US3906674A - Valve cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

A cleaning apparatus has an enclosure, a mount inside to mount an article in a cleaning zone therein, and a plurality of dispensing nozzles. Valves control the air flow through the nozzles. The apparatus in use cleans an article, for example, an internal combustion engine cylinder valve, with the portion of the article to be cleaned being positioned in the cleaning zone, wherein abrasive particulate material is blown against it by the nozzles.

Description

United States Patent Stone Sept. 23, 1975 [54] VALVE CLEANER 2,846,820 8/1958 Persak 51/12 x 3.047986 8/1962 McKullam. 51/8 R [76] Inventor: Lowell D. Stone, 319 N. High, Pratt, 1191677 7/1965 johnsonmn 51/14 X Kaflsv 67124 3,385,005 5/1968 Nielsen 51/8 SP 3,516,205 6/1970 Thomson 51/8 R [22] 1974 3.553.895 11/1967 Power 51/8 [21] Appl. No.: 531,917 3,599,375 8/1971 Nunemaker 51/8 R Related U.S. Application Data Primary ExaminerDona1d G. Kelly Attorney, Agent, or FirmJohn H. Widdowson [57] ABSTRACT A cleaning apparatus has an enclosure, a mount inside to mount an article in a cleaning zone therein, and a plurality of dispensing nozzles. Valves control the air flow through the nozzles. The apparatus in use cleans an article, for example, an internal combustion engine cylinder valve. with the portion of the article to be cleaned being positioned in the cleaning zone, wherein abrasive particulate material is blown against it by the nozzles.

9 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures US Patent Sept. 23,1975Sheet 1 of2 3,906,674

VALVE CLEANER CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation-in-part application for patent based on my pending application for patent entitled VALVE CLEANER, filed Dec. I3, 1973, having Ser. No. 424,435 and now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention is related to abrading machines and particularly those abrading machines wherein abrasive particulate material is carried in a gaseous fluid stream and directed onto an article to be cleaned. Further, this invention is related to abrading machines wherein the article to be cleaned, the particulate abrading material, and the material dispersing apparatus are contained in an enclosure.

Numerous particulate material abrading machines are known in the prior art as operable to clean or treat the surface of an article. However, the prior art devices are not constructed so they can safely be used for cleaning an article which is coated with a layer of material which when dislodged will produce a finely divided dust. Also, the prior art abrading machines are not constructed so that particulate abrasive material can be recycled within the machine in a single enclosure. Additionally, no prior art device is known which is portable and will provide a machine for the abrasive cleaning of small articles such as valves for internal combustion engines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a preferred specific embodiment the valve cleaner of this invention provides an abrasive particulate material cleaning apparatus which is comprised of an openable hollow enclosure which has a mount for an article having a stem. The article is positioned in a cleaning zone in the enclosure and a plurality of compressed air powered particulate material dispensing nozzles in the enclosure directed particulate toward the article toward the cleaning zone. A valve assembly is communicably connectable to a source of compressed air to in use control the air flow through the nozzles which in turn controls the dispersion of abrasive particulate material into the cleaning zone. The enclosure has a vent for air to escape. A hopper-like bottom portion of the enclosure collects and stores particulate material to supply the nozzles. The mount for the article is constructed to mount an article having a stem or to mount an article which can be supported on a stem. The plurality of nozzles receive particulate material from the hopper-like bottom portion of the enclosure. When the compressed air is passed through the nozzles they pick up the particulate material and direct it toward the cleaning zone. The cleaning apparatus is constructed and adapted to in use clean an article such as an internal combustion engine cylinder valve or any relatively small article which can be mounted on a stem or positioned in the cleaning zone.

One object of this invention is to provide an abrading machine in the form of a particulate material type cleaning apparatus overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art devices.

Still, one other object of this invention is to provide an abrasive particulate material cleaning apparatus that includes a hollow enclosure having a mount for supporting an article in the enclosure and a plurality of compressed air powered particulate material dispensing nozzles inside the enclosure to thrust particulate material toward an article.

Still, another object of this invention is to provide an abrasive particulate material cleaning apparatus which has a hollow enclosure with a plurality of compressed air powered particulate material dispensing nozzles mounted therein with a valve assembly to control the flow of compressed air to the nozzles. Further wherein the nozzles are connected so they can recycle particulate material contained in the enclosure for cleaning an article by directing the abrasive material toward the article.

