US2240364A - Method of treating the interiors of containers - Google Patents

Description

April 29, 1941. s. F. KIMBALL ETAL METHOD OF TREATING THE INTERIORS 0F CONTAINERS Filed Jan. 2o,' 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 mm; m al .4. i u l F April 29, 1941.

S. F. KIMBALL ETAL METHOD OF TREATING THE INTERIORS OF CONTAINERS Filed Jan. 20, 1939 Auuunnunnmnumv 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS.

ATTORNEYS chimes.

Patented Apr. 29, 1941 ms'mon or-maarnvamnvrnmoas or comamrzns g Samuel F. Kimball azl Sign; A. pa ama, Maine, m e ortlami mpany, Portland, Kaine, a corporation of Maine,

Application January :0, 1939, Serial No. 252,031 (mm. (01. 141-8) Our present invention relates tonovel methods "of reconditioning or otherwise treating the interiors of containers of the one having relatively small openings.

In our United States Letters Patent No. 2,147,247, dated February 14, 1939, of which the present application is a continuation in part, we have disclosed effective and eflleient apparatus for use in reconditioning the interiors of containers so constructed thatthey cannot be completetionable additional handling and because special and costly apparatus adaptable for difierent types of containers was required. In, addition, these practices did not aiford a desired degree of efflciency and economy in thetreatment of the interiors.

ly emptied of liquid without the assistance of suction. Of such containers, those used for petroleum products well illustrate the problems involved because their construction and the location of their openings are varied and because their proper reconditioning requires a dry interior. Not only do the containers diifer in size but also they differ in construction as is evidenced by the fact that the openings are of different sizes and are variously positioned relative to the The openings are usually defined by threaded collars which extend into the interiors so that complete drainage through an openingwherever positioned is impossible. The junctions between side and endwalls also present recesses within which liquid collects.

While containers have heretofore been more or less satisfactorily cleansed. the above mentioned factors have prevented complete reconditioning with maximum eiilciency and economy and involved practices and apparatus avoided by'our present invention. For example, it has been a common practice to position the containers either during the delivery of the liquid or after the delivery thereof has been terminated and while the container was in draining position. 1 The patents to Kimball Nos. 2,115,202 and 2,115,201 show such apparatus. These patents, however, did not contemplate the exhaust of the liquid by suction simultaneously with the delivery of the liquid.

None of these practices was wholly adapted to commercial conditions where many diiferent types of containers have to be treated because In accordance with the present invention, we re-condition or otherwise treat the interiors of containers regardless of their type, size, or the position of their openings with efliclency and economy. Briefly stated, we accomplish this by initially so positioning a container as to establish a lowest point below and accessible downwardly through the container opening, by then guiding a stream -of liquid into the container through its opening and directing the liquid against all its interior surfaces to ensure thor-' ough interior surface cleansing by the liquid. Simultaneously we withdraw fluid from the interior through the opening by an exhaust stream created by suction applied above the lowest point. The exhaust stream is given substantially the same volume as the delivered stream so that the container is at all times practically free of liquid with the exception of that contacting its interior surfaces.

. After the interior has been adequately treated by the delivered liquid, we stop the delivery of the liquid but continue the suction until the liquid is completely exhausted from the interior of the container. Preferably a drying fluid is delivered into the container after the delivery of the liquid has stopped but the suction is maintained during this period while the streamof drying fluid and the exhaust stream cooperate to dry thoroughly the interior. 1

Our invention, as above broadly set forth, provides for the thorough treatment of the interiors of the containers. It should be noted, however. that to receive our excellent results, the relationship of the delivery and exhaust streams is of the utmost importance. Proper results are premised on the exhaust stream being efiective to prevent fluid accumulation within the container that would interfere with the effective treatment of all interior surfaces by the delivered fluid.

1 As we have stated, the exhaust stream must be of substantially the same volume as the delivered stream. Since the length of time required for l re-positioning. of the container involved objections is involved.

