With Liquid-moving Recirculation, Or Flow Reversing, And Straining Means Patents (Class 134/111)
  • Patent number: 6427707
    Abstract: A mobile supermarket trolley washing apparatus including an enclosure through which the trolleys pass. Spray nozzles deliver a liquid stream to the trolleys within the enclosure to clean the trolleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Sabaci Pty Limited
    Inventor: Robert John Morris
  • Publication number: 20020096198
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for cleaning a liquid-containing vessel. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device (1), suitable for cleaning liquid-containing vessels (such as bathtubs or swimming pools), equipped with an energy storage means and a self-tracking means and/or a filter, wherein said device (1) is capable of floating and actively moving in said vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Katia Bredo, Alejandro Cedeno, Nicolas Remy Denis Pochart, Michela Ratti, Joris Jozef Gustaaf Tack
  • Publication number: 20020092545
    Abstract: A portable apparatus cleans a passage such as an oxygen line by circulating a cleaning medium, such as a silicated alkaline cleaner such as OCC, through the passage. A rinse medium, such as distilled water, may than be circulated through the passage. The cleaning medium and the rinse medium may be filtered, and a flush medium is preferably circulated through the passage after the circulation of the cleaning medium and before the circulation of the rinse medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph E. Mooney
  • Patent number: 6418943
    Abstract: A wash liquid recirculation system for a dishwasher is provided including a unique soil separating system. The recirculation system includes a wash pump which is provided with an internal filter plate to concentrate soils. The wash pump includes an impeller disposed within a pump housing or casing. When energized, the wash pump draws wash liquid from a sump area and pumps wash liquid through the impeller into the pump housing or casing. The filter plate is disposed within the casing for dividing the casing into a first and second region and for concentrating soils in the second region. Concentrated soils are delivered from the second region to a soil collection system. The filter plate is disposed radially outwardly from the impeller, substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Claude W. Miller
  • Patent number: 6415803
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning and rinsing of disk-shaped objects, such as silicon wafers, high precision lenses and the like. The cleaning and rinsing may take place in a single chamber, that is sequentially filled with cleaning solution, rinsing solution, and the like. In an important aspect of the invention, chemical cleaning solutions are dumped to containers and recycled for the use. Moreover, a cleaning solution composition may be monitored, and the concentration of solution can be adjusted automatically, or make-up chemicals may be added, as necessary. The apparatus has a relatively small footprint and maybe surrounded with an enclosure that may be kept at lower than atmosphere pressure to prevent escape of potentially hazardous contaminants into the environment. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the handling of wafers to be cleaned is carried out robotically, most preferably using a robot with at least two end-effectors, each adapted for a specific function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Z Cap, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James B. Sundin, Richard S. Tirendi, Paul W. Dryer
  • Publication number: 20020074019
    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: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: Chemfree Corporation and Zymo International, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. McClure, Thomas W. McNally, Francis A. Marks, J. Leland Strange
  • Publication number: 20020074026
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyeong Hwan Kim, Si Moon Jeon, Tae Hee Lee, Dae Yeong Han
  • Publication number: 20020074022
    Abstract: A method for cleaning objects (4) in a pressure tank (2) using a compressed clean fluid, which contains a gas and which is compressed and decompressed one or more times. According to the present invention, the cleaning fluid is decompressed to a pressure at which the gas has a volume that is a multiple of the volume of the compressed cleaning fluid in the pressure tank. In this manner, it is possible to remove particle-sized and other impurities from recesses, blind holes, or open cavities (6) in the objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Karsten Loehr
  • Publication number: 20020069902
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a cleaning device (RV) for cleaning objects of personal use, in particular a shaving head (S) of a shaving apparatus (TR), with a housing (1) having a cleaning bath (8), with a cleaning liquid container (3) containing a cleaning liquid (11), with an integrated filter element (4) as well as with a liquid impelling assembly (6) adapted to be driven by a motor (5) and having a supply conduit (7) to the cleaning bath (8) and a draining conduit (9) to the cleaning liquid container (3), wherein all the walls of the cleaning bath (8) have an angle of inclination (&agr; and &bgr;) in the direction of the draining conduit (9) which ensures that cleaning liquid (11), with or without contaminants, flows to the draining conduit (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Jurgen Hoser, Alf Jahn, Norbert Kreutz, Thomas Schamberg
