Patents Examined by Charles W Kling
  • Patent number: 8347898
    Abstract: An automatic dishwasher having a rotatable spray arm and at least one rotatable sprayer, with a drive for directly driving at least one of the spray arm and sprayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Jordan Robert Fountain, Sathish Andrea Sundaram, Bryan E. Wagenknecht
  • Patent number: 8342195
    Abstract: An apparatus for washing a vehicle having a first lateral side, a second lateral side, and a top side between the first lateral side and the second lateral side. The apparatus comprises a portal for allowing the vehicle to pass therethrough. The apparatus also comprises at least one nozzle mounted to the portal for directing liquid toward the vehicle. The apparatus further comprises a control apparatus for controlling the at least one nozzle to direct liquid toward the vehicle to progressively wash a limited portion of the first lateral side of the vehicle, a limited portion of the second lateral side of the vehicle, and a limited portion of the top side of the vehicle. Also provided is a method for washing a vehicle using such an apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Serge Allaire
  • Patent number: 8337632
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a hair-cutting portion of an electric hair-cutting device includes a cleaning-liquid basin for receiving the hair-cutting portion of the electric hair-cutting device in a central area such that the hair-cutting portion is at least partially immersed in the cleaning liquid. The electric hair-cutting device is cleaned by generating a cleaning-liquid flow revolving within the basin around the central area of the basin, the hair-cutting portion being at least partially immersed in the cleaning liquid. The liquid flow effectively entrains debris away from the hair-cutting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Klaas Kooijker, Fokke Roelof Voorhorst, Martijn Van Baren, Jacob Brinkert, Alastair Ian Blake
  • Patent number: 8336343
    Abstract: An automatic washing machine includes a remaining water discharging passage to drain remaining water from a pump case by connecting a drain line with an inner part of the pump case. The washing machine includes a water tub; a pump case; a circulation pump coupled with the pump case that circulates washing water contained in the water tub; a drain line to drain the washing water contained in the water tub; and a remaining water discharge passage connecting an inner part of the pump case with the drain line to discharge water remaining in the pump case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Hwan Chung, Myung Sun Kang
  • Patent number: 8333207
    Abstract: An arm includes a tubular body that is rotatable. The tubular body has a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion between the first end portion and the second end portion. The first end portion is bent in a first direction forming a first angle with the intermediate portion, and the second end portion is bent in a second direction forming a second angle with the intermediate portion. A plurality of nozzles are through the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Jackson MSC LLC
    Inventors: James Scott Calhoun, Walter Ray Lambert, Clifford Ernest Neuman
  • Patent number: 8317936
    Abstract: A dish washer which includes a steam generator. The dish washer, for example, may comprise a tub to provide a room for dishes for washing, a sump to hold water for supplying to the tub for the washing; a steam generator to generate steam, a first tube (or a steam tube) to provide a passage for the steam from the steam generator to the tub, and a valve to release the steam or water from the steam generator according to a pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sang Woo Woo
  • Patent number: 8316869
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for processing flat articles with acoustical energy. The inventive system, apparatus and method can remove particles from both sides of a wafer more efficiently and effectively. In one aspect, the invention is a system and/or method for processing flat articles wherein a liquid is applied to both major surfaces of the flat article. A first transducer assembly is positioned adjacent to a first of the major surfaces of the flat article and a second member is positioned adjacent to a second of the major surfaces. The first transducer assembly generates and transmits acoustical energy to the first major surface of the flat article while the second member either: (1) reflects the acoustical energy generated by the first transducer assembly back to the second major surface of the flat article; and/or (2) generates and transmits acoustical energy to the second major surface of the flat article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Pejman Fani, Mark Rouillard, John Korbler, James Brown, Chad Hosack
  • Patent number: 8312745
