With Liquid-moving Recirculation, Or Flow Reversing, And Straining Means Patents (Class 134/111)
  • Patent number: 8327861
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for using various megasonic apparatus including megasonic tanks, scanning megasonic plates, megasonic jets, and megasonic sweeping beams etc., in combination with selective chemistries to remove sub-micron particulate contaminants from the surfaces of the processing equipment used in semiconductor, medical, or any other processing environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Yaobo Yin, Linda (Tong) Jiang
  • Publication number: 20120305034
    Abstract: A fluid pump volute offshoot system for debris diversion and collection, a solids collection system, and related methods, for a pot and pan, or other, similar, washing machine is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: JOHN W. CANTRELL, MARK CHURCHILL, DAVID ROBERT GAST, MICHAEL P. LICATA, JOSHUA H. HUISENGA
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8313584
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted cleaning device cleans a series of large garbage containers at one at time, while recycling, reusing and retaining the cleaning fluid, until disposal thereof is required. The vehicle mounted cleaning device permits the vehicle to be maneuvered down a street. The cleaning device has a cleaning bin or wash bay to receive the garbage or trash container. A cleaning fluid tank communicates with nozzles in the wash bay to provide fluid for cleaning the garbage container. After the fluid is used to clean the garbage container, it is filtered, treated and returned to the cleaning fluid tank for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Rapid Wash Group, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ernest Szabo
  • Publication number: 20120266912
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and apparatus for cleaning a substrate, in particular a semiconductor substrate such as a silicon wafer. The substrate is placed in a tank containing a cleaning liquid, at an angle with respect to acoustic waves produced in said liquid. The angle corresponds to the angle of transmission, i.e. the angle at which waves are not reflected off the substrate surface. A damping material is provided in the tank, arranged to absorb substantially all waves thus transmitted through the substrate. A significant improvement in terms of cleaning efficiency is obtained by the method of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicants: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, K.U. Leuven R&D, IMEC
    Inventors: Paul Mertens, Steven Brems, Elisabeth Camerotto, Marc Hauptmann
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8276602
    Abstract: A garbage collecting apparatus of a dishwasher, mounted in a dishwasher such that washing water is pumped by a washing pump to wash garbage on targets to be washed, and then such used washing water is drained by a drain pump, the apparatus including a first garbage collecting net, and a second garbage collecting net having a mesh size relatively greater than that of the first garbage collecting net, whereby various sizes of garbage can be filtered by the garbage collecting apparatus, so as to automatically be discharged to the exterior, and also a decomposition, a displeasure, an inconvenience due to washing of the collecting nets and the like which may be caused when such garbage remains in the garbage collecting apparatus can be solved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Kyung-Rae Kim
  • 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
  • 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: 8252121
    Abstract: A warewasher for washing wares includes a chamber for receiving wares. The chamber has an associated liquid delivery system for spraying liquid onto wares within the chamber. A tank collects the sprayed liquid. A liquid recirculation system moves liquid from the tank back to the liquid delivery system. A drain system is located within the tank. The drain system includes a well, a liquid recirculation system inlet within the well and a drain opening within the well. A drain control assembly includes a drain stopper member and a strainer connected with the drain stopper member. When the drain stopper member is positioned to block flow through the drain opening, the strainer is positioned to block passage of tableware into the well. The strainer is mounted for sliding movement along a length of the drain stopper member enabling, when the drain stopper member is raised slightly to permit flow out of the drain opening, the strainer to remain in position to block passage of tableware into the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brian A. Brunswick, David Fischer, Thomas A. Grueser, Steven H. Kramer, Michael T. Watson
  • Publication number: 20120206549
