Interconnected Tank Closure And Other Movable Element Patents (Class 134/143)
  • Patent number: 11788226
    Abstract: A laundry appliance including an appliance housing, a drum housing positioned in the appliance housing, and a drum that is configured to rotate inside the drum housing. A laundry compartment inside the drum is accessible through openings in the front of the appliance housing, drum housing, and drum. A front appliance door is pivotally connected to a front ring of the drum housing. A water recirculation insert is mounted to the front ring of the drum housing. The water recirculation insert includes a nozzle portion that extends through the front ring to a nozzle opening that is located inside the drum housing and configured to dispense recirculated fluid directly into the laundry compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Rajwardhan Deshmukh, Arun Rajendran, Michael Vriezema, Jason R. Spears
  • Patent number: 11723491
    Abstract: A salad spinner includes a lid having a pull ring supported thereon and a strainer bowl having a strainer basket supported therein, the strainer basket having a pivotable strainer handle mounted on a chopper. The pull ring is configured to be angularly displaced away from the lid to impart a spinning motion to the strainer basket within the strainer bowl. The strainer handle defines a centrally disposed strainer aperture. The lid has a hex shaft that is removably coupled to the strainer aperture of the strainer handle. The hex drive shaft is further removably coupled to a hex opening of a chopper rod of a chopper. The hex drive shaft initiates the spinning motion to chop salad and to dry salad independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Krus, Ian Morgan, Sami Piercy
  • Patent number: 11471015
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus is described including a housing supporting a suction source, a dirt collection container, and a cyclonic separation device for separating dirt from the airflow passing through the apparatus. The apparatus further includes a ducting member having an inlet in communication with an outlet from the cyclonic separation device and an outlet in communication with a passage leading to the suction source. The ducting member is removably connected to the housing or the dirt collection container and is rotatably moveable between locked and unlocked positions, and rotational movement of the ducting member from its unlocked position to its locked position aligns the outlet of the ducting member with the passage leading to the suction source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventors: Matthew James Ward, Richard David Waters, Guy Lawrence Newsom, Darren David Holmes, Steven James Rogers
  • Patent number: 10729305
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub, a first dish rack, and a second dish rack disposed above the first dish rack in the tub. The second dish rack includes a frame configured to couple to and adjust in a vertical position relative to a plurality of mounting rails in the tub. The second dish rack also includes a collapsible portion coupled to the frame and configured to adjust in a vertical position relative to the frame. In some embodiments, the second dish rack further includes a feed pipe coupled to the collapsible portion, the feed pipe having at least one connection point configured to align with at least one water supply point, wherein each vertical position of the collapsible portion corresponds to a different alignment of the at least one connection point and the at least one water supply point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Viktor Kopyrin, Raveendran Vaidhyanathan
  • Patent number: 10667945
    Abstract: A contact lens tool kit for placement of a contact lens on an eye is provided. The tool kit may include a contact lens tool. The contact lens tool may include an outer edge for selectively engaging a contact lens. The tool kit may also include a lens housing for containing a contact lens, the lens housing selectively engageable with the tool. Engagement of the tool and the lens housing permits reception of the contact lens by the contact lens tool and disengagement of the two permits removal of the contact lens by the tool. The lens housing may include a removable seal for draining solution through an aperture of the contact lens tool or lens housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Invent Horizon, LLC
    Inventor: David Timothy Milton
  • Patent number: 10335013
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub, a first dish rack, and a second dish rack disposed above the first dish rack in the tub. The second dish rack includes a frame configured to couple to and adjust in a vertical position relative to a plurality of mounting rails in the tub. The second dish rack also includes a collapsible portion coupled to the frame and configured to adjust in a vertical position relative to the frame. In some embodiments, the second dish rack further includes a feed pipe coupled to the collapsible portion, the feed pipe having at least one connection point configured to align with at least one water supply point, wherein each vertical position of the collapsible portion corresponds to a different alignment of the at least one connection point and the at least one water supply point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Viktor Kopyrin, Raveendran Vaidhyanathan
