Including Regeneration, Purification, Recovery Or Separation Of Agent Used Patents (Class 134/10)
  • Publication number: 20120318295
    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 rotating filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: KRISTOPHER L. DELGADO, JORDAN R. FOUNTAIN, JACQUELYN R. GEDA, ANTONY M. RAPPETTE, RODNEY M. WELCH
  • Patent number: 8333844
    Abstract: A method for separating an oil-substance mixture includes communicating the oil-substance mixture into a first separator tank to separate the oil from the substance, and communicating a remaining portion of the oil-substance mixture into a second separator tank to separate the oil from the substance of the remaining portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventors: Jake Teichroeb, Juan Wiebe S.
  • Publication number: 20120312324
    Abstract: A microbubble cleaning system includes a tank in which a solution into which a product is immersed to clean the product is stored; supplying means for putting microbubbles into the solution and supplying the solution that includes the microbubbles into the tank; oil separating apparatus that collects bubbles that have risen to a surface of the solution stored in the tank as a result of cleaning the product, as well as a portion of the solution that is near the surface of the solution, in order to separate oil from the solution; generating means for generating a surface flow of the solution near the surface of the solution in order to remove the bubbles that have risen to the surface of the solution in the tank; and removing means for removing carbon dioxide from air that is used to generate the microbubbles by the supplying means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kozuka, Masahiro Inoue, Kanji Imura, Yuji Nemoto
  • Publication number: 20120305026
    Abstract: A film-forming method and a substrate processing apparatus are provided, which are capable of improving productivity of an epitaxial film of GaN by increasing the number of substrates to be processed at one time. The substrate processing apparatus for processing a substrate including an epitaxial film includes: a processing chamber configured to process the substrate, a gas supply unit configured supply a source gas for forming the epitaxial film and a cleaning gas into the processing chamber, and a control unit configured to control at least an inside temperature and an inside pressure of the processing chamber, wherein the control unit controls the gas supply unit to supply the cleaning gas into the processing chamber when the inside temperature and the inside pressure of the processing chamber reach a predetermined temperature and a predetermined pressure, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: HITACHI KOKUSAI ELECTRIC INC.
    Inventors: Hisashi Nomura, Yohei Noguchi, Shinichi Noguchi, Tomoshi Taniyama
  • Patent number: 8323418
    Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher having a treating chamber for washing utensils for removing wash liquid with soil particles from the treating chamber and storing a portion of the removed wash liquid for subsequent use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Bernhard J. Mohrbacher, Artur Przekora, Scott D. Slabbekoorn, Barry E. Tuller
  • Patent number: 8323415
    Abstract: A method for recovering ruthenium oxide or gold and titanium or titanium oxide from a bipolar plate at the end of the life of a fuel cell stack so as to use these materials in other fuel cell stacks thereafter. The bipolar plate is immersed in a solution including a suitable acid that dissolves the titanium or titanium oxide. The ruthenium oxide or gold will be released from the plate and will float on the solution from which it can be removed. The solution is then heated to evaporate the acid solution leaving a powder of the titanium oxide. The stainless steel of the bipolar plate is thus cleaned of the titanium or titanium oxide, and can be reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Youssef M. Mikhail, Richard H. Blunk
  • Patent number: 8323500
    Abstract: A process for removing water from solid material using liquid-solid extraction and liquid-liquid extraction. In most embodiments, multiple solvents are used to step-wise remove the water from the solids and obtain dry solids. Multiple solvents facilitate the removal of the water from the solids, by step-wise replacing the water with a solvent, replacing that solvent with a different solvent, and then eventually removing the second solvent from the solids. The process utilizes a lesser amount of thermal energy to dry the solids and separate the solvents than conventionally used in drying processes. The first solvent selected has a lower heat of vaporization, enthalphy of vaporization, boiling point, or other such physical property, than water. Each subsequent solvent has a still lower heat of vaporization, enthalphy of vaporization, boiling point, or other such physical property then its predecessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: KFI Intellectual Properties, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert A. Wills, James A. Faulconbridge
  • Publication number: 20120298140
    Abstract: A fluid screen for a washing machine, and a washing machine including a fluid screen, is provided. The fluid screen includes a generally planar member including a first end and a second end extending from the first end. The first end is mounted within the wash tank of the washing machine at a location generally in proximity to an operating fluid level within the wash tank. During operation of the washing machine, fluid circulates within the wash tank to create a rolling wash action and the second end of the fluid screen extends from the first end generally in the direction of fluid flow across the surface of the wash tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: JOHN W. CANTRELL, MARK CHURCHILL
