Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cooling a metallic item (1) by discharging a cooling medium from a cooling bar (2) onto the item (1), wherein the cooling medium is discharged through a slot (3) in the cooling bar (2). According to the invention, in order to achieve improved cooling, during the cooling process the width (B) of the slot (3) in the conveying direction (F) of the item (1) or of the cooling bar (2) is altered in order to bring the cooling power of the cooling medium to a desired or predefined level by open-loop or closed-loop control. In addition, the invention relates to a cooling bar.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a first image forming unit which forms a first image on a first recording medium with a first material that is not thermally decolorizable; a second image forming unit which forms a second image on a second recording medium with a second material that is thermally decolorizable; a fixing device which is on a common carrying path shared by the first recording medium and the second recording medium and fixes the first image to the first recording medium; and a controller which controls the fixing device so that a temperature of the fixing device is lower than a decolorizing temperature of the second material when the second recording medium reaches the fixing device.

Abstract: Aspects treat and remove a layer of scale comprising iron oxide and alloying elements oxides that is formed on an advanced high strength metal surface comprising at least two (2) percent by weight of alloy. A first conditioning process compromises structural integrity of or removes iron oxide within the scale layer to expose the alloy oxide to chemical engagement with a disposed aqueous alkali salt solution that is heated to transforming one or more alkali salts within the disposed solution into a quasi-molten form. The alloy oxide is oxidized via reaction with the solution quasi molten alkali salt(s) and water, forming one or more water soluble alkali alloy compounds. A water rinse dissolves and rinses the water soluble compound(s) from the steel product surface of the advanced high strength, leaving a film of iron oxide on the surface that is removed via a final pickling process.

Abstract: A rope is formed of multiple separate strands including at least one soap supply strand, at least one bristle strand and multiple absorbent strands. These strands extend between a proximal end of a distal end of the rope. The bristle strands include bristle bundles extending radially therefrom, preferably concentrated at a central portion of the bristle strands. The soap supply strand has a hollow interior and slits which allow soap to ooze out and be accumulated on the absorbent strands. A liquid soap reservoir is attached to one end of the soap supply strand which can be squeezed to cause soap to ooze out of the slits and be collected upon the absorbent strands. A handle and the liquid soap reservoir at opposing end of the rope allow the bathing tool of elongate flexible form to be maneuvered for scrubbing and washing of skin of a bather.

Abstract: This foreign material removing device for removing a foreign material adhered to a substrate is provided with: a jetting unit that jets a gas toward a substrate portion having a width smaller than the full width of the substrate; a foreign material suction unit that sucks, with the foreign material, the gas jetted toward the substrate from the jetting unit; and a covering body that covers the portion to which the gas is to be jetted by means of the jetting unit.

Abstract: A substrate is held and rotated by a spin chuck, and a coating liquid is discharged to the substrate. The coating liquid that is splashed outwardly from the substrate is received by an outer cup. A cleaning liquid that has been discharged from a cup cleaning nozzle is discharged to an inner peripheral surface of the outer cup through a first guide to clean the outer cup. Thus, the coating liquid, its solidified matter and the like adhering to the outer cup are dissolved and removed from the outer cup. Subsequently, a metal removal liquid that has been discharged from the cup cleaning nozzle is discharged to an inner peripheral surface of the outer cup through a second guide. Thus, a metallic component remaining on the outer cup is dissolved and removed from the outer cup.

Abstract: A semiconductor processing apparatus is described that has a body with a wall defining two processing chambers within the body; a passage through the wall forming a fluid coupling between the two processing chambers; a lid removably coupled to the body, the lid having a portal in fluid communication with the passage; a gas activator coupled to the lid outside the processing chambers, the gas activator having an outlet in fluid communication with the portal of the lid; a substrate support disposed in each processing chamber, each substrate support having at least two heating zones, each with an embedded heating element; a gas distributor coupled to the lid facing each substrate support; and a thermal control member coupled to the lid at an edge of each gas distributor.

