Abstract: The present invention relates to detergent compositions containing a blend of selected isoprenoid-based surfactants and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Methods of making and using substrates having raised structures to inhibit adhesion of microorganisms are described.

Abstract: A method of conditioning the surface of a work piece, in particular of a litho-strip or litho-sheet, consisting of an aluminum alloy enables an increase in manufacturing speed in surface roughening while maintaining a high quality of the electro-chemical grained surface of the work piece with relative low effort related to facility equipment. The method of conditioning comprises at least the step of degreasing the surface of the work piece with a degreasing medium, wherein the degreasing medium contains at least 1.5 to 3% by weight of a composite of 5-40% sodium tripolyphosphate, 3-10% sodium gluconate, 3-8% of a composite of non-ionic and anionic surfactants and optionally 0.5 to 70% soda, wherein sodium hydroxide is added to the degreasing medium such that the concentration of sodium hydroxide in the aqueous degreasing medium is 0.01 to 5% by weight.

Abstract: A grinding machine cleaning system and method provides a range of human safe products that can easily be introduced into the grinding chamber and cycled through the equipment. Some of the products include corn cobs, walnut shells, pecan shells, nuts, rice, dried corn kernels, corn meal, barley, wheat, bulgur, and other grain, fiber, legume, nut, bark, and shell products in varying shapes and sizes. Organic products have largely been considered ideal. However, inorganic materials also may be used with equal effect.

Abstract: A method for operating a dishwasher machine (1), in particular a domestic dishwasher machine, in which in order to eliminate odors, the air located in a washing container (2) is passed by a photocatalytic layer (5) exposed to a light source (6) in order to oxidise the odour-forming molecules contained in the air. According to the invention, this is carried out during a standstill phase of the dishwasher machine (1).

Abstract: A vacuum processing apparatus includes a vacuum chamber for performing a plasma process and a cleaning process unit for performing a cleaning process to apply a plasma process to a wafer on which a single layer or a laminated film containing a metallic film is formed by using a corrosive gas, and a control unit having a sequence to abort the plasma process when an abnormality occurs in the vacuum chamber and transfer the wafer subjecting to the aborting of the plasma process to the cleaning process unit, after elapsing a predetermined time, to perform the cleaning process.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for use in cleaning a fabric surface of dust, dirt, pet hair and other debris present on the surface. The device includes a pair of cleaning members or rollers disposed on an underside of the device which can roll with respect to the device and with respect to one another. The rollers are selectively contacted with one another such that each roller can assist in removing debris picked up by the opposite roller and dispensing the debris into a collection chamber releasably positioned within the housing. The removal of the debris from each roller is also facilitated by opposed edges of a central opening in the housing that contact the rollers and direct the debris into the debris collection chamber.

Abstract: A cleaning device for a component loaded with lint in a household appliance for laundry care. The cleaning device includes a rinsing unit to guide rinsing fluid to the component to remove the lint. The rinsing unit has a flow element disposed above the component, and the flow element builds up a dynamic pressure of the rinsing fluid in the flow element.

Abstract: A system for cleaning and maintaining a vault includes a vault that may have equipment submerged in water. The vault includes a floor, at least one wall, and a cover that collectively define a vault interior. In some versions there is contaminated water in the vault that is at least one foot above the lowest point on the vault floor. In some versions, the water may be 12 to 14 feet above the lowest point on the floor. A portion of the floor may slope toward a vacuum head that is indirectly coupled with a source of suction. In some versions, at least the vault floor is lined with a liner that has a low coefficient of friction and is corrosive resistant. The source of suction may be a vacuum hose of a vacuum truck.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a semiconductor wafer composed of silicon directly after a process of chemical mechanical polishing of the semiconductor wafer includes transferring the semiconductor wafer from a polishing plate to a first cleaning module and spraying both side surfaces of the semiconductor wafer with water at a pressure no greater than 1000 Pa at least once while transferring the semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor wafer is then cleaned between rotating rollers with water. The side surfaces of the semiconductor wafer are sprayed with an aqueous solution containing hydrogen fluoride and a surfactant at a pressure no greater than 70,000 Pa. Subsequently, the side surfaces are sprayed with water at a pressure no greater than 20,000 Pa. The wafer is then dipped into an aqueous alkaline cleaning solution, and then cleaned between rotating rollers with a supply of water. The semiconductor wafer is then sprayed with water and dried.

