With Splash, Spray Or Jet Applying Means Patents (Class 134/72)
  • Patent number: 11399693
    Abstract: Ergonomic Intelligent Dishwasher comprising of closed-loop carousel system, tableware storage holder and a Wash-Pod. Individual tableware is inserted through an opening where the tableware attaches to a closed-loop, speed-adjustable carousel-system that moves the individual tableware, in a queue-fashion, through one or more wash cycle as the attached-tableware travels towards the tableware separation-mechanism. Tableware separation-mechanism is activated or deactivated for each individual tableware in the said queue on the carousel based on user-define setting or an internal quality-control process, thus, when deactivated, attached tableware on the carousel continues to travel through additional said cleaning cycle in the loop until such time when carousel-tableware separation-mechanism is activated. Once the tableware is discharged and separated from the carousel, the tableware is directed to one or more tableware storage holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Inventor: Amin Aleali
  • Patent number: 11259505
    Abstract: An apparatus for washing shell eggs includes a washing unit and an egg conveyor extending in a longitudinal direction, and having a transverse direction. The longitudinal and transverse directions define a conveyor plane. Spray nozzles are arranged in the washing unit above the conveyor plane so that in a first step the eggs can be subjected to a liquid jet from a first liquid spray nozzle spraying in a first spray direction, and in a second step the eggs can be subjected to a liquid jet from a second liquid spray nozzle spraying in a second spray direction. The first and second spray nozzles are arranged on opposite sides of the egg when seen in the transverse direction and at a distance above the conveyor plane so that the liquid sprayed in the first and second spray directions hits the egg from opposite sides in a downwards angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Sanovo Technology A/S
    Inventors: Jan Holst Holm, Aksel Morten Madsen
  • Patent number: 11178854
    Abstract: A vertical washer or dryer, such as integrated into an egg handling operation. The vertical washer or dryer includes a vertically extending body supporting a carousel conveyor adapted to support pluralities of eggs during transport in successive ascending and descending fashion within the body between an inlet location and an outlet location of the body. A first egg conveyor communicates the eggs with the inlet location of the carousel conveyor, a second egg conveyor communicating the eggs with the outlet location. A least one of a plurality of egg washer spray bars or, in the separate variant, a plurality of egg dryer air knives, are integrated into the body in communication with the carousel conveyor for washing/drying the eggs while supported upon the carousel conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Moba Group B.V.
    Inventor: Robert Grant Baguley
  • Patent number: 10773899
    Abstract: A conveying/loading apparatus includes a first conveying apparatus having a first delivery part, with a blocking apparatus being disposed close to an output end of the first delivery part, and a second conveying apparatus having a second delivery part, with multiple supports being disposed at intervals on the second delivery part, and regions between the supports forming accommodating spaces for loading objects. An object is delivered to the output end of the first delivery part, and a first detection sensor detects a position of the object. A second detection sensor detects whether a support of the second delivery part has moved to a loading position, and whether the accommodating space between two adjacent supports is in an idle state. The first detection sensor causes the blocked object to pass, when the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor both have signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Xinhai Wu, Lei Zhao, Yujie Wang, Fengchun Li, Bei Li, Zhen Liu
  • Patent number: 9206514
    Abstract: Treatment apparatus has up-stream rollers 2 and down-stream rollers 3. Between the rollers are provided a pair of upper and lower treatment zone plates 4,5, spaced by a gap 6 through which sheet material to be treated can be passed. The plates have grooves 9 occupied by strips defining up- and down-stream even slots 14,15 for flow of treatment liquid into the gap 6. The ends of the upper plate 4 are smoothly rounded at 37. When sheet material is fed into the gap flow occurs on top of the sheet and up over the rounded edge of the plate. Then it flows sideways off the top of the plate without flowing over the top of the upper rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventor: Peter Philip Andrew Lymn
  • Patent number: 9125542
