Patents Examined by Frankie L. Stinson
  • Patent number: 8015645
    Abstract: A method for controlling a washing machine is provided. The method includes setting a washing pattern in a present operation of the washing machine in consideration of a hardness of water calculated in a previous operation of the washing machine, operating the washing machine based on the set washing pattern, and calculating and storing a hardness of the water in the present operation of the washing machine to set a next washing pattern in the next operation of the washing machine, thereby having the optimum washing or rinsing capacity of the washing machine in consideration of different characteristics of water by regional groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seok Kyu Park, Seog Ho Go, Bo Sun Chung, Young Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 8016950
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive type partial inter-tube lancing system for cleaning a steam generator in a nuclear power plant, which removes foreign matter, such as sludge, deposited around heat transfer tubes in the steam generator, is disclosed. More particularly, a hydraulic drive type partial inter-tube lancing system, which serves to clean a steam generator of a light-water reactor in a nuclear power plant by removing sludge, attached inside the steam generator, using high-pressure water, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Electric Power Corporation
    Inventors: Seok Tae Kim, Woo Tae Jeong
  • Patent number: 8015848
    Abstract: An acoustic panel for reducing the transmission of noise therethrough is provided. The acoustic panel may include a sound-absorbing surface with a plurality of convex and concave structures. The convex and concave structures may be organized in a regular array and may be spatially arranged to be alternating with one another. A dishwasher may use such an acoustic panel including a panel of sound absorbing material by placing such a panel inside the door, in or around the walls of the tub of a dishwasher, or the panel can also be used to reduce the transmission of noise with other products. A method of inserting a panel of sound-absorbing material into the door of a dishwasher is also provided. The panel may include protrusions extending from one of its surfaces in order to engage a supporting surface of the product to which it is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Ascander Colon, Jason Duckworth, Gregory Van Vooren
  • Patent number: 8015646
    Abstract: A laundry treating device includes a first laundry treating device and a second laundry treating device adjacent to the first laundry treating device. A first heater provided in the first laundry treating device and a second heater provided in the second laundry treating device can be selectively and alternatively operated to heat washing water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Soo Lee, Ki Chul Woo, Na Eun Kim, Dong Won Kim, Sung Min Kim, Sung Ryong Kim
  • Patent number: 8015983
    Abstract: The surface treatment apparatus includes: a supply device for supplying an introduced workpiece to the inside of a treatment cell of a subsequent surface treatment device; a surface treatment device for supplying a surface treatment liquid to the inside of the treatment cell while rotating the treatment cell, thereby performing a surface treatment on the workpiece; a workpiece collection device for inverting the treatment cell, and squirting the inside of the treatment cell with water from below to flow out the workpiece, thereby collecting the workpiece into a collection vessel; a drying device for receiving the collection vessel from the workpiece collection device, and exposing the workpiece within the collection vessel to air, thereby drying the workpiece; and a carrying device for carrying the treatment cell between the surface treatment devices, and between the surface treatment device and the workpiece device, wherein the surface treatment apparatus includes the one or more surface treatment devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: C. Uyemura & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Nakada, Kouhei Kohama, Tetsuro Uemura, Takashi Sato, Ryosuke Hamada
  • Patent number: 8012268
    Abstract: Dishwasher including a washing tub for placing dishes therein, a sump for accommodating washing water to wash the dishes in the washing tub, and a motor having a rotor and a stator, for generating pumping power to pump up the washing water from the sump to the washing tub, wherein the stator of the motor is wound in a concentrated winding type, thereby permitting effective utilization of the washing tub and the driving part room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Heon Yoon, Nung Seo Park, Soung Bong Choi, Dae Yeong Han
  • Patent number: 8011378
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a megasonic cleaning module. The megasonic cleaning module includes a vibrator having a piezoelectric element mounted therein for generating ultrasonic waves by the vibration of the piezoelectric element, a first vibratory rod having a diameter gradually decreased to concentrate the longitudinal ultrasonic waves generated from the vibrator, and a second vibratory rod for progressing the longitudinal ultrasonic waves, generated from the first vibratory rod, in the transverse direction. The size of the second vibratory rod at one side thereof where the second vibratory rod is coupled to the first vibratory rod is less than that of the second vibratory rod at the other side thereof, with the result that the longitudinal ultrasonic waves are not prevented from affecting the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials
    Inventors: Yang-lae Lee, Eui-su Lim, Hyun-se Kim
  • Patent number: 8007597
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub having a door that provides access to the tub. The door has a handle which extends a top surface of the door beyond a front surface of the door. A touchscreen panel is mounted to the top surface of a door to provide a user interface. The user interface includes a carrousel of icons via which a user may select a wash cycle. The user interface further includes a programmed delay interface via which a user may specify a desired start time and/or stop time for the wash cycle. The user interface may further provide the user with usage guidance to aid the user in the usage of the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas B. Beaudet, Christopher G. Koch, Sandra C. Steward, Daniel Szecket, Jonathan West
  • Patent number: 8006521
    Abstract: A locking device for the closing lid of washing machines having a containing body that houses a cursor equipped with an opening capable of receiving the hook mounted on the lid. A delaying device is capable of locking the cursor in a position retaining the latch. In order to ensure that the user operates under safe conditions, the device provides a lever that is equipped with a device to lock the cursor, and is connected to the body by a link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Elettrotecnica Rold S.R.L.
