Abstract: A cleaning system and method utilizing sonic whistle agitation to enhance the soil removal and mass transport capacity of the liquid carbon dioxide at low process temperatures. Sonic whistles are within a cleaning chamber, and liquid carbon dioxide is forced out of the sonic whistle jets to ultrasonically emulsify and disperse non-miscible liquids or insoluble solids, such as remove low solubility oils and greases, in the liquid carbon dioxide contained in the cleaning chamber. Cleaning is accomplished at temperatures between -68.degree. F. and 88.degree. F., and the temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide is typically below 32.degree. F.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for cleaning a bead suspension of fragile beads having a high water content suspended in a liquid. The spray nozzles in vat cause turbulence in a suspension of water and beads such that flawed or damaged beads and beads fragments rise to the top of the vat and are discharged over the lip of the vat. The preservative is extracted from the suspension and filter to remove fines and microbes. The cleaned preservative and cleansed beads are recombined in a bead drum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vent seal device for an automatic dishwasher. The dishwasher includes a door having a vent opening therein. An elongated flexible strip is mounted in the door adjacent and generally registered with the vent opening. The strip has opposite ends and a central portion therebetween. At least one end of the strip is secured against movement with respect to the frame. During certain times of the wash and rinse cycles the strip is deflected into sealing engagement with the vent opening, thereby closing the normally open vent opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers with a liquid which includes a plurality of independent tanks positioned successively along a track that supports a series of containers. Each tank includes a weir for dispensing a liquid into the containers. The tanks are selectively fed with the liquid depending on the volume needed in the container. As a result, the volume of liquid dispensed into each container can be more accurately controlled. Funnels are provided for directing the liquid dispensed by the weirs into the open tops of the containers. The funnels are oriented vertically and close to the chain drive, even with the containers inclined, in order to lessen the loads placed on the chain drive for the funnels and thereby increase the mechanism's useful life. In addition, the funnels are passed through a cleaning assembly during a return segment to alleviate the need to shut down the machine to clean the funnels and thereby maximize the efficiency of the operation.

Abstract: Produce, whether vegetable and/or fruit, is supported upon a screen basket (18) suspended within a closed cabinet (12). Each of a plurality of nozzles (334) disposed about the basket (18) emits a filled cone (338) of washing fluid (333) to scour the produce and to dislodge by agitation and flotation debris therefrom. After filtering of the washing fluid (333) through a screen (30) in the cabinet (12), the washing fluid is recycled by a pump (84) pumping the washing fluid (333) from a collection trough (80) to the nozzles (334). Preferably, the washing fluid (333) is slightly acidic.

Abstract: A portable parts washer flows a washing agent over an object to remove any contaminants. The washing agent and contaminants flow into a basin mounted below the object. The washing agent is drawn from the basin and used to wash the object to provide a closed-loop system. A venturi-type injector mixes ozone from an ozone generator with the washing agent. A pump draws the washing agent from a first inlet to the basin, forces the washing agent through the injector, and returns the washing agent through a first outlet to the basin. Various splash protection mechanisms are used to protect an operator from any substances that may splash off of the object.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a workpiece, the apparatus including a carriage for holding the workpiece, a first station for transferring the workpiece into and out of the carriage, a first chamber for holding treating fluid, a second station for transferring the workpiece between the carriage and the first chamber, and a mechanism for staging the carriage, the mechanism capable of positioning the carriage at the first station and at the second station and the first chamber capable of being isolated from atmosphere when the carrier is located at the second station.

Abstract: A coating apparatus comprises a rotary container rotatable about a rotational axis as the center, a rotary rest table, located in the rotary container to be movable vertically and rotatable about the rotational axis as the center, for supporting a target substrate thereon, coating solution supply pipe for applying a coating solution to the target substrate, cleaning solution supply pipe for spraying a cleaning solution to an inner surface of the rotary container, a seal member provided between the rotary rest table and the bottom wall of the rotary container and capable of sealing a gap between the rotary rest table and the bottom wall of the rotary container, and connecting mechanism for connecting the rotary container and the rotary rest table so as to rotate together.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing or otherwise treating parts includes a modular support structure for a conveyor from which the parts are suspended and further includes transparent walls that enable visual observation of the treatment process. The support structure includes a plurality of upstanding, longitudinally spaced apart stanchions, each of which has a top piece adapted to engage the uppermost end of a flexible sheet of transparent material such as vinyl. In one embodiment, the lowermost end of each sheet of material is immersed in water contained within an elongate trough that extends along both sides of the apparatus. Thus, a vapor seal is formed that prevents vapors and chemicals from escaping the interior of the apparatus. Dams are placed in the trough at longitudinally spaced intervals to prevent mixing of the chemicals that are collected in the trough. Additional embodiments require no troughs, and include metallic panels that replace or overlie one or more of the vinyl sheets.

