Abstract: A washout container to which are mounted inclined ramps that allow a transit mixer, concrete pumping truck or other concrete handling vehicle to drive up over a portion of the container for dumping excess concrete and washing out waste concrete. The container cross-section may be rectangular to semi-circular, and is preferably fabricated with a steel structure. A watertight latching door assembly is coupled to the container to prevent leakage of collected liquid concrete waste material while allowing solidified concrete materials to be unloaded at a disposal site. The interior of the container is preferably lined with a material to which concrete will not adhere. The liner may be applied as a coating to the interior of the container or as a solid material retained within the container. In this way, solidified waste concrete can be easily removed from the container at the disposal site and preferably crushed for recycling.

Abstract: A washout container to which are mounted inclined ramps that allow a transit mixer, concrete pumping truck or other concrete handling vehicle to drive up over a portion of the container for dumping excess concrete and washing out waste concrete. The container cross-section may be rectangular to semi-circular, and is preferably fabricated with a steel structure. A watertight latching door assembly is coupled to the container to prevent leakage of collected liquid concrete waste material while allowing solidified concrete materials to be unloaded at a disposal site. The interior of the container is preferably lined with a material to which concrete will not adhere. The liner may be applied as a coating to the interior of the container or as a solid material retained within the container. In this way, solidified waste concrete can be easily removed from the container at the disposal site and preferably crushed for recycling.

Abstract: An apparatus for the removal of objects and other debris from cement that is pumped via a concrete pump includes a secondary screen that is pivotally attached at one end thereof to a concrete pump a predetermined distance above a grate that is disposed over a hopper, the screen having a smaller opening size than that of the grate. An opposite end of the screen is urged toward an opposite end of the hopper by a pair of elastomeric straps. A pair of upraised sides are included at a top and bottom of the screen, the screen having a planar member that is disposed at a steeper angle than is the grate. When cement is poured it first contacts and passes through the secondary screen which automatically descends and rises, thereby maximizing the flow rate of cement through the screen as the objects are removed from the mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically collecting metallic impurities of a semiconductor wafer. In one aspect, an apparatus includes an air tight process chamber including a loading unit for loading the semiconductor wafer and unloading unit for unloading the semiconductor wafer; a vapor phase decomposition unit disposed in the process chamber for decomposing a silicon oxide layer on the semiconductor wafer; and a scanning unit disposed in the process chamber for scanning the semiconductor wafer to collect the metallic impurities. The scanning unit includes a scanning solution bottle for obtaining scanning solution that is used for absorbing metallic impurities on the semiconductor wafer; a scanning arm capable of downward, upward, and rotational movement; and a nozzle coupled to the scanning arm for drawing in scanning solution from the scanning solution bottle, and for forming a droplet of scanning solution that cohers to the nozzle when scanning a semiconductor wafer to collect metallic impurities.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided such that an impurity-collecting filter collecting impurities is detachably mounted to a front of a cabinet, thus allowing the impurity-collecting filter to be easily cleaned, and keeping a bottom of a washing tub cleaner. The dishwasher includes a cabinet, the washing tub provided in the cabinet, a water container installed under the washing tub collecting wash water, and the impurity-collecting filter provided in the water container collecting the impurities contained in the wash water. The impurity-collecting filter is removably mounted in the water container through an external surface of the cabinet at a position around the water container.

Abstract: A washing installation includes a first washer (3) for washing slices of root vegetable with water, a second washer in the form of a rotating pipe (4) supplied with water at an infeed end for the slices of root vegetable washed during slicing, and a third washer (20) with a foraminated conveyor (16) for an additional washing of the slices of root vegetable discharged from the pipe (4) and conveyance of the same to a hopper. On each side of an intermediate portion (7), the rotating pipe (4) has a portion (6, 8) with increased diameter. The intermediate portion (7) is perforated. A water inlet is arranged in the portion (8) with increased diameter after the intermediate portion (7) for replacing the washing water flowing out of the perforations of the intermediate portion (7).

Abstract: A radioactive substance decontamination method and apparatus which decontaminates a metal member contaminated by radioactive substance in a short period of time. This apparatus has (1) multiple reducing decontamination tanks having different radiation control values; (2) a carrier for immersing the metal member into the multiple reducing decontamination tanks and a washing tank; (3) a tube for transferring into the second reducing decontamination tank the reducing decontamination agent in the first reducing decontamination tank; (4) a reducing agent decomposer for decomposing a component contained in the reducing decontamination agent of the reducing decontamination tank where the radiation control value is the highest out of the reducing decontamination tanks connected by the tube; and (5) a washing tank for washing the reducing decontamination agent deposited on the decontaminated metal member.

