Patents by Inventor Thomas G. Hillstrom

Thomas G. Hillstrom has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8763619
    Abstract: A multi-function parts washer for removing contaminants from parts either by hand or automatically using an aqueous cleaning fluid includes a base cabinet having sides, a floor and an open top defining a compartment. A parts receptacle is mounted in the compartment for receiving parts to be washed. The receptacle is mounted for reciprocating, vertical movement in the compartment. An agitator assembly includes one or more compressed gas bladders mounted to the parts receptacle. The bladder has an inlet for introducing compressed gas into the bladder and an outlet for discharge of the compressed gas from the bladder. As compressed gas is introduced into the bladder, the bladder inflates and the parts receptacle is raised, and as compressed gas is discharged from the bladder, the parts receptacle is lowered to provide an agitating motion of the parts receptacle and the parts thereon in the cleaning fluid. The agitator can include a hydraulic cylinder to effect movement of the parts receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC
    Inventors: Ashok S. Lele, Scott D. Lisberg, Thomas G. Hillstrom
  • Publication number: 20100307544
    Abstract: A multi-function parts washer for removing contaminants from parts either by hand or automatically using an aqueous cleaning fluid includes a base cabinet having sides, a floor and an open top defining a compartment. A parts receptacle is mounted in the compartment for receiving parts to be washed. The receptacle is mounted for reciprocating, vertical movement in the compartment. An agitator assembly includes one or more compressed gas bladders mounted to the parts receptacle. The bladder has an inlet for introducing compressed gas into the bladder and an outlet for discharge of the compressed gas from the bladder. As compressed gas is introduced into the bladder, the bladder inflates and the parts receptacle is raised, and as compressed gas is discharged from the bladder, the parts receptacle is lowered to provide an agitating motion of the parts receptacle and the parts thereon in the cleaning fluid. The agitator can include a hydraulic cylinder to effect movement of the parts receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: HERTIAGE-CRYSTAL CLEAN, LLC
    Inventors: Ashok S. Lele, Scott D. Lisberg, Thomas G. Hillstrom