Hollow Work, Internal Surface Treatment Patents (Class 134/22.1)
  • Patent number: 8894870
    Abstract: A system and method for etching a material, including a compound having a formulation of XYZ, wherein X and Y are one or more metals and Z is selected from one or more Group 13-16 elements, such as carbon, nitrogen, boron, silicon, sulfur, selenium, and tellurium, are disclosed. The method includes a first etch process to form one or more first volatile compounds and a metal-depleted layer and a second etch process to remove at least a portion of the metal-depleted layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: ASM IP Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Jereld Lee Winkler, Eric James Shero, Fred Alokozai
  • Publication number: 20140338704
    Abstract: Provided is a method for removing deposited solid residue from equipment used in the processing of (meth)acrylic acid or esters, including the steps of dissolving the solid residue in a cleaning solution comprising an organic carboxylic acid to produce a solid residue slurry; and removing the solid residue slurry from the equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Jamie J. Juliette, Philippe P. Maillot, Joy L. Mendoza
  • Publication number: 20140338703
    Abstract: An aqueous cleaning composition and methods for use in the agricultural, food and beverage industry which comprises at least 3% of hydrogen peroxide and a plurality of non-ionic surfactants, wherein said cleaning composition is substantially free of any alkalinity source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Madison Chemical Co., Inc.
    Inventor: David M. CRAFT
  • Patent number: 8888921
    Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of preparing a serviceable catalytic converter such that a catalyst substrate of the catalytic converter is serviceable while the catalytic converter remains connected to an exhaust system by forming a lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter with an absence of material in order to provide at least one opening in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter for permitting selective access to a fluid-flow passage that extends through the body of the catalytic converter that contains the catalyst substrate; and disposing at least one close-out member in the at least one opening for fluidly-sealing the at least one opening. A component of an exhaust system that is serviceable while remaining fluidly-connected and physically-connected to the exhaust system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: SerVaas Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. SerVaas, Ryan S. Miller
  • Publication number: 20140336686
    Abstract: A surgical device. The surgical device may comprise a transducer configured to provide vibrations along a longitudinal axis and an end effector coupled to the transducer and extending from the transducer along the longitudinal axis. The surgical device also may comprise a lower jaw extending parallel to the end effector. The lower jaw may comprise a clamp face extending toward the longitudinal axis. Also, the lower jaw may be slidable relative to the end effector to bring the clamp face toward a distal end of the end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin L. Houser, Stephanie J. Muir, Louis T. DeLuca, Daniel W. Price, William D. Boyd, Galen C. Robertson, Michael J. O'Neil
  • Patent number: 8882928
    Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling a dishwasher. The dishwasher includes a washing chamber accommodating a dish, a sump storing washing water, and supplying the washing water to the washing chamber, and a filter part provided to the sump, and filtering a foreign substance from the washing water. In the method, a first pump is driven to perform a washing or rinsing process, the first pump is stopped and a second pump is driven for a first set time to perform a discharging process, after the washing or rinsing process, the second pump is stopped and the first pump is driven for a second set time, and the first and second pumps are stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Minchul Kim, Kyuhyung Choi
  • Publication number: 20140326276
    Abstract: Implementations described herein generally relate to methods and apparatus for in-situ removal of unwanted deposition buildup from one or more interior surfaces of a semiconductor substrate processing chamber. In one implementation, a method for removing cobalt or cobalt containing deposits from one or more interior surfaces of a substrate processing chamber after processing a substrate disposed in the substrate processing chamber is provided. The method comprises forming a reactive species from the fluorine containing cleaning gas mixture, permitting the reactive species to react with the cobalt and/or the cobalt containing deposits to form cobalt fluoride in a gaseous state and purging the cobalt fluoride in gaseous state out of the substrate processing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Kai WU, Bo ZHENG, Sang Ho YU, Avgerinos V. GELATOS, Bhushan N. ZOPE, Jeffrey ANTHIS, Benjamin SCHMIEGE
  • Patent number: 8864912
    Abstract: Internal cleaning of inverted cans includes engaging a can's cylindrical wall with a wall-conforming vacuum or adhesive gripper, causing a spraying unit to travel axially in and out of the can's opening while the can is inverted on a circular conveyor, and using a supporting arm or bottom stop to subject the can to a counterforce against a flushing force from sprayed cleaning medium. This prevents the can from being pressed out of a receptacle in which it sits during cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Timo Jakob, Steffen Kappel, Thomas Stolte
  • Patent number: 8864911
