Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus, including a lower substrate transportation and fluid head including a plurality of lower drive rod members provided in a plurality of spaced apart lower drive rod member receiving passages. The lower drive rod members at least partially extend through an upper surface of the lower substrate transportation and fluid head. A plurality of fluid injector passages and fluid drain passages are provided between the lower drive rod members. An upper substrate transportation and fluid head is provided including a plurality of upper drive rod members provided in a plurality of spaced apart drive upper rod member receiving passages. The upper drive rod members at least partially extending through a lower surface of the upper substrate transportation and fluid head. A plurality of fluid injector passages and fluid drain passages are provided between the upper drive rod members. A fluid supply apparatus supplies fluid to the fluid injector passages.

Abstract: A washing chamber (10) is surrounded by corner manifolds (14) and interconnecting conduits (16) extending along top, bottom, and side walls of the washing chamber. The conduits have nozzles (12) therein for spraying washing and rinsing liquids into the washing chamber. A central header assembly (40) includes a conduit (42) extending from one of the headers to a terminal end adjacent a central plane of the washing chamber. The central header assembly includes a header (46) with a manifold portion (48) and a plurality of extending arms (50) with nozzles on opposite sides. The header manifold portion is connected with the terminal end of the conduit (42). In one embodiment, a pivotal fluid connection and valve (44) enables the header to pivot between a position in the vertical plane and a stowed position parallel to the top of the washing chamber. In another embodiment, a quick-connect coupler system (100) interconnects the header with an outlet at the terminal end of the conduit (42).

Abstract: An apparatus for washing or otherwise treating parts includes a modular support structure for a conveyor from which the parts are suspended and further includes transparent walls that enable visual observation of the treatment process. The support structure includes a plurality of upstanding, longitudinally spaced apart stanchions, each of which has a top piece adapted to engage the uppermost end of a flexible sheet of transparent material such as vinyl. In one embodiment, the lowermost end of each sheet of material is immersed in water contained within an elongate trough that extends along both sides of the apparatus. Thus, a vapor seal is formed that prevents vapors and chemicals from escaping the interior of the apparatus. Dams are placed in the trough at longitudinally spaced intervals to prevent mixing of the chemicals that are collected in the trough. Additional embodiments require no troughs, and include metallic panels that replace or overlie one or more of the vinyl sheets.

Abstract: A housing is provided for use in an industrial finishing equipment station. The housing includes housing wall panels, each having a top edge, a bottom edge, and two spaced-apart sides therebetween and a flange that is appended to the top and side edges. In addition, a clamp having flange-engaging portions is mounted upon the flanges appended to the top edges of the housing wall panels to couple the housing wall panels together. The housing wall panels are positioned to lie in opposing rows and cooperate to define a tunnel-like passageway workspace therebetween through which work pieces can pass.

Abstract: A plurality of spray arms (26, 28) are rotatably supported in a washing chamber (14) for spraying a washing and rinsing fluid. An instrument basket (32) is positioned within the washing chamber for retaining instruments or equipment (44) to be washed. An instrument holder (38) associated with the instrument basket loosely holds an instrument (44). The instrument holder includes a tube body (74) having a cavity (80) for receiving an end portion of the instrument (44) and a flange (86) positioned on an external surface of the tube body (74). A retainer cap (76) has an outer wall (116) biased resiliently outwardly over the flange (86) and resilient end wall (118) covering an open end portion of the cavity (80). The end wall has a central aperture (120) which resiliently yields to the end portion of the instrument (44) when inserted in the cavity (80) and which loosely retains the end portion of the instrument in the cavity (80) during a washing and rinsing operation.

