Abstract: A distance measuring device includes a measuring unit, a controlling unit, and an accessory part. The measuring unit includes an applying unit that applies a transmission wave and a detector that detects a reflected wave resulting from the transmission wave. The controlling unit is configured to perform a measurement, by using the measuring unit, a distance to an object to which the transmission wave is applied. The accessory part is attached to the measuring unit and configured to operate when energized. The controlling unit is configured to control energization of the accessory part in accordance with a state of the measurement of the distance performed by using the measuring unit.

Abstract: A laboratory system includes: a laboratory device on a table surface of a laboratory bench, the laboratory bench having at least one receiving section below the table surface, which at least one receiving section receives at least one fluid reservoir which is connected to the laboratory device. In an embodiment, the laboratory device includes a climate chamber and/or an incubation system, and the laboratory system further includes a first fluid supply system that supplies at least one fluid to the climate chamber and/or the incubation system, the first fluid supply system being connected to the at least one fluid reservoir in which the at least one fluid is storable.

Abstract: A back-up camera for a vehicle incorporating a hood, a cover, nozzles for squirting water and air onto the surface of the camera lens, and an heating element for melting ice which accumulates on the lens.

Abstract: A device is described for protecting a sensor window. The device includes a two-piece nozzle system and is configured for generating a first and a second fluid flow, a first piece of the two-piece nozzle system being fixedly situated with respect to the sensor window, and a second piece of the two-piece nozzle system being configured for assuming different positions with respect to the first piece of the two-piece nozzle system, and the two-piece nozzle system being aligned with respect to the sensor window to direct a predominant portion of the first fluid flow in parallel to the sensor window and to direct a predominant portion of the second fluid flow in the direction onto the sensor window.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to methods and apparatus for processing substrates. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to transfer apparatus and substrate-supporting members. In an embodiment, an apparatus for transferring a substrate is provided. The apparatus includes a hub and a plurality of transfer arms extending from the hub. The apparatus further includes a plurality of substrate-supporting members, wherein each of the transfer arms has a first end coupled to the hub and a second end coupled to a respective one of the plurality of substrate-supporting members. The apparatus further includes a first electrical interface connection for electrostatically chucking a substrate and located at a first position on each substrate-supporting member, and a second electrical interface connection for electrostatically chucking the substrate and located at a second position on each substrate-supporting member. Substrate processing modules are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus on a vehicle comprises one or more sensors, one or more nozzles that output fluid to clean the respective one or more sensors, and a compressor that generates fluid such as compressed air. The compressor is in fluid communication with the one or more nozzles. The apparatus further comprises one or more processors, and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to predict a trajectory of the vehicle and control an operation of the compressor based on the predicted trajectory of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting plant growth by inducing hypothermia by applying a treating substance to summer annual weeds and grasses. Susceptible undesirable plants will be killed by this treatment, while non-susceptible desirable plants will not be adversely affected by this treatment. Compressed carbon dioxide may be applied to other summer grasses to cause the grasses to become dormant. An apparatus is provided for inducing hypothermia in undesirable plants by applying a treating substance. A canister capable of housing gas may be provided. A valve may be provided to control the amount and pressure of gas dispensed from the canister.

Abstract: With the waste container washing system described herein, the waste container can be moved into a washing compartment of the washing vehicle for washing thereof; in a first washing phase, the waste container can be exposed to a plurality of water jets of grey water pumped from a grey water reservoir; and in a second washing phase, the waste container can be exposed to a plurality of clean water pumped from a clean water reservoir. The water used in the first and/or second washing phase can be collected and stored in the grey water reservoir. Other improvements, such as a double-action pump for the two phases, a filtering system for grey water, a container movement system and path, and methods are also described.

