Heat-exchange Means External To Work-treating Chamber, Vat Or Zone Patents (Class 134/107)
  • Patent number: 12145181
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cleaning a single-port fluidic device, such as a single-port, diaphragm-based cardiac pump, with a continuous stream of fresh cleaning fluid, while simultaneously draining soiled fluid, via a single input-output port of the fluidic device. A first coupler releasably mates with the input-output port. The first coupler includes an injector nozzle and a return port. The injector nozzle is oriented to direct a stream of pressurized cleaning fluid toward an interior chamber of the single-port fluidic device. The return port simultaneously removes soiled cleaning fluid from the interior chamber. A circulation pump delivers the pressurized cleaning fluid from a tank to the injector nozzle, and returns soiled cleaning fluid from the return port to the tank, via a cleaning fluid circulation circuit. Optionally, the diaphragm may be alternately driven between two positions, to agitate the cleaning fluid within the interior chamber, thereby enhancing cleaning efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: Abiomed, Inc.
    Inventor: Emmanuel N. Ilongo
  • Patent number: 12068175
    Abstract: A substrate processing method includes: generating a mixture liquid by mixing a phosphoric acid aqueous solution with an additive that suppresses precipitation of silicon oxide in a tank and circulating the mixture liquid through a circulation path that exits and returns to the tank, the circulation path including a back pressure valve; sending the mixture liquid to a processing bath through a liquid path diverging from the circulation path and positioned upstream from the back pressure valve; and supplying a silicon-containing compound aqueous solution to the mixture liquid generated in the generating. The back pressure valve is fully open in the generating and throttled in the sending. A substrate processing apparatus includes a processing bath, a mixing device, a liquid path, and a silicon solution supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Kouji Ogura, Jun Nonaka, Takao Inada, Yoshinori Nishiwaki, Hiroshi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 12029369
    Abstract: A beverage container washing system may be used for rapid washing and/or sanitizing of beverage containers, e.g., for use in a retail environment to wash and/or sanitize customer-provided beverage containers prior to filling the beverage containers with purchased beverages, among other applications. The beverage container washing system may include a pop-up sprayer that includes multiple nozzles, one of which is oriented to spray wash fluid into an interior of a beverage container and another of which is oriented to spray wash fluid onto an outer lip of the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: MIDEA GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Joel Boyer, Robert M. Digman
  • Patent number: 11987944
    Abstract: A mat washer includes: a body adapted for highway transport; a loading platform adapted to receive a stacked pair of mats from, for example, a forklift, and adapted to pivot the pair of mats to an upright position; a splitter adapted to receive the mats from the loading platform and to separate the mats from one another; a transporter adapted to transport each of the mats longitudinally relative to the body from the splitter; a uniter adapted to receive the mats from the transporter and urge them together; an unloading platform adapted to receive the pair of mats from the uniter and pivot them downwardly for retrieval by, for example, the forklift; and a washing facility disposed between the loading and the unloading platform and adapted to wash the mats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Mud Monster Matting Corp.
    Inventors: Colin Knapp, Shane Trowbridge, Daniel Page
  • Patent number: 11974660
    Abstract: Cleaning system and method for paint rollers uses a liquid container. A plurality of cage shafts extend into an interior of the container. Each cage shaft supports a cage which is sized and shaped for holding a tubular paint roller. A drive system is configured to mechanically couple a drive shaft to each of the plurality of cage shafts. Rotation of the drive shaft causes a concurrent rotation of the plurality of cage shafts within the container to facilitate cleaning and drying operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Inventor: Jordan Clendening
  • Patent number: 11930979
    Abstract: A free-standing Energy Recovery System enables sanitary recovery of thermal energy with heat transfer from hot waste effluent to incoming domestic water. The source of the effluent may, for example, be conventional commercial ware-washing, clothes washing equipment, pasteurization and other industrial processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventor: William K. Glass
  • Patent number: 11842888
