Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning an optical fiber supported by a fiber optic connector. The cleaning apparatus may include a housing, a cleaning tip supported by the housing and a cleaning wipe advanceable along at least a portion of the cleaning tip to clean an optical fiber when the cleaning wipe engages the optical fiber. The apparatus may include one or more automated features which may enhance the effectiveness of the apparatus. The apparatus may include a fluid dispenser to wet at least a portion of the cleaning wipe with a cleaning fluid. The apparatus may be configured to automatically control the force exerted by the cleaning tip against the optical fiber and/or to automatically control tension in the cleaning wipe. Aspects of the invention are directed to a method of cleaning an end face of an optical fiber by advancing a wet portion of a cleaning wipe across the end face, and thereafter advancing a dry portion of the cleaning wipe across the end face.

Abstract: A method for cleaning articles using a surfactant which is effective in the formation of stable microbubbles is provided. The surfactant for microbubble formation contains a (poly)oxyalkylene adduct (A) of an active hydrogen atom-containing compound (a) represented by formula (1) Z-[(AO)n—H]p??(1) wherein Z is the residue of an active hydrogen-containing compound (a) with a valence of P resulting from removal of the active hydrogen atom or atoms; A is an alkylene group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms; n is an integer of 1 to 400; and p is an integer of 1 to 100. The foaming power of a 0.02% by weight aqueous solution of the (poly)oxyalkylene adduct (A) as measured at 20° C. by the Ross Miles test is not higher than 50 mm.

Abstract: A cleaning composition for removing soils includes an alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid copolymer and at least one component selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate and sodium hydroxide. The composition contains less than about 10% by weight of at least one component selected from the group consisting of phosphorous-containing components and aminocarboxylates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning compositions and methods employing a water soluble magnesium compound. Such compositions can be used for reducing scale, rinsing, hard surface cleaning, ware washing, and corrosion inhibition.

Abstract: A biodegradable acid cleaning composition for cleaning stainless steel, and other surfaces is disclosed. The composition comprises urea sulfate in combination with gluconic acid which serves as a corrosion inhibitor. The composition retains the cleaning and corrosion prevention properties of similar phosphoric acid solutions but is safe for the environment and is less expensive to produce. Applicants have surprisingly found that the traditionally alkaline corrosion inhibitor, gluconic acid, can work effectively in an acidic cleaning composition.

Abstract: A method for removing pipe tuberculation includes the initial step of preparing an access point in the existing pipe by digging to the pipe and sawing a section from the pipe or creating an access port. The section of the pipeline to have its tuberculation removed is isolated by closing valves or creating another access point and sealing the end. Then, a reaming tool is introduced to the interior of the pipe. The reaming tool is attached to a hollow rod string capable of producing moderate thrust and pullback force, and must also produce sufficient torque when rotated. A horizontal directional drilling or “HDD” machine on the surface or in a pit dug out for this purpose applies the aforementioned forces to the rod string.

Abstract: Compositions for cleaning concrete or other cementitious substrates that do not contribute to the alkali-silicate reaction are provided, and methods for use thereof The cleaning compositions comprise lithium salts such as lithium hydroxide, lithium oxide and/or lithium carbonate, at least one surface active agent, optionally a glycol ether and/or hydrocarbon solvent, a sodium-free or substantially sodium-free chelating agent or agents and/or one or more adjuncts at least partially contributing to the useful properties of the composition.

Abstract: A plunger cleaning system has a plunger having a plunger head and an elongated handle extending from the plunger head, and a sanitizing cleaning element having a center opening. The cleaning element is a water soluble, cleansing disinfectant solid compound which rapidly dissolves in water. The soiled plunger head is placed and submerged within the toilet basin, with the handle extending upward. The cleaning element is then positioned over the handle, with its center opening aligned over the upper end of the handle. The cleaning element is dropped onto the handle and allowed to slide down to the plunger head, where it contacts the water and dissolves around and cleans and disinfects the plunger head and lower end of the handle. Lamina borders around the center opening and outside perimeter surface of the cleaning element are provided to direct the flow of dissolved material from the cleaning element around and under the plunger head and up the lower end of the handle.

