Abstract: In the method, the intake air for an internal combustion engine is heated both during the starting and/or warm-running phases by at least one electrically heatable heating element arranged upstream of the air inlet to the internal combustion engine and wherein the heating period for the pre-start is selected on the basis of the temperature of the cooling water of the internal combustion engine and the temperature of the unheated air taken in by the internal combustion engine, and the heating period for the post-start is selected independently of the pre-start heating time and selected solely on the basis of the cooling-water temperature.

Abstract: A pump for moving a fluid has a housing with a internal chamber accommodating a pair of rotating pistons. Each piston has protrusions that register with pockets in the other piston in non-contact relation as the pistons rotate. A fluid accumulator in fluid communication with the pump holds a supply of fluid to prevent excessive pressure rise.

Abstract: An aftercooler apparatus that is connected to a turbocharger and to a reciprocating engine has a primary and a secondary saturation chamber, and a drying chamber. Turbocharged air from the turbocharger is directed into the primary saturation chamber. The incoming air is initially mixed with and cooled by water located at the bottom of the primary saturation chamber before being directed through a diffusion screen. The air exiting the diffusion screen enters the secondary saturation chamber where intense bubbling and foaming increases the air-water contact area to further cool the air and form an air-water mixture approaching the temperature and moisture level of saturation. The air-water mixture is then directed into the drying chamber where a majority of the moisture is removed from the air through the use of centrifugal force. The now cooler moist air is directed toward the engine intake manifold, whereby the moisture in the air stream acts to reduce the NOx formation during the combustion process.

Abstract: An intake device for a supercharged internal combustion engine is installed in a motor vehicle. In particular, the engine is a supercharged otto engine which can be installed in the rear of a motor vehicle, and has an air filter box which receives an air filter element, and a supercharger air cooler. The supercharger air cooler is integrated in the air filter box. In this way, optimal cooling of the supercharger air is assured even in the event that the otto engine and its supercharger as well as the supercharger air cooler are installed in the rear of the vehicle. Furthermore, in this way, the mounting, logistic, and test expenses, particularly at the manufacturing site, can be minimized.

Abstract: A system is provided for rapidly changing the flow of recirculated exhaust gas to each cylinder of an internal combustion engine operating on diesel fuel or other fuels. The system preferably includes an exhaust gas recirculation line having an exhaust gas recirculation pump along with a reservoir and cooler for storing a desired volume of recirculated exhaust gas. Recirculated exhaust gas is preferably supplied from the reservoir to each cylinder of the associated engine through respective recirculated exhaust gas conduits. A metering valve is preferably disposed within each recirculated exhaust gas conduit immediately adjacent to each cylinder. The metering valves provide uniform distribution of recirculated exhaust gas to the respective cylinders and allow the system to rapidly change the flow of recirculated exhaust gas to each cylinder. The system provides recirculated exhaust gas at a point close to the combustion chamber where it is needed for effective reduction of undesirable NO.sub.x emissions.

Abstract: The present invention improves the operation of an exhaust gas recirculation system having a recirculation combustion chamber or group of combustion chambers dedicated to supplying recirculated gas. Once a sensed engine load is within a predefined range, a controller advances fuel injection into the recirculation combustion chamber to reduce formation of particulates. The reduction in particulates reduces fouling of an exhaust gas recirculation system.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system for returning part of exhaust gas of an engine to an intake system has at least one EGR gas introduction port for directing the EGR gas into an intake air passage downstream of a throttle valve. The EGR introduction port opens, into the intake passage, in a tangential direction to produce a circumferential flow along an inside curved surface of the intake air passage around a central back flow region behind the throttle valve to mix the EGR gas efficiently with the fresh intake air and to prevent deposits on the throttle valve.

