Including Regeneration, Purification, Recovery Or Separation Of Agent Used Patents (Class 134/10)
  • Publication number: 20150027498
    Abstract: A method for removing impurities from shredded plastic uses a device having a first and second cleaning disc with a first and second cleaning surface respectively. The cleaning surfaces lie opposite each other and border a cleaning gap between each other. The cleaning discs are rotated and liquid is fed into the cleaning gap. Shredded plastic is fed between the cleaning discs and conveyed through the cleaning gap, and the shredded plastic is processed abrasively by the cleaning surfaces. The temperature difference of the liquid guided through the cleaning gap during entry into the cleaning gap and the temperature of the liquid as it exits the cleaning gap and/or at least one parameter characterizing this temperature difference is measured. The distance between the cleaning surfaces is set such that the measured temperature difference and/or the at least one parameter characterizing this temperature difference achieve a setpoint value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Hofmann, Alexander Gercke, Carsten Wermter
  • Patent number: 8940100
    Abstract: Cleaning of a hot dip galvanized steel sheet is conducted by bringing a strip-shaped steel sheet which was treated by surface oxidation in advance into contact with a cleaning liquid for 1 second or more, and then bringing the hot dip galvanized steel sheet into contact with pure water, while continuously transferring the hot dip galvanized steel sheet. The method allows efficiently and fully washing off the acidic solution adhered to the surfaces of the hot dip galvanized steel sheet treated by surface oxidation. The invention also provides an apparatus for cleaning the hot dip galvanized steel sheet to carry out the above cleaning method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: JFE Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Yoneda, Takahiro Sugano
  • Patent number: 8936686
    Abstract: A method of selecting a mercury-contaminated solid surface followed by heating a cleaning solution to a temperature less than 100° C. The cleaning solution can contain hydrocarbon oil and one or more organic sulfur compounds. Afterwards, the heated cleaning solution is contacted with the mercury-contaminated solid surface to remove the mercury contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Charles John Lord, III, Lars Torsten Lambertsson, Erik Lennart Bjorn, Wolfgang Frech
  • Publication number: 20150000701
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing accumulated ash and soot from DPFs which uses a combination of ultrasonic energy coupled via a liquid cleaning solution to the internal and external surfaces of the DPF to dislodge and remove the accumulated materials, and a system of directing clean solution for rinsing of the filter elements by continuous filtration of the rinse solution, and a means of drawing residual material-laden cleaning solution from the filter to complete the cleaning process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Mark TEVELEY, Byron KIESER
  • Patent number: 8920573
    Abstract: The present invention increases a number of target reaction containers from one into many. Coordinated with increased reaction times, total reaction volume is increased. By modifying an affinitive column of an automatic synthesis system, a production in a single batch is increased. The products obtained can be conformed to quality check specifications with cost saved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Atomic Energy Council
    Inventors: Chia-Jung Chang, Mei-Hsiu Liao, Lie-Hang Shen
  • Patent number: 8919356
    Abstract: An ozone supply module for supplying ozonated water to an appliance that typically includes: an appliance module housing having a water inlet; a water outlet; and an electrical connection for receiving electrical power; a proton exchange membrane cell positioned within the housing; and a water conveying system within the module housing and operably connected to both the water inlet and water outlet. The water conveying system is typically configured to allow water to flow through the deionizing resin and into contact with the proton exchange membrane cell. The module and the proton exchange membrane cell receive electrical power from a home appliance when the module is operably connected to the appliance. The module produces water that contains (dissolved) ozone to be delivered to a chamber within the appliance when the module is in the engaged position with the appliance. The appliance is typically a residential appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Irene M. Brockman, Steven J. Kuehl, Mark M. Senninger
  • Patent number: 8920572
    Abstract: A device for cleaning a fixed abrasive polishing pad includes a main body having a surface facing the polishing pad, an inlet coupled to an end of the main body and configured to supply a cleaning liquid, an inject orifice coupled to the inlet for injecting the cleaning liquid and being provided on the surface of the main body, an outlet coupled to the end of the main body, and a recycle orifice coupled to the outlet, and being provided on the surface of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) Corporation
    Inventor: Feng Chen
  • Publication number: 20140373876
    Abstract: A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a spraying system for spraying liquid into the treating chamber, and a recirculation system for recirculating liquid sprayed in the treating chamber to the spraying system, further includes a variable filtration system that permits varying the amount of wash liquid to be filtered during a cycle of operation in the dishwasher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: MARK S. FEDDEMA
