With Liquid-moving Recirculation, Or Flow Reversing, And Straining Means Patents (Class 134/111)
  • Publication number: 20080196383
    Abstract: A system for controlling lubricant displacement from a machine during turbomachine shutdown sequence includes a motor, a pump, a control valve, and a motor control unit. The motor is selectively energized from a power bus to rotate at a rotational speed and supply a drive force to the pump. The pump, in response to the drive force, draws fluid from a fluid and supplies the fluid to the machine. The control valve is movable between at least a first position, in which the control valve fluidly communicates the pump with a lubrication fluid source, and a second position, in which the control valve fluidly communicates the pump with a gaseous fluid source. During the shutdown sequence, the motor control unit controllably energizes the motor from the power bus to thereby control its rotational speed in accordance with a schedule that will displace at least a substantial volume of lubricant in the rotating machine with fluid from the gaseous fluid source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Jim E. Delaloye
  • Patent number: 7409961
    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 is exposed to a collection chamber that leads to a flapper valve and then to a drain port. A sealing chamber joins the filter chamber with the collection chamber. A sealing member is positioned in the sealing chamber to selectively seal the filter chamber after a portion of the fluid is drained. Once sealed, a drain pump expels the fluid from the washing tub. After the tub is empty, the remainder of the fluid is drained from the filter chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Elick, Barry E. Tuller
  • Patent number: 7406843
    Abstract: An automatic washer comprises a remote sump fluidly connected to a drain pump and a recirculation pump, and a separator comprising an array of regularly-spaced fins oriented upstream of the recirculation pump for intercepting foreign objects in wash liquid. The remote sump also comprises a wash liquid heater. The separator is automatically purged when the drain pump is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Edward L. Thies, Matthew C. Parsons
  • Patent number: 7404864
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump assembly having a multi-stage filtering arrangement which functions to trap soil particles contained in a washing fluid to reduce the number of fresh water fills required to perform a washing operation. All of the washing fluid is initially directed over a filter plate. A first portion of the washing fluid passes the filter plate into a pumping chamber, while a second, soil laden portion, enters a first filter chamber. The second portion is then directed through a medium filter into the intake chamber. The filtered washing fluid is pumped through a conduit to wash arms that spray the washing fluid onto kitchenware. The conduit includes a sampling port which directs a portion of the washing fluid to a second filtering compartment having a fine mesh screen. At the end of the washing operation, the washing water, along with the soil is expelled from the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney M. Welch
  • Patent number: 7390419
    Abstract: A waste water recovery system to filter and recirculate waste water to a wash system including a fluid recovery line, a fluid supply line and a fluid backwash line comprising a filter assembly including a water filtering section to receive waste water from the wash system and to recirculate filtered water to the wash system and a filter backwash section to selectively clean the water filtering section when a system condition exists, and a fluid control including a plurality of valve assemblies operatively coupled between the wash system, the water filtering section and the filter backwash section to selectively control the circulation of water through the water filtering section to recirculate the recovery water to the wash system and to periodically clean the water filtering section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Con-Serv Manufacturing
    Inventor: James C. Keller
  • Publication number: 20080142055
    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: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: LAM RESEARCH, CORP.
