Abstract: A surface treatment robot includes a chassis having forward and rear ends and a drive system carried by the chassis. The drive system includes right and left driven wheels and is configured to maneuver the robot over a cleaning surface. The robot includes a vacuum assembly, a collection volume, a supply volume, an applicator, and a wetting element, each carried by the chassis. The wetting element engages the cleaning surface to distribute a cleaning liquid applied to the surface by the applicator. The wetting element distributes the cleaning liquid along at least a portion of the cleaning surface when the robot is driven in a forward direction. The wetting element is arranged substantially forward of a transverse axis defined by the right and left driven wheels, and the wetting element slidably supports at least about ten percent of the mass of the robot above the cleaning surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and arrangement for removing contaminants from a surface of a substrate by subjecting said substrate surface to an atmospheric pressure glow plasma. Said plasma is generated in a discharge space comprising a plurality of electrodes, by applying an alternating plasma energizing voltage to said electrodes causing a plasma current and a displacement current. Said plasma is stabilised by controlling said displacement current during plasma generation such that modification of properties of said substrate surface is prevented.

Abstract: A cleaning tool to clean a surface of a liquid confinement system of an immersion lithographic apparatus is disclosed, the liquid confinement system having an aperture to allow passage of a beam of radiation therethrough of an immersion lithographic apparatus. The cleaning tool includes a sonic transducer, a reservoir configured to hold liquid between the sonic transducer and the surface to be cleaned, and a barrier positioned in the reservoir under the aperture to form, in use, a shield to sonic waves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable polymer systems comprising anionic and modified polyamine polymers. When such polymer systems are employed in cleaning compositions, such cleaning compositions exhibit unexpectedly improved anti-soil re-deposition and situs whitening capabilities.

Abstract: An apparatus of cleaning a workpiece for microelectronic applications can include fixture to help position the workpiece. In one aspect the apparatus can include a tank and a transducer. In another aspect the apparatus can include a nozzle. The fixture, the tank, the nozzle, or any combination thereof can include an electrostatic dissipative material having a volume resistivity Rv not less than 1E5 ohm-cm and not greater than 1E11 ohm-cm. In a particular embodiment, a process of cleaning includes directing mechanical energy through a fluid to help overcome energy binding a contaminant to the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for treating the surface of a work piece includes exposing the surface to be treated to a beam of electromagnetic radiation, and simultaneously exposing an area of the surface exposed to the beam of electromagnetic radiation at least partially to a plasma beam. This method provides an improved pretreatment, in particular cleaning of the surface of a work piece, by, at least in part, energy density enhancements of each of the beam of electromagnetic radiation and the plasma beam.

Abstract: A nozzle of a nozzle device includes an arm pipe that extends in a horizontal direction and a downstream pipe formed so as to curve downward from one end of the arm pipe. In the nozzle, a metallic pipe is provided inside a second resin pipe. Moreover, a first resin pipe is provided inside the metallic pipe. A boss is attached to the tip of the metallic pipe between the first resin pipe and the second resin pipe. At the tip of the nozzle, an outer peripheral surface of the first resin pipe, an end surface of the second resin pipe and an end surface of the boss are welded by welding resin. In this way, the metallic pipe is reliably coated with the first resin pipe, the second resin pipe, the boss and the welding resin.

Abstract: A method for activating the surface of a base material and an apparatus thereof, which is suited to be utilized for pretreatment in electrochemical treatment such as, for example, electroplating or the like, in which the surface of a base material such as metal can be subjected to degreasing treatment and oxide film removing treatment simultaneously, efficiently and rationally, in which productivity can be enhanced and the equipment cost can be reduced, and in which a waste solution can be rationalized so that the solution can be reutilized and the environmental pollution can be prevented. A method for activating the surface of a base material in which the surface of a member to be treated is subjected to degreasing treatment or oxide film removing treatment. Pressurized carbon dioxide is dissolved in a predetermined quantity of water, thereby preparing an oxide film removing solution having a predetermined acidic concentration.

Abstract: An angular support element for a dish-washing machine comprises, in a position corresponding to the washing compartment of the machine, one or more tubular portions, each of which has a concave wall without sharp corners or edges set facing the inside of the dish-washing machine; each of the tubular portions is made up of the coupling of a longitudinal external rolled section and a longitudinal internal rolled section by means of overlapping of respective fixing walls.

