Abstract: The present invention is a method of assisting the rinsing of a wafer in a single wafer cleaning apparatus. According to the present invention, after exposing a wafer to a cleaning and/or etching solution, the cleaning or etching solution is removed from the wafer by spinning the wafer and dispensing or spraying DI water onto the wafer as it is spun. The centrifugal force of the spinning wafer enhances the rinsing of the wafer. In order to enhance the rinsing of the wafer, in an embodiment of the present invention a solution having a lower surface tension than water, such as but not limited to isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is dispensed in liquid or vapor form onto the wafer after the DI water.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for cleaning the front surface of a mounted lens a web is moved to a lowered position against the lens. A first segment of the web is then slackened. The first segment of web is then rubbed against the lens. Following the rubbing the web is pulled taut while the web is still in the lowered position. A second segment of web can be wiped against the lens while the web is held taut. The first segment can be wet and the second segment dry.

Abstract: A lithographic mask is placed in a chamber which is then sealed. The gas pressure in the chamber is reduced to dislodge contaminant particles on the mask surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods of removing media. In particular, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods of removing media from a tooling for a fuselage. In one implementation, the media removal apparatus uses an auger to dislodge the media, and a vacuum to remove the media. In another implementation the media removal apparatus uses an air pressure line to dislodge the media and a vacuum to remove the media.

Abstract: In a system for cleaning a workpiece or wafer, a boundary layer of heated liquid is formed on the workpiece surface. Ozone is provided around the workpiece. The ozone diffuses through the boundary layer and chemically reacts with contaminants on the workpiece surface. Preferably, the liquid includes water, and may also include a chemical. Steam may also be used with the steam also physically removing contaminants, and also heating the workpiece to speed up chemical cleaning. Sonic or electromagnetic energy may also be introduced to the workpiece.

Abstract: This invention provides fluid-dispensing devices attachable to an air-intake system of an internal combustion engine for introducing an engine cleaner composition into the air intake system. The invention also provides methods of cleaning internal combustion engines using the fluid-dispensing devices.

Abstract: A method for performing electrochemical processes using an array of dedicated cells is disclosed. Various construction details and steps of the method are developed which promote, in one embodiment, automating the method of performing the processes and cleaning the articles between electrochemical processes. In one embodiment, the array of dedicated cells includes rinsing cells which have a rinse chamber adapted to receive an article and flow rinse fluid such that the fluid impinges against the article at predetermined locations.

Abstract: In a high pressure processing method for removing an unnecessary substrate on the surface of the surface of a workpiece by bringing it into contact with supercritical carbon dioxide and additives in a high-pressure chamber, removing the unnecessary substance on the workpiece, first rinsing and second rinsing are performed under a substantially same pressure with continuous flowing of supercritical carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A treatment system for use with conveyor apparatus that allows for the uninterrupted use of the conveyor apparatus system while simultaneously treating the conveyor belt. The system employs of a sump basin and various spray bars that can sanitize, clean or lubricate a conveyor belt in conjunction with the processing of various products. The treatment system allows for the effective reduction of the down time in the manufacturing possess using conveyor apparatus.

Abstract: Gas-expanded liquids, methods of use thereof, and systems of using gas-expanded liquids are provided. One exemplary system, among others, includes: a gas-expanded liquid system comprising a gas and a liquid, wherein the gas-expanded liquid system is adapted to generate a gas-expanded liquid; and a substrate handling system adapted to position a substrate having a photoresist layer so that the gas-expanded liquid can be made to contact the substrate to remove the photoresist layer.

