Abstract: An automated wash rig is disclosed for cleaning the interior of a freight container. The wash rig may be transported atop a mobile platform or carriage and inserted into the interior of the freight container. During the cleaning process, the wash rig may travel along the length of the floor of the freight container. Washers (e.g., spray nozzles) on the wash rig may be used to direct cleaning fluid at the surfaces of the interior of the freight container, while dryers (e.g., air knives) on the wash rig may be used to dry off those surfaces. As the wash rig traverses the entire length of the freight container, the entire interior of the freight container is washed and dried. The wash rig may also have ultraviolet (UV) lamps which can provide UV light to sanitize the interior of the freight container during this process.

Abstract: A washing basin for washing a roller-type mop, which comprises a basin body having a washing chamber and an drainage chamber located one over the other, and the washing chamber is open upwardly for receiving the roller-type mop to be washed, the washing chamber is connected to an external water source through an inlet electromagnetic valve, the drainage chamber is connected with an external drainpipe through an outlet electromagnetic valve; and a waste filter screen which is provided between the washing chamber and the drainage chamber, and the inlet electromagnetic valve and the outlet electromagnetic valve are controlled via a control circuit.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards systems for transferring graphene from the surface of one substrate to another. In one particular embodiment, the graphene layer is grown on a surface of a first substrate, where the bottom of the first substrate is then affixed to the surface of a second substrate. The second substrate may include material made of a rigid or semi-rigid composition to provide structural support and backing to the first substrate. The graphene layer may then be delaminated from the first substrate and transferred to a target surface, such as the surface of an electronic device or biosensor.

Abstract: A fastening element comprises a first clamping element and a second clamping element rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation on the first clamping element. The first and second clamping elements each have a first or second lever section, which extends essentially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and a first or second connecting section, which extend away from that essentially parallel to the axis of rotation. The first lever section and the second lever section are moveable relative to one another about an axis of rotation between a splayed lever position and a non-splayed lever position. The first clamping element and the second clamping element are configured to hold the article when the first lever section and the second lever section are located in the splayed lever position, and to not hold the article when they are located in the non-splayed lever position.

Abstract: An implement washing apparatus is disclosed. A portable, rigid housing defines at least a first basin and a second basin. The first basin has an open top and closed side walls and bottom for containing liquid to soak the implement. The second basin has side walls that include a plurality of bristles in an arrangement directed generally inwardly to a center of the second basin to scrub the implement.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting plant growth by inducing hypothermia by applying a treating substance to summer annual weeds and grasses. Susceptible undesirable plants will be killed by this treatment, while non-susceptible desirable plants will not be adversely affected by this treatment. Compressed carbon dioxide may be applied to other summer grasses to cause the grasses to become dormant. An apparatus is provided for inducing hypothermia in undesirable plants by applying a treating substance. A canister capable of housing gas may be provided. A valve may be provided to control the amount and pressure of gas dispensed from the canister.

Abstract: A safety arrangement for a dishwashing appliance and an associated apparatus are provided. The dishwashing appliance has a door covering a forward access opening of a tub in a closed position. A sump assembly about a lower end of the tub receives washing fluid therein, and a lower spray arm is rotatable about an axis about the lower end. The lower spray arm is configured to spray washing fluid from the sump assembly toward the tub. A control device actuates the lower spray arm to spray the washing fluid. A detection device interacts with the lower spray arm, and directs the control device to prevent actuation of the lower spray arm in response to the detection device detecting an abnormal displacement of the lower spray arm and/or a force applied to the lower spray arm, both with respect to the axis, with the door in the closed position.

Abstract: An assisted-movement system is provided for an appliance, such as a dishwasher including a tub portion defining a forward opening, a door pivotally engaged therewith for selectively engaging the forward opening, and a rack movable into and out of the tub portion through the forward opening. A biasing device is operably engaged between the tub portion and one of the door, via a hinge mechanism, and the rack. The biasing device is extendable between contracted and extended positions. A position control device is operably engaged between the tub portion and one of the door, the rack, and the biasing device, and is configured to cooperate with the one of the door, the rack, and the biasing device to at least one of maintain the door in a closed position and maintain the rack within the tub portion, with the biasing device in the contracted position. Associated dishwashers are also provided.

Abstract: Multitank conveyor-type dishwasher (2) for washing items (10) to be washed, comprising at least two wash zones (6, 8) which are arranged in succession in the conveying direction (4); a liquid forward-flow apparatus (26) between in each case two successive wash zones (6, 8) for transferring liquid between these wash zones (6, 8) in a forward-flow direction (28) counter to the conveying direction (4); characterized in that a liquid recirculation apparatus (60) is provided for transferring sprayed liquid of a front wash zone (8), as seen in the conveying direction (4), into a rear wash zone (6) which is arranged downstream of the front wash zone (8), as seen in the conveying direction (4), counter to the forward-flow direction (28).

