Abstract: A water softener particularly for use in a dishwasher. The water softener is located in the dishwasher water supply (238) between the primary supply valve and the wash chamber. The softener includes a resin container (207) with an ion exchange resin (290). Water supplied to the wash chamber optionally passes through the resin container (207). Regenerating brine is developed in a brine container (203). The brine container (203) is supplied manually with solid salt (270) and water diverted into the container from the main supply at an air break (201). In the regenerating cycle brine is delivered from the brine container (203) to the resin container (207) by a pump (206). The duty cycle of the pump (206) determines the degree of regeneration of the resin (290).

Abstract: A proximity head including a head surface. The head surface including a first flat region and a plurality of first conduits. Each one of the plurality of first conduits being defined by corresponding one of a plurality of first discrete holes. The plurality of first discrete holes residing in the head surface and extending through the first flat region. The head surface also including a second flat region and a plurality of second conduits. The plurality of second conduits being defined by a corresponding plurality of second discrete holes that reside in the head surface and extend through the second flat region. The head surface also including a third flat region disposed between and adjacent to the first flat region and the second flat region and a plurality of third conduits. The plurality of third conduits being defined by a corresponding plurality of third discrete holes that reside in the head surface and extend through the third flat region.

Abstract: A drum type laundry machine is disclosed. A drum type laundry machine comprises a cabinet cover for defining a front surface of a body, the cabinet cover having an opening for loading/unloading the laundry therein/there from, a recess part recessed toward an inside of the body along a circumference of the opening, a door assembly having some portion inserted in the recess part when being closed together with the opening, a protrusion projected from an inner surface of the recess part to reinforce strength of the recess part and to support the door assembly securely. An object of the present invention is to provide a drum type laundry machine which can precisely communicate a hook assembly of a door assembly with a locking assembly. Another object of the present invention is to provide a drum type laundry machine which can prevent the damage of the door assembly due to deformation between the door assembly and a body, external impact might cause.

Abstract: A washing appliance, particularly a laundry washer or a dishwasher, comprises a tank (2) for loading washing liquor and items to be washed and control means adapted to carry out a predetermined washing program. It further comprises an inclined drain surface (2a) for collecting a portion of the washing liquor and means (6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) for assessing properties of such liquid on the basis of the drainage behavior thereof.

Abstract: A washing machine using steam and a method for controlling the same is disclosed. The washing machine with a steam generator (100) selectively supplying steam inot a drum (30) according to the present invention includes a course select part (420) for a user to select a wash course, a steam select part (430) for a user to select whether steam washing is operated and a controller (440) for controlling the steam generator (100) based on a wash course selected from the course select part (420) (an inputted wash course) and a signal selected from the steam select part (430). The present invention has an advantageous effect that convenience is improved for a user to use the washing machine using steam as well as washing performance is improved, because disadvantages due to malfunctions of a steam generator are prevented.

Abstract: A method for operating a horizontal axis washing machine having a tub with a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and configured to hold a fabric load comprises introducing liquid into the drum to wet the fabric load and spinning the drum to distribute the fabric load about the drum prior to the introducing of the liquid.

Abstract: An edge of a material to be washed is held between forked portions of a vibration transmitting portion. An ultrasonic vibrator is attached to an enlarged portion of the vibration transmitting portion, and the ultrasonic waves supplied from the ultrasonic vibrator irradiate the washing liquid flowing to the forked portion, and the edge of the material to washed is washed by the ultrasonic wave and the washing liquid.

Abstract: A facility for cleaning substrates such as semiconductor wafers includes a loading/unloading part, an aligning part where wafers are repositioned from a horizontal state to a vertical state, a cleaning part performing etchant-treating, rinsing, and drying processes for wafers and having a plurality of process chamber stacked, and an interface part where a transfer bath is disposed to transfer wafers between the process chambers. When the wafers are transferred between the process chamber, the transfer bath is filled with deionized water (DI water) to prevent their exposure to the air. Wafers drawn out of the loading/unlading part are repositioned from a horizontal state to a vertical state and are transferred to a first process chamber being one of the process chambers to be subjected to a part of processes.

Abstract: A structure for blocking outflow of a fluid for a washing machine includes a door installed at an outlet of a detergent supply unit such that the door opens the outlet when wash water and detergent are supplied from the detergent supply unit to a washing tub and closes the outlet of the detergent supply unit when foam or steam is discharged from the washing tub to the detergent supply unit, thereby preventing the fluid, such as foam or steam in the washing tub, from flowing to the detergent supply unit through a water supply bellows.

Abstract: A sump for a dishwasher includes a sump case for collecting washing fluid, a pump housing on the sump case, a filtering assembly provided on an upper portion of the pump housing, and a sealing member disposed around the pump housing. The pump housing is provided with a pump case therein.

