The tank may receive a plurality of product, such as fruits and vegetables, into the fluid and be configured to receive a moving conveyor, having a first end, a second end, a first section, and a second section. The conveyor may have a plurality of protruding panels being structured and arranged on the conveyor to push the product through the fluid in the tank and to lift the product from the fluid in the tank to the second end of the conveyor. At least one first nozzle may be positioned substantially above the conveyor and configured to deliver the fluid onto the product as the product is pushed by the plurality of panels. The fluid delivered from the at least one first nozzle may rotate the product in the fluid in the tank.

Abstract: A method for processing or treating silicon material in carrying out a cleaning or purification process comprises the following steps: wetting bulk silicon material, facing a first direction with a first liquid process medium, automatic changing of an orientation of the bulk silicon material by turning bulk silicon material with a turning device and wetting the bulk silicon material in the altered orientation with the first liquid medium. After that, the bulk silicon material is cleaned in a corresponding cleaning device.

Abstract: A work washing apparatus including a transfer unit for controlling forward and rearward movements of a work, a table moved by the transfer unit, carrying out the washing of the work from upper and lower surfaces thereof and provided with water/air pipes, an upper surface washing unit provided on an upper surface of the transfer unit and having upper surface washing nozzles which make planetary movements by utilizing rational movements of the nozzles on their own axes and an orbital movement of the washing unit, side surface washing units provided on both side surfaces of the transfer unit and having side surface nozzles which make planetary movements by utilizing rotational movements of the nozzles on their own axes and an orbital movement of the upper surface washing unit, a lower washing unit provided on a lower surface of the transfer unit and having lower surface washing nozzles which make planetary movements by utilizing rotational movements of the nozzles on their own axes and an orbital movement of the

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a surface cleaning strip and means responsive to movement of the surface cleaning apparatus over a surface to be cleaned for positioning the cleaning strip relative to the surface to be cleaned in dependence upon the direction of movement of the surface cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for washing a plurality of cored lettuce heads as they are harvested in the field is disclosed. The apparatus incorporates a multi-segment hinged conveyer forming a loop, at least one support platform having an opening, at least one lettuce head guide connected to the support platform and an aqueous solution spraying system. Workers harvest lettuce heads, core the lettuce heads and then place them on the lettuce head guides which are moving along the conveyer. The lettuce heads are conveyed to an aqueous solution spraying system which washes the cored areas of the lettuce heads. The lettuce heads are then removed from the conveyer into a produce bin.

Abstract: A sterilization tunnel for pharmaceutical containers such as vials has an inlet zone, a sterilization zone, and a cooling zone. A conveyor belt for the vials is disposed inside the sterilization tunnel. An emptying device that can be raised and lowered is disposed in the vicinity of the cooling zone. In order to empty the sterilization tunnel, the frame-shaped emptying device is lowered onto the conveyor belt and then pushes an emptying slider, which is being moved through the sterilization tunnel together with the last vials disposed on the conveyor belt, out from the sterilization tunnel. The emptying device permits a particularly simple operation of the sterilization tunnel.

Abstract: A wash tank has a conveyor belt traversing through a sterilizing wash bath. Fruit is loaded into the wash tank by way of an inclined ramp having a swinging barrier at the end thereof. The conveyor belt has rows of chevron shaped fingers extending generally transversely therefrom. The fingers extend through slots in the ramp to push the fruit through the swinging barrier and into a cage. The conveyor belt and fingers pass through the cage, which cage has a top and sides. The conveyor fingers push the fruit through the cage and the wash bath. The fruit, which tends to float, is kept wholly submerged in the wash bath by the cage. This ensures that the entire skin of the fruit is washed and sterilized. A grate along the sides of the conveyor captures large debris. Hold down plates guide the upper portion of the conveyor belt from a descending portion to a horizontal portion and then to an ascending portion relative to the water bath. There is also a second conveyor located at the outfeed end of the wash tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for washing a plurality of cored lettuce heads as they are harvested in the field is disclosed. The apparatus incorporates a multi-segment hinged conveyer forming a loop, at least one support platform having an opening, at least one lettuce head guide connected to the support platform and an aqueous solution spraying system. Workers harvest lettuce heads, core the lettuce heads and then place them on the lettuce head guides which are moving along the conveyer. The lettuce heads are conveyed to an aqueous solution spraying system which washes the cored areas of the lettuce heads. The lettuce heads are then removed from the conveyer into a produce bin.

Abstract: A method and system for immersion cleaning of mechanical parts which includes a continuous conveyor having a plurality of vertical conveyor runs which pass through one or more cleaning tanks. Each cleaning tank includes at least two turbulent wash zones. Pivotal parts carriers are supported by the conveyor and are loaded at a parts loading station and are unloaded at a parts discharge station.

