Abstract: A system includes a spray head comprising a spray head inlet for hydraulic connection of a cleaning fluid, a spray head outlet for directing the cleaning fluid at a planar surface of a louver, and a movable mount for positioning the spray head proximate the planar surface of the louver. The system may include a carriage frame attached to the cooling tower proximate the louver. The system may include the movable mount being movably mounted on the carriage frame and movable in at least two orthogonal directions along the planar surface of the louver. The system may include a control system for controlling movement of the movable mount on the carriage frame and supply of the cleaning fluid to the spray head so as to cause the cleaning fluid to be sprayed at preselected portions of the louver at preselected times.

Abstract: A system for remedying deep-sea mine tailings includes a reaction basin in which the solid-liquid ratio of deep-sea mine tailings is adjusted and into which aluminum sulfate is injected as an additive for extraction of heavy metals from the deep-sea mine tailings.

Abstract: A cleaning method according to the present invention comprises mounting the metal filter on a jig that is vertically elevatable and horizontally slidable in a cleaning bath so that the opening is faced downward, descending the jig so that a first nozzle installed in the cleaning bath enters the opening, injecting a predetermined amount of water and a cleaning solution into the cleaning bath so that the metal filter is immersed, spraying compressed air through the first nozzle to discharge bubbles of the compressed air toward an inner surface of the metal filter, draining the cleaning bath, spraying water through a second nozzle to remove the cleaning solution from the metal filter, and spraying the compressed air through the first nozzle to dry the metal filter. An apparatus for cleaning a metal filter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pool filter cleaning system is disclosed. The pool filter system allows for an efficient cleaning of contaminated pool filters without disposing contaminants into the ground or drain while also preserving water used. The system includes a container body having an interior volume divided into an upper wash compartment and a lower catch chamber. A system filter is disposed between the upper wash compartment and the lower catch chamber. A cleaning platform is disposed above the system filter and is configured to support a contaminated pool filter. The system further includes one or more pressure differential ports disposed on the container body. The one or more pressure differential ports are configured to receive a corresponding pressure generator apparatus for creating a pressure differential between the upper wash compartment and the lower catch chamber.

Abstract: A system for cleaning filter cartridges having a cylindrically configured filter media. The cleaning system includes a tank for containing a cleaning liquid, and an open-sided cage for removably receiving and containing one of the filter cartridges to be cleaned. The cage is supported on a drive shaft of a motorized drive that is positionable for disposing the open-sided cage and filter cartridge contained therein in cleaning liquid in the tank and is selectively operable for rotating the open-sided cage and filter cartridge contained therein during a cleaning cycle for cleaning the filter media of the contained filter cartridge.

Abstract: A centrifuge for cleaning a reaction vessel unit comprises a rotor and a rotor chamber in which the rotor is positioned and supported in rotary fashion. The rotor chamber is delimited by a housing having a drainage channel beneath the rotor. Adjacent to the channel, the inner surface of the housing is embodied in the form of a funnel that feeds into the channel. This centrifuge does not require a suction pump for suctioning liquids from the rotor chamber. In addition, the centrifuge can be provided with an exchangeable module that delimits the rotor chamber and includes the rotor. The exchangeable module can be exchanged after a predetermined amount of use and replaced with another. It is also possible, however, for the module to be removed from the centrifuge, cleaned, and reinserted.

Abstract: A furnace for removing a molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core through sublimation comprising a retort furnace having an interior; a sublimation fixture insertable within the interior of the retort furnace, the sublimation fixture configured to receive at least one turbine blade having the molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core; a flow passage thermally coupled to the retort furnace configured to heat a fluid flowing through the flow passage and deliver the fluid to the molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core causing sublimation of the molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a cooling tube array (15) of a heat exchanger has a nozzle carriage (16) movably held on a truss beam, and a plurality of cleaning nozzles (40) mounted to the nozzle carriage. A truss beam has two parallel C-channel rails (20) having back sides that face each other, a tube (22) arranged separate and distant from the C-channel rails and at a different height than the C-channel rails in a cross-sectional plane of the truss beam, and truss supports (24) connecting the rails and the tube; the nozzle carriage has rollers (48) that are arranged for travelling in the C-channel rails. A water intake (82) is coupled to the nozzle manifold (42) and to a hydraulic drive (80) having a mechanical power take-off member (96) that is operably coupled to the nozzle carriage (16) for moving the nozzle carriage.

