Abstract: The invention is directed to a novel dishwasher-dining table combination appliance having a rotatable, invertible top dining insert panel that allows for cleaning dining utensils and the like without having to remove them from a table.

Abstract: A clean-in-place process may begin with a pre-rinse step in which soil (e.g., contaminants, residual product) is flushed from industrial equipment prior to circulating a cleaning agent through the equipment. To determine when the equipment has been suitably flushed, pre-rinse fluid exiting the industrial equipment and containing soil may be fluorometrically analyzed. A concentration of the soil is determined from fluorescent emissions emitted by the soil itself. Based on this information, the pre-rinse flushing process can be controlled, for example, to minimize water usage, maximize pre-rinse cleaning, or based on any other suitable metric.

Abstract: A dust collection system includes a sensor body, a selection circuit, a detection circuit, and a motor control circuit. The sensor body detachably encircles a cord supplying power to a power tool. The cord includes a neutral conductor and a hot conductor. The sensor body houses sensors that, in response to current flow through the cord, generate sensor signals. The selection circuit generates a positive output signal in response to the sensor signals and generates a negative output signal in response to the sensor signals. The detection circuit generates a current detection signal in response to a comparison of the positive and negative output signals with a threshold. The motor control circuit selectively turns on a motor of the dust collection system in response to the current detection signal.

Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher having a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving utensils and a spraying system spraying liquid in the treating chamber, to determine at least one parameter of the cycle of operation based on the set of load condition by selectively spraying liquid in multiple portions of the treating chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum system for removing rubbish generated during fastening operations is provided. The vacuum system includes a fastening tool for driving the fastener, a suction nozzle attached to the fastening tool and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The vacuum system also includes a sensor to detect the position of the fastening tool and a vacuum valve actuator to selectively open or close a vacuum valve to provide vacuum to the suction nozzle according to the position of the fastening tool.

Abstract: A method for cleaning and/or disinfecting an item to be cleaned is proposed. The item to be cleaned is exposed to at least one cleaning fluid, heat equivalents to which the item to be cleaned is exposed being recorded. The heat equivalents are added up, the heat equivalents additionally being weighted with a compensation function during the summation of the heat equivalents. The compensation function can be a function of the temperature at which the heat equivalents were recorded. The compensation function can be adapted to provide heat equivalents recorded in at least one exceptional temperature range with a lower weighting than heat equivalents recorded in other temperature ranges.

Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher having multiple wash chambers, with each wash chamber executing a different cycle of operation, and liquid from one chamber may be reused in the other chamber.

Abstract: The pickling of a continuously running steel strip and, more particularly, a pickling method, includes centralized control of all of the pickling operations. The invention further includes an apparatus for implementing the pickling process.

Abstract: There is provided a biochemical analyzer and a method of cleaning fluid components of the same. The biochemical analyzer includes a reagent adding mechanism, a sample adding mechanism, at least one reaction cup, a cleaning mechanism and a waste pipeline connected to the cleaning mechanism. A control system is employed, wherein the control system has a cleaning mode for cleaning fluid components of the biochemical analyzer, having: a) a water injection step; and b) a water discharge. With the cleaning method, the fluid components such as the water drawing device and waste valve on the waste pipeline may be automatically cleaned without manual intervention.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of cleaning a fire main associated with a deluge system. The method comprises injecting a chemical treatment fluid into the fire main via a first inlet and causing it to flow along a section of the fire main and out through an outlet while the fire main is in an operative condition associated with a deluge system. In one aspect, the method comprises biociding the fire main with a solution of chlorine dioxide to treat or remove tuberculation from the fire main.

