Abstract: An orifice-type quenching nozzle for an induction hardening system includes a body having a plurality of nozzle orifices configured to apply a quenching fluid onto a to-be-quenched workpiece. The nozzle orifices are arranged on at least one surface of the body in rows and in columns, and the plurality of nozzle orifices are positioned such that each nozzle orifice is located a same distance from each directly adjacent nozzle orifice.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method which ensure the wafers immersing in the chemical solution from one cleaning tank to the other cleaning tanks. The apparatus includes an inner tank (1001); at least one divider (1002) for dividing the inner tank (1001) into at least two cleaning tanks filled with chemical solution; a first robot (1005) equipped with at least a pair of end effectors (1051) for gripping and taking a wafer from a first cleaning tank (1011) to a second cleaning tank (1012); wherein each cleaning tank is provided with a cassette bracket (1003) in the bottom for holding wafers, and the at least one divider (1002) is provided with at least one slot (1004)< wherein the first robot (1005) grips and takes the wafer from the first cleaning tank (1011) to the second cleaning tank (1012) through the slot (1004) while keeping the wafer immersing.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system is provided that includes (1) a loading position; (2) a drying position; (3) a movable tank configured to (a) hold at least one substrate; (b) hold a cleaning chemistry so as to expose a substrate within the movable tank to the cleaning chemistry; and (c) translate between the loading position and the drying position; and (4) a drying station located at the drying position and configured to rinse and dry a substrate as the substrate is unloaded from the movable tank when the movable tank is at the drying position. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A household appliance includes a water inlet configured to connect the appliance to an external water supply; a pressure control device configured to prevent water entering the appliance from the water inlet from exceeding atmospheric pressure; a treatment container configured to treat household items with water; and a seal between the pressure control device and the treatment container configured to prevent gas flowing from the treatment container to the pressure control device.

Abstract: A water-conducting household appliance including a treatment container defining an interior of the water-conducting household appliance, the treatment container including at least two components made of different materials, wherein each of the at least two components include an edge section at which a mechanical connection is formed between the at least two components, wherein the mechanical connection is formed in a section protected against moisture, and a seal element that seals the mechanical connection on a side facing the interior of the water-conducting household appliance such that a gap exposed to moisture is formed which is free of a capillary gap.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a spin chuck (3) that holds a substrate (W) and rotates the same. A process liquid supply system (11, . . . ) is disposed to supply a process liquid to the substrate rotated by the spin chuck. There are disposed a fluid nozzle (12) that supplies to the substrate a drying fluid having a higher volatility than that of the process liquid, and an inert gas nozzle (13) that supplies an inert gas to the substrate. A nozzle moving mechanism (15, 52, . . . ) is disposed that moves the nozzles (12, 13) radially outward relative to a rotational center (Po) of the substrate, while maintaining the inert gas nozzle nearer to the rotational center of the substrate than the fluid nozzle.

Abstract: A warewasher for washing wares including a housing defining an internal space with at least one spray zone for washing wares. The housing includes an opening defined in part by a lower shelf. A liquid delivery system provides a spray of liquid within the spray zone. An access door has a vertically hinged connection to the housing to provide an open configuration that allows user access to the spray zone and a closed configuration that inhibits user access to the spray zone. The access door includes a threshold seal member at the bottom of the access door. The threshold seal member includes a lower sealing portion that mates with an upper surface of the shelf to provide a lower seal extending laterally along a width of the access door, and an inner sealing portion that cooperates with an inner edge the shelf to provide an inner seal extending laterally along the width of the access door. The inner seal located nearer the spray zone than the lower seal.

Abstract: A spray nozzle tip adapter for cleaning a paint spray nozzle includes a rigid body member having an inlet port having annular sealing surfaces on one side, an exit port having annular sealing surfaces on another side and a passage connecting the inlet port and the exit port. The inlet port is shaped and sized to frictionally engage in a sealed relationship differently sized dispensing tubes of pressurized liquid solvent cans, and the exit port is shaped and sized to frictionally engage and retain a tubular inlet of a spray paint nozzle in a sealed relationship. The passage is shaped and sized to control a sealed flow of liquid to the nozzle and has a tapered region connected to the exit port to frictionally engage and retain a tubular inlet of a spray paint nozzle in a sealed relationship.

