Abstract: A status indicator for a dishwasher that has a front-loading door and an upper basket having a wire frame within the dishwasher is made up of a body and a hook, where the hook is rotatingly affixed to the wire frame of the upper basket in one of two positions, the first position with the body rotated onto the outside of the upper basket so that the door is kept in an open state, and a second position, in which the body is rotated to the inside of the upper basket, so that the door is left in a closed state, and wherein the body of the indicator may be vertically rotated to display one of two rubrics, one indicating clean dishes, and the other dirty dishes.

Abstract: A method for washing and drying items in a dishwasher and a dishwasher are provided. After the dishwasher is placed in a program execution readiness state in which a given washing or drying program can be executed, a washing program and then a drying program are executed. In response to both an interruption of the drying program resulting in the dishwasher no longer being in a program execution readiness state and a thereafter following restoration of the dishwasher to its program execution readiness state, a parameter value is measured and the drying program is resumed if there is no predetermined deviation from a nominal value and, on the other hand, a fresh cycle of a washing program and a drying program is initiated in the event of a predetermined deviation.

Abstract: [Object] It is an object of the invention to provide a cleaning apparatus for cleaning a precision substrate capable of preventing a contamination factor from adhering again, to prevent a natural oxide film from being formed, and to prevent a water mark.

Abstract: Provided is a method for managing manufacturing apparatuses used in a managed production line including a plurality of manufacturing processes for manufacturing an electronic device, each of the apparatuses being used in each of the processes, the method including: acquiring a property of a reference device manufactured in a predetermined reference production line including the manufacturing processes to be performed; performing at least one of the manufacturing processes in the managed production line, performing the other manufacturing processes in the reference production line, and manufacturing a comparison device; measuring a property of the comparison device; comparing the measured properties between the reference and the comparison devices; and judging whether the manufacturing apparatus used in the at least one manufacturing process is defective or not, based on a property difference between the reference and the comparison devices.

Abstract: A washing method comprising: cleaning polycrystalline silicon with an acid solution; soaking of the polycrystalline silicon in a soaking bath in which pure water is stored; and measuring an electrical conductivity of the pure water in the soaking bath, wherein, in the soaking, the polycrystalline silicon is immersed in the pure water stored in the soaking bath, and the pure water in the soaking bath is replaced at least once to remove the acid solution remaining on a surface of the polycrystalline silicon; and in the measuring, completion of the soaking is determined based on measured values of the electrical conductivity

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a cleaning procedure for a material. The apparatus includes a rack having a seat configured to retain a plurality of test coupons at a predetermined angle, an upper tray that distributes a solution along the lines of the rack, a lower tray for receiving solution passed over coupons disposed on the rack, a meter that gauges a flow rate of the solution, a thermostatic heater adapted to bring the solution to a predetermined temperature, and a variable speed pump that directs the solution from a reservoir to the upper tray.

Abstract: The substrate processing apparatus is provided with a gas-liquid mixing nozzle for generating a process liquid mist by mixing a liquid and a pressurized gas, to discharge the process liquid mist to a substrate at high speeds. The liquid may be remover liquid, intermediate rinse liquid or deionized water. The reaction products which having been generated on the substrate in etching process is removed at high speeds with the flow of the mist, whereby the quality of the process is improved.

Abstract: A cleaning tool to clean a surface of a component of a lithographic apparatus is disclosed. The cleaning tool includes a sonic transducer, a liquid supply device configured to provide liquid to a reservoir between the surface to be cleaned and the sonic transducer, and a liquid outlet configured to remove liquid provided by the liquid supply device, the cleaning tool constructed and arranged such that, in use, liquid flows into the outlet under the influence of gravity.