Abstract: A chemical solution treatment apparatus for dissolving and removing ruthenium-based metal adhering to a substrate by a chemical solution, includes: a chemical solution treatment unit; a reservoir unit; and a chemical solution circulation system. The chemical solution inside treatment unit comprises a chemical solution supplying nozzle, and a recovering mechanism. The reservior unit has a structure having a clearence part to be in contact with the chemical solution so that gas components derived from the ruthenium-based metal dissolved and removed in said chemical solution treatment are volatilized outside the chemical solution during circulation of the chemical solution, and comprises an exhaust duct.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate processing system and method which can prevent the filter from being stuffed with foreign objects and make the filter accordingly more durable. The substrate processing system 12 comprising a substrate processing unit 46 for processing substrates W with a processing liquid, and a processing liquid recovery passage 75 for passing the processing liquid discharged from the substrate processing unit 46, in which the processing liquid recovery passage 75 includes a filter 80 for removing foreign objects mixed in the processing liquid, a cleaning fluid supply passage 120 for feeding a cleaning fluid for cleaning the filter 80, and a discharge passage 115 for discharging the processing liquid and the cleaning fluid from the filter 80.

Abstract: The present invention includes a washing machine having a water cavity position beneath an outer tub and a pump mounted above the water cavity with an impeller extending downwardly into the water cavity. Preferably, the water cavity is integral with the outer tub and the water cavity includes a service port located along the bottom of the water cavity.

Abstract: A system is provided which is capable of cleaning a drainage pipe in a short time for removal of scale without detaching the drainage pipe from movable equipment. The system comprises: a reservoir tank containing a cleaning liquid; a feed pipe connecting the reservoir tank and a downstream side of the drainage pipe of the movable equipment and including feed pump means for feeding the cleaning liquid to the downstream side of the drainage pipe from the reservoir tank; a suction pipe connecting an upstream side of the drainage pipe and the reservoir tank; and vacuum pump means for sucking gas from the reservoir tank; wherein the suction pipe is provided with gas separation means for separating gas from gas, liquid and solid sucked from the drainage pipe; wherein a gas suction pipe for feeding the separated gas back into the reservoir tank is connected parallel to the suction pipe between the gas separation means and the reservoir tank.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided which uses a combined circulation/drain pump and an improved filtering system to enhance cleaning capability. The circulation section of the pump provides pressurization and supplies wash water to a spray arm of the dishwasher, while the drain section discharges the wash water. This single pump reduces space requirements, as well as manufacturing costs. A two stage filtration system may be used in the water collection area of the dishwasher to filter out unwanted material, and a third filter may further filter wash water prior to recirculation. Self cleansing mechanisms associated with each of the filters may be used to keep the filters free from obstructions and allow for the unobstructed flow and discharge of wash water.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing magnetic particles including a well plate for receiving an array tube holder having x rows of tubes, each tube containing magnetic particles, the well plate having (x+1) rows of wells for enabling the array tube holder to be shifted from a first position to a second position. The apparatus also includes ((x/2)+1) rows of magnets asymmetrically positioned within the well plate adjacent to the rows of wells. Placing the array tube holder in the first position causes magnetic fields produced by each magnet to attract the magnetic particles in the x rows of tubes to one side of each tube, and shifting the array tube holder to the second position reverses the magnetic fields, causing the magnetic particles to stream across to the other side of each tube. The array tube holder may be a 96 tube array tube holder (8 rows by 12 columns) in which case, the well plate includes 108 wells (9 rows by 12 columns) for simultaneously washing 96 tubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anaerobic curing impregnation sealant compositions which are readily separable from water upon mixing.

