Abstract: A phosphatizing system for phosphatizing an object including a closed-loop phosphatizing assembly is provided configured to pass a phosphatizing reagent solution over an object during a phosphatizing procedure. The phosphatizing assembly includes a collection compartment in fluid communication with a run-off portion of a subfloor assembly supporting the object for receipt of substantially all the reagent run-off fluids from the subfloor assembly. A storage assembly is configured to pass a rinsing solution over the object to wash the reagent solution therefrom during a finishing rinse procedure performed after the phosphatizing procedure. This storage assembly includes a storage compartment in fluid communication with the run-off portion for receipt of substantially all the rinsing/reagent run-off fluids from the subfloor assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for containment and recovery of vapors in a general parts washer apparatus, wherein a solvent is delivered to a wash area for washing articles therein; the system including a unit supported in air flow communication with the wash area and having a fan for drawing solvent vapors in a flow of air from within the wash area and through the unit. Activated carbon filters within the unit separate moisture from the air flow to trap solvent within a separation chamber. During a distillation cycle, a vacuum activated valve assembly closes the separation chamber and a heater raises the temperature within the separation chamber, under negative pressure, causing liquid solvent in the chamber to vaporize. The solvent vapors are removed from the separation chamber and converted to pure liquid solvent in a condenser. The pure liquid solvent is thereafter directed to a clean solvent holding tank in the parts washer apparatus.

Abstract: A photoresist stripper bath includes a filter in a re-circulation line for filtering residual photoresist materials from said bath. The quality of the stripper and the concentration of the photoresist materials are sensed by passing infrared light transversely through the re-circulating line, detecting the intensity of the light passed through the line and comparing the detected level with a threshold value related to the concentration of the photoresist materials in said stripper.

Abstract: A parts cleaner for removing oil, grease and contaminants from parts or items. The cleaner has a sink supported on a base. A modular housing containing a reservoir is removably positioned below the sink and includes a pump and electrical components. The pump is connected to a dispensing apparatus at the sink for delivery of cleaning solution. The sink drain communicates with the reservoir via a flexible line. The modular housing may be removed for servicing and servicing may be accomplished by replacing the removed modular housing with another previously serviced unit so the removed unit may be conveniently and environmentally safely serviced at a remote central servicing location.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided having a wash pump and soil collection system. The wash pump may be a volute type pump having a horizontal axis and includes a casing surrounding a wash impeller. The casing has a main outlet and a secondary outlet. The wash impeller draws wash liquid from the dishwasher sump region and pumps the wash liquid through the main outlet and the secondary outlet. The wash liquid pumped through the main outlet is provided to a wash arm device such that wash liquid is recirculated throughout the dishwasher interior wash chamber. The wash liquid pumped through the secondary outlet is directed to flow into a soil collector. The soil collector includes a soil separation channel which receives the flow from the secondary outlet and includes at least one filter screen panel for returning filtered wash liquid back into the sump such that soils are retained in the soil separation channel and accumulate within a soil accumulator region.

Abstract: A modular cleaning system is provided generally comprising at least one modular wash rack having a drainage fitting and a coupling means to allow one modular wash rack to be fastened to another modular wash rack, a tube connected to the drainage fitting, and a filtering system generally comprising a vacuum pump for pumping a liquid through the tube from the drainage fitting to the filtering system, and at least one filter, the filter being operably associated with the vacuum pump.

