Abstract: This invention provides fluid-dispensing devices attachable to an air-intake system of an internal combustion engine for introducing an engine cleaner composition into the air intake system. The invention also provides methods of cleaning internal combustion engines using the fluid-dispensing devices.

Abstract: To provide a pattern formation method capable of forming a pattern by cleaning a liquid droplet ejection head without causing problems during the liquid droplet ejection operation, when the liquid droplet ejection head stored with a storage solution is used again, a pattern formation method includes: filling a passage including a liquid droplet ejection head and a conduit to feed a functional solution to the liquid droplet ejection head with purified water; filling the passage with a solvent dissolving both the purified water and a solvent contained in the functional solution, filling the passage with the solvent contained in the functional solution, surface treating a substrate by forming a lyophobic film on a region surrounding a pattern formation region defined on the substrate; and disposing liquid droplets on the pattern formation region with the liquid droplet ejection head.

Abstract: A method for the reprocessing of a device having internal passageways by applying a fluid at a plurality of pressures to the internal passageways of the device to permit reuse of the device in a clean environment includes applying a fluid having a single input pressure to a pressure differentiation device having first and second pressure control fittings for providing first and second differing pressure outputs in accordance with the single input pressure and transmitting the fluid at the first and second differing pressures from the pressure differentiation device to the internal passageways. The internal passageways are reprocessed with the transmitted fluid at the first and second differing pressures, whereby the internal passageways are reprocessed at differing pressures in accordance with the single input pressure.

Abstract: A method for the reprocessing of a device having internal passageways by applying a fluid at a plurality of pressures to the internal passageways of the device to permit reuse of the device in a clean environment includes applying a fluid having a single input pressure to a pressure differentiation device having first and second pressure control fittings for providing first and second differing pressure outputs in accordance with the single input pressure and transmitting the fluid at the first and second differing pressures from the pressure differentiation device to the internal passageways. The internal passageways are reprocessed with the transmitted fluid at the first and second differing pressures, whereby the internal passageways are reprocessed at differing pressures in accordance with the single input pressure.

Abstract: A method of cleaning and maintenance used for a rotational etching tool, combining the physical characteristics of water (splashed off after striking the surface of a spinning wafer) and a PM (preventive maintenance) computer program, can automatically and quickly clean the interior of the etching tool. By setting the appropriate parameters of PM program, single or all of process chambers can be well cleaned. Also, the DI water dropping positions on the wafer can be altered to create more splashing angles. To clean the sidewalls of the etching chambers, the wafer supporting means is moved between the process chamber and the rotating speed thereof is preferably alter while it is moving. The PM program of the present invention can be executed whenever the cleaning job needs to be done. It not only is timesaving and easy to apply, but also keeps the wafer in a almost-no-particle environment while being etched.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a mehtod of cleaning an object in a controlled environment processing chamber into which solvents, water and/or gases are introduced. The process includes first applying a negative gauge pressure to the chamber to non-condensable gases and then introducing a solvent, solvent mixture, water or gas in either a liquid or vapor state to remove soluble contaminants from the surface of an object being processed in the chamber. Further steps recover residual solvent or solution from the object and chamber. A secondary cleaning step directs a vapor state fluid at high velocity at a solid surface of the object to remove insoluble material left behind after the pretreatment step. A final series of steps recovers any loose impediments or residual liquid or vapor from the chamber and returns the chamber to atmospheric pressure for removal of the cleaned object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for cleaning a component (14) of an air-conditioning or refrigeration system which provides for flushing liquid solvent through the component (14) to remove contamination from the component, vaporizing the solvent flushed through the component (14) followed by removing the contamination from the vaporized solvent so as to clean the solvent of the contamination, then liquefying the vaporized cleaned solvent and re-using the liquefied solvent to again flush the component (14).

Abstract: A device and method for automatically flushing hydrants. The device is installed externally to an existing hydrant. The device comprises a nipple having an internally threaded collar for attaching the device to a hydrant outlet, a valve, a control for automatically operating the valve, and a lockable box containing at least the valve, the box having an outlet for allowing water from the hydrant to pass from the valve to the exterior of the box. The box functions as an enclosure and may be of any desired configuration.

