Abstract: A mechanical damper control can be used to regulate the temperature of a smoker, barbecue grill, or generally any stove chamber. The mechanical damper control includes a housing that can be coupled to an inlet or outlet of a stove chamber, either directly or using an adapter. A temperature responsive expandable member and a damper are coupled to each other, and to the housing. A damper adjustment can be manipulated to just close the damper at a point when the stove has reached a desired temperature. Further changes in the temperature of the stove chamber cause the expandable member to expand or contract, resulting in a corresponding opening or closing of the damper to maintain the stove chamber at a substantially constant temperature.

Abstract: A device that augments the capture and containment of an exhaust hood using jets is retrofitable to existing exhaust hoods. The device, in embodiments, forms a self-contained system that is separate from the hood and can be installed in existing hoods providing them with increased performance. Various embodiments are shown which are suitable for canopy and backshelf hood designs.

Abstract: A solar water heater includes a drainback unit with a drainback reservoir and an anti-airlock conduit for assuring that working fluid in the solar collectors is consistently drained from the solar collectors into a drainback reservoir once circulation the working fluid in the solar collectors has stopped. The drainback unit also provides rapid startup by positioning the heat exchanger outside of the drainback reservoir and by positioning the inlet and outlet of drainback reservoir in close proximity to each other.

Abstract: Provided are an adjusting method and an adjusting apparatus for adjusting a heliostat on site while actually measuring that a mirror surface of the heliostat and a mirror surface of a center reflector are exactly facing each other. The adjusting apparatus is provided with an irradiation device 3 which irradiates an upper focal point p of a center reflector 30 and a heliostat 20 with laser beams L1 and L2, respectively. The elevation angle and/or the turning angle of the heliostat 20 are adjusted so that the reflected light L4 of the laser beam applied on the heliostat 20 forms the same axial line as the laser beam L1 applied on the upper focal point p of the center reflector 30.

Abstract: A system for operating environmental equipment with improved efficiency including a surface covering having fluid carrying conduits and surface structure heated by solar radiation to heat the fluid with the fluid carrying conduits having non-round cross-sectional shapes to provide increased heat transfer contact surfaces, a heat exchanger communicating with the conduits and energy conversion equipment coupled with the heat exchanger to utilize the heat generated energy for operation.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a fluid displacement system are disclosed. The system may include a reservoir containing a fluid in a liquid state and a first chamber hydraulically connected to the reservoir to receive the fluid from the reservoir. The first chamber may be configured to receive solar energy and configured to convert the received solar energy to vaporize the fluid. The system may also include a second chamber hydraulically connected to the first chamber to receive the vaporized fluid from the first chamber. The second chamber may be configured to condense the vaporized fluid, causing depressurization in the second chamber. The system may also include a hydraulic connection between the second chamber and a source of fluid to be displaced. The system may be configured such that the depressurization of the second chamber may cause fluid in the source of fluid to be displaced through the hydraulic connection.

Abstract: A thin-sheet panel assembly. In one embodiment, a substantially rigid thin-sheet panel assembly having a non-rigid thin-sheet component includes the thin-sheet component which has selected plan area and shape, a backer having a plan shape and area substantially similar to the thin-sheet component, and plural riser elements of selected height and configuration each extending from the backer to distal ends connected to a reverse surface of the thin-sheet component, the riser elements being configured and disposed in an array which causes the assembly to have substantial rigidity in a selected direction in the thin-sheet component, and the thin-sheet panel assembly further includes a bar coupled to the backer and extending between at least one pair of adjacent riser elements of the plural riser elements.

Abstract: A method for tracking the movement of the sun from East to West across the sky during daylight hours to enable solar photovoltaic (PV) panels or arrays of such panels to capture significantly more solar energy than fixed solar panels. Readily-available sun position data (taken from ephemeris or celestial navigation tables) can be programmed into read-only memory (ROM) chips. Date and time of day information can also be programmed into ROM chips powered by long-life, rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries. Using such ROM chip data, a solar panel or an array of solar panels can track the sun position provided that during installation (with the panels aimed longitudinally towards the South), the solar panels are positioned upwards towards the noontime sun position to establish a starting point. This enables the sun tracking system of the present invention to track the sun without requiring a solar sensing device.