Abstract: A method and system for immersion cleaning of mechanical parts which includes a continuous conveyor having a plurality of vertical conveyor runs which pass through at least one cleaning tank. Each cleaning tank includes at least two turbulent wash zones. Parts carriers are supported by the conveyor such that the parts are rotated as they are conveyed through the at least one cleaning tank during the cleaning process.

Abstract: Artificial filament is washed, rinsed and dried in a portable apparatus. The filament is fed onto a substantially horizontal conveyor for transportation through a washing cycle. A plurality of oscillating spray nozzles provide a washing solution from over the filament material as it is transported on the conveyor. The washed filaments are distributed to an upward sloping conveyor which directs the filaments between two substantially vertical conveyors belts. The filaments are rinsed while being carried upward between the vertical conveyor belts. The filaments are then transported horizontally on a conveyor belt. Drying nozzles direct air across the filaments to dry the filaments. The dried material is then ejected from the apparatus or redirected to the washing conveyor if it is determined that a second cleaning cycle is required.

Abstract: A dolly for use in a straight sided flat bottom conveyor pan. The dolly is comprised of a frame, a pair of inner wheels and a pair of outer wheels. The inner wheels travel on an inner track of a conveyor pan and the outer wheels travel on an outer track of the conveyor pan. The leading wheels are secured to the frame along an axis which is coincident with a radius R. The trailing wheels are secured to the frame along an axis which coincident with a radius R.sup.1. The radii define an acute angle which will vary depending upon the actual dimensions of a curve through which the dolly will travel.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus (10) is disclosed for cleaning electronic components within JEDEC or Auer containers (59). The containers with electronic components and assemblies therein are conveyed through the apparatus by a conveyor assembly (18). A manifold assembly (16) defining precision planar surfaces (60) establishes a predetermined separation, preferably 0.020 inches, between the manifolds and the tops (57) of the containers (59) to prevent the electronic components and assemblies from being lifted out of the containers under the influence of the washing and rinsing operation The manifolds have apertures formed therethrough for spraying the washing and rinsing fluids and drying gases onto the electronic components and assemblies.

Abstract: When making meals ready for air transport, soiled service and cutlery (24), when arriving in an airport, are sorted, cover-divided in baskets, for use for the next flight. The soiled service is sent into an industrial dishwasher, following which it is provided with food and packed in carts. Large amounts of storage space are saved in this manner in the individual airports, since the cycle time for storage of service and cutlery can be reduced from 26 hours to about 2 hours.

Abstract: A system for cleaning elongated objects is disclosed. The system utilizes an infeed conveyor without pusher flights and an outfeed conveyor with pusher flights. The conveyors are arranged to form an angular section near the bottom of the tank. A flip back plate rejects objects from the outfeed conveyor so that the objects are continuously circulated from the bottom of the angular section to the top of the angular section.

Abstract: A system and a process is provided for reducing the dust formation during the transfer of a particulate material on an endless conveyor belt. During transfer of the material on the conveyor belt the material is first sprayed with a wetting agent then by application of a plow the moving material is lifted from the bottom of the belt and is diverted towards the side edges of the belt thus creating additional exposed surfaces. The material is then again sprayed then contacted with baffles to redirect the material from the side edges towards the center of the belt thus creating additional exposed surfaces which are then again sprayed with a wetting agent to substantially eliminate dusting. The plow and baffle combination can also be used for uniformly mixing two or more particulate materials on a moving belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying and turning trays loaded with utensils including a feed conveyor which conveys trays through and around a semi-circular turning track. The turning track is delimited laterally by stationary, curved rails and to the inside toward the central point of curvature by a continuous inner belt, and having removal devices at the top end. The inner belt is provided with uniformly spaced outwardly projecting rods. The feed conveyor is in the form of a continuously driven chain conveyor which is drawn through in one piece to the upper end of the turning track, guided in the region of the turning track by rails for the chains arranged on either side to more reliably guide the trays and in order to make the drive of the entire device more sturdy in design.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided wherein poultry nest pads are moved on a conveyor between a plurality of cleaning stations, involving first bending the pads prior to wetting in order to separate debris and dried manure by cracking and breaking from the projections of the pad and to further expose the internal pad recesses, then spraying the pads with a cleaning fluid at high pressure in a wiping motion across the bent pad, and then spraying with a sheet of cleaning fluid at low pressure across the top and bottom surfaces of the pad while it is in an inverted orientation over a tank or receptacle for receiving the debris, manure and spent cleaning fluid. That receptacle includes an auger for removing the settled manure and debris. A filtering and recirculation system is incorporated with the receptacle for reusing at least a portion of the spent cleaning fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying and turning trays loaded with utensils including a feed conveyor which conveys trays through and around a semi-circular turning track. The turning track is delimited laterally by stationary, curved rails and to the inside toward the central point of curvature by a continuous inner belt, and having removal devices at the top end. The inner belt is provided with uniformly spaced outwardly projecting rods. The feed conveyor is in the form of a continuously driven chain conveyor which is drawn through in one piece to the upper end of the turning track, guided in the region of the turning track by rails for the chains arranged on either side to more reliably guide the trays and in order to make the drive of the entire device more sturdy in design.

