Abstract: An automotive vehicle washing system includes a frame comprising a bridge member end opposed and support sections mounted for linear reciprocating movement on spaced apart support rails. Pivoting washing nozzle support arms are mounted on the bridge section and are interconnected by a drive motor and drive pulleys to move in opposite directions to wash the sides and opposite ends of a vehicle. Each arm includes movable arm sections supporting spaced apart nozzle assemblies which may move toward each other or away from each other to size a vehicle according to its width. Each arm includes opposed elongated beam members which also provide fluid conducting passages for conducting washing fluids to the nozzle assemblies. Certain ones of the nozzle assemblies are drivenly connected to an oscillating servomotor. The servomotor is also used to position the pivoting arm sections through a lost motion coupling and a gear drive unit.

Abstract: A method for removing concrete from the interior surfaces of a concrete mixing drum, the drum including an open end and at least one interior surface facing away from or opposite the open end, an elongate probe having a longitudinal axis and an axially extending forward end being inserted into the drum through the open end thereof; and at least one fluid nozzle being mounted to the probe in position for discharging a stream of fluid against the at least one interior surface facing opposite the open end under sufficient pressure to dislodge accumulated concrete therefrom as the probe is moved in the drum.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing concrete from the interior surfaces of a concrete mixing drum, the drum including an open end and at least one interior surface facing away from or opposite the open end, the apparatus including an elongate probe having a longitudinal axis and an axially extending forward end adapted for insertion into the drum through the open end thereof; a vertically adjustable support structure supporting a guideway support, the guideway support including at least one bearing adapted for supporting the probe for movement of the forward end thereof into and out of the drum through the open end thereof; and at least one fluid nozzle mounted to the probe in position for discharging a stream of fluid against the at least one interior surface facing opposite the open end under sufficient pressure to dislodge accumulated concrete therefrom as the probe is moved in the drum.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a tub which includes a bottom sump and a side wall wherein a first dishware rack is supported within the tub and a second dishware rack is supported within the tub above the first dishware rack. A pump is provided for drawing wash liquid from the sump for pumping wash liquid through a pump outlet. A hub member is attached to the spray arm and extends downwardly from the spray arm. The hub member includes a bearing flange surface. A cap member which is connectable to the pump outlet has an annular bearing surface arranged between the bearing flange surface and the spray arm. The cap member is connectable to a housing wall provided about the pump outlet without the use of fasteners such that the spray arm may be readily connected to the pump outlet. The cap member is further provided with a discharge conduit. A supply line extends from the discharge conduit and is secured to the tub.

Abstract: The pump-connector has an elastic member that seals a connecting socket against a connecting piece that partly projects into the connecting socket. The elastic member is folded in between the connecting socket and the nozzle.

Abstract: A portable clean-in-place apparatus for a batch processing system. The present invention provides a clean-in-place system on a movable frame adapted to move about a batch processing facility such as a dairy, brewery, pharmaceutical plant, or the like, and clean any or all portions of the batch processing system. Since the CIP system is provided on a movable frame, it can be moved without requiring fixed piping to and from the batch processing line, and since it is relatively small in dimension, it can fit through a standard size doorway to facilitate storage. Moreover, through appropriately sizing and orienting the equipment the apparatus is not only kept relatively small, but can be manufactured at a relatively low cost as well.

Abstract: A parts washer is disclosed. The parts washer includes a housing that has a washbasin or wash chamber defining an inner cavity and chargeable with a volume of fluid. A spray tube is rotatably positioned within the housing and has an axis of rotation. The spray tube is configured to define a volume of rotation as it rotates about its axis of rotation. A support structure configured to support parts to be washed is positioned within the housing and is substantially within the volume of rotation of the spray tube. The parts washer further includes a pump connected to the spray tube. The pump delivers fluid under pressure to the spray tube. The spray tube includes a plurality of outlets configured to direct fluid toward parts to be washed on the support structure and at least one outlet configured to direct fluid in a direction to cause fluid-propelled rotation of the spray tube about its axis of rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing a liquid (2) containing suspendible solid matter from a tank (1) comprises a plurality of nozzles (47) located at the lower region of the tank. A pump (10) removes the liquid and ejects it through the nozzles (47) to cause resuspension of settled solid matter. When sufficient resuspension has occurred, the tank (1) is emptied by opening a valve to remove a portion of the liquid being transferred to the nozzles (47). The nozzles (47) are arranged as oppositely facing pairs ofjet nozzles at the lower end of a rotatable vertical pipe (46). The pump (10) is suspended by a cable (13) connected to a drum (19) which can be rotated to raise or lower the pump. A pump outlet (12) is connected to a flexible hose (27) which is wound around the drum (19) or around a separate drum (110). A movable containment flask (14) houses the drum (19) and accommodates the pump (10) when withdrawn from the tank (1).

