A welding method for welding workpieces made of highly heat-resistant superalloys is provided. The method includes generating a heat input zone on the workpiece surface by means of a heat source, feeding welding filler material into the heat input zone by means of a feeding device, and generating a relative motion between the heat source and the feeding device on one hand and the workpiece surface on the other hand by means of a conveying device. Furthermore, according to the welding method, the mass feed rate is ≦350 mg/min.

The present invention relates to methods and compositions for coating aluminum substrates. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of applying a coating on an aluminum substrate including contacting the aluminum substrate with a first solution. The first solution can include a zinc metal salt, a sugar acid or alkali metal salt thereof, and an alkali metal hydroxide. The method can also include contacting the aluminum substrate with a second solution. The second solution can include a molybdate salt, an alkanolamine, and a fluorine acid. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Aqueous compositions useful as pretreatments prior to painting and to prevent the formation of white rust in the uncoated condition include an organopolyphosphonic acid or salt thereof, an organosilane, and a trivalent chromium compound. A method for treating a surface of a zinc-containing metal includes contacting the surface with an aqueous composition including an organopolyphosphonic acid or salt thereof, an organosilane, and a trivalent chromium compound. The composition may also include an agent for reducing hydrophilicity, such as a polyacrylic acid. The aqueous composition has been found to be particularly well-suited for treating a zinc-containing metal to passivate the surface, improve paint adhesion, and/or improve corrosion resistance.

Provided is a method of preparing a nanocrystalline titanium alloy at low strain to have better strength. The present invention is characterized in that an initial microstructure is induced as martensites having a fine layered structure, and then a nanocrystalline titanium alloy is prepared at low strain by optimizing process variables through observation of the effects of strain, strain rate, and deformation temperature on the changes in the microstructure.

An aluminum alloy forging material of the present invention is constituted by an aluminum alloy cast product obtained by subjecting an aluminum alloy ingot having a structure in which a secondary dentrite arm spacing (DAS) is 40 μm or less and an average grain diameter of crystallized substances is 8 μm or less to homogenization treatment for holding the ingot for one hour or more under temperature conditions of 450 to 510° C., wherein the ingot is obtained by continuously casting a molten aluminum alloy having an alloy composition consisting of: Si: 0.80 to 1.15 mass %; Fe: 0.2 to 0.5 mass %; Cu: 3.8 to 5 mass %; Mn: 0.8 to 1.15 mass %; Mg: 0.5 to 0.8 mass %; Zr: 0.05 to 0.13 mass %; and Ti contained in such an amount that a sum of Ti and Zr is 0.2 mass % or less, and the balance being Al and inevitable impurities, wherein the alloy composition satisfies a Cu/Mg ratio of 8 or less, Ti is added in a form of an Al master alloy (5Ti-1B mother alloy) in which Ti and B are contained at a ratio of 5:1, and a Ti/Zr ratio satisfies 0.3 or higher.

A steel for an induction hardening including, by mass %, C: more than 0.75% to 1.20%, Si: 0.002 to 3.00%, Mn: 0.20 to 2.00%, S: 0.002 to 0.100%, Al: more than 0.050% to 3.00%, P: limited to 0.050% or less, N: limited to 0.0200% or less, O: limited to: 0.0030% or less, and the balance composing of iron and unavoidable impurities, wherein an Al content and a N content satisfy, by mass %, Al−(27/14)×N>0.050%.

The galvannealed steel sheet includes: a galvannealed layer formed on at least one surface of a steel sheet and contains includes an amount of 0.05 mass % to 0.5 mass % of Al, an amount of 6 mass % of 12 mass % of Fe, and the balance composed of Zn and inevitable impurities; and a mixed layer formed on a surface of the galvannealed layer and includes a composite oxide of Mn, Zn, and P and an aqueous P compound, wherein the composite oxide includes 0.1 mg/m2 to 100 mg/m2 of Mn, an amount of 1 mg/m2 to 100 mg/m2 of P, and Zn, and a P/Mn ratio is 0.3 to 50, and wherein the total size of an area of the mixed layer in which an attached amount of P is equal to or more than 20 mg/m2 is 20% to 80% of a surface area of the mixed layer.

