Abstract: A method and apparatus for washing and drying a piston and thereafter coating the piston skirt with a dry film lubricant coating and oven-curing said coating. In the washing and drying operation the piston is carried through the apparatus on a conveyor, is spun while wash solution is sprayed on it, is spun while rinse water is sprayed on it, is spun to throw off rinse water, and has air blown against it to remove moisture from its surface. A flash chamber is used in the curing step.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus provide for the cleaning of a workpiece by first immersing the workpiece in a cleaning tank having a cleaning liquid therein for a predetermined period of time, removing the workpiece from the cleaning tank, moving the workpiece through air for a pre-selected period of time, and supplying the workpiece to a drying device which then dries the workpiece. As the workpiece is moved through the air, the workpiece may be vibrated, moved at an incline then a decline, and/or have air blasted at it, so that any liquid, e.g. rinsing solution, remaining thereon is caused to fall off, such occurring prior to the drying of the workpiece by the drying device.

Abstract: An incentive-based grocery cart washing and disinfecting system including a consumer special-offer coupon applying apparatus, for use in a batch or continuous process comprising a housing having at least one pipe manifold with nozzles positioned therein to provide at least one treatment zone selected from pre-wash, wash, disinfecting, and rinse zones. In addition, blown air water-stripping/drying zones may be provided, with a heating source to assist drying. Following drying, a strip of specially adapted grocery coupons is optionally applied to the grocery cart handle, so that the coupons can be redeemed by customers during their subsequent shopping. The housing is generally a linear tunnel permitting access of soiled carts at one end and removal of the clean, disinfected carts at the other end. A cart pusher system may be employed to transport the carts through the tunnel either singly or in nested groups. A convenient antimicrobial disinfecting solution is a water solution of hypochlorite.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for stripping the photoresist from a wafer while in a substantially parallel manner, another wafer is being transferred between a load lock chamber and a transfer chamber, where the processing occurs. Further, a system is described whereby two load lock chambers are employed so that processing of wafers can continue uninterrupted by a delay caused by the need to open, empty, reload and re-equilibrate a single load lock chamber. Still further, a system is described for performing multi-step dry-stripping applications requiring different conditions for two or more of the steps wherein the steps may be performed simultaneously or sequentially. Finally, a system combining a dry-stripping module and a wet-cleaning module is described which combination system permits the continuous, fully-automated dry-stripping and wet-cleaning of wafers and, upon completion of the entire processing cycle, returning wafers to their original wafer cassettes.

Abstract: A processing system for processing of wafers that are formed by slicing a cylindrical workpiece which is adhered to a support plate by an adhesive agent. The processing system includes a washing apparatus, a removing apparatus, a separating apparatus, and a transferring apparatus. The washing apparatus washes the wafers that are remained adhered to the support plate. The removing apparatus removes a group of the wafers from the support plate. The removed wafers are gathered in a cylindrical shape. The separating apparatus separates the wafers one by one. The separating apparatus includes a vessel for accommodating the wafers separated one from another. The transferring apparatus transfers the wafers from the washing apparatus to the removing apparatus and then to the separating apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for grinding tapers and points on elongated needle workpieces having frame means and needle workpiece transport means associated with the frame means for transporting a plurality of the workpieces. The workpiece transport means has a predetermined curvature and workpiece feeder means is mounted adjacent the frame means for feeding workpieces to the workpiece transport means. The grinding means is preferably a grinding wheel disposed adjacent the workpiece transport means to engage workpieces while supported by workpiece supporting means and has a major diameter at a first end and a minor diameter at a second end, the major diameter being greater than the minor diameter. The diameters are connected by a curved grinding surface the diameter of which increases progressively therebetween.

