Abstract: A car wash system comprising at least one rotatable spray arm depending from an overhead carriage. The arm is equipped with a detent-type compound breakaway knuckle which permits the arm to be displaced upwardly from a lowest potential energy orientation by disengaging the detent but thereafter permitting a smooth essentially unresisted movement whereby when the force tending to cause angular displacement and the arm is removed, the arm returns to the normal operating, low potential energy position. A shaker function or a high pressure spray burst may be used to complement the gravitational resetting function as needed.

Abstract: A carwash system is disclosed wherein a spray arm dependingly mounted to an overhead longitudinally movable carriage for dispensing fluids onto the exterior surfaces of a vehicle in a wash bay unidirectionally circumnavigates the vehicle for multiple circuits while performing one or more wash functions by coordinating longitudinal and rotational movements of the arm through the selective operation of two independent motor drives. Electrical power and/or data is carried to and from electrical devices on the arm by way of a slip ring conductor which is mounted coaxially with the arm pivot on the bottom side of the carriage. The fluid supply conduit also passes concentrically through this pivot.

Abstract: A water-conducting domestic appliance having a drain pump, a controller to activate the drain pump, and a water safety switch that has a first switch position to react to escaping water, wherein the water safety switch is connected to the controller. If a fault causes water to escape, the water safety switch switches into the first switch position so as to connect the controller to an electrical mains.

Abstract: A cleaning or care device for the cleaning or care of medical or dental instruments, having a cleaning or care chamber in which at least two connections for the instruments to be cleaned are provided, and a supply device for supplying the at least two connections with a cleaning or care agent. The at least two connections and the supply device can be moved relative to one another in such a way that one of the connections can be connected to the supply device and supplied with a cleaning or care agent, while another of the connections is not connected to the supply device and cannot be supplied with a cleaning or care agent. A corresponding method for the cleaning or care of medical or dental instruments with such a cleaning or care device is also described.

Abstract: A disk is placed into a sonication cleaning tank containing a liquid. A first flow rate and a first sonication power are applied to the liquid to clean the disk. An opacity count is generated indicative of contaminants and/or bubbles in the liquid. Based at least in part on the opacity count, a second flow rate and a second sonication power are then applied to the liquid.

Abstract: Biowaste sterilizers are described. In one implementation an exemplary system has waste transport vessels that can be intermittently heated and pressurized, for example, with steam, and are interconnected to provide multiple sterilization pathways for waste as the waste is transported. Selected sterilization pathways may depend on attributes of the waste. Sterilization factors, such as mechanical shredding, application of steam, application of pressure, maintenance of temperature, separation of liquid, etc., are integrated into the waste transport features of the system, which can be made compact to save space while processing relatively large bulk amounts of materials, such as medical wastes. The system maintains safe isolation of bio-hazardous components in the waste from the external environment. A system controller provides parameters management, smart sterilization cycle control, quality assurance, safety management, diagnostics, and reporting over a network.

Abstract: A temperature sensing sootblower that may be configured as a modification to an existing sootblower or a specially constructed sootblower that, in addition to its normal soot blowing functions, has the capability to measure the flue gas, lance tube, and/or cleaning fluid temperatures. One or more thermocouples or other temperature measuring devices are carried by the sootblower lance tube that is inserted into the boiler. This allows for the temperature of the flue gas, lance tube, and cleaning fluid to be measured as the sootblower lance tube is inserted into and retracted from the boiler. Multiple temperature measuring devices may be located on the sootblower lance to measure the temperature across heat transfer surfaces and at different locations along the lance tube. A data transfer device transmits the temperature measurements from the rotating thermocouple to a non-rotating data acquisition unit for use in boiler cleaning and other operations.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of nozzles is placed to correspond with a corresponding one of a plurality of washing subjects of a vehicle and is adapted to spray washer fluid over the corresponding one of the washing subjects upon receiving the washer fluid from a pump. A switch valve is adapted to switch a supply destination of the washer fluid, which is pumped from the pump, among the nozzles. A control conduit is placed in a flow path between an inlet of the switch valve and an outlet of a corresponding one of the nozzles and limits a flow quantity of the washer fluid, which is fed from the switch valve to the outlet of the corresponding one of the nozzles.

