Abstract: A nozzle apparatus for use with an abrasive fluid jet cutting system, and its method of construction and operation, are disclosed that reduce the wear and erosion problems typically experienced in the cutting jet's nozzle. This improved nozzle apparatus comprises (a) a nozzle having an entry port for receiving a slurry consisting of a carrier fluid and abrasive particles, an inner wall for directing the flow of the slurry, and an outlet port through which the slurry exits the nozzle, (b) wherein at least a portion of the nozzle wall is porous, and (c) a lubricating fluid chamber that surrounds the porous portion of the outer wall of the nozzle, the chamber having a port where a lubricating fluid enters the chamber, with the chamber port connecting to an input pipe which connects to a filter for filtering contaminants that might clog the pores of the porous portion of the nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for isolating non-rectangular shaped optical integrated circuits formed on a brittle substrate. For example, a brittle substrate comprising a plurality of non-rectangular shaped optical integrated circuits is provided on a water jet cutting system. In the water jet cutting system a mixture of water and at least one water soluble polymer is wet injected into a water stream and then a high pressure polymer water jet is used to cut the brittle substrate. The non-rectangular shaped optical integrated circuits are isolated by water jet cutting in a curvilinear manner without fatally damaging adjacent optical integrated circuits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for isolating non-rectangular shaped optical integrated circuits formed on a brittle substrate. For example, a brittle substrate comprising a plurality of non-rectangular shaped optical integrated circuits is provided on a water jet cutting system. In the cutting head of the water jet cutting system, a mixture of water and abrasive particles is wet injected into a supply of a high pressure water stream. The non-rectangular shaped optical integrated circuits are isolated by water jet cutting in a curvilinear manner without fatally damaging adjacent optical integrated circuits.

Abstract: A microdermabrasion handpiece includes a supply lumen and a return lumen in fluid communication with an abrasion chamber. A window formed at a distal end of the handpiece is off-centered from the supply lumen. The supply lumen directs a flow of abrasive particulate in a first direction. A supply nozzle adjacent to the distal end of the handpiece directs the flow of abrasive particulate at the window in a second direction different from the first direction. Methods for performing microdermabrasion are also provided.

Abstract: A blasting device, especially for cleaning the surfaces of hollow areas, uses a conveying medium, preferably air, with an added solid blasting agent. The blasting device includes a twisting chamber that impresses the jet with a controlled twist. The twisting chamber has a cylindrical shape and includes a tangential inlet for the conveying medium and the blasting agent, and an outlet changing into a nozzle component conically tapering at an angle of 10° to 25°.

Abstract: A blast nozzle is provided with a converging inlet portion, a venturi orifice and a diverging fan-shaped outlet portion. The converging inlet portion and orifice have a round cross section and the diverging fan-shaped outlet portion has an elliptical cross section from beyond the orifice to an outlet.

Abstract: The application relates to a process for working a workpiece, in which process an abrasive liquid is sprayed onto the workpiece, via a nozzle, at relatively low pressures which are sufficient to shape and/or polish the surface of the workpiece. The workpiece can be both shaped and polished in a single working step. Abrasive particles or polishing particles may be contained in the abrasive liquid. The pressure of the abrasive liquid lies below 50 bar, preferably below 20 bar. By arranging two nozzles in such a manner that the liquid jets intersect one another at a point, it is possible to set an accurate working depth.

Abstract: A nozzle apparatus for use with an abrasive fluid jet cutting system, and its method of construction and operation, are disclosed that reduce the wear and erosion problems typically experienced in the cutting jet's nozzle. This improved nozzle apparatus comprises (a) a nozzle having an entry port for receiving a slurry consisting of a carrier fluid and abrasive particles, an inner wall for directing the flow of the slurry, and an outlet port through which the slurry exits the nozzle, (b) wherein at least a portion of the nozzle wall is porous, and (c) a lubricating fluid chamber that surrounds the porous portion of the outer wall of the nozzle, the chamber having a port where a lubricating fluid enters the chamber, with the chamber port connecting to an input pipe which connects to a filter for filtering contaminants that might clog the pores of the porous portion of the nozzle.

