US1877818A - Liquid bath apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 20, 1932. c. B. COOK LIQUID BATH APPARATUS Filed Nov. 7, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. C. B. CO OK A ORNEY.

Sept. 20, 1932. a COOK 1,877,818

LIQUID BATH APPARATUS Filed Nov. 7, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 LEE .5 a

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i I INVENTOR. 43 45 c. B. coon BY v W 1 v ATTORNEY.

Sept. 20, 1932.

C. B. COOK Filed NOV. 7. 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet I5 I, Pi g.5 45 44 0 6 4:

- INVENTOR- C..B.COOK

ATTO EY.

p 3 1932- c. a. COOK LI UID BATH APPARATUS Filed Nov. 7, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Sept. 20, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CHARLES B. COOK, OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA LIQUID BATH APPARATUS Application filed November This invention relates to improvements in liquid bath apparatus.

The general object of the invention is to provide novel means for impregnating and treating a box with a solution to destroy mold and fungus and exterminate any vermin thereon.

Another object of the invention is to provide novel means for submerging a box ina liquid bath and then removing it therefrom.

A further obj ectof the invention is to provide a means for use in a liquid bath apparatus for automatically injecting a solution into the liquid in which the boxes are submerged.

Other objects and the advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. lis a longitudinal section through my improved box treating device.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the device.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary side View of the device.

Fig. 4 is a section taken on line 44 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 a section taken on line 55 of Fig. 1. I i

F ig. 6 is a section taken on line 6.6 of F 1.

Fig. 7 isa section taken on line 7-7 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 18 a central longitudinal section through a modified form of box treating device.

Fig. 9 is a top plan view of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a section taken on line 1010 of Fig. 8, and

Fig. 11 is a section taken on line 1111 of Fig. 8. y

,Referring to the drawings by reference characters I have indicated my improved boX treating device generally at 10. As shown this device comprises a supporting frame 12 having a tank 13 mounted thereon. This tank includes side walls 14 and 15, end walls 16 and 17 and a bottom wall 18. The tank 13 is adapted to be filled with fluid to the level indicated bythe broken lines A in Fig.1.

For conveying the boxes downward in the tank I provide an inclined conveyor indicat- 7, 1930. Seria1.1\To. 494,175.

ed generally at 20 and which includes an endless sprocketchain 21 positioned intermediate the side walls and having spaced lugs 22 thereon. At the upper end of the conveyor the chain 21 is positioned on a sprocket 23 which is secured to a shaft 24 mounted in bearings 25 on the side walls 14 and 15. At the lower end of the conveyor the chain 21 is positioned on a sprocket 26 which is mounted on a shaft 27 j ournaled in suitable bearings 28 which fit slots in plates-28 so that the bearings maybe shifted by means of a screw jack 28 (Fig. 1) which includes a threaded adjusting stem 29 connected to the shaft 27 and having lock nuts 29 thereon whereby theposition of the shaft 27 may be altered. By loosening the nuts 29 and shifting the shaft 27 the chain 21 may be shifted so that boxes of different sizes may be treated.

This device is particularly adapted for treatingwooden field boxes used in packing citrus fruits and forretaining the boxes in engagement with the chain 21 when the boxes enter the fluid I provide a pair of spaced, inclined guide chains 30. At the upper end the guide chains 30 are positioned on sprockets 31 which are secured to a shaft 32 journaled in bearings 33 on the side walls and at the lower end the guide chains are positioned on sprockets 34secured to a shaft 35 which is journaled in bearings 36 .on the sides '14 and 15.

Forconveying the'boxes out of the liquid I provide a conveyor indicated generally at 37. This conveyor includes a sprocket chain 38 positioned intermediate the side walls 14 and 15 and has a plurality of spaced lugs 39 thereon. Y

The under reach of the chain 38 includes a short horizontal portion 40 which is formed by positioning the chain 38 on a sprocket 41 secured to the shaft 35 and by the engagement with an idler sprocket 42. From the idler sprocket 42 the under reach of the chain 38 inclines upwardly where it is positioned on a sprocket 43 secured to a shaft 44 which is j ournaled in bearings 45 on the side walls. The bearings 45 are held in place by bolts 45 (Fig. 5) which may be positioned in apertures 45" to offset adjustment of the shaft 44 to handle boxes of various sizes and for other purposes. 1

The idler sprocket 42 is mounted-on a shaft 46 which is journaled in bearings 47 on an arm 48 which is pivoted to the side wall 14 as at 49 and adapted to be secured to the side wall 14 by a bolt 50 which may be positioned in either one of a plurality of apertures 51 provided in the side wall 14 to allow adjustment of the position of the idler sprocket 42 to thereby alter the position of the chain 38 to effect adjustment for boxes of different sizes and for other purposes.

Adjacent the bottom of the tank I provide a pair of spaced rails 52 which include inclined portions 53to correspond to the angle of the upper reach of the conveyor 20, intermediate arcuate or curved bridge portions 54, which allow the boxes to change their directions, and short, upwardly inclined portions which are arranged at an angle to correspond to the angle ofthe under reach of the inclined portion of the chain 38.

A second pair of spaced rails indicated generally at 52 are mounted on pivoted brackets 53. The other ends of the rails 52 have brackets -54 thereon which have holes 55 through which bolts 55 (Fig. 2) extend. The bolts 55 fit holes 56 in the walls 14 and 15 of the tank to allow the rails to be adjusted so that they will be above or below the upper reach of apair of spaced chains fi6 which are mounted on sprockets 56 arranged on suitable shafts 56 which are secured to the side walls 14 and 15. The chains 56'. are driven. by the lower" sprocket 56 which is operated byasprocket 56 driven by a chain 56 which is driven from the shaft 24 in such manner'that the linearspeed of the chain 56 exceeds that of the chain 38 for a purpose to be later described.

