Method and apparatus for cleaning and plating articles within a plurality of rotating barrels

Claim 3

The method set forth in claim 1 including the step of controlling the rotation of a succeeding barrel such that the succeeding barrel is rotated in one direction when the articles are transferred thereto from the preceding barrel.

Claim 4

The method set forth in claim 1 including the step of controlling the operation of said first-mentioned barrel such that rotation thereof in the other direction for transfer of the articles is prevented unless the succeeding barrel has transferred the articles therefrom to the next succeeding barrel.

Claim 5

In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treatment material, a barrel adapted to be partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel having end walls, each said end wall having an opening therethrough extending along the longitudinal axis of said barrel, each said barrel having a plurality of baffles on the inner periphery thereof extending axially between the barrels, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, the inner edge of the baffles being spaced from the edge of the opening in the end walls, and chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel adjacent one end wall through the other end wall to the interior of the succeeding barrel such as to guide the articles dropped by the baffles by gravity to the succeeding barrel, means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independently of said barrels, each said chute means comprising a first portion and a second portion, said portions forming progressively decreasing angles with the horizontal as the chute extends from one said barrel to the succeeding barrel, the inclination of said portions of said chute being such that said articles are guided from one said barrel to the succeeding barrel solely by gravity.

Claim 6

In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treatment material, a barrel adapted to be partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel having end walls, each said end wall having an opening therethrough extending along the longitudinal axis of said barrel, each said barrel having a plurality of baffles on the inner periphery thereof extending axially between the barrels, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, the inner edge of the baffles being spaced from the edge of the opening in the end walls, and chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel adjacent one end wall through the other end wall to the interior of the succeeding barrel such as to guide the articles dropped by the baffles by gravity to the succeeding barrel, means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independently of said barrels, each said chute means comprising a first portion and a second portion, said portions forming progressively decreasing angles with the horizontal as the chute extends from one said barrel to the succeeding barrel, the inclination of said portions of said chute being such that said articles are guided from one said barrel to the succeeding barrel solely by gravity.

Claim 7

In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid, said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid, said barrel being open at both ends thereof adjacent the longitudinal axis, said barrel having a plurality of baffles on the inner periphery thereof, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, and means for vibrating said barrel during rotation thereof, said last-mentioned means comprising a member movably mounted exteriorly of said barrel and adapted to frictionally engage said barrel and a vibrator on said member.

Claim 8

In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid, said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid, said barrel being open at both ends thereof adjacent the longitudinal axis, said barrel having a plurality of baffles on the inner periphery thereof, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, and means for vibrating said barrel during rotation thereof, said last-mentioned means comprising a member movably mounted exteriorly of said barrel and adapted to frictionally engage said barrel and a vibrator on said member.

Claim 9

The combination set forth in claim 5 wherein said member is elastic.

Claim 10

The combination set forth in claim 5 wherein said member comprises a spring member.

Claim 11

The combination set forth in claim 5 including anti-friction means between said member and said barrel.

Claim 12

The combination set forth in claim 8 wherein said anti-friction means comprises a roller engaging the periphery of said barrel.

Claim 13

In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a container adapted to contain liquid treating material, a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each said container, said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, said barrel being open at both ends thereof adjacent the longitudinal axis, said barrel having a plurality of baffles on the inner periphery thereof, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause thEm to drop, and chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel to the interior of the other to guide the articles dropped by the baffles to the succeeding barrel, said means for supporting said barrel comprises spaced pairs of levers, each said lever being pivoted at a point on said container intermediate the opening and the periphery of said drum, anti-friction means on the ends of each said lever engaging the periphery of the drum at spaced points on the drum, and means for driving at least one of said anti-friction means of each said lever.

Claim 14

In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a container adapted to contain liquid treating material, a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each said container, said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, said barrel being open at both ends thereof adjacent the longitudinal axis, said barrel having a plurality of baffles on the inner periphery thereof, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause thEm to drop, and chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel to the interior of the other to guide the articles dropped by the baffles to the succeeding barrel, said means for supporting said barrel comprises spaced pairs of levers, each said lever being pivoted at a point on said container intermediate the opening and the periphery of said drum, anti-friction means on the ends of each said lever engaging the periphery of the drum at spaced points on the drum, and means for driving at least one of said anti-friction means of each said lever.

Claim 15

The combination set forth in claim 10 wherein said last-mentioned means comprises a motor mounted on one of said levers beyond the confines of said tank and means extending between said motor and one of said anti-friction means.