Abstract: An electronic device cleaning method includes the steps of: placing, on a processing face, a semiconductor substrate having an obverse face portion in which an electronic device is formed so that the processing face faces a reverse face of the semiconductor substrate; diselectrifying at least the reverse face of the semiconductor substrate by irradiating light to the semiconductor substrate by a light source provided at the processing face; and supplying a chemical solution to an obverse face of the semiconductor substrate after the diselectrifying step starts. Whereby, static electricity present on the processing face is removed reliably.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an aqueous composition having a pH of 3 or less and comprising the following ingredients, based on the total weight of the composition: a) 0.05-40 wt % of a polymeric thickener having —COOR groups, wherein R is independently chosen from H, OH, and a carbon-containing group, and b) 0.05-60 wt % of hydrogen peroxide, wherein the active oxygen content attributable to ingredient a) is at least 0.02 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, with the proviso that (co)polymers prepared from (meth)acrylate monomers are absent.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes whereby stains on a variety of substrates may be removed by treating a stained area of a substrate with a solution of a sulfonamide compound. The sulfonamide-containing solutions are particularly useful as stain removal agents for stains which originate with body fluids such as blood, urine, vomit, feces etc. The stain removal solutions may be buffered to a predetermined pH. The stain removal solutions may further incorporate small percentages of low molecular weight alcohols and wetting agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hard surface cleaning composition comprising a copolymer, wherein said copolymer comprises a zwitterionic unit A or a mixture thereof and another unit B or a mixture thereof, wherein said unit A comprises a betaine group or a mixture thereof and wherein said betaine group of said unit A is a sulphobetaine group or a mixture thereof, and wherein said unit B is derived from vinyl-pyrrolidone.

Abstract: A substrate edge part cleaning apparatus judging a cleaning degree of glass substrates when cleaning edge parts of the glass substrates used for liquid crystal display. The substrate edge part cleaning apparatus 100 having a cleaning head wiping an edge part of a substrate for display A while moving rectilinearly, and having a camera 117 capturing images of the proximity of an edge of a color filter which is placed on the substrate, by moving together with the cleaning head. The camera 117 obtains surface status information of the substrate part which has been cleaned, and the substrate edge part cleaning apparatus 100 further includes a cleaning degree judgment unit 306 judging a cleaning degree based on the surface status information.

Abstract: In a substrate cleaning method and a substrate cleaning method according to the present invention, a brush 3 is brought into contact with a substrate W while rotating the same, and a cleaning position Sb of the brush 3 is moved relative to the substrate W from a center part of the substrate W toward a peripheral part thereof. A process fluid formed of liquid droplets and a gas is sprayed by a two-fluid nozzle 5 onto the substrate W, and a cleaning position Sn of the two-fluid nozzle 5 is moved relative to the substrate W from a center part of the substrate W toward a peripheral part thereof. During the movement of the cleaning position Sb of the brush 3 from the center part of the substrate W toward the peripheral part thereof, the cleaning position Sb of the two-fluid nozzle is positioned nearer to a center P0 than the cleaning position Sb of the brush 3. Since contaminations of the brush are prevented from adhering again to the wafer, it can be avoided that the wafer W is contaminated.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments are directed to processes for removing photoreceptor coatings from a substrate, wherein the photoreceptor coatings disposed over a substrate of an electrophotographic photoreceptor. More specifically, the invention discloses a photoreceptor coatings removal process comprises subjecting an electrophotographic photoreceptor to a stripping solution that separates the coatings from the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is a cleaning composition for use with firearms and industrial items in which all of the components of the composition are biodegradable. The selected components of the composition also have a combined flashpoint of over 200° F. The low volatility of the composition enhances the safety factor by its reduced flammability in conjunction with the low odor and other benefits obtained by the biodegradability of the composition. The composition essentially comprises a hydrocarbon solvent and a lubricant which effectively removes the fouling present within the interior arm of a firearm bore and at the same time lubricates and protects the firearm bore to help prevent the formation of rust.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable antimicrobial and cleaning compositions including an amine antimicrobial agent; a borate salt; and spores (bacterial or fungal), vegetative bacteria, fungi, or enzyme, and to methods of using the composition. The composition can also include a polyol.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a UV irradiation chamber includes steps of: (i) after completion of irradiating a substrate with UV light transmitted through an optical transmitted window provided in the UV irradiation chamber, generating radical species of a cleaning gas outside the UV irradiation chamber; and (ii) introducing the radical species from the outside of the UV irradiation chamber into the UV irradiation chamber, thereby cleaning the optical transmitted window.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a surface of a photomask by removing contaminants from its surface that includes placing the photomask in a vessel, which is held under an elevated pressure and feeding a supercritical fluid, in particular, CO2 in a supercritical state, to the vessel. An additive, such as alcohol, water ketones, esters, surfactants, and organic solvents, can be added to the fluid. The vessel can be held under a pressure higher than the critical pressure of the fluid and at a temperature higher than the critical temperature of the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing debris from the propulsion system of a vehicle such as a battle tank, including a tank in which the vehicle is positioned, means for lifting the vehicle in the tank, and means to wash the vehicle's propulsion system while the vehicle is in raised position.

