Abstract: The present method for improving the quality of injection molded optical components consists of proper cleaning of the injection molding apparatus between uses. Injection parts that are not subjected to pressurized polymer are cleaned by passage through a series of isopropyl alcohol baths. At each stage clean brushes are used to remove any contaminating polymer. Those injection parts that are subjected to pressurized polymer are best passivated by a succession of thermal cycles in isopropyl alcohol. Thermal cycling removes a contaminant or charge that promotes pre-curing of polymer during the injection process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition of about 20 to about 80 wt % benzotrifluoride and about 20 to about 80 wt % trichloroethylene. Up to about 1 wt % of a stabilizer for the trichloroethylene can be included in the composition.

Abstract: A method of finishing a wood floor comprising a first step of applying an aqueous polar solvent for a sufficient period of time to allow removal of a portion of any existing stains and soils and to at least partially etch the surface of an existing finish. A second step of applying an aqueous rinse to flush at least a substantial portion of any residue formed in the first steps and a third step of applying a water based finish and allowing it to dry.

Abstract: The invention concerns a liquid de-inking composition comprising at least a surfactant of polyalkoxylated terpenic origin of formula: Z—X—W—[CH—(R5)CH(R6)-O]q—A wherein: Z is a bicycloheptenyl or bicycloheptyl radical, preferably substituted by methyl radicals; X is preferably a —CH2—CH2—O— or —O—CH2—CH2—O— radical; W is a polysequence, preferably polyoxypropylene and polyoxyethylne sequence; [CH(R5)—CH(R6)—O]q is a sequence different from a polyoxyethylene, preferably polyoxypropylene sequence; A is a hydrogen atom, a hydrocarbon or functional group. Said composition can be used for de-inking paper.

Abstract: A method is provided for stripping a polymer film from a floor surface, comprising the steps of: (a) applying a concentrated alkaline stripper solution including an alkaline agent and a solvent, to the polymer film; (b) allowing this concentrated alkaline solution to chemically act on the polymer film during a contact time of at least 5 seconds; (c) scrubbing the polymer film with a scrubbing device while diluting the concentrated alkaline solution with water, so as to obtain a sludge; (d) vacuum cleaning the floor surface by suction of the sludge, whereby this method is carried out using one floor treating machine. This method is an integrated floor stripping procedure which is considerably more effective than known stripping methods of the prior art.

Abstract: A paint-removing method comprises the steps of putting dimethyl sulfoxide into a tank, raising the dimethyl sulfoxide at a temperature of approximately 35° C. to 189° C. in the tank; and soaking a member to be removed of paint into the dimethyl sulfoxide in the tank. The dimethyl sulfoxide is applying or blowing to a member to be removed of paint.

Abstract: Resin solid matter having a chemical structure represented by the following chemical formula (1) is contacted with a mixture (A), which contains (a) an acidic compound and (b) water as essential components, and which does not dissolve the resin solid matter, to thereby break the bonds in the chemical structure of the above formula (1). Thereafter, the resultant resin solid matter is removed from a base material by a solvant, whereby both of the base material and the removed resin can be recycled, and the solution for removing the resin can be repeatedly used.

Abstract: Coating remover compositions comprising an alkylene carbonate, hydrogen peroxide, water, a first alcohol, a second alcohol, and, optionally, pine oil that exhibit low toxicity. Further, a method of removing a coating from a surface. The method involves contacting a composition comprising an alkylene carbonate, hydrogen peroxide, water, a first alcohol, a second alcohol, and optionally, pine oil to a coated surface, and allowing the composition to contact the coated surface for a period of time, and under conditions effective to cause blistering of the coating. The compositions and method of the present invention are particularly suited for use with varnishes.

Abstract: A paint stripping composition comprising methyl benzoate and formic acid, as well as a method for using the foregoing composition in stripping paint from a substrate, are disclosed. The paint stripping composition may optionally also comprise thickeners, surfactants, and corrosion inhibitors. The composition and method are useful in stripping a variety of paints and similar organic coatings from both metallic and non-metallic substrates. Most preferably, the paint stripping composition does not comprise n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone.

