Apparatus and method for the automated cleaning of articles

An apparatus for washing articles using a cleaning solution and water, the apparatus comprising:

• an elongated cleaning solution reservoir comprising a lower section, a pair of lateral side walls extending upwardly from said lower section, and first and second end walls enclosing opposite ends of said lower section and said lateral side walls;
• first and second tunnels formed in each of said first and second walls in said cleaning solution reservoir, wherein said tunnels are adapted to allow an article to pass through said tunnel;
• a first conveyor running through said cleaning solution reservoir, said conveyor adapted to transport said article through said cleaning solution reservoir;
• an elongated water reservoir comprising a lower section, a pair of lateral side walls extending upwardly from said section, and first and second end walls enclosing opposite ends of said lower section and said lateral side walls;
• first and second tunnels formed in each of said first and second end walls, wherein said tunnels are adapted to allow said article to pass through said tunnels;
• a second conveyor running through said water reservoir, said conveyor adapted to transport said article through said water reservoir;
• a rectangular plate positioned between said first conveyor and said second conveyor, wherein said plate is level with said first and second conveyors, and wherein a gap of about 0.125 inches separates the plate from each of said first and second conveyors;
• guide rails for guiding the movement of said article between said first and second conveyor;
• a first brush, having a plurality of bristles, positioned above said first conveyor proximate to said first end wall of said cleaning solution reservoir, wherein said first brush is mounted on a first rotatable horizontal shaft;
• a reduction gear transmission connected to said first rotatable horizontal shaft;
• a motor coupled to said reduction gear transmission;
• a second brush, having a plurality of bristles, positioned above said first conveyor proximate to said first end wall of said cleaning solution reservoir, wherein said second brush is mounted on a second rotatable horizontal shaft and wherein the bristles of said second brush overlap with the bristles of said first brush so that rotation of said first brush imparts rotational movement to said second brush;
• a cleaning solution distribution manifold positioned above said first and second brushes for dispensing a cleaning solution from said cleaning solution reservoir onto said brushes;
• a first pump for pumping cleaning solution from said cleaning solution reservoir to said cleaning solution distribution manifold;
• a first recirculation device positioned between said cleaning solution reservoir and said first pump, comprising an intake and at least one filter for removing particles from said cleaning solution as it passes through said recirculation device to said first pump;
• an air knife positioned above said first conveyor proximate to said second end wall of said cleaning solution reservoir;
• a high pressure water distribution manifold positioned above said second conveyor for dispensing water onto cans traveling on said conveyor in a predetermined pattern;
• a second pump for pumping water from said water reservoir to said high pressure water distribution manifold;
• a second recirculation device positioned between said water reservoir and said second pump, comprising an intake and at least one filter for removing particles from water as it passes through said recirculation device to said second pump;
• a first hood positioned over said cleaning solution reservoir, said brushes, said cleaning distribution manifold, and said air knife;
• and
• a second hood positioned over said water reservoir and said water distribution manifold.

An apparatus for washing filled aerosol paint cans comprising:

• a reservoir for holding a cleaning liquid;
• a reservoir for holding a rinse liquid;
• a conveyor running through said reservoirs;
• a pair of rotatable brushes positioned above said conveyor for applying said cleaning liquid to said cans;
• an air knife positioned above said conveyor;
• a shower head adapted to apply said rinse liquid to said cans;
• means for filtering said first and second liquids before said cleaning liquid and said rinse liquid are applied to said cans;
• and
• guide rails positioned along the conveyor for controlling movement of the cans along the conveyor.