Abstract: A device for producing flexographic printing plates starting from digitally imagable flexographic printing elements, with which at least the method steps of reverse exposure, main exposure, development using washout media, drying, and aftertreatment can be carried out in automated form, the device comprising at least two different transport devices with which the flexographic printing elements or plates, respectively, are transported through the device. A method for producing flexographic printing plates using said device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a feeding assembly (1) for automatically loading a flexographic plate (5) in a treatment station (7). The assembly according to the invention comprises a punching unit of said plate (5), handling means (5) for moving the flexographic plate from a loading surface to said punching unit and from said punching unit to a housing site in which a pin bar (14) which can be connected to said plate (5) is arranged. According to the invention, the handling means are configured to connect the plate (5) to said bar automatically and to move the bar, at the end of such a connection, to a predetermined position in which it can be coupled to a treatment system (77) of said treatment station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two component disinfectant composition comprising: (A) a peracetic acid-generating component comprising acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide and an organic phosphonic acid; and (B) a stabilizer component comprising an alkaline agent and a chelating agent, wherein the chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)-L-glutamic acid, methylglycine diacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, and alkali metal salts thereof, and a mixture of two or more thereof and to the aqueous disinfectant solution obtainable by mixing and diluting components (A) and (B) in water. The invention further relates to a method of disinfecting surface and instruments, particularly flexible endoscopes, using said aqueous disinfectant solution.

Abstract: A method of cleaning can bodies having a continuous sidewall closed at one end by an integral bottom portion opposite an open end is described. A can body transporter is populated a plurality of can bodies. The transporter transfers can bodies through a can body washer apparatus from an entry end to a delivery end. A plurality of spray bars are located between the entry end and the delivery end and delivers a washing solution to the plurality of can bodies. A substantially constant can body population density is maintained on the can body transporter by controlling a speed of the can body transporter relative to a rate of production of can bodies produced by an upstream can body making apparatus. A time duration of an exposure of the plurality of can bodies to the solution is controlled by regulating delivery of the solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the conditions of at least one band circulating in a paper making machine along a circulation direction is provided with at least one first detecting device configured to detect at least one first parameter indicative of the humidity of the band and positionable in a first position between a pressing station and a conditioning station of the paper making machine; at least one second detecting device configured to detect at least one second parameter indicative of the humidity of the band and positionable in a second position downstream of the conditioning station; and at least one processing unit configured to determine at least one datum indicative of the condition of the band on the basis of the first parameter indicative of the humidity and of the second parameter indicative of the humidity.

Abstract: A cooling method for a rolling ingot of aluminum alloy after metallurgical homogenization heat treatment of said ingot and before hot rolling, characterized in that cooling by 30 to 150° C. is performed at a rate of 150 to 500° C./h, with a thermal differential of less than 40° C. throughout the treated portion of the ingot is disclosed. A facility allowing use of said method and said implementation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A glass substrate cleansing device includes a transport platform, two spaced air blowing devices located above the transport platform, and a suction device including an air drawing device and a magnetic attraction device, which are mounted on a chassis. The air drawing device includes an air drawing opening arranged between the two air blowing devices. The magnetic attraction device is arranged inside the air drawing opening of the air drawing device. Each of the air blowing devices includes an ultrasonic wave generator mounted therein such that ultrasonic waves emitting from the ultrasonic wave generators are inclined with respect to each other and converge on the glass substrate to be cleansed. The air drawing device includes an impurity storage section in communication with the air drawing opening and an air evacuation device arranged at an end of the impurity storage section that is distant from the air drawing opening.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning or defogging a surgical scope during minimally invasive surgery, including a casing which houses a sponge and a heating element configured to be accessible to the surgical scope and the casing is configured to removably attach to a trocar during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A method for forming a part having a dual property microstructure includes the steps of: forming a blank having a narrow top portion and a wide base portion; heating the blank to an elevated temperature; and forming a dual property microstructure in the blank by cooling different portions of the blank at different cooling rates.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for a separator of an electrical device cuts or severs a separator which includes a melt material representing a substrate and a heat-resistant material laminated on the melt material and having a higher melt temperature than the melt material. The separator cutting apparatus comprises at least two cutting members which are disposed spaced apart from one another, a first suction member, and second suction members. The cutting members cut the separator such that a cut piece generates. The first suction member moves the cut piece in a direction away from the separator while sucking the cut piece. The second suction members suck up the cutting dust produced accompanying the cutting process of the separator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cooling control method which comprises calculating cooling conditions required for cooling the steel plate to a predetermined temperature for a plurality of positions inside a cooling apparatus based on measured temperatures at a time when the steel plate passes through the cooling apparatus by a thermometer disposed at the entry-side of the cooling apparatus and setting a cooling schedule, calculating a heat transfer coefficient from the set temperature and a cooling water density for cooling one surface of the steel plate, calculating a cooling top water density from the calculated heat transfer coefficient, and controlling the amounts of cooling water of the cooling apparatus based on the ratio of the cooling bottom water density and cooling top water density so as to cool the steel plate to a predetermined cooling end temperature.