Abstract: This application relates to an apparatus for containing and filtering rinse water, sediment and aggregate resulting from washing the hopper and discharge chute components of a concrete truck at a construction site following use. The apparatus comprises a container removably mountable on the end of the discharge chute, the container having an open upper end, a screen removably positionable within the container and an outlet located in a lower portion of the container below the screen. The apparatus further includes a pump mountable on the truck, the pump having a suction hose extending between the container outlet and the pump; and a discharge hose extending from the pump to an open end discharging into the mixing drum. When the pump is operating, rinse water and relatively small particle size sediment flushed down the chute and into the container is automatically conveyed through the suction and discharge hoses into the mixing drum.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning semiconductor devices and other workpieces using an aqueous rinse solution which is de-oxygenated and hydrogen enriched by passing the aqueous rinse solution and a treatment fluid through an osmotic membrane degasifier. In the preferred embodiment, only a single component, forming gas, is employed to provide both functions of oxygen removal and hydrogen injection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning articles such as pallets, totes, containers, bins, trays, carts, and other like articles. The apparatus includes a main housing having a conveyor system on which articles are transported into and through a washing chamber. The apparatus is versatile and employs adjustable guide rails to hold in place a wide variety of different sizes and configurations of a wide assortment of articles. A plurality of high pressure, jet-stream spray nozzles rotating at high speeds are supplied with a high pressure wash fluid. The spray nozzles provide rapid, powerful, knife-like jet streams of wash fluid which impact the surfaces of the articles moving through the washing chamber repeatedly to lift and blast off contaminants adhered to the articles. The apparatus is portable and includes a closed-loop water reclamation system having a plurality filter assembly and is environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A dishwasher pump and automatic purge system for a dishwasher having a recirculation pump, a drain pump and a wash chamber having a sump. The recirculation pump includes a main outlet and a secondary outlet wherein wash liquid pumped out through the main outlet is recirculated throughout the dishwasher interior wash chamber during a wash phase. The sump includes a soil collector which receives wash liquid from the secondary outlet. The soil collector includes a filter screen for returning filtered wash liquid back into the sump such that soils are retained in the soil collector. During a first wash phase while the recirculation pump is recirculating wash liquid throughout the wash chamber, the drain pump is energized on and off to drain soils from the soil collector. More specifically, the drain pump is energized on and off during the wash phase in response to the pressure within the soil collector which is sensed by a pressure sensor.

Abstract: Tourmaline fine powders are mixed with glass powders having melting point between 500.degree. C. and the transition temperature of tourmaline, and the grains are formed from the mixture and sintered at a temperature below melting point of the glass. Tourmaline powders are stacked in the glass matrix in the tourmaline composite grains prepared above. When water passes through a case including many such grains, the water contacts with the grains and is converted to activated water by the grains. By using the activated water, a structure such as a moving vehicle or an outer wall of a building can be washed efficiently without a detergent. Further, the grains can be used in an apparatus for recycling wash water.

Abstract: Provided is a parts washer that includes a multi-tiered basin, a cleaning fluid and a biological component, living within the fluid, that breaks down organic waste. The multi-tiered basin includes a sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter are interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink member. The false bottom, support grid, and filter are readily removable from the sink member. The tank is partially filled with the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly direct a flow of the cleaning fluid to the basin. The cleaning fluid discharged into the basin flows through a drain hole in the false bottom, through the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole in the bottom panel of the sink member back into the tank for reuse. The cleaning fluid includes, at least, a surfactant that functions to remove organic waste from the parts being washed.

Abstract: A method uses a high density compressed liquefied gas in cleaning applications in a closed recycle system to achieve effective and economical cleaning without using any high pressure generating device. The closed recycle system can include a pressure cleaning vessel provided with a plurality of nozzles for pre-cleaning, atmospheric containers for expanding compressed liquid, sound wave generators and an agitator. The system can also include a pressure recovery vessel provided at a lower portion than the pressure cleaning vessel and having a detachable drain cylinder suspended from under the pressure recovery vessel and also having a temperature regulator for receiving contaminated liquid that has been pre-cleaned from a pressure cleaning room.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning, disinfecting and storing contact lens in an all-in-one unit is provided. The system employs preservative-free saline solution, a disposable bacteriological filter and a pump to provide a portable and lightweight system. The cleaning and disinfecting steps are completed in a few minutes, after which the system automatically shuts off. The cleaned and disinfected lenses can be stored in the unit overnight without the need for the user to handle the lenses after the system shuts off.

