Abstract: An apparatus for washing balls in a cleaning fluid includes a container for storing soiled balls, a cleaning unit for washing and rinsing the balls, and a clean ball hopper for storing washed balls. A soiled ball conveyor conveys the balls from the soiled ball hopper to the cleaning unit, while a pneumatic conveyor conveys clean balls from the cleaning unit to the clean ball hopper. A fluid supply system provides recirculated cleaning and rinsing fluids to the cleaning unit, and helps prevent the balls from becoming clogged in foam. The cleaning unit includes three vertical substantially transparent cylindrical housings. Upper and lower enclosures are opaque and remove from sight the top and bottom longitudinal axial ends of the cylindrical housings to provide an exciting visual effect as the balls are conveyed through the transparent elongated housings.

Abstract: A parts washer is provided having a mechanism for heating and pressurizing a supply of cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid against the part during a washing operation. Structure for supporting at least one part to be washed is provided with the supporting structure having a first configuration during a washing operation. Structure is provided for providing ready access to areas around the supporting means wherein the access providing structure allows the first configuration of the supporting structure to be changed. Preferably, the access providing structure includes structure for pivoting a section of the supporting structure between a) a non-pivoted position wherein the supporting structure has the first configuration and b) a pivoted position wherein the supporting structure has a second figuration to provide ready access to areas around the supporting structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing balls in a cleaning fluid includes a container for storing soiled balls, a cleaning unit for washing and rinsing the balls, and a clean ball hopper for storing washed balls. A soiled ball conveyor conveys the balls from the soiled ball hopper to the cleaning unit, while a pneumatic conveyor conveys clean balls from the cleaning unit to the clean ball hopper. A fluid supply system provides recirculated cleaning and rinsing fluids to the cleaning unit, and helps prevent the balls from becoming clogged in foam. The cleaning unit includes three vertical substantially transparent cylindrical housings. Upper and lower enclosures are opaque and remove from sight the top and bottom longitudinal axial ends of the cylindrical housings to provide an exciting visual effect as the balls are conveyed through the transparent elongated housings.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing cans for recycling which automatically feeds cans one at a time into a cleaning station for cleaning and draining any remaining residue from the cans. At the completion of the cleaning cycle, the cleaned can is fed to a crushing station where the can is crushed to a predetermined thickness and then dropped into a hopper for storage for recycling. In accordance with the invention, three or more aluminum or tinned steel cans may be cleaned and crushed per minute without operator intervention.

Abstract: A handling mechanism for workpiece fastening pallets (1), comprising fastening means (4') for fixing a pallet (1) to the handling mechanism and a wash basin (8) as well as a wash liquid circulating system (9-12). The fastening means (4') is a part of a rotary table (4) which is journalled to a turntable 3, having its horizontal turning axis (6) positioned such that a rotation axis (B--B) of said rotary table (4) can be pivoted from a vertical position to a horizontal position. In the latter position, the pallet (1) together with its workpieces (2) is located above the wash basin (8) and is rotatable around horizontal axis (B--B). The wash basin (8) is provided with an openable and closeable cover (16). Adjacent the wash basin (8) is positioned a robot (24) having a workhead (25) which is pivotable to a position above pallet (1) lying over the wash basin for burring said workpieces (2 ) and/or for replacing finished and washed workpieces (2) with others to be worked on.

Abstract: A filter change mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes a filter dispensing device, a device for releasably clamping a filter in a fluid line, a filter discharge device. Also included in the mechanism is a device for conveying a filter dispensed by the filter dispensing device to the fluid line for use in filtration and for conveying a used filter to the discharge device.

Abstract: An elongated open top tank containing water, one end being a loading end, and the opposite end being an exit end. Positioned transversely across the tank, spaced generally along the full length above the water line, are water distribution lines each having multiple water outlet nozzles aiming downward and at an angle toward the exit end of the tank. The distribution lines are connected to an output side of a high volume water pump used to circulate the tank water. The water pump draws water from the exit end of the tank so that during pumping, a strong current is created in the tank as the nozzles re-apply the water. Positioned transversely within the tank is a plurality of solid baffles, some positioned high in the water, and some positioned low in the water in a staggered arrangement. Produce deposited at the loading end of the tank is sprayed by the nozzles and drawn by the strong current.

