Abstract: A computer mouse cleaner and method for cleaning a computer mouse device with a computer mouse ball located in an interior ball cavity that has a plurality of mouse contact rollers and a plurality of mechanical parts. The mouse cleaner includes a motor, a shaft rotatably driven by the motor, and a cleaning surface connected to the shaft for rotatable movement therewith for cleaning the plurality of mouse contact rollers and the plurality of mechanical parts in the interior ball cavity. The method includes removing the computer mouse ball from the interior ball cavity; inserting the cleaning surface of the mouse cleaner into the interior ball cavity; and rotating the cleaning surface with the motor of the mouse cleaner so as to cause one or more of the plurality of mouse contact rollers to roll and thereby be cleaned by the cleaning surface.

Abstract: A method for clearing natural gas service lines includes providing an independently operable vacuum clearing unit having a frame supporting a centrifugal blower, an internal combustion engine for operating the blower and a bag separator connected to an air intake on the blower. The blower is exhausted above the truck through an absolute (HEPA) filter. A drum top separator selectively mounted on the open upper end of one of a plurality of waste barrels releasably secured in fixed position on the truck is connected between the vacuum clearing unit and an inlet port accessible externally of the truck. The inlet port is connected by an elongated flexible service hose and a service hose adapter to a gas service line to be cleared. The vacuum clearing unit is then operated, thereby drawing any debris present in the gas line through the unit and into one of the plurality of waste barrels.

Abstract: “The present invention is a process for cleaning a cathode tube and other subassemblies in a hollow cathode assembly. In the disclosed process, hand covering elastomer gloves are used for handling all cathode assembly parts. The cathode tube and other subassemblies are cleaned with a lint-free cloth damped with acetone, then wiped with alcohol, immersed in ethyl alcohol or acetone, and ultrasonic agitation is applied, heating to 60° C. for ethyl alcohol or 56° C. for acetone. The cathode tube and other sub assemblies are dried by blowing with nitrogen gas.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a surface by flooding and thereby cleaning a surface contaminated with deposits with a mixture containing water, wood chippings, and optionally, polyaspartic acid or a derivative of a polyaspartic acid.

Abstract: A diving mask fog wiping device and method which allows fog on the inside of the viewing face plate to be wiped by a slave unit which is magnetically coupled to a master unit on the opposite side of said viewing face plate. Further, the slave unit is magnetically coupled to a resting unit which keeps it out of the line of sight and near the surface of the viewing face plate while it is not being used for wiping. A porous and nonabrasive surface on the slave unit may be soaked in an antifog agent, allowing the agent to be applied and re-applied every time fog is wiped.

Abstract: A process for using a magnetic aquarium tank wall cleaning tool for cleaning the inner surface of an aquarium having one or more curved interior vertical corners. Magnetic cleaners for aquariums eliminate the need for reaching into the tank or manipulating a cleaner with a long handle. The magnetic tank wall cleaning tool has at least one edge which is curved. The radius of curvature is no more than the radius of curvature of the inner surface of the tank to be cleaned. The cleaner can be manipulated from one flat surface around a curved interior corner by moving the handle horizontally around the corner.

Abstract: An aerosol assisted chemical cleaning method to remove wall deposition from reaction chambers is provided. The method generates cleaning chemicals in an aerosol state, and then feeds them into the reaction chamber by a carrier gas. The cleaning chemicals interact quickly with unwanted deposits on all internal surfaces of the reaction chamber. By controlling the pressure in the closed reaction chamber, the deposits can be stripped off from the wall and fall into a waste acid collector. The acid collector can then process the waste to prevent contamination.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a conduit including a downpipe by removing deposits from a removal area in the downpipe, comprising the steps of introducing a milling cutter into the conduit below the removal area and rotatingly driving the milling cutter by a flexible shaft, feeding the rotating milling cutter through the conduit including the removal area in the downpipe by drawing the milling cutter in an upward direction above the removal area, removing the deposits with the rotating milling cutter, permitting flushing water to flow into the conduit from above the removal area for carrying away the removed deposits, and injecting flushing water into the conduit under pressure below the removal area in an outflow direction.