For actuating the conveyor mechanism I provide an electric'motor 56 which is adapted to drive a shaft 57 through the medium of a reduction gear transmission 58. Secured to the shaft 57 I provide a sprocket 59 on which an endless sprocket chain 60 is positioned and which engages a sprocket, 61 secured to the shaft 24and is positioned over a sprocket 62 secured to the shaft 32 and is engaged by an idler sprocket 63 which acts as a chain tightener. V I

As shown the sprocket 63 is fnounted on ashaft 64 positioned intermediate the length of an arm 65- which is pivoted at one end to the frame as at 66and is provided adjacent the opposite end with an adjustable weighted member 67. j I

Thus when the motor is operating the sprocket 59 operates the chain 60 in the direction indicated by the arrow (Fig. 3) whichin turn rotates the sprockets 61 and 62 in the directions indicated byvthe arrows. As the sprockets 61 and .62 are thus rotated the upper reach of the chain 21 travels d0wnward and the lower reaches of the chains 30 travel downward.

As the chains travel over the sprockets 34 they rotate the shaft 35 thereby rotating the sprockets 41'and causing the upper reach of the chain 38 to travel downwardly so that the lower reach of the chain 38 travels upwardly as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1. The chain 56 is also driven so that the upper reach thereof travels upwardly as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that when the tank 13 is filled to the level 'A with fluid and a box is delivered onto the conveyor 20 one of the lugs 22 on the chain 21 will engage thefollowing end of the box and force it downwardly into the fluid until the lug, 22 engaging the boX travels partly around the lower sprocket 26. As the box is buoyant it will rise upwardly and engage the horizontal portion 40 of the conveyor37 as indicated at B in Fig. 1. When the box is in this position one of the lugs 39 on the chain 38 engages the rear end of the box and moves it along the horizontal portion 40 to the inclined portion. As the box travels upwardly along the inclined portion the buoyancy of the box retains it against the chain 38 for part of the distance as indicated'at C but as the box emerges from the fluid the under side thereof engages the inclined portions 55 of the rails 52.

The boxesmay be delivered to the device in any suitable manner but I have shown them as adapted to be delivered thereto by an endless conveyor mechanism indicated at 68.

In order to blow leaves, trash, loose dirt, etc.,

from the boxes which are preferably passed through the machine on their sides, I provide a blower 68 which may be driven by a shaft 68 from the transmission 58. A pipe 68 leads from the blower to a nozzle 68 which is downwardly inclined to blow into the box 68 (Fig. 3). vVhen the boxes pass from the device they maybe delivered onto another endless conveyor mechanism indicated generally at 7 O which may be of any desired type.

T o prevent waste of the fluid which drains off of the boxes as they pass from the device 10 and travel along the conveyor 70 I preferably provide a trough 71 under the conveyor 70 which drains into the tank through apertures 72 provided in the end wall 17 For circulating the fluid in the tank 13 I provide a pump 75 which is preferably driven by the motor 56 as shown. The pump drawsthe fluid through a pipe 76 from a compartment '77 in the tank 13 which is located adjacent the fluid level and forces it back into the tank through a pipe 78 and a nozzle 79 which directs the fluid towards the boxes when they are at their deepest point of submergence and. when they are traveling along the horizontal portion 40 of the conveyor 37 as indicated at B. The applicants invention is to provideapparatus for treating atruit packing box with a solution to destroy mold, mealy bugs, fungus, etc. The boxes are made of wood and contain cracks and spaces between the slats. From the foregoing description it will be apparent that with my apparatus, 1 create a moving column of fluid which passes through the cracks and spaces in the box and thus thoroughly penetrates all cavities. The nozzle 79 directs fluid into the box while the latter is immersed. As shown in the drawings, the box has its open side disposed toward the nozzle and as a result of the pressure of the fluid from the nozzle, there is established within the box, a pressure greater than the pressure external to the box, and as aresult the fluid pas e through the cracks and spaces to accomplish the desired .result. The pump preferably has a capacity greater than the displacement which occurs through the crevices of the box and the capacity is also greater preferably than the displacement between the open side faces of the box and the adjacent wall of the tank. The capacity of the pump would, however, vary according to the intended purpose.

The top of the compartment 77 preferably includes a perforated plate 80 and over the entrance to the pipe 76 I provide a cap 81 having a plurality of openings 82 at the bottom thereof. This cap 81 prevents the fluid entering the p pe 76 fronrwhirling and allowing air to be sucked into the pipe 76.

, For reta-inin the fluid level constant at t-he level A I provide a fluid supply pipe 83 which extends into the tank 13 and the passageway through which is controlled by a float actuated valve 8 1 of any desired type (see Fig. 6).

F or constantly maintaining a predetermined amount of treating solution in the fluid in the tank 13 I provide a container 85 which is connected by a pipe 86, having a check valve 87 interposed therein, to a pump 88. From the pump 88 I provide a pipe 89 which has a check valve 90 interposed there in and extends to the compartment 77 where it opens into the tank above the cap 81 shown in Fig. 7.

Elackly connected to the piston of the pump 88 as at 91 I provide an arm 92 which is pivoted at its opposite end on a rod 93 supported in the sides 14 and 15 of the tank. This arm 92 includes a portion 9st which extends into the path of travel of the boxes as they are carried downward by the conveyor 20. Thus each time a box travels along the conveyor the arm 92 is actuated which in turn operates the pump 88 to draw a predetermined amount of treating solution from the container 85 and force it through the pipe 89 into the fluid of the tank 13.

