Abstract: A horizontally moving automatic outer surface cleaning apparatus comprising horizontal rails provided above and below a surface to be cleaned such as a window glass and a carrier having engaging means for engaging with the horizontal rails for enabling the carrier to be guided along the rails. On the carrier, there are mounted drive means for driving the carrier to move along the horizontal rails, water spray means for spraying water over the surface to be cleaned, wiper means for cleaning the surface by wiping the surface and a soiled water tank containing soiled water collected as a result of wiping by the wiper means. In a preferred embodiment, the carrier consists of a main carrier and a work carrier coupled to the main carrier in such a manner that the carrier can move along a curved portion which can be formed in the horizontal rails.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning windowpanes of a building comprises a unit suspended from the roof of the building and being capable of ascending and descending along the building. An opening portion is formed in the front portion of the unit and a cleaning head is provided in this opening portion. The cleaning head can be adjusted in its position and can be accurately positioned against a windowpane to be cleaned by reducing a relative velocity of a scraper attached to the cleaning head to zero by ascending the cleaning head while the unit is descending. The scraper and a rotary disc for sprinkling water are secured to a movable member provided in the cleaning head. The scraper can not only approach and withdraw from the windowpane but also incline with respect to the windowpane. An air curtain is formed below the scraper so as to guide soiled water left after wiping of the windowpane by the scraper into a soiled water collection portion.

Abstract: A magnetic recording disk accommodated in a casing is rotated and air in the casing is drawn through air sucking openings formed in the upper and lower sides of the casing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-contained apparatus for cleaning the vertical surface of a building exterior, including washing, rinsing and drying the windows. The apparatus is positioned by an operator above a vertical row of windows and then remotely operated to clean the exterior building surface as the apparatus descends. The apparatus consists of a housing having a washing chamber, a rinsing chamber, and a drying chamber. The washing chamber has a plurality of cleaning fluid spray heads, a sonic agitator for impinging sonic energy onto the cleaning fluid to aid in removing dirt from the windows, air seals for retaining the fluid in the chamber, and a plurality of air wipes for removing the fluid from the building surface. The rinsing chamber has a plurality of rinsing liquid spray heads, a plurality of air seals to contain the rinsing fluid within the chamber and a plurality of air wipes for removing the fluid from the building surface.

Abstract: A top air nozzle for blowing water off a washed moving vehicle in a car wash comprises a unit nozzle housing of molded plastic material having an arcuate top wall, laterally diverging side walls, a pair of laterally spaced mount blocks, an upright rear wall, an upper front wall portion inclined downwardly and outwardly of the rear wall and terminating in a lower front wall portion inclined downwardly and inwardly toward the rear wall. The walls and wall portions defined an air chamber of laterally increasing width from its top with the rear wall, lower front wall portion and side walls defining a laterally elongated throated air outlet. A plurality of spaced threaded insert fasteners arranged in a circle are molded, interlocked and enclosed within one of the upper front wall portion and rear wall. A plurality of spaced fasteners are arranged in a row, are molded, interlocked and enclosed within each mount block.

Abstract: A hand-held washer having an upper wall and a lower wall in substantially parallel alignment. Portions of a first sidewall and a second sidewall are tapered toward each other from the upper wall to the lower wall. A first end wall and a second end wall are in substantially parallel alignment. The upper and lower walls and the first and second sidewalls, and the first and second end walls together define a washer body. The washer body is made of a transparent material. An inlet channel is positioned within the washer body for carrying fluid from a source. An outlet channel is positioned within the washer body for applying a vacuum. A plurality of wash tubes descend from the inlet channel through the lower wall. A plurality of aspirator tubes descend from the outlet channel through the lower wall. A valve means connected to the inlet channel controls the flow of fluid through the inlet channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing surface material such as contaminated textures including asbestos and the like from walls and ceiling structures, and for preventing the removed material from escaping into the ambient environment. The apparatus provides a portable shroud enclosing a material removal member which could be a shredding head or an emitter of sonic, ultrasonic or ultraphonic signals. A liquid or coagulant spray mainfold will operate in close proximity to the material remover and is utilized to capture and retain air borne microscopic particles. The material remover and spray manifold are mounted on a power carrier which is adapted to reciprocally move these elements within the shroud and above a material receiving hopper. A vacuum recovery system acts in cooperation with the hopper to retrieve and retain for disposal the removed surface material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handling machine designed in such a way that it can move along a surface having a random slope.The machine has a central chamber and at least one adjacent peripheral chamber with an open side, which can be sealingly applied to the surface by means of gaskets. This application is obtained by producing a vacuum in at least one of the chambers. The displacement of the machine on the surface, e.g. with the aid of caterpillars, is improved by producing an overpressure in at least one other chamber.