Apparatus and method are provided for making the longitudinal temperature distribution of the bulbous end of a longitudinally oriented workpiece, such as a rail's head, generally uniform when the head has a non-uniform longitudinal temperature distribution. A combination of crown and skirt electric inductors is used to achieve the generally uniform temperature distribution by modulating the magnetic field intensity produced by current flow through one or more of the combination of crown and skirt inductors as required for the non-uniformly heated regions of the rail's head.

In one aspect, a method is disclosed that includes providing a substrate having a topography that comprises a relief and providing an anti-reflective film conformally over the substrate using a molecular layer deposition step. The anti-reflective film may be formed of a compound selected from the group consisting of: (i) an organic compound chemically bound to an inorganic compound, where one of the organic compound and the inorganic compound is bound to the substrate and where the organic compound absorbs light at at least one wavelength selected in the range 150-500 nm, or (ii) a monodisperse organic compound absorbing light at at least one wavelength selected in the range 150-500 nm. The method further includes providing a photoresist layer on the anti-reflective film.

A reusable flexible sheet for wrapping an object is presented. The flexible sheet includes a center portion having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, the first side being parallel to the third side and the second side being parallel to the fourth side. Flaps are connected to the first side and the third side, and bow portions are connected to the second side and the fourth side. The bow portions tie together to form a decorative bow.

Disclosed is a digital frame cover comprised of two basic components which are utilized in conjunction with each other to decorate the front perimeter of a digital frame. The two primary components of the digital frame cover being (1) a hollow rectangular cover comprising cutouts at various locations, and (2) a “decorative wrap” of interior dimensions which allow the decorative wrap to fit snugly over the exterior of the cover. The cover slides/snaps onto the digital frame. The decorative wrap adheres to, or is magnetically attached to the cover. At the user's prerogative, the decorative wrap may be configured to display one or more of a selection of user-selected designs (i.e., wording, pictures, or appliqués).

The current invention comprises a mechanical enclosure capable of unifying a plurality of individual personal organization devices into one interchangeable platform. The apparatus maintains high spatial efficiency by use of materials and geometry allowing miscellaneous items to be carried in single compact space, while also allowing for convenient attachment and removal of modular elements for a variety of applications and uses.

A toteable or wearable fashion item configured to provide an electronic charge to a mobile electronic device. The device includes a battery comprising one USB port and one pin port and a pouch secured to the fashion device and containing the battery substantially concealed therein, the pouch defining at least one opening which facilitates access to the USB port and the pin port.

A name badge, made from transparent plastic and having a front part (1) and a rear part (2) which is connected resiliently to the former via a first yoke (3) and having at least one retaining ridge (5) for a cardboard insert, said retaining ridge (5) protruding into the clearance between the front part (1) and the rear part (2), does not comprise a formed blank but rather an injection moulded part in a deviation from previous practice.

The flat screen dust cover is a dust cover specifically suited for flat panel televisions having a relatively thin profile. The flat screen dust cover is manually placed over the television in order to prevent the accumulation of dust onto or within the television. The flat screen dust cover is placed onto the television between uses, and covers a top, front display surface, rear, and sides of the television. The flat screen dust cover features a cutout along a bottom, rear side of said dust cover, which is used to enable ingress and egress of a stand, mounting hardware, or wiring there from.

A label for removable application to an article such as a beverage bottle includes a backing layer (2) comprising a laminate of a bi-axially oriented polyester such as PET (12) and a bi-axially oriented polypropylene (14). The polyester film (12) has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the polypropylene film (14). Consequently, when the label is heated, it will tend to curl and this effect can be used to assist in the removal of the label from the article in a hot washing bath during recycling of the article.

Disclosed herein is a self-contained group of cards or placards rotatable along a common axis. In some aspects said group fits within the boundaries of a fixed front and back wall and a tactile cue is provided on at least one wall to identify front or back. When compiled as a deck, the device has a first cover with an exterior and an interior face, a second cover with an exterior and an interior face wherein the interior of each covers faces the other, a pivot connected to each interior face between; at least one card with a pivot guide where through said pivot extends and around which said card rotates and a finger grab extended from at least one of said first and second covers.

Towel tags to permit minimizing the use of water and detergent during washing and minimizing wear and tear of towels, the spread of germs and diseases between towel users, and minimizing the use of energy, and saving money. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. Any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

An illuminated vehicular sign is provided including a vehicle and luminescent planar sheet. The luminescent planar sheet is constructed to provide illuminated alpha-numeric characters which are mounted to the horizontal planar surfaces of a vehicle. The alpha-numeric characters are mounted substantially horizontally so as to be seen from the air such as by helicopters or planes. The illuminated vehicle sign includes a switching system electrically connected to the luminescent planar panels for selectively controlling the transfer of power from said power source to the luminescent planar panels. The switching system including one or more adjustable variable resistors electrically connected to the luminescent planar panels for allowing one to selectively adjust the wattage provided to them.

