Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring a cleaning process for a medical device. The apparatus comprises a soil detector. The soil detector is capable of detecting inorganic and/or organic soil on a medical device or in a liquid utilized in a cleaning or cleaning monitoring process or on a soil-covered standard which can serve as a surrogate indicator of cleanliness for the medical device. The method of the invention for monitoring a cleaning process for a medical device comprises the step of measuring the soil removed from a medical device with the apparatus of the invention comprising a soil detector. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of determining when the device is sufficiently cleaned so that it can be sterilized.

Abstract: A label removal system for removing a label with a stock portion and an adhesive from a product includes a stripper, an applicator, a remover, and a transportation system. The stripper sprays a first liquid at the label to strip at least a portion of the stock portion of the label off of the product. The applicator applies a chemical substance on at least a portion of the adhesive and any remaining portion of the label on the product. The remover removes at least a portion of the adhesive and any remaining portion of the label on the product. The transportation system moves the product sequentially from the stripper to the applicator and then to the remover. A method for removing a label with a stock portion and an adhesive from a product includes a number of steps. First, at least a portion of the stock portion of the label off is stripped off of the product by spraying a first liquid at the label.

Abstract: A method for stopping chemical processing of a semiconductor wafer in an emergency included the steps of: 1) placing a chemical having a water concentration of about 92% or less in a tank; 2) processing a semiconductor wafer with the chemical in the process tank; 3) detecting a malfunction in the processing; 4) quick draining the chemical from the process tank; and 5) rinsing the wafer in the process tank with a rinsing material to stop chemical action. Optionally, the method may include recycling the drained chemical from a storage tank to the process tank for use in a subsequent process step.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle washing system includes a frame comprising a bridge member end opposed and support sections mounted for linear reciprocating movement on spaced apart support rails. Pivoting washing nozzle support arms are mounted on the bridge section and are interconnected by a drive motor and drive pulleys to move in opposite directions to wash the sides and opposite ends of a vehicle. Each arm includes movable arm sections supporting spaced apart nozzle assemblies which may move toward each other or away from each other to size a vehicle according to its width. Each arm includes opposed elongated beam members which also provide fluid conducting passages for conducting washing fluids to the nozzle assemblies. Certain ones of the nozzle assemblies are drivenly connected to an oscillating servomotor. The servomotor is also used to position the pivoting arm sections through a lost motion coupling and a gear drive unit.

Abstract: A door for a horizontal axis laundry appliance that includes an inner panel that closes the appliance and an outer panel spaced from the inner panel. The inner and outer panels are connected adjacent their upper edges by an upper panel. The inner panel includes a first window in the form of a wide-angle lens. The upper panel includes a second window. Light-transmissive devices including a negative mirror are disposed between the inner and outer panels so as to direct light received through the lens upwardly and outwardly through the second window. The interior of the appliance is illuminated by low-voltage halogen lights mounted on the inner panel.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical sensor for measuring the property of a gaseous or liquid medium, particularly the opaqueness of a washing or rinsing liquid in a washing or rinsing machine, with at least one radiation source, a radiation receiver and a light-transmitting sensor body, with an optical boundary surface, which, depending on the nature of the medium present outside the boundary surface of the sensor body, to a greater or lesser degree transmits to the radiation receiver and/or reflects the radiation directed on to it, resulting at the radiation receiver in different measurement signals which characterise the reflectivity and the refractive index conditions at the boundary surface. Unambiguous measurement signals for process control of a washing or rinsing machine are obtained through separate sensing of the transparency and reflection of the medium.

Abstract: A hands-free, electrically operated food washing device having a fluid dispenser, such as a reservoir, a wash compartment, a motor-driven agitator, a removable food basket, and a drain for removing soiled fluid from the device. Also provided are controls allowing a user to vary wash cycle parameters.

Abstract: A device and method that enables the reliable and reproducible testing of the cleaning efficiency of an ultrasonic cleaning device is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring a cleaning process for a medical device. The apparatus comprises a soil detector. The soil detector is capable of detecting inorganic and/or organic soil on a medical device or in a liquid utilized in a cleaning or cleaning monitoring process or on a soil-covered standard which can serve as a surrogate indicator of cleanliness for the medical device. The method of the invention for monitoring a cleaning process for a medical device comprises the step of measuring the soil removed from a medical device with the apparatus of the invention comprising a soil detector. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of determining when the device is sufficiently cleaned so that it can be sterilized.