Abstract: Processing and drying of a sample, such as a semiconductor or MEMS device, is achieved using a single pressure chamber. The pressure chamber holds the sample in a sealed interior volume throughout various process steps, such as, but not limited to, photoresist removal, sacrificial layer etching, flushing or rinsing, dehydration, and critical point drying. The pressure chamber is constructed of a chemically-resistant and pressure-resistant material to withstand the various chemicals and pressures that are encountered in the various process and drying steps. For example, the pressure chamber is constructed from a nickel-copper alloy. Automated release etching and critical point drying of a MEMS or semiconductor device is provided without removing the device from the sealed pressure chamber.

Abstract: A domestic dishwasher includes a compartment casing comprising a corrosion-resistant metal, and a frame comprising a metal that is more corrosion-resistant than the compartment casing.

Abstract: A cleaning system which includes an enclosure and having a door with a transparent window. The door is opened and closed to load and unload products to be cleaned. An operator puck on the outside of the enclosure couples magnetically to another actuator puck on the inside of the enclosure. This coupling allows an operator to move and direct the inside puck to actuate spray or air blast functions, without opening the enclosure. The outside operator puck includes one or more switches which turn on the various electronic components such as the liquid pump, light, or air blast valve. The cleaning system enables a user to efficiently direct cleaning action to parts inside to minimize the cleaning time, and to prevent exposure of chemicals. The cleaning fluid is cycled out of the enclosure continuously, and into a “trap” box, through a pump and back into the cleaner box in a closed loop cycle.

Abstract: A protective arrangement for protecting a control device associated with a dishwashing appliance is provided. A door assembly is pivotably engaged with a tub portion of the dishwashing appliance and cooperates therewith to cover a forward access opening defined by the tub portion. The control device is mounted to the door assembly and is adapted to selectively direct operation of at least one operational component of the dishwashing appliance. The protective arrangement is configured to wrap about the control device so as to be at least partially disposed between the control device and door assembly. The protective member is further disposed between a detergent dispensing device and the control device to at least partially prevent contact between dishwashing fluid from the detergent dispensing device and the control device. An associated apparatus and method are also provided.

Abstract: A protective arrangement for protecting a control device of a dishwashing appliance, and associated dishwashing appliance, are provided. A door assembly, comprising a tub-facing portion of a polymeric material and an opposing outwardly-facing portion, is pivotably engaged with and configured to cover a forward access opening defined by a tub portion of the dishwashing appliance. A control device mounted between the tub-facing and outwardly facing portions selectively directs operation of an operational component of the dishwashing appliance. The protective arrangement includes a protective member extending about the control device and at least partially between the control device and the tub-facing portion.

Abstract: A multipurpose parts washer may include an automatic cleaning portion, having a first cleaning chamber for spraying parts and a second cleaning chamber for soaking and agitating parts, and a manual cleaning portion. The first cleaning chamber may include spray bars that are selectively rotatably adjustable and each bar may have an orifice to discharge cleaning solution that is stationary during operation. Cleaning solution may be disposed in a reservoir of the first cleaning chamber at a reservoir level and in the second cleaning chamber at an agitation level that is above the reservoir level. The manual cleaning portion may be configured as a sink that is movably connected to the automatic cleaning portion to provide selective access thereto.

Abstract: A multipurpose parts washer may include an automatic cleaning portion, with a first cleaning chamber for spraying parts, a second cleaning chamber for soaking parts, and a manual cleaning portion. Cleaning solution may be disposed in a reservoir of the first cleaning chamber at a reservoir level and in the second cleaning chamber at an agitation level that is above the reservoir level. The manual cleaning portion may be configured as a sink that is movably connected to the automatic cleaning portion to provide selective access thereto. A first thermal energy source may be used to heat the cleaning solution to a first temperature for the second cleaning chamber and the manual cleaning portion and a second thermal energy source may be used to heat the cleaning solution to a spray temperature greater than the first temperature for the first cleaning chamber. The multipurpose parts washer includes three cleaning portions.

Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system includes a fluid reservoir containing a volume of fluid, a bell housing that forms a chamber, a workpiece having a first surface portion and a second surface portion, and a pressure manipulating sub-system in fluid communication with the chamber of the bell housing. The bell housing is arranged relative to the fluid reservoir such that a lower end of the bell housing is at least partially submerged in the fluid thereby sealing the chamber of the bell housing from atmosphere. The bell housing is arranged relative to the fluid reservoir such that the second surface portion of the workpiece is disposed within the chamber of the bell housing that is sealed from atmosphere. A method is also disclosed. An apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A seal is provided between the door apron and the lip of the container in a dishwasher, enabling a high sealing performance to be obtained during the entire service life of the dishwasher and providing an esthetic design. The seal can be mounted in a reliable manner without any considerable expenditure of force, recycling of a used seal is possible via appropriate selection of materials and the seal can withstand the dynamic strain put upon the door seal of a dishwasher. The dishwasher is provided with a door seal which is made of an elastic synthetic material, consisting of a fixing area for connection to the edge of a rinsing container, a sealing element for arrangement on the underside of a dishwasher and which is arranged between the fixing area, and a sealing element, wherein the fixing area, sealing element and sealing strip form a single part.

Abstract: A drawer-type dishwasher includes a frame assembly, a wash tub slidably mounted in the frame assembly, and a lid member. The lid member can be lowered onto the wash tub when the wash tub is shifted into the frame assembly, and raised when the wash tub is shifted out of the frame assembly. The lid member includes a seal element that abuts the wash tub when the lid member is lowered. The seal element includes a base portion, an angled, deflecting finger portion and a flat pad portion which projects from the base portion. When the seal element is urged against the wash tub, a compressive force is applied to the flat pad portion causing the deflecting finger to seal against the wash tub in a manner that substantially shields the deflecting finger from excessive compressive forces.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system having a plurality of vehicle treatment components includes with at least one support member. The support member is constructed of a base material and has an outer surface. An elongated cover includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface of the elongated cover has a first color and a size and shape that substantially matches the outer surface of the support member. The elongated cover is readably engageable with the support member to protect it from contact with fluid and debris. The elongated cover is formed of a readably cleanable material such that fluid and debris can be easily wiped off of its exterior surface.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system having a plurality of vehicle treatment components includes with at least one support member. The support member is constructed of a base material and has an outer surface. An elongated cover includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface of the elongated cover has a first color and a size and shape that substantially matches the outer surface of the support member. The elongated cover is readably engageable with the support member to protect it from contact with fluid and debris. The elongated cover is formed of a readably cleanable material such that fluid and debris can be easily wiped off of its exterior surface.

Abstract: In the case of a window cleaning system for a motor vehicle, a washing fluid line (6) is manufactured integrally with plug-type coupling parts (8). Movable components and a sealing ring (15) are arranged on bushing-type coupling parts (9). The bushing-type coupling parts (9) are arranged on a washing fluid pump (2), on washing nozzles (4) and on a T connector (7). By this means, the window cleaning system is constructed in a particularly simple manner and can be manufactured cost-effectively.

Abstract: A device for dispensing washing agents (10) has a body (11) defined in which is a reservoir (13) for a liquid substance that can be dispensed. The reservoir (13) has a charging passage (14) that can be engaged by a plug (20). Operatively set between the body (11) of the dispenser (10) and the plug (20) is an articulated connection (40), provided for keeping the plug (20) mechanically connected to the dispenser (10) even following upon removal of the plug (20) from the charging passage (20). Preferably the articulated connection is of a “hide-away” type and comprises a movable member (43) to which the plug (20) is constrained so as to present a number of degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A wash cylinder or chamber for an automated cleaning station to clean an object or a person's body part includes nozzles on the interior of the cylinder, the nozzles of one embodiment comprising an increasing roll angle providing a novel spray pattern. Additionally, embodiments of the invention include fluid guidance and conveyance structures, angled nozzles, sealing structures, finger guards, nozzle ribs, wash chamber seating mechanisms and drains, and nozzle inlays having a plurality of nozzles. Also disclosed are methods of washing an object or body part using a wash cylinder or chamber and methods of assembling a wash cylinder or chamber.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a washer for washing produce such as potatoes. In one aspect, a debris removal section removes debris, such as rocks, and a sloped serpentine flume is used to gravity feed the produce through a serpentine flow path to remove the surface dirt and loosen any embedded dirt. The produce can be optionally routed to a spray washer to remove embedded dirt.

