Patents Examined by Saeed Chaudhry
  • Patent number: 6712079
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of cleaning the inner surfaces of a liquid-containing vessel with an automatic cleaning device, wherein said process is performed by said device and comprises the steps of applying a cleaning composition onto at least portions of the inner surfaces of said liquid-containing vessel and rinsing at least portions of the inner surfaces of said liquid-containing vessel and wherein said automatic cleaning device is a non-floating device (8) placed on the bottom of said vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Katia Bredo, Alejandro Cedeno, Nicolas Rémy Denis Pochart, Michela Ratti, Joris Jozef Gustaaf Tack
  • Patent number: 6712078
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a semiconductor wafer and method for cleaning a wafer using the same wherein, the apparatus includes a chamber on which a wafer is mounted, a revolving chuck mounted in the chamber for supporting and fixing the wafer, a nozzle for spraying cleaning solution onto the wafer, a cover for covering an upper part of the chamber, a heating lamp fixed on an upper part of the cover for heating the wafer or the cleaning solution, a cooling water conduit surrounding the cover, and an antipollution plate mounted on a lower part of the heating lamp in the cover for preventing the heating lamp from being polluted by the cleaning solution. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning solution, preferably of ozone water, hydrogen water, or electrolytic-ionized water, is heated for a short time and used to clean the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Im-soo Park, Kun-tack Lee, Yong-pil Han, Sang-rok Hah
  • Patent number: 6705329
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a high-pressure fuel injection pipe in which various foreign particles are substantially completely eliminated from the inner circumferential surface of a high-pressure fuel injection pipe. The method of manufacturing a high-pressure fuel injection pipe is characterized in that the inner circumferential surface of a metal pipe having a large wall thickness and a small diameter is cleaned using a solvent for dissolving foreign particles comprising an acid, alkali or organic solvent after a final pipe-extending step among steps for manufacturing the metal pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Limited
    Inventor: Masayoshi Usui
  • Patent number: 6699331
    Abstract: Apparatus for wiping a contaminated lumen of an endoscope including a cleaning member having at least one radially extending fin for passing axially through the lumen with at most a small clearance whereby contamination remaining after passage of the member through the lumen is substantially uniformly distributed as a thin film on an internal wall of the lumen. The invention also relates to a method for cleaning a contaminated lumen of an endoscope including pulling or pushing a cleaning member axially through the lumen and treating the uniformly distributed film with a cleaning composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Novapharm Research (Australia) PTY LTD
    Inventor: Steven Kritzler
  • Patent number: 6694989
    Abstract: Thus use of a post detergent step for removing aqueous residue from ware combined with a subsequent step using a potable rinse or a dilute solution of an aqueous food grade rinse aid to rinse alkaline washed ware provides significant advantages. The two step rinse method insures complete and sanitary cleaning of ware while permitting the use of different formulations in the post detergent step and the subsequent rinse step. Such process conditions permit the use of differing times and temperatures in the post detergent step and in the rinse step and permits the use of different formulations in the post detergent step and in the rinse step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Everson, Shaun P. Kennedy, Charles A. Hodge
  • Patent number: 6684892
    Abstract: An air or liquid handling device access and cleaning method and apparatus which allows the cleaning operator to clean the interior of the air or liquid handling device while the device is operational, thus negating the conventional need to shut down the system. The apparatus contains a flexible cleaning hose which delivers a cleaning agent through a nozzle connected to the distal end of the hose. The hose is subsequently inserting into a hose sealing mechanism which ensures and air-tight seal around the periphery of the hose while still allowing rotational and longitudinal movement of the hose. The preferred embodiment also connects, in seriatim, a pipe “T” junction with a pressure relief valve, a pipe bell reducer, a pipe extension and an access control valve, thus permitting controlled access to the pressurized interior of the air or liquid handling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel McCleary, Mark Gaffin
  • Patent number: 6679949
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method and a device to allow a “rigid” pig to pass into an undersea flow pipe in which a hollow flow-constricting device is in use. According to the invention the device is provided with a first pipe branch and a second pipe branch. The first pipe branch is provided with a hollow flow-constricting device in it and both first and second pipe branches are provided with shut-off valves, whereby the flow can be diverted to the second pipe branch thereby enabling a rigid pig to pass into such second pipe branch, when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.