Abstract: In a cleaning installation for removing machining residues from workpieces comprising a cleaning station having associated therewith a channel for receiving at least one workpiece to be cleaned, a workpiece transportation device for introducing workpieces to be cleaned into the channel and for removing the cleaned workpieces from the channel, and at least one blow nozzle directed into the interior of the channel and thus onto the workpieces to be cleaned for acting upon the workpieces with a jet of blow air, in order to achieve a better cleaning effect, a cleaning liquid supplying device is provided for atomizing small amounts of a cleaning liquid into the jet of blow air.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling strip includes a path of travel for the strip and cooling apparatus having a plurality of elongated gas nozzles within which are disposed water nozzles such that the water nozzles will have a discharge outlet within the gas nozzles and discharge water in generally the same direction as said gas discharge. In a preferred embodiment, the gas enshrouds the water and establishes a cocurrent two-fluid stream which impinges upon the strip moving by the cooling apparatus. Subsequently, heat transfer is enhanced by the air and water dynamics which are provided after impingement by fluid flow fields. The gas nozzles and water nozzles may be coaxial and in one embodiment are each circular. In one embodiment, containment gas is caused to impinge on the strip at a position longitudinally displaced from the regions of impingement of the cocurrent two-fluid stream on the strip so as to resist undesired flow of water.

Abstract: A paint gun cleaner includes a spray unit mounted in an enclosure in spaced relation to an opening in the enclosure through which the paint gun to be cleaned is inserted. A ring shaped spray unit combines a solvent dispenser, which may be either a solvent knife generating a curtain of solvent in the central opening of the spray unit or a plurality of nozzles directing solvent onto the paint gun, with an air knife positioned between the solvent dispenser and the enclosure opening. The air knife directs air flow radially and axially inward to prevent escape of solvent, and to recirculate air mixed with solvent around the sides of the spray unit and through the space between the spray unit and enclosure opening to reduce the amount of ambient air which is drawn into and which must be separated from the solvent and dissolved paint before discharge.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing ceramic shell mold material from one or more castings in a relatively rapid manner wherein the casting and hot caustic solution spray nozzles are relatively moved to direct hot caustic solution under pressure at the castings to remove post-knock-out ceramic shell material thereon prior to further processing of the castings.

Abstract: A ball play system provides a confined play area that has a plurality of balls and a ball cleaning apparatus for cleaning the balls. A target structure is disposed in the play area so that balls which strike a target area pass through a ball supply outlet while balls that miss the target area rebound into the play area. The cleaning apparatus receives balls from a conveyor that communicates with the ball supply outlet of the play area. Cleaned balls from the cleaning apparatus are returned to the play area at a ball inlet by means of a ball return apparatus. The ball return apparatus is a chute, a blower to propel the balls upwardly in the chute to a chute outlet and a rail assembly that receives balls from the chute and returns them to the play area under gravity fee. The rail assembly is serpentine and of a sufficient length so that the cleaned balls undergo drying during transit. A method utilizing this ball play and cleaning system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A food processing apparatus for washing, aeration drying, and blending food product. The apparatus comprises a food product container having a mating lid, a mesh basket insert, and a network of tubing having a plurality of spray nozzle apertures for producing a cleansing mist, and drying airstream, directed toward the enclosed food product. The container further includes a fitting for enabling communication between the tubing network and a water source and an air source, and a valved drain outlet. Blender blades are rotatably mounted to the container floor and driven by a motorized base which supports the container during normal operating modes.

Abstract: A wash water system for retrofitting a pre-wash tank or sink includes a plurality of spray nozzles which extend along an inner surface of a back wall of a pre-wash sink wherein the spray nozzles are in flow communication with a discharge side of a water circulating pump. A return conduit is provided wherein the return conduit extends vertically downward along the inner back wall of the sink a preselected distance and is in flow communication with a suction or intake side of said pump. The sink is provided with a bottom wall with at least one opening therein and a heater is provided with a conduit extending from the heater to and in flow communication with the opening in the bottom wall of the sink. A vertically extending first filter device is placed along the back wall of the sink over the openings into the return conduits to the suction side of the pump and a second filter device is placed over the opening in the bottom wall of the sink.

Abstract: A combinational weighing machine has weigh hoppers for weighing articles, a dispersion feeder for dispersing articles to be weighed, supply troughs for supplying articles from the dispersion feeder to the weigh hoppers and a control unit for controlling overall operations of the machine inclusive of combining weight values outputted from the weigh hoppers and discharging articles from selected ones of these weigh hoppers. The weighing machine is placed inside a washing device which forms a closed chamber inside and covers the weighing machine from all its four sides as well as from above. Nozzles for emitting warm water and a cleaning liquid are provided inside this chamber such that the liquids are prevented from splashing the work areas around the machine. The washing device may be lifted and kept away from the weighing machine during a normal mode of operation of the latter.

