With Spray Or Jet Applying Conduits Or Nozzles Patents (Class 134/131)
  • Patent number: 5755246
    Abstract: A housing is provided for use in an industrial finishing equipment station. The housing includes housing wall panels, each having a top edge, a bottom edge, and two spaced-apart sides therebetween and a flange that is appended to the top and side edges. In addition, a clamp having flange-engaging portions is mounted upon the flanges appended to the top edges of the housing wall panels to couple the housing wall panels together. The housing wall panels are positioned to lie in opposing rows and cooperate to define a tunnel-like passageway workspace therebetween through which work pieces can pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: George Koch Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Carl, Steven W. Kercher, Larry J. Schenk, Greg M. Wallace, J. Steve Whitehead
  • Patent number: 5749383
    Abstract: A compact chain belt-type conveyor for conveying articles along a non-linear path through an industrial washer and drier. The chain belt-type conveyor provides an article sensing means wherein the sensing means is responsive to the presence of an article at a predetermined station along a predetermined non-linear path. A signalling means, responsive to the sensing means, signals a driving means to stop the conveyor when an article is present at the predetermined station for a predetermined amount of time and starts when an article is absent from the predetermined station. The signalling means ensures that each article will only be placed through one washing and drying cycle since a washed article must be removed from the predetermined station of the conveyor before the driving means will continue to drive the conveyor. An article holding means may be provided to secure the articles along the conveyor and provide proper orientation of the articles through the washing and drying process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Grapar Corporation
    Inventor: Harold W. Parslow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5660196
    Abstract: A quick disconnect supply riser for the nozzles of a can washing apparatus includes a bayonet connector and a riser support which provide inherent nozzle alignment when the risers are locked in connected position. Operator access to the capped opposite ends of the risers allows easy disconnection and reconnection via convenient openings in one side wall of the housing. The demountable connectors are attached to riser supply manifolds adjacent the opposite side wall thereby eliminating a large amount of excess piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Oven Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Bein
  • Patent number: 5634397
    Abstract: An improved egg washing, breaking and separating system is constructed of two side-by-side washers feeding a corresponding pair of candlers. From the candlers, a respective pair of conveyor transition ramps lead to corresponding ones of a pair of stacked upper and lower egg breaker/separator units. Each egg breaker/separator unit includes an endless chain of a plurality of individual egg cracker/separator cup assemblies with the upper chain independently driven about a four sided frame, preferably in opposition to the lower chain. Eggs are shuttled into the cup assemblies from each of the conveyor transition ramps. The chains of cracker/separator cup assemblies ride via slides operating within tracks extending about the frame. Each washer allows rows of eggs to advance along an egg conveyor which travels beneath a plurality of endless chains of brushes as well as a cleaning water distribution manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Seymour Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Hutchinson, Eugene A. Redding, Anatoliy V. Grushanskiy, Norman B. Guy
  • Patent number: 5622196
    Abstract: Apparatus for washing objects. The apparatus comprises a frame supporting a housing dimensioned to receive various, irregularly shaped objects. A conveyor belt having exterior sections that extend beyond the housing entrance and exit, conveys objects through the housing as a first series of nozzles spray the objects with a cleaning solution, Then, the objects are washed by a pair of high speed rotating sprayer arms, mounted on the exterior sides of the housing, which direct pressurized water through circular cut out portions formed in the sides of the housing to the objects being conveyed through the housing. The objects are then rinsed by a second series of nozzles and subsequently exit the housing. The exterior sections of the conveyor belt are rotatable and are rotated toward the housing to form a compact configuration for transportation and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Arthur J. Luongo
  • Patent number: 5622561
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Cummins, David L. Roussel
  • Patent number: 5564448
