Movably Mounted Fluid-holding Receptacles Patents (Class 134/117)
  • Patent number: 11453219
    Abstract: Example implementations relate to print substance container vibration. A vibrator for a print system may comprise a motor, and a vibration shaft coupled to the motor to cause vibration to provide redistribution of print substance of a print substance container. The vibration may be caused in response to the rotation of an eccentrically loaded weight about a central axis of the vibrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventor: Mathew Lavigne
  • Patent number: 10391509
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pump dispenser (100) comprising: a body (110) defining a hollow interior (113) and an opening (114) through which at least a portion of a refill cartridge (10) containing a flowable substance is receivable into the hollow interior (113); a lid (120); and a pump for pumping the flowable substance from the refill cartridge (10) when the portion of the refill cartridge (10) is in the hollow interior (113) and the lid (120) closes the opening (114). The lid (120) comprises a dip tube (126) with a lumen (127) fluidly connected to the pump, the dip tube (126) has a tapered end (126A) located in the hollow interior (113) when the lid (120) closes the opening (114). At least one of the body (110) and the lid (120) has a grip on an exterior surface thereof for aiding relative movement of the body (110) and the lid (120) to access the hollow interior (113) when the lid (120) closes the opening (114). Also disclosed is a system comprising the pump dispenser (100) and the refill cartridge (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Kiat-Cheong Toh, Virgil Calejesan, Andrea Brown
  • Patent number: 10005227
    Abstract: A 3-D printer includes a development station positioned to electrostatically transfer layers of material to an intermediate transfer surface, and a transfuse station adjacent the intermediate transfer surface. The transfuse station is positioned to receive the layers as the intermediate transfer surface moves past the transfuse station. Also, a platen is included that moves relative to the intermediate transfer surface. The intermediate transfer surface transfers a layer of the material to the platen each time the platen contacts one of the layers on the intermediate transfer surface at the transfuse station to successively form a freestanding stack of the layers on the platen. A curing station is positioned to apply ultraviolet light to each layer, after each layer is transferred from the transfuse station to the platen. The curing station selectively applies the ultraviolet light to crosslink polymers only in a portion of the material within the layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Facci, David C. Craig, Varun Sambhy, Eliud Robles Flores, David S. Derleth
  • Patent number: 9924848
    Abstract: A tungsten jewelry resurfacing kit for consumer end use comprises a buffing cloth; a container of tungsten resurfacing compound having less than 50 ml of resurfacing compound, wherein the resurfacing compound comprises a mixture of i) a diamond powder of at least 1000 grit size; and ii) a binder, such as a fat, which is a semi-solid at ambient temperatures. The kit may further include a plurality of swabs for removing the resurfacing compound from the container. The compound may be a mixture of about 25 to 75% by volume of a diamond powder of at least 1000 grit size; and about 25 to 75% by volume a binder, such as a fat, which is a semi-solid at ambient temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Samuel P Hopkins
  • Patent number: 9842747
    Abstract: A substrate liquid processing apparatus includes a liquid processing unit that processes a substrate with processing liquids, an exhaust pipe, individual exhaust pipes corresponding to at least one of the processing liquids and an exhaust switching unit. Further, the exhaust switching unit comprises an exhaust gas inlet chamber and switching mechanisms. The switching mechanisms correspond to the individual exhaust pipes, respectively, and each of the switching mechanisms includes an exhaust gas suction opening communicating with the exhaust gas inlet chamber; an outlet opening communicating with a corresponding one of the individual exhaust pipes; an exterior air suction opening; and a valve body that switches a communication state of the exhaust gas suction opening, the outlet opening and the exterior air suction opening between a state where the exhaust gas suction opening communicates with the outlet opening and a state where the exterior air suction opening communicates therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Junya Minamida, Keisuke Tsugao
  • Patent number: 9676199
    Abstract: There is provided a tank system including a tank and a liquid injection container. The tank has a liquid storage chamber; and a cylindrical wall extending from an outer wall in a first direction. The tank is formed with inlet and outlet ports each communicating the liquid storage chamber with the outside of the tank. The liquid injection container includes: a liquid storing portion; a liquid discharging portion; an arm; and a craw. The cylindrical wall has: a first portion, a second portion located between the first portion and the outer wall and having outer diameter smaller than that of the first portion, and a connecting surface connecting the outer circumferential surface of the first portion to that of the second portion. The craw contacts the connecting surface of the cylindrical wall toward the first direction in a state that the liquid discharging portion is inserted into the inlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masahiro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9004079
