Patents Examined by Sharidan Carrillo
  • Substrate processing method and substrate processing apparatus
    Patent number: 10325771
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate processing method including a first surface cleaning step of supplying a first cleaning liquid containing water to a first surface of a substrate; a second surface cleaning step of supplying a second cleaning liquid containing water to a second surface that is opposite to the first surface; a water removal step of removing the water remaining on the second surface of the substrate in a state where the first surface is not exposed to outside air, after the second surface cleaning step; a water-repellency step of supplying a water-repellent agent to the first surface of the substrate after the water removal step; and a drying step of drying the substrate after the water-repellency step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Keisuke Egashira, Mitsunori Nakamori
  • Fluid circulation system for dishwasher appliances and related methods
    Patent number: 10314458
    Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher appliance includes initiating a wash cycle of the dishwasher appliance. The wash cycle includes operating the dishwasher appliance in a wash mode for a first predetermined amount of time by positioning a diverter in a first position to direct a fluid flow to a spray assembly of the dishwasher appliance. The method also includes positioning the diverter in a second position to direct the fluid flow to a filter cleaning manifold for a second predetermined amount of time. The method further includes sensing the second position of the diverter with a position sensor. The method further includes performing a predetermined action after the second predetermined amount of time when the second position of the diverter is sensed before the first predetermined amount of time has elapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: John Edward Dries
  • Methods for pre-cleaning conductive materials on a substrate
    Patent number: 10283345
    Abstract: Methods for processing a substrate are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of processing a substrate includes: heating a substrate disposed within a processing volume of a substrate processing chamber to a temperature of up to about 400 degrees Celsius, wherein the substrate comprises a first surface, an opposing second surface, and an opening formed in the first surface and extending towards the opposing second surface, and wherein the second surface comprises a conductive material disposed in the second surface and aligned with the opening; and exposing the substrate to a process gas comprising about 80 to about 100 wt. % of an alcohol to reduce a contaminated surface of the conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Xiangjin Xie, Feng Q. Liu, Daping Yao, Alexander Jansen, Joung Joo Lee, Adolph Miller Allen, Xianmin Tang, Mei Chang
  • Medical tube unclogging system and related method
    Patent number: 10258543
    Abstract: A device is provided for unclogging an enteral tube including a first length of tubing, the distal end of which is fitted with a connector for connecting to an enteral feeding tube and the proximal end of which is fitted with a connector that is not compatible with an enteral feeding tube. An anti-reflux valve is situated in the first length of tubing and allows fluid flow only towards the distal end thereof. A second length of tubing has a proximal end connected to the first length of tubing at a position between the proximal end of the first length of tubing and the directional valve. A pressure relief valve is situated in the second length of tubing. A method is provided for utilizing the device to clear a clogged enteral tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: PM Medical Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: James Huttner, Josh Noble, Cody Harder
  • Integrated firearm lock and bore cleaner
    Patent number: 10254070
    Abstract: A method for cleaning and blocking the bore of the firearm includes inserting the cleaning and blocking device into the bore where the cleaning and blocking device includes a cleaning body having a foam core enclosed in a tubular sheath. A first pull-cord is coupled to a first end of the cleaning body and a second pull-cord is coupled to a second end of the cleaning body. A locking mechanism is additionally coupled to the first and second pull-cords. The method further includes pulling the cleaning body back and forth at least once through the bore with at least one of the pull-cords. The method also includes locking the cleaning and blocking device by coupling a lock to the locking mechanism of the first and second pull-cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: BV TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Thomas Briody, Yen-oanh Vo
  • Working surface cleaning system and method
    Patent number: 10239099
    Abstract: A cleaning film designed to remove foreign matter and particulates from working surfaces of cleaning wafers used in semiconductor processes. These processes include wafer sort test for cleaning of probe card pins and FEOL tooling for cleaning during wafer handling equipment and wafer chucks. The debris collected on the cleaning wafer working surfaces is removed by the particle removal film allowing the debris and foreign matter to be discarded. The use of the cleaning film allows the operator to refresh the cleaning wafer without use of an outside vendor and eliminates wet washing and the use of solvents in the cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: International Test Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Eugene Humphrey, Jerry J. Broz, James H. Duvall
