Abstract: A processing device for processing sheet-like media via immersion in a special fluid, for example, for renewing a copy sheet by removing printed material such as toner therefrom. The processing device has a tank accommodating a fluid therein; a sheet feeding device for feeding a sheet into the fluid in the tank, a sheet accommodating device for accommodating a sheet, a sensing device for outputting a signal responsive to a state of the sheet in the sheet accommodating device, and a changing device for changing a relative position between the tank and the sheet accommodating device, the relative position including a retracted position where the sheet accommodating device is positioned outside the tank and an operating position where the sheet accommodating device is positioned within the fluid in the tank, the changing device changing the relative position in response to the signal outputted by the sensing device.

Abstract: A parts washer is provided having a cleaning fluid reservoir and a first mechanism provided with structure for performing a first parts washing function utilizing fluid in the cleaning fluid reservoir with the first parts washing function dissipating the cleaning from the reservoir. A second mechanism is provided for performing a second parts washing function utilizing cleaning fluid that increases the volume of cleaning fluid from a supply. A third mechanism is provided for sensing the volume of cleaning fluid in the reservoir and a) enabling operation of the first mechanism and disabling operation of the second mechanism with the cleaning fluid present in the reservoir in a first predetermined volume and b) disabling operation of the first means and enabling operation of the second means with the cleaning fluid present in the reservoir in a second predetermined volume.

Abstract: This single portable single-cup washer comprises a container having a locking cover. A water driven elongated member has a plurality of water-spray nozzles there along and at its base radial blades defining radial water-spray nozzles, and water passages for the water-spray nozzles. The elongated member is rotatably mounted at its base, inside the container and has a water inlet joining the water passage for revolving that member. The container has at the bottom a water-outlet. A cup holder is mounted onto the container above and adjacent the radial blades, for receiving a cup upside down and a spring fasten to the locking cover to urge against the bottom of the cup and thereby the top of the cup is pressing against the cup holder and thereby frictionally holding the cup and counteracting the water against the cup.

Abstract: An apparatus useful for providing a plurality of chemical compositions useful to clean an item, e. g., a tank comprises a plurality of reservoirs each containing a concentrated form of a different chemical composition and each having an outlet through which the concentrate exits the reservoir; a subsystem for providing diluent to the concentrates which exit the reservoir to form the chemical compositions; and a control subsystem to automatically control the time during which each concentrate exits from each reservoir. A method for providing chemical compositions useful to clean an item is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water-supply valve of a washing machine in which the consumption of electric power can be minimized in opening and closing the valve to supply water into and block off the water supply from a washing tub of the washing machine. In the water-supply valve, an actuator rod is elevated against downward biasing force of a spring by a magnetic force of the solenoid generated by applying a voltage thereto, and then is retained at its uppermost position by a stopper. The stopper has a guide groove of an inverted-heart shape formed therein, which has four guide surfaces.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a fully automated tire treatment system capable of applying chemical treatment uniformly to a tire sidewall. Employing a pair of tracks whereon a carriage and adjustable vending bracket is disposed thereon allows treatment of two tires simultaneously as the tires pass the device triggering a preprogrammed set of instructions though a microprocessor. The track is two elongated guides disposed in parallel relation to one another outboard of the stance posed by a conventional automobile. The carriage has a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the track and is movable along the length of the track. Each carriage employs a vending bracket having the ability to disburse moisture from the tire sidewall before dispensing of chemical by use of an atomizing spray nozzle. By use of a microprocessor, each tire is tracked in accordance with the velocity, dimensional size, and predetermined spatial proximity of an automobile tire as the automobile is moved along a prescribed path of travel.