    Abstract: A method for cleaning surfaces of a substrate processing chamber includes a) supplying a first gas selected from a group consisting of silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), a hydrocarbon (CxHy where x and y are integers) and molecular chlorine (Cl2), boron trichloride (BCl3), and thionyl chloride (SOCl2); b) striking plasma in the substrate processing chamber to etch the surfaces of the substrate processing chamber; c) extinguishing the plasma and evacuating the substrate processing chamber; d) supplying a second gas including fluorine species; e) striking plasma in the substrate processing chamber to etch the surfaces of the substrate processing chamber; and f) extinguishing the plasma and evacuating the substrate processing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Jengyi Yu, Samantha SiamHwa Tan, Seongjun Heo, Ge Yuan, Siva Krishnan Kanakasabapathy
  • Patent number: 11794219
    Abstract: The inventive concept relates to an apparatus for treating a substrate. According to an embodiment, the substrate treating apparatus includes a housing having a process space therein, a support unit that supports the substrate in the housing, a nozzle that dispenses a treatment liquid onto the substrate supported on the support unit, and a liquid supply unit that supplies the treatment liquid to the nozzle, in which the liquid supply unit includes a container having a storage space in which the treatment liquid is stored, a liquid supply tube that causes the treatment liquid to flow from the container to the nozzle, and a microwave applying member that applies microwaves to the treatment liquid before the treatment liquid is supplied to the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: SEMES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seungtae Yang, Buyoung Jung, Seung Hwan Cho
  • Patent number: 11779189
    Abstract: A method of controlling a dishwashing appliance may include determining that a cooking operation has been input to the dishwashing appliance via a mobile device, receiving an input option for the cooking operation via the mobile device, and activating the pump to supply a predetermined volume of fluid to the container at a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Logan Chayse Dunaway, Duwayne Drexler
  • Patent number: 11751747
    Abstract: A warewash machine includes a housing defining a ware inlet, a ware outlet and an internal chamber including a plurality of sequential spray zones including at least one wash zone and a rinse zone downstream of the wash zone in a ware conveyance direction. A vent path leads from the chamber leading to a vent outlet for connecting to a building ventilation system. A damper is provided for controlling a flow area at a location along the vent path. A controller is connected to control a position of the damper, the controller configured to adjust a position of the damper based upon input from at least a first temperature sensor, wherein the first temperature sensor is located at one of (i) the ware inlet, (ii) the ware outlet or (iii) along the vent path. Methods of operating a warewash machine are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Alexander R. Anim-Mensah, Mary E. Paulus
  • Patent number: 11666185
    Abstract: The portable hand-washing kit is a kit. The portable hand-washing kit is adapted for use with a patient. The portable hand-washing kit is a portable structure that allows the patient to wash their hands. The portable hand-washing kit comprises a disinfecting structure, a disinfecting compound, and water. The disinfecting compound is contained in the disinfecting structure. The water is added to the disinfecting structure before the use of the portable hand-washing kit by the patient. The patient washes their hands by inserts their hands into the solution formed by dissolving the disinfecting compound in the water. The disinfecting compound is pharmacologically active media that poisons the biochemical processes of microorganisms including viruses such as COVID-19.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Inventors: Travis Windsor, Jodi Windsor
  • Patent number: 11564554
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher having a heat pump, including a dishwasher body provided with a tub configured with a washing space therein and a sump provided at a bottom of the tub to temporarily accommodate washing water; a heat pump having a compressor, an evaporator, an expansion apparatus, and a sump condenser provided inside the sump to exchange heat with washing water inside the sump; and a controller that controls the heat pump to be driven so as to increase the temperature of the washing water inside the sump. As a result, a heating time of washing water may be shortened, thereby suppressing washing time from being prolonged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sangheon Yoon, Changyoon Jung
  • Patent number: 11569101
    Abstract: A fluid supply device and a fluid supply method capable of stably supplying a supercritical fluid includes a fluid supply device for supplying a fluid in a liquid state before being changed to a supercritical fluid toward a processing chamber. The fluid supply device comprises a condenser that condenses and liquefies a fluid in a gas state, a tank that stores the fluid condensed and liquefied by the condenser, a pump that pressure-feeds the liquefied fluid stored in the tank toward the processing chamber, and a heating means provided to a flow path communicating with a discharge side of the pump and for partially changing the liquid in the flow path to a supercritical fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignees: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED, TOKYO ELECTRON LTD.
