Abstract: The present technology relates to apparatuses, methods and systems for detecting hygiene compliance, particularly in hospital and clinical settings, where hospital acquired infections (HAIs) are of concern. A temperature signature can be determined and then used to ascertain whether a user is compliant with a given hygiene standard. The present technology also relates to sanitizing compositions used in conjunction with such apparatuses, methods and systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically cleaning and sanitizing soles of bare feet and footwear, said apparatus including a plurality of nozzle heads that spray cleaning and sanitizing fluid through a platform onto feet and footwear placed on the top surface of the platform. A sensor plate initiates the cleaning and sanitization process when activated, and a visual display and audible tones alert a user as to the current step being executed by the automated cleaning apparatus. A refillable or replaceable canister or aerosol can of cleaning and sanitizing fluid is housed within the automated cleaning apparatus for supplying said liquid via a tubing system to the plurality of nozzle heads that are directed onto the platform.

Abstract: A dishwasher for treating dishes according to at least one cycle of operation and methods for operating a dishwasher. The dishwasher may have a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a rotatable sprayer, a drive system operably coupled to the rotatable sprayer to effect movement of the rotatable sprayer, and a liquid recirculation system for recirculating sprayed liquid. The dishwasher may have a sump including a sensor enclosure, a first sensor element located within the sensor enclosure and configured to sense at least a portion of the rotatable sprayer, and a controller configured to receive output from the first sensor element and control the drive system and the liquid recirculation system to rotate the rotatable sprayer while selectively supplying liquid to the rotatable sprayer.

Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher having a wash tub and a reuse tank for storing liquid for subsequent reuse, wherein the condition of the water in the reuse tank may be monitored and/or acted upon to limit the likelihood of undesired effects associated with the growth of micro-organisms in the liquid.

Abstract: A method of cleaning an apparatus for processing a semiconductor wafer includes providing a first device having a first surface configured to load a first semiconductor wafer, a second device having a second surface configured to load a second semiconductor wafer, and a first cleaning module; and cleaning the second surface by moving the first cleaning module across the second surface in a first direction with respect to the second device.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for monitoring hygiene compliance is provided. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for monitoring hygiene compliance may include at a server having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors: receiving hygiene data from a hygiene monitoring member, the hygiene data indicating the dates and times a user used a hygiene improvement apparatus and the length of time the user used the hygiene improvement apparatus; comparing the hygiene data with a hygiene protocol; determining if the hygiene data conforms to the hygiene protocol; generating an alert if the hygiene data does not conform to the hygiene protocol; and storing the hygiene data in a database.

Abstract: A system for determining at least one property of a fluid and ensuring measuring surfaces of the system in contact with the fluid remain free of contaminants, includes a housing within which at least one measuring surface is located. The fluid to be measured flows through the housing and contacts the measuring surface. A signal generating device operably associated with the surface provides signals indicative of the at least one fluid property. A transducer is operably associated with the housing and causes agitation of the fluid flowing through the housing so that the measuring surface can be cleaned even during fluid measurement.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to cleaning waste collection systems such as but not limited to sewers, sumps, wet wells, collection tanks, digesters, clarifiers, classifiers, etc. and in particular to cleaning and removal of solid and liquid materials therefrom. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an improved slurry hose and/or pipe for use in connection with cleaning waste collection systems such as but not limited to sewers, sumps, wet wells, collection tanks, digesters, clarifiers, classifiers, etc. and in particular to cleaning and removal of solid and liquid materials therefrom.

Abstract: Pipe inspection systems including a push-cable, jetter, and camera assembly are disclosed. A jetter nozzle may be configured to spin and/or propel the camera head within a pipe or other cavity. A cutter line may be attached to the camera head to clean obstructions. A sonde may be coupled to a camera head to generate magnetic field signals for use with a buried utility locator to locate a pipe or other cavity into which the camera head is deployed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating a tool within the secondary side of a steam generator having a tube sheet with a tube bundle having a plurality of heat exchange tubes extending from the tube sheet in rows with an annulus extending around the heat exchange tubes on a periphery of the tube bundle, between the tubes and a wrapper which surrounds the tube bundle. A robot is introduced into the annulus and extends a probe with a tool across selected lanes between the rows of tubes. A method and apparatus is also disclosed for cleaning sludge from the top of a tube sheet that includes introducing a moveable suction apparatus having attached vacuum inlets into either the no tube lane or the circumferential annulus and sludge vacuuming the top of the tube sheet.

