Patents Examined by Katelyn Whatley
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Patent number: 8852351Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher having a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving utensils and a spraying system spraying liquid in the treating chamber, to determine at least one parameter of the cycle of operation based on the set of load condition by selectively spraying liquid in multiple portions of the treating chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2010Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Barry E. Tuller
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Patent number: 8813765Abstract: There is provided systems and methods for effective cleaning and drying of vehicles of different shapes and sizes. In an example, a conveyor system may move a vehicle along a path, and a bridge assembly supported above a vehicle is moveable along the length thereof. At least one trolley assembly is moveable in a direction transverse to the movement of the bridge assembly. At least one cleaning arm assembly delivers cleaning fluid to or for brushing the surface of a vehicle. The cleaning arm assembly is moveable in association with movement of the vehicle to position the cleaning arm assembly adjacent at least a portion of the front, sides and rear of the vehicle as it moves along the path. A variable impact or patterning spray arm or drying system is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Petit Auto Wash, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Petit
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Patent number: 8808461Abstract: A method for emptying a furnace floor from smelt in a black liquor recovery boiler when the black liquor recovery boiler is being shut down. The emptying can be started while smelt is still flowing in smelt spouts. The floor is emptied by sucking smelt from the furnace with a smelt eductor. A device for removing smelt and wash water from a furnace of a black liquor recovery boiler by means of suction. Negative pressure is generated in the device by conducting pressurized gas into a suction pipe of an eductor so that preheated pressurized gas is discharged in the discharge direction of smelt and wash water.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2009Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: BOILDEC OyInventor: Timo Karjunen
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Patent number: 8800327Abstract: A drum type washing machine includes an annular recess formed in the front cover such that the annular recess is located immediately adjacent to a wall of the drum body; and a ball balancer including an annular-shaped racer having a closed internal space in which a plurality of balls and viscous oil are accommodated. The annular-shaped racer includes first and second injection molded members joined to each other to form the closed internal space. The ball balancer is supported by the annular recess formed in the front cover of the drum, and the ball balancer is configured to be attachable to the drum with the viscous oil and the plurality of balls already in the ball balancer.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2012Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ja Young Kim, Doo Young Ryu
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Patent number: 8801860Abstract: A method for restoring a vehicle headlight lens by removing contaminants begins with wiping the lens surface of a vehicle headlight clean. An alcohol-saturated cleaning substance is used to remove debris and pollution from the surface. The alcohol is specifically selected to also remove moisture from the surface of the lens to the greatest extent possible. For optimal cleaning conditions the headlight is heated either by illumination or direct sunlight to a temperature of about 70 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. A lens restoration solution that includes a dissolving chemical compound such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone and/or tetrahydrofuran is applied to the lens surface, either with an applicator or by spraying. After the lens surface has been restored to a smooth, transparent condition, and adequately hardened, a UV protectant is applied to maintain the lens surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Inventor: Thomas M. Wall
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Patent number: 8757180Abstract: In a processing block, a plurality of back surface cleaning units and a main robot are provided. The main robot is provided between the back surface cleaning units provided on one side of the processing block and the back surface cleaning units provided on the other side of the processing block. A reversing unit used to reverse a substrate and a substrate platform used to transfer and receive substrates between an indexer robot and the main robot are provided adjacent to each other in the vertical direction between the indexer robot and the processing block. The main robot transports substrates among the plurality of back surface cleaning units, the substrate platform, and the reversing unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2008Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ichiro Mitsuyoshi
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Patent number: 8747565Abstract: A device for cleaning submergible surfaces includes a mandrel having a handle at a proximal end and a connector at a distal end. The handle can be removably mounted to an air tool. A cleaning tip holder has an opening at a distal end leading into an interior space. The cleaning tip holder can be connected with the mandrel connector and can be removably retained therewith. A cleaning tip includes a generally rectangular element having beveled front and side edges and can be removably retained partially within the cleaning tip holder interior space. In use, a cleaning tip is mounted in the cleaning tip holder interior space, and that combination is mounted to the mandrel connector. The mandrel handle is affixed to an air tool having an outlet hose, which, when activated, produces a reciprocating action in the device, creating a scrubbing action with the cleaning tip.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2009Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: First-In, LLCInventors: Michael M. Arian, Walter F. Trzaskus, Mark Tripp
