With Pressurized Fluid Or Fluid Manipulation Patents (Class 134/22.18)
  • Patent number: 8696822
    Abstract: A method of using a rendering trailer, the rendering trailer including a dump box or trailer body with a center gate dividing the interior chamber of the trailer body into forward and rearward compartments, from which dead animal parts may be respectively dumped in different locations. A doorway is formed in the center gate to allow a person to walk therethrough to facilitate washing the forward and rearward compartments. A rigid door is mounted on the center gate to open and close the doorway. Opening the door allows the person to walk through the doorway and wash the compartments. A hose may be draped over a sidewall of the trailer and pulled through the doorway to spray the forward compartment. Perforated panels may be mounted along lower ends of left and right side walls of the trailer body to allow water and other fluids to drain therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Mac Trailer Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Maiorana
  • Publication number: 20140087568
    Abstract: A method of cleaning an interior of a process chamber by supplying a cleaning gas into the process chamber after a process of forming a thin film on a substrate in the process chamber is performed, including alternately repeating changing a pressure in the process chamber from a first pressure range to a second pressure range, and changing the pressure in the process chamber from the second pressure range to the first pressure range. In this method, when the pressure in the process chamber is changed to the first pressure range, the pressure in the process chamber is changed to the first pressure range without being maintained at the second pressure range, and when the pressure in the process chamber is changed to the second pressure range, the pressure in the process chamber is changed to the second pressure range without being maintained at the first pressure range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: HITACHI KOKUSAI ELECTRIC INC.
    Inventors: Takaaki NODA, Masatoshi TAKADA
  • Patent number: 8679259
    Abstract: When a dry cleaning process is performed in a processing chamber by adding nitrogen monoxide (NO) gas to a cleaning gas, the handling is facilitated, and cleaning performance is improved. A substrate processing apparatus includes a processing vessel configured to process a substrate, a first cleaning gas supply system configured to pre-mix a gas containing fluorine atoms with the NO gas and supply the pre-mixed gas into the processing vessel, and a second cleaning gas supply system installed apart from the first cleaning gas supply system and configured to supply the fluorine-containing gas into the processing vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignees: Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc., L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Kenji Kameda, Jun Sonobe, Yudai Tadaki
  • Patent number: 8668779
    Abstract: A method of simultaneously cleaning and disinfecting an industrial water system is described and claimed. The method involves the addition to the water of the industrial water system of a Compound selected from the group consisting of the alkali salts of chlorite and chlorate and mixtures thereof; and an acid, followed by allowing the water in the industrial water system to circulate for several hours. The reaction of the alkali salts of chlorite and chlorate and acid produces chlorine dioxide in-situ in the water of the industrial water system. The chlorine dioxide kills microorganisms and the acid acts to remove deposits upon the water-contact surfaces of the equipment. This cleaning and disinfecting method works in a variety of industrial water systems including cooling water systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Cooper, Jasbir S. Gill, Amit Gupta, Robert F. Kelly, Douglas G. Kelley, Eric R. Myers
  • Patent number: 8663393
    Abstract: A method for operating a dishwasher that includes a plurality of water circuits in which rinsing liquid is circulated according to a program control unit. In an exemplary method, the circulation of the rinsing liquid results in the passage of the rinsing liquid through at least one filter element that captures dirt entrained with the rinsing liquid. In response to a selected one of a program command provided by the program control unit and a detection of a defined degree of soiling of the filter element with dirt, the method includes circulating the rinsing liquid in a second water circuit in coordination with disposing the filter element in a second operating state thereof in which dirt can be dislodged from the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Egbert Classen, Helmut Jerg
  • Publication number: 20140053875
    Abstract: The timing of warewash machine delime operations may be set according to one or more of water used in the machine or one or more machine characteristics. A delime process that utilizes intermittent shock delime operations is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Alexander R. Anim-Mensah, Jeffrey R. Newcomer, Brian A. Brunswick
  • Patent number: 8657965
    Abstract: A method for controlling a dishwasher includes sequentially performing a first main washing step, a second main washing step, and a third main washing step. The first main washing step includes supplying washing water, which is heated by a sump heater, to a washing chamber. The second main washing step includes selectively performing a steam spraying action for supplying steam to the washing chamber, and performing a water supplying action for supplying washing water to the washing chamber. The third main washing step includes supplying washing water, heated by the sump heater, to the washing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Jin Choi, Joon Ho Pyo, Seong Ho Kim, Jung Youp Han, Young Hwan Park