Abstract: An EGR module has an emission control valve body containing a main flow passage having a valve member that controls exhaust gas flow through the passage. An internal pressure sensing passage communicates pressure at one side of an orifice in the main flow passage to a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor and an EVR valve are integrated with the body of a fluid pressure actuator that operates the valve member. The actuator has two body parts, one of which is assembled to the emission control valve body before the two actuator body parts are assembled together. The sensor has an electric connector containing some terminals connected to one or more electric sensing elements and additional terminals that make mated connection with terminals of the EVR valve as the sensor is being associated with the EVR valve during assembly of the module.

Abstract: An electric ignition device for an internal combustion engine having a primary and a secondary circuit coupled together by a transformer. The secondary circuit includes a spark gap. The primary circuit includes a capacitor that can be discharged. The voltage discharged by the capacitor is coupled by the transformer to the secondary circuit where it produces an ignition spark across the spark gap. The primary circuit is a resonant circuit that is repeatedly excited keeping the ignition spark burning as an arc. Current or voltage in the secondary circuit are detected to control the energy introduced into the spark gap.

Abstract: A spark plug comprising a piezoelectric element that strains with the increase in pressure in the cylinder of an internal combustion engine, and methods of making and using such a spark plug. The strain on the element generates a voltage across the poles of the piezoelectric element that varies with the cylinder pressure. This voltage can be monitored to determine the pressure in the cylinder. The voltage will increase until it is sufficient to create a spark between two poles that will be used to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder. The voltage may be further increased by using the increasing cylinder pressure to accelerate a striker mass to impact the piezoelectric element. After ignition, the piezoelectric element strains further because of the rapid increase in pressure due to the combustion process. Sensing the voltage output after combustion can provide information about the engine cycle and indicate any anomalies such as pre-ignition, misfire, or knock.

Abstract: An air/ratio control system and method for an internal combustion engine coupled to a fuel vapor recovery system simultaneously maps a difference between a desired air/fuel ratio and a measured air/fuel ratio to fueling errors and a purge vapor flow. This system and method maximizes the ability to purge the vapor recovery system while maintaining the ability to diagnose fuel errors.

Abstract: A paint ball gun is connected through a first gas pressure regulator to a supply of pressurized gas for maintaining a high gas pressure in a first chamber in the gun and a second gas pressure regulator is connected between the first chamber and a second chamber in the gun to maintain a working gas pressure in the second chamber greater than atmospheric pressure but less than the gas pressure in the first chamber. A pneumatic control valve is arranged to receive gas under pressure from the second chamber and direct it selectively to a pneumatic ram mounted for sliding movement in a cylinder in the gun between a retracted position and a forward position in which it opens a valve to admit high pressure gas from the first chamber to the barrel to fire a paint ball. An electrical switch for the control valve is connected to an electronic control circuit which incorporates a micro-switch operated by the trigger of the gun.

Abstract: A stone cutter for cutting stock stone, in particular marble without causing undesirable and uneconomical breakage of the stone. The stone cutter comprises a movable cutter blade assembly, where the movable cutter blade assembly comprises a movable blade holder and an upper cutter blade; a stationary blade assembly, where the stationary blade assembly comprises a stationary blade holder and a stationary blade. The movable cutter blade assembly is mounted proximate an end of the stationary blade assembly. The stone cutter further comprises a support, where the support comprises at least a base and a table and provides a stable rest for the stationary blade assembly. A handle assembly is also provided to move the movable cutter blade assembly in a linear reciprocating motion toward and away from the stationary blade assembly. The distance between the stationary blade and movable blade are generally equidistant throughout movement of the movable cutter blade assembly.

Abstract: A saw chain for cutting aggregate material has sealing members to seal the pivotal connection between the center drive links and the rivets to prevent entry of contaminates into the bearing surfaces. In one arrangement, O-rings are mounted in grooves of the tie straps with the O-ring being compressively forced against the center drive link. The O-ring prevents entry of contaminants into the bearing surface between the bore of the center drive link and the rivet. In another arrangement spring type cup washers fit in a groove of the tie straps and the cup washers are biased against the center drive link.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing end faces of integrated circuit chips using a cutting machine having a straight blade. The apparatus is a wedge shaped block having one surface angled at the desired angle to be imparted to the end face. The one surface has an alignment member thereon for aligning the chip on the top surface, and at least one locating member at the end of the block for positioning the end of the chip relative to the cutting blade. The block has a plurality of bores therein for applying suction to hold the chip on the one surface during cutting with the blade. The method includes the steps of placing a foot or feet on the chip, placing the chip on the block and aligning it and locating it, and applying a force thereto to hold it fixedly in position.