Abstract: A tank cleaning system wherein a cleaning liquid is sprayed into a dirty tank and simultaneously sucked out of the tank. The cleaning liquid is stored in a pressure vessel and incompletely fills the vessel to leave a space above the liquid. A pump draws the liquid from the bottom of the vessel through a line to be sprayed into the tank to be cleaned. A vacuum is created within the space above the free surface of the liquid within the pressure vessel by a vacuum pump. While spraying the cleaning fluid into the tank, a vacuum line sucks up the cleaning liquid and dislodged contaminants from the bottom of the tank. The vacuum line terminates at the pressure vessel so that cleaning liquid and contaminants are discharged into the vessel so that cleaning liquid and contaminants never pass through the vacuum pump. Solids settling on the bottom of the vessel are pumped out into a solids separator. Liquid collected by the solid separator is sucked back into the vessel by the vacuum in the vessel.

Abstract: A flatware washer comprising a cogged endless belt mechanism mounted lengthwise in a vertical orientation within a water containment housing; the top end of the cogged belt mechanism being hung around a drive wheel mechanism having complementary cogs mating with the cogs of the belt mechanism; the drive wheel mechanism being mounted at the top of the housing and supporting the belt mechanism in a vertical lengthwise orientation such that a curved bottom end section of the belt mechanism is spaced above the bottom edge of the housing and such that a pair of relatively elongated lengthwise sections of the belt extend downwardly from around the drive wheel mechanism in substantially parallel opposing relationship; the curved bottom end section of the hung belt mechanism being open for receiving a plurality of pieces of flatware between the pair of lengthwise sections; the drive wheel mechanism being connected to a drive mechanism programmed to drivably oscillate the wheel mechanism between predetermined degrees

Abstract: An apparatus for washing and aspirating the wash solution from beads contained in receptacles. Adequate bead agitation and the washing of the entire bead surface is insured by use of a bearing surface at the interface between the bead and the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing semiconductor substrates (i.e., wafers) or the like by rotation of the same. The apparatus includes: a housing which defines a processing chamber therein; and an exhaust duct connected to the lower side portion of the chamber. A rotary member is rotatably mounted in the chamber, on which a plurality of wafers to be processed are held. At the upper side portion within the chamber an auxiliary chamber is provided. Undesired objects, such as water remaining on the wafers and vapor and dirts sprung from the wafers, are effectively expelled from the chamber, through both the exhaust duct and the auxiliary chamber.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for an optical surface, particularly well adapted to the cleaning of optical surfaces which access is difficult.The cleaning tool includes an injector (8) which can send a cleaning liquid, and then a drying gas, under pressure onto the optical surface (2), and a jacket (9) for the evacuation of the cleaning and drying fluids. The tool has a neck (13) to fit onto an optical tip associated with an optical fiber.

Abstract: The cleaning of old grease and accumulated impurities from wheel bearings as well as the repacking of such bearings with clean grease is accomplished by mounting bearings to be cleaned in a special manner in conjunction with an appropriate brush and in such manner as to be rotatable by rotating the rotor and further in conjunction with fluid flowing through and about such wheel bearings until the old grease and impurities are removed and the subsequent repacking of the wheel bearings with fresh grease by a pressure packing device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for washing and vacuum drying long necked laboratory flasks. The apparatus includes a cabinet which presents a washing and drying compartment and a pump and rotary spray arm. A special rack which can be rolled into and out of the compartment includes a central manifold and a plurality of distribution arms extending radially from the manifold. Upright spindle tubes extend from the distribution arms to receive the inverted flasks such at that the tubes extend through the narrow necks of the flasks with the open ends of the tubes located within the bodies of the flasks. A diaphragm coupling allows water to be pumped to the manifold for delivery to the spindle tubes during washing and rinsing cycles. The tubes spray the water directly inside of the flask bodies for thorough washing and rinsing. A vacuum conduit extending from the manifold carries a seat which engages a gasket to couple the manifold with a vacuum blower when the rack is moved into the cabinet.