Abstract: A film peeling apparatus is provided. The film peeling apparatus comprises: a film peeling roller which is sticky; at least one peeling belt which is non-sticky; at least one first rotation shaft which is configured to drive the peeling belt to rotate, wherein when the film peeling roller rotates, the film peeling roller sticks to the film peeling belt and a release film such that the release film is peeled from an original film.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a steel sheet of the invention includes a hot-rolling process in which a steel material is hot-rolled using a finishing mill so as to obtain a hot-rolled steel sheet; and a cooling process in which the hot-rolled steel sheet is cooled. The hot-rolling process includes a target steepness-setting process in which a target steepness of the edge wave shape is set based on first correlation data indicating a correlation between a steepness of the edge wave shape of the hot-rolled steel sheet and a temperature standard deviation Y; and a shape-controlling process in which operation parameters of the finishing mill are controlled so as to match the steepness of the edge wave shape with the target steepness.

Abstract: The method for cooling a hot-rolled steel sheet of the invention includes a target ratio-setting process in which a top and bottom heat transfer coefficient ratio X1, at which a temperature standard deviation Y becomes a minimum value Ymin, is set as a target ratio Xt based on correlation data between a top and bottom heat transfer coefficient ratio X of the hot-rolled steel sheet and the temperature standard deviation Y of the hot-rolled steel sheet; and a cooling control process in which at least one of an amount of heat dissipated from a top surface by cooling and an amount of heat dissipated from a bottom surface by cooling of the hot-rolled steel sheet in the cooling section is controlled so that the top and bottom heat transfer coefficient ratio X of the hot-rolled steel sheet in the cooling section matches the target ratio Xt.

Abstract: An instrument cleaning apparatus facilitates the cleaning of a scope utilized during a surgical procedure. The instrument cleaning apparatus includes a base portion and a fluid retention portion. The base portion includes a substantially tubular wall having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal passageway extending therethrough. The fluid retention portion is in mechanical cooperation with the base portion and is adapted to retain a cleaning fluid therein. The fluid retention portion may be contacted by the scope.

Abstract: A high-pressure liquid jet cleaner removes particles adhered to the inside of scribe lines formed at consistent intervals in a thin film solar cell panel and prevents the surface of a thin film formed at the surface of the solar cell panel from being damaged or detached. Jet nozzles are arranged at consistent intervals in the longitudinal direction of a nozzle holder, corresponding to positions of the respective scribe lines. The nozzle holder is supported by supports provided at both ends of the nozzle holder to allow the nozzle holder to move in the longitudinal direction. While the solar cell panel is conveyed parallel to the scribe lines, a high-pressure liquid is jetted out in a straight line from the jet nozzles to the respective scribe lines for cleaning, such that the high-pressure liquid jetting direction of each jet nozzle is parallel to that of the other jet nozzles.

Abstract: A fluid applicator (20), for cleaning particles from a glass sheet (2), including a conveyor (40) for supporting the glass sheet, a conveyance plane, and a nozzle (24). The conveyance plane is disposed adjacent the conveyor so that when the glass sheet is conveyed by the conveyor, a surface (6) of the glass sheet is disposed in the conveyance plane. The nozzle has a longitudinal axis (23), wherein the longitudinal axis is disposed at an angle of 30 to 90 degrees with respect to the conveyance plane, and the nozzle is disposed at a distance (21) of less than or equal to 100 mm from the conveyance plane. Also, there is disclosed a method for cleaning particles from a glass sheet, using the fluid applicator. The fluid may be delivered to the nozzle at a pressure of 10 to 80 kg/cm2 and a flow rate of from 1 to 20 l/min.

Abstract: Device for cleaning solar modules, of both the photovoltaic and solar thermal type, by projection of a cleaning liquid onto the surface of said modules in the form of spray, is described. The device is of the towed type, for mounting on a tractor vehicle or similar, and is implemented based on an articulated unit which comprises a coupled parallelogram structure, having the possibility of pivoting around a support structure solidarily joined to the carrier vehicle, joined by the opposite end to a telescopic arm which articulately includes a projection bar on its distal end, with variable positioning, integrating a multiplicity of nozzles for projecting cleaning liquid. The projection bar includes mechanical sensors for positioning thereof on the surface. The different movements are carried out in a controlled manner by actuation of hydraulic cylinders and the articulated joint between the projection bar and the telescopic bar includes a means for adjusting the maximum inclination angle of the projection bar.

