Patents Examined by Eric Golightly
  • Patent number: 9587345
    Abstract: A drum-type washer capable of easily cleaning a tub and a method of cleaning the tub of the drum-type washer are disclosed. The drum-type washer includes a tub installed in a cabinet to be supplied with washing water, a drum rotatably disposed in the tub such that laundry articles are loaded into the drum, a motor which rotates the drum, a controller which controls a rotational velocity of the motor to rotate the drum at a specified rotational velocity such that the washing water circulates along an inner peripheral surface of the tub to clean the inner peripheral surface of the tub, and a steam supply device which is controlled by the controller to supply high-temperature, high-pressure steam into the tub and the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Han Ki Cho
  • Patent number: 9587789
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying a gas mixture to a load lock chamber is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus supplies a gas mixture to a pair of process chambers, comprising a first ozone generator to provide a first gas mixture to a first process chamber, a second ozone generator to provide a second gas mixture to a second process chamber, a first gas source coupled to the first ozone generator via a first mass flow controller and a first gas line, and coupled to the second ozone generator via a second mass flow controller and a second gas line, and a second gas source coupled to the first ozone generator via a third mass flow controller and a third gas line and coupled to the second ozone generator via fourth mass flow controller and a fourth gas line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Ahmad Lee, Martin Jeffrey Salinas, Ezra Robert Gold, James P. Cruse
  • Patent number: 9576789
    Abstract: A wafer cleaning apparatus includes a polishing unit used in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of a wafer and a cleaning dispensing unit arranged to direct cleaning fluids toward a far edge of the wafer after the CMP of the wafer. A wafer cleaning method includes CMP of a wafer by a polishing unit and directing cleaning fluids toward a far edge of the wafer after the CMP of the wafer by a cleaning dispensing unit. Another method can include CMP, applying deionized water, and applying pH adjuster having a pH range from about 2 to about 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsin-Hsien Lu, Ting-Kui Chang, Jung-Tsan Tsai
  • Patent number: 9573172
    Abstract: A gas wiping apparatus includes a pair of wiping nozzles which are disposed so as to face each other and interpose a coated steel sheet therebetween in a thickness direction of the coated steel sheet, and each of which ejects a wiping gas along a width direction of the coated steel sheet; a gas shield plate that is disposed at a position which separates toward an outside from each end portion of the coated steel sheet so that the gas shield plate is interposed between the pair of wiping nozzles; and a side nozzle that ejects a gas to form a gas flow along each surface of the gas shield plate in a direction reverse to a direction in which the coated steel sheet is pulled upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichi Fukuoka, Yoshihiro Suemune, Tooru Oohashi, Yoko Amano
  • Patent number: 9573173
    Abstract: A pumping unit is provided that controls fluid pressure in a pipe being traversed according to the degree of resistance encountered by a pig traversing the pipe under fluid pressure. Increasing fluid pressure in constricted areas enables an intelligent pig to traverse the pipe with a more uniform speed by controlling the fluid velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Orlande Wayne Sivacoe
  • Patent number: 9567554
    Abstract: A cleaning method and a cleaning fluid are provided. The cleaning method includes accessing a plurality of turbine components attached to a turbine assembly, the turbine assembly being a portion of a turbomachine, positioning at least one cleaning vessel over at least one of the turbine components, forming a liquid seal with a sealing bladder, providing a cleaning fluid to the cleaning vessel, and draining the cleaning fluid from the cleaning vessel. The cleaning fluid includes a carrier fluid and a solvent additive for removing fouling material from the turbine component. An alternative cleaning method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sanji Ekanayake, Surinder Singh Pabla, Murali Krishna Kalaga, Alston Ilford Scipio, Ishmael Dean El
  • Patent number: 9565987
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer-program product for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a method for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher is provided, wherein the dishwasher includes a water valve for providing water to the dishwasher and a drain pump for removing water from the dishwasher. The method comprises detecting an overfill condition in the dishwasher with at least one detection device, wherein the overfill condition corresponds to a water level in the dishwasher that is greater than a predetermined threshold. The method further includes controlling the drain pump and the water valve in response to detecting the overfill condition in order to facilitate removal of the overfill condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Glen Mitchell, Jason Duckworth, John DeFilippi, Virgil J. Francisco