Abstract: A dishwasher for treating dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation having a tub that at least partially defines a treating chamber, a slidable dish holder, an electricity-consuming component having a rechargeable battery, and a battery charging system to recharge the rechargeable battery of the electricity-consuming component when the dish holder is in the treating position.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods for removing an edge bead after a photoresist application. Basic solution may be applied to the edge bead and removed with a vacuum, with the basic solution having a pH of at least about 14. Some embodiments include methods of profiling coatings along peripheral regions of substrates. A nozzle may be positioned above a peripheral region and oriented to direct a basic solution downwardly toward the peripheral region. A suction port may be positioned laterally outward of the peripheral region. Basic solution may be ejected from the nozzle toward the peripheral region, with the basic solution having a pH of at least about 14 and dissolving coating along the peripheral region. A vacuum may be provided within the suction port to pull the basic solution and the dissolved coating from the peripheral region.

Abstract: An automatic dishwasher includes a heat pump device for heating washing liquid. The heat pump device includes an evaporator, a fan adapted to supply ambient air to the evaporator, and a device for wet dust collection connected upstream of the evaporator in the flow direction of the ambient air.

Abstract: An automatic dishwasher includes a wash tub, a condensation dryer, and a heat pump device. The wash tub includes a washing compartment, the condensation dryer is adapted to supply outside air to a washtub wall, and the heat pump device is adapted to heat washing liquid. The heat pump device and the condensation dryer have a common fan.

Abstract: The invention concerns detergent dosing devices and particularly a device for metering detergent doses within a dishwashing machine. A detergent dosing device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention comprises: a water/wash liquor collection area (12), a controlled inlet valve (14) for receiving water/wash liquor from the water/wash liquor collection area (12) and selectively allowing the collected water/wash liquor to pass through it, a housing part 10 for receiving water/wash liquor passed to it by the controlled inlet valve (14), a detergent supply (16) for mixing with said water/wash liquor, a first sensor (18) for sensing the cleanliness level of water/wash liquor, a second sensor (20) for sensing detergent, a controller (22) for receiving signals from said first and second sensors (18, 20) and for selectively controlling said inlet valve (14) on the basis of the outputs from the first and second sensors and an outlet (28) for dispensing mixed water/wash liquor and detergent.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and in which is provided a rotating sprayer for emitting liquid into the treating chamber. The rotation of the spray arm may be controlled such that rotation of the spray arm is responsive to a determination that the spray arm has contacted an obstacle within the treating chamber.

Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to methods and apparatus for detecting whether unwanted metallic deposits are present on a bottom of a substrate holder used in an electroplating apparatus. The presence of such unwanted deposits is harmful to electroplating processes because the deposits scavenge current that is intended to cause electroplating on a substrate. When such current scavenging occurs, the electroplating results on the substrates are poor. For instance, features positioned near the edge of a substrate are likely to plate to an insufficient thickness. Further, where such current scavenging is great, the overall thickness of the material plated on the substrate may be too thin. As such, there is a need to detect when such unwanted deposits are present, such that plating under these poor conditions may be avoided. This detection will help preserve costly wafers.

Abstract: A dental device with an integrated sanitation chamber is configured for receiving and sanitizing a dental-device accessory, such as a brush, flosser, pic or other dental accessory within a housing of the device. The sanitation chamber is configured to sanitize the dental accessory using one or a combination of ultraviolet light and/or sound waves. The sanitation chamber may form a portion of the device handle to extend it and provide an enlarged handle for improved gripping.

Abstract: Method of cleaning containers, in particular bottles of glass or plastics, in a cleaning module with a cleaning machine where at least one cleaning medium is allowed to act on the containers transported through the cleaning machine, and with an inspection unit, including determining at least one control parameter with respect to the degree of soiling of the cleaned bottles, detecting the degree of soiling of the cleaned bottles, evaluating the detected degree of soiling of the cleaned bottles in view of the at least one control parameter with respect to the degree of soiling, returning bottles evaluated to exhibit an excessive degree of soiling to the inlet of the cleaning machine, and automatically controlling the cleaning parameters of the cleaning machine if the number of returned bottles, based on the number of cleaned bottles, exceeds a predetermined target value or target range.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a track system positioned above a wash area and a movable body coupled to the track system. The movable body is movable along at least two axes and includes a gripping mechanism to selectively hold and release one or more wash tools.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry machine having a drying function for drying an object to be dried, especially clothes. In the laundry machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, lint and the like that may be contained in the hot air are removed by the filter, whereby the lint and the like can be prevented from being piled on the duct. Also, the filter is placed in a way that it is exposed into the tub, whereby the filter can be cleaned automatically while it is being driven.

