Abstract: A dishwashing machine includes a water circulating circuit with rotating spray arms 6, 7 arranged in a washing tub 3 and supplied with water by a pump provided to recirculate water collecting in a sump 5. The water is heated by a resistance-type electric heating element 11 arranged in a casing 10. Through the surface of the casing, the heating element is in a heat exchange relationship with both the interior of the washing tub and the water collecting in said sump. The casing 10 is provided in the water circulation circuit of the dishwashing machine in a parallel arrangement with respect to the spray arms 6, 7, with an inlet 12 connected to the delivery side 14 of the pump 8, and with an outlet 13 communicating with the interior of the washing tub 3.

Abstract: The invention includes a warewasher comprising a wash chamber, a tank at the bottom of said chamber for supplying recirculated heated water through a pump to wash arms in said chamber, a primary water heating system comprising a heat exchange tube entering said tank through a first port or inlet in said tank, traversing the base of the tank, and exiting said tank through a second port or outlet, said tube being at a height in said tank such that the tube is submerged when said tank is filled with water, said tube having a first end and a second end located outside of the tank and providing a passageway between the ends, a gas-fired infrared burner located in said tube adjacent said first end to which an air/gas mixture is supplied and combusted by said burner, at least one secondary labyrinthine heat exchanger in intimate heat transfer relationship with at least one of the walls of said tank below the water level, and controls for automatically operating the heating system in response to a need to increase th

Abstract: A cleaning system for use in an apple pre-sizing or packing line including a plurality of high pressure spray nozzles located a short distance above the apples on the line. The spray is maintained at a pressure in the range of 70-300 psi and is directed so as to substantially contact all of the surfaces of the tumbling apples as they move along the packing line. The spray fluid is collected beneath the packing line, and recirculated back to the spray nozzles by a pump, at a volume rate of 50-600 gpm. In modifications of the apparatus, the spray fluid may be heated to a temperature between ambient and just below that which is known to damage apples. In addition, chemicals may be added to the fluid, and/or the fluid may be heated and the fluid sent through a length of contact piping prior to being recirculated to the nozzles, with the piping being of sufficient size and length such that mold spores are killed by the chemicals/heat of the fluid during residence in the contact piping.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a substrate cleaner and dryer or a dryer alone, and in particular, to an improved method of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) vapor drying having "closed loop" processing and capability to process extremely large substrates. The invention uses an inert gas, typically nitrogen (N.sub.2) or argon (Ar), as a process gas for carrying the vapor of a drying fluid in a "closed loop" cycle through a process vessel. The carrier gas and is pumped through a vapor generator and the process vessel in a rapid "closed loop" manner with extremely pure IPA vapor. Various embodiments employ the invention including two different vapor drying methods, a water rinse and vapor dry method and a solvent clean and vapor dry method. In either the water rinse and vapor dry method and a solvent clean and vapor dry method rinse water or cleaning fluid is rapidly drained in an unimpeded manner from the vessel while the process vessel is vented.

Abstract: Obtained are a washing apparatus inhibiting a washing liquid from losing its washability and a method therefor. A circulating pump (5) circulates a washing liquid (3) successively through a heater (6), a filter (7), and an overflow washing tank (2). The washing liquid (3) is gradually evaporated. On the other hand, a water supplier (10) supplies the overflow washing tank (2) with water through a tube (8). An amine supplier (11) supplies the overflow washing tank (2) with amines through a tube (9). A control unit (12) controls the quantities of the water and amines as supplied. In a washing part (50), therefore, the quantities of the water and amines are inhibited from being reduced upon a lapse of time from operation starting, whereby the washing liquid (3) is inhibited from losing its washability.

Abstract: A wafer surface treating apparatus has an overflow treating tank for holding therein a chemical in which a wafer is to be soaked to perform a surface treatment of the wafer, piping for circulating the chemical overflowing from said treating tank to said treating tank, a filter unit for filtering the chemical passing through said piping to remove foreign articles from the chemical, and at least two temperature regulating mechanisms. The first temperature regulating mechanism keeps a temperature of the chemical in said treating tank at a predetermined temperature. The second temperature regulating mechanism regulates the temperature of the chemical in said filter unit to a temperature at which no deposit is produced from the chemical in said filter.