An apparatus to support a device includes a first base; a first support; a first base-support hinge adapted to rotatably couple the first base and the first support along a first axis of rotation; a first swivel slidably connected to the first support and having a first cut-out adapted to receive a first portion of the device; a second base; a second support; a second base-support hinge adapted to rotatably couple the second base and the second support along a second axis of rotation; and a second swivel slidably connected to the second support and having a second cut-out adapted to receive a second portion of the device spaced apart from the first portion of the device.

A water lamp comprises a main body, a rotary unit, and a base. The main body includes a transparent housing and a transparent bottom plate. The transparent housing is filled with slightly-viscous flowable liquid and sealed by the transparent bottom plate. The rotary unit is located within the transparent housing and includes an aesthetic object, a fixing block, a passive disk, and a central part. The passive disk is rotatably fitted over the central part and provided with a magnet. The base is provided with a lighting component, an active disk having one magnet corresponding to the magnet of the passive disk, and a driving device. The lighting component can emit light into the transparent housing. The driving device can rotate the active disk, which in turn can rotate the passive disk by using mutual attraction between the magnet of the active disk and the magnet of the passive disk.

An advertising apparatus including a body portion adapted to be one or both of connected to or disposed on a support structure accessible for advertising purposes and, an interchangeable and/or replaceable advertising device, the advertising device being adapted to be one or both of connected to or disposed on the body portion.

A road sign, for viewing by primary traffic and right-angled traffic comprises a sign plate having a first indicia representative of the sign's message directed to the primary traffic and a lateral member having a second indicia. In a preferred embodiment, the lateral member has suitable dimensions, is suitably positioned relative to the sign plate and has suitable second indicia so as to give the appearance, when viewed by right-angled traffic, that a portion of the sign plate was bent substantially perpendicular to the sign's normal orientation along substantially the vertical axis of the sign. Additional embodiments are also provided.

Disclosed is an image forming apparatus provided with an operation panel receiving instructions from a user by touch operations, a stylus pen used to perform the touch operations, and a pen holder holding the stylus pen, the pen holder including an opening for insertion of the stylus pen from outside of the pen holder, and a storage section storing the stylus pen. The storage section includes a first hollow portion with a first bottom and a second hollow portion with a second bottom lower than the first bottom. The stylus pen is stored in the storage section by being inserted through the opening, proceeding along the first bottom to enter the second hollow portion, and slanting, upon a center of gravity of the stylus pen passing a boundary between the first bottom and the second bottom, so that a tip of the stylus pen points downwards.

The invention relates to a device for identifying an animal, comprising a male part and a female part which are intended to be joined together, said female part comprising a head (12) for holding a tip of said male part, and a rigid shell (11) containing electronic identification means (42). According to the invention, a resin (41) is placed inside a housing defined in said shell so as to cover said electronic means (42) and to secure said head (12) to said shell (11).

A physically-discrete sign component comprises an internally-electrically-illuminated alphabetic character having a front-facing profile and at least one connecting bar disposed at least substantially horizontally with respect to the front-facing profile of the alphabetic character and at least partially within the front-facing profile of that alphabetic character. By one approach the physically-discrete sign component includes two of the connecting bars. If desired, these two connecting bars are disposed at least substantially parallel to one another. By one approach, a first one of the connecting bars extends partially, but not wholly, above an upper periphery of the aforementioned front-facing profile while the second connecting bar extends partially, but not wholly, below a lower periphery of the front-facing profile. The connecting bars can include a connecting-bar interface configured to physically and electrically interconnect to an adjacent sign component.

Process and apparatus is disclosed for providing a chemical reaction between calcium oxide containing grit particles to produce calcium hydroxide and heat, capturing the heat of hydration and using it to preheat water initially at ambient temperature, to rise to an elevated temperature to increase the amount of lime present in the water to a supersaturated lime suspension level, with the chemical reaction running to completion, followed by cooling. Heat from a water jacket may be used to raise the temperature in the lime slaker. A process and apparatus is also provided for dissolving scale on internal surfaces of a lime slaker, a lime aging tank, grit separation device and piping and dosing sub-systems, by adding acid into the system with rinse water. A pressurized delivery system that is substantially closed to atmosphere delivers treating dosing under sufficient pressure conditions to maintain a relatively constant back pressure, by means of valving.