Abstract: A dishwasher including a third level washing apparatus which is low cost and effective in spraying water over the upper rack of the dishwasher is described. More particularly, and in one embodiment, the dishwasher includes a rotatable arm mounted in the dishwasher tub below the lower rack for providing first level washing, and a retractable tower secured to, and rotatable with, the rotatable arm and positioned to extend through the lower rack when fully extended. The retractable tower provides second level washing. The dishwasher also includes a third level wash apparatus having a base secured to the upper rack and an elongate body extending from the base. A water passage extends through the base and elongate body. In one embodiment, a spray member is spaced from an open outlet end of the elongate body, and at least one support member extends from the elongate body to the spray member for supporting the spray member at an elevation above the upper rack.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a disposal chute in a building, the chute having a chute wall, includes a crane and cable assembly; a cleaning fluid spraying assembly suspended from the crane and cable assembly for lowering and raising within the chute; a flexible fluid delivery line suspended from the spraying assembly; and a fluid pump assembly connected to the flexible fluid delivery line. The spraying assembly preferably additionally includes a guide cage having resilient and outwardly bowed vertical support ribs interconnected by lateral support hoops extending substantially parallel to the mounting plate. The apparatus preferably additionally includes at least one cage wheel having an axial wheel port and being rotatably mounted on at least one support hoop for rolling against the chute wall as the spraying assembly is raised and lowered within the chute.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a fluid recirculation system which operates in a wash mode for spraying liquid onto objects supported on dishwasher upper and lower racks. The dishwasher includes a pump having a pump impeller disposed within a pump chamber for supplying wash liquid to first and second spray devices, associated with the lower rack and upper racks, respectively. The pump impeller draws wash liquid into the pump chamber and imparts a rotary motion to the wash liquid disposed in the pump chamber. A rotatable diffuser or flow director having a plurality of vanes extending into the pump chamber selectively directs the rotating wash liquid toward the spray devices and thereby controls wash liquid recirculation within the dishwasher responsive to the rotational motion of the wash liquid in the pump chamber.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes at least one adjustable-height basket to which an associated spray arm and its inlet tube are secured. The inlet tube is disposed horizontally and is connected by a coupling to a supply line secured to a side wall of a tub. An open connection fitting and two closed blind fittings protrude toward the inlet tube. The coupling has two openings into which the connecting fitting and one of the blind fittings respectively protrude. In order to provide a simple way of assuring the joining together of the coupling to the fittings, and to assure that pressure losses in the water supply to the spray arm connected to the coupling through the use of the supply and resultant worsening of the cleaning action are effectively avoided, regardless of how the basket is loaded, the coupling has an end oriented toward the supply line with a centering plate and downstream thereof a sealing plate having flexible sealing lips and being freely movable between a housing of the coupling and the centering plate.

Abstract: A dishwasher having spray arm, motor and pump components configured and mounted so as to occupy very low height. In one form the complete wash system is arranged as a drawer which slides in and out of a cabinet. The cabinet opening is stiffened against racking forces by incorporating an inverse portal frame in the opening flange. A synchronous AC motor is used with the rotor running within the wash chamber driving a wash pump integrated with a rotating spray arm.

Abstract: A dishwasher having spray arm, motor and pump components configured and mounted so as to occupy very low height. In one form the complete wash system is arranged as a drawer which slides in and out of a cabinet. The cabinet opening is stiffened against racking forces by incorporating an inverse portal frame in the opening flange. A synchronous AC motor is used with the rotor running within the wash chamber driving a wash pump integrated with a rotating spray arm.