Abstract: A pipeline evacuating device includes a first relatively rigid portion and a second relatively deformable portion. The deformable portion is arranged to be compressable against the rigid portion when the device is forced through a pipeline by the reaction of the material in the pipeline against the force of movement of the device. The compression causes the second portion to deform to at least substantially slidingly seal against the inside of the pipeline. Efficient evacuation of the material from the pipeline is provided as the device is forced therealong.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the internal surface of pipes mainly from solid sediments, according to which a cleaning element is inserted into the pipe cavity and rotated at a high speed while fluid is simultaneously supplied to the pipe cavity. The cleaning element comprises a plurality of roller heads with annular grooves coupled to a housing and the roller heads are shifted relative to each other in the axial direction. During cleaning, the roller heads and the housing rotate around their respective longitudinal axes in a manner such that the rotation of the roller heads is opposite in direction relative to the rotation of the housing. While rotating, the cleaning element creates spiral grooves in the sediment and cuts off the sediment along the spiral path.

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 method of cleaning tubing in an operating heater, in which the tubing has an inlet and an outlet. While the heater is in operation, a pig is run though the tubing from the inlet to the outlet and then returned to the inlet along return tubing, in parallel connection to the heater tubing. A combined pig launcher and receiver mounted parallel to the tubing, and controlled with three way full port valves, is used to launch pigs into the tubing and remove them from the tubing. A boost pump is used to force pigs back from outlet to inlet.

Abstract: A method of removing glass particles adhering to an inner wall of a glass cartridge of an injection syringe. A helical brush remover made of polyhexamethylene dodecanediamide or a helical stone remover made of aluminum oxide and titanium oxide is inserted into the inner wall of the glass cartridge. The helical brush or helical stone remover rubs against the inner wall of the glass cartridge to remove glass particles as water is sprayed onto the inner wall of the glass cartridge.

Abstract: Equipment used in the processing of plastic, such as molds and extrusion screws, is cleaned of plastic residue by a combination of thermal cycling and agitation without impact cleaning. A chamber can be heated by an electric radiant heater and cooled by the introduction of liquid nitrogen. A fixture in the chamber receives the equipment to be cleaned and is agitated by a drive motor. The chamber is heated and cooled in the following cycle in which the drive motor agitates the fixture: first to 250-300.degree. F., then to -315.degree. F., then cycled between -50.degree. F. and -10.degree. F., then to 150.degree. F., then to -200.degree. F., then to 100.degree. F., then to ambient temperature. The chamber is controlled by a computer that prompts the operator for the kind of plastic to be cleaned off of the equipment and then controls the heating and cooling automatically.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for de-icing an intake opening (2) in an intake duct (1) of a fire alarm system, through which ambient or equipment air is drawn in and supplied to a detector for sensing a fire parameter. To effectively remove an ice deposit on the intake opening (2) there is provided, in or on the intake opening (2), an elastic element having a through-hole (3) coaxial with the intake opening (2) which is adapted to be subjected to a compressed air blast in order to de-ice the intake opening (2) (FIGS. 4a to 4c).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and equipment whereby a pig (11) launched into a gas injection line (5) can be inserted into a hydrocarbon flow line (2) in a position close to the subsea wellhead or manifold (1) without interrupting the flow of hydrocarbons and with minimum interference to the process of gas injection.

Abstract: The present invention provides air intake passage cleaning method and its apparatus for cleaning the air intake passage of intake and exhaust apparatus for conditioning the air in building, ship, aircraft, automobile, train, or other room, to be used in an intake and exhaust apparatus comprising a fleat exchanger, and at least one blow-out port for blowing out air conditioning air exchanged in heat by the heat exchanger, comprising supplying means for supplying a cleaning solvent, together with compressed air, to the heal exchanger side from a specific blow-out port through an air intake passage, and moving means for moving cleaning and wiping elements loaded in the air intake passage toward a specific blow-out port side, and hence relates to air intake passage cleaning method and its apparatus capable of securely cleaning and removing dirt deposits in the air intake passage and heat exchanger, and obtaining sanitary environments.

