Abstract: A surface disinfecting assembly for sterilizing a sole of a shoe includes a box that is positionable on a floor and is positioned adjacent to a selected area such that the box can be stepped in. A pad is positionable in the box and the pad is infused with a fluid antiseptic. In this way the pad sanitize a sole of the shoe thereby inhibiting the shoe from transferring bacteria into the selected area. A cushion is positionable adjacent to the box and the cushion can be stepped upon. The cushion is comprised of a fluid absorbent material for absorbing the fluid antiseptic from the sole of the shoe after the pad is stepped upon.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus for removing particles from a surface of a substrate, such as from the backside of the substrate, are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for removing particles from a surface of a substrate includes: a substrate handler to expose the surface of the substrate; a particle separator to separate particles from the exposed surface of the substrate; a particle transporter to transport the separated particles; and a particle collector to collect the transported particles.

Abstract: An assembly for cleaning a sensor cover according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a sensor provided within the sensor cover, a wiper configured to wipe the sensor cover, and a vibrating motor configured to vibrate at least one of the wiper and the sensor cover. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide a disinfecting pad for disinfecting and sterilizing objects. A plurality of pixelated light emitting sources are located on the flexible pad in an array, wherein a pixel characteristic radius is approximately 1/10 millimeter to approximately 1 centimeter and the plurality of pixelated light emitting sources covers at least 25% of the flexible pad. Each of the plurality of pixelated light emitting sources includes at least one ultraviolet radiation source. The system includes set of sensors for acquiring data for the at least one object, wherein the data includes a presence and a location of the at least one object. A control system for selectively operating the at least one ultraviolet radiation source of the plurality of pixelated light emitting sources based on the presence and the location of the at least one object.

Abstract: A set of pool cleaning robots for cleaning a pool, wherein the set includes a master pool cleaning robot and a slave pool cleaning robot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of cleaning at least a part of a cubicle from a row of individual cubicles in a stable, each cubicle having lateral partitions extending in the longitudinal direction on each side of the cubicle, the method comprising the steps of providing an animal presence sensor for detecting the presence of an animal in a cubicle, and providing an autonomous unmanned vehicle, the vehicle comprising a control system for controlling the operation of the vehicle and cubicle floor cleaning means, and the method further comprising the steps of detecting by an animal presence sensor a first of the cubicles free of an animal, detecting whether an animal is present in a second of the cubicles neighboring next to the first cubicle, and controlling the autonomous vehicle to clean the first cubicle in a first cleaning mode that is dependent on the presence of an animal in said second neighboring cubicle. The invention also relates to an autonomous unmanned vehicle for cleaning cubicles.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a semiconductor inspection device includes a control section that outputs a signal to inspect a semiconductor wafer, a contact section comprising contact terminals connected to the control section, a probe card that can simultaneously contact a plurality of semiconductor chips formed on the semiconductor wafer and a drive section, wherein the contact terminals can contact some of electrode pads provided for the probe card and the drive section drives the contact section so as to switch electrode pads in contact with the contact terminals.

Abstract: A disposable cleaning pad having a grout cleaning brush includes a bristle attachment for use with a disposable pad. The bristle attachment is molded into a rectangular base piece forming a stand-alone removable brush that can be removably attached to a disposable pad. A top rectangular piece of similar dimensions to the base is connected to the end portion of the base by way of a hinge. The ends opposite the hinge have mating clasps that allow for the brush assembly to be securely yet removably fastened to an existing cleaning pad which is then mounted in the normal manner to the cleaning system. The brush assembly enjoys a longer life than that expected from a disposable cleaning pad thus the brush assembly may be reused many times before it needs to be replaced.

Abstract: A brush cleaning apparatus includes a wafer support configured to support a wafer, and at least one cleaning brush moveable relative to the wafer support. The at least one cleaning brush has opposite first and second sides, and, on the first side, a planar cleaning surface configured to come into contact with the wafer supported by the wafer support to remove contaminants from the wafer.