    Abstract: A portable dishwasher conveyor system for automatically cleaning dishes features a counter top having a sink. The system features a conveyor frame on the counter top having a continuous conveyor belt on a plurality of rollers. A plurality of drag bars is located on a belt exterior surface. The system features a motor on the conveyor frame for powering the conveyor belt. The system features two “U” shaped spray bars having a plurality of spray bar nozzles and a transparent cover located on the conveyor frame. The system features an adjustable conveyor member located on a frame posterior end that is adapted to angularly adjust to a downward slope for conveying dishes into the sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: Behzad Canaanie
  • Patent number: 9032976
    Abstract: A conveyor belt washer/dryer that includes a housing, which encloses a washing station separated by one or more spray barriers from a drying station. The housing has a passage that is sized and configured to allow the conveyor belt to successively pass through the washing station and the drying station. The washing station includes one or more washing heads, a splash plate and a reservoir. The washing heads discharge a wash liquid onto the top surface of the conveyor belt and the splash plate redirects the wash liquid onto the bottom surface. The reservoir collects the spent wash liquid. The drying station includes one or more air knife/knives that discharge(s) pressurized air onto the conveyor belt to dry the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Tarpaulin.com, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Berntsen, Niv Eldor
  • Publication number: 20140246058
    Abstract: A machine and method are provided for washing a tote or other container having a bottom wall, and first and second opposed side walls that are connected by first and second opposed end walls to define an access opening. The machine and method involve utilizing an automated washing machine having a housing that includes a wash zone for spraying wash liquid onto the container, a downstream rinse zone for spraying rinsing liquid onto the tote and a downstream drying zone for directing air flow onto the container to promote drying of the container and a conveyor mechanism for moving the container through the housing. The container is placed in an inverted position on the conveyor mechanism with the bottom wall facing upward and the access opening facing downward, and the conveyor mechanism moves the container through the zones for cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Deborah J. Ashton, Thomas E. Letizia, Allen S. Pucciani, Brian E. Stump
  • Patent number: 8691020
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container treatment machine, in particular a filling, closing or rinsing unit for containers, such as bottles, cans, barrels, kegs etc., comprising a container feed, a container discharge, at least one feed line for at least one product, and a cleaning device (3) for cleaning the outer surfaces by means of a cleaning fluid (13), characterized in that the cleaning device (3) comprises a robot (4) and a track (5), wherein the track (5) runs around the rotational axis thereof in at least one angular region, wherein the robot (4) is arranged on or at said track (5) and can be driven by means of a linear drive (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Hartmut Evers
  • Patent number: 8603259
    Abstract: A conveyor warewasher (1) which having at least one washing zone (6, 7, 8, 9), at least one rinsing zone (10) and at least one drying zone (26) and also a control device (36). In order to achieve an effective cleaning and drying of the washware, along with as low a consumption as possible of resources in terms of water, chemicals and, in particular, energy, there is provision for the control device (36) to be designed for selecting a previously defined or definable program sequence at least in the at least one drying zone (26) and for setting the process parameters associated with the selected program sequence automatically as a function of the conveying speed at which the washware is conveyed through the treatment zones (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 26) of the conveyor warewasher (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dietrich Berner, Harald Disch, Ralf Hubner, Klaus Padtberg
  • Publication number: 20130319479
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosed apparatus features a conveyor belt though an agitated reservoir of cleaning solution that is pooled by a flood box defined by sidewalls along the sides of the conveyor belt and opposing jets of water dubbed water curtains at the entrance and exit of the conveyor belt to and from the flood box, and, agitated by a plurality of spray nozzles shooting high flows of cleaning solution into the reservoir from above or within the flood box. The conveyor belt may be horizontal or slightly angled from the horizontal relative to the flood box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Douglas Norman Winther, Julio Montjoy, Primitivo Trinidad, JR.
