Miscellaneous Patents (Class 134/201)
  • Patent number: 7798158
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning system for removing coatings from a hard surface by high pressure liquid. The system employs a combination liquid and vacuum reservoir connected to a high pressure pump for directing ultra high pressure water through a blast head mounted on a front portion of the vehicle. The cleaning system is preferably mounted on a single truck with a single prime mover. The drive-line of the vehicle is constructed and arranged to operate in two distinct modes, e.g. a transport mode and a work mode. In the transport mode, a first transmission coupled to the rear portion of the prime mover delivers torque from the engine to the rear wheels of the vehicle. In the work mode, the prime mover is utilized to mechanically drive the bed mounted equipment as well as provide motive force in the form of mechanical-hydrostatic transmission to propel the system at a speed suitable for marking removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: James P. Crocker
  • Patent number: 7784756
    Abstract: A vehicle wash system having a plurality of vehicle treatment components includes with at least one support member. The support member is constructed of a base material and has an outer surface. An elongated cover includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface of the elongated cover has a first color and a size and shape that substantially matches the outer surface of the support member. The elongated cover is readably engageable with the support member to protect it from contact with fluid and debris. The elongated cover is formed of a readably cleanable material such that fluid and debris can be easily wiped off of its exterior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Motor City Wash Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Wentworth
  • Patent number: 7776157
    Abstract: A cleaning device comprising an enclosure, a cover allowing it to be opened in order to place an object to be cleaned within the enclosure, a supply of cleaning fluid, the enclosure comprising a piston that can move thanks to a motor, a geometry allowing a contact with an external fluid reservoir when the piston occupies a certain position within the enclosure in order to generate a sudden release of pressure, the device comprising an outlet valve remaining closed when the piston increases the volume of the enclosure so as to cause the pressure reduction within the enclosures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventors: David Weill, Claude Schindler
  • Publication number: 20100180914
    Abstract: A conductor cleaning system for cleaning aluminum strands of all aluminum and steel reinforced conductors, such as ACSS, ACSR, ACAR, and AAA. The conductor cleaning system having a container adapted to receive a portion of a conductor to be cleaned, a housing adapted to receive and support the container, and a cleaning solution contained in the container for cleaning the portion of the conductor. The cleaning solution being adapted to clean the conductor without reacting with or damaging the conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Phillips, Andrew H. Stewart, Shridas Ningileri, Neil J. Hurst, J. Finley Bush, Sike Xia, Chenghe Xiao, Yansheng Liu
  • Patent number: 7758704
    Abstract: An endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus of the present invention includes a cleaning tub, a chemical solution tank for storing a germicide, a chemical solution collection pipe, a chemical solution pipe, a feed pipe, a germicide bottle tray which can be drawn from the body of the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus, and a control unit for performing control to prepare the germicide by mixing a basis, a buffering agent, and a diluent. The germicide bottle tray includes a storage part which stores at least a first bottle body out of the first bottle body for storing the basis or a second bottle body for storing the buffering agent, and a detection portion for outputting a detection signal in a state in which the bottle body is stored in the storage part. The control unit performs control based on the detection signal outputted from the detection portion to prepare the germicide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Hasegawa, Kojiro Kotani
  • Patent number: 7753326
    Abstract: A vehicle wash system having a plurality of vehicle treatment components includes with at least one support member. The support member is constructed of a base material and has an outer surface. An elongated cover includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface of the elongated cover has a first color and a size and shape that substantially matches the outer surface of the support member. The elongated cover is readably engageable with the support member to protect it from contact with fluid and debris. The elongated cover is formed of a readably cleanable material such that fluid and debris can be easily wiped off of its exterior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Motor City Wash Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Wentworth