Abstract: A parts cleaning system for cleaning workpieces includes a washer drum for receiving a rotating parts carriage. The rotating carriage includes a self-contained gear assembly and retains multiple baskets that are rotated during cleaning. The system further includes a lifting table for raising the rotating carriage to a level at which it is loaded into the washer drum and for lowering the rotating carriage to a level at which it is ergonomically correct for an operator to load baskets containing parts. The system further includes a basket exchanging table having a charging cylinder therein for inserting the rotating carriage into and removing it from the washer drum, The charging cylinder is attached to a smaller coupling cylinder for connecting and disconnecting a flared head on the ram of the charging cylinder to the rotating carriage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning containers, such as sample containers for environmental testing, involves providing modular cleaning bays into which an array of inverted containers can be transported, such as by means of a drive chain. Independently operable nozzle banks disposed in the cleaning bay generally below the resident container tray are driven in an x-axis motion, such as by a stepper motor, to register a selected nozzle bank with successive rows of containers within the tray. At each row of containers the nozzle bank, which is selected in accordance with the size and spacing of the containers being processed, is caused to travel in a z-axis motion through a process cycle in which the nozzle elements of the nozzle bank traverse through the open mouth ends of the containers registered therewith and in which a fluid stream is projected directly onto the interior surfaces of the containers, preferably sweeping the entirety of those surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for washing balls in a fluid is disclosed which includes a container for storing soiled balls and a wash unit having an elongated cylindrical housing suitable for containing the fluid and having a lower end adapted for receiving balls and an upper end adapted for discharging balls. The container serially dispenses balls via a transfer chute to the lower end of the housing. The transfer chute includes means for separating regular and irregular balls. Inside the housing, balls are conveyed from the lower end to the upper end by a screw conveyor system which agitates and scrubs the balls. The screw conveyer system includes an first screw conveyor located near the lower end, and a second screw conveyor located near the upper end. The first and second screw conveyors are spaced to form a conveyor free wash cell. Balls are discharged at the housing's upper end to a ramp having a plurality of overlapping flights, where the balls are rinsed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for washing dishes, which comprises carrying a rack with dishes to be washed into a downstream dishwasher by a rack carry-in unit; forwarding the rack after completion of washing in the dishwasher to a lifter unit disposed adjacent to the dishwasher with or without the aid of a rack carry-out mechanism; pulling the rack to a predetermined position in the lift by a rack loading device both disposed in the lifter unit; ascending or descending the lift to be positioned adjacent to a necessary pair of brackets of a wagon set to the outlet side of the lifter unit to carry out the rack loaded on the lift onto the pair of brackets; and ascending the lift after completion of carrying out the rack from the rack carry-out position and allowing the tapers, formed in the lift, facing the wagon so as to push the rack fully to a predetermined position in the wagon; and a system for practicing the process; wherein the arrangement of the respective units may be L-shaped or I-shaped, and the rack carry-

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.

Abstract: In a dishwashing system, a dishwashing machine (10) is provided to wash a rack holding thereon tableware in a washing chamber, a wagon (W) is provided to have therein plural stages of horizontal storage shelves in an up-and-down direction, and an elevator (E) is disposed between the wagon and the dishwashing machine. On the elevator (E), a drive control device is provided to move a ramp (56) of the elevator by a driving mechanism (60) toward a position facing to one of shelves of the wagon after the rack has been placed at a reference position of the ramp (56) by way of timing belts (57i) (57l), to drive the timing belts by a timing belt mechanism (57) so as to store the rack onto the shelf, to stop the timing belt mechanism upon completing storage of the rack and to drive the driving mechanism till the ramp reaches the reference position. These operations are repeated by the drive control device.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning unit provided with cleaning tubs in which cleaning liquid is contained, and a carrying mechanism for carrying matters to be processed into and out of the cleaning unit. The carrying mechanism has holding members for holding the matters thereon. The cleaning apparatus further includes a chamber in which the carrying mechanism is housed, and a cleaning/drying system arranged in an upper portion of the chamber to clean and dry the matters-holding members of the carrying mechanism. The cleaning/drying system has cleaning and drying nozzles through which cleaning liquid and drying air are jetted against the matters-holding members of the carrying mechanism.