    Abstract: An automatically controlled washing machine having a detergent dispensing unit that is arranged in an upper machine space of the washing machine. A drawer is arranged in the detergent dispensing unit and accessible from the front panel of the washing machine. The drawer has at least one chamber for hand-metered addition of washing powder or washing liquid. At least one storage unit in the upper machine space stores liquid or gel-like washing aid. A receptacle unit of the storage unit receives a transportable storage container that contains the liquid or gel-like washing aid and a metering unit automatically meters the liquid or gel-like washing aid. The metering unit is connected to the receptacle unit by a fluid connection and has an outlet opening that opens into a stationary chamber of the detergent dispensing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Hasse, Sven Jänicke, Uwe Mette, Ingo Schulze
  • Patent number: 8303724
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus for cleaning and drying a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer. This substrate processing apparatus includes a liquid processing unit for processing a substrate by immersing the substrate in stored purified water, a drying unit arranged above the liquid processing unit and configured to dry the substrate, a substrate transfer apparatus for transferring the substrate between the liquid processing unit and drying unit, a fluid supply mechanism for supplying a fluid mixture containing vapor or mist of purified water and vapor or mist of a volatile organic solvent to the drying unit, and a controller for controlling the supply of the fluid mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Koukichi Hiroshiro, Yuji Kamikawa, Takayuki Toshima, Naoki Shindo
  • Patent number: 8297292
    Abstract: Provided are a cleaning device and a cleaning method of a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, capable of performing a cleaning process more effectively as compared to conventional cases and obtaining a high cleaning effect. A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus cleaning device 100 includes a pure water steam generating vessel 2 for generating pure water steam from pure water; a supply port 5 for supplying the pure water steam to a cleaning target portion; a supply line 4 for connecting the pure water steam generating vessel with the supply port; a collection port 6 for collecting steam used in cleaning from the cleaning target portion; a collection vessel 8 for condensing and collecting the used steam; and a collection line 7 for connecting the collection port 6 with the collection vessel 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Takayuki Kokubo, Jun Yamawaku, Tsuyoshi Moriya
  • Patent number: 8293027
    Abstract: A protective arrangement for protecting a control device of a dishwashing appliance, and associated dishwashing appliance, are provided. A door assembly, comprising a tub-facing portion of a polymeric material and an opposing outwardly-facing portion, is pivotably engaged with and configured to cover a forward access opening defined by a tub portion of the dishwashing appliance. A control device mounted between the tub-facing and outwardly facing portions selectively directs operation of an operational component of the dishwashing appliance. The protective arrangement includes a protective member extending about the control device and at least partially between the control device and the tub-facing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, David Sumner
  • Patent number: 8276603
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method of cleaning and/or disinfecting medical equipment. A medical equipment washer system can include an enclosure that receives and substantially surrounds the medical equipment and one or more spray assemblies positioned inside the enclosure. The spray assemblies can automatically emit fluid to clean and/or disinfect the medical equipment. In some embodiments, spray arms of the spray assemblies can oscillate while jets emit fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Stat Medical Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Berklund, Keith Roepke
  • Patent number: 8266930
    Abstract: A laundry treating machine including a laundry treating device (100) and a pedestal laundry treating device (200) is disclosed. The laundry treating machine is configured to achieve simultaneous or selective supply of water and simultaneous or selective draining of wash water for the laundry treating device (100) and pedestal laundry treating device (200). The pedestal laundry treating device (200) supports the laundry treating device (100) beneath and outside the laundry treating device. The pedestal laundry treating device (200) has a volume and a height smaller than those of the laundry treating device (100), and has a laundry treating function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seong Hae Jeong, Seong Jin Jo
  • Patent number: 8267100
