With Pressurized Fluid Or Fluid Manipulation Patents (Class 134/22.18)
  • Patent number: 7252095
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method of cleaning a workpiece is disclosed. The method comprises providing a mobile flushing unit and servicing the workpiece as follows: a) connecting a flexible hose of the mobile flushing unit to one end of the workpiece and connecting another flexible hose of the mobile flushing unit to a second end of the workpiece; b) flowing compressed air through each hose and the workpiece; c) pumping a cleaning fluid through each hose and the workpiece for a predetermined amount of time; d) ceasing cleaning fluid flow, followed by purging with air to remove the cleaning fluid from the workpiece; e) pumping water through each hose and the workpiece for a predetermined amount of time; f) ceasing water flow, following by another purge with air to remove the water from the workpiece; and g) disconnecting each hose from the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: John Watt
  • Patent number: 7252096
    Abstract: On-Line and Off-Line methods of simultaneously cleaning and disinfecting an industrial water system are described and claimed. The methods involve 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. An alternative method involves the use of a chelating agent and a biocide. Other possible cleaning and disinfection reagents may be added as needed including corrosion inhibitors, chelating agents, biocides, surfactants and reducing agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Jasbir S. Gill, Amit Gupta
  • Patent number: 7247210
    Abstract: A method for treating CIP equipment is provided according to the present invention. The CIP equipment includes process equipment. The method includes steps of treating the CIP equipment with a multiple phase treating composition comprising a treating liquid phase and a treating gaseous phase and rinsing the CIP equipment with a multiple phase rinsing composition comprising a rinsing liquid phase and a rinsing gaseous phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Staub, Mark R. Altier, Paul F. Schacht, Robert D. P. Hei, Gabriel M. Miller, Thomas L. Harris, Peter J. Fernholz
  • Patent number: 7234476
    Abstract: A method of remote plasma cleaning a processing chamber of CVD equipment, which has high cleaning rates, low cleaning operational cost and high efficiency, is provided. The method comprises supplying cleaning gas to the remote plasma-discharge device; activating the cleaning gas inside the remote plasma-discharge device; and bringing the activated cleaning gas into the processing chamber and which is characterized in that a mixed gas of F2 gas and an inert gas are used as the cleaning gas. A concentration of the F2 gas is 10% or higher. The F2 gas, which is a cleaning gas, is supplied to the remote plasma-discharge device from an F2 gas cylinder by diluting F2 gas at a given concentration by an inert gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: ASM Japan K.K.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Arai, Hideaki Fukuda
  • Patent number: 7225816
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile or stationary waste container cleaning system used for residential, commercial and industrial waste, garbage, trash, storage or operations containers or receptacles. Other applications include, but are not limited to cleaning of chemical drums, grease dumpsters (e.g. behind restaurants), rain barrels and non-uniform residential, commercial or industrial dumpsters or waste containers. The container cleaning system can alternatively be used for rural areas, farms or ranches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Blast-N-Clean, LLC
    Inventor: Ernest F. Byers
  • Patent number: 7210488
    Abstract: A solids removal system for use in removing sand and silt from well production fluids. The system has a manifold assembly provided with jetting nozzles, which is installed in a liquid and solids-containing vessel, where solids have settled in the walls. The jetting nozzles deliver, in a pre-determined sequence, a solids-dislodging fluid, causing the solids to become suspended in the fluid. The dislodged solids and fluid are then extracted by pump from the vessel and directed to a solid-fluid separator. Solids-free fluid is returned for re-re-circulation through the vessel, while the solids are moved to a containment location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: OCS Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Kenny Desormeaux
  • Patent number: 7198052
