US2454289A - Portable self-contained drum cleaner - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 23, 1948. F. E. NEEF, JR 2,454,239

PORTABLE SELF CONTAINED DRUK CLEANER 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 16, 1945 ATTORNEY Nov. 23, 1948. F. E. NEEF. JR

PORTABLE SELF CONTAINED DRU CLEANER 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Ot. 16, 1945 Nov. 23, 1948. F. E. NEEF, JR

PORTABLE SELF CONTAINED DRUII CLEANER l I l l l Fllll'll" H Ilhulllllllll 8 Shoots-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 16, 1945 Nov. 23, 1948. F. E. NEEF. JR 2,454,289

PRTBLB SELF CONTAINED DRU CLEANER Filed oct. 1s, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VEN TOR.

Nov. 23, 1948. F. E. NEEF, JR

PORTABLE SELF CONTAINED DRUM CLEANER B Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 16, 1945 IN V EN TOR.

NOV. 23, 1948. F. E, NEEFI JR 2,454,289

PORTABLE SELF CONTAINED DRUM CLEANER Filed Oct. 16, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 k III/1.

Nov. 23, 1948. F. E. NEEF, JR

PORTABLE SELF CONTAINED DRUM CLEANER 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Oct. 16, 1945 HUH ii n

TTO/i NEY Nov. 23, 1948. F. E. NEEF. JR

PORTABLE SELF CONTAINED DRUM CLEANER 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Oct. 16, 1945 FEU U UE AIN FLOW l T T l' F ih ING "f mffmm QL VACUUM UMP I 'PRESSURE EHIHII PNG IJURE PUMP INVENTOR.

e9( Jr:

#ee/erick E'.

B Y www T'TORNEY Patented Nov. 23, 1948 2,454,289 PORTABLE SELF- CONTAINED DRUM CLEANER Frederick E. Neef, Jr.. Unlted States Army, Hartsdale, N. Y.

Appucauqn omheiis, ma ssl-al No. seam 4o claim. (ci. m-s'n (Granted man the est or umn s, im, as

amended April 30, 1928: 370 0.

The invention described herein, i! patented may be manufactured and used by or tor the Government for governmental purposes, without the payment to me o! any royalty thereon.

My invention relates to cleaning machines and more particularly to self-contained automatically operable gasoline engine powered machines for cleaning the interiors oi. gasoline cans and drums or similar receptacles by flushing the same with a cleaning fluid and simultaneously withdrawing the iiuid. illtering it and returning it to the reser voir of the cleaning machine i'or recirculation. these operations all being automatically contnolled.

It is of course well known that cans, drums and receptacles oi all kinds for storing or transporting liquids, such as the 5-gallon gasoline cans and 55- gallon drums used by the armed' forces, become contaminated during use due to the presence of foreign matter such as tars or resins, sand. dirt, sticks, etc., in the liquid being stored or transported and to the accidental entrance of such foreign materials into the containers through the filling openings therein. Machines have heretofore been designed for the purpose of cleanins .such contaminated containers before they are reused, but they all lack the compactness, durability. speed, ease o! operation and emciency desirable. Furthermore, all of these machines are too cumbersome to be readily transportedand therefore are not adaptable for use in the iieid by the armed forces or by others having need for a portable machine. In addition to these deficiencies many of these prior cleaners are unsuitable for use in the ileld because they do not recirculate the cleaning fluid and therefore require such large quantities of cleaning fluid that the problem of supplying it makes them impracticable. Other cleaning machines use a type of cleaning medium not commonly found in army fuels and lubricants dumps or otherarmy supply sources or readily available thereto so that they are inconvenient to use. It is accordingly an object oi my invention to provide a new and improved portable drum cleaning machine which is self contained, compact and durable in construction so that 'it may be easily transported from piace to place without getting out oi' order, is easy to operate and fast and thorough in operation, but yet is so constructed that it is inexpensive to manufacture.

Another object of the invention is the provision oi a new and improved drum cleaner which is entirely automatic in operation and requires only one operator to remove cleaned drums from the machine ,and load it with contaminated drums.

Yet, another object of the invention is the provision o! a new and improved cleaner for drums and other containers in which the interiors of the containers are cieaned'by being sprayed with a cleaning fluid which aftera liquid level has been built up in the containers is withdrawn simultaneously with the spraying during a maior portion of the total cleaning cycle so that sand and dirt or other foreign objects are withdrawn with the cleaning uid while it is still in a turbulent state and before these foreign materials can settle to the bottom of the container.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a new and improved portable cleaner for drums or other containers which has a cleaning iluld reservoir from which iluid is drawn to spray the interior oi the drums for cleaning the same and to which it is returned from the cleaned drums, a iilter being provided for removing foreign matter from the iluid before it is returned to the reservoir so that the fluid remains effective for cleaning purposes even after repeated recirculation through the system with the result that the .machine may be operated with the expenditure of a minimum amount of cleaning duid.

Another and further object of the invention is the provision of a new and improved drum cleaning machine in which the vacuum pum-p is cooled by circulating the cleaning fluid used in operating the machine through the mechanism and back to the cleaning tluid reservoir.

A further object or the invention is the provision of a new and improved cleaning apparatus for drums and other containers in which a, tluid auch as kerosene, Stoddard solvent or similar types of uld may be used as a cleaning agent.

A still i'urther object of the invention is the provision of a new and improved portable cleaning machine for drums and other containers which may be readily adapted for cleaning containers of diii'erent sizes and shapes.

Another and further object of the invention is the provision of a new and improved portable cleaning machine having a cleaning iluid reservoir adapted to support cleaning nozzles and the containers being cleaned which is itself supported on and rotatable aboutV a iixed vertical axis and which machine includes cams and a valve mechanlsm cooperating when the reservoir is rotated to subject each container to a plurality of flushing operations during a single revolution of the reservoir.

A further object of the invention is the proviy sion of a new and improved method for cleaning the interiors of drums and other containers which assenso 3 includes subjecting them to repeated cleaning cycles in each ci which there is an initial oi dushing only to build up a iluid level in the containers followed by a period o! simultaneous nushing andevacuation ot the cleaning fluid so that foreign material dislodged by the discharging cleaning iiuid is maintained suspended in the uuid and ls Withdrawn with the mild and in dl!- continuing the nushing and continuing the suc- Another and further object of the invention is A the provision oi a new and improved cleaning apparatus for drums and other containers in which means are provided for supporting the containers being cleaned in an upright position on the machine during the cleaning operation with the cleaning nozzles of the machine projecting into the container through openings in their tops so that the iiuid used in flushing the interior oi the container is caught in the container and not wasted and after withdrawal and filtering may be recirculated instead of being wasted in cleaners in which the containers are inverted when they are being cleaned.

A more specitlc object of the invention is the provision of a new and improved apparatus for cleaning drums and like containers which has a plurality of cleaning nozzles secured on its reservoir that are adapted to be received in the containers being cleaned and suction and pressure means automatically operated upon rotation of the reservoir of the machine to provide simultaneous flushing and evacuation of the containers, the reservoir also being provided with auxiliary connections for cleaning nozzles each having manually operated means for controlling the pressure and suction ilow of uid therethrough so that containers of unusual size and shape not adapted to be secured on the container supports on the machine for automatic cleaning may be cleaned by manually controlling the suction and pressure flow thereto while the container is resting on the base of the machine or other stationary support.

