Recirculation Of Treating Liquid Through Conduit Means Patents (Class 134/108)
  • Patent number: 8196312
    Abstract: A technology can efficiently dry the high-boiling point solvent contained in the object and achieve the space-saving and energy-saving of a drying apparatus. A drying method for drying an object containing a first solvent while conveying the object into a chamber (38), comprises: a first drying step of drying the object up to a drying point in the prestage of the chamber (38); and a second drying step of forming a vapor atmosphere of a second solvent having a lower boiling point than the first solvent in the chamber (38) and drying the object such that the temperature of the object in an inlet port of the chamber (38) is made to be lower by a predetermined temperature difference than the temperature of the vapor atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takao Taguchi
  • Patent number: 8176926
    Abstract: A cleaning machine, in particular a batch dishwasher, comprising an individual cleaning chamber in which the items to be cleaned are accommodated, a pump which circulates washing liquid within the cleaning chamber, and a further pump which delivers fresh water, and also a boiler which stores and heats fresh water, wherein the boiler has an associated heat exchanger by means of which heat is indirectly or directly transferred from waste water which is stored in a reservoir to the fresh water which is stored in the boiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bruno Gaus, Joachim Kupetz, Denis Lehmann, Thomas Naeger, Thomas Peukert, Vera Schneider
  • Patent number: 8177913
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus comprises a container configured to hold an article to be cleaned, a cleaning solvent dispenser configured to supply a cleaning solvent to the container, an energy generator configured to provide thermal energy to an interior of the container; and a control device in communication with the energy generator and configured to select thermal energy sufficient to sublimate the particles. The cleaning solvent comprises a solvent and nanofabricated particles dispersed therein. The control device controls the energy generator to provide thermal energy to the cleaning solvent in container in which the article is submerged in order to cause sublimation of the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Takahisa Kusuura
  • Patent number: 8163098
    Abstract: The disclosure features a method of performing a boil-out cleaning process in connection with a fryer. The fryer includes a vat, a vessel for receiving oil drained from the vat, the vessel movable from an under-unit position, an oil drain path leading from an outlet opening of the vat to the pan, and an oil return path from the vessel back to the vat. The oil return path includes a pump. A drain valve is located along the oil drain path. The drain valve is opened to drain oil from the vat into the vessel is opened. The drain valve is closed after draining the oil from the vat. A boil-out cleaning fluid is delivered to the vat and the boil-out cleaning fluid is heated. A boil-out drain path is provided with an inlet positioned for receiving boil-out fluid from the drain valve and an outlet positioned forward of a front of the fryer unit. A container is placed below the outlet of the boil-out drain path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred E. Mullaney, Jr., Paul Forrest, Charles Amoss
  • Publication number: 20120085373
    Abstract: A washing system for washing equipment in a milking plant includes a closed flow circuit, a washing liquid source (14), a feeding part (7, 16) adapted to supply washing liquid from the washing liquid source (14) to a first portion (15) of the closed flow circuit and circulating part (10) adapted to circulate the washing liquid in the closed flow circuit during a washing process of the equipment (1, 2, 3, 8). The washing system further includes a heating part (7, 23-28) adapted to supply steam to at least a second vertical portion (19a) of the closed flow circuit during at least a part of the washing process for supplying heat energy to the circulating washing liquid. The second portion (19a) of the closed flow circuit is located at a distance from the first portion (15) of the closed flow circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: DELAVAL HOLDING AB
    Inventor: Epke Bosma
  • Patent number: 8147620
    Abstract: The support removal apparatus comprising in combination a retention tank having a manifold assembly comprising a plurality of nozzle heads, articulating arms or a combination of both in hydraulic communication with the discharge side of a pump, collectively configured for agitating an aqueous cleaning solution; a heating element mounted within the retention tank for heating the aqueous cleaning solution to a predetermined temperature set point; a basket strainer mounted within the retention tank in hydraulic communication with the intake side of the pump to mitigate passage of small rapid prototype parts and residual support material therethrough and into the pump and manifold assembly; a thermocouple for maintaining the temperature within a tolerable range for optimum removal of support material; a level indicator to ensure adequate solution level in the retention tank for operability of the pump and heating element; a cabinet having an interface controller mounted on an exterior panel thereof for setting ti