Methods for cleaning a side edge of a thin film photovoltaic substrate utilizing a laser are provided. The method can include transporting the substrate in a machine direction to move the substrate past a first laser source, and focusing a first laser beam generated by the first laser source onto the side edge of the substrate such that the laser beam removes the thin film present on the side edge of the substrate. An apparatus is also generally provided for cleaning a first side edge and a second side edge of a thin film photovoltaic substrate.

A method of internally restoring a pipe preferably includes the steps of isolating a leaking pipe from a system of pipes; drying an interior of a leaking pipe; measuring the airflow through the leak; cleaning the interior of the leaking pipe; presealing a leak with a leak sealing media, measuring the leak flow rate after the pre-sealing; applying an internal protective coating process; and pressure testing the leaking pipe for leaks. The pipe restoration method preferably uses a control box, a media injection system, an air compressor and a coating dispensing system at an inlet of the leaking pipe. The pipe restoration method preferably uses a coating overflow receiver, a muffler and a dust collector at an exit of the leaking pipe. After the treatments, the leaking pipe becomes a restored pipe. The restored pipe is pressure tested for leaks at a working pressure rating of the pipe.

A substrate processing apparatus that includes a process tank having a pair of opposed sidewalls for storing a chemical liquid, and processing a plurality of substrates by the chemical liquid; a substrate holding mechanism including a holding part for holding the plurality of substrates, and a back part connected to the holding part and interposed between the substrates held by the holding part and one sidewall of the pair of opposed sidewalls when the substrate holding mechanism is loaded into the process tank. A heating device is disposed on the process tank for heating the stored chemical liquid. The heating device includes at least a first heater disposed on the one sidewall, and a second heater disposed on the other sidewall of the pair of opposed sidewalls. Energy outputs of the first heater and the second heater are independently controlled.

A cleaning/disinfecting apparatus includes: a plurality of attachment portions for attaching an endoscope; a cleaning/disinfecting portion that communicates with the plurality of attachment portions and can execute different types of cleaning/disinfection menus for the respective attachment portions; and an endoscope information reading portion that reads endoscope information from the endoscope. Also, the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus includes: a control portion that determines a cleaning/disinfection menu based on the read endoscope information and outputs attachment portion identifying information for identifying an attachment portion for executing the determined cleaning/disinfection menu; and a notifying portion that notifies the attachment portion identifying information outputted from the control portion.

Substrate treatment systems are provided. The substrate treatment systems may include a treating device configured to treat a substrate with a supercritical fluid, and a supplying device configured to supply the supercritical fluid to the treating device. The treating device may include a supercritical process zone in which the substrate is treated with the supercritical fluid, and a pre-supercritical process zone in which the supercritical fluid is expanded and then provided into the supercritical process zone to create a supercritical state in the supercritical process zone.

A nozzle of a nozzle device includes an arm pipe that extends in a horizontal direction and a downstream pipe formed so as to curve downward from one end of the arm pipe. In the nozzle, a metallic pipe is provided inside a second resin pipe. Moreover, a first resin pipe is provided inside the metallic pipe. A boss is attached to the tip of the metallic pipe between the first resin pipe and the second resin pipe. At the tip of the nozzle, an outer peripheral surface of the first resin pipe, an end surface of the second resin pipe and an end surface of the boss are welded by welding resin. In this way, the metallic pipe is reliably coated with the first resin pipe, the second resin pipe, the boss and the welding resin.

A gravity and flow operated diverter valve diverts liquid flow from one source to either of two output destinations. The valve includes a housing, an inlet opening, a first outlet opening and a second outlet opening. A valve member is located coaxially in the housing interior, the valve member having at least one flow path extending axially therethough, an exterior edge of the valve member and an interior surface of the side wall having a cooperating cam follower structure defining a cyclic path, the path having at least two no flow positions in which the valve member is spaced from the upper wall, and at least two flow positions in which the flow path in the disc selectively allows communication with one or both of the first and second outlet openings, the cyclic path arranged so that on successive liquid flows into the inlet opening the valve member cycles between the at least two flow positions to selectively direct flow out of one or both of the first and second outlet openings. Related dishwasher designs are also disclosed.