  • Patent number: 8652265
    Abstract: An improved method for cleaning heat exchange tube bundles, fin-fans, and other elongated components, using a portable cleaning system comprising a cleaning unit having a cleaning enclosure that receives and cleans the component and a control unit that controls the operation of the system. The cleaning unit has a cleaning enclosure defining a chamber sized and configured to receive the component through a sealable lid. A roller assembly rotates the component while a spray assembly sprays cleaning fluid over and into the rotating component. The cleaning fluid is heated in the chamber using surface heating elements attached to heat transfer plates along sections of the chamber walls. A vapor recovery system captures and treats toxic vapors. In use, the cleaning system is transported to a facility to clean the components on-site using cleaning fluid supplied by the facility and discharging waste to the facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Gary I Hays
  • Patent number: 8632639
    Abstract: A mobile cleaning device for cleaning parts of a burner is provided. The mobile cleaning device includes a closable pressure vessel, wherein a nozzle end of the burner is located inside the pressure vessel. An end of the burner, which is used for supplying fuel and is arranged opposite from the nozzle end, is located outside the pressure vessel. Further, a method for cleaning parts of the burner is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Böttcher, Andre Kluge, Sabine Tüschen
  • Publication number: 20140014136
    Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are provided for cleaning a polishing module of a semiconductor polishing apparatus. Purge air flow can be supplied into the polishing module (e.g., directed towards a polishing unit, a shield, and/or other polishing components) to create turbulence air flow within the polishing module. An auxiliary exhaust can be invoked to exhaust one or more particulates removed from the polishing module by the turbulence air flow. A purge air flow cycle can be performed by cycling the purge air flow and the auxiliary exhaust between on and off states. One or more purge air flow cycles can be performed during a main air flow cycle where laminar air flow is supplied into the polishing module and exhausted using a main exhaust. In this way, one or more particulates can be cleaned from the polishing module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Kuo-Yin Lin, Chih-I Peng, Kun-Tai Wu, Teng-Chun Tsai, Hsiang-Pi Chang, Cary Chia-Chiung Lo
  • Publication number: 20140000654
    Abstract: A receptacle cleaning assembly for use with electrical connectors includes a receptacle washing fixture having a manifold body with a solution inlet and outlet. A plurality of nozzles, in communication with the solution inlet, are coupled with the manifold body and are arranged in a pattern corresponding to female connector receptacles. An interface seal is coupled with the manifold body. The plurality of nozzles extend through the interface seal, and the interface seal is configured to seal along a face of the connector. At least one solution return passage extends through the interface seal from an exterior of the plurality of nozzles to the solution outlet. An alignment skirt extends from the manifold body, and couples and aligns the connector receptacles with the plurality of nozzles. In another example, the receptacle cleaning assembly includes a receptacle brush fixture including a plurality of reciprocating brushes for use in the female connector receptacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Steven A. Musante
  • Publication number: 20130340675
    Abstract: Applicator (11) for application of a viscous mass (31) to a surface (33) comprising a heated chamber (32) in communication with openings (12) controlled by valves (14) allowing dropwise discharge of the viscous mass to the surface. The valves (14) are non-packed and comprise an outer sleeve (15) having at least one through opening (16) in its sleeve wall and valve plug (17) adapted to the internal surface of the sleeve (15). The valve plug (17) is reciprocated by a valve lifter (18) from a closed position completely sealing the at least one through opening (16) in the sleeve wall, to an elevated open position exposing at least the lowermost part of the at least one through opening (16) allowing viscous mass (31) to pass from the outside of the sleeve (15) to the inside thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: TRYSIL MASKIN AS
    Inventors: Erik Bakken, Jari Pasanen
  • Patent number: 8608862
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a gassing manifold includes providing a gassing module and a complementary clean in place module for coupling to the gassing module. Cleaning solution is pumped from the clean in place module to the gassing module above a minimum flow rate and velocity for effective cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods RDM, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Hopkins, Kevin G. Mellor
  • Publication number: 20130327362
    Abstract: With the waste container washing system described herein, the waste container can be moved into a washing compartment of the washing vehicle for washing thereof; in a first washing phase, the waste container can be exposed to a plurality of water jets of grey water pumped from a grey water reservoir; and in a second washing phase, the waste container can be exposed to a plurality of clean water pumped from a clean water reservoir. The water used in the first and/or second washing phase can be collected and stored in the grey water reservoir. Other improvements, such as a double-action pump for the two phases, a filtering system for grey water, a container movement system and path, and methods are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: 9103-8034 QUEBEC INC.