Abstract: The invention provides azeotrope-like compositions consisting essentially of RfCF(OC2H5)CF(CF3)2, where Rf is a straight chain perfluoroalkyl group having 3 carbon atoms, and an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of: (a) unsubstituted straight chain, branched chain, and cyclic saturated alkanes containing 8 to 11 carbon atoms; (b) chlorinated straight chain, branched chain, and cyclic saturated alkanes containing 5 to 7 carbon atoms; (c) aromatic or unsaturated cyclic halogenated or unhalogenated hydrocarbons containing 7 to 10 carbon atoms; (d) esters containing 6 carbon atoms; (e) ketones containing 6 to 7 carbon atoms; (f) glycol ethers containing 6 carbon atoms; and (g) siloxanes containing 8 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Equipment used in the processing of plastic, such as molds and extrusion screws, is cleaned of plastic residue by a combination of thermal cycling and agitation without impact cleaning. A chamber can be heated by an electric radiant heater and cooled by the introduction of liquid nitrogen. A fixture in the chamber receives the equipment to be cleaned and is agitated by a drive motor. The chamber is heated and cooled in the following cycle in which the drive motor agitates the fixture: first to 250-300° F., then to −315° F., then cycled between −50° F. and −10° F., then to 150° F., then to −200° F., to 100° F., then to ambient temperature. The chamber is controlled by a computer that prompts the operator for the kind of plastic to be cleaned off of the equipment and then controls the heating and cooling automatically.

Abstract: The invention provides a solvent mixture including n-propyl bromide, a mixture of low boiling solvents and, preferably, a defluxing and/or ionics removing additive and/or at least one saturated terpene. The invention also provides a method of cleaning an article (e.g., an electrical, plastic, or metal part) in a vapor degreaser using the solvent mixture. The solvent mixture of the invention is non-flammable, non-corrosive, and non-hazardous. In addition, it has a high solvency and a very low ozone depletion potential. Thus, using the solvent mixture of the invention, oil, grease, rosin flux, and other organic material can be readily removed from the article of interest in an environmentally safe manner.

Abstract: A resist removing agent and a resist removing composition, having an excellent capability for removing a resist and polymer and which does not attack underlying layers, a method for preparing the same and a resist removing method using the same. The resist removing agent includes alkoxy N-hydroxyalkyl alkanamide. The resist removing composition includes alkoxy N-hydroxyalkyl alkanamide, and at least one compound selected from a group consisting of a polar material having a dipole moment of 3 or greater, an attack inhibitor and alkanolamine. A substrate having the resist thereon is brought into contact with the resist removing agent or resist removing composition to remove the resist.

Abstract: A composition useful as a paint remover which may include a carbonate, a dibasic ester and a mono-ester. The paint stripping composition may also contain an organic sulfur-containing compound such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a glycol ether, a ketone, or combination thereof. The composition may be used in a process for removing paint by applying it to a painted surface. A degreasing composition is also disclosed which may comprise a carbonate and a alkyl-substituted cyclo-alkane such as naphthene. The compositions have several important attributes, including low toxicity and high efficacy in removing paint and coatings.

Abstract: A device for supplying a mixture of fluids (cleaning agent and air) to a color bank in a paint finishing system for the purpose of removing paint residue, thereby flushing out the system. The device, may be supplied with any number and types of fluids. The device comprises valves for the purpose of activating fluid flow, an overall shape that allows for easing mounting in an existing color changer rack system or as an independent device, and a screen plate located in the path of the fluids, for the purpose of mixing the fluids. A screen plate and discharge port is configured into the body of the device to deliver the cleaning fluid mixture in a turbulent swirling movement to the next section of the color bank or to the next item to be cleaned. A method of cleaning a color bank using the device is disclosed.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for cleaning the walls of a swimming pool or other concrete structures. Two different sized aggregate or abrasives are combined with a binder to provide an improved cleaning device. The binder and the aggregates are matched so as to wear at substantially identical rates.