Abstract: A heat exchanger cleaning device is provided. The cleaning device includes a drive motor configured to rotate a gearbox, a slip clutch and a support beam about a first axis. The support beam carries a thread rod, a second motor, and one or more carriage assemblies. The carriage assemblies move linearly as the second motor rotates the threaded rod. The carriage assemblies include a support tube for receiving an ultra-high pressure tube therethrough. The carriage assemblies adjust relative to the heat exchanger such that the UHP tube may be inserted through the support tube into a hole of the heat exchanger. Therein the UHP tube may be advanced to clean sediment from the heat exchanger tube.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, both first and second cup bodies are brought into a state of being close to each other by lifting one of the first and second cup bodies. A first gap between a gap forming portion formed on the lower surface of a first protruding portion and the upper surface of a second protruding portion is narrower than a second gap between a portion of the first protruding portion where the gap forming portion is absent, and the upper surface of the second protruding portion. In this state, a cleaning liquid is supplied to the second gap. Since movement of the cleaning liquid that tends to flow radially outward is restricted by the first narrow gap, the entire area between the first and second protruding portions may be filled with the cleaning liquid so that the surface to be cleaned may be evenly cleaned.

Abstract: Tools for installing network hardware in server racks may self-adhere to a server rack, alleviating the need for cap screws to attach the tool to the rack. The tool also may support the weight and aid alignment of the network hardware in a rack unit during installation. In some embodiments, the tool may include one or more spring-loaded locks adapted to couple to corresponding holes in the rack. The network device may rest atop the tool so that the network device is properly aligned for installation in the rack unit above the tool. In operation, a technician may couple one or more tools to the rack in the slot below the intended rack unit for the network device to provide hands-free support of the weight of the network device. The technician may then use both hands to screw the network device to the rack.

Abstract: A brush is moved from a central position to an outer periphery position while the brush is contacted with an upper surface of a substrate being rotated at a first rotational speed. In this way, a flat region of the substrate is scrub-cleansed. Thereafter, the brush is contacted with a bevel region of the substrate being rotated at a second rotational speed lower than the first rotational speed. In this way, the bevel region of the substrate is scrub-cleansed. Thereafter, while the substrate is rotated at a third rotational speed higher than the second rotational speed, the brush is disposed at an overlapping region cleaning position. In this way, an overlapping region of the flat region and the bevel region are scrub-cleansed.

Abstract: The present invention prevents or alleviates cleaning unevenness in cleaning of a substrate with the use of a roll cleaning member having protruding members. The roll cleaning device includes: a substrate support member that supports and rotates a substrate W; and an upper roll cleaning member (52) for scrub cleaning a surface of the substrate W which is rotated by the substrate support member, while rotating. The upper roll cleaning member (52) has a plurality of protruding members provided thereon that are arrayed in the longitudinal direction thereof, and slidably contact the surface of the substrate W. The roll cleaning device cleans the substrate W so that the trajectories of high cleaning force regions out of the parts of the protruding members which slidably contact the substrate W are present without a gap in a radial direction of the substrate W.

Abstract: Components of automatic pool cleaners (APCs) are detailed. The components may include brushes configured to attach to blades of scrubbers of the APCs. The flexible brushes may rotate as their associated blades rotate and have fingers which flex so as to adduce contact between a to-be-cleaned pool or spa surface and bristles protruding outward from sides of the fingers.

Abstract: A medical device cap that protectively surrounds a medical device component for disinfection purposes and includes an identification element that can record and transmit pertinent information of the medical device cap and the medical device component is disclosed. The medical device cap enables documentation of instances when the cap is used and promotes stronger compliance with the use of medical device caps for applications involving disinfection of a medical device component such as an IV access port or a luer tip. Use of the medical device cap results in better compliance and monitoring of the use of such caps and leads to reduced incidence of CRBSI infections related to medical device component contamination. In one embodiment, the medical device cap enables automated real-time electronic documentation of when the cap is applied, while also documenting duration of application and tracking of device for inventory management.

Abstract: A method for removing a residue of a substance, extrudable through a nozzle of an automated end-effector, from an exterior of the nozzle, the method including steps of (1) establishing contact between the nozzle and a cleaning pad; (2) adhering the cleaning pad to the nozzle; (3) inserting the nozzle, with the cleaning pad adhered thereto, into a constricting device; (4) circumferentially squeezing the cleaning pad around the nozzle with the constricting device; (5) withdrawing the nozzle from the constricting device to separate the cleaning pad from the nozzle and remove the residue of the substance from the exterior of the nozzle; and (6) transferring the cleaning pad from the constricting device to a disposal receptacle.