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 dishwasher includes a frontal frame, a tub having a plurality of walls collectively define a washing chamber, and a door pivotally mounted to the frontal frame for sealing the washing chamber. During a washing operation, sound generated by operation of a mechanical pump escapes from below the dishwasher. To minimize sound from escaping and to provide a more enjoyable environment, a sound sealing system is mounted at a bottom portion of the dishwasher door. The sound seal system includes a sound tray that extends across the frontal frame below a bottom edge portion of the door. The sound tray can be directly, pivotally attached to the door, or an additional flexible seal is employed to span and seal a gap between the sound tray and the bottom portion of the door.

Abstract: A surface treatment device (10) is provided for applying a surface treatment medium to an article (60). The device comprises an application member (12, 14) for holding and applying the surface treatment medium to the article. The device has a securing arrangement (40) for securing the application member to the article.

Abstract: Dispensing device of washing agents for a dishwashing machine, of the type comprises a body (2) to be fastened to a surface or wall delimiting a washing tub, having at least a portion of said body (2) protruding inside the washing tub; said dispenser (1) has at least a tank (11) for containing a liquid washing agent, means for dosing and/or dispensing a dose of liquid washing agent, a filling port (10) through which the liquid washing agent can be introduced into the tank (11), and closing means (15) of the filling port (10). According to the invention, the closing means (15) are capable of at least two different operating positions, where in one position they are apt to receive the liquid washing agent and direct it or convey it to the filling port (10), in order to fill the tank (11).

Abstract: When honing an abrasive pad for polishing a wafer by rotating while closely contacting the wafer by bringing a conditioner into contact with the abrasive pad, forces applied from the abrasive pad to the conditioner are detected by a plurality of pressure detectors through a conditioner driving unit for holding the conditioner. The pressure detectors are respectively able to detect forces in two directions such as rotational direction and radial direction. A memory stores correlations between detection values and wafer polishing quantities under various conditioning terms. Therefore, it is determined whether the detection values are kept within acceptable limits stored in the memory. When the values are out of the acceptable limits, a controller controls the values so that they fall within the acceptable limits by properly changing conditioning terms.

Abstract: An appliance splash seal includes a rigid ring attached to a flexible ring. The flexible ring includes a living hinge between it and the rigid ring so that the flexible ring can deflect in response to being engaged by a moving tub. The rigid ring includes spring fingers which can spring radially outwardly for passing over a curled flange of a top cover.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for medical and/or dental tool provides a possibility to clean the burrs and brushes (files) of the remained tooth material on them after operation on patient. An improved cleaning apparatus for medical and/or dental tool includes a container, comprising a neck with an opening and at least one of a plurality of apertures located in the lower part of the neck, a fluid stream reflector of a lid, which includes a connector comprising a fluid inlet pipe which is coupled by a tubular means with a fluid line via controllable valve, and a cylindrical stand connected to the base, providing a stable position of the container during cleaning process.

Abstract: In a system for the surface treatment of strips passing continuously through the system, in which the strip passes through a tank filled with the treatment liquid and closed by a cover, the bottom of the tank is designed as a trough in the transverse direction with an essentially horizontal central section and slanting sections descending from the center toward both sides.

Abstract: Dispensing device of washing agents for a dishwashing machine, of the type comprises a body (2) to be fastened to a surface or wall delimiting a washing tub, having at least a portion of said body (2) protruding inside the washing tub; said dispenser (1) has at least a tank (11) for containing a liquid washing agent, means for dosing and/or dispensing a dose of liquid washing agent, a filling port (10) through which the liquid washing agent can be introduced into the tank (11), and closing means (15) of the filling port (10).

Abstract: By a simple apparatus construction and process, it is made possible to “clean precisely” a surface at the molecular/atomic level, and the purification degree of the surface processed minutely is made into 1012 molecules/cm2 or less. A steam-spraying nozzle is disposed such that a line slit nozzle is in a diameter direction, and mist-containing steam is sprayed onto the surface of a substrate. Thereby, particles in the steam-spraying surface (the particles were made to adhere by dipping the substrate in a solution containing polystyrene (particle diameter of 0.6 &mgr;m) or alumina (particle diameter of 0.3 &mgr;m to 0.5 &mgr;m) particles at 105 particles/ml.) are removed by about 90% to 95% after ten-seconds spraying, and by 99% or more, that is, to less than the detection limit of a wafer inspection device, after twenty-seconds spraying.