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Patent number: 8713976Abstract: A control system is provided for a washing machine including a cabinet, a wash tub positioned within the cabinet and a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub. The control system includes a plurality of supports including two diagonally arranged supports. The plurality of supports are configured to support the washing machine on a surface. At least one load sensor is positioned with respect to each support of the two diagonally arranged supports. The at least one load sensor is configured to detect at least one force component applied to each support by a load within the wash basket. The at least one load sensor is further configured to generate a signal representative of the at least one force component. A controller is in signal communication with the at least one load sensor. The controller is configured to detect an operating load placement condition within the wash basket in response to at least one signal received from the at least one load sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Christopher G. Hoppe, Ziqiang Hu
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Patent number: 8695381Abstract: Methods and systems that detect high resonance frequencies as a laundering device (e.g., a washer or dryer) is in a spin cycle, and avoids those frequencies, as well as a band around those frequencies (e.g., 75 rpm on either side of the resonant frequency), in subsequent spin cycles, is described. Aspects of the invention also provide for detecting whether the setup of the laundering device has changed (e.g., resulting from a change in physical location or setup), and provides for the recalibration of a resonance frequency or known high vibration speed when a new setup is detected. Aspects of the invention recognize that solutions to minimize vibration are unnecessary. It is not necessary to optimize or minimize vibration in order for a laundry device to work properly, but rather it is sufficient to ensure that the laundry device does not spin the drum at a speed that causes excessive vibration.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventor: Michael T. Moore
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Patent number: 8696821Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the directional movement of a self-propelled robotic pool cleaner having at least one pair of rotational support members for propelling and cleaning a surface of a pool. The method includes accelerating the at least one pair of rotational support members of the pool cleaner from a stopped position to a first predetermined rotational rate in a first predetermined time period; rotating the at least one pair of rotational support members at said first predetermined rotational rate for a second predetermined time period; and increasing the first rate of rotation to a second greater predetermined rotational rate, wherein said pool cleaner is propelled at a normalized rate for cleaning said pool.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Aqua Products, Inc.Inventors: Giora Erlich, Tibor Horvath
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Patent number: 8685175Abstract: An apparatus and process for isomerizing a hydrocarbon stream rich in a C4 hydrocarbon and/or at least one of a C5 and C6 hydrocarbon which includes a first drier and a second drier; and a reaction zone communicating with at least the first drier. The first drier operates at a first condition to dry the reactant and the second drier operates at a second condition during regeneration. The used regenerant remaining in the second drier after regeneration can (1) pass through a vent-to-flare assembly in a batch-wise manner; (2) pass through a downflow-depressure-to-low-pressure-device assembly in a batch-wise manner; (3) pass through a cross-over piping purge assembly to minimize upsets in the reaction and fractionation zones when the second drier is placed back in operation; or any combination of (1) (2) and/or (3) to minimize upsets in the reaction and fractionation zones when the second drier is placed back in operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Bryan S. Garney, Jocelyn C. Daguio, Kurt A. Detrick, David J. Shecterle, John M. Krupczak, Andrew D. Mezera, Douglas A. Becci
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Patent number: 8671718Abstract: A drum-type washing machine is disclosed, in which bearings are received in the bearing housing assembly. The bearing housing assembly may include a support portion coupled to a motor, and a coupling portion connected to a damper bracket.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Hee Tae Lim, Jae Won Chang, Hyun Seok Seo, Min Gyu Jo
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Patent number: 8621896Abstract: A drum type washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a tub, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, and a shaft that penetrates the tub and is connected to the drum so as to transmit a drive force of a motor to the drum. A stator is fixed to a rear wall of the tub, and an outer rotor, including at least one magnet, an annular back yoke, and a rotor frame, is rotatably disposed at the outside of the stator. The rotor frame may be made of an aluminum material, and includes a side wall portion and a rear wall portion integrally formed with the side wall portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Hyeok Deok Kim, Soung Bong Choi
