Vertical workpiece cleanser and dryer
US4551880A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 20, 1983 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 20, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB08B3/022
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
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. This downward solution flow is enhanced and promoted by closed circulation of drying air, which is directed onto the workpieces at a pressure of less than two atmospheres so as to reduce tendency of the soluti…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.