Abstract: Illustrated and described are a method and a device for the simultaneous cleaning of a plurality of pipe conduits or pipe conduit systems, particularly in each case having different pipe cross sections, wherein the cleaning takes place with a liquid cleaning medium, which is taken from a reservoir by a feed pump and fed to the systems to be cleaned. The invention makes provision for the cleaning medium stream to be fed to the first system to be cleaned and after leaving the first system to be cleaned, as cleaning medium stream, to be divided into two component streams, one component stream of which is used for cleaning the second or further system and the other component stream is again fed to the reservoir. In addition the second or further system to be cleaned is assigned a feed pump, whose speed and direction of rotation are variable for determining or regulating the cleaning method.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a washing container, which can be closed by a pivotable door and a control panel. The control panel is disposed on the pivotable door and includes a glazed surface and at least one of a control clement and a display element disposed behind the glazed surface and activatable by touching the glazed surface. The glazed surface is optically switchable so as to change its optical properties between transparent and opaque.

Abstract: A stain treatment apparatus uses a transparent plastic bag with a recloseable opening into which a stained garment is placed. A stain treatment compound is contained within the bag, such as within an ampoule or pouch that releases upon compression or that releases upon exposure to water added to the bag. A thermochromatic indicator assists in filling with water of an appropriate temperature. A completion indicator further assists in indicating completion of the stain treatment regimen. A plurality of stain-specific treatment assemblies may be included that are optimized for a category of stains (e.g., protein, tannin, oil, dye/ink).

Abstract: An apparatus for processing an inside of a pipe which performs various works from an inside of a pipe, includes traveling drive units, a working device, rotation support mechanisms, a coupling mechanism, and suspension devices. The traveling drive units are inserted into the inside of the pipe, and the working device is moved in a circumferential direction along the inside of the pipe by the traveling drive units.

Abstract: An apparatus for leveling and centering a catch-cup chamber to a diverter chamber of a semiconductor processing chamber is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus has a frame with branches. A coupler is mounted to the end of each branch. A measuring device is mounted to each branch. The apparatus is placed in the diverter. The measuring device measures a distance from a branch to a top surface of the catch-cup chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing and disinfecting an endoscope is provided. First and second chemicals and dilution water, which dilutes the chemicals to be used for disinfecting the endoscope, are charged into a tank. The tank includes a first portion, a second portion having an area of base smaller than that of the first portion, a first sensor detecting that the dilution water is charged into the first portion up to a first level, a second sensor detecting that the first chemical is charged into the second portion up to a second level, and a third sensor detecting that the second chemical is charged into the second portion up to a third level. A unit measures a first volume of the first chemical based on a result of the second sensor and measures a second volume of the second chemical based on results of the third sensor and the second sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus for and a method of cleaning or processing a wafer anticipates a malfunction of a pump and avoids an abrupt shutting down of the pump during the cleaning or processing of the wafer. The apparatus includes a tank vessel containing a liquid used in the cleaning or processing of the wafer, a pump that pumps the liquid chemical from the vessel, a filter that filters impurities contained in the liquid pumped by the pump, a heater that heats the filtered liquid to a predetermined temperature and supplies the heated liquid back into the tank vessel, and a pump malfunction anticipation unit that operates at the same time as the pump. The pump malfunction anticipation unit calculates the flow rate of the liquid pumped by the pump using a program, and based on the flow rate anticipates when it is time to replace the pump.

Abstract: A method for washing and drying items in a dishwasher and a dishwasher are provided. After the door of the dishwasher has been closed, a washing program and then a drying program are executed. In response to both an interruption of the drying program resulting in the dishwasher no longer running its drying program and a thereafter following restoration of execution of the drying program, a parameter value is measured and the drying program is resumed if there is no predetermined deviation from a nominal value and, on the other hand, a fresh cycle of a washing program and a drying program is initiated in the event of a predetermined deviation.

