Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a heating device, a freezing device, and a conveying belt. The heating device includes a hot water source and a hot water container. The hot water container includes an exit shutter and defines a water inlet and a water outlet. The hot water source being communicated to the hot water container via the water inlet. The freezing device includes an aerosol spray system and a freezing container. The spray system includes a spray head. The freezing container includes an entrance shutter. The spray head is received in the freezing container. The conveying belt extends into the hot water container via the exit shutter and into the freezing container via the entrance shutter and thereby bridges the hot water container and the freezing container.

Abstract: When, according to the invention, a washing system (1) is made of a pipe of synthetic material, where the pipe is divided into a washing tunnel (5) and a tank (6) separated by a package conveyor (3) and a drain bottom (7), a washing system is achieved, where the system may be advantageously by established by coupling a plurality of pipes together and by introducing a fully mounted drain bottom via an open pipe end. The selection of synthetic material as a pipe material results in great savings of material, while providing a tunnel which is stable and self supporting, and which is sound and heat insulating and hygienic, so that both the initial and the operating costs are reduced significantly.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a heating device, a freezing device, and a conveying belt. The heating device includes a hot water source and a hot water container. The hot water container includes an exit shutter and defines a water inlet and a water outlet. The hot water source being communicated to the hot water container via the water inlet. The freezing device includes an aerosol spray system and a freezing container. The spray system includes a spray head. The freezing container includes an entrance shutter. The spray head is received in the freezing container. The conveying belt extends into the hot water container via the exit shutter and into the freezing container via the entrance shutter and thereby bridges the hot water container and the freezing container.

Abstract: A tunnel washer that includes fluid exhaust paths that are optimized to minimize fluid transfer between chambers of the washer and minimize heat loss from each chamber of the washer. The fluid exhaust paths also facilitate uniform vapor evacuation from each chamber of the washer. The tunnel washer also includes spaced-apart double wall curtains for isolating chambers of the tunnel washer to prevent fluid and heat transfer therebetween, and to the exterior of the tunnel washer. The double wall curtains include surfaces that inhibit the curtains from sticking together during operation of the tunnel washer. The tunnel washer also includes an air manifold that provides uniform drying efficiency for articles of varying dimensions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention improve the efficiency of a cleaning process for cleaning a component part of a magnetic disk drive in a magnetic disk drive manufacturing line. According to one embodiment, a magnetic disk part cleaning apparatus is included in a head stack assembly (HSA) cleaning line for cleaning head stack assemblies of magnetic disk drives included in a magnetic disk drive manufacturing line. The magnetic disk part cleaning apparatus is disposed between a HSA assembly line for assembling a head stack assembly, and head disk assembly (HDA) assembly line for assembling a head disk assembly including the head stack assembly and is connected directly to at least either of the HSA assembly line and the HDA assembly line.

Abstract: A portable food tray pre-wash and water recycling apparatus and method for pre-washing reusable food trays prior to placement in a separate cleaning and sanitizing unit that significantly reduces water wasted in kitchen and scullery areas. The apparatus includes a portable cabinet having a slot in a top end for inserting a food tray, laterally opposed spray nozzles beneath the slot that spray both sides of the tray, laterally opposed rotating brushes beneath the nozzles that scrub the tray, a tray support and brush comb member that supports the tray in a vertical position and removes particles from the brushes, a series of removable incrementally smaller gauge filters vertically spaced beneath the brushes that slide in from one side to filter the water, a water reservoir beneath the filters, a heating unit to heat and disinfect the filtered water, and a pump that recycles heated water back to the nozzles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor device which is used to transport work-pieces, especially the work-pieces of motor vehicle bodies, through a processing area for surface treatment of said work-pieces, comprising a conveyor which brings the work-pieces which are respectively maintained by a holder into the processing area; transports them through said area and removes them therefrom. The inventive conveyor device requires less maintenance in comparison with known conveyor devices. The holders respectively comprise a base part which moves in a translatory movement along a conveyor device and a rotating part on which the work-piece is arranged and which is held in such a way that it is rotatable on the base part. The conveyor comprises at least one drive device enabling at least one directly driven respective holder to be driven directly in a movement along the conveyor device.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing eggs including a housing with a first feed conveyor for receiving them through the housing inlet for conveying same to a second conveyor which transports them through an intermediate egg washer with various brushes and including a dispenser to apply cleaning solution onto eggs therebelow. Eggs are then transferred from the second conveyor to a third conveyor and transported through a lower washing station for final cleaning. Eggs then exit through a housing outlet for sanitizing and/or drying as may be necessary. The three conveyors are vertically tiered with, optionally, the second conveyor moving oppositely relatively to the first and third conveyor. In this manner a three tiered arranging of conveyors is provided. A pre-washing station can also, optionally, be included.

