Abstract: A gentle acting blast media comprising glass-like polysaccharide grit suspended in a compressible carrier component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for removing solid and/or liquid residues from electronic components such as semiconductor wafers utilizing liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide which is solidified on the surface of the wafer and then vaporized and removed from the system. In a preferred embodiment the solidification and vaporizing steps are repeated (cycled) before removal of the CO2 from the vessel. The residues are carried away with the vaporized carbon dioxide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vibrating abrasive cleaning apparatus and method which is powered by at least one electric motor specially fabricated to the cleaning container assembly mounted on a rigid square tubing frame on one side by compression springs, on the opposite side by tension springs. The compression springs and tension springs have a different spring rate which produces better rolling of the media and therefore, faster circulation and cleaning. The specially fabricated electric motor attached to the cleaning container provides for enhanced oscillation and much greater cleaning capabilities thereby reducing the cleaning time. The entire vibrating assembly sits on a base and has a lid operated by a cable and counterweight for ease in loading the container for oscillation of the parts.

Abstract: Powdered compositions comprising in admixture inorganic salts and silica gel, and optionally a fragrance additive, are disclosed. The novel compositions are useful in absorbing and deodorizing liquid waste and for removing such waste from irregular surfaces, such as textiles and carpeting, as well as from smooth hard surfaces. The compositions are effective in absorbing liquid biohazards, such as blood, vomit, urine, and other body fluids. For this application, a halogen-containing compound, such as sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite is preferably included in the composition. The mixtures can also be utilized for the absorption of oil-based spills and hydrocarbons and are also effective in removing moisture and malodors associated with pet urine and other moisture-related stains encountered in the home. When applied to liquid wastes, the absorbent properties of the compositions contain the spill, creating a solid cohesive matrix that allows for easy disposal.

Abstract: A carpet cleaning machine for uniformly spreading a dry carpet cleaning powder onto a surface and working the dry carpet cleaning powder into the surface. The cleaning machine includes base having a hopper integrally formed therein, distribution slots on the bottom of the hopper, a rotary powder agitator inside the hopper, wheels for supporting the base over a floor surface and for rotating the powder agitator, a metering gate for controlling the dispensing of the dry carpet cleaning powder, a trigger located on the cleaner handle for controlling the metering gate, and a plurality of motor driven vertical axis rotary brushes for working the dry carpet cleaning powder into the carpet. The dry carpet cleaning powder is dispensed onto the carpet and allowed to sit for a short period of time to allow the dry carpet cleaning powder to absorb the dirt contained in the carpet.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing operations on a surface of an electronic substrate, the apparatus comprising a frame, a dispenser coupled to the frame to dispense material onto the electronic substrate, a stencil coupled to the frame having at least one aperture to receive the material to be deposited through the aperture onto the surface of the electronic substrate, a controller that controls dispensing of materials on substrates, and a cleaning system coupled to the frame and coupled to the controller for removing material from the stencil, wherein the cleaning system uses carbon dioxide particles for removing the residue from the stencil.

Abstract: A method of surface cleaning and controlled oxidation of superalloys is described. The method provides a thin homogeneous layer of relatively pure alpha alumina which is suited to receive and adhere to a subsequent vapor deposited coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides &agr;-alumina powders comprising &agr;-alumina particles of which at least 80% of the &agr;-alumina particles have a particle size of less than 100 nm. The invention also provides slurries, particularly aqueous slurries, which comprise &agr;-alumina powders of the invention. The invention further provides methods of manufacturing &agr;-alumina powders and &agr;-alumina slurries of the invention and methods of polishing using same.

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 solidifier for a liquid, the solidifier comprising a mixture of absorbents having different apparent densities whereby at least one absorbent is negatively buoyant and at least one absorbent is positively buoyant relative to the liquid sought to be solidified. Packaging for the solidifier is disclosed for effecting selective dispersal of the solidifier within the liquid sought to be solidified.