Abstract: In order that higher demands on the purity of the separated liquid can be satisfied, a cleaning plant (12) having wash chambers (13a,b) for the cleaning of the filter plates (8) is arranged in longitudinal direction alongside of a filter press (1). By means of a transport device (30) having a displacement device (32) which is moveable along rails (31a) and is equipped with a raisable and lowerable gripper (37) which can be engaged via pawls with filter plates (8), the filter plates, after the opening of the filter press (1), are transported one after the other into the cleaning plant (12), sprayed in one of the wash chambers (13a, b) with simultaneous drawing off of the air or subjected to an immersion bath, possibly disinfected or impregnated, dried and transported back. By the development of the cleaning plant (12) with two wash chambers (13a, b), idle paths of the displacement device (32) are substantially avoided.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and sterilizing objects, such as pharmaceutical caps, plugs and the like includes an autoclave chamber and a cleaning device having a cleaning drum mounted for a free rotation on a frame. The frame runs on rollers and can be moved in and out of the autoclave chamber. The cleaning drum has a hollow shaft provided within the drum with spray nozzles and mounted axially in line with a hollow drive shaft passing through one sidewall of the autoclave chamber free to turn and sealed. The drum shaft and the drive shaft may be coupled together by a coupling device. The frame may be released from the drum introduced into the autoclave chamber so that it is not located during the cleaning process in the autoclave chamber and thus will not constitute an additional source of contamination.

Abstract: A cleaning device in the present invention comprises cleaning chambers each for cleaning subjects to be cleaned, transport units for transporting the subjects, transport chambers each having one of the transport units, first decompression means for decompressing each of the transport chambers to keep its internal atmospheric pressure lower than the external atmospheric pressure of the cleaning device by 0 through 0.02 mmH.sub.2 O, and second decompression means for decompressing each of the cleaning chambers to keep its internal atmospheric pressure lower than the internal atmospheric pressure of each of the transport chambers by 0 through 0.02 mmH.sub.2 O.

Abstract: A process of, and apparatus for, washing fragments, such as plastic fragments, in a continuous fashion as part of a recycling operation. The plastic fragments are fed into an axially rotating perforated tube, wherein a stationary washing and rinsing spray header are mounted therethrough for spraying the plastic fragments revolving with the tube. Wash and rinse water pass through the perforations, carrying with the water residue and unwanted particles. The wash water, rinse water and unwanted particles pass into a trough arranged below the revolving tube which collects the water and residue and transports same to either a screen separator in the case of the wash water, or a holding tank in the case of the rinse water. Auxiliary systems are disclosed for using recycled wash water and recycled rinse water for the process. A drying system which receives the plastic fragments from the washing apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for using a horizontal, continuous process auger centrifuge to separate the granulated material of a container from whatever liquid residue remains within the container. Though this technology is suitable for many diverse applications, a primary objective is the continuous separation of the recyclable plastic of a motor oil container from the remaining reusable motor oil within the container after the container has ostensibly been emptied. It is an objective of the method to accomplish this separation in an economically advantageous manner which uses neither a solvent nor a wash process, and which reclaims the oil in a suitable state for reprocessing. In a second method, a rinsing mechanism is employed by which a residual liquid waste, such as soap, may be concentrated and separated in a first rinse stage without introducing the residual liquid waste in dilute form into the waste water treatment process.

Abstract: Glassware washing apparatus comprises a cabinet having a stationary spray box for generating a fan-shaped, upwardly directed cleansing spray and a rotatable drive wheel above the spray box for supporting and carrying a rack containing soiled glasses through the cleansing spray. A pass-through assembly is removably supported on the cabinet and includes a rack entry ramp, a rack exit ramp, and an opening between the ramps for receiving the rotatable drive wheel of the cabinet. A hood is removably supported on the pass-through assembly so as to overlie the drive wheel and confine the spray.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the transportation of golf balls, particularly at a driving range, which includes one or more tanks remote from a range house and in proximity to a driving target, in which golf balls can be separate from other objects and mixed with a fluid. This mixture is then pumped to a central location, during which the balls remain immersed in the fluid which is made to flow at high velocity, providing a cleaning action. The balls can then be subjected to further cleaning, if desired, separated from the fluid and the fluid returned to the tank in a substantially closed system. A high capacity ball cleaner is provided to furnish the further cleaning which is particularly adapted to be used with the ball processing system and method.