Abstract: A commercial warewashing system has three sections, a pre-wash section, a power wash section and a final rinse section. The pre-wash section includes a sump. A perforated plate is placed in the pre-wash section over the sump. The plate receives and transfers water and gross garbage to a perforated trough secured to the side of the pre-wash section. Below the trough is a sink which communicates with the sump. The water flows into the sink and then into the sump. The gross garbage is retained in the trough. A spiral drive in the trough moves the gross garbage from the trough to a discharge end where it is removed.

Abstract: Provided is a parts washer that includes a multi-tiered basin, a cleaning fluid and a biological component, living within the fluid, that breaks down organic waste. The multi-tiered basin includes a sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter are interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink member. The false bottom, support rid, and filter are readily removable from the sink member. The tank is partially filled with the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly direct a flow of the cleaning fluid to the basin. The cleaning fluid discharged into the basin flows through a drain hole in the false bottom, through the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole in the bottom panel of the sink member back into the tank for reuse. The cleaning fluid includes, at least, a surfactant that functions to remove organic waste from the parts being washed.

Abstract: A dilution tool (100) and a method prepare a solution of two fluids for removing residue from a semiconductor wafer. The fluids are combined in a filter (130) to form the desired solution. Sealless pumps (141, 142) are driven by a common motor (143) to pump the fluids at a constant ratio of their respective flow rates while the flow rate of the solution varies. The conductivity of the solution is measured with a conductivity meter (166) to determine the concentration.

Abstract: A portable parts washing machine using a washing solvent to wash motor parts or the like. The apparatus has a stowed configuration and an operating configuration. In the operating configuration, a solvent container/wash basin is positioned on a base section which also functions as a solvent reservoir. Solvent is recirculated by a pup and recirculating line fro the reservoir to the wash basin, with the solvent washing the parts and then flowing through a drain in the wash basin into a centrifugal filter. The centrifugal filter removes the contaminates, with the solvent returning to the reservoir. In the stowed configuration, the base section, centrifugal filter and solvent recirculating assembly are stowed in the container.

Abstract: A portable parts washer flows a washing agent over an object to remove any contaminants. The washing agent and contaminants flow into a basin mounted below the object. The washing agent is drawn from the basin and used to wash the object to provide a closed-loop system. A venturi-type injector mixes ozone from an ozone generator with the washing agent. A pump draws the washing agent from a first inlet to the basin, forces the washing agent through the injector, and returns the washing agent through a first outlet to the basin. Various splash protection mechanisms are used to protect an operator from any substances that may splash off of the object.

Abstract: Provided is a parts washer that includes a multi-tiered basin, a cleaning fluid and a biological component, living within the fluid, that breaks down organic waste. The multi-tiered basin includes a sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter are interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink member. The false bottom, support grid, and filter are readily removable from the sink member. The tank is partially filled with the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly direct a flow of the cleaning fluid to the basin. The cleaning fluid discharged into the basin flows through a drain hole in the false bottom, through the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole in the bottom panel of the sink member back into the tank for reuse. The cleaning fluid includes, at least, a surfactant that functions to remove organic waste from the parts being washed.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying objects with fluids includes the introduction of an object (46) to be dried into a container (12). The container (12) is filled with a first fluid (48) from the bottom (16) of container (12) to a predetermined level. Subsequently, a volatile second fluid is introduced at the bottom (16) of container (12) so as to form a stable interface (56). Thereafter, volatile second fluid (50) is continued to be introduced into container (12) until first fluid (48), interface (56), and some portion of volatile second fluid (50) passes through exit (24) and two-way exit valve (26). At that point, pump (40), pumping volatile second fluid (50) into container (12), is stopped and two-way exit valve (26) closes so that residual first fluid (48) and volatile second fluid (50) pass through excess drain line (32) to first and second fluid recovery reservoir (34).

