Abstract: A method and device for cleaning solid elements such as glass making moulds. The moulds are cleaned by first removing greases or organic materials and then cleaning by photo-ablation by a laser impact of at least a portion of the surface of the moulds. The two steps may be repeated.

Abstract: A process for removing accumulated meltable matter from a pipe includes introducing inside a pipe a cylindrical travelling element or pig made of low density, high elasticity foam. A mixture of reagents which, after a certain period of time will cause a highly exothermic reaction to occur, is introduced inside the pig so that by displacing the pig the meltable deposits within the pipe will melt and will be carried by the pig to a place from which they will be removed together with the pig.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a control arrangement for the cleaning device 5 of a dry shaving apparatus 1, including a cradle structure 7 into which the shaving head 3 of the dry shaving apparatus 1 is insertable, wherein the cradle structure 7 is supplied with fluid from a container 6 by a feed device. Associated with the cradle structure 7 is an air drying device, with the feed device and the air drying device being activatable by an electric device provided with a switching means 9 which controls in succession the individual stages of the cleaning and drying cycle of the shaving head 3.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus, and a method of utilization of the apparatus, cleans an object with a moving surface, such as a roll. The cleaning apparatus includes a nozzle head with a suction nozzle and a jet nozzle for emitting a liquid jet towards the roll. A sub-pressure is maintained in a chamber of the suction nozzle in order to evacuate liquid and released impurities with the aid of air flowing through a gap between the roll and the orifice edge. The jet nozzle is spaced from the inside of the suction nozzle and at the center of the suction nozzle to form a circumferential passage, the passage communicating with an evacuation pipe. The nozzle head also includes a structure to supply compressed air into the chamber through the gap in order to encounter and carry with it toward the passage liquid and impurities, cooperating with the suction effect maintained in the chamber and the evacuation pipe. The compressed air also has the advantage of drying the roll treated with liquid.

Abstract: A method for cleaning bulk bags which have been utilized to transport dry bulk, the method including the steps of providing a first bulk bag to be cleaned; mounting the bulk bag on a frame through its inlet and outlet spouts; providing a vertically inclined brush substantially the same length as the mounted bulk bag; introducing air in the mounted bulk bag from the frame to inflate the bulk bag to its filled configuration; rotating the brush against the wall of the bag which in turn causes the bag to rotate on its axis, thus cleaning the exterior wall of the bag, and shaking material off of its interior wall; suctioning off material removed from the brush; collecting the material from the interior of the bag in a collection compartment; and mounting a second bag on the frame while the first bag is being cleaned; following the cleaning of the first bag, rotating the frame to place the second bag in alignment with the brush; inflating the second bag; and rotating the brush against the wall of the second bag to

Abstract: A process for cleaning pipelines and especially ventilation pipes and ducts in buildings, and includes a nozzle connected to a supply conduit through which a pressurized medium can flow. The arrangement includes a nozzle opening directed forward away from the supply conduit. The nozzle opening is in the form of a large continuous annular gap which extends along the periphery of the nozzle and is connected to the supply conduit and the source of a pressurized medium. The gap directs the medium toward the inner walls of the pipe or duct and effects a cleaning of the inner walls. The nozzle is moved into the pipe or duct by moving a rigid supply conduit.

Abstract: A guidance system and method for positively guiding a tank sludge-removal unit or the like around the inside of a tank, including a plurality of winch assemblies mounted at radially spaced locations on the top perimeter of the tank each having a control line which extends into the tank for connecting either directly to the unit or indirectly to a lifting line via a pulley device used for raising and lowering the unit within the tank, thereby enabling the position and/or the direction of movement of the unit to be positively controlled by selective operation of the winch assemblies and/or lifting line. A line-forwarding device is also provided for use in forwarding control lines of the winch assemblies to an access opening in the tank.

Abstract: Hardened concrete is removed from the drum of a concrete-transporting truck by applying strong vibrational force to the exterior of the drum. Apparatus for applying the vibration includes a vibration impact device suspended from the end of a laterally oriented holding arm. The opposite end of the holding arm is pivotably attached to a vertical post. A control arm, pivotably attached to the post has a hydraulic cylinder adapted to cause raising or lowering of the suspended impact device.

