US2445371A - Washing machine conveyer - Google Patents

Description

y 0, 1948. H. A. THURN 2,445,371

WASHING MACHINE CONVEYER Filed June 12. 1944 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 .W HHH" 33 NIOR.

4 ORN July 20, 1948. H. A. THURN 2,445,371

WASHING MACHINE CONVEYER Filed June 12, 1944 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. y m 3 BY an, Me a,

AT TOPNE'KS July 20, 1948. H. A. THURN WASHING MACHINE CONVEYER 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 12, 1944 a ENTOR ATTORNEYS July 20, 1948.

H. A. TH URN 2,445,371

WASHING MACHINE CONVEYER Filed June 12, 1944 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 W MW if F "HH W" 30/? a mvsrirroa ATTORNEYS July 20, 1948. H. A. THURN WASHING MACHINE CQNVEYER 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 12, 1944 I V OK y/d. BY @791 MW ATTORNEY;

y 1948- H. A. THURN WASHING MACHINE CONVEYER 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed June 12, 1944 xlTTORNEYS 1948. H. A. THURN I WASHING MACHINE CONVEYER 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed June 12, 1944 July 20, 1948. H. A. THURN WASHING MACHINE CONVEYER 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed June 12, 1944 g aINVENTOR.

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A TTOR/VEYS' 3 the trackage 22-25, as best shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 11.

Of these stations all but the loading and unloading station A are covered by roof or top panels 21, as best shown in Fig. 3, these panels being suitably supported by the cross top frame members 2|. The front side of the prewashing station B is closed by a front panel 25 which extends up to the adjacent top panel 21. The left hand ends of the prewashing, washing and rinsing stations B, C and D are closed by a left side panel 28 which extends up to the adjacent top panel 21.

The rear of the frame is enclosed by a rear panel 29 which extends up to the adjacent top panel 21. The right hand sides of the drying stations E and F are closed by a right side panel 35 which extends up to the adjacent top panel 21. Between the loading and unloading station A and the second drying station F a transverse panel 3| extends down to form a hood for the drying stations, and additional panels 32, 33 and 3c are preferably provided below the trackage 22--25 at the front of the machine and at the right hand end of the loading and unloading station A so as to conceal and protect the operating mechanism arranged under this tra-ckage.

As best shown in Figs. 2 and 4 a fore-and-aft central partition 35 extends between the front panel 25 and the central stack 19 and downwardly from the top panel 21 a distance sufficient to enclose the upper part of the prewashing station B and provide an opening 35 for transferring the articles to be Washed from the loading and unloading station A to the prewashing station B. his partition is arranged between the loadin and unloading station A and the foreand-aft space G at the center of the machine, and behind this partition is arranged a curtain of flexible strips 38 which hang down from the casing in any suitable manner. A vertical partition 40 is arranged at the rear of the machine in rear of the stack l9 and between the rinsing station D and the central space G, the bottom edge of this partiti-on 40 being sufficiently high to provide an opening 4| for the passage of the articles being washed from the rinsing station D to the first drying station E and this opening being closed by a curtain of hangin strips 42 past which the articles can brush while so being transferred.

In order to draw air through the enclosure surrounding the drying stations E and F, this air being drawn in through the open front 43 thereof, a hood 44 is mounted on top of the washing machine and is connected at its upper end with a suction duct 45. The lower end of this hood is open to the interior of the casing above the rear end of the space G and thereby draws air from the chamber surrounding the drying stations E and F. Similarly to draw the hot moist air from the loading and unloading station A and thereby render the job of loading and unloading more comfortable, a second hood 4B is mounted on top of the casing and is likewise connected with the suction duct 45. The lower end of this hood is open to the space G at the front end of the machine and the depending panel 35 insures that the air is drawn from around the zone of operation at the loading and unloading station A so as to keep it comfortable at this station.

The containers or parts, indicated generally at 50, to be washed are placed at the loading and unloading station A upon carriers indicated generally at and which are provided with casters to follow the trackage 2225 in traversing a rectangular path through the several stations A-F.