Abstract: A dishwasher comprises a circulating pump, a washing tank provided with a substantially horizontal fine-mesh filter disposed in the path of the flow of water drawn in by the circulating pump, and spray means capable of directing downwardly at least one rotating water jet for filter cleaning purposes. Such fine-mesh filter presents an area below a circular pattern of the downwardly directed jet having a percentage of open area lower than the other portions of the filter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dishwasher, in which amounts of water supplied to top and bottom nozzles can be controlled by a simply configured valve assembly. The present invention includes a washing chamber, top and bottom nozzles injecting water in the washing chamber, a sump provided under the washing chamber to store the water, a pump pumping the water stored in the sump, a supply pipe adjacent to one side of the pump wherein the water pumped by the pump flows in the supply pipe, upper and lower pipes connected to the supply pipe to lead the water to the top and bottom nozzles, respectively, a valve rotatably installed at a connecting portion between the supply pipe and the upper and lower pipes to selectively open/close the supply pipe and the upper and lower pipes, and a driving means for turning the valve by checking a position of the valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dishwasher having an improved inlet valve assembly. The present invention includes a housing, a tub in the housing to hold tableware, an injector assembly for injecting water on the tableware in the tub, and an inlet valve assembly. And, the inlet valve assembly includes a case installed at an inlet passage for supplying the water to the tub, the case having an inlet opening via which the water flows in and an outlet opening via which the water is discharged, a first valve provided to the case to selectively open/close a passage in the case, and a second valve closing the passage in the case in case that the water leaks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dishwasher, by which the dishwasher is simply configured as well as the door is facilitated to open/close. The present invention includes a cabinet having an open front side, a door opening/closing the front side of the cabinet, a locker at the door, a coupling member inside the cabinet to be elastically coupled to or separated from the locker in opening/closing the door, and a switch in rear of the coupling member to sense opening/closing of the door.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dishwasher, in which upper and lower pipes are opened/closed using a water pressure to simplify a configuration of the dishwasher and to reduce product costs. The present invention includes a washing chamber, top and bottom nozzles injecting water in the washing chamber, a sump provided under the washing chamber to store the water, a pump pumping the water stored in the sump, a supply pipe adjacent to one side of the pump wherein the water pumped by the pump flows in the supply pipe, upper and lower pipes leading the water to the top and bottom nozzles, respectively, and a valve assembly connecting the supply pipe to the upper and lower pipes to selectively open/close the upper or lower pipe using a pressure of the pumped water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dishwasher having an improved water softener. The present invention includes a housing, a tub in the housing to hold tableware, an injector assembly for injecting water on the tableware in the tub, and a water softener softening the water supplied to the injector assembly, the water softener including a first container holding an ion-exchange resin for removing heavy metal and metal ions from the water, a second container holding a predetermined amount of salt and salt water to supply the salt water to the first container to recycle the ion-exchange resin that is saturated, a float installed in the second container, and a sensor provided to the second container to sense a concentration of the salt water according to a distance from the float.

Abstract: Provided is a wafer rotary holding apparatus by which a reduced pressure is created on an upper surface of a rotary disk by a simple and easy-to-make mechanism with no need of any of a vacuum source apparatus, a compressed air supply apparatus, a compressed gas supply apparatus and other apparatuses in use; a wafer can be held while rotating with no contact to a rear surface thereof; a degree of pressure reduction can be adjusted with ease and even a thin wafer (of 0.1 mm or less in thickness) can be held while rotating with no deformation; and the wafer with a bowing can be held while rotating with no correction of the bowing. A wafer rotary holding apparatus includes: a rotary disk on which a fluid flow path is formed; a through hole formed in a central section of the rotary disk; and a plurality of wafer rests provided on an upper surface of the rotary disk.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dishwasher, by which installation height of a rack is adjusted inside a washing chamber and in which the installation height is automatically adjusted by a button. The present invention includes a washing chamber having tableware washed therein, a rack movably installed in the washing chamber to hold the tableware thereon, a plurality of guide rollers fixed to both confronting sidewalls of the washing chamber, a guide rail provided between the first and second rollers to slide back and forth, and a height adjustment means for moving the rack upward and downward, the height adjust means provided to slide on the guide rail.

Abstract: A wash apparatus includes a tank for holding clean solvent, a first distillation chamber, a second distillation chamber and a washbasin surrounded by a closeable hood structure for cleaning paint spray guns and associated parts placed therein. The washbasin is selectively positionable in fluid circulating communication with either of the first and second distillation chambers during washing operations, wherein solvent discharged in the washbasin returns to the selected distillation chamber. When either of the distillation chambers becomes filled with contaminated solvent, the washbasin is operatively positioned in fluid circulating communication with the other distillation chamber for continued washing operations, thereby allowing the contaminated solvent in the filled distillation chamber to be purified during a distillation cycle. The purified solvent from the distillation cycle returns to the clean solvent holding tank.

Abstract: An umbrella, shaft, and mounting assembly for an umbrella suitable for use with a wheelchair. The assembly is designed to permit a wheelchair bound person to install, deploy, and retract the umbrella. It is also adapted to permit unobstructed viewing to the front, hands free operation, and a working area to be left to the patron when the umbrella is deployed. It is also designed to permit navigation through portals adapted for wheelchair access. It may also be adapted to facilitate stability in wind and rain.