  • Patent number: 7748524
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a paint brush and preventing a discharge of harmful and flammable vapors. In a first embodiment, a housing has vertical front, side and rear walls that have upper edge portions in a common horizontal plane for providing a seat for a seal. The common upper of the housing are sealed by a soft resilient cellular seal and a cover that engages the housing. The cover and resilient cellular seal have aligned apertures for receiving in a pass through sealing relationship a handle of a paint brush. In a second embodiment, a cylindrical housing has an open top portion which is sealed by threadably engaging a cover with a resilient cellular seal therebetween. The cover and resilient cellular seal cover have aligned apertures for receiving in a pass through sealing relationship a handle of a paint brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Edward Ruzumna
  • Patent number: 7748395
    Abstract: An object is to improve the cleanness achieved by washing through effectively suppressing the residual of solvent remained on a wash-target after washing. The present invention is a wash-target holder soaked in a wash tank by holding a wash-target, which comprises a tray for placing the wash-target, a surrounding member, which is provided standing up on a wash-target placing face of the tray, for surrounding the periphery, and a defluxion-restricting member for restricting the defluxion of the wash-target from the tray. In the periphery of the wash-target surrounded by the surrounding member, an opening for letting in and out the solvent used for washing the wash-target is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Satoyoshi, Morihiro Ohno, Osamu Fukuroi
  • Publication number: 20100139710
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a surface of wafer or substrate includes a plate being positioned with a gap to surface of the wafer or substrate, and the plate being rotated around an axis vertical to surface of wafer or substrate. The rotating plate surface facing surface of the wafer or substrate has grooves, regular patterns, and irregular patterns to enhance the cleaning efficiency. Another embodiment further includes an ultra sonic or mega sonic transducer vibrating the rotating plate during cleaning process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Hui Wang, Jian Wang, Yue Ma, Chuan He
  • Patent number: 7730899
    Abstract: An embodiment of an apparatus for removing deposits from a petroleum flow line may include a pipe capable of being attached to a petroleum flow line. The pipe may have a pipe axis that defines a direction for fluid flow in the petroleum flow line. The apparatus may also include a first and a second field winding circumferentially disposed around the pipe, and an electric wave generator adapted to electrically communicate an electric wave to the first field winding and the second field winding. In response to the electric wave, the first field winding is adapted to produce a first magnetic field having a first magnetic axis and the second field winding is adapted to produce a second magnetic field having a second magnetic axis. The first magnetic axis may be noncollinear with respect to the second magnetic axis, and at least the first magnetic axis may be noncollinear with respect to the pipe axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Qi Ning Mai
  • Patent number: 7725971
    Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning sidewalls of a liquid container. The cleaning device includes a cover that can be removably disposed over a flotation device. The cover has a lower cleaning portion that cleans the sidewalls of the container upon contact with the sidewalls. The cover also has an upper noncleaning portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Russell L. Harmer
  • Publication number: 20100108093
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a substrate is provided that includes applying a liquid medium to a surface of the substrate such that the liquid medium substantially covers a portion of the substrate that is being cleaned. One or more transducers are used to generate acoustic energy. The generated acoustic energy is applied to the substrate and the liquid medium meniscus such that the applied acoustic energy to the liquid medium prevents cavitation within the liquid medium. The acoustic energy applied to the substrate provides maximum acoustic wave displacement to acoustic waves introduced into the liquid medium. The acoustic energy introduced into the substrate and the liquid medium enables dislodging of the particle contaminant from the surface of the substrate. The dislodged particle contaminants become entrapped within the liquid medium and are carried away from the surface of the substrate by the liquid medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Lam Research Corp.