Abstract: A semiconductor water is contained in a reaction tube, and the reaction tube is exhausted through an exhaust pipe while supplying ammonia and dichlorosilane into the reaction tube. A silicon nitride film is deposited on an object to be heat-treated by a reaction of ammonia and dichlorosilane. Subsequently, TEOS is supplied into the reaction tube, while the reaction tube is exhausted through the exhaust pipe. A silicon oxide film is deposited on the object by resolving the TEOS. A semiconductor wafer an which a laminated layer of the silicon nitride film and the silicon oxide film is formed is unloaded from the reaction tube. Then, reactive products attached into the exhaust pipe and the reaction tube are removed, by conducting fluoride hydrogen thereinto, thereby cleaning the pipers The top end of the exhaust pipe is split into two vents, either one of which is used for discharging exhaust gas for forming films and the other one of which is used for discharging HF gas for cleaning the pipes.

Abstract: A portable apparatus cleans a passage such as an oxygen line by circulating a cleaning medium, such as a silicated alkaline cleaner such as OCC, through the passage. A rinse medium, such as distilled water, may than be circulated through the passage. The cleaning medium and the rinse medium may be filtered, and a flush medium is preferably circulated through the passage after the circulation of the cleaning medium and before the circulation of the rinse medium.

Abstract: A method of improving the operation of a gas pipeline having at least some water therein including the steps of introducing into the interior of the pipeline a soluble soap pig that is dimensioned to move through the pipeline by gas flow, the composition of the soap pig being selected such that at least some soap is applied as a film to the interior wall as the soap pig moves through the pipeline and in which the soap pig slowly dissolves within the pipeline. The soap film preferably has anti-corrosive and/or antibacterial properties.

Abstract: A method of remediating deposits which partially block a pipeline comprising providing a pig within said pipeline which sealingly engages the internal diameter of said pipeline, restraining the movement of said pig using a wire rope or similar means, pumping down the pipeline without taking return flow back up the pipeline, pumping through flow jets on the pig to increase the velocity of the flow to enhance the effectiveness of the remediation method.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a dish-cleaning appliance having a removable basket that carries a spray arm. The method comprises: uncoupling the liquid supply from the sprayer, spraying liquid against the peripheral side wall from the liquid supply, and draining the sprayed liquid from the wash chamber.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning and sterilizing tubular structures particularly, long, narrow tubular structures such as lumens of a medical device such as an endoscope by reversing the flow of fluid in interconnected tubular structures. The device comprises a first and second valve in fluid communication with a first and second tubular structure. The valves selectively switch between a first and second position causing a first and second flow path within the tubular structures, at least a part of the second flow path opposite the first flow path.

Abstract: A cleaning method for removing solid deposits of the oxides of nitrogen, especially dinitrogen pentoxide, from ozone generator tubes and dielectrics is described. The method circulates warm dry gas in the tube section of the generator, warm water in the shell section or both to clean the ozone generator. The oxides are evaporated and evacuated from the system. The method substantially reduces or eliminates the formation of nitric acid on the tubes and dielectrics when the generator is exposed to humidity upon being opened to the atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising an HFC component and a non-HFC component consisting essentially of methanol, having boiling points that are unexpectedly low and relatively constant, and uses thereof.

Abstract: This invention is a method for cleaning a semiconductor manufacturing system, which passes a highly volatile liquid agent through the system to remove the impurities and to dissolve chemicals used in the system. The cleaning agent dissolves and washes the chemicals out of the system to keep the chemicals from combining with moisture in the air and forming oxide particles. By washing with a liquid, residual gases and impurities in the system are rapidly removed from the system. After washing the system, the cleaning agent is quickly dried because the cleaning agent is highly volatile. Thereby, the system is cleaned efficiently within a short time by using this method.

