Abstract: A sheeter device capable of producing a full-width continuous sheet of masa. A series of ultrasonic horns are placed in close proximity to a sheeter roller, thereby scraping the sheeted dough from the roller. The ultrasonic vibration precludes the buildup of dough on the horns. The invention eliminates the need for sheeter wires and their accompanying plastic bands while increasing the dough throughput of the sheeter.

Abstract: A method for making plates from photopolymer sheets which have previously been exposed to ultraviolet radiation, to convert the sheets into printing plates for flexographic, letterpress or dry-offset printing, includes brushing the exposed faces of the sheets with a brush assembly having a row of flat brushes with generally rectangular brushing surfaces. The brushes each undergo a movement of horizontal rotation and the brush assembly also undergoes at least one movement of reciprocating horizontal translation. Each brush is offset by 180° in its horizontal rotation with respect to the immediately adjacent brush, or to the two immediately adjacent brushes in the row. Also disclosed is an apparatus for performing the method.

Abstract: A processing system for cleaning, washing, drying, and sorting cherry pits. Once the pits are removed from the cherries, they are washed, scrubbed, and cleaned. Any excess water is removed from them and the pits are then thoroughly dried. Any partial or broken pits are removed, as well as any metal impurities. The cleaned and dried whole cherry pits can then be inserted into bags or containers and included in a therapeutic product, such as a cushion, U-shaped neck device, or a huggable stuffed animal character.

Abstract: An integrated cleaner with scrubber for cleaning and scrubbing semiconductor substrates that includes a housing that contains both a cleaning module and a scrubbing module. The cleaning module is capable of performing a wet-cleaning process on a batch of the semiconductor substrates. The cleaning module comprises a cleaning tank in which a batch of semiconductor substrates are cleaned. A megasonic device can be attached to the cleaning tank to enhance cleaning. The scrubbing module includes a plurality of scrubbers each of which scrubs a semiconductor substrate. The integrated cleaner with scrubber also comprises a robot for moving the semiconductor substrates between the cleaning and scrubbing modules.

Abstract: The method for cleaning the rubber cylinders of printing presses particularly of the so-called bobbin type, comprises the succession of the following working phases:

Abstract: An extractor tool for extracting invasive fluid from a floor covering defining a floor surface. The extractor tool comprises a frame assembly, an extraction head, and a drive roller. The frame assembly defines a support surface. The extraction head is mounted to the frame assembly and defines an extraction opening that engages the floor surface. The drive roller assembly is mounted to the frame assembly and also engages the floor surface. A user stands on the support surface between the extraction head and the drive roller assembly such that the user's weight is transferred to the floor surface through the extraction head and the driver roller assembly. The user operates the driver roller assembly to propel the extractor tool along the floor surface.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of a brush used in a semiconductor wafer cleaner for post-CMP processing is described. Semiconductor wafers are loaded into the wet environment of the wafer cleaner, affixed to a rotatable fixture and rotated at high speed. The rotatable fixture is effectuated by a servo motor linked to a servo controller and a torque monitor. A first torque on the rotating wafer is calculated prior to the start of the brush cleaning cycle. During the brush cleaning cycle, as the brush within the brush cleaner contacts the rotating wafer, the torque on the wafer increases and a second torque is calculated. If, during the brush cleaning cycle, the second torque calculation is substantially equal to the first torque calculation, the brush cleaner is not contacting the wafer and cleaning has not progressed. A tool user can be notified to reaffix the brush within the cleaner.

Abstract: The apparatus for cleaning the cylinders in printing presses is of the type comprising a cylindrical brush (3) parallel to the cylinder to be cleaned, which upon control is caused to rotate in a predetermined direction and is brought near to the cylinder so as to interfere with same which (apparatus) upstream of the contact zone between cylinder and brush comprises means for whetting the brush itself with cleaning liquid and which downstream of the said contact zone comprises means which interfere with the brush to remove from same the dirt removed from the cylinder which falls into an underlying tray (16) of collection and discharge.