    Inventors: Grant Peng, David Mui, Shih-Chung Kon
  • Patent number: 7708836
    Abstract: A device and method that enables the reliable and reproducible testing of the cleaning efficiency of an ultrasonic cleaning device is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: PEREG GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Pfeifer
  • Publication number: 20100077958
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus suitable for cleaning a roll coating machine is described, the cleaning apparatus having one or more rolls and including: a cleaning means; and a support chassis for supporting the cleaning means adjacent the one or more rolls. A roll coating machine is also described, which includes a cleaning apparatus, comprising a cleaning means; and a support chassis for supporting the cleaning means adjacent the one or more rolls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Arthur Fitch
  • Publication number: 20100051053
    Abstract: This invention provides a washing storage solution (22), which can substantially completely remove contaminants such as transition metals and alkali metals deposited on the surface of a glass electrode that comprises a glass comprising lithium and can restore performances as an electrode such as responsiveness and reproducibility in the measurement to an initial state or a state better than the initial state. The washing storage solution (22) is characterized by comprising at least one reducing reagent having a reduction behavior. Examples of reducing reagents include hydroxylammonium chloride, sodium hyposulfite, sodium hydrogen sulfite, sodium thiosulfate, sodium hypophosphite, ascorbic acid, and titanium oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Yuji Nishio, Yasukazu Iwamoto
  • Publication number: 20100028813
    Abstract: A pellicle cover, system, and method for cleaning a photomask are disclosed. A pellicle cover is disposed over a photomask and pellicle without damaging the markings surrounding the mask pattern area. The pellicle cover can be practicably implemented in an improved photomask cleaning system and process in which the backside of the photomask may be cleaned without removing the pellicle from the patterned surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Banqiu Wu, Ajay Kumar, Amitabh Sabharwal, Roman Gouk, James S. Papanu
  • Publication number: 20090320886
    Abstract: A protective arrangement for protecting a control device associated with a dishwashing appliance is provided. A door assembly is pivotably engaged with a tub portion of the dishwashing appliance and cooperates therewith to cover a forward access opening defined by the tub portion. The control device is mounted to the door assembly and is adapted to selectively direct operation of at least one operational component of the dishwashing appliance. The protective arrangement is configured to wrap about the control device so as to be at least partially disposed between the control device and door assembly. The protective member is further disposed between a detergent dispensing device and the control device to at least partially prevent contact between dishwashing fluid from the detergent dispensing device and the control device. An associated apparatus and method are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, David Sumner
  • Publication number: 20090288690
    Abstract: A sealing device for a dishwasher is provided, comprising at least one flange member. Each flange member is adapted to interact with at least one of a gasket member, a tub portion, and a door member. Each flange member is configured to extend along at least one opposing side of a front opening of the tub portion. Each flange member is cantilevered so as to extend between each opposing side of the front opening of the tub portion and the door member, upon closing thereof, so as to deflect washing fluid within the tub portion away from the gasket member forming a seal between the door member and the tub portion. An associated apparatus and method are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Haeberle
  • Patent number: 7621287
    Abstract: An arrangement for improving a drying performance of an automatic dishwasher including at least one dish basket is provided. The automatic dishwasher is adapted to be operated with cleaning programs including at least one rinsing subprogram and one drying subprogram. An insert for the dish basket adapted to be loaded with at least one of a plurality of silverware pieces and small dishes or other objects includes structure for providing autonomous run-off of dish washing liquid in contact with liquid problem retention areas of the insert. The structure includes a plurality of openings for the penetration of a dish washing liquid, the openings being limited by a plurality of ridges crossing in-plane at a plurality of crossing points forming the openings, and the ridges are formed in a sloped structure having a substantially rhomb shaped cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Rosenbauer, Heinz Heissler, Ulrich Deiss, Gerhard Fetzer
  • Patent number: 7617832
    Abstract: An automatic car wash system is provided for processing multiple vehicles simultaneously. The system according to one embodiment includes an elongate path, a plurality of stations for processing the vehicle, at least two detectors for indicating the presence of the vehicles. The system provides instructions to the drivers of the vehicles so that the vehicles travel through the system under their own power, and thus conveyor systems can be avoided, yet throughput remains high. In one embodiment, the system includes a radio transmitter that is operable to direct specific information to each of the vehicles via radio signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Michael MacDowell
  • Publication number: 20090277471
    Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus includes a supporting plate supporting a substrate and a shielding unit that is disposed above the substrate to protect the substrate. A portion of the shielding unit, which is adjacent to a focal point where light for generating shock waves is focused, is switched. Therefore, the substrate cleaning apparatus prevents the concentration of plumes and residence beams, which are generated together with the shock waves, on a specific region of the shielding unit and further prevents the recontamination of the substrate by the damage of the shielding unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: SEMES CO., LTD
    Inventors: Se-Won Lee, Jae-Jeong Jeong, Jung-Gun Cho
  • Publication number: 20090269506
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process and an apparatus for remote plasma cleaning of a process chamber of a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor. The reactive species are generated in a remote plasma unit and are introduced into the process chamber through a plurality of inlet holes. The reactive species are free radicals such as oxygen radicals, fluorine radicals, and the like. These reactive species react with the unwanted residues in the process chamber and generate volatile products. The invention also provides a method for controlling the flow rate of the reactive species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Seiji Okura
  • Patent number: 7596974
    Abstract: A device for applying stain formulation to a garment or article of clothing while it is being worn is disclosed. The device includes a reservoir with a valve assembly for dispensing an effective stain removal formulation directly to the stain, spot or mark. The device also includes a shell accommodating absorbent pads. After the stain removal formulation is applied, an absorbent pad is pressed and/or rubbed on the stain to lift and remove the stain and to absorb or wick excess fluid thereby reducing the amount of time the resulting wet spot takes to dry. Effective stain removing formulations for on-the-go use are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Leland J. Smith, Michael J. Banco, Douglas A. Soller, Roberta A. Wick, Jeanne A. O'Brien, Christopher R. Sheridan
  • Patent number: 7588039
    Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning an operator head of a hair removing apparatus such as a dry shaver. The system includes a cleaning device having a housing configured to hold the shaver upside down to place the operator head in a basin for cleaning the same with a liquid supplied from a tank. The apparatus incorporates an externally controllable electric circuit for driving the operator head in accordance with an external electric signal generated by a controller within the device. The device's housing has a signal transmitting means for transmitting the electric signal, while the apparatus has a signal receiving means which comes into electrical interconnection with the signal transmitting means. The signal receiving means is disposed intermediate the height of the apparatus such that the electrical interconnection can be made within the height of the apparatus, requiring no extra height dimension to the system for the electrical interconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Saito, Jyuzaemon Iwasaki, Hiroyuki Kameoka, Yasuo Ibuki, Fumio Taniguchi, Kotaro Yanagi, Hiroshi Shigeta
  • Patent number: 7556049
    Abstract: A modular exhaust vent for use in venting a wash chamber of a dishwasher, such as during a dry cycle, comprises a housing that forms an exhaust flow path from the wash chamber to the exterior of the dishwasher and a valve operable for pivotal movement about a pivot axis between an opened and closed position for selectively closing the exhaust flow path. An actuator for moving the valve is connected to the valve by a link such that activation of the actuator effects movement of the link to pivot the valve to either the opened or closed position. Further, the valve selectively closes the exhaust flow path at an inlet to impede introduction of sound into the exhaust flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Michelle L Oakes, Marc R Pendergrass, Angela J Robbins, Andrew J Retsema
  • Publication number: 20090162995
    Abstract: By hydrogen-terminating a semiconductor surface using a solution containing HF2? ions and an oxidant, the hydrogen termination can be quickly carried out. In this case, the semiconductor surface is silicon having a (111) surface, a (110) surface, or a (551) surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Akinobu Teramoto, Hiroshi Akahori
  • Publication number: 20090151758
    Abstract: A lower rack for a dishwasher is provided, comprising a rack member movable into and out of the dishwasher along first and second tracks extending from the tub to an interior portion of the dishwasher door. The lower rack includes at least one rack roller mechanism on each laterally-opposed side portion of the rack member, for facilitating movement of the rack member with respect to the lower end of the tub and the interior portion of the open door. One of the rack roller mechanisms includes a leadingly-disposed stop portion, as the rack member is moved out of the lower end of the tub and along the interior portion of the open door for interacting with a stop feature of the corresponding one of the first and second tracks to limit egress of the rack member from the tub along the first and second tracks. Associated apparatuses are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Torkel Kristensson, Michael Bryan Pike
  • Publication number: 20090145463
