Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, method and software product for creating a predictive model of the endpoint of etch processes using Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA). Calibration data is collected from a calibration wafer using optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The data may be non-periodic or periodic with time and periodic signals may be sampled synchronously or non-synchronously. The OES data is arranged in a spectra matrix X having one row for each data sample. The OES data is processed depending upon whether or not it is synchronous. Synchronous data is arranged in an unfolded spectra matrix X having one row for each period of data samples. A previewed endpoint signal is plotted using wavelengths known to exhibit good endpoint characteristics. Regions of stable intensity values in the endpoint plot that are associated with either the etch region or the post-etch region are identified by sample number.

Abstract: This invention provides fluid-dispensing devices attachable to an air-intake system of an internal combustion engine for introducing an engine cleaner composition into the air intake system. The invention also provides methods of cleaning internal combustion engines using the fluid-dispensing devices.

Abstract: To provide a pattern formation method capable of forming a pattern by cleaning a liquid droplet ejection head without causing problems during the liquid droplet ejection operation, when the liquid droplet ejection head stored with a storage solution is used again, a pattern formation method includes: filling a passage including a liquid droplet ejection head and a conduit to feed a functional solution to the liquid droplet ejection head with purified water; filling the passage with a solvent dissolving both the purified water and a solvent contained in the functional solution, filling the passage with the solvent contained in the functional solution, surface treating a substrate by forming a lyophobic film on a region surrounding a pattern formation region defined on the substrate; and disposing liquid droplets on the pattern formation region with the liquid droplet ejection head.

Abstract: Process for removing deposits from water-carrying systems and devices for water supply, or from their individual parts, in which the deposits are dissolved by means of an aqueous treatment solution and removed in dissolved form from the system or the device or their individual parts, wherein the deposits are dissolved by means of an aqueous treatment solution comprised of a combination of (i) a reducing agent, in particular in the form of a slat-like, reducing sulfur-oxygen compound, nitrogen-oxygen compound or phosphorous-oxygen compound, and (ii) a complexing agent having phosphonic acid groups or phosphonate groups or a complexing agent of the hydroxy acid type at pH values in the range of approximately 4.5 to 9.5, in particular from approximately 6.0 to 8.0.

Abstract: A device and method for automatically flushing hydrants. The device is installed externally to an existing hydrant. The device comprises a nipple having an internally threaded collar for attaching the device to a hydrant outlet, a valve, a control for automatically operating the valve, and a lockable box containing at least the valve, the box having an outlet for allowing water from the hydrant to pass from the valve to the exterior of the box. The box functions as an enclosure and may be of any desired configuration.

Abstract: A semiconductor water is contained in a reaction tube, and the reaction tube is exhausted through an exhaust pipe while supplying ammonia and dichlorosilane into the reaction tube. A silicon nitride film is deposited on an object to be heat-treated by a reaction of ammonia and dichlorosilane. Subsequently, TEOS is supplied into the reaction tube, while the reaction tube is exhausted through the exhaust pipe. A silicon oxide film is deposited on the object by resolving the TEOS. A semiconductor wafer an which a laminated layer of the silicon nitride film and the silicon oxide film is formed is unloaded from the reaction tube. Then, reactive products attached into the exhaust pipe and the reaction tube are removed, by conducting fluoride hydrogen thereinto, thereby cleaning the pipers The top end of the exhaust pipe is split into two vents, either one of which is used for discharging exhaust gas for forming films and the other one of which is used for discharging HF gas for cleaning the pipes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the sensitivity of semiconductor processing to chamber conditions is provided. Process repeatability of common processes are affected by changing surface conditions which alter the recombination rates of processing chemicals to the chamber surfaces. In one aspect of the invention, a composition of one or more etchants is selected to optimize the etch performance and reduce deposition on chamber surfaces. The one or more etchants are selected to minimize buildup on the chamber surfaces, thereby controlling the chamber surface condition to minimize changes in etch rates due to differing recombination rates of free radicals with different surface conditions and achieve etch repeatability. In another embodiment, the etchant chemistry is adjusted to reduce the change to internal surface conditions after a cleaning cycle. In another embodiment, a process recipe is selected to reduce the sensitivity of the etch process to the chamber conditions.

