Abstract: A variety of techniques may be employed, alone or in combination, to enhance contact between a processed substrate and applied megasonic energy. In accordance with one embodiment of the new invention, the vibration plate is brought into intimate contact with one surface of the substrate, while cleaning or processing fluid contacts the other. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a reflecting surface may be provided to cause emanated energy to be reflected back into the near field and make it more uniform. In accordance with another alternative embodiment of the present invention, energy may be transferred across a substrate bounded on both sides by liquid with incidence of megasonic energy that is either normal to the substrate surface or within a critical range of incident angles. In yet another embodiment, generated dilatational waves may be converted to surface waves prior to contacting the substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide methods and apparatuses for heating a substrate with radiation during processing of substrates. Radiation in the radio or microwave portion of the electromagnetic spectrum is applied to a substrate housed within a processing chamber to promote desirable chemical reactions involving the substrate. Processing in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may utilize pressurization of the processing chamber in conjunction with the application of microwave, RF, IR, or UV radiation, or electromagnetic induction, to heat the substrate or a component of the processing chemistry present within the chamber. Alternative embodiments of the present invention may use combinations of these energy types for more effective processing. For example, UV radiation may be introduced into the chamber in conjunction with microwave heating in order to generate reactive species from the processing chemistry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing materials from a substrate contained in a closed, pressurized processing vessel. An exemplary method includes the steps of inserting a substrate to be processed into the processing vessel, closing the processing vessel gas-tight, and then pressurizing the processing vessel. A pressurized processing solution is introduced to the processing vessel while the processing vessel is maintained under pressure. The substrate is exposed to the processing solution, so that a processing step ensues and the desired material is removed from the substrate by reaction with the pressurized processing fluid. The processing is performed at greater than atmospheric pressure to maintain a high concentration of active components of the processing solution by increasing the solubility of active solution components, and to inhibit evaporation of volatile components of the processing solution.

Abstract: A technique for installing and replacing, if necessary, readily bendable electrical heat-tracing cable on and insulating a network of installed pipes including straight sections, straight joints, and elbow sections is disclosed herein. In accordance with this technique, initially provided heat-tracing cable is installed in individual continuous sections along the length of and adjacent to the straight pipe sections, joints and elbow sections. Routing guides are placed over and/or under lengthwise surfaces of at least those segments of the heat-tracing cable adjacent to the joints and elbows and retained in place along with the cable itself. With the cable and routing guides so retained, a layer of thermal insulation is placed over the network of pipes as well as the cable and routing guides so that opposite ends of individual cable sections are readily accessible for connection with the source of electrical power or a section of replacement cable.

Abstract: A rail heating system is provided for heating railroad components such as railroad switch areas and electrified third rails. The heating system includes a side heater having a heating pad that has a flexible contact surface. A clip arrangement such as a spring steel clip is provided for securing the heating pads to the stock rail and pressing the contact surface into engagement with the rail. The contact surface of the heating pad is forced to conform to the shape of the contacted portion of the rail. Ground pan heaters may be used to keep areas of the switch that are not suitable for attachment by the side heaters, such as the switch rod, free from ice and snow.

Abstract: A technique for installing and replacing, if necessary, readily bendable electrical heat-tracing cable on and insulating a network of installed pipes including straight sections, straight joints, and elbow sections is disclosed herein. In accordance with this technique, initially provided heat-tracing cable is installed in individual continuous sections along the length of and adjacent to the straight pipe sections, joints and elbow sections. Routing guides are placed over and/or under lengthwise surfaces of at least those segments of the heat-tracing cable adjacent to the joints and elbows and retained in place along with the cable itself. With the cable and routing guides so retained, a layer of thermal insulation is placed over the network of pipes as well as the cable and routing guides so that opposite ends of individual cable sections are readily accessible for connection with the source of electrical power or a section of replacement cable.