Abstract: Cleaning of a hot dip galvanized steel sheet is conducted by bringing a strip-shaped steel sheet which was treated by surface oxidation in advance into contact with a cleaning liquid for 1 second or more, and then bringing the hot dip galvanized steel sheet into contact with pure water, while continuously transferring the hot dip galvanized steel sheet. The method allows efficiently and fully washing off the acidic solution adhered to the surfaces of the hot dip galvanized steel sheet treated by surface oxidation. The invention also provides an apparatus for cleaning the hot dip galvanized steel sheet to carry out the above cleaning method.

Abstract: A method of removing at least a portion of an interaction layer on an electrode region of a solar substrate is provided. The method includes a step of providing a solar substrate including an absorbing region and an electrode region. The absorbing region including an absorbing layer configured to convert light energy into electrical energy. The electrode region is substantially free of the absorbing layer, and the electrode region includes an interaction layer. The method also includes a step of brushing the electrode region to remove at least a portion of the interaction layer.

Abstract: A substrate is moved below a substrate cleaning module in a direction extending from a leading edge to a trailing edge of the substrate cleaning module. A cleaning material is dispensed downward toward a top surface of the substrate along the leading edge of the substrate cleaning module. A rinsing material is dispensed downward toward the top surface of the substrate along the trailing edge of the substrate cleaning module to generate a rinsing meniscus. Vacuum suction is applied at a vacuum suction location along a bottom surface of the substrate cleaning module and parallel to the leading and trailing edges of the substrate cleaning module. The vacuum location is positioned between a dispense location of the cleaning material and a dispense location of the rinsing material. A plenum region located between the dispense location of the cleaning material and the vacuum location is vented.

Abstract: A method of cleaning thin glass substrates comprises applying a sequence of chemical washing steps as the thin glass substrate is being conveyed in a conveyance direction. In addition, surfaces of the glass substrate may be treated to enhance electrostatic discharge properties of the glass substrates.

Abstract: Internal cleaning of inverted cans includes engaging a can's cylindrical wall with a wall-conforming vacuum or adhesive gripper, causing a spraying unit to travel axially in and out of the can's opening while the can is inverted on a circular conveyor, and using a supporting arm or bottom stop to subject the can to a counterforce against a flushing force from sprayed cleaning medium. This prevents the can from being pressed out of a receptacle in which it sits during cleaning.

Abstract: An air conditioning drain cleaning system with an automated blow-out cycle to clean out an evaporator pan drain pipe. The system has a pneumatic valve assembly, a controller, a float level switch assembly and a plurality of air lines in a manifold for actuating the pneumatic valve assembly and blowing out the drain pipe. The controller directs the system to initiate or repeat a blow-out cycle until the drain pipe is clear. The pneumatic valve assembly bisects the drain pipe to selectively close the pipe for cleaning with a pair of high pressure air shots, one shot toward each pipe end to dislodge a clog. The float level switch assembly signals the controller if the condensate level in the drain pan drops. If the condensate level does not drop, the controller initiates a further blow-out cycle at increased pressures until the line is clear.

Abstract: A substrate processing device 100 includes a cleaning liquid supply unit 114 supplying a cleaning liquid to a surface of a substrate W, a solvent supply unit 115 supplying a volatile solvent to the surface of the substrate W supplied with the cleaning liquid to replace the cleaning liquid on the surface of the substrate W with the volatile solvent, a heating unit 117 heating the substrate W supplied with the volatile solvent, and a drying unit 118 drying the surface of the substrate W by removing a droplet of the volatile solvent produced on the surface of the substrate W by a heating operation of the heating unit 117, and the heating unit 117 and the drying unit 118 are arranged in a course of transportation of the substrate W transported from the solvent supply unit 115.

Abstract: A device and method for post-treating a metal strip ,, wherein a pickled metal strip (2) coming from a pickling zone is advanced continuously through a rinsing zone (4) in which residues of a pickling agent adhering to the surface (11) of the metal strip (2) are removed by spraying the metal strip with rinsing fluid. At least one device (8) for generating a liquid mist (9) is provided in the rinsing zone (4). The device (8) can moisten the surface (14) of the metal strip (2) during an interruption of the continuous operation or of a sharply reduced speed of the strip. The device (8) has mist spraying jets above the surfaces of the metal strip.