Abstract: A portable apparatus cleans a passage such as an oxygen line by circulating a cleaning medium, such as a silicated alkaline cleaner such as OCC, through the passage. A rinse medium, such as distilled water, may than be circulated through the passage. The cleaning medium and the rinse medium may be filtered, and a flush medium is preferably circulated through the passage after the circulation of the cleaning medium and before the circulation of the rinse medium.

Abstract: A method of improving the operation of a gas pipeline having at least some water therein including the steps of introducing into the interior of the pipeline a soluble soap pig that is dimensioned to move through the pipeline by gas flow, the composition of the soap pig being selected such that at least some soap is applied as a film to the interior wall as the soap pig moves through the pipeline and in which the soap pig slowly dissolves within the pipeline. The soap film preferably has anti-corrosive and/or antibacterial properties.

Abstract: A cleaning element comprising a brush having plurality of bristles coated with a hydrophilic polymer. The cylindrical design allows the brush to be pushed through a surgical instrument or lumen. The brush allows for beneficial cleaning of surgical lumens. Also, a method for cleaning surgical instruments or lumen by pushing a brush through a surgical instrument is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a lubricating oil cooler apparatus in situ with a cleaning liquid which includes introducing a cleaning liquid that is compatible with lubricating oil into the shell to cause cleaning of the shell and the external surfaces of the tube bundle. The cleaning liquid is recirculated in the shell to remove contaminants from the shell and the cleaning liquid is filtered after it has passed through the shell to remove contaminants from the cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid is removed from the shell.

Abstract: A washing vessel capable of housing an endoscope is formed in an apparatus body. A washing solution containing a detergent is spurted against the endoscope arranged within the washing vessel for washing the endoscope. Also, an oxide-based disinfecting-sterilizing solution is supplied into the washing vessel for disinfecting-sterilizing the endoscope after the washing step together with the washing vessel.

Abstract: This invention is a method for cleaning a semiconductor manufacturing system, which passes a highly volatile liquid agent through the system to remove the impurities and to dissolve chemicals used in the system. The cleaning agent dissolves and washes the chemicals out of the system to keep the chemicals from combining with moisture in the air and forming oxide particles. By washing with a liquid, residual gases and impurities in the system are rapidly removed from the system. After washing the system, the cleaning agent is quickly dried because the cleaning agent is highly volatile. Thereby, the system is cleaned efficiently within a short time by using this method.

Abstract: A cleaning method is provided for an ultrapure water supply system having an ultrapure water production apparatus connected to a point of use of ultrapure water via a passage. In the cleaning method, a basic solution, for example, is circulated through the system to change the surface potential of fine particles in the system from an opposite to the same polarity as that of elements constituting the system, thereby facilitating the removal of the fine particles, and the fine particles are then discharged from the system to outside together with the basic solution. The cleaning method has excellent cleaning capability and also makes it possible to shorten the rinsing time required for removing the residual constituent of the cleaning solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the EGR system of a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes an induction device that is removably attachable to the manifold of an engine in the location of the EGR valve. The induction device includes an adapter plate and a nozzle assembly. The apparatus further includes a solvent administrator removably attachable to the induction device for providing a quantity of solvent to the EGR system.

Abstract: A method for cleaning an apparatus using a clean-in-place system is disclosed. The clean-in-place system is in fluid communication with an inlet and an outlet of the apparatus. In the method, a cleaning composition having a measurable physical property (e.g., pH) is supplied from a cleaner tank into the inlet of the apparatus for a first period of time. A rinsing composition having the measurable physical property at a second measured value is then supplied from a rinse tank into the inlet of the apparatus for a second period of time. The measurable physical property is sensed versus time for fluids exiting the outlet of the apparatus, and a circulation time of the cleaning composition is determined. A closing time for a return valve of the cleaner tank is then determined for subsequent cleaning cycles such that minimal rinsing composition enters the cleaner tank during the subsequent cleaning cycle.

