Abstract: A self-propelled floor cleaner is provided having a random motion generator which enhances the maneuverability of the floor cleaner. The random motion generator is rotatably attached to the frame of the cleaner and propels the cleaner across the floor in a random motion. This random motion facilitates cleaning of the floor by making the cleaner easier to manipulate. The random motion generator includes a hollow spherical shell. In the preferred embodiment, the hollow spherical shell houses a weighted motor assembly which is rotatably mounted on a center fixed axle which extends diametrically between the first and second hemispherical halves and is attached thereto. The weighted motor assembly is comprised of a motor housing and a power source, such as batteries or cells. A motor is housed within the motor housing and rotates the motor housing about the center fixed axle.

Abstract: A sponge mop is fitted with a wringing device. The wringing device includes a sleeve that slidably surrounds the handle of the mop. A roller is attached to the sleeve and is spaced from the sleeve. A drive member is pivotally attached at one end to the mop head and at the other end to a small slide block that slides on a handle-mounted rail. The slide block bears against a portion of the sleeve housing with adequate pressure so that downward movement of the sleeve moves the slide block and thus the drive member, thus effecting the rotation of the mop head by, ultimately, 90 degrees such that the sponge is positioned with its cleaning face parallel to the axis of the handle. Further downward travel of the sleeve allows the roller on the device to expel water held by the sponge. A scrubber/scraper is attached to the mop head at the end which is remote from the handle when the mop head is generally aligned with the handle.

Abstract: A strip with an exterior sticky surface is judiciously selected for its ability to entrap dust and other loose debris without interfering with the operation of moving parts contacted thereby. The strip is attached to the sides of a magnetic tape cartridge, with the sticky surface facing outward, in places contacted by rollers and/or belts during the process of handling the cartridge in an automated system. Thus, any loose debris in the rollers or belts is retained by the tacky surface of the strip as the cartridge passes through the rollers and belts of the robotic system. The strips of the invention may be removably adhered to the data cartridge, or may be permanently attached. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the strips may be incorporated into a cleaner cartridge for the periodic maintenance of loading equipment.

Abstract: Toner xerographically adhered to a material, such as a sheet of paper, may be removed using a solvent-based or solventless approach. The application of ultrasonic tamping, scraping and brushing may aid in removing toner particles. In a solvent-based approach, a solvent may be applied generally or the solvent may be targeted specifically to the toner covered portions of the material to loosen the adhesive securement of the toner to the material. Thereafter, the toner is subjected to a mechanical abrasion using ultrasonic and physical agitation to cause flaking of the toner.

Abstract: A dish-cleaning appliance comprising a sink having a bowl defining a wash chamber with an open top for providing access to the wash chamber. A liquid recirculation system is provided for spraying liquid throughout the wash chamber. A drain conduit can be provided, alone or in combination with the recirculation system, for draining liquid from the wash chamber when the drain is closed. A fill control system is provided to ensure that the dishwashing cycle is not started with liquid in the wash chamber and that the sink drain is properly closed. One or more sensors can be provided for enabling the fill control system. The sensors can be located within the drain above the location where the drain is plugged.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of solutions containing enzymes for cleaning fermentation or storage tanks in the beverage industry, especially for removing residues left over from fermentation processes. Said enzymes are preferably selected from the following: laccases, peroxidases, oxireductases, transferases, hydrolases, isomerases, lyases, ligases and proteases, and are present in the aqueous cleaning solution in a quantity of 0.001 to 1 wt. %.

Abstract: A dish-cleaning appliance comprising a sink having a bowl defining a wash chamber with an open top for providing access to the wash chamber. A liquid recirculation system is provided for spraying liquid onto the dish rack to effect the cleaning of any dishes along the rack. A basket with a sprayer is disposed within the wash chamber. A self-aligning coupling fluidly connects a liquid conduit to the sprayer when the basket is seated.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a dual damascene structure. A first metal layer, a cap layer, and a dielectric layer are formed on a substrate in sequence. Then a dual damascene opening is formed in the dielectric layer and the cap layer, exposing the first metal layer. Then, a post-etching cleaning step is carried out to clean the dual damascene opening, and there are two types of cleaning methods. The first method uses a fluorine-based solvent to clean the dual damascene opening. An alternative cleaning method uses a hydrogen peroxide based solvent at a high temperature, followed by a hydrofluoric acid solvent cleaning step. Then, an argon gas plasma is sputtered to clean the dual damascene opening before a second metal layer fills in the dual damascene opening.