Abstract: The present invention is a pad scrubber that cleans the planarizing surface of a polishing pad used in CMP processing of semiconductor wafers. The pad scrubber has a fluid manifold, a first nozzle attached to one side of the manifold, and a second nozzle attached to another side of the manifold. The first nozzle directs a first fluid stream generally outwardly toward a peripheral edge of the pad, and the second nozzle directs a second fluid stream generally outwardly to the peripheral edge of the pad and also toward the first fluid stream. The first and second fluid streams converge on the planarizing surface of the pad to separate accumulated waste matter from the polishing pad and to create a contained stream of separated particles that flows across the planarizing surface to the peripheral edge of the pad.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemically etching the copper foil of a copper foil-clad substrate are disclosed. Significantly, this apparatus includes fluid jet injectors which serve to produce jets of chemical etchant. These fluid jet injectors are arranged so as to simultaneously achieve a relatively high etch rate and a relatively high etch uniformity.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus and method is provided wherein either liquid or gaseous fluid is provided from fluid dispenser manifolds, via nozzle plates associated therewith, on each side of a path of travel of articles being treated by the fluid, and wherein nozzle openings in a nozzle plates cooperate with transverse groove(s) to provide a screen flow of fluid extending transversely of the path of travel of articles, and directed toward the articles. In the case of the fluid being a liquid, the nozzle openings provide cylindrical filament-like columns of liquid which are rendered by the associated grooves into generally flat, transversely disposed semen spray of liquid. In the case of the fluid being a gas, the nozzle openings and transverse grooves cooperate to deliver the gas in transversely spaced apart, transverse, planar zones of gas directed toward the path of article travel.

Abstract: To obtain a washing machine capable of sanitarily effecting washing with fresh water at all times and reducing a washing time and a drying time. Tap water supplied from a water feed pipe in association with sensing means is pressurized to predetermined pressure by a pressurizing pump, supplied to water injection nozzle pipes and injected into a washing space through water injection nozzles. The user inserts tableware held by hands between the nozzles, energising the sensor mechanism. A high speed water flow injected from the nozzles collides against the tableware and washes the tableware by removing stubborn dirt from the tableware. On the other hand, an air flow from a blower passes though the air nozzle pipes and is discharged from the air nozzles to remove the drops of water attached to the tableware by forced air action.

Abstract: A compact washing and sanitizing unit and method for cleaning and drying food service trays as well as other articles after being serially loaded in an upright manner in guide tracks that lead through the unit so that the trays process one at a time through adjacent washing and drying stations of the unit. After being manually loaded, an operator by exerting a displacement force on a last loaded tray urges preceding trays through the unit by virtue of their edge-to-edge physical contact.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the surface treatment of material to be treated by means of a treatment liquid, in particular a band pickling plant, with a vessel (1) receiving the treatment liquid (F), through which the material (S) to be treated can be conveyed, with a lid (2) with which the vessel (1) can be tightly sealed, with an inlet and outlet opening (4, 5) through which the material (S) to be treated enters into and exits from the vessel (1), and with suction openings (9a, 11a) through which the evaporated treatment liquid (F) can be sucked off from the vessel (1), the quantity of the gas to be discharged is reduced in accordance with the invention and, simultaneously, the danger of damaging the material (S) to be treated is reduced without impairing the performance of the apparatus in such a way that in the zone of the inlet and outlet opening (4, 5) of the vessel (1) one inlet chamber and one outlet chamber (9, 11) are separated from the inner space (8) of the vessel (1) by at least one shut-off partition (7,

Abstract: Liquid nitrogen is introduced onto a surface of a semiconductor wafer to remove submicron particles from its surface. LN.sub.2 flows across the wafer surface wherein the surface tension of the liquid collects contaminant particles and removes them off the edge of the wafer.

Abstract: Produce, whether vegetable and/or fruit, is supported upon a screen basket suspended within a closed cabinet. Each of a plurality of nozzles disposed about the basket emits a filled cone of washing liquid to scour the produce and to dislodge by agitation and flotation debris therefrom. After filtering of the washing fluid through a screen in the cabinet, the washing fluid is recycled by a pump pumping the washing fluid from a collection trough to the nozzles. Preferably, the washing fluid is slightly acidic.