  • Patent number: 10159980
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for resuspending and/or collecting blood and/or other types of cells in solution. In one embodiment, cells may be recovered from used surgical sponges and/or other types of surgical articles (e.g., and stored for later use).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: All Cell Recovery LLC
    Inventor: Michael C. Cordisco
  • Patent number: 10045598
    Abstract: The contact lens case structure includes a main body, a number of elastic members, a number of carrier members, a number of cover members, and a number of hollowed-out pressing members. The main body has a number of accommodation spaces. Each elastic member is housed in an accommodation space. A contact lens is placed on a carrier member which in turn is placed on an elastic member. Each pressing member is housed inside a cover member. Each accommodation space is filled with solution. Each cover member is joined to an accommodation space. Each pressing member presses a top side of a carrier member, which in turn compresses an elastic member so that the contact lens is immersed in the solution. The contact lens is held between the pressing member and the carrier member with enhanced cleaning and sterilization effect and is prevented from deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: BONASSE ENTERPRISES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ta-Chin Lin
  • Patent number: 9585537
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher which comprises: a washer main body in which a washing basin is provided to form a space in which dishes are washed; multiple fixed jet nozzles which are fixed to the inner wall of the washing basin and jet water for washing toward the dishes at a fixed position; and a horizontally arranged cylindrical rotating rack rotatably disposed in the washing bath, wherein the inner space thereof is split into multiple dish mounting portions where the dishes can be mounted and the rotating rack rotates along the periphery of the multiple fixed jet nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Dae Gyu Kim
  • Patent number: 9534327
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry device including: i) a flexible waterproof housing for housing a textile item, water and cleaning material; ii) an opening in the housing for inserting or removing the textile item; and iii) a seal for sealing the opening; wherein an inner surface of the housing includes a frictional washing surface against which the textile item is rubbed to effect cleaning by gripping or pressing on an outer surface of the housing to press and rub the textile item against the frictional washing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: CALIBRE8 PTY LTD
    Inventors: Ashley Martin Newland, Jean-Paul Pearce
  • Patent number: 8845819
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a water wash system that may mix a cleaning fluid with at least one chemical agent to form a cleaning solution. The cleaning solution may reduce the corrosives on components of a compressor. The cleaning solution may be an mildly acidic solution to reduce corrosion of a caustic nature. Alternatively, the cleaning solution may be a mildly basic solution to reduce corrosion of an acidic nature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eric Gebhardt, Rahul J. Chillar, Dale J. Davis
  • Patent number: 8834649
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a water wash system that may mix a cleaning fluid with at least one chemical agent to form a cleaning solution. The cleaning solution may reduce the corrosives on components of a compressor. The cleaning solution may be a mildly acidic solution to reduce corrosion of a caustic nature. Alternatively, the cleaning solution may be a mildly basic solution to reduce corrosion of an acidic nature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eric Gebhardt, Rahul J. Chillar, Dale J. Davis
  • Patent number: 8826925
    Abstract: An exemplary cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning member, a connecting member, a drying member, and a workpiece holder. The connecting member includes a main housing defining two opposite surfaces and two blocks received in the main housing. The main housing defines a first chamber and two second chambers communicating with the first chamber, each of the second chambers extending through to one of the two opposite surfaces and near to the other opposite surface. The cleaning member and the drying member are connected to the two opposite surfaces and communicate with each other via the first chamber. The two blocks are movable between the first chamber the second chambers, respectively. Each block defines an engaging surface, facing the other engaging surface. When the blocks move into the first chamber and the engaging surfaces engage with each other, the blocks shut off communication between the cleaning member and the drying member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shao-Kai Pei
