With Movably Or Flexibly Mounted Spray Or Jet Applying Conduits Or Nozzles Patents (Class 134/172)
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Patent number: 6505636Abstract: A system and method for rinsing and cleaning a wafer carrier and a semiconductor wafer mounted thereon during a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) process is provided. The system includes a head spray assembly that comprises a plurality of spray nozzles positioned therein. The head spray assemble is moveably positionable between a park position and a spray position. The spray position is adjacent the wafer carrier such that liquid discharged from the spray nozzles is in liquid communication with the wafer carrier, the semiconductor wafer and the interior of the head spray assembly. The system provides aggressive and uniform cleaning and rinsing while containing and collecting the liquid discharged from the spray nozzles and the materials rinsed from the wafer carrier and semiconductor wafer.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2000Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Lam Research CorporationInventor: Glenn W. Travis
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Publication number: 20030005950Abstract: A mid-level spray-arm assembly for a dishwasher includes a bracket for mounting a spray-arm hub to an upper rack of the machine, and a bearing coupling extending between the hub and the bracket. The bearing coupling forms a first bearing surface for rotation of the bearing coupling relative to the bracket, and a second bearing surface for rotation of the spray-arm relative to the bearing coupling. Thus, redundant bearing surfaces are provided that facilitate a more even wearing of the bearing surfaces and allow rotation of the spray-arm even when one of the bearing surfaces fails.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2001Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventors: Joseph Duane Tobbe, Jesse A. Curran
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Publication number: 20020189648Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning needle probe tips includes a spray nozzle that is shaped to fit in a needle-tip aperture formed by a plurality of needle probes. The spray nozzle includes a plurality of openings through which a fluid can be sprayed onto the probe tips to blast debris off of the probe tips. The openings preferably spray fluid at differing angles to ensure that debris is removed from the entire probe tip surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2001Publication date: December 19, 2002Applicant: Sony CorporationInventors: Steven Engelking, Hien Nguyen
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Publication number: 20020179123Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for fluidized cleaning or scarification of a surface wherein the apparatus comprises a moveable carriage for mounting an assembly which conveys an adjustable pressurized treatment fluid, preferably water, that contacts the treated surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2001Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventors: Charles Toward, Keith Eberhardt, Patrick M. Winkler
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Publication number: 20020170579Abstract: Semiconductor wafer (11) are uniformly and thoroughly cleaned of particulate and organic contaminants by sweeping the wafer with a hydraulic broom that sprays cleaning solution onto the wafer. The broom contains an aspirating nozzle (3) for connection to a source of pressurized gas, such as nitrogen, and to a source of cleaning fluid, such as acetone, wherein cleaning fluid aspirated by the gas stream is expressed through the nozzle outlet to impact the surface of the wafer, dislodging particulate matter and dissolving organic contaminants. A programmed controller (9) controls movement of the hydraulic broom relative to the wafer to ensure that the entire surface is cleaned and permits a variety of sweeping patterns.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2001Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventors: Michael D. Lammert, Victor J. Watson, John M. DiMond, Michael E. Barsky
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Patent number: 6481448Abstract: A washing and recycling unit for on-site washing of heavy machinery. The unit has a supporting frame onto which is mounted a washing liquid storage tank. A washing hose arrangement connected to the tank injects washing liquid over the heavy machinery. A drainage receptacle positioned under the heavy machinery collects used liquid mixture falling from the heavy machinery. The used liquid mixture is sucked up with a suction hose connected to a cyclone which separates rough solids from liquids. A pump and filtering arrangement recycles liquid from a settling tank under the cyclone by pumping it out, filtering it and transferring it into the washing liquid storage tank. A hoisting system mounted onto the supporting frame is used to movably support an operator directing the washing liquid around the heavy machinery.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Inventor: Christian Mathieu