Abstract: A cleaning system and method for cleaning heat transfer surfaces in a boiler using a temperature measuring system for measuring and monitoring wall temperature of an annular wall of the tube of a lance of one or more sootblowers. Controlling a flow of steam or other fluid through the tube during the cooling portions of the strokes based on wall temperature measurements from the temperature measuring system. Infrared or thermocouple temperature measuring systems may be used. The steam or other fluid may be flowed at a default flowrate that may be substantially zero until the temperature measuring system indicates the wall temperature of the annular wall begins to exceed a predetermined temperature limit which may be the softening point of the annular wall. Then the steam or other fluid is flowed at a rate greater than the default flowrate.

Abstract: A hose reel assembly, system and method for cleaning tubes, particularly heat exchanger tubes, which system includes independently rotatable inner and outer drums. The inner drum is rotated in a first or second direction by a first motor assembly to wind a hose disposed in a gap between the drums, off of or onto the inner drum. A second motor rotates the outer drum causing rotation of a nozzle on the hose about the hose's longitudinal axis and at speeds of about 100 to about 1600 rpm. The nozzle delivers a water jet at pressures of up to about 55,000 psi to cut through deposits in the bores of the exchanger tubes. The nozzle is mounted on an indexer movable within the heat exchanger and a camera and joystick on a remote console enables an operator to view the cleaning operations and manipulate the nozzle in relative safety.

Abstract: A system and method for ensuring compliance with a hygiene requirement are provided. The system includes a automated cleaning station operatively associated with a locking mechanism. The automated cleaning station provides means for a user to wash one or more appendage and means for verifying that a full washing cycling was completed. The locking mechanism may be unlocked in response to complete verified washing cycle. The locking mechanism may provide access to, for example, a work area, a work station and/or a work item.

Abstract: A removable non-integrated treating chemistry dispensing cartridge assembly may emit a signal in response to a predetermined amount of treating chemistry being detected and in response to a predetermined amount of illumination being detected.

Abstract: A spray-type car wash system includes an overhead carriage which can move longitudinally the length of a wash bay. A pair of laterally opposed spray arms depend from the carriage. During vehicle entry into the bay, LED-based lights running down the length of each arm are caused to flash to help the driver center a vehicle between the arms. Cushioning and breakaway features protect the arms from damage. A single-arm system is also disclosed. A double-light, stationary support system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A scale removing or preventing device can send a signal to a hollow body containing a fluid through a wire wound around the hollow body. The device includes a signal generator for generating a signal and a signal modulator for modulating the signal. The signal has a continuous sinusoidal wave form having a parametric representation and a frequency cycle, and a plurality of parametric pieces joined together at respective switching points in the frequency cycle, wherein the first derivatives of the parametric representation of the wave form at the respective switching points are continuous or discontinuous. The provision of a plurality of switching points with continuous or discontinuous first derivations and/or zigzag patterns over the entire signal increases the sudden momentum to the deposition molecules of the scale in each frequency cycle, and thereby increases the mobility of the water scale and removes the scale more effectively.

Abstract: An automatic cleaning system for solar panels has a time controller, a detection device, a perfusion device, a driving device and a cleaning device. Based on predetermined time values, execution signals are sent to the perfusion device, the driving device and the detection device to implement prompt assessment of the need for cleaning and cleaning, if warranted. Also provided is an automatic cleaning method using the system.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a cleaning compartment having a front portion that can be closed by a door. The door is configured to pivot at a bottom section thereof around a horizontally running axis. An illuminating device is configured to illuminate at least one of the cleaning compartment and the front portion of the cleaning compartment. A control device switches the illuminating device on or off based on a opening position of the door. The control device includes a switching element that is actuated by a Bowden cable arranged on the door in order to compensate for the weight of the door.