Abstract: A dish-cleaning appliance comprises a sink having a bowl defining a wash chamber with an open top for providing access to the wash chamber. A liquid recirculation system is provided for spraying liquid throughout the wash chamber. A drain conduit can be provided, alone or in combination with the recirculation system, for draining liquid from the wash chamber when the drain is closed. The lid is mounted to the sink and is movable to selectively cover the open top of the bowl and a user interface located in the sink.

Abstract: A method of removing deposits from selected areas of a substrate-processing chamber comprising applying RF energy to a coil located around selected areas of the chamber is provided. Also provided is a substrate-processing chamber with improved cleaning properties having a coil capable of being coupled with an RF field disposed at selected areas of the chamber.

Abstract: A dish-cleaning appliance comprising a sink defining a wash chamber with an open top for providing access to the wash chamber. A liquid recirculation system is provided for spraying liquid onto the dish rack to effect the cleaning of any dishes along the rack. The lid is mounted to the sink and is movable to selectively cover the open top of the bowl. A latch is provided to hold the lid in the closed position. The latch comprises a catch and a strike, with the strike having an integrated handle resulting in a small form factor.

Abstract: A single wafer type wet-cleaning technique for effectively preventing chemical fluids from flowing to the back face of a wafer when the back face thereof is wet-cleaned by chemical fluids, wherein purified water is injected and supplied to the back face of the wafer while a plurality of chemical fluids is sequentially supplied vertically from above to the wafer, which is rotatably supported, so that the purified water cleans the back face of the wafer and effectively prevents the chemical fluids from flowing to the back face of the wafer.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a mixture of a treatment liquid and ozone for treatment of a surface of a workpiece, and a corresponding method are set forth. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus comprises a liquid supply line that is used to provide fluid communication between a reservoir containing the treatment liquid and a treatment chamber housing the workpiece. A heater is disposed to heat the workpiece, either directly or indirectly. Preferably, the workpiece is heated by heating the treatment liquid that is supplied to the workpiece. One or more nozzles accept the treatment liquid from the liquid supply line and spray it onto the surface of the workpiece while an ozone generator provides ozone into an environment containing the workpiece.

Abstract: A dish-cleaning appliance comprising a sink having a bowl defining a wash chamber with an open top for providing access to the wash chamber. A liquid recirculation system is provided for spraying liquid onto the dish rack to effect the cleaning of any dishes along the rack. The lid is mounted to the sink and is movable to selectively cover the open top of the bowl. The lid includes a sound absorber and a sound dampener for reducing the transfer of sound from the wash chamber through the lid.

Abstract: A dish-cleaning appliance comprising a sink having a bowl with an open top for providing access to the bowl. A rack for holding dishes is provided and is received within the bowl and a liquid recirculation system is provided for spraying liquid onto the dish rack to effect the cleaning of any dishes along the rack. The lid is mounted to the sink and is movable to selectively cover the open top of the bowl. A cutting board is positioned on top of the lid and a releasable coupling secures the cutting board to the lid to limit relative movement of the cutting board and the lid.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) is provided for collecting runoff from a vehicle (12) as it is being washed which is arranged for use with a conventional mobile ramp structure (14) similar to those which are used by some military personnel when servicing vehicles in the field. The ramp structure (14) includes a pair of upwardly extending, parallel and spaced apart ramps (16). The apparatus (10) includes a trough (44) mounted between the ramps (16) and a plurality of canals (70) extending longitudinally with the ramps (16) for collecting runoff thereon and diverting the runoff into a settling tank (86). A solid particle separator (46) removes solid particles from the settling tank (86) while a pumping station (114) recycles the fluid in the settling tank (86) so that it may be redirected at a vehicle (12) supported on the ramps (16) by a high pressure sprayer arrangement (60, 64).