Abstract: A modular cleaning system is provided generally comprising at least one modular wash rack having a drainage fitting and a coupling means to allow one modular wash rack to be fastened to another modular wash rack, a tube connected to the drainage fitting, and a filtering system generally comprising a vacuum pump for pumping a liquid through the tube from the drainage fitting to the filtering system, and at least one filter, the filter being operably associated with the vacuum pump.

Abstract: Provided is a parts washer that includes a multi-tiered basin, a cleaning fluid and a biological component, living within the fluid, that breaks down organic waste. The multi-tiered basin includes a sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter are interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink member. The false bottom, support grid, and filter are readily removable from the sink member. The tank is partially filled with the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly direct a flow of the cleaning fluid to the basin. The cleaning fluid discharged into the basin flows through a drain hole in the false bottom, through the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole in the bottom panel of the sink member back into the tank for reuse. The cleaning fluid includes, at least, a surfactant that functions to remove organic waste from the parts being washed.

Abstract: A recirculating parts washer is disclosed that features a vertically mounted base and a sink and lid rotatably connected to the base. The recirculating parts washer features a cleaning fluid supply container which is separate from the sink but connected to it via a supply line and a drain line.Cleaning fluid is circulated to the sink via the supply line by means of a submersible pump submerged within the cleaning fluid inside the cleaning fluid supply container. Cleaning fluid returns to the supply container via the drain line, thus enabling the cleaning fluid to be reused over and over again until it is exhausted.By having the sink and lid rotatably mounted to the base of the recirculating parts washer, the bulk of the assembly can be conveniently pivoted upwards and back against the wall when not in use. The recirculating parts washer also features a direct current power supply assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-cost and practical method for cleaning objects such as wheelchairs on a continuous basis. In one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention is a mobile, self-contained system in which objects are cleaned and sanitized as they travel in a U-shaped path within a wash chamber. As the objects enter the first side of the wash chamber, suitably located water jets spray the objects with a mixture of detergent and water to remove associated foreign materials until shortly after the objects make a U-turn. At this point, the objects are first sprayed with a mixture containing a rinse agent and water, then with a spray containing disinfectant and water. The objects are thereafter dried by suitable drying means such as a high velocity air curtain system. The continuous washing system of the present invention preferably has a self-contained water heater to pre-heat the water prior to its being sprayed onto the objects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for removing a contaminant from an object. According to one aspect, an apparatus for washing an object which has contaminant is arranged to recover the contaminant. The apparatus includes a support floor that supports an object to be washed and a basin mounted below the support floor. The basin is divided into a plurality of chambers which include a clean water chamber, a secondary water chamber, an oil containment chamber, and a contaminated water receiving chamber which receives water which is contaminated after it is flowed over the object to remove the contaminant. The contaminated water received in the contaminated water receiving chamber must pass sequentially through the oil containment chamber and the secondary water chamber prior to entering the clean water chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a parts washer that includes a multi-tiered basin, a cleaning fluid and a biological component, living within the fluid, that breaks down organic waste. The multi-tiered basin includes a sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter are interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink member. The false bottom, support grid, and filter are readily removable from the sink member. The tank is partially filled with the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly direct a flow of the cleaning fluid to the basin. The cleaning fluid discharged into the basin flows through a drain hole in the false bottom, through the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole in the bottom panel of the sink member back into the tank for reuse. The cleaning fluid includes, at least, a surfactant that functions to remove organic waste from the parts being washed.

Abstract: A parts washing apparatus with a centrifugal filter that substantially reduces the need to replace it solvent. The parts washing apparatus comprises a parts washing basin that has a centrifugal filter assembly located below its drain. The parts washing basin sits on top of a solvent container. When in use, the solvent is pumped from the solvent container to the parts washing basin, where it is used to clean parts. The now contaminated solvent flows down a drain in the parts washing basin, through a screen to the centrifugal filter assembly. A disposable filter is included in the filter receptacle of the centrifugal filter assembly. The contaminated solvent flows from the drain, into a disposable filter element located in a spinning filter receptacle, where centrifugal force draws the solvent back into the solvent container while the materials washed from the part remains in the disposable filter element. If desired, separate filter assembly can also be used to polish the solvent.

