Abstract: A multiple stage processing device having a plurality of radial stages, each individual radial stage is positioned between adjacent dividing walls and indexable though a plurality of processing stations. A plurality of fixture mount assemblies are positioned on an actuation surface of the rotatable indexing assembly, each individual fixture mount assembly is associated with and mechanically coupled to an individual radial stage. One or more slotted drive hubs communicatively coupled to independently operable drive motors are positioned adjacent to the actuation surface of the rotatable indexing assembly and are engageable with the plurality of fixture mount assemblies.

Abstract: A tire dressing applicator comprises a support and one or more foam plastic elements mounted on the support so as to contact a tire sidewall and transfer dressing onto the tire sidewall. A distribution system drips or drizzles dressing onto the element(s) after which it is spread over and into the element(s) surface. The elements can be toroidal or rectangular and have anti-distortion pins embedded therein.

Abstract: A method for treating substrates with treating liquids, using a treating tank for storing the treating liquids, a holding mechanism for holding the substrates in a treating position inside the treating tank, first and second treating liquid supply devices, a temperature control device, and a control device. A first treating liquid is supplied into the treating tank, then a second treating liquid of lower surface tension and higher boiling point than the first treating liquid is supplied, and placed in a temperature range above the boiling point of the first treating liquid and below the boiling point of the second treating liquid. Then the second treating liquid supply device may be controlled to replace the first treating liquid with the second treating liquid, while controlling the temperature control device to maintain the second treating liquid in the same temperature range.

Abstract: A cleaning assembly for containers, particularly for bottles, having a conveying device on which the containers are arranged by means of a receptacle means. To economically and ecologically improve the cleaning assembly, the receptacle means contains a liquid-tight tubular for an individual cleaning of the containers.

Abstract: A tire dressing applicator comprises a support shaft mounted between the ends of a bracket and a plurality of tire dressing applicator foam rollers mounted on the shaft for rotation both with the shaft and in unison with one another and, as necessary when contacting a tire sidewall, relative to the shalt itself to prevent and/or reduce unnecessary roller wear. A drizzle-type system of dressing dispenser pipes drizzles dressing onto the outside surfaces of the rollers and a felt flap spreads the dressing and prevents waste which is characteristic of spray type systems. A quick-release mechanism associated with one end of the roller shaft where it is connected to the bracket permits the shaft to be released for the purpose of replacing worn rollers. Individual rollers are constructed using hard plastic cages which are adhesively bonded in toroidal foam volumes to prevent lateral scrunching or distortion of rollers during use.

Abstract: A moisture control system generally comprising a collector element is configured to be incorporated into a structure to control moisture condensation on the interior and exterior of the structure. The collector element encourages condensation on its surface. The control system includes a channel in fluid communication with the collector element to direct the condensed liquid away from the control element.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a surface treatment apparatus capable of carrying out a surface treatment, a water washing process, a drying process, etc. automatically in an assembly line manner and in a space-saving installation area.

Abstract: A system for treating, in liquids, a mass-production parts contained in transport baskets, comprising at least one tank which contains liquid for submerging the transport baskets, at least one transport vehicle for the transport baskets by which the transport baskets can be moved over the at least one tank, at least one basket carrier which is arranged at the transport vehicle in such a way that its height is adjustable, which is able to grip a transport basket, submerge same in the tank, rotatingly drive same around an axis and lift same out of the tank, as well as a clamp for securing the basket carrier relative to the at least one tank.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention comprises a plurality of vessels, each vessel having a soil intake opening, a soil discharge opening, and a soil motivator associated therewith. The apparatus also has a liquid delivery system configured to deliver a liquid into at least one of the vessels, and a drainage system configured to collect the liquid and the contaminants. The vessels are arranged in sequence so that soil discharged from the discharge opening of one vessel is directly deposited into the intake opening of the next vessel. The method of the invention comprises the steps of: introducing the contaminated soil into a first vessel; washing the soil with a first liquid cleaning agent; passing the soil through a plurality of vessels in sequence wherein said first liquid cleaning agent is removed by a second liquid cleaning agent and water; draining said second liquid cleaning agent and water from the soil; and, rinsing the soil with water.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting contaminating species such as metal particles on a wafer edge from a semiconductor fabrication process are disclosed. In the method, a wafer is suspended and rotated in a container with a volume of solvent at a bottom portion of the container such that only an edge portion of the wafer is exposed to the solvent. After the wafer is turned in the solvent such that the entire edge portion of the wafer has been exposed to the solvent, the solvent may be removed for analyzing in an electronic instrument for detecting the species of contaminating particles. The apparatus further includes a wafer mounting device for supporting the wafer which can be adjusted in height to suit wafers of different diameters.