Abstract: A dishwasher basket, having an upper compartment providing a common storage area for various types of accessories and a lower compartment particularly designed for storing baby bottle nipples. The lower compartment has two trays so structured that nipples rest therein with a specific angular orientation to achieve optimal cleaning effect. The dishwasher basket further has a spinning storage compartment insertable between the tray underneath the upper compartment. The spinning storage compartment has at least one rotor therein to rotate about the central axis thereof. The spinning storage compartment may be used to store small articles such as valves of toddler training cups. The angular orientation of the valves relative to the water jet is varied as the rotor rotates, such that the valves can be thoroughly cleaned.

Abstract: A dishwasher basket for storing at least one valve of toddler training cups in a dishwasher for cleaning. The dishwasher basket is assembled by a top shell and a bottom shell. The top shell and bottom shell are substantially symmetrical to each other. At one part of the peripheries, the top and bottom shells are hinged with each other. At the opposing part of the peripheries, a latching means is formed, such that the dishwasher basket can be open for loading or unloading the valves, and close to securely lodging the valves therein for cleaning in the dishwasher. The dishwasher basket is attached to a top rack of the dishwasher by a basket attachment right above the water jet source, such that cleaning effect is enhanced by the pressure generated by the water jet.

Abstract: A dishwasher basket for storing at least one valve of toddler training cups in a dishwasher for cleaning. The dishwasher basket is assembled by a top shell and a bottom shell. The dishwasher basket is attached to a top rack of the dishwasher by a basket attachment right above the water jet source, such that cleaning effect is enhanced by the pressure generated by the water jet. In another aspect, a soaking container is disclosed, suitable for soaking the dishwasher basket and its contents. The soaking container has a suction cup affixed to its bottom to thereby anchor the container to a counter top or similar surface. Also, the soaking container has a lid to prevent foreign material from falling into the soaking solution and to limit spillage of the soaking solution. The soaking container advantageously facilitates cleaning of the valves.

Abstract: A long retracting sootblower device for conducting different cleaning media types to the interior of a heat exchanger having a lance tube assembly (12), a feed tube, a carriage assembly (1), a first cleaning media supply, and a second cleaning media supply. The lance tube assembly includes a manifold (25), a hub (21) mounted to the manifold (25), a tube section (13) extending outward from the hub (21), and a nozzle assembly (18). The nozzle assembly includes nozzles (50, 52) adapted for directing a stream of cleaning media. The manifold (25) includes at least one cylindrical tube (32) with first and second ends, the first end (34) being permanently mounted to the manifold (25), and the second end (35) engaging the nozzle assembly (18). The manifold (25) and cylindrical tube (32) define a first high pressure passage for conducting cleaning media from the first cleaning media supply to the nozzle assembly (18).

Abstract: An umbrella frame includes a hub, a center pole coupled to the hub for supporting the hub, and a plurality of ribs disposable into the hub. The ribs serve to extend, stretch or support the cover. The hub has a corresponding plurality of pairs of bores defined therein. One of the bores of each pair is used for deploying the ribs in a configuration to support the cover and the other for storing the ribs. One of the bores of the pair is inclined relative to a horizontal plane defined by the hub, and the other is vertical to a horizontal plane. Each rib has an end disposable into the hub and a spring lock to selectively lock into the hub. The pair of bores coact with the spring lock to selectively lock the rib in the bores in both the deployment and storage configurations.

