For Work Having Hollows Or Passages Patents (Class 134/166R)
  • Patent number: 6148832
    Abstract: An apparatus for in-situ cleaning of polysilicon-coated quartz furnaces are presented. Traditionally, disassembling and reassembling the furnace is required to clean the quartz. This procedure requires approximately four days of down time which can be very costly for a company. In addition, cleaning the quartz requires large baths filled with a cleaning agent. These baths occupy a large amount of laboratory space and require a large amount of the cleaning agent. Cleaning the furnace in-situ eliminates the very time consuming procedure of assembling and disassembling the furnace and at the same time requires less laboratory space and less amount of cleaning agent. The polysilicon remover may be either a mixture of hydrofluoric and nitric acid or TMAH. TMAH is preferred because it less hazardous than hydrofluoric acid and compatible with more materials. The cleaning agent may be introduced into the furnace either from the built-in injectors or from additionally installed injectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Gilmer, Mark I. Gardner, Robert Paiz
  • Patent number: 6120661
    Abstract: A glass substrate processing apparatus, part of which comprises a composite material, the composite material being formed of a matrix and a ceramic layer formed on a surface of the matrix by a thermal spraying method, the matrix being formed of a ceramic member and an aluminum-containing material filled in a texture of the ceramic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shinsuke Hirano, Kei Takatsu, Shingo Kadomura
  • Patent number: 6109987
    Abstract: A water cooled four-cycle outboard motor having an improved flushing system that permits flushing of the cooling system without removal of even the protective cowling and which permits flushing to be accomplished with a minimum of water usage. The flushing connection is coupled with a tell tale connection to provide a simple, but highly effective construction. In addition, the system effectively cools the engine and a temperature sensor is positioned in an area where it will be protected from overheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hitoshi Watanabe, Takahide Watanabe, Masanori Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6105590
    Abstract: In order to remove deposits in feed nozzles (20), which serve to recycle exhaust gas into the furnace of a firing installation, a lance (27) can be inserted into the feed nozzles (20) and is held in such a way as to be displaceable in its longitudinal direction. The lance (27) has a nozzle head (28) at its front end for the spraying of water and is connected at its rear end to a valve device (29), which can be adjusted via a control device (32) with regard to the water quantity, the water pressure and the opening and closing times. By means of the lance (27), water is sprayed in a finely distributed manner onto deposits (34) in the interior of the feed nozzle (20), as a result of which the water penetrates into these deposits and causes these deposits to be blasted off due to the development of vapour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Martin GmbH fur Umwelt-und Energietechnik
    Inventors: Johannes Martin, Peter Spichal
  • Patent number: 6095166
    Abstract: An outboard motor is provided with a cleaning apparatus for cleaning a cooling water passage, in which the cooling water passage is formed and an engine is covered by an engine cover, the cleaning apparatus including a connection device to which one end of a cleaning water tube, which is connected at another end thereof to the cooling water passage of the engine, is connected and a cleaning water hose is connectable to the connection device from an external side thereof. The connection device comprises a grommet mounted to the engine cover and a connector assembly mounted to the grommet. The connector assembly has a double-tube structure having an inside connecting portion and an outside connecting portion, the inside connecting portion having a union structure to which a city hose or garden hose is connected and the outside connecting portion having an outer peripheral portion to which a screw portion is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Suzuki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naohisa Yoshimura, Kenichi Fujii, Fumio Matsui
  • Patent number: 6090213
    Abstract: An automated cleaning system for parts is disclosed. The parts to be cleaned are elongated tubes closed on one end which are mounted upside down on nozzles on a fixture. The fixture is placed in a wash tank where cleaning fluid is forced through the nozzles and into the insides of the parts. Ultrasonic techniques are also employed to assist in the cleaning. The fixture is moved to the next tank where rinse fluid is forced through nozzles. Again, ultrasonic techniques are used in the rinse tank. The fixture is placed in the drying tank where heated air is circulated into the tank while a vacuum is applied to the nozzles to draw out the heated air through the nozzles. Humidity from ambient air is isolated by virtue of the heated inlet air to the drying tank and an operable lid on the dry tank. Numerous parts can be processed at once in an automatic system which provides an improved technique for cleaning the parts while shortening the cycle time for the entire process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Lee Moyers
