Abstract: A device and method for washing an object in a receptacle. The device includes an end portion introducible into and cooperative with the receptacle to define a substantially enclosed space containing the object to be washed. The fluid is introduced into and aspirated from the substantially enclosed space such that the object is movable in the fluid between the end portion and the receptacle.

Abstract: A workpiece cleansing apparatus has a walking beam conveyor for transporting a camshaft to be cleaned to a first work station consisting of row of cradles which support the camshaft in such a way that oil ports therein are not blocked. Pressurized air is fed through an oil channel in the camshaft and passes through the oil ports to the exterior to remove moisture therefrom. The camshaft is then transported to a second work station where it is supported by cradles which mate with cradles so encircling the oil ports. The pressurized air is fed to the cradles and passes through the oil ports to the oil channel and thence to atmosphere.

Abstract: A two-chambered cleaning device includes an upper chamber and a lower chamber separated by a generally horizontal perforated plate. Generally vertical openings extend through the horizontal plate constituting the perforations which receive generally vertical open tubes extending above the horizontal plate into the upper chamber. The vertical open tubes receive the open ends of closed-end tubes which are to be cleaned. A cleaning liquid is introduced into the upper chamber, above the horizontal plate. The pressure in the lower chamber is reduced below that of the upper chamber whereby the cleaning fluid passes upwardly through the annular space between the outer surface of the vertical open tubes and the inner surface of the closed-end tubes which are to be cleaned.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cleaning container closures during downward travel in an elongated vertical pathway from a hopper to a capping machine. The apparatus includes liquid and gas spray means for directing generally horizontal fluid streams against vertically oriented inner surface portions of the closures, an enclosure, and a drain for removing liquid from the enclosure. A belt means engages closures traveling through the apparatus, thereby forcing the closures past the liquid and gas spray means and controlling their rate of travel. In a preferred embodiment, the belt means comprises several laterally spaced flexible endless belts each having a principal section frictionally engaging outer surface portions of the closures. An additional feature of the preferred embodiment is a perforated plate adjacent an interior surface portion of the principal section.

Abstract: A desoldering system which operates in conjunction with a soldering instrument which may be of the temperature controlled type disclosed and claimed in applicant's prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,883,716. The desoldering tip is specifically designed for simultaneously desoldering dual-in-line integrated circuit packages, having for example 14 or 16 pins, multiple pins for transistors, 8 or 10 pin round integrated circuit packages and the like. Due to the large throughput of air required to the vacuum system the desoldering attachment features large inlet pipes. The desoldering tip is directly screwed onto the heating element of a soldering instrument surrounded by an air tight sleeve which includes a filter or trap for the solder. The sleeve of the desoldering instrument in turn is connected to another barrel which may include an additional filter and is provided with a three-way trigger valve.

Abstract: A washing device for a centrifugal analyzer testing disk having a multiplicity of test cells each of which has a specimen and a reactant receiving hole communicating with the cell. The washing device has a washer body member with a multiplicity of fingers each receivable within the speciman receiving hole of each cell. Each finger has a bore communicating with a plenum within the body member. The body member communicates with tubing to a low pressure source such as a T-connector which can be connected to a faucet at one end to create a suction within the body member and draw cleaning solution through the reactant receiving hole of the test cell and out the specimen receiving hole when the disk is immersed in a cleaning solution.

Abstract: A suction tube unit for removing packing coke from vertical spaces within a ring furnace for producing carbon bodies includes a plurality of elongated suction and air supply tubes, the tubes being arranged to extend parallel to each other and being aligned in a single straight row, with each adjacent pair of the suction tubes being separated by a separate one of the air-supply tubes, thus forming an elongated assembly adapted to fit within the vertical space of the furnace. The assembly is supported at an upper portion thereof by a telescopic mounting. All of the tubes are open at lower ends thereof. A suction device is connected to the upper end of the suction tubes for creating a vacuum within the suction tubes to thereby withdraw the packing coke therethrough. Upper portions of the air-supply tubes have therein orifices to supply ambient air into the air-supply tubes and to aid in withdrawal of the packing coke through the suction tubes.