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: Engine cleaning is affected at different times while the engine is running. Apparatus for cleaning internal combustion engines cyclically draws cleaning fluid from a reservoir by a pump, flushes the fluid through the block of the internal combustion engine, and returns the fluid to the reservoir. Tank selection valves alternately couple one of a pair of reservoir tanks to the pump, to the exclusion of another tank. One tank can be dedicated for use to clean gasoline powered internal combustion engines to preserve the characteristic color of the cleaning fluid, while the other tank can be utilized to clean diesel powered internal combustion engines. The system is operated through first flushing and soaking periods and through second flushing and soaking periods. A first tank in a pair is used to initially pump and recover cleaning fluid during the first flushing and soaking periods.

Abstract: While a portal frame is reciprocated longitudinally of a vehicle body to be washed, a lifting/lowering drum is lifted/lowered to allow an upper nozzle to follow the outer surface of the vehicle body with a predetermined distance and the upper nozzle is laterally moved to inject a washing liquid therefrom, side nozzles are lifted/lowered to inject a washing liquid on the side surfaces of the vehicle body therefrom. In the first going operation of the portal frame, a plurality of photo-sensors disposed vertically which are provided on the front portion of the portal frame detects the vehicle body and information from the photo-sensors is stored in time sequence to perform a comparative operation with the previously set information, thereby controlling the movement of the portal frame, lifting/lowering of the lifting/lowering drum, the lateral movement of the upper nozzle and lifting/lowering of the side nozzles according to each portion of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A centrifugal type, enclosed cleaning apparatus including a housing to hold the parts thereof, a washing container fastened in a hole on the housing, a lifting unit on the housing at the top, a stirrer unit having a base coupled to the lifting arm of the lifting unit and a material carrier with a shaft received inside the washing container and coupled to the transmission shaft of a power device and driven to turn within the washing container in causing a centrifugal effect, a cleaning unit consisted of a chemical pre-wash trough, a chemical trough, an inert air supply pipe assembly, an air compressing pipe assembly, a water trough, a water spray pipe assembly, and a separating trough, a drying unit, and a programmable control unit to control the operation of the lifting unit, the stirrer unit, the cleaning unit, and the drying unit in cleaning the products placed in the material carrier.

Abstract: A control system for a high-speed rotary washer spraying system designed particularly for plastic returnable bottles automatically regulates each process of the wash spraying system, namely, sequentially feeding bottles from an infeed conveyor means, inverting them by a worm/inverter means, receiving and simultaneously rotating each bottle in an inverted position through a plurality of washing, neutralizing and sanitizing treatment zones, and inverting each bottle to its original neck-up orientation for further processing. During the entire process, a programmable logic controller maintains, manages, and controls all pumps, valves, solenoids, and drive motor speeds as required by the process, and also provides for monitoring and adjusting fluid levels, alkalinity/acidity concentrations, and temperatures of the wash and neutralizing solutions.

Abstract: The system of the present invention is an all-automated and all hands-free, flushing module with the capability of performing an internal cleansing of internally soiled components of a patient support apparatus configured for one or more of the care, maintenance or treatment of a patient. The system is configured with at least one bay to receive a patient support apparatus to be cleaned. The system is designed so that additional bays can be used to clean two or three patient support apparatus at one time. The system includes hoses supplying liquid into the bed's internal surfaces that come into contact with substances associated with one or more of the care, maintenance and/or treatment of a patient on the patient support apparatus. The system automatically goes through a flush cycle, a wash cycle and a rinse cycle. The system has extra compartments for jug washing.

Abstract: An automated open topped apparatus and improved method for cleaning soil from metal parts which employs a low vapor tension, low density, LVTC, liquid cleaner in a first tank and a high vapor tension, higher density, immiscible rinse, HVTR, liquid in a second tank and a rinse vapor zone above both tanks in the apparatus which provides steps and means for preventing rinse vapor loss during shut down periods by using microprocessor controlled steps that cause a layer of the liquid cleaner to be positioned atop and cover the liquid rinse in its tank and at the end of the idle period returns the liquid cleaner cover to the first tank and re-starts the cleaning process and thereafter monitors and controls cleaning operation until the succeeding shut down period.