  • Patent number: 6090216
    Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a slit-like nozzle having an opening of a predetermined breadth for discharging liquid paint, with uniformity and with a small amount of cleaning liquid, wherein under a condition that a nozzle N is mounted on receiver plates 4, 4, a substantially air-tight space is formed, and a gas supply conduit is opened at one end of a cleaning portion 2 in the direction of the breadth of the nozzle, and an exhaust conduit 7 is opened at the other end thereof, being disposed in a vicinity of the gas supply conduit, so as to supply the cleaning liquid into the air-tight space. Then, since the air inside of the air-tight space is extracted from the exhaust conduit 7, the gas supplied from the one end flows towards the exhaust conduit 7 at the other end. The cleaning liquid contacts with the surface of the nozzle so as to dissolve and wash away any liquid paint adhering thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunobu Yamaguchi, Junji Kutsuzawa, Shigemi Fujiyama, Hiroyoshi Sago
  • Patent number: 6076307
    Abstract: A guttering cleaning system for cleaning of spouting and guttering in building structures includes water outlets (15) mounted to rain water guttering (12) to direct water into the guttering to flusb debris. An outlet connector (21) is provided for each water outlet (15). A supply connector (22) for releasable connection to any one of the outlet connectors (21) supplies water to the outlet connectors (21). A water supply line (25) and a connector support (45) enables remote connection and disconnection of the supply connector (22) from the ground adjacent the building, the connector support (45) comprising a support pole (46) provided with the supply connector (22) at its upper end, the supply line (25) extending up the support pole (46) to the supply connector (22). The system further includes a connection release means (50) enabling selective release of the connection between the supply connector (22) and an associated outlet connector (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Spoutmate PTY LTD
    Inventor: Anthony Frederick Kean
  • Patent number: 6044855
    Abstract: The invention is concerned with a device and a method for cleaning and disinfecting medical instruments, in particular instruments of minimal invasive surgery (MIS). Instead of the rigid connection of cleaning tubings to instrument connections and exits which has been used up to now and which have the disadvantage that certain contaminated regions remain inaccessible for a secure cleaning, there is suggested a docking of injector nozzles in defined chronological intervals, the injector nozzles being fixed in a centric position to the openings of the instrument connections. At the same time various types of injector nozzles are applied for adaptation to various instrument connections and openings. By measuring the rinsing fluid quantity flowing to the instrument connections and the total discharging rinsing fluid quantity, the quality of preparation may be evaluated and documented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Richard Wolf GmbH
    Inventor: Harry Monch
  • Patent number: 6041797
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for cleaning a vacuum drum used for transferring gummed labels. The apparatus operates by sealing the drum and backwashing a cleaning fluid through the vacuum ports to unplug the perimeter holes. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical housing closed on one end by a plate and, on the opposing end, by a detachable lid. A drum seat, the size of which corresponds to the size of the vacuum drum to be washed, is locked to the bottom of the housing. The drum seat has an inlet for receiving the cleaning fluid and means for dispensing the received fluid to the vacuum ports of the vacuum drum under pressure. Initially, the cleaning fluid is heated to dissolve the adhesive. Subsequently, a cooler liquid is flushed through the vacuum drum to cool it for handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: David S Casselman
  • Patent number: 6039060
    Abstract: A system using a secondary cleansing fluid achieves a fully functional irrigation and cleansing system for a medical container and associated tubing and adapter. A connection to a standard interior faucet, using pressurized water in conjunction with a negative pressure device, creates siphoning of a secondary fluid into fluid contact with the water for mixing. In addition, the system provides for an efficient connection for the associated tubing of less than half an inch in diameter for filling, cleansing, and flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Gary Rower
  • Patent number: 6039058
    Abstract: A device for cleaning a filling nozzle comprises an adapter 32 having an upward socket 51 connectable to a downward discharge outlet 22 of the filling nozzle 21 and connected to a collecting pipe 31 to hold the socket 51 in communication with the collecting pipe 31, a cleaner 33 having a downward cleaning spout 81 connectable to the socket 51 and so disposed as to position the cleaning spout 81 at one side of the discharge outlet 22, and means for moving the adapter 32 so as to connect the socket 51 to the discharge outlet 22 and the cleaning spout 81 alternately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Shikoku Kakoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuji Fujikawa, Michio Ueda