Abstract: Bio-waste sterilizers are described. In one implementation an exemplary system has waste transport vessels that can be intermittently heated and pressurized, for example, with steam, and are interconnected to provide multiple sterilization pathways for waste as the waste is transported. Selected sterilization pathways may depend on attributes of the waste. Sterilization factors, such as mechanical shredding, application of steam, application of pressure, maintenance of temperature, separation of liquid, etc., are integrated into the waste transport features of the system, which can be made compact to save space while processing relatively large bulk amounts of materials, such as medical wastes. The system maintains safe isolation of bio-hazardous components in the waste from the external environment. A system controller provides parameters management, smart sterilization cycle control, quality assurance, safety management, diagnostics, and reporting over a network.

Abstract: A machine is presented for the cleaning of eyewear. The machine allows the manual or automatic cleaning of eyewear. Under both modes of operation, the eyewear is secured by a user to a support bracket inside a transparent, water-tight cylindrical wash chamber. When in manual mode, the user can direct the spray of wash fluid onto the eyewear by rotating the eyewear using a trackball. When used in automatic mode, the machine washes the eyewear during a preset washing cycle. For both modes, the washing cycle is followed by the drying cycle where a blower directs air onto the lenses for a set time period to blow off excess moisture. The drying cycle concludes with a blower venting the cylindrical wash chamber to remove residual moisture from the wash chamber and the eyewear. After the cleaning, the user removes the eyewear from the machine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for optimizing a wash procedure. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system for optimizing a wash procedure. In a first embodiment, the system comprises: means for collecting a sample of fouling, the sample comprising one or more contaminates; means for identifying the one or more contaminates; and means for selecting one or more washing products for removing the one or more contaminates from a turbine. In an alternate embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for optimizing a wash procedure. The method comprises: collecting a sample of fouling, wherein the sample comprises one or more contaminates; identifying the one or more contaminates; and selecting one or more washing products for removing the one or more contaminates from a turbine.

Abstract: A device for checking the concentration of clear rinsing agent in a rinsing liquid circulated in the means for retaining water of a household appliance is provided. The device includes a processing unit operatively connectable to a sensor having at least one transmitting element that emits an optical signal and at least one receiving element that receives the optical signal emitted by the transmitting element. The processing unit determines the wetting of the sensor with clear rinsing liquid and renders an estimate of the concentration of clear rinsing agent in the clear rinsing liquid as a function of the wetting of the sensor with clear rinsing liquid based upon the energy level emitted by the transmitting element and received by the receiving element.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for cleaning a surface of a substrate are presented. The method comprises positioning a substrate at a controllable distance from a piezoelectric transducer, supplying a cleaning liquid between the substrate and the transducer, applying an oscillating acoustic force to the cleaning liquid by actuating the transducer, and moving the transducer relative to the substrate. The method further comprises, while moving the transducer relative to the substrate, measuring a value that indicates a distance between a surface of the substrate and the transducer, comparing the measured value to a desired value, and adjusting the distance between the surface and the transducer so that the measured value is maintained substantially equal to the desired value. The measured value may be the distance between the surface of the substrate and the transducer or a phase shift between an alternating current and voltage applied to the transducer.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a surface, the apparatus including a body defining a chamber, an inlet for liquid flow into the chamber, an outlet for liquid flow from the chamber, a nozzle connected to the outlet for generating an output flow of liquid for cleaning a surface, an acoustic transducer associated with the body to introduce acoustic energy into the liquid within the chamber whereby the acoustic energy is present in the liquid flowing out of the nozzle, and a gas bubble generator for generating gas bubbles within the liquid flowing out of the nozzle.

Abstract: An aquiferous domestic appliance has a treatment compartment and articles to be washed disposed therein are illuminated by means of a light source in such a manner that the user is not blinded by the light source and is able to judge the cleaning result even under bad lighting conditions inside the room.

