Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning have been disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the absorption of liquids, which comprises the step of bringing the liquid into contact with at least one sorbent comprising a porous metal-organic framework, the framework taking up the liquid and comprising at least one at least bidentate organic compound having a coordinate bond to at least one metal ion.

Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus includes an injecting nozzle which injects a treating solution to dry a substrate. The injecting nozzle discharges the treating solution to the substrate and injects a treating gas to the treating solution discharged from the injecting nozzle by controlling a stream of the treating gas. Thus, since the substrate treating apparatus can minimize a size of a minor particle of the treating solution, a cleaning efficiency and a yield of a product may be improved.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions with improved rinsing properties which provide a surface with reduced spotting after rinsing are provided. The preferred compositions contain at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and combinations thereof; inorganic nanoparticles; a carrier dispersible polymer containing cationic, anionic and nonionic residues; and a carrier, preferably water. Methods for cleaning including applying to a surface a cleaning composition of the invention, and rinsing the surface, preferably with water, is also provided.

Abstract: A honing machine 1 is provided with a honing zone 5 for subjecting a work 2 to a liquid honing process and a washing zone 6 for subjecting the work 2 to which the liquid honing process was executed at the honing zone 5 to a washing process in a housing 4 shielded from an external air, the honing zone 5 and the washing zone 6 being disposed adjacently. A partition wall 7 for preventing an ambient gas of the honing zone 5 from entering into the washing zone 6 is disposed between the honing zone 5 and the washing zone 6 in the housing 4. An in-liquid conveying apparatus 10 for conveying the work 2 to which the liquid honing process was executed at the honing zone 5 from the honing zone 5 to the washing zone 6 with the work kept immersed in the liquid 72 in a carrying bath 11 is disposed in the housing 4.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of cleaning an interior surface of a fluid delivery system. The method comprises introducing a first liquid into the fluid delivery system and contacting the interior surface with the first liquid; forming a slurry by introducing a particulate into the first liquid and contacting the interior surface with the slurry; introducing a second liquid into the fluid delivery system and contacting the interior surface with the second liquid; and introducing a third liquid into the fluid delivery system and contacting the interior surface with the third liquid. The first liquid is substantially soluble or substantially insoluble in the second liquid, the second liquid is substantially insoluble in the third liquid, and the particulate is substantially insoluble in the first and second liquids and substantially soluble in the third liquid.

Abstract: Methods of removing cooked-, baked-, or burnt-on food soil from cookware and tableware comprising washing the cookware/tableware in an automatic dishwashing machine in the presence of a wash liquor comprising nanoparticles is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system and method for modeling the effect of a molecular contaminant film on performance of an optical system is disclosed. A mass of material outgassed from materials of the optical system is correlated to spectrum of outgassed products. The spectrum of outgassed products is normalized, and an aggregate molecular contaminant film thickness is predicted from each material. The absorbance spectrum of the aggregate molecular contaminant film is derived, and the derived absorbance spectrum of the aggregate contaminant film is convolved with an optical system instrument function. A plot of at least one transmission band as a function of source temperature is performed to determine the degradation in performance of the optical system.

Abstract: A method for cleaning the interior walls of a storage tank comprises traversing over said walls a cleaning head supplied with air. The cleaning head may comprise a cleaning duct having an inlet and an outlet and a lateral opening which in use is sealingly arranged against the tank wall, whereby air flowing through the duct flows over and in contact with the tank wall. Cleaning materials, such as aggregate particles and cleaning fluid droplets, may be entrained in the air.

Abstract: This invention concerns a component for a painting facility which is contaminated with paint during operation of the painting facility, e.g. a grating, a hanger, a cover and similar, characterized in that it is coated with a plasma polymeric coating containing oxygen, carbon and silicon.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for cleaning a surface is provided. In one embodiment, a method includes the step of determining the type and size of the contaminant particles. A solution, which may include a plurality of variable size particles, may be selected such that an appropriate size cleaning particle is used during the cleaning process. The solution may include polystyrene latex particles or other cleaning particles. Alternatively, the solution may be a slurry. The solution and particles are delivered to the surface via a nozzle at a velocity that does not damage the surface and that clears the contaminants from the surface.

Abstract: Method for cleaning a surface is disclosed comprising a cleaning step with an aqueous cleaning medium, which is supplied to said semiconductor surface wherein the cleaning medium comprises cleaning particles suspended in a colloidal form and mechanical agitation is applied to the particles to be removed for at least part of the time during the cleaning step.