As some of the fungi or vermin such as the inealy bug may be completely coated with a killing solution without effecting them 1 preferably provide ofl'set spurs 95 on the sprockets' 34 which extend out beyond the surface of the sprockets and strike the boxes as they travel along the horizontal. portion 410 of the conveyor 37. l Vhen the spurs 95 strike a box they ar or bump the same, this causes the water in and about the box to be displaced and the water thus displaced due to the motion thereof produces friction with the surface of the mealy bug thus breaking the tender skin of the bug and allowing the killing solution to penetrate into the bugs and destroy them.

In operation a box will first from the end of the conveyor 68 and as it does air from the nozzle 68 will blow the loose particles from the box. The box will then pass onto the chain 21 and due to the action of this chain and the chains the box will be drawn beneath the fluid level in the tank. By adjustin g the ack screw 28 the relations of the chains 21 and 30 may be varied so that boxes of diflerent sizes may be used.

As the box proceeds into the tank it passes from the downwardly inclined reaches of the chain and engages the short horizontal portion of the conveyor 3*. As the box passes from the inclined position to the horizontal position there will be a breaking" action, that is, there will be an angular separation and thebox ends which were adjacent and parallel will take a V-arrangement.

vAs the box advances it is engaged by one of the lugs 39 on the conveyor 37 and is moved upwardly towards the conveyor 70. The conveyor 37 may be adjusted for various size boxesby shittin the arm 48 and the shaft ist as previously described.

When the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 1, the ascending boxes will ride out on the chain 56" as soon as the buoyancy is lost due to the box passing out of the liquid and the box will thus progress rapidly onto the conveyor T0 with the drip from each box entering the trough 71 and thus finding its way back into the tank. The lugs 39 also may jar the box just as it passes onto the conveyor so that the pores of the mealy bugs are broken.

When a longer period for draining is desired the rails 52 are adjusted to their raised position so that these rails extend above the upper reaches of the chains 56*. When this arrangement is operating the lower portions of the upper reach of the chains 56 engage the box and act in conjunction with the chain 37 and lugs 39 to move the box upwardly. The lugs can move the box so that it no longer engages the chain 56 but engages the upper ends of the rails 52. The length of the lugs 39 is such that in this arrangement a box will remain near the top of the rails 52 just ready to drop onto the conveyor 70 and thus drain until the following box strikes the preceeding box and pushes it onto the conveyor 70 and the following box will likewise remain until it is in turn pushed off by another box.

III; In this case the boxes are also jarred just 11 tank. 7

In Figs. 8 to 11 inclusive I have illustrated a modification of my improved box treating device which is indicated generally at 100. As shown this device, like the device 10, com- 103 mounted thereon. This tank, includes side walls 104 and 105 end walls 106 and 107 and a bottom wall 108. The tank 103 is adapted to be filled with fiuid to the level indicated by the broken line C in Fig. 8.

For conveying the boxes downward in the tank I provide an inclined conveyor indicated generally at 110 which includes an end less sprocket chain 112 positioned intermediate the side walls and having spaced lugs 113 thereon. At the upper end the conveyor chain 112 is positioned on a sprocket 114 which is secured to a shaft 115 mounted in bearings 116 on the side walls 104 and 105. At the lower end of the conveyor the chain 112 is positioned 011 a sprocket 11'? which is mounted on a shaft 118 journaled in a bearing 119 on a screw jack 120 which; includes a threaded adjusting stem 121 connected to the bearing, 119 and having lock nuts 122 thereon whereby the position of the shaftllS may be altered. By loosening the nuts 122 and shifting the shaft 118 the chain 112 may be shifted so that boxes of different sizes may be treated. V

This device, like the device 10 is particularly adapted for treating wooden field'boxes used in packing citrus fruits and for retaining the boxes in engagement with the chain 112 when the boxes enter the fluid I pro Vide a pair ofspaced, inclined guide rails 123. At the upper end the guide rails are supported by a rod 124 positioned in bearings 125 which are secured to the sides of the tank and at the lower end the guide rails are supported by a transverse bar 126 which is secured to the sides 104 and 105.

For conveying the boxes out of the liquid I provide a conveyor indicated generally at 127. This conveyor includes a sprocket chain 128 positioned intermediate the side walls 104 and 105 and has a plurality of spaced lugs 129 thereon. The conveyor chain 128 is supported at the upper end on a sprocket 130 and at the lower end on a sprocket 131 and intermediate the length of the conveyor I provide an idler sprocket 132 which engages the under reach of the chain 128. The sprocket 130is mounted on a shaft 133 which is journaled in bearings 134 (Fig. 9) on the prises a supporting frame 102 having a tank.

sidewalls. The bearings 134 are held in place by bolts 135 which may be positioned in apertures 136 to allow adjustment of the shaft 133 to handle boxes of various sizes and for other purposes.

The idler sprocket 132 is mounted on a shaft 137 which is j ournaled in a bearing 138 onan arm 139 which is pivoted to the side wall 104 as at 140 andadapted to be secured to the side wall 104by a bolt 141 which may be positioned ineither one of a plurality of apertures 142 provided in the side wall 104 to allow adjustment of the position of the idler sprocket 132. The sprocket 131 is secured to a shaft 143 which at one side extends through a bearing144 provided with a stuffing box and at the opposite end it is supported by a bearing 145 provided on the inner face of a chamber 146 which opens through the side wall 104' and communicates with the interior of the tank (see Fig. 11)

Below the conveyor 127 Iprovide an inclinec sprocket chain 147 which is supported It the upper end on a sprocket 148 secured o a shaft 140 which extends through the side walls of the tank where it is ournaled inboarings. 'I he lower end of the chain 147 is supported on a sprocket 151 which is loosely mounted on a "t 152 which is supported ra e;

sha'r in hearings on the inner faces of the side Walls l04-and 105. 7

Qn each side of the chain 147 I provide an inclined rail 154 which is pivotally supported on the shaft The opposite ends of the rails 154 are connected together by a bar 155 and are provided with plates 156 each having a plurality of apertures 157 therein, in one of which bolt 158 is adapted to be positioned for supporting the upper end of the rails.