    Inventors: Toshihide Yoshida, Yukio Minami, Tsutomu Shinohara
  • Patent number: 11504786
    Abstract: A reflow soldering system comprising one or a plurality of individually heatable soldering process zones. The reflow soldering system is configured to supply heat to a workpiece selectively through condensation or through convection or as a combination of convection and condensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: REHM THERMAL SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventor: Johannes Rehm
  • Patent number: 11492935
    Abstract: An oil change machine or apparatus for removing used oil from an engine has flow lines for removing oil directly from the engine, which can be an automobile engine or a boat engine. The oil change machine can be configured to empty used oil to a designated waste oil bin. The oil change apparatus or machine can be located at a shop, can be portable and maneuverable from locations to locations, or be mounted on a service vehicle for on-site use, such as to perform oil change away from an oil lube center. The oil change machine can have adaptors for use with various engine models and can include an onboard offloading tank, in addition to a service holding tank, for performing multiple oil changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: JDL Tech USA LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Lentini
  • Patent number: 11400494
    Abstract: A system for processing objects with particulate contaminants includes a processing station having a holder for holding an object to be processed. The system also includes a suction means in fluid communication with the processing station for removing particulate contaminants from the processing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Li Tong (Jiangmen) EnvironmentTechnology Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Gang Ye, Caitian Liu
  • Patent number: 11376341
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for cleaning and sanitizing objects are discussed herein. An object may include an unpowered object such as a shopping cart or a powered object such as a power wheel-chair. A sanitization structure may be connected to a reservoir and may apply a sanitizing agent to the object via one or more nozzles. A drying structure may apply filtered gas such as filtered air to the object via one or more air ducts. An ultraviolet (UV) light structure may apply UV light to the object via one or more UV lamps. A UV curtain structure may include one or more curtains that block the UV light. A bumper rail may guide the object received by the various structures from an entrance side to an exit side of the various structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Kart Kleen LLC
    Inventor: Jason Gardiner
  • Patent number: 11375865
    Abstract: A waste viewing disposal container system is described. Embodiments of the waste viewing disposal container system can include a waste viewing disposal container operatively connected to a truckmount carpet cleaner unit. The waste viewing disposal container can be configured to store waste collected by the truckmount carpet cleaner unit for visual inspection of the waste by an operator during use of the truckmount carpet cleaner unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Inventor: James A. Swanson
  • Patent number: 11259684
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub having an air outlet, an airflow conduit fluidly coupling the tub air outlet to ambient air, a blower assembly forcing air to flow from the tub and through the tub air outlet into the airflow conduit, a first reservoir associated with the airflow conduit and collecting liquid condensed from the air forced through the airflow conduit, the first reservoir fluidly coupled to the tub for draining the collected liquid into the tub, and a second reservoir associated with the airflow conduit downstream of the first reservoir and collecting liquid condensed from the air prior to the exhaustion of the air to the ambient air, wherein any liquid not collected by the first reservoir is collected by the second reservoir for evaporation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M. Delellis, Mark S. Feddema, Alvaro Vallejo Noriega
  • Patent number: 10835358
    Abstract: A system for ultrasonic cleaning of dental appliances provides nested containers adapted to communicate ultrasonic energy therethrough to provide cleaning of a dental appliance contained within the innermost container using a standard ultrasound machine without cross-contamination with liquid from the main ultrasound bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Inventor: Michele Gerrits
  • Patent number: 10758105
    Abstract: A dishwashing appliance includes a tub defining a wash chamber, a water storage chamber, an inlet defined in the tub and providing fluid communication into the wash chamber, and a heat pipe heat exchanger. The heat pipe heat exchanger includes a sealed casing, a working fluid contained within the sealed casing, a condenser section, and an evaporator section. The condenser section is in operative communication with the inlet upstream of the wet chamber. The dishwashing appliance also includes a fluid circulation system configured to deliver fluid to the wash chamber from the water storage chamber. The fluid circulation system includes a spray nozzle configured to spray wash fluid onto the evaporator section of the heat pipe heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Ramasamy Thiyagarajan
  • Patent number: 10631709