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 hollow heating chamber is provided for cleaning dirty lobster traps without any scouring detergents or chemical bath preparations, which, according to the FDA regulations cannot be used in physical contact with any edible food, which includes lobsters. A manifold with baffles is provided immersed within heated water within the heated chamber. A fuel oil burner is provided as a source of heat, for directing flames though the baffled manifold and then out an exhaust pipe. The lobster traps, with dirt, marine organisms, barnacles, etc., are immersed within the heating chamber and cleaned effectively without the hazard of detergents or chemical bath preparations being in contact with the portions of the lobster traps which engage and trap live lobsters for human consumption.

Abstract: A cleaning process and apparatus for cleaning small diameter clogged holes or passages fashioned as deep through-holes or small diameter through-holes of varying sizes. The holes may be provided in dies for enabling a pressing of materials for manufacturing of pellets such as feed stuff pellets. The cleaning is effected by directing at least one water jet having a diameter less than one-half of a smallest diameter of the hole or passage to be cleaned. The cleaning medium is supplied possibly at supersonic speed. It is also possible to clean radially oriented holes or passages in the die by ejecting the cleaning medium from nozzles of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus comprising a plurality of processing tanks containing cleaning liquids, a conveyor mechanism for conveying an object to be cleaned and immersing the object to be cleaned into the processing tanks, a dilutent liquid supply device for supplying a dilutent liquid through a piping-system in order to dilute waste liquid from the processing tanks, and a waste liquid sump for collecting diluted waste liquid. The waste liquid sump is provided with a temperature measurement device for detecting the temperature of waste liquid in the waste liquid sump, and the amount of dilutent liquid supplied from the dilutent liquid supply device is controlled by a temperature control device in accordance with a temperature measurement result from the temperature measurement device. The cleaning apparatus is also provided with a fixing device for joints of the piping system.

Abstract: A spraying apparatus is disclosed, in which a manipulator consisting of a plurality of articulations (linear movement articulations and rotational movement articulations) is mounted on a carriage and a spraying nozzle member is mounted on the last stage rotational movement articulation, which are so constructed that material to be sprayed is supplied to this spraying nozzle member through a hose, and a piping path is formed in the interior of at least rotational movement articulations, for which it is feared that the hose becomes tangled therewith or twisted. A sensor is mounted on either the nozzle or the manipulator to detect the distance between the nozzle and the surface being sprayed. A controller responds to the signals produced by the sensor to maintain the nozzle at a substantially constant distance from the surface during spraying.

Abstract: An apparatus useful for providing a plurality of chemical compositions useful to clean an item, e.g., a tank, comprises a plurality of reservoirs each containing a concentrated form of a different chemical composition and each having an outlet through which the concentrate exits the reservoir; a subsystem for providing diluent to the concentrates which exit the reservoir to form the chemical compositions; and a control subsystem to automatically control the time during which each concentrate exits from each reservoir. A method for providing chemical compositions useful to clean an item is also disclosed.

Abstract: Spray apparatus for applying a fixative liquid chemical to freshly loaded railway coal cars includes a pivoting boom mounted atop a column. The column is both rotatable, to enable avoiding encroaching on a railway right of way, and vertically adjustable, to accommodate cars loaded to different heights. Boom pivot and column vertical movement are powered. Three rows of spray nozzles are supported from the boom. Each nozzle has its own valve. A first row of nozzles sprays the frontal, inclined surface of heaped coal. A second row sprays the main body of heaped coal, and a third row sprays the rearward, inclined surface. Photoresponsive sensors initiate spray signals, which are conditioned by timers. Progress of a railway car past these sensors initiates spray signals, which are suitably delayed, then discontinued, by timers. Total spray time for any one car is limited by an additional timer. Train speed is gauged by an observer, after which timing functions are determined to spray each car appropriately.