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Publication number: 20020162576Abstract: An automatic vehicle washing system is described. The vehicle washing system incorporates an elongated overhead cleaning platform for cleaning the front, top and rear surfaces of a vehicle. The overhead cleaning platform is attached to a single lift mechanism at a first end and is suspended from a belt at a second end, wherein the belt is also operatively connected to the first end. Accordingly, vertical movement of the lift actuator causes both ends of the platform to uniformly rise or descend. The platform further comprises a pivotal boom with fluid nozzles attached thereto, and a reciprocating pivotal actuator. The reciprocating pivotal actuator is capable of pivotal movement to any number of angular orientations within its operative range of motion. Advantageously, the pivotal and vertical positions of the nozzles can be independently varied, permitting the location of the overhead cleaning nozzles to be optimized for various vehicle profiles.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2002Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventors: Daniel A. Fratello, David M. Gauthier
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Publication number: 20020157690Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning castings includes a cleaning cabinet having a rotary clamping device which clamps a casting to be cleaned upon a freely rotatable plate in the cabinet. An elongate lance having a high pressure nozzle at its inner end projects into the cabinet and delivers a high pressure water jet against the casting at a pressure of 1,000 psi to 40,000 psi. A spherical bearing pivotally and rotatably mounts the lance on a vertically reciprocal carriage. A pair of pneumatic cylinder and piston units are connected to lance and are differentially operated with respect to actuation times and length of piston stroke to thereby produce random movement of the lance during the cleaning operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventor: Joseph J. Tebbe
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Publication number: 20020139398Abstract: An apparatus for washing the media bed of a gas pollution abatement reactor includes a continuous tubular manifold having a plurality of spaced downwardly directed nozzles directing liquid onto the bed supported on a frame, a drive wheel supports the frame, and a motor driving the drive wheel in at least two directions inside the reactor. The manifold is connected to a source of liquid and the apparatus includes directional control switches for reversing the direction of the drive wheel. The reactor is first taken offline and the media bed is cooled to ambient temperature. The components of the washer are disassembled and then re-assembled inside the reactor and the manifold is connected to a source of wash liquid. The washer traverses the media bed, uniformly washing the media bed to remove particulate contaminants without requiring personnel inside the reactor while the media is being washed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventor: Jerry Wayne Noble
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Patent number: 6453916Abstract: An edge bead removal system and method is provided that employs a nozzle for applying edge bead removal solvent to an edge bead of a photoresist material layer disposed on a wafer. The nozzle eliminates solvent splash by lowering the angle of dispense to less than 20° as well as providing more degrees of freedom to the nozzle arm adjustments. Adjustment screws and a built-in protractor provide precision in setting the application angle. The nozzle includes a clamp design having a nozzle body clamp which holds the nozzle and a main shaft with a protractor assembly for up and down angle adjustments. A support bracket is coupled to the protractor assembly and allows for pivoting and side to side movement of the protractor assembly and the support bracket with respect to one another. A clamp connects a main arm structure that moves the entire edge bead removal nozzle assembly over the wafer.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventors: Quang Tran, Khoi Phan
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Publication number: 20020124874Abstract: The inside out gas turbine cleaning method is a new method to clean axial gas turbine compressors. This is done by inserting a specially and fabricated flexible hose with nozzles on it into the first several stages of an off line gas turbine compressor. High pressure hot water with detergent is supplied to the hose and as it is withdrawn from the compressor it blasts dirt from the airfoil surfaces in the compressor. Conventional cleaning sprays water in one direction down the throat of the gas turbine compressor, whereas the this method cleans form the back forward giving a different blast angle with higher pressure water (see FIG. 1). Using both the conventional cleaning method and this new process, the compressor can be cleaned better allowing for improved gas turbine power and fuel efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2002Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventor: John Jeffrey Butler
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Patent number: 6447377Abstract: A hand-held blasting gun for use in dry ice blasting for cleaning purposes. A handle and a nozzle mount are pivotally joined so a nozzle on the nozzle mount can be adjustably directed relative to the handle. A flexible hose is fitted in the gun, extending from the end of the handle to the nozzle so as to send without kinking.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: CAE Alpheus, Inc.Inventors: Joel Londenberg, Alan E. Opel