Abstract: A shroud-type dishwashing machine for commercial use has a lower frame, a dishwashing chamber and a shroud which can be opened and at least partially surrounds the dishwashing chamber. A condensation precipitation device is connected to the dishwashing chamber when the shroud is closed. This condensation precipitation device is equipped with at least one fan for sucking vapor and/or air out of the closed dishwashing chamber, and also has at least one condensation surface for condensation of vapor.

Abstract: A dishwasher including an improved rack adjustment system is provided. The dishwasher includes a chamber for washing dishes, guide rails at opposite inside walls of the chamber, and a rack that moves along the guide rails into and Out of the chamber for holding dishes. A supporter may be provided at opposite sides of the rack for guiding an up/down movement of the rack along the guide rail, with a locker provided on an outside surface of the supporter for holding the rack in position. A handle may be provided on the outside surface of the supporter to swing in up/down directions to a force to the locker and adjust the rack downward, thereby permitting easy adjustment of rack height.

Abstract: A system (10) for delivery of reagent from a solid source thereof, comprising a structure (16, 22, 24) arranged to retain a solid source material (30) in confinement by at least a portion of the structure, for heating and generation of vapor from the solid source material by volatilization thereof, a heat source (82) arranged to heat the solid source material for such volatilization, and a vapor dispensing assembly (52, 54) arranged to discharge the vapor from the system. A high conductance valve (1510) is also described, suitable for use as a dispensing control valve for a reagent storage and dispensing vessel, e.g., a vessel containing a semiconductor manufacturing reagent that is dispensed at low pressure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a clinical instrument analyzer system for the automatic analysis of patient samples. In one embodiment, the analyzer may be used to analyze bodily fluid samples, such as blood, plasma, serum, urine or cerebrospinal fluid, for example. Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus and method, for example, an immunoassay method, for separating out target molecules in a magnetic field and then analyzing those target molecules with a luminometer.

Abstract: A dishwasher with a sound attenuator for attenuating the sound emanating from a motor cavity of the dishwasher. The sound attenuator comprising a sound absorber and a sound barrier. The sound absorber absorbing sound in the motor cavity with the sound barrier blocking the unabsorbed sound from escaping.

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: Bare aluminum baffles are adapted for resist stripping chambers and include an outer aluminum oxide layer, which can be a native aluminum oxide layer or a layer formed by chemically treating a new or used bare aluminum baffle to form a thin outer aluminum oxide layer.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser for use in the processing of substrates. The dispenser has a dome shaped body with a convex upper surface and has a number of conduits designed to supply fluid to the surface of a substrate at predetermined points.

Abstract: A washer-jet verification master is employed to determine the correct alignment of washer nozzles within a production machine. The verification master includes a plurality of targets, which are preset to a first position. The verification master is placed in the production machine the water jets are actuated and if properly aligned will move the targets to a second position, which indicates proper operation.

Abstract: A method for cleaning semiconductor device is disclosed. The steps include providing a mask-protective device, providing a mask with a defined pattern, and combining the mask-protective device with the cleaned mask layer, such that the space between the mask-protective device and the mask layer can fill with the cleaning gas after combining process. Thus, the mask layer would not be polluted by the particle is generated from the environment, such that the resolution of the image and the reliability can be increased.

Abstract: Rotor blades and hub of the impeller are cleaned by means of a cleaning fluid jet which is directed along the rotational axis of the impeller onto the impeller. The cleaning fluid jet in this case is directed, or sprayed, towards the impeller by a feed nozzle which is arranged on the axis and oriented in the direction of the impeller along the axis. The feed jet in this case follows the axis and therefore strikes the hub of the impeller in the rotational center of the impeller. This achieves the effect of the cleaning fluid striking the impeller in the rotational center of the impeller. The cleaning fluid flows, therefore, along the hub surface and is carried radially into the radially outer regions by means of centrifugal forces.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided in which heights of basket(s) of a rack assembly may be easily changed. The dishwasher may include a frame configured to be inserted into and withdraw from a washing tub and plurality of basket positioning device configured to receive and support basket(s) at different heights.

