Plural, Separate, Work Treating Or Holding Receptacles Or Stations; Manual Transfer Type Patents (Class 134/84)
  • Patent number: 11869788
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a first processing unit and a second processing unit placed in upper and lower two stages. Each processing unit has: a plurality of processing tanks arranged in series; a partition wall defining a conveyance space extending along an arrangement direction outside the plurality of processing tanks; a conveyance mechanism placed in the conveyance space and being configured to convey a substrate between the processing tanks along the arrangement direction; and an air guide duct provided to extend along the arrangement direction in the conveyance space. The air guide duct is connected with a fan filter unit. Each of the processing tanks is connected with an exhaust duct. An opening is formed in each of parts facing the processing tank in the air guide duct. The conveyance spaces of the first and second processing units are separated into upper and lower segments by the partition wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: EBARA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Maeda, Mitsuhiko Inaba, Haiyang Xu, Tetsuya Yashima
  • Patent number: 11056358
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an apparatus for wafer cleaning. The apparatus includes an enclosure made of a noncombustible material, a wafer holder, a cleaning nozzle, at least one sensor, and an exhaust unit. The wafer holder can hold and heat a wafer. The cleaning nozzle can supply a flow of a cleaning fluid onto a surface of the wafer. The at least one sensor can detect attributes of the wafer. The exhaust unit can expel a vapor generated by the cleaning fluid in the enclosure. The exhaust unit can include a rinse nozzle to rinse the vapor passing through the exhaust unit with a mist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jieh-Chau Huang, Bi-Ming Yen, Hung-Lung Hu, Ying Ting Hsia, Ping-Jung Huang, Pei Yen Hsia
  • Patent number: 9949626
    Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor includes a control section and a flow liquid pump. The control section controls a plurality of electromagnetic valves to set a first drive state, in which the control section puts a first cleaning tube connected to a suction pipe sleeve of an endoscope into a sealed state, the control section puts a second cleaning tube connected to a forceps plug pipe sleeve of a forceps plug of the endoscope into an unsealed state, the control section controls an electromagnetic valve configured to switch a state of a connector plugging a suction cylinder of the endoscope to put the connector into a sealed state, the control section sets a state in which a fluid is supplied from the flow liquid pump to the first cleaning tube, and the control section halts supply of the fluid from the flow liquid pump to the second cleaning tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takaaki Komiya
  • Patent number: 9574399
    Abstract: A maintenance/construction cart that facilitates wall and ceiling access while isolating the interior of the cart from the surrounding environment. The cart is configured such that its height can be easily adjusted by an operator to provide access to ceilings of different heights while maintaining the seal between the interior of the cart and the surrounding environment while structurally supporting a ladder leaning against a surface of the cart. In some embodiments, the cart includes an air filtration unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Abatement Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Blair Lawrence Harber, Lynette Raville Mathews, Adam Brian Hunninck, Leonard Gene Simmons
  • Patent number: 9517845
    Abstract: The invention relates to an unload access system for an unit load device, comprising a framework, the framework delimiting a cargo space arranged on a ground load deck and the framework comprising an unload deck for unloading shipments out of the unit load device, whereby the unload deck is arranged distant above the ground load deck and extends in an offset plane adjacent to the cargo space, the unload deck comprises a movable platform, and the platform extends coplanar with the unload deck and is movable between a retracted position and a maximum extracted position, whereby in the maximum extracted position the platform overlaps at least partly the cargo space by extending into the cargo space and in the retracted position the platform does not overlap the cargo space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Deutsche Post AG
    Inventors: Jason Laib, Travis Cobb, Mark Webster, Mark Veasy
  • Patent number: 9352610
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning paint roller sleeves comprises an open top drum (2) having a base and side walls for holding a quantity of liquid; a detachable cover (3) for sealing said open top drum; and a removable section (11) comprising a plurality of vertical substantially cylindrical compartments (12) for receiving paint roller sleeves and having a central vertical substantially cylindrical compartment (14). The base of the removable section is positioned above the base of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: ALVERNO ECO PRODUCTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Patrick Fahy, Hugh O'Donoghue
  • Patent number: 9039988