Abstract: A method for removing plasticizers, oils and other liquids concentrated in areas contiguous to the outer surface of a coverstock of a bowling ball. The method includes the steps of formulating a plasticizer absorbent material; applying the formulated plasticizer absorbing material to the outer surface of the coverstock; allowing the applied plasticizer absorbing material to remain in contact with the outer surface of the coverstock for a defined time period and removing the plasticizer absorbing material and the extracted plasticizer from the coverstock. The plasticizer absorbing material is formulated of one or more of fine soft pine wood dust, silica gel and sphagnum peat moss and or synthetic or natural microfiber material.

Abstract: An autonomous floor-cleaning robot comprising a housing infrastructure including a chassis, a power subsystem; for providing the energy to power the autonomous floor-cleaning robot, a motive subsystem operative to propel the autonomous floor-cleaning robot for cleaning operations, a command and control subsystem operative to control the autonomous floor-cleaning robot to effect cleaning operations, and a self-adjusting cleaning head subsystem that includes a deck mounted in pivotal combination with the chassis, a brush assembly mounted in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to sweep up particulates during cleaning operations, a vacuum assembly disposed in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to ingest particulates during cleaning operations, and a deck adjusting subassembly mounted in combination with the motive subsystem for the brush assembly, the deck, and the chassis that is automatically operative in response to an increase in brush torque in said brush

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods of removal of a lubricious coating. In more specific aspects, the invention relates to methods of removal of aqueous polymers comprising acrylamide or copolymers thereof from a substrate comprising application of one or more metal salts.

Abstract: A method for grit blasting tubes and for blowing swabs through tubes, automatically sensing that the swab has passed through the tube, and logging the event. Also, various methods are used for inserting the swabs into the tubes efficiently.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing soil from an inner surface of a lumen wall of a medical instrument are disclosed. A carrier gas entrains particles capable of sublimation at room temperature and transports the particles into and through the lumen. As the particles collide with the soil attached to the inner surface of the lumen wall, and as the particles sublime, the soil is removed from the inner surface of the lumen wall and transported out an exit of the lumen.

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

Abstract: A surface of a target item is treated by directing a flow of solid carbon dioxide entrained in ozone towards it.

Abstract: A method of removing a sticky substance or a waste liquid containing a sticky substance which comprises, mixing a solid substance having inflammability and liquid-absorptivity into the sticky substance or the waste liquid containing the sticky substance wherein these are mixed to allow a liquid component of the sticky substance or the waste liquid containing the sticky substance to be absorbed into the solid substance and to allow the sticky substance to be entangled with the solid substance, and then removing the sticky substance together with the solid substance.

Abstract: The present invention includes a nozzle device and method for forming a composite fluid. The nozzle device generally comprises a nozzle portion connected to a main body. The main body includes an inner axial bore extending therethrough. An annular wall extends radially therefore and an annulus extends from an outer perimeter of the annular wall. The annulus and the annular wall define an annular chamber at least partially open to the atmosphere. A portal fluidly communicates the bore with the annular chamber. The nozzle portion includes a converging nose section also having an internal axial bore extending therethrough. An annular collar extends from the nose section and disposes at least partially within the annular chamber. A first tube for transporting a first fluid disposes within the axial bore of the main body and nose section, terminating at an exit port of the nozzle section.

Abstract: A disinfecting tablet is disclosed having rapid disintegration and low friability. In one embodiment, the disinfecting tablet comprises sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate and at least one swellable disintegrating agent assisting with rapid disintegration of the tablet. Also disclosed are a disinfecting cleaning tool assembly and a method of cleaning.

Abstract: Liquid spills are remediated by spraying essentially dry polymeric liquid-sorbing solid particles with a pressurized propellant gas from a reservoir onto the liquid spill for disposal or reclamation. The liquid spill, such as sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, is sorbed into the solid gel particles, thereby enabling collection of the gel particles containing the absorbed liquid.