Abstract: An improved mouse cleaning apparatus having a cleaning ball for temporary insertion into the cavity formed on the underside of the mouse. In one embodiment, the cleaning ball includes a core which is encased within an outer shell of polymeric material such as a foamed rubber compound. This core may be metallic, polymeric, or made of another sufficiently dense material, and is provided to ensure that the cleaning ball is sufficiently heavy to properly roll in response to movement of the mouse across a mouse pad or the like. The core may alternatively be covered with absorbent fibers, which may be synthetic or organic in nature, rather than a polymeric coating. In another embodiment, the cleaning ball is made entirely of a polymeric or elastomeric material having sufficiently high weight and/or density or is sufficiently compressed such that a weighted core is not required.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a linear discharge pipe that extends from a tank to a valve comprises attaching a cleaning apparatus to the discharge side of the valve on the discharge pipe. The valve is then opened and a rotating cutter head on the cleaning apparatus is advanced through the open valve and the discharge pipe until the cutter head has traversed the entire length of the discharge pipe. The rotating cutter head is then withdrawn back through the discharge pipe and the open valve. The valve is then closed and the cleaning apparatus is removed from the discharge side of the valve. Any portion of downstream piping that had been removed to allow access to the valve is then reinstalled to the discharge side of the valve.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for cleaning a black powder firearm with a patch saturated with an aqueous emulsion. The aqueous emulsion includes a detergent, a lower alcohol and an essential oil. The saturated patch is loaded into a charged firearm with a projectile, and the firearm is then discharged.

Abstract: Electrostatic discharges that occur during solid CO.sub.2 cleaning of a substrate (10) can be virtually eliminated by chilling the substrate so that moisture in the atmosphere, in the form of water droplets(30), condense on the substrate surface (14), thereby forming a continuous film of water (28). The water in the film (28) reacts with the solid CO.sub.2 (24) to form carbonic acid that dissociates into free ions that neutralize the charge on the solid CO.sub.2.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a pipe using a swab that can be made of one or multiple tires connected to one or more cables and pulled through the host pipe during the cleaning process. The cables are attached to rigid plates mounted in the central opening of the tire. The method provides an effective and low cost method to remove debris and mud particularly from underground pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus and process prevents and removes obstructions in the discharge opening of a metering slot of a coating apparatus, or fountain applicator, applying a coating medium onto a moving material web. The process repeatedly removes obstructions from the discharge opening of the metering slot, thereby preventing defects in the applied coating. The apparatus includes a scraper disposed and translatory movable within the discharge opening in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the material web.

Abstract: A method of sanitizing the bore of an MRI machine by using a pair of sponge elements attached to an elongated handle. The first sponge element has an arcuate surface which is a segment of a sphere having a radius substantially equal to the radius of the bore, the arcuate surface having a first dimension longer than a second dimension. The first sponge element is mounted on an elongated handle having axis which is transverse to the first dimension of the sponge element when the sponge element is used for sanitizing the ceiling of some bores. According to the method, a second sponge element with a planar surface is used for cleaning the floor or track of the bore and disposable cleaning are provided for mounting on the sponge element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for internal cleaning of pipes or tubes by inserting and propelling a projectile into and through respectively said pipe or tube by means of pressurized fluid, whereby the projectiles are fed one by one, in a direction generally transversal in relation to a firing direction, through an open side (16) of a housing (8) to a chamber (15) of the housing (8), whereupon a pressurized fluid source (50) is brought into communication with the chamber for discharging the projectile from the chamber (15) and for inserting the same into said tube or pipe through a nozzle, whereby the invention is characterized in that when a projectile has been fed into the chamber (15) the housing (8) is pivoted from a loading position to a firing position for bringing its open side (16) into alignment with the nozzle and thereby to coincide with the firing direction.

Abstract: A cleaning composition for a mold for molding a semiconductor device comprising an unvulcanized rubber, a cleaning agent, and water in an amount of from 1 to 30% by weight based on the total amount of the cleaning composition.The cleaning composition is preferably used as a sheet form comprising the cleaning composition itself, wherein a plurality of straight cuts are formed on the surface of the sheet in a definite direction in parallel at an definite interval for enabling folding of the sheet and at least one cutting cut may be formed on the surface such that the cutting cut crosses perpendicularly to the plural cuts.The cleaning sheet is very effective to remove soiled material on the inside surfaces of a mold formed by repeatedly molding semiconductor devices using a thermosetting resin composition.