Abstract: Egg lifting apparatus are provided that include a vacuum housing having first and second passageways, a venturi assembly in fluid communication with the first and second passageways, and a flexible cup secured to the vacuum housing, wherein the flexible cup has an interior that is in fluid communication with the vacuum housing second passageway. The venturi assembly produces subatmospheric pressure within the second passageway upon the flow of air through the first passageway. The flexible cup is configured to engage and retain an egg in seated relation therewith when subatmospheric pressure is provided within the flexible cup interior via the vacuum housing second passageway.

Abstract: A water flushing unit and a method of making such comprising a cover plate that is to be mountingly installed to replace the original equipment cover plate of a shower valve. The modified cover plate has a drain conduit which includes an on/off valve. The on/off valve is in turn connected to a flexible tube. Flushing water from the shower valve is to be confined and directed through the drain pipe and, with the on/off valve in an open position, is caused to flow through the drain tube.

Abstract: A method detects proper flow through one or more channels in an endoscope during a cleaning procedure. A supply line connects to one of the channels, the supply line being in fluid communication with a fluid supply vessel. Fluid is flowed from the supply vessel through the channel for a time period. The amount of fluid is calculated based upon a volume change in the supply vessel and the flow rate calculated based upon the amount of fluid and the time period. If the flow rate varies by more than a predetermined amount from a predetermined value an indication of improper flow is given.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide fluid treatment at a plurality of distinct points using a length of energized magnetically conductive conduit in fluid communication with non-magnetic coupling devices. The instant invention prevents the formation and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of fluid columns. It may also be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of oil/water separation equipment.

Abstract: A method for performing electrochemical processes using an array of dedicated cells is disclosed. Various construction details and steps of the method are developed which promote, in one embodiment, automating the method of performing the processes and cleaning the articles between electrochemical processes. In one embodiment, the array of dedicated cells includes rinsing cells which have a rinse chamber adapted to receive an article and flow rinse fluid such that the fluid impinges against the article at predetermined locations.

Abstract: A method of cleaning articles, such as infant feeding bottles is disclosed. The method provides for the use of alkali metal chloride, more particularly sodium chloride. The salt is deposited into the article to be cleaned, then water is added, and then the article is shaken to cause the crystalline substance to contact the interior walls of the container, thereby cleaning and sanitizing the interior of the article.

Abstract: A vacuum transfer system for transferring food grade products. A biased ball in a cage with a substantially uninterrupted cage wall is utilized as a check valve. The ball may be biased by a weight to float in a predictable orientation relative to the cage. The biased ball assures that a certain portion of the ball will consistently engage with and aperture. The biased ball also minimizes chattering of the ball in the cage under high flow conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is one for providing an apparatus and a method which make it possible to remove a foreign object or matter such as scale attached on an inner surface of a pipe easily for a short period of time by means of simple equipment and manner, and constituted as follows. Specifically, a holder (11) is attached onto an end of a pipe (P), an abrasion assisting member (16) fixed to a tip end of a support arm (15) is inserted into the pipe (P) by use of the holder (11) and stopped at an area (A) where oxide scale (S) is generated in a large amount. Then abrasive is sent with pressure into the pipe (P) by a blast device (14), and thus a flow rate of the abrasive in the scale-abraded area (A) is increased to abrade and remove the oxide scale (S) securely. Moreover, if required, a spiral groove (17) is formed on an outer circumference of the abrasion assisting member (16) to increase centrifugal force of the abrasive.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a process which involves safely and sanitarily extracting a solid material from a shell-and-tube reactor with good efficiency. The process comprises the step of extracting a solid material 90 that is packed in a reaction tube 20 of a shell-and-tube reactor 10, with the process further comprising: the step (a) of inserting an aspirating tube 30 from an end of the reaction tube 30 wherein the aspirating tube 30 is connected to an exhaust gas aspirator 70; and the step (b) of extracting the solid material 90 from the reaction tube 20 by aspirating the solid material 90 in the reaction tube 20 from a tip of the aspirating tube 30 together with a stream of air.