  • Patent number: 8567419
    Abstract: An apparatus capable of cleaning a material includes pipes arranged in a first barrel; and through holes defined in a second barrel. The second barrel is received in the first barrel. The apparatus further includes a driver comprising a drive shaft, the drive shaft extending through the first barrel and being connected to the second barrel. A fluid container is included store fluid, an air controller is provided air-dry the material. Before washing the material, the second barrel is driven by the driver to cause each of the through holes to disengage from a corresponding pipe. After washing the material, the second barrel is driven by the driver to cause each of the through holes to engage with the corresponding pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shao-Kai Pei
  • Publication number: 20130263896
    Abstract: A dishwasher appliance is provided with a silverware basket. The silverware basket includes a ramp that is configured for urging the silverware basket away from a door of the appliance when the silverware basket is being detached from the door. The ramp can, e.g., assist a user in removing the silverware basket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: William Nathan Garnett
  • Patent number: 7461664
    Abstract: The plug is proposed for insertion into a hollow core of a roller cover to keep water from traveling through the hollow core, the plug comprising a body sized and configured to be received in the hollow core, and the body incorporating a peripheral lip thereon to keep the plug from being pushed into the hollow core by water pressure applied thereagainst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Collin Budron
  • Patent number: 7409960
    Abstract: The invention aims at improving a cleaning fluid container (3) for a cleaning device (RV) for personal needs, in particular for cleaning a shaving head (SK) of a dry shaving apparatus (R), with a housing (20), with an inlet port (15) provided on the housing (20) to admit cleaning fluid (11), with an outlet port (14) equally provided on the housing (20) to discharge the cleaning fluid (11), and with a filter element (F), said filter element (F) being provided with filter pores for filtering out solid particles, particularly hair particles, and being arranged in a flow area between the inlet port (15) and the outlet port (14), in a manner enabling the pump capacity to be significantly reduced or the service life of a cartridge (K) to be substantially increased. This is accomplished in that the filter element (F) has pores of a size causing part of the particles to penetrate the filter element (F) according to their size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Hoser, Daniel Dietzel
  • Patent number: 7387131
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus for processing a substrate With a processing fluid is provided. The apparatus includes holding members 60 for holding the substrate W, a chuck member 61 for supporting the holding members 60 and a top-face member 62 approaching the substrate W to cover its surface. In arrangement, since the top-face member 62 is supported by the chuck member 61, the holding members 60 can rotate together with the top-face member 62 in one body. With this structure, it is possible to reduce the influence of particles on the substrate W and also possible to provided a low-cost substrate processing apparatus occupied as little installation space as possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Osamu Kuroda, Hiroki Taniyama, Takayuki Toshima
  • Publication number: 20080035186
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a housing, a dish rack movably disposed in the housing, and a first and a second roller respectively disposed on opposite sides of the dish rack. The first and second rollers are configured to movably support the dish rack on respective first and second running surfaces. A respective angle of inclination of at least a respective portion of the first and second running surfaces is adjustable so as to enable the dish rack to automatically move outward from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: MIELE & CIE. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Wegener, Cornelius Wolf
  • Patent number: 7323066
    Abstract: A device and method for cleaning paint accessories and particularly roller covers and/or other paint accessories simultaneously or individually. A spray head has a fluid inlet engageable to a source of fluid and a fluid collection chamber in communication with the fluid inlet. A plurality of spray apertures are radially spaced within the spray head to be adjacent the nap of a roller cover during use. A sealing surface positioned within the radius of the spray apertures seals off an end of the roller cover. A housing having an inner cavity for receiving a roller cover has a diameter sized to create cleansing fluid flow through the nap of a roller cover. A plurality of outlet apertures in communication with the inner cavity are radially spaced to be adjacent a nap portion of a roller cover during use. A plurality of decreased diameter nestable sleeves adapted to fit in the housing are also provided to accommodate variously circumferentially dimensioned paint rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Collin Budron