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Patent number: 6444046Abstract: A groove cleaning unit has a high pressure jet nozzle from which a cleaning liquid impinges in a high pressure jet stream inclined downwardly onto a cleaning surface and is covered by a covering screen. An exit opening for the dirt liquid mixture is placed in the cover screen. The cover screen (5) covers a piece of a railtrack (17) with a railtrack groove (3). A high pressure jet nozzle (1) is placed in the region of a front wall (8) on the jet stream side. A high pressure liquid jet stream (2) is directed onto an impingement location (4) in the railtrack groove (3) by the high pressure jet nozzle (1). A reflected liquid jet stream (11) of the high pressure liquid jet stream (2) is reflected under an angle. The angle is steeper as compared to the inclination of a lower screen wall (7) disposed inclined relative to a travel advance direction (19) and is rising forwardly. The reflected liquid jet stream (11) passes essentially immediately to an exit opening (18).Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1999Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Florianer Bahn Forschungs-und Errichtungsgesellschaft mbHInventor: Georg Hillbrand
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Patent number: 6439248Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Steris CorporationInventors: Daniel Rochette, Michel Lemay, Yves-André Theriault, Michel Emond, Mario Duchaine, Ghislain Parent, Nathalie Thibault
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Publication number: 20020108644Abstract: A steerable delivery system with a steerable section rigid along its longitudinal axis and flexible in at least one direction off-axis and a follower section rigid along its longitudinal axis and flexible in at least the same direction as the steerable section, both the steerable section and the follower section advanceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis. A pivot member is disposed between a proximal end of the steerable section and a distal end of the follower section. A steering mechanism is located on the proximal end of the follower section for actively flexing the steerable section at the pivot member, and steering the steerable section in said one direction, the follower section flexing to follow the steerable section.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventors: David J. Hoadley, Thieu Q. Truong, Gordon Lewis
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Patent number: 6432216Abstract: A soil sensing system is provided for a dishwasher having an interior wash chamber receiving soiled dishes wherein during a wash cycle wash liquid is sprayed throughout the wash chamber through an upper wash arm and a lower wash arm and soils are collected in a soil collector. The soil collector includes a filter screen which is backwashed by the wash arm. A pressure sensor measures the pressure within the soil collector to provide an input which corresponds to the presence of soils. In order to improve the sensitivity of the pressure based soil sensing, the lower wash arm is deactivated. Deactivating the lower wash arm ceases the backflushing of the collection chamber's filter screen and allows pressure to build within the soil collector in the presence of only light or oily soils. A response is activated if the actual pressure within the collection chamber is greater than a predetermined limit pressure.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Edward L. Thies
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Publication number: 20020096196Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus 8 for feeding a processing liquid and processing a substrate W with the processing liquid comprises holding member 22 for holding the substrate W, and a lower side member 42 which is moved relatively with respect to the back surface of the substrate W held by the holding member 22 between a processing position A near the substrate undersurface and a retreat position B remote from the substrate undersurface. The processing liquid is fed between a gap between the lower side member 42 moved to the processing position A and the back surface of the substrate held by the holding member 22, and the substrate undersurface is processed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2002Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventors: Takayuki Toshima, Takehiko Orii
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Publication number: 20020078982Abstract: A drive assembly for a sootblower which provides a non-constant rate of rotational motors of the lance tube through the use of non-circular gears in the drive assembly. The drive assembly is used to provide a uniform or near uniform rate of progression of a jet of cleaning medium ejected from the lance tube along a surface to be cleaned.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2001Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventors: Dean C. Ackerman, Clinton A. Brown, James H. Hipple, Kamal E. Kassouf, Don W. Smith