Abstract: Household and institutional sinks are commonly used in cleaning regimens in which articles are contacted with aqueous cleaning media under conditions of agitation. Such agitation can be provided by directing the aqueous medium contained within the sink to a pump that returns the aqueous medium to the sink under agitating conditions such that the agitation can act to promote soil removal. The aqueous medium can be withdrawn from a waste line installed in a sink drain. The aqueous medium can then pass into a pump which can return the aqueous medium to the sink at a location in the sink causing the aqueous medium to agitate and circulate within the sink bowl. Preferably, valved waste line hardware can be installed in the drain such that when the waste line valve is closed, the aqueous medium is retained in the sink. The pump intake is placed in liquid communication with the aqueous cleaning medium upstream of the valve.

Abstract: In a cleaning installation for removing machining residues from workpieces comprising a cleaning station having associated therewith a channel for receiving at least one workpiece to be cleaned, a workpiece transportation device for introducing workpieces to be cleaned into the channel and for removing the cleaned workpieces from the channel, and at least one blow nozzle directed into the interior of the channel and thus onto the workpieces to be cleaned for acting upon the workpieces with a jet of blow air, in order to achieve a better cleaning effect, a cleaning liquid supplying device is provided for atomizing small amounts of a cleaning liquid into the jet of blow air.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and purge concentrate are capable of purging water-based and non-water-based paints and other coatings from automated and manual equipment using non-VOC containing aqueous purge solutions. Purge solutions of the invention contain water, detergent builder and wetting agents. The solution is maintained at a selected concentration and at a selected elevated temperature range by continuously recirculating the solution through the automated coating equipment. For manual equipment the solution is set at the correct concentration and maintained at the correct temperature range. For an automated system, spent purge solutions can be reconditioned and recirculated to avoid waste.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning chemically processed articles between chemical processing steps. The cleaning apparatus includes a sealable pressurization vessel. After a chemical process step, an article, such as a semiconductor wafer is placed in the vessel. The vessel is sealed. Vessel pressure is adjusted. Solvent in the vessel is heated to a boil forming a vapor. Solvent vapor is recondensed by a primary condensing coil. Condensed solvent rains onto the article, washing it. After the article is clean, it is dried when a secondary condensing coil condenses the solvent vapor, causing the distilled solvent to rain into and be collected by a collection tray. Collected solvent is channelled into a storage reservoir. The storage reservoir is sealed after all of the solvent is collected. The vessel is opened to remove the cleaned article.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing and recovering a contaminant from an object. A washing agent flows over the object, and the washing agent and contaminant are received in a basin. A slurry of the washing agent and contaminant are circulated through at least one separator and one filter to produce a cleaned slurry flow. The cleaned slurry flow is recirculated into the basin. A first pump which is used to flow the washing agent over the object has a supply port and a pressurized output port. A pressurized fluid supply is coupled to a variable regulator with a variable pressure output. A second pump driven by the variable pressure output impels the washing agent into the supply port of the first pump.