The present invention comprises other novel features. the advantages of which will be pointed out as the description proceeds, the improved cleaner of this invention being fully described hereinafter and the novel features thereof being particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that for the purpose of illustration a preferred embodiment of the cleaning machine has been shown in the drawings and described in detail. but the embodiment shown and described is susceptible of many modifications. changes and rearrangements of parts to fit particular circumstances without departing from the spirit or scope oi the invention. In the accompanying drawings: l

Figure 1 is a top plan view of my cleaning machine.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the machine.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the base and reservoir oi my improved cleaning machine.

improved Figure 4 is a top plan view of the cleaning machine with the top circular platform and the operating mechanism which it carries removed therefrom.

Figure 5 is fragmentary top pian view oi the cleaning duid reservoir with the operating mechanism removed therefrom.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional line l o! Figure 8.

Figures l to 12 inclusive are sectional views taken on the lines respectively. of Figure 5.

Figure 13 is fragmentary perspective `view o! a portion of the niter chamber oi' the cleaning machine.

Figure 14 is a fragmentary iront elevational view ci the nlter chamber oi' the cleaning maview taken on the fragmentary crossl-'I to iI--iL Figure 15 is a side elevational view partly in section of the nozzles used in cleaning tive-gallon cans of the type used bythe armed forces.

Figures i6 to 22. inclusive, are cross sectional views taken on the lines IB-Ii to 22-11. inclusive. respectively, oi Figure 15.

Figures 23 is a developed view of the cams forA controlling actuation o! the suction and pressure valves of the machine.

Figure 24 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the sequence of ilushing which a container passes through in a complete cleaning operation.

Figure 25 is a view diagrammatically illustrating the operation of my cleaning machine.

Figures 26 and 27 are top plan views of the suction and pressure cams respectively showing the contour oi these cams.

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated therein a cleaning machine particularly adaptable for progressively and automatically cleaning at one time ten live-gallon cans of the type commonly used by the armed forces for storing and transporting gasoline in combat areas and other places. The machine rests on a base l0 formed from a pair ot longitudinally extending channel irons 3i which are maintained in spaced relation by a plurality of transversely extending angle irons I2 secured to the channel irons `by welding to form a sturdy framework as shown in Figures 1 to 4, inclusive. The space between the cross pieces and channel irons at each end of the base is formed into compartments for storing tools and spare parts by providing a bottom wall of metallic plate for these spaces and covers 33 oi' the same material which may be hinged to the angle irons or otherwise held in position. Handles Il are provided on these cover plates for raising the same to gain access to the compartments, and a heavy eyebolt 15 is secured at each corner of the base for lifting the machine when it is to be placed on or removed from its transporting vehicle. Extending transversely of the base is a centrally located channel iron cross piece 3l which has its ends welded to the sides of the longitudinally extending channel irons Il. A

supporting column 31 is secured to the central portion of the channel cross piece lli by welding or other suitable means and is rigidly supported in upright position by a plurality of triangular shaped braces Il which have vertical edges I! welded to the sides oi the column 31 and body portions that extend diagonally outwardly from the column to the point of intersection between the longitudinal channel irons Il and the angle iron cross pieces I2. to which the extremities ,of these body portions are welded as indicated at III in Figure 3. This nxed central column formsa support for the reservoir and the operating meehanism of the cleaner about which it rotates as will be more fully described hereinafter.

A cylindrical reservoir 4| is provided for containing the cleaning duid used in operating the machine. This reservoir has a sloping bottom 42, vertical walls 48. a central tubular column I4 which extends upwardly from the bottom to a point somewhat below the top edge o! the side walls and deilnes a space into which the central column I1 projects when the reservoir is in operative position. Secured to the inner surfaces of the wall Il of the reservoir at a point below the top edge and to the outer wall oi the tubular column u by welding or other suitable means which will provide a liquid and air tight connection between these parts is the reservoir top IB best seen in Figures 3 and 'l to 11. Bpaced above this top Il and secured along the top edge of the side wall 43 is an annular top plate or flange 46 which forms a base to which the operating valves tor controlling the flow of cleaning fluid to and from the containers being cleaned and the posts which support the operating mechanism are secured. The upper end oi the tubular column u is provided with a ilapged ring bearing Il as shown in Figures 3 and 9, and a thrust bearing Il is secured on a shoulder 49 near the upper end of the supporting column ll and is engaged by `a flange lll n the ring bearing Il to thereby provide a rotatable support for the reservoir as shown in Figure 3. Wobbling of reservoir while it is rotating is prevented by a ring which engages the walls of the tubular column Il along a slightly enlarged portion I2 thereof when it is resting in position on the collar Il that is seated on braces Il of the stationary column 31. 'I'his type of mounting permits the reservoir 4| to rotate freely around the stationary column Il.

Two chambers are dened in the top portion oi' the reservoir through which cleaning iluid must ilow in the cycle of a cleaning operation. The llrst of these is an annular pressure chamber Il formed around the top oi' the reservoir by an annular ring Il which extends between the top oi' the reservoir Il and the top plate Il spaced from the outer wall Il as shown in Figures 3, 7, 8, 10, and 11. Below this chamber I4 and in the upper end of the reservoir proper a iilter chamber Il is formed between the outer wall I3 ofthe reservoir, a ring Il concentric with this wall and secured to the underside of the top essary to clean out this sump. and for this pur-` pose the reservoir must be provided with an opening normally closed by a clean-out plate (not shown) through which access to the sump may be had.

Set in the outer wall of the reservoir 4I between the bottom il of the iilter chamber I6 and the 42 of the reservoir is a gauge channel Il having a vertical wail ll in which is secured a sight gauge 82 for indicating the level o! the cleaning nuid in the reservoir. A second channel Il is secured along the inner side of the vertical wall of the reservoir and extends from a point adjacent the bottom of the reservoir as shown in Figure 3 to the outlet port G4 formed in the top plate as shown in Figures 5 and 10.

cylindrical centrally locatedl to the screens 69 This channel forms a passageway for drawing cleaning nuid from the bottom oi' the reservoir. For draining the reservoir a drain plug GI is provided which is threaded into a sleeve 86 secured in the wall I8 of the reservoir at a point adjacent its bottom as shown in Figure 12.

Annular ring Il which forms the-inner walls of the iilter chamber B8 -is provided with two plane portions B1 as shown in Figures 3, 5, 8 and 13, which extend angularly with respect to each other and have internally and externally threaded bushings Bl secured thereto by threading the same therein normal to the surface of the plane portions 81. Elongated tubular iiltering screens i9 are threaded into these bushings and extend horizontally from the bushings 08 and angularly with respect to .each other so that their outer ends project' on opposite sides oi the central tubular column u of the reservoir as seen in Figure 6. Cleaning iluid is drawn from the containers being cleaned to the lter chamber Il by means of suction as will be explained in more detail hereinafter and must ilow through the strainers Bl in its return passage 'to the reservoir 4i so that foreign materials are removed. A pressure equalizlng screen 'In is provided in the bottom Il of the nlter chamber adjacent the inlet as seen in Figures 3 and 13.