Abstract: In a cleaning device, the scraping up body and the rotating body rolling the adhesive roll are rotatably supported to the frame, and the adhesive roll is rotatably arranged on the scraping up body and the rotating body in parallel.

Abstract: A disposable core structure supports a porous polymeric brush utilized in the treatment of substrates. The disposable core structure includes an exterior surface featuring a plurality of waffle-like recesses separated by walls having sufficient thinness to permit fabrication by injection molding. The core structure includes an end adapted to permit attachment to a rotating member of an associated substrate handling apparatus. The end of the core structure further includes an opening to a bore in fluid communication with pores on the exterior surface of the core structure. Injection molding allows economical mass production of the core structure, permitting it to be fitted with the polymeric brush in a clean room setting and then be permanently fixed to a single brush. This avoids problems of bunching, tearing, wrinkling and stretching associated with replacement of brushes in the field that requires the brush to be fitted around a conventional nondisposable core.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a two-stage emission electrode of an electrofilter suitable for use with an internal combustion engine, whereby a cleaning body moves along the emission electrode to strip it of deposits. Only the first stage of the electrode is cleaned by the cleaning body.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning the interior window surface of an aquarium comprises a buoyant floatable interior element and an exterior element. At least one element has at least one magnet and the other element has a material attracted to the at least one magnet so the elements attract each other under the influence of a magnetic force between the elements. Such material may be a magnet or magnetically attractive metal. Movement of the exterior element along the exterior window surface of the aquarium causes the buoyant floating interior element to move along the interior window surface of the aquarium thereby cleaning the interior window surface. Once the magnetic force between the elements has been removed, the buoyant floatable interior element floats to and on the surface of the liquid medium present in the aquarium.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treating a smooth-top kitchen ceramic or glass ceramic cooktop cooking surface of a smooth-top kitchen ceramic or glass ceramic cooktop or a stove having a ceramic or glass ceramic cooktop cooking surface on its cooking surface, and a device therefor.

Abstract: The brake and rubber residues of runways, race ways and roadways are removed by rubbing a solvent onto the surface and then flushing the surface with water and vacuuming up the resulting mixture. The rotating rubbing sprayers and solvent spray and the water sprayer and suction head can be provided on one vehicle or on two vehicles as required.

Abstract: A self-contained soap dispensing apparatus having a hollow body with an inner chamber for retainment of liquid soap, an outer surface, and passages or ducts connecting the inner chamber to the outer surface which has bristles thereon. A pump within the inner chamber allows soap to flow from the inner chamber to the outer surface on demand. The soap dispensing apparatus is readily portable and can be used in a wide variety of locations, such as an automobile, an airplane, an RV, and the like.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus, a substrate cleaning method and a substrate processing apparatus wherein contamination in a roller type cleaning member used for cleaning a pattern forming surface is slowed down and the time for replacing the cleaning member is delayed. The substrate is cleaned while supplying a cleaning liquid which is given ultrasonic energy and/or had the cavitation generated therein from the cleaning liquid nozzle onto a surface of the substrate to be cleaned.

Abstract: A method for cleaning ceramic workpieces such as SiC boats used in semiconductor fabrication is disclosed. The method comprises washing a virgin or used ceramic workpiece with a strong acid and then using a pelletized CO2 cleaning process on the acid-washed component. The inventive method has been found to produce a workpiece having a very low level of metallic and particulate contaminants on its surface.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for active cleaning of windows in a vehicle, with a window wiping arm that has a wiping blade and devices for the application of cleaning fluid onto the window pane. The devices for the application of cleaning fluid are placed and/or are controllable in such a way that, in relation to the longitudinal direction of the wiping blade, the cleaning fluid is applied to a defined side of the wiping blade in the following steps: waiting for activation of the active cleaning switch, followed by application of a prescribed first quantity of cleaning fluid after the start of the activation of the active cleaning switch, fundamentally only when the window pane wiping arm is moving in a direction of the defined side.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of detecting the presence of a brush used in a semiconductor wafer cleaner for post-CMP processing is described. Semiconductor wafers are loaded into the wet environment of the wafer cleaner, affixed to a rotatable fixture and rotated at high speed. The rotatable fixture is effectuated by a servo motor linked to a servo controller and a torque monitor. A first torque on the rotating wafer is calculated prior to the start of the brush cleaning cycle. During the brush cleaning cycle, as the brush within the brush cleaner contacts the rotating wafer, the torque on the wafer increases and a second torque is calculated. If, during the brush cleaning cycle, the second torque calculation is substantially equal to the first torque calculation, the brush cleaner is not contacting the wafer and cleaning has not progressed. A tool user can be notified to reaffix the brush within the cleaner.

