Abstract: Coated, disposable, one-handed, dental devices, including dental flossers, dental picks and dental stimulators, having dry-to-the-touch, flavor-absorbing, saliva soluble coatings that are suitable for subsequently absorbing volatile flavors from a flavor reservoir, while maintained under flavor-sealed conditions, wherein tumbling motion is imparted to said devices while simultaneously coating said tumbling devices with multiple coatings of the dry-to-the-touch-coatings, wherein said multiple coatings comprise from between about 0.25 and about 6% by weight of said multicoated devices.

Abstract: In a substrate processing apparatus configured to perform a predetermined process on a target substrate accommodated in a process chamber, the process chamber is cleaned by alternately performing an operation of generating plasma of a gas containing oxygen within the process chamber, and an operation of generating plasma of a gas containing nitrogen within the process chamber.

Abstract: In a parallel flat plate type plasma CVD apparatus, plasma damage of constituent parts in a reaction chamber due to irregularity of dry cleaning in the reaction chamber is reduced and the cost is lowered. In the parallel flat plate type plasma CVD apparatus in which high frequency voltages of pulse waves having mutually inverted waveforms are applied to an upper electrode and a lower electrode, and the inversion interval of the pulse wave can be arbitrarily changed, the interior of the reaction chamber is dry cleaned.

Abstract: An object to be processed such as a semiconductor wafer is processed by supplying a process fluid such as an ozone gas and a water vapor into a process vessel from a supply source through a supply pipe. During the process, a temperature of the process fluid flowing through the supply pipe is detected. By previously measuring and recording a relationship between a temperature of the process fluid and a flow rate of the process fluid, for example, a flow rate of the process fluid can be determined based on the detected temperature of the process fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a semiconductor wafer cleaning apparatus and a related method. In one embodiment, the invention provides a semiconductor wafer cleaning apparatus comprising a wafer stage adapted to support a wafer; a first cleaning unit adapted to spray a first cleaning solution onto the wafer to remove particles from the wafer, wherein the first cleaning solution prevents static electricity from being generated on the surface of the wafer; and a second cleaning unit adapted to provide a second cleaning solution onto the wafer and oscillate a quartz rod to remove particles from the wafer, wherein the second cleaning solution makes a surface of the wafer hydrophilic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a backside of a substrate is disclosed. The method includes placing the substrate parallel to a platter, wherein the backside of the substrate is facing a top side of the platter in a spaced apart relation, thus defining a gap therebetween. Subsequently, a liquid is flowed through the platter and into continuous contact with the entire backside of the substrate and the top side of the platter.

Abstract: A cleaning method for removing foreign bodies during the fabrication of semiconductor devices including treating a substrate with a cleaning solution including an oxidizer to form a chemical oxide layer and then removing the chemical oxide layer, thereby removing foreign bodies from a surface of the semiconductor substrate. Accordingly, the foreign bodies can be substantially removed from the surface of the substrate without corroding a metal.

Abstract: A solution of ammonium citrate and benzotriazole (BTA) is used to clean thin film magnetic head wafers. When used with brushing, the solution is a highly efficient process for removing particles, such as those generated during chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP), without causing corrosion and roughness. This process may be used on all CMP layers in thin film magnetic head wafer fabrication.

Abstract: A substrate edge part cleaning apparatus that judges cleaning degree of each glass substrate when cleaning the edge part of the glass substrate used for liquid crystal display. The substrate edge part cleaning apparatus 100 has a cleaning head which cleans by wiping an edge part of a substrate for display A while moving rectilinearly, the apparatus including a camera 117 which captures images of the proximity of an edge of a color filter which is placed on the substrate, by moving together with the cleaning head. The camera 117 obtains surface status information of the substrate part which has been cleaned, and the substrate edge part cleaning apparatus 100 further includes a cleaning degree judgment unit 306 which judges cleaning degree based on the surface status information.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate cleaning method includes a first cleaning step of cleaning the surface of a semiconductor substrate with the use of a first brush and a second cleaning step of cleaning the surface of the semiconductor substrate with the use of a second brush after the first cleaning step. The second cleaning step is performed under a condition that suppresses recontamination of the surface of the semiconductor substrate in comparison with the first cleaning step.