Abstract: A machine for treating bulk material of industrial volume parts, having a treatment drum which is arranged with a horizontal axis and can be driven in both directions of rotation around said axis, the treatment drum comprises a permanently open co-axial inlet aperture and a permanently open co-axial discharge aperture, the treatment drum comprises a set of worm-like inner blades which extend at least as far as the discharge aperture and which, in the first direction of rotation of the treatment drum, reposition the bulk material in the drum and, in the second direction of rotation of the treatment drum, convey the bulk material through the discharge aperture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for removing material from the edge of a disk. In one embodiment, the edge of the disk is contacted with etchant via an etchant containing swab or trough (which may contain one or more transducers) and is rotated such that successive portions of the disk edge are scanned through the trough or past the swab. To prevent etchant from contacting the major surface of the substrate, and/or to prevent excessive etching, the edge of the disk is contacted with a rinsing fluid (e.g., a rinsing fluid nozzle or a trough filled with rinsing fluid). In a further embodiment material such as residue or particles may be removed via a trough containing sonically energized rinsing fluid.

Abstract: Baffle plates 9 extending in a peripheral direction along an internal surface of an air-permeable and water-permeable drum 1 are spacedly arranged in an axial direction, and paper stock cleaning zones 10 are formed between the every adjacent pair of baffle plates 9. Raking plates 12 for raking up paper stock liquid in the cleaning zones 10 in a direction of rotation of the drum are spacedly arranged in the peripheral direction between the adjacent baffle plates 9. The raking plates 12 are allowed to project from internal edges of the baffle plates 9. The paper stock moves, zone by zone, through the cleaning zones 10 formed between the baffle plates 9 and reaches a paper stock outlet port 5. The paper stock, when in the paper stock cleaning zones 10, is raked up in the peripheral direction by the raking plates 12 in accordance with rotation of the air-permeable and water-permeable drum 1 and falls by force of gravity, repeatedly.

Abstract: A system for cleaning totes is disclosed in which each tote has a fill opening at its top and a dispensing valve, both of which are open to an interior chamber of the tote. The system includes a conveyor line having a receiving end and a discharge end and which is adapted to transport the totes from the receiving and to the discharge end. At a first station along the conveyor, the tote is initially drained of any remaining fluid within its interior and the tote is then moved to a second station. At the second station, a wash solution is cycled through the tote in order to clean the interior of the tote. The wash solution is recycled and appropriate fillers are used to remove the impurities from the wash solution. The tote then progressively moves through three rinse stations along the conveyor line in which each rinse station includes a lid attachable to the fill opening of the tote and which progressively rinses the interior of the tote.

Abstract: A manifold and valve block assembly, particularly for a bottle washer designed for plastic returnable bottles. The manifold and valve block assembly provides for the successive supply of a plurality of different cleansing and sanitizing solutions, and also for residual fluid removal and drying, to an internal spray nozzle positioned within a bottle being cleaned, and also to spray nozzles positioned externally of the bottle. The internal spray nozzle is mounted on a lance which is driven by different fluids between a fully retracted position within the valve block assembly and a fully extended position in which it is positioned within a bottle being cleaned. The lance is longitudinally movably positioned within a drive cylinder, and has a central fluid flow passageway which communicates with the spray nozzle mounted on the upper end thereof.