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: David Jonathan Tafoya
  • Patent number: 8141567
    Abstract: A processing apparatus includes: a tank configured to store water; vapor generating unit configured to turn the water supplied from the tank into vapor; a processing chamber in which vapor supplied from the vapor generating unit is used to remove residues from a workpiece; cooling unit; and filtering unit. The cooling unit cools waste liquid ejected from the processing chamber. The filtering unit is provided between the cooling unit and the tank, and the filtering unit filters the waste liquid cooled in the cooling unit. A processing method includes: supplying vapor into a processing chamber; removing residues from a workpiece using the vapor; cooling waste liquid containing the removed residues to precipitate the residues as solids; and filtering the waste liquid containing the precipitates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takahiko Wakatsuki, Naoya Hayamizu, Hiroshi Fujita, Akiko Saito, Toshihide Hayashi, Yukinobu Nishibe, Tsutomu Makino
  • Publication number: 20120031441
    Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus, comprises a process tank that holds a mixture containing a hydrogen peroxide solution and sulfuric acid and is used for cleaning a substrate immersed in said mixture; circulation piping that extends between a primary side of said process tank on which said mixture is injected into said process tank and a secondary side of said process tank on which said mixture is discharged from said process tank and has a pump for causing circulation of said mixture; a heater disposed in said circulation piping configured to heat said mixture to a predetermined temperature; a chemical injection pipe configured to inject a hydrogen peroxide solution into said circulation piping at a position between the primary side of said process tank and a secondary side, which is a downstream side, of said heater; and a filter disposed in said circulation piping configured to remove particles in said mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tomita, Hiroaki Yamada, Kunihiro Miyazaki, Hajime Onoda
  • Publication number: 20120024321
    Abstract: An improved portable cleaning system for use in cleaning heat exchanger tube bundles, fin-fans, towers and other elongated components. The cleaning system comprises a cleaning unit having a cleaning enclosure that receives and cleans the component and a control unit that controls the operation of the system. The cleaning unit has a cleaning enclosure defining a chamber sized and configured to receive the component through a sealable lid. A roller assembly rotates the component while a spray assembly sprays cleaning fluid over and into the rotating component. The cleaning fluid is heated in the chamber using surface heating elements attached to heat transfer plates along sections of the chamber walls. A vapor recovery system captures and treats toxic vapors. In use, the cleaning system is transported to a facility to clean the components on-site using cleaning fluid supplied by the facility and discharging waste to the facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Gary I. Hays
  • Patent number: 8066020
    Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus, comprises a process tank that holds a mixture containing a hydrogen peroxide solution and sulfuric acid and is used for cleaning a substrate immersed in said mixture; circulation piping that extends between a primary side of said process tank on which said mixture is injected into said process tank and a secondary side of said process tank on which said mixture is discharged from said process tank and has a pump for causing circulation of said mixture; a heater disposed in said circulation piping configured to heat said mixture to a predetermined temperature; a chemical injection pipe configured to inject a hydrogen peroxide solution into said circulation piping at a position between the primary side of said process tank and a secondary side, which is a downstream side, of said heater; and a filter disposed in said circulation piping configured to remove particles in said mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tomita, Hiroaki Yamada, Kunihiro Miyazaki, Hajime Onoda
  • Patent number: 8038801
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning plant components of a power station, wherein a medium is continuously passed through one or more plant components for cleaning a closed circuit and a check of the medium for degree of purity is carried out in at least one operating plant component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rolf Lönne, Jan Elsen, Robert Karl
  • Patent number: 8020569
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods can reduce washout water use and facilitate removal of waste. A transport vehicle can include a water holding tank, a washout tub, and a means for conveying water. Water can be conveyed from the water holding tank to clean concrete from utensils, chutes, pumps, and other implements through a hose. The water can then be separated from the concrete and conveyed back into the water holding tank using a hose and a strainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Onsite Washout Corp.