Abstract: A pre-wash process and apparatus for recycling polymer tubing contaminated with large amounts of organic matter, soil, and so forth. The pre-wash process includes the steps of sizing the contaminated polymer tubing into small pieces, conveying the polymer tubing on a first conveyor into a rotating wash trommel, washing the polymer tubing in the rotating wash trommel, conveying the polymer tubing on a second conveyor through a pre-rinse stage and then into a rotating rinse trommel, rinsing the polymer tubing in the rinse trommel, discharging the polymer tubing from the rinse trommel into a float/sink tank, passing the polymer tubing through the float/sink tank to a third conveyor, and conveying the polymer tubing into a suitable container for delivery to a final wash and pelletizing process. The wash trommel and rinse trommel each comprises a rotating cylinder with internal helical flighting that causes intense rolling and agitation of the polymer tubing.

Abstract: An oscillator screen cleaning apparatus includes an enclosed housing which forms a cleaning chamber having a plurality of spray nozzles to spray a printing screen. An oscillating mechanism moves the screen in an oscillating motion in front of the spray nozzles for efficient and effective cleaning. Fixed guide brackets extend into the cleaning chamber from the spray nozzles to guide a screen and maintain the screen perpendicular to the spray patterns from the nozzles. The guide brackets will readily guide screens of different widths and heights without requiring constant adaptation. A reservoir is integrated with the enclosed cleaning chamber and a sloped wall captures spray from the cleaning chamber and directs it to the reservoir for recycling. A vertically oriented pump in the reservoir directs cleaning liquid to the spray nozzles and any failure of the pump is contained in the reservoir to prevent leakage.

Abstract: The machine comprises an identification device for accepting suitable or ejecting unsuitable used cups, which on being accepted are conveyed through an inlet mouth towards a bin, following a journey whereon are situated one or more operative groups, through which the cups pass and are treated such as to render them easier to contain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided wherein poultry nest pads are moved on a conveyor between a plurality of cleaning stations, involving first bending the pads prior to wetting in order to separate debris and dried manure by cracking and breaking from the projections of the pad and to further expose the internal pad recesses, then spraying the pads with a cleaning fluid at high pressure in a wiping motion across the bent pad, and then spraying with a sheet of cleaning fluid at low pressure across the top and bottom surfaces of the pad while it is in an inverted orientation over a tank or receptacle for receiving the debris, manure and spent cleaning fluid. That receptacle includes an auger for removing the settled manure and debris. A filtering and recirculation system is incorporated with the receptacle for reusing at least a portion of the spent cleaning fluid.

Abstract: The water is removed from food product pouches which have passed through a water bath by advancing the pouches in a continuous stream on a first tray which is vibrated with respect to a frame. The pouches are advanced beneath an air manifold which discharges air onto the pouch to blow moisture downwardly. An air outlet is formed in the tray beneath the air manifold, and air is drawn therethrough. The reduced pressure produced by the partial vacuum restrains the pouch from upstream motion, and serves to draw away the water which has been detached from the pouch. A second vibrating tray is positioned to receive pouches discharged from the first tray. An inclined ramp flips the pouches as they travel between the trays to present the underside of the pouch for drying. Once flipped the pouches progress along the second tray beneath a second air manifold and vacuum air outlet to complete the water removal prior to discharging the pouch from the apparatus.

Abstract: A cleaning and drying apparatus comprises a vessel having a closed bottom and a side wall extending upwardly from the circumference of the bottom. The vessel has an inlet for introducing the discrete parts on the bottom of the vessel and an outlet formed in an upper end of the side wall for removing the parts out of the vessel. A spiral track is formed on the interior surface of the side wall to ascend therealong in a spiral manner about a vertical center axis of the vessel from the bottom to the outlet. A liquid line is connected to supply a cleaning liquid into the vessel. An level controller is provided to keep a level of the cleaning liquid in the vessel well below the outlet in such a manner as to divide the length of the spiral track into a drying zone immersed in the cleaning liquid and a drying zone disposed above the level.

