Abstract: A device for preheating rod-like, metal workpieces, in particular aluminium rods, by means of a fluid flow heated by residual heat or waste heat of a combustion process occurring in a heating device for heating the workpieces. The device has a preheating chamber for receiving at least one workpiece, wherein, in order to transfer the heat from the fluid flow to a heat transfer medium flow in a fluid flow line between a fluid flow connection and the preheating chamber, a heat-exchanger unit is provided in such a way that the workpiece is preheated indirectly via the heat transfer medium flow heated in the heat-exchanger unit by the fluid flow.

Abstract: An automatic washing apparatus for a heat exchanger is proposed. The automatic washing apparatus is configured to recognize positions of tube holes through a camera, and to automatically wash the tube holes. The automatic washing apparatus is also configured to be able to automatically wash an external bundle and internal tubes of a heat exchanger in accordance with set operation patterns of an external washing module and an internal washing module, and to be able to reuse washing water used for washing a heat exchanger as washing water by reprocessing the washing water.

Abstract: A centrifugal parts cleaner having a housing, a hub disposed within the housing rotatable about a vertical axis, a driver to rotate the hub, at least two radial arms extending from the hub and a cradle pivotally connected to the at least two radial arms configured to receive a porous container for retaining parts to be cleaned. As the hub is rotated, the cradle pivots away from the hub to retain the parts in the porous container while allowing fluid on the parts to be extracted by centrifugal force.

Abstract: An improved portable cleaning system for use in cleaning heat exchanger tube bundles, fin-fans, towers and other elongated components. The cleaning system comprises a cleaning unit having a cleaning enclosure that receives and cleans the component and a control unit that controls the operation of the system. The cleaning unit has a cleaning enclosure defining a chamber sized and configured to receive the component through a sealable lid. A roller assembly rotates the component while a spray assembly sprays cleaning fluid over and into the rotating component. The cleaning fluid is heated in the chamber using surface heating elements attached to heat transfer plates along sections of the chamber walls. A vapor recovery system captures and treats toxic vapors. In use, the cleaning system is transported to a facility to clean the components on-site using cleaning fluid supplied by the facility and discharging waste to the facility.

Abstract: A rotisserie skewer, basket and parts cleaning assembly is provided. The assembly is located within a wash tank that includes a jet nozzle to expel a stream of fluid into said wash tank. The assembly is rotatably mounted within the wash tank and is capable of holding parts for cleaning.

Abstract: An improved portable cleaning system for use in cleaning heat exchanger tube bundles, fin-fans, towers and other elongated components. The cleaning system comprises a cleaning unit having a cleaning enclosure that receives and cleans the component and a control unit that controls the operation of the system. The cleaning unit has a cleaning enclosure defining a chamber sized and configured to receive the component through a sealable lid. A roller assembly rotates the component while a spray assembly sprays cleaning fluid over and into the rotating component. The cleaning fluid is heated in the chamber using surface heating elements attached to heat transfer plates along sections of the chamber walls. A vapor recovery system captures and treats toxic vapors. In use, the cleaning system is transported to a facility to clean the components on-site using cleaning fluid supplied by the facility and discharging waste to the facility.

Abstract: A cleaning probe capable of providing uniform cleaning to an entire wafer while not damaging the edge portion of the wafer, and a megasonic cleaning apparatus having the cleaning probe are provided. The cleaning probe comprises a front portion located near the center of the wafer, a rear portion connected to a piezoelectric transducer, and a protrusion located between the rear portion and the front portion, located on an edge portion of the wafer, and having a larger cross section width than the front portion.

Abstract: A washing machine for glass lenses (11) or other similar items of the type including a conveyor (1) has a bearing surface (10) for moving the lenses through a washing chamber (12) made of a succession of washing means (21). The traction force transmitted to the aforementioned bearing surface (10) is carried out by two chains (13) with endless links (14), located on the both sides of the aforementioned bearing surface (10), each chain (13) being joined at the longitudinal side corresponding to the aforementioned bearing surface (10) and is stretched tight between two driving gears, of axis parallel to the plane of the aforementioned bearing surface and perpendicular to the direction of the displacement.