Abstract: An automated system and method for washing bins. The system includes an infeed conveyor zone having a first conveyor platform for transporting the bins in a conveying direction. The system also includes a bin rotator disposed next to the infeed conveyor zone and rotates upward to allow the bins to be flipped and then loaded onto the first conveyor platform. The system further includes a bin washer zone located downstream from the infeed conveyor zone and having a second conveyor platform for receiving and transporting the bins in the conveying direction. The bin washer zone has sprayers for washing and sanitizing the bins with pressurized liquid. A flipping zone is located downstream from the bin washer zone for allowing the bins to be flipped and transferred onto an outfeed zone that allows the bins to be transported into a loading position at the end of the outfeed zone for reuse.

Abstract: A method for providing pre-assembled and sterilized container closure assemblies that are each adapted to be secured onto a container including manufacturing pre-assembled container closure assemblies each adapted to be secured onto a container, injection molding a monolithic spout body of thermoplastic material, injection molding a manually removable rotational cap, securing the cap onto the neck of the spout body in a closed position of the cap, submerging each of the pre-assembled container closure assemblies in a bath of sterilizing liquid, and removing the container closure assemblies from the bath of sterilizing liquid, and allowing the sterilizing liquid to drain. A pre-assembled container closure assembly adapted to be secured onto a container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A produce bin washer for washing produce bins of an open-box type may include a housing and a conveyor for advancing a plurality of empty produce bins along a path of travel through the housing. The produce bin washer may include at least one scrubbing brush within the housing adjacent the conveyor and along the path of travel. The produce bin washer may also include a positioner within the housing for sequentially lifting and rotating each empty produce bin from the conveyor onto the at least one scrubbing brush to scrub the interior, and returning the empty produce bin to the conveyor. A sprayer may be within the housing for spraying a cleaning solution onto the empty produce bins, and a collector may also be within the housing for collecting sprayed cleaning solution.

Abstract: A piercer washing port is provided at a position on the trajectory of a piercer differing from the sampling position. The piercer washing port is cylindrically shaped and has an opening for inserting the piercer in the upper surface and a washing space for housing the piercer inserted from the opening. Air injection ports for injecting air and washing liquid expelling ports for expelling water serving as a washing liquid are provided on the inside wall surface of the piercer washing port. The air injection ports are provided at four locations equally spaced on the periphery along the inside wall surface of the washing space. The washing liquid expelling ports 44 are provided at four locations equally spaced on the periphery along the inside wall surface of the washing space at different positions than those of the air injection ports.

Abstract: Keg washers and locking mechanisms for keg washers are disclosed. The keg washers may include a base assembly, a cleaning head, a head mechanism, and a locking mechanism configured to secure the keg to the base assembly. The locking mechanism may include a holder mechanism and a neck holder fixedly mounted to the holder mechanism. The neck holder may include a first opening and a second opening. The holder mechanism may be configured, when the cleaning head is moved from a retracted position toward an extended position, to move the neck holder from a first position in which a first neck portion of a keg is received in the first opening but a second neck portion is not received in the second opening, to a second position in which the first neck portion is received in the first opening and the second neck portion is received in the second opening.

Abstract: A toilet tool cleansing system employs a mixing eductor that disperses a disinfectant solution into a water stream that is sprayed onto the tool and thereafter collected and discharged into a toilet via a drain eductor. The cleansing system includes plumbing and a valve adapted to be in fluid communication with an existing water supply source. A housing receives the toilet tool. The housing has at least one spray nozzle in fluid communication with the mixing eductor for dispensing the water and disinfectant on the tool. The drain eductor propels waste liquids from the system into a toilet bowl.