Abstract: A spray application system is disclosed having an enclosure with a spray chamber, a spray applicator within the chamber, and a liquid barrier such as a sprayed water curtain, within the chamber, upstream or downstream of the spray applicator. The water is preferably sprayed downward to create a vacuum for drawing the treating substance downward into the liquid barrier. The liquid barrier preferably does not contact the workpieces that instead pass overhead. Independent pressure gauges and flow regulators may be used for the upstream liquid barrier, the downstream liquid barrier, and the spray applicator. The chamber may have a roof section that is secured to a beam or other process line support, and the walls may be suspended from the roof section. The roof section may have an opening running across its length to allow hangers from an overhead processing line to pass through the chamber.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment washer compactor system having in-channel motorized screen for installation in an influent channel and removal of screenings from the influent stream; at least one washer and at least one compactor for washing and dewatering the screenings; and system control means for coordinating and controlling the motor speed of the motorized screen, the washing cycle time and processing rate of the washer(s), and the compacting rate of the compactor(s).

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, a plant, and business method are provided for recovering, cleaning, and recycling dirty crumb rubber bedding used in barns and stables which house animals such as horses and cows that produce manure. The dirty bedding includes bedding which is contaminated with animal manure and urine produced by the animals, and other waste materials such as straw, dirt, and sand. The method includes the steps of washing the dirty bedding on a pulse washer which washes and separates straw from the bedding, followed by washing on a vibratory washer which loosens and washes away any remaining solid particles clinging to the bedding. Dirty water in from the pulse washer is filtered and reused, while a filtered out a sludge primarily of manure is subsequently packaged for use as fertilizer. The recycling plant includes a pulse washer and vibratory washer fed with stockpiled dirty by an input conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning re-usable filters, the re-usable filter having an axis, the apparatus. The apparatus includes a source of cleaning fluid; a receptacle for dirty cleaning fluid; a mount for holding the re-usable filter, the mount spinning about the filter's axis; a nozzle for directing a spray of cleaning fluid against the filter; a pump for delivering cleaning fluid from the source of cleaning fluid to the nozzle; and a cover for enclosing the apparatus.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for cleaning substrates, comprising a circulation conduit through which is circulated a cleaning liquid or gas. The circulation conduit is disposed in fluid communication with an upstream flow chamber and a downstream cleaning chamber, the cross-sectional area of which cleaning chamber is less than the cross-sectional area of the flow chamber. In use, the cleaning chamber receives a wafer substrate for cleaning of particles or removal of polymer films from the substrate. The smaller cross-sectional area of the cleaning chamber accelerates the flow of a cleaning fluid flowing through the cleaning chamber from the flow chamber. The rapidly-flowing cleaning fluid removes the particles and/or films from the substrate while preventing dropping of the removed particles or re-deposition of the film back onto the substrate. A particle filter may be provided in the circulation conduit downstream of the cleaning chamber for removing the particles.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cleaning device (RV) for cleaning objects of personal use, in particular a shaving head (S) of a shaving apparatus (TR), with a housing (1) having a cleaning bath (8), with a cleaning liquid container (3) containing a cleaning liquid (11), with an integrated filter element (4) as well as with a liquid impelling assembly (6) adapted to be driven by a motor (5) and having a supply conduit (7) to the cleaning bath (8) and a draining conduit (9) to the cleaning liquid container (3), wherein all the walls of the cleaning bath (8) have an angle of inclination (&agr; and &bgr;) in the direction of the draining conduit (9) which ensures that cleaning liquid (11), with or without contaminants, flows to the draining conduit (9).

Abstract: A fine filter assembly for a dishwasher includes a filter body having a soil accumulation trough. The soil accumulation trough defines a substantially helical flow path between a fine filter inlet and an outlet. A natural flow path is therefore provided to efficiently clean fine the filter assembly with downwardly directed fluid jets generated by a lower spray arm assembly. Soil is directed to a fine filter drain tube with relative ease, thereby facilitating use of more efficient use of a drain pump inlet as a soil collection chamber during wash cycles.

Abstract: An engine cleaning system has a cleaning solution container (11) having a filter element (52) therein and is adapted to establish a predetermined quantity of solution for a particular engine. Solution is pumped from the solution container (11) to the engine interior by the engine oil pump, and a solution drain line (31) connects the engine interior and the solution container. Oil and cleaning solution are pumped by the engine oil pump continuously during the cleaning process. The solution container has a removable closure for filter replacement and a drain valve (12) for solution and oil.

Abstract: A closed loop pressure washing system including a pressure washer device for pressure washing an object having a contaminant, and for recovering the the contaminant. The pressure washing system includes a supporting mechanism arranged to support the object while a washing fluid is flowed over the object to remove the contaminant. A collection arrangement is included at least partially located below the supporting mechanism. The collection arrangement is further arranged to receive raw run-off fluid from the support mechanism. A flush assembly is arranged to at least periodically impinge rinsing fluid onto the supporting mechanism to hydro-dynamically sweep the contaminants collecting on the support mechanism into the collection system.

