Abstract: A system for at least partially decontaminating personnel in response to detection of an agent harmful to human life such as a chemical or biological agent. The system can provide a sprinkler head above a walkway such as a hallway through which personnel are expected to walk. The sprinkler can provide a spray of decontamination fluid such as gas or liquid over personnel passing underneath, removing or neutralizing at least some of the harmful agent and reducing the transport of the agent from one area to another. Preferably, the system includes a sprinkler or shower head coupled to an existing fire isle control sprinkler supply pipe, wherein the sprinkler head may include a valve that is remotely controlled and can be opened in response to detection of a chemical or biological agent.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning semiconductor devices and other workpieces using an aqueous rinse solution which is de-oxygenated by passing the aqueous rinse solution and a carrier gas through an osmotic membrane degasifier. A cleaning chamber is also disclosed for carrying out the cleaning method.

Abstract: A warning light device attachable to, or as a permanent part of, a front door of an automatic dishwasher or oven, the front door being openable to a generally horizontal very low position above the floor. In one embodiment, the device includes a housing attachable to a surface of the front door. A warning light mounted on the housing receives electric power from a miniature storage battery mounted within the housing. An angle-sensitive switch mounted in the housing is operably interconnected between the warning light and the storage battery. The switch is open and the warning light off when the front door is closed, while the switch is closed and the warning light on when the front door is open. The warning light, when on, is sufficiently visible to warn or alert a person nearby the dishwasher that the front door is open and to be avoided. This invention may also be embodied in such appliances at time of manufacture.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a tube-in-shell heat exchanger, comprising removably inserting an ultrasonic transducer within the shell of the heat exchanger; providing a liquid medium within the shell of the heat exchanger; exciting the ultrasonic transducer to produce cavitational acoustic waves within the liquid medium; and repositioning the ultrasonic transducer with respect to a tube within the heat exchanger. The system preferably includes a control for controlling transducer excitation and transducer position. Closed loop control may be effected with fluid medium contamination sensor(s) and/or position sensor(s).

Abstract: The concentrations of predetermined components of a chemical solution 5 present in a cleaning bath 1 are measured by a measurement unit 11. From the results are calculated the concentrations of various chemical species. From the concentrations calculated and an experimentally obtained rate equation is calculated the treating ability of the chemical solution 5 before supplementation of said components. Then, the treating abilities of chemical solution when the components and ultrapure water are supplemented, are calculated for various cases of amounts supplemented. From these cases is determined a case of amounts supplemented in which the treating ability of chemical solution is maintained at a required level and the amounts supplemented are minimized. Next, the components and ultrapure water are supplemented in respective determined amounts via feeding pumps 21, 23 and 25.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of testing the cleanness of the inner surface of a high-pressure fuel injection pipe in which the cleanness of the inner surface of a high-pressure fuel injection pipe can be accurately measured with less variation and high reproducibility. In testing the cleanness of the inner surface of a high-pressure fuel injection pipe based on foreign particles collected by a filter for filtering a measuring liquid obtained by washing the inner circumferential surface of the high-pressure fuel injection pipe, at least the part of a group of measuring apparatuses used for testing the cleanness of the inner surface of the high-pressure fuel injection pipe that is in contact with the measuring liquid is washed using a washing solution comprising a solvent for dissolving foreign particles prior to the testing of cleanness.

Abstract: A device for rinsing batches of semiconductor wafers including a rinse vessel provided with at least one opening of overflowing water discharge, the bottom of which includes a water supply, a main outlet connected to a sewer and a recovery outlet connected to a waste water treatment plant, said at least one opening emerging into a gutter equipped with an outlet duct connected to the sewer and with a recovery duct connected to the treatment plant and said outlet duct being equipped with a controllable closing means enabling selection thereof to empty the gutter.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for automatically cleaning at least the cooking chamber of a cooking device upon use of a fluid, the fluid is selected from a first fluid comprising cleaning agent, rinse agent, decalcification agent, water and/or the like, and/or from a second fluid that is acquired from the third fluid discharging from the cooking chamber during cleaning on the basis of at least partial cleaning thereof. At least one spray head is provided to which the first fluid from at least a first reservoir and/or the second fluid can be supplied via a line system from a processing unit connected to the discharge conduit of the cooking chamber. The processing unit has at least a second reservoir, a cleaning unit, and a pump unit.