Abstract: Burner assembly for a gas burner of radiant heating type including a burner chamber (140) for receiving mixed gas, a burner mat (150) on top of the burner chamber (140) for making combustion, and a baffle part (161,163) between a bottom of the burner mat (150) and a side of the burner chamber (140) the mixed gas is introduced into the burner chamber (140) therethrough, for uniform distribution of the mixed gas to an entire part of the burner mat (150).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enhanced process for sugar production through the acid hydrolysis of cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials characterized by the treatment of these materials in three steps. In the first step, it is made a digestion of the lignocellulosic material using a solvent capable of partially dissolving the lignin, which constitutes part of the lignocellulosic material. In the second step, the cellulosic material resulting from the treatment with the solvent is subjected to an acid treatment in such conditions that mainly hemicellulose is hydrolyzed to form a sugar solution rich with pentose monomers and oligomers. In the third step, the cellulosic material from the second step is subjected to an acid treatment in such conditions that the major part of the cellulose is hydrolyzed to form a sugar solution rich with hexose monomers and oligomers.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device comprising: a body (10); a reservoir (20); a dispenser member (30), such as a pump or a valve, that is mounted on the reservoir (20); and a lateral actuator system (40) that is secured to said body (10); the device further comprising a ring (50) that is mounted on or secured to the reservoir (20), said ring (50) including at least one radial projection (55) that is adapted to co-operate with a movable element (45) of said lateral actuator system (40), the device being characterized in that said at least one projection (55) is beveled with a sloping radial end surface (56).

Abstract: A passive inhaler (1) for delivery of a powder-form inhalation formulation from a blister strip (2) with a plurality of blister pockets (3) is proposed. The inhaler comprises an impaction element (31) onto which the air stream can impact together with entrained inhalation formulation for better deagglomeration. Alternatively, the inhaler comprises an oscillating and/or vibrating device (35) for better de-agglomeration of the inhalation formulation. Alternatively or additionally, the inhaler comprises one or two mixing means for generating swirls, preferably with opposite rotation directions.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for administering nitrous oxide. The system includes a fluid control system for controlling the flow of nitrous oxide and oxygen to the patient. A nitrous oxide and oxygen supply, vacuum source, a breather bag, and a nasal delivery interface system are fluidly connected to the fluid control system and a patient. The fluid control system also includes a safety scavenge system including a mass airflow sensor, master controller, nitrous oxide valve, and alarm. The mass airflow sensor reads the scavenging vacuum pressure which it communicates to the master controller. Depending upon the scavenging vacuum pressure, the master controller can activate an alarm or shut off the flow of nitrous oxide. In operation, the present invention provides a system for administering anesthesia/analgesia gas which prevents excessively high volumes of exhaled nitrous oxide in the operatory environment through monitoring of the scavenge vacuum pressure.

Abstract: A method for controlling a narcotic effect value of a mixture of at least two narcotic agents of a breathing gas is disclosed herein. The method includes setting a target value for a desired narcotic effect of narcotic agents and measuring a breathing gas concentration of each narcotic agent of the breathing gas. The method also includes converting measured breathing gas concentration of each narcotic agent to a narcotic effect value of the breathing gas and calculating a total narcotic effect value of the mixture of the at least two narcotic agents. The method also includes comparing the total narcotic effect value with the target value and determining whether or not to change the breathing gas concentration to meet the target value.

Abstract: An inhaler comprising a housing to receive a strip having a plurality of blisters, each blister having a puncturable lid and containing a dose of medicament for inhalation by a user, a mouthpiece through which a dose of medicament is inhaled by a user, a cap to cover the mouthpiece and, a blister piercing element to pierce the lid of a blister is disclosed. The cap is rotatable to drive the strip to sequentially move each blister into alignment with the blister piercing element and an actuator is operable in response to rotation of the cap to cause the blister piercing element to puncture the lid of an aligned blister such that, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece, an airflow through the blister is generated to entrain the dose contained therein and carry it out of the blister and via the mouthpiece into the user's airway.