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: In an apparatus for the treatment of board-shaped articles, particularly printed circuit boards, with a liquid treatment medium, particularly a cleaning, etching, metallizing or rinsing liquid, along a substantially horizontal conveying path defined by a conveying means, for improving the handling of thin circuit boards it is proposed that the conveying means on either side of the conveying path and both above and below the conveying plane comprises elements guiding the longitudinal edges of the boards.

Abstract: A device for drying food products such as vegetables by aeration. The device includes a container having a domed cover and housing a network of tubing having a plurality of apertures through which compressed air is discharged for drying food products supported within said container in a mesh basket. The dome-shaped cover enhances air circulation by re-directing upward flowing air back down toward the enclosed food product causing certain foods such as lettuce to tumble in the resulting air stream. A pressure relief valve operates to limit pressure within the container and allow the escape of moisture laden air. In an alternate embodiment water is first allowed to flow through the tubing network and out of the tube apertures for washing the enclosed food product.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided with a valve for alternating flow to upper and lower spray arms during washing. The valve is controlled by periodic interruption of the pump for certain lengths of time. An electromechanical timer has a main cam wheel and an auxiliary cam wheel. The main cam wheel controls the pump and other parts of the dishwasher. The auxiliary cam wheel overrides the main cam wheel control of the dishwasher to provide the periodic lobes.

Abstract: A new apparatus for treating substrates with fluids, as well as a corresponding fluid treatment method, is disclosed. The new apparatus includes a new configuration of fluid jet injectors which substantially overcomes the problem of dragout, in which fluid impinged upon an area of a substrate is retained on that area, preventing fresh fluid from reaching the impinged area. This new configuration also avoids imposing torques on substrates, and substantially reduces the need for rollers and guides for transporting substrates.

Abstract: The specification discloses a cleaning apparatus (2) for cleaning machine and engine parts comprising a trough (4) in which the cleaning is performed. A lid (6) is connected to the trough (4) and is movable between a closed position covering the trough and an opened position allowing access to the trough. A first cleaning fluid dispenser in the form of a manifold (8) is located within the apparatus (2). Also provided is a portable cleaning fluid dispensing gun (10) or brush (12) which is connectable to the apparatus (2). The lid (6) operatively cooperates with the manifold (8), gun (10) or brush (12) so that when the lid (6) is in the closed position, cleaning fluid is dispensed through the manifold (8) and when the lid (6) is in the opened position, cleaning fluid can be dispensed through the gun (10) or brush (12). A pump (14) is provided for pumping the cleaning fluid to the manifold (8), gun (10) or brush (12).

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning stainless steel or aluminum shutter members in a blanked and generally U-shaped form as they are fed continuously comprises a guide rail for guiding the shutter members so that they are transferred in a specified direction and a plurality of cleaning nozzles through which a cleaning solution is sprayed onto the shutter members. A plurality of vessels for supplying the cleaning solution to the Cleaning nozzles are provided along the guide rail and the cleaning solution overflowing a supply vessel downstream the guide rail is allowed to flow into sequentially upstream supply vessels via flow lines. The cleaning solution is recovered from the most upstream supply vessel and, after the cleaning debris is separated out, the cleaning solution is supplied into the most downstream supply vessel. The apparatus enables efficient cleaning of the shutter members.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting spineboards includes a housing, a rack system for supporting at least one spineboard within the housing, and piping positioned in the housing and including a plurality of nozzles or ports. A tank containing a disinfectant is in flow communication with the piping, and a pump circulates the disinfectant from the tank through the piping and nozzles or ports to impinge the disinfectant against the at least one spineboard.

Abstract: A conduit system for spraying cleansing and rinsing liquids on a machine for processing containers such as bottles has vertical conduit columns arranged around the machine with liquid infeed conduits confluent with the lower end of at least some of the conduit columns and opposite ends of the infeed conduits are closed by welding to a support plate that is bolted in non-interfering locations to the legs of a machine table below the level of the bottle transporting rotor. Further support for the conduit columns is obtained with pipe arms that do not conduct liquid but have opposite ends welded to the support plate and to the conduit column, respectively. Conduit struts connect between uppers ends of the conduit columns. The conduits have a series of nozzles aimed for spraying all regions of the machine that must be cleansed and sterilized intermittently or continuously.