Abstract: A device for treating a surface, in particular to a cleaning robot, has a detection device for identifying the type of surface, which detection device has a light source for irradiating the surface with light and has a sensor for detecting the light which is reflected by the surface. In order to improve the identification of the type of surface, it is proposed that a three-dimensional screen panel which forms a plurality of partial volumes is associated with the sensor, wherein each partial volume is in each case associated with a different sensor subarea of the sensor, and wherein adjacent sensor subareas are optically separated from one another by means of the screen panel such that light is prevented from passing from a first partial volume to a second partial volume. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a device for treating a surface.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention relate to a high accuracy phase shift apparatus. The phase shift apparatus comprises a voltage controlled analog phase shifter, a microcontroller unit (MCU) and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The MCU generates a digital control signal, which is converted into an analog control signal by the DAC to control the voltage controlled analog phase shifter to achieve desired phase shift angle. The phase shift apparatus may further incorporate a temperature sensor for temperature compensation. The output from the temperature sensor may be used to modify the reference voltage of the DAC, or alternatively be used to modify the digital control signal from the MCU. By incorporation digitalized control and temperature compensation to an analog phase shifter, the disclosed phase shift apparatus achieves high accuracy digitalized control, a flat phase shift over a wide bandwidth, and a stable phase shift over temperature variation.

Abstract: A method of filtering air using a composite filter substrate having a mixture of fiber shapes and sizes layer is disclosed. The method provides improved particle cleaning efficiency.

Abstract: A cleaning robot has an optical measuring device for determining the type of surface to be cleaned. The optical measuring device has a light source and at least two light sensors. Light emitted by the light source hits a reflection point of the surface at an angle of incidence (?), and is reflected to the first light sensor at a corresponding angle of reflection (?). The light source, reflection point and first light sensor span a plane of incidence. A secondary plane that intersects the reflection point and has a second light sensor spans perpendicular to the surface, and exhibits an angle (?) of between 80° and 100° relative to the plane of incidence. A straight line running through the reflection point and second light sensor has an angle (?) relative to the surface that is essentially as large as the angle of incidence (?) or angle of reflection (?).

Abstract: A cleaning film designed to remove foreign matter and particulates from working surfaces of cleaning wafers used in semiconductor processes. These processes include wafer sort test for cleaning of probe card pins and FEOL tooling for cleaning during wafer handling equipment and wafer chucks. The debris collected on the cleaning wafer working surfaces is removed by the particle removal film allowing the debris and foreign matter to be discarded. The use of the cleaning film allows the operator to refresh the cleaning wafer without use of an outside vendor and eliminates wet washing and the use of solvents in the cleaning process.

Abstract: A single piece device enables medical clinicians to clean and disinfect both an injection port (needleless I.V. connector) and a vascular access catheter hub. The device has a body with a first end having a blind hole with a wall adapted to be engageable with the threads on the housing of an IV connector and a bottom surface adapted to engage the top surface of the IV connector. The device body has a second end defining a male-luer slip extending out of a recess. The male-luer slip is adapted to extend into a standard vascular access catheter hub such that it engages the inner walls of the catheter hub, and the recess is adapted to receive and be engageable with the outside thread element of the catheter hub.

Abstract: A capping device for disinfection of a medical container is provided. The capping device includes a top portion having an inner surface, a bottom portion having an inner surface and an opening, and a connector. The connector couples the top portion of the capping device to the bottom portion thereof in a manner which permits movement of the top portion between a fully-seated position on the bottom portion of the capping device to form a hollow defined by the inner surface of the top portion of the capping device and the inner surface of the bottom portion thereof, and a position apart from the opening to permit ingress to the vial. The capping device further includes a disinfecting absorbent material disposed inside the hollow and extending through the opening in the inner surface of the bottom portion.

Abstract: A method for measuring brush wear in a motor of a saw includes generating, with a sensor connected to a brush in a motor of the saw, a first signal corresponding to a level of wear in the brush and identifying, with a controller, a level of wear for the brush with reference to the first signal. The method further includes generating, with the controller and a user interface device, an output requesting replacement of the brush in response to the identified level of wear exceeding a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a connection end of an enteral feeding system. The device has a handle, and a plurality of cleaning elements disposed to clean the internal surfaces of the enteral feeding connector. A centering post facilitates insertion of the cleaning device in the connection end, and seals the enteral feeding channel from the entry of contaminants during cleaning.