Abstract: The invention monitors the neutralization process involving hydrogen peroxide solution and a hydrogen peroxide neutralization catalyst and compares measured values with theoretical values. The system monitors the chemical reaction and notifies the user of the neutralization status. In an exemplary embodiment, the initial hydrogen peroxide solution concentration is neutralized with a palladium catalyst after a period of time. A microcontroller analyzes the measurements and displays the neutralization process results using colored LED lights and/or text or images on a LCD display. In one embodiment, an apparatus adapted for use with a cleaning solution used to clean a medical device may include a trigger, a processing device in communication with the trigger, and a display device. The processing device provides a trigger count and the display device communicates with the processing device and displays a message based on the count.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a control device controlling a dishwashing cycle for cleaning items to be washed, a dishwashing chamber for the items to be washed, an inlet valve for controlled filling the washing chamber with washing liquid, and a circulating pump for circulating the washing liquid in the dishwashing chamber. The inlet valve is opened during a primary filling phase having a duration sufficient to fill the dishwashing chamber with a nominal amount of washing liquid and allowing the circulating pump running to run concentrically at a rated speed. A concentricity monitoring unit performs a concentricity check at the end of the primary filling phase to ascertain whether the circulating pump is running concentrically at the rated speed. The filling sequence is terminated when the circulating pump is running concentrically, whereas the filling sequence is continued when the circulating pump is not running concentrically.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) to process used materials for input into a manufacturing process. The apparatus includes a housing (10) having a top surface (15) and providing a plurality of chambers arranged in descending order. A series of locations (20) are positioned under said top surface and through which used materials are to pass. Each said location being provided for receipt of a predetermined used material. A descending path (25) extends from each said location and provides for the transfer of used material from the respective location successively through the chambers. The chambers include a sensing chamber (30) downstream of said locations and having sensing means (35) operable to sense the composition of used material located within said sensing chamber. The sensing means being operable to activate an alarm if the used material has been placed by a user in an opening for receipt of a different material.

Abstract: A household appliance includes an operating display unit having at least one visual and/or acoustic display to at least display and/or signal a completed treatment cycle, and an actuatable switching unit configured to activate and deactivate the household appliance. An on switch is provided to generate an activation signal for actuating the switching unit to thereby activate the household appliance, and a control device is provided to generate a deactivation signal for actuating the switching unit when a treatment cycle is completed and to thereby deactivate at least the display unit.

Abstract: A household appliance, in particular a household dishwasher, includes an external display, a transmission interface connected for signal transmission to the external display, and a power supply network for supply of electrical energy. The household appliance is isolated from the power supply network after completion of a treatment cycle, and the transmission interface is configured to transmit a signal to activate the external display to display at least the completion of the treatment cycle before the household appliance is isolated from the power supply network.

Abstract: A dishwasher, in particular domestic dishwasher, includes a washing compartment having a loading opening which can be closed by a door. A determination device is provided for determining a position of the door and includes a signal transmitter and a signal receiver, with the signal transmitter or signal receiver being arranged in and/or on a movably mounted element and determining the position of the door, in particular the closed end position of the door.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer processing and analysis apparatus (20) includes a processing micro chamber (22) for closely receiving a semiconductor wafer (27) therein. The chamber may be opened for loading and removing the semiconductor wafers and then closed for processing of the wafer wherein chemical reagents and other fluids are introduced into the chamber. Small clearances are provided between the upper surface, the lower surfaces, and the perimeter edge of the wafer and the corresponding portions of the processing chamber. A high-speed collection system is provided for collecting and removing the spent reagents and fluids from the chamber for either on-line or off-line analysis or for waste treatment.

Abstract: Rinsing chamber (10) for an alternating instrument (20) comprising an inlet for rinsing media (11) and an outlet (12), the rinsing chamber (10) furthermore comprising a titration medium inlet (13), a mixing device for mixing liquid contents in the rinsing chamber (10) and a measuring device (15) suitable for determining a quantity relevant for the progress of the titration.

Abstract: A dishwasher with a system for filling level recognition may be achieved which reliably determines the fluid level inside the dishwasher without the use of moving parts, whereby the dishwasher is provided with at least one capacitive filling level sensor for recognition of the fluid level of the rinsing fluid contained in the dishwasher, the electrical capacitance of which changes depending on the height of the fluid level. The fluid level in the dishwasher can thus be reliably determined without the need for moving parts and merely by the use of electronic components.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing an inside of a pipe which performs various works from an inside of a pipe, includes traveling drive units, a working device, rotation support mechanisms, a coupling mechanism, and suspension devices. The traveling drive units are inserted into the inside of the pipe, and the working device is moved in a circumferential direction along the inside of the pipe by the traveling drive units.