Abstract: A heat exchanger coil pipe is internally cleaned off dirt deposits by forcing ice and water to pass the pipe. A system for carrying out the cleaning comprises a suction pump, a wastewater collecting tank, a suction hose for connection between the waste and wash water collecting tank and a heat transfer medium inlet or outlet of the pipe and an ice-feeding hose provided at one end with a hopper and connectable at the other end to the heat transfer medium outlet or inlet pipe. In the state of the suction hose being connected to the heat transfer medium inlet or outlet and the suction hose being connected to the heat transfer medium outlet or inlet, ice and water are supplied from the hopper and drawn into the ice by suction from the suction pump to flow in the coil pipe and collected into the wastewater collecting tank.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for selective removal of materials present on an object A in one or more layers B by surface abrasion by projection onto the surface of the object A of a moving fluid composed of a gas and solid particles conveyed in the gas. The apparatus comprises at least two reservoirs (11,13,15) for solid particles (21,22,23) of at least two different sizes communicating with a single reservoir 30 trough conduits (24,25,26). Each conduit (24,25,26) has an obturator (27,28,29) movable between open and closed positions and the single reservoir (30) is connected to a further conduit (36) provided with a nozzle (37) situated in the proximity of the surface layer B to be stripped. Particles (31) are mixed in “T” joint(34) with gas from an air compressor (35) and directed out of the nozzle (37).

Abstract: A simple yet effective system for cleaning fans and air circulators facilitates the cleaning of ceiling and hard-to-reach units without having to remove the blades or other parts to be cleaned. A flexible bag encloses parts of a fan to be cleaned. A source of compressed air is used for inflating the bag, and a source of vacuum is used for collecting particulates used for cleaning. A user-controlled nozzle is used for spraying particulates against parts of the fan to be cleaned. The user-controlled nozzle terminates in a narrow tube operative to puncture the bag, which is preferably a transparent plastic bag. The source of compressed air and the source of vacuum may share a common vacuum unit with particulate filter such as a “shop-vac” type of equipment. The particulates used for cleaning may include any suitable abrasive though, in the preferred embodiment, granulated walnut or other nut shells are used. In contrast to devices that clean with liquids, the enclosure may envelope the motor and blades.

Abstract: A cleaning method for a semiconductor substrate including placing the semiconductor substrate into a cleaning chamber and injecting ozone gas (O3) into the cleaning chamber. This process operates to cleanse the semiconductor substrate without corrosion or etching of the semiconductor substrate; even when the substrate has metal layer made of tungsten.