Abstract: When trying to keep the amount of a liquid treating chemical in a treating bath constant by discharging almost the same amount of the liquid treating chemical as the liquid treating chemical supplied, the flow of the liquid treating chemical in the treating bath fell into disorder, which made it hard to keep the flow of the liquid treating chemical in the treating bath in the laminar state. A down-flow type chemical treating apparatus 1 in which a liquid treating chemical 21 is supplied from the outside of a treating bath 2 (main bath 3) while the liquid treating chemical 21 is discharged from the bottom portion of the treating bath 2 (main bath 3), comprising a pump 5 on the chemical discharging side of the main bath 3 which consists of a rotary pump allowing to discharge the liquid treating chemical 21 to the outside of the main bath 3 keeping the flow of the liquid treating chemical 21 substantially in the main bath 3 almost in the laminar state.

Abstract: A method for cleaning an object to be processed in which the atmosphere in a drying chamber is replaced by an inert gas prior to placing an object to be cleaned from an external environment into the chamber. The object is then transported by an elongated retaining member from the drying chamber through a lower opening in the chamber into a processing bath disposed below the chamber. The object is then cleaned in the processing bath. The object is then transported from the processing bath to the drying chamber where it is dried by filling the atmosphere of the drying chamber with organic solvent. The cleaning process in the cleaning bath is carried out while the bath is screened by a nitrogen-gas curtain. The method also includes opening a lid of the chamber prior to insertion of the object into the chamber and closing the lid after insertion of the object, as well as the opening and closing of the lower opening in the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring a cleaning process for a medical device. The apparatus comprises a soil detector. The soil detector is capable of detecting inorganic and/or organic soil on a medical device or in a liquid utilized in a cleaning or cleaning monitoring process or on a soil-covered standard which can serve as a surrogate indicator of cleanliness for the medical device. The method of the invention for monitoring a cleaning process for a medical device comprises the step of measuring the soil removed from a medical device with the apparatus of the invention comprising a soil detector. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of determining when the device is sufficiently cleaned so that it can be sterilized.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus that cleans contaminants from pipes. The apparatus comprises a high velocity pump, a cleaning solution tank, a first line that selectively connects said cleaning solution tank to said high velocity pump, a solvent tank, a second line that selectively connects said solvent tank to said high velocity pump, a manifold, and a third line that selectively connects said manifold to said high velocity pump.

Abstract: A method and system provide an automated cleaning apparatus for cleaning various types of articles, wherein each type of article is detected and washed according to its own pre-determined combination. The cleaning apparatus has a storage device storing an array of pre-determined chemical combinations and cleaning parameters, including specifying cleaning chemicals to be used on the various identified article types. A transponder is provided with identifying information of the article type. A transceiver detects the type of article from the transponder and communicates that identifying information to a processor. Based on the detected identifier, the processor selects from the storage device the proper chemical combination and cleaning parameters for washing the identified type of article. A control device coupled to the processor delivers the chemicals specified by the selected chemical combination.

Abstract: A concentration control apparatus of a liquid chemical is provided, which is capable of real-time concentration/composition control of a liquid chemical without sampling the same.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer processing system with a multi-tasking sequencer control that performs an automatic cleaning process for the process chamber or chambers of the system.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a cleaning process for a soiled medical device. The method involves cleaning the soiled device with a cleaning liquid in a cleaning chamber, exposing a detector to the cleaning liquid to measure the amount of soil removed, determining whether a sufficient amount of the soil has been removed from the soiled device so that the soiled device can be sterilized, and sterilizing the soiled device. One method of determining the amount of soil is by detecting the signal generated from the reaction between a chemical and the soil. Another method is to provide a soiled standard and measure the amount of soil removed from the soiled standard to determine whether enough soil has been removed from the soiled standard so that the soiled device can be sterilized. Another method involves measuring the amount of soil removed from the soiled device with at least two detectors.