It will he appreciated that such structural factors as the size of the openings impose definite limits on the construction of the means employed to carry out our invention. We apply the suction above the lowest point P a distance suflicient to ensure the desired volume of the exhaust stream which is sufficiently close to the lowest point so tha't all liquid can bequickly and thoroughly exhaustedj.. by suction after the delivery of liquid has been stopped.

The presence of liquid in the lowest point d.ur-,

ing the delivery of liquid is not objectionable provided that it can be quickly exhausted. If the liquid accumulates above the point of suction application; two objectionable conditions are cre-.

ated. In the first place the length of time required for the removal of entrapped liquid can be accurately gauged only if no more than a predetermined maximum quantity of liquid is ever present. In the second place, since oil or the which we are familiar, the greater part of the delivered liquid drained out through the openings of the containers and the suction was employed only to remove entrapped liquid. Air has been delivered into theinteriors while the entrapped liquid was being exhausted. Such apparatus did not suggest the essential features of our invention. In our invention the cooperative relationship of the two streams ensures the thorough treatment of all interior surfaces by any desired fluid.

In the accompanying drawings, we have illustrated our invention to show its many novel advantages. For particular apparatus we have set forth that of our said Patent No. 2,147,247. From the drawings and our ensuing description, the full nature of our novel method will be readily apparent. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a view in cross section of a container and apparatus establishing proper delivery and exhaust streams of fluid into and out of the co ntainer.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view showing one method of establishing such streams.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, but showing a different method of establishing proper delivery andexhaust streams.

Fig. 4 is a. fragmentary view showing the positioning of a container in typical apparatus that may be used in accordance with our invention.

Fig. 5 is a similar view showing the delivery of a liquid into a container.

Fig.. 6 is a view similarto Fig. 5 showing the rotation" of thecontainer relative to the delivered liquid. I I I Fig. 7 is'a view similar toFig. 6' showing the delivery ofair into a rotating container.

Fig. 8 illustrates the rotation of either the d1elivered fluid or the container.

Fig. 9 shows the rotation in opposite directions of both the delivered fluid and the container, and also illustrates the practice of our invention in the coating of the interior of acontainer, and

Fig. 10 illustrates the use of our invention in treating the exterior of the container simultane ously with the'treatment of the interior.

In accordance with our invention, our first step is to position the container C so that a lowest point within its interior is established below and accessible downwardly through its opening 0. (See Figs. 2 and 3.)

We then deliver a fluid stream I into the interior of the container C through the opening 0 and directit as at a'gainst'f'all the interior surfaces. As itis essential that the entire interior surfaces of the container be subjected to the effect of the delivered fluid, it is diverted at a plurality of points from the main stream and delivered as a force spray against all surfaces of the interior of the container. For example, some of the fluid is directed as at 2a to cleanse the portions of the container C adjacent its opening 0 and some of'the fluid is directed as at 212 to ensure the treatment of the portion of the container adjacent the point P. Thus, we ensure the contact of all interior surfaces by the directed fluid and acontinuous flow of that fluid towards the said lowest point P over the entire surfaces of the container asindicated by the arrows 3 in Figs. 2 and 3. h

Simultaneously with the delivery of the fluid stream I into the container C, we exhaust the delivered fluid through the opening 0 by means of suction applied above the point P as at 4, the suction being effective to establish an exhaust stream 5 of substantially the same volume as the delivery stream I. It will be noted that the point 4 is slightly above said lowest point P. This point is selected to permit a free flow of fluid into the exhaust stream while permitting only a minimum amount of liquid to accumulate in the lowest point P, which accumulated liquid may be quickly exhausted by suction when the delivery of the liquid is terminated. The volume of the-exhaust stream may be increased slightly relative to the volume of the delivered, provided that the efficiency of the delivered stream is not impaired. If the exhaust stream should be of less volume than the delivered stream, the liquid would rise above the intake of the exhaust stream and any oil or the like floating on its surface would remain on the container surfaces after the liquid itself has been exhausted. Furthermore, the length of time required for the removal of the entrapped liquid would not be constant.

