The invention is a conveyor or transfer means for wheeled vehicles. A helical member or worm is provided in a trough or channel extending in the direction that the vehicle is to be transferred or moved. One or more wheels of the vehicle directly engage a convolution of the helix or worm which is power driven to rotate about its axis so that the convolution of the helix exerts a driving thrust directly against the vehicle wheel to move or convey the vehicle.
A support and driving member comprises an open framework comprising a helical strip (38) supported by a series of support members (39) extending longitudinally of the helical strip and internally thereof. The member may be incorporated in a shower unit that comprises a tubular housing (1) with a longitudinal slot (6), the driving member (16) being located coaxially within the housing and mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis. A driving motor (15) housed in an end cap (8) has an output shaft (24) that rotates the member (16). Mounted on the member (16) for movement along the latter is a nozzle carrier (5) carrying an air nozzle (41) and a water nozzle that discharge through the slot (6). The nozzles are connected via flexible supply lines (SL) within the housing (1) to inlets (34) for treatment fluids.
A helical screw conveyor having a helical screw rotatably mounted within a casing and cooperating with a chain of platens to convey objects from one end of the casing to the other end or to selected locations therebetween. A thermodynamic combustion engine is provided having a helical screw rotatably mounted within a casing and cooperating with a platen chain to draw a combustible mixture into the casing, compress the mixture for ignition, and exhaust the burned mixture therefrom.