  • Patent number: 8317930
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a substrate (e.g., wafer) in the fabrication of semiconductor devices utilizing electrorheological (ER) and magnetorheological (MR) fluids to remove contaminant residual particles from the substrate surface are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Nishant Sinha
  • Patent number: 8317934
    Abstract: A first application of a cleaning material is made to a surface of a substrate. The cleaning material includes one or more viscoelastic materials for entrapping contaminants present on the surface of the substrate. A first application of a rinsing fluid is made to the surface of the substrate so as to rinse the cleaning material from the surface of the substrate. The first application of the rinsing fluid is also performed to leave a residual thin film of the rinsing fluid on the surface of the substrate. A second application of the cleaning material is made to the surface of the substrate having the residual thin film of rinsing fluid present thereon. A second application of the rinsing fluid is then made to the surface of the substrate so as to rinse the cleaning material from the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Arnold Kholodenko, Katrina Mikhaylichenko, Cheng-Yu (Sean) Lin, Mark Wilcoxson, Leon Ginzburg, Mark Kawaguchi
  • Publication number: 20120291805
    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: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: BARRY E. TULLER, RODNEY M. WELCH
  • Publication number: 20120291806
    Abstract: Provided are a system and method capable of providing a sulfuric acid solution containing peroxosulfuric acid for use in cleaning even in an installation-limited space such as a clean room while suppressing the fluid pressure in a heating part such as a rapid heating heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: KURITA WATER INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Minoru Uchida, Toru Otsu
  • Publication number: 20120273004
    Abstract: A self-propelled cleaning apparatus for cleaning a submerged surface of a pool or tank includes a housing having a front portion as defined by the direction of movement of the apparatus when propelled by a water jet, an opposing rear portion and adjoining side portions defining the periphery of the apparatus, and a baseplate with at least one water inlet. Rotationally-mounted supports are coupled proximate the front and rear portions of the housing to enable movement of the apparatus over the submerged surface. A water pump is configured to draw water and debris from the pool through the inlet for filtering. A stationary directional discharge conduit is in fluid communication with the pump and has at least one discharge opening through which a pressurized stream of water forming the water jet is directionally discharged at an acute angle with respect to the surface over which the apparatus is moving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: AQUA PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Giora Erlich, Zibor Horvath
  • Publication number: 20120266918
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a particle filter, in particular for combustion engines, includes the steps of adding heat to the inner of the particle filter during a certain time period in order to burn off the enclosed particles, to add liquid material to the inner of the filter during a certain time period in order to remove the burnt particles from the particle filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: STOCKFORSA INVEST AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventor: Mickael HÃ¥kansson
  • Publication number: 20120260948
    Abstract: A cleaning device may include a solution tank configured to store cleaning solution. The solution tank may include an inlet and an outlet. The cleaning device may include at least one discharge line filter in fluid communication with the solution tank and a pump having a pump intake and a pump discharge. The pump may be configured to direct cleaning solution from the solution tank outlet through the at least one discharge line filter. The cleaning device may include a cleaning head in fluid communication with the pump discharge and a bypass line in fluid communication with the pump discharge and the inlet. The bypass line may be configured to divert cleaning solution received from the pump discharge away from the cleaning head and toward the solution tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: INTELLIBOT ROBOTICS LLC
    Inventors: Stephen J. Balas, Stephen D. Herr, Henry L. Hillman, JR., Victor Chi-Chih Huang, Ralph McCann, Kevin L. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120260942
    Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher having a treating chamber for washing utensils includes executing a cycle of operation having at least one liquid supplying phase, removing at least some of the supplied liquid, storing the removed liquid, and later reusing at least some of the stored liquid in the same or subsequent phase or in the same or subsequent cycle of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: SCOTT D. SLABBEKOORN, ELLIOTT V. STOWE, BARRY E. TULLER, CHAD T. VANDERROEST
  • Patent number: 8287655