Abstract: A method for rinsing a treatment cell of a workpiece surface treatment system, which obtains a surface-treated workpiece by sequentially carrying the treatment cell containing the workpiece to a series of apparatuses for operations in the respective apparatuses is provided. A surface treatment apparatus performs a surface treatment on the workpiece by receiving the treatment cell from a carrying apparatus and supplying a surface treatment liquid to the inside of the treatment cell while rotating the treatment cell. A workpiece collection apparatus collects the workpiece by receiving the treatment cell from the carrying apparatus, inverts the treatment cell, and squirts the inside of the treatment cell with water from below to flow out the workpiece. The carrying apparatus carries the treatment cell to the surface treatment apparatus, and then to the workpiece collection apparatus.

Abstract: An improved portable cleaning system for use in cleaning heat exchanger tube bundles, fin-fans, towers and other elongated components. The cleaning system comprises a cleaning unit having a cleaning enclosure that receives and cleans the component and a control unit that controls the operation of the system. The cleaning unit has a cleaning enclosure defining a chamber sized and configured to receive the component through a sealable lid. A roller assembly rotates the component while a spray assembly sprays cleaning fluid over and into the rotating component. The cleaning fluid is heated in the chamber using surface heating elements attached to heat transfer plates along sections of the chamber walls. A vapor recovery system captures and treats toxic vapors. In use, the cleaning system is transported to a facility to clean the components on-site using cleaning fluid supplied by the facility and discharging waste to the facility.

Abstract: A rotating pressure washing stand for spa or pool filter that includes an open-topped cylindrical housing having a vertical rod centrally disposed therein, a buoyant base disc insertable around said rod, said buoyant base disc configured to releasably support an extant pool or spa filter thereon, wherein water pressurized through a pressure washer is forcibly ejected from a plurality of nozzles disposed in a spiral around the housing into the interior of the housing, said plurality of nozzles including a lowermost nozzle oriented to directionally jet water and rotationally engage a plurality of fin members disposed on a bottom surface of the base disc, whereby a filter is rotated and cleaned inside the housing without a user having to scrub the filter or bend over so to do.

Abstract: A spray device for cleaning residue from a filter member. In one embodiment, the spray device includes a tubular stem telescopically slideable in a sleeve. A coil spring surrounds the stem and resists movement of the stem out of the sleeve. A tubular halo with nozzles is fastened to the end of the tubular stem so that when a pressurized fluid is applied to the stem, the stem is forced out of the sleeve against the spring force, thereby causing the halo to travel along a cylindrical filter surface. The pressurized fluid is also jetted from the nozzles and cleans the cylindrical surface. When the pressurized fluid is removed from the spray device, the spring retracts the stem and the halo back to a rest position. In another embodiment, the halo is replaced with a nozzle head that moves within a cylindrical filter surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: Washing apparatus includes a washing chamber having two lateral walls, bottom wall and upper wall, and at the front an aperture for inlet and/or outlet; a main distribution circuit to distribute treatment fluid inside the chamber; a trolley-type movement device, insertable into the chamber, including a frame to support objects to be subjected to a washing cycle in the chamber and on which treatment fluid distribution elements are mounted. The frame formed by hollow tubular elements functioning as a secondary distribution circuit of washing liquid towards the distribution elements; a connector element located on a frame upper part as a secondary distribution circuit delivery element; and a hydraulic connection pipe mounted on the upper wall, to connect hydraulically the main distribution circuit to the secondary distribution circuit connector element, selectively movable vertically between a first position connected to the connector element and a second position separate from the connector element.

Abstract: Filter Flosser is a tool designed for cleaning cartridge filters that are used in pools, spas and industrial filtration systems. There is an ergonomically designed handle with an on/off ball valve switch to turn water flow on or off. There is a nozzle portion that is curved to wrap partially around the shape of a cartridge filter. There are holes in the nozzle portion which are evenly spaced that spray water into the cartridge filter elements to get between the pleats and remove dirt deposits.