Abstract: The objects and purposes of the invention are met by providing a device for surface treating of metal parts which includes a frame, and annular basin mounted on the frame and adapted to hold a first treatment solution therein. An upwardly inclined track encircles the annular basin and a passageway is provided between the interior of the annular basin and an inlet end of the track. A gate is utilized to keep the metal parts within the annular basin when the gate is closed and to allow the metal parts to move on the track when the gate is open. At least one treatment station is provided along the length of the track with fluid delivery structure being provided for spraying a second treatment solution onto the metal parts as they move therepast.

Abstract: A separation tank adapted for use in washing and separating recycled polymeric material from contaminants, the separation tank comprising a centrally disposed baffle and being adapted to receive and circulate an aqueous medium around the baffle; transversely mounted, rotatable members adapted to submerge floating material within the aqueous medium; transversely mounted, rotatable members adapted to aggressively agitate the surface of the aqueous medium; and longitudinally spaced sumps disposed in the floor of the tank on the side of the baffle opposite the agitation members to collect contaminants settling out of the aqueous medium; and members adapted to divide the aqueous medium into surface and subsurface portions for the respective recovery of the polymeric material and recirculation of the aqueous medium.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for automatically cleaning and dispensing golf balls. The apparatus has a supply chute which connects to a cleaning apparatus and to a gravity operated sorting apparatus which incorporates a dispensing apparatus which feeds a predetermined number of golf balls to an outlet. According to the invention, the sorting apparatus comprises a downwardly sloping barred-grating onto which the golf balls fall from a supply-chute and over which they roll in rows to the dispensing apparatus. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dispensing apparatus has a row of apart-lying cams which can move upward to their operating positions between the rods of the ball-grating to lift a predetermined number of balls from rows of balls lying on the rods and allow them to fall into the outlet while in their rest positions and cams remain free of the balls lying on the ball-grating.

Abstract: A pallet changer device is associated with a milling or machining device and has a table that indexes 180.degree.. A pallet is held in an upright position for loading of fresh workpieces, while machining is carried out automatically on workpieces on a similar pallet. When the machining is complete, the table indexes 180.degree. exposing an available station, and an arm retrieves the pallet of machined parts and moves it onto the table. Then the table is indexed again, and the pallet of fresh workpieces is moved to a work station at the machining device. A wash cycle is carried out on the pallet of workpieces, now suspended beneath the inverted table. After the cycle, the table is inverted placing the cleaned finished workpieces upright. These are removed from the pallet and replaced with fresh workpieces.

Abstract: A self contained high pressure hot water cleaning system for grocery carts is disclosed in which a trailer mounted fully enclosed system allows the automatic passage of individual grocery carts from one end to the other by the use of a conveyor passing through a wash tunnel having spray nozzles. The wash tunnel also provides a pair of rotating brushes, a spent fluid holding tank, a cleaning fluid supply tank, a sanitizing fluid supply tank, associated pumps as well as a heater for heating the cleaning fluid. The self contained system further provides a hand operated wand at the entrance of the wash tunnel to allow an operator to remove difficult accumulation of grime from the grocery carts. A lifting table and exit ramp is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning particulate material includes a hopper defining a downwardly tapering chamber and a nozzle for directing a high velocity liquid jet upwardly into the chamber. A tubular riser extends vertically through the chamber having a lower end situated proximate to, but spaced from, the liquid nozzle and an upper end situated at the upper end of the chamber. Particulate material to be cleaned is charged into the hopper so that a portion of the material falls into an agitation zone defined between the nozzle and the lower end of the riser. A liquid jet discharged from the nozzle is directed towards the lower end of the riser and agitates the dirty particulate material situated in the agitation zone and carries particulate material from the agitation zone upwardly through and out of the upper end of the riser. As the procedure continues, dirty particulate material continues to settle into the agitation zone to be partially washed by agitation and carried with the liquid jet through the riser.