Claim 16

The combination set forth in claim 10 wherein said drive means includes endless means extending between said driven rollers, and idler roller means engaging both reaches of said endless means.

Claim 17

The combination set forth in claim 12 wherein said idler roller means comprises a lever pivoted intermediate its ends and idler pulleys engaging said reaches of said endless means.

Claim 18

In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treating material, a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel being open at both ends thereof adjacent the longitudinal axis, each said barrel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced baffles on the inner periphery thereof, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, and chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel to the interior of the other to guide articles dropped by the baffles to the succeeding barrel, each said chute including a portion thereof adjacent said openings which is pivotal out of the plane of said chute during normal operation to permit parts to be directed back into the barrel.

Claim 19

In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treating material, a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel being open at both ends thereof adjacent the longitudinal axis, each said barrel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced baffles on the inner periphery thereof, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, and chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel to the interior of the other to guide articles dropped by the baffles to the succeeding barrel, each said chute including a portion thereof adjacent said openings which is pivotal out of the plane of said chute during normal operation to permit parts to be directed back into the barrel.

Claim 20

The combination set forth in claim 14 wherein said chute includes openings in said last-mentioned portion thereof within said barrel to permit liquid that may fall downwardly on the chute to drain into said barrel when the parts are being delivered to the next adjacent barrel.

Claim 21

The combination set forth in claim 15 including a fixed secondary scoop beneath said openings for directing liquid back into said barrel.

Claim 22

The combination set forth in claim 16 wherein said openings are generally V-shaped and tapered in the direction of travel of the parts along said chute.

Claim 23

The combination set forth in claim 14 wherein said chute has a coating on the exterior surface thereof serving to deaden the noise of parts falling thereon.

Claim 24

The combination set forth in claim 18 wherein the upper surface of said chute comprises uncoated metal.

Claim 25

The combination set forth in claim 14 wherein the upper end of said chute flares outwardly within said barrel in the direction of travel of said parts when they are discharged to a dimension greater than the diameter of said openings.

Claim 26

The combination set forth in claim 14 including a flexible curtain extending downwardly within said barrel into contact with said chute for preventing articles from inadvertently passing out of said chute during normal operation.

Claim 27

In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprisiNg a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treating material, a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel being open at both ends thereof adjacent the longitudinal axis, each said barrel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced baffles on the inner periphery thereof, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel to the interior of a successive barrel to guide articles dropped by the baffles to the succeeding barrel, and each said barrel comprising an outer cylindrical plastic wall, spaced radial plastic walls extending from said openings to said outer wall.

Claim 28

In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprisiNg a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treating material, a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel being open at both ends thereof adjacent the longitudinal axis, each said barrel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced baffles on the inner periphery thereof, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel to the interior of a successive barrel to guide articles dropped by the baffles to the succeeding barrel, and each said barrel comprising an outer cylindrical plastic wall, spaced radial plastic walls extending from said openings to said outer wall.

Claim 29

In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treatment material, a barrel adapted to be partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel having end walls, each said end wall having an opening therethrough extending along the longitudinal axis of said barrel, each said barrel having a plurality of baffles on the inner periphery thereof extending axially between the barrels, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, the inner edge of the baffles being spaced from the edge of the opening in the end walls, chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel adjacent one end wall through the other end wall to the interior of the succeeding barrel such as to guide the articles dropped by the baffles by gravity to the succeeding barrel, means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independently of said barrels, each said chute means comprising a first portion and a second portion, said portions forming progressively decreasing angles with the horizontal as the chute extends from one said barrel to the succeeding barrel, said chute having a coating on the exterior surface thereof serving to deaden the noise of articles falling thereon, the upper surface of said chute comprising uncoated metal.

Claim 30

In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treatment material, a barrel adapted to be partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel having end walls, each said end wall having an opening therethrough extending along the longitudinal axis of said barrel, each said barrel having a plurality of baffles on the inner periphery thereof extending axially between the barrels, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, the inner edge of the baffles being spaced from the edge of the opening in the end walls, chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel adjacent one end wall through the other end wall to the interior of the succeeding barrel such as to guide the articles dropped by the baffles by gravity to the succeeding barrel, means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independently of said barrels, each said chute means comprising a first portion and a second portion, said portions forming progressively decreasing angles with the horizontal as the chute extends from one said barrel to the succeeding barrel, said chute having a coating on the exterior surface thereof serving to deaden the noise of articles falling thereon, the upper surface of said chute comprising uncoated metal.