Abstract: An inventive brush, pad or the like is provided that has functional groups (complexing agents) such as chelating reagents. The complexing agents may be chemically grafted to the brush or pad, may be resin beads physically blended with the brush materials, or the brush or pad may be made of a homogeneous material containing a complexing polymer. The immobilized complexing agents on the brush can effectively pick up metal ions or metal oxides from the substrate surface upon contact but may not etch into the metal lines.

Abstract: A surgical scrub brush for improved hand cleaning prior to and during surgery includes a unitary device with a generally flat base. The base has bristles affixed thereto to at least one portion of the periphery thereof. The periphery is shaped for optimal accessibility to the interdigital hand area. Preferably the brush also includes an absorbent sponge portion adapted to hold a cleansing fluid, such as a soap solution.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning a moving surface, for example a roller, wire or conveyor belt. The surface is cleaned by a doctor blade having several separate blades which move in a direction transverse to the surface to be cleaned so that the blades can be serviced and repaired during operation of the moving surface.

Abstract: Guide rollers in a web-fed rotary printing press are cleaned by a web of material that is provided with signal information, such as a bar code or a punch code. The retrievable signal information is used by one or more signal reading devices that are used to apply cleaning agent to the web and to create a speed differential between the guide roller and the material web.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning edges and/or bevel areas of substrates. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a cleaning mechanism that cleans particles off the edge of the wafer based upon friction at the contact point between the wafer and a rotating belt.

Abstract: A brush alignment apparatus and method of using the same for aligning a hollow cylindrical brush on a cylindrical roller member comprising first and second ends and an outer surface defining a internal cavity, provided with a plurality of orifices extending from the outer surface to the internal cavity, a first receptacle having a channel running therethrough in fluid communication with the first end of the roller member, a second receptacle, a spine member, a first support arm supporting the first end of the roller member and a second arm supporting the second end of the roller member.

Abstract: Disclosed are cleaning sheets having substantial macroscopic three-dimensionality. Optionally, the macroscopically three-dimensional cleaning sheets can comprise a contractable material (e.g., a scrim material), which when heated and then cooled contracts so as to provide a macroscopic, three-dimensional structure. Macroscopic three-dimensionality is described in terms of “average peak-to-peak distance” and “surface topography index”, as well in terms of “average height differential”. Also disclosed are cleaning implements comprising a handle and the described cleaning sheets. Processes for the sheets, benefits of the processes, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for removing products of hot corrosion and oxidation from selective portions of surfaces of a gas turbine engine, such as coatings and substrates, following exposure of the surfaces to hot oxidative gases of the turbine exhaust. The method involves a high temperature chemical reaction and has no detrimental effect on adjacent coatings and substrates that have not been attacked by the hot exhaust gases.

Abstract: According to the method for controlling an automatic cleaning device while a window surface is being cleaned, the cleaning head is first advanced in force-controlled manner approximately centrally or near the edge towards the window surface. This initial position follows from the basic data of the associated building on the basis of the constructional drawing. The cleaning head is then moved in the X- or Z-direction over the window surface up to the window frame in a first edge-search mode and then along the window frame into the associated window corner in which the cleaning process proper starts. The frame of the cleaning head is elastically displaceable relative to the rigid structure so that the control means can sense whether the cleaning head is in contact with a window edge. Alternatively, in the case of frameless windows, there may be provided a sensor whose signal is received by the control means.