Abstract: A process of detoxifying gas plant filters for environmentally acceptable disposal involves immersing the filters in aqueous cleansing fluid in a tank, containing a suitable cleaning agent. When saturated they are then agitated and passed through compressing rollers to extract as much cleansing fluid as possible. The extracted cleansing fluid returns to the tank it came from. The filters are then subject to similar repetitive steps of immersion, saturation, agitation, compression and fluid extraction in subsequent tanks. Five such stages are provided usually with diminishing proportion of cleaning agent in the aqueous cleansing fluid. The last two stages are often rinsing with water, although this is not always the case. The cleaned filters meet environmental standards for landfill disposal. The toxin accumulate as sludge in the tanks and are periodically removed for disposal in approved hazardous waste disposal sites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing alkaline earth sulfate scale from the interior surface of downhole production tubing comprising contacting the scale with a solvent having a specific gravity of at least 1.2 while simultaneously milling the scale with a rotating mill head connected to a downhole motor.

Abstract: In-situ removal of material, such as solder paste (12), from openings (26--26) in a stencil (22) is accomplished by imparting a vibrational motion to the stencil. In practice, the stencil (22) may be vibrated by one or more DC solenoids (28--28), each having its plunger (28) in contact with the periphery of the stencil and each excited with AC so that the solenoid plunger undergoes a linear oscillation to vibrate the stencil.

Abstract: A resist is peeled without leaving a residue after peeling, by bringing a resist-peeling liquid comprising a primary aliphatic amine of 2-6 carbon atoms into contact with the surface of an etched novolak positive photoresist, and removing the resist-peeling liquid containing the thus peeled resist from the surface of the etched resist. The used resist-peeling liquid can easily be recovered and regenerated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a valve for preventing contamination of a fuel management system connected to a pneumatic sense line by closing communication of compressed air from a scroll of the engine through a passageway in the valve to the pneumatic circuitry of the fuel management system. A detent is located on one side of the valve for receiving a raised surface on the knob of the valve and for holding the valve in the open position. A pair of stops on a camming surface separately engage a second pin on the valve to stop a handle of the valve from rotating past the selected open or closed position. The valve has all metal surfaces isolated so it may withstand vibrations. A method of washing a compressor of an aircraft engine is disclosed.

Abstract: A treatment element is provided for treating the inside of pipes, which element is bulged out by a medium flow presence in the pipe (1), while the movement of the element through the pipe can be controlled by a flexible pulling element. This treatment element (2) comprises a radially free compressible bag, the edge (5) of the open edge (6) of which is connected to the flexible pulling element (4). A wall pan (3) running in the peripheral direction of the bag is pressed against the inner wall of the pipe by the thrust of the medium, through which the inner wall is treated.

Abstract: Inverted DI cans are fed by a conveyer having partitions in a plurality of rows such that they are spaced apart in each row, and treatment liquid is sprayed against the travelling cans from above and below the center of each row. The liquid is sprayed from above in a uniform and a full-cone pattern greater in area than the top surface of the can and from below also in a full-cone pattern or in a fan-shaped pattern narrow in the widthwise direction of the conveyer and greater in length than the can open end diameter. The liquid is further sprayed against the travelling cans from side nozzles on the opposite sides of and symmetric with respect to the center of each row. The side walls of the cans are thus washed without contact of adjacent cans in the direction of travel of the cans. The washing force is increased in the space between adjacent cans in the direction of travel to prevent washing irregularities and thus permit uniform surface treatment of the inner and outer surfaces of the cans.

Abstract: A continuous condenser backflush system includes a hollow wand attached perpendicularly to a hollow shaft. The wand is moved in lateral increments across the condenser face. The wand is retracted from the condenser face for moving laterally to a new position before again being extended to the condenser face to collect and dispose of the trash caught under the wand. Trash caught on the condenser face is flushed by a stream of water back through the shaft to a mesh basket where it is separated from the water. A pump may be provided on the shaft for injecting and circulating cleaning fluids (such as chemical and/or abrasive fluids) through the condenser. A similar wand system may be provided on the remote face of the condenser to receive the fluids and return them to a recovery tank for recycling. The pump may also circulate dehumidified air through the system to keep the condenser dry when the cooling water circulating pump is shut down. A method of using the system is described.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting compressible pigs into a pipeline. The apparatus includes a conical chamber that fits into the end of the pipeline. A plurality of spring tensioned hooks hold the conical chamber in place. The pig is inserted into the conical chamber, a cover having a threaded rod is then secured to the chamber and the pig is pushed through the chamber into pipeline by turning the threaded rod.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing contaminants, including hydrocarbon and metal, from contaminated particulate material, such as gravel, soil, and the like. Initially, contaminants are removed by contact with water at a temperature higher than a melting temperature of the contaminants to remove them by melting. The removed contaminants are then subjected to specific gravity separation in water and filtration, including ion exchange and activated carbon filtration.