Abstract: A machine for washing scraps of fibrous material where the fibrous material has been impregnated with resin, and the machine extracts the resin via the use of appropriate solvents. The machine includes a closed, hollow container having an inlet and an outlet. The container encloses at least one conveyor belt. At least one overhead spraying device is situated over the conveyor belt. The overhead spraying device delivers solvent which is contained in at least one solvent tank. A drying device is installed at the finishing end of the conveyor belt so as to be upstream of the outlet of the container. A process is also provided for washing scraps of fibrous material impregnated with resin. The process includes the steps of feeding the scraps into a closed, hollow container, washing the scraps with at least one solvent spray, and drying the washed scraps inside of the container.

Abstract: A submerged conveyance structure for a photosensitive material, including a main body, a blade, and a blade press. The blade covers the slit hole in the state with the portions other than the portion contacting the photosensitive material, that is, the vicinity of the end edges of both sides in the longitudinal direction and the vicinity of the end edge on the opposite side with respect to the side elastically contacting the conveyance path upper wall surface, nipped by the blade press and the first tilted surface having the slit hole. Thus, the sealing property can further be made certain at the portions other than the portion that contacts the photosensitive material.

Abstract: A pre-clean deluge system for cleaning automobile white bodies including a cleaning solution filtration and distribution system. The filtration system includes a series of filters specially adapted to remove metal particles from the cleaning solution. The distribution system includes deluge cannons that are position so as to deliver cleaning solution to the interior of the white body in a location during the white body travel so that the particles flushed therefrom are introduced into a small tank prior to a main tank in which the white body is subsequently immersed. The distribution system also provides regulated flow of cleaning solution to the deluge cannons, as well as a bypass to facilitate cycling of cleaning solution for end-of-shift filtration purposes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the fine cleaning of a thin substrate. The apparatus has a transporter capable of moving the substrate through the apparatus by non-fluid contact with the edges of the substrate alone. In a typical embodiment, the transporter is a series of centrally-tapered rollers. As the substrate is moved through the apparatus by the transporter, its central section is supported by a fluid. Thus, the substrate moves through the apparatus without contact with any solid material except on its edges. As the substrate is moved through the apparatus by the transporter, fluid ejectors wash the substrate by spraying a cleaning fluid against the substrate. After being washed, the substrate is rinsed and then dried. Anti-dragout devices are positioned upstream and downstream of the washing and rinsing sections so as to minimize liquid dragout.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for high-purity bottling of beverages and an apparatus for carrying out such a method. For achieving high-purity bottling within a confined space and for reducing the operating expenses in comparison with conventional plants, it is suggested that an immersion bath sterilizer should be connected directly to a rotary filling machine and that the rotary filling machine should be arranged in a clean room, whereas in the area of the bottle conveying path through said clean room ultraclean-room conditions are created.

Abstract: An apparatus for bacteriologically decontaminating poultry carcasses and then chilling the carcasses to a preservation temperature includes a decontaminating tank and a chilling tank. The decontaminating tank holds a disinfectant solution, which is maintained at a temperature from about 45.degree.-75.degree. C. The poultry carcasses are immersed in the tank for a period of about 3-10 seconds, depending upon the temperature, higher temperatures requiring less time than lower temperatures. Sonic transducers are used to sonicate the poultry to dislodge bacteria, and spray curtains wash the bacteria off of the carcasses. The heated temperature increases the effect of the disinfectant solution. After removal of the carcasses from the decontaminating tank, they are transferred to a chilling tank, which contains a liquid maintained at a temperature from about 0.degree.-3.degree. C. The carcasses remain in the chilling tank for at least 45 minutes, to assure that the carcasses are thoroughly cooled.

Abstract: When carrying out a method for sterile bottling of beverages, which comprises the steps of cleaning the bottles first in a cleaning station by means of lye, transporting them then to a separate filling station, filling them in said filling station with the previously sterilized beverage, and closing them finally in a closing station, the sterilization of the interior of the bottles by introducing steam and/or hot water is carried out several times successively in spatially separated stations. This fractional sterilization of the bottles achieves a very high germ destruction rate, the amount of energy consumed being low and the bottles being treated carefully. In addition, measures against a reinfection of the bottles in the area of transport between the stations can be dispensed with so that a good accessibility of the transport area is guaranteed.