Abstract: A kit for bathing a patient or for personal bathing includes a sealed polyethylene bag containing a plurality of cloths impregnated with a cleansing solution. The cloths are a needle-punched blend of cotton and cellulose acetate for softness and low cost. Furthermore, an anti-microbial agent is carried by the cellulose acetate to prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast and fungus and the package carries another anti-microbial solution as a preservative. The cleansing solution is a non-ionic, non-rinsing mixture of surfactants, emollients or humectants, vitamin E and de-ionized water. The kit is heated and then each cloth is used on a different part of the body and disposed of after use to prevent cross contamination.

Abstract: In a method for cleaning a surface of a substrate an amount of a solution is applied on a surface of the substrate. After the solution is applied on the surface, crystallization of the solution is initiated to form a liquid-crystal mixture. Once the liquid-crystal mixture is formed, relative motion between the liquid-crystal mixture and the substrate is created to dislodge contaminants adhered to the substrate. In one alternative method, the solution is applied on a pad. In another alternative method, the substrate is place in a bath of the solution. A wafer cleaning module also is described.

Abstract: A method for removing a stain from a surface of a structure which includes the steps of spraying an aggregating agent comprising a cationic linear organic polymer onto the surface of such structure having a stain produced thereon, dissociating the stain particles by use of Coulomb force f generated between the stain particles and the aggregating agent, displacing slightly the stain particles along the surface of the structure to cause peeling thereof from the surface to be cleaned, and simultaneously, aggregating the same for cleaning. Another embodiment includes maintaining water permeability of a road by easily eliminating a stain adhering to the surfaces of granular aggregate particles forming a drainage-type pavement layer of a road without the use of various mechanical tools.

Abstract: A portable waste receptacle in accordance with the present invention includes a bottom and a front wall, a pair of opposing receptacle side walls and rear wall. Each of the walls project upwardly from the bottom and define the interior of the receptacle. The back wall is formed with a flat top portion and had an increasing taper from an initial width at the rear wall midsection to a maximum width at the top leading edge of the rear wall upper section. The top leading edge is further beveled to facilitate placement of debris in the receptacle when the rear wall is placed on the ground. The receptacle includes a removable lid that has a base, and a pair of opposing lid side walls and rear end portion that extend from the base to establish a scoop configuration for the lid. A lip extends around the receptacle side walls and front wall of the receptacle, and the lid abuts an internal shoulder in the lip when the lid is placed on the receptacle.

Abstract: An improved method and system for cleaning a cylinder of a printing press. One method involves soaking a strip of cleaning fabric on a press with a low volatility organic compound solvent. Excess solvent, if any, is removed to place the strip of cleaning fabric in functional equilibrium with the solvent. The cleaning fabric is then used to clean a cylinder. Alternatively, the strip of cleaning fabric is soaked on site by contacting the strip of cleaning fabric with the solvent and wrapping the strip of cleaning fabric into a cleaning fabric supply roll. The cleaning fabric is then brought in engagement with a printing press having a cylinder to be cleaned without disposing a sleeve around the fabric roll and without substantially disturbing the distribution of the solvent in the fabric roll and detrimentally affecting the cleaning ability of the fabric.

Abstract: A processing system for cleaning, washing, drying, and sorting cherry pits. Once the pits are removed from the cherries, they are washed, scrubbed, and cleaned. Any excess water is removed from them and the pits are then thoroughly dried. Any partial or broken pits are removed, as well as any metal impurities. The cleaned and dried whole cherry pits can then be inserted into bags or containers and included in a therapeutic product, such as a cushion, U-shaped neck device, or a huggable stuffed animal character.