Abstract: A fabric covered structure such as for use as a gazebo or pavilion includes plural generally vertical support columns connected to roof beams which support a fabric roof. Opposed ends of the beams are each connected to one of the support columns and are each provided with a hook element for attachment to a cable or rope attached to the periphery of the fabric roof such as by being disposed in a peripheral hem of the fabric roof. Each roof beam is further provided with telescoping end portions to each of which is attached one of the hook elements for extending the end of the beam and maintaining the cable under tension and the fabric roof in a stretched condition.

Abstract: A metal chalcogenide composite nano-particle comprising a metal capable of forming p-type semiconducting chalcogenide nano-particles and a metal capable of forming n-type semiconducting chalcogenide nano-particles, wherein at least one of the metal chalcogenides has a band-gap between 1.0 and 2.9 eV and the concentration of the metal capable of forming p-type semiconducting chalcogenide nano-particles is at least 5 atomic percent of the metal and is less than 50 atomic percent of the metal; a dispersion thereof; a layer comprising the nano-particles; and a photovoltaic device comprising the layer.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a photovoltaic device, the device comprising a first layer of a first semiconductor material of a first conductivity type, a second layer of a second semiconductor material of the opposite conductivity type of the first layer, and a third layer of a third porous semiconductor material situated between the first layer and the second layer. The present invention also provides a method for producing the photovoltaic device.

Abstract: The invention provides a photovoltaic device, comprising a photovoltaic conversion layer formed from photoactive material. A first electrode is arranged on a first surface of the photovoltaic conversion layer and a second electrode comprising one or more conductive tracks is arranged on the opposite second surface of the photovoltaic conversion layer to receive generated photoelectrons from the photovoltaic conversion layer. A light concentrator is provided adjacent to the second electrode wherein the one or more conductive tracks are arranged in registration with the light concentrator such that incident light is guided substantially through gaps between the one or more conductive tracks. High conductivity of the second electrode is achieved without loss of active area of the device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a controlled pneumatic valve (1), for remote inflating and deflating of a capacity (2), comprising a membrane (17) maintained between a valve body (18), including orifices (24) and a cover (19); and defining with said cover a control chamber (20) and with the body an escape chamber (21), the latter being capable of being connected with the capacity (2) for deflation when the check valve (28) is thrust by levers (32) inverting the direction of movement of the membrane (17) sucked towards the cover (19). By the action of a pressure in the control chamber (20), the membrane (17), bearing a cup (33) with an annular conduit, moves towards the body (18), isolates the escape chamber (21), and opens the check valve (28) by direct thrust to perform inflation. The inventive device is particularly designed to control and adjust tyre pressure.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a dissolvable product feed apparatus for dissolving a feeding dissolvable product includes a dissolvable product holding vessel and an automatic flow control device fluidly connected to the holding vessel.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a tub/shower mixing valve onto a fiberglass shower stall wall. The assembly comprises a valve mounting sleeve and a locking plate that helps secure the mounting sleeve to the shower stall wall. Alternatively, the mounting sleeve may be secured to the shower stall wall by bolts threadably connected to the mounting sleeve.

Abstract: In a fluid flow control valve having a valve body and a rotatable operating member projecting from the body, a lock mechanism having a driving member adapted for attachment to and rotating the operating member, which driving member has an outwardly-directed groove formed therearound. A turning member is mounted coaxially on the driving member and has an arcuate inwardly-directed groove axially aligned with and opposed to the groove of the driving member. A plurality of balls is located each partly in the two opposed grooves thereby to permit relative rotation between the driving member and the turning member but which prevent relative axial movement. A key mechanism is secured to the turning member and has a detent engageable with the driving member to prevent relative rotation between the driving member and the turning member, the detent being operable by use of a key inserted into the key mechanism.

Abstract: A safety device for insertion into a pipeline (K) in which fluid circulates in an upstream (X−) and a downstream (X−) direction, comprises a tube (1) that provides the fluid with a central circulatory passage (CC) regulated by a central valve (3) that closes in the event of an excessive flow of this fluid. There is an annular valve closure member (4) which is elastically malleable, mounted to the external periphery of the tube (1), and provides the fluid with a peripheral circulatory passage which it selectively obstructs by subjecting a radial expansion in the event of an excessive flow of fluid.

Abstract: A system for injecting water into a well boosts pressure in a flowline leading to the injection well. A bypass flowline is connected into and forms part of the main flowline. A bypass valve is located in the bypass flowline for opening and closing the bypass flowline. A housing has an inlet connected to the bypass flowline upstream of the bypass valve in an outlet connected to the bypass flowline downstream in the bypass valve. Inlet and outlet valves selectively open and close the inlet and outlet of the housing. A centrifugal pump assembly is mounted in the housing, the pump having an intake in communication with the inlet of the housing. The pump has a discharge tube that communicates with the inlet of the housing. An isolation member separates discharge pressure of the discharge tube from the intake pressure at the intake. A removable end cap on an end of the housing enables the pump assembly to be inserted and withdrawn from the housing.