Abstract: A novel class of ionic liquids and methods for their preparation are disclosed. Specifically, these novel ionic liquids can be derived from peracid anions. The present invention also relates to compositions containing these novel ionic liquids and method of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising fluorinated olefins or fluorinated ketones, and at least one alcohol, halocarbon, hydrofluorocarbon, or fluoroether and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, these compositions are azeotropic or azeotrope-like. In another embodiment, these compositions are useful in cleaning applications as a degreasing agent or defluxing agent for removing oils and/or other residues from a surface.

Abstract: An adhesive removal indicator system and method of use including a method for removing a residual bonding adhesive from a substrate, such as human skin, the method including applying an adhesive adsorbable colored dye on the residual bonding adhesive to form a colored adhesive; applying a bonding adhesive solvent on the colored adhesive; and removing from the substrate the colored adhesive with the bonding adhesive solvent, wherein the adhesive adsorbable colored dye is a skin impermeable dye.

Abstract: A cleaner composition comprises a surfactant, a sodium source, an odor neutralizer, a fragrance, and a biocide, wherein the odor neutralizer comprises a betaine compound, aminoalcohol, a polyol, and an ionone, and wherein the cleaner composition is stable at a pH of about 9.5 to about 11.5 when stored for 24 months at a temperature of about 25° C. A spray dispenser comprises the cleaner composition and a propellant. Also described is a method of cleaning, deodorizing, or a combination thereof, automobile interiors by applying the disclosed cleaner composition to an automobile interior.

Abstract: Aqueous floor cleaning and/or care composition, containing, based on the total composition, at least 3% by weight of a nonionic surfactant of formula I: wherein R1 represents hydrogen or an alkyl radical having 1 to 18 C atoms, and R2, independently of R1, represents hydrogen or an alkyl radical having 1 to 18 C atoms, and the sum of the C atoms present overall in R1 and R2 is between 6 and 18, and R3 represents an alkyl radical having 4 to 18 C atoms, and R4 hydrogen or an alkyl radical having 1 to 6 C atoms and n is a number from 1 to 30 and m a number from 0 to 5.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning dental and/or medical implements, and in particular to a system for quickly and thoroughly cleaning dental and/or orthodontic retainers, dental/orthodontic aligners, dental appliances, dentures, bridges, and the like. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a cleaning system utilizing a vibrating sonic wave bath comprising a vibration means to oscillate a container having at least some fluid therein engaging the item to be cleaned, coupled with the utilization of a preferably flavored tablet containing a non-toxic cleaning material, the tablet preferably also formulated to effervesce upon contact with water, generating bubbles and foam. It has been found that the sonic bath substantially enhances the cleaning and flavoring ability of the effervescent cleaning tablet, while reducing the amount of time to clean the dental appliance.

Abstract: A method removes combustion residues from a wall of a chamber which carries combustion gases and/or from at least one component which is disposed in the chamber. The method includes making contact between the combustion residues and a first cleaning medium, and making contact between the pretreated combustion residues and a second cleaning medium. The first cleaning medium and the second cleaning medium differ at least with regard to a physical state. An apparatus for removing the combustion residues has different cleaning appliances and operating areas which at least partially overlap. The method and the apparatus allow, for example, heat exchanging surfaces in steam generators to be cleaned in a particular careful and thorough manner.

Abstract: A liquefied-gas aerosol dusting composition is disclosed for preventing inhalation abuse incidents. The composition comprises at least one liquefied gas and denatonium benzoate, wherein the concentration of said denatonium benzoate in said aerosol dusting composition ranges from about 5 ppm to about 50 ppm.