    Abstract: A dishwashing appliance includes a tub, a fluid circulation system, and a heating assembly positioned outside of the tub. The heating assembly includes a housing and a tubular heating element disposed within the housing. The tubular heating element includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the tubular heating element defines a first passage in fluid communication with the fluid circulation system. The outer surface of the tubular heating element is spaced apart from an inner surface of the housing such that a second passage is defined between the outer surface of the tubular heating element and the inner surface of the housing. The second passage is in fluid communication with the tub. A resistive heating material is disposed on the outer surface of the tubular heating element. The resistive heating material is configured to provide thermal energy to the first passage and the second passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Charles Boyer
  • Patent number: 10602905
    Abstract: A heat pump for a dishwasher includes a pump casing, a motor (20) having a rotatable shaft 201 extended into a chamber of the pump casing, an impeller (30) disposed within the chamber, a heating assembly (40) and a pressure switch assembly (50). The heating assembly includes a heating pipe (41) disposed in the chamber, a fuse (42), and a heater wire disposed in the heating pipe. The heating pipe includes an arc-shaped portion (411), and first and second linear portions (412, 413). The fuse is disposed in at least one of the first and second linear portions and is remote from the arc-shaped portion, and an extending part (302) of the impeller is encircled by and spaced apart from the arc-shaped portion. A dishwasher including the heat pump is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: FOSHAN SHUNDE MIDEA WASHING APPLIANCES MFG. CO. LT
    Inventors: Xiang Li, Canhua Qiu, Pingping Xu, Feng Gao
  • Patent number: 10493500
    Abstract: A system for removing soluble support material from a prototype part may include a container for receiving the prototype part. A pump may be in fluid communication with the container and may be configured to pump a solution into the container and out of the container. A cooling module, such as a heat exchanger, may be in fluid communication with the pump. A temperature sensor may be operatively coupled to the cooling module and may activate the cooling module if a sensed temperature exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventor: David Jonathan Tafoya
  • Patent number: 10391982
    Abstract: A lighted conveyor assembly for a vehicle wash system for moving a vehicle through a vehicle wash process including a vehicle treatment area and including a pair of guide rails for engaging the wheels of the vehicle to keep it on the conveyor. The guide rails including a protective sheath disposed thereon for preventing damage to the wheels of the vehicle. The protective sheath is made of a translucent material and contains a light source, which may be an LED strip light, and is configured to emit light that can be seen by a vehicle occupant in the vehicle treatment area. The light source may display a variety of patterns or effects, including specific colors or patterns to indicate that associated features of the car wash process are active. The light source may also be seen from outside of the treatment area to provide a positive impression for potential customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: WashMe Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner
  • Patent number: 10175011
    Abstract: A portable self-contained cooling coil cleaning system includes a cart with a first shelf and a second shelf and at least four rolling elements supporting the cart. A self-contained electrical power unit powers a pump. The pump is in fluid communication with a cleaning fluid reservoir and delivers cleaning fluid through a flow regulator, an extended length of hose and through a spray wand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventor: John W. Walker
  • Patent number: 10101599
    Abstract: An automated contact lens cleansing device, and method of using the device, for performing cleansing cycles, the device comprising: a solution storage unit, a receptacle containing sterile cleansing solution, wherein the receptacle becomes unsealed when mated with the storage unit; a first solution transfer line that draws the sterile cleaning solution from the receptacle; a cleansing reservoir that receives the cleansing solution drawn by the first solution transfer line; a circulator that circulates the sterile cleansing solution through the cleansing reservoir for a determined time, wherein the sterile cleansing solution is determined to be used solution upon circulating through the cleansing reservoir for the determined circulating time; a second solution transfer line that draws the used solution from the cleansing reservoir; a memory that stores instructions to perform the cleansing cycles; and a processor that controls circulation of the sterile cleansing solution through the cleansing reservoir for th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Austin Greeson
  • Patent number: 9943887
    Abstract: A fluid supplying apparatus includes an inner tube having a plurality of holes for distributing a fluid supplied from a supply unit, and an outer tube arranged coaxially or non-coaxially with the inner tube to surround the inner tube and having a plurality of slots for injecting the fluid distributed therein from the holes to the outside. The outer tube substantially has the same length as the inner tube. The fluid supplying apparatus may be used for a thin film cleaning system or method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Young Ju Seo, Chae-Ho Chung, Do-Ki Chang, Ki-Kyo Yeom, Ye-Hoon Im, Jae-Min Kim, Kyoung-Hoon Min, Won-Chan Park
  • Patent number: 9878893
