US3253369A

US3253369A - Apparatus for cleaning and processing articles

Info

Publication number: US3253369A
Application number: US335289A
Authority: US
Inventors: Paul F H Reichert; Thomas J Dion
Original assignee: REICHERT FLOAT AND Manufacturing CO
Current assignee: REICHERT FLOAT AND Manufacturing CO
Priority date: 1964-01-02
Filing date: 1964-01-02
Publication date: 1966-05-31
Anticipated expiration: 1983-05-31

Description

May 3 1966 RF. H. REICHERT ETAL 3,253,359

APPARATUS FOR CLEANING AND PROCESSING ARTICLES Original Filed Aug. 17, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORS: Paul FII. Reichgri, Th 1011.

omas J.D I 152 Wisatw May 31, 1966 'P. F. H. REICHERT ETAL 3,253,369

APPARATUS FOR CLEANING AND PROCESSING ARTICLES Original Filed Aug. 17. 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Ilia-7- INVENTORS: Paul RH Relchert 50 Thomas JiDwn.

IT S-1U- wig ce m United States Patent Ohio, assignors to The Reichert Float & Manufacturing Company, Toledo, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Continuation of application Ser. No. 132,063, Aug. 17, 1961. This application Jan. 2, 1964, Ser. No. 335,289

12 Claims. (Cl. 51163) This application is a continuation of our application Serial No. 132,063, filed August 17, 1961, now abandoned.

This invention relates to apparatus for cleaning and processing articles or parts and more especially to apparatus for agitating or vibrating the articles or parts in the presence of a comminuted treating, cleaning or abrasive media.

The cleaning and finishing of articles or parts, particularly those of metal, such as castings, stampings and the like have heretofore been laborious and time consuming operations as such articles or parts are usually formed with sharp or irregular edges or surfaces which necessarily must be further processed or treated to enhance the use or saleability of the articles or parts. Endeavors have been made to agitate the parts in the presence of a cleaning or abrasive material in a receptacle by mechanical means to effect a finishing or cleaning of the parts but such devices have been unsatisfactory beacuse of lack of control of the frequency and amplitude of vibration and the severe wear of the components of a mechanical vibrating means.

The present invention embraces an apparatus particularly for use for cleaning, descaling, finishing, polishing, deburring, abrading or burnishing, articles, parts or components by vibration in the presence of a movable or flowable media wherein the amplitude and frequency of vibration may be varied and controlled to obtain the most etficient treating or processing action of the media on the articles, parts or components.

An object of the invention resides in an apparatus com prising a receptacle resiliently supported in combination with a variable speed fluid-actuated means for effecting vibratory movements of the receptaclewhereby the most eflicient frequency. of vibration or agitation of the receptacle and the treating media may be attained and the articles, parts or components in the receptacle processed, cleaned or finished in a minimum of time.

A further object of the invention resides in a resiliently mounted receptacle arranged to be vibrated by a fluid actuated means wherein the frequency and amplitude of vibration may be varied to attain the most efficient processing of articles in the receptacle, the arrangement embodying motive means for tilting the receptacle relative to its support to discharge the articles from the receptacle. Another object of the invention resides in a processing tank or receptacle arranged to be vibrated by variable speed fluid actuated means, the apparatus being adapted for treating or processing articles in a dry or wet media as may be required by the character of the articles.

Further objects and advantages are within the scope of this invention such as relate to the arrangement, operation and function of the related elements of the structure, to various details of construction and to combinations of parts, elements per se, and to economics of manufacture and numerous other features as will be apparent from a consideration of the specification and drawing of a form of the invention, which may be preferred, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of an apparatus of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is an end elevational view of the apparatus illustrating the fluid pressure system and actuators and controls therefor;

ice

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on the line 33 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is an elevational view of means for effecting vibration of the receptacle containing the articles to be processed;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 55 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is an elevational view of one of the components of the vibration producing means;

FIGURE 7 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially on the line 7-7 of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 8 is an elevational view of another of the components of the vibration producing means;

FIGURE 9 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 9-9 of FIGURE 8, and

FIGURE 10 is a sectional view through the parts receiving receptacle illustrating a method of supporting certain articles or parts during vibratory processing operatrons.

