Patents Examined by Nicole Blan
  • Patent number: 9931654
    Abstract: The disclosure includes a system comprising a first chamber having pressurized gas, a compressor connected to the first chamber (which may be a bladder), and a second chamber connected to the first chamber. The second chamber includes contents. The system also includes an exit from the second chamber. The pressurized gas from the first chamber travels into the second chamber to force the contents out of the exit of the second chamber. The compressor increases the pressure of the gas in the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventors: Scott Allen West, Jason Gust West
  • Patent number: 9907624
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for the cleaning of an endotracheal tube while a patient is being supported by a ventilator connected to the endotracheal tube for the purpose of increasing the available space for airflow or to prevent the build up of materials that may constrict airflow or be a potential nidus for infection. In one embodiment, a method for cleaning endotracheal tubes comprises inserting a cleaning device within an endotracheal tube while a cleaning member is in a compressed position, radially expanding the cleaning member to an expanded position within the endotracheal tube, and withdrawing the cleaning device from the endotracheal tube with the cleaning member in the expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: ENDOCLEAR LLC
    Inventors: Brad E. Vazales, Arthur E. Bertolero, Ken Watson, James M. Gracy
  • Patent number: 9903223
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a jet engine includes introducing into the engine, via a carrier gas by way of at least one nozzle, a cleaning medium which contains solids. The pressure of the carrier gas is 1 to 5 bar. An exit of the at least one nozzle is disposed at a radial spacing from a rotation axis of the engine which corresponds to 0.6 to 1.2 times the radius of the entry opening of a first compressor stage that is directed upstream. A main exit direction of the nozzle in relation to the rotation axis of the engine encloses an angle of 10 to 30°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: LUFTHANSA TECHNIK AG
    Inventors: Holger Appel, Klaus Braeutigam
  • Patent number: 9890508
    Abstract: A mobile cleaning system to be used for cleaning organic liquids from a hard surface includes tanks for storing water, and for storing used, dirty water after cleanup. A water-based cleaner is sprayed onto the spill, which can be, but need not be, done in connection with the cleanup system. A high throughput vacuum system removes the hot water and the spill materials concurrently as the hot water is applied to the treated area. The vacuumed liquids are stored in an on-board tank for later disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Annihilator Cleaning Equipment, LLC
    Inventor: Erick McCullum
  • Patent number: 9855589
    Abstract: An automated support cleaning system comprising a tank disposed within a housing and configured to circulate an aqueous cleaning solution to remove a support structure from a three-dimensional model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Stratasys, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin N. Dunn, Thomas J. McDonough, Bryan L. Smith, William J. Swanson, James E. Orrock, Claudia Mosher, Randall R. Shay, Robert L. Skubic, Martin G. Zalusky, David M. Kozlak, Jerome W. Goetzke
  • Patent number: 9845447
    Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of generating carbonate in situ in a use solution under an enriched CO2 atmosphere. In another aspect, the invention is directed to methods of cleaning food processing surfaces under an enriched CO2 atmosphere comprising contacting a food processing surface with a cleaning composition comprised of an alkalinity source, a surfactant, and water, monitoring the pH during the wash cycle and adjusting the pH by recirculating a use solution, adding a secondary alkalinity source, or both recirculating a use solution and adding a secondary alkalinity source, to generate carbonate in situ in the use solution. In a particular embodiment of the invention the alkalinity source is an alkali metal carbonate and the secondary alkalinity source is an alkali metal hydroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony W. Erickson, Peter J. Fernholz
  • Patent number: 9820559
    Abstract: The present invention describes a cleaning device used for cleaning an implant or for the debridement of an implant surface 1 comprising two combined main parts 2, 3, the first main part 2 being a handle shaft 2 which is stiff, plastic deformable or elastic deformable, the second main part 3 being at least one cleaning element 4 comprising a base part 5 and several bristles 6, bristle loops 7 or a cam 8 of spikes 9, wherein the base part 5 is joined together with the handle shaft 2 so as to form a cleaning device 1 with a handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Tigran Technologies AB (PUBL)
    Inventors: Robert Axelsson, Lars Magnus Bjursten, Niklas Johansson, Erik Lennings, Janarne Wetterheim, Christer Nilsson, Ove Sundelin, Rickard Olsson
  • Patent number: 9795110