    Abstract: Provided are an ozonated water mixture supply apparatus and method, and a substrate treating facility that receives an ozonated water mixture from the apparatus to treat a substrate. The ozonated water mixture supply apparatus includes a mixing line and distribution lines. The mixing line respectively receives a treating liquid and an ozonated water from a treating liquid supply line and an ozonated water supply line and mixes the treating liquid and the ozonated water to generate the ozonated water mixture satisfying a previously set concentration. Each of the distribution lines distributes the ozonated water mixture generated from the mixing line into a process unit. The mixing line includes a mixing valve and a static mixer. Therefore, the ozonated water mixture having the previously set concentration is generated and supplied using an in-line mixing method without requiring a mixing vessel such as a mixing tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Rae-Taek Oh, Choon-Sik Kim, Jeong-Yong Bae
  • Publication number: 20090133721
    Abstract: A chandelier cleaning apparatus includes a tent-like enclosure made of a transparent plastic. In a first embodiment, the enclosure includes a main body having a flat top panel and a flat, imperforate bottom panel. A central aperture is formed in the top panel and a zipper extends from the central aperture to an outer periphery of the top panel so that the central opening is enlarged when the zipper is open. The chandelier passes through the central aperture when the zipper is open and is enclosed within the enclosure when the zipper is closed. A mist of hot water is sprayed onto the chandelier with a wand that extends though a small opening in the enclosure. The time required to clean a typical chandelier drops from hours to minutes, no chemicals are used, and the chandelier is touched only by the hot mist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Keith S. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20090120471
    Abstract: A system and a retrofit kit for removing debris from a surface of a material. At least one vibration subunit is provided which is either embedded within or operatively connected to a back surface of the material. The vibration subunits are capable of converting a driving energy to a vibrating mechanical output energy which is coupled to the material. At least one external energy source is provided which is operatively connected to the vibration subunits. The external energy source is capable of providing the driving energy to the vibration subunits. The vibrating mechanical energy is capable of causing debris to be removed from the surface of the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Damian R. Ludwiczak
  • Publication number: 20090120456
    Abstract: To provide a technique which cleans an attracting face of a mechanism for electrostatically attracting an object to be processed inside a vacuum processing apparatus and keeps its attracting force constant. The method of the present invention is for cleaning an attracting face of a hot plate which holds the object to be processed inside a vacuum processing chamber through electrostatic attraction. The invention method includes a step of cleaning the attracting face of the hot plate by applying a high-frequency electric power of 13.56 MHz to a metallic base arranged under and near the hot plate in a state in which a cleaning gas is introduced into the vacuum processing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: ULVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Kouji SOGABE, Naoki MORIMOTO, Masahiko ISHIDA
  • Patent number: 7527921
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention relate to methods of treating and removing a photoresist pattern and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device using the same. Other example embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of treating a photoresist pattern and a method of removing a photoresist pattern formed using a photoresist composition suitable for argon fluoride (ArF). In a method of removing a photoresist pattern, an ozone vapor including a water vapor and an ozone gas may be provided onto the photoresist pattern to remove a hydrophobic group from a photoresist resin included in the photoresist pattern. A cleaning solution may be provided to make the photoresist pattern water-soluble. A cleaning process may be performed on the photoresist pattern to remove the photoresist pattern. The photoresist pattern may be effectively removed without an increased processing time and/or damage to a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dae-Hyuk Chung, Dae-Keun Kang, Se-Ho Cha
  • Publication number: 20090084413
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus and methods for rinsing and drying substrates. One embodiment provides an end effector comprising a body having a contact tip for contacting an edge area of a substrate, wherein the end effector is configured to support the substrate while the substrate is in a rinsing bath and while the substrate is being dried from the rinsing bath, and the contact tip comprises a hydrophilic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: JOHN S. LEWIS, Michael Biese, Garrett H. Sin, Chidambara A. Ramalingam, Balaji Chandrasekaran, Tak Fan (Kerry) Ling
  • Publication number: 20090084399
    Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for cleaning a substrate using a laser beam, an inner chamber is disposed in a process chamber to define a space in which a laser-induced shock wave is generated. The laser beam is focused on a laser focus positioned in the inner chamber, and thus the laser-induced plasma shock wave is generated around the laser focus. The plasma shock wave is reflected from inner surfaces of the inner chamber and is irradiated on the substrate through a lower portion of the inner chamber. As a result, the intensity of the plasma shock wave irradiated on the substrate is increased, and thus the contaminants on the substrate may be effectively removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Se-Won Lee