Claim 31

In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treatment material, a barrel adapted to be partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel having end walls, each said end wall having an opening therethrough extending along the longitudinal axis of said barrel, each said barrel having a plurality of baffles on the inner periphery thereof extending axially between the barrels, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, the inner edge of the baffles being spaced from the edge of the opening in the end walls, chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel adjacent one end wall through the other end wall to the interior of the succeeding barrel such as to guide the articles dropped by the baffles by gravity to tha succeeding barrel, means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independently of said barrels, each said chute means comprising a first portion and a second portion, said portions forming progressively decreasing angles with the horizontal as the chute extends from one said barrel to the succeeding barrel, a flexible curtain extending downwardly within said barrel into contact with said chute for preventing articles from inadvertently passing out of said chute during normal operation.

Claim 32

In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treatment material, a barrel adapted to be partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel having end walls, each said end wall having an opening therethrough extending along the longitudinal axis of said barrel, each said barrel having a plurality of baffles on the inner periphery thereof extending axially between the barrels, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, the inner edge of the baffles being spaced from the edge of the opening in the end walls, chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel adjacent one end wall through the other end wall to the interior of the succeeding barrel such as to guide the articles dropped by the baffles by gravity to tha succeeding barrel, means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independently of said barrels, each said chute means comprising a first portion and a second portion, said portions forming progressively decreasing angles with the horizontal as the chute extends from one said barrel to the succeeding barrel, a flexible curtain extending downwardly within said barrel into contact with said chute for preventing articles from inadvertently passing out of said chute during normal operation.

Claim 33

In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality of container adapted to contain liquid treatment material, a barrel adapted to be partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis,, means for supporting said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel having end walls, each said end wall having an opening therethrough extending along the longitudinal axis of said barrel, each said barrel having a plurality of baffles on the inner periphery thereof extending axially between the barrels, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, the inner edge of the baffles being spaced from the edge of the opening in the end walls, chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel adjacent one end wall through the other end wall to the interior of the succeeding barrel such as to guide the articles dropped by the baffles by gravity to the succeeding barrel, means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independently of said barrels, each said chute means comprising a first portion and a second portion, said portions forming progressively decreasing angles with the horizontal as the chute extends from one said barrel to the succeeding barrel, said chute including a portion thereof adjacent said openings which is pivotal out of the plane of said chute during transfer of articles to permit articles to be directed back into the barrel.

Claim 34

In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality of container adapted to contain liquid treatment material, a barrel adapted to be partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis,, means for supporting said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel having end walls, each said end wall having an opening therethrough extending along the longitudinal axis of said barrel, each said barrel having a plurality of baffles on the inner periphery thereof extending axially between the barrels, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, the inner edge of the baffles being spaced from the edge of the opening in the end walls, chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel adjacent one end wall through the other end wall to the interior of the succeeding barrel such as to guide the articles dropped by the baffles by gravity to the succeeding barrel, means for mounting said chute means in fixed relationship independently of said barrels, each said chute means comprising a first portion and a second portion, said portions forming progressively decreasing angles with the horizontal as the chute extends from one said barrel to the succeeding barrel, said chute including a portion thereof adjacent said openings which is pivotal out of the plane of said chute during transfer of articles to permit articles to be directed back into the barrel.

Claim 35

The combination set forth in claim 25 wherein said chute includes openings through said last-mentioned portion thereof within said barrel to permit liquid that may fall downwardly on the chute to drain into said barrel when the articles are being delivered out of said barrel.

Claim 36

The combination set forth in claim 26 including a fixed secondary scoop beneath said openings for directing liquid back into said barrel.

Claim 37

The combination set forth in claim 26 wherein said openings are generally V-shaped and tapered in the direction of travel of the articles along said chute.

Claim 38

In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treating material, a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel being open at both ends thereof adjacent the longitudinal axis, each said barrel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced baffles on the inner periphery thereof, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, and chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel to the interior of a successive barrel to guide articles dropped by the baffles to the succeeding barrel, each said barrel comprising an outer cylindrical plastic wall, spaced radial plastic walls extending from said openings to said outer wall, annularly extending surfaces on the interior surfaces of the radial walls adjacent the juncture of the radial walls and the outer wall diverging adjacent said openings axially outwardly from the interior of said spaced walls.