Abstract: An edge bead removal system and method is provided that employs a nozzle for applying edge bead removal solvent to an edge bead of a photoresist material layer disposed on a wafer. The nozzle eliminates solvent splash by lowering the angle of dispense to less than 20° as well as providing more degrees of freedom to the nozzle arm adjustments. Adjustment screws and a built-in protractor provide precision in setting the application angle. The nozzle includes a clamp design having a nozzle body clamp which holds the nozzle and a main shaft with a protractor assembly for up and down angle adjustments. A support bracket is coupled to the protractor assembly and allows for pivoting and side to side movement of the protractor assembly and the support bracket with respect to one another. A clamp connects a main arm structure that moves the entire edge bead removal nozzle assembly over the wafer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring cavitation energy of a device placed in a cleaning bath tank of ultrasonic and megasonic cleaning systems. Probe apparatus having an array of probes positioned within the bath detects formation of bubbles at various locations within the bath that are generated by ultrasonic and megasonic vibrations applied to the bath with each probe of the array generating an electrical waveform in response to the detection of the bubbles. Apparatus coupled to each probe of the probe array analyzes the probe-generated voltages and determines cavitation energy profiles occurring on surfaces of a device located in the bath.

Abstract: The present invention cleans contaminants from pipes. The first step may be pulling a vacuum on the pipe to be cleaned. The pipe is then filled with a solvent, which is preferably a fluorocarbon solvent. After the pipe is filled with solvent, a cleaning solution is pumped at a high velocity through the pipe. The cleaning solution preferably comprises the fluorocarbon solvent, and a fluorosurfactant. The pipe is then rinsed with solvent. A particle counter is used to determine whether the solvent rinse contains an acceptably low number of particles. The solvent is then blown out of the pipe by a gas, such as dry air. A vacuum is then pulled on the pipe. Subsequently, a hot dry gas is pumped through the pipe to evaporate and remove any remaining solvent. The gas is preferably hot, dry air. The gas exiting from the pipe is then checked to confirm that it contains an acceptably low level of solvent vapor.

Abstract: A cassette holder is positioned within cleaning equipment. The cleaning equipment includes a solution tank, at least one pipe positioned on an internal wall of the solution tank, and a cassette in which at least one semiconductor wafer is placed. The cassette holder has a loading plate in the solution tank for holding the cassette. Pluralities of guide blocks mounted on the loading plate prevent movement of the cassette. A side-frame is positioned at an end of the loading plate proximate to the pipe. The bottom of the loading plate has a plurality of neck feet, and each neck foot is covered by a first tube that enhances support strength of the neck foot. The cassette holder further includes at least one weight to overcome buoyancy.

Abstract: There are provided an system for evaluating the amount of particles, a dip cleaning system, and a method of evaluating the amount of particles adhering to a substrate, which enable high-precision quantitative evaluation of the amount of particles suspended in a liquid without use of a monitor substrate, which enable easy determination of the correlation between the amount of particles suspended in the liquid and the amount of particles adhering to the substrate which is an object of cleaning, and which enable low-cost and highly-reliable cleaning evaluation. A residual liquid recovery pan for recovering a residual liquid interposed and a residual liquid quantitative measurement bath for measuring the amount of submerged particles is interposed, between the first substrate treatment bath and the second substrate treatment bath.

Abstract: A cleaning device and cleaning method to automatically clean the interior of a car. The devices having a robot arm and cleaning tools.

Abstract: An acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver are positioned to define a path for travel of an acoustic signal from the acoustic transmitter to the acoustic receiver. A substrate is positioned in the path so as to interrupt the acoustic signal. The acoustic receiver detects interruption of the acoustic signal. The acoustic signal path may be provided above a chamber in which the substrate is processed, such as by cleaning or drying the substrate. The acoustic signal path may be arranged at an angle relative to a plane defined by raising and lowering the substrate relative to the processing chamber. The angling of the acoustic signal path prevents interference with the signal paths provided with respect to other processing modules arranged in a linear array.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle washing system includes a frame comprising a bridge member end opposed and support sections mounted for linear reciprocating movement on spaced apart support rails. Pivoting washing nozzle support arms are mounted on the bridge section and are interconnected by a drive motor and drive pulleys to move in opposite directions to wash the sides and opposite ends of a vehicle. Each arm includes movable arm sections supporting spaced apart nozzle assemblies which may move toward each other or away from each other to size a vehicle according to its width. Each arm includes opposed elongated beam members which also provide fluid conducting passages for conducting washing fluids to the nozzle assemblies. Certain ones of the nozzle assemblies are drivenly connected to an oscillating servomotor. The servomotor is also used to position the pivoting arm sections through a lost motion coupling and a gear drive unit.