  • Patent number: 8464734
    Abstract: An exemplary apparatus for wet processing a substantially rectangular substrate includes a conveyor, a supporting mechanism, an adjusting mechanism, a processing module and a dosing system. The conveyor is configured for conveying the substrate to a wet process work station. The supporting mechanism is configured for supporting the substrate away from the conveyor. The adjusting mechanism is configured for adjusting the orientation of the substrate. The processing module is configured for obtaining an area of a surface of the substrate. The dosing system communicates with the processing unit, and is configured for dispensing a corresponding amount of wet processing liquid to the substrate to wet process the substrate according to the area of the surface of the substrate from the processing module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Zhen Ding Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Tsun Chen, Shin-Chih Liaw, Tao-Ming Liao, Chia-Hung Shen, Yun-Fei Lien
  • Patent number: 8435358
    Abstract: A conveyor dishwasher (2) has a control apparatus (50) for automatically setting the quantity of final rinse liquid sprayed in the final rinse zone (18) per unit time as a function of the conveying speed and/or as a function of the type of washware conveyed through the final rinse zone (18). A rinse aid metering apparatus (57) is also provided which is designed to add in a metered fashion a constant quantity of rinse aid per unit time to the fresh water provided for final rinsing purposes independently of the quantity of final rinse liquid sprayed in the final rinse zone (18) per unit time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Harald Disch, Martin Schrempp, Norbert Litterst
  • Patent number: 8408220
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a heating device, a freezing device, and a conveying belt. The heating device includes a hot water source and a hot water container. The hot water container includes an exit shutter and defines a water inlet and a water outlet. The hot water source being communicated to the hot water container via the water inlet. The freezing device includes an aerosol spray system and a freezing container. The spray system includes a spray head. The freezing container includes an entrance shutter. The spray head is received in the freezing container. The conveying belt extends into the hot water container via the exit shutter and into the freezing container via the entrance shutter and thereby bridges the hot water container and the freezing container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shao-Kai Pei
  • Publication number: 20130019906
    Abstract: An agricultural seed box washing device and method includes a modular enclosure having a washing area having a stationary first spray array and a second spray array movable transverse to the path of travel of the seed box for washing all six geometric sides of the seed box. The device includes a two-directional conveyor that allows the seed box to cycle back and further through the first spray array for multiple passes through the spray arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Harold Parlow, II
  • Patent number: 8303728
    Abstract: A pass-through dishwasher is provided having at least one washing zone, at least one rinsing zone and a drying zone. The pass-through dishwasher is used to clean items to be washed and comprises a conveyor device for conveying the items to be washed through successive treatment zones. The pass-through dishwasher comprises a drying zone which has arranged in it at least one drying fan whose rotation speed can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Peukert, Bruno Gaus
  • Patent number: 8261756
    Abstract: A rapid and effective means for decontaminating fouled oil-control booms is provided. The process involves washing the boom with pressured washing fluid, reorienting the boom to facilitate full inspection, and drying the boom. This can be performed in an assembly-line manner, using one or more conveyors to transport the boom sequentially to a washing area, an inspection area, and a drying area. Consequently, contaminated oil-control booms can be cleaned and redeployed rapidly and inexpensively during an oil release accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: William G. Yates, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8241431
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for applying a fluid (32) to items (14) to be cleaned, which items are continuously or intermittently transported in the conveying direction (12) in an automatic cleaning machine, preferably an automatic pass-through dishwasher. At least two, preferably tubular, spray bodies (26.1, 26.2, 26.3, . . . 26.n) which are spaced apart from one another are arranged in at least one spray plane (22, 24) which is oriented parallel to the conveying direction (12) of the items (14) to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Stefan Scheringer, Michael Streb, Engelbert Ecker, Thomas Peukert, Bruno Gaus, Joachim Kupetz, Wendelin Hils, Denis Lehmann, Thomas Roederer