Abstract: A method is provided enabling a dishwasher to be operated with variable wash programs, wherein the filter systems of the dishwasher do not become overloaded with protruding wash residues in the rinsing fluid. The method makes it possible to vary the pressure used to convey the rinsing fluid from the circulating pump to the at least one spray device. The advantage thereof is that protruding wash residues in the rinsing liquid can be reduced or flattened in order to prevent the filter systems in the dishwasher from becoming overloaded so that the cleaning effects of the filter system can remain functional.

Abstract: A dishwasher with a system for filling level recognition may be achieved which reliably determines the fluid level inside the dishwasher without the use of moving parts, whereby the dishwasher is provided with at least one capacitive filling level sensor for recognition of the fluid level of the rinsing fluid contained in the dishwasher, the electrical capacitance of which changes depending on the height of the fluid level. The fluid level in the dishwasher can thus be reliably determined without the need for moving parts and merely by the use of electronic components. The system further permits a non-contact filling level recognition, whereby the filling level sensor and the rinsing fluid do not come into contact.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dishwasher (1) and a control method thereof, where the effects influencing the washing performance negatively such as filter clogging, rotor blocking, foaming or increase in viscosity are identified by detecting the current (I) drawn by the circulation pump (4) from the network and the solution steps applied to solve this problem.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for flushing medical devices are provided. In one embodiment, a flushing apparatus includes a container of carbon dioxide, a filter, a heat exchanger and an actuator for controlling delivery of carbon dioxide from the apparatus. In another embodiment, the flushing apparatus may be a syringe and a reservoir. During use, a medical device may be connected to the flushing apparatus, and carbon dioxide may be delivered from the apparatus into one or more lumens of the medical device to flush the device with carbon dioxide, e.g., to remove trapped air within the medical device. The medical device is then removed from the apparatus and delivered into a patient's body.

Abstract: A process for the separation of oil from invert mud drill cuttings. Invert mud drill cuttings are supplied to a mixing chamber of a jet pump. The invert mud drill cuttings are agitated within the jet pump to effect transformation of the solids-oil matrix of the invert mud drill cuttings. Oil is then separeated from the transformed solids-oil matrix in a separator.

Abstract: A disk immersing and extracting mechanism is provided, which utilizes a floating-control means to control a disk, so as to prevent the disk from floating up or falling over in the rinse tank and to prevent liquid droplets from dripping from the floating-control means onto the disk to cause an undesired cleaning. In the present invention, a disk is immersed into a rinse tank by a disk holder, and then, the cleaned disk is extracted out of the rinse tank. The disk holder comprises a control bar on the upper side, and a disk support frame on the lower side that has a pair of tooth plates parallel to the control bar.

Abstract: Provided are a supporter and a substrate cleaning apparatus including the supporter, and a method for cleaning substrates. In the apparatus, a guide plate is provided close to an outer surface of an outermost substrate among substrates arranged in a cleaning process. The guide plate is shaped such that cleaning liquid injected toward a lower edge of the outermost substrate flows to an upper edge of the outermost substrate in a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: Starch is removed from the surface of an article using a multi-step method that includes presoaking the article in an acidic solution to remove the starch from the surface of the article and washing the article in an alkaline solution to clean the article.

Abstract: A method for determining at least one of the type and the quantity of items to be washed in a dishwasher machine is provided for use with a dishwashing machine having a washing chamber in which the items are placed in receptacles for subsequent washing of the items during a dishwashing program with the respective disposition of the items in the receptacles constituting the load of the receptacles in the washing chamber of the dishwasher machine. The method includes detecting the load of the receptacles by an image detection system that measures distances in a non-contact manner by means of the speed of light such that the measured distances can be evaluated to obtain a three-dimensional image of the washing chamber.