Abstract: The invention relates to the arrangement of a film resistor (chip) in an exhaust-gas pipe or exhaust-gas recirculation pipe, wherein the film resistor is fixed in a carrier, which is sealed against a shield or a housing, wherein this shield or housing is connected tightly to the exhaust-gas pipe or exhaust-gas recirculation pipe, wherein the carrier and the shield or the housing are sealed against each other spaced apart from the exhaust-gas pipe or exhaust-gas recirculation pipe radially outside of this pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using heterogeneous cleaning compositions, particularly for cleaning an article.

Abstract: Aqueous compositions comprising: (a) a surfactant; and (b) a thickening system comprising: (i) a gellan gum; and (ii) a thickener selected from the group consisting of polyacrylate thickeners, xanthan gums, guar flours, alginates, carrageenans, carboxy -methylcelluloses, bentonites, wellan gums, carob flours and mixtures thereof; wherein the surfactant comprises a fatty acid soap, and wherein the fatty acid soap is present in an amount of 2 to 20 % by weight based on the composition are disclosed, along with uses therefor.

Abstract: The present application relates to the use of formulations comprising a) at least one polymer as component A comprising at least one structural unit of the formula (I) where the structural unit may be part of a polymer main chain or may be bonded to a polymer main chain via an anchor group, and M is hydrogen or a metal cation; and water; for the treatment of hard surfaces as compositions for improving the run-off behavior of water from the treated hard surfaces and for reducing soil and salt deposition on the treated hard surfaces, and to formulations for the treatment of hard surfaces comprising the at least one polymer, at least one surfactant and at least one carboxylic acid and/or sulfonic acid and/or inorganic acid, and to the use of these formulations for the treatment of hard surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning compositions and methods employing a water soluble magnesium compound. Such compositions can be used for reducing scale, rinsing, hard surface cleaning, ware washing, and corrosion inhibition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for automatically cleaning and decontaminating medical instruments. The method comprising the steps of: a) placing the medical instruments into a container after their use in a medical procedure; b) closing the container to seal the instruments inside whereby to prevent personnel contact with the instruments and any contaminants which might be thereon; c) inserting the sealed container into a washer/decontaminator and sealing the washer/decontaminator; d) the washer/decontaminator automatically opening the container and applying a washing fluid thereto to wash the instruments within the container; and e) the washer/decontaminator automatically applying a disinfectant to the container to disinfect the instruments whereby to allow safe handling thereof by personnel.

Abstract: A method of removing paint from a plastic substrate at least partially coated with a paint coating by: providing at least one plastic substrate at least partially coated with a paint coating; providing a kit for a user to utilize to remove paint from the plastic substrate, which is at least partially coated with a paint coating; immersing the at least partially coated plastic substrate into first mix of components by the end user wherein the first mix of components further comprises water when the at least partially coated plastic substrates are immersed into the first mix of components; and rinsing the plastic substrate with water. The immersing and rinsing steps remove the paint coating from the plastic substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions comprising a fluorinated olefin having the formula E- or Z—C3F7CH?CHC3F7, and at least one alcohol, halocarbon, hydrofluorocarbon, fluoroether, or alkanes and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the one compound selected from the group consisting of alcohols, halocarbons, fluoroalkyl ethers, hydrofluorocarbons, alkanes is either methanol, ethanol, iso-propanol, n-propanol, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, cis-1,2-dichloroethylene, n-propyl bromide, C4F9OCH3, C4F9OC2H5, HFC-43-10mee, HFC-365mfc, heptane, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, these compositions are useful in cleaning applications as a degreasing agent or defluxing agent for removing oils and/or other residues from a surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a mixture, comprising one or more alkyl esters of fatty acids and one or more esters of fatty acids of glycerol carbonate, as a fuel or solvent.

Abstract: An improved cleaning composition and method adapted to clean a variety of hard surfaces. The improved cleaning composition and method includes the use of a cationic biocide that includes biguanide compounds and/or quats.

Abstract: Application to the surface of a ceramic plumbing fixture of a mesh material constructed of a molded lattice of a phenolic resin containing aluminum oxide is disclosed. The mesh can be a flat, flexible sheet, having flat or shaped contours on surfaces of the members of the mesh that are applied to the finish of the ceramic fixture. By pressing the sheet against the surface of the fixture and rubbing the sheet in a scrubbing motion, the flexible nature of the lattice provides more flexibility than sandpaper and also provides fingertip-controlled application of the abrasion of the lattice surface to the surface of the fixture.