A domestic appliance includes at least one component having a surface that can become laden with organic dirt. The surface includes a photocatalyst and is made from a primary-formed first material in which the photocatalyst is dispersed. A photoradiation source is provided for irradiating the photocatalyst with an activating electromagnetic radiation.

Provided is a method for cleaning the inside of a pressure tight container for a blasting treatment, wherein the inside of a pressure tight container can be cleaned for a short period of time after a blasting treatment. The method is comprised of a setting process wherein a cleaning blast (1) capable of cracking a part of a residual substance remaining on the inside of a pressure tight container (10), and a solid separating material (2) which collides with a substance bonded to an inner wall surface (32a) of the pressure tight container (10), to separate the bonded substance from the inner wall surface (32a) of the pressure tight container (10), are set on the inside of the pressure tight container (10); and a separation process wherein the cleaning blast (1) blasts on the inside of the pressure tight container (10), to crack a part of the residual substance remaining on the inside of the pressure tight container (10), and the separating material (2) is divided into a plurality of granular elements by the blast, so that the granular elements are spread, and collide with the bonded substance to remove the bonded substance.

A compressor wash system for compressor washing includes stages of fluid delivery lines coupled at one end to a pump output and at the other end to a corresponding nozzle set. A control valve is connected to the fluid delivery line between the pump and the nozzle set, selectively supplying fluid between the pump and the nozzle set. Each nozzle of a nozzle set is positioned on an inlet of the compressor to allow the stages to wash a portion of the compressor. Nozzle sets are positioned around a bellmouth assembly and/or around an inlet cone of the compressor inlet, with a nozzle spray tip of each nozzle extending into an inlet air flow path of the compressor. Fluid may be directed to one or more of the stages in a sequencing pattern determined and configured to wash the compressor. Templates and installation guides are utilized to position the nozzles.

Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a method for selectively etching or otherwise removing copper or other metallic contaminants from a substrate, such as a gallium arsenide wafer. In one embodiment, a method for selectively removing metallic contaminants from a substrate surface is provided which includes exposing a substrate to a peroxide clean solution, exposing the substrate to a hydroxide clean solution, and exposing the substrate to a selective etch solution containing potassium iodide, iodine, sulfuric acid, and water during a selective etch process. The substrate generally contains gallium arsenide material, such as crystalline gallium arsenide, and is usually a growth substrate for an epitaxial lift off (ELO) process. The copper or other metallic contaminants disposed on the substrate may be selectively etched at a rate of about 500 times, about 1,000 times, about 2,000 times, or about 4,000 times or greater than the gallium arsenide material.

A substrate rotates, and a liquid nozzle of a gas/liquid supply nozzle moves to a position above the center of the rotating substrate. In this state, a rinse liquid is discharged from the liquid nozzle onto the rotating substrate. The gas/liquid supply nozzle moves toward a position outside the substrate. A gas nozzle reaches the position above the center of the rotating substrate, so that the gas/liquid supply nozzle temporarily stops. With the gas/liquid supply nozzle stopping, an inert gas is discharged onto the center of the rotating substrate for a given period of time. After that, the gas/liquid supply nozzle again moves toward the position outside the substrate.

A method for cleaning a film separating device involves: a) performing positive-direction water cleaning when the ratio between the film filter resistance and the preliminary film filter resistance is less than 1.2; b) performing reverse water cleaning when the ratio between the film filter resistance and the preliminary film filter resistance is greater-than or equal-to 1.2; c) performing reverse chemical cleaning when the ratio between the film filter resistance and the preliminary film filter resistance is greater-than or equal-to 2; d) performing positive-direction chemical cleaning when the ratio between the film filter resistance and the preliminary film filter resistance is greater-than or equal-to 3.

A surface treatment composition of the present invention contains a first surfactant, a second surfactant, a basic compound, and water. The surface treatment composition has a pH of 8 or more. The second surfactant has a weight-average molecular weight one-half or less that of the first surfactant. The sum of the content of the first surfactant and the content of the second surfactant is 0.00001 to 0.1% by mass.

Water treatment compositions are provided that are effective for mitigating corrosion or fouling of surfaces in contact with aqueous systems. The water treatment compositions can include one or more azole compounds, one or more transition metals, and one or more dispersants, in addition to various other additives. The water treatment compositions can exclude phosphorus and still be effective. Methods for mitigating corrosion or fouling of a surface in an aqueous system are also provided.