    Abstract: A container washing apparatus for washing containers such as beverage cans. An elongated liquid supply pipe includes a plurality of angled fittings connected along opposite sides of the pipe. Each fitting includes quick connect and disconnect structure on its outer end for mating with like structure of a fan spray nozzle. The fan spray nozzles may be turned onto the ends of the angled fittings in a quick twisting bayonet motion to align each of the elongated fan spray patterns parallel to one another and to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the container washing apparatus is used in a washing system including a liquid permeable conveyor for moving a plurality of containers, such as beverage cans, past a plurality of elongated spray pipes of the invention which are mounted adjacent upper and lower sides of the conveyor in a perpendicular orientation relative to the movement of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Lincoln
  • Patent number: 5553633
    Abstract: Apparatus for treating printed circuit boards or other items is provided, wherein a drying apparatus is specifically provided, generally for use as part of a cleaning or other treatment apparatus, but which can be separately provided, if desired. The drying apparatus employs preferably warm air discharge tubes, for drying items of varying thicknesses, and/or that have varying thicknesses of components mounted thereon. Generally, the printed circuit or other items are carried through the apparatus between upper and lower foraminous conveyor belts, with one of the belts, conforming to the varying thicknesses of the items, or components carried by the items. While some of the air discharge tubes may be stationarily mounted, at least some of them are pivotally mounted, such that their discharge opening zones can slide along and conform to variations in thickness. The discharge tube will pivot in response to the varying thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Atotech USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Ciccarelli, Jr., Charles Seager, Jr., Ricky Himes
  • Patent number: 5554070
    Abstract: A coin game machine island and a coin treating device for use with the coin game machine island is provided, wherein coins as game media can be washed inside the island so that no coin washing equipment needs to be provided outside the island, thereby making it possible not only to restrict the increase in space but also reduce the costs. A coin circulating path is constituted by a distribution conveyer extending at the upper portion of the island, overflow passageways extending downwardly from the outlet end of the distribution conveyer and respective coin game machines, a recovering conveyer extending at the lower portion of the island for connecting the respective overflow passageways, a coin tank placed at the outlet end of the recovering conveyer and a lifter device lifting coins inside the tank to the inlet end of the distribution conveyer. A coin treating device is provided along the length of the coin circulating path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Ace Denken
    Inventors: Takemoto Takatoshi, Kawashima Kazunari
  • Patent number: 5551460
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: Derwood L. Runion
  • Patent number: 5540244
    Abstract: A system and method for removing fine cellulosic contaminants from plastic film utilizing a plurality of tanks, means for moving the plastic film sequentially through the tanks, means for recirculating an aqueous solution through each of the tanks, means for filtering the recirculating aqueous solution, and means for injecting flocculant into the recirculating solution. The subject system preferably includes at least two independent circulation modules, each having means for recirculating and filtering an aqueous solution and for minimizing liquid carry-over from one module to another. The system also preferably includes means for monitoring the turbidity of the recirculating aqueous solution and for injecting flocculant into the recirculating solution whenever the turbidity exceeds a predetermined maximum value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Douglas Brooks, Joe G. Brooks, Joyce H. Rose, Steve W. Pierce
  • Patent number: 5529081
    Abstract: In an apparatus for the treatment of board-shaped articles, particularly printed circuit boards, with a liquid treatment medium, particularly a cleaning, etching, metallizing or rinsing liquid, along a substantially horizontal conveying path defined by a conveying means, for improving the handling of thin circuit boards it is proposed that the conveying means on either side of the conveying path and both above and below the conveying plane comprises elements guiding the longitudinal edges of the boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Gebr. Schmid GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Heinz Kappler
  • Patent number: 5524654
    Abstract: An etching, developing and peeling apparatus for a printed board includes a vertical disk having a center part fixed with a lower end of a vertical shaft driven and rotated at an elected speed, and a lower face of the disk dotted with nozzles for jetting chemicals in a downward vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushi Gaisha Ishii Hyoki
    Inventor: Teruyuki Nakano
  • Patent number: 5497798