Abstract: A cleaning method is provided for an ultrapure water supply system having an ultrapure water production apparatus connected to a point of use of ultrapure water via a passage. In the cleaning method, a basic solution, for example, is circulated through the system to change the surface potential of fine particles in the system from an opposite to the same polarity as that of elements constituting the system, thereby facilitating the removal of the fine particles, and the fine particles are then discharged from the system to outside together with the basic solution. The cleaning method has excellent cleaning capability and also makes it possible to shorten the rinsing time required for removing the residual constituent of the cleaning solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising an HFC component and a non-HFC component consisting essentially of methanol, having boiling points that are unexpectedly low and relatively constant, and uses thereof.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning and sterilizing tubular structures particularly, long, narrow tubular structures such as lumens of a medical device such as an endoscope by reversing the flow of fluid in interconnected tubular structures. The device comprises a first and second valve in fluid communication with a first and second tubular structure. The valves selectively switch between a first and second position causing a first and second flow path within the tubular structures, at least a part of the second flow path opposite the first flow path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the EGR system of a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes an induction device that is removably attachable to the manifold of an engine in the location of the EGR valve. The induction device includes an adapter plate and a nozzle assembly. The apparatus further includes a solvent administrator removably attachable to the induction device for providing a quantity of solvent to the EGR system.

Abstract: A method for removing biofilm from, and/or for preventing biofilm from forming on, an interior surface of a conduit that receives a supply of water, is performed by disabling the supply of water to the conduit, and passing an ozone-containing gas to the conduit. The ozone-containing gas can be generated from an oxygen-containing gas that is exposed to either a corona discharge or ultraviolet radiation. In an alternate embodiment, the water is disinfected by the ultraviolet radiation. The invention is especially suited for use with dental equipment.

Abstract: A method for cleaning an apparatus using a clean-in-place system is disclosed. The clean-in-place system is in fluid communication with an inlet and an outlet of the apparatus. In the method, a cleaning composition having a measurable physical property (e.g., pH) is supplied from a cleaner tank into the inlet of the apparatus for a first period of time. A rinsing composition having the measurable physical property at a second measured value is then supplied from a rinse tank into the inlet of the apparatus for a second period of time. The measurable physical property is sensed versus time for fluids exiting the outlet of the apparatus, and a circulation time of the cleaning composition is determined. A closing time for a return valve of the cleaner tank is then determined for subsequent cleaning cycles such that minimal rinsing composition enters the cleaner tank during the subsequent cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A method for the reprocessing of a device having internal passageways by applying a fluid at a plurality of pressures to the internal passageways of the device to permit reuse of the device in a clean environment includes applying a fluid having a single input pressure to a pressure differentiation device having first and second pressure control fittings for providing first and second differing pressure outputs in accordance with the single input pressure and transmitting the fluid at the first and second differing pressures from the pressure differentiation device to the internal passageways. The internal passageways are reprocessed with the transmitted fluid at the first and second differing pressures, whereby the internal passageways are reprocessed at differing pressures in accordance with the single input pressure.

Abstract: A method detects proper flow through one or more channels in an endoscope during a cleaning procedure. A supply line connects to one of the channels, the supply line being in fluid communication with a fluid supply vessel. Fluid is flowed from the supply vessel through the channel for a time period. The amount of fluid is calculated based upon a volume change in the supply vessel and the flow rate calculated based upon the amount of fluid and the time period. If the flow rate varies by more than a predetermined amount from a predetermined value an indication of improper flow is given.