Abstract: A device for rinsing bores (1) including comprising a rinsing head (2) insertable in a bore (1), a delivery channel (3) for delivery rinsing medium (4) to the rinsing head (2) and having at lest one outlet opening (6) in a region of the rinsing head (2), and a return channel (5) for returning the rinsing medium out of the bore (1) and having at least one return opening (7) in the region of the rinsing head (2).

Abstract: A cleaning device and method is provided for a glue-spreading element, which spreads glue in a working position onto a material web, in particular a paper web, and which can be moved to a cleaning position inside the cleaning device. At least one scraper element is provided for cleaning the glue-spreading element.

Abstract: The frontloading dishwasher has a dishwashing compartment and a door mounted on the machine body such that it can be pivoted about a horizontal axis for closing a loading opening of the dishwashing compartment. The bottom border of an inner wall of the door, forming a door lip, engages behind a compartment skirt that rises from the dishwashing-compartment base. A seal is arranged between the door and the dishwashing compartment. The seal includes a sealing strip that extends across the entire door width. Satisfactory sealing of the dishwasher is ensured over a long period of use, dirt deposits in the sealing region are avoided, and only a low level of force for moving the door is required in that a guide and securing device for the seal is provided, for securing the seal in the rest position and for guiding the seal during movement of the door.

Abstract: A dispensing device of detergents and/or additives for washing machines is described, of the type having at least a space for containing a liquid, such as a rinse aid, the body of the device including at least a first part and a second part, the parts being made integral with each other by welding, wherein a portion of the body is intended to be inserted through an opening of a wall, a surface of the wall facing on a washing tank while the opposite surface of the wall faces on a space which has to be sealed from the tank. According to the invention, a seal is provided, in order to prevent leakage of the liquid from the welding into the space.

Abstract: The frontloading dishwasher has a dishwashing compartment and a door mounted on the machine body such that it can be pivoted about a horizontal axis for closing a loading opening of the dishwashing compartment. The bottom border of an inner wall of the door, forming a door lip, engages behind a compartment skirt that rises from the dishwashing-compartment base. A seal is arranged between the door and the dishwashing compartment. The seal includes a sealing strip that extends across the entire door width. Satisfactory sealing of the dishwasher is ensured over a long period of use, dirt deposits in the sealing region are avoided, and only a low level of force for moving the door is required in that a guide and securing device for the seal is provided, for securing the seal in the rest position and for guiding the seal during movement of the door.

Abstract: A water inlet assembly for mounting adjacent an opening provided in a tub of an automatic dishwasher wherein the tub defines a cavity having a volume for washing dishes. The water inlet assembly includes a housing forming a venting chamber and having an outlet opening mounted in sealed relationship about the opening provided in the tub. The venting chamber has a vent opening which may be located above the outlet opening. The housing further includes an inlet nozzle for receiving wash liquid and a conduit for guiding liquid from the inlet nozzle to the venting chamber from which wash liquid can flow through the outlet opening into the tub. A water trap is formed into the housing and is located along the conduit. The conduit has a siphon opening located upstream of the water trap.

Abstract: A sealed aqueous self cleaning rinse sump is provided for an aqueous spray washer. The rinse sump is pressurized by a weir restriction which directs return fluid into the rinse sump while simultaneously providing a pressure seal at the inlet of the rinse sump. The pressurized sump facilitates evaporation of the rinse fluid in order to separate contaminants out of the rinse fluid. The evaporated rinse fluid is then condensed and then returned to the rinse sump, thereby providing a consistently acceptable supply of clean rinse fluid.

Abstract: A parts washer is provided having a cabinet defining an interior space and a mechanism for entraining a liquid and/or vapor in the interior space. The cabinet defines an opening for accessing the interior space from externally of the cabinet. Mounting structure is provided for mounting a closure element to the cabinet for movement selectively between a) an open position wherein the interior space can be accessed through the cabinet opening and b) a closed position. Structure is provided cooperating between the closure element and the cabinet for defining a controlled flow path for the liquid and/or vapor in the interior space with the control flow path configured so that at least one of the liquid and vapor in the interior space is caused to change directions as it traverses the controlled flow path.