Supported on the top plate 40 of the reservoir. by means of a plurality of posts 1I secured thereon by threading the same into the plate or by securing them in any other easily removable manner. is a circular platform l2 upon which the operating mechanism for the cleaner is mounted as shown in Figures l and 2. This mechanism is ci' conventional construction and will not be described in detail but includes a pressure pump 13 having an inlet pipe 'M connected to the outlet I4 in the top plate I6 by means of a threaded ilange 1I secured to the top plateof the reservoir. An elbow 'Il in this conduit il is provided with a tapped aperture through which the reservoir is filled with cleaning fluid, and this aperture is closed by a threaded plug Il. In ordinary operation approximately Il gallons of cleaning iluid are contained in the reservoir which is of almost double this capacity so that it is only about onehalf lled with uid at any time. It has been found that kerosene is an ideal cleaning iluid. not only because of its eectiveness inthe cleaning operation but also because of its ready availability at fuel and lubricant supply points for the combat areas when the machine is being used by the armed forces. However Stoddards solvent or similar cleaning fluids may also be used.

'I'he discharge side of the pump is connected by a conduit 18 seen in Figure l to an outlet 11 in the top plate 48 shown in cross section in Figure l1 by means of a threaded flange i8 secured to the top plate to which the end of conduit 18 is threaded. The pump is preferably provided with a by-pass valve to prevent the building up of excessive pressure in the machine.

Flow of cleaning lluid from the machine to the containers being cleaned is produced by the pressure mechanism Just described. To produce a reportion thereof, i. e., the lllter chamber Si, and the space in the top of the reservoir above the fluid. are maintained ,at Vsubatmospheric pressure by a vacuum pump Ii secured to the platform A conduit l2 which ,is connected to the outlet 8l in the top plate "QI through a threaded flange Il secured to the-top plate and threadedly receiving the end of conduit li asshownin obtained by Figure `8 connects the pump 8i with a channel u which extends from the top plate downwardly through the pressure c Il into the filter chamber Il and is weldedto the underside of the top plate and to the walls of the reservoir to form an air tightpassageway from the filter chamber to the outlet Il.

In the operation of the machine, air is drawn from the iilter chamber and the upper part of the reservoir bythe vacuum pump Il and is exhausted to the atmosphere through a conventional air exhaust and silencer Il show.. in Figure 2. The cleaning nozzle communicate with this region of reduced pressure through means to be hereinafter described so that suction on the nozzles causes a return flow of cleaning huid.

Forced lubrication of the vacuum pump Il is means oi' an oil pump 8i mounted above the platform 12 and having conduits l1. for feeding oil to the vacuum pump. and to prevent overheating of the vacuum pump in the operation of the cleaning machine it was found necessaryr to provide a means for cooling the same. In the present embodiment of the invention this is accomplished by by-passing a small portion of the cleaning fluid from the pressure pump 1I through a by-pass conduit 8B to the vacuum pump and circulating the same therethrough. Thus the compact-ness of the machine is increased since the need for a separate cooling medium for the pump is eliminated. Moreover, a further saving in space and equipment is secured by this cooling system because it is not necessary'to provide a heat exchanger for cooling the cleaning fluid. Aeration of the fluid is bound to occur when the cleaning fluid is sprayed into the containers being cleaned so that the fluid is maintained in a relatively cool condition at all times.

The means for driving these pumps 13, Il and It preferablyv comprises an air cooled internal combustion engine Sii of conventional construction secured to platform 12, although other op erating means may be used if more convenient. Referring to Figures l and 2 it will be seen that this engine drives a gear reducer 9| which in turn drives a hub 92 through a clutch having an operating handle 93 for operatively engaging and disengaging the engine and the hub. A sprocket 9| secured on the outer end of the hub 92 drives the oil pump through a gages over a sprocket on pump.

A second sprocket 95 on the hub 92 is connected to and drives the vacuum pump 8| when the hub is rotat'ng. The pressure pump is also driven from this hub 92 by means of a third sprocket 9B connected by a sprocket chain to a sprocket on the pressure pump 13. The fourth sprocket 91 on the hub is connected by a chain to a speed reducer 9B secured on the platform and having a. vertically extending shaft 99 projecting below the platform 12 and rotated at a reduced speed with respect to the hub 92 and motor shaft when the motor and hub are operatively engaged.

Engine 9B has a crank |00 which extends outwardly beyond the platform 12 to an accessible position so that it may be conveniently operated manually when it is desired to start the engine. By means of the clutch between the engine and the hub it is possible to disconnect the engine from the pumps secured on the platform when the engine is to be started or cleaning is to be discontinued. It should be noted that by securing the operating mechanism to the platform as described this mechanism may be easily and quickly removed from the machine as a unit merely by sprocket chain which enthe drive shaft of the oil l able elements.

disconnecting the posts 1i and the suction and pressure connections to the reservoir. The whole platform 12 and everything secured on it may then be lifted from the machine.

In addition to driving the pumps beforementioned, the engine Dil also rotates the reservoir upc-n the fixed column 31 during the cleaning operation. In Figures 2 and 3, there is shown a means for driving the reservoir from the motor which comprises a clutch having nxed and mov- The fixed element of the clutch comprises a circular plate ilii having a 'ring |02 engaging about the top of the fixed column I1 and non-rotatably secured thereto by means of set screws |02' or other suitable means. This plate is provided with rectangular slots in its periphery in which the lower ends ill! of a series of elongated jaw teeth IM secured in the periphery of a movable disc lili are adapted to slide when the disc lill is raised or lowered. The upper ends of the law teeth lill extend upwardly above the top surface of the disc iti.

The second element of the clutch comprises a jaw element |08 having peripheral slots lill in which the upper ends of the teeth i are adapted to engage when the disc ill! is raised to operative position.

Jaw element |06 is secured to the lower side of an idler sprocket |08 which is free to rotate upon a shaft |08 depending from the lower side of the platform 12 and coaxial with the column 31. Idler ii is driven through a sprocket chain lill by a sprocket iii secured on the shaft 98 depending from and driven by the speed reducer 9B. When the teeth |04 in the disc it are disengaged from the clutch element I" on the idler |08 as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the latter is free to rotate upon its shaft and the reservoir remains stationary even though the engine is operating. However, when the movable disc lili is raised from the position shown in the drawings sufficiently to cause the tops of the teeth IM to engage in the slots i|i1 in the periphery of the idler element |06, their lower ends will remain engaged in the slots in the periphery of the circular plate lill fixed to the stationary column 31 so that rotation of the idler will be abruptly braked and the sprocket chain will stop moving over the sprockets, but with the engine 90 continuing to operate and to apply torque to the sprocket lil the force applied will cause this sprocket to travel along the sprocket chain lili so that the entire platform 12 and all of the mechanism secured thereto will be rotated about a vertical axis coaxial with the axis of the idler IDB and stationary column 31. Since the platform 12 and reservoir 4i are rigidly and nonrotatably secured together by means of the posts 1i secured to the platform 12 and to the top plate I8 of the reservoir the latter will be caused to rotate about the fixed column 31 on the thrust bearing 4B which supports the machine on column 31. Under normal operating conditions the reservoir travels relatively slowly making one revolution in approximately seconds so that the sudden engagement of the clutch elements does not place too great a strain thereon.