Abstract: There is provided a method of cleaning completely a deposit on the surface of the member to be cleaned, of a plasma processing apparatus without any damage of the coating which has been formed anodized coating or sprayed coating on the surface of the member to cleaned. The method of cleaning comprises a chemical cleaning step of dipping in an organic solvent (e.g. acetone) (a); and then a step blowing pressurized air so as to remove the deposit which has been peeled from a buffer plate (14) treated chemically (b); and then, of removing physically the deposit remained at the edges of the buffer plate (14) by blasting by using a CO2 blast apparatus (105), and f steps of dipping the buffer plate (14) in pure water (104), and imparting supersonic vibration to remove the deposit remaining on a buffer plate (14).

Abstract: A device for use in a dishwashing machine to dispense a water-soluble glass or ceramic composition into the machine over a plurality of dishwashing cycles comprising: a) a shaped body made of the water-soluble glass or ceramic composition; and b) a container for holding said shaped body with at least part of its walls having perforations allowing a controlled circulation of the washing liquor into and out of the container.

Abstract: A finishing composition for a variety of surfaces, including, without limitation, paints, metals, plastics and fiberglass, comprises water, wax, soap, scent, hair conditioner, mineral spirits and abrasives.

Abstract: A method for pollutants using an iron-impregnated, carbon-coated silica sand with the iron containing between to and 16 percent silicon. The invention provides an improved method for performing remeditation of pollutants by dissolved metal reactions while minimizing interferences caused by oxide fouling from oxygen in the water or in the atmosphere. The invention further provides an inexpensive media with high surface area for adsorptive fixation and reductive treatment that yields higher than anticipated reaction kinetics utilizing only low concentrations of iron in the media.

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 for controlling and removing dust and other fine particles in a material comprising i) electrostatically charging carrier particles in powder form to give the carrier particles a minimum charge to mass ratio of +/−1×10−4 C/kg, ii) delivering the electrostatical charged carrier particles to the material, whereby the dust and other fine particles in the material agglomerate with the charged carrier particles and iii) removing the resultant agglomerates from the material (for example by vacuuming or brushing).

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 of cleaning articles, such as infant feeding bottles is disclosed. The method provides for the use of alkali metal chloride, more particularly sodium chloride. The salt is deposited into the article to be cleaned, then water is added, and then the article is shaken to cause the crystalline substance to contact the interior walls of the container, thereby cleaning and sanitizing the interior of the article.

Abstract: A method of removing vegetation by running a blaster unit along a utility cut line on which vegetation is growing; and directing a jet of fluidised material at the vegetation at a sufficiently high rate and for a sufficiently long time to kill the vegetation. In one embodiment, the blaster unit is a water blaster unit and the jet of fluidised material is water. In another embodiment, the blaster unit is a sand blaster unit and the jet of fluidised material is sand carried by an air stream.

Abstract: A cleaning system and a cleaning method is provided with a cleaning medium comprising a magnetic substance and a magnetic field generating device for applying a magnetic force to the magnetic substance in the cleaning medium so that the magnetic substance and the area to be cleaned are rubbed together. The area to be cleaned is cleaned by the rubbing action of the cleaning medium. The interior of the cleaned object not reachable by hands or instruments can be easily cleaned with this device. The cleaning medium, made of a magnetic substance, is guided into the interior of the cleaned object. The magnetic field generating device generates a magnetic field in the cleaning medium and thereby applies a force to the magnetic substance. By rubbing the magnetic substance on the inner wall surface of the area to be clean, the object can be cleaned efficiently.

Abstract: A pipeline cleaning and renovating method of the present invention comprises introduction of abrasive particulates by pressurized air through the pipelines to remove the incrustation adhering to the inner surface of the pipelines. Water or other liquids are introduced into the pipelines to generate or increase a moisture content in a flow of the pressurized air. The air flow through the pipelines is controlled to induce a substantially helical flow pattern such that a substantial amount of abrasive particulates are driven by the air flow to move along the inner surface of the pipeline in order to efficiently remove the incrustation. After the pipelines are cleaned, a coating material is added into the pipelines and driven by the air flow in the substantially helical flow pattern to provide an even coating film on the cleaned inner surface of the pipelines. This method can be broadly applied to various types of pipelines and various diameters of the pipelines from 13 mm to 300 mm.