    Inventors: Ernest Kim Leonardich, Norman P. Gruczelak
  • Publication number: 20110186091
    Abstract: An assembly for recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution includes a recycler module including a distillation assembly and an air handler assembly. The distillation assembly includes a distiller and a conduit that includes a condenser and a sight glass. The air handler assembly includes a duct having an intake port, an exhaust port and a source of air flow. The condenser is disposed within the duct and the sight glass is disposed external to the duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: SAFETY-KLEEN SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Rudy Publ, David Kisela, Tim Rothwell, Greg Merz, Gary Myers
  • Patent number: 7931033
    Abstract: A dish washer includes a steam generating unit that is configured to control the amount of steam in accordance with the amount of items in the dish washer. The steam generating unit is positioned outside of the tub and is configured to generate and supply steam to the tub. The dishwasher includes a fluid supplying passage that supplies washing fluid to the steam generating unit. A steam discharging passage is configured to discharge steam that is generated from the steam generating unit to the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Nung Seo Park, Sang Heon Yoon, Yong Jin Choi, Si Moon Jeon, Dae Yeong Han
  • Patent number: 7909046
    Abstract: Dish washing machine that includes a steam generator, which supplies steam during a washing operation, to aid in the washing of dishes and other items in the dish washing machine. The dish washing machine further including one or more dish washing racks that effectively orient the dishes, and other items to be washed, in such a way so as to avoid inhibiting the steam from being evenly distributed around each of the dishes and other items to be washed. The dish washing machine also including a steam zone indicator to aid in effectively positioning the dishes and other items to be washed by visually distinguishing the region or zone within the dish washing machine that corresponds with high-intensity steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Min Chul Kim, Sang Woo Woo, Pil Keun Park
  • Patent number: 7798157
    Abstract: A condensing apparatus of a dish washer is provided. The condensing apparatus includes a blower and an air duct. The blower suctions vapor from inside a tub of the dish washer. The air duct is connected to the blower, and has a vapor passage formed therein through which the vapor flows and in which condensed water is formed. The vapor passage has a ridge formed thereon to stop the condensed water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Yong Hee Kim
  • Patent number: 7763118
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub, a steam generator for generating steam, a water supply passage for supplying washing water to the steam generator, a release valve having a steam passage along which the steam generated by the steam generator is supplied to the tub, and a condensed water passage connected to the water supply passage to allow water condensed by the steam to fall to the water supply passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Joon Ho Pyo, Sang Heon Yoon, Tae Hee Lee
  • Publication number: 20100154842
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a steam-generating vessel positioned in the wash chamber of the dishwasher's tub. A heating element heats water contained in the vessel to generate steam. The heating element may be embodied as thick-film heating element. The steam-generating vessel may be formed in the dishwasher's tub or embodied as a separate component that is secured to the tub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: BRENT M. BURGESS, JOSEF ARNOLD BUSER, JORDAN ROBERT FOUNTAIN, SATHISH ANDREA SUNDARAM
  • Patent number: 7740711
    Abstract: A parts washer including magnets located near a pump inlet to collect metallic particles suspended in the cleaning fluid; a casing to protect the pump mechanism from impact during handling; the pump oriented horizontally to take advantage of the separation of the cleaning fluid in successive vertical layers; two liquid level sensors to measure the level of the cleaning fluid in the reservoir; an evaporation control plate located at the interface between the reservoir and the receptacle of the reservoir to confine the vapor portion of the cleaning solution; protective handlebars placed next to the controls of a control module to protect the device from impact; and a pump motor control to provide a low flow rate of cleaning fluid using a pump without a variable regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Porter, Michael Endres, Scott Biba, Larry Gunseor, Charles Younger
  • Patent number: 7727494