    Abstract: A dishwasher for cleaning and sanitizing a commercial quantity of dishware. The dishware is conveyed into a wash chamber and simultaneously sprayed from above, below and from the side of the dishware using a sufficient amount of cleaning fluid such that a temperature of at least 155.degree. F. is maintained within the wash chamber of the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Insinger Machine Company
    Inventors: Herbert D. Fritz, Austin H. Rosenblum
  • Patent number: 5494517
    Abstract: Spray treatment device, particularly for spray-painting of objects, comprising a transport means and collection means for collecting the excess spray medium passing by the objects and the transport means. According to the invention, the collection means comprises an endless rotation belt independent of said transport means. A removal device removes the spray medium from said belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Michael Eder
    Inventors: Michael Eder, Franz Waldner
  • Patent number: 5464032
    Abstract: In a dish washing unit for trays loaded with dishes having a separating stage with a turning device, a delivery and removal stage and a washing stage, the supply conveyor is a transverse conveyor belt with a right-angle deflector. Additionally, the inner conveyor belt of the turning conveyor is a lattice belt which in the discharge direction has a substantially pear-shaped eccentric rotating path and is guided at its outer edge. The outer belt is a double-chain conveyor belt, the outer and inner strands of which are spaced and guided substantially parallel to one another and to the turning semicircle. Removing belts are present in the same number as the items to be washed of different dimensions. Finally, washing transport belts are provided in vertical superimposed parallel arrangement in the washing station such that they respectively cooperate with one of the removing belts and further convey the flatly lying items to be washed through the washing, rinsing and drying zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Premark FEG Corporation
    Inventor: Jurgen Litterst
  • Patent number: 5464483
    Abstract: A method for removing exterior material from vials following a serpentine path through various steps of cleaning and drying. The movement of the vials may be limited to a predetermined path formed as an elongated opening in a sheet of material. The sheet may be replaced with a similar sheet with a different width of opening for bottles of differing sizes. The vials are rotated as they move along the path which may be accomplished by slight deviations in the straight sections of the elongated slot such as a zig-zag or sinusoidal wave. Changing the sheet can alter the number of straight path segments and thus the overall path of the vials through the equipment. The cleaning of the vials may include a washing with detergent, water rinsing, and air and vacuum drying. Air is drawn through the paths to produce a completely dry product. Liquid is removed from the vials' bottoms by a vacuum underneath the paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: McBrady Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Julian P. Avelis, Garrett W. McBrady, William J. McBrady
  • Patent number: 5460083
    Abstract: An improved egg washing, breaking and separating system is constructed of two side-by-side washers feeding a corresponding pair of candlers. From the candlers, a respective pair of conveyor transition ramps lead to corresponding ones of a pair of stacked upper and lower egg breaker/separator units. Each egg breaker/separator unit includes an endless chain of a plurality of individual egg cracker/separator cup assemblies with the upper chain independently driven about a four sided frame in a direction opposite to the lower chain. Eggs are shuttled into the cup assemblies from each of the conveyor transition ramps. The chains of cracker/separator cup assemblies ride via slides operating within tracks extending about the frame. Each washer allows rows of eggs to advance along an egg conveyor which travels beneath a plurality of endless chains of brushes as well as a cleaning water distribution manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Hutchinson, Eugene A. Redding, Anatoliy V. Grushanskiy, Norman B. Guy
  • Patent number: 5419349
    Abstract: A portable washer for extruded, cast, or molded parts includes a washer tank, a water reservoir, and a water pump which pumps the water into the tank under pressure to spray the parts with pressurized water stream or spray to remove grease, oil, or metal shavings therefrom. The washer recycles and filters the water which is used to clean the parts and need not be connected to a drain or a source of water. The washer is also provided with a drier to dry the parts after they are washed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Homer E. Swain
  • Patent number: 5363866