Abstract: Cleaning fluid is sprayed upwards from under a substantially horizontally-held object to be cleaned for cleaning the underside of the object. At this time, an accelerating fluid accelerates the cleaning fluid to change its spraying direction toward a surface of the object, then the cleaning fluid is sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: The present invention is one for providing an apparatus and a method which make it possible to remove a foreign object or matter such as scale attached on an inner surface of a pipe easily for a short period of time by means of simple equipment and manner, and constituted as follows. Specifically, a holder (11) is attached onto an end of a pipe (P), an abrasion assisting member (16) fixed to a tip end of a support arm (15) is inserted into the pipe (P) by use of the holder (11) and stopped at an area (A) where oxide scale (S) is generated in a large amount. Then abrasive is sent with pressure into the pipe (P) by a blast device (14), and thus a flow rate of the abrasive in the scale-abraded area (A) is increased to abrade and remove the oxide scale (S) securely. Moreover, if required, a spiral groove (17) is formed on an outer circumference of the abrasion assisting member (16) to increase centrifugal force of the abrasive.

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 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 cleaning system and method for in-process sensors wherein a scouring jet discharges process fluid as the cleaning agent to remove solids and other contaminants from the surface of the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention may be used in the field of precision manufactured and assembled devices and precision test apparatus, among many others, for the selective preparation (cleaning and modification) of a critical substrate surface prior to, during, or following manufacturing and assembly operations such as coating, bonding, patterning, sealing, dicing, cutting, drilling, polishing, planarization, among many other manufacturing operations. Moreover, the present method may be used to prepare medical instruments for implant or use and for dry cleaning textile substrates by providing a combination of surface cleaning and modification using low pressure plasma in combination with plasma-dense fluid surface cleaning pre-treatments.

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: A method for cleaning a substrate with sherbet-like composition, comprising mixing the liquid organic agent and pure water in a mixing vessel to form a mixture, supercooling the mixture uniformly at a predetermined temperature while stirring the mixture, wherein the stirring includes creating vortices in the mixture, growing the vortices and diffusing the grown vortices in the mixture, thus providing sherbet-like cleaning composition and moving the sherbet-like cleaning composition relative to the substrate to be cleaned.

Abstract: A method for the production of a glass substrate for magnetic recording mediums is herein provided and this method is characterized in that the final cleaning step is performed in two stages, in which scrubbing and dip-cleaning steps are carried out after the completion of the first cleaning stage and after the growth of needle-like projections comprising an alkali metal carbonate on the surface of the glass substrate. The method for the production of a glass substrate for magnetic recording mediums does not require the use of an expensive device having high resistance to acids. Moreover, in the glass substrate for magnetic recording mediums produced by the foregoing method, any growth of needle-like projections containing an alkali metal carbonate on the surface of the glass substrate is inhibited even during temporal storage of the substrate.

Abstract: Water soluble detergents and enzymes are used for mechanically cleaning textiles or crockery. According to the invention, enzymes with a catalytic effect on typical stains are added to the washing or cleaning process, only for as long as their catalytic effect is desired. This avoids superfluous removal of the enzymes that have been used in a washing or cleaning process.

Abstract: A cleaning system and a cleaning method is provided with a cleaning medium comprising a magnetic substance and a magnetic field generating device for applying a magnetic force to the magnetic substance in the cleaning medium so that the magnetic substance and the area to be cleaned are rubbed together. The area to be cleaned is cleaned by the rubbing action of the cleaning medium. The interior of the cleaned object not reachable by hands or instruments can be easily cleaned with this device. The cleaning medium, made of a magnetic substance, is guided into the interior of the cleaned object. The magnetic field generating device generates a magnetic field in the cleaning medium and thereby applies a force to the magnetic substance. By rubbing the magnetic substance on the inner wall surface of the area to be clean, the object can be cleaned efficiently.