Abstract: A charged particle acceleration device according to some embodiments of the current invention includes a first triboelectric element, a second triboelectric element arranged proximate the first triboelectric element to be brought into contact with and separated from the first triboelectric element, an actuator assembly operatively connected to at least one of the first and second triboelectric elements to bring the first and second triboelectric elements into contact with each other and to separate the first and second triboelectric elements from each other, and a charged-particle source configured to provide charged particles in a gap between the first and second triboelectric elements.

Abstract: An aqueous cleaning composition including: a surfactant; a first compound that is immiscible with water and has Hansen solubility parameters of 10 MPa0.5??D?22 MPa0.5, 0??P?14 MPa0.5, and 0??H?14 MPa0.5; and a second compound that is miscible with water and has Hansen solubility parameters of 10 MPa0.5??D?22 MPa0.5, 0??P?10 MPa0.5, and 0??H?14 MPa0.5, wherein the surfactant, the first compound, and the second compound are each independently included in an amount of 0.01 to 30 weight percent, based on a total weight of the cleaning composition.

Abstract: An Automatic (Auto) Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Panel Washer comprising a main carrier joined by a connecting member to the main mast. A main hydraulic cylinder system comprising one or more hydraulic cylinders and connector arrangement on the main mast raises the main mast up or pushes it down, activating the connecting member, thereby raising or lowering the main carrier. The positioning hydraulic cylinder determines the angle of the main carrier by pushing one end down or bringing it up. A rotating device assembly rotates the main mast and main carrier clockwise or counterclockwise from rest position over its stationary post. The main carrier comprises a rigid frame with attachments including a cleaning assembly consisting of air cylinders with cleaning wiper systems, tracks for the air cylinder shafts, wash material pipes with spray devices attached, rinse material pipes with spray devices attached, and compressed air drying pipes with air spray devices.

Abstract: Treatment compositions for use in laundry capable of effectively removing stains better than detergent alone, and which can be used both through the wash and as a pre-treatment. As a pre-treatment, the compositions remove stains “right before your eyes”. The compositions may be free of oxidizing agents so as to be safe for use on a wide variety of fabrics and dyes. The composition may include one or more alkoxylate surfactants and a polymeric anti-redeposition agent selected from the group consisting of an ethoxylated polyethyleneimine polymer, and an acrylate copolymer. The composition may be free of enzymes, ether sulfate surfactants, and alkylene oxide (“EO” and “PO”) sulfate surfactants.

Abstract: An apparatus for servicing tubular members includes a cleaning fluid delivery system, a motor configured to provide rotational movement to the cleaning fluid delivery system, and a cleaning fluid actuator configured to provide pressurized cleaning fluid to the cleaning fluid delivery system.

Abstract: A method of cleaning deposited material from a molding surface (10) of a mold (1) for forming ophthalmic lenses, including bringing a cleaning head (20) into contact with the molding surface (10), the rotational axis (22) of the cleaning head (20) being arranged normal to the molding surface (10), rotating (220) the cleaning head (20) around the rotational axis (22) while maintaining the contact between the cleaning head (20) and the molding surface (10), moving the cleaning head (20) to perform a precession motion (110) around a central normal (11) on the molding surface (10), while rotating (220) the cleaning head (20) around the rotational axis (22) and while maintaining the contact between the cleaning head (20) and the molding surface (10). During the precession motion (110) the rotational axis (22) includes an inclination angle (?1,?2) with the central normal (11) on the molding surface (10).

Abstract: A system for sanitizing footwear through the use of pulsed ultraviolet (UV) light. The system can include an area that receives footwear of a user and applies a PUV light to the footwear to eliminate pathogens residing on the footwear. The system may contain a protective housing to ensure that exposure to the PUV light is limited to the footwear received in the PUV light area. The system contains electrical circuitry or control mechanism for operation of the PUV light. The system may also contain a brush area so that a user may remove dirt or solid particles from the footwear by engaging bristles that contact the underside and sides of the footwear. The intensity and the duration of the PUV light may be predetermined depending on the requirements of the facility intending to use the system.

Abstract: Methods for hardening a metal sheet material include applying at least one peening stream to the metal sheet material, wherein at least one peening stream is applied, in each case, to a front side of the metal sheet material and a rear side of the metal sheet material, respectively, at least at times simultaneously. In one example, the metal sheet material is a stainless steel material, wherein the at least one peening stream is generated from a peening material in which at least 50% by weight of the peening material has a largest particle diameter of at least 0.8 mm and wherein the metal sheet material has a mean final surface hardness after the application of the at least one peening stream of at least approximately 300 HV.