Abstract: A workpiece holding apparatus provides concurrent rotational motion to a workpiece as it is held. The apparatus comprises a support bracket for mounting on a fixed or movable support structure. A pair of spaced apart, axially rotatable engaging rollers, each having a circumferential surface profile complementary to a profile of a workpiece, are located on the first support bracket for partially engaging a circumferential surface of the workpiece. A support arm having a third axially rotatable engaging roller with a circumferential surface profile complementary to a profile of a workpiece for partially engaging the circumferential surface of the workpiece is pivotably mounted on the support structure. The support arm is biased toward the support bracket to enable engagement of each axially rotatable engaging roller with an appropriately positioned workpiece, or is pivoted away from the support bracket to release the workpiece from the engaging rollers.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning and drying machine and method in which batches of articles to be cleaned and dried are indexed along a path of travel which follows a compact loop through an ultrasonic cleaning and rinsing station, where the articles are cleaned and rinsed at a first location for a first predetermined timed interval, and a drying station, where the articles are subjected to drying at further locations for a second predetermined timed interval which is a multiple of the first predetermined timed interval, the further locations being equal in number to the multiple such that each batch of articles is cleaned and rinsed at the first location, and then is dried at each further location to complete the cleaning and drying along the compact loop and deliver a batch of clean and dry articles at the expiration of each first predetermined timed interval.

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: The resist-processing system according to the present invention includes at least one processing sections having a plurality of treatment units for performing various kinds of treatments on a semiconductor wafer such as the coating process and baking process, a loading section connected to the processing section for supplying the wafer to the processing section, a vacuum tweezer for carrying the wafer in the loading section so as to transfer the wafer from the loading section to the processing section, a handling robot for receiving the wafer from said loading section and transferring it in the processing section so as to load and unload the wafer to/from each of the treatment units, control means for controlling the operations of the vacuum tweezer and the handling robot in accordance with a predetermined program, and a passage provided in the processing section in such a manner the passage is disposed along with said plurality of treating units.

Abstract: An electrocoating machine for easy-open can ends has an electrocoating wheel rotatable about a horizontal axis and partially submersed in a bath of electrocoating solution. The electrocoating wheel carries ends into and through the bath. A transfer turret and elevator convey coated ends from the electrocoating wheel to a rinse wheel. The rinse wheel surrounds the electrocoating wheel and is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis. The rinse wheel is disposed in a tub which contains a plurality of nozzles for spraying rinse solution on the ends carried by the rinse wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which forms a photo-resist film on a substrate surface and/or develops it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning and sterilizing objects for example contact lenses, of the type of those comprising two containers, one for the sterilizing solution and the other for the neutralizing solution and a timer which actuates at the end of a predetermined interval a mechanical movement for transferring the contact lenses already sterilized in the first container during the predetermined interval, the apparatus being characterized by a movable device which carries and maintains the case for the lenses during their transfer from the sterilizing solution to the neutralizing solution.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for cleaning, rinsing and drying substrates, such as semiconductor wafers. The apparatus has a cleaning tank in which one or more megasonic transducers are located, the transducers being adapted to direct megasonic energy past the substrates for cleaning the same. The substrates are held in the cleaning tank by an improved holder which can be pivoted from one side to the other to present opposite side margins of the substrates to the megasonic energy field when otherwise such opposite side margins would not be exposed to such energy field due to the blocking action of parts of the holder. A rinse tank for containing a rinse solution is adjacent to the cleaning tank, and a robotic transfer arm mechanism moves the substrates in the holder from the cleaning tank to the rinse tank for immersion of the substrates into the rinse solution which can be heated to an elevated temperature or can be at ambient temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing film discs carried upon a rod engaged by a shift means whereby the discs are carried stepwise along a path aligned with a series of trays each containing a solution used in the processing. The film discs are wetted about their entire periphery when positioned in the trays by the action of spinner means that rotatably drive the rod.