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method of cleaning a workpiece is disclosed. The method comprises providing a mobile flushing unit and servicing the workpiece as follows: a) connecting a flexible hose of the mobile flushing unit to one end of the workpiece and connecting another flexible hose of the mobile flushing unit to a second end of the workpiece; b) flowing compressed air through each hose and the workpiece; c) pumping a cleaning fluid through each hose and the workpiece for a predetermined amount of time; d) ceasing cleaning fluid flow, followed by purging with air to remove the cleaning fluid from the workpiece; e) pumping water through each hose and the workpiece for a predetermined amount of time; f) ceasing water flow, following by another purge with air to remove the water from the workpiece; and g) disconnecting each hose from the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: John Watt
  • Patent number: 7189290
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a source gas introduction pipe, which can prevent strong adhesion of contaminant mainly containing carbon powder on an outer surface of the source gas introduction pipe to easily remove the contaminant in a short period of time. While compressed air is sprayed toward the contaminant, the contaminant removed by the spray of the compressed air is exhausted outside a system of a deposition chamber by suction and exhausting device so that the contaminant is not transferred to sides of the deposition chamber and a plastic container in which a CVD film is formed, in a process for extracting the source gas introduction pipe from the plastic container after the CVD film is formed on an inner surface of the plastic container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Shoji Plastics Corporation, Youtec Co., Ltd., Kirin Brewery Company, Limited
    Inventors: Kenichi Hama, Tsuyoshi Kage, Takumi Kobayashi, Takeharu Kawabe
  • Patent number: 7185662
    Abstract: A cleaning preparation method, comprising: providing a part with an internal cavity, an opening, and foreign material within the cavity; and creating an additional opening in the part adjacent the foreign material. A cleaning method, comprising: providing a part with an internal cavity and an opening; creating an additional opening in the part; and flushing the cavity with a fluid. The additional opening acts as an exit or entrance for the fluid. A repair method, comprising: providing a part with an internal cavity, an opening and foreign material within the cavity; creating an additional opening in the part; and removing the foreign material through the additional opening. A part, comprising: an exterior surface; an internal cavity; an opening through the surface to the cavity; and a repaired section of the surface, which was an additional opening that provided a temporary exit or entrance to the cavity for foreign material removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: John Shearer Succop
  • Patent number: 7185663
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for on-line cleaning of internal surfaces of selected sections of a hydrocarbon fuel burning gas turbine and associated heat recovery equipment, during operation. Cleaning solutions containing graphite and/or molybdenum-based particles and oil soluble corrosion inhibitors, aromatic solvents, and surfactants are selectively introduced directly into the combustion chamber (combustor) of the gas turbine, into the fuel stream, water washing system, or the combustion air system (hot gas path). The cleaning process dislodges unwanted ash deposit buildup and, thereby restores the gas turbine to rated power. When introduced into the compressor section, the particles impinge on the metal surfaces, cleaning them prior to entering the hot gas section where the process may be repeated. They may also be carried through the exhaust to additionally clean attendant heat recovery equipment, if present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Koch, Daniel T. Smith, Mark D. Hughes, Thomas Urbas
  • Patent number: 7182819
    Abstract: Methods for cleaning a chamber of semiconductor device manufacturing equipment are disclosed. An illustrated method comprises supplying cleaning gas into a chamber to start a cleaning process; detecting the intensity of a wavelength for the cleaning gas; fixing a valve at a predetermined position to control the pressure in the chamber; detecting the pressure in the chamber during some period of the cleaning time, the cleaning time being from the beginning of the cleaning process to the time when the intensity of the wavelength is settled at a predetermined value; and stopping supplying the cleaning gas into the chamber to complete the cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Dongbu Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung Chul Choi
  • Patent number: 7179390