Abstract: A cleaning system for removing contaminants from a catalytic converter includes a vibrator for vibrating the catalytic converter when the converter is placed in a cleaning liquid. The vibrator is mounted on a lift-connector of the system. The lift-connector defines a pair of forklift-openings for receiving forks of a forklift.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus exposes a substrate through an exposure liquid with exposure light. A cleaning liquid is provided to the exposure apparatus, in order to clean at least part of the exposure apparatus. In the clearing liquid, a prescribed gas of an amount that is greater than or equal to the saturation concentration is dissolved.

Abstract: A vessel holder and a dish washing machine having the same, in which, when vessels are put into and washed in the dish washing machine, the vessels can be stably washed by improving a fixed state of each thereof. The dish washing machine includes a washing space, a vessel basket installed in the washing space, and includes wires, at least one vessel holder detachably installed to the vessel basket, and allowing a vessel to be inserted thereinto and supported therein. The vessel holder includes a plurality of supports elastically supporting the vessel, and an inserting part provided between the supports and allowing the vessel to be inserted thereinto.

Abstract: A dishwasher rack basket assembly that includes a water impervious basket of open mesh construction, the basket is selectively positionable between a first size and a second size, the first size securing small items while permitting flow of liquid therethrough, the second size smaller than the first size and not securing small items while permitting flow of liquid therethrough, and a projection positioned on the basket, wherein the projection is engageable to transform the basket from the first size to the second size.

Abstract: A cutlery basket for a dishwasher includes at least one crockery basket into which at least one cutlery basket can be inserted and the cutlery basket has at least one cutlery basket base or at least one cutlery basket sidewall which is provided with a plurality of passages for washing liquid to pass through. The cutlery basket allows in a simple and efficient manner to substantially eliminate the danger of injury presented by items of cutlery that project upwards, especially items that are arranged with their tips pointing upwards, e.g. forks, steak knives, etc. For this purpose, at least one of the cutlery basket sidewalls that is substantially perpendicular to the cutlery basket base rises above the height of the items of cutlery that are optionally arranged in at least one cutlery basket in a substantially vertically upward-pointing manner.

Abstract: A dishwasher equipped with a lamp assembly. The lamp assembly includes a lamp bracket, a lamp cover and a plurality of fastening projections. The lamp bracket is fitted into an opening to accommodate the lamp from an outside of the inner casing. The lamp cover is detachably fitted into the lamp bracket from an inside of the inner casing. The plurality of fastening projections fit the lamp bracket into the opening. The fastening projections are projected from a front rim of the lamp bracket to be elastically deformable, and have gaps each corresponding to a thickness of the inner casing. The inner casing includes movement prevention notches extended outward from the opening at locations where the fastening projections will be interlocked.

Abstract: Wafer cleaning apparatus include a cleaning tub configured to receive a wafer to be cleaned. A wafer cleaning unit coupled to the cleaning tub is configured to provide wafer cleaning solution to the wafer. A probe is positioned in the cleaning tub proximate the wafer. The probe is configured to provide megasonic vibrational energy to a surface of the wafer and/or the wafer cleaning solution to separate contaminants from the surface of the wafer. A probe cleaning unit is configured to provide a probe cleaning solution to the probe to clean the probe. Methods of using the wafer cleaning apparatus are also provided.

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 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: An automatic car wash system is provided for processing multiple vehicles simultaneously. The system according to one embodiment includes an elongate path, a plurality of stations for processing the vehicle, at least two detectors for indicating the presence of the vehicles. The system provides instructions to the drivers of the vehicles so that the vehicles travel through the system under their own power, and thus conveyor systems can be avoided, yet throughput remains high. In one embodiment, the system includes a radio transmitter that is operable to direct specific information to each of the vehicles via radio signals.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and chemistries for removing layers of stubborn silicon and silicon-nitride contamination layers from the inside surfaces of such articles as deposition tubes. In such embodiments, a tube to be cleaned is gently rolled on it side while a portion the tube's interior surface is exposed to an etchant. The tube is only partially filled with etchant to reduce the requisite etchant volume, and the rolling motion evenly exposes the contaminated inner surface to the etchant.