  • Publication number: 20140352726
    Abstract: A liquid processing apparatus includes a substrate retaining part that retains a substrate in a horizontal position and rotates the substrate, first and second processing liquid supply nozzles disposed to supply first and second processing liquids, respectively, to the substrate, liquid receiving cups disposed to appropriately position an upper end thereof above the substrate and to receive the first or second processing liquid that has been supplied to the substrate, a first tubular outer cup including an upper opening and disposed around the liquid receiving cup, vertically movable between a lifted position to which the first tubular outer cup is lifted so that its upper end is positioned above the liquid receiving cup, and a lowered position lower than the lifted position, and a second tubular outer cup disposed externally to the first tubular outer cup. The tubular outer cup is selected according to the kind of processing liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Norihiro Itoh, Kazuhiro Aiura
  • Patent number: 8900444
    Abstract: A solvent that reversibly converts from a hydrophobic liquid form to hydrophilic liquid form upon contact with water and a selected trigger, e.g., contact with CO2, is described. The hydrophilic liquid form is readily converted back to the hydrophobic liquid form and water. The hydrophobic liquid is an amidine or amine. The hydrophilic liquid form comprises an amidinium salt or an ammonium salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignees: Queen's University at Kingston, GreenCentre Canada
    Inventors: Philip G. Jessop, Lam N. Phan, Andrew J. Carrier, Rui Resendes, Dominik Wechsler
  • Patent number: 8882928
    Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling a dishwasher. The dishwasher includes a washing chamber accommodating a dish, a sump storing washing water, and supplying the washing water to the washing chamber, and a filter part provided to the sump, and filtering a foreign substance from the washing water. In the method, a first pump is driven to perform a washing or rinsing process, the first pump is stopped and a second pump is driven for a first set time to perform a discharging process, after the washing or rinsing process, the second pump is stopped and the first pump is driven for a second set time, and the first and second pumps are stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Minchul Kim, Kyuhyung Choi
  • Patent number: 8882929
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method of washing (or pre-washing) silverware/flatware, or one or more other objects/parts is provided. The apparatus and method utilizes a fluid-push/pull system and method in which generally an entire volume of fluid is pushed or pulled through a cavity in which the silverware/flatware or other objects/parts are located. A cavity is filled with fluid, a mass of silverware or other parts is located within the cavity, generally an entire volume of fluid is pumped out of the cavity, and the pumped fluid is directed back into the cavity to create a generally continuous flow of generally an entire volume of fluid through the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Unified Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Cantrell, Mark Churchill, Michael P. Licata, David Gast
  • Publication number: 20140311526
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a precision component by immersing the component in a heated solvating agent disposed in a pre-clean module tank to thereby remove an adherent contaminant; treating the component with a rinsing solvent to remove any remaining contaminants and residual solvating agent in a separate rinse degreaser whereby contaminants removed from the component collect in the rinse degreaser; and removing contaminated rinsing solvent from the rinse degreaser to a micro-still to separate the contaminants from the rinsing solvent and direct the rinsing solvent to the rinse degreaser. The solvent system exhibits complete miscibility of the cleaning solvent with the rinse solvent to allow for (a) complete rinsing of the cleaning solvent by the rinse solvent, and (b) the complete separation of the cleaning solvent and the rinse solvent by simple distillation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Kyle J. Doyel, Michael L. Bixenman, Ram Wissel, David T. Lober, Alan William McCready
  • Patent number: 8864911
    Abstract: A method for removing ionic species from a desalination unit, comprises: (a) circulating a wash stream in a closed loop comprising a desalination unit and a precipitation unit, the wash stream flowing at a linear velocity of at least 5 cm/second through the desalination unit, the wash stream becoming more saline after passage through the desalination unit; and (b) removing a portion of calcium sulfate from the wash stream by precipitation in the precipitation unit to obtain a supersaturation degree of calcium sulfate in the wash stream entering the desalination unit in a range of from about 1.0 to about 3.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rihua Xiong, Wei Cai, Andrew Philip Shapiro, Chengqian Zhang, James Manio Silva, Zijun Xia, Weiming Zhang
  • Patent number: 8864910
    Abstract: A cleaning system is provided which includes a wash floor, a side trough adjacent the wash floor, which is positioned to receive waste from the wash floor and is attached to a filtering system. A method of using this cleaning system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Petter Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Petter, Douglas A. Petter