Int rmediate the lower end of the conveyor 110 and the lower end of the chain 147 I provide a pair of, spaced idler chains 160. These chains are supported at one end on sprockets 161 which are loosely mounted on the shaft and at the opposite end on sprockets 163 journaled in bearings on the inner faces of the side walls of the tank.

The shaft 163 is spaced below the shaft 118 of the conveyor 110 to form a drop-off between the conveyor chain'112 and the chains 160. The chains incline slightly upward from the sprocket 162 to the sprockets 163 and the upper reaches of the chains 160 are adapted to rest on a table 165 which is supported on the shafts 152 and 163. V

For actuating the conveyor mechanisms I ovide an electric motor 166 which is adaptto drive a shaft 167 through the medium f a reduction gear transmission 168. Secured to the sh aft 16? I provide a sprocket 169 on which an endless sprocket chain 170 is positioned and which engages a sprocket 171 secured to the shaft 115.

Thus when the motor is operating the sprocket 169 operates the chain 170 in the sprocket 172 and secured to the shaft 149 I provide a sprocket 173. Positioned on these sprockets 172 and 173 I provide a sprocket chain 174 thus when the shaft 115 is rotated the shaft 149 is rotated and. the sprocket 148 causes the chain 147 to travel in the direction indicated by the arrow. Secured tothe shaft 143 Iprovide a sprocket 175 which is engaged by the lower reach of the chain 174.

For retaining the lower reach of the chain 174 in engagement with the sprocket 175 I provide a sprocket 176 whch is rotatably mounted on an arm 177 which is pivotally secured adjacent one end to the tank 103 and adjacent the opposite end of the arm 176 I provide thereon a weighted member 178 which is preferably adjustable along the arm.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that when the chain 174 is in motion the chain 128 of the conveyor 127 will travel in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 8.

When the tank 103 i filled to the level C with fluid. and a box is delivered onto the conveyor 1.10 one of the lugs 113 on the chain 112 will engage the following end of the box and force it downwardly into the fluid until the lug 113 engaging the box travels partly around the lower sprocket 117. As the box is buoyant it will rise upwardly and engage the lower end of the conveyor 127 and the next box moves it along until one of the lugs 129 on the chain 128 engages the following end of the box and moves it upwardly.

When the leading edge of the box emerges from the fluid it drops down and engages the rails 154 along which it slides as it continues to move upwardly when the rails 154 are in a raised position as shown in Fig. 8.

i For restricting the upward travel of the box I provide a roller 180 which is rotatably mounted. on a shaft 181 supported by the side wal ls 104 and 105. lVhen thebox engages the roller 180 the lugs 129 which engages the box continues to move the box outwardly until the lug moves out of engagement with the following end of the box whereupon the follow ing end of the box drops downwardly until i engages the rails 154. The box remains in this postion and drains until another box which is being conveyed upwardly engages it and moves it out of the tank. 7

When the rails 154 are in a lowered position the forward end of an upwardly traveling box engages the chain 147 which is movin any suitable manner but I have shown them as adapted to be delivered thereto by an endless conveyor mechanism indicated at 182. When the boxes pass from the device they may be delivered onto another endless conveyor mechanism indicated generally at 183 which may be of any desired type.

To prevent waste of the fluid which drains off of the boxes as they pass from the device 100 and travel along the conveyor 183 I preferably provide a trough 184 under the conveyor 183 which drains into the tank through apertures 184 provided in the end wall 107.

For circulating the fluid in the tank 103 I provide a pump 1.85 which is preferably driven by the motor 166 as shown. The pump draws the fluid through a pipe 186 from the chamber 146 of the tank 103 and forces it back into the tank through a pipe 187 and directs the fluid towards the boxes when they are traveling through the fluid in thetank.

To prevent refuse from entering the pipe 186 I provide a rotary strainer which comprises a hollow cylindrical drum 190 which is secured to the shaft 143 and is provided with a plurality of slots 191 in the side walls thereof.- One end of the drum abuts the side wall 105 and is provided with apertures 192 which allow communication from the cham her 146 to the interior of the drum 190. Thus the fluid which is drawn into the pipe 186 must first pass through the rotary strainer.

To prevent refuse from accumulating on the outer surface of the drum 190 I preferably provide a scraper 193 which is secured to the under side of a reservoir tank 194 secured to the tank 103. To prevent the boxes from tilting as they pass under the drum 190 I provide a roller 190' which is of the same diameter as the drum 190 and is secured to the shaft 143.

For constantly maintaining a predetermined amount of treating solution in the fluid in the tank 103 I provide a container 194 which is filled with a treating solution. The container 194 is connected by a pipe 195, having a check valve 196 interposed therein, to a pump 197 and from the pump I provide a pipe 198which has a check valve 199 interposed therein, and extends to a point slightly below the fluid level 0, where it opens into the tank above the pipe 187 as shown in Fig. 11.

