Work Handled In Bulk Or Groups Patents (Class 134/25.1)
  • Publication number: 20120090642
    Abstract: A protruding portion (13), which has a central axis coincident with a rotational axis of a table (10), is formed at a center portion of a surface of the table (10). At the time of the surface processing, the table (10) is rotated under a state in which the processing target surface of the substrate (12) is supported horizontally at each of a plurality of parts on the table (10) spaced apart from a base end of the protruding portion (13) toward an outer peripheral end portion of the table (10) by a predetermined distance and at the same distance from a top end of the protruding portion (13). Then, a processing liquid is supplied toward the top end of the protruding portion (13). The processing liquid that has reached the processing target surface of each substrate (12) is then removed outside the table (10) by centrifugal force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: MICRO ENGINEERING INC.
    Inventor: Minoru Matsuzawa
  • Patent number: 8124011
    Abstract: A method for sterilizing a plastic bottle in an aseptic filling system according to which at least an inner surface or an outer surface of a bottle is sterilized by injecting a heated sterilizing fluid at 65° C.-90° C. while maintaining internal pressure of the bottle at 1 kPa-20 kPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Iwashita, Yonosuke Takahara, Kenichi Kominami, Ken Isogawa
  • Patent number: 8123866
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for manufacturing semiconductor material wafers with a sawing device for the sawing of slices attached to a saw holder, a pre-cleaning device arranged in the process direction downstream of the sawing device for pre-cleaning the surfaces of the slices hanging on the saw holder, and a degluing device arranged downstream in the process direction for detaching the slices from the saw holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Deutsche Solar GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Döpping, Matthias Reinecke, Holger Brosche, Hans-Joachim Gretzschel, Steffen Pollack
  • Patent number: 8119699
    Abstract: A method of recycling a laminate shaped product, including the steps of: breaking a shaped product having a laminate structure including at least one layer of aliphatic polyester resin in addition to a principal resin layer, storing resultant broken pieces in a moisturizing environment to adjust a moisture content of the aliphatic polyester resin (layer) to at least 0.5 wt. %, and then washing the broken pieces with alkaline water to remove the aliphatic polyester resin layer, thereby recovering the principal resin. As a result, it becomes possible to shorten an induction period in the alkaline water washing step that is a principal process step, thereby rationalizing the entire process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Kureha Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamane, Ryo Kato, Akiko Wakamatsu
  • Publication number: 20120031437
    Abstract: The invention relates to machine for treating parts, for example for cleaning metal parts with solvents, transported in a basket in a treatment station, said machine including a plurality of treatment stations and a cylinder including a number of chambers at least equal to the number of stations, said chambers receiving at least one basket with said parts, the cylinder including sealing means and transporting the baskets into the chambers in the consecutive treatment stations of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Roberto Beguin
  • Patent number: 8097576
    Abstract: The present invention provides a composition. The composition comprises zinc and bismuth. The composition is for use in the protection of glassware in an automatic dishwashing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventor: Karlheinz Ulrich Gerhard Hahn
  • Patent number: 8092610
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning device for cleaning a driver used in a disk drive manufacturing process. The cleaning device includes: a body; a replaceable cleaning pad mounted in the body; and a cover mounted to the body over the cleaning pad, in which, the cover includes an opening to receive the driver and to expose a portion of the cleaning pad to receive and clean the driver. The cleaning device further includes a cleaning pad rotation mechanism mounted in the body that connects to the cleaning pad and rotates the cleaning pad. The cleaning pad rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the cleaning pad such that an unused portion of the cleaning pad is exposed to the opening for receipt of the driver and the cleaning pad rotation mechanism may be activated to rotate the cleaning pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean Albert Tarrant
  • Patent number: 8092613
    Abstract: A method of warewashing for the removal of starch is described herein. The method includes applying an alkaline composition to a dish, then applying an acidic composition to a dish, and then applying a second alkaline composition to the dish. The method may include additional steps. Compositions for using with the method are also disclosed. Finally, dish machines that may be used in accordance with the method are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Werner Strothoff, Winfried Troll, Helmut Maier, John P. Furber, Bryan A. Maser, Michael E. Besse
  • Publication number: 20110309051
    Abstract: An apparatus for wet treatment of an object includes a treatment bath in which an object to be treated is received and treated; a plurality of object supporting rods rotatably installed in the treatment bath and having a plurality of slots formed in surfaces thereof to support an object so that the object stands in a direction perpendicular to a bottom surface of the treatment bath; and a rotating means connected to the object supporting rods to rotate the object in a circumferential direction by rotating the object supporting rods. Treatment fluid injecting holes for injecting a treatment fluid to the object and treatment fluid channels for supplying the treatment fluid to the treatment fluid injecting holes are formed in the object supporting rods. Thus, a dead zone in the treatment bath is removed and the treatment fluid may flow uniformly and smoothly, which improves treatment efficiency and treatment uniformity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: SILTRON, INC.