Means for raising and lowering the circular disc |05 is shown in Figure 3 comprising a shaft H2 threaded at its upper end into the disc |05 which is locked on this shaft by a nut i lli threaded on the upper end thereof. The shaft is journaled adjacent its upper and lower ends for reciprocatory movement in a centrally located opening in the xed plate lili and an opening lil in the top of the central cross bar 3B and is pivoted at its lower end to one arm oi a bell crank lever ||5 pivoted at ||4 to a cross piece extending between the flanges of the central cross bar I5. The other arm of the bell crank is pivoted to one end of an operating rod H4 extending longitudinally of the base I and provided with an upturned handle Il! on its outer end for convenient grasping by an operator. It will be obvious from an examination of Figures 2 and 3 that by moving tlie rod ||5 to the right as shown in those ngures the shaft ||2 and disc |05 will be raised until the teeth |04 engage in the slots |01 in the idler clutch element |||5. The clutch may be locked in engaged position by providing the rod H8 with a slot |20 on its underside positioned so that it engages with the edge of an upstanding bracket |2| secured to the base 40 when the disc is in fully raised position.

To prevent the reservoir from rotating when the machine is idle or is .being transported, it may .be provided with a plurality of anchors similar to that shown at |22 in Figure 2. Each anchor comprises a pair of tie rods |22 having their adjacent ends threaded into a turnbuckie |24 and their outer ends adapted to be engaged in the plate 4B of the reservoir and an eye adiacent the outer extremity of a side rail 3| of the base 30. By tightening the turnbuckles |24 the reservoir may be rigidly locked against accidental rotation.

In the operation o! the machine, cleaning of the containers and removal of the foreign materials therefrom is effected by simultaneously flushing and evacuating the containers for a portion of each cleaning cycle so that cleaning fluid is withdrawn while it is still in a turbulent state due to the flushing or so soon thereafter that the foreign materials have not had time to Stick to the sides of the container or settle to the bottom.

A compact nozzle for accomplishing simultaneous flushing and evacuation of the containers is shown in Figure 15 from which it will be readily apparent that each nozzle consists of concentric inner and outer metallic tubes |25 and |26, respectively. which are sealed together at their lower ends as indicated at |21 so that a cylindrical inner passageway |28 and an annular outer passageway |19 are dened in each nozzle. The upper end of the outer tube |25 is secured to one branch of a T joint |30 by a leakproof connection, and the inner tube |25 extends through both branches of the T connection |30 and communicates with a connecting pipe I3 I, one end of which is threaded into the second branch of the T. Both the joint between the T |30 and the end of connecting pipe I3| and between the upper end of the inner tube |25 and the interior of the connecting pipe IBI are made leakproof so that there is no communication between the inner and outer passageway |28 and |29 in the nozzle.

The outer tu-be |26 of the nozzle is provided with small jet apertures |32 arranged in series indicated generally in Figure l and at various angles to the surface of the tube to direct duid in the form of a ne stream or spray from the nozzle onto all the interior surfaces of the container which has been placed about the nozzle as shown in Figure 2. The series of apertures |32 shown in Figure and the particular arrangement thereof which is indicated in Figures 16 to 22 was designed particularly for cleaning ilvegallon cans of the type used by the armed forces in storing and transporting gasoline in combat areas. It will be obvious that other arrangements oi apertures may be made to make the nonies l0 adaptable for cleaning containers of other sizes and shapes.

Each nozzle is rigidly supported in depending position by upwardly projecting supply and evacuation conduits which are connected thereto at one end and at the other end communicate with the proper chambers oi' the reservoir to effect the flushing operation. The stem of the T III is connected to the upper end of a iluid supply conduit |33 which conduit is connected at its lower end to an automatically operated pressure valve |34. Interposed in this line at any convenient point beyond the pressure valve |34 for example between the stem of the T |30 and the upper end of the conduit |34 is a manually operated valve |35 for regulating the iiow of fluid to the nome independently of the operation of the pressure valve |34 and for completely discontinuing the operation in certain nozzles when this is desired. Pressure valve |34 is in the form of a conventional poppet or whistle valve and in turn is connected to the top plate 45 by a short length o! pipe III threaded into one of the series of threaded openings |31 therein (shown in Figure 5) which come municate with the pressure chamber 54. By means of the pressure line just described the outer passageway |29 in a nozzle is brought into communication with the pressure chamber 54 so that nuid under pressure will tlow into the nozzle when the valve |34 is opened. I

Valve |34 is spring loaded in a closing direction so that a force must be applied to its stem |35 when the valve is to be opened. For accomplishing this automatically an operating mechanism is provided comprising a horizontally extending lever arm |39 having one end engaging the valve stem and having its opposite end rigidly secured on the upper end of a vertical spindle shaft |4|I which is rotatably mounted in a anged journal |4| secured to the top plate 45 oi 4the reservoir as shown in Figures 3 and 4 and extends through one of the series of openings |42 in the top plate 44 shown in Figure 5. Rigidiy secured on the lower end of the spindle is a second lever arm |4I which also extends horizontally therefrom. The outer end of this arm is provided with a roller |44 for engaging the cam surface of a cam which will be described hereinafter, and the two lever arms are secured on center lines angularly disposed with respect to each other sumciently to cause the valve stem and first lever arm to remain in contacting engagement and the roller and cam surface to remain in contacting engagement at all times.

Support for the nozzle is also provided by the suction conduit |45 connected at its upper end to the upper end of the connecting pipe |4| on the nozzle through elbow nttings a coupling and short connecting pipes. A manually operable valve |45 similar to the valve |35 in the pressure line is interposed in the line preferably between the coupling and the suction line as shown in Figure 2. The lower end of the suction conduit is connected by means of a series of connecting pipes and elbows to the outlet side of a gate valve |41 which has its inlet connected through an air-tight connecting Basket |48 to the top plate 45 of a reservoir as indicated in Figure 3 so that the inlet of the valve communicates with a passageway |40 leading to the nlter chamber 58 as seen in section in Figure '7 The gate in valve |41 is mounted on a vertically extending spindle |50 which rotates to swing the gate into an out of seated position. Spindle |50 extends through and is rotatably journaled in one oi a series of 45 and has a horizontally extending lever arm |52 rigidly secured on its lower end. Referring to Figure 3 it will be seen that this arm has a roller |63 on its free end engageable in a cam race in a suction cam which will be described hereinafter for operating the lever.

For the sake of brevity a single nozzle and its suction and pressure supply system have been described because each of the ten nozzles and the supply lines therefor are similar in construction and operation. Mutual support as between the vertically extending portion oi the sution and pressure supply lines is obtained by means oi a strap metal band |54 conduits |33 and |45. Each conduit is secured to the band by means of a U-bolt |55 so that all the conduits are bound together and mutually support each other and thus increase the rigidity of the entire structure.

In order that the cleaning operation may be satisfactorily performed, a container being cleaned must be supported on the machine in an upright position, but tilted sumciently so that the lower corner of the container diagonally opposite the opening therein is the lowest point of the container, and the nozzle tip must project into this lowest point. One form oi' support for accomplishing this shown in Figures 2 and 4 comprises an elongated supporting arm |55 plvotally secured at one end to the upper end of a holder bracket |51. This holder |51 pivots upon a vertically extending pin |55 secured in upper and lower lugs |56 and |60 respectively welded to the side walls 43 oi the reservoir as seen in Figure 7. Extending angularly downwardly from a projection on the lower side of the arm |56 intermediate its ends is a compression spring |62 which seats against the edge of the bracket |51. The upper edge of the arm is declined to a point intermediate its ends where a projection |63 is provided to form an abutment for the edge of a container when the latter is in position for cleaning. A handle |64 for gripping the arm is fashioned on the outer extremity thereof, and the bracket may be provided with stop plates |55 on each side adapted to engage the side walls 4I of the reservoir for limiting pivotal movement oi the holder on the pin |58.