  • Patent number: 7500488
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing soil from a shoe, boot or other article of footwear. The apparatus employs a jet of water or other fluid to dislodge and break up the soil. The spray nozzle is housed within a tubular plunger having a discharge opening in its upper end. The plunger is operatively connected to the nozzle, so that stepping on the plunger actuates a flow of water therethrough. The nozzle includes a return spring that biases the valve back to the closed position when the plunger is released. The stream of water is directed through the opening against the surface of the shoe or other article of footwear. The upper end of the plunger is surrounded by a layer of flow-disbursing material that prevents the escape of spray from beneath the article of footwear. The layer of flow-disbursing material may be formed by a layer of coarse, open-cell foam material or by a multiplicity of small, resiliently flexible fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Michie R. Long
  • Patent number: 7493781
    Abstract: An ultrasonic washing apparatus, comprising a body part, an ultrasonic vibrating horn exposed to the outside of the body part, a liquid feeding means for feeding liquid to the ultrasonic vibrating horn, and a mounting means for mounting the body part at any position, the mounting means further comprising a support arm to be installed on an installed object such as a full automatic washing machine, wherein the support arm is extendable, energized in a retracting direction by a helical tension spring, and can stop an extension at any length with a fixing screw, and the body part can change an attitude or a position relative to the mounting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirokazu Ooe
  • Publication number: 20090044844
    Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus which cleans a material at a surface by supplying an ultrasonic wave from an ultrasonic wave application head to a cleaning liquid on the surface, and cleans the surface, wherein the ultrasonic wave application head has an ultrasonic wave transmission member which is provided opposite the surface, and has a curved portion on a first plane placed close to the surface, an ultrasonic transducer which is provided on a second plane placed opposite the first plane of the ultrasonic wave transmission member, and generates and applies an ultrasonic wave to a cleaning liquid on the surface through the ultrasonic wave transmission member, and a preventive portion which is provided in the ultrasonic wave transmission member, and prevents the ultrasonic wave applied to the cleaning liquid and reflected on the surface from entering the ultrasonic transducer through the ultrasonic wave transmission member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Naoaki SAKURAI, Hiroshi Fujita
  • Publication number: 20090044845
    Abstract: The endoscope reprocessor includes a basin for receiving an endoscope to be reprocessed, a rack which secures thereto a portion of the endoscope and moves vertically within the basin, a drive unit for vertically moving the rack, a positioning member for adjusting a rack stopping position when the endoscope is to be set on the rack and a drive control unit for controlling the drive unit based on computed results from the positioning member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Shengfu Cui, Mitsuhiko Serizawa
  • Publication number: 20090044843
    Abstract: In a first aspect, an apparatus for cleaning a substrate is provide. The apparatus comprises a first megasonic cleaner adapted to clean a substrate using a first frequency; and a second megasonic cleaner adapted to clean a substrate using a second frequency. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Guy E. Shirazi
  • Publication number: 20090038656
    Abstract: A hollow integrally molded article cleansing container of monolithic one-piece construction which is formed of a soft, pliable and resilient plastic material throughout, such as silicone rubber, and is suitable for use within a dishwasher for storing and retaining one or more small articles, such as certain dental appliances or items commonly used by infants and toddlers. The outer wall of the container includes a plurality of openings to permit a flow of water within the dishwasher to pass through the container while performing the cleansing function and an elongated narrow slit that is resiliently deformable into an enlarged opening upon application of pressure adjacent its ends to facilitate the introduction and removal of the article to be cleaned into and from the container. An integral eyelet is provided for securing the container to a rack pin within the dishwasher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Ted Eric Ahrenholtz, Justin Paul Boortz
  • Publication number: 20090038636
    Abstract: A method of cleaning an imprint template is disclosed. The method includes exposing the imprint template to a reductive fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Sander Frederik Wuister, Vadim Yevgenyevich Banine, Maarten Marinus Johannes Van Herpen
  • Patent number: 7487786
    Abstract: A lift mechanism for a cleaning device of a dry shaving apparatus includes a base plate with guides and a chassis plate mounting the chassis and arranged for displacement relative to the base plate. Coiled-strip springs arranged on the guides spring-load the chassis plate against the base plate. On actuation of the lift mechanism the coiled-strip springs are untensioned by coiling up along the guides, thereby lifting the chassis plate. The coiled-strip springs reduce the load on the construction and ensure an almost noiseless lift mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Höser, Diana Kappes, Andreas Larscheid, Uwe Ludäscher, Svatopluk Krumnikl