    Abstract: A set of vertically stackable interacting cartridges for improving the delivery of biocide of a bulk feeder by positioning the stackable cartridges in a stacked condition within a chamber in the bulk feeder wherein the stackable cartridges are maintained in vertical interacting flow alignment with each other to provide enhanced control of the delivery of the biocide carried within each of the stackable cartridges without replacing the control valves of the bulk feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: King Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. King, Jeffrey D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150000709
    Abstract: A system for preliminary treatment of a surface to prepare the surface for application of a coating includes a plurality of process tanks, each of which contains a heated liquid into which the surface is immersed to prepare it for coating, and a dedicated hot water generator associated with each of the plurality of process tanks. Each dedicated hot water tank directly or indirectly heats only the liquid contained in the associated process tank, eliminating hot water distribution and return piping, heat exchangers, and control valves used in conventional systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Alexandre Ducasse
  • Patent number: 8881751
    Abstract: A substrate liquid processing apparatus includes a placement table configured to hold a substrate, a rotary driving unit configured to rotate the placement table, a liquid supply unit configured to supply a liquid to the substrate placed on the placement table, and an upper liquid guide cup, a central liquid guide cup, and a lower liquid guide cup which are disposed in this order from the top and are configured to guide downward the liquid scattering from the rotating substrate being placed on the placement table. A driving mechanism is configured to move up and down the upper liquid guide cup, the central liquid guide cup, and the lower liquid guide cup. The driving mechanism is connected to the central liquid guide cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Ogata, Shuichi Nagamine
  • Patent number: 8875720
    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: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Sakai, Tetsuya Atsumi, Yukiyasu Miyata
  • Patent number: 8858731
    Abstract: A disinfecting chemical bottle includes a bottle body including a storing section that stores a chemical used for cleaning/disinfecting an endoscope and a mouth portion including an opening portion from which the chemical freely flows out, a first conductive portion provided so as to be exposed in an inner portion and an outer portion of the bottle body, and a second conductive portion provided at a position different from that of the first conductive portion so as to be exposed in the inner portion and the outer portion of the bottle body, the second conductive portion being electrically connectable to the first conductive portion via the chemical in the bottle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Takaaki Komiya, Tsuyoshi Fujita
  • Patent number: 8858723
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for integrated cleaning of objects comprising a sequence of wet cleaning and vacuum drying in a same process chamber. The present integrated cleaning process can eliminate moving parts, improving the system reliability. Vacuum decontamination can be included for degassing and decontaminating the cleaned objects. In an embodiment, a cleaner system combines various movements into an integrated movement to be handled by a robot, for example, to improve the throughput. For example, an integrated robot movement comprising picking up a closed container from the input load port, moving both the lid and body together, and then depositing the body and lid separately into the appropriate positions in the cleaner to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: Dynamic Micro System, Semiconductor Equipment GmbH
    Inventor: Lutz Rebstock
  • Patent number: 8834808
    Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing cap-like container closures includes a transport system for moving closures through treatment zones. The first zone preheats the closures, the second exposes them to a sterilizing agent, and the third activates or dries them. The first and third zones each have a rotor that circulates about a rotor axis thereof, and closure holders formed on a periphery thereof for moving closures through the first zone from a closure pickup disposed therein to a first closure delivery position, and through the third zone from a second closure delivery position disposed therein to a closure discharge. The second treatment zone is between the first and second closure delivery positions such that closures delivered to the first position, after passing the second zone and after exposure to the sterilizing agent, are passed on to a closure holder ready at the second position of the rotor in the third zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Alfred Drenguis
  • Patent number: 8753571