Abstract: A membrane separation method is useful in purifying clear water, sewage, etc. and can reliably remove obstruction of an air diffusing apparatus by opening and closing valves, a submerged membrane separation apparatus to be used for the same, and a method for cleaning an air diffusing apparatus. The submerged membrane separation apparatus includes a separation membrane module, an air diffusing apparatus, and a gas supplying apparatus, wherein an air diffusing apparatus is arranged in one treatment tank, two header pipes (A and B) are placed as the gas supplying pipes, the connecting port a and the header pipe A and the connecting port b and the header pipe B for each of the air diffusing apparatuses are respectively connected, on-off valves are arranged in four parts, and the header pipes A and B each have an open end.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a supercritical drying method comprises cleaning a semiconductor substrate with a chemical solution, rinsing the semiconductor substrate with pure water after the cleaning, changing a liquid covering a surface of the semiconductor substrate from the pure water to alcohol by supplying the alcohol to the surface after the rinsing, guiding the semiconductor substrate having the surface wetted with the alcohol into a chamber, discharging oxygen from the chamber by supplying an inert gas into the chamber, putting the alcohol into a supercritical state by increasing temperature in the chamber to a critical temperature of the alcohol or higher after the discharge of the oxygen, and discharging the alcohol from the chamber by lowering pressure in the chamber and changing the alcohol from the supercritical state to a gaseous state. The chamber contains SUS. An inner wall face of the chamber is subjected to electrolytic polishing.

Abstract: Solid cleaning products suitable for use as a floor cleaner are disclosed. The solid cleaning products are essentially free of unbound water and include an acid, an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and a builder. The present invention also discloses methods of using the solid cleaning products by dissolving the solid cleaning product in water to form a use solution; and applying the use solution to a floor.

Abstract: A sprayable homogeneous and high viscosity surface cleaning gel or gel foam composition and method of cleaning is provided. The composition may include from about 70% to about 99% of a liquid carrier; from about 0.002% to about 10% of surfactant selected from the group of non-ionic, anionic, amphoteric, and zwitterionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof; from about 0.005% to about 5% of a water-soluble polymeric thickening agent; and from about 0.001 to about 1.0% of a pH balancing agent. The sprayable gel cleaner composition may be completely clear without any suspended encapsulated particles in it and includes a viscosity range from about 200 centipoise to about 30,000 centipoise at standard temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A method of removing a polymer material from an optical fiber assembly includes: disposing a liquid metallic material proximate to the polymer material, the polymer material being bonded to the optical fiber; heating the liquid metallic material to a temperature sufficient to burn the polymer material and de-bond the polymer material from a surface of the optical fiber; and removing the polymer material and liquid metal from the surface of the optical fiber.

Abstract: Improved treatment blocks useful in the treatment of lavatory appliances, particularly toilets are provided. The improved treatment blocks are solid block compositions which comprise at least one detersive surfactant, a film forming constituent, optionally a bleach constituent and one or more further optional constituents. The improved treatment blocks provide good detersive characteristics and further provide a film forming material which contacts the surfaces of the lavatory appliance, e.g., toilet, in which the block compositions are used. Methods of producing the solid block composition and treatment blocks therefrom, as well as methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing polymeric fouling on process equipment surfaces to restore the efficiency of such equipment. This is accomplished by contacting the fouled equipment with a solvent comprising at least one non-aromatic hydrocarbon compound, or a mixture of one or more non-aromatic organic compounds and one or more aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, for a period of time sufficient to remove the polymeric fouling.