Abstract: Electronic device cleaning equipment includes a cleaning stage having a processing face on which a substrate having an obverse face at which an electronic device is formed is to be placed, a vapor supply nozzle for supplying vapor to the obverse face of the substrate, and chemical solution supply means for supplying a chemical solution to the obverse face of the substrate. Accordingly, static electricity present on the obverse face of the substrate is diselectrified.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning substrates includes a substrate support that is configured to support a plurality of substrates horizontally as spaced regularly one above the other, a rotating device for rotating the substrate support and a liquid supply system for dispensing cleaning liquid onto the substrates. The substrate support has a base plate and support rods extending upright on the base plate. The support rods include fixed rods and at least one movable rod. The movable rods is movable between an open position to provide a passage that allows the substrates to be placed between the support rods, and a closed position at which the substrates are held by and between the support rods. Once the substrates are supported in this way, the substrates are rotated. Then, the cleaning liquid, such as a chemical solution(s) followed by a rinsing liquid, is dispensed onto all of the substrates as the substrates are being rotated.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of removing an organic-containing material from an exposed surface of a large substrate (at least 0.25 m2). The substrate may comprise an electronic device. The exposed surface is treated with a stripping solution comprising ozone (O3) in a solvent, where the solvent comprises acetic anhydride. The stripping solvent used to form the stripping solution may comprise a mixture of acetic anhydride with a co-solvent selected from the group consisting of a carbonate containing 2-4 carbon atoms, ethylene glycol diacetate, and combinations thereof. In some instances, the stripping solution may contain only acetic anhydride and ozone, where the ozone concentration is typically about 300 ppm or greater.

Abstract: For the removal of graffiti 10 a method and removal agent are provided, said agent being comprised of solvents and surface-active agents and present in the form of a gel-like compound, applied to the background surface 3 to be cleaned. This gel-like compound 12 adheres to the background surface, which is moistened slightly beforehand, and makes it possible, after being rubbed in, to dissolve the graffiti 10 and remove it from the background surface 3, so that, once it has been removed, the originally soiled surface is again neutral.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for masking and subsequent removal of oil, grease, rust and other stains from a variety of rough solid surfaces, including, but not limited to stone, concrete, asphalt, stucco brick, and ceramic. The methods include coating the stains with an opaque or translucent thin film of a composition that makes the stain practically indistinguishable against the background, exposing the coated stain to the elements, such as, sunlight, air, moisture, resulting in spontaneous transformation, degradation and subsequent removal of the stains from the solid surfaces. The compositions include a photocatalyst by itself or the photocatalyst combined with at least one of, a sensitizer, a dopant, a mediator, a co-reagent, a pigment and a binder. The role of a photocatalyst is to produce highly reactive species or radicals and initiate the degradation of a stain upon exposure to elements, such as, sunlight, air and ambient humidity. Artificial light sources can be used instead of sunlight.

Abstract: A seal is provided between the door apron and the lip of the container in a dishwasher, enabling a high sealing performance to be obtained during the entire service life of the dishwasher and providing an esthetic design. The seal can be mounted in a reliable manner without any considerable expenditure of force, recycling of a used seal is possible via appropriate selection of materials and the seal can withstand the dynamic strain put upon the door seal of a dishwasher. The dishwasher is provided with a door seal which is made of an elastic synthetic material, consisting of a fixing area for connection to the edge of a rinsing container, a sealing element for arrangement on the underside of a dishwasher and which is arranged between the fixing area, and a sealing element, wherein the fixing area, sealing element and sealing strip form a single part.

