Patents Examined by Benjamin Osterhout
  • Patent number: 8840733
    Abstract: An endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus includes: a medicinal solution storage portion; a cleaning/disinfecting tank; a medicinal solution supplying conduit having one end communicating with the medicinal solution storage portion and the other end opening toward the cleaning/disinfecting tank; a medicinal solution supplying member; a medicinal solution receiving member provided inside the medicinal solution supplying member; and a medicinal solution collecting port which is openable/closable by a lid body, and formed at a position between the medicinal solution receiving member and the opening of the other end in the medicinal solution supplying conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Jiro Komiya, Norito Sato, Hisashi Kuroshima
  • Patent number: 8366835
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic nozzle comprising a nozzle body having a first, forward end and a second, rear end, in the rear end a section-wise centrally located intake for rinsing water, internal rinsing water channels by which rinsing water is directed from the rinsing water intake to multiple rinsing water discharges mouthing in the rear end of the nozzle body in a radially outer region with respect to the rinsing water intake. The hydrodynamic nozzle has a passage for air extending through the nozzle body, said air passage connecting an air intake, mouthing in the forward end of the nozzle body, to an air discharge mouthing in the rear end of the nozzle body, wherein the air discharge is defined partly through an outer wall located radially inside the rinsing water discharges, and partly through an inner wall located radially outside the rinsing water intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: BL Consult Bo Larsson
    Inventor: Bo Larsson
  • Patent number: 8349091
    Abstract: A teat cup cleaning device having a heating chamber (2), provided with a discharge (3) which is closable by a valve (4), and arranged for connection to a teat cup. A filling device (20) is provided for filling the heating chamber (2) with an amount of cleaning liquid (11), and a heating arrangement is arranged to heat the contents of the heating chamber (2) to a temperature T higher than the boiling point Tk of the cleaning liquid at ambient pressure. The valve (4) opens in this situation to deliver the heated cleaning liquid to the teat cup. The teat cup cleaning device also comprising a connecting line (17) between a liquid supply and the discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Maasland N.V.
    Inventors: Karel Van Den Berg, Gerard Mostert
  • Patent number: 8333845
    Abstract: A vehicle washing system including a frame having an entrance and an exit side. The frame linearly reciprocates along a plurality of rails that extend generally in the direction between the entrance side and the exit side to travel over a stationary vehicle. The frame has a first fluid dispensing device located in the half adjacent its entrance side and a second fluid dispensing device located adjacent its exit side. The first and second fluid dispensing devices include a plurality of manifolds each of which is in communication with a supply of fluid to apply fluid to the vehicle. The vehicle washing system includes a control system that is in communication with each of the manifolds in the first and second fluid dispensing devices to selectively and independently control the type of fluid emitted from each of the manifolds and in what order during the vehicle cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Motor City Wash Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Wentworth, Lionel Belanger
  • Patent number: 8327861
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for using various megasonic apparatus including megasonic tanks, scanning megasonic plates, megasonic jets, and megasonic sweeping beams etc., in combination with selective chemistries to remove sub-micron particulate contaminants from the surfaces of the processing equipment used in semiconductor, medical, or any other processing environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Yaobo Yin, Linda (Tong) Jiang
  • Patent number: 8321982
    Abstract: A method of operating a washing machine, by which a steam generator is disclosed, laundry and the washing machine itself can be safely protected in a manner that an error occurrence of the washing machine is accurately detected and by which a following cycle such as a washing cycle, a drying cycle and the like can be effectively performed despite the failure of the washing machine. The present invention includes a step (a) of supplying water to a steam generator, a step (b) of supplying steam into a drum by generating heat from a heater of the steam generator, and a step (c) of detecting abnormality of the washing machine while the step (a) or (b) is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seog Kyu Park, Youn Dong Lee
  • Patent number: 8308869
    Abstract: An automated heat exchanger tube cleaning assembly and system are provided. The present system can automatically (without ongoing human intervention) survey the tube sheet of a heat exchanger in three-dimensions, convert and record the survey results as a digital file in three-dimensions, and then, according to sequential parameters input via custom software, automatically coordinate via computer one or more cleaning devices to effect the cleaning of each desired tube of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Aquilex Hydrochem, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Gardner, Pedro E. Amador, William Stamps Howard, James A. Stoner
  • Patent number: 8303725
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes lower and upper racks that slide in and out for loading and unloading of dishes. Either or both of the racks includes a handle secured to the front wall of the rack. The handle is molded from a thermoset polymer material and at least part of the handle is plated with a bright-finish metal coating such as powdered stainless steel. The handle for the lower rack extends above the upper edge of the front wall of the rack for easier accessibility. The upper handle is arranged to be contacted by the door of the dishwasher when the door is closed such that the upper rack is urged inwardly to a correct position for connecting a mid-level spray arm delivery tube to a check valve assembly of the water delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Allen Stephen Crookshanks, Ashwin Jadhav, Ronald Gene Tynes
  • Patent number: 8293024
    Abstract: A dishwasher is provided that permits the efficient and economical cleaning and drying of the items to be washed in the washing container, whilst reducing the associated energy consumption. To achieve this, in addition to the washing container, the inventive dishwasher also comprises a sorption column, which is connected to the washing container to form an air-conductive link and contains a material that can be reversibly dehydrated, said sorption column being used at least partially to dry the washed items. The thermal energy that is applied in the desorption of the sorption column is used at least partially to heat the rinsing water and/or the washed items in the washing container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Jerg, Kai Paintner