    Inventors: Yaobo Yin, Linda (Tong) Jiang
  • Patent number: 7383845
    Abstract: A portable washing device to be used to wash vehicles, consisting of a water supply tank (1), a gravity-flow supply hose (2) leading to a pressurizing pump (3), the pressurizing pump, a distribution hose (4), an underbody washer mechanism (5) of booms (6), rollers (7), and spray nozzles (8) and hand-held wands with nozzles (9) for spraying the wash water and nozzles for a final rinse, a waterproof fabric mat (10) and collection and cleaning system (11) for collecting and recycling the used wash water. Tire ramps (12) protect the distribution hose from crushing and damage as the vehicle being washed passes over the hoses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: David Dieziger
  • Publication number: 20080116135
    Abstract: A dishwasher with a multi-step filter system includes a coarse filter and a micro filter for cleaning the rinsing solution and also includes a lye pump and a circulatory pump. The dishwasher also includes a comminutor arranged in the path of the flow downstream from the coarse filter for remains contained in the rinsing solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Rieger, Franz-Josef Wagner
  • Patent number: 7361232
    Abstract: By providing a shaver receiving and supporting housing which is constructed for enabling cleaning fluid to be delivered directly to the interior of a shaver in a highly efficient manner, a fully integrated shaving cleaning system is realized which is capable of providing automated cleaning of the shaver in an efficient and effective manner. In accordance with the present invention, the cleaning fluid if forced through portals formed in the shaver for enabling the fluid to be forcibly delivered directly into the hair pocket of the shaver, thereby enabling the surfaces of the hair pocket, the cutting foils, and the cutting blades to be completely and thoroughly cleaned, with the fluid draining out of the shaver through the cutting foils. In addition, the present invention is constructed for thoroughly and completely cleaning both rotary shavers and foil shavers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Spectrum Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Chasen, Scott Larsen, Frank Mercurio, Stephen D. Mowers, Timothy G. Simmone
  • Publication number: 20080087308
    Abstract: A washing and recycling system for use with removing paint from a coated article. The system includes a basin, a reservoir connected to the basin and which holds a solvent which removes the paint from the coated article, a washing system connected to the reservoir and to the basin such that the solvent from the reservoir is moved past a first filter, and the filtered solvent is moved into the basin so as to remove the paint from the coated article. The system includes a recycling system connected to the reservoir and to the basin such that the solvent from the reservoir is moved past a second filter to remove portions of the paint in the solvent. A control system controls the washing system and the recycling system to supply filtered solvent from the reservoir to the basin during a washing operation and a recycling operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Ehlman Scuderi, Albert C. Scuderi
  • Patent number: 7335297
    Abstract: A gravel vacuum, including a pump, a detachable suction base connected to the pump to which a suction tube can be attached, a filter connected to the suction base, a return assembly, at least one valve, and an alternate flow path. The pump impels a flow of water from the suction base, through the filter, and out the return assembly. The valve permits adjustment of volume of the flow for different sizes of fish aquariums. The alternate flow path reduces back pressure on the pump when the valve is used to adjust the volume of the flow. Also, a method of using the gravel vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Fred C. Getsinger
  • Patent number: 7326304
    Abstract: A neutralization system for controlling the pH of the washwater used to clean and maintain polyacrylic bound glass forming equipment is provided. The neutralization system introduces a base solution to a washwater solution when the pH of the washwater solution contained in a closed loop washwater recovery system and in a washwater tank holding the washwater solution is determined to be below approximately 8.0. Maintaining the pH of the washwater solution reduces the corrosion rate of the glass fiber forming equipment that is typically associated with acidic binders. In a second embodiment of the invention, a closed-loop hoodwall reclaim washwater recovery system utilized in addition to the washwater neutralization system that allows for the recovery and reuse of a polycarboxylic acid binder with a minimal amount of base solution. The closed-loop hoodwall reclaim washwater system is not connected to the closed-loop washwater neutralization system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Harry B. Cline, William E. Downey, Liang Chen, William R. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20070289905