Abstract: A housing is provided for use in an industrial finishing equipment station. The housing includes housing wall panels, each having a top edge, a bottom edge, and two spaced-apart sides therebetween and a flange that is appended to the top and side edges. In addition, a clamp having flange-engaging portions is mounted upon the flanges appended to the top edges of the housing wall panels to couple the housing wall panels together. The housing wall panels are positioned to lie in opposing rows and cooperate to define a tunnel-like passageway workspace therebetween through which work pieces can pass.

Abstract: A dishwasher having spray arm, motor and pump components configured and mounted so as to occupy very low height. In one form the complete wash system is arranged as a drawer which slides in and out of a cabinet. The cabinet opening is stiffened against racking forces by incorporating an inverse portal frame in the opening flange. A synchronous AC motor is used with the rotor running within the wash chamber driving a wash pump integrated with a rotating spray arm.

Abstract: An improved substrate processing system. The system may be used for double sided scrubbing of a semiconductor substrate. The wet stations of the system has covers which prevent accumulated liquid from dripping outside of the station and which minimize dripping on the substrates. Transport tunnels are provided between modules to prevent leakage between the modules. A substrate transport mechanism which is moveable along a rail is provided with the stabilizer to provide for stable substrate transfer. The processing system has two brush stations which are placed within a single enclosure. The sensors located throughout the system, which sense the presence of a wafer, are fixedly mounted in a frame so that they are self-aligned to one another. In the sender station, two sensors are used, with the system requiring both sensors to sense the presence of a wafer to increase the reliability. In the dry station, the heating lamp is shielded from the substrate to reduce particulate contamination.

Abstract: A parts washer is provided having a cabinet defining an interior space and a mechanism for entraining a liquid and/or vapor in the interior space. The cabinet defines an opening for accessing the interior space from externally of the cabinet. Mounting structure is provided for mounting a closure element to the cabinet for movement selectively between a) an open position wherein the interior space can be accessed through the cabinet opening and b) a closed position. Structure is provided cooperating between the closure element and the cabinet for defining a controlled flow path for the liquid and/or vapor in the interior space with the control flow path configured so that at least one of the liquid and vapor in the interior space is caused to change directions as it traverses the controlled flow path.

Abstract: A trough soaking device for use in a process for complete wet removal of asbestos insulation covering from pipes, joints, and valves comprising: a flexible waterproof sheet material having disposed at its shortest ends a strip of sealing means for placement about pre-formed outermost adherent contact points on an asbestos covered pipe, and sleeve means at its longest ends to accommodate insertable support rods; a pair of support rods for insertion into a portion of said sleeve means; and at least a pair of saddles containing arched-out semi-circles for placement over pre-formed innermost adherent contact points on an asbestos covered pipe; said saddles containing slot means disposed at its lengthwise ends to accommodate press-fitting of support rods disposed in said sleeve means when said sealing means of said shortest ends of said waterproof sheet material are sealed together over said pre-formed outermost adherent contact points on said asbestos covered pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for the cleaning of spray guns and components thereof, and more particularly, a preferably portable and compact apparatus including an enclosed cabinet structure for the contained cleaning of paint spray guns and various accessories thereof in order to minimize the emission of volatile organic compounds from cleaning solvents.