  • Patent number: 6402855
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for removing a contaminant from an object. According to one aspect, an apparatus for washing an object which has contaminant is arranged to recover the contaminant. The apparatus includes a support floor that supports an object to be washed and a basin mounted below the support floor. The basin is divided into a plurality of chambers which include a clean water chamber, a secondary water chamber, an oil containment chamber, and a contaminated water receiving chamber which receives water which is contaminated after it is flowed over the object to remove the contaminant. The contaminated water received in the contaminated water receiving chamber must pass sequentially through the oil containment chamber and the secondary water chamber prior to entering the clean water chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: EZ Environmental Solutions
    Inventors: Michael D. Damron, Eduardo M. Garcia, Scott Eliason, Rudolph W. Driscoll, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020066470
    Abstract: Apparatus for stripping ceramic coatings from the surfaces of articles. The apparatus includes a dedicated pressure vessel, such as an autoclave, which is maintained at an elevated temperature. Caustic solution is preheated to a first elevated temperature before injecting it into the autoclave, and the caustic solution is filtered and cooled after use in the autoclave. The articles are stripped of coating by maintaining the articles at an elevated temperature and pressure for a predetermined time. Various options include the use of analytical equipment to maintain the chemistry of the caustic solution and use of a volatile organic solution to prepressurize the autoclave and shorten cycle time. The autoclave is maintained in a nitrogen chamber to minimize the risks associated with volatile components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Howard J. Farr, Keith H. Betscher, Richard R. Worthing, D. Sangeeta, Himanshu B. Vakil, Curtis A. Johnson, Thomas J. Cartier, Edward B. Stokes, Heinz Jaster, Alexander S. Allen
  • Publication number: 20020050284
    Abstract: A washing tank (10) for brakes of industrial vehicles and like, foresees a trolley (11), equipped with a vessel (12) containing the washing liquid, and a collection tank (14). Between the aforementioned vessel (12) and the aforementioned collection tank (14) a first pump (18) is foreseen which draws the washing liquid from the aforementioned vessel (12) and through a first pipe (19), conveys it into the collection tank (14), and a second pump (17) which draws in the liquid and puts it back into the aforementioned vessel (12), through a second pipe (25).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventor: Giuseppe Rosa
  • Patent number: 6374835
    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: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignees: Chemfree Corporation, Zymo International, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. McClure, Thomas W. McNally, Francis A. Marks, J. Leland Strange
  • Patent number: 6371136
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a cleaning device (RV) for cleaning the shaving head (SK) of a dry shaving apparatus (TR), having a housing (1) including a cleaning basin (8) and a holding device (2), an exchangeable cleaning liquid container (3) containing a cleaning liquid (11) and having a filter (4) integrated therein, and a feed device (6) adapted to be driven by a motor (5) and including a supply pipe (7) leading to the cleaning basin (8), wherein the exchangeable cleaning liquid container (3) with the filter (4) is arranged underneath the cleaning basin (8), wherein the feed device (6) is adapted to be coupled with the inner chamber (10) of the filter (4) at one end while its other end is connected with the cleaning basin (8) through a supply pipe (7), and wherein in a wall (40) of the cleaning liquid container (3) an inlet port (15) is provided admitting the cleaning liquid (11) drained from an outlet port (20) of the cleaning basin (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Höser
  • Patent number: 6363952
    Abstract: Paint accumulations can be removed from paint atomizer applicator heads by passing pressurized solvent through the heads for prolonged time periods, e.g. one hour or more. Several paint applicator heads can be connected to an overhead piping system located in a treatment tank, so that solvent and entrained particulates can collect in the tank. An external filter and motor-operated pump can be connected to the tank and piping system for recirculating the solvent through the paint applicator heads on a continuing basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Danny Baioff, David A. Tiessen, Gil Boucher
  • Patent number: 6349730
    Abstract: A food washing apparatus comprising a means for generating a sheet-like water jet stream that impinges against foods such as marine products including edible jellyfish, seaweed, shucked or shell-covered shellfish and the like, farm products including vegetables, fruits, and the like by conveying the foods through a water jet stream distribution area or food wash area. A plurality of sheet-like water jet stream layers are generated at a predetermined angle from various directions and impinge against the food surfaces so as to wash them and remove foreign matter such as insects, mud, pebbles, fish scales, etc. from the foods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Ryubi Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumihiro Goto