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus capable of drying a substrate to be processed while suppressing the pattern collapse or the occurrence of contamination. A substrate is held in a liquid bath while being immersed in a liquid, and the liquid bath is disposed in a processing space of a processing vessel. A processing of drying the substrate is performed by replacing the liquid in the liquid bath with a supercritical-state fluid. A predetermined mechanism moves liquid bath between a processing location in the processing case and a stand-by location outside the processing case. A heater installed in the processing case changes the fluid to a supercritical state or maintains the supercritical state while cooling mechanisms cool down the liquid bath moved to the stand-by location outside the processing vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Yuji Kamikawa
  • Patent number: 8910644
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to apparatus and methods for cleaning chamber components using a cleaning plate. The cleaning plate is adapted to be positioned on a substrate support during a cleaning process, and includes a plurality of turbulence-inducing structures. The turbulence-inducing structures induce a turbulent flow of cleaning gas while the cleaning plate is rotated during a cleaning process. The cleaning plate increases the retention time of the cleaning gas near the showerhead during cleaning. Additionally, the cleaning plate reduces concentration gradients within the cleaning plate to provide a more effective clean. The method includes positioning a cleaning plate adjacent to a showerhead, and introducing cleaning gas to the space between the showerhead and the cleaning plate. A material deposited on the surface of the showerhead is then heated and vaporized in the presence of the cleaning gas, and then exhausted from the processing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Hua Chung, Xizi Dong, Kyawwin Jason Maung, Hiroji Hanawa, Sang Won Kang, David H. Quach, Donald J. K. Olgado, David Bour, Wei-Yung Hsu, Alexander Tam, Anzhong Chang, Sumedh Acharya
  • Patent number: 8888929
    Abstract: A device to capture the relative position of a component (14) of which the position can change relative to a reference component (12) of a washing handling device (10), in particular a washing machine or drier, includes at least one light source (34, 38, 42), at least one light receiver (36, 40, 44), a light-reflecting surface (50, 52), which reflects light which the light source (34, 38, 42) emits to the light receiver (36, 40, 44). The device is designed to capture the present relative position of the changeable-position component (14) relative to the reference component (12), according to the reflected light which the light receiver (36, 40, 44) captures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: emz-Hanauer GmbH & Co. KgaA
    Inventors: Johann Schenkl, Johannes Baumer, Michael Sorgenfrei, Manfredi Signorino
  • Patent number: 8869811
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid processing apparatus and a liquid processing method that can prevent a processing liquid from being left on a lift pin after a drying-out process of a substrate, thereby preventing the processing liquid from being attached to the back surface of the substrate after the liquid processing. The liquid processing apparatus of the present disclosure includes a holding plate that supports a substrate, a lift pin plate provided above the holding plate having a lift pin that supports the wafer from a lower side, and a processing liquid supply unit that supplies the processing liquid to the back surface of the wafer. The processing liquid supply unit is provided with a head part configured to close a penetrating hole of the lift pin plate. The processing liquid supply unit and the lift pin plate are configured to be elevated with respect to the holding plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Ogata, Shuichi Nagamine
  • Patent number: 8845819
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a water wash system that may mix a cleaning fluid with at least one chemical agent to form a cleaning solution. The cleaning solution may reduce the corrosives on components of a compressor. The cleaning solution may be an mildly acidic solution to reduce corrosion of a caustic nature. Alternatively, the cleaning solution may be a mildly basic solution to reduce corrosion of an acidic nature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eric Gebhardt, Rahul J. Chillar, Dale J. Davis
  • Patent number: 8834649
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a water wash system that may mix a cleaning fluid with at least one chemical agent to form a cleaning solution. The cleaning solution may reduce the corrosives on components of a compressor. The cleaning solution may be a mildly acidic solution to reduce corrosion of a caustic nature. Alternatively, the cleaning solution may be a mildly basic solution to reduce corrosion of an acidic nature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eric Gebhardt, Rahul J. Chillar, Dale J. Davis
  • Patent number: 8789546
    Abstract: The present invention is a shakable cleaning bag to clean a plurality of objects that includes a base cleaning bag, a cleaning pouch disposed in the base cleaning bag that receives the objects to be cleaned and a perforated cut line disposed on the top portion of the base cleaning bag that is cut when the base cleaning bag is ready to be used. A fastener disposed below the perforated cut line that runs across the base cleaning bag allowing access to the cleaning pouch and an abrasive or non-abrasive alcohol cleaning solution that is contained in the base cleaning bag that has direct contact with the objects that are placed in the base cleaning bag to be cleaned by the alcohol cleaning solution. There is also a two pouch base cleaning bag with a rinsing pouch and rinse solution and a method of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Harrison Richard Kaufman