    Inventors: Eun-Suck Choi, Jae-Hwan Yi, Bong Woo Kim, Hwan-Su Yu, Jin-Woo Ahn
  • Patent number: 8066818
    Abstract: A detergent multi-compartment pouch having a plurality of water-soluble films forming a plurality of compartments the pouch comprising two side-by-side compartments superposed onto another compartment wherein at least two different compartments contain two different compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Anju Deepali Massey Brooker, Frank William DeNome, Dennis Allen Beckholt
  • Patent number: 8066816
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning measuring probes (18) of a gas turbine engine (1). The invention further relates to a method for cleaning measuring probes (18) of an gas turbine engine (1). The apparatus comprises distribution means (30) comprising a plurality of supply means (31, 32, 33), each comprising connection means (33) arranged for connection to a probe (18), and each supply means (31, 32, 33) being arranged to, when connected to a probe (18), distribute pressurized cleaning liquid to said measuring probe (18), wherein a substantially simultaneous cleaning of probes connected to said distribution means (30) via said supply means (31, 32, 33) can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Line Maintenance Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Asplund, Carl-Johan Hjerpe
  • Patent number: 8062409
    Abstract: In order to produce a cleaning device for cleaning a workpiece including a suction apparatus for sucking out impurities from an interior of the work piece wherein the suction apparatus has a particularly large suction effect, it is proposed that the suction apparatus at least one vacuum tank, at least one evacuation device for evacuating the vacuum tank, at least one ventilation line for connecting the vacuum tank to the workpiece and at least one blocking device for blocking off the connection between the vacuum tank and the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Dürr Ecoclean GmhB
    Inventor: Egon Käske
  • Publication number: 20110277795
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a washing apparatus comprising a cylindrical holding tank, a tumbler cage within the cylindrical holding tank adapted to rotate around a longitudinal axis within the cylindrical holding tank, and a support assembly comprising a plurality of axles which engage the cylindrical holding tank, such as through rollers, and allow the cylindrical holding tank to rotate around the longitudinal axis. Further disclosed are methods of using the apparatus to wash material, such as lightweight expanded clay aggregate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: Simon Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 8038803
    Abstract: Methods are provided for descaling metallic components devices such as stents. The devices or components are cleaned under ultrasound in a cleaning solution of ammonium hydrogen fluoride at a temperature within a range of about 60° to 80° C., then rinsed at that temperature with an aqueous rinse containing a nonionic surfactant and rinsed again with purified water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Sanjay Shrivastava
  • Patent number: 8029740
    Abstract: Solutions for limiting the undesirable spread of pathogens by indirect contact are provided. The solutions involve event-controlled self-sterilization of contact surfaces on articles or fixtures. A self-sterilizing contact surface structure allows chemical sterilizing agents to controllably flow in response to a contact event, from within the article to exude upon a portion of the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8029727
    Abstract: Solutions for limiting the undesirable spread of pathogens by indirect contact are provided. The solutions involve event-controlled self-sterilization of contact surfaces on articles or fixtures. A self-sterilizing contact surface structure allows chemical sterilizing agents to controllably flow in response to a contact event, from within the article to exude upon a portion of the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110226285
    Abstract: This invention concerns a washing machine, particularly for washing out the cages and tanks used in animal laboratories, comprising a wash chamber into which a load of the items to be washed can be inserted and equipped with multiple nozzles and a water collection reservoir situated in the floor of the wash chamber. It is characterised by the fact that it comprises a single hydraulic circuit suitable for carrying out, using the system of supplying water to the load, the entire wash and rinse cycles, without the need for two separate wash and rinse circuits. The object of this invention is also the washing method carried out by this machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: IWT S.R.L.