Abstract: A device for protecting a ventilated patient from the adverse consequences of disconnection within a ventilator circuit can be used within ventilator circuits found in either the bedside vent environment or a surgical setting requiring anesthesia. In a bedside vent environment, this device secures joints in the circuit from the proximal end of the wye to the distal end of the in-line suction catheter tubing. In particular, between these two ends, there might be a series of joints created by gas measurement sensors, heated moisture exchangers, and treatment delivery adapters. The inventive device described herein is capable of securing all these joint combinations as well. In a surgical setting, the device secures joints in the circuit from the proximal end of the wye to the distal end of the “elbow” connected to the artificial airway.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling the delivery of therapeutic gas delivered to a patient undergoing positive airway pressure therapy is described. The method includes providing a flow of gas to a patient's airway at a pressure, obtaining information from the range of 0 to 25 Hz of the frequency domain of the flow, and adjusting the pressure based on the information. The apparatus includes a blower for providing a flow of gas to a patient's airway at a pressure, a sensor to measure a characteristic of the flow, a controller to obtain information from the range of 0 to 25 Hz of the frequency domain of the characteristic, and a pressure regulator for adjusting the pressure based on the information.

Abstract: An oxygen mask comprises an oxygen supply unit and an attachment unit which is to be attached to a periphery of a nose or a nose and a mouth of a patient. The attachment unit includes an opening which communicates with external air and which is formed at a position to which, when the oxygen mask is attached to the patient, at least one of the nose and the mouth of the patient is opposed.

Abstract: A sensor 40 that detects a chemical such as an organic vapor. The sensor 40 includes a film that has a film body 58 that includes a detection layer 48 and that is responsive to the presence of a chemical by providing a color change. The film also includes an occluding layer 54 that has a first major surface 59 and that is bound to the film body 58 but is inert to the detection layer 48 to preclude the occluding layer 54 and the chemical from causing a color change in the film body 58 in an area 42 normal to the first major surface 59 of the occluding layer 54. A sensor having this construction can provide a distinctly visible image on the sensor, which may be helpful in evaluating the remaining life of a filter cartridge.

Abstract: A respirator 10 that has a harness 14 and a mask body 12 that is joined to the harness 14. The mask body 12 includes a filtering structure 16 that may contain a plurality of layers of nonwoven fibrous material 58, 60, 62. The layers of nonwoven fibrous material 58, 60, 62 have a thickness A and are welded together by at least two parallel weld lines 34?, 34? that are spaced at 0.5 to 6 times A. A mask body that uses parallel weld lines may exhibit better resistance to collapse and may be manufactured at faster speeds than similar structures which use single weld lines of comparable width.

Abstract: An adjustable respiratory mask includes: a mask body including a rear side, and a front cover having a connecting hole and projecting upwardly; an adjuster housing formed on top of the front cover, and having a sleeve that extends within the adjuster housing in a front-to-rear direction and that has a rear opening exposed from the adjuster housing; a forehead abutment member having a shank projecting forwardly from the forehead abutmentmember andextending into the sleeve through the rear opening; and an adjusting unit for adjusting a distance of the forehead abutment member from the adjuster housing. The shank is movable relative to the sleeve so that the forehead abutment member is movable toward and away from the adjuster housing.

Abstract: A pad for a forehead support includes an outer wall having a first side configured to engage a user's forehead and a second side having engaged surfaces configured to rest against engaging surfaces of the forehead support; at least one retaining wall provided between the first side and the second side; and at least one retained portion configured to be retained by a retainer formed on the forehead support, wherein a space is defined between the outer wall and the engaged surfaces. The space has a substantially constant cross sectional profile, and the outer wall, the at least one retaining wall, and the engaged surfaces are formed of a deformable elastomeric material. Deformation of the pad occurs by deflection of at least the outer wall and the at least one retaining wall.

Abstract: A system for supplying ventilatory support may include a nasal interface configured to communicate with a patient's nose while allowing the patient to breathe ambient air directly without flowing through the nasal interface. A nozzle may be associated with the nasal interface at a distance from a nose. The nozzle may be connectable to the gas delivery circuit and the gas delivery source. The nozzle may be capable of delivering gas into the nasal passage by creating negative pressure area near the nozzle and a positive pressure area near the entrance to the nose. A combination of gas from the gas delivery source and air entrained from the gas exiting the nozzle may provide ventilatory support.

Abstract: Contraceptive devices that provide substantially immediate and permanent sterilization are described herein. Systems and methods for transcervically delivering the contraceptive devices are also described herein. The contraceptive device may include an expandable implant. The implant includes hydrogel to provide substantially immediate sterilization, and tissue in-growth fibers to provide permanent sterilization. As an alternative or in combination to hydrogel, the implant may include copper or cupric ions to provide substantially immediate sterilization. The implant may also include hydrogel to improve trackability of the implant through an ovarian pathway.