While the apparatus of the invention are particularly usable for cleaning, deburring, descaling, abrading, burnishing, finishing or polishing articles or parts, particularly articles or parts of metal, it is to be understood that the apparatus may be utilized to advantage wherever it is desirable to vibrate, at comparatively high frequencies, a plurality of articles or parts formed of plastic or other materials and a treating media.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the apparatus includes a main frame or support 10 comprising a base plate 11 to which is secured spaced vertical frame members or

plates

12 and 14 of substantially the same shape. The

frame members

12 and 14 are respectively provided with reinforcing webs 16. The main frame 10 supports a supplemental frame 20 forming a carriage or carrier for mounting the receptacle, tank or tumbler 22 provided with an inner liner 23 of nonmetallic material such as rubber, synthetic rubber or resinous material.

In the embodiment illustrated, the receptacle carrier or supplemental frame 20 comprises longitudinally extending bars 24 preferably of L-shape cross-section spaced to accommodate the tank 22 and joined at their ends by transverse members 26 which are welded or otherwise fixedly secured to the longitudinal bars 24.

Secured to each of the vertical struts or

frame members

12 and 14 arebearing supports or members 28 eachprovided with a bearing bushing or sleeve 30. Secured to each of the transverse bars or members 26 of the carrier 20 are brackets 32, each of the brackets being equipped with a tenon or shaft 34 journaled in and supported by the bearings 30 carried by the bearing supports 28.

Through this form of mounting, the carrier 20 and receptacle or tank 22 may be tilted to facilitate discharge of contents from the tank. The receptacle or tank 22 is elongated lengthwise of the carrier 20 and is of generally U-shaped cross-section having a semi-cylindrically shaped bottom portion 38, side walls 39, end walls 40 and a rectangular flange structure 42 forming the perimeter of the entrance to the tumbler, the tumbler being open at the top, the opening being defined by the flange structure 42. A removable cover may be provided for the tank, if desired.

The receptacle 22 is resiliently supported by the carrier 20 so as to be capable of oscillatory or vibratory movements. Welded or otherwise fixedly secured to each side wall 39 of the receptacle 22 are brackets 44 which form abutments for resilient means or coil springs 46. The carrier 20 is provided with pads or brackets 48 forming seats or supports for the coil springs 46 in the manner shown in FIGURES l and 2. The springs 46 support the receptacle 22 and its contents whereby the receptacle may be vibrated or oscillated independently of the cartier 20 as the

bars

24 and 26 are spaced from side and end walls of the tank 22.

The arrangement of the invention is inclusive of an adjustable rotatable eccentric mass, weight or vibration producing means driven by reversible, variable speed fluid actuating means whereby the amplitude and frequency of vibration or oscillation of the tank or receptacle and its contents may be regulated and controlled. As shown in FIGURES 1, 2 and 3, there is welded to the bottom region of the receptacle 22 a member 49 having a planar or plate portion 50. Disposed beneath the plate portion 50 are longitudinally spaced members 51 which are .welded to the plate 50 as at 52, shown in FIGURE 3.

Each member 51 is bored to accommodate and retain an anti-friction or taper roller bearing construction 54. If desired, ball bearings maybe employed in lieu of taper roller bearings. Journally supported in the bearings 54, is a shaft 56. Also secured to the plate 50 by means of bolts 58 is an L-shaped bracket 60, the depending portion 61 of Which supports a flange 64 of a fluid or hydraulically actuated motor 66, the flange 64 being a part of the housing 68 of the motor. The flange may be bolted to the depending portion 61 of bracket 60 by means of bolts 62.

The depending portion 61 is bored as at 70 to accommodate a cylindrical portion of the housing 68 to properly align the axis of the motor 66 with the axis of the rotatable shaft 56. The fluid motor 66 is of the reversible type of conventional character and is provided with a rotatable output shaft 72 equipped with a coupling member or section 74, one end of the shaft 56 being equipped with a cooperating coupling or section 74.