  • Patent number: 8783272
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a water-bearing domestic appliance having a washing container to accommodate items to be washed, wherein the washing container is at least partially formed by at least two different metallic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Anton Oppel, Bernd Schessl
  • Patent number: 8753571
    Abstract: In a method for sanitizing a touch screen of an electronic device, the electronic device includes a first motor roller and a second motor roller and a screen sanitization system. The first motor roller connects to the second motor roller through a flexible pipe that is filled with a sanitizer. The first motor roller is scrolled to clean and sanitize a first protective film using sanitizer when the first protective film is overlaid on the surface of the touch screen, and a second protective film is drawn to overlay on the surface of the touch screen. The second motor roller is scrolled to clean and sanitize the second protective film using the sanitizer when the second protective film is overlaid on the surface of the touch screen, and the first protective film is drawn to overlay on the surface of the touch screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Ta Hsu, Cho-Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 8728334
    Abstract: A protective chuck is disposed on a substrate with a gas layer between the bottom surface of the protective chuck and the substrate surface. The gas layer protects a surface region against a fluid layer covering the substrate surface. In some embodiments, the pressure fluctuation at the gas layers is monitored, and through the dynamic feedback, the gas flow rate can be adjusted to achieve a desired operation regime. The dynamic control of operation regime setting can also be applied to high productivity combinatorial systems having an array of protective chucks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventor: Rajesh Kelekar
  • Patent number: 8617409
    Abstract: A protective chuck is magnetically levitated on a substrate with a gas layer between the bottom surface of the protective chuck and the substrate surface. The gas layer protects a surface region of the substrate against a fluid layer covering the remaining of the substrate surface without contacting the substrate, reducing or eliminating potential damage to the substrate surface. The magnetically levitated protective chuck can enable combinatorial processing of a substrate, providing multiple isolated processing regions on a single substrate with different material and processing conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajesh Kelekar, Kent Riley Child
  • Publication number: 20130340791
    Abstract: A method and a device are for cleaning drill cuttings comprising cuttings and oil-based drilling mud, wherein a significant proportion of the drilling mud is removed from the drill cuttings. The method comprises: disposing the drill cuttings in a receptacle; vibrating the receptacle until particle fluidization of the drill cuttings takes place; maintaining the drill cuttings in a particle-fluidized state during the subsequent treatment; adding a soap to the drill cuttings allowing, the soap to flow through the drill cuttings whilst the drill cuttings are particle-fluidized; draining liquid from the receptacle; and then emptying cleaned drill cuttings out of the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Martin Gether Steiness
  • Patent number: 8608866
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to a detergent dispenser configured to attach to an interior surface of a dishwasher door. The detergent dispenser may comprise a reservoir configured to hold detergent, wherein a portion of the upper wall of the reservoir has been removed to reduce a cross-sectional length thereof such that water flowing down the dishwasher door is encouraged into the reservoir. The detergent dispenser may also comprise a dispenser door comprising a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein the dispenser door is configured to cover the reservoir in the closed configuration. The detergent dispenser may be configured to encourage water flowing down the interior surface of the dishwasher door to enter the reservoir when the dispenser door is in the open or closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil J. Francisco, Mark D. Montgomery, Jason M. Patterson, Michael Bryan Pike, Ramon Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 8562752
    Abstract: A process chamber for processing semi-conductor wafers. The chamber includes at least one rotor within the process chamber. The rotor is adapted to receive and/or process semi-conductor wafers. The top of the process chamber also includes a tiltable rim. This rim tilts from a non-inclined position to an inclined position. The wafers may be loaded into and unloaded from the process chamber when the rim is in its inclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: APPLIED Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 8511324