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Patent number: 6408862Abstract: A centrifugal paint roller cleaner is provided wherein a used paint roller brush with fresh paint on it is rotatably secured within a cylindrical housing member and liquid is introduced into the housing member as a high energy single jet spray via an injector assembly that slides within an aperture that runs longitudinally along the length of the aforementioned housing member. The injector assembly swivels radially within the guiding passage to adjust the angle at which the high energy single jet single spray strikes the roller brush thus allowing the operator to regulate the axial rotation of the roller brush and the impact of the jet spray striking the paint absorbed to the nap of the roller brush. The axial rotation of the roller brush creates centrifugal force that serves to expel the loosened paint and water from the nap of the brush and into the fluid traveling within the area between the outer surface of the brush and the interior wall of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Inventor: Roland H van Rooyen
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Patent number: 6405399Abstract: A method and system are provided for cleaning a surface of a semiconductor wafer following a fabrication operation. The system includes a brush box, which has a fluid manifold and at least one nozzle. The nozzle is connected to the fluid manifold by a flexible conduit. The nozzle is configured to spray a liquid onto the surface of the wafer at an application angle and at a fan angle. The application angle is defined between a plane of the surface of the wafer and a spraying plane of the liquid. The fan angle and the application angle are configured such that the spraying liquid covers the surface of the wafer in a quiescent manner.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1999Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Lam Research CorporationInventors: Jeffrey J. Farber, Julia S. Svirchevski
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Patent number: 6390106Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid sprayer. The liquid sprayer has a housing with a hollow inner shell. Within the inner shell are a plurality of transfer pipes, each with a nozzle installed on its lower end, a linking device fixed to the plurality of transfer pipes for moving the transfers pipes so that the nozzles are directed to spray in the same direction, and a driving device for driving the linking device in different directions. Hence, the nozzles are able to spray a workpiece in different directions with time.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.Inventor: Yu-Min Lin
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Publication number: 20020053358Abstract: The method of the present invention cleans abrasive faces of an upper abrasive plate and a lower abrasive plate of an abrasive machine. The method is executed by a cleaning device including: a nozzle for jetting water; a brush for preventing the jetted water from scattering in the air, the brush enclosing the nozzle; and another brush for closing a gap between the preventing brush and an outer edge of the upper abrasive plate, the method is characterized by the steps of: jetting water from the nozzle toward the abrasive face of the upper abrasive plate; moving the nozzle toward the outer edge of the upper abrasive plate; and closing the gap by the closing brush when the gap is formed between the preventing brush and the outer edge of the upper abrasive plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2001Publication date: May 9, 2002Applicant: Fujikoshi Machinery Corp.Inventors: Yasuhide Denda, Yoshio Nakamura, Yoshinobu Nishimoto, Makoto Nakajima, Tsuyoshi Hasegawa, Norihiko Moriya
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Patent number: 6383331Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for discharging two or more media with media nozzles (15, 25, 35) in which each media nozzle is located on a media arm (10, 20, 30), with a suspension device for each media arm, so that the media arms can perform pivoting movements separately from one another around same axis (Z). Further, the invention relates to a unit for treating in each case a disk-shaped object (2) with at least two media, with a carrier for holding the disk-shaped object.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: SEZ Semiconductor-Equipment Zubehor fur die Halbeiterfertigung AGInventor: Franz Sumnitsch
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Patent number: 6372053Abstract: A variable pressure spray type vehicle laundry apparatus in which a carriage is mounted for longitudinal displacement along overhead parallel beams and an inverted L shaped spray arm carrying both horizontally and vertically directed nozzles circumscribes the vehicle to be laundered. In the preferred embodiment two reversely similar L shaped spray arms are used and caused to operate through a butterfly type cycle to spray various fluids at different pressures on the vehicle. For low pressure operations, the twin arm system is centered over the vehicle and both spray arms are supplied with low pressure fluid at the same time. For high pressure operations, the left and right spray arms are operated in sequence and each is maintained at an optimal spray arm to vehicle spacing during its operating cycle. The carriage is provided with a laterally translatable shuttle structure for this purpose.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1999Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Robert J. Wentworth