    Inventor: Serge Gingras
  • Patent number: 8603256
    Abstract: A movable trash container cleaning system includes a vehicle with a spray booth and a movable access door for enclosing the spray booth. A manipulating arm is provided for engaging and lifting a container disposed outside a vehicle and inverting a container inside the spray booth. A sprayer is provided and disposed for spraying the fluid onto inside surfaces of the inverted container to clean the container and dislodge the solids. A stationary platform is provided for receiving the dislodge solids wash from the inverted container and the ram packer moves to dislodge the solids from the platform into a storage chamber in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Rainbow Conversion Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Shuman, Jerry Moffatt, Bruce Atwell, Robert J. Romacly, Glenn A. Romacly
  • Publication number: 20130318813
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry machine in which the lint filter can be cleaned even at low water pressure and a method for cleaning the lint filter, wherein the invention comprises: a tub in which washing water is accommodated; a drum which is rotatably disposed in said tub; an air circulating unit which supplies air to said tub; an air returning hole which returns the air of said tub to said air circulating unit; a lint filter which filters lint contained in the air which is circulated by said air circulating unit; and a filter cleaning unit which sprays the washing water through a plurality of nozzle holes such that said lint is separated from said lint filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Sangwook Hong, Cheolsoo Ko, Hyojun Kim
  • Patent number: 8591667
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for cleaning jacks in portable electronic components. In one embodiment of the present invention, an adaptor plug is designed having a hollow shaft and the end of the plug is designed with holes that communication with the hollow shaft. The plug can be inserted into a jack, which can operate to open one or more switches within the jack, thereby freeing any debris that may have accumulated under the switches. Compressed air can then be applied down the hollow shaft and out the holes in the plug to displace the debris and clean the jack. In another embodiment, the end of the plug can be constructed such that it rotates about an axis to increase the likelihood that the jack will be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Adam D. Mittleman, Stephen Zadesky
  • Publication number: 20130306109
    Abstract: Dust that is accumulated in an exhaust passage provided in a chamber, the exhaust passage for discharging gas in the chamber of a semiconductor crystal manufacturing device, is removed by being sucked from the outside of the chamber. Moreover, an opening and closing valve for cleaning that is detachably attached to an opening of the exhaust passage, the opening facing the chamber, is opened and closed intermittently in a suction state. Furthermore, the opening and closing valve for cleaning is driven by a valve driving unit. The dust accumulated in the exhaust passage is removed efficiently, whereby the time required to clean the exhaust passage is shortened and fluctuations of the pressure inside the chamber when a semiconductor crystal is manufactured are suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: SUMCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenji Okita
  • Patent number: 8580043
    Abstract: An automated cleaning system for an aircraft fuselage interior is provided. The system has a movable assembly designed to fit within an aircraft fuselage interior to be cleaned. The movable assembly has a removable track assembly and an automated transport mechanism mounted on the removable track assembly, the automated transport mechanism being a guided cart that travels on the removable track assembly. The movable assembly further has a manifold and frame assembly mounted on the automated transport mechanism and a fluid dispensing assembly coupled to the manifold and frame assembly for dispensing fluids onto an aircraft fuselage interior surface. The system further has a fluid management system coupled to the movable assembly for supplying the fluids to the fluid dispensing assembly. The system further has a control system that communicates with and controls the movable assembly and the fluid management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Todd S. Tiffany, Robert Neth
  • Patent number: 8574371
    Abstract: A method for cleaning containers, in particular bottles of glass or plastics, and a cleaning machine with at least one cleaning medium, with the containers cleaned at least in one station preferential for the cleaning result and/or in a procedure step with at least essentially chemical-free cleaning media. The cleaning medium is advantageously a granular material, in particular granular ice, carried under pressure with compressed air or compressed water. The cleaning machine suited for carrying out the method includes downstream of an unpacking and presoaking station, a pre-cleaning station with a high pressure water blasting pre-cleaning section, and subsequently an intensive cleaning station with at least one intensive cleaning section to which a pressure blasting system for chemical-free, granular material and a carrier medium are associated, and a disinfection station following the intensive cleaning station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Cornelia Folz, Jan Momsen, Heinz Humele, Timm Kirchhoff, Klaus-Karl Wasmuht, Bernd Hansen, Thomas Islinger, Christoph Weinholzer