Abstract: A forced convective track oven comprises a track conveyor including first and second circular spirals, the first circular spiral for conveying bakery trays and dough products upwardly and the second circular spiral portion for conveying bakery trays and dough products downwardly, thereby minimizing the number of changes of direction of the bakery trays as they travel along the track conveyor. A plurality of burners discharge heated air through discharge tubes and discharge nozzles into engagement with bakery trays carried by the track conveyor. First and second oval spirals may be used in lieu of the circular spirals when the track oven is used in a reduced ceiling height environment.

Abstract: A portable cook stove includes a bowl-like grate supported by a column forming a cavity for supplying air to the grate and for receiving ashes falling through the grate. The column is supported on a tray for receiving and retaining ashes removed from the cavity to reduce the likelihood of a fire from hot coals in the ashes.

Abstract: The invention provides a radiant heater comprising a radiative heating element (15, 16); a housing (1), the underside of which is recessed to receive the radiative heating element (15, 16), the radiative heating element being disposed beneath the housing (1) such that its upper half is wholly within the recess, and at least a portion of its lower half protrudes downwardly from the recess; the recess having a heat reflective surface (5a, 5b, 5c, 6a, 6b, 6c) for reflecting heat radiation from the radiative heating element (15,16) in a downwards direction; the housing (1) having means (9) enabling the attachment thereto of a reflective skirt (19) for focusing the radiation emitted from the radiative heating element (15,16).

Abstract: This invention provides a contamination-resistant float glass showing even quality in durability and its good quality sufficienty. The film for contamination-resistance is formed only on the top-side surface of a float glass. The surface, free from tin diffused from a float bath, can be identified by ultraviolet irradiation. A solution including a chemical adsorbent like fluoroalkyltrichlorosilane is applied to the top-side surface by a roller coater. The adsorbent can be prevented from hydrolyzing with dry air around the coating portion of the coater. Surplus solution can be removed with dry air blown on the surface to make the contamination-resistant property and the appearance better. The chemical adsorbent is bonded to the surface via a siloxane bond to form a thin film. The contamination-resistant float glass is installed in the front door of an apparatus like a toaster oven with the film facing the inside of the oven.

Abstract: A catalytic combustion heating device 3 for generating heat by oxidation reaction of fuel gas stored in a fuel tank 24 and air in a combustion unit 29 is installed in a mount 4 provided in a jacket 1. The mount 4 is fastened to the waist of the body wearing the jacket 1 by a holding band 9, and the load applied on the shoulders through the jacket is lessened and comfort is improved. Thus, a warming jacket capable of warming the body comfortably is obtained.

Abstract: A portable heat generating device in which fuel vapor (e.g. methanol) and an oxygen supply (e.g. air) are uniformly released through porous tubes woven with catalyst-impregnated glass filaments into a sheet-shaped, fabric-like structure enclosed in a mylar envelope. The catalyst promotes flameless combustion of the fuel vapor and oxygen, with consequent heat release occurring uniformly over the fabric-like structure. The heat generation process is started by pumping liquid fuel and air into the porous tubes using a peristaltic pump, thereby building up hydraulic pressure within the liquid fuel portion of the microbore-tubes. The level of pressure sustained within the liquid fuel portion of the microbore-tubes is limited by a manually set variable pressure release valve. The pressure in the microbore-tubes forces the liquid fuel within the porous microbore-tubing through the pores where it is converted into a vapor state before reacting with the oxygen and catalyst to produce flameless combustion.