Abstract: A space-saving dishwasher has a washing basin having side and bottom walls and an open top, and a vertically shiftable rack assembly for carrying dishes. A shifting mechanism is coupled with the rack assembly for selectively shifting the latter between a lower cleaning position, wherein the rack assembly is disposed within the basin below the open top, and an upper loading position, wherein the rack assembly is disposed above the open top of the basin. The dishwasher further includes a lid member for covering the open top of the basin when the rack assembly is in the cleaning position. Structure is also provided for cleaning the dishes carried in the rack assembly, when the assembly is in the cleaning position. The dishwasher is particularly designed for installment within an opening of a substantially horizontally extending table-top or kitchen counter top.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning chemically processed articles between chemical processing steps. The cleaning apparatus includes a sealable pressurization vessel. After a chemical process step, an article, such as a semiconductor wafer is placed in the vessel. The vessel is sealed. Vessel pressure is adjusted. Solvent in the vessel is heated to a boil forming a vapor. Solvent vapor is recondensed by a primary condensing coil. Condensed solvent rains onto the article, washing it. After the article is clean, it is dried when a secondary condensing coil condenses the solvent vapor, causing the distilled solvent to rain into and be collected by a collection tray. Collected solvent is channelled into a storage reservoir. The storage reservoir is sealed after all of the solvent is collected. The vessel is opened to remove the cleaned article.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a washing apparatus comprising a washing chamber, an opening/closing mechanism, and a nozzle. The chamber has an opening and is designed for washing the objects transported from outside through the opening. The opening/closing mechanism is designed to open and close the opening of the washing chamber. The nozzle is used to wash the opening/closing mechanism. The apparatus further comprises a washing vessel filled with a washing liquid, for washing the objects, and also a nozzle for applying a washing liquid to the objects located in the washing vessel when the objects are partly exposed as the washing liquid is discharged from the washing vessel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning a workpiece such as a semiconductor element in which the element is placed on a chuck mounted on a rotation mechanism in which the rotation mechanism rotates around a first axis, and the element to be cleaned rotates around a second axis spaced from the first axis in a planetary manner. The cleaning process is programmed such that the element may be sprayed, immersed for a soak or pre-soak step, immersed while spinning, sprayed while spinning, and dried by heated gas, or any combination of these. The cleaning program is performed in a single chamber, which may be heated to a desired temperature.

Abstract: A passive or dynamic venting system for a frontloading dishwasher is located within the dishwasher door and includes a plate-shaped valve which closes off a valve port in the inner liner or face of the door; the valve is moved by a linear actuator along a path of closing and opening that is perpendicular to the plane of the door. In the dynamic system, a cross-flow type blower is also located within the door.

Abstract: A pressurized closed flow cleaning system for cleaning the interior surface of industrial processing equipment. The system includes a pressure vessel containing an aqueous cleaning solution including the combination of enzymes and a surfactant. A supply conduit connects the pressure vessel with equipment to be cleaned and serves to supply the cleaning solution to the equipment, while a return conduit connects the equipment to the pressure vessel and acts to return the cleaning solution to the pressure vessel, thus providing a closed flow system. The solution is circulated through the closed flow system by a pump located in the supply conduit and the aqueous solution is heated to a temperature, preferably in the range of about 220.degree. F. to 260.degree. F., by a heat exchanger which is located downstream of the pump. Flow of the heated cleaning solution through the equipment to be cleaned will remove oil and solid contaminants.

Abstract: Parts washers are provided including a collection tank, a funnel-bottomed wash cabinet supported on the collection tank, and a cover pivotally supported on the wash cabinet for closing an access opening to the wash cabinet. A screen is mounted in a narrowed section at the bottom of the wash cabinet and is conveniently removable from a front of the wash cabinet. An oil skimmer is pivotally mounted to the tank to allow access to the sump pump without disassembly of the parts washer. In one embodiment, a water seal is provided under a front edge of a door on the wash cabinet. In another embodiment, a rough metal band extends around a turntable and a drive wheel, the rough metal band having prick marks along its length to reduce slippage on the drive wheel.

Abstract: The improved device is used in the present method for cleansing the head of a stethoscope with an antimicrobial spray liquid. The device includes a housing which defines a generally central cavity in which an aerosol spray cannister is releasably disposed in a bracket. The housing is closed but is openable in order to replace the cannister, as needed. The housing includes an openable port, such as an elastomeric iris, through which the head of a stethoscope, in accordance with the present method, is inserted for cleansing in the cavity. The cannister has a spray nozzle which is activatable by a trigger in the form of a lever secured in the cavity and extending out of the housing. The lever is disposed above the nozzle and can be manually moved from outside the housing to depress the nozzle and cause antimicrobial spray to be aerosol dispensed from the cannister in a path in the cavity which the stethoscope head intersects.