Attention at this time should be directed to the situation as it exists during the drying of the interior of the container. Generally the delivered liquid is relatively hot and therefore the container itself is heated. A small quantity of liquid is m the point P, the surfaces of the container are wet, and theair within the container is laden with moisture.

In accordance withour invention, we are able promptly todry the interiorof the container,

and this involves the exhaust of any remaining liquid and the moisture laden air from the container and the simultaneous delivery ofa-stream of drying fluid into the container in the same manner that the liquid or liquids are delivered. The two streams are cooperative to dry the in:

terior of the container quickly and thoroughly. The exhaust stream eifectively exhausts the entrapped liquid' andpermits the deliveredzdrying fluid to have its maximum efliciency in carryin oil and replacing moisture and moisture laden air into the exhaust stream.

We have found that in drying, the relative volumes of delivery. and exhaust streams is of importance. If the exhaust stream is of greater volume than the delivered: stream, thev efllciency of the drying step and the flow of the drying fluid through the container is impaired. In this case, air may also be drawn in through the opening around the confined deliverrand exhaust streams, and if this air is moisture laden, the drying action is impaired. If the volume of the exhaust stream is less than that of the delivered stream, air will exhaust through the opening 0, and while this is not objectionable in that it prevents the ingress of moisture laden air, yet it interferes with the eiflcient planned circulation of the drying fluid.

It is therefore essential that the delivery and exhaust streams during the drying operation be of substantially the same volume. While this volume may be reduced after the accumulated liquid has been exhausted. it is of course essen tial to quick and thorough drying that a large volume of drying fluid'be circulated through the container.

While heated liquids are most efllcient in reconditioning the containers, the containers may,

, of course, be otherwise heated before the delivery of the drying fluid, or the drying fluid may itself be heated.

The suction employed to impart to the ex haust stream 5 substantially the same volume as that of the delivered stream I may be provided as shown in Fig. 2 by diverting part of the stream I as at Ia or by the pump 8 indicated in Fig. 3.

The fluids employed of course depend on the desired treatment of the interior of the container, and we have indicated in Fig. 2 the use of several pump controlled fluid sources in the stream I. These sources may be controlled in any other desired way as by valves. In Fig. 2 the pump 1 controls a washing liquid supply, the pump 8 a rinsing liquid supply, the pump 9 a second rinsing liquid supply, and the pump ill the air or other drying fluid.

As it is generally desired, in the re-conditioning of containers, to re-use certain of the cleansing liquids, it is necessary to prevent the mingling of the different liquids. To prevent such mingling, we continue the suction to maintain the exhaust stream after the delivery of one liquid has been terminated so that'all of that liquid is exhausted from the container before another liquid is delivered.

During this period between the deliveries of different liquids, as well as during the drying period, air is preferably delivered into the container through the stream I. When the suction in the exhaust stream 5 is created during the delivery of liquid by diverting the passage of part of that stream, as shown in Fig; 2, it is desirable after the delivery of liquid stops, to deliver air for a period suflicient to exhaust all re-,

maining liquid from the container.

In Fig. 3 we have as above stated shown the pump 8 to establish the suction in the exhaust stream 5, and the use of such a pump may permit the use of air to be dispensed with in certain instances, as when a delivered liquid evaporates rapidly enough without the use of air or the like.

For some uses, fewer pump controlled fluid sources are used. For example, if the interior of a container is to be coated, one fluid source supplies a liquid, such as an acid, for preparing the interior for treatment, while another fluid source supplies the coating A (see Fig. 9). Thus, the fluid sources disclosed in Fig. 2 are not to be taken as limiting, but rather as indicating the wide range oi fluids that may be used in accord ance with our invention.