    Inventors: Luciano SAVOIA, Michele VITALI, Christian IAMETTI
  • Patent number: 8002897
    Abstract: An at-home integrated cleaning and disinfection system for dental hardware, for consumer use includes a compact and portable base unit sized for at-home use by a consumer, the base unit including a holding frame and an ultraviolet lamp. The system also includes a cleaning chamber within which dental hardware and a cleaning solution that includes hydrogen peroxide are receivable. The cleaning chamber fits within the holding frame in a manner such that contents of the cleaning chamber are exposed to light emitted by the ultraviolet lamp. A vibration mechanism is positioned so as to cause the cleaning chamber to vibrate while the cleaning chamber is fitted within the holding frame. To clean and disinfect dental hardware, the consumer places dental hardware in the cleaning chamber, fills the cleaning chamber with the cleaning solution, and inserts the cleaning chamber into the holding frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Integrity Engineering, Inc
    Inventors: Valerie Palfy, Don A. Skomsky
  • Patent number: 8002898
    Abstract: A method of determining one or more operational parameters of a washing system having a wash tank to which water and material are added. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring a concentration of material, which is decreased at least partially due to water being added to the wash tank. The method also includes maintaining the concentration of material by dispensing material into the wash tank during a material dispensing operation. Additionally, the method includes generating a parameter indicative of a rate at which the material is dispensed during the material dispensing operation. The method also includes determining a presence of a water flow abnormality based at least partially on the generated parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederik J. Schepers, Evert P. Baars, Andrew J. Cocking, Wai Yin Cedric Chan, James W. Livingston
  • Patent number: 8002900
    Abstract: A method and apparatus 30 are provided for cleaning of bottle filling equipment 10 that has a plurality of elevated valves 18, each valve being in flow communication with filling liquid supply means 14. The method includes storing a manifold 32 that has a plurality of cleaning openings 42 in a configuration resembling that of the valves, in a position that allows clear visibility and access to the operation of the valves. The manifold 32 is lowered relative to the valves 18, so that it is below the valves and is positioned underneath the valves, with each cleaning opening 42 in flow communication with a valve. The valves 18 are rinsed with liquid flowing through the filling liquid supply 14, the valves and the manifold 32. Afterwards, the manifold 32 is removed from the valves 18 and returned to its stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Etienne Le Roux
  • Publication number: 20110174339
    Abstract: A produce washer and method of washing produce or other items in a continuous motion washing machine is provided. The produce washer includes a basket, or other collector, that is positioned within a portion of the fluid flow path and sized and shaped to intercept items from a the fluid flow path while at the same time allowing the fluid to continue to flow through the collector generally in the same circulatory flow path created by the washing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: John CANTRELL, Mark CHURCHILL
  • Patent number: 7955440
    Abstract: After a water film is formed on a wafer front surface in a chamber, the water film is supplied sequentially with an oxidizing component of an oxidation gas, an organic acid component of an organic acid mist, an HF component of an HF gas, the organic acid mist, and the oxidizing component of the oxidation gas. As a result, the HF component and the organic acid component provide cleaning effect on the wafer surface, and a concentration of the cleaning components in the water film within a wafer surface can be even.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Sumco Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Okuuchi, Kazushige Takaishi
  • Patent number: 7942978