Yet, another object of this invention is to provide a particulate material type abrasive cleaning apparatus which is portable and can be powered by a commonly available source of compressed air and which can be used to clean small articles such as the cylinder valves of an internal combustion engine or other small articles that can be mounted on a stem and positioned in the enclosure.

Various other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent from those skilled in the art from the following discussion, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of the cleaning apparatus of this invention with portions cut away exposing the interior of the enclosure and the control valve assembly;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the cleaning apparatus with portions of the housing cut away for clarity exposing the nozzles and a portion of the control valve assembly;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the cleaning apparatus taken horizontally through an upper portion of the enclosure showing the article mount and the vent in section and the nozzles in full view;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an air valve with the valve in the open position with the plunger shown in full view; and

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the mount for an article to be cleaned.

The following is a discussion and description of preferred specific embodiments of the valve cleaner structure of this invention, such being made with reference to the drawings, whereupon the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts and/or structure. It is to be understood that such discussion and description is not to unduly limit the scope of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings in detail and in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2 where the valve cleaner apparatus of this invention, indicated generally at 10, is shown with a common engine valve mounted therein for cleaning. Thecleaning apparatus 10 of this invention includes a hollow andopenable enclosure 12 which contains a mount assembly, indicated generally at 14, to support an article to be cleaned. A plurality of compressed air powered particulate material dispensing nozzles, indicated generally at 16, are mounted in the enclosure I2 and directed toward a cleaning zone where the article to be cleaned is placed. A control valve assembly, indicated generally at 18, is mounted with the enclosure to in use Control the flow of compressed air to thenozzles 16. The cleaning apparatus is powerable from a source of compressed air or other gas. Thecleaning apparatus 10 is constructed and adapted to clean small articles by mounting them inside theenclosure 12 and abrading them with particulate abrasive material carried in an airstream by thenozzles 16.

Enclosure 12 is preferably a cross-seetionally rectangular structure having four sidewalls indicated at 20, 22, 24 and 26. Anopenable lid 28 is mounted byhinges 30 on the top of the enclosure. Afastener 32 is mounted with thelid 28 and the enclosure sidewall in an opposed relation with the hinges for securing the lid. A gasket, not shown, is preferably fitted around the pcrimeter of thelid 28 to seal the enclosure when the lid is closed. Theenclosure 12 has a hopper-like bottom portion 34 in a lower portion thereof. Sides of the hopper-like bottom portion 34 converge into the center portion of the structure as shown. The upper portion of theenclosure 12 forms acavity 36 which contains thenozzles 16 and themount assembly 14. Amesh member 38, preferably a screen or the like, is mounted transversely across thecavity 36 at the upper portion of the hopper-like bottom portion 34. Themesh mem ber 38 forms a structurally perforate separation of thecavity 36 which will allow particulate material to fall into the hopper-like bottom portion 34 and to prevent large particles from entering thebottom portion 34.

Theenclosure 12 is provided with avent assembly 40 to allow air to exit the enclosure. Thevent assembly 40 serves as an air outlet and a filter for removing dust and finally dispersed particulate material from the air as it leaves theenclosure 12. Thevent assembly 40 has aplate member 42 rigidly secured tohousing sidewall 26 with ascreen 44 rcmovably mounted therewith and afilter bag 46 which is also removably mountable. Theplate member 42 has an aperture therethrough which aligns with anaperture 45 in thesidewall 26. Asleeve 47 is mounted at the aperture of theplate 42 and thescreen 44 is mounted inside thesleeve 47. Thebag 46 is secured to the exterior of thesleeve 47 by aclamp 48. Thebag 46 andscreen 44 are removably mounted for cleaning purposes. Thescreen 44 prevents large particles from leaving theenclosure 12 and thebag 46 traps and collects small particles and dust.