  • Patent number: 6035940
    Abstract: A fire fighting apparatus that is mounted to a window sill of the floor with a fire therein. The fire fighting apparatus comprises a substantially elongated conduit having an opening on its upper end, an anchor arm mounted from the opening on the conduit and a waterway securely fastened to the conduit. A fire hose is secured to the bottom of the waterway to supply water to the fire fighting apparatus. The anchor arm comprises a horizontal portion that fits on top of the window sill of the burning floor to securely suspend the fire fighting apparatus thereon. The anchor arm has a wedge-shaped claw that may be used to break open or to pry open a shut window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Kevin Bourke
  • Patent number: 6006766
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved sewer system for recreational vehicles. Specifically, a four way pipe connector is provided which resides below a flushing tank and connects the flushing tank, the gray water waste tank, the black water waste tank and the dump hose. Valves selectively open and close access to the four way pipe connector. The flushing tank includes five gallons of water which are selectively flushed through the dump hose to remove any waste residue that remains after draining the black or gray water waste tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Gary Soulages
  • Patent number: 6006768
    Abstract: A device for cleaning an optical fiber includes a body having a surface. A cleaning substance is deposited on the surface of the body. The body is selectively positionable for selectively contacting the cleaning substance with the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Larry R. Cox
  • Patent number: 5988192
    Abstract: They consist in the arrangement, as bottom of the cask (1), of a pluri-grooved sheet (7) which defines a plurality of cylindrical grooves, laterally adjacent and with coplanar mouths, the width of said grooves (7), being at a level with its mouth, corresponding with the spacing between the beams (3) which constitute the supporting structure for the false grated bottom (2), permitting that said supporting structure (3) be outside the receptacle (1), abutting in the first place, on the upper edge of the beams (3) which constitute the same, flat facets (8) of the pluri-grooved sheet (7) which separate the different grooves (7-7') of the same, and immediately on said facets, the marginal zones of the grated modules (2) .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Seeger Industrial, S.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Belvedere
  • Patent number: 5979471
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing a liquid (2) containing suspendible solid matter from a tank (1) comprises a plurality of nozzles (47) located at the lower region of the tank. A pump (10) removes the liquid and ejects it through the nozzles (47) to cause resuspension of settled solid matter. When sufficient resuspension has occurred, the tank (1) is emptied by opening a valve to remove a portion of the liquid being transferred to the nozzles (47). The nozzles (47) are arranged as oppositely facing pairs ofjet nozzles at the lower end of a rotatable vertical pipe (46). The pump (10) is suspended by a cable (13) connected to a drum (19) which can be rotated to raise or lower the pump. A pump outlet (12) is connected to a flexible hose (27) which is wound around the drum (19) or around a separate drum (110). A movable containment flask (14) houses the drum (19) and accommodates the pump (10) when withdrawn from the tank (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels plc
    Inventors: David K Wilby, Charles R B Lee, Mark A Knight
  • Patent number: 5975111
    Abstract: A waste tank clog removal system is provided for removing clogs during draining of a waste tank through a drain line. This system removes the clog by flushing the clog back into the waste tank. A bypass valve and a hose assembly are added to an existing waste tank drain and rinse system. The hose assembly is connected to the bypass valve and routed to the drain line, between a ball valve and a drain valve. When clogging occurs, the bypass valve is rotated to a bypass position, the drain valve is closed, and rinse fluid fills the drain line to push the clog back into the waste tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Galantowicz, Eric J. Essman, Jon A. Feroy
  • Patent number: 5970995
    Abstract: A kit for removing calcium deposits in a shower head extending from a shower arm without removing the shower head from the shower arm. The kit includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is replaceably attached to the shower arm, adjacent the shower head. The second portion is replaceably suspended from the first portion and receives the shower head and is filled with a mild acid, with the shower head submerged therein, so as to allow the mild acid to dissolve the calcium deposits in the shower head soaking in the mild acid in the second portion, without having to remove the shower head from the shower arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: William W. Schy