  • Publication number: 20140305471
    Abstract: A system and method for rinsing substrates. In one embodiment, method comprises: a) providing a fixed volume of a rinse fluid in a rinse tool comprising a closed-loop fluid-circuit comprising a rinse tank, a deionizer, a pump, and a recirculation line fluidly coupled to an outlet of the rinse tank and an inlet of the rinse tank; and b) performing a plurality of rinse cycles in the rinse tool, each of the plurality of rinse cycles including: b-1) positioning a batch of substrates in the rinse tank; b-2) circulating the fixed volume of the rinse fluid through the fluid circuit for a rinse time, wherein during said circulation the rinse fluid contacts the batch of substrates, thereby becoming ionically contaminated rinse fluid, the deionizer removing ionic impurities from the ionically contaminated rinse fluid to produce deionized rinse fluid; and b-3) removing the batch of substrates from the rinse tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: AKRION SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Ismail Kashkoush, Dennis Nemeth, Gim-Syang Chen
  • Patent number: 8858717
    Abstract: A method of treatment for inhibiting sulfur-based corrosion or scaling or for removing scaling from a surface including inhibiting corrosion caused by sulfur-containing materials, reducing corrosion caused by sulfur-containing materials, inhibiting scaling caused by sulfur-containing and sulfur-containing materials in gas, liquid or solid phase or any combination of multiple phases of materials, reducing scaling caused by sulfur-containing and sulfur-containing materials, and removing scaling caused by sulfur-containing and sulfur-containing materials. The method involves contacting sulfur-containing materials with a composition containing a turpentine liquid. The method also involves contacting corrodible surfaces or surfaces prone to scaling with a composition containing a turpentine liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Green Source Energy LLC
    Inventors: Liang-tseng Fan, Shahram Reza Shafie, Julius Michael Tollas, William Arthur Fitzhugh Lee
  • Patent number: 8852355
    Abstract: A system for vacuuming out sediment when installed on the inside of a gravity feed, elevated potable water tank or tower holding water at a pressure head of the kind having a riser serving as a water inlet and outlet. The system having a manifold installed along the bottom wall of the tank or tower connected to a plurality of downwardly directed nozzles. The manifold is connected to a drain pipe passing down through the riser and is supported so that the nozzles are positioned above the bottom wall in the vicinity of the sediment. When water is allowed to flow through the drain pipe, the pressure head causes sediment which may otherwise be a health risk and promote electrolytic corrosion to be vacuumed out by the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph James McClelland
  • Patent number: 8846533
    Abstract: A cleaning solution of the present invention contains a sodium ion, a potassium ion, an iron ion, an ammonium salt of a sulfuric ester represented by General Formula (1), and water, and each content of the sodium ion, the potassium ion, and the iron ion is 1 ppb to 500 ppb. ROSO3—(X)+ (1) where R is an alkyl group with a carbon number of 8-22 or an alkenyl group with a carbon number of 8-22, and (X)+ is an ammonium ion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventor: Youichi Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 8840960
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a carbon work piece includes the step of applying an acetone cleaning agent to the carbon work piece to remove debris therefrom. The removal of debris promotes adhesion between the carbon work piece and a subsequently applied coating. For example, other steps may precede the acetone cleaning step, such as submersing the carbon work piece in deionized water. In one example, a subsequent coating process deposits an alumina coating on the carbon work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: George H. Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20140261548
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning the interior of an above ground storage tank includes a nozzle assembly mounted to a cover on the storage tank sidewall having a horizontally extending wash pipe fixedly and a suction pipe for recirculation of spent fluids. The wash pipe has an interior segment which can be extended to a tank floor and is configured with a bend to extend along the tank sidewall to which is attached a submersible swivel joint fitted with a choked nozzle. The nozzle assembly is attached to a control assembly so that the direction of flow from the nozzle may be manipulated by rotation of the swivel joint from the exterior of the storage tank. The nozzle also may be adjusted so the direction of flow may follow the angle of the tank floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Henry James, Michael William O'Rourke
  • Patent number: 8834635
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new degreasing composition comprising at least one levulinic acid ester according to general formula (I) CH3CO(CH2)2COOR1 (I) in which R1 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic or aromatic, hydrocarbon radical having 2 to 56 carbon atoms, wherein said hydrocarbon radical is optionally hydroxysubstituted. The present invention also relates to a process for degreasing a metal surface comprising the step of contacting said metal surface with the composition of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Institut Univ. de Ciencia Tecnologia, S.A.