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7146994
    Abstract: An active rinse shield designed to protect electrofill chemical baths from excessive dilution during rinse sprays on the semiconductor wafer. The shield uses overlapping blades to cover the bath, making a physical barrier between the bath chemistry and the wafer rinse water. The blades are interconnecting ribs that actuate around a common pivot axis. A linear mechanical actuator controls the blade movement, moving the top-most blade, which in turn, moves an adjacent lower blade. Each upper blade is interconnected to an adjacent lower blade by upper and lower ledges, a pivot boss and interlocking cut, and a curved ledge on each blade's body surface. The interconnecting features allow the blades to move one another out for extension or in for retraction. The interlocking blades are inclined above one another, forming grooves to redirect the rinse water away from the chemical bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Breiling, John D Rasberry, Steve C Schlegel
  • Patent number: 6884334
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a containment chamber that is used for carrying out multiple processing steps such as depositing on, polishing, etching, modifying, rinsing, cleaning, and drying a surface on the workpiece. In one example of the present invention, the chamber is used to electro chemically mechanically deposit a conductive material on a semiconductor wafer. The same containment chamber can then be used to rinse and clean the same wafer. As a result, the present invention eliminates the need for separate processing stations for depositing the conductive material and cleaning the wafer. Thus, with the present invention, costs and physical space are reduced while providing an efficient apparatus and method for carrying out multiple processes on the wafer surface using a containment chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: ASM NuTool, Inc.
    Inventors: Konstantin Volodarsky, Boguslaw A. Nigorski, Rimma Volodarsky, Douglas W. Young, Cyprian Uzoh, Homayoun Talieh
  • Patent number: 6866051
    Abstract: A megasonic module for substrate processing is provided. Embodiments of the present invention include a tank configured to hold processing fluids in which the substrate is submerged, and a lid configured to mate with and seal the tank. At least two megasonic transducers are positioned within the megasonic module to direct megasonic energy to each of an active surface and a backside surface of the substrate. A pair of drive wheels are configured to receive an edge of the substrate to support and rotate the substrate in a horizontal orientation between the at least two megasonic transducers. The substrate is supported against the pair of drive wheels by a substrate stabilizing arm/wheel which also allows the rotation of the substrate. A drive motor is configured to rotate the pair of drive wheels, and a fluid recirculation system provides for temperature control and use of a plurality of processing fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Afshin Nickhou, Randolph E. Treur, Michael Ravkin
  • Publication number: 20040182424
    Abstract: An active rinse shield designed to protect electrofill chemical baths from excessive dilution during rinse sprays on the semiconductor wafer. The shield uses overlapping blades to cover the bath, making a physical barrier between the bath chemistry and the wafer rinse water. The blades are interconnecting ribs that actuate around a common pivot axis. A linear mechanical actuator controls the blade movement, moving the top-most blade, which in turn, moves an adjacent lower blade. Each upper blade is interconnected to an adjacent lower blade by upper and lower ledges, a pivot boss and interlocking cut, and a curved ledge on each blade's body surface. The interconnecting features allow the blades to move one another out for extension or in for retraction. The interlocking blades are inclined above one another, forming grooves to redirect the rinse water away from the chemical bath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Breiling, John D. Rasberry, Steve C. Schlegel
  • Publication number: 20040154652
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for medical and/or dental tool provides a possibility to clean the burrs and brushes (files) of the remained tooth material on them after operation on patient. An improved cleaning apparatus for medical and/or dental tool includes a container, comprising a neck with an opening and at least one of a plurality of apertures located in the lower part of the neck, a fluid stream reflector of a lid, which includes a connector comprising a fluid inlet pipe which is coupled by a tubular means with a fluid line via controllable valve, and a cylindrical stand connected to the base, providing a stable position of the container during cleaning process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Armen Karapetyan
  • Patent number: 6626194