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Patent number: 6371138Abstract: A nozzle structure for a dish washer for washing tableware with washing water and rinsing water jetted from nozzle arranged in a washing tank. The nozzle structure comprising a shaft arranged on the nozzle, a nozzle mount provided in the washing tank and formed with a mount hole, which permits removable insertion of the shaft, and a coming-off preventing means for detachably preventing the shaft inserted into the mount hole of the nozzle mount from coming off.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1999Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Sadamu Kamoto, Koji Suyama, Hiroshi Omura, Keiichi Toga, Toshio Nanba, Masumi Notsu
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Patent number: 6371137Abstract: Crude oil tank cleaning apparatus includes a gimbal having a substantially straight passageway extending therethough. A mounting bracket sealingly and rotatably mounts the gimbal in a wall of the tank so that the gimbal has an interior side exposed to the interior of the tank and an exterior side exposed to the exterior of the tank. A straight pipe is sealingly mounted in the gimbal passageway. The pipe has an inlet end on the exterior side of the gimbal for connecting the pipe to a high pressure fluid source and an outlet end on the interior side of the gimbal such that the inlet and outlet ends define a linear flow passageway through the pipe for discharging the fluid in fluid jet into the tank. An actuator, mounted on the exterior of the tank, has a first end connected to a rotatable portion of the gimbal and a second end connected to a stationary portion of the tank or the mounting bracket for reciprocating the gimbal and pipe between selected positions.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1999Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Inventor: Robert A. Heath
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Patent number: 6368417Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a tire mold with frozen CO2 cleaning material wherein a portable frame is positioned on a bottom mold of a tire press and has a rotatable frame on which a nozzle support is mounted for swivel action to clean the upper mold half and the lower mold half as the nozzle support is moved radially and circumferentially of the tire mold.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventor: David Joseph Weber
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Patent number: 6367489Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning and servicing vehicle brakes includes a caster mounted cabinet adapted to hold a small drum of cleaning solvent, the drum having an open top. A telescopic post or conduit extends upwardly from the cabinet to a hollow, hinged swing arm. A sink tray is mounted on the end of the swing arm and has a bottom drain opening that communicates with the hollow swing arm, which in turn communicates with the upright conduit to form drain piping for the sink tray. The outlet of the upright conduit empties into the solvent container in the cabinet. A pump mounted in the cabinet takes cleaning solvent from the drum and delivers it through a hose to a spray gun to be applied to the brakes to be cleaned. The telescoping post and adjustable swing arm allow the sink tray to be located directly under the brakes being cleaned to catch and return the used solvent. The cabinet also has a second basin or sink that drains into the container but can be used for cleaning parts.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Inventor: Soichiro Yamamoto
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Patent number: 6360758Abstract: A cleaning device in a paper or board machine, for cleaning a fabric therein, the fabric moving in a direction of movement. The device comprises a nozzle which directs a water shower or jet against the fabric which is to be cleaned, the nozzle including a first turning point, and wherein there is a first plane of the water shower or jet issuing from the nozzle. A plurality of water conduits which transport water to the nozzle. And, the nozzle being mounted so that the position thereof may be changed by turning the nozzle back and forth around the first turning point in the first plane, so as to change the direction of the water shower or jet discharged from the nozzle and so that the water shower is moved in a first linear movement.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1999Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.Inventors: Ilkka Eivola, Markku Lemetyinen
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Publication number: 20020023671Abstract: A wet treatment apparatus includes a nozzle having an approximately rectangular introduction opening surface that is open toward a substrate to be treated and an approximately rectangular recovery opening surface that is open toward the substrate, these opening surfaces being flush with each other and disposed with the long side directions thereof in parallel with each other. A treatment liquid is introduced between the introduction opening surface and the surface to be treated of the substrate and is sucked and recovered from between the recovery opening surface and the surface to be treated of the substrate. The flow rate of the treatment liquid flowing from the introduction opening surface to the recovery opening surface through the surface to be treated of the substrate is controlled to 0.02 to 0.3 L/min per 1 cm in the long side direction of the introduction opening surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2001Publication date: February 28, 2002Applicant: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenichi Mitsumori, Tadahiro Ohmi