  • Patent number: 8574378
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for home brewing equipment including a basin for holding a cleaning solution and a support assembly mountable in the basin, the support assembly sized and configured to support a container in an upside down position and above the cleaning solution. A plumbing assembly may be coupled to the basin to receive cleaning solution from the basin and the plumbing assembly may be coupled to at least one channel configured to extend into the body of the container. The plumbing assembly may include a pump so that when the pump is activated pressurized cleaning solution is released from the channel inside the container against the inner walls of the container so that the inside of the container is sanitized. The basin may have support elements defining footprints for supporting at least two different sizes of containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Milroy
  • Patent number: 8574372
    Abstract: A nozzle cleaning method includes cleaning an outer wall of a dispenser nozzle after liquid is sucked and before the liquid is discharged and cleaning at least an inner wall of the dispenser nozzle after the liquid is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Akihisa Kuroda, Mitsuhisa Kobayashi, Yoshihiro Kase, Tamotsu Okawa
  • Patent number: 8568535
    Abstract: Systems and methods for exposing semiconductor workpieces to vapors for through-hole cleaning and/or other processes are disclosed. A representative method includes exposing a semiconductor workpiece to a vapor, with the semiconductor workpiece having an opening extending from a first surface of the workpiece through the workpiece to a second surface facing opposite from the first surface. The opening can include a contaminant, and the method can further include drawing the vapor and the contaminant through at least a portion of the opening and away from the second surface of the semiconductor workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin W. Hutto
  • Patent number: 8562751
    Abstract: A dry cleaning method of a substrate processing apparatus includes forming a metal oxide by oxidizing a metal film adhered to the inside of a processing chamber of the substrate processing apparatus; forming a complex by reacting the metal oxide with ?-diketone; and sublimating the complex to be removed. A cleaning gas containing oxygen and ?-diketone is supplied into the processing chamber while heating the inside of the processing chamber. A flow rate ratio of oxygen to ?-diketone in the cleaning gas is set such that a formation rate of the metal oxide is lower than a formation rate of the complex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignees: Tokyo Electron Limited, Central Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Isao Gunji, Yusaku Izawa, Hitoshi Itoh, Tomonori Umezaki, Yuta Takeda, Isamu Mori
  • Patent number: 8551260
    Abstract: A fuel injection flush tool adapted to be connected to a conventional fuel injection flush canister in which a supply of combustible liquid fuel injection cleaner is stored. Liquid cleaner is delivered from the flush canister to a gasoline or diesel-driven engine being serviced by which to burn off carbon deposits from the fuel injectors and related parts during a tune-up or service. During one embodiment, air is applied to the flush canister so that the liquid cleaner is delivered from the canister at a pressure which corresponds to the operating pressure of the engine running at idle. In this case, the fuel injectors can advantageously be cleaned (i.e., decarbonized) in a relatively short time and at reduced cost without having to turn off the engine, disable the fuel pump, or remove seats, fuses, relays, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventors: Parviz R. Horriat, Jimmy B. Horriat
  • Publication number: 20130260566
    Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, which efficiently removes a high permittivity film (high-k film). The method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: (a) supplying a processing gas containing an organic compound into a process chamber to form a predetermined film on a substrate; (b) supplying a first cleaning gas into the process chamber with the substrate being unloaded from the process chamber to remove films adhered to an inner wall of a reaction tube defining the process chamber and members disposed in the process chamber; (c) supplying a modifying gas into the process chamber after performing (b) to modify a carbon-containing film remaining in a nozzle of the members configured to supply the processing gas; and (d) supplying a second cleaning gas into the process chamber to remove a film obtained by modifying the carbon-containing film in (c).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.