Abstract: A fastening structure of an umbrella for specifically stabilizing an umbrella post when opening a multiple-fold umbrella is mainly featured that an extending rod is disposed at a connected end of a strutting rib and a lower nest of the multiple-fold umbrella; the said extending rod penetrates directly into an inner hole of the lower nest through a radial channel disposed correspondingly on the lower nest and is supported on the umbrella post; thereby the umbrella post is stabilized relatively to the lower nest to assure that the fastener for opening the umbrella specifically supports the lower nest for a smooth umbrella opening operation; furthermore, the structure of the present invention is simple, convenient, efficient and meets all the requirements of the economic effect.

Abstract: An anit-windforce rib assembly of multiple-fold umbrella includes: a spring rib connected between an inner rib and an outer rib of the rib assembly, a buffer device formed on the spring rib and connected to the inner rib, whereby upon blowing of a strong wind to the rib assembly, the force of the strong wind will be dampened, weakened or released by the buffer device on the spring rib to minimize the wind force acting upon the rib assembly to prevent from bending, deformation, breakage or damage of the umbrella rib assembly.

Abstract: There is a walking cane, for supporting and balancing a user, and allowing a user to retard forward motion. The walking cane includes a base, having a wheel rotatably coupled thereto. The cane further includes a braking member, coupled to and positioned relatively above the base, having a contact portion that contacts the wheel to retard the wheel's rotation when a threshold downward force is applied to the cane.

Abstract: A convertible cane assembly comprises a pair of canes which can be used separately by a cane user. The canes include connections for securing the canes in side-by-side relation to provide a single cane which can be used in a normal manner. An important feature of the connections is the ability to easily separate the canes. In the single cane version, loads are preferably transferred through the entire length of both canes, meaning that the connections do not have to carry substantial loads.

Abstract: In a sunshade device, a roller is journalled in an elongated housing and has a screen wound therearound. The roller is biased to rotate in a screen-winding direction for winding the screen thereon. A drive gear is fixed to the roller. A threaded rod parallel to the roller is fixed in the housing, and has a follower gear sleeved threadedly thereon. The follower gear is formed with grooves arranged around the rod axis and meshing with the drive gear. Each groove has a groove bottom, and first and second groove ends formed respectively at first and second end portions of the follower gear. The groove bottom at the first groove end is displaced from the rod axis by a distance smaller than that of the groove bottom at the second groove end.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device comprising a particulate semiconductor layer, wherein the particulate semiconductor layer is prepared by a method comprising a step of irradiating semiconductor particles with electromagnetic wave or a step of heating semiconductor particles at a temperature of 50° C. or higher and lower than 350° C. under a pressure of 0.05 MPa or lower.

Abstract: In a photovoltaic element according to the present invention, a first transparent conductive film, a second transparent conductive film, a p-type semiconductor film, an intrinsic semiconductor layer, a n-type semiconductor layer and a backside electrode are stacked in turn on a transparent substrate. Then, an intermediate layer is provided between the second transparent conductive film and the p-type semiconductor layer so as to cover the first transparent conductive film and the second transparent conductive film.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for compositions, apparatus and/or electronic devices. A composition, includes a composition layer defining a first surface and a second surface, the composition layer including a collection layer that is located closer to the first surface than to the second surface. An apparatus, includes a semiconductor absorber layer defining a first surface and a second surface; and an electrode layer coupled to the first surface of the semiconductor absorber layer, wherein the semiconductor absorber layer includes a collection layer that is located closer to the first surface than to the second surface.

Abstract: A double directional check valve and flow restrictor combination including a housing which contains a pair of axially-aligned check valves and a flow restrictor disposed between the check valves. Dry purge air flows into the housing through the flow restrictor, which facilitates smooth and uniform flow of the air, and out of one of the check valves to a dessicant chamber to dry or regenerate dessicant in the chamber. The housing is fitted with flanges or other connection structures for quick, easy and convenient attachment of the housing to a piping network in an air, nitrogen or other process drying system.