Abstract: An adapter device for use in a reprocessing device for reprocessing surgical instruments. The adapter device including: at least one first fluid attachment, on an inlet side for connection to a coupling device of the reprocessing device; at least one second fluid attachment, on an outlet side for connection to the surgical instrument, the at least one second fluid attachment being adapted geometrically to an attachment of the surgical instrument; and an adapter identification feature that is detectable by the reprocessing device. Also provided is a reprocessing system having a reprocessing device for reprocessing surgical instruments and having the adapter device. The reprocessing device including: the coupling device for connecting to the adapter device; and a detection device which detects, with the adapter device connected to the reprocessing device, the adapter identification feature of the adapter device.

Abstract: An arrangement of a thermal device and a surface reflecting and/or scattering electromagnetic radiation in the inner part of the thermal device. A source of electromagnetic radiation is arranged at a first distance (L1) from the surface, and a detector of electromagnetic radiation is arranged at a second distance (L2) from the surface. The source is configured to emit radiation to the surface, which is reflected and/or scattered from the surface as reflected radiation. The detector receives reflected radiation; and the processing unit determines data dependent on the first and/or second distance by the emitted and reflected radiation. A wall of the thermal device has a window or aperture for emitting an optical signal from the light source to the surface. An electromagnetic distance measurement device measures the thickness or the increase in the thickness of a contamination layer from a thermal device.

Abstract: A liquid processing apparatus includes a substrate holding and rotating unit provided with a rotating plate and a substrate support unit, and a liquid supply unit. The rotating plate is connected to a rotating shaft and a central portion of the rotating shaft is exposed to outside through an opening of the rotating plate. A ring-shaped retro-reflective sheet is attached to the central portion of the rotating shaft. The central opened part of the ring-shaped retro-reflective sheet is positioned on the extended line of the central axis of the wafer holding and rotating unit. Further, a supply pipe penetrates through the central opened part of the retro-reflective sheet. Laser light is irradiated to the retro-reflective sheet from the slanted upper side, the reflected light is received by the laser light projecting/receiving part, and presence or absence of the wafer is detected by a substrate detection unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing scale remover to a dishwasher for enabling a descaling or cleaning agent to the introduced to a dishwasher and its conduits in a manner which optimized cleaning efficacy is configured to be connected to a conventional dishwasher between the dishwasher and its water input line. A diverter having an output that is connected to the dishwasher's input conduit combines the conventional water input conduit from the water input line and a container output conduit connected to a fluid container containing a conventional descaling solution. In use, a user would actuate the apparatus for introducing scale remover to a dishwasher to cause descaling solution in the fluid container to be directed into the dishwasher input conduit and the dishwasher. Once empty, a water shut off valve controlling the water input line is opened and the dishwasher is turned on to run a normal cleaning cycle.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an automatic analyzer includes a reaction disc, cleaning mechanism, and cover. The reaction disc holds a cuvette which contains a sample and a reagent. The cleaning mechanism is configured to clean the cuvette using a nozzle. The cover is configured to be movable along an axis of the nozzle and to cover an opening of the cuvette.

Abstract: A flow through chemical sensor includes a housing having a through passage along which chemical can flow, a sidewall of the housing having first and second openings that communicate with the through passage. A first electrode is mounted on the housing and aligned with the first opening, the first electrode of a plate configuration with a unitary depression that extends through the first opening and to a peripheral edge of the through passage. A second electrode is mounted on the housing and aligned with the second opening, the second electrode of a plate configuration with a unitary depression that extends through the second opening and to the peripheral edge of the through passage. A method of detecting presence or absence of chemical is also provided.