Abstract: A cleaning and drying apparatus comprises a vessel having a closed bottom and a side wall extending upwardly from the circumference of the bottom. The vessel has an inlet for introducing the discrete parts on the bottom of the vessel and an outlet formed in an upper end of the side wall for removing the parts out of the vessel. A spiral track is formed on the interior surface of the side wall to ascend therealong in a spiral manner about a vertical center axis of the vessel from the bottom to the outlet. A liquid line is connected to supply a cleaning liquid into the vessel. An level controller is provided to keep a level of the cleaning liquid in the vessel well below the outlet in such a manner as to divide the length of the spiral track into a drying zone immersed in the cleaning liquid and a drying zone disposed above the level.

Abstract: A device for surface treating of parts which includes a base frame with an elongated channel thereon. The channel includes a first end wall at a first end of the channel and a second wall which defines a crosswise extending dam at a second end of the channel remote from the first end, the dam including an inclined ramp extending from the lowest part of a bottom wall to a top of the dam. A drive device is provided for vibrating the channel to cause parts to travel from the first end wall toward the dam whereby the parts rise to a sufficient level in advance of clearance of the dam. A fluid delivery device is provided for spraying a treatment solution toward either the bottom wall or the inclined ramp. A fluid outlet drain is provided for draining the treatment solution introduced into the channel by the fluid delivery device from the channel, the fluid outlet opening into the channel solely through the aforesaid first end wall.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for slicing potatoes and washing or coating the potato slices wherein the slices exit a slicing mechanism and are directed between inner and outer spray rings that generate a pressurized water mist which washes the slices. The nozzles in the inner spray ring face the nozzles in the outer ring so that the pressurized water mist is formed in a predetermined area located between the rings. The high pressure water mist removes surface starch from the slices, and vibrating sieve arrangements disposed downstream of the slicing apparatus cooperate with a series of spray bars to further clean the slices. The apparatus of the invention is also used in a method of coating potato slices with a treating material.

Abstract: A process of, and apparatus for, washing fragments, such as plastic fragments, in a continuous fashion as part of a recycling operation. The plastic fragments are fed into an axially rotating perforated tube, wherein a stationary washing and rinsing spray header are mounted therethrough for spraying the plastic fragments revolving with the tube. Wash and rinse water pass through the perforations, carrying with the water residue and unwanted particles. The wash water, rinse water and unwanted particles pass into a trough arranged below the revolving tube which collects the water and residue and transports same to either a screen separator in the case of the wash water, or a holding tank in the case of the rinse water. Auxiliary systems are disclosed for using recycled wash water and recycled rinse water for the process. A drying system which receives the plastic fragments from the washing apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process of, and apparatus for, washing fragments, such as plastic fragments, in a continuous fashion as part of a recycling operation. The plastic fragments are fed into an axially rotating perforated tube, wherein a stationary washing and rinsing spray header are mounted therethrough for spraying the plastic fragments revolving with the tube. Wash and rinse water pass through the perforations, carrying with the water residue and unwanted particles. The wash water, rinse water and unwanted particles pass into a trough arranged below the revolving tube which collects the water and residue and transports same to either a screen separator in the case of the wash water, or a holding tank in the case of the rinse water. Auxiliary systems are disclosed for using recycled wash water and recycled rinse water for the process. A drying system which receives the plastic fragments from the washing apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved stereolithographic apparatus and method is described. In one embodiment, the improvement includes immersing at least a portion of a part in a volume of a liquid solvent in a vapor degreaser while subjecting the portion to ultrasonic agitation to substantially remove excess resin. Several examples of solvents are provided, including ethanol, and Freon TMS. In a second embodiment, the improvement includes building the part on a layer of liquid resin supported by a volume of a dense, immiscible, and UV transparent intermediate liquid, and integratably immersing at least a portion of the built part in the intermediate liquid, and then either subjecting the immersed portion to ultrasonic agitation to substantially remove excess resin, or subjecting the immersed portion to UV light. Several examples of intermediate liquids are provided, including perfluorinated fluids, such as Fluorinert FC-40, and water-based salt solutions, such as solutions of magnesium sulfate or sodium chloride in water.