Abstract: A pipeline treating apparatus (600) is disclosed which has a pair of pivotally mounted housing sections (604,608) and a pair of separately pivotal nozzle frames (610, 612). A nozzle plate is mounted on each of the nozzle frames and carries a plurality of nozzles (622). A drive mechanism on the nozzle frames oscillates the nozzle plate a predetermined arcuate distance around the circumference of the pipeline so that the nozzles treat the entire outer surface of the pipeline. The housing sections and nozzle frames are separately pivotal from a removal position, to allow removal of an installation of the apparatus on the pipeline, to a operational position concentric about the pipeline for performing the treating operation.

Abstract: The wet cleaning of filter cartridges (4) in fluidised-bed apparatuses and similar process units, without their being dismantled, is carried out by means of cleaning fluid sprayed out of nozzle orifices (10) arranged in the form of a ring, the nozzle orifices (10) being installed in the filtered exhaust-gas space (7) and the filter cartridge (4) being moved through this ring of nozzle orifices (10) by a lifting device (17). In a preceding flushing cycle, the filter cartridge (4) is filled with cleaning fluid and is then subjected to an ultrasonic transmitter (26) and with pressure pulses. The nozzle orifices (10) are designed and arranged in such a way that the issuing cleaning jets strike the filter casing (5) tangentially at an angle of inclination .alpha. and thus set the filter cartridge (4) in rotation. The best possible cleaning effect is achieved by the rotation and lift of the filter cartridge (4).

Abstract: The specification discloses an extrusion billet quenching system which directs a continuous circular curtain of water onto a billet to be quenched. The water delivery system is a spray ring defining a continuous opening about its entire circumference. The opening is defined by a pair of plates. Push and pull screws enable the width of the opening to be carefully adjusted. A reciprocating billet pusher assembly includes opposite cantilevered heads for pushing billets through the ring in either of two opposite directions.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine the washing tub of which is opened at the top and is provided at its bottom portion with lower nozzle arms 51, 52. An upper opening of the washing tub is closed or opened by a door 20 which is provided with a top plate 21 of semi-circular cross-section and rotatable in its semi-circular direction along a pair of side walls of the washing tub. An upper nozzle arm is provided inside of the top plate at the central portion thereof. A water supply passage is provided along an internal surface of the door to supply a portion of hot wash water or rinse water supplied to the lower nozzle arms to the upper nozzle arm. When the upper opening of the washing tub is opened, the door and upper nozzle arm are housed in a rear portion of said washing tub.

Abstract: A mud dehydrating system is provided. The system includes a table, a centrifugal dehydrating cylinder, endless upper and lower filter cloths, compressing rollers, and a cleaning and washing unit in combination. The cleaning and washing unit has swingable nozzles to spray a strong stream of water on the filter cloths. The cloths are pulled tight by tensioning rollers. Two front compressing rollers have long annular recesses formed therein, into which the filter cloths fit for increasing the mud mass to be compressed for dehydrating and preventing the mud mass from leaking out from the sides of the cloths. The tensioning rollers are moved by a pressure augmenting unit for maintaining a stable pulling force on the tensioning rollers to pull the filter cloths stably for a long period of time.

Abstract: An etching system for etching openings in a metal web including multiple etching station for etching a metal web from opposite sides, with each of the etching stations including a set of first bank of oscillatable nozzles located in a first chamber in the etching station, with the first bank of oscillatable nozzles having predetermined spacings from one another and operable for directing etchant at a first side of a metal web and a second bank of oscillatable nozzles located in a second chamber in the etching station, with the second bank of oscillatable nozzles having a predetermined spacing substantially identical to the first bank of oscillatable nozzles, with the second set of oscillatable nozzles laterally offset from the first set of nozzles, so they do not spray on directly opposite regions located on the metal web, with the banks of the nozzles in adjacent etching stations offset from each other with the oscillation axis of the nozzles at an angle off normal, so that etchant is sprayed in elliptical p