Abstract: An abrasivejet cutting head is disclosed for use in an abrasivejet cutting system. The cutting head includes a replaceable generally cylindrical insert member having a fluid passageway aligned with the passageway of the housing. A waterjet-forming orifice member is supported within the insert in axial alignment with the abrasivejet discharge nozzle located at the downstream end of the cutting head. The insert is locked into the cutting head by the sleeve of an abrasive-carrying conduit, and provides the mixing region in which the abrasive is entrained into the waterjet. By making the jet-forming orifice and mixing region an integral unit, the mixing chamber is conveniently changed every time the wear in the jet-forming orifice requires an orifice change to maintain high cutting efficiency, while adding virtually no cost in additional components since it merely requires a slightly elongated insert than would otherwise be necessary.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing a latex coating concealing and overlying indicia on a sheet includes an elongated finger and thumb-gripping handle and a forward elbow having a lower end laterally offset from the handle axis. A cavity is provided carrying a compressible resilient member, the outer surface of which extends downwardly below the edge of the lower end of the elbow. The outer surface of the member carries dispersed aluminum oxide grit dispersed in random webs forming a disc to abrasively remove the latex coating with a fine dust residue remaining and larger particles of latex gathered and retained on the outer surface. A ring element is integral with the handle remote from the elbow. The method includes pressing the disc onto a latex coating and moving the handle generally horizontally back and forth to cause the coating to become a fine latex powder and causing residue particles of latex to adhere to the grit.

Abstract: An abrasive, fluid jet cutting apparatus, and its method of construction and operation, are disclosed that reduce the wear and erosion problems typically experienced in the cutting jet's mixing tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning method and to a corresponding cleaning device, which offer adequate protection to individuals, devices and installations, for cleaning component parts of installations that carry an electrical high-voltage and are not disconnected during cleaning. To this end, the component parts to be cleaned are subjected to the action of a two-phase particle stream (PS) consisting of a compressed gas (DGA) serving as a carrier medium and of carbon dioxide ice particles (TP) carried therein. Possible superficial accumulations of dirt are removed from the component parts by means of low-temperature embrittlement and by the kinetic energy of the impacting carbon dioxide particles. The carbon dioxide ice particles themselves sublimate without leaving residues.

Abstract: When the glass pane (3) is cut with a water jet which is pointed against the glass pane (3) from a nozzle (7) with high pressure, a water surge is directed at the glass pane (3) on the side opposite the action site of the cutting water jet to a point which is opposite the nozzle (7). The water jet which is cutting the glass pane (3) is captured damped by the water surge without its atomizing and rebounding onto the back-of the glass pane (3).

Abstract: A method for cleaning an inorganic surface of a virgin semiconductor processing component by directing a flow of frozen CO2 pellets upon the surface. After cleaning, the component is packaged for transport and installation into a furnace used for processing semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a component or a unit of an image forming apparatus which has been contaminated by a toner used for image forming includes the steps of blasting a target surface of the component or unit which has been contaminated by the toner with dry ice, and supplying a detergent to the target surface when the target surface is blasted with dry ice. In addition, a type or concentration of the detergent is adjusted in accordance with a type of the toner used for image forming.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a semiconductor processing component is provided. The process calls for directing a stream of cleaning media at a surface of the component, the cleaning media including zirconia. After cleaning with the cleaning media, frozen CO2 (dry ice) pellets may be directed at the surface to further clean the component.

Abstract: A dry ice blasting system adapted for low gas flow rates at low pressures with small dry ice particles to produce a very small footprint on a surface being cleaned.