    Abstract: Filtering of an operating fluid of a mechanical device is performed utilizing a pumping device of the mechanical device which routinely circulated the operating fluid within the mechanical device. A remote filtering station of the present invention has a first conduit to contain the operating fluid during transfer from the mechanical device, a filter and a second conduit to contain the operating fluid during transfer back to the mechanical device. In the most preferred embodiment a filter replacement adapter is attached in place of the mechanical device's filter during the filtering procedure. The mechanical device is operated during the filtering procedure where the pumping device of the mechanical device circulates the operating fluid through the mechanical device and through the filter of the remote filtering station. This provides for a cleansing of all of the conduits of the mechanical device which routinely has the operating fluid circulated therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: George F Layton
  • Patent number: 7171972
    Abstract: This invention provides a thermal energy system comprising a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy between a source and a load, the heat exchanger having a primary side associated with the source, and a secondary side for conducting a fluid associated with the load, wherein the secondary side of the heat exchanger is passively back-flushed upon consumption of a portion of the fluid. Passive back-flushing prevents fouling of the heat exchanger due to sediments, scale,and mineral deposits which may be present in the circulating fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventor: Stephen J. Harrison
  • Patent number: 7159598
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for cleaning a tank through the use of a pair of spray heads arranged in operable communication with a pump via a pair of hose lines. One of the spray heads is operable to disperse a heated mist of cleaning solution, while the other spray head is operable to dispense a jet stream of the cleaning solution. The spray heads can be arranged in a closed loop, recirculating flow of the cleaning solution between the pump and the spray heads, or an open loop. Each hose line has a valve to control the flow of the cleaning solution therethrough so that the spray heads can operate independently from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: ReNew Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Gregory
  • Patent number: 7156112
    Abstract: A solvent flush cleaning system for a paint supply system. The cleaning system includes an air injection system that injects air directly into the pumping chambers of the solvent pump to entrain air within the solvent. The cleaning system preferably includes a dedicated double diaphragm pump that circulates the solvent. The air injection system preferably includes a pair of injection valves that cooperate to selectively supply pressurized air to each pumping chamber. The air injection system further includes an actuation assembly that times the injection valves so that pressurized air is supplied to each pumping chamber as that chamber expands. The actuation assembly includes actuation valves that are operated by pressure within the air chambers of the pump. When pressure builds in one air chamber, it opens the corresponding actuation valve, which in turn actuates the injection valve causing pressurized air to be supplied to the opposite pumping chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Filter and Coating Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Ullrey, Michael L. Piper, Richard J. Tice
  • Patent number: 7150796
    Abstract: In a method of affecting cleaning or chamber process control to remove residues of fluorinated discharges from internal PECVD chamber hardware during manufacture of a semiconductor or integrated circuit, the improvement of removing the fluorinated discharges without opening the chamber and without causing chamber downtime, comprising: a) maximizing H-atom concentration in a gas mix of a plasma containing H2 through the use of high rf power and low pressure to obtain an in-situ H2 plasma; and b) subjecting a reactor chamber containing build-up residues from previous chamber treatment with a fluorinated plasma, with the in-situ H2 plasma from step a) without opening the chamber and without shutting down the chamber to remove the build-up residues of the fluorinated plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies Richmond, LP
    Inventors: Bradley C. Smith, David James
  • Patent number: 7144460
    Abstract: The present ball/roller bearing cleaning method is a method which, using cleaning liquid 24, cleans a bearing to be cleaned 1 composed of an inner ring 1b, an outer ring 1a, a rolling bodies 1c and a retainer. In the cleaning method, the cleaning liquid 24 is made to flow through the bearing to be cleaned 1 from the axial direction of the present bearing 1 into spaces in which the raceway surfaces of the inner and outer rings 1b and 1a of the bearing to be cleaned 1 surround the rolling bodies 1c and retainer. For example, a cylindrical-shaped rotary die 2 having spiral grooves 2a is interposed into a cleaning liquid supply passage, and the cleaning liquid 4 is supplied to thereby rotate the cylindrical-shaped rotary die 2, whereby the cleaning liquid having high pressure can be supplied to the bearing to be cleaned 1 from the cylindrical-shaped rotary die 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Mizuno, Shigeo Tokura, Katsuhisa Tonooka, Hiroshi Shibazaki