Abstract: A washout container to which are mounted inclined ramps that allow a transit mixer, concrete pumping truck or other concrete handling vehicle to drive up over a portion of the container for dumping excess concrete and washing out waste concrete. The container cross-section may be rectangular to semi-circular, and is preferably fabricated with a steel structure. A watertight latching door assembly is coupled to the container to prevent leakage of collected liquid concrete waste material while allowing solidified concrete materials to be unloaded at a disposal site. The interior of the container is preferably lined with a material to which concrete will not adhere. The liner may be applied as a coating to the interior of the container or as a solid material retained within the container. In this way, solidified waste concrete can be easily removed from the container at the disposal site and preferably crushed for recycling.

Abstract: A chucking member configured to chuck the edge of a substrate includes a chucking pin which is eccentric from the rotation center. The chucking pin has a streamline shape and includes a first front-end portion disposed at the front end relative to the flow of an air current generated by the rotation of the substrate and a first back-end portion disposed at the back end relative to the flow of the air current. The first front-end portion includes a first tip, and the first front-end portion has a round shape.

Abstract: An industrial parts washer includes a stand adapted to support a part, a chamber selectively moveable from a first position clear of the part to a second position engaging the stand where the chamber forms a closed volume encapsulating the part. A nozzle is positioned within the chamber to supply pressurized fluid for cleaning the part. The industrial parts washer may include a washing station positioned adjacent a drying station where each of the washing and drying stations include chambers selectively moveable to enclose the part.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a rotor 45 for rotating a plurality of wafers W paralleled each other at appropriate intervals. While rotating the wafers W by the rotor 45, a chemical liquid is supplied to the wafers W for their processing. The rotor 45 has holding members 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 for holding the peripheries of the wafers W in parallel arrangement and a press member 100 for holding the wafers W while applying a pressure on their peripheries. Irrespective of rotation of the rotor 45, the press member 100 always applies a pressure on the peripheries of the wafers W so as to prevent the peripheries from sifting with respect to the holding members 95, 96, 97, 98, 99. With the action of the press member 100, it becomes possible to prevent the peripheries of the wafers W from being worn and also possible to elongate the span of life of the holding members 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 while performing a chemical processing.

Abstract: A washout container to which are mounted inclined ramps that allow a transit mixer, concrete pumping truck or other concrete handling vehicle to drive up over a portion of the container for dumping excess concrete and washing out waste concrete. The container cross-section may be rectangular to semi-circular, and is preferably fabricated with a steel structure. A watertight latching door assembly is coupled to the container to prevent leakage of collected liquid concrete waste material while allowing solidified concrete materials to be unloaded at a disposal site. The interior of the container is preferably lined with a material to which concrete will not adhere. The liner may be applied as a coating to the interior of the container or as a solid material retained within the container. In this way, solidified waste concrete can be easily removed from the container at the disposal site and preferably crushed for recycling.

Abstract: A washout container to which are mounted inclined ramps that allow a transit mixer, concrete pumping truck or other concrete handling vehicle to drive up over a portion of the container for dumping excess concrete and washing out waste concrete. The container cross-section may be rectangular to semi-circular, and is preferably fabricated with a steel structure. A watertight latching door assembly is coupled to the container to prevent leakage of collected liquid concrete waste material while allowing solidified concrete materials to be unloaded at a disposal site. The interior of the container is preferably lined with a material to which concrete will not adhere. The liner may be applied as a coating to the interior of the container or as a solid material retained within the container. In this way, solidified waste concrete can be easily removed from the container at the disposal site and preferably crushed for recycling.

Abstract: A household dishwashing machine of the type having a wash chamber in the form of a drawer, with the drawing being moveable between a lowered to a raised position for facile loading and unloading of the dishes.

Abstract: A system for processing a workpiece includes an inner chamber pivotably supported within an outer chamber. The inner chamber has an opening to allow liquid to drain out. A motor pivots the inner chamber to bring the opening at or below the level of liquid in the inner chamber. As the inner chamber turns, liquid drains out. Workpieces within the inner chamber are supported on a holder or a rotor, which may be fixed or rotating. Multi processes may be performed within the inner chamber, reducing the need to move the workpieces between various apparatus and reducing risk of contamination.