Abstract: A cryogenic cleaner for and a method of performing cleaning of a surface that must be substantially free of contaminants has a resiliently mounted nozzle for spraying a cryogenic cleaning medium on the surface. The nozzle is driven in an oscillatory manner at a predetermined amplitude and frequency so the nozzle spray is delivered in a manner to provide pulsing of the spray and to provide as “snow plow” effect on contaminants as the spray delivers the cleaning medium against the surface. The surface is transported past the nozzle, and the cleaning occurs in an enclosed controlled environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to abrasive water jet systems comprising an abrasive water jet mixing tube having a longitudinal bore lined with a superhard material, including such systems which use cubic boron carbide (CBN), diamond, or other materials with a hardness greater than that of alumina as the abrasive material. The invention also comprises methods of using an AWJ system having a mixing tube having a longitudinal bore lined with a superhard material. Some embodiments include AWJ mixing tubes comprised of a plurality of connected components. Such connections may be disconnectable.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for generating a high-pressure fluid jet includes an orifice mount having a frusto-conical surface that engages a frusto-conical wall in a cutting head, the geometry of the orifice mount and cutting head being selected to increase the stability of the mount and reduce deflection of the mount adjacent a jewel orifice, when subjected to pressure. Alignment of a nozzle body and the cutting head is improved by providing pilot diameters both upstream and downstream of threads on the nozzle body and bore of the cutting head, respectively. Accurate placement of a mixing tube in a cutting head is achieved by rigidly fixing a collar to an outer surface of the mixing tube, the collar engaging a shoulder and bore of the cutting head downstream of a mixing chamber, to precisely locate the mixing chamber axially and radially.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cleaning method in accordance with a degree of soiling and a type of contaminant on a surface to be cleaned of a cleaning target. In the method of cleaning a cleaning target, such as an electrical component, with dry ice, during a process of blasting the dry ice toward the surface to be cleaned from a location where the dry ice is stored, a size of the dry ice is adjusted, so cleaning is performed while a cleaning performance of the dry ice is changed in accordance with the type of soiling or contaminant on the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for separating target particles from surrounding materials such as separating gold particles from the clays in placer deposits. The enveloping material is converted to a slurry, then pumped into a collision chamber through pairs of opposing nozzles. Sets of slurry collide, dislodging target particles from surrounding material. The outgoing slurry is then further processed to separate the particles dislodged by the collision.

Abstract: The invention relates to abrasive water jet systems comprising an abrasive water jet mixing tube having a longitudinal bore lined with a superhard material, including such systems which use cubic boron carbide (CBN), diamond, or other materials with a hardness greater than that of alumina as the abrasive material. The invention also comprises methods of using an AWJ system having a mixing tube having a longitudinal bore lined with a superhard material. Some embodiments include AWJ mixing tubes comprised of a plurality of connected components. Such connections may be disconnectable.

Abstract: A method for cleaning ceramic workpieces such as SiC boats used in semiconductor fabrication is disclosed. The method comprises washing a virgin or used ceramic workpiece with a strong acid and then using a pelletized CO2 cleaning process on the acid-washed component. The inventive method has been found to produce a workpiece having a very low level of metallic and particulate contaminants on its surface.

Abstract: A nozzle includes a tube and a flared deflector extending coaxially from an outlet thereof. A stream of abrasive pliant shot is discharged through the nozzle and deflected radially outwardly from the deflector for abrading a shifting edge along an aperture in a workpiece surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the coherence of a high-pressure fluid jet directed toward a selected surface. In one embodiment, the coherence is controlled by manipulating a turbulence level of the fluid forming the fluid jet. The turbulence level can be manipulated upstream or downstream of a nozzle orifice through which the fluid passes. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid is a first fluid and a secondary fluid is entrained with the first fluid. The resulting fluid jet, which includes both the primary and secondary fluids, can be directed toward the selected surface so as to cut, mill, roughen, peen, or otherwise treat the selected surface. The characteristics of the secondary fluid can be selected to either increase or decrease the coherence of the fluid jet. In other embodiments, turbulence generators, such as inverted conical channels, upstream orifices, protrusions and other devices can be positioned upstream of the nozzle orifice to control the coherence of the resulting fluid jet.