Abstract: In a fuel tank having an electric fuel pump therein, the fuel pump is connected to discharge into a venturi with a throat pressure tap line connected to the bottom of a vapor vent valve fed by spider tubes to the tank vapor dome areas. Venturi throat suction pumps liquid accumulated in the vent valve for discharge through the venturi into the tank. A one way valve prevents back flow in the throat pressure tap line to the vent valve. Float operated valves are provided on the ends of the spider tubes to restrict fluid flow to the vapor vent valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly comprising an electromechanical device and a self-sealing valve, and in particular, to any inflatable device that includes the assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a valve housing defining an opening through which fluid can be provided to the inflatable device, a flexible diaphragm assembly that is configured to self-seal the opening with sufficient fluid pressure in the inflatable device and to open under sufficient fluid pressure from a fluid moving device, to provide fluid through the opening to and seal the inflatable device. The assembly further comprises an electromechanical device including an actuating arm, having a first position in which the actuating arm urges open the self-sealing valve and a second position in which the actuating arm does not act upon the self-sealing valve, so as to regulate an amount of fluid within the inflatable device. With this arrangement, a small, low power, low duty cycle electromechanical device can be used.

Abstract: According to the invention, a semiconductor component manufacturing plant is constructed in a building having an upper storey and a lower storey separated from one another by a support slab and a false floor. The support slab has passageway openings, whilst the false floor consists of plates themselves having through passages. Vacuum generation means are disposed in an intermediate space situated between the support slab and the false floor which itself carries a process chamber situated in the upper space constituting a clean room. Suction means situated in the lower storey create a gaseous flow directed downwards from the clean room through the intermediate space to the lower storey. In this way, the false floor acts as a non-return mechanism for noise, thermal or chemical pollution coming from the vacuum generation means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve assembly for use in below freezing conditions which includes a valve housing with a connection to a supply of fluid, and a primary chamber, and a secondary chamber, and a flexible diaphragm, and an equalisation port, and a safety port the valve assembly characterised in that has a safety port associated with the secondary chamber wherein the safety port is configured to have a lower flow-rate than that through the equalisation port.

Abstract: A check valve construction is provided which includes a housing having a first flow path and a second flow path. Liquid flow is controlled within the first and second flow path by movable plungers (22, 24) having a sealing surface and a plurality of prongs that control the length of movement of the plunger within the housing. One of the plungers permits liquid flow while the other of the plungers prevents liquid flow in response to pressure change within the flow paths.

Abstract: An apparatus (16) for preventing stagnation in a fluid reservoir (2) comprised of: an inlet/outlet conduit (6); a manifold (8), which communicates the inlet/outlet conduit (6) to inlet check valves (10) and outlet check valves (12); the inlet check valves (10) being positioned on the manifold (8) and being oriented such that a fluid (14) will flow from the manifold (8) through the inlet check valves (10) to the reservoir (2) during reservoir filling and fluid flow is prevented through the inlet check valves (10) during reservoir draining; and the outlet check valves (12) being positioned on the manifold (8) and spaced from the inlet check valves (10) to provide fluid flow within the reservoir (2) in the general direction from the inlet check valves (10) to the outlet check valves (12), the outlet check valves (12) being oriented such that fluid flows from the reservoir (2) through the outlet check valves (12) into the manifold (8) during reservoir draining and fluid flow through the outlet check valves (12) i

Abstract: A hydraulic valve system (1) has a supply connection arrangement, having a high-pressure connection (P) and a low-pressure connection (T), a working connection arrangement, having two working connections (A, B), which can be connected with a hydraulic motor (2), and a directional valve (4) between the supply connection arrangement (P, T) and the working connection arrangement (A, B), which is connected with the working connection arrangement (A, B) via working lines (17, 18), in which are arranged check valves (21, 22), which can be opened by means of pressure.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve system (1) with a supply connection arrangement, has a high-pressure connection (P) and a low-pressure connection (T), and a working connection arrangement, having two working connections (A, B), which can be connected with a motor, and a directional valve (4) and a compensation valve (9). A compensation valve (9) is arranged after the directional valve (4) in the flow direction and a pressure relief device (43) is arranged between the directional valve (4) and the low-pressure connection (T).