Abstract: A vent system for a dishwasher provides a mixing chamber receiving high humidity air from a downdraft dishwasher vent system or the like and mixes this air with dry air before discharging it from the dishwasher to reduce the humidity of the discharged air moderating condensation problems.

Abstract: A washing machine having a steam generator, which prevents the accumulation of scale in the steam generator due to the long-term use thereof, and a method for controlling the same. The washing machine includes a water supply valve for supplying water to the inside of the steam generator therethrough so as to cool the steam generator when the operating time of the steam generator exceeds a predetermined time, and a controller for controlling the operation of a heater for heating the water supplied through the water supply valve.

Abstract: A reservoir cleaning, treating and/or stimulation system allows the operator to control the speed and pressure of delivery of the treating fluid into the reservoir and remove or dissolve sediment particles settled in the reservoir or the reservoir formation. The system uses a thermal heater capable of heating the treating fluid from ambient temperature to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. A charge pump mounted on an intake side of the heater forces the treating fluid through the heater, while the treating fluid passes through the tubing of the heater. The heated treating fluid is channeled to a discharge pump on an outlet side of the heater, where the treating fluid is pressurized to a value sufficient to overcome the pressure existing within the reservoir and cause displacement or dissolution of the sediment in the reservoir. A flow meter mounted between the heater and the charge pump regulates the volume of the treating fluid being admitted into the heater.

Abstract: A device for spraying spray products in a dishwasher enables the dishes to be impinged upon with dishwashing fluid in an efficient manner and to avoid wear and tear caused by moving parts and to provide trouble-free operation. The spraying device sprays dishwashing fluid into the inside of the washing container and includes at least one spray channel that guides at least one dishwashing liquid and is integrated into the bottom, top and/or wall area of the washing container, whereby openings which are oriented toward the interior of the washing container are provided on one side and enable the dishwashing fluid to pass therethrough. An improved more homogeneous distribution of dishwashing fluid is provided and it is possible to dispense with moving parts, such as spray arms for the distribution of dishwashing fluid, leading to greater freedom in terms of washing container and wash basket design.

Abstract: There is provide an apparatus for washing and disinfecting an endoscope having a duct for detecting a water leakage, the duct having an opening to which a fitting is attached. The apparatus comprises a nozzle unit having a nozzle to supply a gas into the duct via the fitting in a case where the nozzle is inserted into the fitting and a base member holding the nozzle member. The apparatus further comprises a gas supplying unit capable of supplying the gas to the nozzle, a shifting unit capable of shifting the base member toward the fitting of the endoscope, and a controlling unit controlling drive of the shifting unit to shift the base toward the fitting and to drive of the gas supplying unit to allow the nozzle to blow the gas from before the nozzle reaches the fitting.

Abstract: A roller cleaning apparatus for cleaning and/or drying a roller such as a paint roller by directing jets of solvent against the surface of the roller—to spin the roller to expel liquid from the roller by centrifugal force. A jet spray manifold with a riser conduit connector for connection to a source of pressure fluid is mounted on the bottom side of a lid structure. A roller to be cleaned is also mounted to the bottom side of the lid structure in position for spinning and cleaning. The lid structure may be mounted on a standard paint bucket or other support.

Abstract: A washing machine which prevents wrinkling of laundry in washing, rinsing, and dehydrating operations, and a method for controlling the same. The method includes determining whether a wrinkle preventing course is selected, performing a washing operation by supplying washing water to a water level designated according to an amount of the laundry disposed in the washing machine, when it is determined that the wrinkle preventing course is selected, and measuring a time of the washing operation, and additionally supplying the washing water at a designated time before the washing of the laundry is completed.

Abstract: A method for processing a substrate is provided which includes applying fluid onto a surface of the substrate from a portion of a plurality of inlets and removing at least the fluid from the surface of the substrate where the removing being processed as the fluid is applied to the surface. The applying the fluid and the removing the fluid forms a segment of a fluid meniscus on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A steam generator for a washing machine comprises: a hermetic container provided with a water supply port for supplying water and a steam exhaustion port for exhausting steam; a heater arranged in the hermetic container for heating water supplied into the hermetic container; and a drain unit for draining residual water inside of the hermetic container outwardly. According to this, residual water inside of the steam generator is outwardly exhausted thus to maintain cleanness of the steam generator. Also, the drain unit using a siphon principle is installed thus to naturally exhaust residual water inside of the steam generator without an additional valve device, thereby reducing a fabrication cost.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine is disclosed. An object of the present invention is to provide a drum type washing machine having a preventing member which can structurally prevent the laundry from coming between a tub and a drum. When the drum is stopped or rotated at a low speed, an end of the preventing member is in contact with a drum door or the tub. When the drum is rotated at a high speed, the preventing member is separated apart from the drum door or the tub by centrifugal force.