For this purpose each of the carriers 5| is in the form of a rectangular frame 52 the ends of each of which are connected by a series of longitudinal bars 53 so that the carriers are each in the form of an open grid to permit washing fluid to be sprayed upon the containers 50 from above and below. Each of these carriers is supported on four casters 54 which are spaced, in a direction lengthwise of the carrier, a distance equal to the spacing of the tracks 24 or 25, and are spaced, in a direction transversely of the carrier, a distance equal to the spacing of the tracks 22 or 23. It will therefore be seen that each carrier can move lengthwise with its casters following, say, the tracks 22. When the carrier reaches the end of this track, the carrier is in position to be moved sidewise with its casters following the rails of the track 25. When the carrier reaches the end of this track 24 the carrier is in position to be moved endwise with its casters following the rails of the tracks 23, this right angle movement of the carrier being repeated at each corner of the washer and over the track 25 until the carrier returns to the position on the track 22 first assumed. It will therefore be seen that each carrier 5| is permitted to move in a rectangular path around the side of the rectangular frame of the washing machine, the carriers moving longitudinally along the front and rear sides of the main frame and transversely along the left and right sides of the main frame. It will also be seen that the carriers can progressively move through the stations A, B, C, D, E and F, the carriers being approximately equal in size to these stations.

To move the carriers longitudinally each carrier is provided with two longtudinal rows of depending angle brackets 55, the brackets of each row being equally spaced, as best shown in Fig. 4. To move the carriers transversely each carrier is provided with a pair of depending cars 55 at each of its ends, as best shown in Figs. 6 and 4. The brackets 55 are engaged by upstanding fingers provided on endless conveyors traveling transversely of the washing machine and the cars 55 are engaged by endless conveyors traveling fore-and-aft of the main frame.

For this purpose, at the front of the machine, and on opposite sides of the space G, is journaled a pair of shafts and 6 l, these shafts extending fore-and-aft and being arranged under the central part of the track 22. Sprockets 62, arranged under the rails 22, are fast to each end of each of these pair of shafts, and each pair of these sprockets 52 carries a chain 63. Each of these chains carries a series of spaced fingers 54 which project upwardly from its upper stretch and above the rails 22. The chains 63 are spaced so that their fingers are in position to engage the foremost pair of angle brackets 55 of the carrier 5| in the station A, as best shown in Fig. 4, and thereafter successively engage each of its angle brackets 55 to convey the carrier across the front of the main frame to the station E, the sprockets 52 traveling counterclockwise, as viewed in Fig. 4, for this purpose so that its upper stretch moves from the station A toward the station B.

Similarly, at the rear of the machine, and on opposite sides of the space G, is Journaled a pair of shafts 65 and 66, these shafts extending foreand-aft and being arranged under the central part of the track 23. Sprockets 58, arranged under the rails 23, are fast to each end of each of these pair of shafts, and each pair of these sprockets carries a chain 69. Each of these chains carries a series of spaced fingers 10 which P i-e u wa dl mi its p r stre h and :carrier across the rear of the main .franie to the station E, the upper stretch of the chains ,69 traveling to the right, as viewed in Fig. 5, for this purpose.

In so move the pairs of chains 53 and 6 9 in opposite directions, a fore -andeaft drive shaft 14 is jor rnaled centrally of the rnain frame below the tracli age 22-25 and at its re arend carries a? [5 meshing with a gear 15 fast t o theshaft 6 pi the rear conveyer, as shownin F g. 5. nd at front end carries a sprocket carryinga dr e chain ,1 fast to a sprocket onthe shaft ,Iiiiqf the front conveyer. Since the shaft B ll of the frqnt conveyeris arranged on the opposite side of the center of the machine be seen that rotating the drive shaft 14 will move the pairspfconveyer chains 63 and 69 lnopposite si s, 91.