Abstract: A parts washer unit including a cleaning fluid storage receptacle which can be easily interchanged or exchanged with a like receptacle by the user of the unit. The unit includes a sink tiltably mounted to the top of a support frame that defines a space accommodating the receptacle. The sink includes a bottom wall having an integrally formed cylindrical portion extending centrally from said bottom wall and defining a drain opening and a splash guard. A conveyor is secured to the frame and permits the receptacle to be readily transported to and from the desired location beneath the sink drain opening. A fluid circulating system includes a pump, a bag strainer, and hoses which extend in use into the sink for directing fluid over parts to be washed. A cover is removably secured to the receptacle and has a central opening for receiving the splash guard.

Abstract: A parts washer unit including a cleaning fluid storage receptacle which can be easily interchanged or exchanged with a like receptacle by the user of the unit. The unit includes a sink secured to the top of a support frame that defines a space accommodating the receptacle. The sink includes a drain opening which is aligned with an opening on one end of the receptacle when the receptacle is in place beneath the sink. A conveyor is secured to the frame which permits the receptacle to be readily transported to and from the desired location beneath the sink drain opening. A fluid circulating system includes a pump, a bag strainer, and hoses which extend in use into the sink for directing fluid over parts to be washed. When a new supply of cleaning fluid is required, the receptacle containing the contaminated fluid is easily removed from the space defined by the sink support frame and replaced by a new receptacle containing fresh fluid.

Abstract: A water flow control device, flow control system and method of using available swimming pool water for a source of water, adapted to be connected to conventional swimming pool hose apparatus for rapidly serving swimming pools for winter and spring cleanup. The flow control device can be used to rapidly fill water tubes, consisting of large vinyl bags which are used to anchor the four sides of conventional swimming pool cover used to cover swimming pools when not in use. The flow control device includes dual check valves, the first check valve controlling the flow and the second preventing reverse flow, a nozzle, a hose section, a valve housing, a flow control handle, a flow chamber, and check valve seats. The swimming pool flow control system incorporates a source of water and an improved flow control device, of 11/2" id.

Abstract: A water flow control device, using available swimming pool water for a source of water, adapted to be connected to conventional swimming pool hose apparatus for rapidly serving swimming pools for winter and spring cleanup. The flow control device can be used to rapidly fill water tubes, consisting of large vinyl bags which are used to anchor the four sides of conventional swimming pool cover used to cover swimming pools when not in use. The flow control device comprises a check valve, a nozzle, a hose section, a valve housing, a flow control handle, a flow chamber, a ball and a ball check seat. A swimming pool flow control system incorporating a source of water.An improved flow control device, of 11/2" id.

Abstract: For sterilizing and air-drying the user's hands, a sterilizing hand dryer comprising an antiseptic solution spraying system for discharging antiseptic solution through a nozzle to sterilize the body limb inserted in a sterilizing chamber and detected by an electric eye, a hot air blower means for discharging hot air in said sterilizing chamber for drying said body limb, a control circuit for stopping the sterilizing hand dryer 3 seconds after removal of said body limb from said sterilizing air bath camber.

Abstract: Apparatus for the hydrocleaning of the exterior surface of a pipeline or the like includes a frame adapted to surround a portion of a pipeline and defining a longitudinal passage through which, in use, the pipeline extends. A plurality of liquid jet nozzles are mounted to the frame in spaced apart relation so as to surround, in use, said pipeline in circumferentially spaced apart relationship to one another with each nozzle in spaced relation to the pipeline exterior surface. Means for supplying high pressure liquid to the nozzles to cause liquid jets to be emitted from the nozzles are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing concrete from a ceiling surface by hydrodemolition which includes a mobile truck unit adapted for movement along a floor surface or the like and which supports a pair of upstanding telescoping support arms having an elongated boom mounted at their upper ends in a manner to enable selective orientation of the boom relative to a ceiling surface. A carriage is mounted for reciprocating movement along the boom and carries an upwardly directed lance and discharge nozzle operative to discharge high pressure fluid, such as water, against a ceiling surface such that selective movement of the nozzle and mobile truck during high pressure fluid discharge are operative to remove concrete from the ceiling surface.

