Abstract: Methods for cleaning in-process wire are developed. In one embodiment a moving string loops around the wire and advances to present a clean surface to remove dirt from the surface of the moving wire.

Abstract: New and improved apparatus and method for the safe and effective, large scale removal and disposal of hazardous materials, for example frianble asbestos-containing materials, from building components are provided; and comprise a sheet-like body member, and one or more generally elongate closed-ended chutes operatively connected to the body member. The body member and chute(s) are made of non-rigid materials which are impervious to the hazardous materials. In use, the body member is sealed around the building component in question to enclose the same, the hazardous material removed from the thusly enclosed component for containment in the enclosure, and moved therefrom into and through the chute(s) for periodic packaging and disposal therewith through the sealing and cutting of successive chute portions.

Abstract: A method of removing oil from a golf course is disclosed. In this invention, an absorbent mat is applied to the oil spill site to absorb an initial amount of the oil. The mat is removed after a sufficient period of time, and then, a surfactant is applied to the spill site. A second absorbent mat is, in turn, applied to the spill site in order to absorb a further amount of the oil and an initial amount of the surfactant. Water is then applied to the spill site to flush away the residual oil and surfactant.

Abstract: A process for drying semiconductor wafers or similar substrates maintains the substrates in a static position to avoid the generation of undesired particulate. The substrates are maintained within the apparatus at an angle of approximately 30.degree. from the vertical to facilitate complete drainage of the processing fluid. According to this invention, the substrates are positioned in the chamber of the apparatus at the appropriate angle, the chamber is closed in a fluid tight seal and filled with the processing fluid, until the fluid overflows through a vacuum valve. While maintaining the chamber completely filled, vacuum aspiration is continued to degas the chamber. While continuing vacuum aspiration of the chamber, a vacuum assisted drain valve is opened, and clean dry inert gas is introduced above the draining fluid. The draining step assures that any droplets remain with the draining fluid so that the substrates emerge dry as the fluid drains away.

Abstract: Solid materials are easily washed with liquified gas by placing the solid terial to be washed in a dry vessel under an inert atmosphere, evacuating the vessel, introducing the low temperature liquified gas solvent into the vessel, allowing the washing of the solid by the liquified gas solvent, and removing the solvent by the application of vacuum.

Abstract: A commercial warewasher is disclosed, in which racks of soiled ware, such as dishes, are consecutively washed through a machine cycle which includes recirculating wash water over the ware followed by a fresh water spray rinse. A portion of the wash water is drained and a second portion is intentionally retained in the machine during the rinse period after each rack of dishes is washed. The retained portion is thereby combined with the fresh rinse water to provide a volume of water sufficient for pumped wash recirculation for the next rack without cavitation, while enabling usage of a minimum quantity of rinse water required to provide effective rinsing. Reduced water consumption, reduced energy to heat the water and reduced chemical usage (detergents, sanitizers and rinse agents) are all possible in amounts and degrees depending upon the type and design of warewasher with which the method and apparatus is employed.

Abstract: A method, and components therefore for cleaning and reclaiming silk screens and the like. The method involves the steps, in general, of handspraying silk screens to be cleaned at a nominal water pressure of 3,000 psi plus or minus 300 psi, and this preferably at a water temperature of from 70 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The water circulating system is preferably a closed system that is periodically automatically replenished as needed. This saves a volume of water required, and such water is reclaimed by filtering systems. The filtering structure employed comprises a series of classifier screens of progressively reduced mesh and disposed in mutually superposed position. A further filter is in the form of a disposable bag filter made of paper or other suitable material preferably having a pore size of the order of ten microns. Additional filters are employed as needed. The spray cabinet employed has silk screen support bars and clamping means for clamping the screens in sloping condition.

Abstract: As a preliminary step, the dirty filter is dried to remove substantially all moisture from the dust on the filter. The filter is then spun in a closed cabinet. Simultaneously, a jet of pressurized air is reciprocated in close proximity along the inner surface of the filter. Also at the same time, suction is maintained on the cabinet, to remove dust-laden air and assist in the dislodging of the dust from the filter paper. By the combined actions of spinning, close-coupled reverse air jetting, and suction, the dust can substantially all be removed from the dirty filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of potato tubers so as to reduce bacterial and other diseases therein and improve the keeping properties thereof.The invention relates to a method comprising the steps of size-grading G potato tubers (55) and then bringing substantially soil-free size-graded tubers (55) to a thermal treatment zone T in which they are immersed in a fluid (10) at a temperature of from 45.degree. to 85.degree. C., for a period of time sufficient to kill at least some microorganisms without significantly damaging the tubers. According to the invention the tubers (55) are then passed substantially directly, through a drying zone D, in which they are surrounded by a hot air flow (68) having a temperature of from 40 to 75 degrees C., to dry their outer surfaces following which they are brought to a cooling zone P.