Abstract: A rapid and effective means for decontaminating fouled oil-control booms is provided. The process involves washing the boom with pressured washing fluid, reorienting the boom to facilitate full inspection, and drying the boom. This can be performed in an assembly-line manner, using one or more conveyors to transport the boom sequentially to a washing area, an inspection area, and a drying area. Consequently, contaminated oil-control booms can be cleaned and redeployed rapidly and inexpensively during an oil release accident.

Abstract: By a first transport robot, n substrates are unloaded from a first retaining portion, then simultaneously transported, and respectively loaded into n substrate holders consecutively arranged from one side defined with respect to an arrangement direction. Thereafter, a rotation mechanism rotates n+m substrate holders so as to perform a substrate inverting operation and so as to arrange the n+m substrate holders along the arrangement direction in an arrangement sequence reverse to a pre-rotation arrangement sequence. Thereafter, the n substrates loaded into the n substrate holders are unloaded in a group of m in a sequence from the one side, and loaded into a second retaining unit by a second transport robot. After the substrate inverting operation, n substrates are unloaded from the first retaining unit, and loaded again into n substrate holders consecutively arranged from the one side by the first transport robot.

Abstract: A method for descaling a metal strip, in which the metal strip is guided in a direction of conveyance through at least two plasma descaling units, in which it is subjected to a plasma descaling, where the plasma descaling is followed directly or indirectly by an operation in which the metal strip is coated with a coating metal by hot dip galvanizing of the metal strip. The metal strip is coated with the coating metal by a vertical passage process. The coating metal is retained as a coating bath in a coating tank by an electromagnetic seal. The metal strip preheated by the plasma descaling is guided, without exposure to air, from the plasma descaling into a protective gas atmosphere of a continuous furnace necessary for the coating.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods related to cleaning during manufacture of radio-frequency (RF) modules. Such modules can be manufactured in an array on a panel. At one or more stages, it can be desirable to perform cleaning operations for such panels. In some embodiments, a cleaning system can include a first belt transport apparatus configured to support a first surface of the panel and move the panel during a cleaning process. The cleaning system can further include a second belt transport apparatus configured to engage a second surface of the panel to keep the panel on the first belt transport apparatus during the cleaning process. At least the second belt transport apparatus can include a mesh, with the mesh having a coating configured to reduce the likelihood of damage to the second surface of the panel and to provide desired electrostatic discharge protection for the panel.

Abstract: A method is provided for at least one of cleaning and lubricating a sprocket chain (3) while said sprocket chain remains operationally mounted on a vehicle (1). The sprocket chain is enclosed on all sides in a housing (10). The housing consists of mutually connectable upper half-shell (11) and lower half-shell (12) portions which, when connected, define a chain passageway for allowing the sprocket chain to pass through. The housing is suspended from the sprocket chain by a plurality of rollers (26) mounted within the housing. High velocity air is directed to impinge upon the sprocket chain by at least one air knife (23). A hose is connected from a compressed air supply to a tubular hose connection (21) on a surface of the upper half-shell.

Abstract: A method of web cleaning, particularly relatively soft polymeric webs, without using dipping baths or ultrasonic energy. The method includes conveying the web against a backup roller and spraying the web with a high pressure liquid while the web is supported by the backup roller. Thereafter, residual fluid from the high pressure stream is stripped from the web by a gas curtain while the web is supported by the backup roller. In many convenient embodiments, the web is contacted with a cleaning roller while the web is in contact with the backup roller.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for making a chemical head including forming a first return chamber in the chemical head, forming a second return chamber in the chemical head, forming a plurality of first return conduits from a head surface to the first return chamber, forming a plurality of second return conduits from a head surface to the second return chamber and wherein at least one of the first return conduits and the second return conduits being formed at a first angle relative to the head surface, the first angle being greater than about 20 degrees to a meniscus plane normal.

Abstract: A surface treatment method of a metal member according to an embodiment of the invention includes removing an oily substance on the metal member by using gas-liquid two fluids that are obtained by boiling heated and pressured water under ordinary pressure. A surface treatment device of a metal member for removing an oily substance on the metal member includes self-generation two fluids production means for producing gas-liquid two fluids by boiling heated and pressured water under ordinary pressure, and a surface treatment room carrying out a surface treatment by bringing the self-generation two fluids into contact with the metal member.