Abstract: A scalable, portable and modular chlorine dioxide fumigant decontamination system having an activating area and a neutralizing area which may be housed separately or as a single operationally connected unit, and which may be configured as a closed loop system connected to a decontamination chamber for decontamination of articles, or as an open loop system for decontamination of interiors and large confined spaces, and employing a specialized activating cup that is permeable to air yet substantially impermeable to water and chlorine dioxide reaction by-products such that directing air through the activation cup releases nearly pure chlorine dioxide fumigant. Methods and articles relating to the system are also described.

Abstract: A device or tool for removing snow and other debris from vehicles, and other surfaces including a handle having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a scraper portion coupled to the first end, and a head coupled to the second end. One or more light emitting elements are incorporated into the head to provide for ease of use in low light situations. The head may be a laterally extended foam head that is non-abrasive, freeze resistant, and durable. The handle may include a telescopic extension to allow a reach of a user to be increased or decreased allowing the user to clear away snow and other debris from various sizes of vehicles.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus comprising: a belt member suspended by a plurality of supporting rotating bodies and thus rotating; a cleaning member removing toner adhering to the belt member; a tray receiving waste toner removed from the belt member by the cleaning member; a vibration mechanism vibrating the tray to move the waste toner toward a lower side of the tray; a steering control mechanism to perform movement control to move the belt member in an axial direction of the supporting rotating bodies while the belt member rotates; and a vibration adjustment mechanism to change a manner of vibration of the vibration mechanism, based on the movement control by the steering control mechanism.

Abstract: A developer feeding device includes a cleaning member contacted to an image bearing drum; a accommodating portion for the developer removed by the cleaning member; a feeding member for feeding the developer from the accommodating portion; a sheet contacted to the drum; and a guide forming a part of a wall surface of the accommodating portion at a position in a side of the sheet with respect to a line connecting a drum center and a feeding member center, as seen in a drum axis direction. The guide extends in a acute angle range formed between a first line extending vertically through the feeding member center and a second line extending in a direction of a rest angle of the developer through the feeding member center, the guide having a shape such as to approach to a linear shape as a distance of the feeding member decreases.

Abstract: An approach to refurbishing or remanufacturing an electronic device may involve exposing electrical components that are situated within an interior of the electronic device. The approach may also involve replacing one or more defective electronic components of the electronic device with one or more replacement components and applying a protective coating to at least a portion of the interior of the electronic device. The protective coating may cover the circuit board and the electronic components it carries. The protective coating may also cover at least some of the electrical connections of the electronic device. The protective coating may also be applied to the replacement component prior to reassembly. The resulting refurbished or remanufactured electronic device may thus be provided with moisture resistance to help protect the electronic device from damage caused by exposure to moisture.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods and apparatus for pre-cleaning a substrate after chemical mechanical planarization processing. Embodiments provide a housing; a chuck assembly configured to securely hold a substrate within the housing; and a buffing pad assembly configured to rotate against the substrate while supported within the housing. The buffing pad assembly includes a buff pad, a compressible sub-pad coupled to the buff pad, and a pad holder coupled to the compressible sub-pad and a buffing motor configured to rotate the buffing pad assembly. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: A sterilization and cleaning system of an escalator including a first body, a counting wheel, a controller, a second body and a cloud sever is provided. The first body includes a first tank and a first atomizer connected to the first tank. The first atomizer is adapted to atomize a first sterilization and cleaning liquid and spray the atomized first sterilization and cleaning liquid to a handrail of an escalator. The counting wheel is pivoted to the first body. The controller is electrically coupled to the first atomizer. The second body is disposed side by side with the first body, wherein the second body includes a projector, a sensor and a wireless transmission module. The projector and the sensor are electrically coupled to the controller. The wireless transmission module is electrically coupled to the controller and the sensor. The cloud sever is adapted to communicate with the wireless transmission module.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a camera cleaning apparatus. According to one embodiment, a first disc coupled to a first rod, a camera mounted to a portion of the first disc; a second disc coupled to a second rod, wherein a first portion of the first rod is situated inside the second rod and the first rod rotates independently of the second rod; a first and a second directional sensor operatively coupled to the first disc; a first motor mechanically connected to a first rod; a protective cover mounted between the first and the second disc; and a cleaning mechanism mechanically coupled to the second disc and an attachment point disposed on a portion of the protective cover is provided. Embodiments of the present invention can be utilized to clean a protective cover that encapsulates the camera without obscuring the camera's field of view.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an optical receptacle, comprising: a fiber stub including a ferrule containing an optical fiber conducting light; a holder holding the fiber stub; and a sleeve, one end of the sleeve being capable of holding a tip of the fiber stub, one other end of the sleeve being capable of holding a plug ferrule inserted into the optical receptacle, the ferrule including a foreign matter movement suppressor in an end surface of the ferrule, the end surface being polished into a convex spherical configuration on a side to be connected to the plug ferrule, the foreign matter movement suppressor suppressing movement of foreign matter moving, due to inserting and removing the plug ferrule, from an outer circumferential portion of the ferrule toward a central portion of the end surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing labels from containers made of plastics, such as PET bottles includes: a tubular stator and a rotor defining an annular chamber that extends along a path; on the rotor members are mounted for rotationally dragging and pushing the containers inside the annular chamber; on the tubular stator there are first scraping tools provided with first tip ends; the dragging and thrusting members include second scraping tools provided with second tip ends that are distributed along one or more helical paths; the first tip ends and the second tip ends define respectively in the annular chamber a first punctiform scraping surface and a second punctiform scraping surface for the containers, in which the distance between the first punctiform scraping surface and the second punctiform scraping surface is maintained substantially constant in a longitudinal and circumferal direction with respect to the rotor.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus for reducing a limitation of a layout of a chemical liquid nozzle and a rinsing liquid nozzle, while enabling a load cell to be installed at an optimal location and achieving a larger adjustment range, is disclosed. The substrate cleaning apparatus includes a roll assembly including at least a roll cleaning member to be brought into contact with a substrate and a roll arm that rotatably supports the roll cleaning member, a support arm for supporting the roll assembly; an adjustment screw extending through the support arm and screwed into the roll assembly; and a screw support that fixes a relative position of the adjustment screw in a vertical direction with respect to the support arm and rotatably supports the adjustment screw.