Abstract: A device, system and method is disclosed for removing residues from surfaces and for applying materials to surfaces. The device system and method of the instant invention utilize a squeegee configuration with a first continuous squeegee edge. Preferably, the first continues squeegee edge protrudes from a squeegee support element with squeegee walls that extend in all directions of a wiping plane. Within the boundary formed by the first continuous squeegee edge there are preferably additional cleaning elements such as bristles, sponges and/or additional squeegees. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a second squeegee edge protrudes from the inner squeegee region of the first continuous squeegee edge to form a squeegee compartment. Cleaning solutions and other materials are applied to surfaces by placing the solutions or materials into the squeegee compartment and wiping the surface with the squeegee edges.

Abstract: Wipers in roll form or separate sheets are stored in a plastic bag. A reclosable outlet is provided for the bag. In use with roll-form wipers, a restricted outlet is provided so as to provide resistance to the withdrawal of a strip of wipers from the bag, and allow them to be torn off along perforation lines delineating the wipers from one another. Preferably, the wiper material has a cleaning liquid absorbed in it. The bag material is a laminate comprising aluminum foil sandwiched between layers of polyester with an inner layer of polyethylene. This material is highly resistant to attack by aggressive solvents. In use with separate wipers, the bag has a slide-fastener closure which gives a wide outlet opening and adhesive-free closing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided that remove a scrubber brush from contact with a wafer surface prior to slowing down the scrubber brush's rotational rate. The scrubbing method may comprise rotating a scrubber brush at a non-reduced rate, while the scrubber brush is in contact with the wafer and removing the scrubber brush from contact with the wafer while rotating the scrubber brush at the non-reduced rate. The scrubbing apparatus has a controller programmed to perform the scrubbing method.

Abstract: A scrub washing apparatus comprises a spin chuck for holding a substrate to be processed substantially horizontally, a nozzle for supplying a washing liquid to the substrate mounted on the spin chuck, an arm vertically and horizontally movably supported, an output shaft provided at the arm, a sponge brush connected directly or indirectly to the output shaft, for scrubbing the substrate on the spin chuck in contact therewith, a press mechanism moving the sponge brush downward together with the output shaft, for pressing the sponge brush against the substrate on the spin chuck, and a rotation drive mechanism provided above the press mechanism at a position where the rotation drive mechanism is capable of being engaged with the output shaft, for directly rotating the sponge brush by engaging with the output shaft.

Abstract: A scraper for removing deposits from the exterior of a tubular member includes elements defining an outer jacket which has an inwardly open circumferential recess and two aligned axial openings, and a scraper element in the form of an elongate resilient wire bent to define a series of integral, concatenated, resilient segments, each pair of adjacent segments being connected through a bend or geniculation. All geniculations are received within the recess, and each segment of wire extends generally along a chord of the aligned axial openings. The positions of the chords are distributed around the circumference of the axial openings such that, in order for the tubular member to be accommodated through the aligned openings, the various segments must be deformed outwardly, whereby the resilience of the thus deformed segment urges it inwardly against the tubular member, and causes it to clean the tubular member as the scraper moves axially.

Abstract: A wiper device for vehicle windows is proposed, which prevents a longer lasting or permanent deformation of an elastically deformable wiper lip (28) that is formed onto the wiper blade (16) since this wiper lip (28) is stored in different parking positions (P1, P2) in a parking location (P) of the wiper blade (16).

Abstract: Disclosed are woven or hydroentangled non-apertured cleaning sheets having non-random recessed and raised regions. Optionally, the sheets can comprise a scrim material or additives to improve adhesion. Also disclosed are cleaning implements comprising a handle and the described non-apertured cleaning sheets. Methods of using the sheets, articles of manufacture having instructions to the product benefits of the non-apertured cleaning sheets, and process of making the sheets are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning glass ceramic surfaces includes a combined scrubber/applicator pad. The combined scrubber/applicator pad has opposing surfaces having differential surface properties. The system further optionally includes a polishing/buffer pad.