    Abstract: A method for removing ionic species from a desalination unit, comprises: (a) circulating a wash stream in a closed loop comprising a desalination unit and a precipitation unit, the wash stream flowing at a linear velocity of at least 5 cm/second through the desalination unit, the wash stream becoming more saline after passage through the desalination unit; and (b) removing a portion of calcium sulfate from the wash stream by precipitation in the precipitation unit to obtain a supersaturation degree of calcium sulfate in the wash stream entering the desalination unit in a range of from about 1.0 to about 3.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rihua Xiong, Wei Cai, Andrew Philip Shapiro, Chengqian Zhang, James Manio Silva, Zijun Xia, Weiming Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140308626
    Abstract: A dental aspiration device comprising an inside housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion with an interior surface; an outside housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion with an interior surface; at least one of the interior surfaces of the inside housing and the outside housing including vacuum channels; a hinge connection mechanism hingeably connecting the proximal portions of the inside housing and the outside housing; and a locking mechanism for removably attaching the distal portions of the inside housing and the outside housing to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Innerlite, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Hirsch
  • Patent number: 8858720
    Abstract: A method for removing deposits from at least one compressor powered by an engine. The method comprises disconnecting while the engine is turned off, a high pressure downstream side of the compressor from an intercooler, or an air intake manifold for non-intercooled engines, while leaving the compressor attached to a means used in the engine to drive the compressor. The output airflow is diverted from the compressor away from the engine to a disposal or to a means of separating a cleaning fluid from air. After starting the engine and while the engine is running, the cleaning fluid is injected for a sufficient time to clean the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron Belgium NV
    Inventors: Ard Martens, Graham Nancekievill, Ludo Dejaeghere
  • Patent number: 8858718
    Abstract: An automated method of cleaning the pipes of a plate washing system is provided. The plate washing system includes at least one manifold having a plurality of pipes configured to be provided within wells of a plate in order to wash the wells, an ultrasonic transducer mounted to a tank, and a control system. The plate washing system also includes sensors to sense the position of the pipes relative to plate and the tank, and the fluid level within the wells of the plate. The method includes dispensing fluid to the tank, submerging the tips of the pipes within the fluid, activating the ultrasonic transducer in order to vibrate the fluid, and aspirating the fluid from the tank. The control system may initiate a cleaning operation at the request of the user, at a scheduled interval, or when the level sensing system detects a decrease in instrument function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: BTI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Gifford, Lenore Buehrer, Thomas A. Cleveland
  • Patent number: 8852355
    Abstract: A system for vacuuming out sediment when installed on the inside of a gravity feed, elevated potable water tank or tower holding water at a pressure head of the kind having a riser serving as a water inlet and outlet. The system having a manifold installed along the bottom wall of the tank or tower connected to a plurality of downwardly directed nozzles. The manifold is connected to a drain pipe passing down through the riser and is supported so that the nozzles are positioned above the bottom wall in the vicinity of the sediment. When water is allowed to flow through the drain pipe, the pressure head causes sediment which may otherwise be a health risk and promote electrolytic corrosion to be vacuumed out by the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph James McClelland
  • Patent number: 8851624
    Abstract: Disclosed is a maintenance liquid for property carrying out imprints excellent in patternability. The maintenance liquid for imprints of an ink-jet discharging device comprises a compound comprising an ester group and/or an ether group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Kunihiko Kodama, Kenichi Kodama
  • Publication number: 20140290699
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to articles, devices, and methods for inhibiting or preventing the formation of scale during various industrial processes. In certain embodiments, a vessel is provided for use in an industrial process, the vessel having a textured, liquid-impregnated surface in contact with a mineral solution, wherein the liquid-impregnated surface comprises a matrix of features spaced sufficiently close to stably contain an impregnating liquid lubricant therebetween or therewithin, wherein the impregnating lubricant has a low surface energy density, and wherein the spreading coefficient Sos(w) of the impregnating lubricant (subscript ‘o’) on the substrate (subscript ‘s’) in the presence of the salt solution (subscript ‘w’) is greater than zero, such that the impregnating lubricant fully submerges the textured substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Srinivas Prasad Bengaluru Subramanyam, Gisele Azimi, Jonathan David Smith, Kripa K. Varanasi
  • Patent number: 8846594
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid stripper comprising a strong acid, and a colored indicator capable of assuming different colors, in particular for non measurable pH (i.e. below 1), depending on the acid concentration and on the polarity of the stripping solution, as well as to its use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventors: Victor Seita, Roger Sicot, Vincent Delaire, Yann Denolle