The coupling construction is inclusive of flexible rubber inserts 76 forming components of the coupling to establish a flexible drive connection between the motor output shaft 72 and the driven shaft 56, the coupling means being of conventional construction.

Spacer rings 78 are arranged at each side of the anti-. friction bearings 54 carried by the shaft. The shaft 56. is equipped with an eccentric mass or weight provided by two discs adjustably mounted to regulate the magnitude of centrifugal force utilized to establish vibratory or oscilliatory movements of the receptacle 22. The construction for accomplishing the vibration or oscillation of the receptacle or tank 22 is shown in FIGURES 4 through 9.

Mounted upon a portion 80 of the shaft 56 of slightly larger diameter than the remainder of the shaft is a member 82 preferably of circular disc-like configuration fashioned with a hub portion 84. The disc or member 82 is provided with a bore 86 of a diameter whereby the disc is snugly fitted onto the portion 80 of the shaft 56 and is keyed to the shaft by means of a key 88 which fits into a groove in the portion 80 and in a keyway 90 formed in the hub portion 84.

The disc or member 82 is fashioned with an opening 92 preferably of semi-annular shape, as shown in FIGURE 6, which subtends an angle of about 180 of the disc to thereby reduce the mass of the disc at one side of the axis of the disc providing an eccentric weight.

As shown in FIGURES 6 and 7, the remaining portion of the disc, which subtends an angle of about 180, is substantially solid and fashioned with a plurality of threaded openings 94 preferably arranged at equal radial distances from the axis of rotation of the disc and spaced circumferentially as illustrated in FIGURE 6. Each of, the openings in the disc 82 is counterbored as indicated at 96 to accommodate a tenon portion 98 of member 100, shown in FIGURES and 9, the latter having a threaded tenon 102 adapted to extend into one of the threaded openings 94 as shown in FIGURES 4 and 5.

As shown in FIGURES 8 and 9, a second disc or disclike member 104 is provided with a central bore 106 of a diameter to snugly fit over the hub portion or tenon 84 of the disc 82v but with suflicient clearance to effect counterbore 111 to accommodate the member shown.

in FIGURES 5 and 9. The

discs

82 and 104 are shown in assembled relation .in FIGURES 4 and 5. By removv ing the threaded member 100 and adjusting the disc 104 relative to the disc 82 by rotating one disc with respect I to the other, the amount of mass that is eccentric to the axis of rotation of the discs may be varied whereby the amplitude of centrifugal force generated or developed by rotation of the assembly of eccentrically weighted discs, shown in FIGURES 4 and 5, utilized to vibrate or oscillate the receptacle 22 may be varied and controlled.

Thus the disc 104 may be adjusted about the axis of the hub 84 to the desired position wherein the opening in disc 104 registers with one of the threaded openings 94 formed in the disc 82 to provide the desired eccentric adjustment of the mass and the member 100 inserted through registering openings in the

discs

104 and 82 as shown in FIGURES 5 and 6 to secure the discs together in adjusted positions. The disc 104, at the region of the bore 110 accommodating member 100, is formed with a threaded bore 112 to receive a locking or setscrew 114 which engages the head of member 100 to prevent dislodgment of the member 100 during rotation of the discs.

By rotating the discs in assembled relation, the eccentric mass provided thereby under the influence of rotation develops centrifugal forces for oscillating or vibrating the receptacle 22 and its contents. The fluid actuated motor 66 is of conventional construction and is of the variable speed reversible type and is preferably actuated by fluid such as oil. The arrangement for the delivery and control of oil flow or flow of other fluid to the motor 66 is shown in FIGURE 2. The fluid system is inclusive of a receptacle forming a reservoir adapted to contain a supply of oil or other fluid.