Abstract: An industrial parts washer having a split canopy for enclosing the processing zones and conveyor system of the washer includes a fixed first section and a selectively removable second section for accessing the internal processing areas of the washer. The removable section of the canopy is optionally constructed as a single piece of material covering all processing zones across the length of the washer, or alternatively the removable section is segmented into two or more subsections which are easily removed and replaced onto the washer by one or two operators. The removable sections of the canopy are releasably attached to the washer with appropriate quick release latches, and the removable section of the canopy is appropriately sealed to the washer to prevent the escape of moisture, steam and chemical contaminants. The canopy is also made of molded fiberglass or plastic materials.

Abstract: The cleaning apparatus of the present invention is composed of a cleaning chamber 1 of vacuum-tight structure in which a work W to be cleaned is contained, an organic solvent vapor generating tank 4 communicated with the cleaning chamber 1 via piping, and a vacuum pump 6 for evacuating the cleaning chamber 1. A heat exchange member 3 through which a cooling medium passes is provided upside in the cleaning chamber 1. After the cleaning chamber 1 is reduced in pressure, the cooling medium is supplied into the heat exchange member 3 while organic solvent vapor is introduced from the vapor generating tank 4 into the cleaning chamber 1. Thus, a cleaning process is executed in combination of vapor cleaning by the vapor condensing on the surface of a work W and shower cleaning by the vapor being liquefied by the heat exchange member 3 and dropping onto the work W.

Abstract: A single wafer processing apparatus includes a portable processing head that can be a portable module or a movable unit mounted to a supporting machine frame. The processing head has movable fingers adapted to grip a wafer. The fingers protrude from a protective wafer plate. Indexing and rotation monitoring assemblies are provided for automation of the wafer processing steps. A complementary processing base includes an upwardly-open bowl that receives a wafer held by the portable processing head. It has a full-diameter movable bottom wall for rapid draining purposes. Liquid and/or gas jets and nozzles supply fluids required within the bowl for processing of wafers.

Abstract: A method for safely cutting hollow bodies filled with metallic Na for disposal comprises the steps of cutting the hollow bodies with plasma jet so as to oxidize metallic Na while conveying said hollow bodies in a hermetically sealed housing, throwing the cut hollow bodies into a neutralizing aqueous solution tank, then taking out said cut hollow bodies from the tank, collecting a fume produced while cutting the hollow bodies, spraying water over the fume and recovering the fume. An apparatus for carrying out the above method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Produce, whether vegetable and/or fruit, is supported upon a screen basket suspended within a closed cabinet. Each of a plurality of nozzles disposed about the basket emits a filled cone of washing liquid to scour the produce and to dislodge by agitation and flotation debris therefrom. After filtering of the washing fluid through a screen in the cabinet, the washing fluid is recycled by a pump pumping the washing fluid from a collection trough to the nozzles. Preferably, the washing fluid is slightly acidic.

Abstract: A parts washer is provided having a mechanism for heating and pressurizing a supply of cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid against the part during a washing operation. Structure for supporting at least one part to be washed is provided with the supporting structure having a first configuration during a washing operation. Structure is provided for providing ready access to areas around the supporting means wherein the access providing structure allows the first configuration of the supporting structure to be changed. Preferably, the access providing structure includes structure for pivoting a section of the supporting structure between a) a non-pivoted position wherein the supporting structure has the first configuration and b) a pivoted position wherein the supporting structure has a second figuration to provide ready access to areas around the supporting structure.

Abstract: A parts washer is provided having a cleaning fluid reservoir and a first mechanism provided with structure for performing a first parts washing function utilizing fluid in the cleaning fluid reservoir with the first parts washing function dissipating the cleaning from the reservoir. A second mechanism is provided for performing a second parts washing function utilizing cleaning fluid that increases the volume of cleaning fluid from a supply. A third mechanism is provided for sensing the volume of cleaning fluid in the reservoir and a) enabling operation of the first mechanism and disabling operation of the second mechanism with the cleaning fluid present in the reservoir in a first predetermined volume and b) disabling operation of the first means and enabling operation of the second means with the cleaning fluid present in the reservoir in a second predetermined volume.