  • Publication number: 20140287594
    Abstract: A cleaning method includes (a) providing a process chamber after forming an oxide film on a substrate in the process chamber formed by a reaction tube and a manifold supporting the reaction tube by performing a cycle a predetermined number of times, the cycle including supplying a source gas to the substrate through a first nozzle in the manifold extending upward to an inside of the reaction tube, and supplying an oxidizing gas to the substrate through a second nozzle in the manifold extending upward to the inside of the reaction tube; and (b) cleaning an inside of the process chamber. The step (b) includes a first cleaning process of supplying a hydrogen fluoride gas into the reaction tube through the second nozzle; and a second cleaning process of supplying a hydrogen fluoride gas onto an inner wall surface of the manifold through a third nozzle disposed in the manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.
    Inventors: Masato TERASAKI, Naonori AKAE, Hideki HORITA
  • Publication number: 20140283877
    Abstract: An apparatus for rinsing vessels such as but not limited to those used for drink preparation at a bar may include a splash-resistant enclosure within which vessels are rinsed. A nozzle assembly disposed within the stall and coupled to a supply of rinsing media is configured to direct a spray of rinsing media simultaneously at an interior surface and an exterior surface of a vessel to be rinsed when placed within the stall. A method of rinsing such vessels includes simultaneously directing a flow of rinsing media at an interior and an exterior of the vessel in a predetermined quantity and/or for a predetermined time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Naoki Sonoda
  • Patent number: 8840730
    Abstract: A machine for cleaning a head-disk assembly (HDA) of a hard disk drive (HDD) includes a nest that seals the HDA between an upper and lower portion during cleaning. An inlet port receives a gas and an exhaust port exhausts the gas and entrained particles. A shock drive delivers mechanical shocks to the nest and the HDA while the gas is flowing through the HDA. A blower may circulate the gas from the exhaust port to the inlet port. A filter may be coupled to the inlet port. The HDA nest may be movable along an axis of the mechanical shocks delivered by the shock drive. A blow tube may deliver gas to a screw hole and a coaxial vacuum tube may rest against a surface around the screw hole to encapsulate the blow tube during cleaning and remove the gas and particles from the screw hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Pranee Thonghara, Lie Dhani Hastama, Pattira Mokawan
  • Publication number: 20140261558
    Abstract: A cleaning device for a site of a medical implement is disclosed, as are methods for using such devices. The cleaning device can include a cap having an opening to an inner cavity, and the opening can be adapted to receive a site of the medical implement. The inner cavity can include a male luer protrusion that extends up from an inner wall toward the opening, and can be sized and adapted for insertion into a female luer when the cap is provided on the medical implement. The cleaning device can further include a cleaning material that contains a cleaning agent prior to receipt of the site of the medical implement, i.e. the cleaning material is pre-loaded with the cleaning agent. The cleaning material can be at least partially secured in the inner cavity and adapted to swab and clean the site with the cleaning agent. The cap can further include a friction-forming member for creating a friction-based fitting of the cap onto the site of the medical implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Bobby E. Rogers, Gino Kang
  • Publication number: 20140261557
    Abstract: In a substrate processing apparatus, an ejection surface of an ejection head located at a standby position is immersed in an immersion liquid retained in a reservoir during standby of the ejection head. This prevents drying of a plurality of outlets provided in the ejection head and drying of processing liquid flow passages that communicate with the outlets. It is thus possible to suppress or prevent clogging of the fine outlets. When the ejection head resumes processing on a substrate, the immersion liquid in the reservoir is discharged and then a liquid removing part removes the immersion liquid adhering to the ejection surface. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the immersion liquid remaining on the ejection surface from dropping and adhering to the substrate (so-called “liquid dripping”) when, for example, the ejection head is moved to a position above the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: DAINIPPON SCREEN MFG. CO., LTD
    Inventors: Kota SOTOKU, Hiroyuki Yashiki, Masanobu Sato
  • Patent number: 8821787
    Abstract: A catalytic composition with a corrosion-inhibiting effect on metal surfaces is described. Also described, is a corrosion-inhibiting process and use of a corrosion inhibitor. Further, the catalytic composition can have a corrosion-inhibiting effect on metal surfaces in contact with an esterification medium comprising a carboxylic acid and an alcohol, wherein the composition comprises as a catalyst, a strong protonic acid and, as corrosion inhibitor, an iron(III) carboxylate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Rhodia Poliamide e Especialidades Ltda
    Inventors: Carlos Eduardo Marenco, Wagner Lourenco, Renato Bresciani, Sergio Martins, Mario Pattaro, Wellington Bonifacio, João Carlos Lazarini
  • Publication number: 20140235066
    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: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicants: 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: 8808461