Abstract: A metal-debris magnetic scavenging tool useable inside a buried, horizontal metallic pipeline through an access opening which has been cut into the upper wall portion of the pipeline overhead where the resulting debris has collected. A raiseable/lowerable and rotatable array of magnets, surface exposed, and operating moveably as a unit, agitate and collect debris principally within an area-footprint which allows for clearance lifting and removal of collected debris through the access opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a high-pressure fuel injection pipe in which various foreign particles are substantially completely eliminated from the inner circumferential surface of a high-pressure fuel injection pipe. The method of manufacturing a high-pressure fuel injection pipe is characterized in that the inner circumferential surface of a metal pipe having a large wall thickness and a small diameter is cleaned using a solvent for dissolving foreign particles comprising an acid, alkali or organic solvent after a final pipe-extending step among steps for manufacturing the metal pipe.

Abstract: A washing method of petroleum equipment using washing solution capable of being used in a waterless environment is provided. A compound of surface-active agent and oil is used as the washing solution of the petroleum equipment. Content of the surface-active agent in the compound is preferably 1 to 20 volume %. The surface-active agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of anionic surface-active agent, cationic surface-active agent, amphoteric surface-active agent and nonionic surface-active agent. The oil is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of kerosene, light gas oil, vacuum gas oil and light cycle oil fraction obtained from a fluid catalystic cracking unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for wiping a contaminated lumen of an endoscope including a cleaning member having at least one radially extending fin for passing axially through the lumen with at most a small clearance whereby contamination remaining after passage of the member through the lumen is substantially uniformly distributed as a thin film on an internal wall of the lumen. The invention also relates to a method for cleaning a contaminated lumen of an endoscope including pulling or pushing a cleaning member axially through the lumen and treating the uniformly distributed film with a cleaning composition.

Abstract: A method and a solution are provided for cleaning a container, in particular a boiler of a conventional power station. The container is degreased and pickled in one method step using an alkaline cleaning solution. A suitable cleaning solution includes, for example, an ammonium EDTA salt, hydrazine and a surfactant.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and a device to allow a “rigid” pig to pass into an undersea flow pipe in which a hollow flow-constricting device is in use. According to the invention the device is provided with a first pipe branch and a second pipe branch. The first pipe branch is provided with a hollow flow-constricting device in it and both first and second pipe branches are provided with shut-off valves, whereby the flow can be diverted to the second pipe branch thereby enabling a rigid pig to pass into such second pipe branch, when necessary.

Abstract: A method is taught for cleaning photographic chemistry product fouling, including a proteinaceous portion and a non-proteinaceous portion from a liquid delivery system. The method comprises the steps of displacing resident product solution in the piping with water, hydrodynamically cleaning the piping system using two-phase flow a first time, chemically cleaning the piping system with an aqueous bleach solution to remove the proteinaceous portion of the photographic chemistry product fouling, chemically cleaning the piping system with a functionalized ethyl acetate solvent to remove the non-proteinaceous portion of the photographic chemistry product fouling, and hydrodynamically cleaning the piping system using two-phase flow a second time after the chemical cleaning steps to remove remaining residue. Preferably, after the second hydrodynamic two-phase flow cleaning step, the delivery system is subjected to a high purity water rinse.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods, compositions and apparatus for cleaning the surfaces within vessels that have restricted points of entry, and in particular, the surfaces within oxygen converters and oxygen cylinders. These oxygen converters and oxygen cylinders are components of the onboard oxygen supply systems of aircraft. A surfactant and a solvent are mixed to form a cleaning composition that is boiled at reduced pressure and increased temperature within the oxygen converter or oxygen cylinder. The oxygen converter or oxygen cylinder is rinsed with pure solvent, and the rinse fluid is measured to determine the level of contaminants. Dry air is forced through the oxygen converter or oxygen cylinder to remove remaining solvent. The cleaning composition may comprise a fluorocarbon solvent and a fluorosurfactant.