Abstract: A parts washer unit including an aqueous cleaning fluid storage receptacle which can be easily exchanged with a like receptacle by the user of the unit. The unit includes a injection molded plastic base for supporting the receptacle and a sink. The base includes an upper portion configured to support the sink from a fixed work surface, and a lower portion configured to receive the receptacle. The lower portion includes side walls to cammingly guide the receptacle in a lateral direction and a bottom wall configured with an inclined cam surface leading to a generally horizontal receptacle support surface to cammingly guide the receptacle in a longitudinal direction. The bottom wall contains channels that form ribs sufficiently spaced to provide structural rigidity and minimize heat transfer from the receptacle to the fixed work surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile pipe cleaning vehicle and a process for cleaning pipes with a mobile pipe cleaning vehicle. The vehicle can be used to clean pipes, e.g., wastewater or storm drainage pipes. The vehicle includes a tank housing divided into three tanks: a sludge tank for holding water with a high degree of sludge and debris, a water supply tank for supplying water to a high pressure pump for high pressure spraying of a pipe to be cleaned, and a water-in-use tank disposed between the water supply tank and the sludge tank. Water used from the water-in-use tank is used for helping to create a seal in a liquid ring vacuum pump, enabling the sludge tank to be placed in a vacuum. Cooler water in the sludge tank and the water supply tank cool the water in the water-in-use tank to prolong the life and increase the efficiency in the liquid ring vacuum pump.

Abstract: An improved detergent recycling apparatus for parts washing machines includes a detergent recycling apparatus additionally provided with a control box, a manifold, a first control valve, an extension tube, a spray gun, a second control valve, a third air duct and a secondary serpentine hose. The control box is mounted on one side of the detergent recycling apparatus, and the manifold, first control valve, silencer, extension tube and second control valve are assembled thereto. The manifold is internally provided with an air vent and has a high pressure air inlet at one end thereof. The manifold includes front, intermediate and rear threaded holes. The first control valve is screwably secured to the rear threaded hole and communicates with an extraction pump via a first air duct. The extension tube is screwably locked to the front threaded hole at one end and connected to the spray gun at the other.

Abstract: An under counter dish washing machine has an upper spray assembly with a spray base recessed at the top of the wash compartment. An enclosed control housing is provided around the recess to house various controls in order to make use of what is otherwise wasted space. The sump of the machine is covered by a screen having an opening in which a pump filter moves up and down to open and close the drain opening. The filter has a perforated body so that all water draining to the sump must pass through either the screen openings or the perforations of the pump filter. The supply hose which delivers water to the machine is relieved from constant water pressure by a solenoid valve which closes except during a fill cycle of the machine.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus having a container (30) for storing liquid and holding a semiconductor wafer (32). The apparatus also includes a transducer (36) and a sonic generator (34). The transducer is attached to the container to transfer megasonic waves generated by the sonic generator into the container. A drain (38) releases the liquid from the container. At least one outlet opening (40) is set at the bottom of the container. Liquid inlets (42) provide the liquid to the container. Nozzles (44), connected to the liquid inlets, spray the liquid on the surface of the wafer. A liquid supply element (46) provides liquid to the container. Drive means (54), connected to the outlet opening of the container, circulates the liquid. A filter (56) is connected between the drive means and the liquid supply element to filter out residue in the liquid.

Abstract: A portable parts washer flows a washing agent over an object to remove any contaminants. The washing agent and contaminants flow into a basin mounted below the object. The washing agent is drawn from the basin and used to wash the object to provide a closed-loop system. A venturi-type injector mixes ozone from an ozone generator with the washing agent. A pump draws the washing agent from a first inlet to the basin, forces the washing agent through the injector, and returns the washing agent through a first outlet to the basin. Various splash protection mechanisms are used to protect an operator from any substances that may splash off of the object.