    Inventor: Hirohisa Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8545638
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a food plant of the type which produces an aseptic product or a product with extended shelf life involves at least one circulation with an alkaline detergent solution and at least one circulation with an acidic cleaning solutions. The circulations take place alternatively with the alkaline detergent solution and the acidic cleaning solution. Prior to the first circulation, between each circulation and after the last circulation, rinsings with water take place. Simultaneously with the last circulation with alkaline detergent solution the plant is sterilized, and after the last circulation with the acidic cleaning solution the two last rinsings with water take place with sterile liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance SA
    Inventors: Klaus Bake, Roland Ringstrom
  • Patent number: 8540821
    Abstract: A teat cup cleaning device comprises a heating chamber provided with a discharge outlet that is closable by a valve and arranged for connection to a teat cup. A filling device is arranged for filling the heating chamber with an amount of cleaning liquid and retaining a given quantity of gas. The chamber is provided with a heating arrangement arranged to heat the contents of the heating chamber to a temperature T higher than the boiling point Tk of the cleaning liquid at ambient pressure. On operation of the valve superheated cleaning liquid is discharged to clean a teat cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Maasland N.V.
    Inventors: Karel Van Den Berg, Gerard Mostert
  • Patent number: 8535449
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for removing deposits from rotating parts of a gas turbine engine while under full fire or idle speed utilizing a particulate coke composition. The coke composition may be introduced directly into the combustion chamber (combustor) of the gas turbine or, alternatively, anywhere in the fuel stream, water washing system, or the combustion air system. By kinetic impact with the deposits on blades and vanes, the deposits will be dislodged and will thereby restore the gas turbine to rated power output. If introduced into the compressor section, the coke particles impinge on those metal surfaces, cleaning them prior to entering the hot gas section where the process is repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Envirochem Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Mark D. Hughes, Daniel T. Smith, Kenneth W. Koch, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8529704
    Abstract: An operation method for cleaning a vacuum processing apparatus includes feeding a cleaning gas into a film deposition chamber of the vacuum processing apparatus when a predetermined number of batches of film deposition process is finished. The predetermined number of batch of film deposition processes is calculated based on a film deposition-related operating time (a film deposition time and a film deposition preparation time) and a cleaning-related operating time (a cleaning procedure time, a cleaning procedure preparation time, and a pre-deposition film deposition time).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eishiro Sasakawa, Masahiro Sakaki, Shigekazu Ueno, Keisuke Kawamura, Akemi Takano
  • Patent number: 8524008
    Abstract: In the case of a device and a method for cleaning substrates on a carrier, to the underside of which the substrates are fastened so as to be parallel to and slightly apart from one another, the carrier has in its interior a plurality of longitudinal channels, which run parallel to one another. As a result of the sawing of the wafers, they merge, via openings, into interstices between the substrates. As a result of a relative movement, an elongate tube, from which cleaning fluid is let out, is introduced into one of the longitudinal channels, the relative movement being achieved substantially through moving of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Gebr. Schmid GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Worm, Reinhard Huber
  • Publication number: 20130213442
    Abstract: A method for purging a substrate container which accommodates in multiple stages a plurality of substrates to be processed by a substrate processing apparatus, the method includes: mounting the substrate container on a mounting unit; connecting a gas supply port provided in the substrate container and a gas supply line provided in a mounting unit; starting supply of a dry gas into the substrate container from a gas supply line before opening a cover of the substrate container; opening the cover of the substrate container while keeping the supply of the dry gas; closing the cover of the substrate container upon completion of processing of the substrates in the substrate container; and stopping the supply of the dry gas after closing the cover of the substrate container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