  • Patent number: 7132017
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a heat exchanging coil in an air conditioning unit using a low-pressure cleaning system to remove foreign particles that have accumulated on the heat exchanging coil. The low-pressure cleaning system discharges air at a low pressure, high velocity, and a high volume in order to clean the heat exchanging coil. Further, the low-pressure cleaning system can inject a substance into the discharge air flow to aid in cleaning the heat exchanging coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: George M. Laurence
  • Patent number: 7124764
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for removing impurities from a porous material by flowing a supercritical fluid with or without a modifier therein over a to-be-cleaned porous material having pores at the nanometer level under suitable temperatures and pressures, so that the supercritical fluid migrates into the pores at the nanometer level and removes impurities entrapped therein. The method of the present invention uses the physical and chemical properties of the supercritical fluid and optionally the modifier to clean the porous material without using an acid or alkaline solvent. The method of the present invention conserves water, and is both a highly efficient and environmentally friendly cleaning technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Kon-Tsu Kin, Chiou-Mei Chen, Pei-Lin Chang, Hsiao-Fen Cheng
  • Patent number: 7122510
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for one-bath chemical cleaning and preservation of interior surfaces of hollow steel bodies, without any organic solvents, comprising controlled change of the liquid bath in that in a circuit of hoses running from a mobile tank equipped with a pump unit and steam generator there is circulated a liquid stream to a defined cavity of steel. The composition of the liquid is changed methodically by the addition of fresh chemical additives until the end of the process. Fresh water at 80° C. has added thereto an alkaline degreasing liquid A containing chlorine-free tensides, which is circulated, whereupon cleaning liquid B, consisting of citric acid with added cationic tensides, is added to a pH of 4.5 and is circulated. There is then added a complexing derusting liquid C, with active modified aminocarboxykate made biologically degradable, with adjustment of the pH to 4.5–5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Magnor Nordaa
  • Patent number: 7121286
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a manufacturing apparatus, includes introducing a cleaning gas including fluorine so as to flow from upstream toward an outlet port in a reaction chamber; and flowing a protective gas which reacts with the fluorine from a vicinity of the outlet port of the reaction chamber as an introduction position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Takashi Nakao
  • Patent number: 7117877
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to clean a paint feed-line (1) of a painting system, line running from at least one paint tank (2, 9) to a paint deposition device (3) and feeding paint in this direction during the operational stages. During cleaning stages between operational stages, a cleaning substance is forced through the feed line (1). An inert gas, for instance nitrogen, is used as the gas for this purpose, and at the end of the cleaning stages the feed line (1) is filled with the inert gas. The gas remains in the feed line (1) until the next operational stage begins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: ITW Oberflachentechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Bahr
  • Patent number: 7117878
    Abstract: Each immersed jet creates turbulences as a result of the resistance of the medium in which it is immersed and at the end of its effective range the complete introduced energy is broken down into turbulent flows. These turbulent flows observed as a whole are local, thus are small-scale. However, these small-scale turbulences which have a strong eroding effect. The present invention produces as high a number as possible of small-scale turbulences and distributes them over a large volume. Large volume is to be understood as, for example, 3000–4000 m3 on a surface of 2000 m2 and a height of 2 m as is the case with a storage tank of 50 m diameter and a liquid column of 3 m. The problem thus lies in the optimal distribution of the introduced or applied energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Lindenport S.A.