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: A system for cleaning elongated objects is disclosed. The system utilizes an infeed conveyor without pusher flights and an outfeed conveyor with pusher flights. The conveyors are arranged to form an angular section near the bottom of the tank. A flip back plate rejects objects from the outfeed conveyor so that the objects are continuously circulated from the bottom of the angular section to the top of the angular section.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the fine cleaning of a thin substrate. The apparatus has a transporter capable of moving the substrate through the apparatus by non-fluid contact with the edges of the substrate alone. In a typical embodiment, the transporter is a series of centrally-tapered rollers. As the substrate is moved through the apparatus by the transporter, its central section is supported by a fluid. Thus, the substrate moves through the apparatus without contact with any solid material except on its edges. As the substrate is moved through the apparatus by the transporter, fluid ejectors wash the substrate by spraying a cleaning fluid against the substrate. After being washed, the substrate is rinsed and then dried. Anti-dragout devices are positioned upstream and downstream of the washing and rinsing sections so as to minimize liquid dragout.

Abstract: Oil quenched works are immersed in water at a temperature of 75.degree. C. while the works are maintained at a temperature of not lower than 100.degree. C. In the step of immersing the works in water, the water boils on the surfaces of the works to remove most quenching oil from the surface of the works. A part of oil removed from the works is caused to overflow from the upper portion of a water bath and exhausted therefrom. In the step of immersing the works in water, the works are retained at a temperature suited for an alkaline cleaner. After having been taken out of the water, the works are cleaned in a step of showering water. A step of immersing the works in the alkaline cleaner is performed before the temperature of the works becomes lower than 60.degree.C. The alkaline cleaner used in the step of immersing the works in the alkaline cleaner is maintained at a temperature of 70.degree. C..+-.5.degree. C. In this range of the temperature, quenching oil is continuously removed stably for a long time.

Abstract: A machine for the cleaning of bottles having an endless conveyor for transporting the bottles through the machine and past associated treatment devices, the endless conveyor being guided in a horizontally extending, spiral-like path through at least two portions of the machine, the path of travel extending in one direction in a first portion and in the opposite direction in a second portion, the two paths of travel of the endless conveyor being disposed one above the other within the machine.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating workpieces with a fluid, in particular for cleaning metallic workpieces prior to a subsequent heat treatment are disclosed. The workpieces are positioned in an air-tight washing vessel. The vessel is filled with an immersion bath substantially covering the workpieces and having a temperature of between 50.degree. C. and 90.degree. C. After closing the washing vessel it is evacuated down to a vacuum having a pressure being below the saturation vapor pressure of the fluid at the prevailing temperature. Thus, the fluid starts to boil although its temperature is substantially below the boiling temperature of the fluid at atmospheric pressure. After a certain period of time of maintaining the vacuum and the boiling, the vacuum is relieved and the bath is discharged.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating workpieces with a fluid, in particular for cleaning metallic workpieces prior to a subsequent heat treatment are disclosed. According to claimed method the workpieces are positioned in a washing vessel and are entirely overflowed with a pressureless swell of a treating fluid. After a certain period of time, a discharge opening in the vessel is closed so that an immersion bath is filled in. When the workpieces are entirely immersed in the treating fluid, the fluid is agitated by means of air bubbles. During subsequent bath discharge the workpieces are continuously overflowed by the treating fluid in order to avoid chemical reactions with the ambient atmosphere. Finally, the workpieces are dried by means of a vacuum dryer.

Abstract: In a liquid cleaning process and apparatus where work pieces such as printed circuit boards are cleaned in an isolated enclosure, there is provided an inert gas purging system within the enclosure and a recycling condenser within the isolated enclosure to recycle all vapors from cleaning tanks within the enclosure. The apparatus has a cleaning tank and a water tank, an isolated enclosure extends between the tanks and has liquid seal dividers that extend down into the tanks. The work pieces pass on a conveyor through the cleaning tank, under a first divider, and into the enclosure where cleaning occurs. The work pieces then pass through the water tank under the second divider. A condenser is positioned above the isolated enclosure which condenses vapors rising from the enclosure and the condensate is recirculated to the cleaning tank and the water tank.

Abstract: Improvements in washing machines for bottles or the like, by immersing bottles into hot washing solution, wherein in the front and rear zones, at that of higher temperature, the washing solution is forced to circulate in a direction opposite to that of the movement direction of the bottles.