Abstract: A configurable robotic apparatus and system is disclosed that is remotely operable in difficult, hazardous, subterranean, or submerged environs. The apparatus merges diverse disciplines to effect inspecting, cleaning, treating, repairing or otherwise maintaining a wide variety of materials and conditions. Deployment environments include power, municipal water and wastewater plants, surface and submerged infrastructures (pipes, lines, conduits), and like industrial applications. Extensible and articulating modules, configurable through standardized and interchangeable connectors, provide unique flexibility, scalability and versatility to accommodate a wide range of shapes, surfaces, and obstacles. In-module intelligence and instrumentation eliminates the need for constant manual control through autonomous operation capable of simultaneous optimization and synchronization of multiple work processes, but manual override and remote control is provided to overcome unanticipated limitations.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current cost of supplied energy. The controller operates the dishwasher in one of a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode based on the received signal. The controller is configured to change the power consuming functions by adjusting one or more of an operation schedule, an operation delay, an operation adjustment, and a selective deactivation of at least one of the one or more power consuming functions to reduce power consumption of the dishwasher in the energy savings mode. The controller may modify or disable the hot start feature either prior to a wash cycle, or at an early stage of the first prewash cycle, including if a consumer elects to override the prompted energy savings mode.

Abstract: A system for on-wing engine washing and water reclamation includes a fluid applicator configured to introduce a cleaning liquid containing at least water into an engine while the engine is being operated, a trough positioned adjacent to the engine, and a collection conduit operatively positioned between an exit end of the engine and the trough to collect an air/liquid effluent mixture leaving the exit end of the engine and deliver at least a portion of the air/liquid effluent mixture to the trough. The collection conduit has an outlet that deposits collected liquid effluent into the trough, and further includes a series of diversion plates positioned within the collection conduit to separate liquid droplets from the air/liquid effluent mixture.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for cleaning an anilox roll and/or ink chamber of a converter. The system includes: a water supply (10a) adapted to supply water through an automatically controllable water supply valve (11a) to wash anilox roll and/or ink chamber; a cleaning solution supply (20a) adapted to supply a cleaning solution through an automatically controllable cleaning solution supply valve (21a) to clean the anilox roll and/or ink chamber; and a programmable controller (70) programmed to operate the automatically controllable valves (11a,21a) so as to deliver a timed sequence of water and cleaning solution to the cleaning part upon the occurrence of a cleaning cycle initiation condition.

Abstract: A dishwasher (100) for pot washing, comprising a detector (160) for automatically detecting what type of washing basket (140) has been placed in the dishwasher (100). This enables automatic selection of water pressure and granule control, such that more sensitive crockery and plates are not damaged. The detector can be an inductive sensor (160) that detects an indicating member (141) of the washing basket. The washing basket can comprise one or several indicating members, for enabling a more reliable detection. A method of operating such a dishwasher (100) comprises the steps of automatically detecting what type of washing basket (140) is placed in the dishwasher, and then controlling the water pressure and granule addition according to what washing basket was detected. A system comprises an above dishwasher and an above washing basket.

Abstract: A container is disclosed. The container includes a top portion and a bottom portion, both including a mesh portion, at least one hinging feature attached to the bottom portion, wherein the at least one hinging feature hingably attaches the top portion to the bottom portion, wherein the top portion and the bottom portion having an open configuration and a closed configuration and wherein the top portion and the bottom portion, when in the closed configuration, forming an inner portion, also a latching mechanism wherein when the latching mechanism is in a locked position the top portion and bottom portion are locked into the closed configuration, also at least one spring holder attached to the at least one hinging feature and located within the inner portion wherein when the top portion and bottom portion move from the closed position to the open position, the at least one spring holder lifts upwards.