    Inventor: Alexandra Sarah Frei
  • Patent number: 7114507
    Abstract: The invention is to a process for removing contaminants from a compressor and/or compressor intercooler in a methanol to olefin separation system. The process comprises compressing an effluent in a compressor having an inlet and an outlet and a compressor surface, the compressing occurring under conditions effective to form a contaminant on the compressor surface. A contaminant-removal medium is injected into the compressor or intercooler and the contaminant-removal medium contacts the contaminant under conditions effective to remove the contaminant from the compressor or intercooler inner surface thereby forming a mobile contaminant. The mobile contaminant is then removed from the compressor or intercooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Keith H. Kuechler, David R. Lumgair, Nicolas P. Coute, Paul N. Chisholm, Cor F. van Egmond
  • Patent number: 7112261
    Abstract: A safety system for a coking facility where there is a coke drum and a drill assembly. When the coke accumulates in the drum, a drill head of the drill assembly is lowered into the coke drum to emit high pressure water jets to remove the coke from the coke drum. There is a enclosing structure with an access door which is fixedly mounted at a location above an upper opening of the coke drum, so that when the drill head is moved out of the coke drum and there is an accidental jet water discharge, it will be redirected at a location within the enclosing structure. Interlock systems are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventors: Rick TerWisscha, Guy Maakad
  • Patent number: 7105062
    Abstract: A method for cleaning an exhaust stack tube of an oil tank heater comprises the steps of securing collection drums at open ends of a heater tube using attaching straps; securing a drop cloth over an exhaust end of the heater tube with an attaching strap; interconnecting the collection drums to one of a vacuum apparatus and a receptacle container; attaching a nozzle to an end of a high pressure hose; inserting the nozzle under the drop cloth and into an exhaust end of the heater tube; forcing wash water under pressure through the nozzle; guiding the nozzle to the top of the exhaust stack; pulling the nozzle back a few feet and, again, guiding the nozzle upward while rotating the nozzle; and repeating this process until the nozzle reaches the bottom of the exhaust stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Brian Crichton
  • Patent number: 7094293
    Abstract: A device for mechanically cleaning a grooves used to hold a rotor or a stator winding of an electric machine includes an axially moveable device carrier and at least one cleaning tool connected to the device carrier and extending radially from the device carrier into the groove. In addition, a corresponding method includes the steps of radially moving at least one cleaning tool connected to a device carrier so as to mechanically remove impurities on a wall section of the groove, axial advancing of the device carrier in a manner adapted to the radial movement of the at least one cleaning tool, and setting the dimensional tolerance range for the groove by adjusting the cleaning tool. The device and the method are suitable for cleaning grooves into which a new winding is to be installed in an existing laminated body, for example, in the case of the retrofitting of generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Walter Meier, Ralph Studer
  • Patent number: 7073519
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a facility parts cleaning solution for the processing of (meth)acrylic acid and/or (meth)acrylic esters and a cleaning method using the cleaning solution. An aqueous cleaning composition comprising 5 to 50 wt % of at least one alkali metal hydroxide selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, 0.01 to 1 wt % of a water-soluble amino acid, 0.001 to 0.05 wt % of N,N?-methylene bisacrylamide, and 0.001 to 0.05 wt % of azobisisobutyronitrile is used to clean facility parts for manufacturing (meth)acrylic acid and/or (meth)acrylic esters in order to easily remove polymers and deposits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Seok-Hwan Choi, Seong-Pil Kang, Kyoung-Su Ha, Geon-Yong Kim, Boo-Gon Woo
  • Patent number: 7045022
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and process for removing adherent molten metal from a surface by applying a non-wetting agent for the metal to the surface or to the adherent molten metal. The non-wetting agent may be a pressurized fluid or applied by a pressurized fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Excera Materials Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Breslin, Andrew C. Strange, Michael E. Fuller
  • Patent number: 7041176
    Abstract: A pipe renovating method and system in which a pipe is first cleaned and then coated with a suitable coating material. In the cleaning step, pressurized air and particles of abrasive material are pumped into a first end of a pipe while suction is applied to the second end of the pipe via a vacuum pump to improve flow along the entire length of the pipe. The coating material is subsequently pumped in at one end of the cleaned pipe while suction is applied at the other end. In each step, the suction flow rate is higher than the input flow rate, so as to steer the mixture towards the second end. This method can be used to coat and clean different sections of a pipe system, by connecting the input materials successively to different access ports in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Joerg Kruse