Abstract: A system and method for abatement to snoring and snoring disorders which tones and strengthens soft palate muscles is disclosed. The method comprises inserting a tube into one's mouth; pressing the tube up to the hard palate; holding the tube in the mouth at the hard palate using the tongue; and initiating a sucking process over the tube. The sucking process requires the person to maintain constant suction on the tube member for between about 5 to 15 seconds followed by a relaxation for between about 5 to 20 seconds and repeating this process of suction, hold, and relaxation for between about 10 to 20 times. A system provided by the present invention provides tubes of varying diameters and liquids of different viscosities.

Abstract: A surgical drape, system and method of using comprise a surgical drape having a fenestration to be placed over a surgical site of a patient. The surgical drape includes a barrier removably attached to the surgical drape and adapted for placement over a portion of the fenestration to prevent the start of the surgical procedure. Upon verification of a set of predetermined conditions, the barrier is removed by a member of the surgical staff in order to begin the surgical procedure.

Abstract: Described herein is a dental appliance including a right piece adapted for simultaneously covering a plurality of back teeth of a right side of a lower jaw and a plurality of back teeth of a right side of an upper jaw of a mouth, and a left piece independent of the right piece and adapted for simultaneously covering a plurality of back teeth of a left side of a lower jaw and a plurality of back teeth of a left side of an upper jaw, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A smoking system includes a capillary wick for holding liquid, at least one air inlet, at least one air outlet and a chamber between the air inlet and air outlet. The air inlet, the air outlet and the chamber are arranged so as to define an air flow route from the air inlet to the air outlet via the capillary wick so as to convey aerosol formed from the liquid to the air outlet. The smoking system further includes at least one guide for channeling the air flow in the air flow route, so as to control particle size in the aerosol. The smoking system optionally includes at least one heater for heating the liquid in at least a portion of the capillary wick to form the aerosol.

Abstract: A smoking apparatus for vaporizing a smoking product such as tobacco and herb products. The smoking apparatus is preferably made entirely out of glass. The smoking apparatus comprises a bowl at a first end that receives the smoking product through an open top end, a screen support area immediately below the bowl having one or more screen supports, a product support pellet that rests on the screen supports to support the smoking product, a hollow stem in fluid flow communication with the bowl to allow the user to draw vapor from the bowl and a diffuser removably received in the open top end of the bowl for diffusing heat across the smoking product to vaporize it. The diffuser has a diffusing element made out of the frit. No metal contacts the product, vapor or user. The smoking apparatus can be a pipe or an adapter for a water pipe.

Abstract: A cigar/cigarillo having a cigar cap, a covering for the cigar butt, smoking end that the human user's mouth will contact when smoking. The cigar cap can be made from a tobacco leaf (FIGS. 3-9, 16-24), or other material(s) (FIGS. 10-15, 25-27). It can be shaped to the cigar butt, or any other shape, size or form, and attached at any time after the outer wrapper leaf has been applied, hygienically and physically protecting the cigar butt end, namely the smoker's smoking end. Ideally, the cigar cap's removal is unobstructed by the cigar ring. It can be attached to a band or otherwise applied to simplify its removal, and it's ideal length is between about 2.5-4 centimeters. A cigar cap can label the cigar, and/or include marketing or advertising information, etc. Also relatively non-removable cigar caps can be used to provide smokers an alternative flavor when smoking.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a biodegradable cigarette filter tow comprising composite filaments of cellulose and cellulose acetate, and a process for making such a filter tow comprising providing a solution dope comprising a blend of cellulose and cellulose acetate in an ionic liquid or in N-methylmorphilone-N-oxide (NMMO), and spinning casting the blend into a protic solvent to generate fibres or films, and converting the fibres or films into cigarette filter tow. The invention also concerns cigarette filters and cigarettes made from such a filter tow.

Abstract: An assembly for thickening hair has a first adhesive tape, apt to be reversibly adhered on hair, having an adhesive face onto which there are arranged connecting elements of hair extensions of a first plurality of the hair extensions at their respective distal end, and a second adhesive tape, apt to be reversibly adhered on hair, having an adhesive face onto which there are arranged connecting elements of hair extensions of a second plurality of the hair extensions at their respective distal end, the tapes having positioning elements such that the connecting elements of the extensions of said first and second plurality of the hair extensions overlap when the positioning elements are in turn overlapped.