Abstract: A lithographic mask is placed in a chamber which is then sealed. The gas pressure in the chamber is reduced to dislodge contaminant particles on the mask surface.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an article having polymeric residue that is to be removed during the manufacture of the article is disclosed. The article is introduced into a controlled environment of a processing tool having one or more processing chambers. Free radicals are generated from one or more reactant gases and introduced into at least one of the one or more processing chambers where they react with the polymeric residue. A cryogenic cleaning medium is supplied into at least one of the one or more processing chambers where the cryogenic cleaning medium removes the polymeric residue present after the free radicals react with the polymeric residue. The reactant gases are selected to facilitate removal of the polymeric residue with the cryogenic cleaning medium. The cryogenic cleaning medium is supplied with a pulsating flow via a nozzle implement that sweeps across the article.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blast processing method for removing a deposit adhered onto a surface of a ceramic heater formed of aluminum nitride by blowing a blasting material onto the surface. Abrasive grains made of silicon carbide or aluminum oxide and having a grain size of #400 to #800 are used as the blasting material, and a blast pressure as a pressure when the blasting material collides with the surface of the ceramic heater is set at 40 to 150 gf/cm2.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a ceramic susceptor for considerably reducing the count number of metal atoms on the surface of a semiconductor after the semiconductor is treated, specifically to 1×1010 atoms/cm2 or lower. It is provided a ceramic susceptor 2 having a face for mounting semiconductor 2a wherein each of metal elements other than metal element(s) constituting the ceramic material has a count number of 1×1011 atoms/cm2 or lower. It is further provided a method of cleaning a ceramic susceptor 2 having a face 2a for mounting semiconductor, wherein the susceptor is cleaned using a complexing agent capable of forming a complex with a metal element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for cleaning a ceramic member for use in a system for producing semiconductors. The method has the step of cleaning the ceramic member with an organic acid or a weak acid. Preferably, the ceramic member is cleaned with a strong acid before the cleaning with an organic acid or a weak acid. The ceramic member may be subjected to a blasting treatment before the cleaning with an organic acid or a weak acid. According to the method, the amount of metal transferred from the ceramic member to a semiconductor may be considerably reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning agent for heater tubes, which is capable of eliminating deposits such as soot particulates in tubes installed in industrial heaters that typically use oil, coal or gas. The cleaning agent of the present invention is prepared by formulating a chemical composition comprising ammonium nitrate into pellets. Also, the present invention discloses a method of cleaning heater tubes using the cleaning agent. When being utilized for cleaning the heater tubes, the cleaning agent can improve mechanical and chemical cleaning effects, thus shortening of working time and reducing a required amount of the chemical composition, as well as preventing rapid evaporation of the chemical composition, thus increasing cleaning effect. In addition, the cleaning agent can eliminate the cementing effect of sulfur oxides or vanadic oxides in the heater tubes and thus control stably emission of NOx, by selectively containing other additives including magnesium and urea.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for on-line cleaning of internal surfaces of selected sections of a hydrocarbon fuel burning gas turbine and associated heat recovery equipment, during operation. Cleaning solutions containing graphite and/or molybdenum-based particles and oil soluble corrosion inhibitors, aromatic solvents, and surfactants are selectively introduced directly into the combustion chamber (combustor) of the gas turbine, into the fuel stream, water washing system, or the combustion air system (hot gas path). The cleaning process dislodges unwanted ash deposit buildup and, thereby restores the gas turbine to rated power. When introduced into the compressor section, the particles impinge on the metal surfaces, cleaning them prior to entering the hot gas section where the process may be repeated. They may also be carried through the exhaust to additionally clean attendant heat recovery equipment, if present.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an aqueous dispersion for CMP that produces no scratches on polishing surfaces and that polishes with an adequate rate, when used for polishing of copper and the like. The aqueous dispersion of the invention contains water and polymer particles composed of a polymer with a specific functional group, and it may also contain a complexing agent, a compound that forms a passivation film on polishing surfaces and/or an oxidizing agent. The specific functional group is a functional group that can react with the metals of polishing surfaces or that can form a cation, and it is preferably selected from among amino, pyridyl and acrylamide groups. The polymer can be obtained using a initiator and/or monomer possessing the specific functional group. The polymer may also have a crosslinked structure.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for static elimination of a cleaning target in a cleaning step is carried out by disposing in a cleaning apparatus a conducting means capable of coming into contact with and separating from the cleaning target at a plurality of portions thereof, bringing the conducting means into contact with the plurality of portions of the cleaning target, and eliminating, by grounding via the conducting means, the static electrification on the cleaning target that is caused by a cleaning member during cleaning. A static elimination assembly carrying out this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cleanling apparatus for removing contaminants from the surface of a substrate includes two parts: one which produces an aerosol including frozen particles and directs the aerosol onto the surface of the substrate to remove contaminants from the surface by physical force, and another part in which a fluid including a gaseous reactant is directed onto the surface of the substrate while the surface is irradiated to cause a chemical reaction between the reactant and organic contaminants on the surface, to chemically removing the organic contaminants. In the method of cleaning the substrate, the physical and chemical cleaning processes are carried out in a separate manner from one another so that the frozen particles of the aerosol are not exposed to the effects of the light used in irradiating the surface of the substrate. Therefore, the effectiveness of the aerosol in cleaning the substrate is maximized.

Abstract: A method of processing thin flat articles, particularly semiconductor wafers, utilizing sonic energy. In one aspect, the invention is a method comprising: supporting a substrate in a generally horizontal orientation and transmitting sonic energy to the substrate while flowing liquid onto both sides of the substrate to loosen particles on both sides of the substrate while maintaining said orientation. In another aspect, the invention is a cleaning method comprising: applying cleaning fluid to one side of a thin flat article while supporting the article in a generally horizontal orientation; and applying energy to the other one of the sides with sufficient power to produce vibration on the one side in the area of the cleaning fluid to loosen particles on the one side, while maintaining said orientation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for collecting particulate contaminants removed using a CO2 decontamination medium from an early step of a decontamination process. The device removes particulate contaminants from a contaminated subject by a decontamination stream, and simultaneously forms another stream for collecting such contaminants into a collecting filter, thus preventing such contaminants from diffusing into the atmosphere. The device forms streams between the nozzles and the surface of the contaminated subject to readily move the nozzles along the surface of the subject without frictional resistance, to reduce the sense of fatigue of the operator.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for surface treating boundary walls of an interior chamber formed in a workpiece. Nozzle members are inserted through access openings which communicate with opposite sides of the interior chamber and are positioned so that discharge openings of the nozzle members are disposed in closely adjacent and directly opposed relationship. High velocity streams of carrier fluid having entrained solid abrasive media therein are simultaneously discharged from the nozzle members so that the opposed streams directly violently impact and are deflected radially outwardly for impact against the surrounding boundary walls. The opposed nozzle members are preferably simultaneously synchronously moved lengthwise of the chamber to effect treating of the boundary walls.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of a high vapor pressure liquid prior to or simultaneous with cryogenic cleaning to remove contaminants from the surface of substrates requiring precision cleaning such as semiconductors, metal films, or dielectric films. A liquid suitable for use in the present invention preferably has a vapor pressure above 5 kPa and a freezing point below ?50° C.