  • Publication number: 20090020144
    Abstract: An apparatus for wet processing individual substrates comprising; a means for holding the substrate; a means for providing acoustic energy to a non-device side of the substrate; and a means for flowing a fluid onto a device side of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: STEVEN VERHAVERBEKE, J. Kelly Truman, Alexander Ko, Rick R. Endo
  • Publication number: 20090015804
    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: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Anthonius Martinus De Jong, Hans Jansen, Marco Koert Stavenga, Peter Franciscus Wanten, Bauke Jansen, Johannes Wilhelmus Cuijpers, Raymond Gerardus Beeren, Kornelis Tijmen Hoekerd
  • Publication number: 20090007935
    Abstract: A cost-effective and minimally destructive apparatus and method for removing paint and other coatings from a surface. The apparatus comprises a tape having a masking material adapted to adhere to the surface and a stripper, wherein applying the masking material and the stripper can be performed in a single step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Pierce Newman
  • Publication number: 20090007944
    Abstract: A dishwasher comprises a tub formed as a molded plastic structure having a bottom wall joined to a plurality of vertical walls, and a top wall joined to upper ends of the vertical walls, so as to define a wash chamber, a front side of the tub defining an opening for access to the wash chamber; (b) a door for closing the opening in the front side of the tub; (c) a hinge support member integrally molded with the tub and located proximate the front edge of the bottom wall of the tub; and (d) a pair of hinge plates respectively secured to the opposite side edges of the door and pivotally engaged with the hinge support member on the tub to enable the door to pivot relative to the tub about a horizontal pivot axis defined by the hinge support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Robert J. Haeberle
  • Publication number: 20080308125
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a sawn wafer block includes a cleaning basin, a fixture for holding a sawn wafer block in the cleaning basin such that, when cleaning liquid is present in the cleaning basin, at least a portion of the wafer block having sawn gaps is disposed in the cleaning liquid, at least one outlet port in a bottom region of the cleaning basin, and a closer for the outlet port, by means of which the outlet port may be opened and closed. The closer, the outlet port and the bottom region of the cleaning basin are configured such that, by opening the closer the cleaning liquid is drainable so fast from at least the area of the cleaning basin having the wafer block disposed therein that contaminants are removable from the sawn gaps due to a suction effect of the cleaning liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: STANGL SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Stangl, Hans-Juergen Stangl
  • Publication number: 20080303857
    Abstract: A nozzle chip cleaning apparatus of an inkjet printer in which a structure to supply and drain a cleaning solution to clean nozzle chips. The nozzle chip cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning bath in which a cleaning solution is contained to clean the nozzle chips, an ultrasonic wave device installed in the cleaning bath to generates waves in the cleaning solution contained in the cleaning bath so that the cleaning solution reaches the nozzle chips, a supply and drain pipe that performs as a supply pipe to supply the cleaning solution from a cleaning solution storage tank to the cleaning bath and as a drain pipe to drain the cleaning solution that has been supplied to the cleaning bath to the cleaning solution storage tank, and a pump that provides a driving force to supply and drain the cleaning solution through the supply and drain pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Karp-sik YOUN
  • Publication number: 20080295870
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices, systems, and methods for transferring cleaning fluid from a tank to a reservoir located on a cleaning implement. The present invention provides a fluid-transfer system that may include a pump assembly for pressurizing fluid stored in a tank and a filling dock for providing fluid communication between the tank and the cleaning implement. The filling dock may releasably secure the implement during the fluid transfer operation. In operation, the cleaning implement is attached to the filling dock, and, after attachment, cleaning fluid flows from the tank, through the filling dock, and into the reservoir of the cleaning implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Rubbermaid Commercial Products LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Perelli, Grant M. Mason
  • Publication number: 20080283095
    Abstract: An endoscope washer disinfector comprises a chemical cassette, a loading unit, and a chemical tank. The chemical cassette is charged with a chemical. This chemical cassette has a delivery port to deliver the chemical therethrough. The loading unit allows the chemical cassette to be detachably loaded thereto and is formed to deliver the chemical in the chemical cassette when the chemical cassette is loaded. The loading unit comprises a blade used to forcibly open the delivery port and to sense whether or not the chemical is delivered to the chemical tank via the opened delivery port. The chemical tank stores the chemical delivered from the chemical cassette loaded to the loading unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shintaro SUZUKI, Eiri SUZUKI, Shinichiro KAWACHI