Abstract: The vacuum loading cleaning system includes a pair of interconnected pressure vessels containing a cleaning liquid which is pumped through a heat exchanger and into a dirty tank. Cleaning liquid and dislodged contaminants are sucked up from the dirty tank by a partial vacuum in the pressure vessel. Solids and cleaning liquid from the pressure vessel are separated by a solids separator with the cleaning liquid being passed through a centrifuge to remove fine solids before being returned to the pressure vessels. A skimmer in a pressure vessel removes floating solids and liquids. A phase separator is mounted beneath the suction inlets of a pressure vessel to speed the separation and concentration of solids, liquids and gases. The phase separator includes a number of vertically aligned, downwardly and inwardly tapered truncated conical concentrators with open tops and open bottoms above and below the free surface.

Abstract: The cleaning system includes a pressure vessel containing a cleaning liquid pumped out of the pressure vessel and into a dirty tank. Cleaning liquid and dislodged contaminants are sucked up from the dirty tank by a partial vacuum created above the cleaning liquid within the pressure vessel. Solids and cleaning liquid are pumped from the pressure vessel at a first rate and are separated by a solids separator with the cleaning liquid being centrifuged to remove fine solids and then collected in a makeup tank. Cleaning liquid from the makeup tank is pumped into the dirty tank at a second rate, less than the first rate. Excess liquid in the makeup tank is sucked back into the pressure vessel. A phase separator, mounted beneath the suction inlet, speeds the separation and concentration of solids, liquids and gases/vapors. The phase separator includes a number of vertically aligned, downwardly and inwardly tapered truncated conical concentrators with open tops and open bottoms above and below the free surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mask (reticle) washing apparatus for use in the production of semiconductor integrated circuits (IC), and in particular, to cleaning a mask without the use of a strong oxidizing agent or a strong alkaline agent. The mask washing apparatus comprises an airtight chamber including a washing space and a drying space which are separated by a shutter. A drain and an exhaust duct are located at the bottom of the chamber. The washing is performed at a lower part of the chamber and the drying is performed at an upper part of the chamber. A clean air stream flows from the upper part to the lower part of the chamber, and this flow eliminates contamination in the chamber. Consequently, the mask is cleaned perfectly, and the reliability and yield of the device is improved.

Abstract: An improved combined washer and aspirator device comprises improved tips, tip seals, reaction well seals and a frame. The improved device reduces the amount of manual dexterity required of a laboratory technologist to wash beads in reaction wells used in diagnostic immunoassays.

Abstract: An apparatus for both washing and drying an automotive vehicle. The apparatus includes a track gantry that moves along the track and over the vehicle. Water outlets and brushes are on the gantry to wash the car. The apparatus further includes a blower, nozzle, and oscillator. The blower, also mounted on the gantry, expels air onto the vehicle. The nozzle, positioned on the blower, defines an orientation and directs the air from the blower substantially parallel to the orientation. The oscillator periodically changes the orientation of the nozzle and the direction of the air from the blower.

Abstract: A cleaning and scrubbing apparatus is described which consists of a vacuum head to which is coupled small hollow fibers. Each of the fibers has a diameter of approximately the size of the record groove so that it may fit within the record groove to scrub away debris formed within the groove. A cleaning fluid is be placed over the record to partially dissolve the debris so that the fibers can loosen it as the record is rotated across the fibers. The vacuum causes the cleaning fluid including the debris to be sucked through the hollow opening of the fibers. The side walls of the fibers may be a membrane material so that additional fluid flows through the side walls. In order to clean the cleaning head, the fluid is forced in the reverse direction while the head and fibers are facing upright, thereby washing away the debris which has become affixed to the fibers.

Abstract: A cleaning system includes a pressure vessel partially filled with a cleaning liquid which is pumped from the vessel, heated by a heat exchanger and sprayed onto a dirty surface to be cleaned. A vacuum pump creates a partial vacuum above the free surface of the cleaning liquid in the vessel. A vacuum line connects a low point at the dirty surface to the pressure vessel so that dislodged contaminants and cleaning liquid are sucked into the vessel. Liquid and solids are pumped from the pressure vessel into a solids separator to remove relatively large solids. Liquid passes from the solid separator into a centrifuge which removes very fine solid particles, which are combined with a bulk solidification medium in a blender/extruder to create disposal cake. Exhaust gases from the vacuum pump can be either recycled into a substantially sealed dirty tank or directed through a scrubber to remove condensate and other substances. The exhaust gas from the scrubber can be burned in the heat exchanger burner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for transferring can bodies from forming to washing equipment and for collecting the excess oil that drains from the can bodies in transit. In one form the invention includes a horizontal infeed conveyor for receiving can bodies in upright orientation, a vertical or elevator conveyor for bringing the cans to a second elevation and to a mass accumulating conveyor. The conveyors have perforated conveying surfaces and subjacent evacuated plenum chambers for drawing surface bound oil from the can bodies.