Abstract: A method for activating the surface of a base material and an apparatus thereof, which is suited to be utilized for pretreatment in electrochemical treatment such as, for example, electroplating or the like, in which the surface of a base material such as metal can be subjected to degreasing treatment and oxide film removing treatment simultaneously, efficiently and rationally, in which productivity can be enhanced and the equipment cost can be reduced, and in which a waste solution can be rationalized so that the solution can be reutilized and the environmental pollution can be prevented. A method for activating the surface of a base material in which the surface of a member to be treated is subjected to degreasing treatment or oxide film removing treatment. Pressurized carbon dioxide is dissolved in a predetermined quantity of water, thereby preparing an oxide film removing solution having a predetermined acidic concentration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cleaning polycrystalline silicon fragments to a metal content of <100 ppbw, wherein a polysilicon fraction is added to an aqueous cleaning solution containing HF and H2O2, this aqueous cleaning solution is removed and the polycrystalline fraction thereby obtained is washed with highly pure water and subsequently dried.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a surface of wafer or substrate includes a plate being positioned with a gap to surface of the wafer or substrate, and the plate being rotated around an axis vertical to surface of wafer or substrate. The rotating plate surface facing surface of the wafer or substrate has grooves, regular patterns, and irregular patterns to enhance the cleaning efficiency. Another embodiment further includes an ultra sonic or mega sonic transducer vibrating the rotating plate during cleaning process.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.

Abstract: A process of cleaning a semiconductor device fabrication equipment is provided. In one embodiment, the semiconductor device fabrication equipment is placed in a chamber; a fluid is introduced into the chamber; a pressure and temperature of the fluid is controlled to bring the fluid to a supercritical state; the semiconductor device fabrication equipment is cleaned by having the supercritical fluid contact the semiconductor device fabrication equipment; the supercritical fluid is removed from the chamber; and the semiconductor device fabrication equipment is removed from the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing residue from a surface comprising: contacting the surface with a composition comprising at least one unsaturated fluorinated hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of compounds having the formula E- or Z—R1CH?CHR2, wherein R1 and R2 are, independently, C1 to C6 perfluoroalkyl groups, or C1 to C6 hydrofluoroalkyl groups, and recovering the surface from the composition.

Abstract: A method for monitoring cleaning of a surface includes applying an amount of transparent indicator material to an area of a surface and measuring the amount of transparent indicator material remaining on the surface. The transparent indicator material may be fixed on the surface by drying and, when a fluorescent material, may be measured through exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: The present invention related to a method for treating a surface with a gel, as well as to a treatment gel. The treatment may be a decontamination, etching or surface degreasing treatment, for example. The method comprises in this order, the following steps: applying the treatment gel on the surface to be treated, maintaining the treatment gel on the surface to be treated at a temperature and relative humidity such that the gel dries by breaking up and that it has the time to treat the surface before forming a dry and solid residue, and removing the dry and solid residue from the treated surface by suction or brushing. The gel comprises a viscosing agent, a treatment agent and optional an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A composition for removing copper from a surface comprises a polyphosphonic acid, a primary amine, and water. Optionally, the composition may also comprise a dialkanolamine and/or a trialkanolamine, a degreaser, and/or a surfactant. The pH of the composition is between 9.0 and 12.5. The method of removing copper from a surface, which may be a gun bore, involves contacting the surface with the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating a surface with a gel, as well as to a treatment gel. The treatment may be a decontamination, etching or surface degreasing treatment, for example. The method comprises in this order, the following steps: applying the treatment gel on the surface to be treated, maintaining the treatment gel on the surface to be treated at a temperature and relative humidity such that the gel dries by breaking up and that it has the time to treat the surface before forming a dry and solid residue, and removing the dry and solid residue from the treated surface by suction or brushing. The gel comprises a viscosing agent, a treatment agent and optionally an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A floor maintenance apparatus having a floor maintenance machine and an attached sulky which allows an operator to ride in a standing position or walk behind the floor maintenance machine. A wheeled sulky having a first attaching portion, a stopping portion, a wheel receiving portion, and a platform portion having a first portion and a second portion is also provided. Methods of operating the apparatus are also provided.