Abstract: A heater includes a housing having an angled top, a fan having a discharge disposed parallel to the angled top of the housing, and a baffle for laminarizing airflow through the heater. The heater may also create airflow through a cover, across a housing, a heat sensitive component, and/or a raceway, and into a housing inlet. The heater may include a manifold having at least one coupling member that slidingly engages and disengages a burner. Methods for propelling combustion air through a heater, laminarizing combustion airflow in a heater, improving the efficiency of a heater, and converting a heater to make it compatible with a different fuel are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas fueled direct vent fireplace has a firebox within an outer casing, the firebox having a mounting plate above the floor of the casing for mounting burner support brackets, a pilot light assembly, a gas valve and control assembly, and other conventional elements for controlling the burner. The mounting plate includes an explosion blow-out valve plate and a vacuum release plate which are spring biased to close respective ports. The valve plate opens when the gas pressure within the firebox is excessive, and the vacuum release plate opens if the release of pressure from the firebox causes the firebox to become subatmospheric. The firebox has a frontal opening which is closed by a glass access door having an extrusion at upper and lower edges and side edge protectors. The extrusions have portions which face the interior of the firebox to be grasped by latches mounted on the firebox to tightly secure the glass access door to the firebox.

Abstract: A device for accurately delivering aerosolized doses of a medicament disperses a measured amount of drug in a measured volume of carrier gas and transfers the resulting aerosol to a chamber prior to inhalation by a patient. The chamber is filled efficiently with the aerosol, and inhalation by the patient draws the aerosol dose into the lungs. This is followed by the inhalation of atmospheric air that will push the initial dose well into the lung interiors. The apparatus optimally includes a dose regulator, a counter, a clock, a dose memory and a signal to indicate when a dose is ready for inhalation. Optimal chamber designs are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for directly counting the number of doses expended from a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) medicinal delivery system. A miniature pressure sensor and microprocessor is used to detect the pressure pulse in the transfer channel of the mouthpiece of the MDI through which the inhaler dose (the prescribed mixture of aerosol propellant and medicinal drug) is released. The microprocessor processes data reflecting the dynamics of the pressure pulse and counts the number of doses administered. The microprocessor displays the counted doses (or doses remaining) on a miniature digital display. Additional information also may be provided to a user from the display or via an audible signal.

Abstract: A process of pressurization, of supply for effecting a dive for underwater intervention with a breathing mixture with hydrogen, and of decompression of a person making the dive, wherein the person is pressurized to an absolute pressure P.sub.1 of at least 0.45 MPa with a first type of breathing mixtures not containing hydrogen. The person is supplied at least from this pressure P.sub.1 with a second type of breathing mixtures at pressure P as a function of the depth of dive p to which said person is lowered, which second breathing mixture is of hydreliox type containing hydrogen at a minimum partial pressure of 0.33 MPa, oxygen at less than 4% by volume, helium with a partial pressure of more than 0.1 MPa and other gases such a nitrogen with a total partial pressure of less than 0.09 MPa. Supplying this second type of hydrogenated breathing mixtures in accordance with a composition which would locate the dive in one of the zones of the high pressure nervous syndrome or of narcosis is avoided.

Abstract: A method and device (20) for spraying particulate materials in which a high voltage is applied to a mass of the particulate material so as to cause particles to issue from the mass. High voltage from a source (16) is applied to a mass of material (36) stored in a container. A surface of the mass (36) is exposed to the surroundings and the applied voltage is conducted through the bulk material to particles located at the exposed surface which are thereby projected as an electrically charged spray from the mass under the influence of the electric field substantially without any accompanying corona discharge.

Abstract: An arrangement in an anesthesia vaporizer comprising a liquid container including a vapor generator; a filling device; and conduits for supplying anesthetic from a transport and storage container to the liquid container and/or for removing anesthetic from the liquid container, and for conveying an amount of replenishment gas corresponding to the amount of anesthetic liquid from the liquid container to the transport and storage container upon filling the container and/or inversely upon emptying. For improved operating safety, the filling device is provided with a closing means, adapted to close a filling conduit which opens to the inside of the liquid container and a replenishment gas conduit between the liquid container and the transport and storage container through an overpressure generated in the transport and storage container, and thus prevent anesthetic liquid from flowing to the liquid container.