  • Patent number: 8042557
    Abstract: Multitank conveyor-type dishwasher (2) for washing items (10) to be washed, comprising at least two wash zones (6, 8) which are arranged in succession in the conveying direction (4); a liquid forward-flow apparatus (26) between in each case two successive wash zones (6, 8) for transferring liquid between these wash zones (6, 8) in a forward-flow direction (28) counter to the conveying direction (4); characterized in that a liquid recirculation apparatus (60) is provided for transferring sprayed liquid of a front wash zone (8), as seen in the conveying direction (4), into a rear wash zone (6) which is arranged downstream of the front wash zone (8), as seen in the conveying direction (4), counter to the forward-flow direction (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dietrich Berner, Klaus Padtberg, Harald Disch
  • Patent number: 8042558
    Abstract: A high-pressure water cleaning system includes a cleaning main body, a support frame member having a length which is larger than a width of an object, the support frame member being supported at extended end portions thereof at both sides by bearing units and eccentric rotational shafts such that the support frame member is eccentrically rotatable, the eccentric rotatable shafts being configured to rotate to cause the support frame member to perform rotational motion, a plurality of high-pressure water ejecting nozzles which are arranged on the surface of the support frame member to be equally spaced apart from each other and are directed to face the object, and a drive device configured to cause the eccentric rotational shafts to rotate. The high-pressure water ejecting nozzles are supplied with the high-pressure water and eject the high-pressure water to the object being moved at the constant speed while performing the rotational motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Morimasa Kuge, Keiji Tsujita, Eiji Noutomi, Hideyuki Tanaka, Mitsuru Nomura
  • Patent number: 8042283
    Abstract: A blower 31 has a blower fan 35, a fan motor 36 for driving the blower fan 35 into rotation, and a shaft 52 having one end portion coupled to the blower fan 35 and the other end portion coupled to the fan motor 36. Washing liquid fed into the water tank during washing process or rinsing process is intruded inside the fan case 34, and the one end portion of the shaft 52 is immersed in the washing liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazutoshi Nakiri
  • Patent number: 7856995
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes an apparatus for applying a solution to a product. The apparatus may include a moving conveyor in part forming at least one pocket for receiving product, such as fruit and vegetables. The conveyor may be configured to move the product from a first position to a second position. The apparatus may also include at least one nozzle positioned between the first position and the second position. The at least one nozzle may be configured to deliver the solution into the pocket such that the product is immersed in and sprayed with the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: FreshExpress Incorporated
    Inventor: David K. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20100206339
    Abstract: When, according to the invention, a washing system (1) is made of a pipe of synthetic material, where the pipe is divided into a washing tunnel (5) and a tank (6) separated by a package conveyor (3) and a drain bottom (7), a washing system is achieved, where the system may be advantageously by established by coupling a plurality of pipes together and by introducing a fully mounted drain bottom via an open pipe end. The selection of synthetic material as a pipe material results in great savings of material, while providing a tunnel which is stable and self supporting, and which is sound and heat insulating and hygienic, so that both the initial and the operating costs are reduced significantly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Troels Jakobsen
  • Publication number: 20100037913
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a heating device, a freezing device, and a conveying belt. The heating device includes a hot water source and a hot water container. The hot water container includes an exit shutter and defines a water inlet and a water outlet. The hot water source being communicated to the hot water container via the water inlet. The freezing device includes an aerosol spray system and a freezing container. The spray system includes a spray head. The freezing container includes an entrance shutter. The spray head is received in the freezing container. The conveying belt extends into the hot water container via the exit shutter and into the freezing container via the entrance shutter and thereby bridges the hot water container and the freezing container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SHAO-KAI PEI
  • Patent number: 7650897
