A system for removing a coating from an underlying layer can include a wave-based weakening system configured to weaken the coating by decreasing a coupling force between the coating and the substrate, a coating removal mechanism configured to remove the weakened coating from the underlying layer, and a sensor configured to determine a property associated with the coating. A method for removing a coating from an underlying layer can include generating a weakened coating and removing the weakened coating.

A method of cleaning a superplastic-forming or a hot-forming die includes exposing a surface of the die having a lubricant thereon to electromagnetic energy. The electromagnetic energy removes the lubricant without removing an oxide layer between the die surface and the lubricant.

A self-cleaning film system includes a substrate and a film. The film includes a monolayer formed from a fluorinated material, and a first plurality of regions disposed within the monolayer and spaced apart from one another such that each of the regions abuts, is surrounded by, and is not covered by the fluorinated material. Each of the regions includes a photocatalytic material. The system may include a wave guide disposed adjacent the substrate. The wave guide includes a first light source configured for emitting a first portion of electromagnetic radiation towards the film having an ultraviolet wavelength of from 10 nm to 400 nm, and a second light source configured for emitting a second portion of electromagnetic radiation towards the film having an infrared wavelength of from 700 nm to 1 mm. A method of forming a self-cleaning film system configured for reducing a visibility of a contaminant is disclosed.

A method for treatment of a plastic transport box for conveyance and atmospheric storage of substrates including walls bounding a volume intended for storage of substrates, and a station for treatment of transport boxes for conveyance and atmospheric storage of substrates, the method including: at least one plasma treatment in which at least one interior wall of the transport box is subjected to a plasma of a treatment gas at a gas pressure lower than 10000 pascals.

The present invention refers to a storage device for headphones comprising a compartment for non liquid means for cleaning the headphones and/or means for charging electronic devices. It further refers to a cleaning device for headphones.

A self-cleaning film system includes a substrate and a film. The film includes a monolayer formed from a fluorinated material, and a first plurality of regions disposed within the monolayer and spaced apart from one another such that each of the regions abuts, is surrounded by, and is not covered by the fluorinated material. Each of the regions includes a photocatalytic material. The system also includes a wave guide disposed adjacent the substrate. The wave guide includes a first light source configured for emitting a first portion of electromagnetic radiation towards the film having an ultraviolet wavelength of from 10 nm to 400 nm, and a second light source configured for emitting a second portion of electromagnetic radiation towards the film having an infrared wavelength of from 700 nm to 1 mm. A method of forming a self-cleaning film system configured for reducing a visibility of a contaminant is disclosed.

A system for removing a coating from an underlying layer can include a wave-based weakening system configured to weaken the coating by decreasing a coupling force between the coating and the substrate, a coating removal mechanism configured to remove the weakened coating from the underlying layer, and a sensor configured to determine a property associated with the coating. A method for removing a coating from an underlying layer can include generating a weakened coating and removing the weakened coating.

An extrusion system (100) includes at least one sensor (102, 104) to detect localized presence of oil (701) on an exterior surface (715) or skin of wet extrudate material (714 e.g., ceramic material having a honeycomb cross-sectional shape), and at least one infrared emitting device (106, 108) configured to impinge infrared emissions on at least a portion of the exterior surface responsive to one or more sensor signals. Localized impingement of infrared emissions may reduce presence of oil streaks (701) without undue differential drying of the extrudate skin (715), and avoid surface fissures that would otherwise result in fired ceramic bodies. Separately controllable infrared emitters (502), or at least one controllable infrared blocking or redirecting element (603), may be used to impinge infrared emissions on selected areas. A humidification section (120) arranged downstream of infrared emitters (106, 108) may be used to at least partially rehydrate the wet extrudate material, if necessary.

An assembly (2) comprising at least two elements (10, 24) in a movable arrangement relative to each other for performing a first function of the assembly (2) is furthermore equipped with an anti-biofouling system (30) for subjecting at least an area (11) of the assembly (2) to be at least partially exposed to water during at least a part of its lifetime to an anti-biofouling action as an additional function of the assembly (2), different from the first function of the assembly (2). The anti-biofouling system (30) comprises one or more light sources (32) for emitting anti-biofouling light, and the anti-biofouling system (30) is adapted to realize coverage of the area (11) with the anti-biofouling light on the basis of the movable arrangement of the at least two elements (10, 24) relative to each other for performing the first function of the assembly (2).

A system for removing a coating from an underlying layer can include a wave-based weakening system configured to weaken the coating by decreasing a coupling force between the coating and the substrate, a coating removal mechanism configured to remove the weakened coating from the underlying layer, and a sensor configured to determine a property associated with the coating. A method for removing a coating from an underlying layer can include generating a weakened coating and removing the weakened coating.