Abstract: An inhalation device comprising a chamber having an inlet and an outlet; and an active substance reservoir, wherein the device further includes vacuum means for forming a vacuum in the chamber and valve means arranged to release the vacuum, so that the substance contained in the reservoir is dispersed in the chamber on release of the vacuum.

Abstract: The humidity and/or temperature of a gas sample is monitored so that these system parameters can be accounted and/or actively monitored and controlled. In one embodiment, a gas analyzer system (10) includes an input flowline (12) for receiving a sample stream from a patient respiratory circuit via a patient input module (14), an analyzer instrument (16) for obtaining composition information regarding the gas sample, a humidity sensor module (18) containing a temperature sensor (40) and a humidity sensor (42), and a vacuum pump (22) for drawing the gas sample through the analyzer system (10). A processor (28) receives information from the analyzer instrument (16) and the humidity sensor module (18) and determines composition information regarding the gas sample based on such inputs. The analyzer system (10) thereby allows for improved composition measurements and for monitoring the humidity of the gas sample to stay within specifications or preferred operating ranges of certain analyzer instruments.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining the occurrence of an apnea, patency and/or partial obstruction of the airway are disclosed. Respiratory air flow from a patient is measured to give an air flow signal. The determination of an apnea is performed by calculating the variance of the air flow signal over a moving time window and comparing the variance with a threshold value. One determination of partial obstruction of the airway is performed by detecting the inspiratory part of the air flow signal, scaling it to unity duration and area and calculating an index value of the amplitude of the scaled signal over a mid-portion. Alternatively, the index value is a measure of the flatness of the air flow signal over the mid-portion.

Abstract: For the covering of operation patients it has become customary to use a heat reflecting wrapping sheet for protecting the patients against loss of heat. At the operation area, a hole is cut in this sheet, whereafter the usual, sterile cover sheets (20) are placed around the area (16) and spread over the patient and the table. With the invention it is realised that it is advantageous to combine these sheets, viz. in providing the cover sheets (20) as double layer products with associated, separate and edge connected wrapping sheets (22), whereby the sterile personnel can easily arrange for the required wrapping and at the same time form the opening in the wrapping material with full safety for a correct location thereof. It will then only be required that the wrapping sheets (22) be co-sterilized with the cover sheets.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for constraining a prisoner in a seated position. The apparatus comprises a belt removably attached to a hobble. The belt comprises a belt D-ring and a belt alligator clip attached to a belt strap. The hobble comprises a snap hook attached to one extreme of a hobble strap, and a hobble alligator clip attached to an opposite extreme of the hobble strap. The method includes the steps of placing a prisoner on his side, tightening the hobble around his ankles, tightening the belt around his waist, attaching the hobble to the belt by passing the extreme of the hobble strap through the belt D-ring and attaching the snap hook to the hobble alligator clip, and leaving the prisoner seated on a surface with his legs resting on the surface in front of him.

Abstract: The incontinence control device of the present invention as described includes a cloth strap adapted to encircle a penis, the strap having cooperative pressure adherence layers on portions of the inner and outer surfaces so that the strap can form a circumference when the inner adherence layer is engaged with the outer adherence layer of the strap. The inner surface of the strap also has a compressible pad adjacent the pressure adherence layer and another compressible pad in fixed relation to the first pad. An inflatable sac is affixed to the strap between the two compressible pads. A tube passes through the strap to communicate with the interior of the inflatable sac at one end of the tube. A check valve is attached at the other end of the tube. A syringe is adapted to engage the check valve so that air in the syringe can be injected through the tube into the sac to inflate the sac.