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: An apparatus for conveying a workpiece as used to convey the workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer, a glass substrate or liquid crystal panel, between processing apparatuses when the workpiece is processed in the plurality of processing apparatuses. The amount of liquid on a surface of a workpiece is adjusted to a predetermined amount, and the workpiece, which retains the predetermined amount of liquid, is conveyed between processes. The adjusting includes both supplying a sufficient amount of liquid onto the surface of the workpiece, which is in a certain state, and removing a certain amount of liquid from the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for removing carbon from utensils includes filling a tank with a batch of carbon removing solution for removing carbon from utensils, heating the solution prior to and/or during soaking of the utensils, soaking the utensils in the tank filled with carbon removing solution for a period from 2 to 24 hours, reusing the same batch of carbon removing solution for multiple soaking treatments until the effectiveness of the solution has deteriorated, automatically emptying the batch of carbon removing solution from the tank to waste, and refilling the tank with a fresh batch of carbon removing solution.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus includes a spin support for supporting and spinning a substrate, a nozzle for discharging a cleaning liquid with a given cleaning condition from a discharge opening, a moving mechanism for moving the nozzle at least between center and edge of the substrate, a cleaning condition adjuster for adjusting the cleaning condition, and a controller for controlling the cleaning condition adjuster to vary the cleaning condition according to a cleaning liquid supply position movable over the substrate surface.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus of cleaning a nozzle comprising a mounting table for mounting a substrate to be processed, a process liquid nozzle having a liquid output portion for outputting a process liquid toward the substrate mounted on the table, a nozzle cleaning mechanism having a fluid spray portion for spraying a cleaning fluid onto the liquid output portion of the process liquid nozzle to remove an attached material from the liquid output portion by the cleaning fluid sprayed from the fluid spray portion, and a nozzle moving mechanism for moving the process liquid nozzle between the mounting table and the nozzle cleaning mechanism.

Abstract: An improvement of the duct-cleaning unit is disclosed for scraping the deposits from the inner surface of the flow line, which are residual in the flow lines after the completion of conveyance of any fluid material to thereby clean the flow lines as well as recover the material left in the tubing. The improvement is comprised of a pair of spherical guiding bodies coupled to lengthwise opposing ends of a connector member, one to each end, through universal joints. The spherical guiding bodies are each provided at the location near the connector with an annular pressure-carrying surface that makes fluid-tight contact at its outermost periphery with the inner surface of the tubing. The design of the present invention may make the cleaning unit smaller in size, so that the residual deposits in flow lines, in particular, at the relatively small radius bent in the flow line, may be reliably removed and pumped out the flow lines with the result of the high efficiency in cleaning process.

Abstract: A method and a device for the control of the treatment of the interior of bottles or similar containers, where the introduction of the fluid into the interior occurs by means of a nozzle presenting an exit opening, and a control is performed to determine the presence of a fluid jet in the area after the exit opening and/or the fluid inlet leading to the exit opening.

Abstract: An apparatus of cleaning a nozzle comprising a mounting table for mounting a substrate to be processed, a process liquid nozzle having a liquid output portion for outputting a process liquid toward the substrate mounted on the table, a nozzle cleaning mechanism having a fluid spray portion for spraying a cleaning fluid onto the liquid output portion of the process liquid nozzle to remove an attached material from the liquid output portion by the cleaning fluid sprayed from the fluid spray portion, and a nozzle moving mechanism for moving the process liquid nozzle between the mounting table and the nozzle cleaning mechanism.

Abstract: Organic matter and metal impurities present on the surface of a photomask are removed. Foreign matter still adhering to the surface of the photomask is removed with H2 gas dissolved water. The photomask is dried. Thus provided is a method of washing a photomask in a manner which permits attaining an effect of removing foreign matter equivalent or superior to that of a conventional method with a small amount of chemical solution and reducing the amounts of chemicals and high purity water.