Abstract: An additive for a single stage aqueous alkaline cleaning composition for metal surfaces which imparts improved lubricity to the metal surfaces being treated. The additive is a fatty amine, preferably an ethoxylated fatty diamine.

Abstract: A continuous condenser backflush system includes a hollow wand attached perpendicularly to a hollow shaft. The wand is rotated in angular increments around the condenser face. The wand is retracted from the condenser face for rotation to a new angular orientation before being reextended to the condenser face to collect and dispose of the trash caught under the wand. Trash caught on the condenser face is flushed by a stream of water back through the shaft to a mesh basket where it is separated from the water. A pump may be provided on the shaft for injecting and circulating cleaning fluids through the condenser. The pump may also pump dehumidified air through the system to keep the condenser dry when the cooling water circulating pump is shut down. A method of using the system is described.

Abstract: In an injection device for the ON-LINE wet cleaning of compressor, the liquid cleaning agent is injected via a nozzle into the flow passage upstream of the compressor. The nozzle is a molecular atomizer which is mounted in the casing wall of the compressor in such a way that it can be adjusted in a three-dimensional manner in a ball-and-socket joint and can be maintained, adjusted or even exchanged during the operation of the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing cylindrical filters has a tiltedly-mounted main housing in which is provided a plurality of rotatable shafts each mounting thereabout one cylindrical filter for rotation therewith. The tilted mounting causes the wash water, after cleaning the filters, to fall by gravity therebelow, and exit from the apparatus at a lower exit corner thereof. From the exit corner of the apparatus, the effluent wash water passes through a cloth filter provided on a portable container before the effluent wash water is carried away by a drain grate formed in the floor. The cloth filter removes the sold waste from the effluent wash water, so that the potentially hazardous waste material may be disposed of in a suitable dump site. A plurality of high-pressure, water-spray nozzle heads are mounted for reciprocal translation above the shafts for directing the high-intensity water spray to the cylindrical filter.

Abstract: A sewer cleaning module for cleaning sewer pipes in preparation for relining. The module is assembled in situ and the relative size of components is selected depending upon the diameter of the pipeline. The module may comprise a front unit and rear unit or a frame assembly and a drive assembly. The modules contain a motor, preferably a hydraulic motor. The motor drives flails, thereby disintegrating solid waste or generating and propelling a sludge slurry. The slurry scours the pipeline walls by cavitation and abrasion action. Also disclosed are systems for cleaning a sewage line section and methods of their use.

Abstract: The invention is a cleaning method and associated apparatus that are particularly useful for cleaning surfaces formed of relatively hard materials such as grout or industrial rolls which are contaminated with relatively hard embedded deposits of undesirable materials that are difficult to remove by conventional washing or abrading cleaning methods, and while substantially reducing the effluent resulting from the cleaning step so that the cleaning method may be conveniently used in areas where effluent disposal may be a problem such as smaller indoor rooms, areas, or equipment. The invention comprises pressurizing a cleaning liquid with a gas driven hydraulic pump and directing a flow of the cleaning liquid from a nozzle at surfaces to be cleaned at a pressure of at least about 5,000 pounds per square inch (psi) and at a volumetric flow rate of no more than about 1.

Abstract: A sparger system for removing sodium chlorite crystal and other crystalline particulate material in slurry form from a tank car comprises a plurality of spray nozzles from which water is expelled as a flat spray initially to dissolve sodium chlorite so as to cavitate the mass of sodium chlorite crystals, which break off in lumps into the cavity and then to impact the walls and roof of the tank car to flush off residual sodium chlorite crystal. The slurry is collected in a sump and is discharged therefrom, with additional sprays agitating the sump to break up clumps of sodium chlorite and to maintain the particulates in suspension.