    Abstract: A wastewater purifying system includes: a wastewater tank which stores wastewater discharged from a washing device which washes a textile subjected to printing by using an inkjet printer; an enzyme/microorganism feeding device which feeds an enzyme and a microorganism which degrade a dye into the wastewater tank; a pH adjusting agent feeding device which feeds a pH adjusting agent into the wastewater tank; a stirring device which stirs the wastewater in the wastewater tank; a heat insulating device which keeps the wastewater tank warm; a filtering device which filters the wastewater by cross-flow filtering using an RO membrane; a pump which pumps the wastewater to the filtering device from the wastewater tank; an ion removing device which removes ions by bringing the filtered water into contact with an ion exchange resin; and a decoloring device which decolors the filtered water by bringing the filtered water into contact with activated carbon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Isao Tabayashi
  • Publication number: 20120199166
    Abstract: A dishwasher has a wash system with a nozzle system with at least one wash nozzle for spraying wash liquid, a wash tank for collecting at least some of the sprayed wash liquid, and a wash pump by means of which wash liquid collected in the wash tank is fed to the at least one wash nozzle. A dirt-collecting system has at least one tank-covering screen, in order to separate off particles of dirt from the wash liquid which has been sprayed and flowed back into the wash tank under gravitational force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: PREMARK FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Harry Braun, Harald Disch, Markus Heidt
  • Patent number: 8236091
    Abstract: A fluid separation apparatus suitable for separating a mixed fluid with different properties and capable of separating a complex fluid mixture efficiently is provided. The fluid separation apparatus includes a sampling entrance, a first separation column, a second separation column, a bypass line, a detector and a guide multi-channel valve. A mixed fluid flows into the first separation column via the sampling entrance. The second separation column is connected to the first separation column in series and connected to the bypass line in parallel. The detector is connected to the second separation column and the bypass line. The guide multi-channel valve has different modes to control a flow-through status and a closed status between the first separation column and the second separation column, between the first separation column and the bypass line, between the second separation column and the detector, and between the bypass line and the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Sheng-Chiang Yang, Shih-Chi Lu, Bing-Joe Hwang
  • Publication number: 20120180824
    Abstract: The dishwasher (1) of the present invention comprises a washing tub (2) wherein items to be washed are placed, a receptacle (3) located at the lower portion of the washing tub (2), a microfilter (5) located in the middle of the receptacle (3), which allows the passing of the water but which holds the residues carried by the water, a circulation pump (4) which returns the water accumulated in the receptacle (3) to the washing tub (2), a suction hose (7) one end of which opens to the circulation pump (4), the other to the receptacle (3), a suction hole (9) to which the end of the suction hose (7) which opens into the receptacle (3) is mounted, and a supply hose (6) one end of which is connected to the mains and the other end of which opens to the receptacle (3). Fresh water from supply hose (6) is directed to the outer surface of the microfilter (5) in order to wash deposits from the internal filter surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Ismail Kokbiyik, Orhan Atabey
  • 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: 20120167928
    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 filtering system includes a rotating filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jordan R. Fountain, Todd M. Jozwiak, Antony M. Rappette, Rodney M. Welch
  • 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: 20120138107
    Abstract: A dishwasher with multiple, physically separate treating chambers includes a pump and filter unit and a system for coupling the separate treating chambers to the pump and filter unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: JORDAN R. FOUNTAIN, BARRY E. TULLER, RODNEY M. WELCH
  • Publication number: 20120138106
    Abstract: A dishwasher with multiple, physically separate treating chambers includes a pump unit, a system for fluidly coupling the separate treating chambers to the pump unit, and a water supply system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: JORDAN R. FOUNTAIN, RODNEY M. WELCH
  • Publication number: 20120138111
    Abstract: An automatic dishwasher having a tub defining a treating chamber and a housing physically separate from the tub and defining a sump to receive liquid sprayed into the tub, the housing having an inlet fluidly connected to a liquid outlet of the tub and an outlet fluidly coupled to a sprayer located within the tub to define a recirculation path for the sprayed liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: BARRY E. TULLER, RODNEY M. WELCH
  • Patent number: 8177915