Abstract: An apparatus for precision cleaning with carbon dioxide includes a pressure vessel having a removable cleaning drum with a sanitized work zone. The sanitized work zone is defined by an impermeable drum body having a removable exit filter to ensure that circulating cleaning fluid does not redeposit contaminants on the parts. The carbon dioxide is maintained in liquid form in the storage vessel, raised above its critical temperature by the preheater, pumped into the pressure vessel to achieve critical pressure, circulated through the work zone for a predetermined period of time, and removed through the let-down valve.

Abstract: A torsion bar assembly for a dishwasher door having a stainless steel torsion bar enclosed in an elongated stainless steel tube such that the bar rotates within the tube as the door is moved between an open and a closed position. One end of the bar and tube are fixedly disposed in a rectangular boss which is fixedly attached to the dishwasher door; and a second end of the tube and bar are releasably disposed in a cylindrical boss which is welded to a door hinge. The bosses are attached on opposite sides of the interior door panel, so that the torsion bar extends substantially the width of the door. The torsion bar is protected from water by the corrosion-resistant tube, and by a pair of quad-rings which are disposed in recesses in the cylindrical boss. The quad-rings prevent water from seeping through the boss and reaching the torsion bar. When the ends of the torsion bar are disposed in the bosses, the bar is spaced within the tube to permit the bar to rotate independently of the tube.

Abstract: A dishwasher machine tub for containing water sprayed therein during operation of a dishwasher. The tub includes a wall, a door, and a first wall plate. The wall defines a dishwashing chamber having an opening. The door is connected to the wall and may be positioned to cover and uncover the opening. The first wall plate is spaced apart from the wall, resiliently connected to the wall, and positioned within the chamber. Preferably, the first wall plate is positioned so as to be directly impinged by some of the sprayed water during operation of the dishwasher. The air gap and the resilient connection between the first wall plate and the wall provide localized attenuation of the noise from the drumming impact of the sprayed wash water.

Abstract: A device for drying food products such as vegetables by aeration. The device includes a container having a domed cover and housing a network of tubing having a plurality of apertures through which compressed air is discharged for drying food products supported within said container in a mesh basket. The dome-shaped cover enhances air circulation by re-directing upward flowing air back down toward the enclosed food product causing certain foods such as lettuce to tumble in the resulting air stream. A pressure relief valve operates to limit pressure within the container and allow the escape of moisture laden air. In an alternate embodiment water is first allowed to flow through the tubing network and out of the tube apertures for washing the enclosed food product.

Abstract: A cleaning system which includes a tank that contains a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid is typically in either a liquid, vapor or two-phase state, and is capable of removing grease and other foreign material from an object such as a circuit board. The tank has a heating jacket that provides heat to the cleaning fluid to raise the fluid to the vaporized state. A still is coupled to the tank by a vacuum pump. The pump circulates both liquid and vaporized cleaning fluid through the still which removes the foreign material from the fluid. The system has a pressure control system which controls the pressure of the cleaning fluid within the tank. The vacuum pump and pressure control system insure that the cleaning fluid is maintained in a desired state. The vacuum pump typically reduces the pressure of the cleaning fluid below the operating level of a conventional cleaning tank. The reduction in operating pressure provides a corresponding decrease in the saturation temperature of the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: The specification discloses a cleaning apparatus (2) for cleaning machine and engine parts comprising a trough (4) in which the cleaning is performed. A lid (6) is connected to the trough (4) and is movable between a closed position covering the trough and an opened position allowing access to the trough. A first cleaning fluid dispenser in the form of a manifold (8) is located within the apparatus (2). Also provided is a portable cleaning fluid dispensing gun (10) or brush (12) which is connectable to the apparatus (2). The lid (6) operatively cooperates with the manifold (8), gun (10) or brush (12) so that when the lid (6) is in the closed position, cleaning fluid is dispensed through the manifold (8) and when the lid (6) is in the opened position, cleaning fluid can be dispensed through the gun (10) or brush (12). A pump (14) is provided for pumping the cleaning fluid to the manifold (8), gun (10) or brush (12).