Abstract: In a device for the transportation of objects, in particular of hollow bodies such as aerosol cans, through a washing, rinsing and/or drying zone and/or for the delivery of hollow bodies from one transport element to another, bars (18) are designed to be disposed in parallel on a roller (11), a belt (27) or the like. The mutually aligned side walls of the bars exhibit concave depressions (17), thereby forming a receiving fixture (20) for the hollow body (2).

Abstract: A container is held between a conveyor and guide means provided around the conveyor and the guide means come in frictional contact with the container to rotate the container around its own axis as the conveyor runs in its circumferential path. The conveyor is partially water-immersed within a water tank and the container being rotated by cooperation of the conveyor and the guide means within the water tank is applied on its side wall with ultrasonic waves from ultrasonic vibrators serving to flush the container.The conveyor is provided on its outer peripheral surface with fin-like projections vertically extending and circumferentially spaced from one another at regular intervals and there are provided around the conveyor upper rails, sloped rails and lower rails serving to support the bottom of the container. There may be provided guide means associated with the respective rails. Only the lower rails are immersed in water.

Abstract: A vial washer in which the vials follow a serpentine path through several stages of cleaning. A sheet having the serpentine path in the form of an elongated slot guides the vials through their washing. Conveyor belts moving in opposite directions underneath the elongated slot move the vials in the directions through the equipment. The conveyor belts have an open grid allow for the passage of the cleaning liquids through them. The sheet with the cut-out slot may be replaced with a similar sheet with a different width of opening for bottles of differing sizes. The cleaning may include one or more stages of a detergent wash, water rinse, and air and vacuum drying. Slight deviations in the straight sections of the elongated slot will cause the vials to rotate so that all sides become clean.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing bottles, in which a transfer conveyor define an endless loop belt between an inlet end and outlet end. A plurality of cups are carried along the endless loop. An inlet elevator adjacent the inlet end supplies a quantity of bottles in an open end down orientation to the cups. Fluid injectors are movably mounted on the conveyor to position a nozzle into each open end down oriented bottle to supply fluid to inside of the bottles. An outlet elevator is adjacent outlet end for removing bottles from the apparatus in an open end up orientation.

Abstract: A processing facility, for subjecting products to process conditions for lengths of time and having a processing chamber equipped for establishing a predetermined condition within and throughout the chamber, a pair of continuous flexible conveyor elements, extending through the chamber along a generally zig-zag pathway, rotatable bearing members for supporting the flexible elements in predetermined lengths, spaced one above the other, and spaced apart from one another, the flexible elements being extended around respective bearing members, in a generally zig-zag fashion, product supports extending between the flexible elements, attachments at each end of the products supports for attachment to respective flexible elements, so that the product supports are freely swingably supported between the flexible elements, and the rotatable bearing members being spaced apart on opposite sides of the chamber a distance greater than the length of the product supports so that the product supports may freely pass between th

Abstract: Apparatus for washing bottles, in which a transfer conveyor define an endless loop belt between an inlet end and outlet end. A plurality of cups are carried along the endless loop. An inlet elevator adjacent the inlet end supplies a quantity of bottles in an open end down orientation to the cups. Fluid injectors are movably mounted on the conveyor to position a nozzle into each open end down oriented bottle to supply fluid to inside of the bottles. An outlet elevator is adjacent outlet end for removing bottles from the apparatus in an open end up orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing position oriented stoppers in a closed environment while retaining the orientation comprises a closed chamber, and a chain conveyor located in the closed chamber for receiving position oriented stoppers. The chain conveyor includes two spaced chain wheels, and a chain passing over the chain wheels. A plurality of dogs are fixedly attached to at least some of the chain links. The chain conveyor defines curved portions around the chain wheels and straight portions therebetween. A supply conveyor communicates with the closed chamber at a location of one of the chain wheels. A washing station is located along one of the straight portions and a closed delivery member is in communication with a closed chamber at the other chain wheel. The dogs grip each stopper between two adjacent dogs and carry them along the straight portions of the conveyor.