    Abstract: A filtration system for a dishwasher, and an associated apparatus and method, are provided, comprising a macerator chamber adapted to house a macerator device. The macerator chamber is configured to receive washing fluid for the macerator device to comminute contaminants within the washing fluid. A drain chamber is in fluid communication with the macerator chamber and is configured to receive the washing fluid and comminuted contaminants therefrom via a fluid port therebetween. The drain chamber has a vented member associated therewith, which defines at least one first vent providing fluid communication between the drain chamber and the washing fluid circulation system. The vented member is spaced apart from the fluid port, and is configured to strain the comminuted contaminants from the washing fluid so as to retain the comminuted contaminants within the drain chamber while allowing the washing fluid to pass therethrough to the washing fluid circulation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil J. Francisco, Mark D. Montgomery, Ashish A. Verma, David E. House
  • Publication number: 20120097197
    Abstract: A standard military transportation container is positioned next to a waste water containment pad. Several connections are provided for on the side of container . One of these connectors is a fluid connection for containment pad relocatable waste water sump pump. Another of the connectors provides a power outlet for the system to be connected to an external source of electrical power. A third connector connects a pressure washer to the wash system. A vacuum cleaner connection, is provided on an opposite side of the container so that equipment may be vacuumed and washed simultaneously on opposite sides of the wash system. All connectors are flush mounted into the walls of container thus eliminating any protrusions which could otherwise interfere with container loading resulting in connector breakage and extra difficulties in container handling. A pressure washer, vacuum cleaner, pumps and electrical controls are located in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Todd J. Bullivant, Matthew R. Drozdowicz, Rand K. Drozdowicz
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8118948
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted cleaning device cleans a series of large garbage containers at one at time, while recycling, reusing and retaining the cleaning fluid, until disposal thereof is required. The vehicle mounted cleaning device permits the vehicle to be maneuvered down a street. The cleaning device has a cleaning bin or wash bay to receive the garbage or trash container. A cleaning fluid tank communicates with nozzles in the wash bay to provide fluid for cleaning the garbage container. After the fluid is used to clean the garbage container, it is filtered, treated and returned to the cleaning fluid tank for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Ernest Szabo
  • Publication number: 20120024768
    Abstract: A water-conducting household appliance, in particular a dishwasher, includes a hydraulic circuit for circulation of a wash fluid, and a filter facility which includes a filter element having an inner wall and at least one filter opening for passage of the wash fluid. The filter opening is bounded by the inner wall running around the filter opening. The inner wall has an upstream wall segment and a downstream wall segment, with a gradation being formed at least in a segment between an upstream and downstream wall segment of the inner wall of the filter opening. Additionally or independently hereof, the downstream wall segment has a cross section that increases in a flow direction of the wash fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GMBH
    Inventors: Claus Amann, Johannes Büsing, Javier Garcia Purroy, Manfred Seeßle, Wilhelm Thibaut
  • Patent number: 8088693
    Abstract: There is provided a substrate treatment method for performing treatment by feeding a chemical liquid to a surface of a substrate, in which, before feeding the chemical liquid to a predetermined area of the substrate, a liquid substance having a resistivity lower than that of the chemical liquid is fed to the surface of the substrate so that the liquid substance wets at least the predetermined area, and then, the chemical liquid is fed to the predetermined area so that the treatment is performed on the substrate with the chemical liquid fed to the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshimichi Shiki, Seiji Oda, Hayato Iwamoto, Yoshiya Hagimoto
  • 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: 8037892
    Abstract: A parts washing apparatus comprising a basin having a drain, a reservoir located below the drain, and a solvent filtering and recirculating system. This system comprises a centrifuge filter assembly and a solvent recirculating system. The centrifuge filter assembly in turn comprises a centrifugal filter comprising a receptacle and a replaceable filter element, and also a turbine to drive the centrifugal filter. The centrifuge filter and the turbine are positioned in an enclosing structure to enclose the turbulent flow of the solvent from the centrifuge filter and also enclose the fumes associated with the turbulent flow. Thus, there is a discharge of solvent as less turbulent flow while substantially enclosing the associated fumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Charles T. Magliocca
  • Publication number: 20110226289