    Abstract: A water dispenser including a heat-exchanger, a heater, a water-storage tank, and a faucet is provided mainly. The heat-exchanger has a first/second guiding-channel, a first inlet/outlet communicated with two ends of the first guiding-channel, and a second inlet/outlet communicated with two ends of the second guiding-channel. The water flows into the heat-exchanger through the first inlet, and flows out of the heat-exchanger through the first outlet. Two ends of the heater are communicated with the first outlet and the second inlet, and the water flowed out of the first outlet is heated by the heater. The heated water flows into the heat-exchanger through the second inlet, and flows out of the heat-exchanger through the second outlet. The water-storage tank is used to storage the water flowed out of the second outlet. The faucet is communicated with the water-storage tank and the heater respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: Huang-Han Chen
  • Patent number: 9815007
    Abstract: A device and a method for cleaning a hydraulic control circuit such as the hydraulic circuit serving to control a hydraulic element, for example, a cylinder/damper assembly used for controlling the angle of an aircraft landing gear assembly and providing shock absorption on landing. The device comprises a cleaning circuit comprising a filter that is connected to the control circuit instead of the controlled element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (SAS)
    Inventor: Cedric Rodrigues-Morgado
  • Patent number: 9717369
    Abstract: The invention discloses a hand blender with a body which can be connected with different stirring tools. The body includes a motor with an output shaft, a deceleration component and a plurality of output connectors. The speed control knob and the safety switch, starting switch which control the moving of the motor are set up of the body. The control circuit includes a half speed control lever and a reverse control lever which can be moved by the corresponding stirring tools. The hand blender can connected with different stirring tools and output different kinds of speeds. It is more convenient and safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventors: Shu Sang Cheung, Xianliang Ouyang
  • Patent number: 9625744
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses. In various respects, the invention is directed to an insulated system that reduces heat loss from catalyzed neutralization of a disinfecting solution resulting in an increased temperature of the disinfection solution during the disinfection process and neutralization of the disinfection solution. The increased temperature increases the kill rate (i.e., better reduction) of microorganisms present on the lenses, and increases the neutralization rate of the disinfection solution. Increase of the kill rate allows better reduction of microorganisms resistant to elimination using previous systems and methods, (e.g., Acanthamoeba cysts), and decreases the amount of time as compared to previous systems and methods necessary to reduce microorganisms to acceptable levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Francavilla, David Stroman
  • Patent number: 9596972
    Abstract: An apparatus for rinsing vessels such as but not limited to those used for drink preparation at a bar may include a splash-resistant enclosure within which vessels are rinsed. A nozzle assembly disposed within the stall and coupled to a supply of rinsing media is configured to direct a spray of rinsing media simultaneously at an interior surface and an exterior surface of a vessel to be rinsed when placed within the stall. A method of rinsing such vessels includes simultaneously directing a flow of rinsing media at an interior and an exterior of the vessel in a predetermined quantity and/or for a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Naoki Sonoda
  • Patent number: 9550314
    Abstract: Provided are flotation system and method for crushing, separating and washing waste plastics. In a direction of transporting materials, the flotation system includes a crusher, a flotation tank, a multi-functional rubbing and separating device, a washing tank and a dehydrator which are connected in turn; the flotation tank and the washing tank are disposed abreast; the floatation tank is a straight launder, and the washing tank is a U-shaped launder; and the discharge port of the flotation tank and the feeding port of the washing tank are connected via the multi-functional rubbing and separating device. The method is to crush the waste plastics first and then execute multiple stages of washing and separating. The flotation system and method herein are capable of improving the effect of washing waste plastics effectively and improving the quality of products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Yubin Feng
  • Patent number: 9452456
    Abstract: A substrate treatment plant includes a process chamber delimited by chamber walls and in the process chamber a substrate conveying unit for the horizontal conveyance of slab-shaped substrates in one conveying plane and in one conveying direction. The substrate conveying unit includes an arrangement of rotatably mounted, cylindrical conveying rollers transversely arranged to the conveying direction, the topmost generatrices of the conveying rollers defining the conveying plane, and at least one substrate treatment unit, which is located above the conveying plane, and at least one gas inlet. In the region of the substrate treatment unit at least one additional heating unit is located below the conveying plane and a condensation unit is located under the substrate conveying unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: VON ARDENNE GMBH
    Inventors: Hubertus Von Der Waydbrink, Steffen Grosser, Michael Hentschel, Daniel Stange, Thomas Meyer
  • Patent number: 9451862