Abstract: A liquid waste disposal and canister flushing system for a medical canister including a press-fit canister lid, features a cabinet with an opening and a sink with a drain positioned therein. A mounting bracket is affixed to the cabinet and includes a shaft connected to the canister bracket for rotating the canister and a shaft connected to the lid removal bracket for removing the canister lid from the canister. The canister is secured within the canister bracket and is rotated from an initial position to a drainage position. The canister lid is positioned on the removal bracket and is rotated from an initial position to a removal position. Once the canister is rotated into the drainage position, the pressurized and diluted cleaning solution source is activated to flush the contents out of the canister and into the sink and drain. After the canister is sanitized it may be removed from the system and reused.

Abstract: A rotor (1) includes a pair of flanges (4, 5), four fixed holding bars (30) fixed to the flanges (4, 5), and two movable holding bars (60) supported for turning on the flanges (4, 5). The holding bars (30, 60) are provided in their surfaces with positioning grooves (32a) for positioning and holding wafers (W). The holding bars (30, 60) are provided with drain grooves (32b) connected to the positioning grooves (32a). The drain grooves (32b) prevent a processing liquid from staying in the positioning grooves (32a).

Abstract: A machine for the treatment of products made of plastic material of the recyclable type comprises a drum rotating about one of its own axis, at least one inlet for the introduction of the products to the inside of the drum and means for feeding a treatment fluid to the inside of the drum, the latter comprising one or more sections having a perforated side wall and one or mode sections having a discontinuous side wall.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus comprising a drum for containing and agitating an article, wherein the drum comprises at least two rotatable drum portions in rotatable connection with one another, a rotator member in connection with each rotatable drum portion for rotating the drum portion about an axis. The apparatus is preferably a washing machine, and the method of operating the apparatus comprises inserting at least one article, preferably a plurality of articles, into the drum; and rotating each rotatable drum portion independently of one another to agitate the article or articles.

Abstract: Baffle plates 9 extending in a peripheral direction along an internal surface of an air-permeable and water-permeable drum 1 are spacedly arranged in an axial direction, and paper stock cleaning zones 10 are formed between the every adjacent pair of baffle plates 9. Raking plates 12 for raking up paper stock liquid in the cleaning zones 10 in a direction of rotation of the drum are spacedly arranged in the peripheral direction between the adjacent baffle plates 9. The raking plates 12 are allowed to project from internal edges of the baffle plates 9. The paper stock moves, zone by zone, through the cleaning zones 10 formed between the baffle plates 9 and reaches a paper stock outlet port 5. The paper stock, when in the paper stock cleaning zones 10, is raked up in the peripheral direction by the raking plates 12 in accordance with rotation of the air-permeable and water-permeable drum 1 and falls by force of gravity, repeatedly.

Abstract: In an apparatus containing rotating filter media that removes solids from a fluid stream, the invention provides devices and methods for improved cleaning of the filter media. Solids trapped on the filter media are removed by the application of a pressurized fluid spray system. The spray system has nozzles distributed across a spray arm. The nozzles create a generally elliptical spray fan pattern in contact with the filter media. The nozzles are spaced and angularly oriented on the spray arm so that adjacent spray fan contact areas overlap. This distribution and orientation equalizes the distribution of the washing flow and hydraulic energy over the filter area, thereby maintaining the filter material in a more uniformly clean and effective filtering condition.

Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus and method can recover a substrate treating liquid such as a cleaning liquid in an efficient manner and positively avoid occurrences of treatment defects such as formation of cleaning spots, water marks and the like. A fixed upper plate and a fixed lower plate are disposed in opposition to each other so as to define a space therebetween. A substrate such as a semiconductor wafer is inserted into the space between the fixed upper and lower plates, supported there by a support and adapted to be rotated through rotation of the support. A substrate treating medium such as a cleaning liquid is introduced into the space to treat the substrate while the substrate is rotating. The treating medium after having treated the substrate is discharged from the space through a discharge passage which is defined between an outer peripheral surface of the support and an inner surface of a housing which covers the outer peripheral surface of the support.

Abstract: A machine for washing and drying equipment and in particular impermeable sports equipment includes a housing with an opening through which pieces of equipment are placed radially into compartments of a partitioned carrier. The carrier is rotatably mounted in a fixed drum, which receives washing liquid and then hot air for washing and drying the pieces of equipment. Partitions in the carrier can be adjusted to form small or large compartments, which receive one or more pieces of equipment and hold the pieces separate from those in other compartments during washing and drying.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus comprising a drum for containing and agitating an article, wherein the drum comprises at least two rotatable portions in rotatable connection with one another, a rotator member in connection with each rotatable portion for rotating the portion about an axis. The apparatus is preferably a washing machine, and the method of operating the apparatus comprises inserting at least one article, preferably a plurality of articles, into the drum; and rotating each rotatable portion independently of one another to agitate the article or articles.