Abstract: A cleaning device for the shaving head of a dry shaving apparatus includes a receptacle formed in a housing of the cleaning device. The receptacle adapted to receive the shaving head for cleaning with a cleaning fluid. During the cleaning cycle, the dry shaving apparatus is lockable in the cleaning device by means of an interlock. The shaving head is exposed to heat from a heater for drying subsequent to cleaning. Following a drying cycle, release of the interlock is controlled by a control element provided in the cleaning device to prevent an operator's skin from being burned by an excessively hot shaving head in an immediately succeeding shaving operation.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for the direct recovery of residual quantities of an aqueous solution adhering to pourable mass parts following an electrolytic and/or chemical surface treatment on the parts, in the course of which the parts are carried in a perforated immersion barrel supported on a movable carriage of a barrel treatment installation. A compressed-air chamber is provided on the carriage, into which the barrel is moved, the chamber being provided with a compressed air source to cause a current of air to flow transversely through the chamber. The compressed-air chamber essentially comprises a horizontal, upwardly cylindrically convex upper half-shell which is fixed on the carriage and which encompasses in a substantially air-tight manner the upper half of the immersion barrel when the barrel has been positioned within the chamber, and a pair of horizontal, lateral, lower, outwardly cylindrically convex quarter-shells which are capable of movement towards and away from one another.

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 dishwashing machine is proposed which is considerably shorter in design than the previously used, continuously operated transport-dishwashers. In order permanently to reduce the consumption of water, energy and rinsing agent, the crockery in the individual crockery baskets is washed cyclical operation, the circuits of the rinsing apparatus being started up only in their respective time span within the wash program.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning containers, such as sample containers for environmental testing, involves providing modular cleaning bays into which an array of inverted containers can be transported, such as by means of a drive chain. Independently operable nozzle banks disposed in the cleaning bay generally below the resident container tray are driven in an x-axis motion, such as by a stepper motor, to register a selected nozzle bank with successive rows of containers within the tray. At each row of containers the nozzle bank, which is selected in accordance with the size and spacing of the containers being processed, is caused to travel in a z-axis motion through a process cycle in which the nozzle elements of the nozzle bank traverse through the open mouth ends of the containers registered therewith and in which a fluid stream is projected directly onto the interior surfaces of the containers, preferably sweeping the entirety of those surfaces.

Abstract: A solvent recovering system capable of recovering the solvent wetting solvent-cleaned articles, such as machine parts, electronic parts or medical instruments, without releasing the solvent into the atmosphere. A solvent vapor processing unit is connected by circulation passages to a closed chamber for accommodating solvent-cleaned articles. The vapor of the solvent evaporated from the solvent-cleaned articles is circulated through the closed chamber and the solvent vapor processing unit to subject the vapor repeatedly to adsorption or condensation to recover the solvent perfectly so that the solvent may not be released into the atmosphere to prevent air pollution and harm on health.

Abstract: An air preheater water jet apparatus is provided for cleaning fly ash, soot and the like from a rotating or stationary heat exchange basket on a air preheater used to improve the efficiency of a boiler in an electric utility generating plant. The air preheater cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning assembly with water jet nozzles, thereon, attached to a carriage which moves along a track, such as a channel beam, affixed radially above and adjacent to the air preheater basket. A drive assembly and an idler bracket assembly with a roller chain therebetween are disposed on the channel beam. The carriage assembly is attached to the roller chain and as the carriage is driven, the cleaning assembly is moved along the channel beam. Thus, when the basket, or the air preheater cleaning apparatus, is rotated and the carriage is moved inward, a circular path of the basket is cleaned.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying tubular members along a plurality of treatment liquid tanks in pickling facilities. The apparatus includes a pair of guide rails and a travelling car adapted to reciprocate on the guide rails. The travelling car includes at least one pair of tube-supporting hooks which can be reciprocated upwardly and downwardly and turned between positions parallel to the rails and other positions perpendicular to the rails. The tube-supporting hooks can be lowered or raised independently so as to support the tubular members aslant near the treatment liquid level in each of the treatment liquid tanks, thereby allowing immersion of the tubular members into the treatment liquid or retraction of the tubular members out of the treatment liquid without forming considerable air bubbles in the liquid. Since such bubbles are known to develop stains on the tubular members, tubular members of high surface quality can be obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying lubricant to articles such as connectors. The connectors 10 with projecting terminals 12 are loaded into a holder 19 enclosed within a housing 16 having an entry door 23. The door is shut and lubricant is pumped into a tank 28 to overflow into a catch receptacle 66 whereafter the holder is moved to dip the terminal ends into the lubricant. During the dipping operation a pair of locking members 98 and 133 are positioned to block opening of the door. Following the dipping operation the locking member 98 is withdrawn while the lubricant is drained from the receptacle. Upon completion of the draining of the receptacle, facilities 126-132 are operated to withdraw the locking member 133 thus permitting an attending operator to open the door without exposure to any noxious frames emanating from the lubricant.