Mounted upon the receptacle 120 is a cover plate 122 supporting a fluid pump 124 for developing fluid pressure for driving the fluid actuated motor 66. Mounted by the receptacle 120 is a housing 126 enclosing a valve means 128 operated by a lever or member 130 for controlling the flow of fluid under pressure to the motor 66.

The pump 124 is provided with an inlet or supply tube 132 in communication with the reservoir 120, and an outlet tube 134 in communication with the valve means in the housing 126. The valve housing 126 is connected with the fluid driven motor 66. by means of

tubes

136 and 138.

The valve mechanism in the housing 126 is associated with a fluid return tube 140 for returning fluid from the motor 66 into the reservoir or tank 120. The valve means 128 is of a character which is movable to positions to regulate the amount or rate of fluid flow to the motor 66 and to reverse the direction of rotation of the motor 66, if desired. Thus by providing a control over the rate of flow of liquid or fluid to the motor 66, the rate or speed of rotation of the eccentric mass provided by the

discs

82 and 104 may be controlled to thereby regulate and control the frequency of oscillation or vibration of the receptacle under the influence of centrifugal forces developed by the rotating eccentric mass.

The adjustment of the relative position of the disc 82 with respect to the disc 104 provides an adjustment of the mass that is eccentric to the axis of rotation and hence varies the amplitude of oscillation or vibration forces imparted to the receptacle 22. Means is provided for tilting the receptacle or tank 22 in order to discharge the contents of the receptacle after the cleaning, burnishing, deburring or other processing operations have been completed upon the parts, components or articles contained in the receptacle.

the abrasive or mobile treating material.

. processing operations.

cable piston 148 mounted upon a piston rod 150. The

upper end of the piston rod 150 is provided with a fitting 152 which is pivotally connected by a pivot 153 with a bracket 154 welded or otherwise secured to the receptacle carrier 20. The opposite end of the cylinder is formed with a clevis portion 156 which is pivotally connected by means of a pivot 158 with a bracket 160 welded or otherwise secured to the base or frame plate 11.

Mounted upon the receptacle or reservoir 120 is an upwardly extending member or strut 164 which supports a valve housing 166 containing a valve 168 which is adapted for manual manipulation by means of a lever or actuator 170. A tubular means 172 connects the valve housing 166 with the pressure side of the pump 124, and a second tube 174 provides a return line into the tank or receptacle 120. The upper end of the cylinder 146 of the servo-motor 144 is connected by means of a tube 176 with the valve housing 166, and the lower end of the cylinder 146 connected by a second tube 178 with the valve housing 166.

When it is desired to tilt or partially invert the tank or receptacle 22, the valve 168 is moved to a position to effect fluid flow to the lower end of the cylinder 146 through the tube 178. The fluid pressure projects the piston 148 upwardly in the cylinder and effects a tilting of the receptacle 22 about the axis of its supporting shafts 34 to discharge the contents of the receptacle.

Manipulation of the valve 168 in the opposite direction effects fluid flow under pressure to the upper end of the cylinder through the tube 176 to move the piston 148 downwardly and restore the receptacle 22 to its upright position, as viewed in FIGURES l and 2.

A trough or table 180 is provided onto which the contents of the receptacle may be discharged so as to enable the separation of the parts or articles being treated from The contents may, if desired, be delivered into a portable container disposed adjacent the tank 22.

' Various types of abrasive, polishing or cleaning materials or media may be employed in the receptacle 22 for the treatment or processing of parts contained therein.

Material such as silicon carbide may be employed for metalparts, or hardened steel slugs of a size of from i to /2 inch, preferably of irregular shapes, may be used as a burnishing, deburring or cleaning material for metal parts. The arrangement also may be employed for cleaning, deflashing or deburring extruded or molded articles formed of plastics through the use of a suitable mobile media contained in the receptacle.

The nonmetallic liner 23 is preferably bonded or vulcanized to the inner surface of the receptacle 22. Through the use of a nonmetallic liner, contact of the parts with the metal of the receptacle is prevented whereby the life of the apparatus is greatly prolonged.