Abstract: A hand dishwashing detergent composition comprising a humectant, and a pearlescent agent to provide superior grease cleaning and hand mildness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to semi-rigid gels, methods of manufacture and uses thereof.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a pearlescent unitary dose composition comprising a water-soluble film encapsulating a liquid treatment composition suitable for use as a laundry or hard surface cleaning composition having turbidity of greater than 5 and less than 3000 NTU, the composition comprising a pearlescent agent and from 2% to 15% by weight of the composition of water.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of water-soluble graft copolymers prepared by free-radically initiated graft polymerization of 40 to 90% by weight of component (A), selected from the group consisting of monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides and derivatives thereof, with 5 to 40% by weight of monomers (B), selected from the group consisting of ethylenically unsaturated C3-C10 monocarboxylic acids or the alkali or ammonium salts thereof, and 10 to 50% by weight of monomers (C), selected from the group consisting of ethylenically unsaturated N-containing monomers and/or ethylenically unsaturated monomers containing sulfo-groups, in cleaning compositions which, as well as the graft polymer, comprise at least one surfactant component, for hydrophilization and/or improvement of shine retention of hard surfaces which have been brought into contact with these cleaning compositions.

Abstract: A process for removing carbonaceous deposits on surfaces of catalysts and plant parts by treating the deposits with a superheated stream of steam admixed at least temporarily with an oxygenous gas is provided, which involves, in each case monitoring the offgas CO2 content after condensation of the steam, at a temperature of at least 300° C.: (a) treating the carbonaceous deposits with superheated steam at a temperature of at least 300° C. until the CO2 content of the offgas has exceeded a maximum; (b) then, with further supply of superheated steam, commencing oxygen supply, the amount of oxygen supplied being adjusted such that the CO2 content in the offgas decreases further until it has fallen to a value of <1% by volume; and then (c) ending the supply of superheated steam and passing an oxygenous gas over remaining amounts of carbonaceous deposits until the deposits have been virtually removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing multiple spray zones to different subportions of a silverware basket within the wash chamber of a dishwasher.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions which not only effectively kill a broad spectrum of microorganisms present on surfaces on contact but continue to kill microorganisms for a period of time thereafter.

Abstract: This invention relates to cleaning compositions comprising unsaturated fluorinated hydrocarbons. The invention further relates to use of said cleaning compositions in methods to clean, degrease, deflux, dewater, and deposit fluorolubricant. The invention further relates to novel unsaturated fluorinated hydrocarbons and their use as cleaning compositions and in the methods listed above.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a substrate (e.g., wafer) in the fabrication of semiconductor devices utilizing electrorheological (ER) and magnetorheological (MR) fluids to remove contaminant residual particles from the substrate surface are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for photocatalytically treating stains of chilly and turmeric caused on kitchen tiles and platforms by coating a thin film of photocatalyst made of a semiconductor such as titanium dioxide uniformly dispersed in dilute silica sol thereon and using a light source such as a fluorescent lamp to irradiate and photoexcite the photo catalytic thin film by the small amount of UV radiation included in the fluorescent light, resulting in photo decomposition and auto-cleaning of the stains.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of washing ware, in particular in an automatic domestic or institutional ware washing machine, using a detergent composition containing a cationic starch. This eliminates the need for a surfactant in the rinse step. The cationic starch provides a layer of cationic starch on the ware so as to afford a sheeting action in an aqueous rinse step without any added rinse agent.

Abstract: Solutions for limiting the undesirable spread of pathogens by indirect contact are provided. The solutions involve event-controlled self-sterilization of contact surfaces on articles or fixtures. A self-sterilizing contact surface structure allows chemical sterilizing agents to controllably flow in response to a contact event, from within the article to exude upon a portion of the contact surface.

Abstract: A cleaning article comprising a melamine foam which comprises a cleaning fluid. Also disclosed a methods for the manufacture of said cleaning articles, and methods for their use in the treatment of hard surfaces.

Abstract: An escalator step cleaner for cleaning escalator steps having a plurality of parallel tread ridges separated by tread grooves has a cleaning pad assembly configured to extend generally perpendicular to the direction of motion of the escalator steps and clean the escalator steps while the escalator is in motion. The cleaning pad assembly has a rigid upper plate and a flexible disposable bottom pad having a cleaning contact surface. The contact surface carries a plurality of spaced parallel pad ridges separated by pad grooves that matingly engage between the tread ridges of the escalator steps and cause dislodgement of the accumulated debris. The cleaning pad assembly can be secured on a hand-held cleaning tool or on a motorized cleaning tool with rotating brushes and a vacuum.

Abstract: A removable non-integrated treating chemistry dispensing cartridge assembly may emit a signal in response to a predetermined amount of treating chemistry being detected and in response to a predetermined amount of illumination being detected.

