A method for removing foreign substances from a camera system is provided. The camera system includes a camera device with a transparent cover having a piezoelectric component. First, a type of the foreign substances is identified based on temperature, an image captured by the camera system, and a voltage change of the piezoelectric component. A sequence of frequencies is applied to the piezoelectric component and a resonant frequency is acquired. Thereafter, the foreign substances are removed from the camera system. A vibration frequency and a vibration time period for the piezoelectric component are determined according to the identified type of the foreign substances. The vibration frequency is based on the resonant frequency. The piezoelectric component is driven with the vibration frequency and the vibration time period, such that at least a portion of the foreign substances are removed from the transparent cover through vibration of the piezoelectric component.

The invention generally relates to systems with anti-fouling control and methods for controlling fouling within a channel of a plug flow crystallizer. In certain aspects, the invention provides a system that includes a plug flow crystallizer having a channel, one or more heating/cooling elements, each operably associated with a different segment of the channel, and a controller. The controller is operably coupled to the one or more heating/cooling elements and configured to implement a temperature profile within the channel of the plug flow crystallizer that grows crystals in a plug of fluid that flows through a first segment of the channel and dissolves encrust in a second segment of the channel while having minimal impact on crystal growth in the plug of fluid in the second segment of the channel. In certain embodiments, these segments may be cyclically alternated, in that the segment in which crystal grows in one cycle becomes the segment in which crystal dissolves in the next cycle and vice versa, to realize a fully continuous crystallization process.

Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for water treatment and/or desalination.

A method for manufacturing an objective. A component at risk of icing up, for example an optical lens or a radiation-permeable cover, is inserted into a housing and connected to, preferably braced against, the housing, by an interconnection of a heating ring made of an electrically conductive elastomer material. An objective, and an imager module that includes an objective are also description.

The invention relates to a device (1) for generating steam. The device (1) comprises a first plate (2) being inclined at a positive first angle (A0) compared to the horizontal direction (H) to define a first upper end (2a) and a first lower end (2b), a heating element (3) to heat the first plate (2) to a predetermined temperature being at least above water evaporation temperature, a water inlet arrangement (4) for dispensing water onto the first plate (2), a second plate (5) being inclined at a negative second angle (B0) compared to the horizontal direction (H) to define a second upper end (5a) and a second lower end (5b), the second upper end (5a) adjoining the first lower end (2b), and a container (6) extending at least below said first lower end (2b), said container (6) being arranged for collecting scale flakes falling from the first plate (2). This solution allows creating a larger volume for the collection of scale, thus increasing the operating life of the device (1).

A method for washing an article to remove contaminations such as oils and fats, foreign substances and the like from a surface of the article is provided. The washing method comprises the steps of: cooling a washing solution to obtain a super-cooled washing solution; heating an article to increase its surface temperature to the temperature which is not lower than the boiling point of the washing solution; and washing and drying the article concurrently, while spraying the super-cooled washing solution to the heated article. The washing apparatus for carrying out this washing method is also provided. Using these washing method and apparatus, it becomes possible to downsize a scale of the washing apparatus, and to operate the washing apparatus under the energy-saving conditions as a result of reduction in an amount of the consumed energies, and the washing process at an accelerated speed.

A tool includes a head that extends form the flexible section, an emitter within the head; and a nozzle to eject a cooling fluid therefrom. A method of additively manufacturing a component including delivering series of thermal shocks to a conglomerated powder within an internal passage of an additively manufactured component to facilitate removal of the conglomerated powder.

An anti-fouling system for use with a wet compartment having at least one inlet opening for allowing water to enter the compartment is configured to receive and operate at least one anti-fouling source for emitting anti-fouling light in order to keep at least one surface as present in the compartment free from biofouling. The system comprises a controller for controlling operation of the at least one anti-fouling source, the controller being configured to determine at least one operation parameter of the at least one anti-fouling source in relation to at least one of at least one water-related parameter, at least one surface-related parameter and at least one opening-related parameter.

A liquid circulation system includes a tank, a processing device, a first pump, a second pump, a liquid level sensor, and an adjuster. The tank is for storing a liquid. The processing device is for processing a subject using the liquid. The first pump is for feeding the liquid in the tank to the processing device. The second pump is for feeding the liquid used in the processing device to the tank. The liquid level sensor is for detecting a liquid level of the liquid in the tank below a threshold. The adjuster is for lifting the tank and adjusting a position of a surface of the liquid relative to the liquid level sensor to maintain the surface of the liquid above the liquid level sensor when an amount of the liquid in the tank is reduced.

A tool includes a head that extends form the flexible section, an emitter within the head; and a nozzle to eject a cooling fluid therefrom. A method of additively manufacturing a component including delivering series of thermal shocks to a conglomerated powder within an internal passage of an additively manufactured component to facilitate removal of the conglomerated powder.