  • Patent number: 5964231
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided whereby additive for thermoplastic materials may be recovered in a primary additive supply system simultaneously with the supply of an additive from a secondary additive supply system to a molten thermoplastic stream. Each of the primary and secondary additive supply systems is provided with respective recirculation lines so as to prevent sedimentation of the additive. According to the present invention, therefore, a protocol is employed whereby substantially all of the additive in the additive supply system, including that quantity of additive in the recirculation lines, may be recovered so that a fresh supply of additive (which oftentimes is different from the previous additive) may be connected for injection into the molten thermoplastic stream at the appropriate time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel H. Kight, Carl R. Holzer, Jr., Dan R. Yon
  • Patent number: 5954067
    Abstract: A method for washing a cored head of lettuce includes placing the head in a position such that the cored hole faces downwardly, spraying an aqueous solution upwardly into the cored hole for a time and at a pressure sufficient to wash the hole, and then propelling the cored washed lettuce head upwardly from the washing position onto a conveyor for the lettuce head with minimal damage to that head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Fresh Express, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard S. Brown, Eugene D. Rizzo
  • Patent number: 5915452
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing a ceramic core from a casting in a relatively rapid manner wherein the casting and a fluid spray nozzle are disposed in a manner to expose a region of the core to a core dissolving fluid discharge of the nozzle and a core dissolving fluid is discharged from the nozzle toward the core region to contact the core region and dissolve core material therefrom and progressively from further regions of the core within the casting as they become exposed as core material is progressively removed. The discharge of fluid from the nozzle can be interrupted periodically to allow dissolved core material and fluid to drain from inside the casting or, alternately, the casting and nozzle can be relatively moved so that the casting can drain and/or forced air can be directed at the casting to this same end at a location spaced apart form the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Howmet Research Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick L. Conroy, Harold C. Pierson, Michael M. McRae
  • Patent number: 5901717
    Abstract: A liquid waste disposal and canister flushing system includes a cabinet with a sink for receiving the canister and a subsink for receiving a lower portion thereof. The subsink is connected to a drain line. A plunger subassembly includes a stopper which functions as a drain valve for the canister. An injection jet is connected to water and cleaning solution sources and discharges diluted cleaning solution into the canister for flushing same. The injection jet engages the plunger subassembly for ejecting the stopper from a canister drain opening. A control system includes a programmable microprocessor which can be programmed to provide drain and flush cycles of predetermined duration. A number of different container and accessory embodiments are disclosed. A method of liquid waste disposal and canister flushing utilizes the microprocessor for delaying the flush cycle until completion of the drain cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Dornoch Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Dunn, Timothy A. Carty
  • Patent number: 5902159
    Abstract: The invention is a device for flushing or winterizing an inboard/outboard engine cooling system having an open basin for submerging cooling system intake portals in liquid. The basin is capable of being removably and sealably disposed about a stern drive housing and allowing the stern drive housing of the motor to pass through bottom of the basin. The device also has elements for selectively and directionally conducting liquid discharged from the cooling system exhaust ducts into or away from the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventors: Tehren Killpack, Dale Killpack
  • Patent number: 5901719
    Abstract: In order to achieve an effective cleaning of all the cooling circuit of an automobile vehicle engine, a device is provided which consists of a tank (1) for an adequate cleaning liquid mixture which is equipped with a filling/emptying tap (2) and two in-takes (3) for insertion in said cooling circuit. In which, said tank (1) has, additionally, a pressure valve (4) and a bleeding tap (5) for reaching the preset work pressure values, preferably the operational pressure values of this cooling circuit. Additionally, and to the effects of monitoring the work pressure and the level of the cleaning liquid in tank (1), a manometer (6) and a control viewer (7) are provided. The result is an easily manageable embodiment, when, in the housing of the tank (1), fittings in the shape of a handle (8) and with rolling wheels (9), is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Juan Ramon Garcia Martinez
  • Patent number: 5891260