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: An automated open topped apparatus and improved method for cleaning soil from metal parts which employs a low vapor tension, low density, LVTC, liquid cleaner in a first tank and a high vapor tension, higher density, immiscible rinse, HVTR, liquid in a second tank and a rinse vapor zone above both tanks in the apparatus which provides steps and means for preventing rinse vapor loss during shut down periods by using microprocessor controlled steps that cause a layer of the liquid cleaner to be positioned atop and cover the liquid rinse in its tank and at the end of the idle period returns the liquid cleaner cover to the first tank and re-starts the cleaning process and thereafter monitors and controls cleaning operation until the succeeding shut down period.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a fully automated tire treatment system capable of applying chemical treatment uniformly to a tire sidewall. Employing a pair of tracks whereon a carriage and adjustable vending bracket is disposed thereon allows treatment of two tires simultaneously as the tires pass the device triggering a preprogrammed set of instructions though a microprocessor. The track is two elongated guides disposed in parallel relation to one another outboard of the stance posed by a conventional automobile. The carriage has a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the track and is movable along the length of the track. Each carriage employs a vending bracket having the ability to disburse moisture from the tire sidewall before dispensing of chemical by use of an atomizing spray nozzle. By use of a microprocessor, each tire is tracked in accordance with the velocity, dimensional size, and predetermined spatial proximity of an automobile tire as the automobile is moved along a prescribed path of travel.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine purging system cleans out deposits of carbon and other substances that accumulate over time in the fuel system by delivering a mixture of fuel and cleaning solution into the fuel intake ports while the engine is running, so that the engine pulls the mixture through the carburetor jets or injectors. This purging system is characterized by its virtual universal application with substantially any commercially produced gasoline or diesel engine. It is in part comprised of two separate but overlapping systems, one for gasoline and one for diesel, which are selectable by the operator.

Abstract: A wheelchair cleaning system includes, in a modular assembly, a wash chamber, operators control unit and a mobile base support structure housing the electromechanical components used to apply the cleaning process. The operator places a wheelchair in the wash chamber and from the control unit selects cleaning functions to be applied through a programmable micro-processor. A pump draws cleaning solution from the sink through a line connected to the rotating spray arm assembly. As the spray arm lifts past the wheelchair, the solution is sprayed against the wheelchair through nozzles on the spray arm. The solution returns into the sink for continuous re-cycling. A drain pump draws the contaminated water from the sink through a drain line into a drain receptacle when the wash and rinse cycles are completed.

Abstract: An apparatus useful for providing a plurality of chemical compositions useful to clean an item, e. g., a tank, comprises a plurality of reservoirs each containing a concentrated form of a different chemical composition and each having an outlet through which the concentrate exits the reservoir; a subsystem for providing diluent to the concentrates which exit the reservoir to form the chemical compositions; and a control subsystem to automatically control the time during which each concentrate exits from each reservoir. A method for providing chemical compositions useful to clean an item is also disclosed.

Abstract: A contact lens treating vessel equipped with an electromagnetic induction coil and a rectifier for converting an alternating current into a direct current, and an apparatus for treating contact lenses comprising a treating apparatus body for supplying electric power and the vessel which can be attached to or detached from the apparatus body, wherein the apparatus body is equipped with a magnet-generating coil and the vessel is equipped with an electromagnetic induction coil.

Abstract: A dipping type wafer treatment apparatus includes a treatment solution bath capable of forming a uniform rising flow of a treatment solution inside from an inlet to an outlet, a treatment solution supplying unit for supplying a treatment solution at a constant velocity to the inlet of the treatment solution bath to form a uniform rising flow of the treatment solution inside the treatment solution bath and a device for dipping and retrieving the wafer into and out of the uniform flow of the treatment solution. The treatment solution is supplied from the inlet in the treatment solution bath and drown off through an outlet of the treatment solution bath. Accordingly, the treatment solution can be rapidly substituted, and the wafers to no experience contact with air during replacement of the treatment solutions.