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of cleaning containers, particularly bottles, in which the bottles to be cleaned are continuously moved in uniform spatial orientation past a row of jet nozzles ejecting a cleaning agent. Each time a bottle passes a particular jet nozzle, that jet nozzle is aligned with the bottle mouth during a certain portion of the path of motion of the bottle. This follower motion is positively effected by means of a catch member provided at the jet nozzle. The advantage of the method according to the invention lies in the fact that each jet nozzle is aligned with the bottle mouth during a relatively long period of time and, thus, is able to clean the bottle more effectively. The jet nozzle can be mounted at the end of a swiveling lever arm member being under the influence of a spring member forcing the lever member back to an initial position. A cleaning apparatus can provide a row of such jet nozzles which are swiveling independently from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: VTZ Engineering & Services AG
    Inventor: Walter C. Egger
  • Patent number: 5357648
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for washing and then drying industrial parts. The apparatus includes a housing having an inlet for receiving the parts to be washed and an outlet for discharging the parts after drying. A first conveyor has one end positioned adjacent the housing inlet for receiving the incoming parts to be washed, and a second conveyor having one end adjacent the housing outlet. The conveyors are preferably positioned in a side by side relationship and are constructed from an endless chain. A motor drives the first and second conveyors. A liquid sprayer has a plurality of outlet nozzles positioned above the first conveyor so that liquid washing fluid is directed against parts on the first conveyor. A transfer rail transfers the parts from the first conveyor to the second conveyor after washing and an air blower having a plurality of air outlet nozzles are directed towards the parts on the second conveyor to thereby dry the parts prior to their discharge from the housing outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Valiant Machine & Tool, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Noestheden
  • Patent number: 5343886
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: The West Company, Incorporated
    Inventor: Frank Beswick
  • Patent number: 5335682
    Abstract: Inverted DI cans are fed by a conveyer having partitions in a plurality of rows such that they are spaced apart in each row, and treatment liquid is sprayed against the travelling cans from above and below the center of each row. The liquid is sprayed from above in a uniform and a full-cone pattern greater in area than the top surface of the can and from below also in a full-cone pattern or in a fan-shaped pattern narrow in the widthwise direction of the conveyer and greater in length than the can open end diameter. The liquid is further sprayed against the travelling cans from side nozzles on the opposite sides of and symmetric with respect to the center of each row. The side walls of the cans are thus washed without contact of adjacent cans in the direction of travel of the cans. The washing force is increased in the space between adjacent cans in the direction of travel to prevent washing irregularities and thus permit uniform surface treatment of the inner and outer surfaces of the cans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Daiwa Can Company
    Inventors: Takayuki Yoshimura, Yoshiteru Kondo, Yoshimasa Matsumura, Kiyoaki Inoue
  • Patent number: 5331702
    Abstract: A golf ball washing apparatus and method includes a bin and a conveyor which takes rows of golf balls from the bin and conveys them up an inclined ramp. A plurality of reciprocating brush heads clean the balls and a fluid spray head sprays cleaning fluid onto the balls as they advance up the ramp. Golf balls which exit the top of the ramp reach a gate where they are alternatively recirculated through the washing apparatus or directed out to a storage bin. The entire wash operation is clearly visible to an operator so that he can readily determine when the balls have been cleaned sufficiently to warrant opening the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Inventors: Charles H. Willsey, Virgil S. Willsey
  • Patent number: 5316030
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Eisai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Shimizu, Kazumi Maruoka, Kiyoshi Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 5316029
    Abstract: A system for removing oil from oil/water or oil/sand or oil/water/sand mixtures. An oil/water mixture is taken from an oil spill on the surface of the water or from other sources such as producing oil wells and is transported to a surge tank where it is agitated and then passed on to a separator which separates the oil from the water. The system also covers separating oil from sand or earth when the spill is on land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Separation Oil Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Willis R. Campbell, Forrest L. Robinson, Bruce A. Perry, Dan Schwiefert
  • Patent number: 5297568
    Abstract: The process and apparatus more particularly relate to the manufacture of printed circuit boards. They are successively treated with a liquid on their top and bottom and intermediately turned over. The boards (23) are horizontally supplied to the turning over station (16) and after turning over are supplied to the station for the treatment of the second side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Gebr. Schmid GbmH & Co.