    Abstract: A camera cleaning system and method for a milking system which includes a rotating platform, plural milking stalls thereon, a robot for performing an animal related operation with respect to the animals in the milking stalls passing by the robot, and a camera in response to signals from which the robot moves, the camera cleaning system includes usage identifying arrangement to identify a future usage demand of the camera; a processing device to analyze the future usage demand of the camera to find at least one time slot when the camera is not to be used and which also occurs during certain conditions; and a cleaning arrangement arranged to clean the lens arrangement of the camera during the determined time slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: DELAVAL HOLDING AB
    Inventors: Thomas Axelsson, Jan Eriksson, Mats Nilsson
  • Patent number: 9776219
    Abstract: A system includes a UV light source and an optical medium coupled to receive UV light from the UV light source. The optical medium is configured to emit UV light proximate to a surface from which biofouling is to be removed once the biofouling has adhered to the protected surface. A method corresponds to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Colin S. Whelan, Matthew D. Thoren, Andrew M. Piper, Joseph C. DiMare
  • Patent number: 9764413
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning fabrication equipment, such as for example wire feed tips provided on welding guns. Equipment of that nature usually includes an outlet through which joining or filling material is dispensed and which may easily become blocked by weld splatter or the like when in such close proximity to the work piece being fabricated. The apparatus provides a support means for holding the equipment, cleaning means for removing debris from the equipment, and control means for effecting relative movement of the support means and cleaning means in a swift and efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Brazil Ltda.
    Inventors: Edenilson Guimar{hacek over (a)}es Annibal Junior, Helaydson Ricardo Silva
  • Patent number: 9768011
    Abstract: The inventive substrate treatment method includes: an organic solvent supplying step of supplying an organic solvent having a smaller surface tension than a rinse liquid to the upper surface of a substrate so that rinse liquid adhering to the upper surface of the substrate is replaced with the organic solvent; a higher temperature maintaining step of maintaining the upper surface of the substrate at a predetermined temperature higher than the boiling point of the organic solvent to thereby form a gas film of the organic solvent on the entire upper surface of the substrate including the gap of the minute pattern and to form a liquid film of the organic solvent on the gas film, the higher temperature maintaining step being performed after the organic solvent supplying step is started; and an organic solvent removing step of removing the organic solvent liquid film from the upper surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: SCREEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Manabu Okutani
  • Patent number: 9765544
    Abstract: A robotic pool or tank cleaner is propelled by water jets, the direction of which is controlled by the direction of rotation of a reversible pump motor that is horizontally mounted in the pool cleaner housing that has a propeller attached to either end of the motor drive shaft which projects from opposing ends of the motor body, each of the propellers being positioned in, or near a water jet discharge conduit that terminates in discharge ports at opposite ends of the housing. Each discharge conduit has a pressure-sensitive flap valve downstream of the respective propellers. When the propellers rotate in one direction, the water is drawn through one or more openings in the base plate, passes through one or more filter assemblies associated with the pool cleaner and is discharged through one of the discharge ports as a water jet of sufficient force to propel the pool cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: AQUA PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Giora Erlich, William Londono Correa
  • Patent number: 9730550
    Abstract: A self-contained system is provided for cleaning a food flow path in a food processor. The system can be operably engaged without requiring disassembly and reassembly of the food processor or can be operably engaged after a partial disassembly of the food processor. The system includes a control assembly for directing passage of a solution through the food processor without requiring constant operator oversight. The system can employ available positive pressure water supply, such as public utility water pressure to selectively and automatically push solutions, including rinses, backwards or forwards through a food flow path in the food processor, though typically countercurrent to the normal processing food flow. A manifold assembly includes an intake manifold and a distribution manifold, with an induction port and/or access port in the distribution manifold for introducing additives or agents into a controlled motive stream passing through the manifold assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Idea Boxx, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Tuchrelo, Jeffrey Cahoon, Richard T. Aab, Alfred S. Mustardo, Nathan E. Smith, Jacob R. Parisi, Edward F. Ruppel, III, Gary M. Russotti, William Salminen