Abstract: An elongated fluid applicator is used to manually apply a fluid such as a lubricant or a cleaning fluid to the belt and/or belt supporting surface of an exercise treadmill. The applicator is optionally included in a kit containing one or more desired fluids, and at least one treadmill belt tension adjusting device.

Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from the interior of pipe by vibration. This method includes the single step of securing a vibrator to a pipe with contaminated interior and vibrating the pipe until the contaminants are dislodged. This has particular application to sand bailers used in oil well servicing.

Abstract: A set (310) of lumen cleaning devices (310a, 310b, . . . ) is provided, with each consisting of a flexible shaft (312), a radial bristle brush (314) at one end of the shaft, and a swab (316) on the other end of the shaft. The brushes have particular brush diameters, may be stepped or tapered in diameter, and the swabs are dimensioned in conjunction with the maximum diameters of the brushes. The lumen of a medical device such as a catheter to be cleaned is first brushed with the brush end of a cleaning device selected to approximately match the lumen diameter. After brushing, the device is reversed, or preferably simply pushed through the lumen to be cleaned, and the swab end is used to remove any film remaining after the brushing. In a preferred method of cleaning, the brush end of the cleaning device is inserted into an end of the lumen to be cleaned, and pushed through only once, to avoid recontamination of the lumen by matter remaining on the brush.

Abstract: Biofilm and debris can be removed from the interior and exterior surfaces of small bore tubing by passing an aqueous cleaning solution of water, one or more surfactants and preferably a source of hydrogen peroxide, optionally including small inert solid particles, together with a gas under pressure, to create a turbulent flow within the tubing that loosens the biofilm and debris so that they can be flushed from the tubing. When the exterior surfaces of tubing are to be cleaned, the tubing is inserted in a sleeve fitted with an adaptor that provides a pressure-tight seal between the tubing and the sleeve.

Abstract: A grinding shoe is designed to be a passive grinder which is advanced within the bore of a pipe being rotated in a typical pipe operation. Apparatus currently used to deliver reamer rocks on the end of a rotating lance can be modified to achieve considerable cost savings. Specifically, the apparatus utilizes a lance for advancing the shoe within the pipe without rotation. The shoe is affixed near the end of the lance in a selected attitude which determines the degree of grinding to be accomplished. A pair of shoe walls extending substantially paraxially with the rotating tube form a dual reaming head which engages the pipe interior across a chord over the bottom of the pipe.

Abstract: A method for sensing and launching pipeline pigs into a pipeline. The method includes pressurizing a pressure accumulator in a pig launching system that includes a pig chamber, a plurality of pigs, a launch tube, and the pressure accumulator. The method further includes sensing a pressure within the pipeline and applying pressure from the pressure accumulator to force a pig through the launch tube and into the pipeline.

Abstract: An extruder is purged of residual thermoplastic resin by passing purging compound through the extruder, the purging compound being particles of fluoropolymer which are non-melt flowing at the temperature of operation of the extruder.

Abstract: A process for pipe cleaning using one or more cleaning modules which are propelled through the pipe by a hydraulic fluid to apply at least two cleaning tips in a particular alternating sequence. The hydraulic fluid is inspected to determine when no further abrasive cleaning is required. When such a determination is made, another tip is applied to finish the surface of the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cleaning a conduit that has unwanted chemical substances deposited on an interior wall of the conduit are provided. The apparatus utilizes a rack-and-pinion drive mechanism for moving a set of cleaning blades in a rotational motion such that the blades may be driven more reliably and more accurately. The rack-and-pinion drive mechanism further allows the set of cleaning blades to scrape off chemical substances in two directions, i.e., when the pinion gear is rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise. The present invention novel apparatus further provides the alternative of having a second set of blades mounted below the main set of cleaning blades such that a second conduit section situated below the conduit may also be cleaned.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plastics processing equipment cleaning compound comprising a hard outer shell made from a thermoplastic resin and a soft inner core containing a substituted pyrrolidone.

Abstract: A process for removing dried paint residues from a difficultly accessible surface is provided. The surface is contacted with a slurry of particulate solids such as sodium hydrogen carbonate in a first liquid such as N-methyl pyrrolidone which is a solvent or swellant for the paint residues, followed by a different liquid such as isopropyl alcohol in which the first liquid is soluble (and which may also optionally contain particulate solids).