    Abstract: A child care storage having a steam sterilizing apparatus, wherein the steam sterilizing apparatus includes an outer tub defined by walls of a steam sterilizing compartment; a hollow upstanding coupling member installed on the center bottom of the outer tub and having an interlocking hole formed at its top; an inner tub inserted inside the outer tub for accommodating infant accessories therein, the inner tub having a reception hole formed at its bottom center and a latch part formed along the circumference of its bottom center; an evaporation vessel having a flange along its circumference, the flange being coupled to the latch part of the inner tub; a flat-type heater installed under a rear bottom surface of the evaporation vessel; and a supporting plate for placing the flat-type heater thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Young Jae Kim
  • Patent number: 7708895
    Abstract: A method for demulsifying water-oil emulsions through ultrasonic action, comprises a step of making the water-oil emulsions flow through at least one ultrasonic acting region in a flow direction, wherein: within the ultrasonic acting region, a concurrent ultrasonic wave whose traveling direction is the same as the flow direction of the water-oil emulsions is generated by at least a one first ultrasonic transducer provided at the upstream end of the ultrasonic acting region, and at same time, a countercurrent ultrasonic wave whose traveling direction is opposite to the flow direction of the water-oil emulsions is generated by at least a one second ultrasonic transducer provided at the downstream end of the ultrasonic acting region; and the concurrent ultrasonic wave and the countercurrent ultrasonic wave act simultaneously on the water-oil emulsions which flow through the ultrasonic acting region, so as to demulsify the water-oil emulsions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Shequan Gou, Jianwen Da, Yougui Zhang, Ping Han, Jingyi Zhang
  • Patent number: 7677239
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a kitchen-range (1) and/or an oven (100) with a self-cleaning system, having a cleaning-element spraying assembly (6, 7, 106, 107), preferably water with detergent, arranged at the cooking top (13) and/or cooking chamber (113) for spraying it in a pressurized way and removing the existing dirt. A circuit is coupled to the cooking top (13) and/or cooking chamber (113), formed by conduits (5, 105, 4, 104) and a pump (19), so that the sprayed cleaning-elements can circulate and remove dirt from the surfaces to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Antõnio Augusto De Miranda Grieco
  • Publication number: 20100059091
    Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial washing plant with at least one treatment chamber for washing objects that are dirtied with oily, greasy, or other processing residues and are treated with treatment media that require process heat for heating active washing fluids, rinsing fluids, for example, pure water or air for drying in an air flow, in order to improve the treatment result. A washing-fluid tank and a rinsing-fluid tank can be provided, and these tanks will supply the treatment chambers by means of electrical devices. Further, nearly pure fluid can be recovered from used washing fluid or rinsing fluid by distillation by means of an evaporator and re-introduced into a treatment medium. The object of the invention consists of creating an industrial washing plant that is designed in such a way that its overall operation leads to an improvement of economical and ecological balances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Werner Meissner
  • Patent number: 7578305
    Abstract: A kitchenware washing assembly in one embodiment generally includes a tank having an inside for holding fluid for washing kitchenware, and a heater for heating fluid within the inside of the tank. At least one securing device releasably secures the heater within the tank. The securing device has a releasing portion located within the tank that allows the securing device to be released solely from within the tank. In this embodiment, the heater can thus be removed from and/or installed within the tank without having to crawl under the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Steelkor, L.L.C.
    Inventor: James W. Bigott
  • Publication number: 20090183694
    Abstract: A method is provided for cleaning crevices between a plurality of tubes and a plurality of tube support plates supporting the tubes in a steam generator. The steps include filling a secondary side of the steam generator with a solvent to a first level above a first tube support plate to be cleaned, draining the solvent to a second level lower than the first tube support plate, and refilling the secondary side of the steam generator with the solvent to a third level above the first tube support plate. A cleaning system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: AREVA NP INC.