Abstract: A method for operating a dishwasher system, including monitoring an output pressure of at least one recirculation pump in the dishwasher system, and deactivating at least one fill valve in the dishwasher system when the output pressure satisfies at least one predefined criteria.

Abstract: Method is provided for applying a cement mixture to a honeycomb body including the step of aligning a first end of the honeycomb body with respect to a first longitudinal axis of a first support member. The method further includes the step of aligning a second support member with respect to the second end of the honeycomb body. The second support member is allowed to move relative to the first support member such that a second longitudinal axis of second support member is not coincident with the first longitudinal axis. The method further includes the step of fixing the position of the honeycomb body with respect to the first support member and the second support member. The method still further includes the step of applying a cement mixture to the honeycomb body. An apparatus is provided that is configured to apply a cement mixture to a honeycomb body.

Abstract: A household appliance, in particular a household dishwasher, includes an operating display unit having at least one visual display, and a power supply network for supply of electrical energy. The household appliance is isolated from the power supply network after completion of a treatment cycle, and the visual display is configured to display at least the completion of the completed treatment cycle as a first operating state.

Abstract: A dishwasher cycle visual indicator system has a dishwasher cycle visual indicator assembly including a housing having a front-side, a back-side, a top-side, a bottom-side, a left-side, a right-side, and an inner-volume; a plurality of lights for displaying at least one message according to a condition realized within a dishwashing appliance; a powerer; a wiring assembly; a wireless receiver; and at least one attacher. The dishwasher cycle visual indicator assembly includes in functional combination the housing, the plurality of lights, the powerer, the wiring assembly, the wireless receiver, and the at least one attacher.

Abstract: Systems for cleaning substrates including cleaning of semiconductor substrates, use atmospheric or sub-atmospheric ultraviolet (UV) light to improve selectivity of conventional wet chemical cleaning in the manufacture of semiconductor devices. The UV light systems are configured to improve front-end-of-line (FEOL) (e.g., non-metal) or back-end-of-line (BEOL) (e.g., metal) removal of etch by-products (e.g., polymers) and/or mask layers from underlying materials. Systems herein can be configured with multiple lamps that irradiate substrates, gasses, and liquids at different bandwidths. Selectivity and queue time is improved while reducing processing temperatures.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub that accommodates dishes; a nozzle assembly that sprays washing water; a vane assembly that is moved between a first position and a second position of an inside of the tub and changes a progression path of the washing water so that the sprayed washing water can be directed toward the dishes; and a controller that moves the vane assembly to the second position if the vane assembly is disposed at the first position. When a linear washing portion washes a small quantity of dishes by spraying washing water while making a reciprocal motion in part of an inside of a washing chamber, a washing time can be reduced, and concentrated washing can also be performed.

Abstract: A cleaning/disinfecting apparatus includes: a plurality of attachment portions for attaching an endoscope; a cleaning/disinfecting portion that communicates with the plurality of attachment portions and can execute different types of cleaning/disinfection menus for the respective attachment portions; and an endoscope information reading portion that reads endoscope information from the endoscope. Also, the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus includes: a control portion that determines a cleaning/disinfection menu based on the read endoscope information and outputs attachment portion identifying information for identifying an attachment portion for executing the determined cleaning/disinfection menu; and a notifying portion that notifies the attachment portion identifying information outputted from the control portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for the cleaning of a turbine engine comprises a towable wash cart having a reservoir for cleaning fluid. The reservoir is connected through a pump system to a wash ring operatively mounted to the cart. The wash ring has a plurality of spray nozzles about its periphery arid positionably adjustable for directing an atomized spray of the cleaning fluid into an inlet of the engine. The cart and wash ring is aligned with the engine such that there is no physical contact between the wash ring and engine during the entirety of the cleaning process. While a preferred cleaning fluid is pure water, the reservoir may be segmented to carry a number of different cleaning solutions, which can be mixed in a manifold of the pump system as may be desired for a particular cleaning process. The reservoirs may be heated and insulated to maintain the cleaning solutions at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A projecting/receiving unit (52) projects a laser light to a peripheral portion (30) and receives the reflected light while a liquid is being fed to a substrate (14) and is flowing on the peripheral portion (30). A signal processing controller (54) processes the electric signal of the reflected light to decide the state of the peripheral portion (30). The state of the peripheral portion being polished is monitored. Moreover, the polish end point is detected. A transmission wave other than the laser light may also be used. The peripheral portion (30) may also be enclosed by a passage forming member thereby to form a passage properly. The peripheral portion can be properly measured even in the situation where the liquid is flowing on the substrate peripheral portion.