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for cleaning articles within a chamber of a warewash machine. The warewash machine has a rinse sump for collecting a rinse agent dispensed into the chamber and a wash sump for collecting a wash agent dispensed into the chamber. The method includes a wash phase during which the wash agent is dispensed into the chamber during and an auxiliary rinse phase during which the rinse agent is dispensed into the chamber. The wash machine includes a controllable deflector for directing the wash agent to the wash sump during the wash phase and the rinse agent to the rinse sump during the auxiliary rinse phase. The method also includes a final rinse phase during which water from an external source is dispensed into the chamber. The controllable deflector direct the water dispensed during the final rinse phase to the rinse sump such that the water combines with the rinse agent therein. The rinse agent is re-used during at least one subsequent auxiliary rinse phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Louis M. Holzman, Adrian Hartz, Eddie D. Sowle, Lee J. Monsrud
  • Patent number: 7939483
    Abstract: Water-soluble glass as corrosion protector in dishwashing machines A zinc-containing, water-soluble glass composition comprising from 41 to 54 mole % of P2O5, 10 to 30 mole % of alkali oxides, up to 5 mole % of SO3 and up to 25 mole % of ZnO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventor: Karlheinz Ulrich Gerhard Hahn
  • Patent number: 7931754
    Abstract: A dishwasher having a liquid spraying system operable in a first mode to spray a focused stream of liquid within the wash chamber, and operable in a second mode to spray a diffused stream of liquid within the wash chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis L. Kehl, Sathish Andrea Sundaram
  • Patent number: 7922827
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning compositions and methods employing a water soluble magnesium compound. Such compositions can be used for reducing scale, rinsing, hard surface cleaning, ware washing, and corrosion inhibition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Michael E. Besse, Brenda L. Tjelta, Lisa M. Sanders, Keith E. Olson
  • Patent number: 7922829
    Abstract: A cleaning system and method remove localized caked or dewatered solids from flat-plate membranes in a sewage treatment plant. The caked sludge on the membranes is removed by intense coherent water sprays directed into the spaces between cartridges of a cassette, without removing the cartridges from the cassette. The sprays can be delivered from the top and/or bottom of the cassette, or the side panels of a cassette can be removed for spraying from at least one side, preferably both sides, using a mechanical device with movable spray bars and motor-driven advancing of the spray bars. In one preferred form of the system the apparatus includes horizontal cutting jets followed by angled cutting jets that further break up and wash away the loosened sludge. Jet diameter, velocity and pressure are controlled so as not to damage the membranes or cartridges but to achieve efficient cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: GLV Finance Hungary KFT
    Inventors: Dennis Livingston, Mark Steelman Stone, Edward Alan David, Steve Stach, Roland Schneider
  • Patent number: 7922828
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning compositions and methods employing a water soluble magnesium compound. Such compositions can be used for reducing scale, rinsing, hard surface cleaning, ware washing, and corrosion inhibition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Brenda L. Tjelta, Lisa M. Sanders, Keith E. Olson
  • Patent number: 7905963
    Abstract: Disclosed is a polycrystalline silicon washing apparatus that sequentially immerses polycrystalline silicon into a plurality of acid baths each of which is filled with an acid to wash the polycrystalline silicon. The temperatures of the acids in the acid baths are set such that the temperature of the acid in a later acid bath of adjacent acid baths is equal to or lower than that of a former acid bath and the temperature of the acid in the last acid bath is lower than that of the acid in the first acid bath. Each of the acid baths is provided with a temperature adjusting unit that controls the temperature of the acid at a constant value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Sakai, Tetsuya Atsumi, Yukiyasu Miyata
  • Patent number: 7905962
    Abstract: A produce cleaning machine provides baskets for holding large and small produce items and water sprayers for directing water jets onto the produce from above and below. One basket is motorized to rotate to more evenly clean the produce, while a further basket can be rolled in and out of the machine to make loading and unloading easier. The force of the spray is adjustable and the rotational speed of the motor is as well to provide for special handling of the produce. Rotation after cleaning is used to help dry the produce, and ultraviolet emission is used to sanitize the produce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: Helen Di Panni