Abstract: The invention relates to abrasive water jet systems comprising an abrasive water jet mixing tube having a longitudinal bore lined with a superhard material, including such systems which use cubic boron carbide (CBN), diamond, or other materials with a hardness greater than that of alumina as the abrasive material. The invention also comprises methods of using an AWJ system having a mixing tube having a longitudinal bore lined with a superhard material. Some embodiments include AWJ mixing tubes comprised of a plurality of connected components. Such connections may be disconnectable.

Abstract: A hand-held blasting gun for use in dry ice blasting for cleaning purposes. A handle and a nozzle mount are pivotally joined so a nozzle on the nozzle mount can be adjustably directed relative to the handle. A flexible hose is fitted in the gun, extending from the end of the handle to the nozzle so as to send without kinking.

Abstract: A hand-holdable apparatus useful for abrading a surface is provided. The invention is particularly useful for dental applications using a stream of abrasive particles suspended in a gas stream to abrade the surface of a tooth. The apparatus of the invention may be modified to easily minimize “bleed down” of the gas/abrasive stream using a pinch valve and to remove worn flexible conduits for routine maintenance and autoclaving of the apparatus. The apparatus of the invention also provides a novel pick-up assembly for delivery of abrasive particles.

Abstract: The invention provides a blasting apparatus with a dual structure deflector. The blasting apparatus includes a blasting cabinet for housing a work piece, a nozzle, a propelling device, and a blasting medium holding unit. In use, the propelling device directs air and blasting medium via a blasting path against a work piece. In one aspect, the dual structure deflector is positioned inside the blasting path and includes an interior structure, an exterior structure, and a tubular support. The interior structure may be made from a rigid material such as steel, aluminum, or another metal. The exterior structure may be made from a resilient material such as polyurethane. The dual structure deflector provides a rigid and impact-resistant configuration.

Abstract: A nozzle and method for mixing abrasive particles with a stream of water and focusing the mixture of abrasive and water exiting the nozzle to improve the ability of the stream to remove paint and other coatings, rust, and scale and the like from a surface for use in operations such as metal finishing. The nozzle includes a spindle that rotates in a housing, the spindle including a chamber in which water passing through a passage in the spindle is mixed with abrasive particles. The passage through the spindle includes a section that is substantially coincident with the rotational axis of the spindle and a section that is angled relative to the section that is coincident with the rotational axis of the spindle, the mixing chamber being located in the off-axis section of and in fluid communication with the passage through the spindle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing alumina matrix carbide and boride reinforced ceramic composites wherein for any particular composite, the relative density is about 97% or more of the theoretical density. The composites are prepared in a container wherein the interior surfaces of the container are graphite and have a protective coating consisting of a first layer comprising silicon carbide and boron carbide with a binder and a second layer comprising silicon carbide particles, wherein the protective coating prevents carbon bleed-through and the protective coating maintains a boride-containing equilibrium atmosphere during the process.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the inner walls of vulcanizing molds that are divided into upper and lower partial molds by means of a blasting device/nozzle and a manipulating device, with the blasting device and the manipulating device being accommodated and encapsulated in an isolation hood that is provided with an adapter ring, and with the isolation hood being suspended on a movable boom and connectable to the outer circumference of a partial mold by means of the adapter ring.

Abstract: A fluid stream is discharged along a workpiece surface toward a boss thereof to form a boundary layer atop the surface. A stream of pliant shot is scrubbed across the boss for selectively abrading target material therefrom while the boundary layer protects the surface from abrasion.

Abstract: The present invention is a superior micro abrasive blasting device (55) with an integral flow control mechanism. Flow control is achieved through the displacement of discharge conduit (10) to control the distance between discharge conduit inlet (12) and mixing chamber second end wall (30). The flow control mechanism provides for the continuous pressurization of the mixing chamber (23) to yield instantaneous flow start-up response and instantaneous flow shut-off response. A method is provided for maintaining discharge conduit outlet (67) stationary with respect to target material (40) while discharge conduit inlet (12) is displaced. The method utilizes the deflection properties of discharge conduit (10) to provide the necessary compliance so the discharge conduit inlet (12) can be displaced while the discharge conduit outlet (12) remains stationary.