Abstract: The chuck for conveying semiconductor wafers has a pair of swing arms. Each arm has lower horizontal rods provided with a plurality of grooves for holding wafers and with vertical rods sandwiching the horizontal rods between them. A chuck cleaning apparatus has a cleaning chamber in a casing. A partition plate extends along the center of the cleaning chamber to divide it into first and second compartments. The top of the cleaning chamber is closed by a shielding plate, which has a pair of openings through which the arms come into and out of the cleaning chamber. A washing liquid pipe is incorporated with the partition plate in a horizontal direction. A pair of drying gas pipes extend horizontally in each of the first and second compartments and they are positioned a little higher than the liquid pipe, sandwiching each arm between them.

Abstract: An etching system for etching openings in a metal web including multiple etching station for etching a metal web from opposite sides with each of the etching stations including a set of first bank of oscillateable nozzles located in a first chamber in the etching station, with the first bank of oscillateable nozzles having predetermined spacings from one another, and operable for directing etchant at a first side of a metal web and a second bank of oscillateable nozzles located in a second chamber in the etching station, with the second bank of oscillateable nozzles having a predetermined spacing substantially identical to the first bank of oscillateable nozzles with the second set of oscillateable nozzles laterally offset from the first set of nozzles, so as not to spray on directly opposite regions located on the metal web with the banks of the nozzles in adjacent etching stations offset from each other with the oscillation axis of the nozzles is at an angle off normal so that etchant is sprayed in elliptic

Abstract: A wet toilet paper automatic supplier includes a toilet paper strip windably or foldably stored in a housing, a roller assembly having a plurality of rollers for directing the toilet paper outwardly from inside the housing by a driving device, a lower wetting device delivering water upwardly for capillarily wetting the toilet paper strip from an underside of the toilet paper strip, an upper wetting device positioned above the lower wetting device for indirectly distributing water downwardly towards the toilet paper strip, a paper discharging device for taking up the wetted toilet paper strip for discharging the wetted paper strip outwardly, and a pair of cuttig knives disposed on an upper and a lower side of the wetted paper strip for cutting the wetted paper strip to a desired paper length or size for providing an instantly wetting toilet paper for hygienic use.

Abstract: Apparatus for the cleaning of the exterior surface of a pipeline or the like includes a frame defining a longitudinal passage of a size sufficient to permit the pipeline to extend longitudinally therethrough. A first cleaning unit and a second cleaning unit are mounted on the frame. Each cleaning unit includes a plurality of jet modules. In turn, each jet module includes a rotatable jet nozzle mounted to deliver a jet of cleaning liquid toward the pipeline exterior surface. A high pressure cleaning liquid source is also provided and is connected to the rotatable jet nozzles to provide high pressure cleaning liquid to the nozzles.

Abstract: Produce, whether vegetable and/or fruit, is supported upon a screen basket suspended within a closed cabinet. Each of a plurality of nozzles disposed about the basket emits a filled cone of washing liquid to scour the produce and to dislodge by agitation and flotation debris therefrom. After filtering of the washing fluid through a screen in the cabinet, the washing fluid is recycled by a pump pumping the washing fluid from a collection trough to the nozzles. Preferably, the washing fluid is slightly acidic.

Abstract: A method of washing hose using high water pressure, fire hose washing apparatus generally having a back plate, cleaning heads with spray nozzles mounted to the back plate, and optionally, guide rollers rotatably mounted to the back plate. Optionally, the apparatus may have rollers oriented to direct hose in a generally serpentine pattern. The washing apparatus may also comprise means for taking up washed hose, means for shutting off the hose washer including, for example, a hood switch or an electromechanical plate for sensing the hose coupling, means for washing the edge of the treated hose and means for loading hose into the hose washing apparatus. Also disclosed is a method of using the high water pressure hose washing apparatus and a high water pressure cleaning system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for translating parts along a path between processing stations. In a class of preferred embodiments, the parts are singulated electronic components, and the processing stations include nozzle arrays for directing jets of process fluid (such as water chemicals, gas or air) at the components. Each part rests on a pair of horizontally separated, endless belts. The top, bottom, and side surfaces of each part (and any leads protruding from the parts) are simultaneously exposed to treatment apparatus that may be positioned above and below the belts. If a downward-oriented nozzle array is disposed above the belts and an upward-oriented nozzle array is disposed below the belts, at the same position along the processing path, the top, bottom, and side surfaces of each part can be simultaneously exposed to process fluid jets from the nozzles.