Abstract: In the case of a device and a method for cleaning substrates on a carrier, to the underside of which the substrates are fastened so as to be parallel to and slightly apart from one another, the carrier has in its interior a plurality of longitudinal channels, which run parallel to one another. As a result of the sawing of the wafers, they merge, via openings, into interstices between the substrates. As a result of a relative movement, an elongate tube, from which cleaning fluid is let out, is introduced into one of the longitudinal channels, the relative movement being achieved substantially through moving of the carrier.

Abstract: A conduit for a dishwashing appliance that is height adjustable to is provided that can accommodate different vertical positions of a rack assembly. One end of the conduit moves up and down with the rack assembly while maintaining a connection with e.g., a spray arm assembly suspended from the bottom of the rack assembly. The other end of the conduit remains in a relatively fixed vertical position during height adjustments so as to enable connection and reconnection at the fixed position of a main fluid supply conduit.

Abstract: A clean and purge tool (CAPT) is provided and includes a nest assembly that stows an open hard disk drive (HDD). The nest assembly is rotated from an upward facing position to a downward facing position to dislodge particles from a media clamp of the HDD. The CAPT also includes a cover hingedly attached to the nest assembly and encloses the HDD. The CAPT also includes a spindle clamp assembly (SCA) mounted on the cover and has a vacuum tube configured to encapsulate the media clamp. The SCA includes an air purge nozzle extending into the vacuum tube. The CAPT dislodges particles from the media clamp when pulses of compressed gas are applied to the media clamp by a compressed gas source via the air purge nozzle and evacuates the particles from the vacuum tube when a vacuum is applied to the vacuum tube by a vacuum source.

Abstract: An improved portable cleaning system for use in cleaning heat exchanger tube bundles, fin-fans, towers and other elongated components. The cleaning system comprises a cleaning unit having a cleaning enclosure that receives and cleans the component and a control unit that controls the operation of the system. The cleaning unit has a cleaning enclosure defining a chamber sized and configured to receive the component through a sealable lid. A roller assembly rotates the component while a spray assembly sprays cleaning fluid over and into the rotating component. The cleaning fluid is heated in the chamber using surface heating elements attached to heat transfer plates along sections of the chamber walls. A vapor recovery system captures and treats toxic vapors. In use, the cleaning system is transported to a facility to clean the components on-site using cleaning fluid supplied by the facility and discharging waste to the facility.

Abstract: Devices, including a wash ring assembly, and methods are provided for the removal of excess fluid or solids from the exterior or interior of a probe used to transfer fluids, for instance, in an automated assay device. Typically, a probe is used to aspirate and dispense a sample fluid material such as whole blood or a reagent. The devices and methods provided herein are useful for removing excess fluid from the exterior or interior of the probe so as to prevent dripping and cross-contamination between samples or reagents. It is also contemplated that, utilizing the devices and methods provided herein, washing and/or drying can be performed simultaneously as the probe is in motion, aspirating a sample and/or dispensing a sample.

Abstract: A method of substrate edge treatment includes forming a processing target film on a treatment target substrate, applying an energy line to a predetermined position on the processing target film to form a latent image on the processing target film, heating the treatment target substrate in which the latent image is formed on the processing target film, developing the processing target film after the heating, inspecting whether a residue is present at an edge of the treatment target substrate after the developing, and cleaning an end of the treatment target substrate to remove the residue at the edge of the treatment target substrate determined to be defective in the inspecting.

Abstract: A reusable filter cartridge having a symmetrical structure, the reusable filter cartridge comprising a tubular outer pipe having perforations arranged therein. A tubular inner pipe having perforations is arranged therein, and has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the outer pipe such that an annulus is formed between the outer and inner pipes. A filtering media is disposed in the annulus between the outer and inner pipes. A first and second lid is provided, each being secured at opposite ends of the outer and inner pipes; one of the lids having a central opening therein for water to flow out of or into the inner pipe. The reusable filter cartridge further comprises a coupling arrangement for coupling the filter cartridge with a rotating element of a cleaning device so that the filter media can be cleaned by rotation of the filter cartridge around its axis inside the cleaning device.