Abstract: A robot cleaner may include a main body; a traveling assembly moving the main body; a cleaning tool assembly installed in the lower part of the main body, and contacting a floor to clean the floor; a water-feeding unit supplying water to the cleaning tool assembly; and a capacitance measurer contacting the cleaning tool assembly, and measuring capacitance of the cleaning tool assembly in order to calculate an amount of water of the cleaning tool assembly. Accordingly, by measuring an amount of water of a cleaning tool installed in a robot cleaner based on capacitance, it is possible to accurately measure an amount of water absorbed in a cleaning tool.

Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher having a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and at least one rotating sprayer provided in the treating chamber to determine a standstill condition of the rotating sprayer during an automatic cycle of operation that includes a rotation of the spray arm.

Abstract: A method for predicting plasma micro-arcing includes obtaining a spectrum signal in a given plasma process, classifying an optical intensity of the spectrum signal into soft and hard arcing events according to an amplitude of the optical intensity of the spectrum signal, separately counting a number of occurrences of the soft arcing event in a given unit time, comparing the number of occurrences of the soft arcing event during the given unit time with the number of occurrences of the soft arcing event during a previous unit time, and determining that a number of occurrences of the hard arcing event will increase during a next unit time subsequent to the given unit time, when the number of occurrences of the soft arcing event during the given unit time increases in comparison with the number of occurrences of the soft arcing event during the previous unit time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor and control cleaning systems are disclosed. One disclosed example method includes detecting initial contamination of workpieces before cleaning and detecting residual contamination of workpieces after cleaning. The example method also includes determining, via a processor, a system malfunction from a comparison of the initial contamination with a first threshold value and from a comparison of the final contamination with a second threshold value.

Abstract: In a substrate processing apparatus, a temperature of an anti-static liquid having electrical resistivity which gradually decreases as a liquid temperature increases is adjusted by a temperature adjustment part and the electrical resistivity of the anti-static liquid is higher than the electrical resistivity of a processing liquid (SPM liquid). After that, a plurality of substrates are immersed in the anti-static liquid inside the anti-static liquid storage part and both main surfaces of each substrate entirely conic into contact with the anti-static liquid. This gradually removes static electricity from the substrate. Then, the SPM liquid is supplied onto an upper surface of the substrate to thereby perform an SPM process. In the SPM process, it is thereby possible to prevent a large amount of electric charges from sharply moving from the substrate to the SPM liquid and prevent any damage to the substrate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of cleaning a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes supplying a cleaning gas for removing a deposition film deposited on an inside wall of a treatment chamber through a supply pipe of the treatment chamber so that a supply amount of the cleaning gas from the supply pipe per unit time is greater than an exhaust amount of the cleaning gas from an exhaust pipe of the treatment chamber per unit time. The method further includes supplying an inert gas to fill the supply pipe with the inert gas.

Abstract: A cleaning robot cleaning a specific region and including a movement module, a sound wave module, a cleaning module and a controlling module is provided. The movement module includes a plurality of wheels. The sound wave module emits a sound wave and receives a plurality of reflected waves. The cleaning module performs a cleaning function. The controlling module generates a contour according to the reflected waves and controls at least one of the movement module and the cleaning module according to the contour.

Abstract: In the dishwasher and the control method therefor of the present invention, the turbidity of washing water is measured and, if it is decided that the level of dirtiness of the tableware is low, then the time over which a heater operates during the washing routine is reduced and, instead, the time over which the heater operates during the rinsing routine is increased. This is advantageous in that it can improve the performance of the drying which is carried out after the rinsing routine. Further, if it is decided that the level of dirtiness of the tableware is high, then the time over which the heater operates during the washing routine is increased and the time over which the heater operates during the rinsing routine is reduced. This is advantageous in that the washing performance can be improved while the overall heater operating time can be maintained.