Abstract: A vehicle mountable system for cleaning trash receptacles with wash-water. The system includes an enclosure with an access opening, supported on the vehicle, and a carriage disposed within the enclosure. A spray head is aligned to impinge wash-water against the trash receptacle while it is engaged with the carriage. A basin is aligned to accumulate wash-water drainage from the spraying operation. A spray shield is operated to a closed position that reduces wash-water effluence from the enclosure. The system may include a filter and means for sanitizing wash-water that is accumulated by the basin and recirculated through a holding tank. An automated arm engages a trash receptacle to engage and disengage the trash receptacle with the carriage through the access opening in the enclosure. Plural trash receptacles can be engaged with the carriage and advanced through plural positions within the enclosure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing residual material from sample wells of a multiwell plate. Wells located on a multiwell plate are placed in fluid communication with wash wells of a wash reservoir where cleaning fluid is provided to remove residual material from the sample wells of the multiwell plate.

Abstract: A device may include a receiving surface to receive a cleaning device adapted to clean a surface of a lens when the device is proximate to the surface of the lens. The device may further include a mounting surface to moveably support the device on a host surface, where the host surface further supports a lens. The mounting surface may further maintain the device in a first position that maintains the cleaning device proximate to the surface of the lens to remove a foreign object from the surface of the lens, and maintain the device in a second position that maintains the cleaning device away from the surface of the lens to allow the lens to receive optical information related to a subject.

Abstract: A slide conditioning system comprises a basin, suitable to retain fluids therein, and a slide carrier having a bidirectional valve formed therein, the slide carrier adapted to carry a plurality of slides therein. A rotor arm is rotatable relative to the basin, the rotor arm being capable of carrying the slide carrier and applying centrifugal forces to the slide carrier as the rotor arm rotates. A fluidics system is also provided and a fluid coupling port is operable to selectively and fluidly mate with the bidirectional valve of the slide carrier while the slide carrier is carried by the rotor arm to fluidly couple the slide carrier to the fluidics system.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device (1) and method for sterilizing partly formed packages (6) in a packaging machine. The device (1) comprises an inner chamber (2) and an outer chamber (3), the inner chamber (2) being provided with a sterilization unit (5). Further, it comprises a carrier unit (10), comprising a separating member (11) and a package carrying member (12), which is being adapted to rotate between a first position in which the package carrying member (12) is located in the outer chamber (3), and in which the separating member (11) separates the inner chamber (2) from the outer chamber (3), and a second position in which the carrier unit (10) has rotated a package (6) into the inner chamber (2) and in which the separating member (11) separates the inner chamber (2) from the outer chamber (3).

Abstract: A method for carrying out a cleaning process in coating systems. Such a coating system comprises a horizontally, rotationally mounted drum container for receiving the product which is to be coated and polygonal and perforated lateral areas which are sealingly covered, respectively, by an air duct. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method. The invention is characterised in that a cleaning lance, which can be displaced axially, automatically passes through the air duct arranged on the outer wall of the drum container for cleaning and/or drying, and it cleans and/or dries the inner wall of the air duct.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treatment of a surface of a rotor blade of a windmill, the apparatus being placed in such a manner to be moveable in relation to the surface of a rotor blade, and the apparatus being caused to move depending on a form of treatment determined by means for treatment mounted on, in or next to the apparatus. In this manner, various forms of treatment of a rotor blade may be carried out such as for instance washing, finishing, sealing, etc.