    Abstract: A washing/drying machine according to the present invention is capable of efficiently performing a drying operation to reduce a drying period. The washing/drying machine includes a tank (11) for storing used water, and the water is circulated from the tank (11) for dehumidification of air circulated through a drying air duct (20). Since the water is circulated from the tank (11), a great amount of water can be supplied as dehumidification water for higher dehumidification efficiency. The amount of the circulated water (the amount of cooling water (dehumidification water)) is reduced in a first half of a drying process, and increased in a second half of the drying process. As a result, the drying efficiency is improved during the drying operation, thereby reducing the drying period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: Haier Group Corporation, Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuo Komoto, Tamotsu Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20130192650
    Abstract: A device and method of use for a towed portable cleaning facility is disclosed. The device employs storage tanks for both the storage and transport of cleaning fluids. The tanks serve the additional function of surrounding and enclosing the cleaning area an area that may be used for cleaning or storage. By utilizing the tanks as walls, the present invention provides a portable cleaning station. The device may further include the ability to treat and clean used fluids in order to either reuse or safely dispose of the used fluids as well as the ability to recover heat energy from an engine compartment to heat cleaning fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Guillermo Morales Barrios, Hector Valdez Jaramillo, Gerardo Angel Gonzalez Chapa, Roger Pedlar
  • Publication number: 20130145572
    Abstract: A mobile robot that includes a body, a drive system movably supporting the body above a cleaning surface, and a cleaning system arranged to clean the cleaning surface. The robot further includes a controller in communication with at least one of the drive system and the cleaning system and a super-hydrophobic coating applied to at least one of the drive system, the cleaning system, and the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas P. Schregardus, Michael G. Rider
  • Patent number: 8459280
    Abstract: A support structure removal system comprising a vessel and a second component. The vessel comprises a vessel body, a porous floor configured to retain a three-dimensional part, and an impeller rotatably mounted below the porous floor. The second component comprises a surface configured to operably receive the vessel, and a rotation-inducing assembly located below the surface, where the rotation-inducing assembly is configured to rotate the impeller with magnetic fields when the vessel is received on the surface of the second component to agitate and direct flows of an aqueous fluid through the porous floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Stratasys, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Swanson, Dominic F. Mannella, Ronald G. Schloesser
  • Patent number: 8439193
    Abstract: A novel container for storing medical guidewires in liquid is disclosed herein. The container comprises a substantially rectangular basin where the guidewire coils are separated horizontally into individual bays. Specific tabs and dividers hold the coils in place and keep the wires untangled. The horizontal placement of the wires enables a clinician to instantly differentiate between wires, select the right coil without spending time in untangling wires and allows storing of the wires is relatively small amount of storing liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: MD Vascular International, LLC
    Inventors: David B Koellhofer, Mitchell R Weaver
  • Patent number: 8387633
    Abstract: Surface treatment equipment in which a working mechanism housed in a surface treatment tank is moved up and down while keeping the tank in a vacuum state through use of a series of sealing members positioned relative to the working mechanism, and the working mechanism can be rotated or oscillated, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Japan Field Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahide Uchino
  • Publication number: 20120266921
    Abstract: A thin plate member washing apparatus includes a washing vessel including a lid member and an elongated cylindrical vessel having at one end an opening that is closed by the lid member and in which tap water is contained, and a thin plate member fixing member that is housed in the washing vessel and holds a mesh member whose surface is washed with the tap water by moving within the washing vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: OMRON HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiro FURUSAWA, Takanobu YAMAUCHI, Kentaro MORI, Masayuki ESAKI, Masao MAEDA
  • Publication number: 20120222234
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a base; an upright handle assembly pivotally mounted to the base and including an upright housing at a lower portion thereof, a handle tube extending upwardly from an upper end of the upright housing and a push rod that is axially slidable within the handle tube; wherein the handle tube is mounted for telescoping movement within upright housing between an extended position and a stowed position within the upright housing; a fluid delivery system including a fluid supply tank for holding a supply of a cleaning fluid; a fluid distributor for distributing the cleaning fluid from the fluid supply tank onto the surface to be cleaned; and a fluid conduit, including a fluid flow controller, between the fluid supply tank and the fluid distributor. A locking collar on the upright housing locks the handle tube in the extended and stowed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: BISSELL HOMECARE, INC.