  • Substrate liquid processing method and substrate liquid processing apparatus
    Patent number: 10242889
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate liquid processing method. The method includes producing a processing liquid including deionized water, carbon dioxide, and ammonia, which has a PH of a predetermined value in a range of pH 5 to 9; and processing a substrate having a metal exposed, using the processing liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Jun Nonaka, Itaru Kanno
  • Liquid chemical for forming protecting film
    Patent number: 10236175
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid chemical for forming a water-repellent protecting film on a wafer. The liquid chemical is a liquid chemical containing a water-repellent-protecting-film-forming agent for forming the water-repellent protecting film, at the time of cleaning the wafer which has a finely uneven pattern at its surface and contains at least at a part of a surface of a recessed portion of the uneven pattern at least one kind of matter selected from the group consisting of titanium, titanium nitride, tungsten, aluminum, copper, tin, tantalum nitride, ruthenium and silicon, at least on the surface of the recessed portion. The liquid chemical is characterized in that the water-repellent-protecting-film-forming agent is a water-insoluble surfactant. The water-repellent protecting film formed with the liquid chemical is capable of preventing a pattern collapse of the wafer, in a cleaning step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Central Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Masanori Saito, Shinobu Arata, Takashi Saio, Soichi Kumon, Hidehisa Nanai, Yoshinori Akamatsu
  • Chemical cleaning of furnaces, heaters and boilers during their operation
    Patent number: 10222148
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a waterless mixture which includes a biuret and/or urea, silica, and melamine particles coated with a layer of magnetite iron oxide for cleaning furnaces, heaters or boilers. A typical cleaning mixture comprises 30-50 percent silica, 20-50 percent biuret and/or urea, 20-40 percent melamine and 1-5 percent iron oxide. The cleaning can be performed at any time. This may lead to a reduction in fuel consumption, less air pollution, increased throughputs, and avoidance of equipment damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: SENTRO Technologies USA, LLC
    Inventor: Talmor Suchard
  • Methods and apparatus for substrate edge cleaning
    Patent number: 10217650
    Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus may include a substrate support having a support surface to support a substrate to be cleaned, wherein the substrate support is rotatable about a central axis normal to the support surface; a first nozzle to provide a first cleaning gas to a region of the inner volume corresponding to the position of an edge of the substrate when the substrate is supported by the support surface of the substrate support; a first annular body disposed opposite and spaced apart from the support surface of the substrate support by a gap, the first annular body having a central opening defined by an inner wall shaped to provide a reducing size of the gap between the first annular body and the support surface in a radially outward direction; and a first gas inlet to provide a first gas to the central opening of the first annular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: James Matthew Holden, Song-Moon Suh, Todd Egan, Kalyanjit Ghosh, Leon Volfovski, Michael R. Rice, Richard Giljum
  • Wiper device and method for controlling same
    Patent number: 10207681
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a wiper device (10) by means of a control and/or regulating unit (12). At least one operating parameter is set dependent on at least one parameter which differs from a vehicle window coverage parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Waldemar Ernst, Godelieve Kraemer
  • Graffiti removal compositions and the use thereof
    Patent number: 10202514
    Abstract: The present invention relates to graffiti removal compositions and the use thereof for the removal of graffiti from surfaces. The compositions comprise (i) alkyl esters of one or more soybean oil fatty acids; (ii) one or more aliphatic diesters of dicarboxylic acids; (iii) one or more compounds of the formula R2C(0)OR3, wherein R2 is a C1-C20 alkyl and R3 is C1-C20 alkyl; and (iv) a surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: GUARD IT SOLUTIONS PTY LTD
    Inventors: Anthony Leenan, Peter Richardt
  • Process for cleaning a transport belt for manufacturing a paper web
    Patent number: 10201840
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a continuous cleaning method for cleaning a moving fabric in a paper machine. The method uses one or more cleaning stages. In one embodiment, one cleaning stage applies steam to heat and soften contaminants on the fabric followed by the application of water, preferably superheated water, to remove the contaminants. Another cleaning stage may apply hot water, steam and/or superheated water via an encapsulated shower and evacuation chamber making it possible to clean the width of the fabric without substantial rewet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: GPCP IP Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Mark S. Hunter, Dean J. Baumgartner, David Drew Raines, Theodore D. Kennedy, David S. Veldhuizen, Glenn W. Busch, Mitchell S. Edbauer