  • Patent number: 9560878
    Abstract: A food preparation assembly for use in cleaning food products generally includes a tank for holding washing fluid for use in cleaning food products positioned within the tank, and a pump in fluidic communication with the tank to provide movement of the washing fluid within the tank for use in cleaning the food products when positioned within the tank. A processing module is configured to receive settings from a user for cleaning the food products, and to monitor and adjust, as necessary, parameters of the washing fluid based on the user input settings. The processing module is also configured to report and/or store measured values of the parameters of the washing fluid in addition to select user defined input information (e.g., user defined wash settings, etc.). Labels may also be generated indicative of completion of cleaning of the food products by the food preparation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: DUKE MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventor: James W. Bigott
  • Patent number: 9555453
    Abstract: Methods for abrasive cleaning, existing pipes before coating interior surfaces which extends the life of piping systems such as copper, steel, lead, brass, cast iron piping and composite materials. The method can include the steps of generating pressurized gas into pipes to generate a moving air stream, intermittently injecting separate spaced apart bursts of abrasive particles into the moving air stream with different cumulative amounts of the intermittent bursts of the abrasive particles that vary based on different piping diameters, cleaning interior wall surfaces of the pipes with the intermittent bursts of the particles, reducing at least one of burrs or interior lips in the interior wall surfaces of the pipes, with the intermittent bursts of the particles and removing abrasive particles and debris caused by each one of the separate burst shots of the abrasive particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Pipe Restoration Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Gillanders, Steve Williams, John Laborde
  • Patent number: 9555343
    Abstract: Process for the purification of a residue containing solids and mother liquor and having a chloride ion content greater than 5000 ppm by weight relative to the weight of the residue which comprises (a) piston washing said residue with a washing fluid and (b) recovering a purified residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SOLVAY SA
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Blondel, Cedric Humblot
  • Patent number: 9552968
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally include an apparatus for plasma cleaning and a method for plasma cleaning. The apparatus can include a lid body having a first surface for facing a pedestal during cleaning and a second surface opposite the first surface and substantially parallel to the first surface, the second surface having a first indentation sized to receive a magnet assembly, one or more handles coupled to the second surface of the lid body, and the magnet assembly resting in the first indentation. The method can include removing a sputtering target from the processing chamber, sealing the processing chamber, introducing a gas into the processing chamber, applying an RF bias to a pedestal within the processing chamber, maintaining the pedestal at a substantially constant temperature, and removing material from the pedestal to clean the pedestal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Martin Deehan, Matt Cheng-Hsiung Tsai, Nan Lu, David T. Or, Mei Chang
  • Patent number: 9550686
    Abstract: To facilitate the collection of grease and water from commercial kitchen exhaust fans the invention provides a collection tank in communication with the drainage spout of the fan assembly. The tank has a lid for sealing the tank, a first reservoir for collecting the stream of grease and water and a second reservoir below the first reservoir for receiving water separated from the grease and water stream in the first reservoir. The first and second reservoirs are separated by a sloping plate. The tank also includes a siphoning apparatus which when connected to a source of high pressure fluid such as water or steam can purge the second reservoir of water and recycle the water back to a fan cleansing operation or to a disposal facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: James MacDougall
  • Patent number: 9551424
    Abstract: A method for cleaning the seat of a double seat valve, the double set valve having a deflection surface bordering the remaining area of a recess not delimiting a circumferential wall and opening out from the latter at a front and radially inside end of a second closing member facing a first closing member. The method rinses the seating when closing members are opened and generates a seat cleaning flow and urges a first cleaning flow through a deflection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: GEA TUCHENHAGEN GMBH
    Inventors: Jens Burmester, Matthias Südel, Arne Schulz, Bastian Tolle
  • Patent number: 9550139