    Abstract: A method of cleaning dirt and debris from surfaces using a cleaning device, such as a vacuum cleaner. The cleaning device has a handle unit which is attached to the body of the cleaning device adjacent a filter compartment. The handle unit has a handle portion that is spaced from the filter compartment to allow a user to place his or her hand through the space and grasp the handle portion and thereby carry the cleaning device using only the handle unit. The handle unit can also be detached from the body of the cleaning device, and then later re-attached, via lockable mating connecting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Stein & Co. GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Stein, Achim Liffers
  • Patent number: 8287653
    Abstract: A method of debris removal is provided. The method includes positioning a nanometer-scaled tip adjacent to a piece of debris on a substrate. The method also includes adhering the piece of debris to the tip. In addition, the method also includes removing the piece of debris from the substrate by moving the tip away from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Rave, LLC
    Inventors: Tod Evan Robinson, Bernabe J. Arruza, Kenneth Gilbert Roessler
  • Publication number: 20120255578
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted apparatus for high-pressure fluid blasting to remove material from or otherwise treat a surface, the apparatus comprising: a high-pressure fluid supply connected to a nozzle assembly containing at least one nozzle, the nozzle assembly being supported for movement along a track mounted transversely on the vehicle; and a suction device for conveying airflow and removed material through a conduit from the nozzle assembly to a treatment zone within the vehicle, the treatment zone having a separation means for accumulating removed material, a means for conveying airflow from the separation means to the suction device, and a to means for conveying the removed material to a storage zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen Holmes Robinson
  • Publication number: 20120255577
    Abstract: A method of implementing cleaning solution replacement in a recyclable fluid cleaning system for semiconductor wafers includes activating electrode current for an electrolysis reactor included in the cleaning system. At least one of electrode voltage and operating time for the electrolysis reactor is monitored, until a trigger point has been reached. The trigger point includes one of the electrode voltage reaching a predetermined threshold voltage value, a process time counter reaching a predetermined counter value, and a time value that the electrode voltage has been at the threshold voltage value reaching predetermined value. The process time counter is incremented based on one or more of actual wafer processing time, wafer type, number of wafers processed, and thickness of material to be stripped. Upon reaching the trigger point, the electrode current is deactivated, and at least a portion of cleaning system fluid is drained and replaced with fresh cleaning fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard O. Henry, David F. Hilscher, Sandi E. Merritt, Charles J. Taft, Robert W. Zigner, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120247509
    Abstract: A method of washing anode slime from lead-bismuth alloy electrolysis is disclosed, wherein a lead fluorosilicate solution with high concentration can be obtained by using the anode slime from lead-bismuth alloy electrolysis as raw material, which is characterized in that the method includes the following steps: (1) pretreating the anode slime, (2) primarily soaking the anode slime, (3) secondarily soaking the anode slime. A method of washing anode slime from lead-bismuth alloy electrolysis, and obtaining a soaking solution containing a lot of lead ions and fluorosilicic anions is provided. The soaking supernatant is added directly into the electrolyte-circulating system of lead-bismuth alloy electrolysis, which increases the utilization rate of lead ions and fluorosilicic anions, and improves the environment for smelting bismuth and silver, while reduces production cost for smelting lead, bismuth and silver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Guorong Lin, Huanrong Yu, Jihong Li
  • Patent number: 8277647
    Abstract: An effluent collection unit for engine washing is formed by a portable trailer having a plurality of sides forming an internal compartment and an effluent collection system positioned within the internal compartment, which effluent collection device captures engine wash water effluent when the trailer is placed in an operational configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Rice, David G. Diamos, William J. Welch
  • Patent number: 8277565
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing residues of hazardous materials from vapor in a tank (1), wherein such a vapor is heated, passed outside the tank and subsequently cooled and the remaining dry vapor is recirculated, characterized in that a) said vapor is heated to a temperature of at least 5° C. above the melting point and below the self ignition point of the hazardous material, b) the vapor mixture thus formed is passed by means of a pump (3) from the tank through a discharge unit to a recovery unit, c) is cooled to a temperature of at least 5° C. lower and above the melting point of the hazardous material in a recovery unit, d) the liquid components of the vapor are recovered and the dry gas mixture is recirculated to the tank after reheating to the desired temperature, e) said recirculation being repeated as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: VCS Global Systems B.V.