Abstract: A decontamination system for particulate matter is provided. The system has a fluid treatment chamber within which three screw-type augers operate to mix hydrocarbon laden soil with treating fluid for removing the hydrocarbon therefrom. The treating fluid is maintained in a fluid reservoir and is circulated into and out of the treatment chamber. The fluid is heated by a direct and an indirect heater. The hydrocarbons are released from the soil and allowed to float to the top where they collect and are removed for recycle or disposal. The decontaminated soil is removed from the treating fluid by a drag slat conveyor that permits excess treating fluid to drain therefrom and be collected for reuse in the decontamination system. A cyclone separator is included to spin off suspended fines within the recovered treating fluid. Optionally, a fluid press may be employed to compress additional amounts of treating fluid from the decontaminated matter.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing general parts and other articles with a liquid cleaning solution, the apparatus including a basin and a wash area defining an upper chamber, a hood to enclose the upper chamber, a pump in the basin for recirculating the cleaning solution to the wash area for washing the parts and articles therein, a lower holding tank for containing a charge of purified cleaning solution, and a second pump for circulating a portion of the charge of purified cleaning solution to the wash basin for use during washing operations. Heating elements in the basin boil the cleaning solution therein, with the hood closed, and a vacuum pump creates a negative pressure in the upper chamber, drawing vapors through a condenser to yield purified cleaning solution which is directed to the clean solution holding tank for subsequent transfer to the basin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a waste water heat recovering unit for preheating cold fresh water with already heated water, comprising a cleaning liquid tank (9) for collecting warm cleaning liquid, an intermediate tank (10) which is connected via a pipe (101) with the cleaning liquid tank (9), a pump (8) arranged in the pipe (101) which conveys at least part of the warm cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid tank (9) into the intermediate tank (10), and a heat exchanger (4) which is connected, on the one hand, via a fresh water pipe (14) equipped with a volume controlling valve (1) to a fresh water connection for cold water and, on the other hand, to the intermediate tank (10) containing the warm cleaning liquid, a drain valve (12) being provided at the outlet of the heat exchanger (4) in the cleaning liquid guidance so that there flows through the heat exchanger (4) either substantially the same volume of cold fresh water as warm cleaning liquid from the intermediate tank (10), or only warm cleaning liquid wit

Abstract: A wash water system for retrofitting a pre-wash tank or sink includes a plurality of spray nozzles which extend along an inner surface of a back wall of a pre-wash sink wherein the spray nozzles are in flow communication with a discharge side of a water circulating pump. A return conduit is provided wherein the return conduit extends vertically downward along the inner back wall of the sink a preselected distance and is in flow communication with a suction or intake side of said pump. The sink is provided with a bottom wall with at least one opening therein and a heater is provided with a conduit extending from the heater to and in flow communication with the opening in the bottom wall of the sink. A vertically extending first filter device is placed along the back wall of the sink over the openings into the return conduits to the suction side of the pump and a second filter device is placed over the opening in the bottom wall of the sink.

Abstract: A parts washer unit including a cleaning fluid storage receptacle which can be easily interchanged or exchanged with a like receptacle by the user of the unit. The unit includes a sink tiltably mounted to the top of a support frame that defines a space accommodating the receptacle. The sink includes a bottom wall having an integrally formed cylindrical portion extending centrally from said bottom wall and defining a drain opening and a splash guard. A conveyor is secured to the frame and permits the receptacle to be readily transported to and from the desired location beneath the sink drain opening. A fluid circulating system includes a pump, a bag strainer, and hoses which extend in use into the sink for directing fluid over parts to be washed. A cover is removably secured to the receptacle and has a central opening for receiving the splash guard.

Abstract: A pressurized closed flow cleaning system for cleaning the interior surface of industrial processing equipment. The system includes a pressure vessel containing an aqueous cleaning solution including the combination of enzymes and a surfactant. A supply conduit connects the pressure vessel with equipment to be cleaned and serves to supply the cleaning solution to the equipment, while a return conduit connects the equipment to the pressure vessel and acts to return the cleaning solution to the pressure vessel, thus providing a closed flow system. The solution is circulated through the closed flow system by a pump located in the supply conduit and the aqueous solution is heated to a temperature, preferably in the range of about 220.degree. F. to 260.degree. F., by a heat exchanger which is located downstream of the pump. Flow of the heated cleaning solution through the equipment to be cleaned will remove oil and solid contaminants.