Abstract: A single-chamber type cleaning-drying apparatus for flat objects, such as semiconductor wafers, wherein cleaning is carried out by impinging both sides of the wafer, which rotates at a relatively low speed, with jets of a washing liquid and wherein subsequent drying is carried out in the same chamber by increasing the rotation speed of the wafer and supplying isopropyl-alcohol (IPA) mist onto the wafer from the top of the chamber. After the IPA forms a solution with the residue of water on the wafer, the drying process is accelerated by supplying gaseous nitrogen through nozzles arranged on both sides of the wafer he coaxially with the wafer center. As a result, the IPA-water solution quickly evaporates without leaving traces of water drops on the dried surface.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a dishwasher is provided in which an intake port cover for closing a steam intake port is mechanically operated. The dishwasher has a cavity enclosed in part by a door, and a fan motor which drives a fan installed at an upper portion of the door. During a drying operation, the fan generates a suction force to draw steam from the cavity through an intake port of the fan housing and out through an exhaust port. An intake port cover is movably installed with respect to the intake port so as to open and close the steam intake port based on an operation mode of the fan. The intake port cover has a central shaft coupled to a rotational shaft of the fan such that a driving force generated by the fan as it rotates is transferred to the intake port cover so as to selectively open and close the steam intake port. The steam intake port is open during a drying operation, and is closed during a washing and rinsing operations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling a cleaning device of a vehicle. Said device comprises a sensor device (10) which uses ultrasonic sensors for recognising fixed objects for detecting environmental parameters, such as rain or snow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for keeping optical elements (1) clean in motor vehicles, in particular sensor or camera covers. This is done according to the present invention by applying a directed stream of gas, in particular a stream of air (4), to the transparent cover (2) in such a way that when the cover moves (6) relative to the surroundings no ambient atmosphere (10), in particular no ambient air, reaches the surface (20) of the cover. According to one embodiment, using a nozzle (3) pressurized air (4) is blown in, producing a transverse air stream (9). It is also possible, using a cover, to form a buffer space in front of the cover in addition to the transverse air stream. In a further refinement, a cleaning nozzle and a heater for the cover can be provided, in order to also be able to perform cleaning when soiling has occurred during stationary operation and to remove icing at low temperatures. To this end the cleaning fluid and/or the supplied air may also be pre-heated.

Abstract: A system for processing a workpiece includes a base having a bowl or recess for holding a liquid. A process reactor or head holds a workpiece between an upper rotor and a lower rotor. A head lifter lowers the head holding the workpiece into contact with the liquid. Sonic energy is introduced into the liquid and acts on the workpiece to improve processing. The head spins the workpiece during or after contact with the liquid. The upper and lower rotors have side openings for loading and unloading a workpiece into the head. The rotors are axially moveable to align the side openings.

Abstract: A system for processing a workpiece includes a base having a bowl or recess for holding a liquid. A sonic energy source, such as a megasonic transducer, provides sonic energy into a liquid in the bowl. A process reactor or head holds a workpiece between an upper rotor and a lower rotor. A head lifter lowers the head holding the workpiece into the liquid. Sonic energy is provided to the workpiece through the liquid, optionally while the head spins the workpiece. The liquid may include de-ionized water and an etchant.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for the direct recovery of residual quantities of an aqueous solution adhering to pourable mass parts following an electrolytic and/or chemical surface treatment on the parts, in the course of which the parts are carried in a perforated immersion barrel supported on a movable carriage of a barrel treatment installation. A compressed-air chamber is provided on the carriage, into which the barrel is moved, the chamber being provided with a compressed air source to cause a current of air to flow transversely through the chamber. The compressed-air chamber essentially comprises a horizontal, upwardly cylindrically convex upper half-shell which is fixed on the carriage and which encompasses in a substantially air-tight manner the upper half of the immersion barrel when the barrel has been positioned within the chamber, and a pair of horizontal, lateral, lower, outwardly cylindrically convex quarter-shells which are capable of movement towards and away from one another.

Abstract: A process for cleansing microorganisms from the pliant epidermal surface of a human hand which comprises brushlessly scrubbing the pliant epidermal surface of the human hand with a plurality of cleansing fluids. The cleansing fluids are oscillating sprays which are sprayed onto the epidermal surface at a frequency of 20-80 HZ and at a temperature of 40-50° C. thereby removing microorganisms present on the pliant epidermal surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for stripping the photoresist from a wafer while in a substantially parallel manner, another wafer is being transferred between a load lock chamber and a transfer chamber, where the processing occurs. Further, a system is described whereby two load lock chambers are employed so that processing of wafers can continue uninterrupted by a delay caused by the need to open, empty, reload and re-equilibrate a single load lock chamber. Still further, a system is described for performing multi-step dry-stripping applications requiring different conditions for two or more of the steps wherein the steps may be performed simultaneously or sequentially. Finally, a system combining a dry-stripping module and a wet-cleaning module is described which combination system permits the continuous, fully-automated dry-stripping and wet-cleaning of wafers and, upon completion of the entire processing cycle, returning wafers to their original wafer cassettes.