    Abstract: A nozzle arrangement is described which may in particular be used as a flow nozzle in galvanization systems with horizontal throughput of printed-circuit boards. The nozzle arrangement comprises a longitudinal housing (2) with at least one fluid feed opening to feed a treatment fluid for treating a work piece, for example a printed-circuit board, and preferably a plurality of slotted fluid delivery openings (8) for releasing the treatment fluid. In the housing (2) a fluid channel (5) is formed for feeding the treatment fluid from the fluid feed opening to the fluid delivery openings (8). In order to achieve the most even possible flow speed of the treatment fluid at the fluid delivery openings (8), (a) the throughput of the fluid channel (5) for the treatment fluid reduces continuously from the fluid feed opening in the longitudinal direction of the housing (2) and/or (b) before the delivery of the fluid from the fluid delivery openings (8) a storage chamber is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Atotech Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Lorenz Kopp, Henry Kunze, Ferdinand Wiener
  • Patent number: 7621285
    Abstract: A tunnel washer that includes fluid exhaust paths that are optimized to minimize fluid transfer between chambers of the washer and minimize heat loss from each chamber of the washer. The fluid exhaust paths also facilitate uniform vapor evacuation from each chamber of the washer. The tunnel washer also includes spaced-apart double wall curtains for isolating chambers of the tunnel washer to prevent fluid and heat transfer therebetween, and to the exterior of the tunnel washer. The double wall curtains include surfaces that inhibit the curtains from sticking together during operation of the tunnel washer. The tunnel washer also includes an air manifold that provides uniform drying efficiency for articles of varying dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Maxime Robert, Eugene Cantin, Daniel Giguère, Louis Martineau, Nathalie Thibault
  • Publication number: 20090178695
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning printed circuit boards are provided. The method includes providing a cleaning apparatus with a housing having a conveyance mechanism for carrying printed circuit boards through the housing. The cleaning apparatus has at least a prewash station, a wash station and a final rinse station therein. The printed circuit boards are carried on the conveyance mechanism to the prewash station. A plurality of fluidic oscillator nozzles of the prewash station are utilized to direct liquid onto the printed circuit boards. Each fluidic oscillator nozzle outputs a stream of liquid with an instantaneous direction that oscillates back and forth relative to a nozzle axis over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Eric Becker, Dirk Ellis
  • Publication number: 20090077930
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for disinfecting container closures, comprising a housing and comprising a transport path which is arranged inside the housing and along which the closures are transported, wherein the transport path has at least partially a spiral configuration. According to the invention, the apparatus comprises a supply device for supplying to the housing a gaseous medium for disinfecting the container closures, and at least one displacement device is provided which can move with respect to the housing and which transports the container closures along the spiral transport path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Klaus Buchhauser, Guenter Frankenberger, Sebastian Klepatz
  • Patent number: 7481231
    Abstract: Ware washing installation, containing at least one conveyor-type ware washer. The conveyor-type ware washer contains at least one wash zone (8, 10, 12) with spray nozzles (20, 28), a first rinse zone (14) with spray nozzles (21, 29) and a final rinse zone (16) with spray nozzles (23, 31). Additional spray nozzles (22, 30) are arranged between the spray nozzles (21, 29) of the first rinse zone (14) and the spray nozzles (23, 31) of the final rinse zone (16). Rinse water which is pre-used and then filtered through a microfiltration device or a ultrafiltration device (58) is supplied to the additional spray nozzles (22, 30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Juêrgen Litterst, Udo Erb
  • Publication number: 20080308133
    Abstract: A hand wash cash wash system for motor vehicles based on a fully-wet belt conveyor through a plurality of stations including a manual hand-wash station. The conveyor is adapted for continuous operation in a wet environment and indeed relies on the water from the wash stations for lubrication. The adaptations for wet-belt design include a concrete foundation formed with a recessed drainage pit for runoff. A superstructure is seated atop the foundation and this comprises a framework of galvanized steel legs and struts. The continuous conveyor is mounted on the superstructure further comprises a conveyor belt formed of Acetyl™ links and rollers rotatably mounted in the superstructure. Vehicles approach the car wash, wait in a queue, advance to an entry point, drive onto the conveyor and then leave the car in neutral with foot on the brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: William Lewis Grubb, James Gerry Thomas, JR., William J. Salladin