Abstract: The fluid supply apparatus includes a plurality of supply lines (308), each line having an outlet control device (328) configurable to either allow or prevent fluid in the line flowing to a shared outlet conduit (326). A controller (332) sets the outlet control devices of one or more of the plurality of supply lines in accordance with the output of a monitoring device (336), which monitors the concentration of cleaning fluid passing through the outlet conduit, to control the fluid delivered by the delivery device and the one or more outlet control devices.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for monitoring rotation of a substrate during cleaning are disclosed. The invention may include a substrate cleaner adapted to support and clean a substrate; an optical source adapted to provide a light beam having a path within the substrate cleaner; and an optical sensor positioned along the path so as to receive the light beam from the optical source and adapted to detect an orientation feature on the substrate when the orientation feature traverses the path. The optical sensor includes an array of light detectors. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixing medium suited for fixing biological substances, a medium processing method and a continuous medium processing device. The continuous medium processing device of this invention comprises: a feeding mechanism to run a continuous medium longitudinally along a predetermined travel path; one or more containers installed along the travel path and containing liquids which are to be brought into contact with the continuous medium; gaps provided in each of the containers on the travel path so that the continuous medium can run through the containers; and a liquid leakage prevention unit provided to the containers to prevent possible leakage of the liquids from the gaps.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a control panel, a front panel disposed at the front of the control panel, a front display unit that slidingly couples to at least one of the control panel and the front panel and is disposed between the control panel and the front panel, and a sliding latch and a latch mounting slot that allow the front display unit to be slidingly coupled.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring operation of a dishwasher device is provided. Such an apparatus comprises a light projection device operably engaged with the dishwasher device and configured to project light therefrom. The projected light is configured to form at least one of an alphanumeric character and a graphical character, corresponding to a status of the dishwasher device. The projected light is adapted to be directed onto a surface adjacent to the dishwasher device such that the status is readable by a user. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A washer-jet verification master is employed to determine the correct alignment of washer nozzles within a production machine. The verification master includes a plurality of targets, which are preset to a first position. The verification master is placed in the production machine the water jets are actuated and if properly aligned will move the targets to a second position, which indicates proper operation.

Abstract: A window for an acid-base tank suitable for arrangement on a cleaning machine including at least one acid-base tank with an opening on a sidewall of the acid-base tank is described. The window for the acid-base tank at least includes a supporting plate, an annular washer, a transparent observe window and a transparent separation plate. The supporting plate has the same shape as the opening on the sidewall of the cleaning machine, is disposed on the opening, and has a first window opening. The annular washer is disposed on the supporting plate around the first window opening. The transparent observe window is pressed and covered on the annular washer. The transparent separation plate located between the supporting plate and the acid-base tank is disposed on the supporting plate and covers the first window opening. Furthermore, the chemical resistance of the transparent separation plate is better than that of quartz.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for optimizing a wash procedure. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system for optimizing a wash procedure. In a first embodiment, a system comprises: means for collecting a sample of fouling, wherein the sample of fouling comprises one or more contaminates; means for identifying the one or more contaminates; and means for selecting one or more washing products for removing the one or more contaminates from a turbine. In an alternate embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for optimizing a wash procedure. The method comprises: collecting a sample of fouling, wherein the sample of fouling comprises one or more contaminates; identifying the one or more contaminates; and selecting one or more washing products for removing the one or more contaminates from a turbine.

Abstract: A non-intrusive device for automatically dosing at least one liquid laundry care composition to an automatic laundry washing machine. The device employs a Venturi tube mechanism or a pump to dose the laundry detergent care composition. The dosing is controlled by a machine-generic algorithm capable of determining the actual cycle at any duration of wash for various cycle designs from various washing machines, without the input of precise cycle design; and dose the correct products correctly and is capable of distinguishing between major water addition and a water pulse.

Abstract: A device for preventing foam or air bubbles from accumulating in a measuring zone of a turbidity sensor connected in a wash-water circuit of a dishwasher or washing machine includes a main flow conduit and a bypass conduit connected to the main flow conduit. The bypass conduit includes a first conduit section branching off from the main flow conduit, a second conduit section leading back into the main flow conduit at a junction, and an enlarged region of reduced flow velocity connected upstream of the junction. The enlarged region provides the measuring zone for the turbidity sensor, and includes a curved baffle and a downward-facing bulbous protuberance opposite the baffle so as to form a backflow region. The measuring zone is located within the backflow region in the bulbous protuberance.