Abstract: A parts immersion system and method includes a trough through which a conveyor belt carries the parts. A chemical solution is introduced into the trough through an opening in the bottom of the trough, from above the trough, and/or from the sides of the trough. The parts on the conveyor belt in the trough have a tendency to retard liquid movement out of the open ends of the trough thereby allowing the chemical solution to accumulate in the trough resulting in a greater immersion of the parts in the chemical solution. A gate may be provided near one or both ends of the trough to further enhance the accumulation of the chemical solution in the trough. Flights may extend upwardly from the conveyor belt to further enhance liquid retention in the trough between the flights. Flexible seals at the ends of the flights may contact sidewalls of the trough. One or more vibrators may be provided to enhance drainage of the chemical solution from the parts as the parts exit the trough.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a solution to a substrate includes a nozzle unit. The nozzle unit may include at least one nozzle having a variable structure in which lateral portions of the at least one nozzle are bent toward a central portion of the at least one nozzle. Each nozzle of the nozzle unit may include a hinged connecting member disposed at the central portion of each of the nozzles. The hinge angles between lateral portions of each of the nozzles may vary during operation. Each of the nozzles may include a plurality of spray holes for uniformly providing a developing solution onto the photoresist film. Some of the plurality of holes positioned near the central portion of the nozzles may be substantially wider than some of the plurality of holes positioned near lateral portions of the nozzles.

Abstract: A tie down stake for anchoring portable shelters or other objects at any angle to the ground in any soil conditions and which consists of a central hub with an eyelet and arms which extend away from the center of the hub. At the opposite end of each arm consist of holes that serve as stake guides for directing a plurality of anchoring rods at a fixed angle downward and into the ground. Thus joined by the arms and hub, the anchoring rods cooperate together to form a secure earth anchor. Also disclosed is a rod removal tool.

Abstract: The present invention is a beach cabana that provides a central corridor between two lounge portions and a frame rotatable about an axis.

Abstract: A solar concentrator includes a first reflective surface formed parabolic along a first axis and a second reflective surface formed parabolic along a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis. The focal length of the second reflective surface is shorter than the focal length of the first reflective surface for crossing focal lines of the first and the second reflective surfaces at a point. A method of concentrating solar light includes reflecting the light off a first reflective surface having a single parabolic axis to generate a first reflected line, and reflecting the first reflected line off a second reflective surface having a single parabolic axis. The parabolic axis of the first reflective surface is oriented perpendicular to the parabolic axis of the second reflective surface to focus the light to a point.

Abstract: There are provided photovoltaic tiles (each containing at least one photovoltaic cell) which can be readily integrated into a roof structure constructed of standard roofing materials. The photovoltaic tiles have frames which hold photovoltaic elements, the frames having end portions which are engageable with opposite end portions of similarly-shaped photovoltaic tiles and/or with end portions of standard roofing tiles, and/or which are shaped similar to shapes of end portions of standard roofing tiles. There are also provided roofing systems including standard roofing tiles and such photovoltaic tiles. There are also provided methods of constructing a roof using such a roofing system.

Abstract: A method for protecting the photovoltaic cells in a photovoltaic (PV) array from reverse bias damage by utilizing a rechargeable battery for bypassing current from a shaded photovoltaic cell or group of cells, avoiding the need for a bypass diode. Further, the method mitigates the voltage degradation of a PV array caused by shaded cells.

Abstract: A solar cell assembly having a plurality of elongated solar cells is provided. Elongated solar cells in the plurality of elongated solar cells have a rigid tube-shaped conductive core. The conductive core is hollowed and made of plastic or glass. A back-electrode is circumferentially disposed on the rigid tube-shaped conductive core. A semiconductor junction is circumferentially disposed on the back-electrode. A transparent conductive layer is circumferentially disposed on the semiconductor junction. The elongated solar cells in the plurality of elongated solar cells are arranged in a parallel or a near parallel manner thereby forming a planar array having a first face and a second face. The solar cell assembly is configured to receive direct light from a side of the solar cell assembly that includes the first face of the planar array and a side of the solar cell assembly that includes the second face of the planar array.

Abstract: Charge-splitting networks, optoelectronic devices, methods for making optoelectronic devices, power generation systems utilizing such devices and method for making charge-splitting networks are disclosed. An optoelectronic device may include a porous nano-architected (e.g., surfactant-templated) film having interconnected pores that are accessible from both the underlying and overlying layers. A pore-filling material substantially fills the pores. The interconnected pores have diameters of about 1-100 nm and are distributed in a substantially uniform fashion with neighboring pores separated by a distance of about 1-100 nm. The nano-architected porous film and the pore-filling, material have complementary charge-transfer properties with respect to each other, i.e., one is an electron-acceptor and the other is a hole-acceptor. The nano-architected porous, film may be formed on a substrate by a surfactant temptation technique such as evaporation-induced self-assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrolyte composition useful in a dye-sensitized solar cell. The electrolyte includes a ring compound to which metal cations of an oxidation-reduction derivative are bound, so that the anions of the oxidation-reduction derivative can freely deliver electrons, thereby significantly improving the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cells.