    Inventors: John F. Remark, Sarah E. Evans
  • Patent number: 7546841
    Abstract: The support removal apparatus comprising in combination a retention tank having a manifold assembly comprising a plurality of nozzle heads in hydraulic communication with the discharge side of a pump, collectively configured for agitating an aqueous cleaning solution comprised of sodium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium carbonate, and water; a heating element mounted within the retention tank for heating the aqueous cleaning solution to a predetermined temperature set point; a basket strainer mounted within the retention tank in hydraulic communication with the intake side of the pump to mitigate passage of small rapid prototype parts and residual support material therethrough and into the pump and manifold assembly; a work surface mounted atop the retention tank and having a movable lid fitted with a basket for containing small rapid prototype parts; a thermocouple for maintaining the temperature within a tolerable range for optimum removal of support material; a level indicator to ensure adequate
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: David Jonathan Tafoya
  • Publication number: 20090120465
    Abstract: A cleaning appliance is provided for cleaning washware, which cleaning appliance is designed to subject the washware to the action of at least one cleaning fluid in at least one cleaning chamber. The cleaning appliance has a suction-removal apparatus for removing damp air from the cleaning chamber by suction, and at least one heat recovery device. The heat recovery device is designed to draw heat from the damp air and to feed it back to the cleaning appliance by means of a first cooling fluid. The cleaning appliance has a cooling-fluid line with at least one recirculation path and at least one heat accumulator path with at least one latent heat accumulator. The cleaning appliance is designed to conduct the first cooling fluid to the cleaning chamber and/or into a fluid tank via the recirculation path in at least one operating state after said cooling fluid has flowed through the heat recovery device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Peukert, Bruno Gaus, Thomas Naeger
  • Publication number: 20090090396
    Abstract: Provided are a method for treating a process solution and an apparatus for treating a substrate using the same. The apparatus includes a treating bath, a circulating line, a bypass line, and a filter. A process solution for a substrate is provided in the treating bath. The circulating line is connected to the treating bath, and the process solution circulates through the circulating line. The bypass line branches from a first position of the circulating line and couples at a second position of the circulating line. The filter is installed in a position of the circulating line between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Seung-Ho Lee, Gui-Su Park
  • Patent number: 7513092
    Abstract: Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, and a method for the operation thereof. The beverage bottling plant has a treatment system to treat the beverage before the beverage is filled into the bottles, and then treat the beverage again after the filled bottles are closed. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Jan Münzer, Thomas Stolte, Volker Till
  • Patent number: 7490508
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing a cleaning procedure for a material. The apparatus includes a rack having a seat configured to retain a plurality of test coupons at a predetermined angle, an upper tray that distributes a solution along the lines of the rack, a lower tray for receiving solution passed over coupons disposed on the rack, a meter that gauges a flow rate of the solution, a thermostatic heater adapted to bring the solution to a predetermined temperature, and a variable speed pump that directs the solution from a reservoir to the upper tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Wyeth Research Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Alfredo J. Canhoto, Rod J. Azadan, John Putnam, Michael Kreuze, Brian Williams, Kristen Nobles, Jeff Chapman, Kelli Barrett
  • Patent number: 7484515
    Abstract: A combination sink and jet parts washer for cleaning mechanical parts of oil, grease and contaminants. The washer has a cabinet which has a jet cleaning section and a reservoir. A parts receptacle in the jet cleaning section receives the parts which are cleaned by a spray from a spray manifold. The manifold is connected to a fluid pump which has its inlet communicating with the reservoir. A sink is positioned on the top of the cabinet and opens to access the jet washer and reservoir. In the closed position, the sink covers the top of the cabinet and may be used as a sink washer using the attached brush. In a preferred embodiment, the sink is hinged to the cabinet but may be a lift-off sink or may be on a track. The jet parts washer provides convenience, economy and the features of a sink and jet washer in a single, compact, mobile unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventors: Ronald H. Bluestone, Ryan J. Bluestone