Abstract: A liquid waste disposal and canister flushing system for a medical canister including a press-fit canister lid, features a cabinet with an opening and a sink with a drain positioned therein. A mounting bracket is affixed to the cabinet and includes a shaft connected to the canister bracket for rotating the canister and a shaft connected to the lid removal bracket for removing the canister lid from the canister. The canister is secured within the canister bracket and is rotated from an initial position to a drainage position. The canister lid is positioned on the removal bracket and is rotated from an initial position to a removal position. Once the canister is rotated into the drainage position, the pressurized and diluted cleaning solution source is activated to flush the contents out of the canister and into the sink and drain. After the canister is sanitized it may be removed from the system and reused.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus comprising a drum for containing and agitating an article, wherein the drum comprises at least two rotatable drum portions in rotatable connection with one another, a rotator member in connection with each rotatable drum portion for rotating the drum portion about an axis. The apparatus is preferably a washing machine, and the method of operating the apparatus comprises inserting at least one article, preferably a plurality of articles, into the drum; and rotating each rotatable drum portion independently of one another to agitate the article or articles.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus comprising a drum for containing and agitating an article, wherein the drum comprises at least two rotatable drum portions in rotatable connection with one another, a rotator member in connection with each rotatable drum portion for rotating the drum portion about an axis. The apparatus is preferably a washing machine, and the method of operating the apparatus comprises inserting at least one article, preferably a plurality of articles, into the drum; and rotating each rotatable drum portion independently of one another to agitate the article or articles.

Abstract: A process and device for treating sheet objects, especially fragile sheet objects, by rotation through a liquid bath. The objects are disposed in radial slots in a rotating disk, retained therein by a flexible element moving synchronously with the disk, and by a retaining element mounted adjacent the disk and spaced therefrom along its axis of rotation.

Abstract: A liquid waste disposal and canister flushing system and method for a medical canister including a lid with at least first and second ports features a cabinet with an opening and a sink with a drain positioned therein. A removable lid covers the cabinet opening. A canister holder in the form of a ring or bucket is positioned within the chamber defined between the sink and cabinet opening. The canister holder is supported by a rod that is rotatably positioned in the cabinet. The rod is also connected to an electric motor or lever so that the canister holder, and therefore the canister positioned therein, may be rotated between an initial position and a drainage position. The canister is secured within the canister holder and tubing, which is in communication with a source of pressurized and diluted cleaning solution, is connected to the first canister port.

Abstract: A holder (102) made from an HF-resistant material includes annular suction pads (105, 108). The suction pad (105) is used to hold a small silicon substrate by suction, and the suction pad (108) is used to hold a large silicon substrate by suction. This makes silicon substrates with various sizes processable. A silicon substrate is held by suction by reducing a pressure in a space in a groove of the suction pad by a pump (120). An opening (103) is formed in the holder (102) so that the both surfaces of the silicon substrate are brought into contact with an HF solution (115). The silicon substrate is anodized by applying a DC voltage by using a platinum electrode (109a) as a negative electrode and a platinum electrode (109b) as a positive electrode, and thereby a substrate having a porous layer is produced.

Abstract: A centrifugal processor for flat media, such as a silicon wafer, has a rotor eccentrically positioned within a cylindrical chamber or bowl. Drainage openings or slots are located near the bottom of the bowl. The rotor is offset in a direction away from the drain openings. Fluids drain more quickly from the bowl, as the tendency of the spinning rotor to draw fluids up and around the bowl is reduced, due to the rotor offset and to the discrete drain openings, and the position and orientation of the drain openings.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for washing fruit that includes supporting rollers, a nozzle for directing a spray of water at 100 psi at the surface of the whole fruit; and clean-out bars that reduce the movement of the fruit toward the nozzle being transported at a predetermined time.