Abstract: Lacquer coatings are stripped from a large surface, e.g. aircraft and vehicle body surfaces, and the surface is simultaneously cleaned by a spraying device that carries at least three spraying units, each with at least one, preferably two, spray heads arranged in a row. Two outer spraying units flank one central spraying unit. The spraying device is secured to a free end of an outrigger arm on a mobile carriage, by a wrist mechanism, by a rod linkage, and by a mounting member (20a) tiltable by the rod linkage. The central spraying unit is directly secured to the tiltable mounting member while the two outer spraying units are secured by lazy tongues operable to track the contour of the large surface.

Abstract: A spray cleaning system is designed to use a flammable solvent, such as isopropyl alcohol, and includes safety features to maintain the concentration of solvent vapor within the cleaning chamber below a safe limit. The system includes a chamber for containing the article to be cleaned, a nozzle for directing a spray of solvent against the article, and a pump for supplying solvent to the nozzle. The chamber is ventilated with a flow of air to maintain the concentration of solvent vapor within the chamber below a predetermined safety limit, such as the lower explosive limit for the solvent, and the air is exhausted to create a negative pressure within the chamber. A sensor detects combustion or an explosion within the chamber. Additional sensors can be included to monitor leakage of solvent from the cleaning chamber or solvent supply tank. The flow of solvent to the nozzle is automatically halted in the event of combustion or explosion, or if solvent leakage is detected.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning a toilet brush includes a splash proof housing, which surrounds the toilet brush and has a bottom provided with an outlet for spent water, and a supply line leading to the housing. To permit simple, reliable and effective cleaning of the toilet brush, nozzles are provided in the housing, which are directed toward the toilet brush.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus to clean and cleanliness test printed circuit wiring boards and includes an inner chamber and an outer enclosure encasing the inner chamber. A rack within the chamber is adapted to hold a plurality of PCBs having electronic components assembled thereon. An operator programmable microprocessor controller causes a saponifier solution to be introduced into the interior chamber. The saponifier solution is pumped through a diffusion assembly in the chamber to spray the solution onto the PCBs. Upon completion of this cleaning cycle, the saponifier solution is drained by gravity out of the chamber. This is followed by a water rinsing cycle utilizing the same hardware and procedure. Once the rosin saponification cleaning cycle and water rinsing cycle are complete, the system controller empties the wash chamber and pumps in a standard resistivity test mixture of 75% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and 25% water. A MIL-P-28809 cleanliness test is then performed on the PCBs.

Abstract: Wheel sensor treadleplates are provided in both wheel tracks of a car wash and the outermost depressed treadleplates send signals to a programmable controller which moves the spray head to a predetermined spacing from the vehicle side for optimum washing and safety as the spray head moves along both sides of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a work chamber (14) in which may be placed an object to be cleaned, and a cover (32) to enclose the work chamber; a fluid delivery system (52, 54) for delivering cleaning solvent to the work chamber (14) including a pump (40) for pressurizing the solvent; a first and second switch (204,210) for activiating and deactivating the operation of the pump means; and a fluid timer (220), in communication with the fluid delivery system, for causing at least one switch to be activated and thereafter after a predetermined time deactived terminating operation of the pump.

Abstract: Each of the washing units A and B comprises an openable and closable pinch valve unit 4 branchwise connected to a pipeline C, an autofeeder unit 5 for controlling the feed for advance and retraction movement of a high pressure hose 6 having rotatable nozzle unit connected to the front end thereof, and a hose reel unit 7 for winding and unwinding the high pressure hose. During washing operation, the nozzle unit enters the pipeline C through the pinch valve unit 4 now opened to wash the inner surface of the pipeline. During nonwashing period, the nozzle unit is moved rearward and completely isolated from the pipeline by the pinch valve unit 4 now closed. Therefore, the washing units A and B are completely separated from the pipeline C during nonwashing period.

