Method and apparatus for cleaning workpieces

Apparatus for cleaning a succession of workpieces having various outer configurations comprising:

• a first cleaning mechanism for directing coincident streams of cleaning media against predetermined surfaces of a plurality of workpieces, said first cleaning mechanism including a chamber having open entrance and exit ends, a path of travel extending through the chamber from the entrance end to the exit end along which workpieces are advanced in end to end contact, and a plurality of blast wheels disposed adjacent the path of travel, the blast wheels directing cleaning media against the workpieces;
• an advancing mechanism for moving the workpieces along the path of travel through the first cleaning mechanism, the advancing mechanism including a first conveyor, a clamp for engaging and controlling movement of the workpieces along the first conveyor, a stop for engaging the workpieces and preventing their movement along the first conveyor, workpieces being permitted to be advanced to the stop upon selective actuation of the clamp, a second conveyor for advancing workpieces from the first conveyor to the first cleaning mechanism, and a pusher for engaging the workpieces to force them into the first cleaning mechanism, workpieces being presented to the pusher sequentially upon selective actuation of the stop and the second conveyor;
• a turning mechanism for inverting and spacing the workpieces after their exit from the first cleaning mechanism;
• a control switch positioned at the discharge end of the first cleaning mechanism, the control switch serving to actuate the advancing mechanism only when a workpiece has exited from the first cleaning mechanism;
• and
• a second cleaning mechanism for directing cleaning media against surfaces of the workpieces not cleaned by the first cleaning mechanism, said second cleaning mechanism including a chamber having open entrance and exit ends, a path of travel extending through the chamber from the entrance end to the exit end along which workpiece are advanced, a plurality of blast wheels disposed adjacent the path of travel, the blast wheels directing cleaning media agaisnt the workpieces, and means for moving the workpieces along the path of travel, the means for moving the workpieces along the path of travel also maintaining the workpieces in a pre-determined spaced relationship as the workpieces advance along the path of travel.