    Inventor: Dieter C. Schmid
  • Patent number: 5293888
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: McBrady Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Julian P. Avelis, Garrett W. McBrady, William J. McBrady
  • Patent number: 5285801
    Abstract: A machine for the cleaning of bottles having an endless conveyor for transporting the bottles through the machine and past associated treatment devices, the endless conveyor being guided in a horizontally extending, spiral-like path through at least two portions of the machine, the path of travel extending in one direction in a first portion and in the opposite direction in a second portion, the two paths of travel of the endless conveyor being disposed one above the other within the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: KRONES AG Hermann Kronseder Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Klaus Klenk
  • Patent number: 5284327
    Abstract: Apparatus for cooling a metal extrusion, such as an aluminum extrusion, may include a carriage which houses the cooling liquid delivery system and is relatively movable with respect to the extrusion press in order to provide the desired amount of air cooling prior to quenching. The quenching apparatus may have a plurality of generally parallel cooling liquid delivery tubes, each having a plurality of nozzles which are preferably independently adjustable as to volume and spray pattern. The cooling liquid delivery tubes may be axially rotated and flow of the cooling liquid within each tube may be independently adjusted. The housing of the quenching unit may have an upper portion which is rotatable generally upwardly and is provided with a transparent window to facilitate viewing of the spraying action. A method of quenching an aluminum extrusion employing such apparatus is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: William R. Arthur, Douglas T. Bozich, Richard B. Jacobus, Thomas J. Rodjom, Joseph R. Sikora
  • Patent number: 5240018
    Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning printed wiring boards and/or printed circuit boards after soldering thereof for removal of rosin soldering fluxes using terpene compounds. The apparatus includes three separate components, a first housing containing the terpene washing apparatus, a second housing containing a water rinsing apparatus, and intermediate conveying means for transporting the devices from the first housing to the second housing. This intermediate conveying means should be disposed at an angle such that the end facing the second housing is disposed lower than the first end. Exhaust fans are provided for the first housing to prevent escape of terpene odors or vapors therefrom, while similar exhaust fans in the second housing prevent the escape of water vapor. Scrubbers are provided in the exhaust ducts from the first housing to prevent terpene compounds from escaping to the atmosphere. A flame detector prevents the introduction of boards having flames thereon or being overheated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Vitronics Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald F. Clark, Gary J. Attalla
  • Patent number: 5190063
    Abstract: Improvements in washing machines for bottles or the like, by immersing bottles into hot washing solution, wherein in the front and rear zones, at that of higher temperature, the washing solution is forced to circulate in a direction opposite to that of the movement direction of the bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventor: Antonio M. Urcola
  • Patent number: 5189948
    Abstract: A unique spiral vapor cooker and cooking process comprises an insulated housing defining cooking chamber including a reservoir of heated water therein. Rising within the cooking chamber is a vertically oriented spiral conveyor carrying a stainless steel mesh conveyor belt. Water vapor rises through the mesh conveyor belt from a downwardly flowing source of heated water passing underneath the conveyor belt by a generally U-shaped water channel positioned underneath the conveyor belt. The bottom of the channel is randomly perforated permitting passage of water out of the channel to baste food product carried on a below positioned conveyor belt. The channel follows the entire path of the belt. Water at a preferred temperature of 200-205 degrees Fahrenheit is pumped upwardly from the water reservoir to a top portion of the water channel and flows downwardly within the channel while the conveyor carries the food product upwardly over the surface of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Beltec International
    Inventor: Benno E. Liebermann
  • Patent number: 5062438
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Inventor: Bejrouth M. Micheletti
  • Patent number: 5042540