Abstract: In an electrically energized commercial dishwasher machine having at least one washing section followed by a rinse section and having a conveyor for conveying dishes through the various sections in sequence, a timing element is set to cause the machine to automatically shut off after running for a predetermined time period slightly longer than the time required for the conveyor to convey dishes through all the various sections of the machine. The timing element is reset to cause the machine to continue to run for a new such predetermined time period whenever a signal from a sensor indicates the presence of dishes in the rinse section.

Abstract: A machine for washing drinking glasses has a conveyor upon which the glasses are conveyed from a loading zone through wash and rinse zones to an unloading zone. The machine may be operated on a continuous basis or it may be operated on a timed cycle basis, or it may be operated intermittently, being stopped by detector mechanism sensing the arrival of a glass at the unloading zone.

Abstract: The apparatus disclosed herein is designed for removing solid deposits, which interfere with heat transfer, from the surface of the basket section in an air preheater. In one type of regenerative air preheater, the basket sections rotate around a hub inside a chamber. An I-beam and threaded rod are installed in the chamber parallel to the basket section, at a distance sufficient to allow clearance of the carriage assembly and jet nozzle, or nozzles. The carriage assembly is attached to the rod by a threaded drive block and the carriage straddles the I-beam. A motor drive, which is controlled by an electronic programmer, rotates the threaded rod, to drive the carriage incrementally along the rod and beam. The carriage also includs roller type bearings which aid movement of the carriage along the beam. As the basket section rotates parallel to the moving carriage, a high pressure water jet, or jets, is directed through the nozzle to wash the solid deposits off of the basket section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a boom sprayer assembly for applying herbicides, or the like, in a controlled pattern about a row of trees, bushes, etc. A boom arm of changing length and angular position carries a bell-shaped sprayer hood which is free to rotate independently of the spray nozzle it encloses. The hood acts as a position sensing element to guide the boom so that the desired spray pattern is put down around the row of trees or bushes without permitting the spray to reach the foliage of the bushes or tree trunks.

Abstract: A motor driven carriage includes nozzles for directing a cleaning solution to the inside of a trailer on an inward trip and means for stopping movement of the carriage as it approaches the front wall of the trailer. The return cleaning trip is delayed until the rinse water has cleared the cleaning solution from the supply hose. Several alternative dock arrangements are described whereby the carriage-mounted cleaning system may be used for cleaning trailers backed up to opposite sides of the dock, for trailers driven along-side the dock, or for cleaning a plurality of trailers each backed up to the same side of an elongate dock. The heating water and rinse water supply, storage and heating systems of the invention are described, as are the systems for permitting recirculation of water with the various dock arrangements.

Abstract: A machine for cleaning pots and pans wherein the machine is provided with first and second side access doors for permitting flow through movement of a pan/rack system and, in addition, with a switch and alignment means for permitting alignment of unobstructed compartments of the pan/rack system with oscillating spray arms as the pan/rack system is moved between the access doors and for inhibiting oscillation of the spray arms until alignment is reached. In a further aspect of the invention, the machine is additionally provided with a common counterweight and a cable and pulley system for simultaneously operating the two side access doors and a front access door of the machine.

Abstract: An elongate soaking basin has a screen mounted on a movable frame. The screen is vertically movable into and out of the soaking basin. The soaking basin has a compression wheel feeding pieces of lumber transversely into the soaking basin against the screen. The pieces of lumber are compressed between the screen and the compression wheel. The screen is pivotally supported between two limit positions in the movable frame and when the screen is forced against one of the limit positions, the frame is moved to reposition the screen, thus keeping the pieces of lumber aligned and under the proper compression.

Abstract: A carriage is driven from the back to the front of the inside of a trailer, either by rotating nozzles which discharge wash water against the inside of the trailer or by an electric motor. The carriage is guided by two laterally spaced rollers on each side. A hose supplying the wash water and later the rinse water, to the nozzles on the carriage, unwinds from a reel while the carriage is driven into the trailer, but the reel is turned by a motor to pull the carriage rearwardly of and out of the trailer. The trailer rests on an inclined ramp, with the rear edges abutting resilient pads for sealing purposes, the pads being placed around an opening in a partition in the building in which the carriage is housed. A wash tank receives liquid draining from the inside of the trailer, both wash water and rinse water, while a boiler heats the wash water.

Abstract: A fully automatic washer for glassware that is activated on demand to continuously supply its delivery station with washed glasses. The apparatus is characterized by a turn table that receives glasses at a loading station and advances them through a spray curtain to be operated upon by circumferentially sequential pre-rinsing, wash, and final rinse stations; and after which the glasses eminate through a spray curtain to then successively engage a stop means which deactivates the apparatus until removal of said engaged glass or glasses, which reactivates the turn table to advance other glasses that have been placed in the loading station and advanced through the apparatus.