    Abstract: A product recovery system for recovering product from a pipeline having a supply end and a destination end and having a path of primary product flow from the supply end to the destination end. The product recovery system includes a pig launching station connected to and in communication with one end of the pipeline. The pig launching station has a pig parking chamber which holds a pig outside the primary product flow. The product recovery system has a pig catching station connected to and in communication with the destination end of the pipeline. The pig catching station includes a clean-in-place chamber for housing a pipeline pig while the pig is cleaned without removing the pig from the product recovery system. A valve may be used to push the pig out of the clean-in-place chamber so it may be returned up the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: The Benham Group
    Inventors: Robert A. Streets, Thomas L. Streets
  • Patent number: 5887606
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a purifying device for cleaning the nozzle of combustion chamber of car engine and carbon accumulated in the valve, which is to use an inlet tube connecting fuel oil pump of car for feeding fuel oil into a provision oil reservoir and mixing with an additive. An oil pump of the present invention is connected with the car power supply and starting oil pump, and a solution of oil and additive extracted from the oil reservoir are fed into an oil spraying system by a filter for cleaning the nozzle and valve. The oil spraying system has an oil return tube for returning a part of the oil back into the provision oil reservoir for cycling use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: John Tsou
  • Patent number: 5884643
    Abstract: There is provided a cleaning apparatus for a surface of a sheet steel capable of satisfactorily removing scale from a surface of a sheet steel before, for example, hot rolling. Waters (42a, 46a) are ejected from nozzles (42, 46), with an ejection pressure of 100 kg/cm.sup.2, a flow rate of 60 liters/minute and an ejection angle of 20.degree. with respect to normal of the surface (32a) of the sheet steel, toward a downward-stream end with respect to a carrying direction. On the other hand, waters (44a, 48a) are ejected also from nozzles (44, 48), with the same ejection pressure, flow rate and ejection angle as those of the nozzles (42, 46), but different in the ejecting direction. That is, waters (44a, 48a) are ejected toward an upward-stream end with respect to the carrying direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Kawasaki Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Masuto Shimizu, Akio Adachi, Hiroyuki Ogawa, Hiroshi Kuwako, Norio Kanamoto, Masaji Shiraishi, Naotoshi Aoyama, Takeo Sekine
  • Patent number: 5882404
    Abstract: Powder coating apparatus (10) comprises an enclosure or booth (12) in which an article to be powder coated is locatable. Spray heads (24) are provided in the booth (12) to spray water over the inside of the booth (12) to remove over-spray powder coat material from the booth (12), following coating of an article, and removal thereof from the booth (12). Material washed from the booth (12) can be collected for recovery from the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Edward Christopher Gummer
  • Patent number: 5881751
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for removing residues from an inner wall surface of a liquid-filled vessel includes a submergible carrier unit drivable in liquid; a coaxial, multi-pole electrode system mounted on the carrier unit; an arrangement for steering the carrier unit to a desired location at the wall surface; and a high-power pulse generator connected with the electrode system for generating a shock wave to be applied to the wall surface at the desired location, whereby the push-pull effect of the forces derived from the shock wave causes the residues to loosen and drop off the wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignees: TZN Forschungs- und Entwicklungs-zentrum Unterluss, Telerob Ges. fur Fernhantierungs-technik GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Hofmann, Bernd Birkicht
  • Patent number: 5882589
    Abstract: A device for cleaning, disinfecting, and/or drying an endoscope consists of a basin supported on a base. The basin forms a channel that defines a teardrop shape. The device includes a lid that sealingly engages the basin. During operation, the endoscope to be cleaned is completely immersed in cleaning solution in the basin. The basin includes injectors arranged so as to create a rotating flow of cleaning liquid and sterile rinsing water or recycled drying air within the channel. The vessel also includes injection nozzles that attach to various inlets of the endoscope to inject products at specified pressures and to continuously test the tightness of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Leon Shipper
    Inventor: Bernard Mariotti
  • Patent number: 5865903