  • Publication number: 20020014260
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dishwasher including, a circulating pump for pressing and then supplying wash liquid, an injection arm for permitting the wash liquid pressed and supplied from the circulating pump to be injected by a predetermined passage structure, an underdrain container for collecting the wash liquid injected from the injection arm and supplying the collected wash liquid to the circulating pump, during a washing stage, a soil collecting chamber having a micro filter with a fine mesh for ramifying and finely filtering the wash liquid supplied from the circulating pump and returning the same to the underdrain container, during the washing stage, a drain pump for allowing the wash liquid to be drained through a drain passage which is extended from the underdrain container, and through a connecting passage which is extended from the soil collecting chamber and connected to the drain passage, during a draining stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Applicant: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jin Woong Kim, Si Moon Jeon, Tae Hee Lee, Dae Yeong Han
  • Patent number: 6328045
    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: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignees: Chemfree Corporation, Zymo International, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Leland Strange
  • Publication number: 20010042557
    Abstract: An improved dishwashing machine is proposed which has a dish-cleaning compartment, a dish-rack rotating mechanism, a re-circulating fluid spraying system, a non re-circulating fluid spraying system, a drainage mechanism, a waste filter tank and a controlling means. The dish-cleaning compartment consists of a cover and a casing, which includes a re-circulating fluid spray arm and a non re-circulating fluid spray arm. Automatic chemical dispenser, hot air dish-drying system and ultraviolet light sterilizer are included as optional features. Dish-cleaning operation starts with a flush cycle and then follows by a wash cycle and a rinse cycle. A dish-drying operation is introduced at the end of the rinse cycle, to dry as well as to sanitize dishes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Chee Boon Moh
  • Patent number: 6318382
    Abstract: A method for efficiently cleaning a cleaning subject, especially a method for cleaning an electrophotographic photosensitive member enables a uniform and high quality image to be obtained without leaving image defects and irregular images. The method includes a cleaning step during which the circulation flow rate during dipping of the cleaning subject in a cleaning solution is different from the circulation flow rate when the cleaning subject is pulled up, and where the cleaning solution is showered on the surface of the cleaning subject when it is pulled up. The cleaning method may be used in a method for manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member for depositing a functional film by a plasma CVD method on a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Katagiri, Yoshio Segi, Hideaki Matsuoka, Kazuhiko Takada
  • Patent number: 6318387
    Abstract: Provided is a system for parts washing that includes a fluid that performs a cleaning function and maintains the viability of microorganisms in the fluid that biodegrade the organic matter removed from the parts. “Parts” include objects such as automotive parts befouled with organic matter and particulate matter. The cleaning fluid includes a surfactant that functions to separate organic waste from the parts being washed. The cleaning fluid is both in a cleaning area and in a housing for microorganisms. A heater, thermostat, and a level control assembly function to maintain the cleaning fluid within a certain temperature range so as to maintain a proper environment for the microorganisms. The fluid recirculates from the microorganism housing to the parts cleaning area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignees: Advanced Bioremediation Systems, Inc., Chemfree Corporation
    Inventors: James C. McClure, J. Leland Strange, Thomas W. McNally, Francis A. Marks
  • Patent number: 6308719
    Abstract: A pre-clean deluge system for cleaning automobile white bodies including a cleaning solution filtration and distribution system. The filtration system includes a series of filters specially adapted to remove metal particles from the cleaning solution. The distribution system includes deluge cannons that are position so as to deliver cleaning solution to the interior of the white body in a location during the white body travel so that the particles flushed therefrom are introduced into a small tank prior to a main tank in which the white body is subsequently immersed. The distribution system also provides regulated flow of cleaning solution to the deluge cannons, as well as a bypass to facilitate cycling of cleaning solution for end-of-shift filtration purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: John McTighe, Derek Heath, Jeff McKinley, Shawn Guthrie, Gene Hunt
  • Patent number: 6305391