Abstract: A hose reel system for a sewer and catch basin cleaner and the like has a fixed mounted hose reel and a movable hose traction wheel. The hose reel includes a drive motor which rotates the reel in a direction to wind a hose onto the reel and a clutch which permits the reel to freely rotate when the hose is payed out. The hose traction wheel may be attached to a boom movable horizontally and vertically with respect to the reel and is driven by a motor to pay out the hose and a clutch which permits the traction wheel to turn freely during rewind of the hose. A first fairlead assembly mounted to the fixed reel and a second fairlead assembly mounted to the hose traction wheel guides the hose to permit pay out and rewind when the traction wheel is not in the plane of the reel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing accumulated dirt and dust from ductwork, in-situ. The apparatus includes an auger which is inserted into the ductwork and the power unit for driving the auger. An extraction unit is also connected to the ductwork to remove the dust and dirt which has been produced as a result of the auger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and conditioning a fabric in which pressurized fluid is directed into a restricted and diminishing passageway formed by the fabric and a member forming an extended nip therewith so that the fluid is forced through the fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multipurpose cleaning and transportation system. The system comprises a vacuum generating device and a liquid collecting container (10) which by a main pipe system (15) is connected to normally closed sockets (24). Dust cleaning tools (26, 27) can be connected to the sockets in order to create a passage from the tool to the main pipe system. The said pipe system is via a pipe (31) connected to a liquid absorbing hand tool (32) which is placed at a kitchen sink or the like for taking up liquid, crumbs and the like. It can also be connected to one or several liquid-supply units, for instance sanitary equipments (17).

Abstract: This washing apparatus comprises holding a pipe assembly by means of a holding means. Said pipe assembly is consisted of a pouring pipe which acts to pour a wash liquid in micro wells of a container and a suction pipe which acts to suck said waste wash liquid from said micro wells. Said pipe assembly is formed of a dual-pipe consisting of a suction pipe and a pouring pipe disposed inside said suction pipe. The forward end opening portions of said both pipes are located on the substantially same plane.

Abstract: The vacuum loading cleaning system includes a pair of interconnected pressure vessels containing a cleaning liquid pumped out of one or both of the pressure vessels, through a heat exchanger and into a dirty tank. Cleaning liquid and dislodged contaminants are sucked up from the dirty tank by a partial vacuum above the cleaning liquid within the pressure vessel. A submersible booster pump aids passage of material along the vacuum line. Solids and cleaning liquid from the pressure vessel are separated by a solids separator with the cleaning liquid being returned to the pressure vessels. A skimmer is used within one or both of the pressure vessels to remove floating solids and liquid contaminants from the system. A phase separator, mounted beneath the suction inlets so that the material from the dirty tank passes through the phase separator, speeds the separation and concentration of solids, liquids and gases/vapors.

Abstract: The cleaning system includes a pressure vessel containing a cleaning liquid pumped out of the pressure vessel and into a dirty tank. Cleaning liquid and dislodged contaminants are sucked up from the dirty tank by a partial vacuum created above the cleaning liquid within the pressure vessel. Solids and cleaning liquid are pumped from the pressure vessel at a first rate and are separated by a solids separator with a cleaning liquid being collected in a makeup tank. Cleaning liquid from the makeup tank is pumped into the dirty tank at a second rate, less than the first rate. Excess liquid in the makeup tank is sucked back into the pressure vessel. A phase separator, mounted beneath the suction inlet, speeds the separation and concentration of solids, liquids and gases/vapors. The phase separator includes a number of vertically aligned, downwardly and inwardly tapered truncated conical concentrators with open tops and open bottoms above and below the free surface.