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for electric shaver components has a removable basket that fits inside a compartment. Cleaning is carried out by pumping cleaning fluid and air into a bottom of the compartment via a sieve plate. Debris removed from the components is collected in one compartment of a reservoir. The level of the water in the reservoir is maintained and controlled by the provision of an overflow pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Raymond Electric (China) Limited
    Inventor: Ying Man Wong
  • Patent number: 6622740
    Abstract: A dishwashing machine comprises a stationary housing with an open front face and at least two structures for supporting wash load items. The support structures are able to slide horizontally with respect to the housing through the open front face of the housing. At least one of the support structures is capable of sliding horizontally jointly with a door, which closes the open front face of the housing, and is adapted to move in a substantially vertical direction along an inner surface of the door. The inner surface of the door is able to accommodate the front bulk of at least another one of the remaining support structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Electrolux Zanussi, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Piero Durazzani
  • Publication number: 20030159718
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus and a cleaning method for cleaning a object are provided. In the cleaning apparatus, a drying chamber 42 and a cleaning bath 41 are separated from each other up and down, respectively. Thus, a space in the drying chamber 42 can be insulated from a space of the cleaning bath 41 through rotary doors 59a and a slide door 72. In the cleaning method, a cleaning process in the cleaning bath 41 is carried out while sealing it by the rotary doors 59a. On the other hand, a drying process in the drying chamber 42 is accomplished while sealing and closing it by the slide door 72. Consequently, there is no possibility that, during the drying process, the object is subjected to a bad influence from a chemical treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Yuji Kamikawa, Satoshi Nakashima, Kinya Ueno
  • Patent number: 6510858
    Abstract: A washing device (10) includes a chamber (12) with a front door (24). The door is pivotable between a vertical closed position and a horizontal open position. An article carrying assembly (34) is moveable from inside the washing device to an upper surface (26) of the open door. A lifting system (72) moves the front door between lower and upper positions (74, 76). The lifting system includes a follower (154) to which the front door is pivotally mounted. A motor (80) transmits power to a pair of chains (110, 116), which drive the follower along a guide (156) to move the door up and down. Alternatively, the lifting system includes a cable (182) coupled to a fluid cylinder (180). When the door is in the upper position, an operator can move the rack to a transfer cart or load and unload the article carrying assembly, all while in a substantially erect position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Halstead, Francois Lagacé, John Wood, Simon Villeneuve, Jean-Guy Roy, Eugéne Cantin
  • Patent number: 6508259
    Abstract: A pressure vessel for use in production processes requiring elevating and ranging of temperatures and pressures during the process cycle, readily adaptable to production line operation, suitable for wafer processing in the semiconductor industry and for other industries and processes. The pressure vessel is configured within an open support frame with a stationary, preferably inverted, orientation. The cover or closing plate is vertically movable towards the mouth of the pressure vessel and functions as the platform by which the object under process is transferred into the vessel. The moving and locking mechanism for the cover is isolated and shielded from the process environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: S.C. Fluids, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Tseronis, Heiko D. Mortiz, Mohan Chandra, Robert B. Farmer, Ijaz H. Jafri, Jonathan Talbott
  • Publication number: 20030010363
    Abstract: Fixtures and methods for clamping workpieces in a workplace to enable the optimized exposure thereof to a stream or flow of a supercritical fluid. Provided is a rotatably indexable chuck or locator mounting the workpiece and enabling orientating the latter in specific static pitch position within a high pressure vessel in order to subject the workpiece to a full frontal exposure to the supercritical fluid stream within the vessel. This mounting arrangement facilitates an optimum positioning of the workpiece being processed in the flow path of the supercritical fluid stream while oriented in selectively indexed rotational positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: IBM Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Cotte, Matteo Flotta, Kenneth John McCullough, Wayne Martin Moreau, John P. Simons, Charles J. Taft
  • Patent number: 6158449