Abstract: The invention includes a warewasher comprising a wash chamber, a tank at the bottom of said chamber for supplying recirculated heated water through a pump to wash arms in said chamber, a primary water heating system comprising a heat exchange tube entering said tank through a first port or inlet in said tank, traversing the base of the tank, and exiting said tank through a second port or outlet, said tube being at a height in said tank such that the tube is submerged when said tank is filled with water, said tube having a first end and a second end located outside of the tank and providing a passageway between the ends, a gas-fired infrared burner located in said tube adjacent said first end to which an air/gas mixture is supplied and combusted by said burner, at least one secondary labyrinthine heat exchanger in intimate heat transfer relationship with at least one of the walls of said tank below the water level, and controls for automatically operating the heating system in response to a need to increase th

Abstract: A dishwashing machine includes a water circulation circuit provided with at least one rotating spray arm (6, 7) arranged in a washing tank (3). Water collecting in a sump (5) on the bottom (4) of the tank is supplied to the spray arm through a circulation pump (8). The water is heated up by an electric resistive heating element (11) housed in a casing (10) that is a part of the water circulation circuit (9). The casing (10) is arranged within the washing tank (3) in such a manner that the heating element (11) is in a heat-exchange relationship with the interior of the washing tank and the water collecting in the sump (5) through a surface of the casing.

Abstract: The cleaning apparatus of the present invention is composed of a cleaning chamber 1 of vacuum-tight structure in which a work W to be cleaned is contained, an organic solvent vapor generating tank 4 communicated with the cleaning chamber 1 via piping, and a vacuum pump 6 for evacuating the cleaning chamber 1. A heat exchange member 3 through which a cooling medium passes is provided upside in the cleaning chamber 1. After the cleaning chamber 1 is reduced in pressure, the cooling medium is supplied into the heat exchange member 3 while organic solvent vapor is introduced from the vapor generating tank 4 into the cleaning chamber 1. Thus, a cleaning process is executed in combination of vapor cleaning by the vapor condensing on the surface of a work W and shower cleaning by the vapor being liquefied by the heat exchange member 3 and dropping onto the work W.

Abstract: A self-cleaning return pump system for use with a clean-in-place system for cleaning vessels includes a recirculation loop for providing flow communication including a return pump, an eductor, and a separator. The return pump is arranged to discharge a liquid through the eductor into the separator and is supplied with a substantially continuous flow of liquid from the separator. A return line provides flow communication between the vessel to be cleaned and a suction port of the eductor. The separator has a top discharge port and a bottom discharge port. The top discharge port is configured to discharge a liquid or a liquid-air mixture therefrom to the clean-in-place system. The return pump causes liquid flowing through the recirculation loop at the eductor to have sufficient dynamic head to draw liquid or a mixture of liquid and air from the vessel through the return line, into the eductor. The liquid or liquid air mixture is discharged into the separator.

Abstract: Low temperature water in a low temperature water tank 12 installed outside a reactor pressure vessel 9 is pumped by a high pressure pump 15 and supplied through a conductor 17 under pressure. The supplied water is ejected, as a stream of cold water jet 8, from a nozzle 14 connected to the conductor 17 and introduced into the reactor pressure vessel 9 by a driving mechanism. The stream of cold water jet 8 ejected from the nozzle 14 is directed to impinge against a predetermined position of a core shroud 13 in reactor water 11 filled in the reactor pressure vessel 9 and being at temperature higher than the low temperature water. Then, while continuing to eject the cold water jet 8 from the nozzle 14, the nozzle 14 is moved away from the predetermined position, or the ejection of the cold water jet 8 from the nozzle 14 is stopped, allowing the predetermined position to be heated again with the temperature of the reactor water 11.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing automotive, aviation, marine and other general parts with a cleaning solution during maintenance, repair and rebuilding operations, includes a solution holding reservoir, a wash basin with a drain to facilitate return of the cleaning solution to the holding reservoir, and a pump in the holding reservoir for recirculating the cleaning solution through a discharge spout and into the wash basin for washing parts therein. A first valve assembly between the drain and the cleaning solution holding reservoir closes during periods of non-use to prevent vapors from escaping to the atmosphere. During a recycling process, a second valve assembly releases used, contaminated solvent from the holding reservoir into a distillation chamber where the solvent is heated to produce vapors. A condenser cools the vapors to a liquid state, yielding non-contaminated cleaning solution, which is directed into the holding reservoir for future parts washing as demanded.