Abstract: Accessory for a screw-tightening device having a support ring with hydraulic piston-cylinder assemblies as tensioning elements for pressure-vessel cover screws, the assemblies being disposable on a flange of the pressure-vessel cover, fastening nuts for the cover screws being loosenable and tightenable as well as transportable by the screw-tightening device, including a divided auxiliary ring having parting gaps formed in a circumferential region thereof corresponding to a circumferential region of the support ring at which parting gaps are likewise formed, the auxiliary ring and the support ring being mutually superimposable and clampable, the divided auxiliary ring having the parts thereof provided with respective means for engagement by a lifting tool, the rings having flange connections at the parting gaps thereof, the flange connections being disconnectible to form at least two separate arcuate units respectively including part of the support ring and part of the auxiliary ring clamped together for trans

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning generally cylindrical articles of irregular configuration and, particularly, for cleaning straps of the type used to hold magnetic tape and supplied by manufacturers for use with magnetic tape. The apparatus comprises exterior and interior nozzles resiliently mounted along the inside and outside of the cylinder, or ring, and form means to blow and suck dirt from the article being cleaned.

Abstract: A bottle conveying and cleaning apparatus for handling a succession of bottles at high speed. The apparatus comprises a lower portion of a vertical first rotary conveyor which receives the bottles in open-end trailing disposition, reorienting means which changes the disposition of each bottle to open-end radially outward during its conveyance by the first rotary conveyor, a linear conveyor which grasps each bottle at the bottom of the first rotary conveyor while its open end is downward and maintains each bottle in open-end downward orientation while conveying it past cleaning means associated with the linear conveyor, and means for inverting each bottle, removing it from the linear conveyor and placing it on an output conveyor with the open end up.

Abstract: A crown cleaning apparatus is provided for removing impurities from the interior and exterior surfaces of crowns. The apparatus is mounted at the terminal of a crown feed track and cleans the crowns by a high velocity spray of fluid. Several gas jets dry the crowns before the crowns exit the apparatus.

Abstract: An extensible sanitary hose used for the transfer of sewage from a holding tank to a sanitary facility may be cleaned and stored by the use of a combination holding and cleaning device which is fabricated from an elongated hollow cylinder having a number of openings extending laterally therethrough distributed along its length, such cylinder being open at one end and closed at the other end. A circular retaining member is mounted to the cylinder adjacent its closed end for supporting the bottom end of the hose for restraining the hose in place thereon, and a locking ring is removably mounted to the cylinder adjacent its open end.

Abstract: A pan cleaning apparatus for use with bun and roll pans in bakeries which will use a combined air blast and vacuum action to loosen seeds, crumbs or the like as well as other foreign material which may be lodged in a bun pan after use. The device may include brushes arranged to brush all of the corners and recesses of the pan adequately for loosening material with the air blast-vacuum hood which removes debris from the pan used as a final cleaning stage.

Abstract: A mobile servicing device is provided for servicing spinning assemblies of an open-end spinning machine. The servicing device includes several cleaning elements carried on a drive member which is rotatably driven by a drive motor. The cleaning elements are selectively movable into and out of a penetrating position in a spinning rotor. The cleaning elements are connected to the drive member by way of spring members which accommodate radial movement of the cleaning elements during cleaning operations. In preferred embodiments, the cleaning elements are supported on leaf springs which permit movement of the cleaning elements in the radial direction in response to centrifugal forces during rotation of the drive member. Preferred embodiments also include vacuum means as well as cleaning nozzles, with the cleaning nozzles being carried by the rotatable drive member.

Abstract: An assembly for use as a solid phase support for immunoassay procedures.