Abstract: A method to operate a dishwasher, comprising: (1) adding detergent to a cleaning liquid which is circulated within the dishwasher; (2) measuring the conductivity of the cleaning liquid and determining the rate of change in conductivity caused by dissolution of the detergent in the cleaning liquid; (3) comparing the rate of change in conductivity with a predetermined threshold value so as to determine the dissolution rate of the detergent that has been added in step (A) to the cleaning liquid; and (4) adjusting operating parameters based on the determination of step (C).

Abstract: A cleaning and disinfecting apparatus for treating at least one container for human excretions. The cleaning and disinfecting apparatus comprises at least one cleaning chamber with at least one fluid device for applying at least one cleaning fluid to the container. The cleaning and disinfecting apparatus is configured to carry out at least one cleaning program, wherein, in the cleaning program, the container is emptied and the cleaning fluid is applied thereto. The cleaning and disinfecting apparatus furthermore has at least one image detector. The image detector is configured to identify at least one property of the container. The cleaning and disinfecting apparatus is configured to influence the cleaning program in accordance with the identified property.

Abstract: A method of cleaning an area using an automatic cleaning device may include receiving, from a video camera, information associated with an edge located on a surface, determining, by an automatic cleaning device, a position of the automatic cleaning device on the surface relative to the edge and using the received information to move the automatic cleaning device from the determined position along a path so that the automatic cleaning device cleans the surface along the path. The path may be substantially parallel to the edge, and the edge may be located a distance from a reference point on the automatic cleaning device during movement of the automatic cleaning device.

Abstract: A method for rinsing endoscope channels of an endoscope with a rinsing agent from a rinsing agent supply. The method including: connecting a first endoscope channel to the rinsing agent supply via a first rinsing agent distributor, which has a testing device for checking an endoscope channel for a blockage; connecting at least one other endoscope channel to the rinsing agent supply via a second rinsing agent distributor; and checking the first endoscope channel for a blockage using a testing device and simultaneously rinsing the at least one other endoscope channel with rinsing agent from the rinsing agent supply. A device is also provided for rinsing endoscope channels of an endoscope with rinsing agent from a rinsing supply.

Abstract: The system and method permits the use of equipment that is located exterior to a container, such as a tank container liquid hydrocarbon material within which a sludge deposit has accumulated, and then inserted, as through an access opening in the side of the tank. In addition to other innovations, an improved hydraulic equipment positioning arrangement is provided, for both positioning, inserting and withdrawing the conduit structure and end effectors for accessing the sludge or sediment, which may include a leveling element preferably in the form of an hydraulic system that operates to move the assembly in a vertical plane as well as a rotary driven hydraulic system for driving the conduit structure along a long axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher that can save wash water for cleaning and a method of controlling the dishwasher.

Abstract: A tire-shine system is provided and includes a housing, a brush rotatably supported by the housing and including a plurality of bristles, and at least one manifold supported above the brush and including a plurality of apertures. The at least one manifold applies a first fluid to the brush by allowing the first fluid to exit the at least one manifold at the plurality of apertures and drip onto the plurality of bristles.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving at least one of temperature information and humidity information about an environment in which a tape drive resides, performing an analysis of the at least one of temperature information and humidity information, making a determination whether to modify a cleaning cycle based on the analysis of the at least one of temperature information and humidity information, and making a selection and/or modification of a timing of a cleaning operation of the tape drive based on the determination.

Abstract: A method for treating substrates with treating liquids, using a treating tank for storing the treating liquids, a holding mechanism for holding the substrates and placing the substrates in a treating position inside the treating tank, a first and a second treating liquid supply device, a temperature control device, and a control device. A first treating liquid is supplied into the treating tank, then a second treating liquid of lower surface tension and higher boiling point than the first treating liquid, is supplied into the treating tank, and placed in a temperature range above the boiling point of the first treating liquid and below the boiling point of the second treating liquid, and then controlling the second treating liquid supply device to replace the first treating liquid stored in the treating tank with the second treating liquid, and controlling the temperature control device to maintain the second treating liquid in the same said temperature range.