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a washing chamber (3) arranged for holding soiled items to be washed, a filter (11), a circulation pump (37), which is operable to create a circulation flow (43) of washing liquid through the washing chamber (3), through the filter (11) and back to the washing chamber (3). The washing chamber (3) is such arranged that, when the flow (43) of washing liquid passes through the washing chamber (3), soil (31) is released from the items to be washed and caught in the flow (43). The filter (11) is such arranged that, when the flow (43) of washing liquid with soil (31) passes through the filter, soil (31) is separated from the flow (43) of washing liquid and caught at the filter (11). The dishwasher (1) further comprises a soil trap (15), which is located separate from the circulation flow (43), and a soil removing unit (25, 26) comprising a transport unit (25) for transport of the soil (31) caught at the filter (11) into the soil trap (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Sarah Förster
  • Patent number: 8020413
    Abstract: In a foreign materials filtering apparatus and a washing machine having the same, owing to a detachable mounting structure between a handle and a front filter and between a rear filter and the front filter, foreign materials collected in a foreign materials filtering space can be easily cleaned. Accordingly, can be solved the conventional problem that a net filter has to be kept inside out at the time of a cleaning process, resulting in causing a user's hands to become dirty. Also, can be solved the conventional problem that there is a difficulty in removing foreign materials from the net filter due to a fibrous characteristic of the net filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang-Hee Yoo, Jong-Deuk Bae, Bo-Young Chang, Young-Bae Park, Ji-Maeng Kim, Soo-Jin Jung, Ae-Na Jo
  • 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: 20110197934
    Abstract: Dishwasher, comprising a first wash circulation system (7) with a wash circulation pump (6) to circulate washing liquid from a sump (5) to at least one spray device (3, 4) arranged in a wash tank (2), wherein a second circulation system (10) comprising a further pump and a filtration device (11) is provided to filter washing liquid independently from actuation of the circulation pump (6) of the first circulation system (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Stefan Fueglein, Rolf Stahlmann
  • Patent number: 7993472
    Abstract: A dish washing machine capable of improving spatial utilization of a washing tub through the enlargement of the washing tub. The dish washing machine includes a washing tub, a sump mounted in the washing tub to receive and pump wash water, a sump housing forming an external appearance of the sump, a washing impeller to pump wash water from the sump housing, a drainage channel disposed at an inner edge of the sump housing, a pump motor surrounded by the drainage pump to drive the washing impeller, and a pump motor receiving part to receive the pump motor. The pump motor receiving part protrudes above the drainage channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eui Soo Kim, Yong Woon Han, Young Ho Kwon, Shimotera Kennichi, Sung Jin Kim, Jung Chan Ryu, Jae Young Choi
  • Patent number: 7980257
    Abstract: Provided is a parts washer that includes a multi-tiered basin, a cleaning fluid and a biological component, living within the fluid, that breaks down organic waste. The multi-tiered basin includes a sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter are interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink member. The false bottom, support grid, and filter are readily removable from the sink member. The tank is partially filled with the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly direct a flow of the cleaning fluid to the basin. The cleaning fluid discharged into the basin flows through a drain hole in the false bottom, through the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole in the bottom panel of the sink member back into the tank for reuse. The cleaning fluid includes, at least, a surfactant that functions to remove organic waste from the parts being washed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Zymo International, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. McClure, Thomas W. McNally
  • Patent number: 7979941
    Abstract: A produce bin washer for washing produce bins of an open-box type may include a housing and a conveyor for advancing a plurality of empty produce bins along a path of travel through the housing. The produce bin washer may include at least one scrubbing brush within the housing adjacent the conveyor and along the path of travel. The produce bin washer may also include a positioner within the housing for sequentially lifting and rotating each empty produce bin from the conveyor onto the at least one scrubbing brush to scrub the interior, and returning the empty produce bin to the conveyor. A sprayer may be within the housing for spraying a cleaning solution onto the empty produce bins, and a collector may also be within the housing for collecting sprayed cleaning solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Clint P. Arrington
  • Patent number: 7980395
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering working fluid in an appliance with a cross-flow filter located within a recirculation circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis L. Kehl