  • Patent number: 7906069
    Abstract: A method for sterilizing a plastic bottle in an aseptic filling system according to which at least an inner surface or an outer surface of a bottle is sterilized by injecting a heated sterilizing fluid at 65° C.-90° C. while maintaining internal pressure of the bottle at 1 kPa-20 kPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Iwashita, Yonosuke Takahara, Kenichi Kominami, Ken Isogawa
  • Patent number: 7901514
    Abstract: A cleaning method of cleaning a surface of a substrate that is processed by a developing process. The method includes pouring a cleaning liquid onto a central part of the substrate. A dry area that is not wetted with the cleaning liquid is created in a central part of the substrate by stopping pouring the cleaning liquid or by shifting a cleaning liquid pouring position to which the cleaning liquid is poured from the central part while the substrate holding device is rotating. The dry area is expanded outward from the central part of the substrate by rotating the substrate holding device at a rotating speed not lower than 1500 rpm without pouring the cleaning liquid onto the dry area. The cleaning liquid is poured onto an outer area contiguously surrounding the dry area on the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Junji Nakamura, Kousuke Yoshihara, Kentaro Yamamura, Fumiko Iwao, Hirofumi Takeguchi
  • Patent number: 7892359
    Abstract: A dishwasher in the form of a programmable machine, in particular a commercial dishwasher, having a pre-cleaning station, which is disposed outside a treatment chamber of the dishwasher, and having a waste water transfer system, by which washing liquid can be fed from a wash tank of the dishwasher as pre-cleaning liquid to the pre-cleaning station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dietrich Berner, Harald Disch, Markus Heidt
  • Patent number: 7886458
    Abstract: A modular lint collection system for a fabric dryer, comprising a lint collection frame having a plurality of lint screen retaining members associated therewith, and a plurality of lint collection screens connected to respective lint screen retaining members and arranged in a zigzag pattern. The lint collection screens are oriented in respective vertical planes with adjacent screens lying in intersecting relation to one another, such that the air flow being drawn through the dryer generally impinges the screens at an oblique angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: G.A. Braun Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan Blair
  • Publication number: 20110023912
    Abstract: A liquid processing apparatus is provided which can reduce the amount of liquids used and reduce the difference of the process level between objects to-be-processed. The liquid processing apparatus includes a main pipe, a liquid supply device, a main valve, a plurality of branch pipes, and a plurality of processing units. The liquid supply device includes a mixer, a first liquid supply pipe, and a second liquid source supplying a second liquid and supplies a mixed liquid prepared by mixing the first and second liquids in the mixer to one end of the main pipe. The main valve is configured to close the other end of the main pipe opposite to the liquid supply device when the object to-be-processed is processed in the processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Kazuhisa MATSUMOTO
  • Patent number: 7861733
    Abstract: A device for treating pieces of a substrate at high pressure, piece by piece or in batches, with a treatment medium in the supercritical or near-critical state, includes a first pressure chamber, a pipe system for supplying and discharging the treatment medium, to and from the pressure chamber under high pressure and an electric motor, which is fixed to the housing in the first pressure chamber or in a second pressure chamber coupled to the first pressure chamber under the high pressure, for driving an actuator to carry out a mechanical action in the treatment medium. The electric motor is in this case open to the treatment medium and is disposed and designed to be accessible to the treatment medium, in such a manner that during the treatment of a substrate the treatment medium flows through and around the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Stork Prints B.V.