Abstract: A pasteurizing machine which automatically adjusts the level of the pasteurizing water, and which comprises three water containers placed superposed to one another. The pasteurizing water is heated in the lowermost container and pumped to the upper one. The bottom of said upper container is provided with apertures which permit dripping of water into the intermediate container in which a conveyor belt travels.

Abstract: A dryer system for a liquid cleaning apparatus has a dehumidifier to remove vapors, droplets of liquid cleaning agent and recirculate dry gas onto workpieces moving on a conveyor. The dryer is particularly useful for removing solvents and restricts solvents escaping from the cleaning apparatus. The dryer has an enclosed tunnel from an enclosed liquid containing tank, a conveyor passes from the tank through the tunnel towards an exit. A dehumidifier is associated with the tunnel to remove vapor and liquid particles from atmosphere above the tank and in the tunnel, and supplies dry gas to assist in drying workpieces leaving the tank and passing through the tunnel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning workpieces, particularly printed circuit boards upon which electrical components have been soldered, is capable of using a potentially flammable or explosive liquid cleaning solvent. In one embodiment, there are two immersion wash stages between which is a spray wash stage. The spray wash stage is formed as a closed chamber which is sealed when the immersion wash stages by liquid seals. To reduce the danger of fire or explosion in the spray wash stage an inert gas such as Nitrogen is introduced into the closed chamber. In another embodiment the spray nozzles are immersed in liquid solvent in a combined immersion/spray wash stage. This reduces atomization of the flammable solvent further reducing the danger of fire or explosion.

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 sterilizing apparatus for sterilizing a hollow prism-shaped carton open at both ends includes a sterilizing station, a drying station, and a solution-removing station located between the sterilizing station and the drying station. The solution-removing station has a solution-removing device which rotates intermittently in synchronism with carton conveyers. The solution-removing device includes a plurality of thin and long mandrels extending in a radial direction and spaced apart from each other at regular intervals. Each mandrel supports a carton and has a nozzle which supplies the aseptic air from an aseptic air source into the carton.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating plastics from contaminants which includes a separation tank, a wash tank, a rinse tank, a lift conveyor, and a material dryer is disclosed. The separation tank is filled with a separation solution and includes a discharge auger for discharging material that sinks and a discharge chute for discharging materials that float. The separation tank may be rotated so that sink or float materials may be alternately deposited in the wash tank. The wash tank is filled with a wash solution and includes a discharge auger for discharging material from the wash tank into a rinse tank. The rinse tank is filled with a rinse solution and includes a discharge auger for discharging material to a lift conveyor. Both the wash and rinse tanks include adjustable front and rear legs, and a center support leg for adjusting the solution level in relation to their respective discharge augers for optimizing washing or rinsing of either float or sink materials.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method accomplished by the apparatus is disclosed for cleaning shards, such as clay pigeon fragments, of debris and contaminant materials for recycling. The apparatus includes a reservoir containing a washing fluid and a moving conveyor partially submerged in the fluid. A screen has an outlet positioned above the submerged portion of the conveyor so that the shards may pass along the screen to the conveyor while some debris and contaminant material falls through the screen and into the reservoir away from the conveyor. The shards are washed in the fluid and are conveyed by the conveyor out of the fluid and past a bank of spray nozzles which spray the shards in a direction against the motion of the conveyor. Preferably, the screen from the bottom of a hopper and the shards are introduced by the hopper onto the conveyor under the influence of a fluid spray. A pump system circulates fluid through the various sprayers. A weir is included to trap buoyant debris.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing containers comprises a closed sterilized chamber having a container inlet and a container outlet, an antiseptic vessel and a rinse vessel arranged within the sterilized chamber, and a group of container transport devices for transporting each container within the sterilized chamber from the inlet to the outlet by way of the vessels.

Abstract: A transport apparatus for moving a plurality of article transport devices into and out of a plurality of stations includes an endless band conveyor which moves above the stations, a plurality of article transport devices being supported on and moved by the conveyor past the stations, a first motor connected with the conveyor for moving the conveyor to move the article transport devices to each of the stations in turn, a second motor connected with the entire conveyor apparatus for raising and lowering it thereby to move the transport devices and the articles they support at each station into and out of the stations for treatment, and a common control unit connected with the motors for moving the conveyor past the stations and for moving the conveyor up and down and for coordinating these operations. The conveyor itself comprises a pair of parallel endless bands on which the transport devices are supported and are moved.

