Abstract: The invention relates to a washing device for cuvette sets. The cuvette set is placed into a holder (11) in a rotor (10). The washing liquid is removed from the cuvettes by rotating the rotor.

Abstract: A carrier for dual-in-line packages to be wave soldered, comprises a frame with tracks into which the packages can be slid. The tracks are defined by aligned upper and lower "U"-shaped channel members providing rails. Each track is defined between adjacent pairs of upper and lower members. Gates at either end of the tracks control movement of the packages into or out of the carrier. The carrier can be loaded and unloaded by means of apparatus including an inclined ramp on which the carrier can be releasably located, the packages being fed into the top of the ramp to fill the carrier, and sliding to the bottom of the ramp to empty the carrier of soldered packages prior to re-filling. Movement of the packages down the ramp is controlled by gates.

Abstract: Apparatus for stripping photoresist and other coatings from integrated circuit wafers comprises a series of vertically positioned casings with rotary turrets within each casing each accommodating approximately 10 wafers. Wafers are received in conventional "boats", lifted one at a time and inserted in a pocket in the first turret. The turret indexes intermittently, immersing the wafer in solvent until it travels almost a full 360.degree.; the wafer is then lifted from the first turret and inserted in a second turret which immerses the wafer during another almost 360.degree. travel in additional solvent. Toward the end of travel in the second turret a spray nozzle strips all remaining photoresist from the wafer. The wafer is then lifted from the second turret and inserted in a first pocket, optionally containing alcohol.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for removing synthetic residues from rotating parts of plastics processing machines includes a heatable tubular container which contains a dry powder or granular filling and is provided with an upper axial opening through which the part to be cleaned is introduced into the container. The part is clamped at its one end by a chuck which cooperates with a double-acting piston/cylinder unit so as to be movable upwardly and downwardly for introducing the part to be cleaned in the container and removing it therefrom after the cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A bottle washer removing bottles from a conveyor, rotating them about 360 degrees, and using paddles of extended length and a stationary guide to replace the bottles on the conveyor. The washer may sit over the conveyor transporting the bottles. The conveyor moves the bottles between paddles which will rotate them through a circle of 360 degrees. At the very end of that arc, however, an obstructing guide rail directs the bottles out of the rotational plane to avoid their colliding with the entering bottles. The paddles that move the bottles about the arc have extensions lying in the direction that the conveyor moves. These extensions control the motion of the bottles as they move out of their plane of rotation so that they will return to the conveyor. The bottle washer, to work at greater length upon the bottles, may in fact move the bottles about two circles of approximately 360 degrees each. As the bottles complete the first rotation, the obstructing guide moves them out of the plane of the first rotation.

Abstract: An appliance for washing and spin-drying lettuce, vegetables and similar produce, comprising a basket that separates into at least two parts and is rotatable about a horizontal axis of symmetry internally of a container fitted uppermost with a removable lid. The basket is rotated, supported, and held in alignment by relative driving and idle trunnion assemblies fitted to the two opposite side walls of the container.

Abstract: A wash station for receiving, clamping, inverting, and washing a tank and pallet assembly consists of a stationary frame having a pair of idler rollers and a pair of drive rollers, and a rotatable carriage mounted on the rollers. The carriage includes two separate vertical arcuate wheel members resting on the rollers, a transverse tank support platform extending transversely between the wheel members, transverse support struts, horizontal and vertical wheel support members, and a movable hold down clamp with an integral nozzle assembly. The hold down clamp and nozzle assembly is movable to a clamped position engaging a tank and pallet assembly resting on the support platform. When the assembly is clamped, spray nozzles are inserted within the tank. The carriage containing the tanks to be washed is then rotated 180.degree., inverting the tanks. Wash fluid is then supplied via the spray nozzles into the interior of the tanks.

Abstract: A washing apparatus specifically designed for isolating plant roots from core soil samples is also suited for cleaning a variety of other organic and inorganic objects, particularly when surrounded by large volumes of soil. The essential features of the apparatus include a washing tank for holding a cleansing solvent, a support cradle for carrying cannisters of the samples to be cleaned, and a drive assembly for mobilizing the support cradle through the solvent in the washing tank.