Abstract: A household appliance, in particular a household dishwasher, includes an external display, a transmission interface connected for signal transmission to the external display, and a power supply network for supply of electrical energy. The household appliance is isolated from the power supply network after completion of a treatment cycle, and the transmission interface is configured to transmit a signal to activate the external display to display at least the completion of the treatment cycle before the household appliance is isolated from the power supply network.

Abstract: A sink insert for cleaning medical or surgical devices having lumens includes a basin and at least two pumps. The basin is shaped to be inserted into a sink and to hold cleaning liquid, and includes an additive reservoir integrally formed in its floor, having additive fill lines defining a plurality of pre-calibrated volume measurement areas for measurement of additives. Basin fill lines positioned on one or more side walls of the basin define a plurality of pre-calibrated volume measurement areas for measurement of a liquid filled into the basin to form the cleaning liquid. At least one of the two pumps has an inlet tube for drawing the cleaning liquid from the basin into the pump, and an outlet tube for pressurized output of the cleaning liquid directed to the medical or surgical device. One or more of the pumps is removable from the sink insert.

Abstract: A wash system includes a wash unit associated with a mobile unit for providing wash fluid, one or more nozzles for streamline injecting wash fluid provided by the wash unit directly into an engine inlet, and an articulating arm for use in positioning the one or more nozzles. The wash unit is physically spaced from a surface of the engine inlet cowling during a washing process. The articulating arm is operable via one of a hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, or mechanically hand-driven operating means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-contained and wireless monitoring device (10) for use in a washing machine (1) to indicate shortage of detergent in said washing machine. The monitoring device comprises a sensor (13) arranged to monitor detergent concentration in washing liquid (5) of said washing machine and to provide an alarm signal (A) when said monitored detergent concentration is below a target value. The monitoring device is capable of floating in said washing liquid and comprises signalling means (11) for indicating said shortage of detergent in response to said alarm signal. The invention further relates to a package containing such a monitoring device and a method for indicating shortage of detergent.

Abstract: A film in a dry state is efficiently dissolved and removed. A film removing method includes steps of moving a nozzle head (10B) close to a soluble film (201) formed on a substrate (200), forming a liquid pool (302) of chemical liquid (300) between the nozzle head (10B) and the film (201) by continuously and simultaneously discharging and sucking the chemical liquid (300) from the nozzle head (10B), and horizontally moving the substrate (100) in a state in which the nozzle head (10B) and the surface of the film (201) are not contacted so as to relatively move the liquid pool (302) of the chemical liquid on the substrate (100).

Abstract: A device (1) for removing a coating, particularly a photoresist, from a substrate (10) in at least one area of the substrate (10), comprises a nozzle (11) suitable for applying a jet of a solution medium to the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a maintenance system for an injector controlled by a solenoid actuator. The system comprises an electronic control unit arranged in a housing from which an electrical cable extends terminated by a special adapter capable of being connected onto the injector so that the injector is electrically connected with the electronic control unit while it remains in place on the internal combustion engine. The electronic control unit is designed for executing a plurality of operations according to a cycle of measurements including checking the electrical insulation, measuring the electrical resistance and measuring the electrical inductance of the solenoid and a solenoid activation test. The system is further provided with actuating means for starting the cycle and an information means for indicating data relating to the cycle in progress.