Abstract: A method and system for positioning a wafer on a bake plate in a processing module that includes lowering a bake plate cover assembly over the wafer during a baking process, raising the bake plate cover assembly after the baking process, removing the wafer, determining whether the bake plate cover assembly requires cleaning, then either processing another wafer if the cover assembly does not need cleaning or establishing a cleaning process for the bake plate cover assembly if the cover does need cleaning. Automated sensing of the state of the cover assembly may be employed, and cleaning process may be automatically performed in response to the cleaning need determination.

Abstract: Spray pipe of a conveyor ware washer for spraying items to be washed with liquid, comprising a plurality of nozzles, which are arranged one behind another in the longitudinal direction of the pipe, and an inlet, from which liquid can flow in the longitudinal direction of the pipe to the nozzles, characterized in that, at least in the case of two nozzles one following another in the liquid supply direction, the nozzle located closer to the inlet has a nozzle opening with a larger opening cross section than the nozzle adjacent to it further away from the inlet.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and chemistries for removing layers of stubborn silicon and silicon-nitride contamination layers from the inside surfaces of such articles as deposition tubes. In such embodiments, a tube to be cleaned is gently rolled on it side while a portion the tube's interior surface is exposed to an etchant. The tube is only partially filled with etchant to reduce the requisite etchant volume, and the rolling motion evenly exposes the contaminated inner surface to the etchant.

Abstract: An industrial air or liquid handling device access and cleaning apparatus which allows the cleaning operator to clean the interior of a device while the device continues in operation, thus negating the need to shut down the system. The apparatus incorporates a cleaning nozzle attached to a cleaning agent delivery tube or hose which projects into the interior of the device through a sealing mechanism which ensures an air-tight seal around the periphery of the tube while still allowing rotational and longitudinal movement of the tube. The preferred embodiment connects, in seriatim, a pipe “T” junction with a pressure relief valve, a pipe bell reducer, a pipe extension, and an access control valve. Inside the device, the tube and nozzle are carried by a rotatably mounted slotted tracking tube for directing the cleaning nozzle through a predefined range of both axial and angular movement.

Abstract: A method of installing an inspection port on a pipe having asbestos insulation extending therearound in which the method has the steps of positioning the inspection port within a glove bag, affixing an opening of the glove bag onto a surface of the pipe, removing a section of asbestos insulation from the pipe, installing the inspection port onto the pipe within an area of the removed section, and removing the glove bag from the surface of the pipe. An air flow through the bag removes heat from the interior of the glove bag. The interior of the glove bag is maintained at a pressure below ambient.

Abstract: An automatic cleaning apparatus and/or method for periodically cleaning a filling machine during a filling cycle without the need for human interaction to initiate the cleaning process. In some embodiments, a controller automatically initiates a cleaning sequence at predetermined intervals. The predetermined intervals can be a time interval, such as every thirty minutes for example, or based upon filling characteristics, such as after a predetermined number of containers are filled or a predetermined amount of product has flowed through the filling machine. In some embodiments, the controller performs many operations during the cleaning process. For example, the controller can prevent containers from entering the filling machine and control the operation of a cleaning manifold. Upon completion of the cleaning operation, the controller waits a predetermined period while filing operations commence before automatically initiating the next cleaning operation.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for surface treating boundary walls of an interior chamber formed in a workpiece. Nozzle members are inserted through access openings which communicate with opposite sides of the interior chamber and are positioned so that discharge openings of the nozzle members are disposed in closely adjacent and directly opposed relationship. High velocity streams of carrier fluid having entrained solid abrasive media therein are simultaneously discharged from the nozzle members so that the opposed streams directly violently impact and are deflected radially outwardly for impact against the surrounding boundary walls. The opposed nozzle members are preferably simultaneously synchronously moved lengthwise of the chamber to effect treating of the boundary walls.