    Inventors: Natividad Bayarri Ferrer, Lidia Galià Prats, Carles Estévez Company, Josep Castells Boliart
  • Publication number: 20140246054
    Abstract: A tank cleaning system for use at a drilling location, including a first cuttings storage vessel comprising an inlet and an outlet, at least one tank cleaning machine configured to clean a tank, a disposal vessel, and a module including a pump configured to facilitate the transfer of fluids from a clean water vessel to the at least one tank cleaning machine, and a fluid connection configured to facilitate the transfer of fluids from the outlet of the first cuttings storage vessel to the disposal vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jan Thore Eia
  • Publication number: 20140238441
    Abstract: A system for removing particles or deposits from a surface having particles or deposits thereon, the system comprising at least one vessel, at least one enclosure containing a surface having particles or deposits thereon, one or more pumps, and one or more valves; the at least one vessel suitable for holding a chemical composition; wherein the at least one vessel is in fluid communication with the at least one enclosure, and the at least one enclosure is in fluid communication with the at least one vessel, to form at least a primary chemical composition circulation loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Fujifilm Planar Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Saeed Mohseni, Deepak Mahulikar, Elizabeth Gramm
  • Publication number: 20140230852
    Abstract: A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a liquid spraying system, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path, and a liquid filtering system. The liquid filtering system includes a filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: BARRY E. TULLER, RODNEY M. WELCH
  • Publication number: 20140230851
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus, a substrate processing method and a computer-readable medium capable of recovering an extended amount of discharged solution from a processing unit thereby reducing the amount of deionized water for the processing and the cost. The substrate processing apparatus includes, inter alia, a first and second discharge solution lines each connected to a downstream side of a discharge unit, and the discharged solution from each of the first and second discharge solution lines is independently delivered to the processing solution supply unit as a recovered solution. Also, the substrate processing apparatus includes a converting unit that converts flow of the discharged solution from the discharge unit either to the first discharge solution line or to the second discharge solution line. The processing solution supply unit selectively delivers the recovered solution from the first and second discharge solution lines to the processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Hideaki SATO
  • Patent number: 8808463
    Abstract: A method of preconditioning soils on wares in a dishwasher between successive wash cycles of the dishwasher includes retaining a fluid containing a rinse aid from an initial wash cycle of a dishwasher and applying at least a portion of the fluid containing the rinse aid to soils on wares in the dishwasher before the start of a subsequent wash cycle of the dishwasher. Application of at least a portion of the fluid containing the rinse aid to soils on wares in the dishwasher may be in response to the occurrence of an event. Dishwashers which retain a fluid containing a rinse aid from an initial wash cycle and apply at least a portion of the fluid containing the rinse aid to soils on wares before the start of a subsequent wash cycle are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Rolek, Cristian A. Soto
  • Patent number: 8801867
    Abstract: A method for cleaning process apparatus used for production of liquids, especially for cleaning filters, for example membrane filters. The apparatus is contacted with a solution of periodate. It is especially preferred that the cleaning process is carried out at a temperature between 15 and 95° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: X-Flow B.V.