Themount assembly 14 includes a resilient plug member, indicated generally at 50, which in use mounts through anaperture 52 insidewall 20. Theplug 50 is shown in detail in FIG. 5. lt is shown in its mounted position in the sidewall in FIGS. 1 and 3. Theplug 50 is a resilient member constructed to support a stem or the like in a substantially fixed position when the plug is mounted with the enclosure. ln FIGS. 1 and 3 an internalcombustion engine valve 52 is shown mounted with theplug 50. Thestem 53 of thevalve 52 is mounted through theplug 50 with the head of the valve being in theenclosure cavity 36. Theplug 50 is comprised of anouter portion 54 and aninsert 56. Theouter portion 54 is preferably generally frusta-conically shaped and constructed with anotch 58 around the perimeter of its larger end. Anaperture 60 extends through the center of theouter portion 54 as shown. Theouter portion 54 has a recessedportion 62 in the larger end thereof. Theinsert 56 is preferably generally frusta-conically shaped with anaperture 64 through the center thereof as shown. Theaperture 64 is generally centrally disposed relative toaperture 60. Theinsert 56 is constructed of a resilient material with theaperture 64 being sized such that it will firmly grasp and hold the exterior ofa stern like member when it is inserted in the apertures and 64. Obviously, the specific sizes of theapertures 60 and 64 can be varied depending upon the size of stems which will be mounted in theplug 50. It is to be noted that theplug 50 can be constructed so theinsert 56 can be removably mounted with theouter portion 54 to provide for replacement and to accommodate different sizes of stems. Theplug 54 is preferably constructed with theouter portion 54 being of a substantially flexible resilient material so that it can be easily removably mounted with thesidewall 20.

Thenozzle assembly 16 preferably includes four nozzles indicated at 66, 68, 70, and 72. The nozzles are directed toward a cleaning zone in a center portion of theenclosure cavity 36. The nozzles are preferably commonly available nozzle structures designed for dispersing or spraying particulate material in an air stream. Each of thenozzles 66, 68, 70, and 72 have an air inlet connected toconduits 74, 76, 78, and respectively. Theconduits 74, 76, 78, and 80 are connected to thecontrol valve assembly 18 which will be described in detail hereinafter. Thenozzles 66, 68, 70 and 72 also each have an inlet for the particulate material with the inlets being connected toconduits 82, 84, 86, and 88. The particulatematerial carrying conduits 82, 84, 86, and 88 extend into the hopper-like bottom portion 34 of the enclosure with the inlets of these conduits being in the lower portion of the hopper. Each of the nozzles are individually mounted on top of uprights or standards extending upward from thebottom portion 34 of the enclosure. Thenozzles 66, 68, and 72 are mounted on top ofstandards 90, 92, and 94, respectively. Thestandard supporting nozzle 70 is not visible in the drawings. Astop member 96 in the form of a standard is mounted with thebottom portion 34 and extends into the cleaning zone. Thestop member 96 functions as a stop to contact an article to be cleaned so it is positioned in the cleaning zone for effective cleaning. The cleaning zone is preferably a space located between the small end portion of theplug 50 and the nozzles. Preferably, the nozzles are mounted with the standards such that they can be adjusted in vertical and horizontal position. Dashed lines extending from the outlet end portions of the individual nozzles are provided to illustrate the approximate path of some material as it is discharged from the nozzles toward the cleaning zone. Obviously, the nozzles can be moved to adjust the size of the cleaning zone and points of intensity within the cleaning zone at the discretion of the user.

Thecontrol valve assembly 18 is physically located on the lower portion of the apparatus and includes four separate control valves which are simultaneously controllable from a single operator lever. Thecontrol valve assembly 18 has an air tank orplenum chamber 98 with asingle inlet 100. Preferably, theinlet 100 has a quickly removable pressure fitting to allow theplenum chamber 98 to be easily connected to and disconnected from a source of compressed air. The tank orplenum chamber 98 is mounted in a horizontal position across the lower portion of the enclosure below thehopperlike bottom portion 34. The control valves are preferably threadedly mountable with the upper portion of theplenum chamber 98 in a line and in a spaced relation. FIG. l shows a control valve 102 on one end of the plenum chamber ortank 98. FIG. 2 shows thecontrol valve 104 on the opposite end of the plenum chamber ortank 98. Each of the four control valves are individually connected with theair carrying conduits 74, 76, 78, and 80 so that each nozzle has its individual control valve.