    Abstract: A liquid treatment system for hollow articles having an open end facing downwardly upon a moving conveyor belt includes a vacuum stripper tube connected to a blower for generating a suction force withdrawing excess liquid from the hollow articles and the belts, and a pair of flow splitters for distributing the suction force applied to opposite ends of the vacuum stripper tube. The system is provided with a baffle disposed in the vacuum stripper tube for improving the distribution of suction force in the vacuum stripper tube. The system also includes an excess liquid collection arrangement constructed and arranged to establish a one-way flow of and collect excess liquid evacuated from the vacuum stripper tube. The system further contemplates a blow-off unit operably connected to the blower for supplying dry air to the hollow articles and conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: James W. Duncan
  • Patent number: 5863349
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a device for cleaning milking cups. Known devices of this type have a cleaning element which is adapted to be attached to a milking cup and which is adapted to be used for rinsing the milking-cup interior and for spraying rinsing liquid onto the end face of the milking cup so as to clean the outer surface thereof. The present invention provides an improved cleaning device comprising a cleaning element which is adapted to be attached to the milking cup such that a flow chamber is formed for producing a rinsing flow along an outer surface area of the milking cup which is to be cleaned. By means of this solution according to the present invention, an improved cleaning effect is achieved and the rinsing agent conducted through the flow chamber can then be used for cleaning the interior of the milking cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Jakob Maier, Jr.
    Inventors: Maria Laub-Maier, Jakob Maier, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5862606
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for drying protective suits, for which the suit is put over a supporting framework, which consists of tubes and reaches into all extremities of the suit, the tubes having outlet openings at their ends for warm air that has been blown in. The supporting framework 1; 101 is formed by tubular hoops 2, 3, 4, 5; 102, 103, 104, 105; 102', 103', 104', 105' which, in the area of the feet and hands of the protective suit, have bends 6, 7, 8, 9; 106, 107, 108, 109; 106', 107', 108', 109', in which the outlet openings 21; 121 for the drying air are disposed. An additional connecting piece 124; 124', which optionally can be shut off, is provided at the common manifold 18, 118, 118' for supplying detergents and disinfectants, it being possible preferably to shut off the drying air line before the connecting piece 124 also by means of a valve 125.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Helmut Jannach
  • Patent number: 5857472
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for rinsing a fluid-storage space that is provided with a rising chamber fillable with a fluid arranged in the region of the high point of the storage-space floor, which chamber, when the storage space runs empty, abruptly lets the fluid run out through a rinse opening as a rinsing torrent. The rinsing device has a container that serves to hold the rinse fluid; the container is either raisable, so that rinse fluid floods out through its bottom opening, or else the upper edge of the container is lowerable, so that the rinse fluid, coming forth from here, can flood out radially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventors: Lothar Steinhardt, Jorg-Michael Steinhardt
  • Patent number: 5836321
    Abstract: A system is provided for recycling a water ladened solvent used for purging a paint supply line of a paint sprayer. The purged material including a mixture of water ladened solvent and paint is filtered for separating the water ladened solvent from the paint. The water ladened solvent is collected and then reused for purging the paint supply lines of the paint sprayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Donald E. Kaneski, David R. Powell
  • Patent number: 5833765
    Abstract: Carbon deposits and related residue are removed from he internal surfaces of components of an internal combustion engine, particularly the fuel ports of a carbureted engine and the injection nozzles of a fuel injection engine, by circulating an engine conditioning fuel, through the engine utilizing a conditioning fuel pump, preferably driven by a fluid driven motor, for pumping conditioning fuel to the engine. The conditioning apparatus can detect leakage of the fuel pressure regulator of a fuel injected engine and can operate in both a one-line mode in which conditioning fuel flows one way from the apparatus to the engine and a two-line mode wherein the conditioning fuel is recirculated through the engine and conditioning apparatus. A preferred embodiment provides diagnostic features for checking the conditioning apparatus and certain engine components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventors: Robert E. Flynn, Robert A. Flynn
  • Patent number: 5810059
    Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment, a machine for filling containers, such flexible plastic bags, with fluid product, such a liquid food product, uses two container fill nozzles that each has a product supply system. While one of the nozzles is being used to fill containers that are being moved through the machine, the other nozzle and its product supply system is being cleaned. For the cleaning, at least one receptacle is provided to receive a nozzle being cleaned. Any product remaining in the delivery system and nozzle is flushed out through the receptacle in which the nozzle is inserted, and those portions cleaned. Fresh product is then loaded back into the delivery system and dispensed through the nozzle into the containers. This system and these operating techniques allow the product to be changed frequently without having to suffer a significant down time of the filling machine for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher C. Rutter, Robert A. Bilbrey, William Charron