    Inventors: Hubert Clemens Pellikaan, Geert Feye Woerlee
  • Patent number: 7857912
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a wire container comprising a plurality of spring-like wires having wave patterns forming a part support that minimize contact points between the container and one or more contained parts when the container is subjected to a vibration causing the wires and the parts to move, thereby eliminating any fixed contact points between the part and the supporting part support. Another aspect of the current invention is a process for removing penetrant from parts comprising: placing one or more parts with penetrant applied in a container having spring-like wire with wave patterns forming a part support; oscillating the container during a cleaning process thereby compressing and expanding one or more spring-like wires thus exposing part surfaces and removing the penetrant from the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Randall Manufacturing Co., Inc
    Inventors: Fred Randall, Robert G. Peterson, Al Raven
  • Patent number: 7846259
    Abstract: A parts washing apparatus comprising a basin having a drain, a reservoir located below the drain, and a solvent filtering and recirculating system. This system comprises a centrifuge filter assembly and a solvent recirculating system. The centrifuge filter assembly in turn comprises a centrifugal filter comprising a receptacle and a replaceable filter element, and also a turbine to drive the centrifugal filter. The centrifuge filter and the turbine are positioned in an enclosing structure to enclose the turbulent flow of the solvent from the centrifuge filter and also enclose the fumes associated with the turbulent flow. Thus, there is a discharge of solvent as less turbulent flow while substantially enclosing the associated fumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Charles T. Magliocca
  • Publication number: 20100294320
    Abstract: A method of removing undesirable material from grapes comprising the steps of: a) obtaining an air blower 1 capable of generating and releasing a non-linear substantially disrupted air flow, and b) directing the non-linear disrupted air flow at bunches of grapes on a vine to remove at least a significant amount of necrotic plant matter from the bunches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher Arthur HENRY
  • Patent number: 7837804
    Abstract: In a dry process after a cleaning process using a cleaning-liquid nozzle and a rinse process using a side rinse nozzle are performed on a wafer W, the wafer W is turned, feeding of pure water to a center point of the wafer W from a pure-water nozzle is started, and substantially at the same, injection of a nitrogen gas from a gas nozzle to a center portion of the wafer W at a point at an adequate distance apart from the center of the wafer W is started. Next, while the pure-water nozzle is caused to scan toward the periphery of the wafer W, the gas nozzle is caused to scan toward the periphery of the wafer W in an area radially inward of the position of the pure-water nozzle after the gas nozzle passes the center of the wafer W.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hiroki Ohno, Kenji Sekiguchi
  • Patent number: 7828905
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning compositions and methods employing a water soluble magnesium compound. Such compositions can be used for reducing scale, rinsing, hard surface cleaning, ware washing, and corrosion inhibition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Brenda L. Tjelta, Lisa M. Sanders, Keith E. Olson
  • Patent number: 7794549
    Abstract: A drip shield is mounted to a drawer of a drawer-type dishwasher so as to extend along an outer rear surface of the drawer and catch droplets of washing fluid falling from a lid of the dishwasher. The drip shield includes a shelf that extends between up-turned wall portions. The shelf is angled away from the tub so that any droplets of washing fluid that may fall onto the drip shield will migrate away from the drawer. The shelf is also formed such that first and second end portions are positioned higher than a central or intermediate portion. This construction forces the droplets of washing fluid to collect in a centralized drain point from where the droplets of water can be guided to a controlled location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney M. Welch, Thomas J. Wuestefeld
  • Patent number: 7793670
    Abstract: A fixture for optical elements includes a washing bar, a holder and a vacuum pump. The washing bar includes an inner channel and a connecting portion in communication with the inner channel. A hole is formed in the washing bar for communicating with the inner channel. The holder connects with the washing bar. The holder has a holding surface communicating with the hole. The holding surface has a shape corresponding to a peripheral surface of the optical elements to be held. The vacuum pump is connected with the connecting portion. The vacuum pump is configured for vacuum the washing bar so as to effectively suck the one of the optical elements on the holding surface. The present fixture can hold optical elements firmly and does not damage the optical elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsin-Ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20100224220