Abstract: A self-propelled, sludge cleaning machine including a sludge auger, a sludge pump, crawler tracks and hydraulic motors for propulsion, steering and pumping is assembled at a job-site and inserted into the storage tank through a top access opening. A tether line is connected between the cleaning machine and a control assembly temporarily installed near the access opening to sense tether line length and angle. A sludge discharge hose, hydraulic lines, and an electric wire for an ultrasonic sludge-depth sensor on the machine extend outwardly through the access opening. The hose discharges sludge through a filter and into a sludge-collection tank on a first truck. The hydraulic lines are connected to a control valve assembly located on a second truck and controlled by a preprogrammed job-site computer located in the second truck. Length, angle and sludge-depth data from the sensors are fed to the job-site computer which provides a visual display showing cleaning machine position and sludge-depth.

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 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: A method of cleaning melt-processing equipment which comprises processing in such equipment a thermoplastic composition which comprises at least one thermoplastic polyolefin and at least one siloxane-containing additive having at least two moieties, A and B, in which:(A) said additive is compatible with said polyolefin at melt extrusion temperatures but is incompatible at temperatures below melt extrusion temperatures, but each of moiety A and moiety B, if present as separate compounds, would be incompatible with said polyolefin at melt extrusion temperatures and at temperatures below melt extrusion temperatures;(B) moiety A contains at least one tetrasubstituted disiloxanylene group;(C) moiety B has at least one functional group which is a poly(oxyalkylene) moiety;(D) the molecular weight of said additive is in the range of from about 400 to about 16,000; and(E) said additive is present in said thermoplastic composition at a level of from about 3 to about 12 percent by weight, based on the weight of said the

Abstract: A system for ultrasonically cleaning tubes includes an elongated cleaning tank adapted to hold a quantity of detergent-containing water and a series of transducers mounted on the bottom wall of the tank in a generally linear arrangement extending between opposite end walls of the tank. The transducers generate ultrasonic cavitational energy within the water in the tank. An inclined upper tube entry ramp supported above the tank guides delivery of tubes in single file fashion into the tank to a reversely inclined middle tube transfer ramp. The inclined middle ramp guides transfer of tubes in single file fashion into the water in the tank and to a lower tube soak ramp having a tube accumulating terminal end. The lower ramp feeds the tubes across the tank within the water and above the transducers therein to its tube accumulating end such that each tube will pass through and be cleaned by the cavitation energy in the water.

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 conveyor moves the bottles between paddles which will rotate them through a circle of 360 degrees. At the very end of that arc, an obstructing guide rail directs the bottles out of the rotational plane to avoid their colliding with the entering bottles. 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, an obstructing guide moves them out of the plain of the first rotation and into the plane of the plain of the second rotation. During the bottles' rotation the usual rotational valves and nozzles permit the desired operations of washing and cleaning.

Abstract: Gas turbine compressors are cleaned during power generation (on line) by periodically injecting or spraying into the air inlet, a cleaning composition comprising 4-95 percent by weight of a glycol ether such as ethylene glycol butyl ether, or a mixture of glycol ethers such as propylene glycol methyl ether and dipropylene glycol methyl ether, 0.1 to 14 percent by weight of a nonionic surfactant, 0.01 to 6 percent by weight of a cationic surfactant and 0 to 95 percent by weight of water.

Abstract: A scraper for pipe is provided with scraper blades having arcuate scraper surfaces projecting therefrom with the blades movable radially between a contracted and expanded position which provides a first minimum diameter of the scraper surfaces in contracted position and a second maximum diameter when in expanded position which extends at least to the maximum internal pipe diameter, and an adjustment arrangement which enables said arcuate scraper blades to be adjusted radially to maintain said first and second diameters as the scraper surfaces wear.

Abstract: A silo which is impeded by a mass of cohering particles is cleaned by extending at least one flexible tube connected to a mace into the silo to near the coherent mass and flowing gas through the tube and mace at a rate and pressure causing swinging and writhing movements by the mace and tube.