Abstract: In a process for removing the paint from plastic components provided with coats of paint, the plastic components are first crushed to a bulk material size of the crushed plastic pieces. The plastic pieces are subsequently mixed with a paint removing agent reducing the adhesion of the coats of paint to the plastic pieces, and circulated by means of a conveyor screw. The paint removing agent is formed in this connection by an emulsion consisting of at least one benzyl-substituted alkanol and an alkyl-glycol acetate or N-alkyl-pyrrolidone with an aqueous lye, which can not be completely mixed. The mixing ratio for mixing the individual components is selected so that it is in the range of a mixing gap. After the paint removing agent has acted upon the painted plastic pieces, a solid substance is added to the paint remover so that the further steps of the method can be carried out in a dry state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and material for purging comprising adding a purge material of thermoplastic polymer and layered inorganic particles into polymer melt processing equipment containing residual contaminant, and passing the purge material through the processing equipment so that the residual contaminant intercalates the layered inorganic particle, thereby removing the residual contaminant from the processing equipment.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for providing a low-cost and less complex micro-environment for treating a substrate using an impingement cryogenic or steam spray jet. A substrate and fixture is contained within an open-architecture prophylactic or cleaning cell whereupon the substrate and fixture is continuously bathed in a regenerated and re-circulating stream of filtered, inert, dry, heated and ionized atmosphere which bathes both the entire substrate and fixture. This prevents the intrusion of contaminating ambient atmospheres onto critical surfaces. The cleaning cavity is constantly regenerated and re-circulated through the cleaning cell to maintain a majority of the clean atmosphere wherein the clean cavity is pressurized slightly with a small volume of clean dry air or inert gas to prevent the intrusion of ambient atmosphere into the cleaning cell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the slider air bearing surface of a head gimbal assembly is disclosed. A plurality of carriers may position and hold a plurality of head gimbal assemblies to be polished. A cloth strip may be rubbed against the slider air bearing surface. A movable cylinder unit coupled to the plurality of carriers may move the carriers. A polish tank may provide cleaning solution to the movable cylinder unit. A pump may recirculate the cleaning solution. A filter canister with a filter cartridge may filter the cleaning solution.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions including a photocatalytic material and a sensitiser employ a photocatalytic material and a sensitiser at a locus, for example on a surface. The residue combats soils and/or undesired microorganisms at the locus.

Abstract: Semiconductor wafer (11) are uniformly and thoroughly cleaned of particulate and organic contaminants by sweeping the wafer with a hydraulic broom that sprays cleaning solution onto the wafer. The broom contains an aspirating nozzle (3) for connection to a source of pressurized gas, such as nitrogen, and to a source of cleaning fluid, such as acetone, wherein cleaning fluid aspirated by the gas stream is expressed through the nozzle outlet to impact the surface of the wafer, dislodging particulate matter and dissolving organic contaminants. A programmed controller (9) controls movement of the hydraulic broom relative to the wafer to ensure that the entire surface is cleaned and permits a variety of sweeping patterns.

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 process for treating an electrostatographic imaging member including providing a hollow cylindrical electrostatographic imaging member having an interior surface, a coated outer surface, a first end and a second end, the interior surface at at least the first end having a coating of adhesive material securing a first end flange to the first end, and propelling solid carbon dioxide pellets against the first end flange and coating of adhesive material with sufficient force to remove the first end flange and coating of adhesive material from the interior surface at at least the first end of the hollow cylindrical electrostatographic imaging member.

Abstract: There is provided a method of cleaning completely a deposit on the surface of the member to be cleaned, of a plasma processing apparatus without any damage of the coating which has been formed anodized coating or sprayed coating on the surface of the member to cleaned. The method of cleaning comprises a chemical cleaning step of dipping in an organic solvent (e.g. acetone) (a); and then a step blowing pressurized air so as to remove the deposit which has been peeled from a buffer plate (14) treated chemically (b); and then, of removing physically the deposit remained at the edges of the buffer plate (14) by blasting by using a CO2blast apparatus (105), and f steps of dipping the buffer plate (14) in pure water (104), and imparting supersonic vibration to remove the deposit remaining on a buffer plate (14).