    Abstract: In a method for sanitizing a touch screen of an electronic device, the electronic device includes a first motor roller and a second motor roller and a screen sanitization system. The first motor roller connects to the second motor roller through a flexible pipe that is filled with a sanitizer. The first motor roller is scrolled to clean and sanitize a first protective film using sanitizer when the first protective film is overlaid on the surface of the touch screen, and a second protective film is drawn to overlay on the surface of the touch screen. The second motor roller is scrolled to clean and sanitize the second protective film using the sanitizer when the second protective film is overlaid on the surface of the touch screen, and the first protective film is drawn to overlay on the surface of the touch screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Ta Hsu, Cho-Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 8753580
    Abstract: A disinfectant system for intracavity ultrasound probes in disclosed generally including a housing, a disinfectant chamber positioned in the housing and receiving at least one ultrasound probe, a container for containing a disinfectant solution fluidly coupled to the disinfectant chamber, at least one pump for supplying the disinfection solution from the container to the disinfection chamber and from the disinfection chamber to the container, and a controller for automated operation of the disinfectant system, wherein the disinfectant solution is a multi-use disinfectant solution. A method for disinfecting intracavity ultrasound probes is also disclosed generally including placing at least one ultrasound probe into a disinfectant chamber, supplying a disinfectant solution from a container to the disinfectant chamber via a pump, and returning the solution to the container via the pump, wherein the steps of supplying and returning the disinfectant solution are controlled by a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: PCI Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Coles
  • Patent number: 8728334
    Abstract: A protective chuck is disposed on a substrate with a gas layer between the bottom surface of the protective chuck and the substrate surface. The gas layer protects a surface region against a fluid layer covering the substrate surface. In some embodiments, the pressure fluctuation at the gas layers is monitored, and through the dynamic feedback, the gas flow rate can be adjusted to achieve a desired operation regime. The dynamic control of operation regime setting can also be applied to high productivity combinatorial systems having an array of protective chucks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventor: Rajesh Kelekar
  • Patent number: 8701256
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing condensed metal from the surfaces of metal processing chambers, such as, vacuum induction melting (VIM) furnaces having, for example, condensed Mg or Ti, are disclosed. The methods and apparatus provide a robotic arm end positioned in the furnace having a nozzle operatively connected to a source of dry ice. The robotic arm end directs a stream of dry ice particles against the surface of the furnace to displace condensed metal. The displaced metal is collected for reuse or disposal. Aspects of the invention provide a safe and automated process for cleaning process chambers and recovering metal that can typically be dangerous when performed by conventional methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Mars Metals, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron P. Mars
  • Patent number: 8685337
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sterilizing caps or the like closures for closing bottles or the like containers. Said device comprises a conveyor system conveying the caps in a direction of conveyance through a treatment section having a plurality of successive treatment stations in the direction of conveyance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Beckmann, Alfred Drenguis
  • Patent number: 8617409
    Abstract: A protective chuck is magnetically levitated on a substrate with a gas layer between the bottom surface of the protective chuck and the substrate surface. The gas layer protects a surface region of the substrate against a fluid layer covering the remaining of the substrate surface without contacting the substrate, reducing or eliminating potential damage to the substrate surface. The magnetically levitated protective chuck can enable combinatorial processing of a substrate, providing multiple isolated processing regions on a single substrate with different material and processing conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajesh Kelekar, Kent Riley Child
  • Patent number: 8590548
    Abstract: Provided is a liquid processing apparatus for a substrate, including a plurality of substrate processing units configured to process the substrate using a processing liquid, a processing liquid generating unit configured to dissolve a gas into a solvent to generate the processing liquid with a predetermined concentration where the processing liquid being supplied to one of the plurality of substrate processing units or being supplied to two or more of the plurality of substrate processing units simultaneously, and a control unit configured to control the plurality of substrate processing units. Also provided are a method for generating the processing liquid and a recording medium storing a program for generating the processing liquid. The liquid processing apparatus generates a processing liquid having a predetermined concentration regardless of the flow rate of the processing liquid used simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Eshima
  • Patent number: 8591664