FIG. 4 shows a preferred construction of a control valve wherein the valve is generally indicated at 106. Thecontrol valve 106 has abody 108 with a threadedinlet 110 and a threadedoutlet 112 and an aperture therethrough to receive a valveclosure support member 114. Theinlet 110 and theoutlet 112 each havepassageways 116 and 118 therethrough communicably connected with the aperture to mount the valveclosure support member 114. The valveclosure support memher 1 14 is a sleeve which is threadedly mountable in thevalve body 108 and is provided with abore 120 to receive and slidably mount avalve closure member 128. Thevalve closure member 128 has ashoulder portion 122 on one end thereof which fits in an enlarged end portion of thebore 120. Thesupport member 114 has a pair ofapertures 124 and 126 which are communicably connectable with theinlet aperture 116 andoutlet aperture 118, respectively, when thesupport member 114 is mounted in thevalve body 108. Thevalve c1osure member 128 has apassageway 130 transversely therethrough which aligns with thepassageways 124 and 126 when thevalve closure member 128 is in an open position. FIG. 4 shows thevalve 106 with thevalve closure member 128 in the open position wherein air can flow throughpassageways 116 and 124 into theclosure member passageway 130, and from there on throughpassageways 126 and 118. When thevalve 106 is in the openposition shoulder portion 122 rests against the end of the enlarged portion of thebore 120 as shown. Thevalve closure 128 has an O-ring type gasket 132 around its exterior on end portion to seal same inside thebore 120. A valve closure member return as sembly is mounted in one end of thesupport member 114. The operator return assembly has aplunger 134 in contact with one end of the valve closure member, 122, acompression spring 136 mounted on theplunger 134, and acap 138 threadedly mountable in thesupport member 114. Thespring 136 urges theplunger 134 and thevalve closure member 128 toward a nor mally closed position. With thevalve 106 positioned as shown in FIG. 4 thespring 136 is compressed. Thevalve closure member 128 has acontact member 140 extending from the end thereof opposite to the return assembly tp provide a convenient member for contact ing thevalve closure member 128 for movement of same. Thevalve closure member 128 andcontact member 140 are displaced to the left from the position shown in FIG. 4 when thevalve 106 is in its normally closed position. When thevalve closure member 128 is displaced to the left from the position shown in FIG. 4 thepassageway 130 does not align withpassageways 124 and 126 thereby preventing fluid flow throughcontrol valve 106.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the control valves mounted with the cleaning apparatus in the preferred position wherein the contact members of the control valves extend toward thesidewall 20. For convenience in identification and description the valve contact members on thecontrol valves 102 and 104 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are both indicated at 140. Thecontrol valve assembly 18 includes abar member 142 rotatably mounted through apertures in thesidewalls 22 and 26 of the enclosure. Thebar 140 has an extendedportion 144 on one side thereof. Alever 146 is movably mounted on the extended portion of the bar at a mid portion thereof and extends through anaperture 148 in thehousing sidewall 20. Thelever 146 is mounted so that it can be moved from side to side in a plane parallel to the bar and such that vertical motion of the lever will rotate the bar. Vertical motion of thelever 146 rotates the bar in its mounting with the enclosure sides 22 and 26. Theextended portion 144 is positioned so that it will contact thevalve contact members 140. Vertical motion of thelever 146 rotates thebar 142 and moves the valve contact members in and out to open and close the valves. Preferably, theaperture 148 in thesidewall 20 is generally L-shaped with one portion being vertically disposed and the other portion being horizontally disposed. When the control valves areclosed lever 146 is in the vertically disposed portion ofaperture 148. Oncelever 146 has been moved downward to open the valves it can be moved horizontally into the horizontally disposed portion ofaperture 148 to hold the control valves in the open position without requiring the attention of the operator. The lever and aperture structure provide a lock for thevalve assembly 18.

In use of thecleaning apparatus 10 of this invention an article such as an internal combustion engine cylind'er valve is mounted with theplug 50 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thelid 28 of theenclosure 12 is openable to provide access to theplug 50 so thestem 53 of theengine valve 52 can be inserted into theplug 50. It is to be noted that virtually any article which can be supported on a holder having a stem or the like can be supported by theplug 50. The article to be cleaned can be mounted with the plug by inserting the stern into the plug with the plug being mounted in the housing sidewall. Or in the alternative theplug 50 can be removed from theenclosure 12, the article mounted therewith and then theplug 50 reinserted into the aperture in the sidewall of theenclosure 12. When an article to be cleaned has been fitted into themount assembly 14 thelid 28 is closed and secured by thefastener 32 then thelever 146 can be depressed to open the control valves and allow air to pass to thenozzles 16. When compressed air passes through thenozzles 16 they automatically pick up the particulate material of the lower por tion of the hopper-like bottom portion 34 of theenclosure 12 and disperse or spray it into the cleaning zone. Once the particulate material contacts the surface of the article to be cleaned is dislodges or knocks away the material covering of the article thereby cleaning same in a known and usual manner. The dust generated by the particulate abrasive cleaning is partially captured by the filter structure in thevent assembly 40. Thescreen 44 catches and retains inside the enclosure the large particles of material and the smaller dust like material is caught in thebag 46. In operating the cleaning apparatus theoperating lever 146 can be locked as described to maintain the apparatus in use so the operator can attend to other matters such as handling the articles to be cleaned and previously cleaned articles while an article is being cleaned by the machine.