Means is provided for maintaining the receptacle 22 in substantially upright or vertical position during article As shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, each of the

frame strut members

12 and 14 supports a bracket 182 to which is pivotally connected at hook-like element 184 by means of a pivot pin 185. A depending portion 187 of each element 184 is normally adapted to v extend into an opening formed in a bracket 188 secured to each of the end walls of the receptacle 22. The openings in the brackets 188 are of a size to provide clearance for I the portions 187 so as not to impair vibrations or oscillations of the receptacle. When it is desired to tilt the receptacle, the elements 184 are swung about the pivot pins out of engagement with the brackets 188.

It is usually desirable'to employ water or liquid in the receptacle with the abrading or cleaning media. Water may be delivered into the receptacle 22. As shown in FIGURES 1 and 3, a drain fitting 194 and a T-fitting 195 tube and inserting the end into a floor drain or sump 198 as shown in broken lines in FIGURE 1.

In processing certain parts, it is sometimes desirable to isolate the parts, one from another during processing operations in the receptacle 22. FIGURE 10 illustrates an arrangement or fixture for supporting articles in spaced relation. article supporting means 202 is configurated to support articles 204 in spaced relation as shown in FIGURE 10. The fixture or cover member 200 is removable and may be secured to the receptacle by means of clamps 206 or other securing means. It is to be understood that the article supporting fixture or means may be of a shape to accommodate particular articles to be processed.

The arrangement of the present invention provides a rapid and economical apparatus for processing or treating articles for the purposes hereinbefore mentioned. The rotation of the eccentric weight assembly provided by the

discs

82 and 104 effects an oscillatory or vibratory action of the receptacle 22 and the mobile treating media and articles contained therein. The frequency of oscillation or vibration may be varied and controlled by varying the speed of the fluid actuated motor 66. The amplitude of oscillation or vibration may be varied by adjusting the position of the disc 104 with respect to the disc 82.

Through such arrangement, the most effective and efficient oscillating or vibrating action may be attained for the particular articles to be treated or processed.

For example, with small or delicate articles or parts, a low amplitude and high frequency oscillation or vibration may be most efiicient. With castings or parts of substantial size or weight, a high amplitude low frequency may be most effective. The apparatus therefore provides, through the means hereinbefore described, for most efiicient treating or processing of articles of various shapes and materials by varying, regulating or controlling the oscillation or vibration of the articles and the treating media in the receptacle.

It is believed that the rotation of the eccentric mass or body providedby the

discs

82 and 104 establishes an oscillatory or orbital movement to the receptacle and its contents. When the receptacle and its contents are actuated by the centrifugal forces generated by rotation of the eccentric mass or body, the mobile article-treating media moves from one side wall of the receptacle to the other and accumulates at an increased depth adjacent the Wall toward which the material is moving. This action of the com-minuted treating material continues as long as the actuating forces are transmitted to the receptacle. It is found that by reversing the direction of rotation of the motor 66, the article-treating material moves in the opposite direction in the receptacle. The rapidity of movement is in a measure dependent upon the frequency of vibration or oscillation of the receptacle.

It is apparent that, within the scope of the invention, modifications and different arrangements may be made other than as herein disclosed, and the present disclosure is illustrative merely, the invention comprehending all variations thereof.

We claim:

1. Apparatus for treating discrete articles, in combination, a support, a receptacle adapted to contain the articles and a mobile article-treating material, resilient means mounting the receptacle on the support, a shaft, means mounted by the receptacle journally supporting the shaft, a first member mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith,

A cover member or fixture 200 equipped with a second member mounted on said first member, each of said members having a semi-annular opening formed therein whereby its center of mass is spaced from the axis of rotation, said second member being adjustable relative to said first member to vary the distance of the center of mass provided by both members from the axis of rotation, means for securing said members together in adjusted position, and fluid-actuated means for rotating said shaft and members.