Adjustably connected to the piston of the pump 197 as at 200 I provide an arm 201 which is pivoted at its opposite end on the it through the pipe 198 into the fluid of the tank 103. v

As previously described the bumps caused by my machine causes Water movement due to differences in pressure and this movement causes friction to break the skin ofthe mealy bug so that the solution becomes effective.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a liquid bath apparatus, a tank, endless conveyor means in said tankfor conveying a box through the tank and means to cause the box to bump during a portion of its journey to thereby produce a fluid current sufficient to disturb the skin of a mealy bug.

2. In an article treating device, a tank adapted to contain fluid, meansto convey an article down into and then out of said tank, a nozzle in said tank opposite the deepest point of submergence, and means to force fluid from said nozzle against an. article in said tank.

3. In a box treating machine :a tank, conveyor means to move a box below the flu d level in said tank, means to remove a box from said tank, and means operable to direct-fluid under pressure into a box while immersed in said tank to cause the fluid pressure within the box to be greater thanthe fluid pressure external to the box.

4:. In a box treating machine a tank, conveyor means tomove a box below the fluid level in said tank, means to'remove abox from saidtank, and means operable. to create within a box while immersed insaid tank a.

termined amount of said solution from said container into said tank. I

6. In a box treating device, a tank, an inclined conveyor in said tank sloping downward from one end of said tank, a second conveyor, said second conveyor including an endless chain including in its under reach an inclined portion sloping upwardly therefrom towards the end of said tank opposite said first conveyor, article engaging means on said second conveyor chain, means to support said second conveyor chain, and means in said tank arranged below the under reachof said second conveyor chain and arranged to direct a box upwardly.

7. In a' box treating device, a tank, an inclined conveyor in said tank adapted to move a buoyant box. downward below the fluid level in said tank, a second conveyor adapted to aid in moving said box across the' tank and a third conveyor, said third conveyor being positioned adjacent said second conveyor and being adapted to convey said box out of said tank.

8. In abox treating device, a tank, a supporting frame for said tank, an inclined conveyor in said tank sloping downward from one end of said tank, said conveyor including an endless member supported on spaced shafts and having a plurality of spaced articleengaging portions thereon, means to operate saidmember to move a box downward below the fluid level in said tank, a second conveyor, said second conveyor including an endless member having an inclined portion sloping upwardly towards the. end of said tank opposite said first conveyor, and means in said tank to cause a box to move from first conveyor to said second conveyor.

9. In a box treating device, a tank, an inclined conveyor in said tank sloping downward from one end of said tank, said conveyor including an endless chain having a plurality of spaced lugs thereon, sprocket means to support said chain, means to operate said chain to cause the upper reach thereof to travel downward, guide means positioned above said conveyor, the lugs on said conveyor chain being adapted to move a box downward below said fluid level, said guide means being adapted to retain said box in a position to be engaged by said lugs, a second conveyor, and means to adjustably shift one of said sprocket means to Vary the distance between said guide means and said chain.

10. In a box treating device, a tank, an inclined conveyor in said tank sloping downard from one end of said tank, a second conveyor, said second conveyor including an endless chain including in its under reach a horizontal portion below said fluid level and an inclined portion sloping upward therefrom towards the end of said tank opposite said first conveyor, article engaging means on said second conveyor chain, means to support said second conveyor chain, and a guide rail in said tank spaced below the under reach of said second conveyor chain and arranged to direct a box upwardly.

11. In a box treating device, a tank, an inclined conveyor in said tank sloping downward from one end of said tank, a second conveyor, said second conveyor including an endless chain including in its under reach a horizontal portion below said fluid level. and an inclined portion sloping upward therefrom towards the end of said tank opposite said first conveyor, article engaging means on said second conveyor chain, means to support said second conveyor chain, and a conveyor chain in said tank spaced below the under reach of said second conveyor chain and arranged to direct a box upwardly. 7

12. In a box treating device, a fluid tank,

means in said tank to convey a box below the fluid level therein and means in said tank to convey the box above the fluid level, a container associated with said tank, a liquid treating solution in said container, a piston pump, a pipe connecting said pump and said container, a second pi e, said second pipe extending from said pump to said tank, means for operating said pump and including portion extending into the path of travel. of the box on said conveyor means whereby when the box is traveling thereon said box will. engage and move said operating means thereby actuating said pump to draw a quantity of said treating solution from said container and force it into said tank.

13. In a box treating device, a tank, an inclined conveyor in said tank sloping downward in said tank, and adapted to move a buoyant box downward below the fluid level in said tank, a second conveyor dapted to engage the box and move it upwardly above the fluid level and then. out of said tank, means to cause the box to pause before it leaves said. tank and means to direct drip from said box back to saidtank.

14. In a box treating device, a tank, means in said tank to convey a box below the fluid level and means in said tank to convey the box above the fluid level and out of said tank, a container associated with said tank, a liquid treating solution in said container, a piston pump, a conduit connecting said piston pump and said container, a second conduit extending from said pump to said tank, an operat ing member for said pump including a portion extending into the path of travel of a box on said conveying means whereby when said box is traveling thereon said lJOLI will engage said portion to thereby cause said pump to actuate to draw a quantity of said treating solution from said container and force it into the fluid in said tank.

15. In a box treating device, a tank, an inclined conveyor in said tank slopint ward from one end of said tank, said conveyor including an endless chain having a plurality of spaced lugs thereon, means to support said chain, means to operate said chain to cause the upper reach thereof to travel downward, guide means positioned above said conveyor, the lugs on said conveyor chain being adapted to move a box downward below the fluid level in said tank, said guide means being adapted to re ain said box in a position to be engi d by said lugs, a second conveyor, said second conveyor including an. endless chain including" its under reach a substantially holidzoirtv portion below said fluid level and an inclined portion sloping upward therefrom towards the end of said tank opposite said first conveyor and means to vary the length {d said substantially horizontal portion.