    Abstract: An enclosure 23A that defines a drying chamber 23 is configured of a pair of enclosing elements 23c and 23d and a base element 23b. When wafers enter or leave the drying chamber 23, the enclosing elements 23c and 23d are lifted upward by vertical air cylinders 42 to separate them from the base element 23b. The enclosing elements 23c and 23d are then moved in directions that mutually separate them. To dry wafers within the drying chamber 23, the enclosing elements and the base element 23b are mutually engaged to form a hermetic seal, in the opposite sequence.The present invention reduces the dimensions of the drying chamber without impeding the work of moving wafers into and out of the drying chamber. This makes it possible to reduce the internal volume of the drying chamber, achieving a reduction is the consumption of drying gas, an improvement in the drying efficiency, and a reduction in overall size of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Yuji Kamikawa
  • Patent number: 6095165
    Abstract: A table dishwasher combination including an access door slidably connected to the table top side members to allow a pair of dishwasher racks to rise upwardly from the central compartments wherein one of the dish racks pivots to the left and one pivots to the right to allow for loading by people seated at the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: William Mastronardi
  • Patent number: 6074515
    Abstract: In a substrate processing apparatus receiving substrates held in a common carrier in a horizontal attitude, the substrates are transferred in the horizontal attitude from the common carrier to an exclusive carrier. The exclusive carrier is rotatable on a horizontal axis. By rotating the exclusive carrier, the substrates are turned from the horizontal attitude to a vertical attitude. Then, the substrates held in the vertical attitude are taken out of the exclusive carrier and transferred to a processing part for processing in the vertical attitude. This allows a simple and speedy turn of the plurality of substrates. Further, even the apparatus for processing the substrates in a vertical attitude can transfer the substrates into and out of the apparatus in the horizontal attitude by using the common carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Izuru Iseki, Seiichiro Sato, Yusuke Muraoka
  • Patent number: 5779522
    Abstract: The present invention is a pad scrubber that cleans the planarizing surface of a polishing pad used in CMP processing of semiconductor wafers. The pad scrubber has a fluid manifold, a first nozzle attached to one side of the manifold, and a second nozzle attached to another side of the manifold. The first nozzle directs a first fluid stream generally outwardly toward a peripheral edge of the pad, and the second nozzle directs a second fluid stream generally outwardly to the peripheral edge of the pad and also toward the first fluid stream. The first and second fluid streams converge on the planarizing surface of the pad to separate accumulated waste matter from the polishing pad and to create a contained stream of separated particles that flows across the planarizing surface to the peripheral edge of the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Walker, Karl M. Robinson
  • Patent number: 5687752
    Abstract: A space-saving dishwasher has a washing basin having side and bottom walls and an open top, and a vertically shiftable rack assembly for carrying dishes. A shifting mechanism is coupled with the rack assembly for selectively shifting the latter between a lower cleaning position, wherein the rack assembly is disposed within the basin below the open top, and an upper loading position, wherein the rack assembly is disposed above the open top of the basin. The dishwasher further includes a lid member for covering the open top of the basin when the rack assembly is in the cleaning position. Structure is also provided for cleaning the dishes carried in the rack assembly, when the assembly is in the cleaning position. The dishwasher is particularly designed for installment within an opening of a substantially horizontally extending table-top or kitchen counter top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Carroll J. Boylan
  • Patent number: 5482064
    Abstract: The specification discloses a cleaning apparatus (2) for cleaning machine and engine parts comprising a trough (4) in which the cleaning is performed. A lid (6) is connected to the trough (4) and is movable between a closed position covering the trough and an opened position allowing access to the trough. A first cleaning fluid dispenser in the form of a manifold (8) is located within the apparatus (2). Also provided is a portable cleaning fluid dispensing gun (10) or brush (12) which is connectable to the apparatus (2). The lid (6) operatively cooperates with the manifold (8), gun (10) or brush (12) so that when the lid (6) is in the closed position, cleaning fluid is dispensed through the manifold (8) and when the lid (6) is in the opened position, cleaning fluid can be dispensed through the gun (10) or brush (12). A pump (14) is provided for pumping the cleaning fluid to the manifold (8), gun (10) or brush (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Robowash Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Fenton Goddard