2. Apparatus for treating discrete articles, in combination, a main frame, a metal receptacle provided with an inner liner of nonmetallic material adapted to contain the articles and a mobile article-treating material, a supplemental frame pivotally mounted on the main frame; resilient means mounting the receptacle on the supplemental frame, a shaft, means mounted by the receptacle journally supporting the shaft, 21 first disc-like member mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith and having a hub portion, a second disc-like member mounted on the hub portion of the first member, each of said disc-like members being formed with a sector-like opening whereby its center of mass is spaced from the axis of rotation, sa d second member being rotatably adjustable relative to said first member to vary the distance of the center of mass provided by both members from the axis of rotation, means for securing said members together in adjusted position, hydraulically actuated means for rotating said shaft and members, and valve means for varying flow of liquid to said hydraulically actuated means to control the speed of rotation of said shaft and members.

3. Apparatus for treating discrete articles, in combination, a support, a receptacle adapted to contain the articles and a mobile article-treating material, resilient means mounting the receptacle on the support, a shaft, a plate disposed longitudinally of the receptacle and fixedly secured thereto, bearing means mounted by the plate journally supporting said shaft, a first member mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith, a second member mounted on said first member, each of said members having an open area formed therein at one side of the axis of rotation thereof whereby its center of mass is spaced from the axis of rotation, said second member being adjustable relative to the first member to vary the distance of the center of mass provided by both members from the axis of rotation, means for securing the members together in adjusted position, said members being disposed adjacent a transverse plane through the central region of the receptacle, and a fluid-actuated variable speed motor for rotating said shaft and members.

4. Apparatus for treating discrete articles, in combination, a support, a receptacle adapted to contain the articles and a mobile article-treating material, resilient'means mounting the receptacle on the support, a shaft, means mounted by the receptacle journally supporting said shaft, a first member mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith, a second member mounted on said first member, each of said members having an open area formed therein at one side to the axis of rotation thereof whereby its center of mass is spaced from the axis of rotation, said second member being adjustable relative to the first member to vary the distance of the center of mass provided by both members from the axis of rotation, means for securing the members together in adjusted position, a fluid-actuated variable speed motor for rotating said shaft and members, means connected with the motor arranged to supply fluid to the motor, and valve means associated with said fluid supply means for controlling fluid flow to regulate the speed of said motor.

5. Apparatus for treating discrete articles, in combination, a frame, a support pivotally mounted on the frame, a receptacle adapted to contain the articles and a mobile article-treating material, resilient means mounting the receptacle on the support, a shaft, a plate disposed longitudinally of the receptacle and fixedly secured thereto, bearing means mounted by the plate journally supporting said shaft, a first member mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith, a second member mounted on said first member, each of said members having an open area' formed therein at one side of the axis of rotation thereof whereby its center of mass is spaced from the axis of rotation, said second member being adjustable relative to the first member to vary the distance of the center of mass provided by both members from the axis of rotation, means for securing the members together in adjusted position, said members being disposed adjacent a transverse plane through the central region of the receptacle, a fluid actuated variable speed motor for rotating said shaft and members, tubular means connecting the motor with a supply of fluid, and valve means associated with said tubular means for controlling fluid flow to regulate the speed of said motor.

6. Apparatus for treating discrete articles, in combination, a frame, a support pivotally mounted on the frame, a receptacle adapted to contain the articles and a mobile article-treating material, resilient means mounting the receptacle on the support, a shaft, bearing means mounted by the receptacle journally .supporting said shaft, a first member mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith, a second member mounted on said first member, each of said member having an open area formed therein at one side of the axis of rotation thereof whereby its center of mass is spaced from the axis of rotation, said second member being adjustable relative to the first member to vary the distance of the center of mass provided by both members from the axis of rotation, means for se curing the members together in adjusted position, said receptacle and support being tiltable about the pivotal mounting of the support, a drain fitting secured to a lower portion of the receptacle, a drain tube connected with the fitting, a fluid actuated variable speed motor for rotating said shaft and members, and means for effecting tilting movement of the support and receptacle.