Abstract: An improved method for removing and collecting plating wax from waxed components such as turbine engines components from aircraft, and an improved collector for reducing this method to practice. Collectors known in the art generally have 1) a process tank filled with a remover solution into which the waxed component is fully immersed and the wax is removed; 2) a wax separator tank connected to the process tank for receiving therefrom an overflow of remover solution and removed wax; and 3) a circulating pump for pumping the wax remover solution from the wax separator tank back to the process tank. The collector of the invention further has a level controller operating with microwaves for monitoring the level of remover solution in the wax separator tank and a chemical pump connected to and controlled by the level controller in order to maintain the level of wax remover solution in the wax separator tank close to a preset level by pumping a new batch of remover solution in the wax separator tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting a user's hands has a spray chamber or an open spray zone with an opening for a user to insert his or her hands into the chamber. A supply of a disinfecting solution is provided, and preferably comprises a storage tank with a concentrated solution. This solution is mixed with an incoming freshwater supply, e.g. in a venturi valve, and supplied through spray nozzles into the chamber. A sensor detects the presence of a user's hands and automatically operates the spray nozzles for a predetermined time. The apparatus can also include a fan with its own timer, to provide a supply of drying air. Thus, a user can insert his or her hands, disinfect them with the disinfecting solution, remove the hands and dry them, without requiring any manual operation.

Abstract: A device for preventing errors during semiconductor wafer fabrication can be configured to prevent separation of optical sensor unit components, such as a gas supply pipe and a fixing guide, that could be caused by excess N2 gas pressure. The device can also be configured to prevent excess moisture build-up that can lead to wafer sensing errors. The device includes a bath for receiving pure water or chemicals to remove particles. The bath can be further configured to discharge waste water after removal of the particles. Fixing guides are disposed at the outside of the bath to fix optical fiber sensors thereto. Optical fiber sensors are inserted into gas supply pipes, partially secured within the fixing guides. Purge output holes are formed at predetermined locations along the fixing guides to release N2 gas pressure. A method for releasing excess pressure and a method for discharging excess moisture from an optical sensor unit are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a visual monitoring device for use in conjunction with a dishwasher wherein a buoyant and weighted member is maintained in a cup-shaped receptacle and movable by water accumulated in the receptacle during the washing portion of the operating cycle, thereby changing the position of the buoyant member to indicate whether additional items can be accepted for washing.

Abstract: A portable flushing apparatus for cleaning the interior of a gas distribution tube. The apparatus includes a first reservoir structure housing a first solvent and has a first conduit leading therefrom for selectively transporting solvent to the interior of the tube to be cleaned. A second reservoir structure houses a second solvent generally employed in a final cleaning flush, and has a second conduit leading therefrom for selectively transporting solvent to the interior of the tube. A gas supply conduit is included for selectively transporting purging gas to the interior of the tube. A downstream conduit collects or for releases for testing fluid from the tube. The entire apparatus can include a wheeled carrier. A liquid collector can be situated beneath the gas distribution tube for capturing any spilled solvent.

Abstract: Process and equipment for pickling a metal strip, in particular a rolled strip, by means of a pickling plant, through which the metal strip passes and in which the metal strip is pickled using a pickling liquid, the pickling result being a function of pickling parameters. The pickling result is measured and at least one pickling parameter is automatically varied, as a function of the measurement of the pickling result, so as to improve the pickling result.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning and rinsing of disk-shaped objects, such as silicon wafers, high precision lenses and the like. The cleaning and rinsing may take place in a single chamber, that is sequentially filled with cleaning solution, rinsing solution, and the like. In an important aspect of the invention, chemical cleaning solutions are dumped to containers and recycled for the use. Moreover, a cleaning solution composition may be monitored, and the concentration of solution can be adjusted automatically, or make-up chemicals may be added, as necessary. The apparatus has a relatively small footprint and maybe surrounded with an enclosure that may be kept at lower than atmosphere pressure to prevent escape of potentially hazardous contaminants into the environment. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the handling of wafers to be cleaned is carried out robotically, most preferably using a robot with at least two end-effectors, each adapted for a specific function.

Abstract: A device is provided for monitoring a wash process inside a mechanical washing apparatus, comprising sensor means for measuring physical and/or mechanical parameters of the wash process and recording means for recording the measured parameters within the device. This device comprises means for conducting a washing liquor past the sensor means and means for determining a certain contact time between the washing liquor and the sensor means.