Abstract: Photoresist baked upon integrated circuit wafers is mechanically stripped therefrom. Wafers are unloaded from boats at the top of an elevator within a vertical housing filled with stripper solution, then deposited on a conveyor and carried through a horizontal housing also filled with stripper. The wafers are sprayed by high pressure stripper pumped through a nozzle at the end of their horizontal travel. The wafers are then transferred to another housing where they are rinsed, dried and, optionally, reloaded.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for cleaning and recycling flexible floating cleaning plugs introduced into and propelled by water pressure through the cooling water tubes of a power plant heat exchanger located near a flowing body of water. A cooling water outlet conduit delivers used cooling water from the exit end of the heat exchanger cooling water tubes, together with a plurality of flexible floating cleaning plugs propelled therethrough, discharging them into the flowing body of water upstream from a containment barrier. The barrier has a convergent weir region at its downstream end, and a conveyor carries floating cleaning plugs from the convergent weir through a washing spray positioned to sluice away the accumulated scale, sediment, dirt and sludge gathered by the plugs from the cooling water tubes. A cooling water pump has its intake positioned far downstream in said flowing body of water or in a different body of water.

Abstract: A process of cleaning the film transport rolls of developing apparatus having a transport system comprising a plurality of pairs of rolls for transporting the film from an inlet through successive aqueous baths and a drying section and out of a discharge, some of the rolls being above and others below the liquid level in the baths comprises passing lengthwise through the transport system of the apparatus a rectangular sheet of fleece material having fibers oriented parallel to one another and to the longitudinal edges of the sheet. The fibers are made of a material which is substantially free of swelling by the action of the baths of the developing apparatus. However, the liquid of the baths is absorbed in the interstices between the fibers of the fleece material so that as the cleaning material passes along the transport system it moistens those rolls which are above the liquid level and may have dried out. Any soluble impurities on such rolls are thereby dissolved.

Abstract: Apparatus for the aseptic packaging of high acid foods having a pH below 4.6 includes conveying means with carrier plate receptacles having orifices to receive preformed cups, the orifices being contoured to match the shape of the sealing flanges of the cups. The conveying means carries cups through a lock of liquid sterilant, past sprays that ensure against air pockets in the cups, through a bath of sterilant liquid in submerged, inverted position, lifts the cups from the bath and into a chamber of sterile inert gas, allowing liquid sterilant to drain therefrom, moves the cups in sequence to filling means and then to sealing means, where cover elements, pre-sterilized from the liquid of the cup bath, dried and preheated, are applied to hermetically close the cups by the action of heat and pressure. Jets of the sterile inert gas, recirculated from the chamber, are directed at the cups after liquid sterilant has drained therefrom, so as to dry the sealing flanges of the cups.

Abstract: A machine for chemically frosting articles made of glass, more particularly flasks, of the type comprising a continuous conveyor-chain passing consecutive treatment stations, from frosting to drying, and furthermore comprising holders in the form of sealing stoppers for the flasks; the conveyor-chain is made of a material resistant to the reactants used, is equipped with hooking means co-operating with holders for the articles to be frosted, and is in the form of links hinged in pairs about an axis; the axis is extended outwardly on at least one side of the chain to act as a hooking means for the holders of the articles.

Abstract: In bottle transporting apparatus, noise resulting from bottles colliding with each other and noise emitted by the transport mechanism is suppressed by moving the bottles in a water bath which immerses the mechanism and at least partially immerses the bottles so the sound is absorbed and attenuated by the water. Means are provided for partially filling the bottles with liquid before they reach locations where noise would be generated and this further suppresses noise. Water jets are used to assist bottle movement where the bottles are transported on conveyors and the jets may be used as the sole propulsion force in apparatus wherein the bottles are simply pushed along smooth support surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning dirty objects with fluids is disclosed. The apparatus has a housing within which a high pressure wash chamber is located at the input end of the housing. A high pressure rinse chamber is located at the discharge end of the housing. An immersion chamber containing cleaning fluid is disposed between the wash chamber and the rinse chamber. The dirty objects are moved serially through the wash chamber, the immersion chamber and the rinse chamber to clean the dirty objects by mechanical scrubbing and chemical action. A guide rail system is provided to insure that dirty objects less dense than the cleaning fluid are submerged into the cleaning fluid in the immersion chamber. In the preferred embodiment, ultrasonic transducers are mounted in the immersion chamber below the level of the chemical fluid to generate vibrations to loosen and remove a portion of the dirt therein.