  • Patent number: 7461663
    Abstract: The cleaning apparatus of the invention includes first and second cleaning tanks cleaning a mask with a predetermined cleaning solution, a vacuum evaporator vacuum-distilling the cleaning solution of the first and second cleaning tanks, a first cooler cooling the vacuum-distilled cleaning solution to room temperature, a first return pipe returning the cleaning solution cooled by the first cooler to the second cleaning tank, first and second rinse tanks rinsing the mask with a predetermined rinse solution, an atmospheric evaporator distilling the rinse solution of the first and second rinse tanks at atmospheric pressure, a second cooler cooling the rinse solution distilled at atmospheric pressure to room temperature, and a second return pipe returning the rinse solution cooled by the second cooler to the second rinse tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Giga Tech Inc., Ohkawa & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Kinomura, Teruo Hiraoka, Kojiro Ohkawa
  • Publication number: 20080251108
    Abstract: If incorporated in a cleaning system using persulfuric acid, the invention serves for continuous cleaning while increasing the persulfuric acid concentration adequately to ensure enhanced cleaning performance. The invention provides a feeding apparatus that feeds persulfuric acid to a cleaning apparatus. The cleaning system uses an electrolysis reactor 10 that regenerates the persulfuric acid solution by performing electrolytic reaction to produce persulfate ions from sulfate ions contained in the solution, and a circulation line 4, 5, 6 that circulates the persulfuric acid solution between the cleaning vessel 1 and the electrolysis reactor 10. Configured as above, the invention can provides a feeding apparatus. The cleaning system comprises said configuration and a cleaning vessel 1 that cleans objects 30 using a persulfuric acid solution 2 as cleaning fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: KURITA WATER INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Tatsuo Nagai, Norihito Ikemiya, Haruyoshi Yamakawa, Hideki Kobayashi, Hiroshi Morita
  • Patent number: 7435447
    Abstract: In a high pressure processing system configured to treat a substrate, a flow measurement device is utilized to determine a flow condition in the high pressure processing system. The flow measurement device can, for example, comprise a turbidity meter. The flow parameter can, for example, include a volume flow rate or a time to achieve mixing of a process chemistry within a high pressure fluid used to treat the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Wayne M. Parent
  • Patent number: 7360546
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a semiconductor wafer comprising: a double container including an inner container with an upper opening for accommodating a substrate to be cleaned and an outer container having an airtight space accommodating the inner container therein, the inner container being communicated to the outer container through the upper opening; a cleaning liquid supply conduit for supplying a cleaning liquid into the inner container; an inner container drain conduit for draining the cleaning liquid from the inner container; a solvent-containing gas supply conduit for supplying a solvent-containing gas into the inner container for drying the substrate; a solvent-resolving gas supply conduit for supplying a solvent-resolving gas into the inner container for resolving a solvent component attached on the substrate; an exhaust pipe for exhausting the gases from the double container, and an outer container drain conduit for draining the liquid spilled from the inner container to the outer container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Minoru Doi
  • Patent number: 7332041
    Abstract: A dishwasher that fits within the conventional U.S. residential dishwasher counter space and uses the conventional U.S. residential power supply to achieve within a convenient cycle time the same standard of sanitation as set forth for commercial and residential hot water sanitizing dishwashers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Appliance Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip R. McKee, Florence C. Hergenrether
  • Patent number: 7303908
    Abstract: A bioremediation assembly and method for bioremediation are described and which includes a bioremediation reservoir defining a cavity; a pump mounted within the bioremediation reservoir and which removes the aqueous bioremediating fluid from the bioremediation reservoir; and a fluid dispensing manifold positioned within the bioremediation reservoir and which is coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the pump, and which directs a stream of bioremediating fluid downwardly so as to aerate the volume of bioremediating fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Surface Technologies IP AG
    Inventor: Bert A. Overland
  • Patent number: 7287536