    Inventor: Mitchell DeJonge
  • Publication number: 20120125378
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to the conditioning of bowling lanes, and, more particularly to an apparatus and method for automatically applying a predetermined pattern of dressing fluid along the transverse and longitudinal dimensions of a bowling lane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Roy A. Burkholder, Troy A. Recknagel, Patrick J. Mitchell, Jason D. Bernard, Robert J. Prinz, William C. Sias, Matthew E. Mead, Damir Ibrahimovic
  • Patent number: 8146613
    Abstract: A system and method for a surgical scrub automated cleaning station are disclosed. The surgical scrub cylinder automated cleaning station includes a rotatable, extendable, and retractable wash cylinder that is operable to accommodate any variety of arm length. More specifically, the surgical scrub automated cleaning station may include an accordion, telescoping, or otherwise adjustable cylinder to accommodate a variety of arm lengths. The surgical scrub cylinder automated cleaning station may be used to provide a surgeon or other health care personnel with a hand and forearm washing. The surgical scrub cylinder automated cleaning station may also be monitored to ensure compliance with one or more hygiene protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Resurgent Health & Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Barnhill, James Glenn, Kathy Lockridge, Jeff Heng
  • Patent number: 8118044
    Abstract: A process chamber for processing semi-conductor wafers. The chamber includes at least one rotor within the process chamber. The rotor is adapted to receive and/or process semi-conductor wafers. The top of the process chamber also includes a tiltable rim. This rim tilts from a non-inclined position to an inclined position. The wafers may be loaded into and unloaded from the process chamber when the rim is in its inclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Woodruff
  • Publication number: 20110232697
    Abstract: A collection apparatus is provided for collecting waste water from cleaning operations performed on aircraft turbine engines. It comprises a frame structure having a pivotally mounted support arm. An actuator device is arranged to rise and lower the support arm between an essentially horizontal transport position to an operative position. A flexible duct is provided with an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end of the flexible duct is pivotally attached to the support arm so as to be movable around at least a horizontal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Henrik Amcoff, Helena Nyberg
  • Patent number: 8021623
    Abstract: An examination assistant device (3) is used for examination in which a process solution containing an etching solution is held in contact with an examination objective portion of a quartz pole member (21) of a semiconductor processing apparatus, and then the process solution is analyzed to identify a metal impurity contained in the examination objective portion. The pole member (21) includes a pair of concave portions (22) disposed one on either side of the examination objective portion. The examination assistant device (3) includes a pair of end plates (32) configured to engage with the pair of concave portions, a frame (30) connecting the pair of end plates, and a solution receiver (31) disposed between the pair of end plates. The solution receiver (31) has dimensions to store the process solution and hold the process solution in contact with the examination objective portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Masayuki Oikawa, Katsuhiko Anbai, Nobuhiro Takahashi, Teruyuki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8015987
    Abstract: A vibration-type cleaning device for contact lenses comprises an adaptor that is provided with a support part thereon for supporting a contact lens case and a base that is provided under the bottom of the adaptor. The base is connected with the adapter via a positioning element so that the base can be attached to or detached from the adaptor. The base is provided with a vibrator therein and the vibrator is connected with a power source. Consequently, the vibrator can be driven under the control of a user to vibrate the contact lens solution and the contact lenses in the contact lens case and the cleaning effect of the contact lenses in the contact lens solution can be enhanced through vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: David Michael Zakutin
  • Patent number: 7993471
    Abstract: A wash cylinder or chamber for an automated cleaning station to clean an object or a person's body part includes nozzles on the interior of the cylinder, the nozzles of one embodiment comprising an increasing roll angle providing a novel spray pattern. Additionally, embodiments of the invention include fluid guidance and conveyance structures, angled nozzles, sealing structures, finger guards, wash chamber seating mechanisms and drains, and nozzle ribs that prevent the nozzle from being dislodged during the operation of the cleaning station Also disclosed are methods of washing an object or body part using a wash cylinder or chamber and methods of assembling a wash cylinder or chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventors: Paul R. Barnhill, Thomas M. Johannsen
  • Publication number: 20110155187
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a water-bearing domestic appliance having a washing container to accommodate items to be washed, wherein the washing container is at least partially formed by at least two different metallic materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventors: Anton Oppel, Bernd Schessl