Abstract: A parts washer is provided having a mechanism for heating and pressurizing a supply of cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid against the part during a washing operation. Structure for supporting at least one part to be washed is provided with the supporting structure having a first configuration during a washing operation. Structure is provided for providing ready access to areas around the supporting means wherein the access providing structure allows the first configuration of the supporting structure to be changed. Preferably, the access providing structure includes structure for pivoting a section of the supporting structure between a) a non-pivoted position wherein the supporting structure has the first configuration and b) a pivoted position wherein the supporting structure has a second figuration to provide ready access to areas around the supporting structure.

Abstract: A improved solvent cleaning method and system which is truly a closed system in which the object to be cleaned is placed in a chamber and subjected to a negative gauge pressure to remove air and other non-condensible gases after which a solvent is introduced to the evacuated chamber and the object is cleaned and then the solvent is recovered from the object and chamber within the closed system before the clean object is removed.

Abstract: An object to be cleaned is cleaned with an cleaning agent which mixes a base cleaning agent such as silicon-containing cleaning agent or an isoparaffin containing cleaning agent with a surfactant or a hydrophilic solvent to promote the cleaning power. The object is rinsed with the base cleaning agent alone after it goes through the first cleaning step as described above. Then, this is followed by the finishing treatment by the use of hot air or steam drying. The base cleaning agents can be recovered and recycled, improving economy in the case with the use of two or more cleaning agents in combination. The excellent properties of degreasing and dewatering, comparable to those of flon system, can be obtained using a mixture of silicon-containing or isoparaffin-containing cleaning agents with surfactants and hydrophilic solvents and maintaining safety in environment.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus serve for treating workpieces with a treating liquid, in particular for cleaning metallic workpieces prior to a heat-treatment to be performed thereafter. The workpieces are introduced into a washing vessel. The washing vessel is then closed air-tight. A vacuum is then generated in the washing vessel. Further, a duct is opened between the washing vessel and a tank containing the treating liquid. For filling the washing vessel, the vacuum is adjusted to a level such that the treating liquid is drawn into the washing vessel under the action of the vacuum.

Abstract: This single portable single-cup washer comprises a container having a locking cover. A water driven elongated member has a plurality of water-spray nozzles there along and at its base radial blades defining radial water-spray nozzles, and water passages for the water-spray nozzles. The elongated member is rotatably mounted at its base, inside the container and has a water inlet joining the water passage for revolving that member. The container has at the bottom a water-outlet. A cup holder is mounted onto the container above and adjacent the radial blades, for receiving a cup upside down and a spring fasten to the locking cover to urge against the bottom of the cup and thereby the top of the cup is pressing against the cup holder and thereby frictionally holding the cup and counteracting the water against the cup.

Abstract: A vapor degreasing apparatus includes a heated surface which is heated to a temperature above the boiling point temperature of the solvent used, but below the breakdown temperature of the solvent. The surface is disposed in the solvent vapor area provided above the customary immersion sump containing solvent in its liquid state. After a workpiece has been immersed and cleaned in the liquid solvent, the workpiece is exposed to the heated surface for becoming heated to a temperature which is above the boiling point of the solvent, thereby causing liquid solvent adhering to surfaces of the workpiece to be vaporized and enter the surrounding vapor atmosphere. As the workpiece subsequently is withdrawn from the apparatus, no further solvent adheres to the workpiece and it enters the ambient atmosphere free of any solvent. The apparatus, therefore, provides for substantially zero vapor contamination of the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus for soaking and cleaning articles in a cleaning solution includes a primary cleaning chamber for containing a predetermined volume of the cleaning solution therein and a filter assembly including a filtration sheet pulled from a supply across a drainage trough for removing contaminants from the cleaning solution. A sensor activates movement and replacement of saturated sections of the filtration sheet upon detecting a rise of fluid level in the drainage trough. A fan forced electronic heater supplies heat to an oxidation chamber for thermal oxidation of refuse placed therein, the resulting flue gasses being directed through a heat transfer duct, wherein heat is transferred to the solution contained in the cleaning chamber; the flue gasses exiting through a flue stack.