16. In a box treating device, a tank, an

end

down

inclined conveyor in said tank, said conveyor being adapted to engage and move a box d \vnward below the fluid level in said tank, a second conveyor, said second conveyor in-- eluding an endless chain supported on sprockets and includin an inclined portion sloping upwardly therefrom towards the i of said tank opposite said first conveyor, n cans enabling said second conveyor to be shifted, a plurality of spaced. lugs on said second conveyor chain, a pair of guide rails .111 said tank spaced below the under reach or" said second conveyor chain, and arranged at approximately the same angle, the lugs on said second coi'iveyor chain being adapted to engage a box and move it upwardly above said fluid level and out of said tank, said rails being adapted to retain said box in a position to be engaged by said lugs on said second conveyor.

1.7. In. a box treating device, a tank, an inclined conveyor in said tank, said conveyor being adapted to engage and move a box downward below the fluid level in said tank, a

second conveyor, said second conveyor including an endless chain supported on sprockets and. including in its under reach a horizontal portion below the fluid level and an inclined portion sloping upwardly therefrom towards the end of said tank opposite said first conveyor, a plurality of spaced lugs on said. second conveyor chain, stationary guide means in said tank spaced below the under reach of said second conveyor chain a -d arranged at approximately the same angle, the lugs on said second conveyor chain being adapted to engage a box and move it upwardly above said fluid level and out of said tank, said rails being adapted to retain said box in a position to be engaged by said lugs on said second conveyor or chain and an endless conveyor associated with said guide and means whereby either said guide means or said endless conveyor may engage a box moving in said tank.

18. In a box treating device, a tank, an inclined conveyor in said tank sloping downward from one end of said tank, said co11veyor including an endless chain having a plurality o l-spaced lugs thereon, means to support said chain, means to operate said chain to cause the upper reach thereof to travel downward, guide means positioned above third chain and a pivotally mounted rail ad- 7 jaccnt to and movable above a portion of said third chain.

19. In a box treating device, a tank, a sup. {porting frame for said tank, an inclined conveyor in said tank sloping downward from one end of said tank, spaced sprockets, said conveyor including an endless member supported on said sprockets and having a plu- Qrahty of spaced lugs thereon, means to operate said member toicause the upper reach thereof to travel downward, said lugs on said conveyor chain being adapted to move a buoyant box downward below the fluid level in said tank and said guide chains being adapted to retain said box in a position to be engaged by said lugs,- a second conveyor, said second conveyor including an endless member supported on sprockets and including as its under reach an inclined portion sloping upwardly therefrom towards the end of said tank which is opposite to'said first conveyor and a plurality of spaced lugs on said second conveyor chain.

2-0. In a box treating device, a fluid tank, means 1n said tank to convey a box below the fluid level therein and means in said tank to convey the box above the fluid level and then out of the tank, a container associated with said tank, a liquid treating solution in said container, a piston pump, a pipe connecting said pump and said container, a. one-way check valve interposed in said pipe, a second pipe, a one way check valve interposed in 1 said second pipe, said second pipe extending from said pump to below the fluid level in said tank, an arm, said arm being slackly connected adjacent one end to the piston of said pump and being pivotally supported adja- 1 cent its opposite end, said armincluding a portion extending into the path of travel of a box on said first conveying means whereby when said box is traveling thereon said box will engage and move said arm thereby actu' ating said pump to draw a quantity of said treating solution from said container and force it into the fluid in said tank.

21. In a box'treating device, a tank, means in said tank to convey a box below the fluid level in said tank and means in said tank to convey the box above the fluid level and out of said tank, a pump, means to drive said pump, a chamber in said tank at the exit end adjacent the fluid level, the top of said chamber including a perforated member, a pipe communicating with said chamber and the inlet of said pump, a second pipe, said second pipe communicating withthe outlet of said pumpand' the interior of said tank at one side thereof, an apertured cap over the inlet end of said first pipe, a container associated with said tank, a liquid treating solution in said container, a piston pump, means connecting said piston pump and said container, means extending from said piston pump to said tank, and means to operate said piston pump, said last means including a member extending into the'path of travel of a box on said first conveyor whereby when said box is traveling thereon said box will engage and move said member thereby actuating said piston pump to draw a. quantity of said treating solution from said container and force it into the fluid in said tank.

22. In a box treating device, a tank, a supporting frame for said tank, an inclined conveyor in said tank sloping downward from one end of said tank, said conveyor including an endless chain supported on spaced sprockets and having a plurality of spaced lugs thereon, means to operate said chain to cause the upper reach thereof to travel downward, guide means positioned above said conveyor and arranged at approximately the same angle as said conveyor, said lugs on said conveyor chain being adapted to engage and move a box downward below the fluid level in said tank and said guide means being adapted to retain said box in a position to be engaged by said lugs, a second conveyor, said second conveyor including an endless chain supported on sprockets and including in its under reach an inclined portion sloping upwardly towards the end of said tank opposite said first conveyor, a plurality of spaced lugs on said second conveyor chain and guide means in said tank below the under reach of said second conveyor chain, the lugs on said second conveyor chain being adapted to engage a box and move it upwardly above the fluid level. p I

23. In a box treating device, a tank, a supporting frame for said tank, an inclined conveyor in said tank sloping downward from one end ofsaid tank, spaced sprockets, said conveyor including an endless chain supported on said sprockets and having a plurality of spaced lugs thereon, means to operate said chain to cause the upper reach thereof to travel downward, a pair of spaced guide chains positioned above'said conveyor and arranged substantially parallel to said conveyor, said guide chains being supported on sprockets and means to operate said chains to cause the under reach thereof to travel downward, said lugs on said conveyor chain being adapted to move a buoyant box downward below'the fluid level in said tank and said guide chains being adapted to retain said box in a position to be engaged by said lugs, a second conveyor, said second conveyor including an endless chain supported on sprockets'and including in its under reach a horizontal portion below said fluid level and an inclined portion sloping upwardly therefrom towards the end of said tank which is opposite to said first conveyor and a plurality of spaced lugs on said second conveyor chain.