Abstract: A process for the removal of solid deposits, especially calcium-, iron-, manganese-containing incrustations and mixtures thereof, from water supply installations wherein an aqueous solution comprising a mineral acid, preferably hydrochloric acid corresponding to a normality of the solution of 0.001 N to 6 N, and hydrogen peroxide in a proportion of 0.05 to 20% by weight of the total solution, is applied to the interior surfaces of the installations by, for example, spraying or rinsing.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing small particles from a substrate comprising a source of fluid carbon dioxide, a first means for expanding a portion of the fluid carbon dioxide into a first mixture containing gaseous carbon dioxide and fine droplets of liquid carbon dioxide, coalescing means for converting the first mixture into a second mixture containing gaseous carbon dioxide and larger liquid droplets of carbon dioxide, second expansion means for converting said second mixture into a third mixture containing solid particles of carbon dioxide and gaseous carbon dioxide, and means for directing said third mixture toward the substrate. Also disclosed are methods for removing fine particles from substrates utilizing the subject apparatus.

Abstract: A system is provided for feeding a process or bath with a high purity liquid and when needed upgrading or maintaining the purity of such liquid when delivered from a bulk shipping container. In the system, the liquid in which a high degree of purity is desired is pumped through a filter and sensor which detects the level of particulates while maintaining the integrity of the product against contamination. The purity of the liquid is upgraded by pumping, i.e., recirculating, the liquid through a filtration media while sensing the purity, and returning the processing liquid when the desired level of purity is reached. A gas vent filter is used to purify air or vapor passing into or out of the system avoids pressure or vacuum buildup.

Abstract: Blasting bodies, for use in dishwashing machines in admixture with dishwashing water, comprise about 60% by weight mineral filler selected from the group consisting of silicate, sulphate and carbonate. A plastic selected from the group consisting of polyamide and polyethylene is present as a binder for the mineral filler, which is in the form of particles. The bodies have a specific gravity of at least 2.0 and a Moh's hardness value of at least 3.0, each body having a weight of about 0.04 g, a length of about 3 mm and a width of about 2.5 mm and being circular or polygonal in transverse section. Preferably, the bodies contain at least one percent by weight chalk, and the mineral filler is barium sulphate.

Abstract: In a method for removing an aged wax and fur on a vehicle by a washing machine including a gate-type frame which is reciprocally travellable astride the vehicle in longitudinal direction of the latter and which is provided with a rotary brush arrangement, a dryer, a clear water sprayer, a neutralizer-containing rinse water sprayer and an aged-wax/fur removing material spreader, the vehicle is brushed by the rotary brush arrangement during a first advancing movement of the gate-type frame, and an aged-wax/fur removing material is spreaded onto the vehicle by the aged-wax/fur removing material spreader, while at the same time brushing the vehicle by said rotary brush arrangement during a first returning movement and second advancing movement of the gate-type frame.

Abstract: A method for removing processing oil from thin sheets of microporous plastic material is comprised of a tank having a liquid zone in its bottom portion which is divided into three sub-tanks having decreasing depths extending across the tank. Heating coils in each sub-tank vaporize the solvent to form a cleaning zone, containing vaporized solvent, above the liquid portion, and condensing coils located at the top of the tank condense the vaporized solvent and deposit it into the deepest sub-tank which also is supplied fresh make up solvent when required. A series of rollers feeds the material through the tank, from the side having the shallowest sub-tank toward the side having the deepest sub-tank, while repeatedly passing it between the cleaning zone where solvent is condensed on it to clean it, and the condensing zone where it is cooled to a temperature below the temperature of the vaporous solvent.

Abstract: A doctor blade assembly has a doctor blade supported in a blade holder. The blade has a projecting front edge adapted to be placed in contact with a moving surface to be doctored, and a rear edge adapted to be received in the blade holder. The blade is preloaded in a manner such that tensile stresses are induced in the front edge thereof. The level of such tensile stresses is below the yield strength of the blade material, yet high enough to prevent compressive stresses from developing at the blade front edge as a result of heat being generated by frictional contact between the blade and the moving surface being doctored.

Abstract: In a chemical processing system for processing substrates or wafers in the production of electronic devices or integrated circuit chips, a rinsing step of simultaneously thoroughly rinsing the substrate in the processing chamber while the chemical supply lines and chemical spray posts are also being thoroughly rinsed with rinse water directed down a drain and without spraying into the processing chamber by controlling the pressure or rate of flow of rinsing water through the liquid chemical supply lines and chemical spray post passages and orifices so that most of the rinsing water will flow through an open drain valve and down the drain and only a trickle of water is permitted to flow outwardly through the spray orifices of the chemical spray post so that none of the rinsing water with dilute traces of chemical is sprayed onto the substrates in the processing chamber.

Abstract: A magnetic recording disk accommodated in a casing is rotated and air in the casing is drawn through air sucking openings formed in the upper and lower sides of the casing.

Abstract: A compact portable unit for servicing and treating the water of a swimming pool. The unit has a front section and a rear section connected together by an upper section to form a saddle which is set over a side wall of the swimming pool. The front section is submerged in the water contained by the pool and contains a skimmer, a scummer, a filter, and a recycling outlet. The front section may also be provided with footholds, lights, and handrails. The rear section contains a pump and electrical apparatus for operation of the unit. The unit may be equipped with a water heater and is readily installed and removed.

Abstract: Adherent foreign matters such as metal powders and sludges are removed from the surface of work pieces of metal, ceramics or the like in a treating process thereof. Work pieces where foreign matters adhere and a granules composed of a heat-resisting inorganic substance such as sand are put together into a container. The inside of the container is heated to raise the temperature to the melting point of the adherents or to a temperature near it, and an external force is applied; to the container so that the work pieces will move in the container, for example, to rotate the container.