    Abstract: A filter cleaning apparatus has a top section and a base section. The top section rests on a housing support. A lid in the top section is connected to the top section by a hinge. Internally, there is a threaded rod supporting a cone and a positioning nut. The positioning nut is used to secure the position of the cone. When a filter is to be placed in the apparatus, the position of the cone is adjusted with the positioning nut. A filter is then placed thereon and the lid closed. A locking mechanism secured the lid in place. A textured disk is positioned on the underside of the lid. When a crank handle on top of the lid is turned, the textured disk is turned thereby turning the filter resting on the cone. As the filter turns, cleaning mechanisms remove debris which pass through openings for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventors: Vincent James Madonia, Gerald Madonia
  • Patent number: 9545648
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are adapted to wash magnetic particles isolated in a vessel. The methods include providing a vessel with wash liquid and a layer of magnetic particles, providing a probe having aspiration capability, positioning a probe tip above the layer of magnetic particles, aspirating at least some of the wash liquid above the layer, positioning the probe tip below the layer, and aspirating at least some of the wash liquid from below the layer of magnetic particles. The suction may be turned off as the probe tip descends past the layer. A novel magnetic particle washing apparatus are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Moses Peter, Michael Avdenko
  • Patent number: 9546085
    Abstract: The invention concerns an assembly (1) for engaging and activating a bargun (2), the bargun having a handle (21) with at least one button (22, 23) on its upper surface (24) and a nozzle (25) perpendicular to the handle, the assembly comprising:—a draining body (11) presenting:. an opening (111) for receiving the bargun nozzle,. an outlet (112) configured for being connected to the drain,—a bargun holding bracket (12) attached to the draining body, said bracket defining a space (s) for holding the handle and the free end (121) of said bracket being configured for activating the at least one button on the upper surface of the handle when the handle is slid in said space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Rick Baron, Joshua Cox, Steve Garbee, Steve Robbins
  • Patent number: 9539600
    Abstract: A cleaning method for cleaning a droplet ejector, which includes nozzles to eject a particulate material composition liquid, and a nozzle plate bearing the nozzles is provided. The cleaning method includes forming a substantially closed cleaning space outside the nozzles and the nozzle plate; supplying a cleaning liquid to the cleaning space so that the nozzles and the nozzle plate are contacted with the cleaning liquid; and vibrating the cleaning liquid when the nozzles and the nozzle plate are contacted with the cleaning liquid to clean the nozzles and the nozzle plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yasutada Shitara, Minoru Masuda, Shinji Aoki, Yoshihiro Norikane, Andrew Mwaniki Mulwa, Masaru Ohgaki, Kiyotada Katoh, Satoshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9539523
    Abstract: An integrated waste catalyst cleaning apparatus includes a reaction unit, an organic solvent unit, an organic acid unit, a drying unit, a condensation unit, a heating band, and control valves formed at transfer paths. The waste catalyst is injected into the reactor. The organic solvent stored in the organic solvent unit is to first-clean the waste catalyst. The organic solvent is discharged after cleaning. The waste catalyst is dehydrated and dried by the drying unit. The organic acid stored in the organic acid unit is to second-clean the waste catalyst. The organic acid is discharged after cleaning. The waste catalyst is dehydrated and dried by the drying unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: KC COTTRELL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jeong Hee Hong, Gwan GU Yun, Chang Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 9532545
    Abstract: An unmanned wheeled vehicle is configured to clean a first floor surface at a first height level, while supported on a second floor surface at a second height level, wherein the first height level is higher than the second height level. The vehicle comprises a main body comprising a support side and a cleaning side, and a support device to support the main body on the second floor surface, wherein the main body comprises at the cleaning side a contact cleaning device configured to clean the first floor surface. A tilting device tilts the main body between a tilted position in which the cleaning side of the main body can be moved over the first floor surface without contact between the contact cleaning device and the first floor surface, and a cleaning position, in which the contact cleaning device is in contact with the first floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventors: Karel Van Den Berg, Jan Lambertus Pastoor, Jacob Derk Weijers
  • Patent number: 9528438
    Abstract: A method of using a kit to clean an injection combustion engine while the engine is running comprising removing a vacuum hose attached to the engine, inserting a tube attached to a compartment containing a liquid cleaning chemical inside the hose, introducing the chemical into the engine's fuel system in a controlled fashion, removing the tube from the hose after the recommended amount of chemical is in the engine's fuel system and reattaching the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventors: Lance Balistrere, William Beichner, Chad Flanagan