Abstract: An insert or cartridge that fits into a cavity in a valve body provides a check valve function and an anti-cavitation function and a pressure relief function. This insert is substantially circular and has an internal cavity with a valve assembly that has two pairs of valve seats, one pair of valve seats providing the anti-cavitation function and the other pair of valve seats providing the pressure relief function. The outside of the insert itself engages with a sealing surface in the cavity in the valve body to provide the check valve function.

Abstract: A coupling assembly is provided that includes a first coupling member removably securable in an apparatus having a port that includes a receiving groove, a retaining surface and a resilient locking member receivable in the receiving groove. The first coupling member includes a body extending along an axis from a leading portion configured for receipt within the port of the apparatus to a trailing portion configured to releasably connect the first coupling member to a second coupling member. The body includes a rib having a ramp tapering outwardly in a direction way from the axis and a shoulder tapering inwardly toward the axis. The coupling member and port are sized such that upon insertion of the first coupling member into the port, the resilient locking member travels up the ramp and then contracts becoming trapped between the shoulder and the retaining surface to secure the first coupling member to the apparatus.

Abstract: A coolant flow valve for controlling the distribution and flow of coolant to replace the radiator thermostat and heater valve currently used in automotive applications. The valve includes a valve rotor rotationally received in a valve housing wherein the rotational orientation thereof determines which combination of flow paths through four different outlet ports is selected.

Abstract: Multi-layered pipe comprising a main layer of polyethylene compound having a resistance to stress cracking NPT measured according to ISO 13479 standard of less than 8000 hours and an internal layer of polyethylene compound having a resistance to stress cracking NPT of higher than 8000 hours, the thickness of the internal layer being between 1 and 25% of the total pipe thickness but not less than 0.3 mm.

Abstract: A covering for a suction hose includes a sleeve positioned around a suction hose and restraints positioned at the ends of the sleeve for removably coupling the sleeve to the suction hose. The suction hose has a length and the sleeve extends at least along a portion of the length of the suction hose. Handles, pockets, lashes or ties, and reflective materials may be positioned on the sleeve. Indicia may also be positioned on the sleeve. A method of advertising and a method of transporting a suction hose is also provided.

Abstract: [Object] To automate determination of the quantity of a index matching liquid.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an automated means for withdrawing a syringe plunger a method for just-in-time extension of the plunger to permit filling the syringe with a prescribed dose of medication are provided. The method includes the steps of: (1) inputting a desired volume of the prescribed dose of medication; (2) inputting syringe identifying information; (3) calculating a distance that the plunger is to be extended based on the inputted desired volume and syringe identifying information; (4) calculating drive parameters for a controllable drive that causes extension of the plunger when actuated and ensures that the plunger is extended the desired distance; and (5) controlling the drive in view of the calculated drive parameters to cause the plunger to be extended the desired distance.

Abstract: An electrically operated valve is connected in the vapor recirculation line from a float operated vent valve, or a direct vapor recirculation line from the tank top to the upper end of the tank filler tube. The electrically operated valve is actuated by an electronic controller (ECU) which receives a fuel level signal either from the float operated level sender or from a thermistor located in the tank adjacent the top wall of the tank.

Abstract: A plurality of vessel receptacles 16 and load cells 18 are mounted along the outer periphery of a revolving body 14 at an equal circumferential spacing. Filling means 24 is disposed above each of the vessel receptacles 16. For an operation in a first operational mode, the tare of a vessel 4 which is supplied from the outside onto one of the vessel receptacle 16 is measured and such data is fed to a controller 20 which determines a mean value of measured tares and store it. Subsequently, the operation is switched to a second operational mode for purpose of a filling operation. In the second operational mode, no measurement of the tare is made, and the mean value is regarded as representing the tare of supplied vessels for purpose of a filling operation. After a given time interval or after a given number of vessels have been filled, the operation is again switched to the first operational mode where the mean value is again measured.

Abstract: A can filler valve wiper mechanism for use with a can filler machine is disclosed. The can filler machine includes mechanism for moving a can along a predetermined can travel path, and a movable filler valve which moves along a predetermined filler valve travel path above at least a portion of the can travel path. A can wiper mechanism comprises a rotating wiper, which can be a common paint roller. The rotating wiper is disposed at a location between a moving can and a moving can filler valve located above the can so that the wiper engages and collects material located between the valve and can. Preferably, the wiper engages the bottom of the filler valve itself as the valve passes the wiper.