    Inventor: Onofrio Rocchitelli
  • Patent number: 8002904
    Abstract: A duct system includes at least one duct for communicating air or fluid within a building that has a plurality of openings along the top of the duct along the central axis of the duct. An ingress pipe is coupled to the openings along the top of the duct. A plurality of openings are also provided along the bottom of the duct along the central axis of the duct, with a drain pipe coupled to the opening along the bottom of the duct. A user may inject a fluid into the duct ingress pipe and the fluid is drained and collected from the duct using the drain pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald Ragozzino
  • Patent number: 8001810
    Abstract: A dishwasher and associated control method are provided wherein a water supply manifold supplies a wash chamber with wash liquid. The supply manifold includes a hot water inlet from an external hot water source and a separate inlet from a storage tank, and is configured to be selectively actuated between the hot water inlet or storage tank inlet. A controller is in communication with the supply manifold and is configured to act on a signal that is indicative of an actual or pre-defined high electricity demand period on a power supply to the hot water source. The controller is configured to generate an output control signal to the supply manifold to cause the manifold to direct substantially only water from the storage tank to the wash chamber during the high electricity demand period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ronald Scott Tarr
  • Patent number: 7998281
    Abstract: An apparatus for on-line cleaning and maintaining the cleanliness of a transfer line exchanger tube is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis, the housing further including a first inlet for introducing a flushing fluid to the transfer line exchanger tube, the first inlet disposed proximate the first end of the housing, a second inlet for providing a product effluent comprising hydrocarbons and an outlet for placing in fluid communication with an inlet of the transfer line exchanger tube and a critical flow nozzle or flow control orifice, the critical flow nozzle or flow control orifice in fluid communication with the first inlet of the housing. Systems and processes for cleaning and maintaining the cleanliness of a transfer line exchanger are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: James N. McCoy, Arthur R. Di Nicolantonio, Blair H. Margot, Subramanian Annamalai, Stephen J. Vande Stouwe
  • Patent number: 7997105
    Abstract: A push-push appliance door, e.g., for a front-load automatic laundry washer, includes a peripheral frame having a first cut-out configured to receive a push-position indicator member that designates a push-position for opening the door. The frame may include a second cut-out located on an opposite side of the frame from the first cut-out. The door may further include a cut-out filler piece. The first and second cut-outs may be configured to interchangeably and interlockingly receive the indicator member and the cut-out filler piece, to thereby allow the indicator member to be properly positioned in relation to a selection of a hinge/latch location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris H. Hill, Douglas C. Norman, Jason Schott, Reynaldo Nadolny, Brian D. Ripley
  • Patent number: 7987541
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of a washing machine having a tub (21) for holding washing water, a drum (31) rotatably mounted in the tub (21), and a stem generator (51) for generating and supplying steam to the tub (21), for washing laundry with steam, and a washing machine thereof. The method includes a washing water supply step (S 10) for supplying washing water to the tub (21), a steam supply step (S80) for supplying the steam to the tub (21), and a main washing step (S110) for washing the laundry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Soo Young Oh, Kyung Chul Woo, Na Eun Kim
  • Patent number: 7981222
    Abstract: Embodiments of dishwashers with sound attenuating properties are provided. The dishwashers include one or more laminated structures for attenuating sound. The structure may include a layer of an acoustic tape having a plurality of bi-direction fibers configured to redirect and convert sound generated by the dishwasher into heat such that the sound perceivable outside the dishwasher is reduced. The structure may further include one or more layers of foam for absorbing sound and one or more layers of vinyl for converting sound into heat. Panels of the laminated structure may be positioned in, around, and along the toe plate assembly, the door assembly, the base and tub of the dishwasher, and framing elements of the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Prducts, Inc.