Abstract: Tandem photovoltaic cells having a recombination layer, as well as related systems, methods, and components, are disclosed.

Abstract: A technique for providing high-contrast images of defects in solar cells and solar panels, by illuminating each cell under inspection with broadband infrared radiation, and then forming an image of radiation that is secularly reflected from the cell. Multi-junction solar cells have a metal backing layer that secularly reflects the illumination back into an appropriately positioned and aligned camera, selected to be sensitive to infrared wavelengths at which the solar cell materials are relatively transparent.

Abstract: A gas supply system includes a first and a second branch line branched from a processing gas supply line to be respectively connected with a first and a second gas introduction section for introducing a gas from different portions in a processing chamber and a branch flow control unit for controlling branch flows of the processing gas distributed from the processing gas supply line to the first and the second branch line based on pressures in the first and the second processing gas branch line. The gas supply system further includes an additional gas supply unit for supplying an additional gas and an additional gas supply line for allowing the additional gas to flow therein. The first or second gas introduction section is divided into a processing gas introduction section connected with the branch lines and an additional gas introduction section connected with the additional gas supply line.

Abstract: A valve assembly can include a ruptureable member. The ruptureable member may be secured in place by a first support member, a second support member, and one or more removable engaging elements. The valve assembly can be configured such that the ruptureable member can be removed when a single removable engaging element is removed. In another embodiment, a valve assembly can include a plunger having a substantially solid shaft. The valve assembly can also include a ruptureable section attached to the substantially solid shaft. In still another embodiment, a valve assembly can include a plunger including a stem portion and a motion limiter portion, wherein the motion limiter portion is wider than the stem portion. The valve assembly can also include a spring surrounding the stem portion and the motion limiter portion, wherein the motion limiter portion is configured to keep the spring from becoming fully compressed.

Abstract: A pressure relief device is disclosed that is designed to open in response to a pre-determined pressure differential. The pressure relief device includes a panel member, and at least one release mechanism. The release mechanism has a first end, a failure portion configured to fail upon experiencing a predetermined load, and a second end. The at least one release mechanism is configured to hold the panel member against a frame prior to experiencing the predetermined pressure differential.

Abstract: The distance between an end of a contour of the curved area at which a straight line extending longitudinally of the pipe through the axis of the hole intersects with the contour of the curved area, and an end of the hole that is the nearest to the end of the contour of the curved area longitudinally of the pipe, is larger than the distance between an end of the contour of the curved area at which a straight line extending laterally of the pipe through the axis of the hole intersects with the contour of the curved area, and an end of the hole that is the nearest to the end of the contour of the curved area laterally of the pipe, when viewed along the central axis of the through hole.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for producing a multiple phase confectionery article. The apparatus may include a housing with a chamber, the housing having a first inlet and a first outlet, and a second inlet and a second outlet. A rotary valve may be disposed within the chamber, the rotary valve having a first bore and a second bore. The first bore may provide fluid communication between the first inlet and the first outlet when the rotary valve is in a first position, and the second bore may provide fluid communication between the second inlet and the second outlet when the rotary valve is in a second position. The apparatus may include a dispensing member in fluid communication with each outlet to dispense a continuous confectionery article having sequential amounts of a first confectionery material and a second confectionery material. Each confectionery material may have a different visual and/or organoleptic property.