Abstract: A novel method of descaling a water heating unit at least including: a) selectively receiving a user-defined descaling operation start date and time; b) monitoring for the advent of the descaling operation start date and time; c) upon the arrival of the descaling operation start date and time, automatically shutting off the supply of heated water to the demand destination; d) automatically pumping a stored descaling solution through the water heating unit to dislodge scale deposits; e) automatically rinsing the water heating unit to remove dislodged scale deposits and descaling solution; f) discharging dislodged scale deposits and descaling solution; g) restoring the supply of heated water to the demand destination; and h) returning the water heating unit to normal operation mode.

Abstract: A baghouse cleaning system comprises an elongated air accumulator configured to retain pressurized air and extend over a row of filter bags. An elongated air tube extends along the air accumulator and venturis extend from the air tube. The venturis blow pressurized air streams down into the filter bags to remove particles attached to an outside filter bag surface. A valve fluidly couples the air accumulator to the air tube and an actuator is configured to move the cleaning arm linearly over different rows of the filter bags. A sensor may determine when the filter bags need to be cleaned based on a measured air pressure. A controller can actuate the cleaning arm to clean the filter bags based on preprogrammed cleaning patterns, the amount of measured air pressure, and/or other detected environmental conditions.

Abstract: A method is provided for washing a compressor in a gas turbine. The method includes establishing a compressor fouling set point and sensing a fouling level in the compressor with a sensor. The fouling level is communicated to a control subsystem that determines a wash initiation instruction based on the fouling level and the compressor fouling set point. The wash initiation instruction is executed by initiating a wash with a fluid. A system is also disclosed including a compressor, an on-line wash system coupled to the compressor, and a compressor fouling sensor that senses a compressor fouling level. A source of washing fluid is provided, and a control subsystem that initiates a wash with washing fluid from the source of washing fluid based on a compressor fouling level.

Abstract: A filtration efficiency, which is similar to the filtration efficiency obtained when a plurality of filters are provided, can be obtained by one filter, and decrease in throughput can be prevented. Based on a control signal from a control unit 101, a resist liquid L is sucked into a pump 70 through a filter. A part of the resist liquid sucked in the pump is discharged from a discharge nozzle 7. The remaining resist liquid is returned to a supply conduit 51b on a primary side of the filter. A process is synthesized by adding a replenishment amount equal to the discharge amount to the return amount. The discharge of the synthesized process liquid and the filtration thereof by the filter are performed the number of times corresponding to a rate between the discharge amount and the return amount.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a counter top sized outer case; first and second electric motors disposed inside of the case. A positive displacement liquid pump with a pulsating output is operatively connected to said first electric motor and has an input and output port. A positive displacement gas pump with a pulsating output is operatively connected to the second electric motor and has an input and output port. A liquid source is fluidly connected to the input port of the liquid pump. The method further includes connecting a medical line or instrument to be cleaned to the output port of the liquid pump and operating the pump until the line or instrument has been cleaned. The line or instrument is then disconnected and connected to the output line of the gas pump. The gas pump is operated until the line or instrument has been cleared of liquid and then disconnected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a traveling cleaning appliance (1) or floor care appliance or floor treatment appliance such as, for example, an automatically traveling floor cleaning appliance or user-guided cleaning appliance (1), that is provided with a device (7) for creating photographic pictures of a surface to be traveled on. In order to further improve a floor cleaning appliance in particular with regard to an effective cleaning strategy, it is proposed that a picture (FA) can be evaluated with regard to the type of a floor covering, in any case for differentiating between a hard floor covering and a carpeted floor, and that an identified floor covering can be used with regard to a traveling strategy and/or with regard to a setting of cleaning parameters such as floor clearance and/or size of secondary air openings and/or brush speed.