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Publication number: 20020002985Abstract: A washing and recycling unit for on-site washing of heavy machinery. The unit has a supporting frame onto which is mounted a washing liquid storage tank. A washing hose arrangement connected to the tank injects washing liquid over the heavy machinery. A drainage receptacle positioned under the heavy machinery collects used liquid mixture falling from the heavy machinery. The used liquid mixture is sucked up with a suction hose connected to a cyclone which separates rough solids from liquids. A pump and filtering arrangement recycles liquid from a settling tank under the cyclone by pumping it out, filtering it and transferring it into the washing liquid storage tank. A hoisting system mounted onto the supporting frame is used to movably support an operator directing the washing liquid around the heavy machinery.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2001Publication date: January 10, 2002Inventor: Christian Mathieu
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Publication number: 20010052355Abstract: A pressure washer includes a chassis as well as a liquid pump, a pump-driving prime mover, plural chemical product containers and a product selecting valve, all supported by the chassis. The pump is coupled to a mixing device and has a water inlet port for connection to, e.g., a garden hose. Each of the containers is attached to a separate valve conduit extending to the valve and the valve is connected to a device conduit extending to the mixing device. The product selecting valve includes a valve body with first and second inlet apertures and an outlet aperture. A distributor is mounted for movement with respect to the valve body and has a channel for selectively connecting one of the valve conduits to the device conduit. The user may thereby use the pressure washer to dispense any one of plural solutions involving, e.g., a detergent solution, a deck washing solution, a car washing solution, a car wax solution or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 1999Publication date: December 20, 2001Inventors: HERB HOENISCH, PETER NUSHART, WES SODEMANN
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Patent number: 6328813Abstract: According to the method for controlling an automatic cleaning device while a window surface is being cleaned, the cleaning head is first advanced in force-controlled manner approximately centrally or near the edge towards the window surface. This initial position follows from the basic data of the associated building on the basis of the constructional drawing. The cleaning head is then moved in the X- or Z-direction over the window surface up to the window frame in a first edge-search mode and then along the window frame into the associated window corner in which the cleaning process proper starts. The frame of the cleaning head is elastically displaceable relative to the rigid structure so that the control means can sense whether the cleaning head is in contact with a window edge. Alternatively, in the case of frameless windows, there may be provided a sensor whose signal is received by the control means.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2000Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Dornier Technologie GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Iren Dornier
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Patent number: 6325863Abstract: A method of washing a vehicle is described which can accommodate vehicles having a wide variety of different lengths and does not require a motorized system to move the vehicle through the vehicle washing apparatus. The method includes the steps of moving a movable washing member around four sides of the vehicle by moving the washing member 360 degrees on a continuous track and the track moves longitudinally on a plurality of fixed rails, washing the vehicle with the movable washing member, and sensing a vehicle position and length and controlling motion of the track on the fixed rails based on the sensed vehicle position and length.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Miracle Industries, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Zamensky, Kent Oltmann
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Patent number: 6321754Abstract: A tank washing apparatus includes a cover that can be attached to a manhole or other such through-hole in a tank. Washing is effected by liquid sprayed under high-pressure by a spraying machine that is mounted on a travelling apparatus that can be operated from outside the tank to be moved around on the floor of the tank. A washing liquid supply conduit is connected to the spraying machine via the cover.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1999Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Taiho Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobuyuki Manabe, Takahiro Goto
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Publication number: 20010027800Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2001Publication date: October 11, 2001Inventors: Daniel Rochette, Michel Lemay, Yves-Andre Theriault, Michel Emond, Mario Duchaine, Ghislain Parent, Nathalie Thibault