  • Patent number: 9731400
    Abstract: A grinding wheel includes an annular base and a plurality of abrasive members fixed to the lower surface of the base and arranged annularly. The base has a plurality of through holes for discharging a grinding water. The plural through holes radially extend from the inner side surface to the outer side surface of the base. The plural through holes are arranged at given intervals in the circumferential direction of the base so that the grinding water is scattered in different directions from the through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Disco Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiko Tsuno
  • Patent number: 9733561
    Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for cleaning organic materials accumulated on a mask used in a process of depositing organic materials. The apparatus includes a plasma generating unit, a cleaning chamber connected to the plasma generating unit and accommodating the mask therein, a gas injection port disposed within the cleaning chamber configured to inject the plasma, and a cooling device disposed on a first surface of the mask opposite to an opposite surface of the mask facing the gas injection port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae-Jong Kim
  • Patent number: 9726079
    Abstract: A system and method for cleaning deposits, such as carbon build-up, from an air induction path of a motor vehicle engine. A reservoir mounted onboard the vehicle is in fluid communication with the induction path and contains a cleaning solution. A control module activates a valve to meters a flow of the solution into an air intake plenum in response to a signal indicating a parameter related to operation of the engine. The solvent may be delivered in a quantity calculated to collect at sump of the intake plenum and be drawn into the engine when intake air flow exceeds a threshold rate. The engine-related parameter may be distance travelled by the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Donald Wicks
  • Patent number: 9720256
    Abstract: Goggles include a lens mounted on a frame having a gasket adapted for seating against a user's face. A strap is attached to the frame for securing the goggles around the user's head. The goggles include a retraction mechanism fixedly mounted on the frame or the strap, a squeegee for cleaning the lens of the goggles, and a cord having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being attached to the squeegee, and the distal end being operably attached to the retraction mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Jeffrey Allen Lynch
  • Patent number: 9718018
    Abstract: A filter cleaning system for cleaning a filter element is provided. The filter cleaning system includes a set of pulse nozzles and a compressed air supply, which rotate together during a cleaning cycle to release pulse blasts at predetermined time intervals to clean the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: United Air Specialists, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Haynam, Matt Stehlin, Cathy Haglund
  • Patent number: 9716020
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate liquid processing apparatus including: a first processing liquid supply mechanism provided with a first tank in which a processing liquid is stored and a first nozzle through which the processing liquid stored in the first tank is ejected, and configured to supply the processing liquid to a first surface of a substrate by the first nozzle; a second processing liquid supply mechanism provided with a second tank in which a processing liquid having the same composition as the processed liquid stored in the first tank is stored and a second nozzle through which the processed liquid stored in the second tank is ejected, and configured to supply the processed liquid to a second surface of the substrate by the second nozzle; a processing unit configured to perform processing on the substrate using the processed liquids supplied by the first nozzle and the second nozzle; and a recovery line configured to recover the processed liquids which are supplied to the substrate from the first nozzle a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Takaki, Koji Tanaka, Shun Tominaga
  • Patent number: 9711380
    Abstract: Disclosed are a liquid processing apparatus and a liquid processing method. The liquid processing apparatus includes an ejection port ejecting a first liquid to a wafer, a first liquid supply mechanism supplying sulphuric acid to the ejection port, and a second liquid supply mechanism supplying hydrogen peroxide solution to the ejection port. The first liquid supply mechanism includes a first temperature adjustment mechanism maintaining the first liquid heated to a first temperature, a second temperature adjustment mechanism connected to the first temperature adjustment mechanism, and an ejection line connecting the second temperature adjustment mechanism with the ejection port. The second temperature adjustment mechanism includes a second circulation line and a second heater. The ejection line connects the second circulation line through a switching valve at a location further downstream than the second heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Norihiro Ito, Takashi Nagai