24. In a box treating device, a tank, a

supporting frame for said tank, an inclined conveyor in said tank sloping downward from one end of said tank, said conveyor including an endless chain supported on spaced sprockets and having a plurality of spaced lugs thereon, said lugs on said conveyor chain being adapted to engage and move a box downward below the fluid level in said tank, a second conveyor, said second conveyor including an endless chain supported on sprockets and including in its under reach an inclined portion sloping upwardly towards the end of said tank opposite said first conveyor, a plurality of spaced lugs on said second conveyor chain, the lugs on said second conveyor chain being adapted to engage a box and move it upwardly above the fluid level.

25. In a box treating device, a tank, an inclined conveyor in said tank sloping downward from one end of said tank, spaced shafts, said conveyor including an endless member supported on said shafts and having a plurality of spaced lugs thereon, means to operate said member to cause the upper reach thereof to travel downward, guide means positioned above said conveyor and arranged substantially parallel to said conveyor, said lugs on said conveyor being adapted to move a buoyant box downward below the fluid level in said tank and said guide means being adapted to retain said box in a position to be engaged by said lugs, a second conveyor, said second conveyor including an endless member supported on shafts and including an inclined portion slop-ing upwardly towards the end of said tank which is opposite to said first conveyor and a plurality of spaced lugs on said second conveyor member.

26. In a box treating device, a tank, means in said tank to convey a box below the fluid level in said tank and means in said tank to convey the box above the fluid level and out of said tank, a pump, means to drive said pump, a chamber in said tank at the exit end adjacent the fluid level, a pipe communicating with said chamber and the lnlet of said pump, a second pipe, said second PIPE communicating with the outlet of said pump and the interior of said tank at one side thereof, a container associated with said tank, a liquid treating solution in said container, a piston pump, a conduit connecting said piston pump and said container, a one-way. check valve interposed in said conduit, a second conduit, a one-way check valve interposed in said second conduit, said second conduit extending from said piston pump to below the fluid level in said tank, an arm, said arm being slackly connected adjacent one end to the piston of said piston pump and being pivotally supported adjacent its opposite end, said arm including a portion extending into the path of travel of a box on said conveying means whereby when said box is traveling thereon said box will engage and move said arm thereby actuating said second pump to draw a quantity of said treating solution from said container and force it into the fluid in said tank at a point adjacent said inlet pipe cap in said chamber. i i

27. In abox treating device, a tank, a supporting frame for said tank, an inclined conveyor in said tank sloping downward from one end of said tank, said conveyor including an endless chain supported on spaced sprockets and having a plurality of spaced lugs thereon, nieansto operate said chain to cause the upper reach thereof to travel downward, a pair of spaced guide chains positioned above said conveyor and arranged at approximately the same angle as said conveyor, said guide chains being supported on sprockets, means to operate said guide chains to cause the under reach thereof to travel downward, said lugs on said conveyor chain being adapted to engage andmove a box downward below the fluid level in said tank and said guide chains being adapted to retain said box in a position to be engaged by said lugs, a second conveyor, said second conveyor including an endless chain supported on sprockets and including in its under reach a horizontal portion below the fluid level and an inclined portion sloping upwardly therefrom towards the end of said tank opposite said first conveyor,a plurality of spaced lugs on said second conveyor chain, a pair of guide rails in said tank spaced below the under reach of said second conveyor chain and arranged at approximately the same angle, the lugs on said second-conveyor chain being adapted to engage a box and move it upwardly above said fluid level and out of said tank, said rails being adapted to retain said box in a position to be engaged by said lugs on said second conveyor chain.

28. In a box treating device, a tank, a sup porting frame for said tank, an inclined conveyor in said tank sloping downward from one end of said tank, said conveyor includ ing an endless chain supported on spaced sprockets and having a plurality of spaced lugs thereon, means to operate said chain to cause the upper reach thereof to travel downward, a pair of spaced guide chains positioned above said conveyor and arranged at approximately the same angle as said conveyor, said guide chains being supported on sprockets, means to operate said guide chains to cause the under reach thereof to travel downward, said lugs on said conveyor chain being adapted to engage and move a box downward below the fiuid level in said tank and said guide chains being adapted to retain said box in a position to be engaged by said lugs, a second conveyor, said second conveyor including an endless chain supported on sprockets and including in its under reach a horizontal portion below the fluid level and an inclined portion sloping upwardly therefrom towards the end of said tank opposite said first conveyor, a plurality of spaced lugs on said second conveyor chain, a guide'rail pivoted in said tank spacedbelow the under reach of said second conveyor chain and arranged at approximately the same angle, an endless conveyor chain having its upper reach adjacent to said guide rail, said rail being movable to a position to render a portion of said endless conveyor chain ineffective to engage a box, the lugs on said second conveyor chain being adapted to engage a box and move it upwardly above said fluid level and out of said tank.