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for integrated cleaning of objects comprising a sequence of wet cleaning and vacuum drying in a same process chamber. The present integrated cleaning process can eliminate moving parts, improving the system reliability. Vacuum decontamination can be included for degassing and decontaminating the cleaned objects. In an embodiment, a cleaner system combines various movements into an integrated movement to be handled by a robot, for example, to improve the throughput. For example, an integrated robot movement comprising picking up a closed container from the input load port, moving both the lid and body together, and then depositing the body and lid separately into the appropriate positions in the cleaner to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignees: Dynamic Micro System
    Inventor: Lutz Rebstock
  • Patent number: 8562907
    Abstract: A hand sanitizer (2) comprises: (a) a first part (14) comprising a chlorite solution and contained in a first dispenser (4) whereby it will be dispensed as a spray or jet of liquid; and (b) a second part (16) comprising an acid solution and contained in a second dispenser (6) whereby it will be dispensed as a second spray or jet of liquid; wherein the chlorite and the acid will react to provide chlorine dioxide when the first part is mixed with the second part; and wherein a mixture (18) of equal quantities of the first part and the second part contains at least 15% alcohol by weight; and wherein at least a part of the alcohol comprises 3-methoxy-3-methylbutan-1-ol (MMB).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Tristel PLC
    Inventor: Bruce Green
  • Patent number: 8479753
    Abstract: A liquid processing apparatus includes a substrate holding member configured to rotate along with a substrate held thereon in a horizontal state; an annular rotary cup configured to surround the substrate held on the substrate holding member and to rotate along with the substrate; a rotation mechanism configured to integrally rotate the rotary cup and the substrate holding member; and a liquid supply mechanism configured to supply a process liquid onto the substrate. The apparatus further includes an annular drain cup configured to receive the process liquid discharged from the rotary cup, and provided with a drain port; and a circular flow generation element configured to generate a circular flow within the drain cup when the rotary cup and the substrate holding member are rotated, such that the circular flow serves to lead the process liquid within the drain cup to the drain port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Nanba, Norihiro Ito
  • Publication number: 20130153547
    Abstract: A multi-chamber heat treatment device (S1) includes a plurality of treatment chambers having a heat treatment chamber, the device including: a cooling chamber (3) serving as the heat treatment chamber configured to cool a treatment target by latent heat of liquid particles; treatment chambers (1, 2) different from the cooling chamber (3); and drying devices (11, 19) configured to dry the cooling chamber (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Katsumata
  • Patent number: 8453655
    Abstract: Inside a single apparatus main body (100), a surface treatment apparatus includes: a treatment cell (11); a vertical rotation shaft (12); an attachment/detachment device; a receiving tank (15); a cover body (16); a plurality of tanks (21); a plurality of surface treatment liquid supply devices (22); a cleaning water supply device; a drain device (3); and a first cleaning device. Upon operation of the surface treatment liquid supply device while the treatment cell (11) containing small objects is rotated by the vertical rotation shaft (12), a surface treatment is carried out on the small objects, upon operation of the cleaning water supply device, the small objects inside the treatment cell (11) are cleaned, and upon operation of the first cleaning device, the inner face of the cover body and the outer face of the treatment cell are cleaned, thus providing circulation use of surface treatment liquids in the tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: C. Uyemura & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Sugiura, Ryosuke Hamada, Tetsuro Uemura, Hideki Nakada
  • Patent number: 8404191
    Abstract: Biowaste sterilizers are described. In one implementation an exemplary system has waste transport vessels that can be intermittently heated and pressurized, for example, with steam, and are interconnected to provide multiple sterilization pathways for waste as the waste is transported. Selected sterilization pathways may depend on attributes of the waste. Sterilization factors, such as mechanical shredding, application of steam, application of pressure, maintenance of temperature, separation of liquid, etc., are integrated into the waste transport features of the system, which can be made compact to save space while processing relatively large bulk amounts of materials, such as medical wastes. The system maintains safe isolation of bio-hazardous components in the waste from the external environment. A system controller provides parameters management, smart sterilization cycle control, quality assurance, safety management, diagnostics, and reporting over a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Globe-Tek LLC
    Inventor: Donald L Sampson
  • Publication number: 20130037063