Abstract: A fluid exchange apparatus provides a stationary control station with plural first and second fluid containers mounted on top and below the control station. Conduits interconnect the fluid containers with the control station for fluid transfer and fluid interchange with an automotive vehicle or other equipment. Suction and pressure are provided for driving fluids through a fluid switching system. The control station provides dual control panels enabled for servicing two equipments simultaneously.

Abstract: A fuel filler assembly collar comprising: a first semicircular shaped structure having a first pair of terminal ends which lie in a common vertical plane, each of the terminal ends including at least two locking means, a top edge forming an upper semicircular rim, a bottom edge forming a lower semicircular rim, the top edge and the bottom edge lying in spaced apart horizontal planes with respect to each other, a chamber duct in the top edge of the first semicircular structure, and an outer circumferential side separating the top edge and the bottom edge, and an elbow-shaped tubular structure connected to a fuel vapor vent tube; and a second semicircular shaped structure having a second pair of terminal ends which lie in a common vertical plane, the two terminal ends including at least two locking means, a top edge forming an upper semicircular rim, a bottom edge forming a lower semicircular rim, the top edge and the bottom edge lying in spaced apart horizontal planes with respect to each other, and one or mor

Abstract: A tree pusher for safely felling a tree. The tree pusher includes (a) a base, (b) a frame, and (c) a detachable pronged head for gripping the tree while the tree is being felled. As the tree falls, the head remains attached to the tree, and detaches itself from the frame of the tree pusher.

Abstract: A debarking apparatus comprises eccentric debarking discs having a non-circular perimeter shape.

Abstract: The invention concerns an article of a steel which is characterized in that it consists of an alloy which contains in weight-%: 1.2-2.0 C, 0.1-1.5 Si, 0.1-2.0 Mn, max. 0.2 N, max. 0.25 S, 4-8 Cr, 0.5-3.5 (Mo+W/2), 5-8 V, max. 1.0 Nb, balance essentially only iron and unavoidable impurities, and that the steel has a micro-structure obtainable by a manufacturing of the steel which comprises spray forming of an ingot, the micro-structure of which contains 8-15 vol-% carbides of essentially only MC-type where M substantially consists of vanadium, of which carbides at least 80 vol-% have a substantially rounded shape and a size in the longest extension of the carbides amounting to 1-20 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the patterned metallization of a surface of a substrate, comprising the steps of preheating the substrate to a temperature which is below a deposition temperature of a predetermined metal dissolved in a fluid provided above the surface, and performing patterned deposition of the predetermined metal in predetermined regions on the surface of the substrate by locally increasing the temperature to above the deposition temperature.

Abstract: A double tapered steel wire (S) is evenly heat treated over the entire length thereof. The wire (S) has its constant-diameter straight portion (21, 24) disposed between its opposite end tapered portions (22, 23) each tapered down to its reduced-diameter outer end. In heat treatments, a diameter of the wire (S) is continuously detected by a detection means (3, 6), so that the amount of energy of induction heating applied to the wire (S) is controlled by a control unit (12) in a manner such that the amount of the energy is proportional to a wire diameter of the wire (S) having been detected, whereby heat applied to the wire (S) varies over the entire length of the wire (S). As a result, the wire (S) is quenched and tempered over its entire length in a manner such that the wire (S) thus heat treated has its small-diameter portions (24) and its large-diameter portion (21) differ from each other in tensile strength.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cold-rolled steel sheet and an alloyed hot-dip galvanized steel sheet in which tensile strength is effectively increased by press forming and heat treatment while maintaining excellent deep drawability in press forming. Specifically, a steel composition contains less than 0.01% of C, 0.005 to 1.0% of Si, 0.01 to 1.0% of Mn, 0.005 to 0.050% of Nb, 0.005 to 0.030% of Al, 0.005 to 0.040% of N, 0.0005 to 0.0015% of B, 0.05% or less of P, and 0.

Abstract: A method of heat treatment for an efficient forming of two-layered oxide film on the inside surface of a Ni-base alloy tube. The oxide film suppresses the Ni release in a high-temperature water environment.

Abstract: A thermal treating process includes a step of heating a light alloy casting up to a solid solution range and maintaining it at such heating temperature T, and a step of quenching the light alloy casting through a cooling medium while pressurizing it. Thus, increase in porosity of the light alloy casting can be suppressed and generation of blisters on a surface of the light alloy casting can be prevented, thereby enhancing the toughness of the light alloy casting.