Abstract: A dental handpiece is disclosed for injecting an air-powder mixture and water against teeth for dental treatment. The handpiece includes a container for accommodating powders, an air supply line for supplying air into the container to produce an air-powder mixture in the container, a mixture transfer line for transferring the mixture, a water supply line for transferring water, and an injection nozzle for injecting the mixture and the water against a treatment site. The container has a curved inner surface for allowing whirl of air spatially in all directions in the container. The air supply line has a plurality of branched lines each extending in the central part of the container to close proximity to the curved inner surface of the container. Each of the branched lines has in its distal part a plurality of ports oriented to direct air flow therethrough along the curved inner surface of the container.

Abstract: The device consists of an outer body (1) with a cylindrical bore (2) housing the mixing chamber (5), a sleeve (7) fitted to the outer body (1) and housing in a bore (8) a second body of revolution (9). The outer body (1) is provided with a first inlet (13) for the supply of liquid to the mixing chamber, and with a second inlet (11) with is oblique and offset from the axis of the mixing chamber (5) for of the mixture of air and fine particulate. The second inlet (11) is situated in such a way that a mixture of air and fine particulate reaches the inner wall of the chamber (5) near its upstream end.

Abstract: An apparatus for spraying a liquid on the surface of assemblies that are moving through wash and rinse stations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sandblasting gun, in which by assembling an adapter, a blast head assembly in securing connection sequentially on a tool gun front end; said blast head assembly holds a blast nozzle in the inside of a tap hole at the back end of the main body, thereby a jet exhaust of the blast nozzle jetting high compressed air to generate a sucking force in the pipeline; at the front end of the main body, an extended male thread is provided for securing an end nut to hold a blast tube, a extended scavenging gun-barrel or a spray adapter in to combine a sandblasting gun, a spraying gun or a cleaning gun for meet multipurpose in operation.

Abstract: An enhanced visibility underwater waterjet cutting system is provided wherein the waterjet cutting assembly and the video camera for remotely viewing the operating system is enclosed within an enclosure spacedly set against the workpiece and a stream of clean water is injected into the enclosure to set up a flow of clean water past the camera and to the waterjet cutting tip to exhaust the cuttings away from the enclosure and camera to allow a continuous view of the cutting surface of the workpiece without clouding up the water in the enclosure.

Abstract: The invention resides in a method and apparatus for conditioning an inner surface of a tube. A pressurized mixture of air and grit and is supplied to a nozzle having an opening with a given diameter through which diameter the pressurized grit and air pass. An elongated nozzle adapter is connected to said nozzle. The nozzle adapter has a passage having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of said nozzle and said nozzle adapter is connected to said nozzle such that the opening in said nozzle and said passage are aligned with one another. The nozzle adapter is inserted into a tube and is axially moved and rotated in order to condition the inner surface thereof with a pressurized mixture of air and grit.

Abstract: The present invention is a superior micro abrasive blasting device (55) with an integral sealed reservoir (22) that converts into a mixing chamber (23). When not in use, the micro abrasive blasting device (55) forms a sealed reservoir (22) that protects the stored particulate matter (20) from contamination and spillage. When the device is setup for use, the sealed reservoir (22) transforms into an operational mixing chamber (23). A method is provided for easily unsealing reservoir (22) and turning it into the mixing chamber (23) in a single motion. In the preferred embodiment, a compliant closure cap (30) is displaced along the container side wall (15) in the direction of the container end wall (17) . The displacement causes the gas-delivery conduit (25) disposed within the reservoir (22) to protrude through the compliant closure cap (30) and to form a gas-receiving port (35).