  • Patent number: 7455067
    Abstract: A portable food tray pre-wash and water recycling apparatus and method for pre-washing reusable food trays prior to placement in a separate cleaning and sanitizing unit that significantly reduces water wasted in kitchen and scullery areas. The apparatus includes a portable cabinet having a slot in a top end for inserting a food tray, laterally opposed spray nozzles beneath the slot that spray both sides of the tray, laterally opposed rotating brushes beneath the nozzles that scrub the tray, a tray support and brush comb member that supports the tray in a vertical position and removes particles from the brushes, a series of removable incrementally smaller gauge filters vertically spaced beneath the brushes that slide in from one side to filter the water, a water reservoir beneath the filters, a heating unit to heat and disinfect the filtered water, and a pump that recycles heated water back to the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Randall D. Cotton
  • Publication number: 20080216875
    Abstract: Conveyor ware washer, comprising of a treatment device (70) for the treatment of sprayed final rinse liquid and/or post wash liquid, resp., so that the treated final rinse liquid and post wash liquid, resp. has the quality of potable water from the microbiological perspective and can be reused as final rinse liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: PREMARK FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dietrich Berner, Klaus Padtberg
  • Publication number: 20080196752
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a glass substrate before photoresist coating, which method can remove oxide compounds and organic residues from the surface of a metal layer of the glass substrate, comprises the steps of firstly providing an alkaline developer in a concentration of between 0.35% and 0.45%; later immersing the metal film of the glass substrate in the alkaline developer; then rinsing the metal film of the glass substrate after immersed with clean water; and lastly having the surface of the metal film of the glass substrate in a dry treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Wei-Ting Chen, Man-Hung Wu, Hung-Yi Cheng
  • Publication number: 20080190463
    Abstract: Dishwasher in particular a commercial dishwasher and of these, in particular a conveyor dishwasher having an ozone-adding device (70) for adding ozone to the final rinse liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: PREMARK FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dietrich Berner, Klaus Padtberg
  • Patent number: 7346956
    Abstract: An automatic cart wash apparatus. The automatic cart wash apparatus provides improved cleaning of stock carts on a regular basis over manual cleaning by store employees. The automatic cart wash apparatus includes three main stages: a debris removal (vacuum) stage, a cleaning (wash, sanitize, rinse) stage, and a drying stage. The debris removal stage uses forced air and/or suction to remove solid and generally non-soluble waste, such as a paper or other trash and debris, from a stock cart. The cleaning stage uses a selection of detergents, sanitizing agents, and rinse agents to remove soluble or sticky waste, such as food and liquids, and to kill germs, viruses, and bacteria present on the cart. The drying stage removes excess liquids from the cart making it ready for use by the next customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Scott E. Andre
  • Patent number: 7300522
    Abstract: A mobile cleaning plant for cleaning shopping trolleys and similar transport systems includes a container configured to receive the shopping trolleys in hoxizontally stacked rows. The shopping trolleys are fed into an inlet on the container via a device, automatically pushed through the container on a conveyor system, and exit the container through an outlet positioned near the inlet. The conveyor system includes two tracks which run along the longitudinal axis of the container and are connected to each other via a third track which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container. As the inlet and outlet are positioned in proximity to one another, or are the same orifice, the mobile cleaning plant does not require decoupling from a hauling device, such as a truck, prior to operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Friedl Invest GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Feistmantl
  • Patent number: 7014036
    Abstract: The present invention provides a linear conveyer assembly for cathode plates comprising a continuous timing belt provided with cathode plate conveying assemblies attached thereto and having cam rollers running in a pair of channels running along either side of and parallel to a forward path of the belt. The conveying assemblies insure that the cathode plate conveying assemblies are aligned in an overhead position in such a way that the cathode plates move in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface thereof. The timing belt is fabricated from a corrosive resistant material and allows an accurate positioning of the cathode plates due to a non-permanent stretch character thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Falconbridge Limited