  • Patent number: 7032603
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for cleaning internal passageways within a component, such as a component to be used in an engine. The device for cleaning the internal passageway includes a first probe having a longitudinal axis and at least one nozzle oriented at an angle, preferably perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the first probe has two nozzles, both oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and offset 180 degrees from each other. The device further includes a second probe having a longitudinal axis and a nozzle in a tip end, which nozzle is oriented along the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the first and second probes are connected to a common manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ramon M. Velez, Jr., Peter J. Draghi
  • Patent number: 7028696
    Abstract: A method involving plasma cleaning of deposit residues in process chamber using duo-step wafer-less auto clean method is detailed. Specifically, the method involves cleaning the processing chamber by flowing a first gaseous composition with at least about 75% of fluorine-containing compound of the formula XyFz, into a processing chamber and then forming a first etchant plasma which removes silicon and silicon based byproducts from the interior surfaces of the processing chamber. The method then involves flowing a second gaseous composition into the processing chamber with a composition of at least about 50% O2 and forming a plasma from the second gaseous composition to provide a second etchant plasma which removes carbon and carbon based byproducts from the interior surfaces of the processing chamber. A system configured to execute the two step cleaning process is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Brett C. Richardson, Vincent Wong
  • Patent number: 7026598
    Abstract: A method for controlling the positioning of a stream of pressurized fluid against a surface zone of a stream generator to clean contaminants. The coordinates of a plurality of points of the surface zone to be cleaned are first determined. The coordinates are measured with respect to a fixed coordinate system with origin point at the location where the lance water cannon penetrates the cannon wall of the steam generator. The determined boundary points are converted into corresponding angles with respect to the horizontal plane and the cannon wall. These angles are then used directly to control the position of the lance with respect to the fixed coordinate system. The stream of pressurized fluid is directed against the surface zone in a predetermined pattern by monitoring and controlling the angle of the lance through axial resolvers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Clyde Bergemann, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Schwade, M. Ishaq Jameel
  • Patent number: 7017594
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for the use of atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma to clean and sterilize the surfaces of liquid handling devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Cerionx, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Frank Kurunczi
  • Patent number: 7017592
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for on-line wash-down of a heat sink media bed in a regenerative heat exchanger of a regenerative fume incinerator is disclosed. When a heat sink media bed requires cleaning, the selected regenerative heat exchanger is cooled while the remaining regenerative heat exchangers are operated in their normal mode of operation. When the selected media bed reaches a temperature which is less than the thermal-shock temperature of the media material, a cleaning fluid is sprayed on the media surfaces through spray-pipes which are installed within the media bed. After the media surfaces are washed down, the selected regenerative heat-exchanger is reverted back to its normal mode of operation. The regenerative heat exchanger can also be automatically burnt-out of deposited gasifiable matter prior to the wash-down. Random or sequential burn-out and wash-down of the regenerative heat-exchangers can be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Pro-Environmental Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph David Chiles, Jeffrey J. Yerkes, John G. Kirkland, Agustin Cabarlo, Anu D. Vij
  • Patent number: 7007701
    Abstract: The invention is to a process for removing contaminants from a compressor and/or compressor intercooler in a methanol to olefin separation system. The process comprises compressing an effluent in a compressor having an inlet and an outlet and a compressor surface, the compressing occurring under conditions effective to form a contaminant on the compressor surface. A contaminant-removal medium is injected into the compressor or intercooler and the contaminant-removal medium contacts the contaminant under conditions effective to remove the contaminant from the compressor or intercooler inner surface thereby forming a mobile contaminant. The mobile contaminant is then removed from the compressor or intercooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Keith H. Kuechler, David R. Lumgair, Nicolas P. Coute, Paul N. Chisholm, Cor F. Van Egmond