Abstract: A hair brush head has a solid, relatively hard body (12), a cushion base (18) attached to one side of the body (12) with a portion spaced with respect to the body in order to form an air space (22) between itself and the body, and a plurality of vent openings (16, 20) in both the body (12) and the cushion base (18). Bristles (24) for brushing hair are attached directly to the cushion base (18).

Abstract: A method of alternatively servicing patrons of hair salons during transitional periods of embarrassment and stress resulting from ongoing medical conditions affecting one's hair appearance includes the steps of offering consultations, purchases of whole wig, demi-piece and hair fall adaptations for purchase, and maintenance of the hair adaptations purchased during such transitional period until the medical condition resolves itself or until the patron feels sufficiently unembarrassed and unstressed to return to the hair salon for further treatments, all on a one-on-one basis in the privacy of an area accessible both visibly and audibly only to the patron and to the hair technician, and at a single one-time fee covering all providing services until the patron returns to the hair salon for further hair treatments.

Abstract: A hair extension that has no weft for attachment to the hairs on a person's head. The extension however includes a group of hairs arranged to form a flat strip which has a top end, a bottom end, a width across the group of hairs and a length along the group of hairs. An adhesive is located across the top end of the group of hairs to bind the hairs together and double sided adhesive tapes are attached to the sides of the group of hairs and covers the adhesive at the top end of the group of hairs. A release tape is attached to each of the double sided adhesive tapes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for treating keratin fibers, comprising: at least one polyalkene-based supramolecular polymer, at least one block ethylenic copolymer, and at least one volatile solvent. Also disclosed is a process for treating keratin fibers comprising applying to the keratin fibers the composition for treating keratin fibers.

Abstract: In a device (1) for cutting off split ends (2) of hair, a body (3) of the device holds a strand of hair (4). The ends (2) are inserted into a slot (5), after which the ends (2) can be cut off by means of a cutting mechanism (6).

Abstract: A cosmetic composition for use on eyelashes and/or eyelids that includes from about 15% to about 50%, by weight, of a film former selected from the group consisting of tall oil glyceride, pentaerythrityl rosinate, glyceryl rosinate, and the hydrogenated versions and mixtures thereof. Further there is from about 0.1% to about 14%, by weight, of a colorant. The cosmetic composition is long lasting and has excellent wear characteristics.

Abstract: An applicator head for cosmetic products such as mascara is described. The applicator head has at least two arched supports, each with and outwardly directed applicator surface. The arched supports surround a clearance and define a relatively large, expanded configuration for loading and application purposes. The arched supports flex inwardly, into the clearance, so that the expanded configuration can collapse to permit the applicator head to be drawn through a relatively smaller wiper opening. The applicator head can be used in stock packaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hair care device (1), having a handle (3), a function head (4) which can be connected to the handle (3), and which has a hair treatment device (5), particularly a brush and/or a tooth field, and having an ion-discharging device (9) for discharging ions onto the hair, the ion-discharging device (9) having at least one ion outlet (11). According to the invention, the hair care device (1) is characterized in that the function head (4) and/or a housing part which surrounds the ion outlet (11) has at least one grounding area for dissipating/limiting electronic charges. Advantageously, the ions are discharged exclusively from the back of the device (8) which faces away from the hair treatment device (5), while the grounding area on the function head (4) can be provided on the front of the device.

Abstract: Semiconductor processing compositions for use with silicon wafers having an insulating layers, and metallization layers on the wafers comprising water and one or more Troika acids which is also referred to as a, ?-disubstituted trifunctional oximes or ?-(Hydroxyimino) Phosphonoacetic acids, their salts, and their derivatives.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning a processing surface of a cylindrical roller disposed in a brush box is described. In one embodiment, a brush box is described. The brush box includes a tank having an interior volume and a pair of cylindrical rollers at least partially disposed in the interior volume, each of the cylindrical rollers being rotatable about a respective axis, an actuator assembly coupled to each of the cylindrical rollers to move the respective cylindrical roller between a first position where the cylindrical rollers are in proximity and a second position where the cylindrical rollers are spaced away from each other, and a conditioning device for each of the cylindrical rollers, each conditioning device including a conditioner disposed in the interior volume, the conditioner contacting an outer surface of each of the cylindrical rollers when the rollers are in the second position.