  • Publication number: 20130213441
    Abstract: Cleaning of a bulk dispense system of an appliance is provided. The appliance can include a user accessible compartment whereby the bulk dispense system is connected to a supply of a cleaning fluid. The appliance can be activated so as to flow the cleaning fluid through the bulk dispense system to help clean the system by e.g., removing particulates of detergent, fabric softener, and/or other undesirable matter that may be in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Christopher Nils Naber, Bryan T. Snook, Aaron Lee Welch, Todd Anthony Reger
  • Patent number: 8512478
    Abstract: A cleaning and drying-preventing method including: positioning a nozzle in a container such that a funnel-like inner circumferential surface of the container is located around a periphery of a distal end of the nozzle; sucking a liquid in the nozzle to retract a level of the liquid to a side of a supply passage; supplying a solvent into the container to form a swirl flow of the solvent turning around the distal end of the nozzle, and cleaning the nozzle by the swirl flow; supplying a solvent into the container to form a liquid pool of the solvent; and further retracting the level of the liquid in the nozzle to the side of the supply passage. A liquid layer, an air layer, and a solvent layer are formed in the nozzle in this order from the side of the supply passage, to prevent drying of the liquid in the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Kometani, Takeshi Hirao, Kentaro Yamamura, Kenichi Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 8491723
    Abstract: A method for an automated self-cleaning of a continuous dishwasher for items to be cleaned with at least one rinsing zone, at least one clear rinsing zone and also a transporter. Items to be cleaned are conveyed in the direction of transportation via the transporter. The continuous dishwasher comprises at least one fine filter with a back-rinser on at least one storage tank and also at least one device for emptying each of the storage tanks. The continuous dishwasher automatically carries out a self-cleaning cycle in which cleaning liquid located in each of the storage tanks is used several times in succession in the various zones for cleaning thereof. The cleaning liquid is circulated by means of circulating pumps in the respective storage tanks and supplied to spraying systems, which are already present in the respective zones, or to separate nozzles or nozzle heads for wetting the inner side of the faces delimiting the respective zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Denis Lehmann
  • Patent number: 8491722
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a tube or pipeline, wherein an IP comprising an electronics module arrangement, is driven along the interior of the tube or pipeline by fluid pressure, wherein the IP transmits monitoring signals through the fluid that provides the pressure to the wall of the tube or pipeline, receives signals returned from the wall, analyzes the returned signals and stores data relating to the condition of the wall of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Cokebusters Ltd
    Inventor: John Phipps
  • Patent number: 8491725
    Abstract: A cleaning method comprises first cleaning which includes supplying a cleaning-liquid to the coloring device from the optical fiber passing hole of the nipple and the ink supply opening, and discharging the cleaning-liquid from the cleaning-liquid discharge opening, and second cleaning which includes supplying a cleaning-liquid to the coloring device from the optical fiber passing hole of the nipple and the ink supply opening, and discharging the cleaning-liquid from the optical fiber passing hole of the second die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Arima, Hiroaki Itoh, Tatsuya Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 8480813
    Abstract: A method of introducing treatment fluid into containers to remove contaminants therefrom in a container filling plant, and an arrangement therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Molitor, Ulrich Wiedemann, Falk Dittrich
  • Publication number: 20130167874
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for cleaning jacks in portable electronic components. In one embodiment of the present invention, an adaptor plug is designed having a hollow shaft and the end of the plug is designed with holes that communication with the hollow shaft. The plug can be inserted into a jack, which can operate to open one or more switches within the jack, thereby freeing any debris that may have accumulated under the switches. Compressed air can then be applied down the hollow shaft and out the holes in the plug to displace the debris and clean the jack. In another embodiment, the end of the plug can be constructed such that it rotates about an axis to increase the likelihood that the jack will be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Apple Inc.