Claim 39

In an apparatus for cleaning and plating articles, the combination comprising a plurality of containers adapted to contain liquid treating material, a barrel adapted to be at least partially submerged in liquid in each said container, each said barrel having a longitudinal axis, means for supporting each said barrel rotatably about a fixed generally horizontal axis so that a portion of the barrel is submerged in liquid in said container when liquid is in the container, each said barrel being open at both ends thereof adjacent the longitudinal axis, each said barrel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced baffles on the inner periphery thereof, said baffles extending generally radially inwardly and forming an acute angle with the inner periphery of the barrel such that when the barrel is rotated in one direction, said baffles agitate the articles, and when said barrel is rotated in the opposite direction, said baffles elevate the articles and then cause them to drop, and chute means extending from the interior of one said barrel to the interior of a successive barrel to guide articles dropped by the baffles to the succeeding barrel, each said barrel comprising an outer cylindrical plastic wall, spaced radial plastic walls extending from said openings to said outer wall, annularly extending surfaces on the interior surfaces of the radial walls adjacent the juncture of the radial walls and the outer wall diverging adjacent said openings axially outwardly from the interior of said spaced walls.

Claim 40

The combination set forth in claim 29 wherein said baffles have portions thereof adjacent said cylindrical wall with openings therethrough.

Claim 41

The combination set forth in claim 30 wherein said openings comprise holes.

Claim 42

The combination set forth in claim 29 including an annular cylindrical wall extending axially inwardly from each said opening, means forming a bead on the outer periphery of said wall inwardly of said radial wall within said barrel for preventing liquid moving along the inner surface of said radial wall toward said opening.

Claim 43

The combination set forth in claim 29 including means mounted exteriorly of at least one said container for directing liquid from adjacent the lower portion of said container to the interior of said barrel.

Claim 44

The combination set forth in claim 33 wherein said last-mentioned means includes an axially extending pipe extending through one said opening of said barrel.

Claim 45

The combination set forth in claim 29 including nozzle means on said pipe for directing liquid angularly downwardly on parts in said barrel.

Claim 46

The combination set forth in claim 29 wherein each said chute means comprises a first portion and a second portion, said portions forming progressively decreasing angles with the horizontal as the chute extends from one said barrel to the successive barrel.

Claim 47

the combination set forth in claim 29 wherein said chute includes a portion thereof adjacent said openings which is pivotal out of the plane of said chute during normal operation to permit articles to be directed back into the barrel.

Claim 48

The combination set forth in claim 37 wherein said chute includes openings in said last-mentioned portion thereof within said barrel to permit liquid that may fall downwardly on the chute to drain into said barrel when the parts are being delivered to the next adjacent barrel.

Claim 49

The combination set forth in claim 38 including a fixed secondary scoop beneath said openings for directing liquid back into said barrel.

Claim 50

The combination set forth in claim 38 wherein said openings are generally V-shaped and tapered in the direction of travel of the parts along said chute.

Claim 51

The combination set forth in claim 29 wherein said chute has a coating on the exterior surface thereof serving to deaden the noise of parts falling thereon.

Claim 52

The combination set forth in claim 41 wherein the upper surface of said chute comprises uncoated metal.

Claim 53

The combination set forth in claim 29 wherein the upper end of said chute flares outwardly within said barrel in the direction of travel of said articles when they are discharged to a dimension greater than the diameter of said opening.

Claim 54

The combination set forth in claim 29 including a flexible curtain extending downwardly within said barrel into contact with said chute for prevenTing articles from inadvertently passing out of said chute during normal operation.

Claim 55

The combination set forth in claim 29 including means for vibrating said barrel during rotation thereof.

Claim 56

The combination set forth in claim 45 wherein said last-mentioned means comprises a member movably mounted on said tank and adapted to frictionally engage said tank and a vibrator on said member.

Claim 57

The combination set forth in claim 45 wherein said member comprises a spring member.

Claim 58

The combination set forth in claim 45 including anti-friction means between said member and said barrel.

Claim 59

The combination as set forth in claim 48 wherein said anti-friction means comprises a roller engaging the periphery of said barrel.

Claim 60

The combination set forth in claim 29 wherein said means for supporting said barrel comprises spaced pairs of levers, each said lever being pivoted at a point on said container intermediate the opening and the periphery of said drum, anti-friction means on the ends of each said lever engaging the periphery of the drum at spaced points on the drum, and means for driving at least one of said anti-friction means of each said lever,

Claim 61

The combination set forth in claim 50 wherein said last-mentioned means comprises a motor mounted on one of said levers beyond the confines of said barrel and means extending between said motor and one of said anti-friction means.

Claim 62

The combination set forth in claim 50 wherein said drive means includes endless means extending between said driven rollers, and idler roller means engaging both reaches of said endless means.

Claim 63

The combination set forth in claim 52 wherein said idler roller means comprises a lever pivoted intermediate its ends and idler pulleys engaging said reaches of said endless means.