Abstract: The method of cleaning a fuel injection type internal combustion engine wherein the engine has a block, a combustion chamber, fuel injectors operatively connected to a fuel tank and a fuel pump, an engine starting mechanism and a fuel supply line connecting the fuel tank and the fuel injectors with the fuel pump imposed in the fuel supply line, and a fuel return line connecting the fuel injectors and the fuel tank, wherein the fuel pump is rendered inoperative and the fuel return line is blocked. A combination of fuel and cleaning fluids is imposed under pressure into the fuel supply line. The engine is then started and operated on the supply of fuel and cleaning fluid which have passed through the fuel injectors. After the engine has been operated for a period of time, perhaps 15 minutes or so, the engine is shut off, the fuel return line is unblocked, and the fuel pump is restored to its original condition.

Abstract: A composition for cleaning an in-sink garbage disposer unit containing a surfactant, an alkali carbonate and an acid. Each constituent is present in the composition in the range of 5 to 75% by weight. It is preferred that the composition contain 37.5% adipic acid, 37.5% sodium bicarbonate and 25% of a mixture of sodium lauryl sulfate and alpha-olefin sulfonate. Other ingredients may be added to the surfactant-alkali-acid composition to provide desired properties. For example, halogen containing compounds may be employed in the composition to provide germicidal properties, and abrasives may be incorporated for added physical cleaning of the disposer unit.

Abstract: A valve removal and cleaning system for flowable material filling devices includes a hopper for holding the material, a plurality of spaced-apart filling assemblies, each of which includes a cylinder mounted on the hopper and into which the material flows from the hopper, and a piston movable in the cylinder to force the material from the cylinder into containers. A plurality of valve housings interconnect the hopper with the cylinders, with each valve housing having an opening at the bottom thereof for receiving a valve element. A plurality of valve elements are provided for disposition in a respective valve housing, with the valve elements being mounted on a valve holder which in the form of a plate or a bracket located below the hopper. A frame support is positioned below the valve holder, and a locking mechanism operates to selectively lock the valve holder plate either to the frame support or to the hopper.

Abstract: Fluid jet apparatus and method for cleaning material from the inside of a tubular conduit utilizing a cleaning head that lies adjacent to one wall of the conduit and includes at least two fluid jet forming means for directing a plurality of high pressure fluid cutting jets in a forward direction and at an acute angle relative to the axis of the head and the conduit so that they are directed toward the opposite wall of the conduit. The cleaning head is rotated around and remains adjacent to the wall of the conduit and is advanced into the conduit as the jets cut away the material whereby the fluid jets create an asymmetric cutting pattern on the surface of the material and the counter thrust of the fluid jets keeps the cleaning head offset relative to the axis of the conduit and against the wall of the conduit to provide passage for removal of the cut material and spent fluid away from the cutting area and out the end of conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning a flowable material filling device composed of a hopper for holding the material, a plurality of spaced-apart assemblies, each of which includes a cylinder into which material flows from the hopper and a piston movable in the cylinder to force material from the cylinder into containers, and a piston support structure for causing the pistons to move in the cylinders. The apparatus includes a lifting mechanism coupled to the piston support structure and responsive to a first signal for moving the piston support structure in a first direction to thereby move the pistons out of the cylinders, and responsive to a second signal for moving the piston support structure in a second direction to thereby move the pistons back into the cylinders. Valve controlled liquid spray nozzles are positioned to spray liquid into the cylinders and against the pistons when they are removed from the cylinders in response to a third signal.

Abstract: Heat losses in a bottle cleaning machine are kept to a minimum by recirculating a first liquid from a pre-heating zone, where the bottles are showered with the first liquid, in indirect heat transfer relationship with a recirculating second liquid from a re-cooling zone, where the bottles are showered with the second liquid.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus includes a dwell chamber located between two mixing heads. An elongate, reverse-twist auger is provided within the dwell chamber. Valves are provided to permit washing the mixing apparatus and a dispensing valve includes the capability of directing product to a discard container.

Abstract: Contaminated 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 sheet material which is solid and substantially insoluble in water at room temperature but soluble in water at the elevated temperature.