  • Patent number: 7981361
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for circulating a carrier gas containing a chemical deactivating vapor or gas in a chamber. The apparatus includes a housing defining a flow path therethrough. The housing has an inlet end and an outlet end. A blower is provided for conveying a carrier gas containing a chemical deactivating vapor or gas along the flow path. A filter that includes a filter element is provided. The filter is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the filter element is fluidly isolated from the flow path when the filter is in the first position, and the filter element is disposed in the flow path when the filter is in the second position. An actuator is provided for moving the filter between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventor: Michael A. Bacik
  • Patent number: 7980256
    Abstract: This invention relates to a filter system for a household dishwasher comprising a wash space and a liquid circuit that comprises a coarse sieve (33) and one or several fine filters (18, 19). The coarse sieve (33) is movable between at least two positions with the aid of means (29, 31) arranged in the dishwasher. A part of the circulating liquid in the first position (FIG. 3) flows through a collecting part (34) of the coarse sieve (33) whereas the circulating liquid in the second position (FIG. 4) flows outside said collecting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventor: Marcus Hartvigsson
  • Patent number: 7981286
    Abstract: A liquid within a processing tank is caused to overflow, and the overflowing liquid is circulated by a circulation system. In this process, bubbles are discharged into the liquid within the processing tank. Thus, particles within the processing tank are not only carried along by a flow of the liquid but also attach to the bubbles to be carried with the bubbles outwardly of the processing tank. A dip-type substrate processing apparatus removes the particles within the processing tank in a short time with efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ayumi Higuchi, Kenichiro Arai
  • Publication number: 20110162683
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning a surface which is immersed in a liquid, comprising a hollow body, guiding members defining at least one axle, a filtration chamber, at least one electric motor, a pumping device which creates, in a normal cleaning direction through a filtering device, a liquid flux which is discharged via at least one main outlet, and at least one secondary liquid outlet arranged so as to orientate a current of liquid which is discharged in a backward direction via this secondary outlet so that this current creates a secondary hydraulic reaction force which generates a nosing-up torque of the apparatus by the hollow body being pivoted about the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Emmanuel Mastio, Philippe Blanc-Tailleur, Philippe Pichon
  • Patent number: 7967020
    Abstract: A hand held self contained cleaning apparatus includes a reservoir containing a single use cleaning and/or disinfecting liquid, a pump, and a nozzle for directing a spray of the cleaning and/or disinfecting liquid against a soiled nipple of a pacifier or baby bottle cap. The apparatus includes a platform for supporting the pacifier or bottle cap, a mouth for inserting the nipple into an area just above the nozzle, and a separator for preventing dirty liquid from returning to the reservoir. The spray is directed against a soiled nipple to loosen and remove soil from the nipple. After cleaning the pacifier or bottle cap, the dirty cleaning liquid is released so new clean liquid may be used for the next cleaning. The apparatus may be carried with other related items and used to clean the pacifier or bottle cap at any location and in particular away from home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Matthew Jimenez
  • Publication number: 20110146714
    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: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: JORDAN R. FOUNTAIN, RODNEY M. WELCH
  • Patent number: 7964094
    Abstract: A solvent filtration and recovery system for filtration and recovery of a solvent-based liquid used in dry cleaning includes filtration tank having filter chamber with motor-driven spin filters which are selectively operated. A valve and conduit arrangement allows the liquid from dry cleaning to enter the filter chamber for filtering and flows out as filtered liquid while the spin filters are not rotating. The arrangement allows initial at least partial draining of the solvent-based liquid in the filter chamber after such filtration procedure. A recovery tank is in communication with the filtration tank through a main drain. A motor drives the spin filters during a recovery procedure, in which centrifugal force caused by the rotating spin filters for a predetermined amount of time removes by-product from the spin filters, which is drained off from the filtration tank. A reservoir stores the solvent-based liquid and receives the liquid from both the recovery tank and the filtration tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Jim's Formal Wear Co.