  • Methods and systems for improved mask processing
    Patent number: 10199256
    Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided for improved handling of lithography masks including loading a mask via a first load port from a first carrier; inverting the mask using a first contact pad; cleaning the mask; inverting the mask using a second contact pad; and unloading the mask via a second load port into a second carrier. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Ng, Jeffrey C. Hudgens, Ayan Majumdar, Sushant S. Koshti
  • Method and system for removing a liquid from a container for accommodating an ophthalmic lens
    Patent number: 10195303
    Abstract: A method of removing a liquid from a container (1) for accommodating an ophthalmic contact lens, in particular a soft contact lens, during transporting the container (1) from a liquid bath (13) to a subsequent processing station (14), the method including the steps of: transporting the container (1) from the liquid bath to the subsequent processing station, generating suction (20), and applying the suction (20) to a bottom (11) of the container (1) during the step of transporting the container (1) from the liquid bath to the subsequent processing station, thereby removing the liquid from the container (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Roger Biel, Andrea Kopp, Katrin Sylke Struckmeier, Michael Stutz
  • Removing material buildup from an internal surface within a gas turbine engine system
    Patent number: 10173250
    Abstract: A method is provided involving a gas turbine engine system. The method includes configuring a plug within a fluid passage in the gas turbine engine system, where the plug is between first and second portions of the fluid passage. Material is removed from an interior surface of the fluid passage in the first portion of the fluid passage to provide removed material, where the plug substantially prevents the removed material from entering the second portion of the fluid passage. The removed material is directed out of the fluid passage. The plug is removed from the fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Jay C. Files
  • Defogging and cleaning method and biobased VOC-free composition
    Patent number: 10155920
    Abstract: A method for preventing the fogging of glass shower doors and bathroom mirrors and for cleaning said surfaces comprising dispensing an aqueous liquid formulation free of volatile organic compounds (VOC), comprising at least 96% USDA-certified biobased, non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients, said formulation being dispensed from a non-aerosol bottle with a sprayer, immediately followed by wiping excess composition, wherein the method critically requires avoiding rinsing and drying, thereby producing an adherent thin film without leaving visible residue, spots or streaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Inventors: Magdi Mossoba, Nevin Fahmy, David Mossoba
  • Liquid soap having enhanced antibacterial activity
    Patent number: 10144908
    Abstract: Method of cleansing human skin employing an aqueous soap composition comprising of fatty acid soap, at least one silver (I) compound having a silver ion solubility (in water at 25° C.) of at least 1×10?4 mol/L, and water, which composition provides biocidal activity against Gram positive bacteria in particular S. aureus, in relatively short contact periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Prem Chandar, Guohui Wu, Nitish Kumar, Vamsi Krishna Manthena, Vibhav Ramrao Sanzgiri, Anat Shiloach
  • Method for treating a semiconductor device
    Patent number: 10137480
    Abstract: A method of treating a sensor array including a plurality of sensors and an isolation structure, where a sensor of the plurality of sensors has a sensor pad exposed at a surface of the sensor array and the isolation structure is disposed between the sensor pad and sensor pads of other sensors of the plurality of sensors, comprises exposing the sensor pad and the isolation structure to a non-aqueous organo-silicon solution including an organo-silicon compound and a first non-aqueous carrier; applying an acid solution including an organic acid and a second non-aqueous carrier to the sensor pad; and rinsing the acid solution from the sensor pad and the isolation structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James A. Ball, Phil Waggoner, Scott Parker
  • Apparatus and process for wafer cleaning
    Patent number: 10128103
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for cleaning a wafer, the wafer having a front side and a back side, are provided. The process begins with placing the wafer on a platform, and a first gas stream delivering in a direction from a center to an edge of the front side of the wafer. The first gas stream prevents liquid drops entering a work piece region on the front side of the wafer and protects the integrity of the integrated circuits. A cleaning brush is rinsed by a first liquid stream and contacting the edge of the wafer for cleaning the wafer. The cleaning brush scrubs unwanted residual materials from the edge of the wafer, and the first liquid stream flushes the cleaning brush to recover the cleaning ability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuan-Chang Chang