Abstract: An improved suction nozzle for removing raised edge portions of coated layer formed on flexible substrates such as photographic film, pre-sensitized plate, or magnetic tape. The suction nozzle has a dual pipe structure with a cleaning liquid jetting outlet and a cleaning liquid sucking inlet at one end thereof. The jetting outlet is offset from a longitudinal axis of the nozzle and forms an angle of 30.degree. to 85.degree. with respect to that longitudinal axis. The sucking inlet is located along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A device for minimizing ambient pollution attendant to the cleaning of an airbrush includes a small box having a centrally located front opening for seating the air brush spray tip and a rear exhaust opening. The top wall is movable to an open position to permit replacement of rectangular filters which are releasably retained in longitudinally spaced positions by channels located on the box interior side faces, the filters being hydrophobic and of successively finer porosity and delineating between them successive diffusion and particulate matter precipitating chambers. The airbrush tip is seated in the inlet opening and actuated with a cleaning fluid which removes particulate residue from the airbrush and deposits it on the walls of successive chambers and on the filters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cable cleaning and lubricating system comprising a chamber (5) adapted to surround a section of a cable (4) to be cleaned and to be displaced relative to the cable (4), nozzles (7) within the chamber (5) for directing jets of relatively high pressure cleaning liquid onto the surface of the cable (4), sealing means (6) at both ends of the chamber (5) and adapted to contact the cable (4), the chamber (5) being provided with an outlet (10) which is in communication with a vacuum pump for reducing the pressure in the chamber (5) to a value below atmospheric pressure. The invention relates furthermore to the use of this system for cleaning and lubricating a cable (FIG. 1).

Abstract: In order to remove impurities from one surface of printed circuit cards which have been subjected in a seperate step to a soldering operation using fluxing agent the invention suggests a method and compact machine for treating the cards. The method comprises the steps of feeding the printed circuit cards through the machine along a horizontal track and carrying out the treatment in a treating chamber having a plurality of successive treating zones comprising a washing and brushing zone for removing impurities from the lower surface of the printed circuit cards by the action of brushes and liquid solvent, and a subsequent drying zone in which the printed circuit cards are subjected to a hot air flow to remove solvent therefrom, and returning solvent used in the treating chamber to a distiller means mounted in the machine for vaporization and condensation of said solvent in order to obtain pure solvent which is supplied to said washing and brushing zone in a closed cycle.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained central vacuum cleaning machine has expandable vacuum suction and pressure capacities and variable vacuum suction. The machine performs a multiplicity of cleaning operations including dry vacuuming, wet vacuuming, hydro-extraction vacuuming and pressure washing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for mechanically washing articles of flat tableware, such as plates, saucers or the like, conveyed continuously, said process comprising the steps of subjecting the articles to a wet phase by rotary brushing under a projection of detergent water and then subjecting them to a phase of physical elimination of the wet residue by projection of a flat jet of air over the whole surface of the articles, maintained in inclined position, the flat jet of air pushing the remanent liquid film in the direction of gravity.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing and rinsing a titration plate having a plurality of cavities includes a treatment station for supporting and retaining a titration plate to be washed and rinsed. A washing plate has a lower surface and is positioned above the treatment station. A titration plate to be washed and rinsed is supplied to the treatment station below the washing plate, with the cavities of the titration plate directed upwardly. The lower surface of the washing plate and the upper surface of the titration plate are brought into sealing contact. A plurality of nozzles are at the lower surface of the washing plate and extend into respective cavities of the titration plate. The washing plate has formed therein a plurality of bores surrounding respective nozzles, thereby defining respective annular gaps. At least one discharge channel is formed in the washing plate and is connected to the annular gaps.

Abstract: A vertical workpiece cleanser and dryer which includes a pair of chain-driven pocket elevators disposed in adjacent wash and rinse towers on bases which enclose associated wash and rinse solution reservoirs. Each elevator includes a plurality of spools cantilevered from a drive chain and extending in a vertical upwardly directed reach through a solution (wash or rinse) spray zone and then through an air spray zone for removing solution from the workpiece and elevator spools. The elevator within the solution spray zone is closely encompassed by a surrounding shroud for limiting volume available for expansion of sprayed solution, and thus reducing the tendency of the sprayed solution to vaporize. Vertical orientation of the elevator and alignment of the solution and air spray zones promote downward flow of excess solution through the solution spray zone for enhanced flush-washing of the workpieces, and return of excess solution to the associated reservoir disposed therebeneath.

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: A rotatable tray for supporting at least one package together with at least one nozzle for projecting a jet of liquid along an axis which is substantially at 45.degree. to the axis of rotation of the tray.