Abstract: An indicator for use with a dishwasher for indicating whether the dishes in the dishwasher are clean or dirty includes a housing having a substantially translucent front wall. A graphic image is formed on the inside surface of the front wall so as to form printed areas and unprinted areas. Lying directly behind the front wall within the housing is a face plate having two different graphics formed thereon. The face plate is slideable relative to the front wall. In one position, graphics on the face plate show through the front wall to indicate that the dishes are dirty. In a second position, the graphics on the face plate show through the front wall to indicate that the dishes are clean. The face plate is releasably held in the dirty position against the force of a spring. Upon sensing an elevated temperature indicating that the dishwasher had been run, the releasable holding mechanism releases allowing the spring to move the face plate into the clean position.

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 flexible lance for machining or inspecting a tube bottom of a steam generator includes a flexible metallic strip which has recesses disposed one after the other in its longitudinal direction. A flexible supply line is threaded through the recesses and a machining or inspection head is disposed on a free end of the strip.

Abstract: A sensor chamber is formed a side portion of a liquid supply inlet of a housing, a sound pressure sensor is mounted in the sensor chamber, ultrasonic waves from an ultrasonic vibrator provided in the housing are detected by the sound pressure sensor, and a defect of the ultrasonic vibrator is detected when the output of the sound pressure sensor becomes less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A device for cleaning and degassing underground storage tanks is constituted by an entirely pneumatically or hydraulically powered motorized vehicle, which can be placed internally of a tank to be cleaned and be moved around inside the tank itself, for example by means of tracked wheels driven by respective pneumatic or hydraulic motors. Said motorized vehicle may be provided with a first series of nozzles, frontally arranged with respect to the advancement direction of the vehicle, which nozzles emit water at high pressure with the aim of breaking up and suspending in the water the deposits collected in the tank; the vehicle is also provided with a suction mouth arranged anteriorly of the first series of nozzles, by means of which mouth the water-suspended deposits are aspirated and removed from the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting inorganic ionic contaminants from a front surface of a silicon wafer for chemical analysis. The apparatus includes a container adapted to receive the wafer and inhibit air circulation over the front surface of the wafer. The container has a support for holding the wafer in a generally level orientation with the front surface of the wafer facing upwardly, an inlet orifice for introducing a layer of extraction fluid to the front surface of the wafer, and a sampling device for taking a sample from the layer of extraction fluid on the front surface of the wafer. The layer of extraction fluid is deposited upon only the front surface of the wafer and held for a period of time so that contaminants on the front surface are extracted into the layer of fluid. The container inhibits air circulation over the front surface of the wafer to preclude introducing contaminants to the extraction fluid that cause a false measurement of contaminants on the wafer.

Abstract: A cleaning equipment generally comprises: a cleaning bath 30 for storing therein a cleaning solution to allow a semiconductor wafer W to be dipped in the cleaning solution to clean the surface of the wafer W; a cleaning solution supply pipe 33 for connecting the cleaning bath 30 to a pure water supply source 31; a chemical storing container 34 for storing therein a chemical; a chemical supply pipe 36 for connecting the cleaning solution supply pipe 33 to the chemical storing container 34 via an injection shut-off valve 35; and a diaphragm pump 37 for injecting a predetermined amount of chemical from the chemical storing container 34 into pure water flowing through the cleaning solution supply pipe 33. The temperature of the cleaning solution in the cleaning bath 30 is detected by, e.g., a temperature sensor 44.

Abstract: It is of the type comprising a multi-tool system for inspecting, cleaning and replacing members in an oil installation and is one which comprises a support (8) on which there are mounted means (9, 10, 17) capable of laterally shifting at least two devices (22, 29) in opposite directions, it being possible for at least one of said devices (29) to be rotated about one of said directions.