Abstract: A foraminated cylindrical container has a loading port into which loose fill media may be loaded for cleaning. The container is rotated to tumble the media and a pan for containing solvent is located so that the media will be immersed during rotation. A hose supplied by a high pressure pump is used to further clean the media. The container may be raised and tilted to facilitate removal of the media. The solvent may be pumped from the pan to a storage tank. Separate switches are provided for the pumps and the rotation and hoisting mechanism so that the operator can adjust the timing of each portion of the cycle as needed to complete the cleaning.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning those parts of processing machines of synthetic materials on which synthetic residues adhere includes a container which receives the parts and is airtightly closable. This container is associated to a heating unit which heats a liquid carrier medium to a temperature above the melting point of the synthetic residues adhering to the parts to be cleaned therefrom. The container is tiltable around a horizontal axis between a horizontal charging position and a vertical operating position. Connected to the container is a tank which is located below the container when the apparatus is in the horizontal position, and which accommodates the heat carrier medium. Upon movement of the container and the tank from the horizontal position into the vertical position, the heat carrier medium flows into the container and upon reverse movement flows back into the tank. An overflow determines the maximum filling level of the heat carrier medium in the container.

Abstract: A machine for cleaning a plurality of floor maintenance pads by rotation and agitation in a tank of cleaning solvent. The pads are loaded onto a drive axle with gripper rings placed therebetween. After rotation in a solvent, the pads rotate against an agitator bar frame which contacts with both sides of the pads simultaneously. Preferably, the solvent drained from the tank can be returned to a container for reuse or discharged depending upon its level of contamination. Most preferably, the cleaning machine and the container of cleaning solvent are positioned together on a movable support stand.

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: Apparatus for cleaning, plating and/or coating articles comprising a container adapted to contain a liquid cleaning, plating or coating material. A barrel is at least partially submerged in the container and supported for rotation about its longitudinal axis. A novel support for the barrel comprises a pair of rings concentric with the barrel and suspended by a plurality of rollers. Laterally spaced stationary end walls are mounted in fixed positions covering the ends of the barrel. The barrel has end openings and the stationary end walls fit within the end openings. A novel discharge chute extends from inside the barrel to the exterior thereof.

Abstract: A holding apparatus for holding dual pin type electronic parts such as DIP type IC etc. when the electronic parts are cleaned or dried. The holding apparatus is used, for example, for cleaning or drying the dual pin type electronic parts automatically in line after the lead pins of the electronic parts are dipped by solder. The holding apparatus has at least one holding rod which holds the electronic parts on a mounting table in order to prevent the electronic parts from dropping off while the mounting table is rotated around a shaft, and the holding rod releases the electronic parts after the cleaning or drying thereof are completed.

Abstract: The apparatus is capable of being immersed in a liquid bath and supports at least two dowels or rods on which are mounted apertured discs in spaced apart relationship. Each rod has a gear fixed near one end and has a plurality of axially spaced circumferential grooves in each of which respective apertured discs are disposed. A pair of spaced wheels are provided to rotate in unison about a fixed axle. Each wheel has a plurality of radially disposed slots into which respective rods are disposed so that each dowel is capable of rotating about its own axis. The axle supports a fixed sun gear disposed near one wheel and each rod has at one end a planet gear that meshes with the sun gear whenever the respective rod is nested within a respective pair of slots on the wheels. Means are provided to rotate said pair of wheels about said axle. To prevent the rods from falling out of their respective slots as the wheels rotate, a C-shaped keeper device is disposed around each wheel and in a fixed position.

Abstract: Contaminated covered plastic waste material in the form of used Petri dishes, so-called agar plates, is rendered harmless and cleaned by placing the agar plates in a bacterium-tight heating chamber maintained substantially at atmospheric pressure and contacting them with water at an elevated temperature, preferably 90.degree.-98.degree. C. for a predetermined period of time. After the predetermined period the agar plates are rinsed with water which is then drained off through an outlet in the bottom of the heating chamber. The agar plates to be treated are loaded into the heating chamber in batches contained in bags wholly or partly consisting of a plastic material which is solid and substantially insoluble in water at room temperature but soluble in water at the elevated temperature.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a contact lens sterilizing device (10,54,118) which chemically disinfects contact lenses (L) in a cell (20,64,134) containing antimicrobial solution (42,104,144) and which subsequently transfers the lenses (L) to a storage cell (22,66,136) containing storage solution (44,106,146). Momentum generated as the striker arm (6) of a mechanical timer (2) snaps from a first position to a second position is utilized to propel a cage (C,70,140) holding the contact lenses (L) from the sterilizing cell (20,64,134) to the storage cell (22,66,136), thereby effecting the transfer operation. In one embodiment (10) of the present invention, the striker arm momentum is indirectly imparted to the contact lens cage (C) via a flipper (28). In other embodiments (54,118) of the present invention, the striker arm momentum is directly imparted to the contact lens cage (70,140) via a hook (72,142) integrally formed on the cage (70,140).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning residual material, such as printer's ink, from containers, generally cylindrical tubs. The apparatus effects the support and rotation of the tub in a tank containing a solvent. At least a portion of the tub sits within the liquid. The solvent acts on the dried ink to cause its disengagement from the container. A scouring material placed inside the tub helps to loosen the ink adhering to the tub's interior surfaces.