Abstract: In order to provide a cleaning apparatus for cleaning workpieces, comprising at least one workpiece holder for a workpiece that is to be cleaned, that allows easy, flexible and reliable checking of the workpiece position, it is proposed that the cleaning apparatus comprises at least one ranging sensor that produces a signal, from which it is derivable whether a workpiece is held in the correct position on the workpiece holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating a dishwasher with a central control unit by measuring the turbidity of the rinsing liquid and establishing the course of the program as a function of the turbidity of the rinsing liquid, the program beginning with a pre-rinse program step. In order to achieve a completely automatic operation, data for the further course of the program are calculated in the pre-rinse program portion with determined measurement values of turbidity and evaluation thereof.

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: An first example method and apparatus for etching and cleaning a substrate comprises device with a first manifold and a second manifold. The first manifold has a plurality of nozzles for dispensing chemicals onto the substrate. The second manifold is attached to a vacuum source and/or a dry air/gas source. A second example embodiment is a wafer cleaning device and method that uses a manifold with capillary jet nozzles and a liquid capillary jet stream to clean substrates.

Abstract: A dishwasher having an improved valve assembly is disclosed. The dishwasher includes a housing, a tub provided in the housing, an injector assembly for injecting water onto tableware positioned in the tub, and an inlet valve assembly. The inlet valve assembly includes a case installed at an inlet passage through which water is supplied to the tub. The case has an inlet opening which allows water to flow in, and an outlet opening which allows water to be discharged. A first valve selectively opens/closes a passage formed in the case, and a second valve closes the passage in the event a leak is detected.

Abstract: A purge drain valve including a spool spliced in a fluid line includes a control valve and an actuator coupled to the control valve for regulating fluid flow. During a washing operation, fluid flows between a supply end and a delivery end of the spool, and during a purging operation, the control valve diverts fluid entering the supply end from the delivery end towards a drain leg. A washing system includes a fluid supply coupled to an input of a wash delivery system and a delivery line coupled to an output of the wash delivery system. The purge drain may be spliced into the delivery line to permit fluid to reach a wash apparatus during a washing operation and to prevent fluid from reaching the wash apparatus during a purging operation. A rinse cycle sensor apparatus may be employed to indicate to an operator if a washing operation is complete based upon a conductivity of fluid exiting from a device being washed.

Abstract: A thin film removing device and a thin film removing method are capable of removing straight parts of a thin film formed on a square substrate from corners of the substrate, and of suppressing the formation of mists. An approach stage 20 having flat stage plates 23 capable of being disposed substantially flush with the surface of a substrate M mounted on a support table 22 is positioned close to the substrate M mounted on the support table 22. Removing nozzles 30 jet a solvent toward edge parts of the substrate M and suck a solution produced by dissolving part of the resist in the solvent while the removing nozzles 30 are moved along side edges of the substrate M and the approach stage 20 disposed close to the substrate M. Thus, the removing nozzles 30 jet the solvent uniformly over the edge parts and corners of the substrate M and suck the solution without changing modes of jetting the solvent and sucking the solution.

Abstract: A dishwasher that fits within the conventional U.S. residential dishwasher counter space and uses the conventional U.S. residential power supply to achieve within a convenient cycle time the same standard of sanitation as set forth for commercial and residential hot water sanitizing dishwashers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for integrating optical interfacial elements with a high power acoustic resonator. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, in certain embodiments of the present invention, one or more optical interfacial elements may be integrated with a high power acoustic resonator to provide a robust sensing device that may provide for acoustic cleaning of the optical interfacial elements and/or combining optical and acoustic measurements made by the integrated system for analysis purposes. In certain aspects, the high power acoustic resonator may include an acoustic horn for focusing acoustic energy and the optical interfacial elements may be integrated with the acoustic horn.