    Abstract: A dishwasher for treating dishes according to at least one automatic cycle of operation and having a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and defining an access opening, a sprayer providing a spray of liquid into the treating chamber, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path for recirculating the sprayed liquid from the treating chamber to the sprayer and a drive system operable to control at least a position of the liquid diverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney M. Welch
  • Patent number: 9445705
    Abstract: A fluid inlet housing for controlled filling of a dishwasher is provided. For example, a dishwasher comprising a tub for receiving dishware therein, a water conduit, and a fluid inlet housing is provided. The fluid inlet housing is in fluid communication with the tub and the water conduit. Additionally, the fluid inlet housing is configured to direct water from the water conduit into the tub. The fluid inlet housing comprises an inlet for receiving water from the water conduit and an outlet for directing water into the tub. The fluid inlet housing also comprises a first baffle positioned between the inlet and the outlet and configured to divide water flow from the inlet into divergent paths. Moreover, the fluid inlet housing further comprises a second baffle positioned between the first baffle and the outlet and configured to combine the divergent paths of water flow prior to flowing through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ameya C. Joshi
  • Patent number: 9371995
    Abstract: A method of flushing liquid fuel from valves and nozzles in a gas turbine is conducted via a mixing valve including flow passages for fuel and water. In the method, water is flowed through the flow passages, and the flow is interrupted for a period of no flow. This flow profile is repeated such that the water flow is pulsed through the flow passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Joshua Adam Bagwell, Mark Jason Fisher, Kenneth Eugene Selfridge
  • Patent number: 9307886
    Abstract: A passive diverter is provided that does not require a dedicated motor to switch between multiple outlet ports. The diverter uses a flow of fluid provided by a pump to switch between different outlet ports. In a dishwashing appliance, fluid from the pump that supplies one or more spray assemblies can be used to cause the diverter to switch between different fluid outlets and e.g., different spray assemblies. A separate motor to power the diverter is not required, which allows a savings in costs and space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Craig Curtis
  • Patent number: 9230836
    Abstract: A substrate treatment method that includes circulating a treatment liquid from a treatment vessel through a circulation path extending through a filter and a temperature controller, spouting the treatment liquid toward a substrate accommodated in the treatment vessel to recover the treatment liquid in the treatment vessel, and controlling the liquid surface level of the treatment liquid retained in the treatment vessel below the substrate held at a substrate treatment position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ayumi Higuchi, Yoshiyuki Fujitani, Takemitsu Miura, Rei Takeaki
  • Patent number: 9056582
    Abstract: A visual indication system for a machine is provided. The visual indication system includes an output module configured to be displayed at an external location relative to an internal portion of a cabin of the machine and configured to provide a visual indication viewable. The visual indication system also includes a controller communicably coupled to the output module. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of a parking status and an implement status of the machine. Further, the controller is configured to determine a locked state associated with the parking status and the implement status. The controller is configured to transmit the visual indication of the determined locked state to the output module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Keegan W. Roach, Nathan French, Brad R. Van De Veer, Andrew J. Kieser, Robert L. Powers, Thomas E. Beccue, Michael D. Valerio
  • Patent number: 9004079
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus capable of drying a substrate to be processed while suppressing the pattern collapse or the occurrence of contamination. A substrate is held in a liquid bath while being immersed in a liquid, and the liquid bath is disposed in a processing space of a processing vessel. A processing of drying the substrate is performed by replacing the liquid in the liquid bath with a supercritical-state fluid. A predetermined mechanism moves liquid bath between a processing location in the processing case and a stand-by location outside the processing case. A heater installed in the processing case changes the fluid to a supercritical state or maintains the supercritical state while cooling mechanisms cool down the liquid bath moved to the stand-by location outside the processing vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Yuji Kamikawa
  • Patent number: 8920578
    Abstract: A teat cup cleaning device having a heating chamber, provided with a discharge which is closable by a valve, and arranged for connection to a teat cup. A filling device is provided for filling the heating chamber with an amount of cleaning liquid, and a heating arrangement is arranged to heat the contents of the heating chamber to a temperature T higher than the boiling point Tk of the cleaning liquid at ambient pressure. The valve opens in this situation to deliver the heated cleaning liquid to the teat cup. The teat cup cleaning device also comprising a connecting line between a liquid supply and the discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Maasland N.V.