    Inventor: Perry Van Der Bogt
  • Publication number: 20120240958
    Abstract: A substrate treatment apparatus includes a treatment vessel in which a substrate is accommodated, a treatment liquid supply unit, a chamber enclosing the treatment vessel, a substrate holding unit, a circulation unit and a control unit. The circulation unit circulates the treatment liquid from the treatment vessel through a circulation path extending through a filter and a temperature controller and spouts the treatment liquid toward the substrate accommodated in the treatment vessel to recover the treatment liquid in the treatment vessel. The control unit controls the liquid surface level of the treatment liquid retained in the treatment vessel below the substrate held at a substrate treatment position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Ayumi HIGUCHI, Yoshiyuki FUJITANI, Takemitsu MIURA, Rei TAKEAKI
  • Patent number: 8273185
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a vehicle exhaust system filter (1), the filter (1) having a first end (11) and a second end (10) and comprising a plurality of elongate channels (6) containing debris (19) to be removed, comprises the steps of: (i) providing a chamber (14) having an outlet in fluid communication with the first end (11) of the filter (1); (ii) covering the second end (10) of the filter (1) to hinder fluid flow out of the second end of the filter; (iii) introducing a flow of liquid into the chamber (14); (iv) stopping the flow of liquid into the chamber (14) when the chamber and channels (6) of the filter are substantially filled with liquid; (v) introducing a pulse of compressed gas into the chamber (14), and (vi) uncovering the second end (11) of the filter (1) to allow the gas to force said debris (19) and liquid (17) out of the second end (10) of the filter (1). The invention also provides apparatus for use in the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Ceramex Limited
    Inventors: David Herbert Milles, Peter Ivan Forster
  • Publication number: 20120234353
    Abstract: A self-contained, mobile system for cleaning trash receptacles. The system comprises a water system and a lift system that work in conjunction with each other to provide an automated method for cleaning trash receptacles. The water system acts as a water purification system minimizing waste of the cleaning solution and maximizing efficiency. The system may be adapted to clean multiple trash receptacles sequentially or simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Patrick John Wiley, James William Joyce
  • Patent number: 8268082
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump assembly which functions to chop all fluid entrained soil prior to directing fluid to upper and lower wash arms. A flow conduit leading to the upper wash arm is provided with a sampling port which directs a percentage of the fluid flow into a filter chamber having one or more fine mesh filter screens that open into the dishwasher tub basin. The filter chamber receives washing fluid through a sampling port that interconnects with the flow conduit. The filter chamber can be fluidly connected to a drain based on the position of a valve which opens when washing fluid recirculation ceases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Whirpool Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Elick, Barry E. Tuller
  • Publication number: 20120227767
    Abstract: A washing machine suitable to effect a washing treatment, thermo-disinfection and possible drying of objects, including a washing chamber in which the objects to be treated are disposed, and a washing circuit including a plurality of exit paths for a washing liquid to be distributed toward the objects to be treated. On the bottom of the washing chamber, in association with a corresponding discharge aperture, valve means to discharge the washing liquid are disposed, which are directly connected to a pipe that discharges directly into the sewerage system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: STEELCO SPA
    Inventor: Fabio ZARDINI
  • Publication number: 20120222704
    Abstract: This invention is generally directed to a new metal parts quenching medium recycling apparatus. This device is composed of a heating furnace, a spray rinsing chamber, an immersion cleaning tank, a washing chamber, a liquid storage tank, a quenching chamber and a molten and mixing tank, in present invention, the recovering and recycling of quenching medium is carried out automatically in the molten and mixing tank, providing a minimized workload and safely procedure to recover and recycle the quenching medium. This procedure eliminates both the loss of the quenching medium, and the related environmental pollution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Changzhi Fu, Yuxuan Fu