Abstract: A process of removing holefill residue from a surface of an electronic substrate in which the holefill residue is contacted with a swelling agent followed by planarizing of the surface in the presence of an agent no stronger than a liquid having a pH of about 6 to about 8.

Abstract: The disclosure encompasses composition, method and apparatus that provide improved and convenient removal of biofilm from surfaces. Surfaces cleaned according to the invention comprise the inner wall of conduits such as those employed in dental clinics, food and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Abstract: Discrete non-clumping mechanically stable geometric alloyed material shapes having about 55-95% by weight thermoplastic elastomer and about 5-45% thermoplastic polymer and about 0-12% by weight filler are used for removing organic contaminates from contaminated fluids. The shapes are typically spheres having a maximum dimension of 0.125 inches, or circular discs having a thickness of less than 6 millimeters. The shapes are put in a loose form or packing, and a fluid containing organic contaminants (such as water, air, or a soil slurry) is brought into contact with the shapes so that the shapes absorb organic contaminants from the fluid, typically absorbing more than 90% of the contaminants in the first pass through. The contaminated fluid is typically passed through an ozone generator before being brought into contact with the shapes. The shapes may be foamed, e.g. utilizing about 0.1-10% by weight foaming agent.

Abstract: An adsorbent for organic compounds consisting of filler granules, which contain 20 to 99.9 wt. % of fillers and a binder. The adsorbent is produced by mixing at least one binder with at least one filler and performing granulation in a mixing or granulation apparatus. The adsorbent may be used for adsorbing and/or absorbing organic and/or inorganic substances from a liquid or gaseous phase.

Abstract: A flexible, open-pored cleaning body having at least one scouring surface (2) provided in at least one subregion with continuously formed, raised projecting ridges (3), wherein the ridges (3) have regions C,D of different heights in the direction of their extension.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method for de-staining a substrate that is stained with a dye by bringing the substrate into contact with a de-staining composition and absorbing the dye from the substrate with the de-staining composition, wherein the de-staining composition is a charcoal or ion-exchange resin absorbent incorporated in a semi-solid matrix which is a polyacrylamide or agar gel. With the method of the invention a stained substrate may be stained and de-stained in a single step. The present invention is further drawn to an apparatus for performing the method of de-staining the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning method and to a corresponding cleaning device, which offer adequate protection to individuals, devices and installations, for cleaning component parts of installations that carry an electrical high-voltage and are not disconnected during cleaning. To this end, the component parts to be cleaned are subjected to the action of a two-phase particle stream (PS) consisting of a compressed gas (DGA) serving as a carrier medium and of carbon dioxide ice particles (TP) carried therein. Possible superficial accumulations of dirt are removed from the component parts by means of low-temperature embrittlement and by the kinetic energy of the impacting carbon dioxide particles. The carbon dioxide ice particles themselves sublimate without leaving residues.

Abstract: A method for cleaning an inorganic surface of a virgin semiconductor processing component by directing a flow of frozen CO2 pellets upon the surface. After cleaning, the component is packaged for transport and installation into a furnace used for processing semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: Methods are provided for removing edge beads from spin-on films. A spin-on film is removed from a region of a surface of a spin-coated substrate adjacent to an edge of the surface by spinning the spin-coated substrate, expanding a fluid through a nozzle to form a cryogenic aerosol stream, and directing the cryogenic aerosol stream against the spin-on film in the region as the substrate spins. In another aspect of the invention, a film is formed on a surface of a substrate by dispensing a liquid composition onto the surface, spinning the substrate to distribute the liquid composition to form a substantially uniform film on the surface, expanding a fluid through a nozzle to form a cryogenic aerosol stream, and directing the cryogenic aerosol stream against the film in a region of the surface adjacent to an edge of the surface as the substrate spins. The film may include an alkoxysilane and a low volatility solvent. The fluid may consists essentially of liquid carbon dioxide.