Abstract: A device suitable for influencing the ingestion of food via the mouth cavity of humans. The capacity of the mouth cavity is reduced with a view to reducing the body weight. This is accomplished by limiting the maximum degree to which the lower jaw can be opened.

Abstract: A method for destroying retinal pigment epithelial cells in an eye in order to prevent the occurrence of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. A solution containing a basement membrane binding agent conjugated to a cytotoxic agent is introduced into the vitreous chamber. The solution is maintained in the vitreous chamber for a period of time sufficient to permit the basement membrane binding agent to bind to basement membranes lining the vitreous chamber. The solution is then removed from the vitreous chamber, whereby a portion of the basement membrane binding agent remains bonded to basement membranes within the vitreous chamber, thereby exposing retinal pigment epithelial cells disposed on the basement membrane to the cytotoxic agent.

Abstract: The alignment and positioning of an external device relative to an internal device is indicated on a display and/or by an acoustical signal. In the disclosed application, the external device transcutaneously transmits electromagnetic energy to an internal receiver to provide electrical power for an implanted medical device. To ensure optimal coupling between the external transmitter and the internal receiver, two permanent magnets are disposed at spaced-apart positions on the internal receiver. The magnetic field strength of the permanent magnets is sensed by a pair of correspondingly spaced-apart Hall effect sensor on the external transmitter. As the external transmitter is moved about over the internal receiver, the signals produced by the Hall effect sensors drive a display of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that indicates when the maximum magnetic field strength is achieved, i.e.

Abstract: A portable put out device for cigarettes includes a heat-durable casing including an ash compartment and a butt compartment. A heat-durable meshy plate is mounted in the ash compartment. An upper lid is pivotally mounted to an open upper end of the casing. A heat-durable bottom plate is removably mounted to and thus encloses an open lower end of the casing. A carriage member is secured to the casing to allow the put out device to be attached to an article worn by a user.

Abstract: A composition for inclusion within a quantity of smokeless tobacco. The composition of antioxidants is capable of reducing free radical damage to the oro-pharyngeal cavity of a user resulting from consumption of smokeless tobacco. The composition includes L-glutathione and a source of selenium.

Abstract: The paper for rolling a smoking article of the present invention contains particle-form calcium carbonate (30 to 60 wt %), calcined clay (5 to 30 wt %) and pulp. Furthermore, an alkaline metal salt is contained as a chemical additive. In addition, kaolin is contained in the paper. The basis weight of the paper falls within the range of 20 to 70 g/m.sup.2. Optical characteristics of the paper and the burning characteristics and ash characteristics of a cigarette are improved and the side stream smoke is reduced.

Abstract: A hair styling device comprising a handle having a first curler-interlocking element, a heatable curler, a second curler-interlocking element, and a clamp attached to the handle and extending therefrom. The clamp is adapted to grasp hair between the clamp and the curler. The clamp, the first interlocking element, and the second interlocking element are adapted to cooperatively secure the curler removably to the handle. Various embodiments for the interlocking elements are provided. The hair styling device may be part of a hair styling system further comprising a plurality of curlers and a heater for heating the curlers. There is also provided a method for curling hair with the hair styling system described.

Abstract: A cosmetic case comprised of an outer main case, a main case cover, an internal cosmetic filled container, and a container cover whereby the main case cover and container cover do not overlap when open. The purposes of the invention are to improve the cosmetic substance filling process, to improve the cosmetic case assembly process, to more effectively seal the cosmetic material held in the container, and to provide for more convenient operation and usage of the cosmetic case.

Abstract: A cosmetic jar and storage device comprises a substantially cylindrical body having a first recess for holding cosmetic and a second recess for holding an applicator. The recesses are separated by a transverse member into individual compartments. A pin-hinged base maintains the applicator in the lower compartment. The base may be swung completely open to facilitate viewing with an internally mounted mirror. The base and in alternate embodiments the cap are hinged on one side of the device while a recessed portion on the other side facilitates opening of the force fit base and cap.