Abstract: An apparatus for rinsing extruded pasta product in a container to remove surface starch from the pasta. The apparatus includes a conveyor on which containers holding a portioned amount of extruded pasta product are conveyed upright in single file, a manifold for introducing hot rinse water into the containers, and a rotary draining unit in which the water-filled containers are first inverted to drain off the rinse water and are then returned to an upright position for transfer to additional processing operations such as sauce filling, container sealing, retorting and cooling. A stationary slide plate is provided between the conveyor and the rotary draining unit, and reciprocating arms are mounted adjacent the slide plate to move the water-filled containers from the conveyor across the slide plate and into the rotary draining unit. The rotary draining unit includes a pair of horizontally extending support surface mounted equidistant from and parallel to a central shaft around which the support surfaces rotate.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a washing system designed primarily for washing automotive parts, and in addition to a washer having a cabinet, a working chamber within the cabinet, and a support table within the cabinet, an improved conveying system is provided to transport parts to be cleaned from a location such as an automotive work station, to the interior of the washing chamber and to transport cleaned parts back to the work station or to storage.The conveying system comprises a mobile carrier having an article supporting tray carried on the upper surface of the carrier and which can be easily pushed into the working chamber of the washer and removed therefrom back onto the mobile carrier. Parallel track or guide means are provided in the top of the mobile carrier and on top of a turntable within the washing chamber to facilitate moving the article supporting tray, which is preferably provided with wheels which are suitable to ride on the parallel tracks or guide means provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed an article treating apparatus particularly apparatus for pressure-impregnating or vacuum impregnating porous articles such as metal castings. A holder for the articles or a metal basket containing them is disposed in an autoclave and can be rotated about a horizontal axis. It has a horizontal through-passageway so that articles to be treated can be simultaneously loaded at one end of the passageway and unloaded at the other end of the passageway by an indexing mechanism. The indexing mechanism has a plurality of pusher arms which can be moved laterally into the path of the articles and then moved horizontally to push the articles along rails into and out of the passageway. The holder is stopped at a predetermined rotary position in which a longitudinal slot is opposite the pusher arms so that unloading and loading may be effected simultaneously with a single movement of the indexing mechanism, a pusher arm passing completely through the slot.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mask (reticle) washing apparatus for use in the production of semiconductor integrated circuits (IC), and in particular, to cleaning a mask without the use of a strong oxidizing agent or a strong alkaline agent. The mask washing apparatus comprises an airtight chamber including a washing space and a drying space which are separated by a shutter. A drain and an exhaust duct are located at the bottom of the chamber. The washing is performed at a lower part of the chamber and the drying is performed at an upper part of the chamber. A clean air stream flows from the upper part to the lower part of the chamber, and this flow eliminates contamination in the chamber. Consequently, the mask is cleaned perfectly, and the reliability and yield of the device is improved.

Abstract: An endless train of dollies with means for continuously moving them in an oval path and in either direction, each dolly supporting a tray rack that in turn can removably support a plurality of trays in stacked relation. Bus boys load trays of soiled dishes into the tray racks at one station in the endless train of moving dollies. The endless train of moving dollies is positioned adjacent to a second endless train of moving dollies, each dolly in this second train supporting a basket for receiving soiled dishware and trays that a second bus boy standing in a second station positioned between the two endless trains of dollies transfers trays of soiled dishware with their trays from the tray racks to the baskets in the second endless conveyor. The tray racks are of novel construction and each one consists of a U-shaped casing in horizontal cross section.