Abstract: A method and system for carrying out the method, relating to mixing of solutions, wherein the base liquid in a tank is circulated through an endless circuit while the chemical is gradually introduced into the circulating flow base liquid to achieve thorough mixing. A chemical is withdrawn under valve control into a measuring receptacle prior to mixing same with the base liquid. Provision is included for rinsing the chemical source container, the resulting rinse solution being automatically introduced into the tank, leaving the source container in condition to meet legal requirements for disposal. To simplify disposal of rinsed containers and discourage re-use thereof, a feature of the method and system involves means creating a differential pressure between the outside and inside of the containers for collapsing the containers. A novel multiple valve assembly enables all features to be embodied in a simplified and condensed system.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing contaminated laboratory containers such as test tubes, flasks and the like. A tube, one end of which is connected to a source of negative pressure and the other end of which is inserted into a contaminated container, has a length sufficient to reach the bottom of the container to remove by aspiration material therein. A pump is connected to a source of washing material and, when actuated, delivers washing material into the container. Actuation of the pump interrupts aspiration during delivery of washing material. The washing material thus delivered to the container and contaminants are withdrawn by aspiration from the container after the pump is deactuated.

Abstract: A nozzle member for an automatic washing apparatus for containers which nozzles are capable of washing containers in a fast and efficient manner. The containers for which this particular nozzle is fabricated are of the semirigid type and are composed of a plastic material. They are elongated in configuration and are intended to contain sterile liquids. The nozzle is fabricated to enter the plastic container and thoroughly wash it with a mixture of detergent, water, and air. This is a continuation, of application Ser. No. 660,587 filed Feb. 23, 1976, now abandoned.

Abstract: Cylinders are mounted on an invertible frame. A reciprocably mounted header is provided on the movable frame for engaging the necks of the cylinders to hold the cylinders on the movable frame when inverted and to inject a drying fluid into the cylinders. The movable frame and movable header on the movable frame are adapted for holding various sizes of cylinders.

Abstract: A filter drying apparatus for cylindrical-type filter units having a frame and an adjustable means for rotating the filter unit at regulated set speeds, the area in which the filter is rotated being surrounded by a casing. Within the casing, adjacent the bottom thereof, is a freely rotatable lower cone-shaped member for supporting one end of the filter, and directly above the lower cone is a similar vertically adjustable cone-shaped member connected with the filter rotating means. These cone-shaped members are adapted to engage the filter unit, one at each end thereof, the cones being tapered at an angle of approximately 60.degree., and constructed of a semi-elastic material such as rubber, or a suitable plastic composition. Both cone members are tapered outwardly and downwardly from their tops, the lower cone member engaging the inner edge of the filter unit, and the upper cone member engaging the outer edge of the opposite end of the filter unit to rotate the same.

Abstract: Zinc coated tubes are cleaned by means of steam, and the zinc residue -- steam mixture is blown into a nozzle which is heated, and discharged into a noise attenuation chamber; the latter discharges into an expansion chamber, which in turn discharges into a filter. The mixture is diluted in the attenuation chamber by air sucked in from the outside along a tortuous path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning air filter elements of the type used in heavy duty internal combustion engines. The apparatus includes a frame to support air filter elements in position for rotation, a blower for forcing air through the filter and the element in a direction opposite the direction of air and dust entering the housing during use of the filter, an agitator operatively associated with the frame for loosening dust which entered the housing during use of the filter, a suction for drawing air through the filter and the element in a direction opposite the direction of air and dust entering the housing during use of the filter, and a pair of rollers to drive the filter element for rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing a recreational vehicle sewer hose assembly comprising spaced cone members affixed to a central apertured mandrel with one cone element being slidably received respective to the mandrel and to the remaining fixed cone element. The mandrel is apertured and has an inlet end which can be connected to a water supply so that the slidable cone can be removed from the mandrel, a sewer hose assembly telescopingly received in a collapsed manner about the mandrel, and the slidable cone member replaced upon the mandrel with the collapsed sewer hose being captured so that it is in stored relationship therebetween. During the above manipulation, water flows into the mandrel and through the apertures to wash any accumulation of sewage from the interior of the hose assembly. This expedient enables the entire apparatus to be subsequently drained so that the entire combination can be conveniently handled and stored in a sanitary and compact manner.

Abstract: A test apparatus for conducting diagnostic tests on body fluids, said apparatus having (1) a reaction vessel containing immunochemical test reagents supported as on beads and (2) a washing means cooperating with the reaction vessel, said washing means supplying washing fluid for the reaction vessel. The washing means also comprises a vacuum conduit for aspirating the washing fluid out of the reaction vessel. The apparatus is applicable to hepatitis testing.