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Patent number: 8617319Abstract: A dishwasher is provided which can determine whether a filtering device needs to be cleaned based on the time taken for a drain pump to discharge wash fluid from a sump. The dishwasher can make this determination without a manual examination of food waste collected in the filtering device. A related method of controlling the dishwasher based on such a determination is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Ro Mon Son
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Patent number: 8608857Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a substrate (e.g., wafer) in the fabrication of semiconductor devices utilizing electrorheological (ER) and magnetorheological (MR) fluids to remove contaminant residual particles from a surface of the substrate are provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Nishant Sinha
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Patent number: 8591666Abstract: A method for cleaning particle filters in exhaust gas systems of combustion engines, in particular diesel engines in vehicles. In order to clean a particle filter, a noncombustible, ash-free cleaning fluid is sprayed into the particle filter at high pressure by a spray nozzle, across an area of said filter through which the exhaust gas flows during the operation of the combustion engine, in a quantity such that the interior of the particle filter is substantially completely soaked. Also provided is an apparatus for carrying out the method, which includes a container containing, under pressure, the fluid to be injected into the particle filter to be cleaned, an outlet valve, and a spray nozzle, which can be connected to the outlet valve via a hose and can be inserted into a space in the exhaust gas system situated before or after the particle filter.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: TUNAP Industrie Chemie GmbH & Co. Produktions KGInventors: Friedrich Spruegel, Alfons Urban
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Patent number: 8591663Abstract: A method for removing corrosion products from a system, the method including: adjusting the system temperature to between 115° F. to 212° F.; injecting a cleaning dissolution solvent into the system; injecting a gas into the system after the system is filled with the cleaning dissolution solvent; the gas mixing with the solvent in the system; draining the solvent from the system after a predetermined period of time of dissolution; injecting a passivation composition into the system; injecting a gas into the system, the gas mixing the passivation composition; draining the system of the composition after a predetermined period of time of passivation; rinsing the system with a low volume solution; and rinsing the system at with a full volume solution.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2009Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Areva NP IncInventors: John Remark, Sidney Jones, Ray Beatty, Sarah Evans
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Patent number: 8578953Abstract: A disclosed substrate cleaning apparatus for cleaning a back surface of a substrate includes a first substrate supporting portion configured to support the substrate at a first area of a back surface of the substrate, the back surface facing down; a second substrate supporting portion configured to support the substrate at a second area of the back surface of the substrate, the second area being separated from the first area; a cleaning liquid supplying portion configured to supply cleaning liquid to the back surface of the substrate; a drying portion configured to dry the second area of the back surface of the substrate; and a cleaning portion configured to clean a third area of the back surface of the substrate when the substrate is supported by the first substrate supporting portion, the third area including the second area, and a fourth area of the back surface of the substrate when the substrate is supported by the second substrate supporting portion, the fourth area excluding the second area of the backType: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Yasushi Takiguchi, Taro Yamamoto, Akihiro Fujimoto, Shuuichi Nishikido, Dai Kumagai, Naoto Yoshitaka, Takahiro Kitano, Yoichi Tokunaga
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Patent number: 8551252Abstract: Methods for removing residual particles from a substrate are presented including: receiving the substrate including the residual particles; and functionalizing the residual particles with functionalizing molecules, wherein the functionalizing molecules selectively attach with a surface the residual particles, where the functionalizing molecules impart a changed chemical characteristic to the residual particles, and where the changed chemical characteristic facilitates removal of the residual particles from the substrate. In some embodiments, methods further include: before functionalizing, cleaning the substrate, where the cleaning leaves residual particles adhered with a surface of the substrate, and where the residual particles are hydrophilic; and if the surface of the substrate is hydrophobic, performing the functionalizing.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2008Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.Inventor: Zachary Fresco
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Patent number: 8551256Abstract: A washing machine and a washing control method of the same that is capable of controlling laundry to be effectively washed with bubbles depending upon load of the washing machine and types of the laundry. The washing control method includes detecting the amount of load depending upon the weight of laundry, controlling the amount of wetting water according to the detected amount of load to wet the laundry, and generating bubbles to wash the laundry.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2007Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Bo Ram Lee, Sang Yeon Pyo, Hyun Sook Kim, Sung Hoon Kim, Seong Min Oak