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: In a method and apparatus for cleaning filters, the cleaning is efficiently performed by selecting cleaning steps according to the degree of contamination of the filter media. The degree of contamination of the filter media is analyzed before the filter is carried into the cleaning apparatus. Filters with heavily contaminated filter media are subjected to pretreatment before the cleaning process is performed, and the filters with less contaminated filter media are directly subjected to the cleaning process. The cleaned filter is subjected to a restoration process before reuse.

Abstract: Apparatus for stripping ceramic coatings from the surfaces of articles. The apparatus includes a dedicated pressure vessel, such as an autoclave, which is maintained at an elevated temperature. Caustic solution is preheated to a first elevated temperature before injecting it into the autoclave, and the caustic solution is filtered and cooled after use in the autoclave. The articles are stripped of coating by maintaining the articles at an elevated temperature and pressure for a predetermined time. Various options include the use of analytical equipment to maintain the chemistry of the caustic solution and use of a volatile organic solution to prepressurize the autoclave and shorten cycle time. The autoclave is maintained in a nitrogen chamber to minimize the risks associated with volatile components.

Abstract: The invention related a dishwasher provided in a substantially horizontal section of a wash fluid conduit with a section of continuously increasing flow cross section to form a measuring zone of quieted wash fluid flow to separate foam and air bubbles from the fluid whose suspended contaminant particles are to be measured by a turbidimeter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring a cleaning process for a medical device. The apparatus comprises a soil detector. The soil detector is capable of detecting inorganic and/or organic soil on a medical device or in a liquid utilized in a cleaning or cleaning monitoring process or on a soil-covered standard which can serve as a surrogate indicator of cleanliness for the medical device. The method of the invention for monitoring a cleaning process for a medical device comprises the step of measuring the soil removed from a medical device with the apparatus of the invention comprising a soil detector. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of determining when the device is sufficiently cleaned so that it can be sterilized.

Abstract: In the art of wet-cleaning a substrate by etching with a cleaning solution prepared by dissolving hydrofluoric acid as an active component in water, using the process of measuring the concentration of a predetermined component regularly and then replenishing the cleaning solution with a component for correcting the concentration at need on the basis of the result of measurement on the concentration in case of cleaning the substrate with an aqueous solution of ammonium fluoride as the cleaning solution while controlling air in a cleaning draft at an exhaust rate within a predetermined range.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning device fault detector, comprising an ultrasonic wave converter, an amplifier, a band-pass filter, and an integrator. The ultrasonic wave converter operates at the same central frequency as the ultrasonic cleaning device and is able to sense the intensity of ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic cleaning device and to produce an analog signal therefrom. The amplifier amplifies the analog signal generated by the ultrasonic wave converter. The band-pass filter filters out noise in the analog signal, eliminating electric noise and other external noise that are sensed by the ultrasonic wave converter. The integrator converts the analog signal cleaned in the band-pass filter into an electric voltage digital signal output, thereby indicating whether the vibrating device of the ultrasonic cleaning device is working properly.

Abstract: This invention provides a cleaning method of cleaning a laser mark formed on a semiconductor wafer. A semiconductor wafer is rotated in a circumferential direction, and a laser mark is detected indirectly or directly in a non-contact manner. Rotation of the semiconductor wafer is controlled on the basis of detection of the laser mark, and an ultrasonic vibration-applied processing solution is sprayed to the laser mark.

Abstract: An insertion and control apparatus for use with a pipe carrying fluids and having turns and sludge therein to repair a piping system. The apparatus includes a storage and aiming device rotatably mounted about a first axis for winding and unwinding a stiff conduit in a storage and aiming device. The storage and aiming device is rotatably mounted on a frame about a second axis being offset relative to the first axis for controlling the direction of the stiff conduit in the pipe. The storage and aiming device is capable of being connected in communication from the inlet of the storage and aiming device through the second axis and the first axis to the connected end of the stiff conduit. The insertion control apparatus provides a way to control the stiff conduit around turns with less localized damage to the conduit to prolong the life of the conduit system.

Abstract: Wafers (W) is immersed in a cleaning liquid (L) contained in a cleaning tank (20). The cleaning liquid (L) is supplied into the cleaning tank (20) so that the cleaning liquid (L) overflows the cleaning tank (20). The cleaning liquid (L) overflowed the cleaning tank (20) is filtered, circulated and returned into the cleaning tank (20). A motor-operated bellows pump (30) is connected by a suction pipe (51) to the cleaning tank (20). A particle counter (5) for counting particles contained in a sample of the cleaning liquid (L) sampled by the motor-operated bellows pump (30) is placed on the suction pipe (51) and connected to the suction side of the motor-operated bellows pump (30).