Abstract: A portable cleaning system and method of use are provided. In one form, a portable cleaning system includes an elongated housing including openings at non-contiguous opposing ends and an internal spray system operable to spray contents placed within the housing along a three hundred and sixty (360) degree radius at multiple stages within the housing. The portable cleaning system includes a plurality of elongated pieces of material hung vertically and substantially covering the non-continguous opposing ends. The plurality include elongated pieces of material operable to reduce an over spray from exiting the housing. The portable cleaning system further includes an automated transfer system operable to transfer a plurality of carts along the length of the housing.

Abstract: A neutralization system for controlling the pH of the washwater used to clean and maintain polyacrylic bound glass forming equipment is provided. The neutralization system introduces a base solution to a washwater solution when the pH of the washwater solution contained in a closed loop washwater recovery system and in a washwater tank holding the washwater solution is determined to be below approximately 8.0. Maintaining the pH of the washwater solution reduces the corrosion rate of the glass fiber forming equipment that is typically associated with acidic binders. In a second embodiment of the invention, a closed-loop hoodwall reclaim washwater recovery system utilized in addition to the washwater neutralization system that allows for the recovery and reuse of a polycarboxylic acid binder with a minimal amount of base solution. The closed-loop hoodwall reclaim washwater system is not connected to the closed-loop washwater neutralization system.

Abstract: A rinsing device for a sensor has a cylinderlike rinsing chamber which has an anterior chamber part connectable to a measuring fluid container and which is configured to receive an immersion tube that contains a sensor and is coaxial with as well as movable along the longitudinal axis L of the rinsing chamber. The rinsing chamber has a rinsing area delimited by an anterior ring groove and a rearward closure. A circumferential wall of the rinsing area has at least one inlet as well as a drainage outlet with an orifice opening for a rinsing medium. The anterior ring groove is aligned at an oblique angle (?) to the longitudinal axis, and the orifice opening borders on the most forwardly positioned location of the circumferential wall. The drainage outlet is directed at a forward angle from the orifice opening, and the circumferential wall has an internal diameter which increases continuously from the rearward end of the rinsing area up to the orifice opening.

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: Apparatus for remotely operated fluid pumping in work spaces, particularly suitable for the cleaning of enclosed space tanks such as those on marine vessels. The apparatus comprises one or more arm assemblies, each made up of two or more arm sections each, with the arm assembly mounted within of the tank. Hydraulic rotary actuators disposed between the arm sections provide up to 360 degree rotation of one arm section with respect to the next. A nozzle is mounted on a pair of hydraulic rotary actuators near the end of the arm assembly distal from the mount, with a hose supplying fluid from a supply pump to the nozzle. Fluids and solids from the cleaning operation can be pumped from the area being cleaned via a discharge pump to a holding vessel, such as a disposal barge. A video camera is mounted on the arm assembly, preferably at the nozzle, to permit an operator to remotely view the cleaning process and area.

Abstract: A dish washing machine capable of smoothly discharging dirt contained in wash water out of a sump so as to prevent the emission of bad smells from the dirt and prevent the propagation of bacteria. The dish washing machine includes a sump to receive and pump wash water, a sump housing forming an external appearance of the sump, a drainage pump coupled with the sump housing to discharge wash water and dirt, and a drainage channel disposed in the sump housing to guide wash water and dirt to the drainage pump.

Abstract: An automatic car wash system is provided for processing multiple vehicles simultaneously. The system according to one embodiment includes an elongate path, a plurality of stations for processing the vehicle, at least two detectors for indicating the presence of the vehicles. The system provides instructions to the drivers of the vehicles so that the vehicles travel through the system under their own power, and thus conveyor systems can be avoided, yet throughput remains high. In one embodiment, the system includes a radio transmitter that is operable to direct specific information to each of the vehicles via radio signals.