    Abstract: A system is useful for reconstituting cleaning solution of the type comprising a solution of a cleaning agent and water intended for cleaning fermentation tanks in an ethanol production facility. The cleaning solution is pumped into a fermentation tank after the fermentation liquids resulting from completion of a fermentation stage are removed, and before a new fermentation stage begins. The system comprises a tank for holding cleaning solution. The tank has a cleaning solution inlet port and an outlet port. A pump has an inlet port and an outlet port, with the inlet port in fluid communication with the tank's outlet port. A filter has an inlet port in fluid communication with the pump's outlet port, and an outlet port in fluid communication with the tank's cleaning solution inlet port. A sensor element is in fluid communication with the filter's outlet port. The sensor providing a condition signal indicating the concentration of the cleaning agent in the cleaning solution at the filter's outlet port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Sidney D. Sondag
  • Patent number: 7303908
    Abstract: A bioremediation assembly and method for bioremediation are described and which includes a bioremediation reservoir defining a cavity; a pump mounted within the bioremediation reservoir and which removes the aqueous bioremediating fluid from the bioremediation reservoir; and a fluid dispensing manifold positioned within the bioremediation reservoir and which is coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the pump, and which directs a stream of bioremediating fluid downwardly so as to aerate the volume of bioremediating fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Surface Technologies IP AG
    Inventor: Bert A. Overland
  • Patent number: 7287535
    Abstract: A work washing apparatus including a transfer unit for controlling forward and rearward movements of a work, a table moved by the transfer unit, carrying out the washing of the work from upper and lower surfaces thereof and provided with water/air pipes, an upper surface washing unit provided on an upper surface of the transfer unit and having upper surface washing nozzles which make planetary movements by utilizing rational movements of the nozzles on their own axes and an orbital movement of the washing unit, side surface washing units provided on both side surfaces of the transfer unit and having side surface nozzles which make planetary movements by utilizing rotational movements of the nozzles on their own axes and an orbital movement of the upper surface washing unit, a lower washing unit provided on a lower surface of the transfer unit and having lower surface washing nozzles which make planetary movements by utilizing rotational movements of the nozzles on their own axes and an orbital movement of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Fine Machine Kataoka Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiji Kataoka
  • Publication number: 20070215178
    Abstract: The present invention improves recover percentage at which a mixed chemical solution discharged from a protective film removing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Applicant: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Taro Yamamoto, Kousuke Yoshihara
  • Patent number: 7261111
    Abstract: A dishwasher comprises a circulating pump, a washing tank provided with a substantially horizontal fine-mesh filter disposed in the path of the flow of water drawn in by the circulating pump, and spray means capable of directing downwardly at least one rotating water jet for filter cleaning purposes. Such fine-mesh filter presents an area below a circular pattern of the downwardly directed jet having a percentage of open area lower than the other portions of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Andreas Marettek
  • Patent number: 7261110
    Abstract: A shaving apparatus cleaning device includes a reservoir for holding a supply of a cleaning fluid and a cleaning receptacle for receiving the shaving apparatus. The reservoir has a discharge orifice through which the cleaning fluid is allowed to flow from the reservoir to the cleaning receptacle. The reservoir and the cleaning receptacle are designed so that the level of the cleaning fluid in the reservoir is higher than a pre-determined minimum level of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning receptacle, and a flow of fluid generated by the difference between levels and flowing from the reservoir to the cleaning receptacle is controllable in dependence upon the actual fluid level in the cleaning receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Diana Kappes, Andreas Larscheid, Uwe Ludäscher
  • Publication number: 20070186962
    Abstract: A closed-loop wash system is provided for use with a washing assembly that includes a collection basin and a self-contained, bioremediation treatment apparatus. A housing assembly defines a plurality of chambers in series flow communication from an upstream collection chamber to a downstream clean wash fluid chamber. A central media chamber is included in upstream flow communication with the upstream collection chamber and in downstream flow communication with the downstream clean wash fluid chamber. An array of media housing microbes is disposed in the media chamber. The treatment apparatus includes a diffusion assembly configured to aerate the washing fluid contained in selected chambers. A first circulation system continuously circulates flow through the bioremediation system, while an independent second circulation system continuously circulates flow from the collection basin to the bioremediation treatment apparatus, and then back into the collection basin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Applicant: EZ Environmental Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond Niedzwiecki, Neil Bailer, Scott Eliason
