Patents Examined by Theodore Morris
  • Patent number: 5271773
    Abstract: Disclosed is a composition and process for cleaning articles contaminated with water insoluble contaminants. The process allows for efficient recycling of components in the system. The wash solution effectively cleans water insoluble contaminants and, upon settling, quickly releases contaminants from the wash solution. In this manner, the wash solution and components of it can be readily recycled. The composition of the present invention includes between about 1.86 volume percent and about 37.2 volume percent terpene, preferably d-limonene, and between about 0.14 volume percent and about 2.8 volume percent surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Golden Technologies Company, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Richard Hamilton, Ross M. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 5271835
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for improving catalyst performance and yields in the manufacture of motor gasoline components. More particularly the process is directed to the removal of H.sub.2 S, sulfur compounds, trace amounts of acetonitrile or acetone or propionitrile from a hydrocarbon feedstock, comprising a C.sub.3 -C.sub.5 product fraction from a fluid catalytic cracking unit which may be used subsequently in an etherification process for the production of ethers such as MTBE and TAME and/or an alkylation process for the production of alkylate. The hydrocarbon feedstock is passed to an amine treating zone, a mercaptan sulfur removal zone and an adsorption zone for the removal of sulfur compounds, water and trace amounts of acetonitrile or acetone or propionitrile. The regeneration of the adsorption zone includes the contacting of the sorbent with a heated regenerant vapor stream. The spent regenerant vapor stream is condensed to provide a hydrocarbon phase and an aqueous phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
  • Patent number: 5271774
    Abstract: A method is set forth of removing a liquid (3) from a surface (2) of a substrate (1), which is placed in a centrifuge (4) and is then subjected therein to a rotary movement, the substrate being rotated at such a speed that the liquid is centrifuged from the surface. According to the invention, the substrate is brought into contact in the centrifuge with a vapour of a material which is miscible with the liquid and which, when mixed therewith, yields a mixture having a surface tension which is lower than that of the liquid. Due to this step, the quantity of material remaining on the surface is strongly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Adriaan F. M. Leenaars, Johanna A. M. Huethorst, Johannes Marra
  • Patent number: 5269908
    Abstract: In a process for the separation of hydrocarbon materials and other materials including ammonia and hydrogen chloride normally associated with the hydrocarbon materials in refining of petroleum, the deposition of ammonium chloride is retarded or prevented by introducing inert gas of higher volatility into the processing operation upstream from where the deposition of ammonium chloride would otherwise occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Nalco Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Bordan W. Krupay
  • Patent number: 5269850
    Abstract: A composition for removing organic contaminants, such a flux residues, from a solid substrate comprises: (a) hydrogen peroxide in the amount of about 3 to 5 percent by weight of the composition; (b) an alkaline compound in sufficient amount to provide a pH of at least 10.5 in the composition; (c) about 0.1 to 0.3 percent by weight of a chosen wetting agent which is unreactive with the hydrogen peroxide and the alkaline compound; and (d) purified water as the balance of the composition. Optionally, the composition may further comprise about 0.5 to 2.0 percent by weight of a chosen metal protective agent.The solid substrate having organic contaminants thereon is exposed to the above noted composition whereby the organic contaminants are removed from the substrate and are converted into non toxic and non-hazardous products. Thus, negative environmental impact is avoided by the present process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventor: David P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5268035
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating workpieces with a fluid, in particular for cleaning metallic workpieces prior to a subsequent heat treatment are disclosed. According to claimed method the workpieces are positioned in a washing vessel and are entirely overflowed with a pressureless swell of a treating fluid. After a certain period of time, a discharge opening in the vessel is closed so that an immersion bath is filled in. When the workpieces are entirely immersed in the treating fluid, the fluid is agitated by means of air bubbles. During subsequent bath discharge the workpieces are continuously overflowed by the treating fluid in order to avoid chemical reactions with the ambient atmosphere. Finally, the workpieces are dried by means of a vacuum dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Aichelin GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Neubauer, Werner Comanns
  • Patent number: 5268036
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating workpieces with a fluid, in particular for cleaning metallic workpieces prior to a subsequent heat treatment are disclosed. The workpieces are positioned in an air-tight washing vessel. The vessel is filled with an immersion bath substantially covering the workpieces and having a temperature of between 50.degree. C. and 90.degree. C. After closing the washing vessel it is evacuated down to a vacuum having a pressure being below the saturation vapor pressure of the fluid at the prevailing temperature. Thus, the fluid starts to boil although its temperature is substantially below the boiling temperature of the fluid at atmospheric pressure. After a certain period of time of maintaining the vacuum and the boiling, the vacuum is relieved and the bath is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Aichelin GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Neubauer, Werner Comanns, Alexander Witte
  • Patent number: 5266189
    Abstract: An improved, low severity coal liquefaction process is disclosed. In accordance with the process, coal is first decarboxylated and demineralized with hot sulfurous acid. The decarboxylated coal is then liquefied in the presence of an alcohol and an alkali metal hydroxide. In several embodiments, alkali metal-containing materials are reclaimed to produce alkali metal hydroxide for the liquefaction step. In other embodiments, the liquefaction is conducted in the presence of a relatively high-boiling diluent such as a coal-derived liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph T. Joseph, Marc G. Davidson, Joseph D. Fox
  • Patent number: 5266184
    Abstract: Described is a preferred process for obtaining an increased pitch yield from the distillation of crude coal tar material. The process includes treating a crude coal tar material by reaction with formaldehyde, followed by distillation of the coal tar to afford a yield of coal tar pitch which is significantly increased over that obtained without the formaldehyde treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Reilly Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Roder
  • Patent number: 5266120