Abstract: A load sensing system for maximizing the cleaning efficiency of particulate raw materials such as sand, gravel, rock, ores, etc., in a log washer by sensing the weight of the aggregate in the log washer tank and adjusting the angle of inclination of the tank for cleaning efficiency. The system includes a log washer tank pivoted at its lower end and supported by hydraulic cylinders at its upper end. A height sensor detects changes in the weight of the load and raises or lowers the upper end of the tank when low or high pressure limits are exceeded through solenoid activated hydraulic valves.

Abstract: A programmable microcomputer controlled load sensing system for maximizing the cleaning efficiency of particulate raw materials such as sand, gravel, rock, ores, etc. in a log washer by sensing the weight of the aggregate in the log washer tank and adjusting the angle of inclination of the tank for cleaning efficiency. The system includes a log washer tank pivoted at its lower end and supported by hydraulic cylinders at its upper end. A high/low pressure sensor detects changes in the weight of the load by changes in hydraulic fluid pressure communicated to the microcomputer, and raises or lowers the upper end of the tank when the programmed low or high pressure limits are exceeded through solenoid activated hydraulic valves.

Abstract: Apparatus for remotely operated fluid pumping in work spaces, particularly suitable for the cleaning of enclosed space tanks such as those on marine vessels. The apparatus comprises one or more arm assemblies, each made up of two or more arm sections each, with the arm assembly mounted within of the tank. Hydraulic rotary actuators disposed between the arm sections provide up to 360 degree rotation of one arm section with respect to the next. A nozzle is mounted on a pair of hydraulic rotary actuators near the end of the arm assembly distal from the mount, with a hose supplying fluid from a supply pump to the nozzle. Fluids and solids from the cleaning operation can be pumped from the area being cleaned via a discharge pump to a holding vessel, such as a disposal barge. A video camera is mounted so as to permit an operator to remotely view the cleaning process and area.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for removing contaminates from the surface of a shopping cart such as a grocery cart. The system includes subjecting the cart to multiple stages of disinfection, including washing, sanitizing, and drying stages. A shopping cart is subjected to these stages by conveying the cart on a conveyor system past a plurality of nozzles, which are configured to provide a disinfecting fluid such as water, sanitizer or air. The invention uses sensors to detect the location of a shopping cart during the sanitizing process. The sensors provide indications of the cart's location which may be used to control the operation of the disinfecting stages on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A neutralization system for controlling the pH of the washwater used to clean and maintain polyacrylic bound glass forming equipment. The neutralization system introduces a base solution to a washwater solution when the pH of the washwater solution contained in a closed loop washwater recovery system falls below about 8.5, thereby substantially reducing the corrosion rate of the components of the equipment associated with acidic polyacrylic acid binder, maleic acid cobinder or maleic anhydride cobinder and washwater solution. A closed-loop hoodwall washwater recovery system may also be introduced in addition to the neutralization system that allows for the recovery and reuse of polyacrylic acid binder and maleic acid cobinder or maleic anhydride cobinder with a minimal amount of base solution, thereby minimizing degradation of insulation properties of polyacylic acid bound glass fiber products.

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 for monitoring a cleaning process for a medical device includes a cleaning chamber for receiving and cleaning the instrument with a cleaning liquid, a receiving well within the cleaning chamber, a removable soil standard receivable within the receiving well whereby to be exposed to the cleaning process within the cleaning chamber; and a soil detector coupled to the cleaning chamber and adapted to provide an indication of the amount of the soil on the soil standard while the soil standard is received within the receiving well.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus includes a bath in the form of a vessel filled with a cleaning liquid, a substrate guide disposed on the bottom of the vessel and configured to support at least one substrate vertically, a first sensing unit for sensing the substrate(s) supported by the guide, and a second sensing unit for sensing substrates or remnants thereof disposed on the bottom of the vessel. The first sensing unit has sensor elements installed on the opposite sides of the vessel as situated across from one another. The second sensing unit has sensor elements installed on both sides and on the bottom of the vessel for detecting substrates or remnants from damaged substrates lying on the bottom of the process chamber.