In the use and operation of thecleaning apparatus 10 of this invention it is anticipated that numerous classes of particulate material can be successfully used. For instance. small glass beads, sand pulvarized stone, and other numerous and common abrasive materials can be used. Preferably glass beads are used for cleaning inter nal combustion engine cylinder valves because they separate upon impact and have been found to function quite well in removing carbon from the metal valve structure. it is to be noted that the cleaning apparatus of this invention recycles the particulate abrasive material thereby permitting it to operate with a relatively small quantity of material. The filter structure in thevent assembly 40 will function to remove a considerable amount of the undesired materials which are dislodged from the article to be cleaned so the particulate material used for abrasive purposes filtered or cleaned somewhat during the operation of the cleaning apparatus. It is anticipated that periodically during use of the cleaning apparatus the particulate abrasive material will have to be changed, however, such is minimized by the filter structure of the vent assembly. The mesh member orscreen 38 will catch large pieces or chunks of the foreign material being removed from the articles whereas the smaller pieces will drop through the screen into thehopper portion 34 along with the abrasive particulate material after it strikes an article. Additionally, it is to be noted that thecleaning apparatus 10 can be constructed in a relatively small size and a relatively light weight to make it portable so it can be easily moved from place to place for use or storage.

in the manufacture of the valve cleaner and cleaning apparatus of this invention it is obvious that same provides a cleaning apparatus which can be easily constructed to achieve the end product. The enclosure is relatively simple in construction and can be easily fabricated from commonly available materials. The nozzles are commonly available items known to be used with particulate material abrading devices. The control valves can be easily constructed as described to operate for controlling the compressed air flow to the nozzles.

In the use and operation of the valve cleaner structure of this invention it is seen that same provides a relatively easily usable device for cleaning of internal combustion engine cylinder valves and other small articles which can be supported on a stem or the like. The cleaning apparatus provides a structure for the abrasive cleaning of articles which is safe for an operator to use because of the selfcontained and enclosed operating elements of the structure. The valve cleaner or particulate material cleaning apparatus of this invention with its compact nature can, in simple construction, be pro duced so that it can be used by an operator having only nominal skill. The device provides an efficient and rapid means of cleaning internal combustion engine cylinder valves and other small articles.

As will become apparent from the foregoing description of the Applicant's valve cleaner structure, relatively simple and inexpensive means have been provided for the abrasive cleaning of articles by using par ticulate material. The valve cleaner structure is economical to manufacture, extremely simple to use, and reasonably safe for an operator when taking normal precautions. The valve cleaner recycles the particulate abrasive material thus conserving the abrasive particulatc material and thereby lowering its operating cost.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with preferred specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that this description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims.

I claim:

1. An abrasive particulate material cleaning apparatus, comprising:

a. a hollow enclosure having an openable portion, a sidewall, a vent. and a hopper-like bottom portion to in use collect and store particulate material,

b. means to mount an article having a stem member extending through said sidewall, said means to mount having means constructed and adapted to in use mount an article in a cleaning zone inside said enclosure,

c. a plurality of compressed air powered particulate material dispensing nozzles mounted in said enclosure in a spaced relation, said nozzles being directed toward said cleaning zone and each having an inlet to receive particulate material from said hopper-like portion, an inlet to receive compressed air and an outlet, and

d. valve means communicably connected to said plurality of nozzles and communicably connectable to a source of compressed air, said valve means being constructed and adapted to in use control air flow through said nozzles, said cleaning apparatus being constructed and adapted to in use clean an article such as an internal combustion engine cylinder valve or an article mountable on a stem and positioned in said cleaning zone by abrasive particulate material being thrusted against the article by said nozzles.

2. The cleaning apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein:

a. said valve means has a plenum chamber communicably connected to said source of compressed air, a plurality of valves communicably connected to said plenum chamber, and a valve operator means to in use open and close said valves, and

b. said means to mount an article has a resilient support member mountable in said sidewall said resil ient support member having an aperture therethrough to receive and hold said stem or the like with an end portion of said stem being external to said enclosure when mounted with said resilient support member.