  • Patent number: 8475110
    Abstract: A system and method capable of performing online corrosion monitoring of a component installed in a gas turbine. A sensing device is located so that electrodes thereof are exposed to an operating environment within the gas turbine section containing the component. The electrodes are formed of a material so that the component and electrodes similarly respond to corrosive agents within the gas turbine section. The electrodes are electrically insulated from each other and each electrode is operable as an anodic electrode or a cathodic electrode, depending on the extent of corrosion thereat, so that each electrode has an electrical potential value, voltages exist across the electrodes, electric currents flow between the electrodes, and the electrical potential/current values correspond to corrosion behaviors at the anodic electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rebecca Hefner, Jeff P. Czapiewski
  • Patent number: 8459277
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for cleaning heat exchangers and similar vessels by introducing chemical cleaning solutions and/or solvents while maintaining a target temperature range by direct steam injection into the cleaning solution. The steam may be injected directly into the heat exchanger or into a temporary side stream loop for recirculating the cleaning solution or admixed with fluids being injected to the heat exchanger. The disclosed methods are suitable for removing metallic oxides from a heat exchanger under chemically reducing conditions or metallic species such as copper under chemically oxidizing conditions. In order to further enhance the heat transfer efficiency of heating cleaning solvents by direct steam injection, mixing on the secondary side of the heat exchanger can be enhanced by gas sparging or by transferring liquid between heat exchangers when more than one heat exchanger is being cleaned at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Dominion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Varrin, Jr., Michael J. Little
  • Publication number: 20130140328
    Abstract: A food and beverage dispenser for dispensing food and beverage products may have a clean in place (CIP) system that functions with minimal to no operator interface and disassembly. The dispenser may include one or more product barrels and an ingredient supply refrigerator. A nozzle cap containing a cleaning/sanitizing agent may be placed on a dispensing valve of the dispenser, and a CIP connector may be connected to a BIB connector after disconnecting the BIB connector from a BIB package. The CIP connector completes a CIP circuit that places the product barrel in fluid circulation with a water source and optionally another sanitizer source to help clean the dispenser in place. A heater may be included in the CIP circuit to heat the circulating fluid. A microcontroller or other computer processor may control the CIP process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: FBD PARTNERSHIP, LP
    Inventor: FBD Partnership, LP
  • Patent number: 8454755
    Abstract: An assembly tool is provided. The assembly tool comprises a body, a first vacuum channel defined within the body, and a first locating pin attached to the body. The first locating pin has a shaft portion arranged within a surrounding portion of the body. The first locating pin is configured to engage a first alignment feature of a hard drive component at a first contact area to align the hard drive component with the assembly tool. The body is configured to couple the first vacuum channel to a vacuum source and to facilitate particle evacuation from the first contact area via the first vacuum channel when a vacuum is applied by the vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jit Han Tan, Wai Khuen Yee
  • Patent number: 8449686
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a drain line of a dialysis machine downstream of a filtration unit. The method includes closing inlet and outlet valves of the filtration unit, and closing a bypass valve along a bypass line that connects a source line to a drain line. The method also includes configuring the balancing chamber such that flow is permitted only via the drain line, flowing an amount of a cleaning agent into the drain line through a cleaning agent valve, and rinsing the cleaning agent from the drain line with a rinse fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Schlaeper, Martin Joseph Crnkovich
  • Patent number: 8444770
    Abstract: A method for cleaning components of a system for filling holes in a printed circuit board with a fluid fill material includes removing the components being a dispensing head and a manifold connected to the dispensing head preferably as a single unit. The single unit is retained in that format. Excess fluid material from the dispensing head and manifold is evacuated preferably by passing air through the dispensing head and manifold. Then the dispensing head and manifold is placed in a cleaning tub, and the manifold is attached to a solvent pump line. The dispensing head and manifold is flushed with a flow of solvent from the solvent pump line; and excess solvent from the dispensing head and manifold is evacuated, by passing air through the dispensing head and manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: TTM Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tadd Hohlfelder, Brad Moran, Rubin Matthews, Thomas Gannon