  • Patent number: 5807359
    Abstract: A medical suction system comprising a medical suction canister used in draining bodily fluid from a patient, and a cleaning station for automatically draining and cleaning the suction canister and for automatically providing a visible indication that the canister has been cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Peter F. Bemis, Amelia H. Newar, Steven J. Kolste, William J. Genett
  • Patent number: 5804065
    Abstract: Electric control apparatus generates electric fields in the water suitable for killing marine animals, particularly zebra mussels. These electric fields can be spatially controlled and designed to produce appropriate levels of power density to tetanize or kill zebra mussels while at the same time providing electrical isolation and protection for other marine animals in the surrounding habitat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventor: Arvin L. Kolz
  • Patent number: 5799679
    Abstract: A device for washing the teat cups in a milking head, comprising an axially displaceable milking-head holder and a fitting therefor having rinsing nipples over which teat cups fit, wherein the milking-head holder has an axis which is eccentric to an axis of the fitting, and wherein the milking-head holder has an alignment rod mounted for sliding movement back and forth axially in a guide sleeve and whereas the device operates in a specific position wherein the axes of the milking-head holder and the milking-head fitting deviate from the vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventor: Heinrich Bucker
  • Patent number: 5776260
    Abstract: A liquid waste disposal and canister flushing system includes a cabinet with a sink for receiving the canister and a subsink for receiving a lower portion thereof. The subsink is connected to a drain line. A plunger subassembly includes a stopper which functions as a drain valve for the canister. An injection jet is connected to water and cleaning solution sources and discharges diluted cleaning solution into the canister for flushing same. The injection jet engages the plunger subassembly for ejecting the stopper from a canister drain opening. A control system includes a programmable microprocessor which can be programmed to provide drain and flush cycles of predetermined duration. A method of liquid waste disposal and canister flushing utilizes the microprocessor for delaying the flush cycle until completion of the drain cycle. The control system can provide drain and flush cycles of predetermined durations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Dornoch Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Dunn, Timothy A. Carty
  • Patent number: 5753049
    Abstract: An injection apparatus and method is disclosed that enables the internal space to be cleanable by preventing the solidification of binder through washing and cleaning inside a heating cylinder when molding material formation is completed. An inlet pipe is provided between an inlet of an upper wall at the rear portion of a heating cylinder having a nozzle member at the tip internally equipped with an injection screw and a hopper is installed above the inlet. Pipelines for cleaning water and for compressed air are connected to the inlet pipe. Cleaning inside the heating cylinder is made possible by operating transfer valves provided at these pipelines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Ihara, Takashi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 5740844
    Abstract: A filling system is set forth that assists in providing fast and simple configuration of a fill system of a packaging machine between its configuration during a production cycle of the machine and its configuration during a clean-in-place cycle of the machine. The filling system comprises a valve housing having a flow channel, an inlet to the flow channel, and an outlet from the flow channel. The valve housing has a flange extending therefrom about at least a portion of the periphery of the valve housing. A valve member is disposed in the valve housing for controlling fluid flow from the outlet of the valve housing. A clean-in-place manifold is also provided for use during a clean-in-place operation of the packaging machine. The clean-in-place manifold has an inlet and an outlet and a flange disposed about at least a portion of the periphery of the inlet of the manifold. A sanitary cover is provided for use during a production cycle of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Rodney W. Miller
  • Patent number: 5735301
    Abstract: A system using a secondary cleansing fluid achieves a fully functional irrigation and cleansing system for a urostomy patient night drainage container and associated tubing and adapter. A connection to a standard interior faucet using pressurized water in conjunction with a negative pressure device creates siphoning of a secondary fluid into fluid contact with the water for mixing. In addition, the system provides for an efficient connection for the night container tubing of less than half an inch in diameter for filling, cleansing, and flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Gary Rower