  • Patent number: 8257506
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cost saving liquid-treatment unit (100). According to the invention, a control unit (152), which is connected to an input port of a control valve (118, 120, 122), is adapted to set, in dependence on the evaporation rate of a treatment liquid on the substrate at the given or desired temperature of the substrate and/or at the given or desired pressure of a gaseous ambient atmosphere at the substrate, a number of dispense pulses to be applied to the substrate for the liquid treatment, a respective pulse duration of individual dispense pulses, and respective dispense-interruption time spans between the individual dispense pulses. This way, the use of treatment liquid is reduced to a minimum amount, thus reducing costs for providing and cleaning treatment liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Olivier Dubreuil, Srdjan Kordic, Theodore Carambeeris
  • Publication number: 20120216833
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method and apparatus for ex-situ cleaning of a chamber component. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method and apparatus for endpoint detection during ex-situ cleaning of a chamber component used in a semiconductor processing chamber. In one embodiment, a system for cleaning parts disposed in a liner with a cleaning fluid is provided. The system comprises a portable cart, a liquid particle counter (LPC) carried by the portable cart, the LPC configured for detachable coupling to a fluid outlet port formed through the liner, the LPC operable to sample rinsate solution exiting the line, and a pump carried by the portable cart and configured for fluid coupling to the liner in a detachable manner, the pump operable to recirculate rinsate solution through the liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Jiansheng Wang, Barbara Stanczyk, Wendell Boyd, JR., Kevin A. Papke, Joseph F. Sommers, David Do
  • Publication number: 20120216834
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cleaner concentrate comprising: greater than 10 weight percent of a freezing point depressant, 0.5 to 35 weight percent of oxalic acid, and an azole compound, wherein weight percent is based on the total weight of the cleaner concentrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Prestone Products Corporation
    Inventors: Bo Yang, Peter M. Woyciesjes
  • Publication number: 20120211026
    Abstract: A plurality of reagent dispensing tips (15) are inserted through frustoconical openings (28) in a cover (16) of a cleaning chamber in the form of intersecting axial bores (14) and sprayed with wash fluid from spray passages (34) in the peripheral wall (20) of the cover (16). Wash fluid from the spray passages (34) and flowing through the reagent dispensing tips (15), if hollow, can be drained from the cleaning chamber through a drain port (42). Air is drawn through the frustoconical openings (28) around the reagent dispensing tips (15) into the cleaning chamber, through filter element (64) and from a waste chamber (50) by a vacuum source (78) to remove wash fluid from and otherwise dry the reagent dispensing tips (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Jerome Schoeneck
  • Patent number: 8246753
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a jet engine comprises storing fluid comprising water in a water holding tank. The water is heated to create heated fluid. The let engine desired to be cleaned is at least partially covered with a waterproof cover, and a J-hook is inserted into the jet engine and affixed to a front compressor stator of a second compressor stage of the jet engine. An input hose is coupled between the storage tank and the waterproof cover and the J-hook is coupled to the input hose. The heated fluid is injected into the jet engine via the input hose and J-hook, which directs the heated fluid inside the jet engine. The resultant effluent is collected in the waterproof cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Aero Jet Wash LLC
    Inventor: Shahin Tadayon
  • Patent number: 8246754
    Abstract: A process for removing ink from a printed media substrate. Such process includes the step of providing a media substrate including an ink printed image wherein the ink composition or the media substrate contains photolabile entities. Then the process includes the step of applying UV light on the printed substrate wherein the emitted UV light has a wavelength value which is below the threshold wavelength of the photolabile entities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Krzysztof Nauka, Sivapackia Ganapathiappan, Manoj K. Bhattacharyya
  • Patent number: 8241429