Abstract: A cyclonic power wash system uses high pressure, high temperature water for selectively cleaning large, flat, concrete or asphalt surfaces. The sprayed water is reclaimed by vacuuming it through holes in the bottom of a reclamation ring attached to the underside of the mobile cyclone sprayer, filtering the vacuumed water and returning it to a storage tank for re-use by the system. The filtration tank initially filters out large matter in an inlet trough and smaller matter in a plurality of cascading chambers. A rotary union in the sprayer prevents the water, passing from the inlet of the rotary union to the discharge thereof, from leaking through or around a seal formed by pressing together a pair of hard, durable sealing surfaces, for example, silicon carbide, one of which is non-rotatably slidingly received in an upper recess of the union's fixed housing and the other, affixed to a spindle rotatably received and retained in a lower recess of the housing.

Abstract: A pool cleaner and method for its operation provides for the efficient and systematic cleaning of the bottom of a rectilinear pool or tank in a controlled geometric pattern of parallel paths transversed between a pair of opposing sidewalls by having the pool cleaner complete a 180° U-turn at each wall, and when an end wall is reached, to effect a 90° turn and commence a similar pattern of parallel paths between the pair of end walls. A microprocessor, or programmable electronic controller, responds to signal-generating sensors that are activated at the pool's sidewalls, and to a program that also repositions the cleaner should it become blocked by a corner or other obstacle.

Abstract: A method of performing treatment under a reduced pressure for processing a substrate placed in a chamber, includes the steps of providing a heater within the chamber, for heating the substrate, placing the substrate on a susceptor, the substrate being placed above the heater within the chamber, chucking the substrate on the susceptor above the heater, heating the substrate with the heater, and evacuating the interior of the chamber to provide a reduced pressure environment.

Abstract: An inventive brush and scrubbing device is provided for simultaneously scrubbing both planar and profiled (e.g., edge) surfaces of a thin disk such as a semiconductor wafer. The inventive brush has a contact surface having two portions, a planar portion for contacting a planar surface of a wafer, and a profiled portion for contacting an edge surface of a wafer. The profile of the profiled portion preferably follows the edge profile of a wafer to be cleaned by the brush. The profiled portion may have a higher modulus of elasticity than does the planar portion. Preferably the brushes are roller type PVA brushes having a plurality of nodules formed thereon.

Abstract: Semiconductor wafers are cleaned using megasonic energy to agitate cleaning fluid applied to the wafer. A source of energy vibrates an elongated probe which transmits the acoustic energy into the fluid. The probe has a solid cleaning rod and a flared or stepped rear base. In one form, the probe is made of one piece, and in another, the rod fits into a socket in the base. This enables a rod to be made of material which is compatible with the cleaning solution, while the base may be of a different material. A heat transfer member acoustically coupled to the probe base and to a transducer conducts heat away from the transducer. A housing for the heat transfer member and the transducer supports those components and provides means for conducting coolant through the housing to control the temperature of the transducer. In another arrangement, an end of the housing is coupled between the transducer and the probe.

Abstract: A method for cleaning ceramic workpieces such as SiC boats used in semiconductor fabrication is disclosed. The method comprises washing a virgin or used ceramic workpiece with a strong acid and then using a pelleted CO2 cleaning process on the acid-washed component. The inventive method has been found to produce a workpiece having a very low level of metallic and particulate contaminants on its surface.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method of removing particles and a liquid from a surface of a substrate using at least one rotating cleaning pad. The approach, according to the present invention, is a technique wherein a sharp liquid-vapor boundary is created on the surface of the substrate adjacent to the last wetted rotating cleaning pad of a plurality of rotating cleaning pads and particularly between this last wetted rotating cleaning pad and a first edge of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a mirrored glass. The method includes affixing a pad to a portable, power tool; applying a composition containing an abrasive to the pad; applying the pad to the mirrored glass surface; operating the tool in a rotary motion at high speed until the mirrored glass surface is clean; and removing any excess composition from the mirrored glass surface. A composition for use in cleaning mineral deposits off mirrored glass surfaces and includes a non-toxic, biodegradable solution having a pH less than 7.0 in combination with an abrasive selected from the group consisting of ground pumice stone, calcium carbonate, aluminum oxide, and diatomaceous earth. A preferred acid composition has a pH of about 4.0, and contains an abrasive with a particle size between about 3 to about 5 microns.