Abstract: A flexible container for liquid transport made of a flexible material includes a top face portion, a bottom face portion, and a peripheral face portion connecting the top face portion and the bottom face portion. An air tight, water resistant slide fastener is openably/closably mounted to the peripheral face portion of the container. A liquid stirring port is provided at the top face portion, and a liquid injecting and ejecting port are provided at a lower end of a rear face portion of the peripheral face portion. Container suspending pieces and bottom face portion fixing pieces are mounted at the top face portion of the container and at four corners of the bottom face portion. During washing, the container can be washed reliably and efficiently while the inside of the spread out container can be visually checked by efficiently utilizing the air tight, water resistant slide fastener, liquid stirring port, liquid injecting and ejecting port, and container suspending pieces, and bottom face port fixing pieces.

Abstract: A self-cleaning filter assembly includes a cylindrical cartridge filter element supported on a coaxially mounted hydrodynamic bearing for rotation of the cartridge filter element about its longitudinal axis. The cylindrical cartridge filter element includes a hollow interior for receiving filtered water. A water spray manifold is provided proximate to the cartridge filter element and includes spray nozzles for providing a water spray capable of rotating the cartridge filter element about its longitudinal axis. A diverter valve receives flow of water to be filtered. With the diverter valve in a first position, the received flow of water submerges the cartridge filter element, with the filtered water received at the hollow interior of the cartridge filter element. With the diverter valve, in a second position, the received flow of water is provided to the water spray manifold causing it to fill under pressure.

Abstract: A device for cleaning roller covers. A spray head has a fluid inlet with a fastener collar and a fluid collection chamber in communication with the fluid inlet defined by a retention wall. A plurality of spray apertures are radially spaced within the retention wall to be adjacent the nap of a roller cover during use. A sealing surface positioned within the radius of the spray apertures seals off an end of the roller cover. A housing having an inner cavity for receiving roller covers has a diameter sized to create cleansing fluid flow through the nap of a roller cover. A plurality of outlet apertures in communication with the inner cavity are radially spaced to be adjacent fibrous portions of a roller cover during use. A drain outlet in communication with the outlet apertures drains fluid from the housing. An outwardly protruding flange about the housing coacts with a fastening ring to tighten the housing against the spray head.

Abstract: A container rinsing apparatus and method of rinsing a container that includes a nozzle positioned to spray liquid at a particular spray angle toward the interior surface of the container when the top surface of the container depresses a base cover of the rinsing apparatus. The rinsing apparatus is capable of completely rinsing virtually any shape of container without requiring manipulation of the container relative to the rinsing device during rinsing. When the container is positioned to engage the rinsing apparatus, the nozzle is closer to the open end of the container than the closed end.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and methods for cleaning bins including a lance provided with a nozzle assembly for discharging cleaning fluid (and optionally drying air) towards the inner wall surfaces of a bin. The lance can be advanced into and retracted from the bin while undergoing lateral displacement to maintain the nozzle assembly in close proximity with the inner wall surfaces during cleaning (and optionally drying). The lance can have a rastering mode of operation which is used when the forward end of the lance is adjacent the base of the bin.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for cleaning filters prior to recycling or disposal. In this process and apparatus liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide contacts the plugged pores of a filter under conditions in which carbon dioxide remains in the liquid or supercritical state.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning re-usable filters, the re-usable filter having an axis, the apparatus. The apparatus includes a source of cleaning fluid; a receptacle for dirty cleaning fluid; a mount for holding the re-usable filter, the mount spinning about the filter's axis; a nozzle for directing a spray of cleaning fluid against the filter; a pump for delivering cleaning fluid from the source of cleaning fluid to the nozzle; and a cover for enclosing the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel devices and methods for cleaning filters, preferably pool filters. The subject device and methods provide the advantages of cleaning the entire circumference of a cylindrical pool filter while minimizing the spray of water and debris onto the operator.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning carriers used for handling semiconductor wafers including a box cleaner having a rotor within an enclosure. Box holder assemblies on the rotor include upper and lower hooks for securing boxes to the rotor. A box door holder assembly is also provided on the rotor. The box door holder assembly preferably has a plurality of box door holding positions. Each box door holding position advantageously has a door guide and door hooks for holding a door. The box door holder assembly allows both the boxes and their doors to be cleaned with the centrifugal cleaner, avoiding the need for separate cleaning of the doors. In one configuration, the rotor is provided with an even number of box holder assemblies symmetrically spaced about the rotor and an even number of door holder assemblies symmetrically spaced about the rotor.