Abstract: An exemplary cleaning apparatus for cleaning a system having a first fluid is provided, wherein the apparatus comprises a second fluid entering the system and cycling in the system with the first fluid for a predetermined period of time. The cleaning apparatus also comprises an air compressor and an air storage tank. The air compressor is capable of compressing air into air storage tank, and air storage tank is capable of delivering air to the system for purging the first and second fluids from the system after the predetermined period of time has expired. The cleaning apparatus further comprises an air regulator capable of regulating pressure of the air delivered to the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing misted cleaning or disinfecting solution at one or more atomizing discharge ports for cleaning suction conduits, such as HVE conduits. The apparatus includes a venturi valve to extract concentrated cleaning/disinfectant fluid from a storage container. The concentrated fluid is mixed with a pressurized venturi-operating fluid, typically water, before being suctioned through an atomizing discharge port and entering the conduit to be cleaned.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for scarifying the interior surface of a sewer pipe. The apparatus consists of a chassis, with an outer frame coupled to the chassis and an inner frame slidably coupled to the outer frame. Two extendible arms are attached to opposite sides of the inner frame. Each arm has a nozzle assembly mounted on the end, each nozzle assembly having a plurality of fluid jets for spray water onto the interior surface of the pipeline. The nozzle assembly may be pivotally mounted to allow for greater control of the fluid jets. The apparatus further includes a propulsion system for movement of the apparatus along the pipeline.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods for removing adherent materials, for example, residues, scale, contaminants, fouling, precipitates, and the like objectional materials from various internal surfaces of fluid transport or delivery systems and parts thereof. In particular, the method employs an improved media comprising core/shell particles. The media can be propelled against or along the surface by a fluid carrier to remove the unwanted surface material. In one embodiment, the media may be propelled by a liquid along a surface, such as the interior walls of a pipe, to remove undesirable adherent materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for chemo-mechanical cleaning of the barrel of a gun, in which method the barrel is closed tightly from both ends and at least one cleaning chemical is introduced into the closed barrel, the chemical is allowed to react with the impurities on the interior surface of the barrel, the chemically treated residue is loosened mechanically, the residue is removed from the barrel and, if necessary, the barrel is rinsed and dried. According to the invention, at least one of the cleaning chemicals used is a gaseous cleaning chemical. The invention also relates to a device for cleaning the barrel of a gun, comprising end blocks (1,8) sealably fittable to each end of the barrel and a reciprocable mechanical cleaning element to be placed in the barrel.

Abstract: The present invention is one for providing an apparatus and a method which make it possible to remove a foreign object or matter such as scale attached on an inner surface of a pipe easily for a short period of time by means of simple equipment and manner, and constituted as follows. Specifically, a holder (11) is attached onto an end of a pipe (P), an abrasion assisting member (16) fixed to a tip end of a support arm (15) is inserted into the pipe (P) by use of the holder (11) and stopped at an area (A) where oxide scale (S) is generated in a large amount. Then abrasive is sent with pressure into the pipe (P) by a blast device (14), and thus a flow rate of the abrasive in the scale-abraded area (A) is increased to abrade and remove the oxide scale (S) securely. Moreover, if required, a spiral groove (17) is formed on an outer circumference of the abrasion assisting member (16) to increase centrifugal force of the abrasive.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a process which involves safely and sanitarily extracting a solid material from a shell-and-tube reactor with good efficiency. The process comprises the step of extracting a solid material 90 that is packed in a reaction tube 20 of a shell-and-tube reactor 10, with the process further comprising: the step (a) of inserting an aspirating tube 30 from an end of the reaction tube 30 wherein the aspirating tube 30 is connected to an exhaust gas aspirator 70; and the step (b) of extracting the solid material 90 from the reaction tube 20 by aspirating the solid material 90 in the reaction tube 20 from a tip of the aspirating tube 30 together with a stream of air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for cleaning internal passageways within a component, such as a component to be used in an engine. The device for cleaning the internal passageway includes a first probe having a longitudinal axis and at least one nozzle oriented at an angle, preferably perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the first probe has two nozzles, both oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and offset 180 degrees from each other. The device further includes a second probe having a longitudinal axis and a nozzle in a tip end, which nozzle is oriented along the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the first and second probes are connected to a common manifold.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning mineral build-up from the water pipes of a building. The system is attached to in-flow and out-flow orifices of a building, and two circuits, one including a cleaning solution, and a second including a rinsing solution, are alternatingly circulated through the building's water pipe network.