Abstract: The support removal apparatus comprising in combination a retention tank having a manifold assembly comprising a plurality of nozzle heads, articulating arms or a combination of both in hydraulic communication with the discharge side of a pump, collectively configured for agitating an aqueous cleaning solution; a heating element mounted within the retention tank for heating the aqueous cleaning solution to a predetermined temperature set point; a basket strainer mounted within the retention tank in hydraulic communication with the intake side of the pump to mitigate passage of small rapid prototype parts and residual support material therethrough and into the pump and manifold assembly; a thermocouple for maintaining the temperature within a tolerable range for optimum removal of support material; a level indicator to ensure adequate solution level in the retention tank for operability of the pump and heating element; a cabinet having an interface controller mounted on an exterior panel thereof for setting ti

Abstract: A device to capture the relative position of a component (14) of which the position can change relative to a reference component (12) of a washing handling device (10), in particular a washing machine or drier, includes at least one light source (34, 38, 42), at least one light receiver (36, 40, 44), a light-reflecting surface (50, 52), which reflects light which the light source (34, 38, 42) emits to the light receiver (36, 40, 44). The device is designed to capture the present relative position of the changeable-position component (14) relative to the reference component (12), according to the reflected light which the light receiver (36, 40, 44) captures.

Abstract: A water-bearing household appliance such as a dishwashing machine is provided with a housing having a housing edge which defines a washing compartment opening and with a washing compartment which is enclosed by the housing and which is defined by the housing. A seal is provided onto which a device door can be closed to abut the seal and the dishwashing machine has lighting elements arranged in the area between the housing edge and the seal for illuminating the washing compartment.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes various embodiments of devices and systems for monitoring the clean/dirty status of dishes inside a dishwashing machine. In one embodiment, for example, a dishwasher status indicator can include one or more vessels for holding water to visibly indicate that a dishwashing cycle is complete. In another embodiment, the indicator can include an attachment feature or portion, such as a hook attached to the vessel. The hook can be configured to removably attach the indicator to a dishwasher frame or rack. A user can quickly determine the clean/dirty status of dishes in the dishwasher by observing whether the vessel is holding water.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise a handheld cleaning device that sanitizes an item to be cleaned by, in a single action, dispensing ozone and ultrasonic wave cavitations in an aqueous medium that contains the object to be cleaned. The handheld device comprises a dipping end, which further comprises an ozone generator, dispensing ozone from the dipping end, and an ultrasonic wave generator generating ultrasonic cavitation in an aqueous medium. The device is configured to be held on a holding end, with a side opposite the holding end configured for dipping into an aqueous medium (e.g., water, cleaning fluid, liquids, etc.) which is contained in a vessel. The vessel is a concave structure capable of holding such aqueous medium, such as a sink, a bowl, a basin, and the like.

Abstract: Methods and devices for adding liquids to and washing a microfluidic element array are disclosed. The method and devices feature a microfluidic plate holder with a sloped wall for improved draining of liquid, a machine readable/writable identifier, plate leveling systems, liquid filling systems, a hydrophilic-liquid coating, and an automated washing station.

Abstract: A flux cleaning apparatus for cleaning an object with flux by removing impurities that include flux from the object with flux includes a body, a mount, at least one steam spraying nozzle, and a steam supplying unit. The mount is coupled with the body for mounting the object with flux. The at least one steam spraying nozzle is coupled with the body for spraying steam toward the object with flux on the mount such that the object with flux is cleaned by the steam sprayed from the steam spraying nozzle. The steam supplying unit is coupled with the body and the steam supplying unit supplies steam to the at least one steam spraying nozzle.

Abstract: A water-conducting domestic appliance including a door having a handle, and display means for displaying an operating state of the domestic appliance by projecting a light projection, wherein the display means are disposed in the handle of the door.