Abstract: The objects and purposes of the invention are met by providing a device for surface treating of metal parts which includes a frame, and annular basin mounted on the frame and adapted to hold a first treatment solution therein. An upwardly inclined track encircles the annular basin and a passageway is provided between the interior of the annular basin and an inlet end of the track. A gate is utilized to keep the metal parts within the annular basin when the gate is closed and to allow the metal parts to move on the track when the gate is open. At least one treatment station is provided along the length of the track with fluid delivery structure being provided for spraying a second treatment solution onto the metal parts as they move therepast.

Abstract: A process for treating oil-contaminated debris or like material in particular material to be washed such as mill scale, which is produced in industrial processes, as well as a plant and an apparatus for carrying out the process, are to be improved in such a way as to permit oil to be removed from the industrial material to be washed, in particular mill scale. For that purpose it is proposed that the oil-contaminated material, in particular the mill scale, be introduced into a washing drum and there washed in counter-flow mode in a washing lye with a pH-value of from 12 to 14, preferably 10 to 14, with the material to be washed being lifted at the wall of the drum by means of support surfaces. The washing lye is preferably mixed with about 2% of caustic soda and/or washing is at about 50.degree. C. or a higher temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing and cooling subdivided produce include a mechanism for washing the subdivided produce with a solvent and for removing a substantial quantity of deteriorating-causing agents from the surface of the produce, a mechanism for conveying the subdivided produce along a linear path and for directing a flow of humidified cool air under pressure through the conveying means and the layer of the produce and at a temperature low enough to cool the washed produce as the subdivided produce is conveyed along the linear path.

Abstract: A device for the automatic cleaning, testing, and sorting of discoidal, flat substrates (9, 9', . . . ) for example magnetic memory plates, having three support mandrels (12, 13, 23) for the substrates (9, 9', . . . ) to be treated, three magazines (6, 7, 8) to deposit the treated and the untreated substrates (9, 9', . . . ), and having a transporting device fixed to a machine frame (2) or a machine support with several transferring arms (14, 15, 16) which can be moved on several levels and which are equipped with gripping devices (20, 21, 22) is provided with a motor-driven first support mandrel (23) rotating round its longitudinal axis (r) and with a nozzle (25, 26) disposed directly adjacent to said support mandrel in order to apply a cleaning liquid onto the substrate (9, 9', . . . ) which is firmly held by the first support mandrel.

Abstract: A cold-rolled strip manufacturing apparatus, in which a continuous cold reduction mill and a continuous annealing furnace are directly linked together, has a tension-leveller-type scale breaker for elongating hot-rolled breakdown by 2 to 7 percent, a scale scrubbing brush unit and an immersion-type continuous pickling tank installed upstream of the continuous cold reduction mill.Descaling of the hot-rolled strip coil is carried out by breaking the mill scale formed on its surface by causing the running strip to elongate and then the broken scale is removed from the surface. The percent elongation given to the strip is feedforward controlled on the basis of the manufacturing conditions of the hot-rolled strip coil and/or the properties and quantity of the mill scale formed. In another descaling method, the percent elongation given to the strip is feedback controlled on the basis of the condition of scale breaking and removing that is detected during the period in which the mill scale is broken and removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a part such as optical glass by an ultrasonic wave in a plurality of steps has a plurality of preset operation modes for an ultrasonic wave output strength and an ultrasonic wave cleaning time in each step so that one of the operation modes is selected in accordance with a property of the part to clean it in an appropriate manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing slices of a tuberous plant, in particular potatoes comprises a pre-washing unit with a water inlet. The slices are discharged by a slicer which is accommodated in said pre-washing unit. The apparatus further comprises an elongated rotatably supported washing tube connected to the pre-washing unit, and a vibrating sieve following the washing tube for conveying the slices. Said vibrating sieve is mounted above a receiving tank with an outlet and includes three sections. The first vibrating sieve section is adapted to separate shreds from the slices, the second vibrating sieve section comprises a re-washing unit connectable to a water supply, and the third vibrating sieve section is adapted to remove surface water from the slices.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided wherein solid material, such as semiconductor wafers, are sequentially transported into and out of a series of process solution containers. Process solution from each container and particulate matter is removed from the material by providing means for rotating the material in a vertical plane above each container. The apparatus includes a housing maintained substantially free of particulate matter.