Abstract: A fluid leak detection system includes a sensor, a control module and a valve module. The sensor is adapted to be placed near a fluid source, such as a water supply line of an appliance. The valve module advantageously includes a motorized ball valve or a magnetic latch configured to arrest fluid flow through a supply line. The control module actuates the valve module and an audible alarm when the sensor detects a fluid leak. The valve module closes a valve positioned along the water line to restrict flow through the water line until the control unit has been manually reset or until the leaked fluid has been removed. The control module also features user inputs to allow the valve to be manually cycled for cleaning, for instance.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant enclosure adapted to be recessed below the ground which allows a covering lid to be placed about an opening at the upper end of the housing substantially parallel to the surrounding terrain. The housing is preferably cylindrically shaped, having a larger diameter at the bottom than at the top. However, the housing may take any desired shape, such as rectangular, elliptical, cubic, etc without departing from the intended scope of the invention. The housing also includes a supply of pressurized water which is hooked up to the supply of water previously utilized for the above-ground stored garden hose through any conventional plumbing arrangement. Preferably, valving is utilized within the housing, and a threaded male brass fitting supplied to attach the proximal end of the hose to within the housing.

Abstract: A valve for a well pipe, the valve having the following parts: a valve collar connectable to the well pipe; an index piston coaxially positioned within the valve collar for longitudinal translation within the valve collar between closed, flow-open, and locked-open configurations; a detent in the index piston, wherein the detent restricts fluid flow in a circulation direction through a flow path through the index piston; a spring that biases the index piston toward the closed and locked-open configurations; and a plug of the valve collar that mechanically communicates with the index piston to be in corresponding closed, flow-open, and locked-open configurations.

Abstract: A housing can include a first member and a second member, wherein the first and second members can be rotated with respect to each other and joined at an acute angle. A system can include a valve assembly and a housing. The valve assembly can include an interface. The housing can include a first member and a second member. The valve assembly can be attached to the first member, and the interface of the valve assembly can be directly visible from the first opening of the second member. A method of using a system can allow a ruptureable member to be accessed without requiring a valve assembly to be removed, allow a more direct path between a fluid flow passed surfaces of an interface and an exhaust connection, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The inventive non-return valve comprises a valve body (1) which defines an internal fluid through-opening (7) extending along the longitudinal axis (5) of the body, comprising a seat body (17) defining a valve seat (31) arranged in said through opening (7) and a closing body (35) which is axially displaceable in the through opening (7) oppositely to a closing force produced by a closing spring (45) between a closed position applied to the seat body (17) and an open position lifted from the valve seat (31) on the closing body (35), wherein the valve body (1) forms a guide along which the seat body (17) is axially displaceable in different adjusting positions corresponding to the desired preloads of the closing spring (45) and, consequently to the desired adjustments of the closing force quantity of said closing spring (45).

Abstract: A bypass valve includes a body with first and second chambers connected by a bridge passage, an untreated water inlet and an untreated water outlet both open into the first chamber, and a treated water inlet and a treated water outlet both open into the second chamber. A first valve element is rotatably received in the first chamber alternately to connect the inlet to the untreated water outlet or the bridge passage. A second valve element is rotatably received in the second chamber alternately to connect the outlet to the treated water outlet or the bridge passage. A manually operable mechanism rotates the first valve element in the first chamber and the second valve element in the second chamber. A flow sensor is received within either the first or second valve element to measure the amount of water flowing through the bypass valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring gas flow in a semiconductor manufacturing equipment, includes an exhaust line, a flow amount measuring unit, and a controller unit having a first input electrically connected to the flow amount measuring unit and a second input having a predetermined reference value, the controller unit having the capability of comparing data in the first input to the predetermined reference value in the second input and generate a signal when the data in the first input exceed the predetermined reference value. The apparatus of the present invention may be incorporated into a gas delivery system employed in semiconductor manufacturing to detect gas leaks.

Abstract: Operation of a water softener is controlled by a set of valves within a body that has water inlet, water outlet, a regenerant connector and a drain outlet. Openings are provided in an exterior wall of the body through which a plurality of valve elements are received. The body has opposing exterior side walls through which a seam diagonally extends, thereby separating the body into two parts sealed together at that seam. The diagonal seam divides internal fluid chambers between each part and facilitates molding the parts so that the entire body can be fabricated by only two parts.