When the suction in the exhaust stream 5 is created as shown in Fig. 2 by a diverted part of the same liquid that is delivered, it is essential that immediately the delivery of liquid is terminated, air be delivered. If this is not done. the liquid in the system drains into the container increasing the amount of liquid to be exhausted. As above pointed out, if the liquid rises above the point 4, any oil or the like floating on it will be re-deposited on the container walls as the liquid is exhausted.

In Fig. l we have shown typical apparatus for use in carrying out our invention, and have generally indicated at S fluid delivery and exhaust means. The device 8 includes a pair of concentric tubes II and I2 with the inner tube I2 in communication with a suction chamber I3 in the head ll. The outer tube I I and the suction chamber I3 are in communication with an inlet l5 adapted to receive the stream I. The suction chamber has an outlet I6.

We prefer that the portions of the equipment establishing the delivery and exhaust stream to be performed within the container be straight and rigid and preferably in placing such equipment within a container, it should be disposed as shown in the drawings, as a diagonal from opening to chime, thus ensuring the even distribution of the delivered fluid.

The outer tube II is provided with a plurality of outlet jets I1, some of which are so disposed that the fluids may be directed against surfaces of the container adjacent the opening 0 and others disposed to direct the fluids towards other surfaces of the interior of the container.

The inner tube I2 carries at its end a bearing or like member I2a to ensure the positioning of the tube I2 a suitable distance above the lowest point P as at 4. The inner tube I2 may extend somewhat below the tube II as shown in Fig. 1. When positioned within the container as shown in Fig. 1, with its lower end over the point P, a straight path for the delivery and exhaust streams is defined. The delivery stream is confined between the outer wall of the inner tube I2 and the inner wall of the outer tube II, and the exhaust stream is confined within the inner tube I2.

Regardless of the particular construction of the means employed to establish the delivery and exhaust streams, it is important that the jets I! be so disposed that the delivered fluid is directed against all interior surfaces of the container, and equally important that the exhaust stream take up the delivered liquid at a point and in a volume that will prevent any accumulation of liquid above the predetermined level of exhaust.

In practice, we prefer to efiect relative movement between the discharged or delivered fluid and the container and the jets II are therefore disposed so that all interior surfaces are contacted by the delivered fluids. Because the container is positioned to establish the point P accessible downwardly through the opening 0, we form some of the jets as at Fla and no so that the surfaces adjacent the opening 0 and the established lowest point P are reached by the fluids. Inasmuch as many of the containers to be treated have openings in their sides (see Figs. 1 and 10) it is also necessary to establish jets as at IIc to ensure the treatment of the interior 4- surfaces adjacent the openings of such containers.

As above stated, we .prefer to effect relative movement between the discharged fluid and the container as by so doing the'number of jets l1 the delivered fluid is preferred and in practice rotation of the container is 'of the head or heads it.

With the container positioned as required to establish the point P, thechime and the head preferred to rotation of the container define an external liquid collecting pocket indicated in Fig. 10 as at 32. The removal of this liquid is a practical necessity and it may be conveniently done by the exhaust stream from the downturned end lGa of the outlet i6. Thus, whenever a drying fluid is de- Ilb at an angle of 60. The jets I To are formed similarly to the Jets llb except that they are disposed to discharge fluid upwardly around the opening (see Fig. 1),.

. While any relative movement of the containers and of the discharged fluids is acceptable, rotation of either or both is most readily effected. In the drawings, we have indicated apparatus for use in carrying out our invention and to illustrate its many advantages.

Such apparatus (see Figs. 4-10) comprise a chamber 20 having an exhaust 2| and a door 22 by which the chamber may be kept substantially air tight, and intakes 23 are provided by which a draft flow through the chamber 20 is created. In such apparatus, a support is indicated at 2! and is adapted to support the container as indicated in-Fig. 4.