Abstract: A cleansing and sterilization mechanism which is usable on contact lenses, surgical instruments, dental tools, and other items which require regular cleansing and sterilization. Using ozone as the cleansing and sterilization medium, the apparatus provides for added guaranty of operation through the use of feedback mechanism to assure that all the components are working and that the to-be-cleaned items are exposed to the ozone bath for the specified time. Furthermore, the item is capable of communicating, via phone line, to a central unit which monitors the operation and performance of the mechanism.

Abstract: A brushless vehicle washing apparatus for washing a vehicle includes a gantry and sprayers carried by the gantry for directing jets of liquid against the exterior surfaces of the vehicle for cleaning the exterior surfaces. Some of the sprayers are oriented for directing their liquid jets generally in a first direction with respect to the gantry. The gantry is supported on arch-shaped supports for travel lengthwise of the vehicle, the supports including a middle section and opposite end sections. The supports hold the gantry in a first orientation in the middle section such that the liquid jets of the first sprayers are directed generally downwardly against top surfaces of the vehicle. The gantry is held at the end sections of the supports in a second orientation wherein the liquid jets of the sprayers are directed generally horizontally against the end exterior surfaces of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning golf club heads and grips, the apparatus comprising a first tank for receipt of the club grip portion, a second tank for receipt of the club head portion, an acoustic wave generator, a tank filling mechanism, a tank emptying mechanism, a tank cleaning component, and an operational control unit. The tank filling mechanism is coupled to the first tank for filling the tanks with a cleaning liquid in response to the operational control unit. The acoustic wave generator is arranged to selectively produce acoustic waves in the cleaning liquid to effect the cleaning of the golf club portion(s) located therein for a predetermined period of time as established by the operational control unit.

Abstract: An apparatus having a casing and a rotating cover with baskets to hold the contact lenses which are to be cleaned. The rotating cover is set on the casing with a guide rod. The contact lenses are first lowered into a tub in the casing containing a cleaning and disinfecting solution. After an adjustable amount of time, the rotating cover is pushed up by a push rod. The tip of the push rod is guided down a helical groove, thus rotating the cover 180.degree.. At the end of its path, the push rod ends in a hole of the casing and the contact lenses are thus lowered into the tube containing the neutralization solution.

Abstract: A cleaning device for contact lenses includes a housing having a cleaning chamber, a stirring device for generating a liquid flow within the cleaning chamber, a heating device for boiling a liquid in the cleaning chamber, a feeding device for feeding the liquid into the cleaning chamber, a discharging device, a feeding amount detecting device for detecting a feeding amount of the liquid which is fed into the cleaning chamber, an operation controlling device for giving a signal to the stirring device, the heating device, the feeding device and the discharging device in response to the feeding amount of the liquid detected by the feeding amount detecting device, respectively and for performing a cleaning process, plural rinsing processes and a boil process.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning printed wiring boards and/or printed circuit boards after soldering thereof for removal of rosin soldering fluxes using terpene compounds. The apparatus includes three separate components, a first housing containing the terpene washing apparatus, a second housing containing a water rinsing apparatus, and intermediate conveying means for transporting the devices from the first housing to the second housing. This intermediate conveying means should be disposed at an angle such that the end facing the second housing is disposed lower than the first end. Exhaust fans are provided for the first housing to prevent escape of terpene odors or vapors therefrom, while similar exhaust fans in the second housing prevent the escape of water vapor. Scrubbers are provided in the exhaust ducts from the first housing to prevent terpene compounds from escaping to the atmosphere. A flame detector prevents the introduction of boards having flames thereon or being overheated.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes apparatus for washing side and rear surfaces of a vehicle and apparatus for washing the front and upper surfaces of a vehicle. The apparatus for washing the side and rear surfaces includes a side and rear follower mounted on a support frame to the side of a vehicle path and moveable from a first position to the side of the vehicle path to a second position inwardly of the side of the vehicle path, nozzles being mounted on the end of the follower. With the follower in the first position, the nozzles are directed towards the vehicle path and thus towards a side surface of a vehicle, and when the follower is moving between the first and second positions, the nozzles are directed along the vehicle path and thus towards the rear surface of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle wash apparatus includes a reciprocating gantry-type framework with rotating fluid dispensers along an upper extent thereof and at opposite sides thereof which are adapted to be rotated to deliver washing fluid at the vehicle as the apparatus traverses the length of the vehicle. A tilt mechanism is provided so that the rotating manifolds can be tilted at opposite ends of the vehicle to direct the cleaning fluid at the ends of the vehicle when the apparatus is positioned adjacent the ends of the vehicle. A unique bearing seal element supports the rotating manifolds on a rotatably driven coupling from a motor so that liquid can be delivered to the rotating manifolds in a leak-free environment and over an extended life. An ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene material is utilized in bearing seal members in the element which serve both as a liquid seal and a bearing surface.

