With Guiding Means To Restrict Motion To Rotation, To Swinging, Or To An Annular Closed Or To A Curved Path Patents (Class 134/180)
  • Patent number: 11618635
    Abstract: A dynamic, reconfigurable, and modular cleaning device utilizes software, sensors, and modular components to provide a one-size-fits-all approach to cleaning conveyor belts. The cleaning device secures to a body or frame associated with a conveyor belt, in which an associated cleaning head cleans the conveyor belt's surface. The cleaning head has an arm that extends from its body and inserts into a corresponding opening on a connecting frame associated with the cleaning device. The cleaning head is then secured in place via a cylindrical pin that extends through aligned holes on the arm and the connecting plate. Insertion of the pin connects the components together, and removal of the pin enables a user to disconnect the cleaning head and swap a new one in its place, such as to provide a different cleaning action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Crossford International, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Kane, Gregory Wyatt, Evan Reyes, Joseph Franzino, Russell Barnes, Robert Folchi
  • Patent number: 11464390
    Abstract: Example embodiments provide a dishwasher comprising a tub; a door configured for selectively sealing a forward access opening of the tub; a detergent dispenser located at an inner surface of the door; a spray arm mounted within the tub such that the spray arm is adjustable between a first height and a second height, the spray arm comprising a spray detergent nozzle; and a circulation pump configured to supply washing liquid to the spray arm. The dishwasher is characterized in that the spray arm is configured to emit a fan-shaped jet from the spray detergent nozzle when the washing liquid is supplied to the spray arm and the spray arm is configured to emit the fan-shaped jet that is incident upon the detergent dispenser both when the spray arm is positioned at the first height and when the spray arm is positioned at the second height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventors: Anders Haegermarck, Marie Hakkarainen, Antonios Monokrousos
  • Patent number: 11191417
    Abstract: A wash arm assembly may include wash arm having a tubular connection portion and a tubular receiving means for receiving the tubular connection portion. The tubular connection portion may include a first guiding surface and a second guiding surface, and the tubular receiving means may include a third guiding surface and a fourth guiding surface. The first guiding surface may be aligned to the third guiding surface and the second guiding surface may be aligned to the fourth guiding surface when the tubular connection portion is inserted in the tubular receiving means. The first, second, third and fourth guiding surfaces may be arranged to guide the tubular connection portion and the tubular receiving means into alignment with each other upon rotation of the wash arm. A dishwasher including the wash arm assembly may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Inventor: Anders Haegermarck
  • Patent number: 9706896
    Abstract: A dishwasher having a spray unit fixed at a washing tub and configured to spray wash water, and a conversion assembly provided as to convert the direction of the wash water being sprayed from the spray unit toward a tableware basket. The conversion assembly includes a vane rotatably provided while disposed as to face with respect to the spray unit such that the direction of the converted wash water is adjusted. Through the structure as such, the spraying range of the wash water is extended, and may be able to minimize noise from the striking of the wash water against an inside wall or door of the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kwan Woo Hong, Dae Uk Kang, Jeong Hoon Kang, Hooi Joong Kim, Chan Young Park, Chang Wook Lee
  • Patent number: 9427132
    Abstract: The present subject matter provides a spray assembly for a dishwasher appliance. The spray assembly includes a spray arm, a bearing, and a bracket for mounting the spray assembly to a dishwasher appliance. The spray arm is mounted for rotation relative to the bearing, and the bearing is mounted to the bracket. The spray assembly includes features for rotating the bearing relative to the bracket with the spray arm. Such rotation can assist with mounting of the bearing to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Charles Boyer, Errin Whitney Gnadinger
  • Patent number: 9301670
    Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a dishwasher may provide an intensified wash effect. The dishwasher may include a rack defining a bottom and a sidewall, wherein the rack is adapted to receive dishware therein. A dishwashing fluid supply channel may be configured to supply dishwashing fluid to a spray assembly. The spray assembly may comprise at least one nozzle member. Thereby, the spray assembly may be adapted to receive the dishwashing fluid from the dishwashing fluid supply channel and to dispense the dishwashing fluid therethrough. The spray assembly may be coupled to the sidewall of the rack. Further, the nozzle member may be attached to an arm which is moveable between at least a first position wherein the arm is adjacent the sidewall of the rack and a second position wherein the arm is adjacent the bottom of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Troy A. Dalsing, David E. House, Mark D. Montgomery, Daniel Clay White, Virgil J. Francisco, Niklas Olson
  • Publication number: 20150136189