Abstract: The invention is a warewasher comprising a wash chamber, a tank at the bottom of the wash chamber, a heat exchange tube entering the tank through a first port in the tank, traversing the base of the tank, and exiting the tank through a second port. The tube is at a height such that it is submerged when the tank is filled with water. The tube has first and second ends outside the tank, and a gas-fired infrared burner located in the tube adjacent the first end to which a combustible fuel is supplied and combusted by the burner. The combustion products of the fuel are received in the tube and are vented at the second end. By combusting fuel and passing the combustion products through the tube, water in the tank is heated.

Abstract: An ultrasonic degreasing apparatus includes a cleaning section, a rinsing section, a hot water cleaning section, and a drying section. The cleaning section has an ultrasonic oscillator for oscillating ultrasonic waves in distilled water and a heater for heating the water, and performs a degreasing process including a cleaning process with respect to an object to be processed in the heated water by using ultrasonic waves. The cleaning section has a deaerating section for performing deaeration by circulating the distilled water. The rinsing section has an ultrasonic oscillator for oscillating ultrasonic waves in distilled water containing a rust preventive and a heater for heating the water, and performs a degreasing process including a rinsing process with respect to the object in the heated water by using the ultrasonic waves. The rinsing section has a deaerating section for performing deaeration by circulating the distilled water.

Abstract: A system for washing parts utilizing a circulated, heated liquid includes a master unit and at least one auxiliary unit. The master unit has a tank for heating the washing liquid, and has a pump for circulating the liquid through the chamber of the enclosure. The auxiliary unit is devoid of such a tank, but has means for making connections necessary to enable circulation of the liquid heated in the tank of the master unit through the chamber of the auxiliary unit enclosure.

Abstract: A cleaning system which includes a tank that contains a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid is typically in either a liquid, vapor or two-phase state, and is capable of removing grease and other foreign material from an object such as a circuit board. The tank has a heating jacket that provides heat to the cleaning fluid to raise the fluid to the vaporized state. A still is coupled to the tank by a vacuum pump. The pump circulates both liquid and vaporized cleaning fluid through the still which removes the foreign material from the fluid. The system has a pressure control system which controls the pressure of the cleaning fluid within the tank. The vacuum pump and pressure control system insure that the cleaning fluid is maintained in a desired state. The vacuum pump typically reduces the pressure of the cleaning fluid below the operating level of a conventional cleaning tank. The reduction in operating pressure provides a corresponding decrease in the saturation temperature of the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A closed circuit solvent cleaning method and system in which the object to be cleaned is placed in a chamber and subjected to a negative gauge pressure to remove air and other non-condensible gases, after which a solvent is introduced to the evacuated chamber and the object is cleaned. Following this, the solvent is recovered from the object and chamber and then the clean object is removed.

Abstract: A device for washing metal-containing sludges, comprising a screw feeder cylinder bearing blades placed between the turns and rotatably supported in both senses on its horizontal axis within a fixed cylinder containing a washing fluid. The fluid is circulated between the inside of the screw feeder cylinder and the gap between the same and the fixed cylinder. The exhausted washing fluid is removed and is replaced within the fixed cylinder by fresh washing fluid, according to the adjustment of a level control. The screw feeder cylinder is caused to rotate in both senses so as to cause the sludge to be washed to go forward and backward so meeting the washing fluid inside the cylinder itself according to a predetermined washing program. After such a program has been completed, the sludge now washed is removed after filtering.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning chemically processed articles between chemical processing steps. The cleaning apparatus includes a sealable pressurization vessel. After a chemical process step, an article, such as a semiconductor wafer is placed in the vessel. The vessel is sealed. Vessel pressure is adjusted. Solvent in the vessel is heated to a boil forming a vapor. Solvent vapor is recondensed by a primary condensing coil. Condensed solvent rains onto the article, washing it. After the article is clean, it is dried when a secondary condensing coil condenses the solvent vapor, causing the distilled solvent to rain into and be collected by a collection tray. Collected solvent is channelled into a storage reservoir. The storage reservoir is sealed after all of the solvent is collected. The vessel is opened to remove the cleaned article.