Abstract: A method for treating a surface of inorganic flooring (e.g., concrete, terrazzo, or a ceramic) includes applying a composition that includes a silicate to a surface of the inorganic flooring and, while the composition is present on the surface, polishing the surface. The silicate may be a lithium polysilicate and/or a colloidal silica. The composition may further include a surfactant and/or a leveling agent. When the composition is applied to the surface of the inorganic flooring, gravity may enable it to spread substantially evenly across the surface. The acts of applying and polishing may be repeated. Such a treatment may result in a surface that has a glossiness that reflects at least about 80% of incident light when the incident light is directed toward the composition at an angle of 60° to the surface.

Abstract: A method includes depositing spacers at a plurality of locations directly on a back contact layer over a solar cell substrate. An absorber layer is formed over the back contact layer and the spacers. The absorber layer is partially in contact with the spacers and partially in direct contact with the back contact layer. The solar cell substrate is heated to form voids between the absorber layer and the back contact layer at the locations of the spacers.

Abstract: A self-adjusting microbot pigging system for cleaning the interior of a pipe, the system comprises a plurality of microbots, each microbots comprises a propulsion device and a programmable computer processor operatively associated with the propulsion device, each of said processors programmed to instruct its associated propulsion device to operate in cooperation with one or more of the other microbot propulsion devices of said plurality of microbots to form a pig in the pipe.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a brush includes inducing a static charge on a surface of a first plate, wherein the first plate comprises at least one of silicon nitride (SixNy) or silicon oxide (SiaOb), wherein a, b, x and y are integers. The method further includes rotating the brush in contact with the surface of the first plate.

Abstract: A disclosed substrate cleaning apparatus for cleaning a back surface of a substrate includes a first substrate supporting portion configured to support the substrate at a first area of a back surface of the substrate, the back surface facing down; a second substrate supporting portion configured to support the substrate at a second area of the back surface of the substrate, the second area being separated from the first area; a cleaning liquid supplying portion configured to supply cleaning liquid to the back surface of the substrate; a drying portion configured to dry the second area of the back surface of the substrate; and a cleaning portion configured to clean a third area of the back surface of the substrate when the substrate is supported by the first substrate supporting portion, the third area including the second area, and a fourth area of the back surface of the substrate when the substrate is supported by the second substrate supporting portion, the fourth area excluding the second area of the back