To rrrove thecarriers transversely from the rear of th machi t th fron at th ri h o the mac in a Pa O s a t 8, and 1 i J naled, these shafts bein arranged trgansversely and tinder opposite ends of the track 25. As hest shown in Figs. 4 6, sprocketsjSZ, arranged under the rails 25 are fast to each end fQeach of these pair of shafts, and each pairof these sprockets Qfcarries a chain 83. Each of these chains carries '51 series of spaced fingers 84 which project t ptva'rclly from its upper stretch and above the rails-25'. The chains 83 are spaqedso that their fingers are in position to engage theforernost pair ofear's 56 of the carrier in the station as hest shown in Fig. 6, to convey the carrier {ii forwaqclly along the track 25 and thereafter to engagetherearrnost pair of ears 56 ofthis carrier thereby to convey this carrier along th tract: 2 5

{pm the station E through the station F and to the station A, the sprockets B2 traveling counterclockwise, as viewed in Fig. 6, for this purpose, so that the upper stretch of the cpnveyer chain 83 moves forwardly from the station it toward the station A.

Similarly, at the left hand side of the machine. is journaled a pair of shafts 8 5 85, these shafts bein arranged transversely and under opposite ends of the track 20. @ Sprocir ets 0, 8. arranged under the rails 24, are fast to eac h end of each of these pair of shafts, and each pair of thesesproclrets' carries a chain 83. Each of these chains B9 carries a series of fingers 9 0 which project upwardly from itsupperstretch and h ve the rails24. The chains B9 are spaced so that their-fingers are in position to engage the foremost pair of cars 5 5 of the carrier 5| in the station B to convey this carrier rearwardly along the track 24 and thereafter to engage the trailing pair of ears 55 of this carrier thereby to convey this carrier along the track 24 from the station B through the station C and to the station the upper stretch of the conveyer chain rnoving rearwardly from the station E to the station D for this purpose.

Toso-move the pairs of conveyer chains 83 and 09 in opposite directions. a transverse shaft 94 is journaled in the frame of the machine below the trackage 2225 and at its left hand end carries a gear 95 meshing with a gear 95 fast to the shaft Q6 of the left hand convcyer, as shown in Fig. and atits right hand end carries a sprocket carfrom "the anta it will .wis s si i sha e a see to s swe e ih seen of it: i ht ieedss rg ssis? sha t 13 p the fight hea seme s w the t ea sa i c in reases; see th -she ia i ii th ree a 9 i ems: s eeal ei rotatingthe drive shaft #4 yvitl n gve the oi conveyer chains 83 and 8 9 ino ppgsitefiirem m ;In order to convey the carriers 5| sncgessiyeiy through the stations A- F, the transverse .copa y rs '53 a e o e d n e t r'n tiee w th the forerandeit conveyer s B3, 89, that is, one set of converters is held stationary while the other set of conveyers is rnoving and vice verse. liy means the carriers iii are first transferred tra n row to row of the stations then moved along these rowsas hereinafter described.

For this purpose an electric .motpr i0 0 a lie in the re ins und he 12 2. rea th ugh s ai d i es h Q il I02 of a speedreducer I03, as best shoyvnin Rig. '7. This speed reducer drives an rprig t shaifit I114. Thisupright shaft w l extends .throngh th sta sbaw i F's-Ewen? asse cross-over of the shafts L4 and g4 forth traps..- verse and fore-and-aft'conveyers $3 348 an diiji jiii respectively.

A be t s e i 7- we i fiwie iesaeiiss I05 and I05 are loosely mounted on dr shaft re e th sp eare we Qne of these worms I05 ,rneshes with a .wgrrn wheel I08 fast to the shatt 114 m ath s s;

transverse conveyers 6 3, 59 and-thehther wor I 08 meshes with a worm wheel 10;! jast to the shaft 9 4 which drives the fore-andrait cog vew ers 83, 89. A Worm H0 is fast to yertical driven shaft 104 and spes vit a rpr 'yheei H h ying ws x ea t hrthis Warmers being mounted for rotation abouta horizontal axis in any suitable manner. On one side of t i Wo m w e is u e a s ese e 'sla ans cam |I2 forming a salient face prgjecting' t o a t a ,o th orm whee t wiziset P i by a (9. U a m 1 19 of 1-? i endin arm PI a b l eek le e L m ed t i me e eri s pl e T are arm of this bell crank lever projects horizontally toward the verticafshaft rat n its rre errg is pivoted to the lower endof a l ncir gpt I I B w sni u d e e r' imei ee me sm eteiva this shaft I00 in anyisuitahlelma her.