Abstract: A cleaning system which includes a tank that contains a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid is typically in either a liquid, vapor or two-phase state, and is capable of removing grease and other foreign material from an object such as a circuit board. The tank has a heating jacket that provides heat to the cleaning fluid to raise the fluid to the vaporized state. A still is coupled to the tank by a vacuum pump. The pump circulates both liquid and vaporized cleaning fluid through the still which removes the foreign material from the fluid. The system has a pressure control system which controls the pressure of the cleaning fluid within the tank. The vacuum pump and pressure control system insure that the cleaning fluid is maintained in a desired state. The vacuum pump typically reduces the pressure of the cleaning fluid below the operating level of a conventional cleaning tank. The reduction in operating pressure provides a corresponding decrease in the saturation temperature of the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A mobile heat exchange tube bundle cleaning apparatus in which a truck trailer contains a tube bundle receiving reservoir that rotates and sprays partially submerged tube bundles with cleaning fluid from multiple fixed spray nozzles. The apparatus further comprises a trailer mounted cleaning fluid reservoir with pumps and filters to re-circulate cleaning fluid after it is sprayed onto the rotating tube bundles within the receiving reservoir.

Abstract: A cleaning system which includes a tank that contains a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid is typically in either a liquid, vapor or two-phase state, and is capable of removing grease and other foreign material from an object such as a circuit board. The tank has a heating jacket that provides heat to the cleaning fluid to raise the fluid to the vaporized state. A still is coupled to the tank by a vacuum pump. The pump circulates both liquid and vaporized cleaning fluid through the still which removes the foreign material from the fluid. The system has a pressure control system which controls the pressure of the cleaning fluid within the tank. The vacuum pump and pressure control system insure that the cleaning fluid is maintained in a desired state. The vacuum pump typically reduces the pressure of the cleaning fluid below the operating level of a conventional cleaning tank. The reduction in operating pressure provides a corresponding decrease in the saturation temperature of the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: In a cleaning apparatus, a boil sump containing a cleaning solvent within four sidewalls and a bottom. Additionally, the boil sump has a partition extending between two opposing sidewalls that separates the boil sump into a boiling compartment and a cleaning compartment. Furthermore, the partition contains a conduit therethrough that permits the solvent to flow between the cleaning and boiling compartments. The boiling compartment contains a heater that heats the solvent to a boil while the cleaning compartment contains an ultrasonic transducer array for ultrasonically cleaning an object placed in the cleaning compartment. In addition to the boil sump, the cleaning apparatus contains a rinsing compartment for rinsing an object that has been cleaned in the cleaning compartment. The boil sump, as well as the rinsing compartment, are contained in a single, enclosed chamber within the cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A single motive pump, clean-in-place system is disclosed for use with an associated piping system and with a vessel to be cleaned of contaminating material. The system comprises a recirculation loop, a return line from the vessel to the recirculation loop, and a feed line from the recirculation loop to the vessel. During a wash recirculation cycle, the system uses a single motive pump to provide recirculation flow, feed flow, and, via an eductor pump, return suction from the vessel. An alternate embodiment of the clean-in-place system uses a water storage tank when adequate water flow rate or supply pressure are unavailable.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning internal combustion engines in which a cleaning fluid is cyclically drawn from a reservoir by a pump, flushed through the block of the internal combustion engine, and returned to the reservoir by the pump, is improved by providing it with a pair of cleaning fluid reservoir tanks. Also, tank selection valves alternatively couple one or the other of the reservoir tanks to the pump, to the exclusion of the other tank. In one application of the improved apparatus one tank can be dedicated for use to clean gasoline powered internal combustion engines to preserve the characteristic color of the cleaning fluid, while the other tank can be utilized to clean diesel powered internal combustion engines. In another application the system is operated through first flushing and soaking periods and through second flushing and soaking periods. A first tank in the pair is used to initially pump and recover cleaning fluid during the first flushing and soaking periods.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing automotive, aviation, marine and general parts with a volatile solvent during maintenance, repair and rebuilding operations. The apparatus includes a wash basin with a drain to facilitate return of the solvent to a holding tank having a pump therein for recirculating the solvent back to the wash basin through a discharge spout for washing parts. A first valve assembly between the drain and holding tank closes during periods of non-use to prevent vapors from escaping to the atmosphere. During a timed recycling process, a second valve assembly releases used, contaminated solvent from the holding tank into a distillation pot where the solvent is heated under vacuum to produce vapors. The vapors pass through a condenser where they are cooled to a liquid state, yielding pure solvent, which is directed into the holding tank for future parts washing as demanded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a double fluid layer-type ultrasonic cleaning apparatus for cleaning such a workpiece as electronic element and pressed component by immersing it in a cleaning bath, wherein cleaning and removal of foreign substances adhered in spacings and blind holes of the workpiece are assured by storing a cleaning solution of upper layer having a lower specific gravity and containing a hydrocarbon solvent as a main component in an upper stock fluid area of the cleaning bath, and another of lower layer having a higher specific gravity and containing an inert solvent as a main component thereof in a lower stock fluid area of the cleaning bath so as to provide two fluid layers.