Abstract: A slurry tank autocleaner for cleaning an empty slurry tank. A first pipe is inserted in the interior of the slurry tank, where the first pipe has an open end located inside the slurry tank. A first nozzle is disposed on the open end of the first pipe. A cover is used to cover the slurry tank, where the cover has a plurality of second nozzles targeting the slurry tank. A second pipe is connected to the second nozzles. A controller is used to control chemical, pure water or dry gas to spurt from the first nozzle and the second nozzles through the first pipe and the second pipe. Thus, the slurry tank can be automatically cleaned.

Abstract: A glass sheet washing machine with a broken glass removal system includes a support, a liquid container or reservoir, a pump, a liquid applicator, and a liquid permeable member. The support supports a glass sheet being washed. The liquid reservoir is positioned below the support. The pump is coupled to the liquid reservoir. The liquid applicator is coupled to the pump. The liquid applicator applies the liquid from the liquid reservoir to wash the glass sheet. Excess liquid falls into the reservoir. The liquid permeable member is positioned between the support and the liquid reservoir to catch pieces of glass to inhibit the pieces of broken glass from falling into the liquid reservoir and is moved to remove the pieces from the glass washing machine.

Abstract: A process cartridge recycling method which includes a water washing step, which washes a used process cartridge using water. In this step, so as not to cause deterioration of a working environment of washing, a casing of members which structure the process cartridge is extracted, and water is sprayed at the casing for washing. Also, a process cartridge recycled by this method, and a process cartridge recycling device which implements this method.

Abstract: A food serving preparation oven is provided and includes a plurality of walls forming a heating area in which food servings to be heated are disposed and a cleaning fluid circulation assembly for performing selected cleaning of the heating area. The cleaning fluid circulation assembly is operable to circulate cleaning fluid through a loop which includes the heating area, a sump area, and a pressure side area. The cleaning fluid circulation assembly includes a pump to effect movement of cleaning fluid to an in-loop outlet opening, which opens into the heating area. A fluid distribution element disposed within the heating area at a spacing from the in-loop outlet opening directs a portion of cleaning fluid in a first directed stream into the heating area and directs another portion of cleaning fluid in a second directed stream into the heating area.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes cleaning vessels 2a and 2b for storing cleaning water “W1” used for cleaning an article to be cleaned 14; concentrating vessels 3a and 3b for storing sewage “W2” discharged from the cleaning vessels; an ultrafiltration membrane 11 for receiving the sewage “W2” discharged from the concentrating vessels to separate the received sewage into filtered water “W3” and concentrated sewage “W5”; and waterway lines “L4” and “L12” for returning the concentrated sewage “W5” discharged from the ultrafiltration membrane 11 to the concentrating vessels 3a and 3b. The filth is removed from the article to be cleaned 14 by dipping the article to be cleaned 14 into the cleaning water “W1”. The ultrafiltration membrane 11 is provided with a backwash filtration system “L9”, “B4”, and “P3” for removing filthy refuse.