e p th Wa m use ella Wi e- M9 vertical shaft I04 and carries a pin I19 extends downwardly towardthe upper end orthe wor rn ms which isloose rhe'th ft let. llarly below the wor I06 a collar i2 0 is fast to the shaft I04 and carries a pin l' ZI which prqle n e m er th l we an t e w re) I06 which is also loose on the shaft I0 0. hast shown in Fig 10, the worm I06 c arri esia curved pawl I25 which is pivoted thereon a s at I 2 6, also me r lq w i h W39 teeth 1.2. into the path of the pin I 2I on the adjacent collar I20. When the tooth [29 is soarrar igerl in the path of the pin I2I. as shown in it), a driving connection is established hetween the collar I and the worm I0 6 sons to ro tatc this worm with the shaft I04. One endof thepawl I25 projects toward the kick out bar I B whi ch is provided with a slot I having an inclined side. When this slot I30 is in registerwith the pawl I25 the spring I28 holds the pawl I25 in ,thepath of the pin I2| so that a driving connection is established between the vertical shaftlihi and the worm I05. When, however, the slot l3,0- o f the kick out bar H6 is moved out of register with the pawl I25, the bar swings the pawl so that its finger I29 is moved out of the path of the pin IZI each time it approaches this pin so that the driving connection between the vertical shalt I04 and the worm I06 is broken.

A similar pawl (not shown) is mounted on the worm I to engage the pin H9 of the collar H8 and is similarly controlled by an upper slot I3I in the kick out bar H6. This top slot I3I is in position to similarly allow the top pawl to engage the pin H5 to establish a driving connection between the drive shaft I04 and the worm I05, this thereby driving the transverse conveyor chains 63, 69 so as to move the carriers 5i transversely of the machine. During this period the worm I05 rotates, say, twenty revolutions and the worm wheel III advances twenty teeth. At the end of these twenty teeth the cam H2 on the worm wheel II I releases the bell crank lever H4 to permlt the kick out bar I IE to drop. This moves the upper slot I3I out of register with the upper pawl and this upper pawl is moved out of the path of the pin H9 so as to break the drive between the shaft I04 and the worm I05 and hence stop the conveyer chains 63. 69.

The kick out bar H6 continues its downward movement to bring its lower slot I30 into register with the lower pawl I25, this permitting the pawl I to engage the pin I2I of the worm I06 and establish a drive between the shaft I04 and the worm I06 and thereby drive the fore-and-aft conveyers B3, 89. This transfer of the lticl: out bar H6 takes up, say, two teeth on the assumed sixty-four tooth worm wheel III which has now ::i

moved twenty-two teeth.

The drive through the lower worm IE6 is continued for. say forty revolutions which moves the carriers 5I fore-and-aft the required distance. and uses forty teeth of the worm wheel III. At this time the cam H2 on the worm wheel III actuates the bell crank lever II4 to lift the kick out bar H6 and thereby move the slot I out of engagement with the lower pawl I25 and disengage this pawl from the pin IZI and break the drive to the lower worm I06 and the conveyer chains 63. 89. This upwardmovement of the kick out bar H6 consumes two more teeth of the sixty-four teeth worm wheel III thereby utilizing all of the assumed sixty-four teeth of 1 this worm wheel and bringing the upper slot I3I into register with the upper pawl to repeat the cycle.

Sprays are provided to prev/ash, wash and rinse the containers or other articles passing through the prewashing, washing and rinsing stations B, C and D. To provide the water for the prewashing and washing, an electric motor I (Fig. 4) drives a pump I36 the inlet I38 of which connects with a tank I40, the spray water for the prewashing and washing operation flowing into this tank from a drain pan I4I arranged under the trackage at the prewashing, washing and rinsing stations B, C and D. The outlet of this pump connects with a vertical pipe I42 the upped end of which connects with an overhead spray manifold I43 by means of a flexible tube I44 'Fig. 3 This overhead spray manifold is shown as being H-shapcd in plan, each side havin a series of branch pipes I45 carrying a series. of do nwardly directed spray nozzles I46. This manifold is arranged at the washing station C a'io w the containers or articles on the carr er 5 ilurein and thereby sprays the bottoms of the iilvuri d containers.