Abstract: A method of using a processing system that is operable to deposit liquid and to remove liquid by way of negative pressure. The method includes arranging a device to have at least one of the liquid deposited thereon by the processing system and the liquid removed therefrom by the processing system. The device has a sensor portion disposed thereon. The sensor portion can provide a sensor signal based on pressure related to the at least one of the liquid being deposited thereon by the processing system and the liquid being removed therefrom by the processing system. The method further includes performing at least one of depositing, by the processing system, the liquid onto the device and removing the liquid, by the processing system, from the device. The method still further includes providing the sensor signal, by the sensor portion, based on the pressure related to the at least one of the liquid being deposited onto the device and the liquid being removed from the device.

Abstract: Liquid hydrocarbon storage tanks are cleaned by transferring the most contaminated lower fuel layer to an external vessel on a treatment truck where separation into a contaminants portion and a fuel portion occurs. The remnant fuel in the storage tank is cleaned by multiple passes through an external circuit on the truck. The fuel from the vessel is sometimes returned to the remnant fuel to be cleaned. The contaminants are discarded. The initial separation shortens the cleaning cycle. A flexible dip tube stiffened by a guide rod allows probing of the storage tank floor.

Abstract: A method is provided for cleaning the interior of polymer processing equipment having a resin composition retained therein, wherein a contaminant material is adhered to at least a portion of the interior surface of the polymer processing equipment. The method comprises the steps of: charging the polymer processing equipment having a residual polymer composition retained in the interior thereof with a purging composition comprising 45-94 weight % of starch; 0.

Abstract: A device (1) comprises an intake duct (11) for taking in milk, an intake duct (15) for taking in a cleaning fluid, a central duct (13) in which both intake ducts (11, 15) are merging, and a pump (31) which is arranged in the central duct (13). Cleaning the device (1) involves filling both the central duct (13) and the milk intake duct (11) with the cleaning fluid. In particular, the pump (31) is a bi-directional pump, wherein filling the central duct (13) with the cleaning fluid is realized by operating the pump (31) in one direction while blocking the milk intake duct (11), and wherein filling the milk intake duct (11) with the cleaning fluid is realized by opening the milk intake duct (11) and operating the pump (31) in a reversed direction, wherein cleaning fluid is displaced from the central duct (13) to the milk intake duct (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method including spraying steam in the form of multiple jets with a pressure and a temperature depending on the characteristics of the solar panel to be cleaned and of the impurities to be removed and at an angle that can be adjusted relative to the panel. The method can be combined with gentle cleaning using elements contacting the surface of the panels to be cleaned. The device includes a self-propelled vehicle, a water tank feeding a system for treating and purifying the water prior to feeding a steam generator, with a means for regulating the output temperature and pressure of the steam, which enters a system for distribution to the steam diffusers, which are coupled on a support associated with a cantilevered structure of the self-propelled vehicle.

Abstract: A system for automatically metering liquid or paste-like auxiliary washing agents stored in reservoirs for automatically controlled washing machines. It has a central fluid line disposed in a housing bottom and a plurality of nozzles disposed in the housing bottom on a circular line extending concentrically to the axis of a rotor. The nozzles can be connected individually to the outlet by a connecting line inside the motor-drivable rotor. In the connection to the connecting line, seals are provided. Due to a force continually axially acting on the rotor in the direction of the housing bottom, said rotor presses the seals until the contact surfaces of the rotor and the housing bottom substantially form a common plane.

Abstract: A warewash machine includes a tank for holding liquid to be sprayed on items in a spray chamber and a recirculation line for delivering liquid from the tank to nozzles for spraying. A sensor arrangement is provided for monitoring condition of tank liquid, the sensor arrangement including an light emitter and a light receiver. A control is provided for energizing the light emitter and monitoring output of the light receiver, wherein the control is configured to vary the energization level of the light emitter during sensing to extend a useful range of measurement the sensor arrangement. The sensor arrangement may be located in line with or in parallel with a drain line of the tank.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a cleaner composition that has a desirable cleaning property and is easily separable from pre-rinsing water even when cleaning an object produced by using a lead-free soldering flux; and a lead-free soldering flux removal system using a pre-rinsing method that can reduce the amount of waste fluid. The invention uses a cleaner composition for lead-free soldering flux, comprising (A) specific glycol ethers; (B) a specific polyoxyalkylene amine; and (C) a chelating agent that is at least one member selected from the group consisting of (c1) aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acid chelating agents and (c2) (poly)phosphoric acid chelating agents.