Abstract: A mobile robot for cleaning, stripping, reconditioning or refurbishing a coating on a metal work piece has a remote controlled power module for locomotion and a working head for removing the coating. The robot is held on the metal work piece by magnets mounted on the robot but spaced from the work piece.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing the wheels and tires of a vehicle includes an elongated tank into which vehicle to be washed enters and exits, and a plurality of impediments spaced along the bottom of the tank. The impediments are in the form of hollow angle irons with apertures formed in at least one of their side walls, and means is provided for spraying water through the apertures in the direction of the vehicle wheels and tires as the vehicle passes over the angle irons.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate processing system and method which can prevent the filter from being stuffed with foreign objects and make the filter accordingly more durable.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a new process of cleaning of objects that relate to semiconductor fabrication processes, such as, for example, conductive paste screening in the production of multilayer ceramic substrates and composite solder paste by stencil printing in electronic circuit assembly. Specifically, this invention is concerned with removing a metal/polymer composite paste from screening masks and associated paste making and processing equipment used in printing conductive metal pattern onto ceramic green sheet in the fabrication of semiconductor packaging substrates. This invention is also concerned with cleaning of solder paste residue from stencil printing equipment used in electronic module assembly surface mount technology for SMT discretes, solder column attachment, and BGA (Ball Grid Array) attachment on ceramic chip carrier or for screening solder paste onto printed circuit board.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising multiple heating, cooling, and/or cleaning zones. The apparatus produces a jet flow of solvent/cleaning fluid onto an article to be cleaned without the need for a pump or compressor. The jet flow provides more effective contaminant removal. The multiple zones result in increased residence time for increased efficiency in separating the solubilized contaminant from the solvent/cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A street sewer passive clean-out system is provided as a system and method to aid municipal workers in the cleaning of street sewers. A net type screen is provided on the end of a fiberglass pole. The pole would be variable in length from eight feet to sixteen feet. The screen would be available in 7, 9 and 11 inch sizes and would be interchangeable on the end of the pole.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a semiconductor wafer cleaning apparatus designed to clean several wafers at the same time while rotating the wafers held in a horizontal, laid-down position. In an operation of this apparatus, a wafer feeding robot arm 20 feeds wafers 60 from a wafer cassette 10 to a wafer boat 50 and seats the wafers in the wafer boat while maintaining a horizontal, laid-down position of the wafers. The wafer boat 50, with the horizontally laid-down wafers 60, is vertically moved downward by a boat drive unit 40 to be immersed in a wafer cleaning liquid flowing in a wafer cleaning bath 30. Thereafter, the boat 50 is rotated within the wafer cleaning liquid, and so the wafers 60 are washed and cleaned by the wafer cleaning liquid while being maintained in the horizontal, laid-down position and being rotated horizontally.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning needle probe tips includes a spray nozzle that is shaped to fit in a needle-tip aperture formed by a plurality of needle probes. The spray nozzle includes a plurality of openings through which a fluid can be sprayed onto the probe tips to blast debris off of the probe tips. The openings preferably spray fluid at differing angles to ensure that debris is removed from the entire probe tip surface.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a conveyor assembly for carrying an item that has been painted by over-spray or dipping to a cleaning chamber where a cleaning means, typically a high pressure water cleaning device, is used to remove paint layers from an inadvertently painted item. The cleaning chamber further comprises a pool having an elongated drainage element such that water may be drained off from the top of the surface of the pool while the paint layers are deposited into the pool. The paint layers may subsequently be removed from the pool and disposed of properly. The invention further comprises a method of using the cleaning chamber, high pressure water cleaning device, pool and drainage device to clean items used to hold items to be painted.

Abstract: A kitchenware washing apparatus has a wash tank and a heated tank connected in a manner that they have a common wall for maximum water heating efficiency. In a preferred manner, the common wall has a tiered configuration. A particle accumulator is positioned inside a cabinet of the apparatus and in a flow path of the overflow drain water from the wash tank.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for electric shaver components has a removable basket fits inside the compartment. Cleaning is carried out by pumping cleaning fluid and air into a bottom of the compartment via a sieve plate. Debris removed from the components is collected in one compartment of a reservoir The level of the water in the reservoir is maintained and controlled by the provision of an overflow pipe.

Abstract: Liquid is removed from batches of substrates by apparatus and methods for drying substrates that have been wet in an elongated liquid bath. The substrates are moved relative to the bath and an elongated gas-filled volume at rates of movement selected according to the location of the batches of substrates in the bath or the volume. As an example, the substrates and the bath are separated at a controlled rate to form a thin layer of liquid on each substrate as each substrate enters the gas-filled volume. The gas-filled volume is defined by an elongated hot chamber and hot gas directed into the volume and across the substrates and out of the volume continuously transfers thermal energy to the substrates . The flow rate of the gas into the volume is related to introduction of the substrates into the bath to avoid disturbing the liquid in the bath.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dishwasher having a wash chamber including a sump. A pump having a rotating element is supported within a pump housing wherein the pump is adapted to draw liquid from the sump through an inlet area and then pump liquid to the wash chamber. A particle chopping assembly is supported in the inlet area upstream of the rotating element, the particle sizing assembly including a particle screen rotatably supporting drive shaft which drivingly supports a chopping blade adjacent the particle screen. The drive shaft has a coupling end which detachably couples to the rotating element. The coupling between the chopping blade and the rotating element is capable of accommodating axial tolerance with regard to the axial position of the rotating element.