    Inventor: Mario Ascander Colon
  • Patent number: 7980257
    Abstract: Provided is a parts washer that includes a multi-tiered basin, a cleaning fluid and a biological component, living within the fluid, that breaks down organic waste. The multi-tiered basin includes a sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter are interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink member. The false bottom, support grid, and filter are readily removable from the sink member. The tank is partially filled with the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly direct a flow of the cleaning fluid to the basin. The cleaning fluid discharged into the basin flows through a drain hole in the false bottom, through the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole in the bottom panel of the sink member back into the tank for reuse. The cleaning fluid includes, at least, a surfactant that functions to remove organic waste from the parts being washed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Zymo International, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. McClure, Thomas W. McNally
  • Patent number: 7975709
    Abstract: In a reactor cleaning apparatus 1 which cleans an inner wall surface 72 of a reactor 70 which generates polycrystalline silicon, a bell jar of the reactor 70 has a dual structure, a through hole 11 is formed along a vertical direction at a central portion of a substantially disc-like tray 10 placed in a horizontal state, a flange portion 13 in which an opening edge of the reactor 70 is placed is formed at an outer peripheral portion of the tray 10, a shaft 20 is provided through the through hole 11 of the tray 10 so as to be rotatable and movable in the vertical direction, a nozzle device 50 which sprays a cleaning water at high pressure in three-dimensional directions is provided at an upper end of the shaft 20, a drive mechanism 30 which rotates the shaft 20 and moves the shaft in the vertical direction is provided at a base end of the shaft 20, and steam piping 62 capable of supplying the steam within the bell jar of the reactor 70 is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihide Endoh, Masayuki Tebakari, Toshiyuki Ishii, Masaaki Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 7976642
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a box cleaner including an ultrasonic cleaning bath having a receiving space to be filled with DIW and an ultrasonic wave generator arranged at a bottom thereof; a tray for loading a wafer shipping box thereon; a lift for providing a driving force to put the tray into the ultrasonic cleaning bath and take the tray out of the ultrasonic cleaning bath; and a drying system for drying the cleaned shipping box, wherein a gas sprayer is installed in the ultrasonic cleaning bath for spraying gas into the cleaned shipping box to push the DIW out of the shipping box, thereby draining the DIW.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Siltron, Inc.
    Inventor: Se-Youl Oh
  • Patent number: 7971454
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a beaker type dyeing machine. One embodiment of an apparatus for dyeing a material in a beaker includes a cylinder body having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for coupling to the lid of the beaker, a check valve incorporated into the first end of the cylinder body, and a plug incorporated into the second end of the cylinder body, the plug being operable to control opening and closing of the check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Datacolor Holding AG
    Inventor: Lev Rapoport
  • Patent number: RE42566
    Abstract: The wet treatment liquid feed nozzle of the invention comprises an introducing path 10 having an introducing port 7, a discharging path 12 having a discharging port 15, a crossing section 14 formed by causing the introducing path 10 and the discharging path 12 to cross at the other ends thereof, a nozzle assembly 50 having an opening section 6 opening to an object to be treated 1, provided at the crossing section 14, and pressure control means 13, for controlling the difference between the pressure of the wet treatment liquid in contact with the object to be treated 1 and the atmospheric pressure provided at least on the discharging path 12 side so that the wet treatment liquid having been in contact with the object to be treated 1 via the opening section 6 does not flow to outside the discharging path 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Mitsumori, Yasuhiko Kasama, Akira Abe, Oh Eui Yeol, Tadahiro Ohmi, Takashi Imaoka, Masayuki Toda