    Abstract: A filing system which prevents the contamination of a container's sealing surface during the system's filling procedure is disclosed. A first endless belt is used to convey a succession of containers below a second endless belt. The first and second endless belts travel synronously and in the same direction. A similar succession of shields is attached to the second endless belt. As the two belts converge, the shields separately protrude into and extend over the open end of the laterally traveling containers. The shields prevent product or other contaminants from depositing on the containers' sealing surfaces as the containers are filled. Drip guards positioned on the downstream portion of the second endless belt collect drippage from each shield as it is removed from its seal protecting position within each container. The first and second endless belts are sanitized on every revolution to further prevent container contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Inventor: Michael P. Gorlich
  • Patent number: 5038807
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the performance of a warewashing machine generates proactive alarms that audible and/or visibly instruct operators to take corrective action of temperature, rinse pressure, loading, or other machine deficiencies occur. A data input feature enables the operator to add production data to the report for the calculation of machine efficiency. A water consumption measurement device provides realistic utility, water and sewage costs calculations for the warewashing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Clyde A. Bailey, Eric L. Padelford, Daniel F. Brady, Eduardo S. Koehler
  • Patent number: 5033158
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: KabiVitrum AB
    Inventor: Lajos Petho
  • Patent number: 5002616
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for fluid treatment of articles, while the articles are being delivered along a path through a preferably substantially closed chamber. During treatment, the articles are conveyed by rotating disk-like members that establish their path, with the disks being mounted on shaft-like rods for movement therewith. The treatment can comprise spraying or flooding the articles with a liquid or a gas, or may comprise drawing of air or other gases from the vicinity of the articles, or even drawing of liquid from the vicinity of the articles, if desired. Whatever the fluid treatment, it is provided by means of individual nozzles that are mounted between disk-like members on the rods, and which are there adapted for movement with the rods.In one embodiment, the nozzles may be mounted opposed each other, with openings for fluid generally opposed each other, above and below a generally horizontal path of travel such that articles pass between the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Chemcut Corporation
    Inventor: Karl F. G. Ketelhohn
  • Patent number: 4986462
    Abstract: Apparatus and a process are disclosed for cleaning and/or fluxing circuit card assemblies. The assemblies are moved through an enclosure in which they are sprayed with cleaning and/or fluxing liquid from fenestrated cylinders rotating above and below the path of the assemblies and disposed laterally thereacross. The complex spray impact pattern created by the simultaneous movements of the assemblies and the cylinders effects thorough cleaning and/or fluxing of the assemblies. Separate control of liquid pressure from the cylinders prevents unsoldered components from being dislodged from the assemblies during cleaning and or fluxing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Gary L. Hethcoat
  • Patent number: 4962777
    Abstract: Apparatus for washing and cooling subdivided produce include a mechanism for washing the subdivided produce with a solvent and for removing a substantial quantity of deteriorating-causing agents from the surface of the produce, a mechanism for conveying the subdivided produce along a linear path and for directing a flow of humidified cool air under pressure through the conveying means and the layer of the produce and at a temperature low enough to cool the washed produce as the subdivided produce is conveyed along the linear path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Transfresh Corporation
    Inventor: Laurence D. Bell
  • Patent number: 4960140
    Abstract: A washing arrangement for and method of removing burrs of moldable substances from upper and lower major surfaces of lead frames on portions of which the burrs were undesirably applied during molding comprises a transfer assembly which is located outside a washing chamber of the arrangement. The transfer assembly is not subject to the hot and humid environment existing within the washing chamber, thereby preventing corrosion, and facilitating ready inspection and maintenance of the arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Assignees: Ishijima Industrial Co., Ltd., Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Ishijima, Toshihiko Beppu, Gunpei Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 4944868