Abstract: The present invention provides advantages as a method of cleaning movie screens, such as vinyl screens, enhanced screens, painted screens, taurus screens, rear projection screens, and silver screens. In one embodiment, the present invention is a method of cleaning a movie screen by applying a cleaning chemical to the movie screen, wiping the movie screen with a first towel, applying a neutralizer to the movie screen, wiping the movie screen with a second towel, and drying the movie screen.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of microelectronics, such as integrated circuits, and more particularly to compositions and methods of removing photoresists or other organic materials from the surfaces of substrates used in the fabrication of integrated circuits. In particular the present invention relates to amine-free stripping compositions comprising solvent and surfactant that can effectively remove organic materials without corroding the underlying substrate, and the invention also relates to methods for removing these organic materials with the novel stripping composition.

Abstract: This invention concerns a composition useful as a paint remover, comprising: alkylene carbonate such as propylene carbonate or ethylene carbonate, hydrogen peroxide, and water, and optionally an alcohol such as benzyl alcohol. In another broad respect, this invention concerns a process for removing paint, comprising: applying a composition containing alkylene carbonate, hydrogen peroxide, and water to a painted surface for a time and under conditions effective to cause blistering or bubbling of the paint. In another broad respect, this invention is a composition useful as a paint remover, comprising: dialkyl carbonate, hydrogen peroxide, and water, optionally containing an alcohol, optionally containing a glycol ether. In another broad respect, this invention is a process for removing paint, comprising: applying a composition containing dialkyl carbonate, hydrogen peroxide, and water to a painted surface for a time and under conditions effective to cause blistering or bubbling of the paint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for cleaning objects, preferably spray guns. At least one pulse counting device (9) is provided to count the number of pulses of the pulsating flow of washing liquid in a washing-liquid conduit (7) which feeds the washing liquid (3) from a washing-liquid pump (5) to at least one washing-liquid nozzle (2). The pulse counting device (9) controls at least one valve device (11) to close, in dependence of a predetermined number of pulses counted by the pulse counting device (9), a pressure-medium conduit (13) to the washing-liquid pump (5) so that the operation thereof is interrupted. Hereby, it is ensured that the desired and actual amounts or volumes of washing liquid are the same during each washing process.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composition for stripping coatings for example of paints. Said composition comprises at least an aromatic ether containing an alkoxy group with at least two carbon atoms and at least an aprotic polar solvent.

Abstract: A paint stripper for use by immersion of a painted substrate in a bath of the composition or application in place has two phases, one aqueous and the other of partially water soluble organic solvent. The aqueous phase is saturated with organic solvent. The organic solvent is preferably benzyl alcohol, dibasic ester or ethyl-e-ethoxypropionate, The total amount of organic solvent in the bath is suitably in the range 2 to 20%. The stripper may be acid or alkali activated. The application stripper is thickened to avoid separation during storage.

Abstract: An apparatus for surface treating a semiconductor wafer includes a surface treatment chamber and a source of radiation. The semiconductor wafer disposed inside the chamber is illuminated with radiation sufficient to create a plurality of electron-hole pairs near the surface of the wafer and to desorb ions and molecules adsorbed on the surface of the wafer.

Abstract: A stripping composition suitable for stripping external organic coatings, such as exterior waterproof coatings and thin films, contains (a): (A) at least one dibasic ester, e.g. aliphatic esters, (B) at least one dipolar aprotic solvent, e.g. dimethyl sulfoxide, (C) at least one cosolvent, e.g. anisole and (D) a combination of softening agents, e.g. a mixture of ethyl lactate, trimethylcyclohexanone, cyclohexyl acetate, diethanolamine, a dimethoxybenzene, and water.

Abstract: An aqueous composition for softening or removing organic coatings comprises: (a) an effective amount of a mixture of (a1) at least one non-toxic compound of formula (I). Wherein R, R1 and R2 which may be the same or different, represent lower alkyl, phenyl or lower alkyl-phenyl groups (e.g. triethlyphosphate) and (a2) at least one non-toxic lower alkyl ester of a C2-20 carboxylic acid or at least one non-toxic C4-12 alkanol (e.g. diethyl succinate, diethyl succinate, diethyl adipate. 1,2,3-propanetriol triacetate, tri-n-butyl citrate, n-octyl acetate or methyl octanoate)(b) an effective amount of at least one surfactant to allow the composition to exist as a stable emulsion. The surfactant(s) being selected nonionic water-soluble block compolymers of more than one alkylene oxide (e.g.