29. In a box treating device, a tank, a supporting frame for said tank, an inclined conveyor in said tank sloping downward from one end of said tank, spaced sprockets, said conveyor including an endless chain supported on said spaced sprockets and having a plurality of spaced lugs thereon, mear to operate said chain to cause the upper reach thereof to travel downward, a pair of spaced guide chains positioned above said conveyor and arranged substantially parallel to saic conveyor, said guide chains being supported on sprockets and means to operate said chains to cause the under reach thereof to travel downward, said lugs on said conveyor chain being adapted to move a buoyant box clownward below the fluid level and said guide chains being adapted to retain said box in a position to be engaged by said lugs, a second conveyor, said second conveyor including an endless chain supported on sprockets and including in its under reach a horizontal portion below said fluid level and an inclined portion sloping upwardly therefrom towards the end of said tank which is opposite to said first conveyor, a plurality of spaced lugs on said second conveyor chain, a pair of guide rails in said tankspaced below the under reach of said second conveyor chain and arranged substantially parallel thereto, said lugs 011 said second conveyor chain'being adapted to engage said box and move it upwardly above the fluid level and then out of said tank, said rails being adapted to retain said box in a position'to be'engaged by said lugs on said second conveyor chain, athird conveyor mechanism, said third conveyor being positioned adjacent said second conveyor and being adapted to convey said box away from said tark and a trough positioned below said third'conveyor and communicating with the interior of said tank.

30. In a box treating device, a tank, a supporting frame for said tank, an inclined conveyor in said tank sloping downward from one end of said tank, said conveyor including an endless chain supported on spaced sprockets and having a plurality of spaced lugs thereon, means to operate said chain to cause the upper reach thereof to travel downward, a pair of spaced guide chains positioned above said conveyor and arranged at approximately the same angle as said conveyor, said guide chains being supported on sprockets, means to operate said guide chains'to cause the under reach thereof to travel downward, said lugs. on said conveyor chain being adapted to engage and move a box downward below the fluid level in said tank and said guide chains being adapted to retain said box in :a position to be engaged by said lugs, a second conveyor, said second conveyor including an endless chain supported on sprockets and including in its under reach a horizontal portion below the fluid level and an inclined portion'sloping upwardly therefrom towards the end of said tank opposite said first conveyor, a plurality of protruding spurs on certain of said sprockets of said second conveyor chain, said spurs being adapted to, engage a box when itcis below the fluid level and impart a series of jars thereto, a plurality of spaced lugs on said second conveyor chain, a pair of guiderails in said tank spaced below the under reach of said second conveyor chain and arranged at approximately the same angle, the lugs on said second conveyor chain being adapted to engage a box and moveit upwardly'above said'fluid level and out of said tank, said rails being adapted to retain said box vin a position to be engaged byv said lugs on said second conveyor chain.

31. In a box treating device, a tank, a supporting frame for said tank, an inclined conveyor in said tank sloping downward from one end of Silldtllnk, sald conveyor including an endless chain supported on spaced sprockets and having a plurality of spaced lugs thereon, a pair of spaced guide-chains positioned above said conveyor, said guide chains beingadapted to retain a box in a po- 'sition to be engaged by said conveyor, a sec ond conveyor, said second conveyor including an endless chain supported on sprockets and including in its under reach a horizontal portion below said fluid level and an inclined portion sloping upwardly therefrom towards the end of said tank opposite said first conveyor, a plurality of spaced lugs on said second conveyor chain, a pair of guide rails in said tank spaced below the under reach of said secondconveyor chain and arranged at approximately the same angle, said lugs on said second conveyor chain being adapted to engage said box and move it upwardly above said fluid level and out of said tank, a pump, a chamber in said tank at the exit end adj aeent the fluid level, a pipe communicating .with said chamber'and the inlet of said pump, a second pipe, said second pipe communicating with the outlet of said pump and the interior of said, tank, a container associated with said tank, a liquidtreating solution in said container, a second pump, a conduit connecting said second pump and said container, a second conduit, said second conduit extending from said second pump to below the fluid level in said tank, operating means connected adjacent one end to the piston of said second pump and pivotally supported adjacent its opposite end, said operating means including a portion extending into the path of travel of a box on said first conveyor whereby when said box is traveling thereon said box will engage and move said operating means thereby actuating said second pump to draw a quantity of said treating solution from said container and force it into the fluid in said tank.

32. In a box treating device, a tank, an inclined conveyor in said tank sloping downward from one end of said tank, said conveyor including an endless chain supported on spaced sprockets and having a plurality of spaced lugs thereon, a pair of spaced guide chains positioned above said conveyor, said lugs on said conveyor chain being adapted to move a box below the fluid level and said guide chains being adapted to retain the box in a position to be engaged by said lugs, a second conveyor including an endless chain supported on sprockets and including in its under reach a horizontal portion below said fluid level and an inclined portion sloping upwardly therefrom towards the end of said tank opposite said first conveyor, a pair of guide rails in said tank spaced below the under reach of said second conveyor chain, said second conveyor chain being adapted to engage the box and move it upwardly above said fluid level, a pump, means to drive said pump, a chamber in said tank, a pipe communicating with said chamber and the inlet of said pump, a second pipe, said second pipe communicating with the outlet of said pump and the interior of said tank at one side thereof, a container associated with said tank, a liquid treating solution in said container, a second pump, a conduit connecting said second pump and said container, a one-way check valve interposed in said conduit, a second conduit, a one-way check valve interposed in said second conduit, said second conduit extending from said second pump to below the fluid level in said tank, an arm slackly connected adjacent one end to the piston of said second pump and pivotally supported adjacent its opposite end, said arm including a portion extending into the path of travel of a box on said first conveyor whereby when said box is traveling thereon said box will engage and move said arm thereby actuating said second pump to draw a quantity of treating solution from said container and force it into the fluid in said tank.

33. In an article treating device, a tank adapted to contain fluid, means to convey a box which has a closed side disposed on top signature.

CHARLES B. COOK.

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