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a cleaning device for cleaning a shaving head of a dry shaving apparatus, having a housing, a holding device, a cleaning liquid container, a filter, a feed device adapted to be driven by a motor and including a supply pipe leading to a cleaning basin and a liquid drain from the cleaning basin to the cleaning liquid container, so that the cleaning liquid container with an integrated filter is arranged underneath the cleaning basin, the feed device is adapted to be coupled with the inner chamber of the filter, and a backflow of cleaning liquid can be effected from the supply pipe through the filter to the cleaning liquid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Höser
  • Patent number: 6306221
    Abstract: A portable parts washing machine using a washing solvent to wash motor parts or the like. The apparatus has a stowed configuration and an operating configuration. In the operating configuration, a solvent container/wash basin is positioned on a base section which also functions as a solvent reservoir. Solvent is recirculated by a pup and recirculating line fro the reservoir to the wash basin, with the solvent washing the parts and then flowing through a drain in the wash basin into a centrifugal filter. The centrifugal filter removes the contaminates, with the solvent returning to the reservoir. In the stowed configuration, the base section, centrifugal filter and solvent recirculating assembly are stowed in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Charles T. Magliocca
  • Publication number: 20010027801
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe cleaner comprising a sprayer (2), a circulating device (3) and a gas-conducting device (4) which are used to clean cakes (100) adhered on the inner wall (10) of the exhaust pipe (1). The sprayer (2) is equipped with nozzles (20) uniformly mounted on the pipe (1) and disposed with its opening faced to the inner wall (10) of the pipe (1). The working fluid (W1) is outputted by the nozzles (20) and flushed on the inner wall (10) of the pipe (1). The energized working fluid (W1) worked on the inner wall (10) generates lots of bubbles and disturbing current flushing on cakes (100) adhered on the inner wall (10) of the pipe (1). With continuous fluid (W1) flushing on cakes (100) adhered on the inner wall (10) and the gas (400) running in the pipe (1), therefore, cakes (100) adhered on the inner wall (100) of the pipe (1) can be removed away quickly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: Winbond Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Chung-Chih Wang
  • Publication number: 20010027800
    Abstract: A high pressure pump (14) supplies cleaning fluid from a reservoir (12) to spray nozzles (20) inside a washing chamber (10). The spray nozzles (20) spray the cleaning fluid over a load to be cleaned. Used cleaning fluid is collected in a sump (30). A sump pump (32) drains the sump. The combination of the high pressure pump and sump pump provides more efficient cleaning of the load and eliminates the requirement for a deep sump beneath the washer. A vertical traveler (22), having a pair of counterbalanced spray arms (24), raises and lowers the spray nozzles counter cyclically; a detergent injection system (50) accurately meters a correct amount of detergent is added to the cleaning fluid; and a filtration device (34) filters suspended material from the used cleaning fluid and uses a portion of the cleaning fluid to clean itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Daniel Rochette, Michel Lemay, Yves-Andre Theriault, Michel Emond, Mario Duchaine, Ghislain Parent, Nathalie Thibault
  • Patent number: 6298947
    Abstract: An engine cleaning system has a cleaning solution container having a filter element therein and is adapted to establish a predetermined quantity of solution for a particular engine. Solution is pumped from the solution container to the engine interior by the engine oil pump, and a solution drain line connects the engine interior and the solution container. Oil and cleaning solution are pumped by the engine oil pump continuously during the cleaning process. The solution container has a removable closure for filter replacement and a drain valve for solution and oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Robert E. Flynn
  • Patent number: 6299700
    Abstract: A pumping system of a pool (10) pumps water through a pool cleaner (20) and hose (26) connected to a weir (18). Flow through the cleaner (20) is cyclically interrupted to repeatedly reciprocate the hose (26). A device (30) anchored to the weir (18) is coupled to the hose (26) via clip (38). The reciprocal motion of the hose (26) is transmitted to the device (30) where it is transduced to a swinging motion (42) via a lever (40) attached to the hose (26) via clip (36), whereby the hose (26) is moved cyclically in attitude and position to promote random motion of the cleaner (20) and to render the cleaner (20) less likely to get stuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Johannes Stephanus Grobler
  • Publication number: 20010025646