  • Patent number: 7005872
    Abstract: A test fixture for an electronic device is provided that removes debris from a socket of the test fixture using back side air blow off. In general, the test fixture includes a circuit board, a socket on a front side of the circuit board, and an air manifold on a back side of the circuit board. Pressurized air is provided to the air manifold through an air supply inlet coupling the air manifold to an external pressurized air supply. At least one via formed through the circuit board fluidly couples the air manifold on the back side of the circuit board to the socket on the front side of the circuit board. Accordingly, the pressurized air from the air manifold flows through the vias and up through the socket such that debris is removed from the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lanowitz, James Migliaccio, Jerome Ferr, Jeffrey Read
  • Patent number: 6994823
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for removing fumes from an endoscope disinfecting apparatus configured for disinfecting an endoscope with a disinfecting solution. In architecture, the exhaust system includes a fan housing, a fan disposed within the fan housing, an exhaust hose connected to the fan housing, and wherein the exhaust system is connected to the endoscope disinfecting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Next Step Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: H. Thomas Hight, III
  • Patent number: 6990987
    Abstract: Equipment and methods are provided for combining with a typical heat exchanger having numerous fin tubes, the combination allowing the containment of cleaning fluid used to clean fin tubes with high pressure liquid cleaning devices in which cleaning fluid is discharged into one end of each fin tube and out the other. An enclosure is attached to an opened end of a heat exchanger having U-shaped fin tubes, the enclosure having cleaning tool access portions for separately exposing each of at least two pluralities of the fin tubes entry ends, while continuing to cover the remaining fin tube pluralities, and the fin tube exit ends. Fluid splashed at the cleaning fluid entry end of the fin tubes and cleaning fluid exiting the fin tubes is captured and drained by the enclosure. Alternatively, a second enclosure captures exiting cleaning fluids in heat exchangers having straight fin tubes and two openable ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Gary Ray Smith
  • Patent number: 6991685
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of low temperature cleaning and applying an antimicrobial treatment to food and beverage plant equipment. In addition, the method includes carbon dioxide compatible chemistry. The method may be achieved through a multi-step method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph I. Kravitz, Francis L. Richter, Duane J. Reinhardt, Gerald K. Wichmann
  • Patent number: 6988503
    Abstract: Equipment and methods are provided for combining with a typical air cooler having numerous fin tubes, the combination allowing the containment of cleaning fluid used while cleaning the fin tubes with high pressure liquid cleaning devices in which cleaning fluid is discharged into one end of each fin tube and out the other. Two enclosures are attached to each end of the air cooler, with one enclosure having cleaning tool access portions for separately exposing each of at least two pluralities of the fin tubes while continuing to cover the remaining fin tube pluralities. Cleaning fluid splashed at the cleaning fluid entry end of the air cooler is captured and drained by the first enclosure, while cleaning fluid exiting the fin tubes at the cleaning fluid discharge end of the air cooler is captured and drained by the second enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Gary Ray Smith
  • Patent number: 6986815
    Abstract: A method of clearing residue from a fluid conduit includes commencing flush fluid flow through the fluid conduit and injecting a first fluid into the fluid conduit at a first point to induce turbulent flow of the flush fluid. The first fluid is preferably a gas. The method further includes sampling the flush fluid downstream of the first point to confirm the residue is adequately cleared from the fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Louis C. Eichenberger
  • Patent number: 6983754
    Abstract: A support structure and method, designed to maintain a resealable plastic bag in an open position within a dishwasher through the washing and drying cycles, has at least two vertically extending support and restraining straps that may be engaged with like straps to form a resilient support framework. A plurality of mating dimples and protrusions offer controlled size adjustments, while maintaining the reliability of the structure. The structure is readily collapsible to a flat and compact structure prior to purchase and when not in use, and includes features to engage with the rack in the dishwasher to prevent the support and bag from being substantially relocated during the wash process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventors: Randy M. Anderson, Jeannie L. Piekos