    Inventors: Arie Cornelis Besemer, Elmar Van Mastrigt, André Mepschen
  • Patent number: 8801865
    Abstract: A method and device for wet treating a peripheral area of a wafer-shaped article uses rollers for driving the wafer-shaped article at its edge. First and second liquid treatment units supply liquid towards the peripheral area. Each of the liquid treatment units comprises a liquid carrier, a liquid supply nozzle for supplying liquid to the liquid carrier and a liquid discharging channel for removing liquid from the liquid carrier. The second liquid treatment unit includes a gas treatment section with a gas supply nozzle for removing most of the second liquid from the peripheral area, and with a gas discharge channel for discharging gas and removed liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Lam Research AG
    Inventors: Dieter Frank, Jurgen Parzefall, Alexander Schwarzfurtner
  • Publication number: 20140216500
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to methods and apparatus for mitigating high metal concentrations in photoresist residue and recycling sulfuric acid (H2SO4) in single wafer cleaning tools. In some embodiments, a disclosed single wafer cleaning tool has a processing chamber that houses a semiconductor substrate. A high oxidative treatment unit may apply a high oxidative chemical pre-treatment to the semiconductor substrate to remove a photoresist residue having metal impurities from the semiconductor substrate in a manner that results in a contaminant remainder. A SPM cleaning unit apply a sulfuric-peroxide mixture (SPM) cleaning solution to the semiconductor substrate to remove the contaminant remainder from the semiconductor substrate as an SPM effluent. The SPM effluent is provided to a recycling unit configured to recover sulfuric acid (H2SO4) from the SPM effluent and to provide the recovered H2SO4to the SPM cleaning unit via a feedback conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semicunductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Wen Hsiao, Shao-Yen Ku, Tzu-Yang Chung, Shang-Yuan Yu, Wagner Chang
  • Publication number: 20140216501
    Abstract: A system for on-wing engine washing and water reclamation includes a fluid applicator configured to introduce a cleaning liquid containing at least water into an engine while the engine is being operated, a trough positioned adjacent to the engine, and a collection conduit operatively positioned between an exit end of the engine and the trough to collect an air/liquid effluent mixture leaving the exit end of the engine and deliver at least a portion of the air/liquid effluent mixture to the trough. The collection conduit has an outlet that deposits collected liquid effluent into the trough, and further includes a series of diversion plates positioned within the collection conduit to separate liquid droplets from the air/liquid effluent mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: EcoServices, LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Rice, Robert J. Tierney
  • Patent number: 8795436
    Abstract: A cleaning liquid is pressurized and superheated to a condition, in which temperature of the cleaning liquid is above an atmospheric boiling point. A product to be cleaned is interposed between a pair of liquid holding blocks, so that gaps are respectively formed between side surfaces of the product and the liquid holding blocks. The pressurized and superheated liquid is injected to the product so that layers of condensate of vapor of injected cleaning liquid are formed in the gaps. Contamination on the surface of the product is removed by the cleaning liquid and the surface is dried by latent heat of the condensate of the vapor of the cleaning liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Keita Yanagawa
  • Patent number: 8782918
    Abstract: A heat processing apparatus includes a heating plate configured to heat the substrate; a cover configured to surround a space above the heating plate; an exhaust gas flow forming mechanism configured to exhaust gas inside the cover to form exhaust gas flows within the space above the heating plate; a downflow forming mechanism configured to form downflows uniformly supplied onto an upper surface of the substrate placed on the heating plate; and a control mechanism configured to execute mode switching control between a mode arranged to heat the substrate while forming the downflows by the downflow forming mechanism and a mode arranged to heat the substrate while forming the exhaust gas flows by the exhaust gas flow forming mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Shigeki Aoki, Yuichi Sakai, Mitsuo Yamashita, Hiroshi Shinya
  • Patent number: 8778088
    Abstract: A foreign matter removal device 10 preliminary cleans the work 50 in a bucket 12 housed in an input tank 15, then further cleans the work 50 in buckets 13, 14 housed in cleaning tanks 16, 17 by agitating cleaning liquid while inverting the buckets to transfer the work to a subsequent bucket. Particularly, the bottom of the cleaning tank is formed such that the nearer to a center of the bottom, the deeper the bottom becomes. The cleaning liquid overflowing from the cleaning tanks are stored in auxiliary tanks 22, 23. First and second ejection units 29a, 29b are arranged at different heights in the cleaning tank to generate a circulating flow in the cleaning liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignees: Itoham Foods Inc., Mayekawa Mfg, Co., Ltd, Hosoda Kogyo Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Takeshi Nishimoto, Masaya Ichihara, Yo Komatsu, Satoshi Mashiba, Suguru Sakuramoto, Shinji Shimamura, Ryuzo Urakami
  • Patent number: 8770154