    Abstract: A mobile mattress sanitizing and cleaning system. A cleaning chamber and drying chamber may be located within the body of truck which may also carry a water supply and steam generator. The cleaning and drying chambers are dimensioned and configured to receive a mattress therein, and may be separate or combined. The mattress is steam cleaned in the cleaning chamber and air dried in the drying chamber. The cleaning and drying chambers may face the rear of the truck to facilitate loading and may be oriented such that mattresses stand on edge when being cleaned and dried. The system may include a water purifier. Drying may be conducted by blowers mounted to the drying chamber. Drying air may be heated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Steven King
  • Publication number: 20130000683
    Abstract: A method and an installation for high-pressure liquid jet deburring are proposed, in which a machined workpiece (44) is deburred by means of a high-pressure/high-speed liquid jet from a high-pressure jet nozzle (30) that is connected to a high-pressure liquid circuit (32). According to the invention, the deburring receptacle (16) has a flooding inlet (48) connected to a liquid supply circuit for flooding the deburring receptacle (16) with cleaning liquid and is configured to contain a bath (46) of cleaning liquid during operation. Prior to deburring, the deburring receptacle (16) is flooded with cleaning liquid via a flooding inlet (48) of the deburring receptacle. Further according to the invention, the machined portion (44) is deburred after flooding and by means of a liquid jet without gas sheath such that the high-pressure/high-speed liquid jet and at least the machined portion are immersed in a bath of cleaning liquid during deburring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: ELWEMA AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventor: Antonio Alvarez
  • Patent number: 8316867
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning electrostatic chucks in processing chambers are provided. The process comprises flowing a backside gas comprising a reactive agent into a zone in a process chamber, the zone defined by a space between a surface of an electrostatic chuck or of a cleaning station and a surface of a substrate. The surface of the electrostatic chuck is etched with the reactive agent to remove debris. An apparatus for cleaning an electrostatic chuck is also provided, the apparatus comprising: a process chamber; an elongate arm having a reach disposed through a wall of the process chamber; an electrostatic chuck attached to the elongate arm; a cleaning station located within the reach of the elongate arm; and a reactive gas source that is operatively connected to the cleaning station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean C. Jennings, Majeed Foad, Jonathan Simmons
  • Patent number: 8282892
    Abstract: Bio-waste sterilizers are described. In one implementation an exemplary system has waste transport vessels that can be intermittently heated and pressurized, for example, with steam, and are interconnected to provide multiple sterilization pathways for waste as the waste is transported. Selected sterilization pathways may depend on attributes of the waste. Sterilization factors, such as mechanical shredding, application of steam, application of pressure, maintenance of temperature, separation of liquid, etc., are integrated into the waste transport features of the system, which can be made compact to save space while processing relatively large bulk amounts of materials, such as medical wastes. The system maintains safe isolation of bio-hazardous components in the waste from the external environment. A system controller provides parameters management, smart sterilization cycle control, quality assurance, safety management, diagnostics, and reporting over a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Globe-Tek LLC
    Inventor: Donald L. Sampson
  • Patent number: 8225804
    Abstract: A multipurpose parts washer may include an automatic cleaning portion, having a first cleaning chamber for spraying parts and a second cleaning chamber for soaking and agitating parts, and a manual cleaning portion. The first cleaning chamber may include spray bars that are selectively rotatably adjustable and each bar may have an orifice to discharge cleaning solution that is stationary during operation. Cleaning solution may be disposed in a reservoir of the first cleaning chamber at a reservoir level and in the second cleaning chamber at an agitation level that is above the reservoir level. The manual cleaning portion may be configured as a sink that is movably connected to the automatic cleaning portion to provide selective access thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Rudy Publ
  • Patent number: 8220471
    Abstract: A multipurpose parts washer may include an automatic cleaning portion, with a first cleaning chamber for spraying parts, a second cleaning chamber for soaking parts, and a manual cleaning portion. Cleaning solution may be disposed in a reservoir of the first cleaning chamber at a reservoir level and in the second cleaning chamber at an agitation level that is above the reservoir level. The manual cleaning portion may be configured as a sink that is movably connected to the automatic cleaning portion to provide selective access thereto. A first thermal energy source may be used to heat the cleaning solution to a first temperature for the second cleaning chamber and the manual cleaning portion and a second thermal energy source may be used to heat the cleaning solution to a spray temperature greater than the first temperature for the first cleaning chamber. The multipurpose parts washer includes three cleaning portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Porter, Michael Endres, Geoffrey M. Bond, Theodore J. Thelin, Rudy Publ, Sean Spaziani, Alex Richert, Don Meisinger