    Inventor: Alcino Resende De Almeida
  • Patent number: 6679273
    Abstract: Cold-reduced flat-rolled low carbon steel strip is surface cleansed of ferromagnetic contaminants including iron fines, iron oxide particulate and associated debris which result from gauge-reduction operations. Such ferromagnetic contaminants are permanently removed from the strip steel hot-dip galvanizing system by dynamically concentrating such contaminant which are flushed to a magnetically-assisted particle separation container, formed from paramagnetic sheet material, which retains such contaminants, while cleansing solution at a desired purity level, is returned to the surface cleansing system; with sedimentation tank means providing for diminishing waste disposal concerns by separating sludge and recycling liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Weirton Steel Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Olashuk
  • Patent number: 6676767
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus and method for removing condensates, such as chlorides, from a dry etch, vacuum effluent stream. Dry etching of metallizations under vacuum conditions, using RF plasma and other techniques, is used in the processing of semiconductor devices and other applications. The apparatus and method remove accumulated chloride deposits that would otherwise restrict and ultimately plug the pipe that carries the vacuum effluent stream. The present invention utilizes an inner tube that is placed on the interior of the pipe and magnetically coupled to an outer tube that surrounds the exterior of the pipe. Translation of the outer tube causes translation of the inner tube, thereby removing accumulated condensate from the pipe. The apparatus may be configured so as to sense the accumulation of the condensate and automatically actuate the apparatus to remove the accumulated condensate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Chih-Tien Chang, Newton Wang, Sheng-Liang Pang
  • Patent number: 6676770
    Abstract: An apparatus and method useful for removing potential wafer-contaminating particles from semiconductor wafer pods. The apparatus includes a rotatable air sprinkler which is mounted in a housing and connected to a source of clean, dry air (CDA) . The air sprinkler rotates as the air is distributed under pressure through the sprinkler and ejected from nozzles in the sprinkler. The ejected air impinges against a semiconductor wafer pod placed on the housing, above the air sprinkler to dislodge or remove particulate contaminants from the pod and prevent or at least significantly reduce the likelihood of particle contamination during transport of the pod and/or processing of the wafers in the pod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wuei-Lung Hou, Chi-Lung Yang, Ming-Chi Ho, Hong-Yi Chen
  • Patent number: 6666927
    Abstract: A vacuum debris removal system and method for an integrated circuit manufacturing device is disclosed. The vacuum debris removal system comprises at least one vacuum tube. An opening is formed in the at least one vacuum tube at a selected location to cause air flow away from an element of the integrated circuit manufacturing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Sharone Gindel
  • Patent number: 6666926
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a computer mouse device with a computer mouse ball located in an interior ball cavity that has a plurality of mouse contact rollers includes removing the computer mouse ball from the interior ball cavity; inserting a cleaning surface of a mouse cleaner into the interior ball cavity, the cleaning surface attached to a lumen and in communication with a pressure mechanism via the lumen, the cleaning surface including an expandable and collapsible body; actuating the pressure mechanism so as to cause an operative effect at the cleaning surface, the operative effect being the expansion of the body within the mouse cavity so that the cleaning surface compresses against the mouse contact rollers; and rotating the cleaning surface so as to cause one or more of the plurality of mouse contact rollers to roll and thereby be cleaned by the cleaning surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Technology Creations, Inc.