Abstract: There are provided a system, method and computer program product for detecting foreign materials in a semiconductor manufacturing process. The manufacturing process uses a plurality of semiconductor manufacturing tools. The system categorizes at least one monitoring wafer according to one or more categories. The system supplies the categorized monitoring wafer to a semiconductor manufacturing tool. The system observes a level of contamination on the categorized monitoring wafer. The system compares the level of contamination to a threshold. The system cleans the tool in a response to determining that the level of contamination is larger than the threshold. The system determines which category of the wafer leaves a highest level of contamination on the tool. The system identifies a root cause of the highest level of contamination on the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning a freshly laid egg is provided. An egg cleansing towelette is impregnated with an egg cleansing solution and sealed in a container. The towelette can be removed from the container when needed. The impregnated towelette can be rubbed over the shell of the freshly laid egg to remove dirt, blood, yolk and other undesirable materials found in a chicken coop. The towelette can also include an abrasive material to help remove the undesirable material. The egg cleansing solution can be fragrance-free and blended as to not potentially damage the bloom on the egg. The towelettes can be purchased in a container with a resealable opening.

Abstract: A method of perfuming in automatic dishwashing comprising the step of providing a first perfume into an automatic dishwashing machine wherein the first perfume is capable of generating a second perfume comprising from about 0.001% to about 10% by weight thereof of a sulphurous compound.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for removing one or more scale deposits formed on a surface. The process can include contacting the surface with a composition for a period of time sufficient to remove the scale deposits that comprise coke or metal sulfides or mixtures thereof. Generally, the composition includes an effective amount of an organic acid and/or a salt thereof, and an effective amount of an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for controlling a dispenser reversibly positioned in a dishwasher. The dispenser or dishwasher is configured with light transmission and receiving units. Light pulses are transmitted into the interior of the dishwasher and received by the receiving unit. The time difference (tI2?tI1) between the pulses is determined and that time difference is used to encode an information item or a portion of an information item. Such information items include a control signal, a measured value, an operating state of the automatic dishwasher and/or of the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and products enabling decontamination of chemical warfare agents and/or toxic industrial chemicals. More particularly, the invention pertains to improvements of surface decontamination processes using novel sorbents such as nanotubular titania.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a substrate (e.g., wafer) in the fabrication of semiconductor devices utilizing electrorheological (ER) and magnetorheological (MR) fluids to remove contaminant residual particles from the substrate surface are provided.

Abstract: A device for cleaning an artificial “infill turf” field includes a rotating brush assembly and a basket for receiving waste and infill material. The basket has a bottom with openings that allow infill material to be returned to the field, and a vibrator to promote separation of infill from waste. The device may include wheels connected to the brush assembly in a manner effective to rotate the brush when one or both of the wheels rotate, and a magnet for picking magnetic waste material from the field. The device may include an actuator for adjusting the height of the brushes, and a tow bar that allows the device to be positioned in an “active” orientation to sweep a field, or an “uplifted” orientation to transport the device across curbs or rough terrain. Multiple brushes and/or baskets may be provided.

Abstract: In a liquid processing apparatus configured to remove, from a substrate including a first film and a second film formed above the first film, the first film and the second film, a first chemical-liquid supply part supplies, to a substrate W, a first liquid for dissolving the first film, a second chemical-liquid supply part supplies a second chemical liquid for weakening the second film, and a fluid supply part serving also as an impact giving part gives a physical impact to the second film so as to break the second film and supplies a fluid for washing away debris of the broken second film. A control device controls the respective parts such that, after the second liquid has been supplied and then the fluid has been supplied from the fluid supply part, the first chemical liquid is supplied.