Abstract: A beverage can cleaning apparatus for cleaning beverage cans before they are dispensed from vending machines. The apparatus has a can holder, a hinged platform, tubes, a first nozzle, a second nozzle and a sensing block that matches the profile of the can top periphery. The sensing block is depressed a compressed distance, the distance being dependent on the orientation of the can, and cleaning fluid or compressed air is selectively directed through the first or second nozzle. Subsequent to air or cleaning fluid being dispensed against the top of the beverage can, the can holder releases the hinged platform sending the beverage can into the vending machine's dispenser.

Abstract: The invention monitors the neutralization process involving hydrogen peroxide solution and a hydrogen peroxide neutralization catalyst and compares measured values with theoretical values. The system monitors the chemical reaction and notifies the user of the neutralization status. In an exemplary embodiment, the initial hydrogen peroxide solution concentration is neutralized with a palladium catalyst after a period of time. A microcontroller analyzes the measurements and displays the neutralization process results using colored LED lights and/or text or images on a LCD display. In one embodiment, an apparatus adapted for use with a cleaning solution used to clean a medical device may include a trigger, a processing device in communication with the trigger, and a display device. The processing device provides a trigger count and the display device communicates with the processing device and displays a message based on the count.

Abstract: A cleaning system configured to use a hydrogen peroxide solution to clean contact lenses. The cleaning system includes a reservoir to hold the cleaning solution and a complex base coupled to the reservoir to insure a hermetically closed reservoir environment. The complex base is separated into at least a first and a second segment. A lens holder assembly holds the lenses within the solution and is coupled to the complex base in the first segment. A motor is located in the second segment of the complex base to selectively introduce a catalyst to the cleaning solution. The cleaning system has additional features that permit the system to allow for the storage of the contact lenses by converting a neutralized cleaning solution into a storage solution to prevent recontamination.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a movable door, an opening mechanism and an opening actuator configured to move the door from a closed position to an at least partially open position. A decorative panel is resiliently attached to the door. A sensor is configured to detect movement of the decorative panel relative to the door. A controller is configured to activate the opening actuator based on movement detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for a wafer processing system includes a supply tube with an inlet at one end and an outlet at the other end. Attached to the supply tube at the outlet end is a liquid reservoir. The liquid reservoir has a dispensing plate that has an outlet for dispensing liquid onto a wafer. There is also a dispensing valve for controlling the dispensing of the liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning and disinfecting device (10). The cleaning and disinfecting device (10) comprises a wash chamber (12), which is closed by a wash chamber door (14) and which can be actuated by means of a drive (26). A pivoting path or a pivoting area (24) of the wash chamber door (14) is monitored by at least one sensor (22).

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving dishes for treatment according to the cycle of operation and having an open face providing access to the treating chamber, a dish holder slidable relative to the tub through the open face between a loading position and a treating position and a light source provided on the dish holder for illuminating dishes contained in the dish holder.

Abstract: A device for washing an array plate having an array of liquid droplets adhered thereto is described. The array of liquid droplets is covered with a hydrophobic medium immiscible with the array of liquid droplets. The device includes a mechanism for draining the hydrophobic medium from the array plate; a mechanism for providing an aqueous wash liquid over the array plate; a mechanism for shaking the array plate in a presence of the aqueous wash liquid; and a mechanism for removing the aqueous wash liquid from the array plate. A method for washing an array plate is also described.

Abstract: A device to capture the relative position of a component (14) of which the position can change relative to a reference component (12) of a washing handling device (10), in particular a washing machine or drier, includes at least one light source (34, 38, 42), at least one light receiver (36, 40, 44), a light-reflecting surface (50, 52), which reflects light which the light source (34, 38, 42) emits to the light receiver (36, 40, 44). The device is designed to capture the present relative position of the changeable-position component (14) relative to the reference component (12), according to the reflected light which the light receiver (36, 40, 44) captures.

Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor device that suppresses the occurrence of defects due to photocorrosion. A method for manufacturing the semiconductor device includes the steps of: forming an insulating layer with a concave portion over a substrate; forming a conductive film over the insulating film and the inside of the concave portion; polishing and removing the conductive film positioned over the insulating layer; and cleaning the insulating layer in a light-shielded state. Between the step of polishing and the step of cleaning, or after the step of cleaning, the substrate SUB is moved by detecting the presence or absence of the substrate SUB in the light-shielded state using an infrared sensor.

Abstract: A dishwasher including a washing chamber to perform dishwashing, a water collecting portion provided at a lower portion of the washing chamber to gather water used for washing, and a sensing module which is disposed in the water collecting portion and integrally includes a water sensing sensor to sense whether or not water is present and a temperature sensor to sense a temperature of water. Since the sensing module simultaneously serves as the water sensing sensor and the temperature sensor, it may be possible to more efficiently utilize an inner space of the water collecting portion.

Abstract: A sonication cleaning tank containing a liquid is monitored. A first opacity count is generated indicative of contaminants and/or bubbles in the liquid. At least some of the liquid is filtered to remove contaminants from the liquid, and a second opacity count indicative of contaminants and/or bubbles in the filtered liquid is generated. Based at least in part on the first and second opacity counts, a contaminant count corresponding to an estimated number of contaminants in the liquid is then determined.

Abstract: A disinfecting chemical bottle includes a bottle body including a storing section that stores a chemical used for cleaning/disinfecting an endoscope and a mouth portion including an opening portion from which the chemical freely flows out, a first conductive portion provided so as to be exposed in an inner portion and an outer portion of the bottle body, and a second conductive portion provided at a position different from that of the first conductive portion so as to be exposed in the inner portion and the outer portion of the bottle body, the second conductive portion being electrically connectable to the first conductive portion via the chemical in the bottle body.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided that has a door and a wash compartment that is closed off by the door. The wash compartment receives items to be treated and has a movable dish rack in which items to be cleaned are supported. The movable dish rack is moved from a treatment position in which the wash compartment is closed to an access position in which loading and unloading of dishes into the dishwasher is facilitated. The dishwasher further includes a visual display facility for visual notification of operation information and/or program information of the dishwasher. The visual display facility is assigned to the dish rack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for transferring a glove (100) from a conveyor (200) characterized by: a camera (10); a pick-up assembly (20) comprising a pair of inner grippers (21) and two pairs of outer grippers (22); a pair of sensors (30); a robotic arm (40) mounted with the pick-up assembly (20); a processor.

Abstract: The invention monitors the neutralization process involving hydrogen peroxide solution and a hydrogen peroxide neutralization catalyst and compares measured values with theoretical values. The system monitors the chemical reaction and notifies the user of the neutralization status. In an exemplary embodiment, the initial hydrogen peroxide solution concentration is neutralized with a palladium catalyst after a period of time. A microcontroller analyzes the measurements and displays the neutralization process results using colored LED lights and/or text or images on a LCD display. In one embodiment, an apparatus adapted for use with a cleaning solution used to clean a medical device may include a trigger, a processing device in communication with the trigger, and a display device. The processing device provides a trigger count and the display device communicates with the processing device and displays a message based on the count.

Abstract: In a supercritical fluid method a supercritical fluid is supplied into a process chamber. The supercritical fluid is discharged from the process chamber as a supercritical fluid process proceeds. A concentration of a target material included in the supercritical fluid discharged from the process chamber is detected during the supercritical fluid process. An end point of the supercritical fluid process may be determined based on a detected concentration of the target material.

Abstract: An ejection inspection part of a substrate processing apparatus includes a light emitting part and an imaging part. The light emitting part emits light along a predetermined light existing plane to irradiate a processing liquid ejected from outlets of an ejection head with the light. The imaging part captures an image of the processing liquid passing through planar light emitted from the light emitting part to acquire an inspection image including bright dots. In the ejection inspection part, a determination frame setting part sets normal ejection determination frames corresponding to the outlets in the inspection image. The determination part acquires existence information indicating whether or not a bright dot exists in each normal ejection determination frame and uses the existence information to determine the quality of the ejection operation of the outlet corresponding to the normal ejection determination frame.