Abstract: An endoscopic flow-passage confluent structure that connects a gas-feed tube and a liquid-feed tube provided in an endoscope to a confluent tube communicating with an ejection nozzle arranged at a tip of an insertion portion of the endoscope and for ejecting a cleaning fluid toward a viewing window of the endoscope, the structure comprising: (i) a passage connection member having one end opened with two upstream-passage receiving bores in which the gas-feed and liquid-feed tubes are respectively inserted and fixed, other end opened with one downstream-passage receiving bore, and an intermediate region that communicates the upstream-passage receiving bores with downstream-passage receiving bore and comprises a passage confluent space having a diameter increasing in a taper-form in a direction of from the downstream-passage receiving bore toward the upstream-passage receiving bores; and (ii) a coupler pipe having one end connected to the downstream-passage receiving bore and other end connected with a base of t

Abstract: An environmental friendly cleaning method and a cleaning apparatus are disclosed. The method comprising cleaning an article using a composition comprising material extracted from the fruit of a plant, such as a plant of the genus Garcinia, for example the fruit of the plant Garcinia atroviridis.

Abstract: A shaving apparatus cleaning device includes a reservoir for holding a supply of a cleaning fluid and a cleaning receptacle for receiving the shaving apparatus. The reservoir has a discharge orifice through which the cleaning fluid is allowed to flow from the reservoir to the cleaning receptacle. The reservoir and the cleaning receptacle are designed so that the level of the cleaning fluid in the reservoir is higher than a pre-determined minimum level of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning receptacle, and a flow of fluid generated by the difference between levels and flowing from the reservoir to the cleaning receptacle is controllable in dependence upon the actual fluid level in the cleaning receptacle.

Abstract: There is provided a system capable of supplying pure water containing almost no dissolved gas and pure water containing dissolved gas without increasing the amount of pure water manufactured in a volume production semiconductor factory. In the present invention, pure water is supplied using a pure water supply system, which includes: a pure water manufacturing means for manufacturing pure water having a dissolved gas concentration of 0.4 ppm or lower; a first pure water supply means capable of supplying the pure water from the pure water manufacturing means; a dissolving means that is coupled to the pure water manufacturing means via a coupling portion and dissolves gas in the pure water transferred from the pure water manufacturing means via the coupling portion; and a second pure water supply means capable of supplying the pure water in which the gas has been dissolved by the dissolving means.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaner apparatus is disclosed which includes a support housing, a tub supported by the housing and an ultrasound and sensor transducer contacting the bottom of the cleaning tank. A fixture assembly for holding items to be cleaned is configured for insertion into the cleaning tank. The fixture assembly comprises a predetermined number of slots, which are positioned around the perimeter of a pair of end disks disposed on the fixture assembly. The slots are configured to receive the distal ends of slats or other items to be cleaned. Rotation of the fixture assembly in the cleaning solution and ultrasonic energy effectively cleans the items while the fixture assembly securely holds the items during cleaning, rinsing and drying.

Abstract: Provided is a fabrication method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device, which comprises disposing, in a ultrapure water preparing system, UF equipment having therein a UF module which has been manufactured by disposing, in a body thereof, a plurality of capillary hollow fiber membranes composed of a polysulfone membrane or polyimide membrane, bonding the plurality of hollow fiber membranes at end portions thereof by hot welding, and by this hot welding, simultaneously adhering the hollow fiber membranes to the body. Upon preparation of ultrapure water to be used for the fabrication of the semiconductor integrated circuit device, the present invention makes it possible to prevent run-off of ionized amine into the ultrapure water.

Abstract: An automatic dishwasher comprises a tub comprising a peripheral wall defining a wash chamber, a rotating water spray assembly in the wash chamber for spraying liquid into the wash chamber, at least one side sprayer in the wash chamber for spraying liquid into the wash chamber, a utensil basket within the wash chamber for holding utensils for washing by the liquid sprayed by the rotating water spray assembly and the at least one side sprayer, and an adjustable utensil carrier attached to the utensil basket and adjustable between a first position wherein a utensil placed therein is predominately exposed to direct spray from the at least one side sprayer, and a second position wherein a utensil supported thereby is exposed to direct spray from both the rotating water spray assembly and the at least one side sprayer.