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method of washing (or pre-washing) silverware/flatware, or one or more other objects/parts is provided. The apparatus and method utilizes a fluid-push/pull system and method in which generally an entire volume of fluid is pushed or pulled through a cavity in which the silverware/flatware or other objects/parts are located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: JOHN CANTRELL, MARK CHURCHILL, MIKE LICATA, DAVID GAST
  • Publication number: 20100212262
    Abstract: A process and system reprocesses soiled animal bedding material commingled with animal manure. The material is to remove a preponderance of the manure. The remaining soiled bedding is washed in water and a cleaning agent, rinsed and, optionally, bleached to restore color and appearance. The resulting material is dewatered and dried to reduce its moisture content and kill any remaining pathogens. After being cleaned and sanitized, the material may be reused as bedding or further processed into pellets or other products, such as manufactured fire logs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Shelly Ann Townsend
  • Publication number: 20100200021
    Abstract: A slide conditioning system comprises a basin, suitable to retain fluids therein, and a slide carrier having a bidirectional valve formed therein, the slide carrier adapted to carry a plurality of slides therein. A rotor arm is rotatable relative to the basin, the rotor arm being capable of carrying the slide carrier and applying centrifugal forces to the slide carrier as the rotor arm rotates. A fluidics system is also provided and a fluid coupling port is operable to selectively and fluidly mate with the bidirectional valve of the slide carrier while the slide carrier is carried by the rotor arm to fluidly couple the slide carrier to the fluidics system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Nils Adey, Tom Moyer, Dale Emery, Michael Worthen, Wanyuan Ao
  • Patent number: 7758700
    Abstract: A cleaning method for cleaning a powder container by introducing a cleaning medium into the powder container from a first opening part of the powder container for attaching powder in the powder container to the cleaning medium and discharging the cleaning medium together with the powder from a second opening part situated opposite from the first opening part is disclosed. The method includes a step of releasing the cleaning medium from a position higher than the first opening part of the powder container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Fuchigami, Toshiyuki Mutoh, Yoichi Okamoto, Shigeru Yamada, Tomoyasu Hirasawa
  • Patent number: 7749329
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning compositions and methods employing a water soluble magnesium compound. Such compositions can be used for reducing scale, rinsing, hard surface cleaning, ware washing, and corrosion inhibition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Michael E. Besse, Brenda L. Tjelta, Lisa M. Sanders, Keith E. Olson
  • Patent number: 7749330
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for automatically cleaning and decontaminating medical instruments. The method comprising the steps of: a) placing the medical instruments into a container after their use in a medical procedure; b) closing the container to seal the instruments inside whereby to prevent personnel contact with the instruments and any contaminants which might be thereon; c) inserting the sealed container into a washer/decontaminator and sealing the washer/decontaminator; d) the washer/decontaminator automatically opening the container and applying a washing fluid thereto to wash the instruments within the container; and e) the washer/decontaminator automatically applying a disinfectant to the container to disinfect the instruments whereby to allow safe handling thereof by personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Szu-Min Lin, Robert C. Platt, Peter C. Zhu
  • Patent number: 7744700
    Abstract: An aqueous tube cleaning apparatus and method includes a cleaning receptacle and a vertical receptacle, which is taller than the cleaning receptacle. A tube, or bundle of tubes, is placed in the cleaning receptacle, extending through an inlet port from the vertical receptacle, and a gate is closed to clamp the tubes in place. The vertical receptacle is then filled with a fluid, and the pressure created by gravity forces the fluid through and around the tubes, cleansing the inner and outer surfaces of the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David M. Kozy, Daniel L. Nydegger, Wiliam R. Schell, Kin Y. Wong