Abstract: A mobile cleaning ballast machine comprises an elongated machine frame; an endless ballast excavating and conveying chain adjustably mounted on the machine frame; and a ballast screening installation arranged to receive the excavated ballast conveyed by the endless chain. The excavated ballast is washed in an apparatus comprising an elongated conveyor receiving the excavated ballast conveyed by the endless chain and conveying the received ballast in a conveying path to the ballast screening installation, a water tank mounted on the machine frame below the elongated conveyor, the elongated conveyor extending above the water tank and the screening installation, a series of nozzles directed towards the conveying path and receiving water from the tank, and a drainage sieve for returning the water from the elongated conveyor to the water tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for reconditioning drums has a conveyor extending through a series of equally spaced stations. The conveyor has a series of members, each in the form of a forwardly opening V and with the members so spaced that when any one is at a station, other members will be at the other stations. Drums are placed, one at a time, and inverted, on the infeed end of the conveyor with the bung of each in a position to be caught and held centered by one of the members and pulled thereby along the center line of the conveyor. The conveyor is moved by steps with each step advancing a conveyed drum to a station at which the bung is in vertical alignment with a vertically disposed, subjacent spray nozzle. Dwells between the steps are provided of a predetermined duration during which the nozzles are elevated to an extent entering them within a drum and the drums at stations are tilted fowardly. At each station, a reconditioning fluid is discharged through the associated nozzle if a drum is in fact present.

Abstract: A device for cleaning containers, especially bottle containers. To make it more compact while ensuring thorough cleaning it is characterized by a container intake (2), by a subsequent helical guide (6) for the containers (1), by at least one container carrier (5) positioned within the helical guide with integrated spray nozzles (16) for the cleaning agent, and by a container outtake (8) downstream of the helical guide.

Abstract: An apparatus for submersing a plurality of elements in a liquid, including an upwardly open tank, a quantity of liquid in the tank, and a perforated plate having a guide surface on the underside thereof and extending from a first location in the region of the surface of the liquid to a second location spaced below the surface of the liquid. A submersion conveyor provided in the tank includes an endless belt having a plurality of spaced and transversely extending cleats, the submersion conveyor being positioned so that, during at least a portion of the path of travel of the cleats, the cleats are adjacent and move along the guide surface from the first location to the second location thereon. Thereafter, cleats on an endless belt of a further conveyor move the elements through the tank below a further guide surface portion on the underside of the perforated plate and then move the elements upwardly and out of the tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for mechanically washing articles of flat tableware, such as plates, saucers or the like, conveyed continuously, said process comprising the steps of subjecting the articles to a wet phase by rotary brushing under a projection of detergent water and then subjecting them to a phase of physical elimination of the wet residue by projection of a flat jet of air over the whole surface of the articles, maintained in inclined position, the flat jet of air pushing the remanent liquid film in the direction of gravity.

Abstract: A film developing machine includes a film loading section for receiving therein frames supporting film to be developed, a developing section having a series of basins for containing chemical baths used for development, a transferring system for transferring film supporting frames through the developing section and immersing the film in the chemical baths in the basins, and a drying and unloading section for receiving developed film from the developing section and drying the film. A light-tight casing houses each of the sections. A vertically movable guide moves film supporting frames downwardly within the film loading section to a lower portion thereof. A feeder is located in the developing section at a position beneath the lower portion of the film loading section and receives film supporting frames transferred from the guide and feeds such frames to the transferring system.

Abstract: An arrangement for unscrambling ferromagnetic coil springs from a pile of coil springs, and conducting the coil springs to a work station. A cassette containing a disorganized pile of springs is provided with a first surface having openings, and discharge tubes associated therewith. A second surface which adjoins the first surface is provided with impact edges for controlling the upwardly vertical travel of the coil springs in response to a traveling electromagnetic field which, in one embodiment, is produced by a linear motor stator. The linear motor stator is arranged at an angle with respect to the second surface of the cassette, the apex of the acute angle being arranged at the junction between the first and second surfaces of the cassette. The traveling electromagnetic field attracts the springs to the second surface and causes them to travel upwardly until they encounter the impact edges.

Abstract: In bottle transporting apparatus, noise resulting from bottles colliding with each other and noise emitted by the transport mechanism is suppressed by moving the bottles in a water bath which immerses the mechanism and at least partially immerses the bottles so the sound is absorbed and attenuated by the water. Means are provided for partially filling the bottles with liquid before they reach locations where noise would be generated and this further suppresses noise. Water jets are used to assist bottle movement where the bottles are transported on conveyors and the jets may be used as the sole propulsion force in apparatus wherein the bottles are simply pushed along smooth support surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for uniformly, downwardly moving in a vessel a compact bed of solid particles in contact with a liquid. Within the vessel there is provided a rotatable lower disc which has a radially extending opening for the passage of solids therethrough. The lower disc carries a member adjacent the opening for directing solids through the opening during rotation of the lower disc. This member preferably extends above the lower disc. A system is provided to maintain the liquid within the vessel while the solid particles pass out of the bottom portion of the vessel. A rotatable upper disc having a radially extending opening may be present to distribute solids charged to the vessel onto the upper surface of the bed of solid particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning root crops while still in the field whereby the harvested crops are subjected to jet blasts of a cleaning agent without excessive dust generation.