Abstract: An installation for processing foods such as fresh fruits and sea foods in a sterilized condition for subsequent freezing and storage operation is disclosed.The present invention is characterized by that said installation comprises a tunnel shaped sterilized chamber, a number of glove pairs provided on so many openings on the both lateral sides of the sterilized chamber, a partition wall formed at the inlet of sterilized chamber and a solution circulator channel for circulation of washing and sterilizing solution which conveys fresh foods such as fruits and sea foods from outside into the sterilized chamber while washing and sterilizing them.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing foods for predeterminable period of time. One embodiment of the apparatus is for cooking; another is for refrigeration. The apparatus includes either a cooking container or a refrigeration container, a conveyor for carrying food products to and from this container, and a robot assembly for removing food products from the conveyor, inserting them into the container, extracting them from the container after the predetermined cooking or refrigeration period, and returning them to the conveyor. The robot assembly is programmable to extract and return these food products after cooking or refrigeration for a predeterminable period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spraying a single side of a printed circuit board with a reactive spray. The apparatus comprises a conveyor table, spray nozzles located below the conveyor table and a protective cover above the conveyor table. The printed circuit boards to be sprayed are sandwiched between the cover and the conveyor table. The cover prevents reactive spray from contacting top sides of the printed circuit boards while also maintaining the boards against the conveyor table such that bottom sides of the boards can be sprayed without risk of reactive spray contacting the top sides of the boards or dislodging the boards from the conveyor table by the upwardly sprayed reactive spray.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus, including a pair of drive chains (each configured as a continuous loop oriented in a substantially vertical plane), and one or more rigid members are attached between the chains. A product carrier is supported by each rigid member, and a product (which may include one or more integrated circuit leadframes) rests in each carrier. As the chains simultaneously rotate at the same rotational speed, they translate each member, carrier, and product along a carrier path in a substantially vertical plane. One or more nozzle arrays (each comprising one or more nozzles) are positioned along the carrier path, preferably above the drive chains. Barriers are preferably positioned between the drive chains and selected ones of the nozzles to prevent exposure of the drive chains to some or all of the jets from the nozzles (and especially to abrasive, corrosive, or otherwise harsh jets such as deflashing slurry jets).

Abstract: A continuous-flow type dishwashing apparatus, for use by large concerns for washing dishes and other utensils in a continuous manner, comprises a closed loop conveyor disposed laterally of the washing compartment, and a plurality of racks supported in a substantially horizontally manner as they are moved by the forward stretch of the conveyor through the washing compartment, and in a substantially vertical manner as they are moved by the return stretch of the conveyor back to the washing compartment.

Abstract: A flatware washer comprising a cogged endless belt mechanism mounted lengthwise in a vertical orientation within a water containment housing; the top end of the cogged belt mechanism being hung around a drive wheel mechanism having complementary cogs mating with the cogs of the belt mechanism; the drive wheel mechanism being mounted at the top of the housing and supporting the belt mechanism in a vertical lengthwise orientation such that a curved bottom end section of the belt mechanism is spaced above the bottom edge of the housing and such that a pair of relatively elongated lengthwise sections of the belt extend downwardly from around the drive wheel mechanism in substantially parallel opposing relationship; the curved bottom end section of the hung belt mechanism being open for receiving a plurality of pieces of flatware between the pair of lengthwise sections; the drive wheel mechanism being connected to a drive mechanism programmed to drivably oscillate the wheel mechanism between predetermined degrees

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for transporting elongated, flat electronic component assemblies or the like through a surface treatment chamber in a predetermined orientation. A continuous belt is provided with two parallel spaced rows of retention pins which are automatically separated in the loading zone to facilitate positioning of the assemblies on the conveyor. A wedge-shaped shoe member forces the respective pins transversely outwardly and is provided with an aperture permitting the insertion of the assemblies therethrough. Secure retention of the assemblies in the treatment chamber is assured by an inverted U-shaped channel which urges the retention pins into engagement with the component assemblies. The pins may be bent outwardly to enhance the compressive forces exerted by the pin pairs comprising the respective rows. A center-ribbed exit belt pulley deforms the belt along its longitudinal center axis thereby spreading the pin rows to aid removal of the assemblies following surface treatment.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for use in pickling facilities for tubular members such as zirconium or zirconium alloy tubes. The apparatus includes a travelling crane for conveying and loading the tubular members from one cleaning tank to another, a pair of endless wrapping connectors such as endless chains spacedly and circulatably provided in at least one tank, for example, in a first cleaning tank filled with slightly warm water below the level of its cleaning fluid, and a plurality of feed claws provided with an interval therebetween on each of the endless wrapping connectors along the length of the same so as to prevent the tubular members from contacting one another during cleaning treatment. Thus, development of stain or physical damage such as scratches or dents is eliminated or minimized. It is possible to tentatively stock the tubular members on the endless wrapping connectors so as to perform a smooth and continuous pickling and cleaning operation of such tubular members.