Abstract: A cleaning composition which includes a surfactant containing a phenyl group, a sulfonated aromatic compound, and water is prepared. The cleaning composition is especially useful for effectively removing deposited contaminants adhered mainly to a resist developing apparatus. Further, a derivative of aliphatic carboxylic acid and/or acetic ester can be added to the composition, as required. The cleaning composition is used mainly to clean a resist developing apparatus.

Abstract: A method of removing a coating material from a substrate surface portion comprises providing a substrate having a coating material adhered to a surface thereof. The coating material comprises a CO2-soluble material. The coating material is contacted to a fluid comprising carbon dioxide to dissolve the coating material therein. The carbon dioxide fluid is then separated from the substrate to remove the coating material from the substrate surface.

Abstract: A method of stripping cured paint from reject painted production parts, aluminum and galvanized safe, comprising: a) adding a stripping composition to a strip tank, said stripping composition consisting an alkanolamine, a fatty acid and a surfactant; b) immersing said reject painted part in said strip tank containing said stripping composition; and c) heating said stripping composition to 300 degrees F. for approximately 1-hour, wherein cured paint is removed from said reject painted part with no attack on the base metal substrate.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of this invention, it is assumed that the recording is carried out on the recording medium by a non-catalyst-containing recording agent and a liquid-state catalyst is coated on the recording medium at the time of erasing processing and subsequently the heating and irradiation of near infrared rays are carried out as the erasing processing. Also, according to a second aspect of this invention, it is assumed that the recording is carried out on the recording medium by a catalyst-containing recording agent and, at the erasing processing time, the heating and irradiation of the recording agent are simultaneously carried out using a thermal emission and near IR irradiation source such as a halogen lamp.

Abstract: A non-aqueous rinsing medium is disclosed, and a process for using same as a rinsing agent in a process for spray-coating of mass-produced substrates (such as automobile bodies) with frequent changes between at least one aqueous and at least one non-aqueous coating agent inside a spray-coating chamber, wherein with at least each change of coating agent the installations to be rinsed are rinsed automatically with the non-aqueous rinsing medium consisting of (a) 20 to 35% by weight of one or more N-alkyl pyrrolidones, (b) 20 to 35% by weight of butyl acetate and/or isobutyl acetate, (c) 10 to 20% by weight of one or more glycol ethers, which are water-miscible without miscibility gap, (d) 5 to 15% by weight of ethanol, propanol and/or isopropanol, (e) 10 to 20% by weight of one or more aliphatic C4-C7-ketones, (f) 0 to 5% by weight of one or more organic solvents conventionally used in coating agents, and (g) 0 to 5% by weight of one or more auxiliary agents, whereby components (a), (c) and (d) comprise

Abstract: The present invention provides a computerized apparatus and method for stripping paint from a vehicle, such as an automobile, by utilizing ultra-high pressure waterjet technology in conjunction with a method and apparatus for creating and storing, in a database, digitized maps or templates which may conform to either the original shape of a vehicle, the shape of a vehicle subsequent to a collision, or both. The stored shapes may be retrieved and compared to verify the extent of damage, additionally the stored shapes may then be retrieved as needed and used to drive a precision ultra-high pressure waterjet nozzle constructed and arranged for removal of the painted finish from the vehicle's surface.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of cleaning a paint roller. The cleaning tool used in this method includes a flat, disc-shaped main body (10) having cleaning apertures (11a,b,c,&d) located thereon. Cleaning apertures (11a,b,c,&d) have diameters suitably smaller than the outside diameter, including the nap covering, of various popular roller sizes and nap thicknesses, such that a friction fit between the nap covering of such a roller and a cleaning aperture (11a,b,c, or d) is provided. Four access notches (12a,b,c,&d) extend from the circumference of cleaning apertures (11a,b,c,&d) respectively, to the circumference of main body (10). In this method, a cleaning tool is placed over the handle end of a roller, with the wire portion of the handle passing through one of the access notches (12a,b,c, or d) and into the center of one of the cleaning apertures (11a,b,c, or d).