Abstract: A unitary assembly that clusters a mirror, a lipstick and a cosmetic pencil, making it possible to store these items as a unit in a purse so that they are readily accessible to a user. The assembly is provided with a rectangular plastic frame on whose front face is supported the mirror. Projecting from the rear of the frame are end jaws adjacent opposite sides of the frame and an intermediate jaw between the end jaws. One end jaw in conjunction with the intermediate jaw acts as a flexible clip to clamp the lipstick to the frame. The other end jaw in conjunction with the intermediate jaw acts as a flexible clip to clamp the cosmetic pencil to the frame. The end jaws also function as a handle for the mirror so that as the user holds the mirror with one hand, and looks into it she can with her other hand grasping the lipstick or the cosmetic pencil, then apply color to her lips.

Abstract: A toothbrush having at least one brushing head disposed at one of its ends, the toothbrush comprising a handle, the handle comprising a longitudinal grip portion and at least one bifurcated end portion. The bifurcated end portion is having two cleansing means carrying members extending in parallel directions, the carrying members being sufficiently spaced so as to allow mounting cleansing means thereon. The cleansing means comprise at least one of the following: (i) a pair of brushing heads comprising bristle bundles arranged at the extremities of the carrying members; (ii) a dental floss a length of which is tautly stretched across the carrying members. The toothbrush further having a lateral sheath having two open ended sides, in which the handle of an oral hygiene implement is removably sheathed.

Abstract: A method for the wet treatment of a semiconductor wafer comprised of subjecting a semiconductor wafer to chemicals treatment, rinsing with pure water and drying by direct transfer of the wafer to an atmosphere of a vapor containing an alcohol, wherein the semiconductor wafer is treated with a solution containing a semiconductive particle-removing agent during the interval between the steps of the chemicals treatment and the drying. The semiconductive particle-removing agent is one which is able to control the zeta potential of the particles to prevent the deposition of the particles. Alternatively, semiconductive colloid coagulants may be used which inhibit the formation of the particles by coagulation of semiconductive colloids. Thus, deposition of particles on a wet-treated semiconductor wafer is prevented.

Abstract: Process for solvent purging a process line of process chemical in a process chemical delivery system typically used to dispense toxic chemicals from replaceable process chemical containers in the electronic fabrication industry.

Abstract: A method for operating an automatic dishwasher in a manner to minimize the deposition of contaminants or filming on the dishes is provided. The present invention contemplates that objectionable filming on washed dishes or dishware items may occur if residual water left on the dishes at the end of the final drain step is not given a chance to drip off or drain from the dishware. The present invention provides for a drip period following the final drain step in the dishwashing cycle. The drip period provides an opportunity for gravity assisted draining or "drip-off" of residual water from the dishware items prior to evaporation such that the minute particles which are suspended in the residual water are not deposited onto the dishes. During the drip period, rapid evaporation of residual liquid from the dishware items is prevented.

Abstract: An automatic detergent dispenser for dishwashers allowing transfer of a liquid detergent from a disposable detergent container placed in holders along the sidewall of a dish washing chamber. The storage container includes a membrane that is pierced upon installation with a coupling tube to allow the flow of liquid detergent without the transfer of fluid between containers. Liquid detergent flows by gravity to a dispenser unit where it is stored until the wash cycle and released from the dispenser by use of an electric actuator. The detergent containers include a transparent portion to provide a visual indication of the amount of detergent contained therein.

Abstract: A multiple stage wet processing platform includes a sealable enclosure, at least two processing modules positioned within the enclosure, at least one of them including a housing having an opening and a door moveable into position covering the opening, at least two processing vessels within the housing, and an intra-module robot within the housing and including a wafer support member, the intra-module robot moveable to a first position in which the support is disposed in a first one of the processing vessels and a second position in which the support is disposed in a second one of the processing vessels. An inter-module robot is positioned within the enclosure and is moveable between a first position adjacent to a first one of the modules and a second position adjacent to a second one of the modules.