Abstract: A dismantlable door (22) seals an opening (24) in a chamber (20) of a washer. The door includes removable glass panes (36) and (38) which allow an operator to view the contents of the washing chamber during a washing cycle. A connecting member (40, 132, 156, 180, 200, 216, 220, 244, 250) seals the inner glass pane (36) to a frame (28) of the door by compressing a gasket (42). In one preferred embodiment, the connecting member also receives a lower end 102 of the outer pane (38) in a channel (100, 202'). In other preferred embodiments a channel (131, 242) or L-shaped flange (224) is connected with the lower end of the door frame for supporting the lower end (102) of the outer glass pane. In yet another preferred embodiment, fixing members (258) connect the outer glass pane to the connecting member. An air space (170) is formed between the inner and outer panes. Air is able to enter and leave the air space through air gaps between the channel and the outer panes.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a cleaning apparatus and a cleaning method which can prevent the object to be processed being subjected to a bad influence caused by a chemical treatment, have a high degree of freedom in designing the apparatus, make the cleaning process rapid and be designed in smaller size. In this cleaning apparatus, a drying chamber 42 and a cleaning bath 41 are separated from each other up and down, respectively. Thus, a space in the drying chamber 42 can be insulated from a space of the cleaning bath 41 by a nitrogen-gas curtain 59c and a slide door 72. In the cleaning method, a cleaning process in the cleaning bath 41 is carried out while screening it by the nitrogen-gas curtain 59c. On the other hand, a drying process in the drying chamber 42 is accomplished while sealing and closing it by the slide door 72.

Abstract: A load station is used in a planarizing machine to perform several useful functions related to handling of a wafer. By centering the wafer with respect to a spindle carrier the load station interrupts the accumulation of positional errors. The load station never makes solid contact with the wafer, but instead the wafer is continually levitated on three cushions of water that are directed upwardly against the lower face of the wafer. The presence of the wafer partially impedes the flow of water from the nozzles used for levitation causing an increase in the water pressure immediately upstream of the nozzles. This increased pressure is sensed and used as an indicator of the presence of a wafer at the load station. The load station further includes a nozzle that directs a stream against the lower side of the wafer so as to elevate the wafer from the load station into the carrier.

Abstract: A transfer robot 2 for holding the peripheral edge of a wafer 1 and transferring the wafer 1, a turning-over alignment section 7 for turning over the wafer 1 and centering the wafer 1, and a transfer robot cleaning section 6 for cleaning holding portions 2a of the transfer robot 2 are provided. Besides, a wafer cleaning section 5 for cleaning the wafer 1 is provided and in this wafer cleaning section 5, a spinner 22 for chucking the wafer 1 and a nozzle 20 through which a cleaning liquid is jetted to this wafer 1. To this nozzle 20, a tank 11 for pure water for supplying pure water, a tank 12 for functional water for supplying a functional water, a tank 13 for chemical liquid for supplying a chemical liquid, and a cleaning liquid mixing portion 14 for storing these various kinds of cleaning liquids and mixing them are connected through supply lines.

Abstract: PLANT FOR WASHING MACHINERY, which is characterized by being a compact plant which includes a small engine room of approximately 9m3, inside which the different elements such as the following are housed: pressure pumps, electric motors, a diesel boiler, a hot water accumulator, a plant for osmotizing water, an electronic robot mechanism, an electric switchboard, fuel tanks, osmotized water tank, measurement pumps and auxiliary material. The washing liquids come out under pressure through hoses and reach a manual shuttle.

Abstract: A chemical fluid valve transfer (e.g., load/unload) assembly is formed from a male valve assembly and a female valve assembly. The male valve assembly is fitted with a male connector which houses a chamber that is connected to a flush inlet line, and a flush outlet line, and a chemical transport line. The female valve assembly is fitted with a female connector which mates with the male valve assembly male connector for interconnecting the male valve and female valve assemblies, and fitted with a chemical transport line. Another aspect of the present invention is a method for transferring a chemical fluid between a tanker fitted with a female coupler and a fill/unload station fitted with a male coupler and hose assembly. This method involves the connecting of the tanker hose and the fill station hose with the valve assembly described above.