  • Patent number: 8220470
    Abstract: The Furniture Pad Folding Machine is a dry cleaning machine that is multi-faceted; it can clean and disinfect furniture pads and the machine has the ability to fold furniture pads. The machine is portable and can function on the moving truck and at the warehouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Jessie Lee Hicks
  • Patent number: 8201567
    Abstract: A liquid treating apparatus comprising a holding device (30) for holding wafers (W) in a substantially vertical attitude and a treating vessel (10) for accommodating the wafers held by the holding device. A treating liquid is supplied into the treating vessel by means of a treating liquid supply system. A rotational drive device (20) is provided for rotating the holding device (30) around a rotational axis passing approximately through the center of the wafers (W) in a state of non-contact with the treating vessel (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Yuji Kamikawa
  • Publication number: 20120111056
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for improving chemical strengthening of glass are disclosed. In one embodiment, a mechanical stress can be induced on a glass article while undergoing chemical strengthening. In another embodiment, vibrations, such as ultrasonic vibrations, can be induced during chemical strengthening of a glass article. The use of mechanical stress and/or vibrations during chemically strengthening of a glass article can enhance the effectiveness of the chemical strengthening process. Accordingly, glass articles that have undergone chemical strengthening processing are able to be not only thin but also sufficiently strong and resistant to damage. The strengthened glass articles are well suited for use in consumer products, such as consumer electronic devices (e.g., portable electronic devices).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher Prest
  • Patent number: 8163103
    Abstract: A dishwasher is provided in which heights of basket(s) of a rack assembly may be easily changed. The dishwasher may include a frame configured to be inserted into and withdraw from a washing tub and plurality of basket positioning device configured to receive and support basket(s) at different heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Gap Su Shin, Nung Seo Park, Yong Jin Choi, Young Hwan Park, Jae Won Chang
  • Publication number: 20110120503
    Abstract: A rinsing and/or sanitizing system for a washing machine, such as a pot and pan washing machine, is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes two sections of conduit with fluid-dispensing openings or nozzles and a third section of conduit connecting the other two sections. The nozzles spray fluid into the space between the conduits, creating a curtain of fluid, in a common plane. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid sprayed is water to rinse items. In another preferred embodiment, the fluid sprayed is a sanitizing agent to sanitize items. In still another embodiment, the system sprays both water and a sanitizing agent. Another aspect of the invention is a method of rinsing and/or sanitizing an item by moving the item through the curtain of fluid of the rinse system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: JOHN CANTRELL, MARK CHURCHILL
  • Publication number: 20110120506
    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: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Sakai, Tetsuya Atsumi, Yukiyasu Miyata
  • Patent number: 7934513
    Abstract: A facility for cleaning substrates such as semiconductor wafers includes a loading/unloading part, an aligning part where wafers are repositioned from a horizontal state to a vertical state, a cleaning part performing etchant-treating, rinsing, and drying processes for wafers and having a plurality of process chamber stacked, and an interface part where a transfer bath is disposed to transfer wafers between the process chambers. When the wafers are transferred between the process chamber, the transfer bath is filled with deionized water (DI water) to prevent their exposure to the air. Wafers drawn out of the loading/unlading part are repositioned from a horizontal state to a vertical state and are transferred to a first process chamber being one of the process chambers to be subjected to a part of processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Semes Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joung-Hyeon Lim, Jung-Keun Cho, Kyo-Woog Koo, In-Ho Bang, Woo-Young Kim, Man-Seok Oh, Hyun-Jong Kim
  • Patent number: 7913704
    Abstract: A system for washing-out concrete pouring equipment includes a bin for receiving waste materials washed with water from the concrete pouring equipment. The bin includes openings allowing liquid to drain into a base unit that includes sidewalls defining a receptacle for receiving the bin and a sloped bottom for conveying liquid drained from the bin to a sump. A filtering system filters particulate matter from liquid provided from the sump to recover the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Ricki Joe Abney, Sr.