Abstract: A water lance blower for cleaning heat installations includes a water lance moveably mounted with a mouth thereof at or in a hatch. The water lance can blow a jet of water through the heating installation, through which flames and/or flue gases are guided, to wall regions accessible from the hatch, during operation. The water lance is provided with at least one sensor for detecting at least one predeterminable measurement value for monitoring the quality of the water jet. A method for operating the water lance blower includes detecting and evaluating at least one parameter characteristic of the quality of the water jet as a measurement value during operation of the water lance blower. The method permits an evaluation of the cleaning effect of the water lance blower during operation and, if required, influencing of the same.

Abstract: A micro device in which a functional element can be moved between an operating position and a waiting position by the displacement of support means coupled to a substrate. The micro device has a cantilever structure in which one end of support means is made a fixed one fixed to the substrate and the other end to which an active element is provided is made a free end. A spring portion is provided to at least part of the support means, and thus the active element can be greatly displaced by a small stress.

Abstract: In order to free a seized valve, an inspection port is formed in a wall of the valve body and the areas where the valve is seized are determined. One or more injection ports are formed in the valve body adjacent to the seized portions of the valve, pressurized fluid (preferably an insoluble lubricant having a very high cone penetration) is injected through the or each injection port and the injection ports are then closed.

Abstract: A method for the production of (meth)acrylic acid and/or a (meth)acrylic ester is provided. This method for the production of (meth)acrylic acid and/or a (meth)acrylic ester includes washing the device constructed for the production thereof with a basic solution and subsequently rinsing them with a solvent for the purpose of removing solid substances such as polymer and precipitate which occur during the production of (meth)acrylic acid and/or a (meth)acrylic ester.

Abstract: A water lance blower for cleaning heat installations is disclosed. A water lance linked with a water feed conduit system is swivel-mounted with its orifice disposed in a hatch. The water lance can blow a jet of water through the heating installation in operation and through which flames and/or flue gases are guided to wall areas that can be reached from the hatch. The water lance blower is provided with a drive system with at least two drive units that control the water lance, and with a holding device that fastens the water lance blower onto the heating installation. Further, parts of the water feed conduit system are integrated onto the holding device, thereby substantially limiting the size of the water lance blower to the swivel range of the water lance.

Abstract: A corporation stop cleaner device includes a T-shaped body having an inlet end, an outlet end, a flushing inlet connection and a flushing outlet connection. The T-shaped body is attached to the fluid inlet of a corporation stop. A removable brush is mounted on one end of a rigid rod and is forced through the T-shaped body and into the corporation stop. The brush abuts the inner surfaces of the corporation stop to remove debris or the like from the inner surfaces of the corporation stop. Flushing water flows through the T-shaped body to remove debris removed from the corporation stop. An optional pipe cleaning tool includes the T-shaped body attached to a service water line with an expandable brush mounted on one end of a flexible cable wherein the brush expands through the pipe cleaning tool inside of the water pipe to remove debris from the line that is stopping flow of water therethrough.

Abstract: The device comprises a spray system (72, 74, 78, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86) for spraying a fluid (76) against the inside periphery of the tube (1) to be cleaned, and two analogous brushing assemblies (10, 20), each of which comprises brushing means (12, 22) and a propelling element which co-operates with the inside periphery of the tube (1). The device further comprises means (50, 30, 40) for moving axially the brushing assemblies towards each other and away from each other in alternation, which means comprise a chamber (58) connected to a feed for feeding in fluid (51) under pressure. Said spray system (72, 74, 78, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86) includes a reservoir (72) put under pressure by being connected to said chamber (58).

Abstract: A method for removing debris from a roof gutter includes the steps of providing a vacuum conduit having a first end located in proximity to the debris in the gutter and a second end connected to a vacuum tank, having a vacuum producing means, the first end of the vacuum conduit having water and/or air dispensing means to dislodge or make vacuum able the debris located within the gutter. The debris is vacuumed into the vacuum tank by means of the vacuum conduit. Mechanical means may also be utilized in proximity of the first end of the vacuum conduit to break up debris. A monitoring means may be utilized in proximity to the first end of the vacuum conduit to monitor vacuuming progress and/or control vacuum and/or debris dislodging means.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and a device to allow a “rigid” pig to pass into an undersea flow pipe in which a hollow flow-constricting device is in use. According to the invention the device is provided with a first pipe branch and a second pipe branch. The first pipe branch is provided with a hollow flow-constricting device in it and both first and second pipe branches are provided with shut-off valves, whereby the flow can be diverted to the second pipe branch thereby enabling a rigid pig to pass into such second pipe branch, when necessary.