    Abstract: A preliminary treatment of sliced sugar beets before they are subjected to diffusion comprises a first stage wherein the sliced sugar beets are contacted with a first solution of calcium monosaccharate while the sliced sugar beets and the calcium monosaccharate solution flow countercurrently to each other, and a second stage wherein the sliced sugar beets are contacted with a second solution of calcium monosaccharate while the sliced sugar beets and the calcium monosaccharate solution flow concurrently with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: Francis Dambrine
  • Patent number: 5266124
    Abstract: Polyester and cellulosic contaminants are removed from the surfaces of polyolefins by contacting the polyolefins with an aqueous composition of alkali metal hydroxide and/or alkaline earth metal hydroxide; and with an oxidizing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Southern Research Institute
    Inventors: Kusay B. Al-Jumah, Linwood P. Tenney
  • Patent number: 5266282
    Abstract: Yttrium is selectively separated from other rare earth values by contacting a mixed aqueous solution thereof that contains nitrate ions with a water-immiscible organic phase which includes a selective extractant for such other rare earth values, whereby such other rare earth values are selectively liquid/liquid extracted into this organic phase, the selective extractant comprising:(a) an anionic compound having the general formula (I): ##STR1## in which M is nitrogen, phosphorus or arsenic, Z is an anion, and R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4, which may be identical or different, are each an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms or an aromatic radical, and(b) a substituted hydroxyquinoline having the general formula (II): ##STR2## in which R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9 and R.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Rhone-Poulenc Chimie
    Inventors: Thierry Delloye, Jean-Louis Sabot
  • Patent number: 5266187
    Abstract: A generally closed vapor path catalytic cracking reactor system is disclosed which includes a vented post-cyclone inertial separator. The inertial separator includes first and second conduit-like members and a vent located at the downstream end of the upstream member. Spent catalyst can be disengaged from a spent catalyst and cracked vapor mixture through the vent while cracked hydrocarbon vapors flow into the second separator member. The separator vent provides a path for stripping gas to enter the generally closed vapor path under routine operating conditions and provides a flow path for damping pressure surges into a surrounding disengagement vessel under transient quality conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Carl J. Horecky, Francis J. Citek
  • Patent number: 5266121
    Abstract: Three aqueous cleaning solutions are disclosed, which may be used individually or as part of a two-solution cleaning method for silver halide-based photographic processing systems. One solution comprises water, an organic or inorganic iron salt wherein the iron is in the +3 oxidation state, a chelating agent, and an organic or inorganic silver complexing agent. A second solution comprises water, an organic or inorganic acid or acid anhydride, a surfactant, and a water soluble solvent. A third solution comprises water, a chelating agent, an alkali metal silicate salt, a surfactant, and a water soluble solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Helion Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Cioletti
  • Patent number: 5264045
    Abstract: This invention deals with a new method of using a degreasing composition to remove grease, oil and sticky substances coating a mechanical surface. The degreasing composition sprayed on the coating surfaces will adhere to the coating substances and be washed off with plain water sprayed from a hose, cleaning the mechanical surface effectively and efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: Alfred Zofchak
  • Patent number: 5264044
    Abstract: The present invention provides a class of hydrochlorofluorocarbons having a tertiary structure, 5 carbon atoms, 1 chlorine atom, 6 to 8 fluorine atoms, and OH rate constants from about 8 to about 15 cm.sup.3 /molecule/secx10.sup.-14. The hydrochlorofluorocarbons are useful as solvents and blowing agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventor: Chien C. Li
  • Patent number: 5264043
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling an automatic dishwasher having a tub, a lower spray arm and an upper spray arm disposed in the tub, a water circulating system including a pump for selectively supplying the spray arms with water, and a heater having a heating element in the tub. The method establishes at least an operative cycle in which the spray arms are supplied alternately with water to spray the crockery. The operative cycle includes a first phase (t1-t2) in which only the lower spray arm is supplied with water, and a second phase (t3-t4) in which only the upper spray arm is supplied with water. The heating element is only energized when the lower spray arm is being supplied with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Zanussi Elettrodomestici S.p.A.
    Inventor: Claudio Milocco
  • Patent number: 5264042
    Abstract: An apparatus for washing pellets of magnetic particles magnetically bound to the bottom of a test tube employs a liquid handling probe having an aspiration channel with a forked inlet for positioning the probe onto the periapical region of the test tube for optimizing both the aspiration and expression of liquids. While contacting the periapical region of the test tube, the forked inlet may aspirate liquid adjacent to the pellet without contacting the magnetic particles. Furthermore, the contact between the forked inlet and the periapical region of the test tube, serves to position the outlet of the liquid channel directly over the pellet for dislodging and resuspending the magnetically bound pellet with a forceful stream of wash liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventors: John R. Wells, Jack R. Uren, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5264041
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a vessel by dissolving iron oxide present in the vessel includes introducing a saline solution into the vessel, the saline solution being formed of an acid acting as a complexing agent, of an alkalizing agent and of a reducing agent, the saline solution acting as an alkaline reducer; retaining the saline solution in the vessel for a given period of time at a temperature above 140.degree. C. and below the decomposition temperature of the anionic part of the saline solution for forming an iron complex; and subsequently removing the dissolved iron complex by emptying the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Kuhnke, Alexander Langner, Klaus Pflugbeil, Kurt Schindler, Dorothea Moldenhauer, Siegfried Kohler
  • Patent number: 5261966
    Abstract: For cleaning semiconductor wafers in a cleaning vessel by supplying a cleaning fluid through a supply line thereto, a mixer is provided. Deionized water is supplied to the mixer through a deionized water supply line, and a cleaning gas is supplied thereto from a gas reservoir to produce the cleaning fluid. After treating the semiconductor wafers with the cleaning fluid, the deionized water is supplied to the cleaning vessel to rinse them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Noriyoshi Mashimo, Katsuya Okumura