A method for controlling thermal cycling of a faraday shield in a plasma process chamber is provided. The method includes: performing a first plasma processing operation on a first wafer in the plasma process chamber; terminating the first plasma processing operation; performing a first wafer transfer operation to transfer the first wafer out of the chamber; and, during the first wafer transfer operation, applying power to a TCP coil under a plasma limiting condition.

A warewashing detergent composition is provided for use for in cleaning of alkaline sensitive metals such as aluminum or aluminum containing alloys. The compositions include alternatives to sodium tripolyphosphate and/or other phosphorous containing raw materials, while retaining cleaning performance and corrosion prevention. According to the invention, high molecular weight polyacrylates (polyacrylic acid homopolymers) with a molecular weight of at least about 5000 are used as corrosion inhibitors and can be included for aluminum protection in a number of different detergent compositions.

A fluid applicator (20), for cleaning particles from a glass sheet (2), including a conveyor (40) for supporting the glass sheet, a conveyance plane, and a nozzle (24). The conveyance plane is disposed adjacent the conveyor so that when the glass sheet is conveyed by the conveyor, a surface (6) of the glass sheet is disposed in the conveyance plane. The nozzle has a longitudinal axis (23), wherein the longitudinal axis is disposed at an angle of 30 to 90 degrees with respect to the conveyance plane, and the nozzle is disposed at a distance (21) of less than or equal to 100 mm from the conveyance plane. Also, there is disclosed a method for cleaning particles from a glass sheet, using the fluid applicator. The fluid may be delivered to the nozzle at a pressure of 10 to 80 kg/cm2 and a flow rate of from 1 to 20 l/min.

A method for processing a plurality of substrates after forming a photosensitive film on each substrate includes carrying each substrate into a placement buffer including a plurality of supporters by a first transport mechanism; taking out each substrate from the placement buffer to an interface by a second transport mechanism; carrying each substrate into the exposure device; carrying each substrate out of the exposure device into the placement buffer by the second transport mechanism; taking out each substrate from the placement buffer to the processing section by the first transport mechanism; performing development processing on each substrate; making each substrate stand by at the placement buffer based on timing at which the exposure device can accept each substrate; and making each substrate stand by at the placement buffer based on timing at which the developing device can accept each substrate.

An improved portable cleaning system for use in cleaning heat exchanger tube bundles, fin-fans, towers and other elongated components. The cleaning system comprises a cleaning unit having a cleaning enclosure that receives and cleans the component and a control unit that controls the operation of the system. The cleaning unit has a cleaning enclosure defining a chamber sized and configured to receive the component through a sealable lid. A roller assembly rotates the component while a spray assembly sprays cleaning fluid over and into the rotating component. The cleaning fluid is heated in the chamber using surface heating elements attached to heat transfer plates along sections of the chamber walls. A vapor recovery system captures and treats toxic vapors. In use, the cleaning system is transported to a facility to clean the components on-site using cleaning fluid supplied by the facility and discharging waste to the facility.

A dishwasher includes a dishwashing compartment and a rack provided in the dishwashing compartment for holding items to be cleaned. A rotatable spray arm is associated with the rack for applying water or wash liquor liquid upon the items. Water or wash liquor liquid is supplied to the spray arm via an upright supply tube having at least one region which flares in a direction of the spray arm and a peripheral terminal end facing the spray arm. The terminal end of the supply tube is configured to project into the cavity and thereby is extended into the spray arm.

A painting implement cleaning and storage apparatus 10 is provided. The apparatus facilitates the cleaning and storage of painting implements such as a roller 12, a brush 14 and a roller pan 16. The apparatus includes a base 18 and a bracket 32 coupled to the base. The roller 12 is supported on the bracket 32 in an upwardly extending diagonal position between shields 45 and 54 for containing paint spreads from the roller. The brush 14 is supported on bracket 32 in a upwardly projecting position. A roller pan 16 is coupable to shield 45 and supported thereon in a descending position. Once the painting implements 12, 14 and 16 are supported on the apparatus 10, cleaning can be accomplished by the application of a stream of water thereto after which the implements can be left until they are needed.

An automatic dishwasher having a heater shared by the recirculation system and the air supply system to heat the liquid in the recirculation system and the air in the air supply system.