To simultaneously spray the inside of the containers 50 from their undersides, a similar spray manifold I48 is arranged under the trackage at the washing station C and has its side pipes provided with branch pipes I49 carrying a series of upwardly directed spray nozzles I50. These nozzles spray upwardly through the open or grill like carriers and thereby serve to wash the insides of the passing containers. This lower manifold is supplied with water from the vertical pipe I42 from the pump I36 by a branch pipe I5I. It will be seen that the ptunp I36 serves to recirculate the wash water from the tank I40 through the overhead and inverted spray nozzles I46 and I50, respectively, this water impinging against the bottoms and insides of the inverted vessels 50 in the washing chamber A and falling to the drain shelf I4I to be returned to the tank I40. This water is normally heated and contains a suitable detergent.

A branch spray pipe I53 (Figs. 3 and 4) leads from the upper overhead manifold I43 across the prewashing station B immediately behind the curtain 35. The sprays from this spray pipe I53 are directed downwardly and serve to wash off loose material from the bottoms of the inverted containers as they enter this prewashing station B. This spray water also collects in the tank I40 and is recirculated by the pump I36.

As the carriers 5I and the pans or vessels 50 thereon leave the rinsing chamber D, they are rinsed with fresh water. To economize in the use of fresh water these rinsing sprays are operativc only when the carriers leave the station D i. a, when the transverse conveyers 63, 69 are operativev For this purpose, a spray pipe I55 (Figs. 3 and 6) extends across the rinsing station D adjacent the partition 40, this spray pipe directing sprays of rinse water against the vessels 50 being conveyed out of this rinsing station D. This overhead spray pipe I55 connects with a pipe I56 leading to a valve I58 (Figs. 7 and 9) supplied by hot and cold water through pipes I59 and I60. The sixty-four tooth worm wheel III carries a face cam I6I engaged by the roller I62 at the end of an arm I63. This arm is fast to a vertical rock shaft I64 which is journaled on the machine frame and carries a second arm IE5 which presses against an operating plunger I56 of the valve I58. The cam IGI is synchronized with the timing worm wheel III so that the valve I58 is turned on when the transverse carriers 63, 69 are operative.

in the operation of the washing machine the washing and prewashing sprays are continuously operative, the wash water, preferably heated and containing a suitable detergent, being withdrawn from the tank I40 by the pump I36 (Fig. 4) and being discharged through the pipe I42 to the overhead spray manifold I43 and lower spray manifold I48 which extend along the washing station C. From the manifolds this water is directed by the nozzles I46 and I50 against the insides and outsldes of the inverted vessels 50 on the carrier in the washing station C. This wash water is directed by the drain pan I4I into the Link to be again recirculated.

At the same time water is supplied to the overhead pipe I53 extending across one end of the prewashing chamber B, this water spraying down upon the vessels as they enter this Washing staion B and serving to remove any loose pieces of material on the containers.

Fresh water is also supplied through the valve I58 Figs. 7 and 9) and line I56 to the overhead spray pipe I55 (Fig. 6) which extends across the ing and unloading station A enters this loading and unloading station, the left hand group of carriers will have fully entered the rinsing station D and the washing station C. This brings the carriers back to the position originally assumed as illustrated in Fig. 12, the cycle being repeated. It will be particularly noted that while the front and rear carriers are moving transversely, as illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13, from the stations A and D to the stations B and E respectively, the carriers in the washing station C and in the second drying station F are held stationary. During this entire period therefore the containers on this stationary carrier in the washing station C are subjected to the full washing effect of the sprays from the spray manifolds I43 and I50 arranged above and below this washing station.

Similarly, the carrier so detained in the second drying station F is subjected to a long drying period. It will also be noted that during the entire operation air is being withdrawn through the hood 45 (Fig. 2) from above the loading and unloading station A, thereby rendering it comfortable for the operator to perform the work of continuously loading and unloading the carriers at this station.