    Abstract: In a dishwasher having a dishwashing compartment and a pump fluidically connected to the dishwashing compartment for channeling liquid to the dishwashing compartment, the pump disposed outside the dishwashing compartment and including a pump housing defining an interior and housing a motor and an impeller, a heater for heating dishwashing liquid includes a heating device disposed on the pump housing in heat-conducting contact with the interior of the pump housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Steck, Helmut Jerg, Ernst Stickel
  • Patent number: 7252100
    Abstract: A circuit board processing system includes a wash tank configured to contain cleaning fluid, and a positioning subsystem configured to immerse a set of circuit boards into the wash tank. The system further includes a flow control subsystem having (i) a first set of nozzles disposed within the wash tank, (ii) a second set of nozzles disposed within the wash tank, and (iii) a controller. The controller is configured to direct the cleaning fluid through the first set of nozzles to provide a flow of the cleaning fluid in a first direction relative to the set of circuit boards. The controller is further configured to direct the cleaning fluid through a second set of nozzles to provide a flow of the cleaning fluid in a second direction relative to the set of circuit boards after providing the flow of the cleaning fluid in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Stuart D. Downes, Deborah Fragoza, Eric Ren, Thomas E. Knight
  • Patent number: 7195023
    Abstract: A dishwasher that fits within the conventional U.S. residential dishwasher counter space and uses the conventional U.S. residential power supply to achieve within a convenient cycle time the same standard of sanitation as set forth for commercial and residential hot water sanitizing dishwashers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Appliance Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip R. McKee, Florence C. Hergenrether
  • Patent number: 7104269
    Abstract: A dishwasher that fits within the conventional U.S. residential dishwasher counter space and uses the conventional U.S. residential power supply not only achieves within a convenient cycle time the same standard of sanitation as set forth for commercial hot water sanitizing dishwashers, but substantially surpasses the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Appliance Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip R. McKee
  • Patent number: 7044143
    Abstract: Microelectronic substrate processing systems include a microelectronic substrate processing chamber that is configured to contain therein at least one microelectronic substrate. A carbon dioxide supply system is configured to supply densified carbon dioxide to the microelectronic substrate processing chamber. A detergent supply system is configured to supply detergent to the microelectronic substrate processing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Micell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. DeYoung, James B. McClain, Stephen M. Gross
  • Patent number: 7033249
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus used for cleaning equipment including extremely high voltage energized electrical equipment using a dry ice blasting stream as the cleaning agent. The apparatus comprises a cleaning wand and a heating mechanism for impeding the formation of condensation and/or frost on the outer surface of the wand, thereby enabling the wand to operate for prolonged periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
    Inventors: Bernhard Alexander Spalteholz, Geoffrey Paul Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7018483
    Abstract: Thermal cleaning and separation of metal parts is performed by a stator from an electric motor. Windings embedded in an organic, insulating material are placed and heated to 250°–500° C. under controlled conditions in a heating chamber, evaporating organic material and loosened windings. Flue gas is evaporated organic substances conducted through a closed pipe system to a condensator, where organic gases condense. The pipe system is designed so that condensate is conducted-on in the closed pipe system to a partly liquid filled vessel. Contents of this vessel are air and water that flow concurrently with the condensed flue gas as condensate, increasing content of organic material in the vessel and separating condensate from air. Air may be conducted to the oven for renewed absorption of organic material. All organic material evaporated from the heating chamber is collected in the vessel for later disposal in an environmentally correct and secure way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Maskinfabrikken Fornax A/S
    Inventor: Asbjøm Thoustrup
  • Patent number: 7013821