  • Publication number: 20070186964
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a cabinet and a wash system slidably mounted within the cabinet in such a manner that it may be withdrawn horizontally out of the cabinet for loading with dishes. The wash system includes an open top wash chamber having a floor and side walls adapted to accommodate dishes within which wash liquid is sprayed. Two rotating spray arms are mounted in the bottom of the chamber for producing a spray of wash liquid within the chamber. A wash pump for pressurising wash liquid discharges into a manifold located on the floor of the chamber. The spray arms receive wash liquid from the manifold. A drain pump evacuates wash liquid from said chamber. A wash chamber closure is mounted in the top of the cabinet. The closure engages with the wash chamber opening to sealably close off the wash chamber on its retraction into the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventors: Wayne Andrew Mason, Robert William Todd
  • Patent number: 7255116
    Abstract: A system for removing paint and other coatings from hard surfaces is mounted on a truck for over-the-road travel. The truck bed carries a high power vacuum pump, a self propelled tractor with an attached blast head, a liquid reservoir, a sump or vacuum tank, and a ramp for loading the tractor. The reservoir is connected to a low pressure pump that transfers water to the high pressure pump. The high pressure pump is connected to the blast head by a high pressure hose. A vacuum hose is connected to the sump which has an internal enclosure for separating the waste materials from the liquid for easy dumping of semi dried materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: James P. Crocker
  • Patent number: 7252100
    Abstract: A circuit board processing system includes a wash tank configured to contain cleaning fluid, and a positioning subsystem configured to immerse a set of circuit boards into the wash tank. The system further includes a flow control subsystem having (i) a first set of nozzles disposed within the wash tank, (ii) a second set of nozzles disposed within the wash tank, and (iii) a controller. The controller is configured to direct the cleaning fluid through the first set of nozzles to provide a flow of the cleaning fluid in a first direction relative to the set of circuit boards. The controller is further configured to direct the cleaning fluid through a second set of nozzles to provide a flow of the cleaning fluid in a second direction relative to the set of circuit boards after providing the flow of the cleaning fluid in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Stuart D. Downes, Deborah Fragoza, Eric Ren, Thomas E. Knight
  • Patent number: 7252101
    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: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Elick, Barry E. Tuller
  • Patent number: 7251959
    Abstract: A neutralization system for controlling the pH of the washwater used to clean and maintain polyacrylic bound glass forming equipment. The neutralization system introduces a base solution to a washwater solution when the pH of the washwater solution contained in a closed loop washwater recovery system falls below about 8.5, thereby substantially reducing the corrosion rate of the components of the equipment associated with acidic polyacrylic acid binder, maleic acid cobinder or maleic anhydride cobinder and washwater solution. A closed-loop hoodwall washwater recovery system may also be introduced in addition to the neutralization system that allows for the recovery and reuse of polyacrylic acid binder and maleic acid cobinder or maleic anhydride cobinder with a minimal amount of base solution, thereby minimizing degradation of insulation properties of polyacylic acid bound glass fiber products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry B. Cline, William E. Downey, Liang Chen, Kathleen M. Bullock, Kevin S. Guigley, Yadollah Delaviz, William R. Cooper, Bobby R. Gibson, Michael P. Lewis, Michael V. Mager
  • Patent number: 7225817
    Abstract: A cleaning device for the shaving head of a dry shaving apparatus includes a receptacle having a reservoir adapted to receive the a shaving head and a pump to transfer a cleaning fluid from the reservoir and into the receptacle. A controllable drain disposed between a lower region of the receptacle and the reservoir redirects cleaning fluid away from the reservoir until needed thereby prolonging the time for which the cleaning fluid is in contact with the shaving head to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhold Eichhorn, Detlef Gleich, Sebastian Hottenrott, Peter Junk, Christof Kleemann, Michael Odemer, Thorsten Pohl, Tobias Schwarz, Jürgen Wolf
  • Patent number: 7207342