The iore-and- aft conveyer chains 83, 89 are provided with a common shaft 94 (Fig. 5) which drives these pairs of chains in opposite directions to effect the fore-and-aft movement of the carriers 5i as just described. Similarly, the transverse conveyers B3. 59 have a common drive shaft I4 which drives these pairs of conveyer chains in opposite directions to effect the movement of the carriers 5|, as just described. These shafts II and 9! cross each other and in order to provide for the alternate rotation of these shafts to effect the alternate operation of the fore-and-aft and transverse conveyer chains as just described. the drive illustrated in Figs. 7-10 is provided. Thus, the vertical shaft I04 is continuously driven from the reducer I03 and carries a loose worm I05 meshing with a worm wheel I08 on the transverse conveyer shaft I4 and also carriers a loose worm I which meshes with a worm wheel I09 fast to the fore-and-aft conveyer shaft 55. This shaft I04 also carriers a worm III! which meshes with a large timing worm wheel I l I, this timing worm wheel carrying an arcuate cam I I2 which operates to lift the upper arm of the bell crank lever Ill and hold it in this elevated position. This bell crank lever raises and lowers a kick out bar H6 which alternately moves the pawls I25 to alternately establish a drive between the shaft I04 and the worms I05. I06 loosely mounted thereon. The length of the arcuate cam H2 is, of course, proportioned to provide the time sequence necessary to effect the movement of the carriers illustrated diagrammatically in Figs. 12-15,

The timing worm wheel III also carries a face cam IBI (Fig. '7) which, throu h the rock arm I65. rock shaft I64 and arm I65 serves to open and close the rinse water valve I50. This cam is, of course, timed so that the valve is open only while the carrier i in the rinsing station D is leaving the station, as illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13. This efiects an economv in rinse water.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the pres ent invention provides a very compact washing machine conveyer adapted for large pans, containers or machine parts and in which the compactness is primarily achieved by the sequence of movement of the carriers in a rectangular path, as illustrated diagrammatically in Figs. 12-15.

It will also be seen that each carrier is stopped for a comparatively long length of time at the washing station 0 so as to effect thorough washin: action, it also being pointed out that this washing action continues as each carrier enters this washing station 0 and as it leaves this washing station. It will further be seen that by the provision of the fore-and-aft space G between the right and left hand rows of stations, the drive mechanism can all be centrally located, as well as the necessary ining for the sprays.

While the machine has been illustrated as having six stations with four carriers, it will be seen that it could be enlarged to have eight stations with six carriers or ten stations with eight carriers, etc. it being essential that the number of stations exceed the number of carriers by two.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a washing machine, a conveyor for a plurality of carriers, comprising a rectangular frame providing two parallel rows of stations along its opposite sides with the number of stations in both rows exceeding the number of carriers by two, said carriers being arranged in two equal groups in said rows, a unidirectional rotary conveyer under each of said rows, a plurality of members on each of said pair of conveyers and engaging the carrier at the lead end of each conveyor and releasing the carrier at the trailing end of each conveyer, means for driving said unidirectional rotary conveyers in opposite directions for simultaneously moving said roups in opposite directions along said rows to the opposite ends thereof, means for thereafter stopping said unidirectional rotary conveyor, means for thereafter moving the advance carrier of each row into the adjacent empty station of the other row to be subsequently moved by said unidirectional rotary conveyors along said other row, and means for thereafter again driving said conveyors whereby said carriers traverse an endless generally rectangular path.

2. In a washing machine. a conveyor for a plurality of carriers, comprising a rectangular frame providing two parallel rows of stations along its opposite sides with the number of stations in both rows exceeding the number of carriers by two, said carriers being arranged in two equal groups in said rows, a unidirectional rotary conveyer under each of said rows, a plurality of members on each of said pair of conveyers and engaging the carrier at the lead end of each conveyer and releasing the carrier at the trailing end of each conveyer, means for driving said unidirectional rotary conveyers in opposite directions for simultaneously moving said groups in opposite directions alon said rows to the opposite ends thereof, a second pair of unidirectional rotary conveyers arranged at right angles to said first pair of unidirectional rotary conveyers and arranged under the corresponding ends of said rows at the opposite ends of said frame, a plurality of members on each of said second pair of unidirectional rotary conveyers and engaging the advance carrier of each row and transferring it to and releasing it in the empty station of the other row, and means for alternately driving said first and second pair of unidirectional rotary conveyers in timed relation to the movement of said carriers and with the conveyers of each pair traveling in opposite directions to each other whereby said carriers traverse an endless generally rectangular path around said frame.