  • Publication number: 20110132413
    Abstract: Herein is described a portable washing device comprising: a reservoir to contain washing fluid; a cart supporting the reservoir; a lid attached to the reservoir; a control unit attached to the lid; a fluid supply hose having a first end and a second end; a submersible pump within the reservoir, said pump attached to the first end of the fluid supply hose; and a washing head unit attached to the second end of the fluid supply hose where the washing head unit has a pressure sensor switch; wherein pressure from a washing motion causes the pressure sensor switch to activate the submersible pump thus delivering washing fluid to the washing head unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: David Lee Gans
  • Patent number: 7934513
    Abstract: A facility for cleaning substrates such as semiconductor wafers includes a loading/unloading part, an aligning part where wafers are repositioned from a horizontal state to a vertical state, a cleaning part performing etchant-treating, rinsing, and drying processes for wafers and having a plurality of process chamber stacked, and an interface part where a transfer bath is disposed to transfer wafers between the process chambers. When the wafers are transferred between the process chamber, the transfer bath is filled with deionized water (DI water) to prevent their exposure to the air. Wafers drawn out of the loading/unlading part are repositioned from a horizontal state to a vertical state and are transferred to a first process chamber being one of the process chambers to be subjected to a part of processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Semes Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joung-Hyeon Lim, Jung-Keun Cho, Kyo-Woog Koo, In-Ho Bang, Woo-Young Kim, Man-Seok Oh, Hyun-Jong Kim
  • Patent number: 7913704
    Abstract: A system for washing-out concrete pouring equipment includes a bin for receiving waste materials washed with water from the concrete pouring equipment. The bin includes openings allowing liquid to drain into a base unit that includes sidewalls defining a receptacle for receiving the bin and a sloped bottom for conveying liquid drained from the bin to a sump. A filtering system filters particulate matter from liquid provided from the sump to recover the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Ricki Joe Abney, Sr.
    Inventor: Ricki Joe Abney, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20110061689
    Abstract: Produce is harvested and de-cored in a field where they are grown. The de-cored produce is loaded in totes and transported to a processing facility. The processing facility includes a washing device that immerses the de-cored ends of the produce in a tank of washing fluid (e.g., a cleaning solution that includes anti-bacterial agents). In one embodiment, a flow of washing fluid is directed through the de-cored end of the produce and out a leafy end of the produce while the produce is still loaded in totes. A washing device having a tank and a transport mechanism that moves totes loaded with de-cored produce into the tank. Optionally, a device such as a pump maintains a flow in the tank in a direction toward de-cored ends of produce.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Josh Mitchell, Stephen F. Griffin
  • Patent number: 7900641
    Abstract: A cleaning tool to clean a surface of a component of a lithographic apparatus is disclosed. The cleaning tool includes a sonic transducer, a liquid supply device configured to provide liquid to a reservoir between the surface to be cleaned and the sonic transducer, and a liquid outlet configured to remove liquid provided by the liquid supply device, the cleaning tool constructed and arranged such that, in use, liquid flows into the outlet under the influence of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Anthonius Martinus Cornelis Petrus De Jong, Hans Jansen, Marco Koert Stavenga, Peter Franciscus Wanten, Bauke Jansen, Johannes Wilhelmus Jacobus Leonardus Cuijpers, Raymond Gerardus Marius Beeren, Kornelis Tijmen Hoekerd
  • Publication number: 20110017230
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing abrasive slurry used in cutting operations. The slurry is mixed with a first solvent in a tank. The slurry is vibrated and/or ultrasonically agitated such that abrasive grain contained in the slurry separates from the other components of the slurry and the first solvent. After the abrasive grain has settled to a bottom portion of the container, the other components of the slurry and the first solvent are removed from the tank. The abrasive grain may then be washed with a second solvent. The abrasive grain is then heated and is suitable for reuse in an abrasive slurry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: MEMC ELECTRONIC MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Henry F. Erk, Vandan Tanna
  • Patent number: 7823595
    Abstract: An apparatus for etching a substrate includes (a) a nozzle system including at least one nozzle through which acid solution containing at least hydrofluoric acid is sprayed onto the substrate, (b) a mover which moves at least one of the nozzle system and the substrate relative to the other in a predetermined direction in such a condition that the substrate and the nozzle system face each other, (c) a filter system which filters off particles out of the acid solution having been sprayed onto the substrate, and (d) a circulation system which circulates the acid solution having been sprayed onto the substrate, to the filter system, and further, to the nozzle system from the filter system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Kazushige Takechi
  • Patent number: 7790052