In placing a can on the machine preparatory to cleaning the same the arm |56 is pivoted to one side or the other and a container manually raised to position with a nozzle projecting into its interior through the opening on the top side oi the container. The operator then grasps the handle |64 and pivots the arm of the can holder downwardly against the pressure of the spring |62 and horizontally until it is brought under the edge oi' the can with the back edge of the latter abutting against the projection |63. For aiding in properly positioning the can a guide |66 may be secured to the lower end of the suction conduit |45 by a. U-bolt |61. To prevent escape of cleaning fluid from the opening of the container during the cleaning operation each nozzle preferably is provided with a cap or apron |68 secured on the nozzle at such a position that the top of the can is brought into engagement with the edges of the apron when the can is in proper cleaning position. In addition to its other functions the apron also aids in properly positioning a container on the machine.

While only one can support |56 has been deapertures |5| in the top plate encircling the ten series or i scribed, it should be obvious that a similar support is provided in conjunction with each nozzle on the machine.

Automatic operation of the pressure and suction flow is secured by means oi pressure and suction cams now to be described, having reference particularly to Figures 3, 4, 26, and 27 in which the same are illustrated. The suction cam designated in its entirety by the number I" comprises a plate |15 having the contour shown in Figure 26, a ring |1| secured to this plate along its periphery and a plurality ot generally sector shaped plates |12 secured to the ring |11 in spaced relation with the plate |16 to form a series of cam races |12 with the plate in which the rollers |53 on the end oi the suction cam levers |52 are adapted to move. Plate |15 is non-rotatably secured by means oi welding or other appropriate means to a hub |14 adapted to be received on the upper reduced end oi the fixed column 11. Reinforcement oi.' the union between these parts is obtained by means bf a plurality of triangular shaped braces |15 having vertical edges welded on the periphery of the hub at their junction and longitudinal edges welded to the top of the plate |10.

A pressure cam |16 in the form of a ring and having the contour shown in Figure 2'7 is secured to the uppermost side of the suction cam by means oi rivets or bolts or other suitable means and is held in spaced relation therewith by spacers |11 interposed between the two cams.

Sin`ce the valves and their operating levers are mounted on the top plate 46 of, the reservoir and rotate therewith, the cams must remain stationary if the valves are to be operated when the reservoir is rotated. Fixed mounting oi the cams is secured by means of a plurality of set screws |14' which are threaded into the walls of the hub |14 and bear against the ilxed column 31 when the cams are in position on the column.

As indicated in Figures 3 and 4 the rollers |4l on the pressure cam levers |43 ride on the outer surface oi the pressure cam |16 and as previously explained are held in contact therewith by the spring loaded stems oi puppet valves |34. The springs in these valves tend to hold them in closed position so that a positive pressure is required to open the valve. This along with the particular contour of the pressure cam |16 and the relative angular positioning of the cam lever arms |36 and |43 on the spindle |40 causes the pressure valve |24 to be opened and closed instantaneously for abruptly initiating or terminating the flow oi. fluid to the nozzles. On the other hand, the gate valves |41 in the suction line must be mechanically operated in both opening and closing directions. For this reason the suction cam is provided with cam races |12 in which the cam rollers |53 move so that the cam levers are forccably operated in both opening and closing directions.

Referring to Figures 4 and 23, and to Figure 24 wherein is shown the sequence of operation o! the valves, it will be noted that throughout each cleaning cycle operation of the suction valve is delayed with respect to operation of the corresponding pressure valve. This is indicated in Figure 23 which is a diagrammatic developed view of the cams with the oblique lines joining positions representing the valves. It will be noted that the pressure valves open abruptly and ln advance of the suction valves which open slowly Bhd that n0 more than three suction and three pressure valves are open at any one time. By limiting the operation in this manner the capacity of the machine is not overtaxed and the cleaning cycle can be repeated during each complete cleaning operation to secure more effective cleanings.

In Figure 24 is shown the sequence of the cleaning operation with the operators station indicated. It should be noted that a complete cleaning operation has three cycles, and that during the first and second cycle of the cleaning operation there is a relatively long period of ushing initiated suiliciently vin advance o! the opening of the suction valve so that a liquid level is built up in the container being cleaned and is maintained throughout these two cycles. Foreign materials dislodged from the walls of the container are suspended in this liquid and are prevented from settling too rapidly by the turbulence of the liquid caused by the discharging fluid. As this turbulent liquid is drawn from the container the foreign materials suspended therein are also withdrawn. Flushing during the third cycle is continued only a sufiicient time to stir up the liquid carried over from the second cleaning cycle and the suction in this cycle is continued a sumcient time to completely evacuate the container andthereafter is continued at a reduced rate to a point in the path of rotation where the containers are removed by the operator in order to prevent a back flow of cleaning fluid from the nozzle into the container being cleaned.

In addition to the nozzles already described the machine is also provided with one or more auxiliary nozzles |18 particularly adapted for cleaning containers other than the five-gallon container, for example 55-gallon drums. These nozzles are similar in construction to the nozzle previously described and are provided with manually operated valves |19 for controlling the flow of fluids therethrough. Nozzles |18 are connected by exible hoses |80 shown in Figure 1 to pressure and suction outlets on the reservoir indicated generally at |8| and provided with manually controlled valves |82.

When these nozzles are to be used they are connected to the proper outlets |8| to produce a circulation of duid therethrough and the pressure and the suction creating mechanism of the machine is put in operation. but the driving clutch |05 for the reservoir is allowed to remain disengaged so that the reservoir remains stationary. When the valves |19 controlling the flow of fiuid are open with the nozzles |18 inserted in a drum, a circulation of fluid will occur. This may be continued for a suflicient length of time to effect a thorough cleaning of the drum which during this time is placed adjacent but not on the machine. The manually operated valves |10 should be opened and closed in such order that a sequence of pressure and suction ow is secured similar to that secured in the automatic operation of the machine.

For the automatic operation of the machine the reservoir is first supplied with cleaning fluid, preferably kerosene, which is fed into the reservoir through the lling opening in elbow 10. After the machine has been loaded with ten cans and the operating engine 90 has been started, the clutch for driving the operating mechanism is engaged by moving the lever 93 thereby causing kerosene to be drawn from the bottom of the reservoir 4| through the channel 63 outlet 04 and conduit 14 to the intake side of the pump 13. Kerosene under, pressure is forced from the pump r interiors of 14 through conduit 16 and inlet 11 into the annular pressure chamber I4 in the top of the reservoir 4|.

At the same time that pressure is being built up in the pressure chamber, the pressure in the filter chamber and reservoir is being reduced to sub-atmospheric by the vacuum pump 8| which is connected to the filter chamber through the conduit 82 outlet 83 and passageway 05. Adjustment of the capacity of these pumps must be made to prevent a back flow of air through the pressure line since both pumps are evacuating uid from the same chamber. I have found that a pressure pump capable of creating a vacuum of about 25 inches of mercury and a vacuum pump having a capacity of about 15 inches oi' mercury will produce satisfactory degrees of pressure and vacuum for operating the machine without overtaxing either pump.