    Abstract: A pre-clean deluge system for cleaning automobile white bodies including a cleaning solution filtration and distribution system. The filtration system includes a series of filters specially adapted to remove metal particles from the cleaning solution. The distribution system includes deluge cannons that are position so as to deliver cleaning solution to the interior of the white body in a location during the white body travel so that the particles flushed therefrom are introduced into a small tank prior to a main tank in which the white body is subsequently immersed. The distribution system also provides regulated flow of cleaning solution to the deluge cannons, as well as a bypass to facilitate cycling of cleaning solution for end-of-shift filtration purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: John McTighe, Derek Heath, Jeff McKinley, Shawn Guthrie, Gene Hunt
  • Patent number: 6296000
    Abstract: A pre-clean deluge system for cleaning automobile white bodies including a cleaning solution filtration and distribution system. The filtration system includes a series of filters specially adapted to remove metal particles from the cleaning solution. The distribution system includes deluge cannons that are position so as to deliver cleaning solution to the interior of the white body in a location during the white body travel so that the particles flushed therefrom are introduced into a small tank prior to a main tank in which the white body is subsequently immersed. The distribution system also provides regulated flow of cleaning solution to the deluge cannons, as well as a bypass to facilitate cycling of cleaning solution for end-of-shift filtration purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: John McTighe, Derek Heath, Jeff McKinley, Shawn Guthrie, Gene Hunt
  • Publication number: 20010023700
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning semiconductor devices and other workpieces using an aqueous rinse solution which is de-oxygenated by passing the aqueous rinse solution and a carrier gas through an osmotic membrane degasifier. A cleaning chamber is also disclosed for carrying out the cleaning method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventors: Paul William Drayer, Richard Scott Tirendi, James Bradley Sundin
  • Patent number: 6294028
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the risk of environmental contamination from mercury spillage during carry over between processing tanks during the gold ball bond removal process by providing a self-contained, compact, environmentally safe system for use with toxic chemicals and liquids. The present invention provides a self-contained, integrally molded enclosure upper and lower chambers separated by a partition. The partition has a plurality of stations integrally formed therein, each of which is capable of containing a chemical liquid. The method comprises dipping a slide containing the semiconductor chip first into a toxic liquid, then into a first decontamination station and finally into a second decontamination station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Bell, Glenn L. Bomberger, Allen W. Brouillette, Todd McMullin, Richard W. Wasielewski
  • Patent number: 6289905
    Abstract: A reservoir for re-usable cleaning fluid and filter for filtering fluid draining into the reservoir are positioned below an engine or supported engine component positioned at a cleaning zone. Cleaning fluid is delivered to the cleaning zone from the cleaning fluid held in the reservoir and the delivered cleaning fluid then drains into the reservoir (via the filter) from the cleaning zone above the reservoir. The cleaning fluid is re-circulated and filtered for continuous use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventor: Dennis Roy Yarnold
  • Patent number: 6286526
    Abstract: The concentrations of predetermined components of a chemical solution 5 present in a cleaning bath 1 are measured by a measurement unit 11. From the results are calculated the concentrations of various chemical species. From the concentrations calculated and an experimentally obtained rate equation is calculated the treating ability of the chemical solution 5 before supplementation of said components. Then, the treating abilities of chemical solution when the components and ultrapure water are supplemented, are calculated for various cases of amounts supplemented. From these cases is determined a case of amounts supplemented in which the treating ability of chemical solution is maintained at a required level and the amounts supplemented are minimized. Next, the components and ultrapure water are supplemented in respective determined amounts via feeding pumps 21, 23 and 25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Ushio Hase, Kenichi Yamamoto, Akinobu Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6284054
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for separating waste material from waste water for use in connection with the flushing of an animal storage pen (such as, for example, a hog barn) to remove the waste material from the animal storage pen such that the waste water is recycled. The system includes a fluid storage assembly for storing a supply of fluid for flushing the animal storage pen. The system also includes a large waste material separation assembly for separating large solid waste material from a waste water mixture flushed from the animal storage pen. After the large waste material has been separated from the waste water mixture, a small waste material separation assembly separates the small waste material from the waste water mixture such that the remaining waste water mixture is substantially free of waste material and pathogens. A waste water return assembly supplies waste water from the small waste material separation assembly to the fluid storage assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Global Waste, Ltd.