Abstract: A device for or in a garbage truck, particularly a vehicle for receiving and transporting so-called biological or organic garbage, includes tilting arrangements at the end of the vehicle for tilting a can containing garbage upwardly for emptying the can and for tilting the can backwardly into its initial position after the can has been emptied. The garbage dropped into the hold of the vehicle and the emptied can are sprayed with a disinfecting agent for treating the garbage and cleaning the can. The spraying device includes a spray nozzle which is movable between a first spray position for spraying in the direction of the garbage in the hold of the garbage truck and a second spray position for spraying in a second spray direction in which the spray jet is directed into the interior of the can which is in its upwardly tilted position.

Abstract: A machine dishwashing process for cleaning soiled crockery is provided. The process comprises: (1) optionally prewashing the crockery in a prewash zone; (2) washing the crockery in a wash zone with washing liquor; (3) spraying the crockery from the wash zone with a spraying solution; and (4) rinsing the crockery in a clear washing zone. The washing liquor includes used spraying solution from step (3). The spraying solution has an alkali content of at least 0.8 % by weight. An additive which is substantially free of alkali is supplied to the washing liquor to give a concentration in the washing liquor in the presence of the used spraying solution of at least 0.004 % by weight of complexing agent(s) and/or sequestering agent(s).

Abstract: A device for use in a washer for the automatic washing of articles, the washer having a rack or racks to hold such articles. The device informs the user of the washer whether the articles in the washer are clean or soiled. The device catches a portion the liquid utilized by the washer and a release mechanism for releasing this liquid when articles are removed from the washer. Thus, if the device contains liquid, that indicates that the articles are clean. If empty, it indicates that the articles are soiled.

Abstract: A control system for a high-speed rotary washer spraying system designed particularly for plastic returnable bottles automatically regulates each process of the wash spraying system, namely, sequentially feeding bottles from an infeed conveyor means, inverting them by a worm/inverter means, receiving and simultaneously rotating each bottle in an inverted position through a plurality of washing, neutralizing and sanitizing treatment zones, and inverting each bottle to its original neck-up orientation for further processing. During the entire process, a programmable logic controller maintains, manages, and controls all pumps, valves, solenoids, and drive motor speeds as required by the process, and also provides for monitoring and adjusting fluid levels, alkalinity/acidity concentrations, and temperatures of the wash and neutralizing solutions.

Abstract: A solvent recovering system capable of recovering the solvent wetting solvent-cleaned articles, such as machine parts, electronic parts or medical instruments, without releasing the solvent into the atmosphere. A solvent vapor processing unit is connected by circulation passages to a closed chamber for accommodating solvent-cleaned articles. The vapor of the solvent evaporated from the solvent-cleaned articles is circulated through the closed chamber and the solvent vapor processing unit to subject the vapor repeatedly to adsorption or condensation to recover the solvent perfectly so that the solvent may not be released into the atmosphere to prevent air pollution and harm on health.

Abstract: A spraying device rinses recyclable or reusable containers by inverting the container over an open end of a rigid, tubular member. The rigid, tubular member is of substantially uniform diameter with openings of smaller diameter than the tubular member at its open end. A water stream flowing through the tubular member is controlled by hand-operation of a valve member or by valve actuation using the weight of the container and/or the pressure by a user holding the container which depresses a lever initiating the water stream. Therefore, either single-handed or two-handed operation for cleaning or rinsing containers may be performed.

Abstract: A basket for tumbling workpieces is positioned in a carrier. The carrier is rotatably mounted on a carrier rotation axis between two legs of a stage assembly and is rotated by a carrier rotation motor mounted on the stage assembly. A basket cover supported on the carrier is driven between open and closed position with respect to the carrier mounted basket by a container cover drive motor mounted on the stage assembly, a double-acting lead screw shaft rotatably supported in the carrier in parallel relation to the carrier rotation axis, a drive train between the lead screw shaft and the basket cover, and a drive train, including sprockets rotatable on the carrier rotation axis, between the cover drive motor and the lead screw shaft.