Abstract: Waste thermoplastic resin film is cleaned to reclaim raw material for subsequent recycling by crushing a mass of the waste film into pieces and then feeding the pieces onto a moving mesh conveyor immersed in a wash tank which is filled with a cleaning liquid; the liquid being at a temperature sufficient to soften the pieces. Cleaning is promoted by irradiating the pieces on the conveyor with ultrasonic energy from positions located on opposite lateral sides of and just above the upper surface of the conveyor while simultaneously forcing liquid in the tank to flow in the same direction as the conveyor while directing jets of additional liquid into the tank in the opposite direction to produce a forced circulatory flow pattern within the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing dirt and debris from clumps of down cotton that are released from slots of a group of retrieving belts as the belts pass around a rotating pulley that causes the slots to open includes a first group of approximately semi-circular, parallel tines disposed adjacent to the portions of the belts passing around the pulley. A plurality of fingers extending from the pulley and between the belts into the region bounded by the first group of tines and the belts urges the released clumps slidingly along the tines, and apply forces that loosen dirt and debris, which pass between the tines. The clumps ejected from the upper end of the region are received by pegs of a rotating peg drum and are moved against a second group of approximately semi-circular, parallel tines. The pegs tend to "thump" the cotton clumps as they slide along the second group of tines, further breaking up dried mud and debris therein and causing it to pass outward between the tines of the second group.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning root crops while still in the field whereby the harvested crops are subjected to jet blasts of a cleaning agent without excessive dust generation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for containing, washing, rinsing and drying presorted flatware by category, after which the flatware is automatically discharged from the apparatus by category into separate receiving receptacles. Alternate types of conveyors, containers and methods of discharging flatware from containers are included, and certain embodiments provide simultaneous washing of other tableware within the same apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating grease-covered rolling mill scale, according to which the rolling mill scale to be treated is weighed, thoroughly mixed with from 10 to 20% by weight of a solvent e.g. a fluorized chlorohydrocarbon, while finely distributing the greases in the thus obtained mixture. The mixture is then added in a continuous manner to a bath containing such solvent, and is distributed therein. The rolling mill scale is then slowly moved out of the solvent containing bath while mixing the rolling mill scale with an oil-free solvent of the above mentioned type passed in counter-current flow to the last mentioned mill scale. The movement of the thus obtained last mentioned mixture is continued while causing the solvent to drip off out of the grease-free rolling mill scale. The rolling mill scale is then heated, and the residual solvent is driven out of the rolling mill scale.

Abstract: A device for washing machine parts, e.g. balls or rolls for roller bearings, having finely finished spherical or cylindrical outer surfaces, in connection with the manufacture thereof. The machine parts are fed one after the other through a washing chamber being axially symmetrical to the feed direction, a solvent being injected under pressure into the chamber in such a direction that the solvent flows with a rotational velocity component around the feed direction and strikes the finely worked surfaces of the machine part at a small angle but with great power, whereby contaminants being soluble in the solvent as well as other contaminants being bound to the surface are effectively removed therefrom.

Abstract: A longitudinal automatic sprayer for cleaning glass containers based on two parallel conveyor chains on which transverse beams carrying individual baskets are arranged perpendicularly to the direction of transport. At the beginning of the conveyor, the individual baskets are automatically filled with the unclean glass containers by a transfer device. A delivery device for automatically ejecting the containers is situated at the end of the conveyor. Spray nozzles for rinsing the glass containers are arranged above the conveyor. The individual baskets are checked for breakage by a mechanical scanning device underneath the conveyor chains. At the same time, the scanning device monitors the positioning of the individual baskets appropriate to the working cycle.