Abstract: A screen printing plate cleaning cabinet comprising walls having an openable portion for placing a screen printing plate in the cabinet. A dispensing subsystem comprises a scanning spray head for discharging cleaning fluid against a screen printing plate and a filter and drain subsystem utilizes pneumatically powered pumps for removing residue and cleaning fluid and pumping the residue and cleaning fluid through filters.

Abstract: A simplified automatic car wash system is disclosed which comprises a linear trolley suspended from the upper structure of a car wash building and a cross trolley transversely mounted thereto. A spray arm is rotatably mounted to a glider plate on the cross trolley and the spray arm is used to deliver soap and water to an automobile. The spray arm is the only cleaning apparatus utilized, there being no need for rotating brushes and the like. As such, the only elements which come and in contact with the automobile during a car wash, are soap and water.

Abstract: A transportable, self-contained work site, designed specifically to facilitate manual vehicle washing and engine cleaning, comprising a rigid skeletal structure which is constructed of preformed, connectable modules and a lightweight raised platform or flooring which slopes inwardly to capture liquids for recycling.

Abstract: Components of a multi-component mixture are individually fed into a measuring container from the bottom through individual precision valves, the component being fluid rises in the container and its level is monitored by ultrasonic means which, in turn, input the measurement to a computer for comparison in memory to determine volume. When the measured level indicates a desired volume is achieved, the feed valve is closed. The contents are then drained from the bottom of the measuring container into a mixing container, and the next component measured in the same way until all components have been measured or the components are sequentially fed and measured until all of the components are present in the tube before discharge. The operation is under computer control which turns on and off the individual precision feed valves and opens a drain valve to drain the contents from the measuring container as well as determining when the proper volume or weight has been achieved.

Abstract: A roll-over high-pressure washer for non-contact washing of stationary vehicles. A gantry frame having two independent U-shaped spray arms is mounted to roll back and forth over the vehicle, while independent low- and high-pressure spray systems mounted on each of the U-shaped spray arms pre-soak, wash and rinse the vehicle in a preprogrammed sequence. The U-shaped spray arms are maintained in close proximity to the upper surfaces of the vehicle, without contacting them, by primary non-vehicle-contacting and secondary vehicle-contacting sensing means. Side spray arms are also mounted on the gantry frame to wash the side surfaces of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of etching an etch material consisting at least partly of metal and an arrangement for implementing that method. According to the invention, the etchant is applied through jet assemblies arranged perpendicularly to each other on the top and the bottom side of the etch material. During the passage of the etch material, the spray pressure at the jet assemblies or the jets may be set to constant values and/or by individually controlled as a function of the quantity of metal to be etched off the top and the bottom side. The invention is particularly suitable for etching circuit boards, whose conductors on the top and the bottom side are arranged perpendicularly to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved access, control and monitoring system for a facility with multiple apparatus that are activated by the customer. It provides a consolidated means to control the activation of each apparatus and interface with the customer. It provides a consolidated means to configuration operations on the facility and a consolidated means to record activities occurring at the facility. It provides for system reconfiguration and review of activity at the site or from a remote location and can automatically notify a remote site on the occurrence of a preset event.