Abstract: An explosion treatment apparatus useful for confined shock exposure of materials as for removal of sand cores from finished castings and, in particular, cores in permanent mold castings in which a horizontally axised index device successively presents plural and substantially similar cavities to a position at which sealing, evacuating, fueling and ignition occur. This results in an explosion which occurs upon closure of each chamber. After the confined explosion, the cavity is opened and all cavities are indexed so that the fired cavity can be unloaded, the previously unloaded cavity can be dumped, the next adjacent cavity can be reloaded, and the reloaded cavity is presented to closure.

Abstract: An apparatus, used in the treatment of cans, is made up of a number of individual units, each of which essentially comprises a pair of drums that are mounted for rotation about parallel axes which are vertically disposed. One of the drums is used in the treatment of the interior of the cans, while the other is utilized in the treatment of the exterior of the cans. Each of the rotary drums is provided with means for holding a number of cans in circumferential alignment around the outer periphery of the drum such that the longitudinal axes of the cans are radially oriented relative to the rotational axes of the drums. Other means are provided to successively transfer the cans from one drum to another. A number of such units can be used, in tandem, to treat the cans beginning from washing, rinsing and drying of the cans to heating, coating and drying of the coated cans.

Abstract: In film processing apparatus, a series of transfer members are respectively associated with successive baths of processing solution for transporting a plurality of film discs supported on a spindle from one bath to the next bath by transferring the spindle from one transfer member to the next transfer member over each bath.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating bean sprouts to remove hulls, cut-off roots from the sprouts, and to wash them. The apparatus comprises essentially an open-top tank having a chute at one end for receiving sprouts to be cleaned, and a plurality of jets adjacent to the chute which delivers water thereto to agitate the sprouts. A source of water under pressure includes spray nozzles for filling the tank and further agitation. A conduit extends to a low pressure screen drum. From the latter, another conduit extends to a pump. A discharge chute communicates with the screen drum. Between the screen drum and the feed chute is a cylindrical screen which rotates in unison with the screen drum. A motor-driven drive belt rotates the screen drum and the cylindrical screen in unison. The cylindrical screen enhances the agitation and partially removes foreign material from the cylindrical member. The screen drum also has a plurality of radially extending blades which not only further the agitation, but also pick up foreign matter.

Abstract: Apparatus and method in which a number of thin, disc-like wafers are moved in an arcuate path while supported in a generally upright position. While so supported, the wafers are indexed between a plurality of cleaning stations which may include a scrub station, a scrub rinse station, a rinse station, and a dry station. In the scrub rinse and/or scrub station, the wafers are rotated while contacted on opposite surfaces thereof by a pair of rotating brushes disposed in a closed position, which brushes may be moved to an open position to accommodate movement of the wafers therebetween. Furthermore, a bracket of unique construction serially moves the wafers into the travel path. Means for introducing the wafers to the path and for removing them therefrom are further included.

Abstract: Photographic processing of a plurality of film discs is accomplished by rotating the discs partially immersed in chemical solutions. Processing trays, which contain the solutions, conform to the peripheries of the discs, reducing the volumes of the solutions and making single use batches of the solutions attractive. Single and multiple-tray approaches are included and, at least in the latter case, a transport mechanism is provided for transferring the discs from tray-to-tray while rotating the discs between the trays.

Abstract: An industrial washing machine for washing each of a continuous flow of production components in turn has a group of jets mounted in a respective manifold casing at each of one or more washing stations. Each manifold casing is hinged to fixed structure and is held in abutment with a locator stop by a toggle lever latch. Each jet is precisely located in position for use by the combination of the respective locator stop and hinge and can be swung from that position when the respective latch is released in order to facilitate access to the jets for cleaning and/or access to a production component which is supported at the respective washing station for cleaning so that, if such a production component should be displaced, relocation is facilitated. The jets in each manifold casing have a smaller diameter and longer bore than do the remaining jets in the washing section of the machine.