    Inventors: Victor Robinson, Ronald Vandenburg, Philip Donaldson
  • Patent number: 6887333
    Abstract: A heat transfer decorating machine is disclosed. In particular, the disclosed heat transfer decorating machine provides mechanisms to allow the machine to be rapidly re-configured from applying labels to a particular article configuration to applying labels to a different article configuration by an operator without substantial use of tools. In addition, the disclosed heat transfer labeling machine features a distributed drive system which provides a motor for all major movable mechanical elements rather than use a centralized drive system with a distributed transmission. Further, the disclosed heat transfer decorating machine is capable of labeling filled and chilled articles by providing for removal of environmental contamination prior to application of the labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Jefferson Smurfit Corporation
    Inventors: Leonard J. Kessler, Ignatius S. Yee
  • Patent number: 6883528
    Abstract: Apparatus for washing eggs including a housing with a first feed conveyor for receiving them through the housing inlet for conveying same to a second conveyor which transports them through an intermediate egg washer with various brushes and including a dispenser to apply cleaning solution onto eggs therebelow. Eggs are then transferred from the second conveyor to a third conveyor and transported through a lower washing station for final cleaning. Eggs then exit through a housing outlet for sanitizing and/or drying as may be necessary. The three conveyors are vertically tiered with, optionally, the second conveyor moving oppositely relatively to the first and third conveyor. In this manner a three tiered arranging of conveyors is provided. A pre-washing station can also, optionally, be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Kuhl
  • Publication number: 20040238017
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for washing of eggs including a housing with a first feed conveyor for receiving eggs through the housing inlet and conveying these eggs to a second conveyor. The second conveyor transports the eggs through an intermediate egg washing means which can include cylindrical brushes, flat brushes or end brushes for cleaning of eggs therebelow and includes a means dispensing cleaning solution onto the egg surfaces. The eggs are then transferred from the second conveying means to a third conveying means which are transported through a brush and cleaning solution lower washing station for final cleaning thereof. The eggs then exit through an outlet for sanitizing and/or drying as may be necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Kuhl
  • Publication number: 20040238007
    Abstract: A decontamination system for victims of chemical, biological, radiological, or other harmful exposure. The system effectively isolates a contaminated patient during a gross washing process and provides the highest level of protection to unit operators that may be dressed in street clothes. The system comprises an isolation apparatus, a washing chamber, an output enclosure, a method of passing a non-ambulatory patient through the system and a waste collection system. The parts of the system may function together as a single, integral unit for mass decontamination at the site of exposure. Further, the system may be used for non-ambulatory and ambulatory humans and/or animals and possibly equipment and other objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Larry M. Jones, Clifton J. Seusy, Timothy W. Rhodes
  • Publication number: 20040159336
    Abstract: The present invention relates in general to the field of the process technology of washing plants, and in particular to mobile cleaning systems for shopping trolleys consisting of a plurality of cleaning stations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Manfred Feistmantl
  • Patent number: 6679276
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for washing a plurality of cored lettuce heads as they are harvested in the field is disclosed. The apparatus incorporates a multi-segment hinged conveyer forming a loop, at least one support platform having an opening, at least one lettuce head guide connected to the support platform and an aqueous solution spraying system. Workers harvest lettuce heads, core the lettuce heads and then place them on the lettuce head guides which are moving along the conveyer. The lettuce heads are conveyed to an aqueous solution spraying system which washes the cored areas of the lettuce heads. The lettuce heads are then removed from the conveyer into a produce bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Fresh Express, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard S. Brown, Eugene D. Rizzo
  • Patent number: 6591992