Abstract: A parts washing machine is provided for cleaning and degreasing, e.g., automotive parts which includes a tray rotatably mounted within an enclosure. A drive mechanism is provided for rotating the tray which includes a drive member such as a gear which is mounted on a pivot arm for operative engagement with the tray. By positioning the drive axis of the drive member more proximate to the circumferential wall of the tray than the pivot axis, the drive member remains in engagement with little or no additional force required to maintain a driving relationship between the drive member and the tray.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting spineboards includes a housing, a rack system for supporting at least one spineboard within the housing, and piping positioned in the housing and including a plurality of nozzles or ports. A tank containing a disinfectant is in flow communication with the piping, and a pump circulates the disinfectant from the tank through the piping and nozzles or ports to impinge the disinfectant against the at least one spineboard.

Abstract: A closed circuit solvent cleaning method and system in which the object to be cleaned is placed in a chamber and subjected to a negative gauge pressure to remove air and other non-condensible gases, after which a solvent is introduced to the evacuated chamber and the object is cleaned. Following this, the solvent is recovered from the object and chamber and then the clean object is removed.

Abstract: A hot solvent tank for cleaning various objects such as metallic parts is provided. The solvent is a bio-degradable detergent aqueous solution which is environmentally acceptable. The solvent tank is an open top steel barrel mounted on casters for easy moving and employs a thermostatically controlled heating element. A bottom drain valve is connected at the bottom. The various parts to be cleaned may be immersed in the solvent and supported by chains or baskets hooked over the rim at the top of the barrel. The drain valve may be connected to an accessory cleaning unit comprising a pump and replaceable automotive filter for pumping solvent through a hose and flow through a brush for cleaning parts supported above the solvent at the top of the tank. The filter, which can be discarded when dirty, is effective for removing heavy metal contaminants and providing a purified recirculating solvent.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning chemically processed articles between chemical processing steps. The cleaning apparatus includes a sealable pressurization vessel. After a chemical process step, an article, such as a semiconductor wafer is placed in the vessel. The vessel is sealed. Vessel pressure is adjusted. Solvent in the vessel is heated to a boil forming a vapor. Solvent vapor is recondensed by a primary condensing coil. Condensed solvent rains onto the article, washing it. After the article is clean, it is dried when a secondary condensing coil condenses the solvent vapor, causing the distilled solvent to rain into and be collected by a collection tray. Collected solvent is channelled into a storage reservoir. The storage reservoir is sealed after all of the solvent is collected. The vessel is opened to remove the cleaned article.

Abstract: A cleaning system which includes a tank that contains a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid is typically in either a liquid, vapor or two-phase state, and is capable of removing grease and other foreign material from an object such as a circuit board. The tank has a heating jacket that provides heat to the cleaning fluid to raise the fluid to the vaporized state. A still is coupled to the tank by a vacuum pump. The pump circulates both liquid and vaporized cleaning fluid through the still which removes the foreign material from the fluid. The system has a pressure control system which controls the pressure of the cleaning fluid within the tank. The vacuum pump and pressure control system insure that the cleaning fluid is maintained in a desired state. The vacuum pump typically reduces the pressure of the cleaning fluid below the operating level of a conventional cleaning tank. The reduction in operating pressure provides a corresponding decrease in the saturation temperature of the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning tank has a tank body for accommodating a cleaning solution, an ultrasonic vibrator housed in a sealing container mounted on a bottom wall of the tank body, and an openable lid for sealingly closing the tank body when a workpiece to be cleaned is immersed in the cleaning solution in the tank body. The cleaning solution is supplied to fill up an entire space in the ultrasonic cleaning tank when the tank body is closed by the lid. A pressurizing system for pressuring the cleaning solution which fills the ultrasonic cleaning tank includes a cleaning solution sealing tank for accommodating the cleaning solution independently of the ultrasonic cleaning tank, a liquid conduit interconnecting the ultrasonic cleaning tank and the cleaning solution sealing tank, and a pressurizing device for pressurizing the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution sealing tank to transmit the pressure applied to the cleaning solution through the liquid conduit to the ultrasonic cleaning tank.