Abstract: Apparatus for stripping ceramic coatings from the surfaces of articles. The apparatus includes a dedicated pressure vessel, such as an autoclave, which is maintained at an elevated temperature. Caustic solution is preheated to a first elevated temperature before injecting it into the autoclave, and the caustic solution is filtered and cooled after use in the autoclave. The articles are stripped of coating by maintaining the articles at an elevated temperature and pressure for a predetermined time. Various options include the use of analytical equipment to maintain the chemistry of the caustic solution and use of a volatile organic solution to prepressurize the autoclave and shorten cycle time. The autoclave is maintained in a nitrogen chamber to minimize the risks associated with volatile components.

Abstract: A method is provided for final rinsing in a dish washing machine with clean hot water from a water heater having an elongated standing flow tank which has a cold water inlet with a shut-off valve at the bottom and a hot water outlet at the top and a heating element in the lower part. The temperature of the water is sensed at a location above the lower end of the tank. The shut-off valve is opened for supply of cold water under pressure to the lower end of the tank. Hot water is delivered from the upper end of the tank. The period from opening of the shut-off valve to the time of sensing a temperature decrease in a boundary layer between hot and cold water at the above-mentioned location is measured and on the basis thereof the flow and the period for movement of the boundary layer from this location to a desired position in the tank is calculated.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods, compositions and apparatus for cleaning the surfaces within vessels that have restricted points of entry, and in particular, the surfaces within oxygen converters and oxygen cylinders. These oxygen converters and oxygen cylinders are components of the onboard oxygen supply systems of aircraft. A surfactant and a solvent are mixed to form a cleaning composition that is boiled at reduced pressure and increased temperature within the oxygen converter or oxygen cylinder. The oxygen converter or oxygen cylinder is rinsed with pure solvent, and the rinse fluid is measured to determine the level of contaminants. Dry air is forced through the oxygen converter or oxygen cylinder to remove remaining solvent. The cleaning composition may comprise a fluorocarbon solvent and a fluorosurfactant.

Abstract: A tank washing apparatus includes a cover that can be attached to a manhole or other such through-hole in a tank. Washing is effected by liquid sprayed under high-pressure by a spraying machine that is mounted on a travelling apparatus that can be operated from outside the tank to be moved around on the floor of the tank. A washing liquid supply conduit is connected to the spraying machine via the cover.

Abstract: A scarf flushing apparatus for cleaning the inside of tubes. The apparatus comprises a continuous and uninterrupted fluid flow system. The system comprises a transfer mechanism communicating with a flow control mechanism to direct flow through a nozzle to clean each tube being indexed therethrough and to redirect flow through a bypass line and into a reservoir during the indexing sequence. A pressure gauge and regulating valve communicate with the continuous fluid flow system so as to maintain substantially constant pressure throughout the fluid flow system during the cycling process.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a cleaning process for a soiled medical device. The method involves cleaning the soiled device with a cleaning liquid in a cleaning chamber, exposing a detector to the cleaning liquid to measure the amount of soil removed, determining whether a sufficient amount of the soil has been removed from the soiled device so that the soiled device can be sterilized, and sterilizing the soiled device. One method of determining the amount of soil is by detecting the signal generated from the reaction between a chemical and the soil. Another method is to provide a soiled standard and measure the amount of soil removed from the soiled standard to determine whether enough soil has been removed from the soiled standard so that the soiled device can be sterilized. Another method involves measuring the amount of soil removed from the soiled device with at least two detectors.

Abstract: A high pressure pump (14) supplies cleaning fluid from a reservoir (12) to spray nozzles (20) inside a washing chamber (10). The spray nozzles (20) spray the cleaning fluid over a load to be cleaned. Used cleaning fluid is collected in a sump (30). A sump pump (32) drains the sump. The combination of the high pressure pump and sump pump provides more efficient cleaning of the load and eliminates the requirement for a deep sump beneath the washer. A vertical traveler (22), having a pair of counterbalanced spray arms (24), raises and lowers the spray nozzles counter cyclically; a detergent injection system (50) accurately meters a correct amount of detergent is added to the cleaning fluid; and a filtration device (34) filters suspended material from the used cleaning fluid and uses a portion of the cleaning fluid to clean itself.