Abstract: A positive buoyancy programmed motion pool cleaning device is adapted for rolling operation under a floating pool cover so that encountered cover discontinuities such as folds, borders and tears do not interrupt and stop the operation of the device. The pool cleaning device is of the type that has two positive buoyancy portions, these portions typically being positioned fore and aft. At least one and preferably two inverted casters are utilized, the casters each preferably becoming the positive buoyancy portion of the cleaning device. Overall positive buoyancy of the cleaning device causes the caster to ride on the overlying cover at the cover pool interface. The caster is provided with a fairing to reduce drag. A ramp at the leading end of the caster on the upward edge of the inverted fairing allows encountered cover discontinuities to pass smoothly over the fairing to the upwardly exposed caster.

Abstract: A positive buoyancy programmed motion pool cleaning device is adapted for rolling operation under a floating pool cover so that encountered cover discontinuities such as folds, borders and tears do not interrupt and stop the operation of the device. The pool cleaning device is of the type that has two positive buoyancy portions, these portions typically being positioned fore and aft. At least one and preferably two inverted casters are utilized, the casters each preferably becoming the positive buoyancy portion of the cleaning device. Overall positive buoyancy of the cleaning device causes the caster to ride on the overlying cover at the cover pool interface. The caster is provided with a fairing to reduce drag. A ramp at the leading end of the caster on the upward edge of the inverted fairing allows encountered cover discontinuities to pass smoothly over the fairing to the upwardly exposed caster.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine includes a plurality of sections through which a soiled article to be washed is transported. A dishwashing machine includes a detergent pre-wash section, a detergent-wash section, a chemical power rinse and final clear water rinse section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a boom sprayer assembly for applying herbicides, or the like, in a controlled pattern about a row of trees, bushes, etc. A boom arm of changing length and angular position carries a bell-shaped sprayer hood which is free to rotate independently of the spray nozzle it encloses. The hood acts as a position sensing element to guide the boom so that the desired spray pattern is put down around the row of trees or bushes without permitting the spray to reach the foliage of the bushes or tree trunks.

Abstract: A trailer or container washing system includes a wheeled-cart adapted for being driven into and out of a container, such as a meat-hauling trailer. Water is supplied to rotating nozzles and a spray bar mounted to the cart. A valve system, including a a unique valve control, is provided to supply different volumes of water to the nozzles and spray bar during a cleaning process which includes pre-wash, floor cleaning, wash and rinse cycles. The cart is preferably mounted on a moveable or stationary dock for being located at the opening to the trailer or container and novel dock configurations are disclosed herein. One such dock includes an adjustable tip-pan for receiving water and debris draining from the container. Other features of the present invention include a novel hose reel, a specially designed system for controlling the winding and unwinding of the water supply hose as the cart moves into and out of the container, and a valve for diverting water from the nozzles to the spray bar.

Abstract: A truck trailer interior washing system with a washing head mounted on an extendable and retractable boom horizontally mounted for automated washing cycle extension into and back out of the trailer interior. A truck body or trailer is backed into exact position, centered and aligned with the boom, with the use of guide rails and a centering plate structure automatically moving trailer wheels laterally in a centering action as required. When the system is activated, a pump is started to deliver hot detergent solution to the nozzled cleaning head from wash fluid back-up tanks and heaters as the extension boom is moved into the trailer at a predetermined rate (50' per minute, for example). A feeler bar and microswitch system senses when the inside nose of the trailer is reached and acts to stop the boom in the extended position for a short interval of time during which the pump and feed mechanism clears itself of detergent solution with microswitch activated clear hot water flush to the nozzles.

Abstract: A carriage is driven from the back to the front of the inside of a trailer, either by rotating nozzles which discharge wash water against the inside of the trailer or by an electric motor. The carriage is guided by two laterally spaced rollers on each side. A hose supplying the wash water and later the rinse water, to the nozzles on the carriage, unwinds from a reel while the carriage is driven into the trailer, but the reel is turned by a motor to pull the carriage rearwardly of and out of the trailer. The trailer rests on an inclined ramp, with the rear edges abutting resilient pads for sealing purposes, the pads being placed around an opening in a partition in the building in which the carriage is housed. A wash tank receives liquid draining from the inside of the trailer, both wash water and rinse water, while a boiler heats the wash water.