Abstract: A pipe renovating method and system in which a pipe is first cleaned and then coated with a suitable coating material. In the cleaning step, pressurized air and particles of abrasive material are pumped into a first end of a pipe while suction is applied to the second end of the pipe via a vacuum pump to improve flow along the entire length of the pipe. The coating material is subsequently pumped in at one end of the cleaned pipe while suction is applied at the other end. In each step, the suction flow rate is higher than the input flow rate, so as to steer the mixture towards the second end. This method can be used to coat and clean different sections of a pipe system, by connecting the input materials successively to different access ports in the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the removal of deposits formed in a reaction apparatus by the precipitation of solids from a liquid reaction mixture, which process is characterized in that particles of a material that is inert under the reaction conditions are introduced into the reaction apparatus, which particles, by suitable mechanical circulation of the reaction mixture, are so moved through the reactor that, during the reaction, by striking the walls or other built-in elements, they abrasively remove precipitates adhered thereto.

Abstract: A method for cleaning portions of a particle classifier, such as for example the rotor and/or stator, includes providing carbon dioxide particles to the classifier. Carbon dioxide particles are supplied to the classifier via a particle inlet and subjected to processing conditions similar to those utilized in particle classification. Cleaning a classifier with carbon dioxide particles may be accomplished off-line or on-line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low foaming scouring powder composition, said composition comprising fly ash as an abrasive agent ranges between 40 and 75%, an surfactant ranges between 3 and 6%, an alkali metal carbonate ranges between 10 and 20 %, an alkali metal bicarbonate ranges between 3 and 15%, an alkali halide ranges between 1 and 10 %, clay ranges between 5 to 50% and optionally traces of perfumes and colors and a process for preparing the above said composition.

Abstract: A method of removal of hydrocarbons from soils using solids-loaded polymer foam. A first step involves providing a solids-loaded polymer foam consisting of an open-celled polymer foam matrix with zeolite dispersed and bound throughout the foam matrix. A second step involves mixing soils containing hydrocarbons, solids-loaded polymer and water. It has been found that hydrocarbons are adsorbed by the solids-loaded polymer foam. The order of mixing can be altered to suit particular applications. A recovery step can be added to recover the hydrocarbons from the solids-loaded polymer foam.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards the use of a reactive gas or vapor of a reactive liquid prior to or in combination with cryogenic cleaning to remove contaminants from the semiconductor surfaces or other substrate surfaces requiring precision cleaning. The reactive gas or vapor is selected according to the contaminants to be removed and the reactivity of the gas or vapor with the contaminants. Preferably, this reaction forms a gaseous byproduct which is removed from the substrate surface by the flow of nitrogen across the surface.

Abstract: A cryogenic cleaner for and a method of performing cleaning of a surface that must be substantially free of contaminants utilizing a multi-stage, multi-mode filtered carbon dioxide-containing cleaning medium. Multiple stages and multiple types of filtration/purification are provided to remove contaminants such as hydrocarbons from the medium. In accordance with preferred embodiments, a filtering/purification process is provided that desirably utilizes one or more of: condensation of the hydrocarbon; particulate filtration; chemical filtration using activated filters; and catalytic oxidation. In certain embodiments, a resiliently mounted nozzle is provided for spraying a cryogenic cleaning medium on the surface. The nozzle may be driven in an oscillatory manner at a predetermined amplitude and frequency so the nozzle spray is delivered in a manner to provide pulsing of the spray and to provide as “snow plow” effect on contaminants as the spray delivers the cleaning medium against the surface.

Abstract: A coherent body (B) of wet crushed ice is pumped along a pipe (5). The crushed ice body can be used as a means of cleaning the pipe wall, as a means of driving a product liquid out of the pipe for recovery, or as a barrier for preventing mixing of two different bodies of liquid (1,2) in the pipe to either side of it. Being coherent but flowable and non-tensile, the mass of crushed ice can negotiate internal constrictions, obstructions and junctions of the pipe readily, unlike conventional solid or gelled pigs.

Abstract: Relatively small particles of glass (i.e., glass swarf) are generated as a by-product of glass grinding, typically performed to smooth edges of a glass product. Disclosed herein is an inventive method of reducing the tendency of the glass swarf to accumulate and harden, thereby improving the ability to maintain a glass grinding facility. According to the present invention, a loosening agent is mixed with the glass swarf to prevent it from accumulating and hardening.