Abstract: Parts washers are provided including a collection tank, a funnel-bottomed wash cabinet supported on the collection tank, and a cover pivotally supported on the wash cabinet for closing an access opening to the wash cabinet. A screen is mounted in a narrowed section at the bottom of the wash cabinet and is conveniently removable from a front of the wash cabinet. An oil skimmer is pivotally mounted to the tank to allow access to the sump pump without disassembly of the parts washer. In one embodiment, a water seal is provided under a front edge of a door on the wash cabinet. In another embodiment, a rough metal band extends around a turntable and a drive wheel, the rough metal band having prick marks along its length to reduce slippage on the drive wheel.

Abstract: Apparatus for contacting a circuit board substrate with etching fluid or some other chemical includes a conveyor system comprised of upper and lower rotating disks for receiving and transporting the circuit board substrate while the substrate is contacted with fluid. The apparatus includes a labyrinth seal which is used to prevent fluid from escaping from the apparatus. A shunting system permits the type of fluid applied to the substrate to be readily altered. Housing units incorporated in the apparatus are readily secured together with a resilient clamp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning treatment apparatus wherein two neighboring treatment chambers are allowed to communicate through a communicating opening provided in a lower portion of a separating wall that separates the two treatment chambers, and a movable treatment tank containing a treatment liquid is arranged in a movable manner within the two treatment chambers. The liquid contained in the movable treatment tank and the separating wall are in contact and the two treatment chambers are covered. This configuration ensures that the atmospheres in the two treatment chambers are mutually isolated so that the movable treatment tank can be used in both treatment chambers, the overall apparatus can be made more compact, and also the amount of treatment liquid used can be reduced. In addition, there is no need for a wafer conveyor means, so throughput can also be improved.

Abstract: An overflow tank for rinsing an article such as a wafer with a liquid such as pure water is continuously supplied with the liquid. The tank comprises a partition isolating two adjacent chambers from each other, and is utilized as a passage for transferring an article from one of the chambers to the other chamber. The overflow tank has two opening sections that are opened at the two chambers, respectively, and each of the opening sections is defined by a continuous and level peripheral edge so that an overflow of the liquid can occur over all of the peripheral edge. During the passage of the article through the overflow tank, the article is rinsed with the water.

Abstract: A cleaning device having a storing tank storing noncombustible or incombustible liquid, a covering member being formed by placing a lower end opening in the stored liquid in the storing tank, the combustible solvent and the cleaned object being brought into contact with the covering chamber of a spacing formed by the covering member and the stored liquid to constitute the cleaning part for performing the cleaning operation.

Abstract: In a liquid cleaning process and apparatus where work pieces such as printed circuit boards are cleaned in an isolated enclosure, there is provided an inert gas purging system within the enclosure and a recycling condenser within the isolated enclosure to recycle all vapors from cleaning tanks within the enclosure. The apparatus has a cleaning tank and a water tank, an isolated enclosure extends between the tanks and has liquid seal dividers that extend down into the tanks. The work pieces pass on a conveyor through the cleaning tank, under a first divider, and into the enclosure where cleaning occurs. The work pieces then pass through the water tank under the second divider. A condenser is positioned above the isolated enclosure which condenses vapors rising from the enclosure and the condensate is recirculated to the cleaning tank and the water tank.

Abstract: A pressurized weir for a fumeless pickling or cleaning system includes a pair of housing plates, one plate having an inlet opening for admitting water under pressure to the weir; a reservoir plate and metering plate; means for retaining said reservoir plate and said metering plate between said housing plates; a reservoir provided by said reservoir plate and said metering plate for receiving water under pressure from said inlet opening; and at least one truncated triangular opening in each of said reservoir plate and said metering plate, the bottom of said opening permitting water under pressure to be exhausted from said reservoir in the form of a water curtain. When used in combination with a pickling or cleaning system having a closed cell tank, the pressurized weir contains the fumes from the acid within the tank.

Abstract: A technique for providing in-place cleaning of a sealing structure for a rotating shaft in a materials processing apparatus wherein, during a cleaning operation, cleaning liquid is supplied in the form of a plurality of jets thereof from a source thereof to a rotating member having a sealing element, such as an O-ring, positioned about the rotating shaft. The cleaning fluid produced a scrubbing action on critical surfaces of the sealing structure to clean them. A plurality of jets of a drying fluid, such as pressurized air, is then supplied from a source thereof to the critical surfaces to remove excess cleaning liquid and to thoroughly dry such surfaces. The cleaning and drying operation can be activated to take place automatically and in-place using a pre-programmed processor without having to disassemble the sealing structure.