    Abstract: A portable cleansing device (20) for cleaning small items, such as a pacifier (80), with pressurized liquid. The invention consists of a container (22) with a lid (46) that is removably attached to the container for maintaining liquid-tight integrity. A vertical partition (52) within the container forms a fresh liquid reservoir (56) for storing fresh water and a waste liquid repository (64) for storing waste water. A cleaning chamber (68) is formed having an inner wall (70) that is spaced from the container to create a void (72) therebetween that incorporates a number of nozzle openings (74). A liquid pump (78) is attached to the container and is in fluid communication with the void and with the fresh liquid reservoir. When the pump is manually energized, water is forced from the reservoir through the nozzles, thus spraying pressurized water onto the object positioned within the cleaning chamber, with the water accumulating and stored in the repository beneath the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Terry Daniels
  • Patent number: 7195023
    Abstract: A dishwasher that fits within the conventional U.S. residential dishwasher counter space and uses the conventional U.S. residential power supply to achieve within a convenient cycle time the same standard of sanitation as set forth for commercial and residential hot water sanitizing dishwashers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Appliance Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip R. McKee, Florence C. Hergenrether
  • Patent number: 7185516
    Abstract: A neutralization system for controlling the pH of the washwater used to clean and maintain polyacrylic bound glass forming equipment. The neutralization system introduces a base solution to a washwater solution when the pH of the washwater solution contained in a closed loop washwater recovery system falls below approximately 8.0, thereby substantially reducing the corrosion rate of the components of the equipment associated with acidic polyacrylic acid binder and washwater solution. A closed-loop hoodwall washwater recovery system may also be introduced in addition to the neutralization system that allows for the recovery and reuse of polyacrylic acid binder with a minimal amount of base solution, thereby minimizing degradation of insulation properties of polyacylic acid bound glass fiber products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry B. Cline, William E. Downey, Liang Chen, William R. Cooper
  • Patent number: 7150285
    Abstract: A cleaning device for a hair removing apparatus such as a dry shaver has a basin that receives a shaver head and is supplied with a cleaning liquid for cleaning the head. A single pump is utilized for supplying the liquid from a tank to the basin. The tank is hermetically sealed and is selectively open to the atmosphere by way of an air valve. The valve and the pump are actuated in a controlled manner to selectively give a supply mode for supplying the liquid to the basin from the tank and a recovery mode for recovering the liquid from the basin to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Saito, Jyuzaemon Iwasaki, Hiroyuki Kameoka, Yasuo Ibuki, Fumio Taniguchi, Kotaro Yanagi, Hiroshi Shigeta
  • Patent number: 7146991
    Abstract: An industrial parts washer system includes washing fluid, an assembly operable to apply the washing fluid to the part, a turbidity sensor coupled to the assembly operable to sense a condition of the washing fluid after the fluid washes the part, and a control unit connected to the sensor that compares the sensed condition of the washing fluid to a value and thereby determines whether the part should be washed further.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Cinetic Automation Corporation
    Inventor: David L Stockert
  • Patent number: 7146992
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump assembly which functions to chop all fluid entrained soil prior to directing fluid to upper and lower wash anms. 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 is exposed to a collection chamber that leads to a flapper valve and then to a drain port. An overflow tube, which is in fluid communication with the filter chamber, extends upwardly within the dishwasher. When the fine mesh filter becomes clogged, fluid will be forced to flow up the overflow tube and be exposed to another filter. A filter guard is secured to a housing of the recirculation pump over portions of the fine mesh filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Elick, John Trevor Morrison, Chad M. Thomas, Barry E. Tuller
  • Patent number: 7134441
    Abstract: A passive assembly for operating two cleaning chambers using a single filtration system having a flow diverter assembly is disclosed. The flow diverter assembly is actuated by a fuel assembly when a fuel assembly is inserted into the cleaning chamber. The flow diverter assembly acts so that each cleaning chamber is supplied with suction flow whenever there is a fuel assembly in the cleaning chamber. When a cleaning chamber is empty, the flow diverter acts to block the suction flow from the filtration system, forcing suction flow through the opposite cleaning chamber. The flow diverter only provides suction head to a cleaning chamber when there is a fuel assembly in the cleaning chamber. When both cleaning chambers are empty, suction pressure from the pump increases to the point that the flow diverters in both chambers open sufficiently to maintain flow through the pumps and prevent the pumps from cavitating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Dominion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: David Gross, David Arguelles, Brian Lipford
  • Patent number: 7077271