  • Patent number: 8282741
    Abstract: A sequencing spray arm assembly includes a plurality fluid spray arms rotatably mounted on respective radially spaced carrier arms. The rotating fluid spray arms are in fluid communication with a fluid distribution manifold and adapted to distribute washing fluid throughout a washing chamber of the appliance. A sequencing diverter valve system enables delivery of washing fluid from the fluid distribution manifold to one or more of the plurality of rotating fluid spray arms. A fluid responsive rotating drive arm drives the rotation of a sequencing disk in the valve system between discrete positions and enables delivery of fluid to one or more of the plurality of rotating fluid spray arms in a sequential manner such that, for each discrete position, less than the total number of spray arms are supplied with washing fluid at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Roger J. Bertsch, Rayburn L. Cox, Bruce W. Gillum, Bernhard Mohrbacher, Donald J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8268090
    Abstract: A dishwasher, the program control of which permits the installation of the program control module in the dishwasher, a subsequent programming of the program control and a change to the rinse program sequence pre-programmed in the program control. An electronic program control for the control of rinsing program sequences is provided with a programmable control module and includes an interface, for the external programming of at least one rinsing program sequence, carried out by the program control, which may be directly contacted from outside the dishwasher. By integrating an interface that may be directly contacted from outside the dishwasher, for the external programming of rinsing program sequences in the control module of the program control, the program control can be installed in the dishwasher without pre-programming and programmed in a final step, or after the production of the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Karlheinz Rehm, Michael Rosenbauer, Martin Stickel
  • Patent number: 8246760
    Abstract: A multi-chambered deposition pin wash station is provided. The wash station includes a lower chamber and an upper drain basin connected by a plurality of wash tubes. Cleaning fluid is provided to the lower chamber and passes through the cleaning tubes into the upper drain basin. The cleaning tubes are adapted to clean a single deposition pin with a single tube per wash cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Aushon Biosystems
    Inventors: Peter Honkanen, Albert Bukys, Dave Bradbury
  • Patent number: 8239989
    Abstract: A method for removing odor of laundry in a washing machine comprises inputting laundry into an inner tub, supplying steam to the laundry, and rotating the inner tub. Odor of the laundry is rapidly and easily removed without performing a cleaning process using water, and the fabrication cost is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Myong-Hun Im, Soo-Young Oh, Jae-Won Chang, Kyung-Chul Woo, Kyeong-Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 8231738
    Abstract: A dishwasher comprises a tub formed as a molded plastic structure having a bottom wall joined to a plurality of vertical walls, and a top wall joined to upper ends of the vertical walls, so as to define a wash chamber, a front side of the tub defining an opening for access to the wash chamber; (b) a door for closing the opening in the front side of the tub; (c) a hinge support member integrally molded with the tub and located proximate the front edge of the bottom wall of the tub; and (d) a pair of hinge plates respectively secured to the opposite side edges of the door and pivotally engaged with the hinge support member on the tub to enable the door to pivot relative to the tub about a horizontal pivot axis defined by the hinge support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Haeberle
  • Patent number: 8221099
    Abstract: A fluid pump assembly is disclosed for performing in a damp environment. A pump member is provided that drives a quantity of fluid. A pump housing encloses the pump member and includes a breather hole for circulating cooling air around the pump member during operation. A cover is provided that substantially covers the breather hole and defines a tortuous path that enables air to circulate through the breather hole while preventing entry of water thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Binfet, David Rose
  • Patent number: 8221558
    Abstract: A dishwasher having a crockery basket for holding items to be washed and a spray apparatus including a first contoured body portion having a first edge, a second contoured body portion having a second edge which corresponds to the first edge wherein the first contoured body portion is joined to the second contoured body portion to form a fluid-tight hollow space therebetween and a joining seam member, with the first contoured body portion and the second contoured body portion being joined together using the joining seam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Heisele, Anton Oblinger
  • Patent number: 8220472
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a treatment compartment, a storage container in the treatment compartment, and a drive for moving the storage container out of and/or into the treatment compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Kaczmarek
  • Patent number: 8209805
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a washing method of a washing machine, in which an out of order of a water level sensor in a steam generator which generates steam is detected exactly, for safe protection of the steam generator and laundry, and effective performance of the washing. To achieve the object of the present invention, the washing method includes the steps of ($ sensing a water level sensor being out of order during steam washing, and (B) turning off the? steam generator if it is sensed that the water level sensor is out of order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Seog Kyu Park
  • Patent number: 8205625
    Abstract: A surface treatment apparatus of a substrate can clean a substrate surface in the air without employing a vacuum apparatus, and can remove a natural oxide film or an organic material, such as BTA, from the substrate surface without resorting to plasma cleaning. The surface treatment apparatus includes: an inert gas supply section for supplying an inert gas to the whole or part of a substrate surface to form an oxygen-blocking zone; a heating section for keeping the substrate surface at a predetermined temperature; and a cleaning gas supply section for supplying a cleaning gas to the oxygen-blocking zone to clean the substrate surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Tateishi, Tsutomu Nakada, Akira Susaki, Shohei Shima, Yukio Fukunaga
  • 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