Abstract: A degreasing and cleaning apparatus for cleaning circuit boards and the like has a first, wash sump containing a boiling, environmentally friendly wash material and a second, rinse, sump containing an environmentally friendly rinse material, separated by a weir. An anti-splash and surge control fence is mounted on top of the weir to control splashing and spill-over between the sumps. The wash sump contains a plurality of spray wands and a programmed hoist pans the carrier of the boards past the spray wands in incremental steps. After the wash cycle, the carrier is introduced into the second, rinse, sump and then given a final vapor rinse. The temperature ranges in which the apparatus is operated yield optimum cleaning.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to efficiently clean a mat or a screen. The screen or mat is placed on or within a frame and within an enclosure; large volumes of pressurized water and/or cleaning solvent are simultaneously directed towards one or more sides of the screen or mat. Temperature sensors in combination with a heating element and ph detectors are controlled by a pre-programmed system controller to insure that the temperature of the water is maintained within a specified range and that the water recycled within the apparatus is within an acceptable limit of contamination. A preferred design of the apparatus includes a mobile frame that is moved to the initial location of the mat and then returned to the enclosure while bearing the mat. The mobile frame reduces a risk of injury to cleaning personnel. A truck may be configured to carry one or more apparatus from site to site to allow customer based site cleaning opportunities.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for removing an image forming substance such as toner from an image holding member such as a sheet of transfer paper, a CCD sensor detects an unremoved image formed by a stamp, additional writing, etc. and left on the transfer paper sheet after toner separating processing is performed with respect to the transfer paper sheet by a liquid-providing toner-separating unit. A discriminating mark such as a punch, a mark o, etc. is additionally provided to the transfer paper sheet having the detected unremoved image by a discriminating mark providing unit. The transfer paper sheet having the discriminating mark is automatically sorted by a sorting unit and is discharged onto a paper discharging tray. The toner removing apparatus may have an unrecognizing device for blotting the unremoved image such as a seal print, a signature, etc. on the transfer paper sheet.

Abstract: Apparatuses for cleaning wafers used in integrated circuit devices comprise: (1) a dry cleaning section comprising inert gas storage bath, a hydrogen fluoride gas storage bath, and a vapor storage bath containing a component selected from the group consisting of water vapor, alcohol vapor, and mixtures thereof and a gas mixer, wherein the inert gas storage bath, the hydrogen fluoride gas storage bath, and the vapor storage bath are in communication with the gas mixer; (2) a wet cleaning section comprising a first bath for storing a fluoride; a second bath for storing a liquid alcohol; and a cleaning solution storage bath in communication with the first bath and second bath, wherein the fluoride and the liquid alcohol form a cleaning solution which is stored in the cleaning solution storage bath; and (3) a common cleaning bath positioned between and in communication with the dry cleaning section and the wet cleaning section.

Abstract: A device for cleaning ends of optical fibers comprises a vessel intended to contain a rinsing fluid, in which the ends are to be inserted. A holder assembly is attached to the vessel and has a central element comprising a through-hole adapted to receive a fiber holder. The central element can be moved vertically in order to position the fiber holder at a predetermined distance from the surface of the rinsing fluid, so that only a predefined portion of an end portion of an optical fiber held by the fiber holder is emerged in the rinsing fluid. For a correct distance this will protect the primary coating of the optical fiber from being wet by the fluid. A light guide is mounted in the central element. Its lower end projects through a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the central element.

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: An automated means for hydrating and packaging a molded hydrophilic contact lens in one of the mold parts used to mold the lens is provided in which a first robotic assembly removes a plurality of contact lens molds from a production line carrier, each of the lens molds having a contact lens adhered therein. The first robotic assembly transports the molds to a first staging area where the lens molds are sandwiched between a lens mold carrier and a top chamber plate to form a first hydration carrier. The hydration carrier is then transported through a plurality of flushing or extraction stations wherein fresh deionized water is introduced into the hydration chambers at each hydration station to flush leachable substances from the hydration chamber. At each flushing station, fresh deionized water is introduced into the hydration chamber to remove previously extracted impurities and the products of hydrolysis.