    Inventors: David Naghi, Herschel Naghi, Eric A. Hanscom
  • Patent number: 6663718
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning the interior portions of an internal combustion engine includes an ultrasonic cleaning machine that supplies a heated cleaning solution to the engine or to a sub-system of the engine through a first adapter that connects to a first orifice of the engine, for example, to the oil filter port. A second adapter connects to a second orifice of the engine, for example, to the oil drain port, and includes an ultrasonic transducer. After the cleaning solution has been supplied to the engine, the ultrasonic transducer is energized for a predetermined period of time to impart ultrasonic energy to the cleaning solution in the engine to improve cleaning efficacy. When complete, the cleaning solution and adapters are removed from the engine. Then the proper fluid, for example, fresh motor oil is added along with a new oil filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Paul George Mush
  • Patent number: 6662397
    Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for cleaning contact lenses comprising a deformable, non-abrasive material having an enzyme enriched layer for contact with the optical surfaces of the lenses. While in contact with the optical surfaces, the contaminants on the lens surfaces are enzymatically removed. Upon separation of the lenses and the deformable material, substantially all of the enzymes are retained on the deformable material, largely eliminating the need to perform additional operations to inactivate the enzymes or otherwise rid the lenses of residual enzymatic matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: IsoCLEAR, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark L. Pankow
  • Patent number: 6659112
    Abstract: A method for cleaning the air circulation line of a jetted bathtub uses a conduit that has one end received within water in the tub and the opposing end received within the air intake nozzle of the tub. Upon activation of the motor, water circulates through the air circulation line in order to clean the line, the water being picked up from the tub via the conduit. If desired, a cleaning solution can be placed into the water or into a housing that is fluid flow connected in series with the conduit, in order to enhance the cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: James C. Haupt
  • Patent number: 6655392
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the plenum of a vehicle are disclosed. The apparatus includes an introduction device that is removably attachable to the manifold of an engine in the location of the IAC port. The introduction device atomizes a flow of cleaning solvent and introduces the atomized flow into the plenum at the IAC port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: BG Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold E. Erwin, Ronald R. Leslie
  • Patent number: 6652664
    Abstract: An oil-pump-screen (1) cleaning method and apparatus with which an oil pan (3) of an internal-combustion engine (2) is drained by removal of a drain plug (7) from a drain aperture (15); the drain plug is reinserted in the drain aperture; a measured amount of a predetermined carbon-disintegrative liquid is put in the oil pan, preferably through a dipstick tube (10), to immerse the oil-pump pickup screen, but not the oil pump (41) without contacting engine bearings, gaskets, or other engine components that could be deteriorated or otherwise damaged by the carbon-disintegrative liquid. The cleaner liquid is left in the oil pan long enough, preferably about one hour, for it to disintegrate and dislodge all carbonic and other material from the oil-pump pickup screen while not running the engine or otherwise conveying the carbon-disintegrative liquid to other parts of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventors: Leo R. Durocher, Joseph T. Hesseling
  • Patent number: 6651681
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for process washing of a process device is provided. The process washing apparatus includes a washing device that moves inside the process device. A washing medium of the washing device is led at least partly inside a body of the washing device in order to lead the washing medium to a target. The washing medium is sprayed to the target by nozzles disposed in the body of the washing device. The apparatus includes first and second supply assemblies for supplying the washing medium to the nozzles. Flow of the washing medium to the first supply assembly is controlled independently of flow of the washing medium to the second supply assembly, and the supply assemblies are capable of moving independently of one another. A method of operating the apparatus including controlling the flow of the washing medium and moving the supply assemblies independently of each other is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Aarne Hurskainen
  • Patent number: 6648980
    Abstract: A device for cleaning the polished end faces of fibers of an optical connector having guide pins is provided. The device has a surface with at least one rail disposed on the surface. The rail has a height above the surface sufficient to accommodate guide pins extending from an optical connector. A system for cleaning the polished end faces of fibers of an optical connector is also provided that includes an overlay disposed on the cleaning device. A guide member that is disposed on top of the overlay is also provided for receiving the optical connector. A method for cleaning an optical connector with the disclosed device and system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Jeffrey R. Elledge, Timothy S. Laws, A. John McDonald
  • Patent number: 6647999
    Abstract: A washer and method for cleaning poultry pads or similar items includes a tub which rotates around a horizontal axis. The tub is mounted on a wheeled frame for towing by a car, tractor or other vehicle. Dirty, soiled pads are placed in the tub on-site and the door is then secured. As the tub rotates during its washing cycle the pads are sprayed by water jets positioned along the interior central water conduit. Water collected in a drain is discharged at each revolution through an open gate valve located on the bottom of the drain. Baffles inside the tub agitate the pads and water, thus improving the cleaning ability of the washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: James A. Bowman