The support 24 may be rotatable as shown and its primary function is to establish a centering support for the container in its desired position. The support 24 for example, may be of the type shown in Figs. 4 to '7, or of the type illustrated in Figs. 8 to 10, or it may be a support of any type adapted to permit the container to be positioned to establish a lowest point P. In practice, we prefer that the container be placed in such a canted position that the interior surfaces defining the lowest point P serve to center the device S or its equivalent and ensure its desired position relative'to that lowest point.

The conduit establishing the stream I preferably includes a flexible portion lb which permits the device S to be inserted into the container'C through its opening as shown in Fig. l, and then guided by the track 25 into a position where it and the container C are coaxial with the axis of rotation of the support 24, in which position the device may be held by the lock 26 (Figs. 4-7) or by a spring detent 21 (Figs. 8-10) so that it becomes a spindle for the rotating container. If desired, the support 24 may be adapted to support the barrel without the assistance of the devices and its locking means.

As shown in Fig. 8 the device S may be rotated by providing a swiveledjoint 28 above a gear 28 adapted to mesh with a driving gear 30. As indicated in Fig. 9, both the container C and the device S may be rotated in opposite direc- Where apparatus for carrying out our invention includes a substantially tight chamber, its exterior simultaneously may be conveniently subjected to the same or different treatment as the interior. In Fig. we have shown a spray head 3i adapted to direct fluids against all the exterior surfaces of the container. Some of the spray jets of the spray head 3i direct fluids upwardly through the support 24 to ensure the treatment of the portions of the container in or adjacent the support 24.- If desired, additional spray heads may be employedfor each fluid to be used in treating the, exterior of the container. Relative movement of the container and iivered into the interior of a container, the dry- -ing fluid is likewise effective to dry the head of flow through the chamber so that when a drying (fluid isdelivered. the exterior and the interior alike may be thoroughly dried.

The particular type of apparatus used in our I invention is dependent on many factors. For example, the apparatus used to establish the delivery and exhaust streams may be varied as desired so long as the two streamsof opposite directions are established. While particular steps depend on the particular treatment to be given the container, containers of the type under consideration herein, in accordance with our -invention, will be efiectively reconditioned by positioning the container to establish the lowest point P below or accessible through the container opening, and in thendelivering a liquid into the interior so that it contacts the entire interior surface, while simultaneously removing the delivered liquid from. the container by establishing an exhaust zone adjacent said lowest point P from which liquid is withdrawn in an exhaust stream of at least the volume of the delivered liquid, and continuing the exhaust stream after the delivery of liquid is stopped, until all accumulated or residual liquid is removed. By such steps the directed liquid is fully effective to cleanse the container which is kept at all times substantially free of any inactive or accumulated liquid. These steps are essential to the successful practice of our method. To them may be added a d ng step or any other reconditioning step which the circumstances may require. v

Fromrthe above it will be appreciated that in accordance with our invention, any desired treatment of containers may be nomically effected.

' What we therefore claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. The method of treating the'interiors of containers of the type having relatively small openings that comprises positioning a container to establish a lowest point in its interior below and accessible downwardly through its opening, delivering a stream of liquid into said container through its opening, simultaneously exhausting liquid from said container through said opening in an exhaust stream of at least the volume of said stream of delivered liquid by means of suction applied at a point sufliciently above said lowest point to ensure the uninterrupted flow of liquid intermediate said str ams to maintain said container practically free of accumulated liquid, directing said delivered liquid as force spray against interior surfaces of the container to enefliciently and ecosure the treatment of the entire interior surfaces of said container, and terminating the delivery of liquid, delivering a drying fluid into the interior of said container and directing said delivered fluid against interior surfaces of said container and exhausting the residual liquid and moisture laden atmosphere from the container bymeans of suction applied at said suction point during the delivery of said fluid.