    Abstract: An apparatus for the removal of objects and other debris from cement that is pumped via a concrete pump includes a secondary screen that is pivotally attached at one end thereof to a concrete pump a predetermined distance above a grate that is disposed over a hopper, the screen having a smaller opening size than that of the grate. An opposite end of the screen is urged toward an opposite end of the hopper by a pair of elastomeric straps. A pair of upraised sides are included at a top and bottom of the screen, the screen having a planar member that is disposed at a steeper angle than is the grate. When cement is poured it first contacts and passes through the secondary screen which automatically descends and rises, thereby maximizing the flow rate of cement through the screen as the objects are removed from the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Van Acosta Hamilton
  • Patent number: 7073520
    Abstract: The filter (3) comprises transversal walls (11) forming a labyrinth-like path with the inner surface of a hollow body (6) that is part of the water outlet circuit of the machine. On the peripheral edge of the said transversal walls (11) there are provided serrations (12) adapted to retain foreign bodies and break down the air bubbles that are present in the liquor taken in by the drain pump (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Fabio Zanello, Lucio Valent, Piero Babuin
  • Patent number: 7063094
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a substrate processing part 46 for processing a substrate by a processing liquid and a processing-liquid recovery path 137 allowing of a passage of the processing liquid discharged from the substrate processing part 46. The processing-liquid recovery path 137 is provided with foreign substance removal lines 181, 182 including filters 200, 201 for removing an foreign substance from the processing liquid and cleaners 201, 211 for cleaning the filters 200, 201 respectively. With this constitution, it is possible to cancel the blocking of foreign substances in pipes etc. and also possible to lengthen the life span of the filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Masaru Amai, Masahiro Mukoyama, Takayuki Toshima
  • Patent number: 7059336
    Abstract: A cleaning device for a shaving head of a dry shaving apparatus includes a reservoir to store a cleaning fluid, a receptacle adapted to receive the shaving head and the cleaning fluid, the receptacle being configured to direct the cleaning fluid toward the shaving head, a return conduit extending from the receptacle to the reservoir to convey the cleaning fluid from the receptacle into reservoir; and a venting device attached to the reservoir to provide aeration and deaeration of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Höser, Diana Kappes, Andreas Larscheid, Uwe Ludäscher, Svatopluk Krumnikl
  • Patent number: 6978793
    Abstract: A portable apparatus and method for chemically cleaning a single pass plate and frame heat exchanger allows the cleaning solution to be uniformly distributed across the plate pack. This portable system of one pump of preferably 10-horsepower, capable of 300 gallons per minute flow through a discharge port; at least two distribution/collection tubes with apertures of predetermined diameter and predetermined placement; one reversing manifold; two bag filters; and one circulation tank with a capacity at least on the order of 150 to 200 gallons; attaches to a single pass plate and frame heat exchanger. The single pass plate and frame heat exchanger is configured with at least two removable flanges that, once removed, allow for the installation of the distribution/collection tubes. The apertures in the distribution/collection tubes are placed facing downwards depending upon the direction of the operational fluid to enhance a vacuuming effect for particle and debris removal during cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: PHEX LLC
    Inventor: Kurt Krueger
  • Patent number: 6974505
    Abstract: A cleaning tool for cleaning substrates, comprising a circulation conduit through which is circulated a cleaning liquid or gas. The circulation conduit is disposed in fluid communication with an upstream flow chamber and a downstream cleaning chamber, the cross-sectional area of which cleaning chamber is less than the cross-sectional area of the flow chamber. In use, the cleaning chamber receives a wafer substrate for cleaning of particles or removal of polymer films from the substrate. The smaller cross-sectional area of the cleaning chamber accelerates the flow of a cleaning fluid flowing through the cleaning chamber from the flow chamber. The rapidly-flowing cleaning fluid removes the particles and/or films from the substrate while preventing dropping of the removed particles or re-deposition of the film back onto the substrate. A particle filter may be provided in the circulation conduit downstream of the cleaning chamber for removing the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsin-Ching Shih, Chun-Li Chou, Ming-Hong Hsieh, Hong-J. Tao
  • Patent number: 6951222
