Abstract: A steam generator according to one embodiment of the invention includes a steam generation chamber for converting the water to steam, and a heating element thermally coupled with the steam generation chamber and having a first portion below an operational water level of the steam generation chamber and a second portion above the operational water level, with the first portion having a greater thermal output than the second portion.

Abstract: A method of controlling a motor-driven washing machine. The method includes increasing a speed of a motor from zero to a first predetermined speed W1. Reducing the motor speed from W1 to a second predetermined speed W2 and measuring the deceleration period. Increasing the motor speed from W2 to a third predetermined speed W3 and braking the motor according to a slow brake logic if a first interruption of the motor is ordered during the step of increasing the motor speed from W2 to W3. Increasing the motor speed from W3 to a fourth predetermined speed W4 and selecting one of plurality of rapid-brake logics on the basis of the measured deceleration period and braking the motor according to the selected rapid-brake logic if a second interruption of the motor is ordered during the step of increasing the motor speed from W3 to W4.

Abstract: A shoe washing device including a motor for driving a rotor onto which the shoes are directly mounted as by aligning the soles of the shoes parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor. The shoes are affixed onto the rotor by using a clip, strap, cage, or other attachment means. The shoes are then rotated within the wash compartment into which a wash fluid is introduced in a wash cycle and removed following a wash cycle. An integrated drying component may allow air drying of the shoes during a final spin cycle.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a fuel injector of an engine includes providing a cleaning tool assembly having a chamber adapted to receive cleaner and fuel therein. The cleaning tool assembly is connected to the engine and to a transfer pump adapted to provide fuel to the engine from a fuel tank. The engine is started, and pressure is created in the chamber of the cleaning tool assembly, such that cleaner flows out of the chamber and is supplied to the engine. The cleaning tool assembly transitions from supplying cleaner or a mixture of cleaner and fuel to the engine to supplying fuel to the engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for wet-processing strand-shaped textile good, includes a closed container, a transport nozzle array to which a gaseous transport medium can be supplied, and a device for applying a liquid treatment agent in atomized form to the moving strand of goods in the region of the transport nozzle arrangement. The device for the application of the treatment agent is designed to apply the treatment agent to the strand of goods in two sections (I, III), which are at a distance from each other in transport direction of the strand of goods, in a form enclosing the strand of goods at least partially in a ring-shaped manner. In so doing, the gaseous transport medium is applied to the strand of goods in an intermediate region (II) located between said two sections.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and decontaminating an air distribution system includes a sources separately containing a first fluid and a second fluid, a pressurizing system for separately pressurizing the first and second fluids, a distribution subsystem for separately conveying the first and second fluids to a plurality of injectors that convert the first and second fluids into a foam-like substance before injecting the foam-like substance into the air distribution system. The apparatus includes a control system for controlling the pressure and flow rate of the first and second fluids, and a system for removing the foam-like substance from the air distribution system after the foam-like substance has cleaned and decontaminated the air distribution system. A method for cleaning and decontaminating an air distribution system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reversing unit includes a fixed plate, a first movable plate provided so as to face one surface of the fixed plate, a second movable plate provided so as to face the other surface of the fixed plate and a rotary actuator. The rotary actuator rotates the first movable plate, the second movable plate and the fixed plate around a horizontal axis. A distance between the first movable plate and the fixed plate and a distance between the second movable plate and the fixed plate are set to be substantially equal to a difference in height between two hands of a main robot that carry a substrate in and out.

Abstract: A spray cleaning apparatus for cleaning the surface of a caul screen includes at least one cleaning head assembly having a cleaning head in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source. The cleaning head has an upstream end and at least one outlet nozzle in fluid communication with the upstream end, and which are operable to direct a generally linear high pressure fluid stream onto the surface of the caul screen. The cleaning head assembly is moveably mounted on a support beam so as to be maintained a substantially fixed distance from the caul sheet. A conveyor reciprocally moves part of the sheet beneath the cleaning head assembly, with the cleaning head being indexed in movement along the support to successively reposition cleaning fluid flow relative to the sheet.