Abstract: A method of cleaning interior surfaces of fluid delivery systems including (a) passing through the system an abrasive cleaner composition including at least one liquid carrier containing solubilizable abrasive particles, at least some of which are in non-solubilized form, effective to abrade the material to be removed from the interior surfaces, and (b) rinsing the system with at least one fluid effective to (i) displace the carrier and (ii) remove the abrasive particles, at least partially by such chemical means as dissolution or decomposition or neutralization. Optionally, the method can include a first step of contacting the inside surfaces of the fluid delivery system with a pretreatment fluid capable of softening or loosening the material that is to be cleaned from the internal surfaces of the delivery system for a time sufficient to soften or loosen unwanted material. A cleaning kit including the abrasive cleaner and rinsing fluid is also provided.

Abstract: A remotely-controllable self-cleaning roof gutter preferably has a selectively inflatable and deflatable bladder extending longitudinally along the interior of the roof gutter. The bladder has an interior chamber connected to a fluid conduit which extends downwardly from the gutter so that the inflation or deflation of the bladder can be controlled manually by a person standing on the ground. When the gutter is to be cleaned, the normally deflated bladder is inflated by introducing pressurized fluid into the conduit which causes the bladder to lift debris toward the top of the gutter and dump it over the top of the gutter onto the ground by gravity. Thereafter, the bladder is deflated and the gutter is restored to normal usage. Preferably, a fluid-permeable screening member is mounted immediately above the gutter drain and is liftable by the inflated bladder in unison with the debris so that debris surrounding the screening member is likewise removed by gravity.

Abstract: A pipeline processing assembly for a pipeline adapted to convey a fluid from an upstream end of the pipeline to a downstream end of the pipeline. The assembly includes a pipeline pig for removing earthen matter and other debris from inside the pipeline. The pig is inserted into the pipeline at the upstream end, and has a dimension substantially equal to an inside diameter of the pipeline to form a seal between the pig and the pipeline. A vacuum source communicates with the pipeline downstream of the pig, and generates a reduced air pressure sufficient for moving the pig downstream through the pipeline. The pig gathers and moves the earthen matter and debris downstream through the pipeline and outwardly through an exit opening formed at the downstream end.

Abstract: This device is a cleaning tool for cleaning the inside of gun barrels. The device consists of a metal brush which is enclosed within a tubular sheath of material, typically a woven fabric. The bristles of the brush extend through the wall of the woven sheath of fabric. The tubular sheath is pulled through a gun barrel and the bristles of the brush clean the inside of the gun barrel. Also enclosed within the tubular sheath are one or more foam inserts, or one or more cleaning regions formed by folding the cord within itself, either of which creates a bulge in the tubular sheath and cleans debris from the gun barrel, spreads gun cleaning solvent in the gun barrel, absorbs solvent and combustion and bullet residues, and spreads a layer of gun oil in the gun barrel.

Abstract: A cleaning mechanism and method for cleaning the probe needles of a probe card used for the inspection of the electric characteristics of a wafer W. This mechanism is provided with a soft cleaner and a brush cleaner. The soft cleaner has a cleaner layer formed of rubber and inorganic filler. The brush cleaner has a number of brush sections, and each brush section is a bundle of fiber members. The fiber members are thinner than the probe needles and have a certain degree of elasticity. The cleaning method includes the steps of: a) cleaning the probe needles using the soft cleaner having a the cleaning layer made of rubber and inorganic filler and b) cleaning the probe needles using the brush cleaner having bristles.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic transducer (10) for generating pulsed acoustic waves within a fluid-filled pipeline and a method of cleaning a fluid-filled pipeline with acoustic waves. A housing (11) contains a ground electrode (13) and a high voltage electrode (15), which are spaced to create a spark gap. The ground electrode (13) is connected to one conductor of a coaxial cable (14). The high voltage electrode (15) is connected to another conductor of the coaxial cable (14). Electrical pulses applied to the high voltage electrode (15) result in pulsed acoustic waves. The housing has slots (11a), which permit the acoustic waves to emanate radially from the transducer (10).