  • Patent number: 8444771
    Abstract: Method for cleaning and/or deodorizing a toilet bowl or urinal. In one embodiment, the method involves directly applying an agent to the toilet bowl or urinal. The agent adheres to the toilet bowl or urinal and can be flushed away only after a relatively large number of flushing operations. The agent includes fillers from the group of surfactants and also an adhesion promoter. The viscosity of the agent is at least 30 Pas, measured using a Haake viscometer, plate/plate system, plate diameter 10 mm, at a shear gradient of 2.62 s?1 and 20° C. and the agent is so sticky that it can serve to attach bar-shaped agents to the toilet bowl or urinal, wherein the concentration of the surfactants in the case of an adhesion promoter from the group of polvalkyleneimines is between 7 and 60% by weight. The agent may have associated with it one or more bar-shaped compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Buck-Chemie GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Leipold, Edgar Jaeschke, Matthias Fritz
  • Publication number: 20130104938
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for cleaning a showerhead electrode my include sealing a showerhead electrode within a cleaning assembly such that a first cleaning volume is formed on a first side of the showerhead electrode and a second cleaning volume is formed on a second side of the showerhead electrode. An acidic solution can be loaded into the first cleaning volume on the first side of the showerhead electrode. The first cleaning volume on the first side of the showerhead electrode can be pressurized such that at least a portion of the acidic solution flows through one or more of the plurality of gas passages of the showerhead electrode. An amount of purified water can be propelled through the second cleaning volume on the second side of the showerhead electrode, and into contact with the second side of the showerhead electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Armen Avoyan, Cliff La Croix, Hong Shih, John Daugherty
  • Publication number: 20130068258
    Abstract: An air cannon has a pressure vessel, a discharge valve, and a discharge tube assembly. The discharge tube assembly comprises a fluid passageway and a blast guard valve. The discharge valve is capable of opening and closing and allows pressurized gas to be discharged from the pressure vessel into the fluid passageway of the discharge tube assembly only when open. The blast guard valve is capable of opening and closing and obstructs the fluid passageway of the discharge tube assembly when closed. The blast guard valve allows gas to pass through the fluid passageway when open. The discharge valve and the blast guard valve are operatively connected to each other in a manner such that the discharge valve can open only when the blast guard valve is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: MARTIN ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Peter Klee, Oleg Meister
  • Patent number: 8388761
    Abstract: When the inner surface of containers conveyed in an inverted posture is sterilized, the sterilization efficiency can be increased, the amount of sterilizing fluid used can be reduced, the sterilization time and washing time can be shortened, the number of drive components of the apparatus can be reduced and the apparatus can be simplified and reduced in cost. A non-inserted nozzle 20 is disposed at a distance of 1-50 mm below the lower end surface 52 of a mouth of a container conveyed in an inverted posture, the sterilizing fluid is mixed with air and the sterilizing fluid is atomized and sprayed intermittently from the non-inserted nozzle toward the inside of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Iwashita, Nobuaki Nagatani, Kenichi Kominami
  • Patent number: 8382909
    Abstract: The present invention relates to vacuum processing systems in which process gases are introduced in a process chamber and are exhausted through a vacuum processing system exhaust path. Deposits made by the exhausted gas are reduced or eliminated by introducing a reactive gas upstream of the device affected by deposits. The amount of introduced reactive gas is controlled by measuring gas phase concentrations of exhausted gas components upstream and downstream of the affected device, and, from those measurements, determining whether the components are being consumed in deposits on the affected device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Edwards Limited
    Inventor: Kenneth Allen Aitchison