Abstract: The specification discloses an extrusion billet quenching system which directs a continuous circular curtain of water onto a billet to be quenched. The water delivery system is a spray ring defining a continuous opening about its entire circumference. The opening is defined by a pair of plates. Push and pull screws enable the width of the opening to be carefully adjusted. A reciprocating billet pusher assembly includes opposite cantilevered heads for pushing billets through the ring in either of two opposite directions.

Abstract: A radio remote-controlled automatic vehicle wash system is activated by an infrared motion sensor. A hand-held transmitter activates an optional garage door mechanism of the system to open and activate the wash system. Within a controller is housed a micro-controller programmed to process inputs from the garage door, an RF transmitter, a thermistor and an infrared motion sensor. When predetermined specified conditions are met, the controller activates a solenoid valve to allow pressurized water to flow through distribution pipes at each side of the vehicle, and under it. Nozzles connected to the distribution pipes spray water in a high velocity 45.degree. fan-like pattern to remove dirt, salt and debris from the surface of the vehicle and the undercarriage.

Abstract: A rigid primary conduit directs fluid into an arcuate manifold. The arcuate manifold includes a concave surface having a plurality of spray nozzles directed into the manifold in fluid communication with the primary conduit to direct individual spray applications about the surface of an associated pool filter to enhance cleaning thereof.

Abstract: A jet pickling apparatus for pickling the surfaces of continuously moving sheet material (12) has tips of the nozzle headers (41-43) for discharging a pickling fluid (19) on the surfaces of the sheet and into a pickling tank (31) formed into a slit shape (41a-43a), and the nozzles (41,42) at the entrance side are installed to eject pickling fluid in the same direction as the running direction of sheet while the nozzle (43) at the exit side ejects the pickling fluid in the direction opposite to the running direction of the sheet. Therefore, there is no gas in the pickling tank (31) and the tank is filled with the pickling fluid (19), which eliminates the problems of floating of the sheet (12) and insufficient contact of the pickling fluid (19) with the sheet surfaces, allowing thorough pickling and improving the pickling effect.

Abstract: Cleaning solvent is sprayed about the periphery of the air intake of a gas turbine engine in that area of the intake where the air speed is turbulent and relatively slow. The pattern of spray is created by a plurality of nozzles uniformly spaced about the periphery of the air intake. The nozzles each have an arm bent at an angle of approximately 30.degree. and mounted to create a spray pattern of a fan shape at an angle of 90.degree. respecting the exit aperture of the nozzle. The spray cloud thus created in the area of low speed relatively turbulent air before the compressor of the engine creates a uniform intake of cleaning fluid into the engine when the engine is operated at or near full speed and at or near full load. The 90.degree. fan shape pattern at the nozzle aperture narrows to 60.degree. when the engine reaches operating speed and load.

Abstract: Apparatus for the cleaning of the exterior surface of a pipeline or the like includes a frame defining a longitudinal passage of a size sufficient to permit the pipeline to extend longitudinally therethrough. A first cleaning unit and a second cleaning unit are mounted on the frame. Each cleaning unit includes a plurality of jet modules. In turn, each jet module includes a rotatable jet nozzle mounted to deliver a jet of cleaning liquid toward the pipeline exterior surface. A high pressure cleaning liquid source is also provided and is connected to the rotatable jet nozzles to provide high pressure cleaning liquid to the nozzles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a coating of undesirable material from a substrate of desired material by impacting the coating with narrowly focused streams of fluid discharged at high velocity from nozzle tips rotated rapidly by a nozzle head during linear, relative movement between the nozzle head and the coated substrate. The nozzle head may be rotated by a motor or self-actuated by tilting the tips out of the plane of the spin axis. The nozzle tips also may be canted radially to undercut and peel away the coating. The nozzle assembly may be continuously or intermittently actuated, fixedly or movably mounted, and used singularly or in plural array. Specific applications are described for descaling metal, cleaning electrolytic bath deposits from electrodes, and removing resinous materials from metal surfaces.