Abstract: A work carrier assembly 1 having first and second carrier members 2 and 3 which are separably engageable with each other. Each one of the two carrier members 2 and 3 is provided with a plural number of parallel work holder rods 11 or 14 between a pair of side frames 10 or 13. The work holder rods 11 and 14 on the two carrier members are located in vertically staggered position and shifted relative to each other in a forward or rearward direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a wafer processing apparatus using a rotation mechanism. Wafers 13 are placed into a carrier 1 which has a central axis. The carrier 1 and wafers 13 are placed into a megasonic tank 15 with a megasonic transducer 23. A rotational driving system 25 is used to rotate the wafer carrier 1 and the wafers 13 about the central axis while the wafers are in the tank 1. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decontaminating a substance contaminated with radioactivity, in particular, shot blasting grit contaminating with radioactivity. The method comprises: contaminated substance washing the substance to be decontaminated with chelate liquid; draining the chelate liquid; raising the temperature of the substance to a level not lower than the boiling point of a solvent by means of hot air; supplying the solvent to the substance and rapid by vaporizing the solvent; removing the remaining chelate fluid liquid by the force of the vaporization and draining and drying the substance.

Abstract: A system particularly adapted for cleaning ink residue from cells forming part of an outer surface of a ceramic inking roll of a printing press roller assembly includes an ultrasonic tank unit. Seated on an top open end of the tank unit is a drive mechanism comprising a set of spaced apart wheels operatively connected to a motor by a belt. As fitted over the wheels, the belt engages one end of a shaft of the ink roller assembly. An opposite end of the shaft then is held by a set of wheels of an idle mechanism also seated on the tank unit top end. For use the tank unit is filled with a cleaning solution so that about a bottom one-third of the roll outer surface submerges in the solution, and the shaft and any included bearings or gears on the shaft remain free from contact with the solution. As the motor drives the belt to slowly turn the roll through the cleaning solution, sonic energy from a generator in the tank unit forces solution into the roll cells to incrementally scrub out the imbedded ink residue.

Abstract: A bottle filling machine comprising a rotary spoke assembly rotating in a vertical plane on a horizontal axis carries bottles between each spoke with their open necks facing radially inward toward the central axis of the rotating spoke assembly. A valve assembly is positioned around the central axis of the rotary spoke assembly, having a rotating valve cup which rotates with the spoke assembly and bottles carried between the spokes. Filler tubes extend from discharge apertures through the rotating valve cup to the open necks of the bottles. The valve assembly includes a stationary valve plate which bears against a corresponding bearing face of the valve cup. An inlet aperture and inset distribution groove of the valve plate flows distilled water or other fill material to and through the discharge apertures of the rotating valve cup as they rotate past to thereby fill the bottles.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing, rinsing, sterilizing and drying delicate components such as plugs for pharmaceutical use, or the like, formed by an autoclave chamber containing a substantially cylindrical rotating drum or basket with two helical members extending along the axis of the cylindrical basket, connecting an inlet opening with an outlet opening and projecting inside the basket, each being provided with a rounded internal edge and terminating in chutes emerging inside the outlet opening, the helical members thus formed enabling the plugs to be mixed when the basket rotates in one direction and to be unloaded from the basket when the latter rotates in the opposite direction, the rotating basket also being provided with a circumferential toothed rim which engages a gear wheel actuated by drive means to impart a rotary movement to the same and having inside at least one pipe arranged parallel to the axis of the cylinder and provided with spray nozzles directed toward the plugs present inside the basket to allow

Abstract: A control system for a high-speed rotary washer spraying system designed particularly for plastic returnable bottles automatically regulates each process of the wash spraying system, namely, sequentially feeding bottles from an infeed conveyor means, inverting them by a worm/inverter means, receiving and simultaneously rotating each bottle in an inverted position through a plurality of washing, neutralizing and sanitizing treatment zones, and inverting each bottle to its original neck-up orientation for further processing. During the entire process, a programmable logic controller maintains, manages, and controls all pumps, valves, solenoids, and drive motor speeds as required by the process, and also provides for monitoring and adjusting fluid levels, alkalinity/acidity concentrations, and temperatures of the wash and neutralizing solutions.

Abstract: A system and method for batch washing, rinsing and rust inhibiting industrial parts which includes an immersion wash tank into which is lowered and rotated one or more open mesh baskets. Washing liquid in the tank is agitated by a turbo charger and the parts are flushed as the baskets are rotated. After washing, the baskets are raised and, while being rotated, are spray rinsed, sprayed with rust inhibitor and dried. Sprayed liquids are collected by a movable tray and returned to separate holding tanks. Separate filter systems are provided for the wash, rinse and rust inhibiting liquids. Monitors are provided to maintain levels in the wash and rinse tanks and to maintain proper concentrations therein.