    Abstract: A method for emptying a furnace floor from smelt in a black liquor recovery boiler when the black liquor recovery boiler is being shut down. The emptying can be started while smelt is still flowing in smelt spouts. The floor is emptied by sucking smelt from the furnace with a smelt eductor. A device for removing smelt and wash water from a furnace of a black liquor recovery boiler by means of suction. Negative pressure is generated in the device by conducting pressurized gas into a suction pipe of an eductor so that preheated pressurized gas is discharged in the discharge direction of smelt and wash water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: BOILDEC Oy
    Inventor: Timo Karjunen
  • Publication number: 20140209123
    Abstract: A system and method for washing a gas turbine engine. The method for washing the gas turbine engine includes coupling a pressurized air supply assembly to an air supply and to a secondary air system, cranking a compressor rotor assembly of the gas turbine engine, supplying pressurized offline buffer air from the air supply to the pressurized air supply assembly, and spraying a cleaner into the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Solar Turbines Incorporated
    Inventor: John Frederick Lockyer
  • Publication number: 20140209124
    Abstract: A system and method for washing a gas turbine engine. The method for washing the gas turbine engine includes coupling a pressurized air supply assembly to an air supply and to a secondary air system, cranking a compressor rotor assembly of the gas turbine engine, supplying pressurized offline buffer air from the air supply to the pressurized air supply assembly, and spraying a cleaner into the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: SOLAR TURBINES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: John Frederick Lockyer
  • Publication number: 20140209125
    Abstract: An ice maker for forming ice using a refrigerant capable of transitioning between liquid and gaseous states, the ice maker comprising a compressor, a condenser, a thermal expansion device, an evaporator assembly, a freeze plate thermally coupled to the evaporator assembly, a sump located below the freeze plate, and a guide which permits the sump to move from a first position to a second position. The ice maker may be disposed on top of an ice storage bin having a hole through which ice produced by the ice maker may fall and when the sump is in the first position, water can be recirculated from the sump to the freeze plate by a water pump, and when the sump is in the second position, the sump is adapted to cover the hole of the ice storage bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: True Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John Allen BROADBENT
  • Patent number: 8784569
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for microsurgical instruments has a flush chamber closed off at one end by a first plug adapted to liquid-tightly grip one end of the instrument, allowing a portion of the instrument to extend past the first plug and out of the flush chamber. The other end of the flush chamber is closed off by a second plug having an inlet port. Liquid injected through the inlet port on the second plug passes through an internal passageway formed in the instrument and exits the instrument through the portion that extends past the first plug. In another embodiment the instrument has an internal passageway and an end cap through which flushing ports are formed which communicate with the passageway. A first plug having an inlet port is liquid-tightly attached to the end cap and liquid injected into the first plug passes through the plug, through the flushing ports and through the passageway to clean detritus from the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: ASICO, LLC
    Inventor: Rolf Meyer
  • Patent number: 8784568
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of cleaning a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes supplying a cleaning gas for removing a deposition film deposited on an inside wall of a treatment chamber through a supply pipe of the treatment chamber so that a supply amount of the cleaning gas from the supply pipe per unit time is greater than an exhaust amount of the cleaning gas from an exhaust pipe of the treatment chamber per unit time. The method further includes supplying an inert gas to fill the supply pipe with the inert gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kenichiro Toratani, Takashi Nakao
  • Patent number: 8784676
    Abstract: A method for reducing contamination in an etch chamber is provided. A substrate with a metal containing layer is placed in the etch chamber. The metal containing layer is etched, producing nonvolatile metal residue deposits on surfaces of the etch chamber, wherein some of the metal residue of the metal residue deposits is in a first state. The substrate is removed from the etch chamber. The chamber is conditioned by converting metal residue in the first state to metal residue in a second state, where metal residue in the second state has stronger adhesion to surfaces of the etch chamber than metal residue in the first state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Joydeep Guha, Sanket Sant, Butsurin Jinnai
  • Patent number: 8778091
    Abstract: A system and method for washing a gas turbine engine. The method for washing the gas turbine engine includes coupling a pressurized air supply assembly to an air supply and to a secondary air system, cranking a compressor rotor assembly of the gas turbine engine, supplying pressurized offline buffer air from the air supply to the pressurized air supply assembly, and spraying a cleaner into the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Inc.