Abstract: A method for cleaning an inner wall of a mold part includes forming a chamber between displaced mold parts by introducing a casing between the mold parts. The casing enclosures a blasting device for introducing a blasting nozzle which directs a cleaning jet at the inner wall. The chamber encapsulates noise and particles which are produced during the cleaning process.

Abstract: A method for determining positioning of a controllable blower lance for cleaning a pre-determinable surface of a heatable internal chamber, preferably a combustion chamber, in which deposits form, wherein at least one site of impact of a cleaning medium of the blower lance on a surface to be cleaned of the internal chamber and at least one position of at least a part of the blower lance, by means of which the direction of flow of the cleaning medium out of the blower lance can be determined, are established and recorded and a correlation is established between at least the site of impact and the position, taking into account at least one parameter concerning the internal chamber, wherein by means of the correlation, the positioning of the blower lance can be determined for cleaning the pre-determinable surface.

Abstract: A product recovery system for recovering product from a pipeline having a supply end and a destination end and having a path of primary product flow from the supply end to the destination end. The product recovery system includes a pig launching station connected to and in communication with one end of the pipeline. The pig launching station has a pig parking chamber which holds a pig outside the primary product flow. The product recovery system has a pig catching station connected to and in communication with the destination end of the pipeline. The pig catching station includes a clean-in-place chamber for housing a pipeline pig while the pig is cleaned without removing the pig from the product recovery system. A valve may be used to push the pig out of the clean-in-place chamber so it may be returned up the pipeline.

Abstract: This cleaning system is designed to automated and minimize or eliminate the excessive amount of manpower associated with other suction processes. It is a combination of paint recovery, and flushing methods in a automated manner. It is designed to minimize the paint lost as a result of color changing of circulation systems, as well as minimize the associated time and solvents used to in the cleaning process. This is accomplished by inserting a first pig into the circ system at the end of a desired painting cycle to push out the paint and propelling the first pig through the system using a solvent. The location of the first pig is then sensed and the first pig collected from the system. A second pig is injected into the system to separate the solvent from a new cycle of paint.

Abstract: This device is a cleaning tool for cleaning the inside of gun barrels. The device consists of a metal brush which is enclosed within a tubular sheath of material, typically a woven fabric. The bristles of the brush extend through the wall of the woven sheath of fabric. The tubular sheath is pulled through a gun barrel and the bristles of the brush clean the inside of the gun barrel. Also enclosed within the tubular sheath are one or more foam inserts, or one or more cleaning regions formed by folding the cord within itself, either of which creates a bulge in the tubular sheath and cleans debris from the gun barrel, spreads gun cleaning solvent in the gun barrel, absorbs solvent and combustion and bullet residues, and spreads a layer of gun oil in the gun barrel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning a heating, ventilating and air conditioning duct comprising a high pressure air emitting nozzle which is disposable inside the duct and an expansible and contractible draught member, which is responsive to differential pressure being created on opposite sides thereof, for drawing the high pressure air emitting member in a downstream path of travel through the duct. The draught member includes a sheet of fabric which is coupled, at its perimetrical edge portion via a plurality of lines, to the high pressure air emitting nozzle. The perimetrical edge of the fabric sheet, in its expanded condition, is spaced from a confronting portion of the duct via a low pressure, high velocity air zone which causes the draught member to move in a to-and-fro transverse path as it is moved downstream. A strip of abrasive material is provided along the perimeter of the draught member for wiping the inside of the duct as it moves to-and-fro downstream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dry cleaning a semiconductor wafer storage and transport pod. After the pod is located with respect to the cleaning chamber and opened to expose the interior surfaces of the pod to the cleaning chamber, the pod is conditioned in preparation for the cleaning process. The conditioning of the pod includes purging the pod and cleaning chamber with an ionized nitrogen gas to rid the pod and cleaning chamber of airborne contaminants and to neutralize static electrical charges on the pod surfaces. The conditioning process further includes heating the pod surfaces to prevent condensation of moisture and organic contaminants thereon. After the conditioning process, the pod is cleaned with a dry aerosol sprayed onto the pod surfaces. The aerosol spray is comprised of an ionized carbon dioxide/nitrogen (CO.sub.2 /N.sub.2) gas and fine particles of CO.sub.2.