Abstract: A mobile robot for cleaning, stripping, reconditioning or refurbishing a coating on a metal work piece has a remote controlled power module for locomotion and a working head for removing the coating. The robot is held on the metal work piece by magnets mounted on the robot but spaced from the work piece.

Abstract: A groove cleaning unit has a high pressure jet nozzle from which a cleaning liquid impinges in a high pressure jet stream inclined downwardly onto a cleaning surface and is covered by a covering screen. An exit opening for the dirt liquid mixture is placed in the cover screen. The cover screen (5) covers a piece of a railtrack (17) with a railtrack groove (3). A high pressure jet nozzle (1) is placed in the region of a front wall (8) on the jet stream side. A high pressure liquid jet stream (2) is directed onto an impingement location (4) in the railtrack groove (3) by the high pressure jet nozzle (1). A reflected liquid jet stream (11) of the high pressure liquid jet stream (2) is reflected under an angle. The angle is steeper as compared to the inclination of a lower screen wall (7) disposed inclined relative to a travel advance direction (19) and is rising forwardly. The reflected liquid jet stream (11) passes essentially immediately to an exit opening (18).

Abstract: Liquid is removed from batches of substrates by apparatus and methods for drying substrates that have been wet in an elongated liquid bath. The substrates are moved relative to the bath and an elongated gas-filled volume at rates of movement selected according to the location of the batches of substrates in the bath or the volume. As an example, the substrates and the bath are separated at a controlled rate to form a thin layer of liquid on each substrate as each substrate enters the gas-filled volume. The gas-filled volume is defined by an elongated hot chamber and hot gas directed into the volume and across the substrates and out of the volume continuously transfers thermal energy to the substrates. The flow rate of the gas into the volume is related to introduction of the substrates into the bath to avoid disturbing the liquid in the bath.

Abstract: A wash liquid recirculation system for a dishwasher is provided including a unique soil separating system. The recirculation system includes a wash pump which is provided with an internal filter plate to concentrate soils. The wash pump includes an impeller disposed within a pump housing or casing. When energized, the wash pump draws wash liquid from a sump area and pumps wash liquid through the impeller into the pump housing or casing. The filter plate is disposed within the casing for dividing the casing into a first and second region and for concentrating soils in the second region. Concentrated soils are delivered from the second region to a soil collection system. The filter plate is disposed radially outwardly from the impeller, substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the impeller.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating contaminants from small parts comprises a separation chamber having an upper end and a lower end, and a separation-fluid source in fluid communication with the separation chamber. The separation-fluid source is adapted to direct a pressurized separation-fluid current toward the upper end of the separation chamber. The upper end of the separation chamber has an opening for receiving the small parts, so that the small parts, upon passing through the opening, will fall toward the lower end of the separation chamber against the separation-fluid current while the separation-fluid current removes the contaminants from the small parts and carries the contaminants out of the separation chamber via the upper end of the separation chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for removing contaminants from an article using a supercritical or near supercritical solvent fluid held at substantially constant pressure in a pressure vessel. The article to be cleaned is first contacted with a solvent fluid in which the contaminant is soluble at a first supercritical or near-supercritical temperature. The contaminant-containing fluid is then cooled or heated to a second supercritical or near supercritical temperature to lower the solubility of the contaminant in the supercritical fluid and thereby precipitate or phase separate the contaminant. The contaminant is then recovered. Movement of the solvent fluid within the pressure vessel is preferably by convection induced by heating and cooling means in the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing and recovering a contaminant from an object. A washing agent flows over the object, and the washing agent and contaminant are received in a basin. A slurry of the washing agent and contaminant are circulated through at least one separator and one filter to produce a cleaned slurry flow. The cleaned slurry flow is recirculated into the basin. A first pump which is used to flow the washing agent over the object has a supply port and a pressurized output port. A pressurized fluid supply is coupled to a variable regulator with a variable pressure output. A second pump driven by the variable pressure output impels the washing agent into the supply port of the first pump.

Abstract: A soil separator for a dishwasher includes a centrifugal soil collection wall surrounded by a spill over guide channel, surrounded by a shallow annular soil accumulator channel. The soil accumulator channel is open to the dishwasher chamber but covered by a filter screen. The accumulator channel is shallow beneath the screen and empties downwardly into an accumulator sump where accumulated soil is periodically drained. The shallow accumulator channel allows water to flush an inside of the screen to carry soil to the accumulator sump.