    Inventors: Karel Van Den Berg, Gerard Mostert
  • Patent number: 8887742
    Abstract: A drying apparatus that allows the wet washed dishes located in the washing container to be dried quickly from an economic and hygienic point of view is provided. The drying apparatus for drying washed dishes is disposed inside a dishwasher and circulates exclusively the air located in a washing container of the dishwasher. The drying apparatus is provided with a suction port for introducing the air from the washing container into the drying apparatus, a blow-out port for discharging the air from the drying apparatus into the washing container, a conveying section between the suction port and the blow-out port, and a fan for conveying the air from the suction port to the blow-out port via the conveying section with the conveying section having a condensing section with at least one wall operable as a condensing surface upon which the humidity contained in the air condenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgaraete GmbH
    Inventors: Rüdiger Eiermann, Helmut Jerg, Hans-Peter Nannt
  • Patent number: 8875721
    Abstract: A dishwasher with a closed loop condenser having a moist air conduit, a dry air conduit having a portion in overlying relationship with a portion of the moist air conduit, wherein the overlying portions of the moist air conduit and the dry air conduit form a heat exchanger, and a controllable gate for selectively introducing, exhausting, or redirecting air relative to the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Roger J. Bertsch, Keeley M. Kabala, Rafael C. Melo, Alvaro Vallejo Noriega
  • Patent number: 8869424
    Abstract: A method and an associated apparatus for drying moisture-laden air from a working chamber of a water-bearing machine, in particular a dishwasher, comprises: setting the temperature of the moisture-laden air in the working chamber to between 40° C. and 50° C., setting the temperature of a cooling medium in a heat exchanger to less than 20° C., and conducting the moisture-laden air, of which the temperature has been adjusted in this way, out of the working chamber through the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Etimex Technical Components GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Hermann, Adalbert Kasper
  • Patent number: 8844545
    Abstract: A treatment liquid supply apparatus supplies a treatment liquid to a predetermined object for treatment of a substrate, and recovers the supplied treatment liquid for reuse. The apparatus includes: a first tank in which the treatment liquid to be supplied to the object is stored; a second tank in which the treatment liquid recovered from the object is stored; a transfer unit which transfers the treatment liquid from the second tank to the first tank; a first temperature regulating unit which regulates the temperature of the treatment liquid to be supplied from the first tank to the object; and a second temperature regulating unit which regulates the temperature of the treatment liquid to be transferred from the second tank to the first tank by the transfer unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20140283886
    Abstract: In a supercritical fluid method a supercritical fluid is supplied into a process chamber. The supercritical fluid is discharged from the process chamber as a supercritical fluid process proceeds. A concentration of a target material included in the supercritical fluid discharged from the process chamber is detected during the supercritical fluid process. An end point of the supercritical fluid process may be determined based on a detected concentration of the target material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Yong-Jhin CHO, Kun-Tack LEE, Hyo-San LEE, Young-Hoo KIM, Jung-Won LEE, Sang-Won BAE, Jung-Min HO
  • Publication number: 20140224284
    Abstract: In a mobile floor sweeper/scrubber, a closed hydraulic system directs hydraulic fluid, or oil, to power various subsystems, such as the drive, steering, sweeping, scrubbing, etc., subsystems, which results in heating of the hydraulic fluid to an elevated temperature. The heated hydraulic fluid is provided to a heat exchanger, to which is also providing the scrub water for heating the water prior to application to the floor for improved, more efficient cleaning of the floor. This arrangement allows for the use of higher scrub water temperatures without using a dedicated system limited to the generation of higher scrub water temperatures, or without operating the sweeper/scrubber's drive motor at elevated temperatures higher than its specified normal operating temperature. The use of heated or ambient scrub water can be selected as desired by the sweeper/scrubber operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Minuteman International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan Martin, Jeffrey W. Pollack
  • Patent number: 8721805
    Abstract: A device and method of use for a towed portable cleaning facility is disclosed. The device employs storage tanks for both the storage and transport of cleaning fluids. The tanks serve the additional function of surrounding and enclosing the cleaning area an area that may be used for cleaning or storage. By utilizing the tanks as walls, the present invention provides a portable cleaning station. The device may further include the ability to treat and clean used fluids in order to either reuse or safely dispose of the used fluids as well as the ability to recover heat energy from an engine compartment to heat cleaning fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Guillermo Morales Barrios, Hector Valdez Jaramillo, Gerardo Angel Gonzalez Chapa, Roger Pedlar