2. That method of treating the interiors of containers of the type having relatively small opening that comprises positioning a container to establ sh a lowest point below and accessible downwardly through its opening, supplying a stream of liquid under-pressure and delivering a part of said stream into said container through its openin simultaneously exhausting liquid from said container through its opening in an exhaust stream of substantially the same volume as the deliveredpart of said stream by suction applied adjacent said lowest point, creating said suction with the undelivered part of said liquid stream, directing said delivered liquid against interior surfaces of the container to ensure a flow of liquid over the entire interior surfaces of said container, stopping the delivery of said liquid and immediately substituting therefor a stream of drying fluid.

3. The method of treating the interior of a container of the type having a relatively small opening that comprises positioning the container to establish a lowest point in its interior below and accessible downwardly through its opening, delivering into its interior through its opening astream of liquid and directing the delivered liquid against all interior surfaces of the container, simultaneously exhausting the delivered liquid through the opening by means of suction applied adjacent the lowest point and effective to establish an exhaust stream of substantially the same volume as the delivered stream, stopping the delivery of liquid, delivering into the interior through the opening a stream of compressed air and directing the delivered air against all interior surfaces, simultaneously exhausting air through said opening by means of suction downwardly through its opening in a substanestablish 9. lowest point below and accessible tially air tight chamber provided with an exhaust and air intake, delivering a stream of liquid into said container through its opening, simultaneously exhausting said liquid through said opening by means of suction applied adjacent said lowest point and efl'ective to establish an exhaust stream of substantially the same volume as said stream of delivered liquid, in directing said delivered liquid so that it contacts all interior surfaces of said container, simultaneously directing. a stream of liquid against exterior surfaces of said container, and efl'ecting relative.

movement between said container and said directedliquid.

6. The method of reconditioning theinterior and exterior of a container having a relatively small opening that comprises positioning the container in a substantially air tight chamber so that a lowest point in its interior is established below and accessible downwardly through the' effective to establish an exhaust stream of subapplied above said lowest point and effective to withdraw any residual liquid from said lowest point, said delivered stream being of a volume adequate to ensure the continuous contact of the entire interior surfaces by the directed air, and continuing said streams until the moisture laden atmosphere and any moisture on the surfaces have been removed from the interior of the container.

4. The method of treating the interiors of containers of the type having relatively small openings that comprises positioning a container to establish a lowest point in its interior below and accessible downwardly through its opening,

stream.

5. The method of reconditioning the interiors of containers of the type having a small opening, that comprises placing a container positioned to stantially the volume of the delivered fluid, di-

recting the exhaust stream against the head of said container whereby when air is delivered into the container the exhaust stream thoroughly dries the head, and creating a draft flow through the chamber to remove the moisture ladenatmosphere,

7. The method of reconditioning the interior and exterior of a container having a relatively small opening that comprises positioning the container in a substantially air tight chamber so that a lowest point in its interior is established below and accessible downwardly through the opening, treating and drying the interior by rotating the container and successively delivering a heated liquid and compressed air through the opening against the interior surfaces of the container, simultaneously exhausting fluids through the opening by means of suction applied adjacent the lowest point and effective to establish an exhaust'stream of substantially the volume of the delivered-fluid, delivering a liquid against the exterior surfaces of thecontainer, directing the exhaust stream against the head of said container whereby when air is delivered into the container the exhaust stream thorough ly dries the head, and creating a draft flow through the chamber to remove the moisture laden atmosphere.

8. The method of treating the interiors of containers of the type having relatively small openings that comprises positioning a container to establish a lowest point in its interior below and accessible downwardly through its opening, delivering a stream of liquid into said container through its opening, and directing said delivered liquid against the interior surfaces of the container, simultaneously exhausting liquid from said container through said opening in an exhaust stream of at least the volume of the delivered stream by applying suction at a point above said lowest point to establish the top level of a liquid collecting pocket and to ensure the free flow of delivered liquid into said exhaust stream, terminating the delivery of the liquid and applying a suction at said top pocket level adequate to exhaust any residual liquid therein 9. The method of treating the interior of a container of the type having a relatively small opening that comprises treating the interior with a liquid without a residual liquid accumulation therein in excess of a predetermined maximum, exhausting residual liquid from said interior with said container positioned to establish a low point below and accesible downwardly through the opening by suction applied at a point above said lowest point to deflne substantially the top level of a collecting pocket for said predetermined maximum accumulation of residual liquid, and simultaneously delivering air under pressure into the container through its opening to carry'the moisture and the moisture laden atmosphere into said pocket and out through the exhaust stream established by said suction.