Abstract: A method is used for removing a metal contaminant deposited on a quartz member selected from the group consisting of a reaction tube, wafer boat, and heat-insulating cylinder of a vertical heat processing apparatus for a semiconductor process. The method includes obtaining the quartz member unattached to the vertical heat processing apparatus; then, performing diluted hydrofluoric acid cleaning of cleaning the quartz member by use of diluted hydrofluoric acid; then, performing first purified water cleaning of cleaning the quartz member by use of purified water; then, performing hydrochloric acid cleaning of cleaning the quartz member by use of hydrochloric acid; and then, performing second purified water cleaning of cleaning the quartz member by use of purified water.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for cleaning a surface, such as a wall of a waste boiler of a Kivcet furnace, are described. The invention comprises suspending a pair of spaced apart cables adjacent a surface to be cleaned, attaching ends of the rail to respective ones of the cables with equal lengths of cable between the rail and the roof, the rail being reversibly moveable up and down the surface. A carriage has a nozzle assembly, operative to emit a jet of water, with the carriage reversibly moveable along the rail. The rail is moved from one of a top and bottom of the surface to another of the top and bottom of the surface, and the carriage is moved from one side of the rail to another, cleaning the surface as it moves. The foregoing steps are repeated for each remaining uncleaned surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing ice from overhead utility power lines which includes a tool having an extendable pole with an ice removing roller having an annular outer channel rotatably supported on the pole. The pole is extendable for enabling a user to place the roller over an ice-laden utility power line while standing on the ground, and then is movable along the power line by the workmen while standing on the ground or walking along a line parallel to the power line for removing ice from the line.

Abstract: A dedusting device and method is disclosed for the dry or moist dedusting (i.e., cleaning, dusting, or removal of dirt, dust, or other debris) from components, e.g., of motor vehicles. An exemplary method may generally include positioning a dusting tool driven by a drive motor in a predetermined dusting position such that the tool contacts or touches the component, and determining a first operating variable of the drive motor of the dusting tool when positioning the dusting tool in the predetermined dusting position. The first operating variable may reflect a mechanical load of the drive motor due to the contact with the component to be dusted. The method may further include calculating a corrected dusting position as a function of the predetermined dusting position and the first operating variable of the drive motor, and positioning the dusting tool in the corrected dusting position.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning a surface of a substrate and for increasing the useable lifetime of a photomask substrate are provided. In one method, a substrate has at least one radiation-produced particle disposed thereon, and a laser that has a wavelength that substantially coincides with a high absorption coefficient of the substrate is directed towards the substrate. A thermal increase is generated in the substrate, and the radiation-produced particle is removed from the substrate by transferring thermal energy from the substrate to the radiation-produced particle until the radiation-produced particle decomposes.

Abstract: A megasonic cleaning method and a megasonic cleaning apparatus are provided. Microcavitation bubbles may be formed by applying an electromotive force to a cleaning solution using a megasonic energy in a separate room from an object to be cleaned. The microcavitation bubbles having a stable oscillation among the formed microcavitation bubbles may be moved to the object to be cleaned. A surface of the object to be cleaned may be cleaned using the microcavitation bubbles having the stable oscillation. Particles attached onto the surface of the object to be cleaned may be effectively removed while preventing pattern damage.

Abstract: A cleaning composition including a primarily C12 poly phosphate functionalized alkyl polyglucoside, a water conditioning agent, an acid source, a solvent, and water. In one embodiment, the cleaning composition is substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates. The cleaning composition is capable of removing soils including up to 20% proteins. The cleaning compositions include a biorenewable, environmentally friendly alternative to nonyl phenol ethoxylates and exhibit superior cleaning of food soils.

Abstract: A method of cleaning dirt and debris from surfaces using a cleaning device, such as a vacuum cleaner. The cleaning device has a handle unit which is attached to the body of the cleaning device adjacent a filter compartment. The handle unit has a handle portion that is spaced from the filter compartment to allow a user to place his or her hand through the space and grasp the handle portion and thereby carry the cleaning device using only the handle unit. The handle unit can also be detached from the body of the cleaning device, and then later re-attached, via lockable mating connecting elements.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cleaning composition comprising at least one surfacatant or at least one cosmetic vehicle and a water-soluble or water-dispersible copolymer comprising, in the form of polymerized units: (a) at least one monomer compound of general formula I: (b) at least one hydrophilic monomer carrying a functional group with an acidic nature which is copolymerizable with (a) and which is capable of being ionized in the application medium; (c) optionally at least one hydrophilic monomer compound with ethylenic unsaturation with a neutral charge, carrying one or more hydrophilic groups, which is copolymerizable with (a) and (b).