Abstract: In order to be able to carry out in a vessel cleaning machine with a circulating conveyor chain a safe, reliable and fast inspection of the interior of the vessel cleaning machine, an inspection device is arranged on the conveyor chain. The inspection device is provided with sensors and/or cameras.

Abstract: A contamination monitoring system having a portable framework which carries a rinsing bath for detachable connection to a remote fluid source. A transport structure is mounted on the framework to accommodate transport of the system to and from the remote fluid source. The framework includes a chamber which encloses the rinsing bath to isolate it from the surrounding environment, typically using a filter which removes unwanted particles from air within the chamber. The filter also typically creates a vertical airflow within the chamber. In one embodiment, the system employs a rinsing bath with inner and outer tanks, the inner tank being configured to hold wafers to be rinsed and the outer tank being configured to hold the inner tank. An input port introduces fluid from the remote fluid source into the inner tank for overflow into the outer tank. The outer tank employs an output port for discharge of fluid received from the inner tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing a substrate comprises a spin chuck for holding and rotating a substrate, washing brush mechanism for supplying a washing liquid onto a surface of the substrate held on the spin chuck, and applying a physical force to contaminants present on a surface of the substrate so as to remove contaminants, a supporting arm for supporting the washing brush mechanism, an arm driving mechanism for driving the supporting arm to move the washing means along the surface from a central portion toward a peripheral portion of the substrate, and a control device for controlling the operation of at least one of the washing means, the spin chuck and the arm driving mechanism so as to control the physical force acting on the contaminants present on the surface of the substrate depending on the state of the contaminants.

Abstract: Apparatus for and method of cleaning golf clubs (including grips and club heads) using an ultrasonic golf club cleaning machine including four bays to allow a complete foursome to clean the clubs simultaneously while they are waiting for their turn to play golf.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring hand washing wherein a subject's hands are checked after he or she has applied soap or detergent and spread it over the front and back of his or her hands. An optical image of the subject's hands is digitized and compared, pixel by pixel, with a reference feature that distinguishes the soap and a report is generated indicating whether the subject's hands are covered with enough soap or detergent to receive a satisfactory report.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an electrostatic powder painting process having a conveyor line adaptable for transporting articles to be electrostatically powder painted sequentially through a plurality of zones in the process. For monitoring the usage of powder paint particles, or "powder", applied to the articles, the system senses the weight of the powder in the powder delivery apparatus and displays it in real time as a powder-weight function over a period of time. For monitoring the operation of the conveyor line transporting the articles, the system senses the conveyor line speed and displays it in real time as a line-speed function over a period of time. For monitoring the precleaning-surface activation of the articles, the system senses the pH of the cleaning-surface activation solution and displays it in real time as a pH function over a period of time.

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: A rice washing apparatus comprising a rice washing apparatus body including a rice washing vessel portion and a carryout portion formed on an upper outer periphery of the rice washing vessel portion and a lid adapted to cover an upper opening portion of the carryout portion, the rice washing vessel portion including a nozzle port formed in a central area of a bottom portion thereof, a stream guide tube vertically supported at a central area within the rice washing vessel portion immediately above the nozzle port and between the nozzle portion and the lid with a space, and a drainage hole opening at an area in the vicinity of the nozzle port, the carryout portion including an outlet port, and switch means disposed between the lid and the rice washing apparatus body and adapted to selectively switch between a rice washing position for tightly closing the rice washing vessel portion and a carrying out position where the rice washing vessel portion is in communication with the carryout portion.

Abstract: An automotive cleaning and pressure check device for placing the interior of a canister into fluid communication with an internal combustion engine via a fluid hose. The cleaning and pressure check device comprises a manifold body having first and second fluid ducts extending therethrough. Attached to the manifold body is a first coupling member. The fluid hose is releasably attachable to the first coupling member and placeable into fluid communication with the first fluid duct thereby. Also attached to the manifold body are an elongate fluid tube and a pressure gauge, both of which are fluidly connected to the first fluid duct. A pressure regulator is also attached to the manifold body and fluidly connected to the second fluid duct. The pressure regulator is operable to selectively place the second fluid duct into fluid communication with at least one of a pressurized air source and ambient air.