Abstract: A ultra fine particle film forming apparatus is provided which is capable of forming a ultra fine particle film which has ultra fine particles sufficiently bonded together, sufficient density, flat surface and uniform density. A planarized ultra fine particle film forming method for forming a planarized ultra fine particle film from a deposited film of ultra fine particles formed by supplying the ultra fine particles to a substrate, the method comprising one or more of a planarizing step of planarizing a surface of the deposited film of the ultra fine particles supplied to the substrate.

Abstract: The cryogenic aerosol substrate cleaning system of the present invention includes a substrate support system that is disposed within a cleaning enclosure. A wafer, or other article to be cleaned is disposed upon the substrate support system. A cryogenic aerosol spray cleaning device is disposed within the enclosure to direct a cryogenic aerosol spray upon the surface of the wafer. The substrate support system includes an electrically floating chuck which supports the wafer, such that the chuck is separated from a grounded plane by an insulator. The chuck is capacitance-coupled to the grounded plane, and in alternative embodiments the chuck is also electrically coupled to the grounded plane. The substrate support system of the present invention acts to reduce the creation of tribocharges on the wafer, such that damage to wafers caused by such tribocharges is reduced and a cleaner wafer surface is created.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning pipes with the aid of a blasting medium in which a deflecting member surrounding a nozzle is blown through a pipe by the blasting medium blowing through the nozzle. The movement of the deflecting member and nozzle can be controlled with either a draw-rope from the upstream end of the pipe or a rod from the downstream end. Dry ice, sugar, or chemical agents may be added to the blasting medium as an blasting means.

Abstract: An apparatus of this invention for supplying an abrasive for use in the manufacture of semiconductors comprises a storage tank of the abrasive and a supply line for guiding the abrasive from the storage tank to a nozzle for supplying the abrasive to an object to be polished and said storage tank or supply line is provided with a device for furnishing ultrasonic wave to sonicate the abrasive. A process of this invention for supplying an abrasive for use in the manufacture of semiconductors comprises sonicating the abrasive by ultrasonic wave before supplying it to an object to be polished. The apparatus and process of this invention for supplying an abrasive for use in the manufacture of semiconductors make it possible to supply an abrasive containing a minimized amount of abnormally agglomerated particles to the surface of an object to be polished in the manufacturing step of semiconductors and improve the yield of polished products.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for cutting using a pressurized jet of fluid from a high pressure fluid source includes a hand-held tool, a hose for delivering pressurized fluid to the hand-held tool from the high pressure fluid source, and a nozzle at a distal end of the hand-held tool. The nozzle has a channel capped by a jewel. The jewel has a second channel therethrough restricting the flow of fluid through the channel, thereby creating the pressurized jet of fluid. A trigger switch is located on the hand-held tool. The trigger switch activates the high pressure fluid source when depressed and deactivates the high pressure fluid source when released.

Abstract: A method for cleaning ceramic workpieces such as SiC boats used in semiconductor fabrication is disclosed. The method comprises washing a virgin or used ceramic workpiece with a strong acid and then using a pelleted CO2 cleaning process on the acid-washed component. The inventive method has been found to produce a workpiece having a very low level of metallic and particulate contaminants on its surface.

Abstract: A blast nozzle apparatus which includes a circular inlet to an entry portion with converging top and bottom surfaces and diverging side surfaces which terminate in a throat portion and an outlet portion including diverging side surfaces and top and bottom surfaces terminating in a substantially rectangular outlet opening.

Abstract: A workpiece surface is treated in a cleaning, polishing or milling or similar surface treatment operation by a waterjet head. The head is located near the workpiece surface with its axis intersecting the workpiece surface and is held so that it dies not rotate about its axis. The waterjet head is driven so that its axis rapidly and repetitively moves in a closed path. The waterjet head is mounted in an eccentric member and the closed path is a surface of revolution. In one arrangement, the closed path described by the axis of the waterjet head is a circular cylinder. In another arrangement, the waterjet head is pivotally mounted and resiliently supported so that the closed path is conical.