7. Apparatus for treating discrete articles, in combination, a frame, a support pivotally mounted on the frame, a receptacle adapted to contain the articles and a mobile article-treating material, resilient means mounting the receptacle on the support, a shaft, bearing means mounted by the receptacle journally supporting said shaft, a first member mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith, a second member mounted on said first member, each of said member having an open area formed therein at one side of the axis of rotation thereof whereby its center of mass is spaced from the axis of rotation, said second member being adjustable relative to the first member to vary the distance of the c nter of mass provided by both members from the axis of rotation, means for securing he members together in adjusted position, said receptacle support being tiltable about the pivotal mounting of the support, a drain fitting secured to a lower portion of the receptacle, a drain tube connected with the fitting and arranged whereby the distal end region of the tube is disposed adjacent the upper portion of the receptacle during treatment of the articles, a filter screen associated with said fitting, a first fluid actuated means for rotating said shaft and members, and a second fluid actuated means for effecting tilting movement of the support and receptacle.

8. Apparatus for treating discrete articles, in combination, a frame, a support pivotally mounted on the frame, a receptacle adapted to contain the articles and a mobile article-treating material, resilient means mounting the receptacle on the support, a shaft, a plate disposed lOngitudinally of the receptacle and fixedly secured thereto, bearing means mounted by the plate journally supporting said shaft, a first member mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith, a second member mounted on'said first member, each of said members having an open area formed therein at one side of the axis of rotation thereof whereby its center of mass is spaced from the axis of rotation, said second member being adjustable relative to the first member to vary the distance of the center of mass provided by both members from the axis of rotation, means for securing the members together in adjusted position, said receptacle support being tiltable about the pivotal mounting of the support, a drain fitting secured to a lower portion of the receptacle, a drain tube of flexible material connected with the fitting and arranged whereby the distal end region of the tube is disposed adjacent the upper portion of the receptacle during treatment of the bodies, a filter screen associated with said fitting, a variable speed fluid-actuated motor for rotating said shaft and members, and motive means for effecting tilting movement of the support and recep-tacle.

9. Apparatus for treating discrete articles, in combination, a frame, a support pivotally mounted on the frame, a receptacle adapted to contain the articles and a mobile article-treating material, resilient means mounting the receptacle on the support, a shaft, a plate disposed longitudinally of the receptacle and fixedly secured thereto, bearing means carried by the plate journally supporting said shaft, a first member mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith, a second member mounted on said first member, fluid actuated means for rotating said shaft and members, each of said members having an open area formed therein at one side of the axis of rotation thereof whereby its center of mass is spaced from the axis of rotation, said second member being adjustable relative to the first member to vary the distance of the center of mass provided by both members from the axis of rotation, a bolt for securing the members together in adjusted position extending through an opening in one of said members, the other of said members having a plurality of circumferentially spaced threaded openings arranged for selective registration with the opening in the adjacent member to threadedly receive the bolt for securing the members together in a selected adjusted position, and a locking means engageable with the bolt.

10. Apparatus for treating discrete articles, in combination, a support, a receptacle adapted to contain the articles and a mobile article-treating material, resilient means mounting the receptacle on the support, a shaft, means mounted by the receptacle journally supporting said shaft, a first member mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith, a second member mounted on said first member, fluid-actuated means for rotating said shaft and members, each of said members having an open area formed therein at one side of the axis of rotation thereof whereby its center of mass is spaced from the axis of rotation, said second member being adjustable relative to the first member to vary the distance of the center of mass provided by both members from the axis of rotation, means for securing the members together in adjusted position, said means including a cylindricallyshaped element extending through an opening in one of said members, the other of said members having a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings arranged for selective registration with the opening in the adjacent member, portions of said circumferentially spaced openings being threaded, said cylindrically-shaped element having a threaded tenon arranged to threadedly engage the threaded portion of a selected opening of the circumferentially spaced openings to secure the members together in a selected adjusted position.