10. The method of reconditioning the interior andexterior of a container of the type having a relatively small opening that comprises positioning the container so that a lowest point in its interior. is established below and accessible downwardly through the opening, treating and drying the interior by successively delivering a liquid and air through the opening against the interior surfaces of the container, simultaneously exhausting fluids through the opening by means of suction applied adjacent the lowest point and effective to establish an exhaust stream of substantially the volume of the delivered fluid, directing the exhaust stream against the head of said container whereby when air is delivered into the container the exhaust stream thoroughly dries the'head.

11. The method of reconditioning the interior and exterior of a container of the type having a relatively small opening that comprises positioning the container so that a lowest point in its interior is established below and accessible downwardly through the opening, treating and drying the interior by successively delivering a liquid and air through the opening against the interior surfaces of the container, simultaneously exhausting fluids through the opening by means of suction applied adjacent the lowest point and efl'ective toestablish an exhaust stream of substantially the volume of the delivered fluid, directing the exhaust stream against the head of said container whereby when air is delivered into the container the exhaust stream thoroughly dries the head, and effecting relative rotation between said container and the exhaust stream.

12. The method of drying the wet interior and exterior of a container of the type having a relatively small opening that comprises positioning the container 50 that a lowest point in its interior is established below and accessible downwardly through the opening, drying the interior by delivering air through the opening against the interior surfaces of the container and simultaneously exhausting any residual liquid through the opening by means of suction applied adjacent the lowest point and effective to establish an exhaust stream of, substantially the volume of the delivered fluid, and directing the exhaust against the head of said container.

13. The method of drying the wet interior and exterior of a container of the type havinga relatively small opening that comprises positioning the container so that a lowest point in its interior is established below and accessible downwardly through the opening, drying the interior by delivering air through the opening against the interior surfaces of the container and simultaneously exhausting any residual liquid through the opening by means of suction applied adjacent the lowest point and effective to establish an exhaust stream of substantially the volume of the delivered fluid, directing the exhaust against the head of said container, and eflecting relative movement between the container and the exhaust stream.

14. The method of treating the interiors of containers of the type having relatively small openings that comprises positioning a container to establish a lowest, point in its interior below and accessible downwardly through its opening, delivering successively streams of difierent fluids into said container through its opening, said streams comprising a washing liquid, a rinsing liquid and a drying fluid, the drying fluid being delivered intermediate the delivery of the liquids and after the delivery of the rinsing liquid, simultaneously exhausting each fluid through its opening by means of suction applied adjacent said lowest point and efiective to establish an exhaust stream of at least the same volume as the delivered stream and directing the delivered fluid against interior surfaces to ensure the contact of said fluids with the entire interior surfaces of said container.

15. The method of treating the interiors oi containers of the type having relatively small openings that comprises positioning a container to establish a lowest point in its interior below and accessible downwardly through its opening, delivering successively streams of different fluids into said container through its opening, said streams comprising a washing liquid, a first rinsing liquid, a second rinsing liquid, and a drying fluid, the drying fluid being delivered intermediatethe delivery of the washing and the first rinsing liquid, and after the delivery of the second rinsing liquid simultaneously exhausting each fluid through its opening by means of suction applied adjacent said lowest point and effective to establish an exhaust stream of at least the same volume as the delivered stream and directing the delivered fluid against interior surfaces to ensure the contact of said fluids'with the entire interior surfaces of said container.

SAMUEL F. KIMIBALL. GEORGE A. DOTY.

Images