    Inventor: William M. Galvin
  • Patent number: 6284055
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning semiconductor devices and other workpieces using an aqueous rinse solution which is de-oxygenated by passing the aqueous rinse solution and a carrier gas through an osmotic membrane degasifier. A cleaning chamber is also disclosed for carrying out the cleaning method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Z Cap L.L.C.
    Inventors: Paul William Dryer, Richard Scott Tirendi, James Bradley Sundin
  • Patent number: 6279587
    Abstract: A parts washer is disclosed of the type having a sink, a drum of solvent, and a recirculating system for pumping the solvent from the drum through a hose or nozzle arrangement for spraying the solvent on the parts to be washed in the sink, and then allowing the solvent to drain from the sink back into the solvent drum. In this invention, the solvent drum is fitted with an extra clean-out tube for withdrawing contaminated solvent from the drum, and a return tube for replenishing the drum with clean solvent. The clean-out tube and return tube are fitted with quick-connect couplings for releasably attaching solvent cleaning apparatus thereto, such as filtration or distillation type recycling apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Soichiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6275654
    Abstract: A cleaning unit is described which includes a heating unit and a recirculating pump assembly capable of supply a given fluid flow output at a given pressure at a dispenser head or wand. The recirculating flow is controlled by an unloader valve connected to the high pressure side of a pump, recirculating a portion of the flow to the low pressure side when the pressure in the high pressure side exceeds some set value. The unit utilizes an oversized pump so that an undersized motor can be used to improve durability and lifetime and low weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: E. Gerald Hebert
  • Patent number: 6273108
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a mixture of a treatment liquid and ozone for treatment of a surface of a workpiece, and a corresponding method are set forth. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus comprises a liquid supply line that is used to provide fluid communication between a reservoir containing the treatment liquid and a treatment chamber housing the workpiece. A heater is disposed to heat the workpiece, either directly or indirectly. Preferably, the workpiece is heated by heating the treatment liquid that is supplied to the workpiece. One or more nozzles accept the treatment liquid from the liquid supply line and spray it onto the surface of the workpiece while an ozone generator provides ozone into an environment containing the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Bergman, Mignon P. Hess
  • Patent number: 6267124
    Abstract: A method and system for immersion cleaning of mechanical parts which includes a continuous conveyor having a plurality of vertical conveyor runs which pass through one or more cleaning tanks. Each cleaning tank includes at least two turbulent wash zones. Pivotal parts carriers are supported by the conveyor and are loaded at a parts loading station and are unloaded at a parts discharge station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Bowden Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Bowden
  • Patent number: 6263890
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a cleaning device (RV) for cleaning a shaving head (SK) of a dry shaving apparatus (TR), having a housing (1), a holding device (2), a cleaning liquid container (3), a filter (4), a feed device (6) adapted to be driven by a motor (5) and including a supply pipe (7) leading to a cleaning basin (8) and a liquid drain (9) from the cleaning basin (8) to the cleaning liquid container (3), wherein the cleaning liquid container (3) with integrated filter (4) is adapted to be coupled with a wall (12) of the housing (1) by means of a latching device (V).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Höser
  • Patent number: 6263889
    Abstract: An engine oil system cleaning apparatus has a cleaning solution delivery line connected by an adapter to a running engine, and an exit line and a return line from the engine connected at an adapter at the engine oil pan. A fail-safe loop flow circuit, including the exit line and solution delivery line, is provided upon sensing of a pressure drop in the delivery line to operate valves to effect flow through the fail-safe circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventors: Robert A. Flynn, Robert E. Flynn
  • Patent number: 6257254
    Abstract: A high pressure pump (14) supplies cleaning fluid from a reservoir (12) to spray nozzles (20) inside a washing chamber (10). The spray nozzles (20) spray the cleaning fluid over a load to be cleaned. Used cleaning fluid is collected in a sump (30). A sump pump (32) drains the sump. The combination of the high pressure pump and sump pump provides more efficient cleaning of the load and eliminates the requirement for a deep sump beneath the washer. A vertical traveler (22), having a pair of counterbalanced spray arms (24), raises and lowers the spray nozzles counter cyclically; a detergent injection system (50) accurately meters a correct amount of detergent is added to the cleaning fluid; and a filtration device (34) filters suspended material from the used cleaning fluid and uses a portion of the cleaning fluid to clean itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Steris Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Rochette, Michel Lemay, Yves-André Theriault, Michel Emond, Mario Duchaine, Ghislain Parent, Nathalie Thibault