11. Apparatus for treating discrete articles, in combination, a frame, a support pivotally mounted on the frame, a receptacle adapted to contain the articles and a mobile article-treating material, resilient means mounting the receptacle on the support, a shaft, means mounted by the receptacle journally supporting said shaft, a first member mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith, a second member mounted on said first member, each of said members having an open area formed therein at one side of the axis of rotation thereof whereby its center of mass is spaced from the axis of rotation, said second member being adjustable relative to the first member to vary the distance of the center of mass provided by both members from the axis of rotation, means for securing the members together in adjusted position, a fluid-actuated variable speed motor for rotating said shaft and members, a fluid actuated means for tilting the receptacle about the axis of the pivotal mounting of the support including a cylinder element, a piston element reciprocable in the cylinder element, said elements being connected respectively to the frame and the support, means for conveying fluid into and out of the cylinder element for actuating the piston element to effect tilting movements of the receptacle, and means for controlling flow of fluid into and out of said cylinder element.

12. Apparatus for treating discrete articles, in combination, a frame, a support pivotally mounted on the frame, a receptacle adapted to contain the articles and a mobile article-treating material, resilient means mounting the receptacle on the support, a shaft, a plate disposed longitudinally of the receptacle and fixedly secured thereto, bearing means carried by the plate journally supporting said shaft, a first member mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith, a second member mounted on said first member, each of said members having an open area formed therein at one side of the axis of rotation thereof whereby its center of mass is spaced from the axis of rotation, said second member being adjustable relative to the first member to vary the distance of the center of mass provided by both members from the axis of rotation, means for securing the members together in adjusted position, a fluid-actuated variable speed motor for rotating said shaft and members, means arranged to convey fluid under pressure to said motor, valve means associated with said fluid conveying means for controlling fluid flow to the motor for varying the speed of the motor, a fluid actuated means for tilting the receptacle about the axis of the pivotal mounting of the support including a cylinder element, a piston element reciprocable in the cylinder element, said elements being connected respectively to the frame and the support, means for conveying fluid into and out of the cylinder element for actuating the piston element to effect tilting movements of the receptacle, and valve means for controlling flow of fluid into and out of said cylinder element.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,677,967 5/ 1954 Galbreath 7487 2,774,244 12/ 1956 Bergstrom et al. 74-61 2,973,606 3/1961 Brandt 517 2,997,813 8/1961 Brandt 51-7 2,997,814 8/1961 Brandt 517 3,063,207 11/1962 Moore 511 63 3,093,940 6/ 1963 Balz 51163 FOREIGN PATENTS 919,519 11/1946 France.

LESTER M. SWINGLE, Primary Examiner.

J. SPENCER OVERHOLSER, Examiner.

J. L. TATE, Assistant Examiner.

Claims

1. APPARATUS FOR TREATING DISCRETE ARTICLES, IN COMBINATION, A SUPPORT, A RECEPTACLE ADAPTED TO CONTAIN THE ARTICLES AND A MOBILE ARTICLE-TREATING MATERIAL, RESILIENT MEANS MOUNTING THE RECEPTACLE ON THE SUPPORT, A SHAFT, MEANS MOUNTED BY THE RECEPTACLE JOURNALLY SUPPORTING THE SHAFT, A FIRST MEMBER MOUNTED ON SAID SHAFT FOR ROTATION THEREWITH, A SECOND MEMBER MOUNTED ON SAID FIRST MEMBER, EACH OF SAID MEMBERS HAVING A SEMI-ANNULAR OPENING FORMED THEREIN WHEREBY ITS CENTER OF MASS IS SPACED FROM THE AXIS OF ROTATION, SAID SECOND MEMBER BEING ADJUSTABLE RELATIVE TO SAID FIRST MEMBER TO VARY THE DISTANCE OF THE CENTER OF MASS PROVIDED BY BOTH MEMBERS FROM THE AXIS OF ROTATION, MEANS FOR SECURING SAID MEMBERS TOGETHER IN ADJUSTED POSITION, AND FLUID-ACTUATED MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID SHAFT AND MEMBERS.