    Inventor: John Frederick Lockyer
  • Patent number: 8778464
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing metal and/or metal oxide contamination from the interior of a vacuum coating reactor, the method comprising the steps of: a) performing an idle coating step by depositing a coating layer, wherein the coating layer comprises silicon; b) at least partly removing the deposited coating layer. The method according to the invention is particularly suitable for cleaning reactors in the context of solar cell manufacturing. The method is time saving and cost saving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Tel Solar AG
    Inventors: Paolo Losio, Oliver Kluth, Jiri Kalas
  • Publication number: 20140187053
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a thin film forming apparatus wherein a process for supplying a film forming gas into a reaction tube of the thin film forming apparatus to form a thin film on an object to be processed is repeated more than one time and then a cleaning gas is supplied into the reaction tube to remove extraneous particles attached to an interior of the apparatus, the method comprising: a first cleaning process including supplying a first cleaning gas into the reaction tube to remove the extraneous particles attached to the interior of the apparatus when a first cleaning start conditions is satisfied; and a second cleaning process including performing a cleaning process that is different from the first cleaning process when a second cleaning start condition that is different from the first cleaning start condition is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Ryota GOTO, Rintaro TAKAO
  • Patent number: 8758519
    Abstract: A method for testing the patency of an endoscopic channel in an endoscope washing machine. In the method, the entrance of the channel is pressurized and then blocked, whereupon the pressure change at the entrance is measured. Where the channel is pressurized using a sequence of pressure pulses, and the maximum and minimum values thereof are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Winter & Ibe GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Waldmann, Sascha Eschborn
  • Patent number: 8758623
    Abstract: A rapid one-pass liquid filtration system efficiently concentrates biological particles that are suspended in liquid from a dilute feed suspension. A sample concentrate or retentate suspension is retained while eliminating the separated fluid in a separate flow stream. Suspended biological particles include such materials as proteins/toxins, viruses, DNA, and/or bacteria in the size range of approximately 0.001 micron to 20 microns diameter. Concentration of these particles is advantageous for detection of target particles in a dilute suspension, because concentrating them into a small volume makes them easier to detect. Additional concentration stages may be added in “cascade” fashion, in order to concentrate particles below the size cut of each preceding stage remaining in the separated fluid in a concentrated sample suspension. This process can also be used to create a “band-pass” concentration for concentration of a particular target size particle within a narrow range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: InnovaPrep LLC
    Inventors: David S. Alburty, Andrew E. Page, Zachary A. Packingham, Daniel B. Marske
  • Patent number: 8758518
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a counter top sized outer case; first and second electric motors disposed inside of the case. A positive displacement liquid pump with a pulsating output is operatively connected to said first electric motor and has an input and output port. A positive displacement gas pump with a pulsating output is operatively connected to the second electric motor and has an input and output port. A liquid source is fluidly connected to the input port of the liquid pump. The method further includes connecting a medical line or instrument to be cleaned to the output port of the liquid pump and operating the pump until the line or instrument has been cleaned. The line or instrument is then disconnected and connected to the output line of the gas pump. The gas pump is operated until the line or instrument has been cleared of liquid and then disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Leon C. LaHaye
  • Publication number: 20140166052
    Abstract: A method for washing one or more tanks for containing aquatic animals includes inserting one or more tanks for aquatic animals to be washed into a washing chamber of a washing apparatus. A washing solution is supplied to the washing chamber and comprises an alkaline detergent in combination with hydrogen peroxide. The alkaline detergent is free from surfactants, phosphates and chlorine. A neutralizing agent is supplied to the washing chamber and also is free from surfactants, phosphates and chlorine, to re-establish a desired pH of the residual washing solution in the washing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: IWT S.R.L. (Italian Limited Liability Company)
    Inventor: Michele Vitali
  • Patent number: 8753451