Abstract: The invention is a fluid cleaner apparatus operable to clean automotive parts or the like including (1) a support housing assembly to hold a cleaning fluid therein; (2) a parts support assembly to hold and agitate items to be cleaned; and (3) a fluid actuator assembly operable to (a) supply air pressure to dry items and move the cleaning fluid, and (b) supply and filter the cleaning fluid. The support housing assembly includes a main support housing; a parts support assembly secured to the main support housing operable to receive items thereon for cleaning and drying; and a lid assembly connected to the main support housing operable to enclose same during a cleaning operation for obvious safety reasons. The main support housing includes a parts section mounted on a fluid reservoir section with the fluid actuator assembly operable to force the cleaning fluid from the fluid reservoir section to the desired level.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for subjecting articles to a forceful air stream while confined within a tumbling barrel having a perforated peripheral wall. The apparatus comprises pivotally connected shroud members that are adapted to sealingly enclose the barrel, but to leave uncovered a bottom longitudinal portion of the perforated wall. Air is blown into the shroud members about the barrel and flows into the barrel through the perforated wall and thereafter out the barrel through the uncovered wall portion, thereby forcefully flowing over the confined articles to dislodge solution clinging thereto.

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: A treatment apparatus using a walking beam transporter is provided with an indexing mechanism for enabling barrels supported on the beam to be indexed rotationally in use, either in a treatment solution or when raised above it. The drive mechanism comprises a rod extending along the transporter beam and supported in low friction bearings for linear reciprocated movement. The rod is driven by a piston and cylinder assembly housed inside the beam, via a pendulum link. Each barrel is provided with a ratchet and pawl mechanism operated from the rod via a lever link on the barrel mounting.

Abstract: Photographic processing of a plurality of film discs is accomplished by rotating the discs partially immersed in chemical solutions. Processing trays, which contain the solutions, conform to the peripheries of the discs, reducing the volumes of the solutions and making single use batches of the solutions attractive. Single and multiple-tray approaches are included and, at least in the latter case, a transport mechanism is provided for transferring the discs from tray-to-tray while rotating the discs between the trays.

Abstract: A processing apparatus has a processing chamber configured to receive a plurality of cylindrically-shaped film units. The film units comprise a plurality of film discs supported by a central aperture on an elongated shaft, in spaced relation and with the disc faces normal to the shaft axis, and end drive discs slightly larger in diameter than the film discs. The drive discs have a guide lug extending from their exposed sides and guide grooves are provided in the processing chamber interior. The first inserted film unit is directed into driving engagement with a drive means located at the lower portion of the chamber and subsequently inserted film units are directed into driving relation with the unit therebeneath. Processing fluids are sequentially introduced and discharged from the chamber with the film units rotating to effect film development.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the surfaces of foods comprising a watertight housing with a door, a drum movable into the housing through the door, the drum being rotated by a motor, the drum containing perforated baskets each having a movable wall to engage and hold products therein against movement, and means for rotating the movable wall in selected position.

Abstract: To eliminate the manual handling of individual articles associated with loading and unloading conventional treating apparatus, a plurality of articles are simultaneously treated in the carriers which are used for batch handling prior to and subsequent to the treating operation. In a disclosed embodiment, wafer-shaped articles are held in mutually spaced substantially parallel relationship in a plurality of slots in a first carrier having an open face through which the wafers can be inserted and removed. The open face of the first carrier is abutted to the open face of an empty second carrier having at least a corresponding plurality of slots, such that the slots of the first carrier are aligned with the slots of the second carrier. The abutted carriers, with the wafers contained therein, are submersed in a treating medium and rotated about an axis running through the abutted faces of the carriers.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining the freshness of blood platelet concentrate and related solutions which require continuous agitation to maintain usuable shelf life. A container for holding platelet concentrate packets contains a series of parallel cells which are disposed at an oblique angle with respect to a horizontal plane. A plurality of platelet packet containers are disposed within an equal number of cylinders which are adapted to securely hold the containers. Each cylinder has circumscribed about the outer surface thereof a friction transfer surface, each of which is aligned to contact the friction transfer bearing surface of an adjacent cylinder. A rotating power source engages a friction transfer surface of a cylinder causing same to rotate, the rotational force being transferred to all adjacent cylinders. Environmental control means maintain an appropriate temperature state during the agitation of all platelet packets being operated upon.