  • Patent number: 5727350
    Abstract: The self cleaning rain gutter system of this invention has the quadruple advantage of being easy to install, being clog resistant, being self cleaning, and being without visible slope. Ease of installation is accomplished by modular sections made up of box, gutter and louver rack. These are simply installed level, using the fascia board as a guide as well as a support. A modular section may be installed fully assembled, with preset slope and leader funnel with cleaning water connections--or, at the option of the installer, may be mounted in a two step procedure, first the support box and then the gutter and louver rack. Clog resistance is provided by an integral top grating which interdicts most leaves and twigs as well as the occasional tennis ball. These larger items tend to provide the framework for clogs. The smooth rounded cross section of the bottom of the inner gutter also tends to resist clogging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Frank V. Marcella
  • Patent number: 5725773
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for collecting samples of used dialysate during hemodialysis treatments. A fluid sample is branched off from the main flow of used dialysate into a sample receiving container. The branching off of the sample flow, i.e. withdrawal of the fluid sample, is either time- or volume-controlled so that during the course of a dialysis treatment a predetermined number of fluid samples are withdrawn, whereby the total sample volume has a prescribed ratio relative to the total volume of used dialysate. The recirculation and sample withdrawal conduit is selectively attachable to the sample receiving container for sample collection, or to the inlet of the hemodialysis device to form a recirculation loop for a disinfection cycle. A disinfectant cartridge can be interposed between the recirculation conduit and the hemodialysis device inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventor: Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg
  • Patent number: 5720307
    Abstract: In order to quickly and inexpensively rinse recyclable acid bottles which contain acid residues or decontaminate pieces of apparatus which are contaminated with acid, the interior of the bottles or apparatus is rinsed with an alkaline solution and then with water. The exterior of the bottles or apparatus is rinsed with water. The alkaline solution is stored in fiberglass canisters and is displaced to spray nozzles by the application of air under pressure. Valves which control the supply of water and alkaline solution are controlled by either solenoids or by air-activated devices. In the case of air-activated valves the air under pressure which is used to force the alkaline solution toward the spray nozzles can be used to operate the valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Engelking, Robert R. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 5709749
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus (10) for removing residual paint from flow passages in a spray painting system comprises a flow passage (12) for conveying paint to a spraying device (14) and a manifold (16) defining a plurality of individual inlets (17) into the flow passage. At least two different paints are supplied to the manifold through the inlets. A solvent supplier (20) supplies a variable pressure and variable volume flow of solvent to the manifold (16) during a cleaning cycle to remove residual paint from the manifold and the flow passage (12) after a completed painting cycle to prepare for a new cycle. The assembly is characterized by including a constant volume flow controller (22) for maintaining a constant volume flow of solvent upstream of the manifold (16) independent of solvent pressure fluctuations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Behr Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Dion, Bernard J. McCabe
  • Patent number: RE36925
    Abstract: When an object of treatment is subjected to, for example, a gas treatment in an airtight chamber, reaction products adhere to the inner wall surface of the chamber, an object holder therein, and the corner portions of the chamber. When a cleaning medium is injected into the chamber, according to the present invention, the reaction products are dissolved in the cleaning medium by hydrolysis. Thereafter, the cleaning medium is discharged from the chamber. Then, the chamber is heated and evacuated, so that water vapor is discharged to provide a predetermined degree of vacuum, whereupon the treatment can be started anew. Therefore, a wiping operation can be omitted. Moreover, the reaction products remaining at the corner portions of the chamber can be removed without forming a source of polluted particles, so that the necessity of overhauling can be obviated. Thus, fully automatic cleaning, so to speak, can be effected, and the chamber need not be open to the atmosphere, so that the throughput can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayuki Ohba, Toshiya Suzuki, Seishi Murakami