    Abstract: A radiator cleaning device includes a fresh fluid tank for preserving fresh fluid to be filled into a radiator and a used fluid tank for collecting used fluid from the radiator. A discharge hose is releasably connected to an outlet of the radiator. The discharge hose is selectively connectable to the used fluid tank for discharging the used fluid into the used fluid tank. An intake hose is releasably connected to an inlet of the radiator. The intake hose is selectively connectable to the fresh fluid tank for receiving the fresh fluid therefrom. Pressure/vacuum generation units selectively generate a vacuum inside the used fluid tank to forcibly draw the used fluid from the radiator via the discharge hose and generates a pressure inside the fresh fluid tank to forcibly drive the fresh fluid from the fresh fluid tank into the radiator via the intake hose. The discharge hose is also selectively connectable to the intake hose by a three-way valve for circulating the used fluid to the intake hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Lih Yann Co., LTD
    Inventor: Po-Lin Liao
  • Patent number: 6945262
    Abstract: Analysis equipment for determining a concentration of an organic component and a caustic component of a reusable organic caustic solution that has been utilized for removing a ceramic coating from a metallic component at elevated temperatures and pressures, such as in an autoclave. Sensors are positioned between a filter for removing particles of the ceramic coating dispersed in the reusable organic caustic solution from the reusable organic caustic solution and a storage tank storing the reusable organic caustic solution after removal from the autoclave. The sensors measure physical properties of the reusable organic caustic solution after removal of the particles from the reusable organic caustic solution, such as electrical conductivity, opacity, refractive index, density, fluidity and the speed of sound in the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Howard J. Farr, Keith H. Betscher, Richard R. Worthing, Jr., D Sangeeta, Himanshu B. Vakil, Curtis A. Johnson, Thomas J. Cartier, Jr., Edward B. Stokes, Heinz Jaster, Alexander S. Allen
  • Patent number: 6938627
    Abstract: A dishwasher is provided such that an impurity-collecting filter collecting impurities is detachably mounted to a front of a cabinet, thus allowing the impurity-collecting filter to be easily cleaned, and keeping a bottom of a washing tub cleaner. The dishwasher includes a cabinet, the washing tub provided in the cabinet, a water container installed under the washing tub collecting wash water, and the impurity-collecting filter provided in the water container collecting the impurities contained in the wash water. The impurity-collecting filter is removably mounted in the water container through an external surface of the cabinet at a position around the water container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae-Young Jung, Sam-Yong Jang
  • Patent number: 6923190
    Abstract: An exemplary cleaning apparatus for cleaning a system having a first fluid and a system pump is provided, wherein the apparatus comprises a tank including a second fluid. The cleaning apparatus also comprises an apparatus pump for pumping a predetermined amount of the second fluid from the tank into the system while the system pump is off. The cleaning apparatus further comprises an output hose, a return hose, and a filter between the return hose and the output hose. After the predetermined amount of the second fluid is pumped into the system, the system pump is turned on to pump the first fluid and the second fluid out of the return line through the filter and into the output hose and back into the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Motorvac Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bill Kavadeles, John A. Rome
  • Patent number: 6918397
    Abstract: A flush system comprising a network of conduits, valves and screens that can be interposed between the process container and solvent re-claim tank components of a dry film photoresist (DFR) remover system, for example, that is used in the processing and packaging of integrated circuit chips. By operation of the valves in the flush system, DFR particles can be removed from the DFR remover system in order to prevent or minimize particle clogging of a particle filter in the DFR remover system. The screens in the flush system can be periodically cleaned by reverse flow of solvent or by operation of a nitrogen and DI (deionized) water purge system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor
    Inventors: Ta-Min Lin, Szu-Yao Wang, Chia-Fu Lin, Kai-Ming Ching, Wen-Hsiang Tseng
  • Patent number: 6901939
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an enrober head and a method for using the apparatus, in which the apparatus has a cleaning medium supply vessel having an outlet and an open top, an enrober head mount registered with the open top of the vessel, and a pump, arranged to pump cleaning medium from the vessel to an applicator for application to enrober head elements requiring cleaning. The mount is adapted to attach an enrober head to the vessel, such that, when an enrober head is removed from an enrober and mounted on the apparatus, cleaning medium applied to elements of the enrober head can pass through those elements, through the mount and open top, and back into the vessel, cleaning the enrober head elements, and allowing the cleaning medium to be reapplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Mars Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas Scott Mann, Ralph David Lee
  • Patent number: 6893556