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Patent number: 6267308Abstract: A nozzle assembly connectable to a pressure washer water output line that is adapted for cleaning curbs. The curb cleaner nozzle assembly includes multiple nozzles that are oriented at different angles and are adjustable by the user to the desired orientation to most effectively clean a particular curb. The nozzle assembly is mounted onto a wheeled support structure to allow the nozzle assembly to be moved along the curb while supporting the nozzles at the correct orientation and spacing for optimal cleaning of the curb.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Inventor: Tommy Hall
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Patent number: 6258177Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing sedimentary waste from the grooves of a lapping machine is provided. A blade is inserted into a groove in a lapping plate, high pressure water is sprayed into the groove in the proximity of the blade, and the blade is drawn through the groove.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: SEH AmericaInventors: Arnold B. Eastman, Jr., Michael W. Shepherd
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Patent number: 6257254Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 14, 1997Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Steris CorporationInventors: Daniel Rochette, Michel Lemay, Yves-André Theriault, Michel Emond, Mario Duchaine, Ghislain Parent, Nathalie Thibault
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Publication number: 20010006707Abstract: A method of applying thermal barrier coating systems to a metal piece having a cooling hole extending along a central axis through the piece from a first surface of the piece to a second surface opposite the first surface. The method includes spraying a bond coat and a thermal barrier coating on the first surface at an angle and to a thickness to prevent the bond coat and thermal barrier coating from entirely filling the hole. The method also includes spraying a high pressure fluid jet from an elongate nozzle assembly having an orifice configured to direct the jet laterally away from the nozzle assembly toward the hole and in a direction generally parallel to the central axis of the hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2000Publication date: July 5, 2001Inventors: Gilbert Farmer, Jeffrey A. Fehrenbach, William L. Imhoff, Timothy M. Martinkovic
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Patent number: 6254730Abstract: The invention provides a novel impact angle changing shower for spraying a fluid upon a moving belt surface while the belt travels at a selected belt velocity. The shower includes nozzles journaled to rotation about an axis in a plane normal to the belt surface and transverse to the belt direction. The nozzles are continuously supplied with pressurized fluid and direct a fluid stream at a selected nozzle velocity and nozzle angle relative to the plane. The orientation of the nozzles is selected to optimize the desired function namely, to clean the belt surface without damaging the belt fabric or felt, or to penetrate the belt to increase fluid absorption by the belt. The fluid stream nozzle velocity can be decomposed using vector mathematics into two vector components: a belt velocity vector component parallel to the belt direction; and a belt impact velocity vector oriented at an impact angle defined relative to the normal transverse plane.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: James Ross LimitedInventor: Jacek J. Macierewicz
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Patent number: 6237614Abstract: A vehicle washing system is mounted adjacent the ceiling of a garage or other structure. It includes an upper frame and a mat is located beneath the frame for catching and draining off fluids used during the washing operation. After a vehicle is driven onto the mat beneath the frame, a mechanism is operated to lower a waterproof curtain from the frame down to a point adjacent the mat to completely surround the vehicle. In addition, fluid conduit rings also are lowered from the frame to various positions surrounding the vehicle. Nozzles in these rings are directed toward the vehicle location and washing and rinsing fluid is supplied, under pressure, to the rings in a pre-established sequence to effect the washing of the vehicle. In addition, hot air drying tubes and nozzles are lowered from the frame when the device is in use to permit the application of hot drying air to the vehicle after the washing cycle has been completed.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Inventor: Dale Retter
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Patent number: 6238511Abstract: A method of processing a substrate for removing a coating film from a substrate by dissolving the coating film with a solvent, comprising the steps of (a) supplying a solvent independently to each of peripheral portions of an upper surface side and a lower surface side of the substrate, and (b) supplying the solvent to the peripheral portion of the lower surface side of the substrate in an amount lower than the solvent supplied to the peripheral portion of the lower surface side in the step (a) or lower than that supplied to the peripheral portion of the upper surface side in this step (b), or terminating a supply of the solvent.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1998Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Tetsuya Sada, Tetsu Kawasaki, Mitsuhiro Sakai, Takeshi Tsukamoto