  • Patent number: 6253775
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus has a processing tank (21) for containing a processing liquid in which semiconductor wafers (W) are immersed, and a tubular vessel(22a) having a processing chamber (23) containing the processing tank (21). A side wall (26) of the vessel (22a), and a first partition wall (28) having an upright wall (27) standing on a bottom plate (23a) defining the bottom of the processing chamber (23) form a side ventilating duct (24). The bottom wall (30) of the vessel (22a), and a second partition wall (29) substantially horizontally extending from the lower end of the first partition wall (28) form a bottom ventilating duct (25). The side ventilating duct (24) and the bottom ventilating duct (25) can compactly arrange devices and pipes for supplying and discharging the cleaning liquid for cleaning semiconductor wafers (W), easily maintain the devices and pipes, easily arrange a ventilating system to the cleaning apparatus, and improve ventilation efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Shigenori Kitahara, Keiji Taguchi, Hiroko Tsuboi
  • Patent number: 6253585
    Abstract: A lint filter construction 10 for use with the drain outlet 101 of a washing machine 100 wherein the construction 10 includes a filter body unit 11 comprising a sieve-like body member 20 fabricated from a sheet of plastic netting and having an upper portion 22 dimensioned to receive and be captively secured to the drain outlet 101 by a filter attachment unit 12 and further including an enlarged intermediate portion 23 and an enlarged lower portion 24; wherein, the lower portion 24 is further provided with a releasable sealing arrangement 40 for removing trapped lint directly from the bottom of the sieve-like body member 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph F Wright
  • Patent number: 6247480
    Abstract: A containment assembly for use with a pressure washing apparatus to contain and collect the relatively light weight contaminants from run-off of a washing fluid after being flowed over an object to be cleaned. The containment assembly includes a settling compartment for collection of the run-off washing fluid therein, and a containment compartment in gravity flow fluid communication with a surface of the collected washing fluid in the settling compartment. As the lightweight contaminants at the surface of the washing fluids gravity flow into the containment compartment, they are contained and collected therein. A fluid extraction assembly is in fluid communication with the contained washing fluid in the containment compartment through an opening therein vertically disposed below a predetermined operational fluid level of the contained washing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: EZ Environmental Solutions Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Wegner
  • Patent number: 6244280
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning semiconductor devices and other workpieces using an aqueous rinse solution which is de-oxygenated by passing the aqueous rinse solution and a carrier gas through an osmotic membrane degasifier. A cleaning chamber is also disclosed for carrying out the cleaning method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Speedfam-IPEC Corporation
    Inventors: Paul William Dryer, Richard Scott Tirendi, James Bradley Sundin
  • Patent number: 6244279
    Abstract: A method and system for immersion cleaning of mechanical parts which includes a continuous conveyor having a plurality of vertical conveyor runs which pass through at least one cleaning tank. Each cleaning tank includes at least two turbulent wash zones. Parts carriers are supported by the conveyor such that the parts are rotated as they are conveyed through the at least one cleaning tank during the cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Bowden Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Bowden
  • Patent number: 6234184
    Abstract: A secondary filter of the present invention is adapted to provide for secondary filtering of wash water that has already been filtered by a primary filter to further remove very fine particles and therefore reduce the deposit of particles on the dishes being washed. The secondary filter is comprised of an annular chamber having an input port in communication with the pump and an output port in communication with the drain. The top of the annular chamber includes a plurality of openings covered by a fine mesh to allow wash water to pass but not fine particles. While the dishwasher is draining, any wash water and particles in the annular chamber will be flushed out through the output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Barry E. Tuller, Daniel Hruby
  • Patent number: RE37674
    Abstract: An apparatus for washing and recovering a contaminant from an object. A washing agent flows over the object, and the washing agent and contaminant are received in a basin. A slurry of the washing agent and contaminant are circulated through at least one separator and one filter to produce a cleaned slurry flow. The cleaned slurry flow is recirculated into the basin. A first pump which is used to flow the washing agent over the object has a supply port and a pressurized output port. A pressurized fluid supply is coupled to a variable regulator with a variable pressure output. A second pump driven by the variable pressure output impels the washing agent into the supply port of the first pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: John A. Carter