    Abstract: Liquid hydrocarbon storage tanks are cleaned by transferring the most contaminated lower fuel layer to an external vessel on a treatment truck where separation into a contaminants portion and a fuel portion occurs. The remnant fuel in the storage tank is cleaned by multiple passes through an external circuit on the truck. The fuel from the vessel is sometimes returned to the remnant fuel to be cleaned. The contaminants are discarded. The initial separation shortens the cleaning cycle. A flexible dip tube stiffened by a guide rod allows probing of the storage tank floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Leighton O'Brien Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephen Gerard O'Brien, Peter Francis Wagner, Robert James Moore
  • Patent number: 8753450
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for treating an interior of equipment for an isomerization unit. Generally, the isomerization unit includes at least one of a drying zone, an isomerization reaction zone, and a stabilizer zone, for receiving a feed stream. Usually, the feed stream includes one or more C4-C8 hydrocarbons. The process can include combining an anhydrous hydrogen stream and anhydrous organic chloride stream to form a hydrogen chloride feedstock, and passing the hydrogen chloride feedstock to a reaction zone containing a catalyst including at least one of nickel, palladium, and platinum on an alumina support to form a hydrogen chloride stream, and passing the hydrogen chloride stream upstream of the isomerization reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Ralph Charles Norton, Dana K. Sullivan, Jocelyn C. Daguio
  • Patent number: 8747568
    Abstract: A method of cleaning comprising propelling a sublimable media in a first direction through a discharge wand, inserting the discharge end of the wand into coils of a boiler, impinging on inner and outer surfaces the coils with the sublimable media, which subsequently dissipates or is consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: North American Industrial Services Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Bear, Kelly Brannick
  • Publication number: 20140150176
    Abstract: A pedicure spa having a self-cleaning retractable basin provides a consistently cleaned and sanitized basin for use during a pedicure treatment. A cleansing chamber in the pedicure spa accepts the basin for a self-cleaning procedure. Cleansing products may be dispensed from one or more supply components for application to the basin by one or more cleansing devices. The self-cleaning procedure may proceed according to one or more predefined stages, which may include a drying stage provided by one or more dryers within the cleansing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Newton Tran
  • Patent number: 8741069
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for microsurgical instruments has a flush chamber closed off at one end by a first plug adapted to liquid-tightly grip one end of the instrument, allowing a portion of the instrument to extend past the first plug and out of the flush chamber. The other end of the flush chamber is closed off by a second plug having an inlet port. Liquid injected through the inlet port on the second plug passes through an internal passageway formed in the instrument and exits the instrument through the portion that extends past the first plug. In another embodiment the instrument has an internal passageway and an end cap through which flushing ports are formed which communicate with the passageway. A first plug having an inlet port is liquid-tightly attached to the end cap and liquid injected into the first plug passes through the plug, through the flushing ports and through the passageway to clean detritus from the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Rolf Meyer
  • Publication number: 20140138267
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a container includes an opening for the deposition of rubbish therein and a cleaning or disinfecting device configured to provide a cleaning or disinfecting fluid inside the container. The cleaning or disinfecting device includes a delivery device inside the container configured to deliver a dose of fluid after an inclination of the container and then returning the container to a normal position of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: Laurent Pirollet
  • Patent number: 8728246
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions useful for conditioning and removing solid deposits that have formed on or otherwise accumulated within one or more components including, for example, scale formed within a steam generating system. The aqueous cleaning compositions incorporate one or more quaternary ammonium hydroxides characterized by pKa values no less than about 13.5. These quaternary ammonium hydroxides may be used alone or in combination with one or more additives including, for example, chelating agents, reducing or oxidizing agents, pH adjustment agents, surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, complexing agents, dispersants and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC
    Inventors: Robert D. Varrin, Jr., Michael J. Little, Carly E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8721796
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally include an apparatus for plasma cleaning and a method for plasma cleaning. The apparatus can include a lid body having a first surface for facing a pedestal during cleaning and a second surface opposite the first surface and substantially parallel to the first surface, the second surface having a first indentation sized to receive a magnet assembly, one or more handles coupled to the second surface of the lid body, and the magnet assembly resting in the first indentation. The method can include removing a sputtering target from the processing chamber, sealing the processing chamber, introducing a gas into the processing chamber, applying an RF bias to a pedestal within the processing chamber, maintaining the pedestal at a substantially constant temperature, and removing material from the pedestal to clean the pedestal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Deehan, Matt Cheng-Hsiung Tsai, Nan Lu, David T. Or, Mei Chang
  • Patent number: 8721798
    Abstract: Methods for processing substrates in twin chamber processing systems having first and second process chambers and shared processing resources are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method may include providing a substrate to the first process chamber of the twin chamber processing system, wherein the first process chamber has a first processing volume that is independent from a second processing volume of the second process chamber; providing one or more processing resources from the shared processing resources to only the first processing volume of the first process chamber; and performing a process on the substrate in the first process chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Cruse, Dermot Cantwell, Ming Xu, Charles Hardy, Benjamin Schwarz, Kenneth S. Collins, Andrew Nguyen, Zhifeng Sui, Evans Lee
  • Publication number: 20140124007
    Abstract: The present application thus provides a wash system for use with a compressor having a bellmouth and one or more extraction pipes. The wash system may include a water source, a first fluid source, a mixing chamber in communication with the water source and the first fluid source, a bellmouth line in communication with the mixing chamber and the bellmouth, and a stage line in communication with one of the extraction pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Alston Ilford Scipio, Sanji Ekanayake
  • Patent number: 8715425
    Abstract: An endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus for processing an endoscope in a cleaning tank using a diluted chemical obtained by diluting a chemical with hot water in a dilution tank of the present invention introduces the hot water into the cleaning tank immediately before processing, introduces the hot water into the dilution tank after the temperature of the hot water introduced into the cleaning tank falls within a specified temperature range, generates the diluted chemical, introduces the diluted chemical into the cleaning tank and processes the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Ryuta Sewake, Eiri Suzuki, Masahiko Tomita, Shinichiro Kawachi, Naoya Taya
  • Publication number: 20140116470
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing deposition products from internal surfaces of a processing chamber, and for preventing or slowing growth of such deposition products. A halogen containing gas is provided to the chamber to etch away deposition products. A halogen scavenging gas is provided to the chamber to remove any residual halogen. The halogen scavenging gas is generally activated by exposure to electromagnetic energy, either inside the processing chamber by thermal energy, or in a remote chamber by electric field, UV, or microwave. A deposition precursor may be added to the halogen scavenging gas to form a deposition resistant film on the internal surfaces of the chamber. Additionally, or alternately, a deposition resistant film may be formed by sputtering a deposition resistant metal onto internal components of the processing chamber in a PVD process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Jie SU, Lori D. WASHINGTON, Sandeep NIJHAWAN, Olga KRYLIOUK, Jacob GRAYSON, Sang Won KANG, Dong Hyung LEE, Hua CHUNG
  • Publication number: 20140109937
    Abstract: A medical device kit includes a medical instrument with a first connector. The first connector includes at least one first electrical connection. The first connector further includes a sealing cavity at least partially surrounding the at least one first electrical connection. The sealing cavity includes a sealing surface and a wedging surface. The kit includes a sealing cap having a sealing tube with an inner cavity and a flexible tip region. The wedging surface is operable for forcing the flexible tip against the sealing surface to form a flexible tip seal that seals the at least one first electrical connection within the sealing tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Roche Diagnostic Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Arnold, Klaus Thome