Abstract: A composite tank for a rinse system comprises a plate, a plurality of general planar fiberglass reinforced plastic walls, and a generally planar bottom wall. The plurality of general planar fiberglass reinforced plastic walls are attached to the plate and extend generally upwardly therefrom. The walls cooperate with the plate to define an interior region of the tank. The generally planar bottom wall is positioned to lie above the plate and is received in the interior region of the tank. The bottom wall is made from fiberglass reinforced plastic and is attached to the reinforced plastic walls to provide a sealed interior region of the tank between the walls and the bottom wall and above the plate.

Abstract: A water system for a fruit washer has a low pressure pre-rinse section for removal of heavy debris and a high pressure wash section to remove organic material. Water is collected from the high pressure section. A filter removes the organic material from the collected water. The filtered water is stored and includes a reservoir and a make-up water supply line for receiving water from a make-up water supply to maintain a predetermined water level in the reservoir. A first low pressure pump is connected to draw collected water from the reservoir. A portion of the output from the first pump is directed to the pre-rinse section. A second high pressure pump receives the other portion of the output from the first pump and directs filtered water to the high pressure section.

Abstract: A cleaning station for cleaning parts from apparatus that itself uses a water spray to clean a toxic gas. The cleaning station has a tray and a sink for holding a part to be spray cleaned and the sink is connected to drain the spray water into the drain system of the gas cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A dishwasher pump and automatic purge system which includes a wash impeller supported for rotation within a pump chamber wherein the pump chamber has a main outlet and a sample outlet port. Wash liquid pumped out through the main outlet is recirculated throughout the dishwasher interior wash chamber. A soil collector receives wash liquid through the sample outlet port. The soil collector includes a filter screen for returning filtered wash liquid back into the sump such that soils are retained in the soil collector. Pressure within the soil collector is sensed by a pressure sensor. The soil collector is purged by a drain pump when the pressure within the soil accumulator exceeds a predetermined limit level such that soils are cleared from the collector and the filter screen. When the pressure within the soil accumulator is reduced to below the predetermined limit level, the drain pump is deenergized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provides for decontamination of soil from contaminates such as polychlorinated biphenyls. The method involves (a) admixing a short chain alcohol and a long chain alcohol to provide a solvent composition, (b) admixing the solvent composition with the contaminated soil to extract the contaminant from the soil into the solvent to form contaminated solvent, (c) separating the soil from the contaminated solvent, (d) washing of the decontaminated soil with water to remove residual solvent from the soil, and (e) distillation of the contaminated solvent to separate the reusable short chain alcohol as a light fraction from a heavy fraction containing the long chain alcohol and the contaminant.

Abstract: Powder coating apparatus (10) comprises an enclosure or booth (12) in which an article to be powder coated is locatable. Spray heads (24) are provided in the booth (12) to spray water over the inside of the booth (12) to remove over-spray powder coat material from the booth (12), following coating of an article, and removal thereof from the booth (12). Material washed from the booth (12) can be collected for recovery from the water.

Abstract: A first roller, which contacts a photographic printing paper with the first roller being formed longer than the width of the photographic printing paper, is disposed at the conveying direction downstream side of the photographic printing paper with respect to a developing tank. A second roller, which contacts the photographic printing paper with the second roller being formed shorter than or equal to the width of the photographic printing paper, is disposed at a position at which the photographic printing paper can be nipped by the first and second rollers. The first and second rollers form squeeze rollers. Because the clearance between the sides of the squeeze rollers in the widthwise direction of the photographic printing paper is wide, the squeezed processing solution conveyed from the clearance to the downstream side of the photographic printing paper is small.