  • Patent number: 5299587
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for immersing at least one contaminated part in a fluid, wherein the contaminated parts are moved through the fluid with both a rotational and reciprocal movement. The compound movement of the contaminated parts cause the parts to be repeatedly lifted from, and immersed within, the fluid, thereby improving the interaction of the fluid on all surfaces of the contaminated parts regardless to the shape or orientation of the contaminated parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Randall Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Randall, Albert J. Raven, III
  • Patent number: 5297569
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and lubricating bearings includes the steps of placing the bearings on posts on a rotating member, and rotating the member within a container containing a cleaning solvent. The rotating member is then removed from the cleaning solvent, and a lubricant is placed within the container. The rotating member is then reinserted into the container and the bearings are rotated within the lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: William B. McLain
  • Patent number: 5127424
    Abstract: With a cleaning device that uses high-voltage discharges in liquids, it is possible to safely clean even clusters of precision castings if a tubular processing chamber serves as shock wave reflector and the position of the component and of the electrode are variable. Casting elements encrusted both with thin ceramic layers and with more ductile deposits are safely cleaned after they are lowered into the tubular chamber with sealable apertures on both sides, and after shock waves have been generated via the electrode positioned in the chamber. The tubular configuration of the chamber, which is preferably positioned endwise, makes it possible in particular to utilize the reflection waves to clean the individual components. By way of a hoist, the component configured as a cluster as well as any other configured component is passed by the electrode, turned, and if necessary swivelled in order to thus ensure a uniform and rapid cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Reinhold Thewes
    Inventors: Lothar Stein, Rheinold Thewes
  • Patent number: 5027840
    Abstract: A washing apparatus for supplying a cleansing fluid to an object of interest including a housing for enclosing the apparatus and including a staging area and a washing area, a carousel rotatably borne by the housing and operable to carry the object of interest between the staging and washing areas, a spray manifold rotatably borne by the housing and operable for oscillating movement along a path of travel which is disposed in the washing area, supply means borne by the housing for selectively supplying the cleaning fluid to the spray manifold, a drive mechanism borne by the housing and operable drivingly to engage the manifold thereby causing the oscillating movement of the manifold; and means for selectively controlling the supply of cleansing fluid, and the drive mechanism, whereby the cleansing fluid may be supplied, and the drive mechanism may be selectively activated when the carousel is in a predetermined occluding position relative to the staging and washing areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Perlick Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Nezworski
  • Patent number: 5024705
    Abstract: A system is provided for cleaning paint brushes whose bristles have, from use, developed liquefied accumulations thereon of an oil base paint. A plurality of transparent vessels, each containing the same liquid solvent, are supported in a first predetermined serial relationship such that a paint brush with accumulations of paint thereon can be immersed in sequence in the solvent contained in each of the vessels. A towel dispenser provides toweling for wiping the paint brush to mechanically remove the accumulations of paint thereon before and after immersion of the paint brush into the solvent contained in each of the vessels. Covers are removably attached to each of the vessels for selectively sealing the solvent from the atmosphere. Indicia may be applied to the covers or otherwise associated with the vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: Claire M. Cahill
  • Patent number: 4732185
    Abstract: An electrophoretic technique and apparatus for decontamination and sterilizing of contact lenses are provided. The lenses are placed in respective perforated containers and inserted in a buffer solution of suitable pH value. An electric field is established in the solutin by a pair of spaced electrodes. Contaminants on the lenses become charged and are attracted to a respective electrode, thereby cleaning and sterilizing the lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Baremek Pty. Limited.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Cowle, Paul J. Cowle, Gregory J. Cowle, Joffre B. Cowle
  • Patent number: 4722295