Abstract: In can manufacturing apparatus there is provided an overhead magnetic conveyor for transferring cans from a conveyor upon which they are coated to a conveyor upon which the cans are dried. To remove excess coating material which tends to form a bead around the lower most edge of a can, a bath of coating material solvent is disposed adjacent to the transfer conveyor and has within it an endless belt conveyor to which cans on the overhead conveyor are caused to fall and from which those cans are subsequently returned to the overhead conveyor. The upper, can carrying course of the endless belt conveyor is disposed at a predetermined depth below the surface of solvent within the cans so that excess material accumulating on the lower portions of the cans in the coating region is removed prior to entry of the cans into the drying oven.

Abstract: A cleaning machine for containers, especially bottles, which includes an endless transporting system for transporting containers to be cleaned through the machine, and which also includes a water pre-softening arrangement comprising at least two softening baths arranged one behind the other when viewed in the container transporting direction of the transporting system with the respective front bath having a lower temperature than the respective succeeding bath. The transporting system is over a considerable portion of its transporting path passed through the softening baths in submerged condition so as to also submerge therein the containers being transported by the transporting system.

Abstract: In the flow coating of inverted metal cans, an unhardened bead of excess coating material at the lower edge of the can is removed in a thinner bath through which the can is passed while hanging suspended from a conveyor. The thinner dissolves the bead and removes the coating on the lower edge of the can. The conveyor lifts the can out of the pool on a gradually rising path with the can hanging essentially vertical. Unhardened coating on the can sidewall above the area from which it has been removed, flows down and recoats the lower edge essentially uniformly but not to excessive thickness.

Abstract: A container washer equipped with external label filter means and label separator means connected in a two-stage circulating system in which a chamber for the label filter means receives washing solution burdened with labels from the container washer and the filter means holds out the labels so the washing solution returned to the container washer is free of labels and in which a portion of the washing solution burdened with labels filtered out by the filter means is drawn into a label separator means which extracts the labels and delivers label free washing solution to the filter means to flush off labels that may cling to the filter means.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for removing and collecting labels from bottles while the bottles are being cleaned prior to being fed into a filling line in a bottling plant. During cleaning, the bottles are transported in inverted position in pockets of a pocket conveyor through a series of caustic baths. To avoid contaminating these baths with freed labels, they are removed by sprays while the bottles travel between a pair of baths. The novel device includes downwardly directed spray for spraying rinsing solution on the bottles and a collecting trough beneath the sprays and pockets to collect the rinsing solution and labels. To permit free passage of the labels out of the pockets, a cam mechanism is provided which lifts the bottle shoulders out of engagement with the pockets while the labels are being removed.

Abstract: Apparatus adapted for cleaning or degreasing work pieces by contacting with an organic degreasing agent such as a halogenated hydrocarbon. The work pieces are moved in and out of contact with the degreasing agent and are supported on an array of substantially parallel, spaced, elongate members, in fixed position. Means are included for moving the work pieces across the top surface of the array in the direction of elongation of the members.

Abstract: Apparatus for forceably flushing labels from containers being conveyed in pockets through a container washing machine, and a system of fluid flow in the apparatus for extracting the flushed out labels from the washing solution so the latter solution may be recirculated to repeat the flushing cycle. The fluid flow system is arranged to operate in a manner that will conserve energy without impairing the effectiveness of the flushing action.

Abstract: Container washing apparatus arranged for controlling the handling of the labels as they detach from the containers and for collecting the labels in spaced zones which are in communication through a system of transfer passages and baffles so that fluid flow directing nozzles will be effective to move the labels in an orderly and substantially non-turbulent manner to an outlet connected to apparatus for separating out the labels and returning the washing solution for reuse.

Abstract: As the bottles go through the bottle washing machines the inside of each bottle is sprayed at various locations at each of which the bottle conveyor travels an arcuate path, the center of which is generally coincident with the center of the rotary spray pipe. The rotary spray pipe is provided with rows of aligned spray nozzles each of which lines up with the neck of a bottle in the conveyor as it passes over the spray area. A header surrounds the pipe at each nozzle location with a segment of the header removed to allow the nozzles to spray the adjacent bottles as the nozzles pass the cutout section. For the remainder of a revolution the nozzle is blanked off by the header. The bottles are always synchronized with the nozzles since the conveyor sprocket rotates with the spray pipe. A backflush pipe is fixed below and communicates with the header so water can be flushed through the nozzles in reverse direction for cleaning.