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: 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: The present invention is an apparatus and method for immersing at least one contaminated part in a fluid, wherein the contaminated parts are moved through the fluid with both a rotational and reciprocal movement. The compound movement of the contaminated parts cause the parts to be repeatedly lifted from, and immersed within, the fluid, thereby improving the interaction of the fluid on all surfaces of the contaminated parts regardless to the shape or orientation of the contaminated parts.

Abstract: A unitary system for recycling contaminated solid material such as plastic chips having contaminants on the surface includes an elongated vessel having an inlet for contaminated solid material adjacent one end and an outlet for cleaned solid material at a second end. A plurality of divider walls are spaced apart along the length of the vessel to form a plurality of discrete, separate, spaced apart treatment chambers and each chamber is adapted for holding an individual charge of solid material being treated. Charges in the chambers are moved simultaneously from chamber to chamber from the inlet toward the outlet. Piping is provided for introducing various liquid media into the respective treatment chambers for washing away the contaminants from the surface of the solid material. During each operational cycle, the vessel is rotated at a suitable speed in an oscillating fashion to provide washing action as basher bars move the contaminated solid material through the liquid medium.

Abstract: A brush cleaning apparatus automatically cleans paint brushes. The device has a frame for supporting an electric motor and a brush holder for holding one or more brushes. The device has a motion translating link. The frame with brushes attached is lowered into a container with a cleaning solution whereby the rotating motion of the motor is translated into pivotal motion of the link to gently agitate the brushes until clean.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus for oil frying comprising an outer pan, a rotational wheel and a plurality of pivotal dummy plates wherein the wheel is mounted on a pivot axis between two shaft brackets of the outer pan, the dummy plates are mounted on the circumference of the wheel, and the pivot axis of each dummy plate is parallel with the pivot axis of the wheel. Food can be filled for deep-fried cooking through an end of the outer pan and is pushed forward by the dummy plates on the wheel and forcibly pushed out of another end of the outer pan.

Abstract: An apparatus for wet etching of thin films with which etching rate differences as between various regions of a respective thin film down to only 5% can be achieved. The apparatus includes a housing (10) providing a liquid treatment chamber in which at least one rotational-symmetrical basket (12; 14) is arranged for accommodating semiconductor slices (16) having the thin films to be etched. The basket (12, 14) rests on two rollers (18, 20; 22), one of which is driven. Longitudinally above the basket (12; 14), flat jet nozzles (24) are arranged in such a manner that the jets of etching solution sprayed out of the nozzles form a homogeneous flat jet (26). The flat jet (26) is directed laterally in the direction of the axis of symmetry of the basket (12; 14). With this apparatus, overflow conditions on the surfaces of the slices (16) to be processed are obtained which are so uniform that the apparatus is suitable for use in the wet etching of aluminium layers in device fabrication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating a plurality of articles with a gaseous or liquid medium. The apparatus includes a cylindrical chamber in which the articles (14) are arranged in an ordered array in channels (16) which are configured on one or more circular plates (13) and which have substantially the form of evolvent lines which extend from the center of the plates to the periphery thereof. The plates (13) are rotatable about a horizontal shaft or axis (25) extending concentrically with the chamber, so that the articles can be successively introduced into or removed from the channels (16). A plurality of plates can be combined to form a plate pack, which is arranged for stepwise axial movement in the chamber.The apparatus is particularly suited for washing and sterilizing stoppers and capsules or caps used for sealing bottles and other containers, and the invention also relates to the use of the apparatus for this purpose.

Abstract: A contact lens cleaner includes a base, a vibrating plate mounted swingably on the base, a container mounted removably on the vibrating plate so as to receive an amount of a cleaning liquid and a contact lens therein, a motor disposed on the base so as to swing the vibrating plate, a cam member mounted rotatably on the base and having a cam surface which is engaged with the free end of the vibrating plate, and a resilient element biasing the free end of the vibrating plate toward the cam member. When the motor is started so as to rotate the cam member, the cam surface of the cam member pushes the free end of the vibrating plate to move in one direction, while the resilient element moves the free end of the vibrating plate in the opposite direction to engage with the cam surface of the cam member, so as to swing the vibrating plate, thereby rinsing the contact lens with the cleaning liquid.