Abstract: Produce, whether vegetable and/or fruit, is supported upon a basket suspended within a closed cabinet. Each of a plurality of nozzles disposed about the basket emits a droplet permeated cone of washing liquid to scour the produce and to dislodge by agitation and flotation debris therefrom. A motive device provides motion to the basket to enhance exposure of the produce to the plurality of nozzles. After filtering the washing fluid through a screen in the cabinet, the washing fluid is recycled by a pump pumping the washing fluid from a collection trough to the plurality of nozzles. Preferably, the washing fluid is slightly acidic. The produce may be subjected to a rinsing fluid after washing is completed.

Abstract: A pump system for a dishwasher including a pump housing defining a pump chamber having an inverted frustroconical shape including an upwardly angled annular outer wall. An impeller is disposed within the pump chamber. An annular soil collection chamber is disposed partially above the pump chamber such that the bottom wall of the soil collection chamber forms the top wall of the pump chamber. Wash liquid is supplied into the soil collection chamber from the pump chamber through an opening provided in the bottom wall of the soil collection chamber located at the upper, peripheral portion of the pump chamber. The upwardly angled annular wall of the pump chamber promotes soil movement into the soil collection chamber by directing soils toward the upper portion of the pump chamber. The soil collection chamber is formed by an annular soil collector housing and a cover.

Abstract: A wafer wet treatment apparatus includes a first supply/discharge line, an outer bath connected to the first supply/discharge line, an inner bath within the outer bath, a second supply/discharge line connected to the inner bath, and at least one partition located on a portion of the inner bath.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for cleaning a bead suspension of fragile beads having a high water content suspended in a liquid. The spray nozzles in vat cause turbulence in a suspension of water and beads such that flawed or damaged beads and beads fragments rise to the top of the vat and are discharged over the lip of the vat. The preservative is extracted from the suspension and filter to remove fines and microbes. The cleaned preservative and cleansed beads are recombined in a bead drum.

Abstract: A system is provided for recycling a water ladened solvent used for purging a paint supply line of a paint sprayer. The purged material including a mixture of water ladened solvent and paint is filtered for separating the water ladened solvent from the paint. The water ladened solvent is collected and then reused for purging the paint supply lines of the paint sprayer.

Abstract: A wet chemical treatment system for processing semiconductor wafers that does not have the problem of cracking or other damages occurring in the system during a cleaning process where a strong acid and water are mixed and pressure and heat are generated. The system includes an additional filing system such that only an outer tank for the processing liquid is filled after the system is cleaned so that pressure and heat generated by the reaction between acid and water can be released into an empty inner tank and thus avoiding damages caused by the heat and pressure. A method for cleaning such system is further disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for treating solids contaminated by alkaline earth metal scales which have naturally occurring radioactive material entrained throughout the scale. The equipment and method of the present invention may be used on site to clean stored contaminated solids so that as a result of the treatment the solids may be disposed of as non-hazardous oil field waste and the radioactive isotopes may be dispersed in aqueous solution. The apparatus and method of the invention provide for placing contaminated solids and a treatment fluid in a fluid contact zone which is designed to provide optimum chemical activity for treating the contaminating scale so as to release the radioactive isotopes into solution. Once the release of the isotopes is complete to a target level of radioactivity, the treating fluid is then separated from the solids which are then reduced to non-hazardous oil field waste.

Abstract: Produce, whether vegetable and/or fruit, is supported upon a screen basket (18) suspended within a closed cabinet (12). Each of a plurality of nozzles (334) disposed about the basket (18) emits a filled cone (338) of washing fluid (333) to scour the produce and to dislodge by agitation and flotation debris therefrom. After filtering of the washing fluid (333) through a screen (30) in the cabinet (12), the washing fluid is recycled by a pump (84) pumping the washing fluid (333) from a collection trough (80) to the nozzles (334). Preferably, the washing fluid (333) is slightly acidic.

Abstract: A method and a device for cleaning an emission testing apparatus, which uses a low volume solenoid structure causes a fluid to flow through the emission testing apparatus, to serve a cleaning function thereof.