Abstract: A device for dipping plates (40) in a liquid (70) includes a plurality of elements (20) which form a number of disc-like devices secured at a certain distance from each other on a rotatable shaft (30). Each element is provided with several evenly spaced recesses for receiving the plates and each plate received rests in at least two recesses. The elements are partially immersed in the liquid. The drive mechanism rotates the shaft in steps and the recesses, together with the plates contained in them, then pass through the liquid. During the pauses between the elements rotating, a feeder device (51) pushes the plates into the recesses (21') in the elements from a feeder table (52), whereas the dipped plates are moved by an ejector device (61) to a receiving device (62. The receiving device has a number of compartments (64) with surfaces (60) located above one another, and these compartments are gradually moved into position for receiving the dipped plates.

Abstract: An endless train of dollies with means for continuously moving them in an oval path and in either direction, each dolly supporting a tray rack that in turn can removably support a plurality of trays in stacked relation. Bus boys load trays of soiled dishes into the tray racks at one station in the endless train of moving dollies. The endless train of moving dollies is positioned adjacent to a second endless train of moving dollies, each dolly in this second train supporting a basket for receiving soiled dishware and trays that a second bus boy standing in a second station positioned between the two endless trains of dollies transfers trays of soiled dishware with their trays from the tray racks to the baskets in the second endless conveyor.The trays are of novel construction and each one consists of a U-shaped casing in horizontal cross section.

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 flume for transporting fruit and the like such as between a sorter and a packaging apparatus and for measuring the batches of fruit into the packaging apparatus comprises a trough for accumulating the fruit and a slowly moving paddle for directing the water flow against the fruit to transport the fruit toward an exit gate. The manner of transporting the fruit permits the use of a single production line for processing fruits of varying degrees of buoyancy, such as apples and pears, without the need for using a flotation agent in connection with the latter.

Abstract: An installation for electrohydroblasting of castings comprises a base, a bath placed on said base, a mechanism for feeding castings into the bath, an electrode, and a mechanism for introducting the electrode into the bath and a pulse current generator coupled electrically to the electrode. An insulated casing is mounted on the base over the bath. The insulated casing is built of a latticed framework whose openings are covered with slabs, each being formed with two metallic boxes, one inside the other, so that the ends of one box face a bottom of the other, box with a space formed between the bottoms, intended for a vibration-absorbing material to be fed thereto and with the metallic boxes being grounded.

Abstract: A chip washer comprising a tank holding washing fluid, a conveyor for supplying chips into the tank, a vane for setting the fluid and therewith the chips into motion in the tank, a conduit provided with valve for removal from the tank of the foreign substances separated from the chips and a washed chips removing conveyor, this latter consisting of a screw conveyor ascending obliquely upwardly from the tank with its lower end extending into the washing fluid and the mantle of which is constituted by a strainer tube. The strainer tube of the screw conveyor is encircled by a collecting tube or trough, which returns the washing fluid running off the chips, back to the tank.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for moving articles in a continuous manner through a fluid bath and for cleaning such articles by electrical energy comprising: a trough for holding said fluid bath, having an article feeding area and an article dispensing area; a ratchet conveyor having ratchet surfaces consisting of a plurality of ratchet floors and ratchet walls arranged in a stepwise fashion along a baseline, said ratchet conveyor having at least a portion thereof which is nonconductive; electrical energy cleaning structure including a plurality of electrodes, at least one of which is located substantially at said nonconductive portion of said ratchet conveyor, said structure capable of passing electrical current between said electrodes while in a fluid bath and at a current density sufficient to enhance cleaning of said articles; suspension structure connected to said ratchet conveyor so as to permit movement of said ratchet conveyor cyclically through an arc; and, drive structure connect

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for moving articles in a continuous manner through a fluid bath.