By maintaining the filter chamber 58 and reservoir 4i at sub-atmospheric pressure at all times, a flow oi' contaminated fluid from the containers being cleaned to the filter chamber will occur whenever any of the suction valves |41 are open. The path of flow of contaminated fluid from the lower corner of the container is through inner passageway |20 in the nozzle, connecting pipes. coupling and manually operated valve |46 into suction conduit |45 and to suction valves |41 from which it flows into filter chamber 56 through the passageway |49 shown in Figure 7. From the lter chamber 56 the fluid is returned to the reservoir through the strainers 00 whereby foreign materials are removed.

After the operating mechanism has functioned for a sufficient time to create the proper pressure differential between the pressure and illter chambers to produce a circulation of cleaning iluid. the disc |05 is engaged with element |00 whereupon the platform 12 and the reservoir 4I are rotated. During this rotation the cam rollers |44 and |53 are carried over the camways on the pressure and suction cams. and as a result, operate the flow control valves |34 and |41 in the sequence previously described. One operator is stationed at the point |03 shown in Figure 24 to remove the cleaned cans from the machine and place contaminated cans on the machine. In all other respects, the operation of the machine is automatic. By operating the machine in this manner and with the reservoir making a complete revolution in approximately seventy seconds. it has been found possible to clean upwards of 3,000 cans in a single eight-hour day.

Obviously, many modifications in the size. structure and arrangement of parts described i'ore, I do not desire to be limited to the precise details described above, but desire to avail myself o! all the novel aspects of the invention coming within the scope of the appended claims.

t claim:

1. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the plurality of containers on said reservoir in position for cleaning, a plurality of cleaning nozzles adapted to be received in said containers for flushing said containers with cleaning fluid and evacuating the same therefrom, means connected with said nozzles and cleaning uid to pressure, means for applying suction to said nozzles for evacuatlng cleaning i v l iiuid from' said containers to said reservoir, motor means for rotating said reservoir and for operating said suction and pressure means. and control means operable upon rotation o! said reservoir for controlling the pressure and suction now between said reservoir and said nozzles to delay the application o! suction to said nonies at the beginning oi' the cleaning cycle until a fluid level has been and to continue suction at the end of a cleaning cycle a sufficient time to insure complete evacuation ol' the residual iluid from said containers.

2. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interiors of containers comprising in combination, a rotatable cleaning iluid reservoir, means for supporting a plurality of containers on said reservoir in position for cleaning, a plurality of cleaning nozzles adapted to be received in said containers for flushing said containers with cleaning iiuid and evacuating the same therefrom, means connected with said nozzles and said reservoir for subjecting a portion of said cleaning fluid to pressure, means for applying suction to said nozzles for evacuating cleaning iluid from said containers to said reservoir, motor means for rotating said reservoir and for operating said suction and pressure means, and control means operable upon rotation of said reservoir for controlling the pressure and suction flow between said reservoir and said nozzles to effect simultaneous flushing and evacuation of said containers after a liquid level has been built up therein followed by evacuation only for removing the residual cleaning iiuid from said containers after said pressure flow has been discontinued by said control means.

3. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interior of containers comprising in combination a rotatable cleaning fluid reservoir, means for supporting a plurality of containers on said reservoir, a series of cleaning nozzles on said reservoir each adapted to be received in one of said containers and having a discharge passageway with outlets therein for directing a cleaning fluid on all of the interior surfaces of said container and an evacuation passageway for withdrawing cleaning fluid from said container, means for establishing a flow of cleaning fluid under pressure from said reservoir to the said discharge nozzles, means for simultaneously creating a suetion flow from said nozzles to said reservoir, valve means for controlling the ilow of iiuid to and from said nozzles, stationary cam means, and actuating means for opening and closing said valve means, said actuating means rotating with said reservoir and engaging with said cam means, said cam means being conformed to operate said actuating means for opening and closing said valves in predetermined order during a cleaning cycle to provide an initial period of discharge only from said nozzles followed by a. period of simultaneous discharge and evacuation and a terminating period of evacuation only when said reservoir is rotated.

4. A cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein the cam means are designed and adapted to operate said actuating means for said valves through a plurality of cleaning cycles during each complete revolution of said reservoir.

5. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interior of containers comprising in combination a cleaning uid reservoir, means for supporting a plurality of containers in position for cleaning, a plurality of cleaning nozzles communicating with said reservoir .and adapted to be received built up in said container i6 in said containers, a pump for transferring cleaning duid under preesureiromsaidreservoirtosaidpressurechamber, means connecting said pressure chamber and said nozzles for conveying duid under pressure to said nonies for flushing said containers. means for applying a suction to said nozzlesV for evacuating the cleaning duid from said containers and returning same to said reservoir. means for controlling the now of iluid to and from said containers, means for rotating said reservoir.

cam means for engaging with said new control means to actuate the latter upon rotation of the reservoir through repeated cleaning cycles during each revolution of the reservoir. said cam means being conformed to operate said ilow control means in sequence to provide an initial period of flushing only followed by a period of simultaneous flushing and evacuation and a terminating period of evacuation only.

6. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interior of containers comprising in combination a cleaning fluid reservoir, means for supporting a plurality of containers in position for cleaning, a plurality of cleaning nozzles communicating with said reservoir and adapted to be received in said containers, pressure means communicating with said nozzles and said reservoir for conveying cleaning iiuid under pressure to said nozzles for ilushing said containers, means for reducing the pressure to sub-atmospheric in the portion of said reservoir above the level of the fluid therein, a filter chamber in communication with said reservoir, means connecting said iilter chamber and said nozzles for conveying contaminated cleaning iiuid from said containers to said illter chamber, means for controlling the flow of fluid to and from said containers, means for rotating said reservoir, cam means for engaging with said flow control means to actuate the'latter upon rotation of the reservoir through repeated cleaning cycles during each revolution of the reservoir, said cam means being conformed to operate said ilow control means in sequence to provide an initial period of flushing only followed by a period of simultaneous flushing and evacuation and a terminating period of evacuation only.