    Abstract: There is disclosed an article treating apparatus particularly apparatus for pressure-impregnating or vacuum impregnating porous articles such as metal castings. A holder for the articles or a metal basket containing them is disposed in an autoclave and can be rotated about a horizontal axis. It has a horizontal through-passageway so that articles to be treated can be simultaneously loaded at one end of the passageway and unloaded at the other end of the passageway by an indexing mechanism. The indexing mechanism has a plurality of pusher arms which can be moved laterally into the path of the articles and then moved horizontally to push the articles along rails into and out of the passageway. The holder is stopped at a predetermined rotary position in which a longitudinal slot is opposite the pusher arms so that unloading and loading may be effected simultaneously with a single movement of the indexing mechanism, a pusher arm passing completely through the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: Ultraseal International Limited
    Inventor: Peter D. Young
  • Patent number: 4721124
    Abstract: A system for storing, cleaning, and sterilizing soft and rigid contact lens. The system utilizes the circulation of cleaning fluid to clean lens which are suspended. The system consists of a container for housing a pair of off-set lens carriers and for functioning as a chamber for cleaning and sterilizing; a cap with apertures for providing a generally water-tight seal for the container and for supporting the lens carriers, and a base/pump housing connected to the bottom of the container for retaining the cleaning fluid and providing a pump mechanism for propelling the cleaning fluid into the cleaning chamber. The container has a floor with a plurality of angled apertures for providing a helically shaped spray of cleaning fluid onto the lens carriers upon manipulation of the base and pump housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Inventors: Barry Tuerkheimer, Robert Cranmore
  • Patent number: 4700729
    Abstract: A contact lens cleaning system having a chamber and a pump for generating streams of cleaning fluid within the chamber. The lenses are carried in lens retainers which rotate within the chamber and are exposed to the streams of cleaning fluid. The lens retainers are mounted on a single spindle held at both ends. The rotatable disposition of the lens retainers allow the lens to rotate and thus a greater extent if not essentially all of the surface area of the lens experiences the enhanced cleaning effect of the streams of cleaning fluid. The holding of the spindle at both ends insures that a uniform distribution of the impingement of cleaning fluid across the lens may be effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Assignee: Windmere Corporation
    Inventor: Arnold Thaler
  • Patent number: 4687997
    Abstract: A system for measuring the electrical conductivity of disinfecting and rinsing solutions within a cleansing container includes a power supply for driving a pair of detectors and/or a meter, a conductivity probe for measuring the electrical conductance of the solutions, an oscillator, amplifier, and rectifier circuit, and indicators such as colored lights for indicating the type of solution within the container. The entire measuring system may be miniaturized and provided within the lid of the container. The system is particularly adapted to ensure that the correct steps are taken during the disinfection of contact lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: CooperVision, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Tao
  • Patent number: 4672987
    Abstract: The present invention is a device for cleaning a roller of a paint roller applicator, while the roller is secured to a handle of the roller applicator. The cleaning device includes a vertically oriented tubular housing having an open top through which the roller is inserted into the housing for washing, and having an open bottom through which used washing fluid and material exit the housing. A sprayer assembly is provided for directing a stream of washing fluid against the roller when disposed within the housing to clean and rotate the roller on the handle. A cap for closing the top of the housing, is arranged to support the roller applicator so that the roller extends within the housing for washing. The cap has a laterally opening slot through which the handle extends when the roller is disposed within the housing. The cap is further arranged to adjustably fix the position of the handle of the roller applicator to align the roller with the fluid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Inventor: Lloyd W. Brandt
  • Patent number: 4568517
    Abstract: A contact lens is disinfected in an aqueous H.sub.2 O.sub.2 solution. The H.sub.2 O.sub.2 solution is neutralized and transformed in situ into a buffered, saline storage solution by adding a neutralizer such as sodium sulfite or sodium thiosulfate, and optional buffering agents. The neutralizer has a coating which dissolves to release the ingredients only a period of time after it is added, so that it can be put into the H.sub.2 O.sub.2 solution at the same time that the lens is.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Assignee: Barnes-Hind, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans H. Kaspar, Murray J. Sibley, Gordon H. Yung