Abstract: A noncaustic system for cleaning and controlling bacteria growth in fluid supply lines, containers, or on objects. The system includes an electrolytic cell generating aqueous solutions of supersaturated oxygen via electrolytic chemistry. The electrolyzed or treated water has both cleaning and antimicrobial effects when dispensed in fluid supply lines having beverage deposits, a layer or coating of bacteria, yeast, microorganisms or polysaccharide layers formed therein. The present invention further increases the germicidal activity of the above system toward microorganisms that may adhere and grow on the interior surfaces of the fluid supply line.

Abstract: A method for cleaning the air circulation line of a jetted bathtub uses a conduit that has one end received within water in the tub and the opposing end received within the air intake nozzle of the tub. Upon activation of the motor, water circulates through the air circulation line in order to clean the line, the water being picked up from the tub via the conduit. If desired, a cleaning solution can be placed into the water or into a housing that is fluid flow connected in series with the conduit, in order to enhance the cleaning process.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for removing stubborn contaminants, aluminum fluoride and aluminum chloride in particular, from components of semiconductor-processing equipment. One embodiment forces steam through small holes in a gas distribution plate to remove build up on the interior walls of the holes. A cleaning fixture disposed between the steam source and the gas distribution plate delivers the steam at increased pressures. The gas distribution plate can be immersed in water during cleaning to capture the exiting steam.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus to be used with an endotracheal tube and including an elongate tubular member that extends into the endotracheal tube. A cleaning assembly is provided at a distal end of the elongate tubular member and is radially expandable to engage the interior wall of the endotracheal tube for cleaning thereof. A ventilator coupling is further provided and is connected to the endotracheal tube, a first inlet port of the ventilator coupling being coupled to a ventilator assembly to supply air to a patient, and a second inlet port of the ventilator coupling being structured to receive the elongate tubular member there through into the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A method for cleaning industrial pipe systems, preferably pipe systems used in food industry, such as meat, fish and vegetable industry. The method for cleaning industrial pipe systems, includes the steps of feeding a detergent together with liquid and granules, having a diameter, in batches only into a portion of a pipe, having a cross-section, to be cleaned, whereby one wash batch has a volume in liters, which is 0.05-0.3 times the numerical value of the cross-section in square centimeters of the pipe, creating a negative pressure in the pipe, and bringing the wash batch to flow in the pipe by means of the negative pressure for cleaning and mechanically treating the walls of the pipe.

Abstract: A method of scarifying an interior surface of a pipe to remove contaminants and corrosion products, using a vehicle carrying an attached principal arm that is pivotable and that has a nozzle assembly at a distal end thereof. The nozzle assembly has a plurality of nozzles mounted at free ends of associated nozzle branches, the nozzle branches being rotatable or capable of oscillation about a distal end of the principal arm. One of the nozzle branches and the principle arm are extendible to position the nozzle assembly adjacent a first selected region of the interior surface of the pipe. The vehicle moves down the pipe with the nozzle assembly rotating or oscillating, and applying pressurized fluid to the nozzles so that they each emit a jet that scarifies the first selected region. Once the first selected region is scarified, the principal arm is pivoted to position the nozzle assembly adjacent a subsequent selected region to be scarified and the process is in part repeated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cleaning a container having an amount of liquefied petroleum gas contained therein. The container is first inspected thoroughly for leaks. Heated nitrogen gas is then fed into the container. The heated nitrogen gas may be transported from a nitrogen storage tank to the container via at least one pipe. Liquid nitrogen may be fed into a vaporizer for vaporizing the liquid nitrogen. The nitrogen gas may then be heated via a steamer to expand the nitrogen gas and ensure that no liquid nitrogen enters the container. The heated nitrogen gas may vaporize any liquid liquefied petroleum gas contained therein. Further, the heated nitrogen gas may transport the liquefied petroleum gas to a flare for incineration. The heated nitrogen gas may be added any number of times to reduce the concentration of the liquefied petroleum gas therein to a desired level. The container may then be steam cleaned and opened to enter and thoroughly clean or inspect the inside of the container.