Abstract: This invention relates to the cleaning of objects that relate to semiconductor printing, such as, for example, screening masks. This invention is basically directed to removing, for example, an organic polymer-metal composite paste from screening masks used in printing conductive metal patterns onto ceramic green sheets in the fabrication of semiconductor packaging substrates. More particularly, this invention is concerned with the automated in-line cleaning of paste screening masks with an aqueous alkaline solution of a quaternary ammonium hydroxide as a more environmentally friendly alternative to non-aqueous organic solvents-based cleaning in screening operations for the production multilayer ceramic (MLC) substrates.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aqueous cleaning method for removal of metal-organic composite paste residue from the surface of components, such as, screening masks, associated paste screening equipment, substrates, to name a few. The invention is particularly concerned with aqueous alkaline cleaning solutions comprising alkali metal salt and/or quaternary ammonium salt of an organic acid preferably &agr;-hydroxy carboxylic acid in the presence of excess alkali and optionally a surface active agent for use in cleaning components, such as, screening masks, associated screening equipment, substrates, etc., which are used in the production of electronic components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removal of coatings from surfaces utilizing UV energy. Preferably, the use of a laser-guided gas-embedded pinchlamp is utilized to remove paint coatings from aircraft surfaces. In a preferred form, the present invention provides a gas-embedded laser-guided pinchlamp device that, in operation, reduces toxic waste bi-products and can remove surface paint, in particular aircraft surface paint, or other coatings at a higher efficiency than all other alternative methods implemented or investigated to date. The present invention may preferably comprise eight distinct support systems; a plasma pinchlamp chamber, a power supply, a laser system, a gas supply system and coolant system, an optical reflector, a debris collection system for containing and catching toxic effluvients, an encasement device to contain effluvium in conjunction with the collection system, and a pinchlamp positioning system.

Abstract: A liquid cleaning composition is disclosed that is suitable for cleaning strippable surface. It has an ester solvent with a Hansen solubility parameter in the range of 9.5 to 11 which is present in amount of 3.0% to 7.2% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. There is also a surfactant system in an amount of 3.5% to 7.5% by weight of active material based on the total weight of the composition. The system has a natural soap and a nonionic surfactant; an abrasive in an amount of 0.5% to 4.0% by weight based on total weight of the composition; and at least 70% by weight of water based on total weight of the composition. Methods of using and preparing the composition are also described.

Abstract: Method for the removal of an applied film having a resin containing a unit represented by the following formula (1) as a component thereof, the method including contacting the applied film with a mixture (A) comprising (a) an acidic compound and (b) water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer label including a backing layer and a transfer layer which is releasably attached to the backing layer. The transfer layer includes an ink layer and on each side of the ink layer a top and bottom containment layer. The top and bottom containment layer contact one another outside the perimeter of the ink layer to form a closed envelop around the ink layer. The transfer label according to the present invention can be applied to a container such as a crate and can be easily removed therefrom in a washing process without the ink dissolving in the wash liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning compositions which, as powder or as aqueous formulation, comprise sodium bicarbonate and, as dispersants, polyaspartic acids and/or salts thereof, to the use of these cleaning compositions for the abrasive cleaning of hard surfaces, and also to a method of cleaning surfaces contaminated with deposits using these cleaning compositions.

Abstract: A thickened composition and process useful for removing paint, comprising: a carbonate such as propylene carbonate or ethylene carbonate, a thickener such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), hydrogen peroxide and water. The composition may include additional cosolvents such as glycol ethers and alcohols such as benzyl alcohol, and/or dibasic ester (DBE).

Abstract: An apparatus for surface treating a semiconductor wafer includes a surface treatment chamber and a source of radiation. The semiconductor wafer disposed inside the chamber is illuminated with radiation sufficient to create a plurality of electron-hole pairs near the surface of the wafer and to desorb ions and molecules adsorbed on the surface of the wafer.

Abstract: Isobutyl isobutyrate is a safe, effective, and environmentally-friendly cleaning composition for removing dried latex paint.