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating plastics from contaminants which includes a separation tank, a wash tank, a rinse tank, a lift conveyor, and a material dryer is disclosed. The separation tank is filled with a separation solution and includes a discharge auger for discharging material that sinks and a discharge chute for discharging materials that float. The separation tank may be rotated so that sink or float materials may be alternately deposited in the wash tank. The wash tank is filled with a wash solution and includes a discharge auger for discharging material from the wash tank into a rinse tank. The rinse tank is filled with a rinse solution and includes a discharge auger for discharging material to a lift conveyor. Both the wash and rinse tanks include adjustable front and rear legs, and a center support leg for adjusting the solution level in relation to their respective discharge augers for optimizing washing or rinsing of either float or sink materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Inventors: Jerry L. Jay, Sr., Ben Cottrell
  • Patent number: 4922938
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Siegmund, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur J. Siegmund, Henry E. Ladouceur
  • Patent number: 4907612
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Boris Levit, Michael A. C. Millerick
  • Patent number: 4880021
    Abstract: Device for cleaning cans or similar containers, whereby the cans are supported in a roughly horizontal position on, for example, rods of a chain conveyor, and are conveyed along a washing line and through a rinsing zone, over rollers or deflection pulleys. The chain conveyor (6), on emerging from the rinsing zone (2), enters a drying zone (3) in which the cans (4) are conveyed in vertical position with their opening face downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Inventor: Karl Haberstroh
  • Patent number: 4858769
    Abstract: A flotation separator has a tank normally partially filled with a liquid, and an endless conveyor belt with upper and lower courses extending from a lower portion in the tank to a higher discharge position exterior to the tank. A shroud isolates the lower course of the belt from the upper course within the liquid, and from the primary circulation in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. DeVries
  • Patent number: 4844106
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method accomplished by the apparatus is disclosed for cleaning shards, such as clay pigeon fragments, of debris and contaminant materials for recycling. The apparatus includes a reservoir containing a washing fluid and a moving conveyor partially submerged in the fluid. A screen has an outlet positioned above the submerged portion of the conveyor so that the shards may pass along the screen to the conveyor while some debris and contaminant material falls through the screen and into the reservoir away from the conveyor. The shards are washed in the fluid and are conveyed by the conveyor out of the fluid and past a bank of spray nozzles which spray the shards in a direction against the motion of the conveyor. Preferably, the screen from the bottom of a hopper and the shards are introduced by the hopper onto the conveyor under the influence of a fluid spray. A pump system circulates fluid through the various sprayers. A weir is included to trap buoyant debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: James W. Hunter
    Inventors: James W. Hunter, Richard N. Schneider
  • Patent number: 4841999
    Abstract: The brake drum cleaner assembly includes a water hose, and a unitary spray adapter of plastic or the like releasably connected by a clamp or the like to the water hose. The adapter has a rear tubular stem portion inserted in one end of the hose and connected to a front expended spray head portion defining a plurality of water spray orifices. The front head portion can be cylindrical, spherical or anotehr shape and the orifices can be round, elongated, curved, etc. The exterior of the rear stem portion of the adapter may be convoluted, stepped, etc., to facilitate anchoring in the water hose. A water pulsator can be connected to the rear end of the adapter to cause water passing through the adapter to pulse outer the orifices for improved cleaning. The method includes drilling a hole through a brake backing plate, then passing the rear stem portion of the adapter out therethrough and connecting to the water hose, while leaving the spray front head portion within the drum cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventor: Donald Danko
  • Patent number: 4836228
    Abstract: Container cleaning apparatus including an endless conveyor to transport the containers being cleaned through the apparatus. The container cleaning apparatus uses both high and low pressure liquid to clean the containers. The high pressure liquid is projected on the containers in a pattern that cleans the containers but does not hinder their progress on the conveyor. An agitating system is also provided that agitates the cleaned containers in a vertical direction to assist in removing liquid and drying the containers. The containers are also subjected to an air blast as they are being agitated that assists in causing evaporation of the liquid on the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: S. J. Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard F. Julius
  • Patent number: 4821755
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: Palbam, a registered partnership
    Inventors: Tamar Hen, Yochai Kimchi