Abstract: An improved tool for cleaning a jewelry article (e.g., ring) accurately grips and positions the article yet captures any device affixed thereto (e.g., gemstone, jewel) while exposing the tool to a jewelry cleaning liquid (e.g., pressurized steam, ultrasonic liquid, ammonia solution, etc.). For instance, a spring-handled basket tool generally used for jewelry cleaning is improved by introducing a grasping member, such as an alligator clip with resiliency treated contact edges. The clip is affixed, such as by riveting, to one of two interior rings that define the opening between the two hemispheric baskets. A jewelry article that is thus clipped may be positioned to a desired angle for inspection and cleaning without fear of an expensive gem being lost due to the cleaning process.

Abstract: In a dishwasher having a washing chamber capable of accommodating upper and lower racks, a detergent dispensing assembly includes a housing defining a compartment for receiving detergent. A lid is pivotally connected to the housing for selectively pivoting between closed and dispensing positions. A shield, which is spaced away from the lid, extends in front of the lid to ensure that an object within the washing chamber does not prevent the lid from freely moving between the closed and dispensing positions during a wash cycle.

Abstract: A dish-cleaning appliance comprises a sink having a bowl defining a wash chamber with an open top for providing access to the wash chamber. A liquid recirculation system is provided for spraying liquid throughout the wash chamber. A drain conduit can be provided, alone or in combination with the recirculation system, for draining liquid from the wash chamber when the drain is closed. The lid is mounted to the sink and is movable to selectively cover the open top of the bowl and a user interface located in the sink.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a cabinet having arranged therein a central cavity. Slidably supported within the second cavity are first and second dish support rack systems. The first dish support rack system is defined by first and second upper dish support racks with the first upper dish support rack having a first width and the second dish support rack having a second width, substantially smaller than the first width. The second dish support rack system includes first and second lower dish support racks, each being substantially similar in construction to the first and second upper dish support racks. The dishwasher includes a first wash zone defined by the first upper and lower racks and a second wash zone defined by the second upper and lower racks. A control can selectively direct pressurized wash water through an associated spray arm member to the first and second wash zones either singly or collectively.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning hearing aid devices are disclosed. Drying is facilitated in hearing instruments through a novel combination of heater and desiccant in an essentially closed system. Greater efficiency is obtained by minimizing the volume of gas, e.g., air, requiring moisture extraction.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for static elimination of a cleaning target in a cleaning step is carried out by disposing in a cleaning apparatus a conducting means capable of coming into contact with and separating from the cleaning target at a plurality of portions thereof, bringing the conducting means into contact with the plurality of portions of the cleaning target, and eliminating, by grounding via the conducting means, the static electrification on the cleaning target that is caused by a cleaning member during cleaning. A static elimination assembly carrying out this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gap cover device for covering a gap between clothes washer and dryer appliances having generally parallel juxtaposed sidewalls defining a gap between the appliances. The gap cover device includes a flexible elongated member having a generally T-shaped transverse cross-sectional configuration defining a gap spanning portion of sufficient transverse width to span the gap between the appliances, and an insert arm portion disposed generally normal to an underside of the gap spanning portion and adapted to be inserted into the gap. The insert arm portion has outwardly facing side surfaces at least one of which has a magnetic strip carried thereon operative to releasably secure the gap cover device to a selected one of the appliances to prevent objects from falling into the gap.

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: A method for controlling concrete washout and related 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: Methods and an apparatus for providing an intrinsically safe chamber door for a processing chamber capable of operating at high pressures are provided. One exemplary apparatus includes a processing chamber for a substrate where the chamber is configured to operate at a positive pressure. The processing chamber includes a port loading slot for providing access for the substrate into and out of the chamber. A chamber door positioned inside the chamber is included. The chamber door is configured to seal against an internal surface of the chamber thereby blocking access through the port loading slot. An internal pressure of the chamber assists in sealing the chamber door against the internal surface of the chamber. Also included is a door actuating mechanism configured to move the door along a door path where the door path is positioned at an angle to a path to be traversed by the substrate.