Abstract: Precision cleaning of parts is performed with liquefiable gases, such as CO.sub.2, without the use of a complex and costly processor system. Rather, simplified and reliable performance for small scale and "low end" cleaning applications is accomplished without the use of pumps and condensers. The apparatus for removing undesired material from a chosen substrate comprises: (a) an enclosed cleaning chamber in a walled vessel for containing a liquid derived from a liquefiable gas and the substrate containing the undesired particulates and contaminants, the walled vessel adapted to withstand a maximum pressure of about 1,500 pounds per square inch (105.4 kg/cm.sup.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a heater to heat water in a liquid containing portion, and a washing pump which circulates the water through a spray and the liquid continuing portion. A thermistor to detect the temperature of the heated water, is located on the liquid containing portion. A controller actuates the heater continuously and actuates the washing pump intermittently in a washing operation until the water temperature reaches a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A machine that performs the steps of cleaning, rinsing and drying required prior to further processing in the course of conventional semiconductor fabrication in a single, hermetically and thermally insulated, process chamber. The machine consists of functionally compartmentalized sections connected to the process chamber for each specific function, comprising a cleaning-solution storage and circulation section, a rinsing fluid storage and circulation section, and a vacuum drying section. After enclosing the semiconductor product hermetically in the process chamber, a cleaning solution from an internal holding source is heated and circulated through it for the cleansing step, followed by purified water to rinse the cleaning fluid off the surface of the semiconductor material. A vacuum is then applied to completely remove any residue of rinsing water left on the wafers.

Abstract: A self-contained and integrated multi-process power spray washer apparatus to be used to clean articles placed therein, the washer apparatus including a central washing chamber which is large enough to enclose and rotate an article to be cleaned therein. A primary filter removes contaminants from a cleaning solution immediately after it has been used, and a solution reservoir receives and holds filtered cleaning solution from the primary filter. A fan forced electronic burner heats the cleaning solution contained in the reservoir, and provides a heat source for contaminant incineration. An oil skimmer removes oil and grease from an upper surface of the cleansing solution held in the reservoir, and a secondary centrifugal filter through which cleansing solution is pumped from the reservoir additionally filters the solution.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a system for rinsing and drying items comprising a process chamber for receiving the items; a rinse condenser; a first heater; a vaporizer for vaporizing water and including a second heater; a vacuum system for reducing the pressure within the process chamber; and a valving apparatus for independently coupling the process chamber to the vaporizer and the process chamber to the vacuum system.