    Abstract: A boat for cleaning semiconductor packages, including cleaning ball grid array packages in centrifugal cleaners. The boat includes a bottom plate with receptacles for receiving semiconductor packages and a top plate having through holes, where each through hole is smaller than the receptacle with which it corresponds in the bottom plate. An alignment mechanism ensures that the top plate is aligned with the bottom plate in a manner that results in each through hole being positioned directly over a respective one of the receptacles. An attachment mechanism releasably attaches the top plate to the bottom plate in a co-planar relationship that results in the presence of a vertical space between the two plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Ajit M. Dubey, Raj N. Master, Ong Ot, Chan Cs
  • Patent number: 6530996
    Abstract: A method for washing items using an apparatus including at least one conveyor, at least one washing zone, and at least one rinsing zone, items to be washed are guided through the washing apparatus in succession in the process direction of the apparatus and sprayed with a washing fluid in a washing zone and with rinsing water in a rinsing zone. The items to be washed are of different types distinguishable from one another, their types being distinguished by identifying sensors arranged to the washing apparatus. On the basis of the identification a control item of the washing apparatus automatically selects the appropriate washing and/or rinsing programme for the item concerned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Fuuga-Controls Oy
    Inventor: Timo Värpiö
  • Patent number: 6427707
    Abstract: A mobile supermarket trolley washing apparatus including an enclosure through which the trolleys pass. Spray nozzles deliver a liquid stream to the trolleys within the enclosure to clean the trolleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Sabaci Pty Limited
    Inventor: Robert John Morris
  • Patent number: 6383303
    Abstract: An apparatus for spraying a liquid on the surface of assemblies that are moving through wash and rinse stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: St Assembly Test Services Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Hwee Nam Wee, Peter Hock Ming Ng, Sean Shiao Shiong Chong
  • Publication number: 20020020435
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for washing items. The apparatus comprises at least one conveyor, at least one washing zone, and at least one rinsing zone. The items to be washed are guided through the washing apparatus in succession in the process direction of the apparatus and sprayed with a washing fluid in a washing zone and with rinsing water in a rinsing zone. The items to be washed are of different types distinguishable from one another, their types being distinguished by identifying sensors arranged to the washing apparatus. On the basis of the identification a control item of the washing apparatus automatically selects the appropriate washing and/or rinsing program for the item concerned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Applicant: Fuuga-Controls OY
    Inventor: Timo Varpio
  • Patent number: 6347637
    Abstract: A container cleaning apparatus comprises a solvent cleaning unit having a solvent cleaning chamber, and a rinsing unit having a rinsing chamber connected to the solvent cleaning chamber. Containers are conveyed by a conveyor through the solvent cleaning chamber and the rinsing chamber. The containers are cleaned by jetting a water-soluble or partially water-soluble solvent against the containers in the solvent cleaning chamber. Shutter devices have shutters disposed at an entrance to the solvent cleaning chamber and an exit from the solvent cleaning chamber, respectively, and capable of being moved between closed positions to close the entrance to and the exit from the solvent cleaning chamber and to isolate the solvent cleaning chamber from the rinsing chamber, and open positions to permit the containers to move from the solvent cleaning chamber to the rinsing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Clariant International Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanori Musha, Shirushi Yamamoto, Takashi Takeda
  • Patent number: 6328928
    Abstract: A method and a machine for preparing and filling containers with a product, for which method and machine the containers are grouped in rows at right angles to the transporting direction with the container openings facing upwardly and aligned at a distance from one another. The containers are swiveled, row by row, into an at least approximately vertical position with the container openings facing downwardly and rinsed jointly on the inside with a cleansing agent. The rinsed containers are dried on the inside in a first drying station and, after passing through the first drying station, are charged into a sterile environment. After a row of containers has entered the sterile environment, the containers are sterilized on the inside by means of a sterilizing agent and, in a second drying station, residues of sterilizing agent are expelled from the sterilized containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: GEA Finnah GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Schroeder, Ulrich Steinhauser