Abstract: A drawer-type dishwasher includes a frame assembly, a wash tub, a plurality of wash system components and a sump. The sump is either integrally formed with or separately formed and mounted to a bottom wall portion of the tub, while being provided with a plurality of fluid conduits that extend from a central intake ring to a respective plurality of attachment flanges. A wash pump and a drain pump are supported by respective ones of the plurality of attachment flanges so as to direct a flow of wash fluid into and out of the wash tub. The sump also includes structure for mounting a heater and a filter housing, as well as other wash and safety system components.

Abstract: An automatic clothes washer having a clothes trap for reducing the likelihood that an article of clothing can escape from a wash basket during the spinning of the basket.

Abstract: A washing machine and an operating method thereof are provided. The washing machine detects an input voltage, and increases or reduces a wash time according to the input voltage. Thus, the washing machine can precisely calculate a wash time by reflecting a heating time that varies according to the input voltage. In addition, the washing machine can improve user convenience by enabling a user to easily determine the progress of a washing operation and the end time of the washing operation.

Abstract: A liquid processing system includes a liquid processing section including liquid processing units horizontally disposed therein and each configured to perform a liquid process while supplying a process liquid onto a substrate; a process liquid storing section that stores the process liquid to be supplied to the liquid processing units of the liquid processing section; and a piping unit including a supply pipe configured to guide the process liquid from the process liquid storing section to the liquid processing units. The process liquid storing section, the piping unit, and the liquid processing section are disposed inside a common casing in this order from below. The supply pipe of the piping unit has a horizontal pipe portion horizontally extending along an array direction of the liquid processing units, such that the process liquid is supplied from the horizontal pipe portion to the liquid processing units individually.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine is capable of carrying out a normal washing program with a powder detergent as well as programs using solid detergents with additives having rinse aid properties and/or water softening properties. The machine includes a detergent dispenser having three chambers. Each chamber is adapted for a specific kind of detergent. The chambers include a sensor for detecting the presence of loaded detergent and for adjusting the washing program accordingly.

Abstract: A dishwasher basket for use with baby bottle nipples includes a specially designed rack that maintains baby bottle nipples in an upright position during the washing and drying. The base of the nipple is also prevented from resting upon the surface of the rack. Feeding straw and valve holders are also provided that can be attached to the dishwasher basket. The dishwasher basket is able to be opened using only one hand.

Abstract: A washer is provided. The washer includes a housing, a tub in the housing, a laundry drum rotatably mounted in the tub, a heating element in the tub, and a heating element retainer, on an inner surface of the tub, for retaining the heating element. The heating element retainer includes a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end. The heating element further includes an engaging portion that is formed closer to the second longitudinal end than to the first longitudinal end, and that retains a first end of the heating element.

Abstract: An opposition device for locking and/or braking a swing door of a dishwashing machine, in which the door is movable about a horizontal rotation axis and along a predetermined trajectory, between at least two opposite, respectively open and closed, limit positions. A contoured leaf spring is fitted integrally to a casing of the machine. The contoured leaf spring has a first and second flexible arm projecting forward. A substantially rigid arm is fixed for movement with the door, and projects inward from the door and towards the contoured leaf spring. The first and second flexible arm of the contoured leaf spring, and the rigid arm of the door cooperate, in use, in sliding contact with one another along at least part of the predetermined trajectory of the door, to oppose rotation of the door at least close to the two opposite limit positions.

Abstract: There is provided a reliable method for sensing a laundry amount and a method for controlling a washing machine, in which a method for sensing a laundry amount is performed appropriately according to the laundry amount. According to the method of the present invention, the reliability in the sensed laundry amount is improved.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a washing machine that includes a lifter capable of removing foreign matter from water while agitating laundry.

Abstract: A single portable apparatus for cleaning and charging hearing aids combines the functions of charging and cleaning hearing aid devices into a single unit.

Abstract: A washing device for washing a portion of a user's head includes a discharge section which discharges a cleaning liquid into a washing cap attached to a portion of a user's head, and a recovery section which drains the cleaning liquid out of the washing cap so as to recover it. The device again discharges the cleaning liquid recovered by the recovery section from the discharge section, and recirculates the cleaning liquid so as to wash the portion of the user's head covered by the washing cap. When the cleaning liquid is dispersed into the washing cap, the cleaning liquid passes through a nozzle unit so that a lot of microbubbles are generated in the cleaning liquid. The microbubbles are very fine air bubbles, and can remove fine particles of dirt down to the order of a few microns but do not damage the user's scalp and hair.