Abstract: A disclosed substrate cleaning apparatus for cleaning a back surface of a substrate includes a first substrate supporting portion configured to support the substrate at a first area of a back surface of the substrate, the back surface facing down; a second substrate supporting portion configured to support the substrate at a second area of the back surface of the substrate, the second area being separated from the first area; a cleaning liquid supplying portion configured to supply cleaning liquid to the back surface of the substrate; a drying portion configured to dry the second area of the back surface of the substrate; and a cleaning portion configured to clean a third area of the back surface of the substrate when the substrate is supported by the first substrate supporting portion, the third area including the second area, and a fourth area of the back surface of the substrate when the substrate is supported by the second substrate supporting portion, the fourth area excluding the second area of the back

Abstract: A cleaning device (1) performs a cleaning of an article by blowing a cleaning medium (5) by an air stream onto the article (4). The cleaning device (1) includes a cleaning tank (6) that forms a space for the cleaning medium (5) to be blown, which includes an opening; a holding unit (3) that holds the article (4) at the opening; a pool member (19) that is arranged on an outer edge of the opening with a clearance between the pool member (19) and the article (4); and a cleaning-medium collecting unit (8) that brings the cleaning medium (5) leaked out of the outer edge and accumulated in the clearance back into the cleaning tank (6).

Abstract: A rapid and effective means for decontaminating fouled oil-control booms is provided. The process involves washing the boom with pressured washing fluid, reorienting the boom to facilitate full inspection, and drying the boom. This can be performed in an assembly-line manner, using one or more conveyors to transport the boom sequentially to a washing area, an inspection area, and a drying area. Consequently, contaminated oil-control booms can be cleaned and redeployed rapidly and inexpensively during an oil release accident.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a mandrel bar cleaning facility capable of effectively suppressing carburization generated on the inner surface of a pipe or tube while the pipe or tube is elongated and rolled without hindering an operation. A mandrel bar cleaning facility of the present invention cleans a mandrel bar B which is pulled out of a mandrel bar conveying line after being used for elongating and rolling a pipe or tube in a mandrel mill. The mandrel bar cleaning facility is provided with conveying devices that convey the mandrel bar B in the axial direction while revolving the mandrel bar B in the peripheral direction, and cleaning devices that are arranged oppositely to the side of the mandrel bar B conveyed by the conveying devices and jet high-pressure water having a water pressure of 0.2 to 150 MPa (preferably, 20 to 150 MPa) toward the outer surface of the mandrel bar B.

Abstract: A conveyor dishwasher (2) has a control apparatus (50) for automatically setting the quantity of final rinse liquid sprayed in the final rinse zone (18) per unit time as a function of the conveying speed and/or as a function of the type of washware conveyed through the final rinse zone (18). A rinse aid metering apparatus (57) is also provided which is designed to add in a metered fashion a constant quantity of rinse aid per unit time to the fresh water provided for final rinsing purposes independently of the quantity of final rinse liquid sprayed in the final rinse zone (18) per unit time.

Abstract: A method of removing material such as surface treatments, metal coatings, and other material layers from an edge region of a metal work piece where they could potentially contaminate a nearby weld. According to one embodiment, a scraper tool includes a body having a base portion and a tab portion, and several scraping elements attached to the base portion. During operation, the scraping elements scrape one or more surfaces of the edge region so that the depth to which the scraping element engage the metal work piece is generally affected by the amount of rotation of the scraper tool about a pivot axis.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for processing a substrate are described. The methods include generating a fluid meniscus between upper and lower proximity heads. Each of the upper and lower proximity heads has a length that extends up to at least a diameter of the substrate. The method further includes dispensing a pre-wetting fluid towards an edge region of the substrate to form a pre-wet fluid meniscus on the edge region. The method also includes progressively moving the substrate along a path that is defined between the upper and lower proximity heads to progressively establish contact between the pre-wet fluid meniscus and the fluid meniscus.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for cleaning a filter cloth, comprising: a cleaning station comprising a gas flow device and a support surface defining an aperture; and a collection device positioned below the aperture for receiving material removed from the filter cloth; wherein the gas flow device is configured to provide a flow of gas through an area of filter cloth located above the aperture so as to remove material from the filter cloth and direct it into the collection device.

Abstract: A system for impingement air treatment of a thin film conveyor generally includes a thin film conveyor having a width, a first surface, and a second surface, and a first impingement air device configured to blow impingement air on at least one of the first and second surfaces across at least a portion of the width of the thin film conveyor. Other systems and methods for impingement air treatment of conveyors are also provided.