Abstract: A method and apparatus enable cleaning of gripper assemblies wherein the grippers are enclosed by a containment structure and cleaned by a liquid spray.

Abstract: The automatic vacuum recyclable system for chemically-thermo cleaning tanks nd bilges primarily comprises a makeup, storage and heating unit, a pressure pumping and spraying unit, a vacuum and separation unit, and a filtration unit. The system functions to clean tanks and bilges without the need for a work crew to be inside during actual surface cleaning operations.

Abstract: An orifice plate cleaning system having a source of solvent, an elongate orifice plate having a plurality of orifices therethrough and an elongate plate face composed of a solvent-wettable material and oriented to be inclined downwardly from the horizontal, and a solvent conduit for depositing solvent at an upper end of the plate face so that solvent flows downwardly by gravity to wet the plate face completely and remove dried ink deposits therefrom. The system includes a vacuum tube adjacent a lower end of the plate face to remove the solvent containing dissolved ink from it.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a septic tank provided with at least two successive fermentation and decantation compartments connected to each other by a lateral opening. According to this method, the light and/or heavy sludges contained in each compartment are pumped and discharged in a waste tank whereas the bacteriological liquid medium of both compartments is pumped out and stored in a storage tank. The liquid medium kept in the storage tank is reintroduced into the septic tank after the same has been cleaned, to reactivate said tank thereby making it immediately operative. A tanker especially designed for carrying out this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for cleaning material from a surface of an object, such as an MLC mask, having movable support member having extended along its length a line of liquid dispensing nozzles and a line of gas dispensing ports for respectively cleaning and drying the surface. The liquid dispensing nozzles and said gas dispensing ports are arranged to respectively provide a continuous line of liquid spray and a continuous line of gas at an angle with respect to the surface so as to form a wedge therewith in the direction of motion of the movable support member. The nozzles and ports are preferably arranged on both sides of the object to simultaneously clean both sides. The support member is moved vertically with respect to the surface by an air cylinder.

Abstract: Video discs are cleaned with a water-based solution to remove water soluble salts from the surface of the discs, thereby reducing the moisture sensitivity of the discs.

Abstract: A tank cleaning system wherein a cleaning liquid is sprayed into a dirty tank and simultaneously sucked out of the tank. The cleaning liquid is stored in a pressure vessel and incompletely fills the vessel to leave a space above the liquid. A pump draws the liquid from the bottom of the vessel through a line to be sprayed into the tank to be cleaned. A vacuum is created within the space above the free surface of the liquid within the pressure vessel by a vacuum pump. While spraying the cleaning fluid into the tank, a vacuum line sucks up the cleaning liquid and dislodged contaminants from the bottom of the tank. The vacuum line terminates at the pressure vessel so that cleaning liquid and contaminants are discharged into the vessel so that cleaning liquid and contaminants never pass through the vacuum pump. Solids settling on the bottom of the vessel are pumped out into a solids separator. Liquid collected by the solid separator is sucked back into the vessel by the vacuum in the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing excess liquid and contaminants from a belt filter cake includes a perforated main belt extending over a separation drum. An anti-wear permeable belt has one portion lying against part of the main belt supported by the separation drum. There are exterior suction headers and chambers effective through the anti-wear belt and main belt and a main suction box within the separation drum for cake recovery where the main belt is in contact therewith. Wash water nozzles are within the separation drum directed toward the exterior suction headers and chambers.

Abstract: A paint roller cleaner wherein a paint roller is pivotally mounted within a housing, and an in-line series of jets of a water-detergent solution are directed at and along the paint roller. The line of jets is positionable so that they will both effect rotation of the roller and wash paint out of it. Cleaning is aided by the irregular surface of a scrubbing member which engages the paint roller as it is being sprayed with liquid and rotated. After the washing operation, a series of in-line jets of air are directed at the roller, and these jets are positioned at an angle to both rotate and dry the paint roller. The detergent solution is injected into the water by means of a venturi tube positioned in the path of the flow of the water prior to its ejection by the jets.

Abstract: A vehicle for cleaning drains or cesspools has a tank for taking up and transporting waste material such as sludge, an aspiration pipe and a reel for the pipe. The reel is so placed that, at least when aspiration is taking place, its axis is upright, this making possible the use of a single-piece aspiration pipe which only has to be uncoiled from the reel to the degree necessary to get the inlet end of the pipe to the point at which it is needed within the cesspool or the like.