Abstract: A closure treatment machine having one or more caskets (1) for holding the closures (9); said caskets comprise a number of parallel bars (2, 3, 4), which are connected at both ends to each other by coupling plates (5, 6), whereby the parallel bars are arranged in such a way that the closures are held between said bars but still do have such a tolerance, that the cleansing liquid sprayed from nozzles (23) towards the closures may reach any side of the closures. For filling and emptying the caskets at least one of the coupling plates has an opening (7, 8) for passing the closures. The caskets which are moved by means of chains (16) may be led after a cleansing station to a drying station or a sterilization station.

Abstract: Washing apparatus for washing insulated trays includes an endless conveyor below the elevation of first and second guide rails which guide the trays in an upright disposition as they are being washed. The conveyor includes generally V-shaped tray supports at spaced points therealong so that each tray is supported by two adjacent tray supports. Vertically disposed manifolds have spraying nozzles for spraying water generally horizontally at opposite major faces of the trays.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the high-speed stabilization of molded parts. Stabilization is achieved for parts ejected from a molding machine by bringing about a rapid change in the surface temperature of the parts during the course of their conveyance from the molding site. The result is skin-effect hardening which gives dimensional stability to the parts, allowing them to be conveyed away rapidly for further processing. This permits early ejection of parts from the molding machine and enhances production capacity.

Abstract: A longitudinal automatic sprayer for cleaning glass containers based on two parallel conveyor chains on which transverse beams carrying individual baskets are arranged perpendicularly to the direction of transport. At the beginning of the conveyor, the individual baskets are automatically filled with the unclean glass containers by a transfer device. A delivery device for automatically ejecting the containers is situated at the end of the conveyor. Spray nozzles for rinsing the glass containers are arranged above the conveyor. The individual baskets are checked for breakage by a mechanical scanning device underneath the conveyor chains. At the same time, the scanning device monitors the positioning of the individual baskets appropriate to the working cycle.

Abstract: An automatic washing apparatus for containers which is capable of automatically and continuously washing a multiplicity of containers in a fast and efficient manner. The containers for which this particular washing apparatus is fabricated are of a semirigid type. They are composed of a plastic material and are elongated in configuration. The containers are intended to contain sterile liquids. The novel washing apparatus has a specially fabricated nozzle which can enter the plastic container and thoroughly wash it with a mixture of detergent, water and air. Suitable means are afforded to hold the semirigid containers in a stationary manner as well as to position them over a series of nozzles.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for removing and collecting labels from bottles while the bottles are being cleaned prior to being fed into a filling line in a bottling plant. During cleaning, the bottles are transported in inverted position in pockets of a pocket conveyor through a series of caustic baths. To avoid contaminating these baths with freed labels, they are removed by sprays while the bottles travel between a pair of baths. The novel device includes downwardly directed spray for spraying rinsing solution on the bottles and a collecting trough beneath the sprays and pockets to collect the rinsing solution and labels. To permit free passage of the labels out of the pockets, a cam mechanism is provided which lifts the bottle shoulders out of engagement with the pockets while the labels are being removed.

Abstract: A bottle cleansing apparatus having bottle cradles hingedly mounted to a first conveyor for movement of said cradles along a path and part rotation of said cradles about an axis longitudinal of said path, said cradles having a floor portion for supporting bottles presented laterally thereto in generally upstanding disposition and a roof portion with an aperture therein for supporting bottles in inverted disposition when said cradles are part-rotated, said roof portion being peaked to direct the downwardly directed mouths of the bottles into register with said apertures. Nozzles are carried on a second conveyor so as to be in register with a respective cradle aperture over a predetermined distance for injection of fluid into the bottles through their downwardly directed mouths. A rotary valve may be used for directing fluid to each nozzle only when said nozzle is in register with a bottle mouth.

Abstract: A device for holding flatware which flatware is cleaned in a commercial warewashing machine is disclosed. The device is secured to a conventional dolly. A drive wheel on the device engages the conveyor pan. As the dolly moves, the drive wheel oscillates a frame about a fixed axis. The frame carries the baskets which loosely hold the flatware. As the dolly moves the flatware is tossed to and fro eliminating nesting to ensure all surfaces are contacted by the wash water.