A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interior of containers comprising in combination a cleaning fluid reservoir, means for supporting a plurality of containers in position for cleaning, a plurality of cleaning nozzles adapted to be received in said containers, a pressure chamber, a pressure pump for transferring cleaning fluid under pressure from said reservoir to said pressure chamber, means connecting said pressure chamber and said nozzles for conveying uid under pressure to said nozzles for flushing said containers, a vacuum pump having its suction side connected to said reservoir above the level of the fluid therein for reducing the pressure in said chamber to sub-atmospheric, a filter chamber in communication with said reservoir, means connecting said iilter chamber and said nozzles for conveying contaminated cleaning iiuid from said containers to said filter chamber, means for controlling the ow of iluid from said pressure chamber to said nozzles and from said nonies to said iilter chamber, means for rotating said resv ervoir, cam means for engaging with said fiow control means to actuate the latter upon rotation of the reservoir through repeated cleaning cycles during each revolution o: the reservoir, said cam means being conformed to operate saidiiow conchambenapreseure 2,464,880 17 l trol means in sequence to provide an initial period said cleaning tluid, means for controlling the ilow of flushing only followed by a period oi' simulof cleaning nuid in said pressure and suction taneous flushing and evacuation and a terminatmeans. a ilxed vertical shaft forming an axis for ing period of evacuation only. said reservoir. thrust bearing means for support- 8. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the s ing said reservoir upon said shaft in rotatable received in said containers, a pressure chamber, a l gallina' With Said 110W control means t0 ctlite pressure to said nozzles for flushing said containproviding an initial period oi' flushing only i'olby a period of simultaneous flushing and evacuan axis for said reservoir. means tor securing said ation and a terminating period of evacuation reservoir on Said Shi-ft in rotatable relation only. therewith, means for driving said cleaning appa- 9. A self-contained apparatusror cleaning the ratus, clutch means for disengageably connecting interior of containers comprising in combination said reservoir and said driving means, a cam a cleaning fluid reservoir, means for supporting xed on said shaft for engaging with the lever a plurality or containers in position for cleaning. arms 0n said pressure valves and a second cam to circulate cleaning fluid to and from said nozfrom, said second cam being arranged to delay zles for ilushing the interior o! said containers operation oi' said suction valves with respect to and removing the foreign material therefrom with the corresponding pressure valves in each clean- 12. A cleaning apparatus ofthe type dened in tion means. a fixed shaft forming an axis i'or said o claim 11 wherein said cams are conformed to tion onl through said nozzles, valve means for controlling 10. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the os the now of cleaningr uid in said supply and interior of containers comprising in combinaevacuation means, actuating means for opening tion a cleaning nuid reservoir, means for supportand closing said valve means when said reservoir ing with said reservoir and adapted to be received voir, a. clutch element co-axiaily fixed on said rotated about an axis co-axial with said post. means for said driving means on said reservoir to cause the latter to be rotated when said driving means is rotated. and cam means non-rotatably secured on said post. said operating means for said valves engaging said cam means and being operated thereby to open and close said valves in predetermined order when said reservoir is rotated for simultaneously iiushing and evacuating the interior of said containers to clean the same.

14. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interior of containers comprising in combination a cylindrical cleaning iluid reservoir, means for supporting a plurality of containers on said reservoir, a series of nozzles on said reservoir adapted to be received in said containers and having discharge passageways with outlets therein for directing a cleaning iluid on all of the interior surfaces of said containers and an evacuation passageway for withdrawing fluid from said containers, a platform supported on said reservoir, a pressure pump on said platform for establishing a forced flow of cleaning fluid from said reservoir to said nozzles, a vacuum pump on said platform ior creating a suction now of cleaning iiuid from said nozzles to said reservoir, a motor on said platform for driving said pumps and for rotating said reservoir, a. stationary post for supporting said reservoir and platform, a clutch element coaxially xed n said post. an idling clutch element operatively connected to said motor, means for engaging said idling element and said fixed element for locking said idling element in fixed positionand thereby causing said platform and reservoir to be rotated about said post when said motor is operating, valve means for controlling the flow of cleaning iiuid to and from said nozzles, cam means secured on said post, cam levers operatively connected to said valves and operated by said cams for opening and closing said valves in predetermined order upon rotation of said reservoir to provide a period of flushing only of said containers followed by a period of simultaneous ushing and evacuation for cleaning the interior of said containers and terminated by a period of evacuation only for removing residual cleaning fluid from said containers.

15. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interior of containers comprising in combination a cleaning nozzle adapted to be received in a. container and having a discharge passageway therein with outlets for directing cleaning duid on the interior surfaces of said container and an evacuation passageway tor withdrawing iluid from said container, a cleaning nuid reservoir, means for establishing and maintaining a flow of fluid under pressure from said reservoir to the discharge passageway in said nozzle for flushing the interior of said container, means for creating a suction iiow from said nozzle evacuating said container, and means for controlling the ow of fluid to and from said nozzle to delay the initiation and termination of the suction now with respect to the pressure ilow.

16. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interior of containers comprising in combination a cleaning nozzle adapted to be received in a container and having a discharge passageway therein with outlets for directing cleaning iluid on the interior surfaces of said container and an evacuation eway for withdrawing fluid from said container, a cleaning fluid reservoir, means for establishing a now of fluid under pressure from said reservoir to the discharge passageway in said to said reservoir for nozzle for flushing the interior of said container, means for simultaneously creating a suction iiow from said nomic to said reservoir for evacuating said container. means for controlling the flow of uid to and from said nozzle to maintain a substantially constant level of turbulent ,iluid in said containers while they are being cleaned.

l'l, A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interior of containers comprising in combination a cleaning nozzle adapted to be received in a container and having a discharge passageway therein with outlets for directing cleaning fluid on the interior surfaces of said container, and an evacuation passageway therein for withdrawing fluid from said container, a cleaning tluid reservoir, means for establishing a flow of fluid under pressure 4from said reservoir to the discharge passageway in said nozzle for ushlng the interior of said container, means for simultaneously creating a suction flow from said nozzle to said reservoir for evacuating said container. valve means for controlling the flow oi duid to and from said nozzle, and actuating means for said valve means. said actuating means being adapted to delay operation oi said suction controlling valve relative to said pressure valve until a level of cleaning iluid has been built up in said container at the beginning of a cleaning operation and to insure complete evacuation oi residual fluid from said container at the end of a cleaning operation.

18. A self -contained apparatus for cleaning the interior of containers comprising in combination a cleaning nozzle adapted to be received in a container and having a discharge passageway therein with outlets for directing cleaning iiuid on the interior surfaces of said container and an evacuation passageway for withdrawing duid from said container, a cleaning iluid reservoir, means for establishing a ilow of iluid under pressure from said reservoir to the discharge passageway in said nozzle for flushing the interior of said container, means for simultaneously creating a suction flow from said nozzle to said reservoir for evacuating said container, valve means for controlling the flow of fluid to and from said nozzle. and actuating means for said valves, said actuating means maintaining both valves open for simultaneous discharge and evacuation of cleaning fluid to flush the interior of said container and withdraw cleaning iiuid therefrom while the same is in turbulent condition and foreign materials are suspended therein and maintaining said suction valve partially open upon termination of the cleaning operation to prevent backiiow of cleaning fluid from said nozzle,

19. A self-contained apparatus for cleanins the interior of containers comprising in combination a cleaning nozzle adapted to be received in a container and having a discharge passageway therein with outlets for directing cleaning fluid on the interior surfaces of said container and an evacuation passageway for withdrawing fluid from said container, a. cleaning iuid reservoir, means for establishing a now of fluid under pressure from said reservoir to said nozzle for flushing the interior of said container, means for simultaneously creating a suction dow from said nozzle to said reservoir, valve means for controlling the now of fluid to and from said nozzle, actuating means for said valves, said actuating means delaying operation of said suction controlling valve relative to said pressure valve in each cleaning cycle to provide an initial period of discharge escaso 21 ot fluid only followed by a period oi' simultaneous sub-atmospheric in a portion oi' said reservoir discharge and evacuation, said actuating means to create a suction in said reservoir and tilter being designed to repeat said cleanirm cycle a chamber i'or causing a iiow of uuid through said plurality oi' times during each complete cleaning evacuation connecting means and said illter operation, 5 chamber into said reservoir, valve means in said operation to prevent backow of the residual 110 followed by a period of simultaneous discharge cleaning operation. at the end oi a cleaning cycle, and means for con- 21. A self-contained apparatus i'or cleaning the trolling the operation of said actuating means interior of containers comprising in combination to Actuate said valve through a plurality ot cleanpgrtjng 9, group gf containers to be cleaned on 25. A Self-COIltaned BDDBI'BUS for Cleaning the its periphery, a series f cleaning ,mules each interior of containers comprising in combination adapted te be received in o container and having e rotatable cleanins fluid reservoir, means for for simultaneous ushjng and evacuatjgn o f the 20 moll', a Series Of 11022193 0n Said reservoir earch and automatically operablemeans i the pressure and suction ilow in said nozzles to ffm Said container. means i'or establishing a.