    Abstract: Low profile wash pads, usable alone or with other like pads in a module array, are disclosed whereby one or more motor driven or motorless vehicles may be wheeled onto or across (or other object placed upon) a full drainage impervious washing platform such that substantially all spent wash liquid and removed debris are caused to flow off from the washing platform to an edge collector or gutter. Debris accumulation at the washing platform is avoided and processing of gutter-contained spent wash liquid and removed debris can occur in offset relation to and without interfering with ongoing washing on the washing platform. Several modes for processing the drainage comprising spent wash liquid and removed debris contained in the gutter are disclosed, one mode comprising automated processing using a screw conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Hydro Engineering Equipment & Supply Company
    Inventors: James P. McCormick, Alan G. McCormick, Kerry G. Smith
  • Patent number: 8261759
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus, in particular a high-pressure cleaning apparatus, is provided, on which at least one fastening device for fastening the cleaning apparatus to a carrier is disposed. The at least one fastening device comprising at least one tensioning section on which a tensile force, which is directed at the carrier, acts when the cleaning apparatus is fastened to the carrier by means of a tensioning element. At least one retaining section is connected to the at least one tensioning section, for retaining the at least one fastening device on the cleaning apparatus. The at least one fastening device has at least one support section in order to be supported on the cleaning apparatus. The support section is connected to the at least one tensioning section by at least one connecting section, the at least one connecting section yielding if the tensile force exceeds a maximum permissible tensile force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Kelle, Ralph Seitter
  • Patent number: 8262806
    Abstract: Provided area cleaning apparatus and an associated method of using the disclosed apparatus wherein the apparatus utilizes one or more nozzles configured to provide a coherent stream of one or more cleaning fluids for removing accumulated fine particulate matter, sludge, from surfaces. The nozzles may be sized, arranged and configured to provide coherent streams that maintain the initial stream diameter for a substantial portion of the maximum dimension of the space being cleaned. The apparatus and method are expected to be particularly useful in the cleaning of heat exchangers incorporating a plurality of substantially vertical and narrowly spaced tubes by directing cleansing streams along a plurality of intertube spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Dominion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean Collin, Ryan Jones, Joshua Luszcz, Marc Kreider, Aaron Pellman, Robert D. Varrin, Jr., David Arguelles
  • Patent number: 8256247
    Abstract: A washing machine and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The washing machine includes a tub, a bearing housing having a fastening member and formed by insert-injection molding into the tub so as to expose the fastening member from the tub, and a stator mounted to the fastening member. The washing machine can maintain concentricity of the stator and permit simplification of an assembly process to reduce manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Deok Hwan Ha
  • Patent number: 8256441
    Abstract: A method for cleaning an optical element of an extreme ultraviolet light source device for removing, from the optical element in a chamber, scattered matter generated together with extreme ultraviolet light by plasma formed through laser beam excitation of a target in the chamber, the method which comprises: making the scattered matter generated by the plasma no larger than nanosize by using solid tin as the target and using a CO2 laser as an excitation source of the solid tin; and imparting, to the scattered matter no larger than the nanosize adhered to the optical element, an effect of overcoming the adherence of the scattered matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Gigaphoton Inc.
    Inventors: Masato Moriya, Yoshifumi Ueno, Tamotsu Abe, Akira Sumitani
  • Patent number: 8246756
    Abstract: A household cleaning appliance includes a bulk dispensing system configured to receive a removable cartridge containing multiple doses of treating chemistry and configured to deliver a charge of treating chemistry from the cartridge to a treating chamber and a water supply configured to be selectively coupled to the bulk dispensing system to flush at least a portion of the bulk dispensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Stephen Hendrickson, Michael T. Dalton
  • Patent number: 8245343
    Abstract: A method for controlling a washing machine is provided. The method for controlling a washing machine includes at least one rinsing course, wherein the rinsing course includes a foam removal rinsing step for removing foam from laundry by supplying washing water relevant to a quantity of the laundry held in a drum, or the method for controlling a washing machine includes at least one rinsing course, wherein the rinsing course includes a water supply/drain rinsing step for rinsing laundry while simultaneous washing water supply and drain is performed, whereby permitting to enhance a washing effect, significantly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Eun Jin Park, Deug Hee Lee