Abstract: A blast cleaning machine for blast cleaning parts comprising a main frame, a housing supported on the main frame, and a barrel assembly rotatably supported in the housing for oscillatory movements therein between loading, blasting and discharge positions. The barrel assembly has an annular side wall provided with relatively inclined sections that cooperate with relatively inclined surface sections at the bottom of the barrel to provide for a continuous tumbling and flowing of parts in the barrel across a stream of shot projected into the open end of the barrel by a conventional impeller assembly. This action of the parts assures a full cleaning of all of the parts in the barrel in a relatively short time.

Abstract: A plastic polehydral electroplating barrel whose rails, end heads and perforate panels are made of a mineral or fiberglass-filled thermoplastic resin, preferably fiberglass-filled polypropylene, in which the perforate panels are made of modules which when abutted edge to edge form the 30 or 36 inch panel, each module being made of a relatively thin perforate plate injection molded to contain an increased number of square drainage holes and a plurality of crossed ribs upstanding from the plate to strengthen it, those edges of the modules which engage in the rail and head grooves being reinforced to reduce load stress at the connecting points. The modules can be held in abutting relation unconnected to each other in the final barrel assembly, or can be interconnected by tongues and grooves, or can be welded together. The ribbed injection molded perforate panels can be used as inserts to make barrel halves or barrel bodies by matched metal low pressure molding.

Abstract: A system for cleaning and disinfecting medical parts which include a drum rotatable about a horizontal axis where the drum includes an interior enclosable chamber for receiving small parts and circumferential retaining members for receiving and retaining tubular members about the horizontal axis. A timing device sequentially control the operation upon filling by washing, draining, rinsing and drying in sequence and structure is provided to accomplish these functions.

Abstract: An electroplating barrel for immersion in an electroplating electrolyte or other treatment liquid and for tumbling therein a bulk-mass of small parts, made of either electrolessly metal-coated plastics (synthetic resins) or of metals. The tumbling barrel consists essentially of a pair of spaced end walls, an annular treatment chamber defined by inner and outer peripheral walls between the end walls, and cathodic contacts, the length of the barrel being significantly less than the average overall diameter thereof.

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

Abstract: Apparatus for washing aggregate material comprises a cylindrical drum including first and second end walls having central openings defining respectively an outlet and an inlet. The drum is inclined from the horizontal to provide flow of the aggregate material toward the outlet along the interior of the drum. The drum is mounted for rotation on its longitudinal axis, driven by a tangentially engaged chain and sprocket, and is supported and stabilized by a system of guide rolls. The drum contains a series of longitudinally extending agitator vanes spaced around the cylindrical inner wall of the drum. As the drum rotates, the vanes agitate the aggregate material in the presence of wash water for efficient aggregate cleaning. A series of scoop-shaped flume elements attached to and abutting the outlet end wall bodily rotate with the drum.

Abstract: Equipment for cleaning metal or plastic parts by immersion in a tank-contained agitated liquid cleaning solution in which the parts are loaded into open side cages mounted on a powered carrier wheel immersed in the solution and having interrupted rotation to carry the parts from a loading station at one side of the carrier above the solution downwardly therethrough and upwardly to an unloading station at the opposite side of the carrier, the tops of the cages being slotted to accommodate mechanical displacement of the parts through the cages and the tank containing stationary barriers blocking movement of the parts through the open sides of the immersed cages.

Abstract: Processing chambers formed by circumferentially spaced pockets of a rotor rotatable in a cylindrical chamber disposed with its axis substantially horizontal are loaded through a top access opening in the cylinder and unloaded by a single or double vaned scoop rotatable about an axis parallel to the axis of the casing to sweep product out of an upwardly opening rotor pocket. The spider rotor and unloading rotor are power-driven intermittently so that the unloading rotor sweeps through a pocket of the spider rotor when the spider rotor is stationary, and the spider rotor is indexed to expose successive pockets to the access opening of the casing when the unloading rotor is out of the path of movement of the spider rotor partition vanes.

Abstract: A nonsymmetrical electroplating barrel having two end pieces and six sides, one side being a door opening suitable for loading and unloading the barrel. The door opening having a width greater than each of the other five sides. The two sides closest to the door opening being of the same width but being of a smaller width than the door and the other three sides. The three sides farthest from the door being of uniform width. The purpose of the dimensional limitations is to increase the inside volume of the electroplating barrel while using a conventional pair of end pieces thereby allowing the larger volume barrel to be substituted in conventional sizes of electroplating tanks.