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Patent number: 6192904Abstract: A flexible lance for machining or inspecting a tube bottom of a steam generator includes a flexible metallic strip which has recesses disposed one after the other in its longitudinal direction. A flexible supply line is threaded through the recesses and a machining or inspection head is disposed on a free end of the strip.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1997Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Otto Secknus, Rudolf Henglein
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Patent number: 6178610Abstract: A method of and device for removing burrs from metal work-pieces processed by a metal processing machine is provided. The method and device both include the burrs being removed by a high pressure stream of liquid that exits a high pressure nozzle and is directed at the work-piece that is to have the burrs removed. An integration of the burr removal step into the manufacturing sequence of the parts on commercial metal processing machines is made possible by the fact that the high pressure stream of liquid that is used has a proportion of oil of greater than 50% and a high pressure of greater than 400 bar.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Piller Entgrattenchnik GmbHInventors: Thomas Piller, Rolf Wankm{umlaut over (u)}ller
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Patent number: 6176939Abstract: A device to clean a transport belt of a machine for manufacturing a material web, in particular paper or cardboard web, is provided which includes at least one nozzle that can impart a medium under pressure and is designed to rotate on a rotational axis. The device is characterized in that the rotational speed of the nozzle for a gentle cleaning of the transport belt lies in the range of from about 2500 rpm to about 4000 rpm, and for an intensive cleaning of the transport belt in the range of from about 1000 rpm to about 2500 rpm.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2000Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbHInventors: Markus Oechsle, Karlheinz Straub
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Patent number: 6167583Abstract: A double side cleaning apparatus includes a pair of roll-like brushes and at least one cleaning brush. The roll-like brushes are driven to rotate in opposite directions, and a semiconductor wafer is arranged between them in a non-contact manner. The cleaning brush is arranged near the pair of roll-like brushes. While the semiconductor wafer is arranged between the pair of roll-like brushes and its upper and lower surfaces are being cleaned, the cleaning brush brushes the side surface of the semiconductor wafer. A cleaning agent is supplied from the pair of roll-like brushes to the semiconductor wafer to clean it. Since the upper and lower surfaces of the semiconductor wafer are cleaned in a non-contact manner, dust can be removed efficiently (within a short period of time and a small space).Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Naoto Miyashita, Masahiro Abe
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Patent number: 6149733Abstract: A workpiece is moved past a rotor descaling device, which intermittently sprays the workpiece with at least one liquid jet formed intermittently in dependence on angular positions of a rotor rotating on a rotational axis intersecting the surface (23) of the workpiece (22).Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1998Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: Voest-Alpine Industrianlagenbau GmbHInventors: Gerlinde Djumlija, Karl Kremmaier, Johann Oberhumer, Andreas Schweighofer, Herwig Wrulich
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Patent number: 6125860Abstract: PLANT FOR WASHING MACHINERY, which is characterized by being a compact plant which includes a small engine room of approximately 9m3, inside which the different elements such as the following are housed: pressure pumps, electric motors, a diesel boiler, a hot water accumulator, a plant for osmotizing water, an electronic robot mechanism, an electric switchboard, fuel tanks, osmotized water tank, measurement pumps and auxiliary material. The washing liquids come out under pressure through hoses and reach a manual shuttle.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1999Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Inventor: Fernando Gomez de Sebastian
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Patent number: 6126524Abstract: A waterjet head is resiliently supported at one location along its axis and is pivotally supported at another, axially spaced location. The head is driven in a pivoting, oscillating manner by a drive system including a rotary motor and an eccentric. The outlet nozzle of the waterjet head pivots in an orbital path so that the UHP liquid or liquid/abrasive stream discharged from the nozzle describes an orbital path on an adjacent workpiece surface, enabling the stream to carry out a uniform surface treatment operation such as cleaning, polishing or milling without damaging the workpiece surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1999Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Inventor: John D. Shepherd