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an object floating at the surface of water, e.g., a ship floating on the sea with ease and efficiency by use of a small amount of a cleaning agent is provided. This apparatus comprises a waterproof sheet having an area of covering a region to be cleaned of the object, and a buoyancy bag at its peripheral edge, air supply unit for supplying air into the buoyancy bag of the waterproof sheet laid under the object floating at the surface of water to float the waterproof sheet, so that a pool for accommodating the object is formed by the waterproof sheet, and a spacer for creating a clearance being filled with the cleaning agent between the waterproof sheet and the object accommodated in the pool. According to this apparatus, it is possible to clean the object floating at the surface of water on the spot without landing the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Jiro Sakurai
  • Patent number: 6997196
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a washing receptacle for items to be cleaned, a pump for liquid, a flow heater for liquid, a device for spraying items to be cleaned, a control device for wash cycles of the spraying device, and a device for providing steam having a separate steam dispenser and unit for producing a jet of steam supplied by the steam dispenser. The steam dispenser and the steam jet unit are disposed in the dishwasher in such a way that the steam jet unit always supplies steam to the same predetermined location in the washing receptacle specifically identified and configured for receiving particular items to be cleaned, e.g. particularly dirty items. An uncontrolled escape of steam from any section of the entire washing receptacle is prevented, thus improving the cleaning result with maximum usage of the steam and without also being dependent on activation of a separate steam washing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Rüdiger Eiermann
  • Patent number: 6997197
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a chamber, and a thermal transfer device. The chamber is capable of holding a semiconductor structure therein. The thermal transfer device is connected to the chamber. The thermal transfer device has a surface disposed inside the chamber for contacting the semiconducting structure and controlling a temperature of the semiconductor structure in contact with the surface. The thermal transfer device has a thermal control module connected to the surface for heating and cooling the surface to thermally cycle the surface. The thermal control module effects a substantially immediate thermal response of the surface when thermally recycling the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John P. Simons, Kenneth J. McCullough, Wayne M. Moreau, John M. Cotte, Keith R. Pope, Charles J. Taft, Dario L. Goldfarb
  • Patent number: 6996479
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the water content of a water-containing liquid mixture contained in a tight chemistry tank includes a heating device for controlling the temperature of the liquid mixture to a temperature near the boiling point of the liquid mixture, a cooling medium system disposed at the top of the tight chemistry tank having a cooling medium inlet and a cooling medium outlet, a temperature measurement system for determining the temperature difference between the cooling medium inlet and outlet, and a computing device for calculating the water content of the liquid mixture from the temperature difference. Also provided is a tank for supplying water to the liquid mixture, and a control system for adjusting the amount of water supplied from the tank based upon the water content measured by the measuring apparatus. Also provided is a method for measure the water content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignees: Infineon Technologies AG, Motorola Inc., Infineon Technologies SC300 GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Stefan Ottow, Martin Welzel, Dan Wissel
  • Patent number: 6990988
    Abstract: A liquid processing system of the present invention controls a temperature of a processing liquid being in a stand-by circulation line by control means for controlling the heaters to heat the processing liquid stored in the tank, while controlling the opening/closing means to pass the cooling medium into the tank with the stored processing liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Sadayuki Fujishima
  • Patent number: 6974505
    Abstract: A cleaning tool for cleaning substrates, comprising a circulation conduit through which is circulated a cleaning liquid or gas. The circulation conduit is disposed in fluid communication with an upstream flow chamber and a downstream cleaning chamber, the cross-sectional area of which cleaning chamber is less than the cross-sectional area of the flow chamber. In use, the cleaning chamber receives a wafer substrate for cleaning of particles or removal of polymer films from the substrate. The smaller cross-sectional area of the cleaning chamber accelerates the flow of a cleaning fluid flowing through the cleaning chamber from the flow chamber. The rapidly-flowing cleaning fluid removes the particles and/or films from the substrate while preventing dropping of the removed particles or re-deposition of the film back onto the substrate. A particle filter may be provided in the circulation conduit downstream of the cleaning chamber for removing the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsin-Ching Shih, Chun-Li Chou, Ming-Hong Hsieh, Hong-J. Tao