Abstract: A multi-diaphragm flow control valve includes a valve body separable into two parts. Each part includes an interior chamber having a closed end which separates the chambers when the parts are joined and an open end for connection to a pipe. An outer chamber surrounds a portion of the interior chamber and is separated therefrom by an interior wall. Slots connect the interior and outer chambers. The outer chambers connect to form a diaphgram chamber when the parts are joined. A cylindrical bell type elastomeric diaphragm having a central outwardly extending hump and with legs extending axially from opposite sides of the hump is positioned in the diaphragm chamber with the respective legs of the diaphragm over the slots through the interior walls of respective parts. The diaphragm is pressurized to block or allow flow through respective slots and each leg of the diaphragm acts as an independent diaphragm.

Abstract: A kit of parts for configuring and assembling a shut-off valve in the field are provided. The kit of parts comprises a valve body, a plurality of connection fittings, and a plurality of gaskets. The connection fittings each have a first end with a common configuration adapted to fit into any of three ports provided in the valve body. The connection fittings have second ends with different configurations adapted to connect with any of a variety of conduit configurations which may be encountered in the field.

Abstract: A kit of parts for configuring and assembling a shut-off valve in the field has a valve body, a plurality of connection fittings, and a plurality of gaskets. The connection fittings each have a first end with a common configuration adapted to fit into any of three ports provided in the valve body. The connection fittings have second ends with different configurations adapted to connect with any of a variety of conduit configurations which may be encountered in the field.

Abstract: A hydraulic control unit (HCU) for a vehicle brake system having an HCU body and an accumulator mounted in the HCU body. A grommet is provided for mounting the HCU body to a vehicle body and resiliently separating the HCU body from the vehicle body. The grommet defines a vent path for the accumulator and includes a hollow generally cylindrical shaft. The shaft has a closed end and an open end, and the closed end has an opening therethrough. An enlarged annular head is formed on the open end of the shaft and has an inner surface defining an axial bore therethrough. The axial bore is in fluid communication with the hollow shaft, the annular head further has a crown cut geometry providing radially extending grooves within an axial face of the annular head, the radially extending grooves being in fluid communication with the axial bore of the annular head.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ceramic fiber insulation and related products and methods. A coating that is capable of being brushed and/or sprayed lightly as a liquid onto vacuum-formed ceramic fiber insulation for use at high temperatures is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method of reducing particle generation in packaging containers used to transport ultra pure liquids. Particle generation in the containers is reduced by reducing the air-liquid interface present during filling, transport, and dispensing of the liquid.

Abstract: A product dispenser, solid product, and a dispensing system containing the product dispenser and solid product are disclosed. Methods for using the product dispenser, solid product, and dispensing system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fueling environment having a vent on an underground fuel storage tank may be improved by adding a mass flow meter in conjunction with a vapor recovery membrane in a tank vent. The mass flow meter measures an amount of vapor that passes through the vent and thus allows alarms to be generated if the vapors passing through the vent exceed a predetermined level or an efficiency of the membrane drops below a predetermined threshold. Measurements from the mass flow meter may be provided to a site controller or a remote location for further analysis.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food.

Abstract: The invention features pipets for fast and efficient liquid exchange, pipet controllers for use with such pipets, and pipetting systems utilizing pipets and/or pipet controllers of the invention.

Abstract: A wood lathe includes an axial moving unit with a movable seat, which is sleeved movably on a driving rod and a guide rod that are parallel to each other. A driving gear is disposed rotatably on the movable seat, and engages a gear-engaging member of the driving rod. When an actuator member is rotated, the gear rotates synchronously therewith so as to move the movable seat on the driving rod. A sample bar and a bar blank are held on a bed of the lathe. A blade is carried on the movable seat for cutting the bar blank. A tracing unit is disposed on the movable seat so that a groove pattern on the sample bar is traced mechanically and is duplicated on the bar blank.

Abstract: A tree felling saw head has two pairs of links and two hydraulic actuators to provide high rotation of the head relative to a mounting adapter in a lateral plane which is perpendicular to a cutting plane.