Abstract: Wastewater streams containing tacky or sticky components and heavy metals, such as photoresist-containing streams from printed-circuit board manufacture and water streams from paint spraying processes, can be detackified and the metals simultaneously removed by addition of a metal salt, such as an iron salt, and a sulfide material. The combination of metal salts and sulfide reacting products produces a detackified metal sulfide sludge that improves the filterability of the wastewater while also removing dissolved metal ions from the wastewater.

Abstract: A surface treatment composition containing a complexing agent as a metal deposition preventive in a liquid medium, in which the complexing agent is an ethylenediaminephenol derivative of the following general formula (1) or its salt: wherein X1 and X2 are hydroxyl groups; Y1 to Y8 are respectively independently a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a halogen atom, a carboxyl group, a phosphonic acid group, a sulfonic acid group, a carbonyl group, a nitro group, a nitroso group, an amino group, an imino group, a nitrilo group, a nitrile group, a thiocyanate group, a hydroxyamino group, a hydroxyimino group, or an alkyl or alkoxy group which may have a substituent, provided that at least one of Y1 to Y8 is not a hydrogen atom; Z1 to Z4 are respectively independently a hydrogen atom, a carboxyl group or a sulfonic acid group; and R1 to R4 are respectively independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group which may have a substituent.

Abstract: A terpene-free hard surface cleaning composition containing: (a) a nonionic surfactant; (b) an anionic surfactant; (c) a primary solvent consisting of a C6-C14 methyl ester; (d) a short-chain cosurfactant; and (e) water, all weights being based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: An automatic coating apparatus. A rotary atomizing head is washed with the fluid supplied from its front side by a washing nozzle. A coating machine is mounted on a coating robot for moving in arbitrary directions, while an atomizing head washer is located in the vicinity of the coating robot. At the time of a washing operation, the coating robot is actuated to put the rotary atomizing head into a waste liquid collecting container of the atomizing head washer. In this state, thinner is discharged from the washing nozzle toward the front side of the hub member of the rotary atomizing head. Thinner is then allowed to flow into the rotary atomizing head through solvent outlet holes in the hub member to wash off deposited paint from the rotary atomizing head.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing fluid tubing such as fuel or brake tubing utilizes fluid tubing which includes a metal tube with a longitudinal axis, a corrosion resistant metal coating over the metal tube, a binder layer over the metal coating and a plastic coating over the binder layer. A water jet cutter is positioned adjacent to the fluid tubing. The fluid tubing and/or the water jet cutter are moved in a feed direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The fluid tubing and/or the water jet cutter are rotated about the longitudinal axis. A water jet is jetted from the water jet cutter against the fluid tubing substantially tangentially to the metal tube and at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis, whereby the plastic coating and the binder layer are removed from the fluid tubing and the metal coating remains substantially intact on the metal tube.

Abstract: A method for separating and recovering components includes the steps of providing at least a first component bonded to a second component by a microwave absorbent adhesive bonding material at a bonding area to form an assembly, the bonding material disposed between the components. Microwave energy is directly and selectively applied to the assembly so that substantially only the bonding material absorbs the microwave energy until the bonding material is at a debonding state. A separation force is applied while the bonding material is at the debonding state to permit disengaging and recovering the components. In addition, an apparatus for practicing the method includes holders for the components.

Abstract: An aerosol assisted chemical cleaning method to remove wall deposition from reaction chambers is provided. The method generates cleaning chemicals in an aerosol state, and then feeds them into the reaction chamber by a carrier gas. The cleaning chemicals interact quickly with unwanted deposits on all internal surfaces of the reaction chamber. By controlling the pressure in the closed reaction chamber, the deposits can be stripped off from the wall and fall into a waste acid collector. The acid collector can then process the waste to prevent contamination.

Abstract: Composition for removing coatings from surfaces consisting essentially of at least one dibasic ester, water, and at least one thickening agent. The composition contains sufficient water and thickening agent to allow it to wet out and adhere to vertical surfaces for a sufficiently long period to insure that the dibasic ester component will have sufficient duration of contact with the coating to allow easy removal of same.