Abstract: A sanitizing method and a sanitizer system to be attached to a conventional circular bottle filling machine as used for filling beverage bottles, the system including a plurality of collector manifolds, each manifold being adapted to collect sanitizing liquid from a plurality of adjacent filler valves, there being a sufficient number of manifolds with plural valve engaging tubes to accommodate every filler valve of a particular machine; the manifolds are connectable by flexible hoses to a rotating collector which is preferably permanently installed at the top of the bottle filler machine so that the entry ports of the collector rotate with the rotating conveyor table of the machine and the exit port of the collector is from a stationary portion thereof. There is a provision for passage of carbon dioxide gas through the center of the collector in cases where the bottle filler machine employs an overhead supply conduit for carbon dioxide to maintain carbonation in the beverage in the filler bowl.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning particulate matter from container bodies. Container bodies are conveyed, open end down, along a corridor formed by two parallel pressurized fluid curtains. The container bodies pass over a series of nozzles which subject the interior of the containers to blasts of ionized gas. The ionized gas neutralizes any electrostatic charges and expells the particulate matter from the container. The curtaining sweeps the expelled particles into a spray mist region where they are entrained and subsequently condensed into a waste stream for disposal. The apparatus features a tunnel which substantially separates the fluid curtaining from the spray mist region. An outer housing enclosing the spray mist region is fabricated of transparent plastic to permit visual monitoring.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cleaning container closures during downward travel in an elongated vertical pathway from a hopper to a capping machine. The apparatus includes liquid and gas spray means for directing generally horizontal fluid streams against vertically oriented inner surface portions of the closures, an enclosure, and a drain for removing liquid from the enclosure. A belt means engages closures traveling through the apparatus, thereby forcing the closures past the liquid and gas spray means and controlling their rate of travel. In a preferred embodiment, the belt means comprises several laterally spaced flexible endless belts each having a principal section frictionally engaging outer surface portions of the closures. An additional feature of the preferred embodiment is a perforated plate adjacent an interior surface portion of the principal section.

Abstract: A method is provided for the removal of and the prevention of formation of salt deposits in critical sections of a plant. The salt deposits, especially ammonium nitrate deposits, are treated with steam, supplied in such amounts that a water vapor pressure is established which is higher than the existing saturated vapor pressure above the salt deposits at the existing temperatures. The physical requirements for salt removal are hereby immediately established with resulting instantaneous cleaning of all surfaces coated by deposits, independent of where these deposits are located.

Abstract: The subject invention constitutes an uncomplicated, inexpensive means of loosening "frozen" cylinders under certain conditions in an internal combustion engine, by applying pressure to the piston by forcing grease from a grease gun applied to a fitting in the engine spark plug or injector hole.

Abstract: The cleaner includes an elevator for moving a tire vertically toward a stationary cleaning head which is made up of spreader rollers for spreading the tire beads a sufficient distance to admit a powered cleaning brush, along with cleaning fluid application and removal apparatus, into the tire interior during such tire movement. The elevator further supports and rotates the tire with respect to the brush during cleaning while the spreader rollers, together with additional fixed guide rollers, maintain the tire vertical and in alignment with the brush. The elevator lifts each tire from a horizontal conveyor which alternately discharges a cleaned tire and receives a fresh one. During cleaning, the brush is movable transversely along an arcuate path within the tire interior at selected contact pressure and is driven alternately in opposite directions. The cleaner is suited for usage in a system for producing self-healing tires.

Abstract: The removal of manufacturing oils from a pre-potted, wound bundle of hollow fibers used in dialysis equipment, is rapidly accomplished by subjecting the fiber assembly to centrifugal forces acting longitudinally of the fibers. Wicking pads may be used at the outer ends of the fibers during the centrifuging step if desired to counteract the capillary action of the fibers. Following the centrifuging, the fibers are repeatedly immersed, in a vertical direction, in a solvent into which any oil trapped in the pores of the fiber walls diffuses. The repeated rise and fall of the solvent in the fiber lumen continually re-introduces fresh solvent into the lumen to leach oil out of the pores at a rapid rate.In the same manner, moisture is then removed from the fibers by alternately evacuating the fiber lumens in a vacuum chamber and refilling them with warm, very dry air to rapidly remove any moisture contained in the cellulose of the fibers.

Abstract: An agitator mounted in a reactor is cleaned while being rotated by introducing an unconfined jet stream of pressurized liquid from a nozzle through an opening in the reactor wall into contact with the agitator and oscillating the nozzle so that the liquid jet oscillates in a plane passing substantially through the axis of the reactor.

Abstract: A method of removing a label adhesively bonded to the surface of a hollow thermoplastic article disposed in a liquid which comprises effecting vigorous relative movement between the article surface and the liquid.