  • Patent number: 6981508
    Abstract: Provided herein is a method for cleaning a process chamber for semiconductor and/or flat panel display manufacturing. This method comprises the steps of converting a non-cleaning feed gas to a cleaning gas in a remote location and then delivering the cleaning gas to the process chamber for cleaning. Such method may further comprise the step of activating the cleaning gas outside the chamber before the delivery of the gas to the chamber. Also provided is a method of eliminating non-cleaning feed gas from the cleaning gas by cryo condensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Quanyuan Shang, Sanjay Yadav, William R. Harshbarger, Kam S. Law
  • Patent number: 6982008
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for substantially cleaning fill from a borehole is described variously including running a coiled tubing assembly into the wellbore, creating a fluid vortex by circulating cleaning fluid through the coiled tubing, and pulling the coiled tubing and coiled tubing assembly out of the hole at a speed sufficient to substantially clean the particulate solids from the wellbore. An apparatus for substantially cleaning fill from a hole, including vertical, horizontal, or deviated wells also is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Scott A. Walker, Jeff Li, Graham Wilde
  • Patent number: 6979372
    Abstract: A method for cleaning portions of a particle classifier, such as for example the rotor and/or stator, includes providing carbon dioxide particles to the classifier. Carbon dioxide particles are supplied to the classifier via a particle inlet and subjected to processing conditions similar to those utilized in particle classification. Cleaning a classifier with carbon dioxide particles may be accomplished off-line or on-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. A. Otten, Robert H. Buijtendijk
  • Patent number: 6977015
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning internal channels in an article are presented, with the method comprising providing an article that comprises at least one internal channel. The at least one internal channel comprises at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port. The method further comprises providing a cleaning apparatus, and this cleaning apparatus comprises a cleaning fluid, a reservoir containing the cleaning fluid, a transmitter of vibrational energy projecting into the reservoir the transmitter comprising a transmitter tip and a source of vibrational energy coupled to the transmitter, with the vibrational energy comprising a frequency and a wavelength. The reservoir of the provided apparatus comprises an interface adapted to accommodate attachment of the reservoir to the article, and this interface comprises an orifice to allow fluid communication between the reservoir and the at least one internal channel of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Canan U. Hardwicke, Michael F. X. Gigliotti, John B. Deaton, Jr., Paul L. Dupree, Robert S. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 6969419
    Abstract: A method for removing bubbles adhering to the interior wall of a fluid-filled chamber through which a fluid flows, and a related method and apparatus for removing bubbles from a chamber having medical sensory equipment such as a blood gas and chemistry analyzer. The method includes drawing a quantity of gas into the chamber to empty the chamber of fluid, maintaining the chamber in an empty state for a predetermined period of time, and then refilling the chamber with fluid at a rate low enough to remove remaining bubbles and to prevent the formation and trapping of new bubbles within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Segars California Partners LP
    Inventor: James H. Macemon
  • Patent number: 6964709
    Abstract: The sonic soot blower includes a sonic wave oscillator that oscillates sonic waves by compressed air or steam, a frequency-regulating portion that varies the frequencies of the sonic waves oscillated by the above-described sonic wave oscillator, a resonance tube that resonates the oscillated sonic waves, and a horn that amplifies the same, wherein powdery dust adhered to members installed inside a boiler furnace, etc., are removed, and are prevented from adhering to the above-described members. The above-described frequency-regulating portion is a gas mixer which is connected to the upstream side of the sonic wave oscillator and is provided with two or more gas conducting flow channels for conducting a compressive gas whose temperatures and/or densities are different from each other, or a slide mechanism that varies the length of the above-described resonance tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Babcock-Hitachi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Teruaki Matsumoto, Ryousuke Yamaguchi, Yasuo Nishihara
  • Patent number: 6953507
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of low temperature cleaning and applying an antimicrobial treatment to food and beverage plant equipment. In addition, the method includes carbon dioxide compatible chemistry. The method may be achieved through a multi-step method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph I. Kravitz, Francis L. Richter, Duane J. Reinhardt, Gerald K. Wichmann