Abstract: A single wafer processing apparatus includes a portable processing head that can be a portable module or a movable unit mounted to a supporting machine frame. The processing head has movable fingers adapted to grip a wafer. The fingers protrude from a protective wafer plate. Indexing and rotation monitoring assemblies are provided for automation of the wafer processing steps. A complementary processing base includes an upwardly-open bowl that receives a wafer held by the portable processing head. It has a full-diameter movable bottom wall for rapid draining purposes. Liquid and/or gas jets and nozzles supply fluids required within the bowl for processing of wafers.

Abstract: An equipment container is disclosed with a lid for closing off an interior space thereof and having a body member with a space therein for containing items and with a fluid inlet and fluid outlet so that a fluid may be transmitted through the container to clean, wash, rinse or flush the container's interior and/or items(s) therein. Item separator(s) may be provided to maintain distance between items. A drain protector may be used to inhibit clogging or restriction of drain outlet(s). One or more dry compartments through which fluid does not flow may also be provided. A perforated removable compartment disposable in the container may also be provided. In one aspect the container is made of hard solid wall members. In another aspect the container is made of durable fabric and may have an interior equipment containment liner or bladder which communicates with fluid inlet(s) and outlet(s). Such a bladder or liner may be used with a hard-sided container.

Abstract: A dishwasher equipped for single-phase alternating current connection, in particular a dishwasher for typical designated use in a household, includes a recirculating pump for wash water and rinse water with which items to be cleaned are acted upon under a spray pressure. A three-phase rotary current motor drives the recirculating pump. An electronically controlled single-phase AC/three-phase rotary current/frequency inverter impresses current on the three-phase rotary current motor.

Abstract: The system of the present invention is an all-automated and all hands-free, flushing module with the capability of performing an internal cleansing of internally soiled components of a patient support apparatus configured for one or more of the care, maintenance or treatment of a patient. The system is configured with at least one bay to receive a patient support apparatus to be cleaned. The system is designed so that additional bays can be used to clean two or three patient support apparatus at one time. The system includes hoses supplying liquid into the bed's internal surfaces that come into contact with substances associated with one or more of the care, maintenance and/or treatment of a patient on the patient support apparatus. The system automatically goes through a flush cycle, a wash cycle and a rinse cycle. The system has extra compartments for jug washing.

Abstract: A cleaning system which includes a tank that contains a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid is typically in either a liquid, vapor or two-phase state, and is capable of removing grease and other foreign material from an object such as a circuit board. The tank has a heating jacket that provides heat to the cleaning fluid to raise the fluid to the vaporized state. A still is coupled to the tank by a vacuum pump. The pump circulates both liquid and vaporized cleaning fluid through the still which removes the foreign material from the fluid. The system has a pressure control system which controls the pressure of the cleaning fluid within the tank. The vacuum pump and pressure control system insure that the cleaning fluid is maintained in a desired state. The vacuum pump typically reduces the pressure of the cleaning fluid below the operating level of a conventional cleaning tank. The reduction in operating pressure provides a corresponding decrease in the saturation temperature of the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine the washing tub of which is opened at the top and is provided at its bottom portion with lower nozzle arms 51, 52. An upper opening of the washing tub is closed or opened by a door 20 which is provided with a top plate 21 of semi-circular cross-section and rotatable in its semi-circular direction along a pair of side walls of the washing tub. An upper nozzle arm is provided inside of the top plate at the central portion thereof. A water supply passage is provided along an internal surface of the door to supply a portion of hot wash water or rinse water supplied to the lower nozzle arms to the upper nozzle arm. When the upper opening of the washing tub is opened, the door and upper nozzle arm are housed in a rear portion of said washing tub.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for sterilizing and transporting medical implements (52). A rectangular, cabinet-like, support structure (12) surrounds a self-contained sterilization system generally defined by a storage rack (58), a container-like collection vessel (34) and a tube-like fluid transport line (42). Storage rack (58) includes wet wells (46a) and dry wells (46b). Wet wells (46a) are filled with sterilization fluid, and medical implements (52) are immersed therein. Following sterilization, medical implements (52) are placed in dry wells (46b), for storage. Subsequently, the used sterilization fluid in wet wells (46a) can be drained through fluid transport line (42) into collection vessel (34). The apparatus (10) is transportable for easily sterilizing medical implements (52) at different locations.