Abstract: Processing apparatus includes a plurality of processing tanks with a separate film transport and agitating assembly for each tank. Each transport device receives film units, of the type having a plurality of disc-shaped film elements supported in spaced relation on an elongated shaft, and revolves the film units around a central axis, into and out of its processing tank. Each agitating device provides separate drive to rotate the film units on their shaft axes during movement in the tank. Successive transport devices can have different film unit capacities and move the film units at predetermined synchronous rates to facilitate a continuous throughput rate of film units into and out of the apparatus, but allow different processing periods in different processing tanks.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically processing photographic film disks immerses the disks in a plurality of baths of treatment solutions, one bath after another, spins the disks about a horizontal axis of rotation during successive immersions to agitate the disks in the baths, and spins the disks between successive immersions to remove excess solution from the disks. A horizontally supported spindle is used to accumulate the disks for high density processing, while a transport mechanism conveys the spindle between the baths and between first and second rotary drives to agitate and remove the excess solution from the disks, respectively, in accordance with an appropriate processing sequence.

Abstract: An automatic closure cleansing machine has at least two rotary carriers each having a plurality of receptacles arranged in equally spaced relation to each other and also in equally spaced relation to the axis of rotation of the corresponding rotary carrier, and first and second cleansing liquid applicators being positioned adjacent the rotary carriers, respectively, for spraying a cleansing liquid under pressure towards the closure members carried by the rotary carrier by the effect of a suction force. For this purpose, the receptacles on each rotary carrier are successively communicated to a source of vacuum. One of the opposed sides of each of the closure members is cleansed during the transportation of the closure member by the first rotary carrier while the other of the opposed sides of the closure member is cleansed during the transportation of the closure member by the second rotary carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid containing apparatus for receiving potatoes or other such fruits and vegetables wherein the received material is washed and/or treated by the contained fluid, after which the material is transferred from said apparatus by a driven paddle wheel assembly including a plurality of circumferentially spaced finger assemblies that engage the material within the apparatus and lift the material upwardly towards an exiting edge of said apparatus in a generally arcuate path motion, where the material is deposited onto an adjacent conveyor or otherwise received by some other appropriate receiving structure disposed adjacent to the apparatus.

Abstract: An arrangement for surface treating workpieces has a pair of rotary conveyors each rotatable about a respective vertical rotation axis and provided with a plurality of angularly spaced holders each of which can grip a respective workpiece and advance it angularly stepwise through a plurality of respective working stations. In addition each of these holders can be rotated about an axis generally radial of the respective rotation axis for the rotary conveyor for treatment on all sides of each workpiece as it is stepped through the various surface treatment stations. A line conveyor extends tangentially passed the two conveyors and is of the walking-beam type. This line conveyor feeds workpieces to the upstream conveyor so that they then move around the working stations of this upstream rotary conveyor, then takes them off the upstream rotary conveyor and feeds them to the downstream rotary conveyor where they are stepped through the respective working stations of this conveyor.

Abstract: A device for continuous blast treatment of parts is disclosed. The device employs an overhead monorail conveyor for carrying parts to be treated into a blast chamber where the parts are subject to a particulate blast, as for example, abrasive treatment. At least one rotary vestibule is employed to convey the parts on the monorail into and out of the blast chamber while providing dynamic abrasive tight sealing of the entrance and exit openings to the blast chamber.

Abstract: To permit versatile application of a washing machine for bottles of different sizes and shapes, a rotatable frame is located within a vessel, the frame having secured thereto a plurality of bottle holding, or retaining boxes, each adapted to hold one, or more bottles, which boxes are made of mesh, or similar material, and have an open top, the frame being arranged with holding means for mesh, grid or other tops, at different heights above the bottoms of the boxes; the frame rotates in the vessel, to dip the bottles into cleaning, rinsing and other treatment solutions and, when the bottles are facing upside down, spray means are arranged to spray washing liquid into the bottles. The vessel may be strong enough to accept pressurized steam for sterilization of the wash bottles.

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.