The invention generally relates to systems and methods for continuous or batch wise sampling of a surface for analysis of trace chemical constituents that may be present on the surface by mass spectrometry. Integration of time and place of the sampling and analysis processes allows real-time on-the-spot response to the analytical data and can take into account that material is not necessarily uniformly distributed on a surface. A further feature of the systems and methods of the invention is that the swabbing process also cleans the surface being analyzed. Accordingly, systems and methods of the invention provide an integrated approach that allows for a surface to be cleaned, sampled and analyzed in real-time, providing a faster and more efficient way to verify or validate whether a manufacturing vessel is sufficiently clean to start another production.

A case includes a case body including an accommodation space to accommodate electronic components and a discharge port to accommodate in and discharge the electronic components from the accommodation space, and a shutter slidable in the case body to open and close the discharge port. The case body includes an inner rear wall portion defining the accommodation space. The inner rear wall portion includes a thin portion defining and functioning as a through-hole formation portion at which a through hole may be provided to allow communication between outside of the case body and the accommodation space.

A case includes a case body including an accommodation space to accommodate electronic components and a discharge port to accommodate in and discharge the electronic components from the accommodation space, and a shutter slidable in the case body to open and close the discharge port. The case body includes an inner rear wall portion defining the accommodation space. The inner rear wall portion includes a thin portion defining and functioning as a through-hole formation portion at which a through hole may be provided to allow communication between outside of the case body and the accommodation space.

A contamination detection and auto-cleaning equipment and a method using the same are provided. The contamination detection and auto-cleaning equipment includes a contamination detection device and an automatic cleaning device. The contamination detection device is configured for detecting a cleanliness of a sample container. The automatic cleaning device is configured for cleaning the sample container. The contamination detection device includes a light emitter, a detection-light receiver and a controller. The light emitter is configured for emitting an emission light, wherein the emission light becomes a detection light after traveling through the sample container. The detection-light receiver is configured for receiving the detection light to obtain a detection-light intensity. The controller is coupled to the light emitter and the detection-light receiver, and obtain the cleanliness of the sample container according to a variation of the detection-light intensity.

A contamination detection and auto-cleaning equipment and a method using the same are provided. The contamination detection and auto-cleaning equipment includes a contamination detection device and an automatic cleaning device. The contamination detection device is configured for detecting a cleanliness of a sample container. The automatic cleaning device is configured for cleaning the sample container. The contamination detection device includes a light emitter, a detection-light receiver and a controller. The light emitter is configured for emitting an emission light, wherein the emission light becomes a detection light after traveling through the sample container. The detection-light receiver is configured for receiving the detection light to obtain a detection-light intensity. The controller is coupled to the light emitter and the detection-light receiver, and obtain the cleanliness of the sample container according to a variation of the detection-light intensity.

The device relates to a method and an arrangement for visualization or to gauge conditions of the surface of coated materials on baking pans and formulations and applications of materials to enhance this visualization. Specifically, surfaces on baking pans used in the baking of common foodstuffs where coatings are applied to the pan with visual enhancement additives so as to improve the release of baked products such as but not limited to bread and rolls and like baked goods and visualization of the pans for damage, wear, imperfections, contaminants and other surface defects or abnormalities. The device includes a light and/or energy emitter which reflects light off of the pan surface, an image capture element receiving the reflected light and/or energy to form an image of the pan, a controller analyzing the image of the pan for the aforesaid abnormalities and reporting same.

The device relates to a method and an arrangement for visualization or to gauge conditions of the surface of coated materials on baking pans and formulations and applications of materials to enhance this visualization. Specifically, surfaces on baking pans used in the baking of common foodstuffs where coatings are applied to the pan with visual enhancement additives so as to improve the release of baked products such as but not limited to bread and rolls and like baked goods and visualization of the pans for damage, wear, imperfections, contaminants and other surface defects or abnormalities. The device includes a light and/or energy emitter which reflects light off of the pan surface, an image capture element receiving the reflected light and/or energy to form an image of the pan, a controller analyzing the image of the pan for the aforesaid abnormalities and reporting same.

Methods and apparatus for determining an endpoint of a process chamber cleaning process are provided. In some embodiments, a method of monitoring a process being performed in a process chamber includes: performing a cleaning process in a process chamber to remove material deposited on one or more internal surfaces of the process chamber resultant from processes performed within the process chamber; shining a light on a first internal surface being cleaned; detecting the light reflected off of the first internal surface; and terminating the cleaning process based upon the detected light.

Methods and apparatus for determining an endpoint of a process chamber cleaning process are provided. In some embodiments, a method of monitoring a process being performed in a process chamber includes: performing a cleaning process in a process chamber to remove material deposited on one or more internal surfaces of the process chamber resultant from processes performed within the process chamber; shining a light on a first internal surface being cleaned; detecting the light reflected off of the first internal surface; and terminating the cleaning process based upon the detected light.

The invention is directed to a foodstuff extrusion portioning device and more specifically a cutter head assembly on such an extruder having a servo motor, a cutter shuttle coupled to a cutting element, a controller and being programmed via a product variable to provide a velocity profile. The cutter in the velocity profile has a first velocity and it reduces speed to a second velocity and goes more slowly through the last portion of the foodstuff. The at least two velocities being fully programmable and the controller can provide for instantaneous and additional programmed velocities throughout the cutting profile. The cutter further providing tilt control so it can drop the portion at the moment the portion detaches from the extruded foodstuff stream. It cuts and/or breaks off portions in a far more uniform and controllable manner to more accurately portion and better place the cut portions. This also provides the portion with minimal residual energy pushing it forward as it drops through the effect of gravity and the cutter can be used so as to further direct and push the portion downward so as to optimally place it.