    Abstract: A substrate receiving apparatus and a method thereof that prevents substrate damage from occurring when a substrate is loaded/unloaded on/from a cassette. The present invention includes a cassette having a plurality of plates inside so as to receive a plurality of substrates; a cassette loading unit uploading/downloading the cassette; a port supporting the cassette loading unit; and a plurality of auxiliary plates inserted inside the cassette from outside. The method includes downloading a cassette so as to move substrates from plates of the cassette to auxiliary plates, unloading and loading the substrates placed on the auxiliary plates from/on the cassette, and uploading the cassette so as to move the substrates from the auxiliary plates to the plates of the cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kap Ryol Park
  • Publication number: 20100126537
    Abstract: Surface treatment equipment in which a working mechanism housed in a surface treatment tank is moved up and down while keeping the tank in a vacuum state, and the working mechanism can be rotated or oscillated, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: JAPAN FIELD CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masahide Uchino
  • Patent number: 7699065
    Abstract: A concrete wash-out bin includes a primary receptacle having a rim positioned at an elevation that exceeds the elevation of a discharge port of certain items of concrete-handling equipment. An auxiliary receptacle is positioned in leading relation to the primary receptacle and is hingedly mounted to the primary receptacle. The auxiliary receptacle has a position of repose where it is horizontally disposed at an elevation lower than the discharge port of the concrete-handling equipment and a discharge position where it is disposed in elevated and angled relation to the position of repose. The discharge position is effective to discharge the contents of the auxiliary receptacle into the primary receptacle. The auxiliary receptacle is repeatedly lifted and lowered as needed until the concrete-handling equipment is free of residual concrete or until the primary bin is full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Ecocrete, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy F. Fitzgerald, Charles B. Kleinmetz
  • Patent number: 7509963
    Abstract: An washing machine for washing trays. The machine includes a housing, a frame, a water system, and an air system. The frame is rigidly mounted in the housing and holds the trays to be washed at a tilted angle so that fluids completely drain there from and accordingly facilitate the washing and drying processes. The water system is contained in the housing and supplies water to wash the trays. The air system is contained in the housing and supplies air to dry the trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Wayne Fenderson
  • Publication number: 20090056741
    Abstract: A pattern formation apparatus has a drum-like intaglio rolling along a transferred medium. After the intaglio is charged by a charger, a pattern of toner particles is formed by supplying a liquid developer of each color to the intaglio via a developing machine and an electric field is formed between the intaglio and the transferred medium by rolling the intaglio along the transferred medium to transfer charged toner particles to the transferred medium. A cleaning apparatus which cleans the intaglio after the pattern in each color being transferred to the transferred medium has nozzles at an angle for blowing a cleaning liquid against recesses and removal rollers for removing toner particles liberated from the recesses together with the cleaning liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Atsuko Iida, Mitsunaga Saito, Koichi Ishii, Ken Takahashi, Yoshihiro Tajima, Yasushi Shinjiyo, Shigeyuki Tashiro, Daiji Hirosawa
  • Patent number: 7448398
    Abstract: A sonic cleaner for small articles includes two tanks for receiving a liquid and articles to be cleaned and a base unit having chambers for receiving each tank. A vibratory motion generator attaches to the base unit through an isolating structure. Complementary attachment elements on the vibratory motion generator and each tank form a releasable, rigid connection. When the tank is attached to the vibratory motion generator, liquid in the tank can be agitated. When the releasable, rigid connection is detached, the tank can be removed from the base unit for disposing of liquid in the tank without having to handle the entire sonic cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Connoisseurs Products Corporation
    Inventors: Dov Z. Glucksman, Laura J. Nickerson, Gary P. McGonagle
  • Patent number: 7418971
    Abstract: A vending machine and a hose controller system for vending machines wherein the dispenser hose is axially and torsionally controlled to facilitate slight twisting, thereby minimizing applicator tool resistance, and making it easier for users to operate the remote vending tool on the hose distal end. The elongated reinforced applicator hose terminates at the controller, which bridges the hose between the outdoors and the cabinet interior. The controller has an angulated bracket mounted within the vending machine cabinet. A collar assembly secured on the bracket top above a hose feed-through orifice has a terminator, a bushing, and a cooperating yoke that are coaxially secured. The terminator anchors the hose end and is seated within the yoke. A rigid lug projects radially from the yoke. A rigid restrictor surmounts the collar assembly and limits rotation by contact with the lug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Fragra*matics Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: James Larry Ingram