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing aromatic hydrocarbons from coke-oven gas. The coke-oven gas is contacted with a wash liquid in a gas scrubber, and aromatic hydrocarbons are separated by absorption from the coke-oven gas. Subsequently the wash liquid enriched with aromatic hydrocarbons is heated, and the aromatic hydrocarbons are stripped from the wash liquid using water vapor. After cooling the wash liquid is finally returned to the gas scrubber. According to the invention biodiesel is used as the wash liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: UHDE GmbH
    Inventors: Diethmar Richter, Holger Thielert, Guenter Wozny
  • Publication number: 20120199161
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for cleaning a nuclear fuel element in a liquid filled space. The fuel element comprises an inner space with an opening. The apparatus comprises a connecting element, which is adapted to be connected to a portion of the fuel element, which comprises said opening and flow means, which is adapted to create, at least during a part of a cleaning process of the fuel element, a liquid flow through inner space of the fuel element via said opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Ilija Bijelovic, Stefan Arlmark
  • Patent number: 8235580
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of controlling fluids in a semiconductor processing system includes mixing two or more chemical compounds in a blender to produce a solution and supplying the solution to a reclaim tank, where the solution is dispense to a process station. The solution can be monitored at a location between the tank and the process station to determine whether at least one of the chemical compounds is at a predetermined concentration. Upon determining that the at least one chemical compound in the solution is at the predetermined concentration the solution is flowed to the process station. The method further includes removing at least a portion of the solution from the process station and returning the removed portion of the solution to the reclaim tank. The removed portion of the solution is monitored at a location between the process station and the reclaim tank to determine whether at least one of the chemical compounds in the removed portion of the solution is at a predetermined concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Air Liquide Electronics U.S. LP
    Inventors: Norbert Fanjat, Karl J. Urquart, Axel Soulet, Laurent Langellier
  • Patent number: 8226775
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide methods for cleaning patterned substrates with fine features. The methods for cleaning patterned substrate have advantages in cleaning patterned substrates with fine features without substantially damaging the features by using the cleaning materials described. The cleaning materials are fluid, either in liquid phase, or in liquid/gas phase, and deform around device features; therefore, the cleaning materials do not substantially damage the device features or reduce damage all together. The cleaning materials containing polymers of a polymeric compound with large molecular weight capture the contaminants on the substrate. In addition, the cleaning materials entrap the contaminants and do not return the contaminants to the substrate surface. The polymers of one or more polymeric compounds with large molecular weight form long polymer chains, which can also be cross-linked to form a network (or polymeric network).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: David S. L. Mui, Satish Srinivasan, Grant Peng, Ji Zhu, Shih-Chung Kon, Dragan Podlesnik, Arjun Mendiratta
  • Patent number: 8221554
    Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher containing a volume of liquid for prewashing includes the steps of spraying items in the dishwasher by operating a circulation pump assembly to achieve prewashing with only the volume of liquid; filtering the volume of liquid with a filter assembly to remove particles from the items by operating the circulation pump assembly; and flushing the particles out of the filter assembly using at least some of the volume liquid by operating a drain pump assembly. Related filter assemblies and dishwasher designs are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ramasamy Thiyagarajan
  • Publication number: 20120174948
    Abstract: A process is provided for removing polymeric fouling on process equipment surfaces to restore the efficiency of such equipment. This is accomplished by contacting the fouled equipment with a solvent comprising at least one non-aromatic hydrocarbon compound, or a mixture of one or more non-aromatic organic compounds and one or more aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, for a period of time sufficient to remove the polymeric fouling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Dorton, Gary Gardner, SR.