Abstract: A method and a device for recovering the various materials of a composite body having a restricted circumference as compared with its length, for example, cables; the object of the invention is to provide a possibility of recovering separately the constituents, particularly the metals, so that these metals maintain a high degree of purity and their original properties; the method is characterized by cutting the composite body along at least one transverse plane and at least one longitudinal plane and by subsequently sorting out the portions of materials reduced in size and separated from one another by the cutting operation; the device is characterized by a clipping apparatus for shortening the body into portions, by a splitting apparatus for cutting through each shortened portion at least along the longitudinal plane and by a sorting system, in which a degreasing section may be provided between the clipping section and the sorting section.

Abstract: A vertical grinder wherein at least two rotating grinding tanks are provided on a horizontally movable bed body, vertically movable and rotatable rotary tanks containing grinding materials respectively for coarse, medium and lustrous finishes are arranged in parallel with them, a vertically movable main spindle is provided above one of said rotary tanks and a plurality of collect chucks are made rotatable and are suspended with a work fitted on the peripheral edge of the lower end surface of said main spindle and are inserted in turn into said rotary tanks respectively for coarse, medium and lustrous finishes to grind the work.

Abstract: A tray washing system includes conveyors which transport compartmented food service trays from a tray receiving mechanism to inverting and scrapping mechanisms and through washing, rinsing and drying mechanisms to a stacking mechanism. The receiving mechanism restricts trays to insertion in a predetermined orientation in which the food receiving surfaces face upwardly, and the inverting mechanism inverts each tray so that the food receiving surface faces downwardly. As each tray is inverted, the scrapping mechanism discharges substantially the entire contents of a cleaning fluid reservoir onto the food receiving surface of the tray, and thereby dislodges refuse and silverware that may be on the tray. The washing, rinsing and drying mechanism apply a water-detergent solution, rinse water, and drying air to the trays, respectively, and the stacking mechanism deposits the trays onto a mobile self-depressing tray receiver.

Abstract: The invention is for a cleaning system for dishware and related items including a combination compacting means with conveying, washing, rinsing and drying means. The compacting means includes a trough, a screw conveyor and a source of air current for separating solid and liquid waste and compacting the same, the liquid waste being suitably disposed of by forcible disposal through a foraminous subfloor in the trough.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing nails in polished and clean form comprising means to carry out the steps of providing a continuous flow of nails from a source, subjecting the nails to a vibratory separating mechanism to remove unwanted particles of matter, cleaning the nails by moving same through a vibratory trough while spraying cleaning solution over the nails, and polishing and drying the nails by moving same through a vibratory trough filled with a drying and polishing media while heating the mix within the trough.

Abstract: A scrap washing system wherein scrap metal, such as crushed engine blocks or other oil and grease contaminated metal scrap, is cleaned by a washing operation to remove the oil, grease or other foreign materials prior to the melting of the scrap for reuse, the system including a drum-type tumble and hot wash machine wherein the scrap parts are first subjected to a tumbling or impacting step to remove loose residue, the scrap then being soaked in a bath of hot cleaning solution and then subjected to a spray cleaning step prior to discharge from the drum, the system including conveyor mechanism for continuously recovering scrap fines discharged from the drum as an incident of the recovery and recycling of the washing solution, together with means for continuously collecting and removing both oil and sludge from the system as the washing solution is collected for reuse.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an automatic glass washer and chiller dispenser which pre-washes, immersion washes, hot rinses, cold rinses and chills cocktail and high ball glasses, including beer glasses and mugs on a ferris wheel type rotary transfer mechanism which moves dirty glasses through a wash, rinse and chill cycle in a compact cabinet structure for either bar use or service bar use.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically processing carrying trays having used culinary items and refuse thereon whereby desired operations, such as collection and cleaning of reusable culinary items (e.g. knives, forks and spoons), separation and disposal of waste, and cleaning of the trays can be effected without need for operating personnel. In preferred systems the apparatus automatically stacks the cleaned trays and sorts and collects the cleaned reusable culinary items by type so that the trays and the culinary items are readily available for reuse.