Abstract: A pan cleaning apparatus for use with bun and roll pans in bakeries which will use a combined air blast and vacuum action to loosen seeds, crumbs or the like as well as other foreign material which may be lodged in a bun pan after use. The device may include brushes arranged to brush all of the corners and recesses of the pan adequately for loosening material with the air blast-vacuum hood which removes debris from the pan used as a final cleaning stage.

Abstract: The present invention applies pressurized air and vacuum to container interiors as they are being conveyed through the cleaning station in the course of their forward travel. Cleaning according to the invention occurs through the combined action of a plurality of air jets which dislodge any foreign matter from the container interior and a vacuum drawn through an arcuate slot evacuates and draws out the dislodged contaminents. The aforementioned operation taking place as containers continuously advance in a circular conveyor in the opening down position. After this operation, the containers are urged to assume a horizontal position and are subsequently oriented into the opening up position for travel to a new work station.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning pleated paper and other hollow cylindrical filters by centrifugal force combined with reverse air flow. A housing carrying a rotatable platform supports one end of the filter, and a closure unit for a housing aperture centers the filter by contact with the other end and frictionally rotates it through the contacting surface. Filter rotation is concurrent with removal of air from the housing around the filter, to be replaced by air drawn through the filter as a whole through the centering and driving components of the closure unit. Means for facilitating the emptying of collected material from the housing is shown, as is means for adapting the structure for use as a simple vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling workpieces and particularly cup-shaped articles, such as containers or the like, which travel at spaced intervals at high speed along a processing path. The transfer mechanism includes a movable member interposed in the path of travel of the workpieces and is movable laterally thereof for transferring the intercepted workpieces to an alternate path in which they may undergo additional processing. The movable member of the transfer device includes a cushioning member thereon for decelerating and absorbing the momentum of the workpieces impacting thereagainst and further includes a suction member for releasably retaining the workpieces in transporting engagement on the movable member for at least a portion of their lateral transfer movement.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning out and flushing away debris such as soil, rocks and the like from around a shut-off valve on a gas or water main located at the bottom of a concrete pipe or sleeve is disclosed. The apparatus is comprised of a first elongated section of pipe having means for connecting sources of water and compressed air thereto, and a second parallel section of pipe generally of the same length. The two sections of pipe are inserted into the concrete pipe or sleeve and water and compressed air travel down the first pipe and loosen the debris from around the valve stem, flushing it up the second pipe. A slideable cover is carried by the two pipes and serves to seal the upper end of the sleeve or cylinder thereby insuring that all the debris and flushing fluid is forced to exit through the second pipe.

Abstract: An air filter cleaner is disclosed which is portable and which may be used on the job site for the cleaning of air filters of heavy construction equipment. The air filter cleaner is lightweight and may easily be carried or moved by a single person. The filter is comprised of a base member and an upper member. The filter to be cleaned is inserted between the base member and the upper member. The upper member is provided with a vertically depending rotatable pipe means provided with radially directed nozzles. The pipe means is also provided with a pair of nozzles directed at an angle to the radial to provide a rotary movement to the pipe means. The air filter cleaner may be operated from air compressors readily available on the job site, such as compressors on the heavy construction equipment itself, during normally scheduled down times such as lunch hours.

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: Apparatus for simultaneously cleaning and skiving reinforced hose including vacuum means for removing particulate matter from the interior of the hose. Rotating cutter means are provided for skiving an exterior covering layer from said hose. The hose is mounted in longitudinally moveable clamping means and fed into the longitudinally fixed rotary cutters and vacuuming means.

Abstract: Apparatus to remove dust particles accumulating within the air cleaner of a ehicle engine, particularly an off-the-road vehicle of the military type. The apparatus includes a nozzle arranged to traverse the surface of the filter element within the cleaner, said nozzle being effective to blow or draw air through the pores of the filter element, thereby dislodging dust particles located on or in the filter element. The nozzle and filter element rotate relative to one another, whereby the nozzle traverses the entire peripheral dimension of the element; additionally the nozzle opening can be arranged to move in the direction of the filter element axis. By means of the combined axial and rotary movements the nozzle cleans the entire surface of the filter element.