Abstract: A method is taught for cleaning photographic chemistry product fouling, including a proteinaceous portion and a non-proteinaceous portion from a liquid delivery system. The method comprises the steps of displacing resident product solution in the piping with water, hydrodynamically cleaning the piping system using two-phase flow a first time, chemically cleaning the piping system with an aqueous bleach solution to remove the proteinaceous portion of the photographic chemistry product fouling, chemically cleaning the piping system with a functionalized ethyl acetate solvent to remove the non-proteinaceous portion of the photographic chemistry product fouling, and hydrodynamically cleaning the piping system using two-phase flow a second time after the chemical cleaning steps to remove remaining residue. Preferably, after the second hydrodynamic two-phase flow cleaning step, the delivery system is subjected to a high purity water rinse.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning passageways and the like with a two-phase mixture of gas under pressure and an aqueous cleaning solution. The two-phase cleaning mixture is generated in a module and is passed out of the module at a predetermined rate that determines droplet size, velocity and droplet density at the pipeline surface to be cleaned. The droplets impact the walls of the passageway to be cleaned, thereby fragmenting, eroding and removing contaminants in said passageway. These are then flushed out of the passageway by the two-phase flow. The flow of cleaning solution can be steady or pulsed. The apparatus and process include a clean-in-place system that is useful in food, beverage, pharmaceutical and similar process industries.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods, compositions and apparatus for cleaning the surfaces within vessels that have restricted points of entry, and in particular, the surfaces within oxygen converters and oxygen cylinders. These oxygen converters and oxygen cylinders are components of the onboard oxygen supply systems of aircraft. A surfactant and a solvent are mixed to form a cleaning composition that is boiled at reduced pressure and increased temperature within the oxygen converter or oxygen cylinder. The oxygen converter or oxygen cylinder is rinsed with pure solvent, and the rinse fluid is measured to determine the level of contaminants. Dry air is forced through the oxygen converter or oxygen cylinder to remove remaining solvent. The cleaning composition may comprise a fluorocarbon solvent and a fluorosurfactant.

Abstract: A substrate handling end effector is provided. The substrate handling end effector has a vacuum chuck to support a semiconductor substrate thereon. A vacuum passage and a liquid passage are located in the vacuum chuck. The vacuum passage is adapted to be connected to a vacuum source and the liquid passage is adapted to be connected to a liquid source. The liquid passage is connected to the vacuum passage.

Abstract: A method of cleaning ink jet printheads without rendering the printheads inoperative by soaking the printheads in a cleaning solution of acetone and n-methyl-2-pyrolidine, and then flushing the printhead with a gas, such as air. The solution is made of about 70% acetone and about 30% n-methyl-2-pyrolidine by weight.

Abstract: A method for cleaning the air circulation line of a jetted bathtub uses a conduit that has one end received within water in the tub and the opposing end received within the air intake nozzle of the tub. Upon activation of the motor, water circulates through the air circulation line in order to clean the line, the water being picked up from the tub via the conduit. If desired, a cleaning solution can be placed into the water or into a housing that is fluid flow connected in series with the conduit, in order to enhance the cleaning process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning internal channels in an article are presented, with the method comprising providing an article that comprises at least one internal channel. The at least one internal channel comprises at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port. The method further comprises providing a cleaning apparatus, and this cleaning apparatus comprises a cleaning fluid, a reservoir containing the cleaning fluid, a transmitter of vibrational energy projecting into the reservoir the transmitter comprising a transmitter tip and a source of vibrational energy coupled to the transmitter, with the vibrational energy comprising a frequency and a wavelength. The reservoir of the provided apparatus comprises an interface adapted to accommodate attachment of the reservoir to the article, and this interface comprises an orifice to allow fluid communication between the reservoir and the at least one internal channel of the article.