3. The cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein:

a. said vent has a particulate material filter mounted with said sidewall to in use prevent said particulate material from escaping said enclosure,

b. said means to mount an article has a stop member mounted inside said enclosure to in use aid in positioning an article in said cleaning zone, and

c. said enclosure has a perforate member transversely mounted in the lower portion thereof above said hopper-like bottom portion.

4. The cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein:

a. said valves each have a valve closure member resiliently urged to a normally closed position,

b. said valve operator has a movably mounted member mounted with said enclosure, said movably mounted member being contactable with said valve closure members to open said valves, and

c. said valve operator has means to temporarily hold said movably mounted member in contact with said valve closure member to hold said valves in an open position.

5. The cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein:

a. said cleaning apparatus has four of said nozzles with said nozzles being mounted in a spaced relation and each directed toward a central portion of said cleaning zone. and

b. said cleaning apparatus has four of said valves with said valves individually connected to said nozzles.

6. The cleaning apparatus of claim 5, wherein:

a. said nozzles being individually mounted on stan dards which are rigidly secured inside said enclosure. and

b. said means to mount an article has a stop member mounted inside said enclosure to in use contact said article for positioning said article in said cleaning zone.

7. The cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein:

a. said means to mount an article has a resilient member mountable in an aperture in said enclosure,

bv said resilient member having an aperture therethrough to receive and hold said stem or the like.

said filter downstream of said screen element.

Claims (9)

1. An abrasive particulate material cleaning apparatus, comprising: a. a hollow enclosure having an openable portion, a sidewall, a vent, and a hopper-like bottom portion to in use collect and store particulate material, b. means to mount an article having a stem member extending through said sidewall, said means to mount having means constructed and adapted to in use mount an article in a cleaning zone inside said enclosure, c. a plurality of compressed air powered particulate material dispensing nozzles mounted in said enclosure in a spaced relation, said nozzles being directed toward said cleaning zone and each having an inlet to receive particulate material from said hopper-like portion, an inlet to receive compressed air and an outlet, and d. valve means communicably connected to said plurality of nozzles and communicably connectable to a source of compressed air, said valve means being constructed and adapted to in use control air flow through said nozzles, said cleaning apparatus being constructed and adapted to in use clean an article such as an internal combustion engine cylinder valve or an article mountable on a stem and positioned in said cleaning zone by abrasive particulate material being thrusted against the article by said nozzles.

2. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: a. said valve means has a plenum chamber communicably connected to said source of compressed air, a plurality of valves communicably connected to said plenum chamber, and a valve operator means to in use open and close said valves, and b. said means to mount an article has a resilient support member mountable in said sidewall said resilient support member having an aperture therethrough to receive and hold said stem or the like with an end portion of said stem being external to said enclosure when mounted with said resilient support member.

3. The cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein: a. said vent has a particulate material filter mounted with said sidewall to in use prevent said particulate material from escaping said enclosure, b. said means to mount an article has a stop member mounted inside said enclosure to in use aid in positioning an article in said cleaning zone, and c. said enclosure has a perforate member transversely mounted in the lower portion thereof above said hopper-like bottom portion.

4. The cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein: a. said valves each have a valve closure member resiliently urged to a normally closed position, b. said valve operator has a movably mounted member mounted with said enclosure, said movably mounted member being contactable with said valve closure members to open said valves, and c. said valve operator has means to temporarily hold said movably mounted member in contact with said valve closure member to hold said valves in an open position.

5. The cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein: a. said cleaning apparatus has four of said nozzles with said nozzles being mounted in a spaced relation and each directed toward a central portion of said cleaning zone, and b. said cleaning apparatus has four of said valves with said valves individually connected to said nozzles.

6. The cleaning apparatus of claim 5, wherein: a. said nozzles being individually mounted on standards which are rigidly secured inside said enclosure, and b. said means to mount an article has a stop member mounted inside said enclosure to in use contact said article for positioning said article in said cleaning zone.

7. The cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein: a. said means to mount an article has a resilient member mountable in an aperture in said enclosure, b. said resilient member having an aperture therethrough to receive and hold said stem or the like.

8. The cleaning apparatus of claim 7, wherein: a. said enclosure is essentially rectangular in transverse cross section with said openable portion being a lid, b. said resilient member is mountable through a sidewall of said enclosure, and c. said vent has a particulate material filter mounted in a sidewall of said enclosure.

9. The cleaning apparatus of claim 8, wherein: a. said filter has a removably mounted screen element, and b. said filter has a removably mounted perforate bag communicably connected in the fluid stream of said filter downstream of said screen element.

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