    Inventors: Todd Sudholt, Daniel Sims
  • Patent number: 7942156
    Abstract: A screening arrangement for screening washing fluid in a dishwashing appliance is provided. Such a screening arrangement comprises intersecting wall members forming a latticework structure, defining opposing inlet and outlet planes, for receiving the washing fluid therethrough. The wall members have inlet and outlet ends disposed toward the respective inlet and outlet planes. The wall member inlet ends, in cross section, have a non-planar apex portion tapering toward the outlet plane. A circumferential member extends about a periphery of the latticework structure, and at least a portion of the circumferential member is sloped toward the latticework structure so as to direct washing fluid received thereby toward the latticework structure. An associated apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil J. Francisco, Wyatt Wertz, Mark D. Montgomery, Jason M. Patterson, James L. Burrows
  • Patent number: 7938909
    Abstract: An automated method for determining the cleaning operation of a water treatment or water distribution apparatus or system to which one or more substances are added, the method comprising the steps of: (a) conducting one or more measurements of a property of the or an added substance; (b) comparing the property measurement s) from step (a) with at least one reference value for that property; and (c) determining when the comparison in step (b) is within, above or below a pre-determined range or level for that property. The determination in step (c) can consider whether the cleaning operation has been successfully carried out. The present invention automates and therefore optimizes the cleaning operation of the water treatment or distribution apparatus or system such that expensive periods of non-operation during sanitization or cleaning are minimized both in terms of frequency and duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Veolia Water Solutions & Technoloiges Support
    Inventors: Alan Denton Mortimer, Lee Underwood
  • Patent number: 7935195
    Abstract: Multi-tank dishwashers are used, in particular, industrially, in order to clean items which are to be washed. The invention relates to a multi-tank dishwasher which is provided with a washing area. The washing area comprises at least one rinsing water storage tank, at least one filter housing, at least one fine filter and at least one backwash device. In the normal mode, a filter wall of the at least one fine filter is cross flown in the direction from a waste water chamber to a pure water chamber. In order to clean the fine filter, the multi-tank dishwasher can be operated in a backwashing mode, without interrupting the washing process. In said backwashing mode, a cross-flow of the at least one filter wall of the rinsing water is reversed by using a backwash pump and a waste water pump. Dirt particles, which are located on the inner side of the filter wall, are rinsed off and are removed by the waste water pump in the waste water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Bruno Gaus
  • Patent number: 7926310
    Abstract: Disclosed are a foreign materials filtering apparatus and a washing machine having the same. Since a filter cover unit and a filter unit are integrally modularized with each other, a user can separate or mount the filter unit from/to a washing water circulating duct by separating or mounting the filter cover unit from/to the washing water circulating duct. Accordingly, the foreign materials filtering apparatus can be easily detachably mounted at the washing water circulating duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang-Hee Yoo, Jong-Deuk Bae, Bo-Young Chang, Young-Bae Park, Ji-Maeng Kim, Soo-Jin Jung, Ae-Na Jo
  • Patent number: 7909047
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus (4) for cleaning a hair-cutting portion (2) of an electric hair-cutting device (1) includes a cleaning-liquid basin (5) for receiving the hair-cutting portion of the electric hair-cutting device in a central area such that the hair-cutting portion is at least partially immersed in the cleaning liquid (13). The electric hair-cutting device is cleaned by generating a cleaning-liquid flow revolving within the basin (5) around the central area of the basin, the hair-cutting portion being at least partially immersed in the cleaning liquid. The liquid flow effectively entrains debris away from the hair-cutting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Klaas Kooijker, Fokke Roelof Voorhorst, Martijn Van Baren, Jacob Brinkert, Alastair Ian Blake
  • Publication number: 20110048473
    Abstract: The invention relates to a holder (1) for a cleaning lance (19) with an insertion compartment (3) for accommodating at least a front end of the cleaning lance (19), wherein the insertion compartment (3) runs from an insertion opening (2) for the cleaning lance (19) at an angle downward to a drain end (4) with a fluid drain (5), and relates as well to a vehicle washing facility (18) with a cleaning lance (19) and a holder (1) for the cleaning lance (19) The problem of creating a holder for a cleaning lance and a vehicle washing facility that can securely prevent clogging of the holder's fluid drain and any downstream fluid reprocessing system, are easy to clean and operate reliably is solved by the holder according to the invention in that the holder (1) has a screen insert (6) that can be inserted into the insertion compartment (3). A vehicle washing facility according to the invention has such a holder (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: WashTec Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Robert AUER
  • Publication number: 20100319725
    Abstract: Inventive methods, systems and compositions for sanitizing food products are described. A method for sanitizing food products includes: (a) activating a solution, which includes a solute and a solvent, by using acoustic energy to form a coherent solution including solute clusters, in which each solute cluster is organized such that at least one solute molecule is surrounded by many solvent molecules; and (b) submerging the food products into a tank containing the coherent solution to sanitize the food products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: NANO OM TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Suraj Puri, George Plaut, Saurabh Sharma