3. In a washing machine, a. conveyor for a plurality of carriers, comprising a rectangular frame providing two parallel rows of stations along its opposite sides with the number of stations in both rows exceeding the number of carriers by two, a rectangular track carried by said frame and comprising two pairs of rails extending along opposite sides of said frame and another two pairs of rails extending along the other sides of said frame at right angles to said first pairs of rails, the upper surfaces of said rails being generally in the same plane, four caste'rs in rectangular arrangement extending downwardly from each of said carriers within the confines thereof, said casters being spaced in one direction to ride on said first pairs of rails and being spaced in a direction at right angles to said first direction to ride on said another two pairs of rails, said carriers being arranged in two groups in said rows on said first pairs of rails, means for simultaneously moving said groups in opposite directions along said rows to the opposite ends thereof, and means for thereafter moving the advance carrier of each row into the adjacent empty station of the other row to be subsequently moved by said first means along said other row whereby said carriers traverse an endless generally rectangular path on said rails.

4. In a washing machine, a conveyor for a plurality of carriers, comprising a rectangular frame providing two parallel rows of stations along its opposite sides with the number of stations in both rows exceeding the number of carriers by two, a rectangular track carried by said frame and comprising two pairs of rails extending along opposite sides of said frame and another two pairs of rails extending along the other sides of said frame at right angles to said first pairs of rails, the upper surfaces of said rails being generally in the same plane, casters extending downwardly from each of said carriers, said casters being spaced in one direction to ride on said first pairs of rails and being spaced in a direction at right angles to said first direction to ride on said another two pairs of rails, said carriers being arranged in two groups in said rows on said first pairs of rails, a unidirectional rotary conveyor having a stretch arranged adjacent and parallel with each pair of said first pairs of rails, fingers projecting from said stretches and arranged to engage the groups of carriers on said first pairs of rails, means for driving said unidirectional rotary conveyors in opposite directions to simultaneously move said groups in opposite directions along said rows to the opposite ends thereof, a second unidirectional rotary conveyor having a stretch arranged adjacent and parallel with each pair of said another two pairs of rails, fingers projecting from said last stretches and arranged to engage the advance carrier of each of said rows, and means for driving said last unidirectional rotary conveyors in directions opposite to each other to move the advance carrier of each row into the adjacent empty station of the other row to be subsequently moved by said first conveyors along said other row whereby said carriers traverse an endless generally rectangular path.

5. In a washing machine a conveyor for a. plurality of carriers, comprising a rectangular frame providing two parallel rows of stations along its opposite sides with the number of stations in both rows exceeding the number of carrier by two, a rectangular track carried by said frame and comprising two pairs of rails extending along opposite sides of said frame and another two pairs of rails extending along the other sides of said frame at right angles to said first pairs of rails, the upper surfaces of said rails being generally in the same plane, casters extending downwardly from each of said carriers, said casters being spaced in one direction to ride on said first pairs of rails and being spaced in a direction at right angles to said first direction to ride on said another two pairs of rails, said carriers being arranged in two groups in said rows on said first pairs of rails, a unidirectional rotary conveyor having a stretch arranged adjacent and parallel with each pair of said first pairs of rails, fingers projecting from said stretches and arranged to engage the groups of carriers on said first pairs of rails, means for driving said unidirectional rotary conveyors in opposite directions to simultaneously move said groups in opposite directions along said rows to the opposite ends thereof, a second unidirectional rotary conveyor having a stretch arranged adjacent and parallel with each pair of said another two pairs of rails, fingers projecting from said last stretches and arranged to engage the advance carrier of each of said rows, and means for driving said last unidirectional rotary conveyors in opposite directions to move the advance carrier of each row into the ad- Jacent empty station of the other row to be subsequently moved by said first unidirectional rotary conveyors along said other row whereby said carriers traverse an endless generally rectangular path, said driving means for said first and last unidirectional rotary conveyors including drive shafts which cross each other at the center of said frame and means at the crossover of said shafts for alternately driving one shaft and then the other in timed relation to the movement of said carriers.

HARRY A. THURN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS

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