cycles of flushing and evacuation. u

22. A self-contained apparatus -for cleaning the 1mg the now 0f fluid *'0 and from said lmzzlasinterior ot containers comprising Ain combination actuating means for wenn* and 505m md reducing the pressure to sub-atmospheric in a the end of 9' cleaning operation portion of said reservoir, means connecting the 26. Ascii-contained apparatus for cleaning the discharge passageway'of said nozzle to said presinterior oi' containers comprising in combination sure ohamber, moons canneoung the evacuation o a rotatable cleaning fluid reservoir, means for provide on mma] period of discharge only fol; 5o lets therein for directing a, cleaning uid on all 22 wherein the means for controlling the opera- 55 reservoir t0 Said discharge 11022188. means for 24. Ascii-contained apparatus for cleaning the 60 gas'lng with said cam means for opening and ing iluld from said container, a cleaning iiuid only a limited number of actuating means at any ervoir to said pressure chamber, a ilter cham- 7o interior of containers comprising in combination the evacuation passageway of said nomle to said realityv o1' containers on said reservoir with said iilter chamber. means for reducing the pressureto 75 cleaning nozzles projecting into said containers,

means lorl supplying cleaning fluid under to said nonies for Bushing the interior ci said containers. means for applying suction to said nozzles for evacuating said containers. valve means for controlling the flow o! cleaning fluid in said supply and evacuation means, means lor automatically operating said valve means in timed order when said reservoir is rotated to produce simultaneous nushing and evacuation ci said containers for cleaning the same, driving means lor said cleaning apparatus, a stationary post for supporting said reservoir. a clutch element fixed on said post and an idling clutch element lso-axially arranged with respect to said post and operatively connected to said driving means. means for engaging said fixed and idling elements for locking said idling element in fixed position and thereby causing said driving means to be rotated about said post when said driving means is operating. and means connecting said driving means and said reservoir to cause the latter' to be rotated when said driving means ls rotating.

28. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interior of containers comprising in combination a rotatable cleaning iluld reservoir. a plurality of cleaning nozzles secured on said reservoir and rotatable therewith, means for supporting a plurality of containers on said reservoir with said cleaning nonies projecting into said containers, a platform secured on said reservoir in ilxed relation therewith. a pressure pump secured on said platform for establishing a ilow of cleaning iluid under pressure from said reservoir to said nozzles, a vacuum pump secured on said platform for reducing the pressure in said reservoir to create a suction flow of cleaning fluid from said nozzles to said reservoir. means secured on said platform for driving said pumps and rotating said reservoir, valve means for controlling the flow of cleaning fluid in said pressure and suction means, means for automatically operating said valve means in timed order when said reservoir is rotated. a. stationary vertical post extending axially of said reservoir for supporting the same. a clutch element fixed on said post, an idling clutch element co-axial with said post and operatively connected to said driving means, means for engaging said idler and said fixed clutch element for locking said idler in ilxed position and thereby causing said platform and said reservoir to be rotated upon said vertical post by said driving means when said clutch elements are engaged.

29. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interior of containers comprising in combination a rotatable cleaning duid reservoir. a plurality of cleaning nozzles secured on said reservoir and rotatable therewith, means for supporting a plurality of containers on said reservoir with said cleaning nozzles projecting into said containers, a platform secured on said reservoir in i-lxed relation therewith, a pressure pump secured on said platform for establishing a flow of cleaning fluid under pressure to said nozzles, s vacuum pump secured on said platform for creating a suction flow of cieanng fluid from said nomles to said reservoir. driving means secured on said platform, valve means for controlling the flow of cleaning fluid in said pressure and suction means, means for-'automatically operating said valve means in predetermined order when said reservoir is retated, a stationary vertical post extending axially ol' said reservoir for supporting the same, a thrust bearing on said post for rotatably supporting said reservoir thereon. a clutch element co-axially nxed on said post, an idling clutch element oper- 24 atlvely connected to said driving means. means for engaging said idling element and said stationar! element for locking said idling element in fixed position and thereby causing said platform and said reservoir to be rotated upon said vertical post when said clutch elements are engaged.

30. In a self-contained apparatus -ior cleaning drums or other containers the combination comprising a rotatable cleaning fluid reservoir having a plurality of container supports thereon for suD- portlng containers in cleaning position and a plurality of cleaning nozzles adapted to project into said containers, a pressure chamber, a. pressure pump for conveying cleaning fluid under pressure to said pressure chamber, means connecting said pressure chamber and said nozzles for conveying cleaning duid tosaid nozzles, s. vacuum pump for reducing thepressure to sub-atmospheric in that portion of said reservoir above the level of the uid therein, said vacuum pump having a. capacity reduced with respect to said pressure pump sumciently to permit said pressure pump and said vacuum pump operating in a normal manner to evacuate simultaneously cleaning fluid and air respectively from said reservoir without undue strain on either, means connecting said nozzles and the reglonp reduced pressure in said peservoir, control means for controlling the ilow of cleaning fluid in said suction and pressure lines leading to and from said nozzles, means for rotatlng said reservoir, stationary cams engaging with said control means for operating the latter to open and close said valves when said reservoir is rotated, said cams being adapted to delay operation of said suction control means with respect to said pressure control means at both the opening and closing of the cleaning cycle.

3l. In a self-contained apparatus for cleaning drums or other containers the combination comp rising a rotatable cleaning fluid reservoir having a plurality of container supports thereon for supporting containers in cleaning position and a plurality of cleaning nozzles adapted to project into said containers, pressure and suction creating means in communication with said nozzles and said reservoir for effecting a forced ow of cleaning iluid to and from said cleaning nozzles. means operated upon rotation of said reservoir for automatically controlling the flow of fluid to and from said nozzles, means for driving said pressure and suction creating means and engageable with said reservoir for rotating the latter, an auxiliary nozzle adapted to be received in containers of such size or shape as to prevent their support on said reservoir for automatic cleaning, auxiliary nozzle connections communicating with said pressure and suction creating means, and manually controlled means on said connection for controlling the flow of cleaning nld to and from said auxiliary nozzles for non-automatically cleaning said containers when said driving means is disengaged from said reservoir by simultaneous flushing and evacuation of the same.

32. A self-contained apparatus for cleaning the interiors of containers comprising in combination, a rotatable cleaning fluid reservoir, means for supporting a plurality of containers thereon in cleaning position, a plurality of cleaning nozzles adapted to be received in said containers for flushing said containers with cleaning fluid and evacuating the same therefrom, means for,I establishing a now of cleaning fluid under pressure to said nozzles, means for applying suction to said nozzles for evacuating cleaning fluid from said containers to said reservoir, motor means for

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