    Abstract: A multi-chamber conveyor type dishwasher uses a heat recovery unit (HRU) to heat water for a final rinse chamber during a preheat and/or dishwashing phase. The HRU heats water supplied by a low temperature water source using the dishwasher's hot vapor exhaust. An input supply of water for a downstream booster heater is varied based on a sensed temperature of the HRU's output water. If the temperature is acceptable, the HRU supplies input water to the booster heater for the rinse chamber. When the temperature drops below a threshold, the controller temporarily bypasses the HRU and supplies water to the booster heater from a high temperature water source. The HRU may be primed during a preheat phase using water from the high temperature water source. An amount of fan force used to pull the hot exhaust vapors through the HRU may vary based on the status of the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Champion Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Vroom
  • Publication number: 20140182627
    Abstract: A mobile surface cleaning robot including a robot body having a forward drive direction, a drive system supporting the robot body above a floor surface for maneuvering the robot across the floor surface, and a robot controller in communication with the drive system. The robot also includes a collection volume supported by the robot body and a cleaning module releasably supported by the robot body and arranged to clean the floor surface. The cleaning module includes a first vacuum squeegee having a first duct, a driven roller brush rotatably supported rearward of the first vacuum squeegee, a second vacuum squeegee disposed rearward of the roller brush and having a second duct, and a third duct in fluid communication with the first and second ducts. The third duct is connectable to the collection volume at a fluid-tight interface formed by selectively engaging the cartridge with the robot body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus Williams, Joseph Johnson, Andrew Sweezey, Thomas P. Schregardus, John Reimels
  • Patent number: 8747566
    Abstract: A method for collecting effluent from an engine comprising: providing a portable trailer having a plurality of sides in a retracted and non-operational configuration forming an internal compartment and at least one droplet separator panel; and moving at least two of said sides from said retracted and non-operational configuration to an open position and an operational configuration wherein said two sides create a path for channeling an effluent/air mixture containing engine wash water from said engine to said at least one droplet separator panel; and separating said engine wash water from said air with said at least one droplet separator panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: EcoServices, LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Rice, David G. Diamos, William J. Welch
  • Publication number: 20140150823
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed toward methods of cleaning and descaling surfaces contaminated with food soils, especially clean-in-place systems. More particularly, the methods according to the present invention also provide for sanitizing of surfaces contaminated with food soils. Thus, there is provided a single cleaning cycle that may clean, sanitize, and descale food-soiled surfaces, and in certain embodiments, without the need for a pre-rinse step, using a non-chlorine detergent composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Delaval Holding AB
    Inventors: Fahim U. Ahmed, Bruno Van Den Bossche
  • Publication number: 20140144381
    Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus component (101), to which a nitride semiconductor expressed by a general formula of AlxInyGa1-x-yN (provided that, x and y satisfy relationships of 0?x<1, 0?y<1, and 0?x+y<1) adheres, is disposed inside a washing apparatus (100) provided with a gas introducing pipe (104) and a gas discharging pipe (105). After the inside of the apparatus is set to a decompressed state, a halogen-containing gas is introduced from the gas introducing pipe (104) to set a pressure inside the apparatus to be equal to or more than 10 kPa and equal to or less than 90 kPa. Then, the halogen-containing gas is retained inside the apparatus to remove the nitride semiconductor adhered to the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus component (101).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: FURUKAWA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masashi Mizuta, Yuichi Yaguchi, Yutaka Nishikori
  • Patent number: 8734587
    Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for washing, storing and transporting concrete wastewater washed from concrete conveying chutes associated with a concrete mixing truck. The apparatus comprises a fluid container having a first opening and a pair of arms extending upwardly above the container. Each end of the arms distal from the container is adapted to mate with a first end of a first concrete chute member and to removably retain the first concrete chute member such that a second end of the first concrete chute member is higher than the first end and the first end is disposed above the first opening in the fluid container. The container is attachable to a concrete mixing truck such that a second concrete chute member attached to the concrete mixing truck can be positioned above the first concrete chute member while the first concrete chute member is mated with the arms. A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Greg Pruyn, Bradley T. Burke
  • Patent number: 8733375
    Abstract: A water conducting household appliance, particularly a dishwasher or a washing machine, having a hydraulic circuit, in which cleaning fluid can be recycled and in which at least one further filter is provided for filtering recycled washing liquor. In an exemplary embodiment, the appliance includes a filter in the hydraulic circuit for filtering recycled washing liquor. The filter may be disposed in a region of the hydraulic circuit in which the recycled washing liquor is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Egbert Classen, Helmut Jerg, Hans-Peter Nannt, Kai Paintner, Thomas Wachinger