    Abstract: A pretreatment apparatus for performing pretreatment before a painting process includes a treatment tank to be filled with a treatment liquid for degreasing and chemical conversion. A circuit section forms a circulation path for circulating the treatment liquid from the treatment tank to the treatment tank. A purifying section removes dust, chemical sludge and oil from the treatment liquid circulated to the treatment tank through the circulation path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Yaegashi, Tsuneo Sakauchi, Osamu Tanaka, Hiroyuki Kishi, Masahiro Obika
  • Patent number: 6874512
    Abstract: A parts washer including a receptacle positioned on a reservoir for cleaning liquid having a drain opening and a module which engages a portion of the reservoir in the cleaning liquid for adjusting the temperature of the cleaning liquid and circulating the cleaning liquid into the receptacle. The module includes a heating element, a sensor and pump. An enclosure houses a temperature controller which displays the temperature of the cleaning liquid and a low liquid level condition. A bridge thermally links the heating element to the sensor so that the sensor normally generates a signal representative of the temperature of the cleaning fluid unless the level of the cleaning fluid is disposed below the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudy Publ, Brian Porter, Michael Korkowski, Don Knill
  • Patent number: 6871656
    Abstract: A method of removing a photoresist or a photoresist residue from a semiconductor substrate is disclosed. The semiconductor substrate with the photoresist or the photoresist residue on a surface of the semiconductor substrate is placed within a pressure chamber. The pressure chamber is then pressurized. Supercritical carbon dioxide and a stripper chemical are introduced to the pressure chamber. The supercritical carbon dioxide and the stripper chemical are maintained in contact with the photoresist or the photoresist residue until the photoresist or the photoresist residue is removed from the semiconductor substrate. The pressure chamber is then flushed and vented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: William H. Mullee
  • Patent number: 6871654
    Abstract: A sonic fruit and vegetable washer for removing inorganic impurities and pathogens from a variety of raw fruit and vegetables. The sonic fruit and vegetable washer is comprised of a housing, a removable basket, a liquid dispenser, a filter, a sonic generator, a spray head, hydraulic values, electrical controls, a blower, and a heating element. The washer is connected to an existing faucet, and drains into a conventional kitchen sink. During a typical operation, the controls are adjusted for a particular fruit or vegetable, a fruit or vegetable is loaded into the basket, and a small amount of a preservative, cleaning agent, sweetener or vitamin or mineral is added and electrical power is applied. Water enters the washer, is filtered, and one or more wash and rinse cycles are completed. The sonic generator is active during the wash and rinse cycles to remove and flush contaminants from the washer. Thereafter, a drying cycle is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Berke-Tec, Inc.,
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: 6868700
    Abstract: The object is to avoid contaminating the washing conversely by contaminated detergent and provide a dry cleaning machine and dry cleaning method, solving hygienic issues. In a dry cleaning machine which supplies detergent from a detergent tank 11 to a washing tank 10 and washes the washing in the washing tank 10 and treats detergent used in the washing tank 10 by a filtering tank 16 and sends the treated detergent to the washing tank 10 to use detergent cyclically, wherein contaminating the washing conversely by washing can be prevented, as detecting contamination level of detergent discharged from the washing tank 10 while supplying detergent to the washing tank 10 and washing the washing, and when the detergent contamination level reached a prescribed threshold level, storing the detergent discharged from the washing tank 10 temporarily and sending the detergent to a distiller 14 and supplying fresh detergent from the detergent tank 11 to the washing tank 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Kohei Sawa
  • Patent number: RE40098
    Abstract: An improved food debris filtering apparatus for a dishwasher and a method thereof capable of more effectively discharging food debris by separating the same from washing water and resupplying the filtered washing water so as to wash dishes, so that dish washing efficiency is increased, which includes a filtering apparatus for filtering washing water polluted during a dish washing operation; a washing water circulation unit for supplying the washing water filtered by the filtering apparatus to a spray arm; a washing water discharging unit, such as a discharging pump, for discharging pan of washing water lo containing food debris to the outside of the system; a flowing path opening/closing unit disposed at a washing water discharging path for selectively opening/closing the washing water discharging path in cooperation with the washing water circulation unit or the washing water discharging unit; and a food debris gathering and storing unit disposed between the washing water circulation unit and the washing wat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Jeon, Joon W. Kim