Abstract: An electrical pressure washer includes a diagnostic circuit for detecting operation conditions that may affect the normal operation of the pressure washer, and a plurality of indicators indicating the detected operation conditions, such as ground fault, low pressure, overheating, etc. A voltage drop across the power cord of the pressure washer is monitored and used to identify several of the operating conditions. A way of connecting and controlling light-emitting diodes used as indicator lights is provided to allow energy-efficient operation of the indicator lights.

Abstract: A cleaning tool to clean a surface of a component of a lithographic apparatus is disclosed. The cleaning tool includes a sonic transducer, a liquid supply device configured to provide liquid to a reservoir between the surface to be cleaned and the sonic transducer, and a liquid outlet configured to remove liquid provided by the liquid supply device, the cleaning tool constructed and arranged such that, in use, liquid flows into the outlet under the influence of gravity.

Abstract: Apparatus monitors a meniscus process that is performed on wafers. Monitoring data for a current process received by a processor indicates characteristics of a gap between the wafer and a process head. The processor is configured to respond to the data that is in the form of orientation monitor signals and to respond to a current recipe. The processor generates meniscus monitor signals for allowing the meniscus to remain stable in further meniscus processing. The monitoring is of current meniscus processing to determine whether a current gap (i) is other than a desired gap of the current recipe, and (ii) corresponds to a stable meniscus. If so, a calibration recipe is identified as specifying the current gap. This calibration recipe specifies parameters for meniscus processing the wafer surface with the current gap. The meniscus processing of the wafer surface is continued using the parameters specified by the identified calibration recipe.

Abstract: Of process steps of polymer removal in a substrate processing apparatus (3), in a step of discharging and spreading a removal solution to coat a rotating substrate (W), data indicative of the number of revolutions of a substrate, the temperature and flow rate of a removal solution, and removal solution discharge time is collected and a combination thereof is synthetically assessed to detect a processing abnormality. In a pure water discharge step, data indicative of the number of revolutions of a substrate, the flow rate of pure water and pure water discharge time is collected and a combination thereof synthetically assessed to detect a processing abnormality. Thus, a processing abnormality in polymer removal is detected based on a combination of important control elements in important steps largely exerting influence on the results of processing, thereby allowing detection of a processing abnormality with a higher degree of accuracy.

Abstract: A processing method of subjecting at least two stacked films, which comprise a first film and a second film of a target object to be processed, to a removing process by wet etching comprises bringing a first process liquid into contact with the first film of the target object, thereby etching the first film, determining whether the first film has been removed or not, switching the first process liquid to a second process liquid differing in a condition from the first process liquid when it has been determined that the first film has been removed, and bringing the second process liquid into contact with the second film, thereby etching the second film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning plant components of a power station, wherein a medium is continuously passed through one or more plant components for cleaning a closed circuit and a check of the medium for degree of purity is carried out in at least one operating plant component.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus is capable of individually setting a threshold value for use in making a check of a resistivity during a rinsing process on a recipe setting screen in each process step. Thus, by setting each threshold value depending on the type of liquid chemical to be used immediately before the rinsing process, the substrate cleaning apparatus can use an optimum threshold value during the rinsing process in each process step to make a check of the resistivity. This allows the proper completion of the rinsing process in each process step.

Abstract: A dishwasher and associated control method are provided wherein a water supply manifold supplies a wash chamber with wash liquid. The supply manifold includes a hot water inlet from an external hot water source and a separate cold water inlet, and is configured to be selectively actuated between the hot water inlet or cold water inlet. A controller is in communication with the supply manifold and is configured to act on a signal that is indicative of an actual or pre-defined high electricity demand period on a power supply to the hot water source. The controller is configured to generate an output control signal to the supply manifold to cause the manifold to direct substantially only cold water from the outlet to the wash chamber during the high electricity demand period.

Abstract: A spray-type car wash system includes an overhead carriage which can move longitudinally the length of a wash bay. A pair of laterally opposed spray arms depend from the carriage. During vehicle entry into the bay, LED-based lights running down the length of each arm are caused to flash to help the driver center a vehicle between the arms. Cushioning and breakaway features protect the arms from damage. A single-arm system is also disclosed. A double-light, stationary support system is also disclosed.