Abstract: An essentially self-contained mobile tube cleaning machine which is remotely operable so that there is no need for operating personnel to be in close proximity to cleaning nozzles or other high pressure lines during tube cleaning operations. As a consequence, significantly higher water pressures and significantly higher water flow rates can be utilized thereby not only accelerating the rate of cleaning but also the efficiency and the effectiveness of the cleaning operation. Through the provision of a nozzle head at the end of an articulatable boom, it is possible to adjust the location of the nozzle through movement of the boom in order to clean the face of a tube bundle, the shell side of a tube bundle and the interior of the tubes themselves.

Abstract: A liquid application system particularly adapted to being employed in motor vehicle washing is disclosed. The system includes a manually actuable liquid applicator and a supply subsystem which supplies liquid under pressure to the applicator from several discrete liquid sources. Sequencing control so as to achieve a supply of liquid from one and then another of the sources is achieved by sensing a pressure condition within the liquid supply, such as, an increased pressure which occurs within the liquid supply system when the applicator is changed from its operable mode to its inoperable mode. Valving control is then achieved so that fluid communication is cyclically established between the one and another liquid sources in response to a cyclical change of operation of the applicator between its operable and inoperable modes. In such a manner, by merely changing the applicator between its operable and inoperable modes, one can effectively select a particular liquid supplied to the applicator.

Abstract: An essentially self-contained mobile tube cleaning machine which is remotely operable so that there is no need for operating personnel to be in close proximity to cleaning nozzles or other high pressure lines during tube cleaning operations. As a consequence, significantly higher water pressures and significantly higher water flow rates can be utilized thereby not only accelerating the rate of cleaning but also the efficiency and the effectiveness of the cleaning operation. Through the provision of a nozzle head at the end of an articulatable boom, it is possible to adjust the location of the nozzle through movement of the boom in order to clean the face of a tube bundle, the shell side of a tube bundle and the interior of the tubes themselves.

Abstract: A commercial warewasher consecutively washes racks of soiled ware, such as dishes, through a machine cycle which includes recirculating wash water over the ware followed by a fresh water spray rinse. Part of the wash water is drained and a second portion is retained in the machine after each rack of dishes is washed, then combined with subsequent fresh rinse water spray to provide a volume of water sufficient for pumped wash recirculation for the next rack without cavitation. When a drain valve is opened, water pressure to the wash arm system is reduced, flow through it decreases, and when the pump stops the wash system will drain by gravity to the lowest point in the wash system plumbing. In the meantime the pump discharges wash water until the level of water in the sump and/or its associated outlet pipe reaches the level of the pump impeller eye. The pump begins to cavitate and effectively ceases to pump water.

Abstract: A low profile parts washer with a central solvent storage well, a pair of side walls subdivided into upper and lower portions, intermediate wall supporting wheels with the wheel axle lined above the well bottom, a safety cover positioned by a pair of supports and held above the well by fusible link means, a solvent pump and motor and a parts retainer screen covering the opening formed by the intermediate walls and the center solvent well.

Abstract: A new automatable cleaning apparatus which makes use of a method of very thoroughly and quickly cleaning a gauze electrode used in chemical analyses is given. The method generates very little waste solution, and this is very important in analyzing radioactive materials, especially in aqueous solutions. The cleaning apparatus can be used in a larger, fully automated controlled potential coulometric apparatus. About 99.98% of a 5 mg. plutonium sample was removed in less than 3 minutes, using only about 60 ml. of rinse solution and two main rinse steps.

Abstract: A device and method for washing an object in a receptacle. The device includes an end portion introducible into and cooperative with the receptacle to define a substantially enclosed space containing the object to be washed. The fluid is introduced into and aspirated from the substantially enclosed space such that the object is movable in the fluid between the end portion and the receptacle.

Abstract: A washing apparatus includes a cuplike casing receiving an annular receptacle containing the articles to be washed. A rotatable fluid distributor radially discharges fluid beneath the receptacle into the cup. The fluid is removed by a central overflow weir.

Abstract: A combined washer and aspirator device which is readily adapted to both aspirate and wash material from a solid body in a confined space. The washer-aspirator device is especially constructed to be utilized in conjunction with a hepatitis test wherein the device can remove and/or wash serum from a detection carrier such as a spherical ball. In a preferred embodiment, the device has a probe with an orifice for holding the ball in a suspended state as it is washed and aspirated.