    Inventor: Ricki Joe Abney, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20110067728
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for cleaning of the perineal and the adjacent areas of a human body after using a toilet are disclosed. The method comprises cleaning the said areas with dilute soap solution delivered by gravity drainage, or a soap solution-air suspension delivered from a dispenser, and rinsing the cleaned areas with water delivered by gravity drainage or from a water dispenser. The apparatus comprises either reservoirs holding soap solution and rinse water that are hung from a decorative stand, or dispenser for soap solution-air or water-air suspension. Advantages over prior art include portability for indoor and outdoor use, compatibility with a western or a squat toilet, operability with atmospheric pressure water, affordability because of lower cost, acceptability because of easier installation and placement away from the toilet bowl, and comfortability of use by people suffering from itches, inflammation, or hemorrhoids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Neilin Chakrabarty, Tapantosh Chakrabarty
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 7767028
    Abstract: Apparatus to clean silicon electrode assembly surfaces which controls or eliminates possible chemical attack of electrode assembly bonding materials, and eliminates direct handling contact with the parts to be cleaned during acid treatment, spray rinse, blow dry, bake and bagging. Aspects of the apparatus include a kit including an electrode carrier to hold an electrode assembly, a treatment stand to allow access to the electrode assembly, a spider plate to clamp the electrode assembly in the electrode carrier, a nitrogen purge plate to supply nitrogen gas to the backside of the electrode assembly during acid cleaning of the electrode, a water rinse plate to supply water to the electrode face, a blow dry plate to supply nitrogen to dry the electrode assembly and a bake stand to support the electrode assembly during a bake before placing the clean electrode assembly in a bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Augustino, Charles Rising
  • Publication number: 20100132746
    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: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Sakai, Tetsuya Atsumi, Yukiyasu Miyata
  • Publication number: 20100043836
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning tools such as laminating tools used in the manufacture of glass reinforced plastic. The apparatus includes a bath having two sections, each containing a cleaning fluid such as an ester solvent and an aqueous solvent respectively, and a heating tank placed under the sections so that the solvents can be heated. In use, an operator cleans a tool in each section in turn. Additional features include a compressed air drier, filters to remove solid deposits, barriers and a bunded base to prevent spillage or leakage, and drains to remove the fluids from each section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Francis Osborn
  • Publication number: 20100031978
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-dosing detergent delivery device. In embodiments of the present invention, the device comprises a housing (2) for receiving a cartridge (200). The cartridge (200) has a plurality X of chambers (210), each accommodating a detergent composition. The device further includes a directing means (3,34) to direct wash liquor selectively into a chamber (210) of the cartridge (200) to contact the detergent composition within it, and an outlet to allow the detergent loaded wash liquor to exit the device. The device also includes indexing means (100) for causing automatic movement of the cartridge (200) relative to the directing means (3,34) during and subsequent to a wash cycle so as to cause a neighbouring chamber (210) to be exposed prior to a next washing cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Chris Efstathios Housmekerides, Karl ludwig Gibis, Gaj Renato
  • Patent number: 7509963
    Abstract: An washing machine for washing trays. The machine includes a housing, a frame, a water system, and an air system. The frame is rigidly mounted in the housing and holds the trays to be washed at a tilted angle so that fluids completely drain there from and accordingly facilitate the washing and drying processes. The water system is contained in the housing and supplies water to wash the trays. The air system is contained in the housing and supplies air to dry the trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Wayne Fenderson
  • Patent number: 7448398
    Abstract: A sonic cleaner for small articles includes two tanks for receiving a liquid and articles to be cleaned and a base unit having chambers for receiving each tank. A vibratory motion generator attaches to the base unit through an isolating structure. Complementary attachment elements on the vibratory motion generator and each tank form a releasable, rigid connection. When the tank is attached to the vibratory motion generator, liquid in the tank can be agitated. When the releasable, rigid connection is detached, the tank can be removed from the base unit for disposing of liquid in the tank without having to handle the entire sonic cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Connoisseurs Products Corporation
    Inventors: Dov Z. Glucksman, Laura J. Nickerson, Gary P. McGonagle
  • Patent number: 7430886
    Abstract: The invention relates to an easy mountable paper moistening device (1) comprising two structural units (17, 18). One of the units consists of a roller (3) which supports the cleaning paper (2), said roller being connected to the room wall (12), and the other unit is connected in a separated manner to the housing (8) which comprises a tank (9) and a moistening roller (10) in addition to a conductor element (11), which is also connected in a separated manner to the room wall (12). The two-part housing (8) can be easily connected to the room wall (12) and in the respectively correct position, whereby distancing hooks (21, 22) are arranged as an aid. The individually connected sheets (4, 5, 6) can be guided by the conductor element (11) either over the moistening roller (10) or on the moistening roller (10), in order to dry or moisten the user. Said type of housing (8) can easily be associated, in retrospect, with a roller (3) and represents an optimal paper moistening device (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Joachim Zeusnik