Abstract: Equipment of pretreatment before painting for a composite vehicle body comprises a treatment tank, an aluminum chemical conversion unit, and a rinse unit. The treatment tank is filled with a degreasing and chemical conversion solution containing a mixed solution of a polar organic solvent and water, any of sodium ion and lithium ion, phosphate ion, zinc ion, nickel ion, manganese ion, and any of nitrate ion and nitrite ion. The mixed solution has a weight ratio of the polar organic solution to the water in a range of 2.8:7.2 to 3.8:6.2. The aluminum chemical conversion unit treats the composite vehicle body with a chemical conversion solution for aluminum. The rinse unit washes the composite vehicle body with a washing solution.

Abstract: In an apparatus containing rotating filter media that removes solids from a fluid stream, the invention provides devices and methods for improved cleaning of the filter media. Solids trapped on the filter media are removed by the application of a pressurized fluid spray system. The spray system has nozzles distributed across a spray arm. The nozzles create a generally elliptical spray fan pattern in contact with the filter media. The nozzles are spaced and angularly oriented on the spray arm so that adjacent spray fan contact areas overlap. This distribution and orientation equalizes the distribution of the washing flow and hydraulic energy over the filter area, thereby maintaining the filter material in a more uniformly clean and effective filtering condition.

Abstract: Appliance (100) having a housing (101) of compact dimensions wherein articles, particularly nursing bottles (123, 179) and accessories (119), are treated inside a chamber (1). Treatment is achieved with dosed amounts of fresh water retrieved from a fresh water tank (7), by successive cycles of washing, rinsing, and sterilizing. The treatment cycles use additives and high-speed jets of heated liquid and of steam, which are filtered for repeated use. At the end of the treatment, liquids are purged to a wastewater tank (33). Self-treatment of the appliance is provided by use of the same treatment cycles. The appliance is independent of external water supply, portable and automatic for use in situ, where electricity supply is available.

Abstract: A liquid waste disposal and canister flushing system for a medical canister including a press-fit canister lid, features a cabinet with an opening and a sink with a drain positioned therein. A mounting bracket is affixed to the cabinet and includes a shaft connected to the canister bracket for rotating the canister and a shaft connected to the lid removal bracket for removing the canister lid from the canister. The canister is secured within the canister bracket and is rotated from an initial position to a drainage position. The canister lid is positioned on the removal bracket and is rotated from an initial position to a removal position. Once the canister is rotated into the drainage position, the pressurized and diluted cleaning solution source is activated to flush the contents out of the canister and into the sink and drain. After the canister is sanitized it may be removed from the system and reused.

Abstract: A filter cleaning and rinsing device for spas, pools, and Jacuzzi's that attaches to a garden hose for cleaning or rinsing a cartridge type spa filter by placing the filter on an inclining armature of the device. The armature sprays water inside the filter cartridge and is the centrifugally forced out through the fabric elements of the filter by high pressure spray jets trained on the exterior of the filter cartridge which simultaneously clean the exterior and spin the filter around the armature at a high speed creating the centrifugal force. The device may be molded and assembled using the same manufacturing processes as those used to make the spas which utilize cartridge type filters.

Abstract: A drum washer has a base, a barrel support structure, and a water delivery system. A hollow drum is turned over and placed on the drum washer by inserting a spray head of the water delivery system through a hole in a top cover of the drum and into the interior of the drum. The barrel support structure holds the drum at a fixed angle while water is sprayed from the spray head onto interior surfaces of the drum. The water rinses the interior surfaces of the drum and drains out the hole in the top cover of the drum.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and a method for cleaning a trash bin. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes nozzles coupled to lifting means. The nozzles are aimed at the inside of the trash bin. The method includes the steps of lifting the trash bin, inverting it to empty its contents, spraying the inside of the trash bin, and returning the trash bin to the ground. An additional step may include spraying the trash bin when it is returned to the ground.