  • Publication number: 20120174949
    Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher having a treating chamber for washing utensils for removing wash liquid with soil particles from the treating chamber and storing a portion of the removed wash liquid for subsequent use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: BERNHARD J. MOHRBACHER, ARTUR PRZEKORA, SCOTT D. SLABBEKOORN, BARRY E. TULLER
  • Patent number: 8211240
    Abstract: A method removes organic liquids from surfaces or volumes by identifying the presence of organic liquids on a surface or within a volume; providing absorbent, solid non-glass inorganic particles onto areas of the surface or within a volume where the organic liquids are present; absorbing or adsorbing organic liquids into the particles; and removing the particles with organic liquid therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: David H. Morgan
  • Patent number: 8211239
    Abstract: A method for cleaning used beer kegs employing an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid, nitric acid and one or more surfactants, e.g., a detergent and/or wetting agent. Preferably, the aqueous cleaning solution has a total nitric acid content of 12 wt % or less. Complete cleaning can be achieved without using any caustic. The cleaning solution can be recycled repeatedly to clean multiple kegs on numerous occasions over a period of time, e.g., several weeks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Birko Corporation
    Inventor: Dana J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8202429
    Abstract: Foreign substances which are not inherently contained in a polishing slurry are selectively separated and removed from a polishing slurry component comprised of abrasives, a solvent and an additive which are inherently contained in the polishing slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Nomura Micro Science Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsugu Abe, Masamitsu Iiyama
  • Publication number: 20120145192
    Abstract: A portable or fixed vehicle wash system that includes a collection tank having a floor and an opening. The wash system further includes a vehicle drive platform positioned above at least a portion of the opening of the collection tank. A water jet delivery system is positioned directly under the drive platform for delivering a cleansing amount of water to the vehicle. A two stage separation system that has a collection surface positioned beneath the drive platform, is in communication with the collection tank for depositing the collected water. The two stage separation system has a first large debris removal system and a second fine debris removal system. The first large debris removal system collects large debris from the collected water for removal from the collection tank, and the second fine debris removal system collects small debris suspended in the collected water after the collected water moves from the first large debris removal system to the second fine debris removal system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Darcy Glen MacKinnon
  • Publication number: 20120145194
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a reservoir for storing washing fluid, and a control device configured for calling up at least one dishwashing program for controlling a washing cycle for washing items to be washed in a washing chamber and at least one preheating program for controlling a preheating cycle for preheating washing fluid for a washing cycle separately from each other. The preheating cycle includes a heating phase during which washing fluid is circulated and the circulated washing fluid is heated. The preheating cycle has downstream of the heating phase a pumping phase during which previously circulated and heated washing fluid is pumped into the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Jerg, Michael Georg Rosenbauer, Franz-Josef Wagner
  • Publication number: 20120145193
    Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher having a wash tub and a reuse tank for storing liquid for subsequent reuse, wherein the condition of the water in the reuse tank may be monitored and/or acted upon to limit the likelihood of undesired effects associated with the growth of micro-organisms in the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: JOSEF A. BUSER, KRISTOPHER L. DELGADO, SCOTT D. SLABBEKOORN, CRISTIAN A. SOTO, ELLIOTT V. STOWE
  • 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: 8197606
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate cleaning method for prevent damage to a pattern formed on a substrate. The substrate cleaning method includes cleaning the substrate by striking cleaning particulates carried in a flow of dry air or inert gas against a surface of the substrate, and removing the cleaning particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Tsukasa Watanabe, Naoki Shindo, Hiroki Ohno, Kenji Sekiguchi