Abstract: A bore cleaner including a first flexible cord having a weighted member attached to a first end, a cleaning tool which is removably attachable to a second end of the first flexible cord in a first bore cleaner assembly, and a second, thicker flexible cord which is removably attachable to the second end of the first flexible cord in a second bore cleaner assembly and removably attachable to the cleaning tool in a third bore cleaner assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for cleaning beverage tubes, in which the set of beverage tubes includes a set of tubes (17, 26) from a tank (30) to one or several dispensing devices (18), and possible cooling, amount calculating, or other devices (11, 12, 15, 16). The set of distribution tubes is cleaned in the following stages:—cleaning fluid is fed into the tubes from one end and the liquid already in the tubes is drained out of the opposite end,—the cleaning fluid is allowed to act for a set time,—the cleaning fluid is flushed out with flushing fluid by feeding in a corresponding manner in to the tubes and draining the cleaning fluid out,—the line is filled with the beverage being dispensed at the same time draining the flushing fluid out of the line. At each stage, each fluid is identified by means of its electrical properties from the end of the tubes opposite to the feed, and this feed is terminated by set criteria, after which the process goes on to the next stage.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for automatically cleaning at least the cooking chamber of a cooking device upon use of a fluid, the fluid is selected from a first fluid comprising cleaning agent, rinse agent, decalcification agent, water and/or the like, and/or from a second fluid that is acquired from the third fluid discharging from the cooking chamber during cleaning on the basis of at least partial cleaning thereof. At least one spray head is provided to which the first fluid from at least a first reservoir and/or the second fluid can be supplied via a line system from a processing unit connected to the discharge conduit of the cooking chamber. The processing unit has at least a second reservoir, a cleaning unit, and a pump unit.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for providing a corrosion inhibiting aqueous solution which includes zinc orthophosphate where the zinc orthophosphate is solubilized. The invention is directed to a method of making a substantially contaminant-free, concentrated aqueous solution of zinc orthophosphate from zinc metal or zinc oxide and aqueous phosphoric acid.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus of the present invention include an tubing disposed within an conduit to assure flow through the outer pipe. The tubing string is nearly neutrally buoyant or substantially buoyant and has a cleaning and monitoring tool attached to its end. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for removing material from an conduit includes an tubing extending through the conduit and having a flowbore adapted to flow fluids within the tubing and a monitoring and cleaning tool attached to and receiving the fluids from the tubing. The tool preferably includes a plurality of nozzles, a sonic measuring device, and an expandable element.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for cleaning a contaminated cannula so that it may be reused includes moving the contaminated cannula from a drug reconstitution station where the cannula is used to prepare a drug solution into a first rinsing station where the cannula is cleaned. A database is referred to to determine what drug solution the cannula has been contaminated with, and to determine a first amount of cleaning fluid that needs to be passed internally through the cannula, and a second amount of cleaning fluid that needs to be passed externally about the cannula so that there is effectively no contaminant remaining inside and outside of the cannula. The first amount of cleaning fluid is passed internally through the cannula. The second amount of cleaning fluid is passed externally about the cannula. After the cannula is cleaned, the cannula is moved to the drug reconstitution station to prepare another drug solution.

Abstract: The radioactivity of a metal part is reduced in the process. In the method, firstly a layer of oxide is removed from the metal part using a decontamination solution. Then, an agent which has an oxidizing action and is still present is removed from the decontamination solution. As a result, a layer of the metal is removed. Since radionuclides are to be found only in the layer of the metal part which is close to the surface, the remaining metal can be scrapped in the conventional way.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for substantially cleaning fill from a borehole, variously including in preferred embodiments disturbing, particulate solids of fill while RIH, entraining particulates while POOH, jetting downhole while RIH and jetting uphole while POOH, and controlling at least one of a pump rate regime or a POOH rate regime.

Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide is stabilized by the addition of tri-potassium phosphate. This enhanced product is environmentally friendly and can be used in a variety of odor and disinfection applications without hazard to people, plants and things.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fumigating closed systems susceptible to microbially influenced corrosion (MIC). The method is particularly useful in a method for mitigating MIC in fire protection sprinkler systems.