  • Publication number: 20140137891
    Abstract: A self directed pool cleaning vehicle comprising a body carrying water inlet and outlet ports with the inlet port being located on the bottom of the body with the body containing a filter is described. A drive mechanism propels the vehicle in two generally opposed directions. Two axles which each carry two wheels support the body and control its direction of movement. One axle is mounted to the body via slots that extend in the directions of motion such that this axle can move toward either end of the slots. A steering structure is provided with a portion that moves to close a portion of one of the slots and can be locked in a position that prevents one end of an axle from traversing its slot. Thus when this axle is the trialing axle it is held at other than a right angle to the two generally opposed directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: AQUA PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Ethan Hanan, Kameshwar Durvasula, William Londono Correa, Aleksander Klebanov, Jason Zerweck, Tony Gatta
  • Publication number: 20140130829
    Abstract: A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a washing chamber, a liquid spraying system, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path, and a liquid filtering system. The liquid filter system includes a rotating filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: JORDAN R. FOUNTAIN, RODNEY M. WELCH
  • Patent number: 8719986
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a control method of a washing machine which minimizes damage to laundry to be washed. The control method includes executing a washing cycle to wash laundry to be washed by supplying wash water, dissolving detergent in wash water and washing the laundry, executing a rinsing cycle to rinse the laundry by draining wash water, spin-drying the laundry, and rinsing the laundry, and executing a spin-drying cycle to spin-dry the laundry by draining wash water and spin-drying the laundry, wherein the dissolving of the detergent is carried out at a water level lower than a predetermined reference water level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Pyounghwan Kim, Hyungyong Kim, Seogkyu Park, Youngkee Oh, Deughee Lee, Eunjin Park, Taehyok Kwon
  • Publication number: 20140128296
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising tunable polymeric surfactants and methods for enhanced oil recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Soane Energy, LLC
    Inventors: David S. Soane, Robert P. Mahoney, Rosa Casado Portilla
  • Publication number: 20140116467
    Abstract: A method for treating contaminated sand from a production waste pit, the method includes pre-treating the contaminated sand to recover at least one non-radioactive contaminant from the contaminated sand, washing the contaminated sand with a dissolver solution and water to remove naturally occurring radioactive material from the sand, recovering the dissolver solution from the sand, treating the water to remove all contaminants, and collecting the treated sand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicants: OILFIELD MINERAL SOLUTIONS LIMITED, M-I DRILLING FLUIDS UK LIMITED
    Inventors: M-I DRILLING FLUIDS UK LIMITED, OILFIELD MINERAL SOLUTIONS LIMITED
  • Patent number: 8709164
    Abstract: Methods are provided for making a treatment composition by loading active components into a high pressure vessel and pressurizing the high pressure vessel with carbon dioxide to reach a pressure within the high pressure vessel of about 400 pounds per square inch to about 1,070 pounds per square inch. The active components can include a protein denaturant and a surfactant, and optionally an acaricide. In one particular embodiment, this method can be used to clean a substrate, by loading the substrate into the high pressure vessel prior to pressurizing with carbon dioxide. Methods are also provided for treating a substrate to clean it from dust mites by delivering dry ice particles to the substrate, and vacuuming the substrate. Treatment compositions are also generally provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: Michael A. Matthews, Jian Zhang, Allan M. Quick
  • Publication number: 20140113818
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a surfactant composition, consisting of 70 wt %-99.9 wt % sophorolactone, 0-1 wt % sophorolipid acid, less than 0.1% residual substrate, and remainder water. The invention further relates to products comprising this composition or hydrolysates thereof. The invention also relates to uses of these products and hydrolysates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: ECOVER CO-ORDINATION CENTER N.V.
    Inventors: Dirk Develter, Mark Renkin
  • Publication number: 20140109933
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a cleaning apparatus of magnetic nanoparticles and a cleaning method of magnetic nanoparticles using the same. The cleaning apparatus of magnetic nanoparticles includes: a cleaning bath into which a solvent and magnetic nanoparticles are fed; a magnet member that is formed at a lower portion of the cleaning bath to separate the magnetic nanoparticles; and a discharge means that discharges the solvent from which the magnetic nanoparticles are separated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jung Wook Seo, Tae Ho Kim, Young Ku Lyu, Kwang Myung Kim, Kwan Lee, Dong Hoon Kim
  • Publication number: 20140102479
    Abstract: A system for removing material from a container includes a plurality of fluid delivery devices, one or more pumps, and a control system. The fluid delivery devices may include jets that can stream fluid across a surface of the container and pipes that can carry liquid to the jets. The control system can control flow to the fluid delivery devices to selectively allow flow from the system to two or more different zones in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Carl Alan Steffen, Dave Koontz