    Abstract: A dishwashing appliance is provided having a spray arm assembly with one or more sliding spray arms. The spray arms can slide linearly, back and forth, along either a transverse or lateral direction of a wash chamber of the appliance. The spray arms are precluded from rotating relative to the wash chamber. A variety of mechanisms are described for providing such linear, sliding movement through the wash chamber. Improved spraying and, therefore, cleaning of articles in the dishwasher can be achieved through the sliding movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Seog Tae Kim
  • Publication number: 20150000708
    Abstract: A dishwasher has a treating chamber with four corners and a rotatable sprayer located within the treating chamber, where the sprayer includes two conduit segments which rotate about two different axes and a spray head which rotates about yet another axis. The combined rotation of the conduit segments moves the spray head in a non-circular path around the treating chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: RODNEY M. WELCH
  • Patent number: 8888925
    Abstract: A nozzle for discharging droplets of a processing liquid for processing a substrate has a main body including a supply port, a drain port, a processing liquid flow passageway connecting the supply port and the drain port, and a plurality of discharge ports from which the processing liquid is discharged. The processing liquid flow passageway includes a plurality of branch flow channels, which branch out between the supply port and the drain port and collect together between the supply port and the drain port. The plurality of discharge ports form a plurality of columns respectively corresponding to the plurality of branch flow channels; and are aligned along and connected to the corresponding branch flow channels. A piezo element applies vibration to the processing liquid flowing through the plurality of branch flow channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanobu Sato, Hiroyuki Yashiki, Mai Yamakawa, Takayoshi Tanaka, Ayumi Higuchi, Rei Takeaki
  • Patent number: 8844463
    Abstract: A pipe conditioning tool comprising a drive unit to move the tool along a pipe and a work head rotatable about an axis of the pipe to condition a surface of the pipe, the drive unit includes a frame extending to opposite sides of the pipe, the frame having legs extending radially beyond the work head to provide support for the tool upon removal from said pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Automatic Coating Limited
    Inventor: Brad Bamford
  • Patent number: 8833675
    Abstract: An orbital cleaning assembly, including: an axis of rotation; a housing; a drive assembly at least partly disposed within a space formed by the housing; a tube assembly at least partly disposed within the space and including a tube including: a first end arranged to connect to a source of fluid and a flexible portion including a second end of the tube. The second end is arranged to receive a nozzle. The drive assembly is arranged to position the second end at a radial distance from the axis of rotation and flex the tube assembly such that the second end traverses a path about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventors: Richard Meigs, Dana M. Pezzimenti, Robert J. Runge, II
  • Patent number: 8800575
    Abstract: A remotely operated device for inspecting and/or cleaning a subsea flexible pipe joint comprises a support assembly. In addition, the device comprises a tool positioning assembly coupled to the support assembly. The tool positioning assembly includes a rotating member disposed about a central axis. The tool positioning assembly is rotatable relative to the support assembly about the central axis. Further, the device comprises a cleaning assembly including a cleaning device adapted to clean the flexible pipe joint. The cleaning device is axially moveable relative to the rotating member. Still further, the device comprises a clamping assembly coupled to the support assembly. The clamping assembly has an open position disengaged with the section of the flexible pipe joint and a closed position engaging the section of the flexible pipe joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Eric Angel, Eric Lee Harden, Stuart Douglas Partridge, Andrew J. Guinn
  • Publication number: 20140196755
    Abstract: A dishwasher appliance and a spray assembly for the same are provided. The spray assembly includes a spray body and features for moving the spray body within a wash chamber of the dishwasher appliance. Wash fluid coverage within the wash chamber can be improved by moving the spray body within the wash chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Ronald Scott Tarr
  • Patent number: 8691020
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container treatment machine, in particular a filling, closing or rinsing unit for containers, such as bottles, cans, barrels, kegs etc., comprising a container feed, a container discharge, at least one feed line for at least one product, and a cleaning device (3) for cleaning the outer surfaces by means of a cleaning fluid (13), characterized in that the cleaning device (3) comprises a robot (4) and a track (5), wherein the track (5) runs around the rotational axis thereof in at least one angular region, wherein the robot (4) is arranged on or at said track (5) and can be driven by means of a linear drive (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Hartmut Evers
  • Publication number: 20140076369
    Abstract: A dishwashing machine includes a lower arm disposed at a lower side of a lower rack to spray wash water to the lower rack, a rack fixing unit provided at the lower rack, and a tower nozzle fixed to the rack fixing unit to spray wash water to an upper rack. The dishwashing machine also includes a tower connection unit provided in the lower arm such that at least a portion of the tower connection unit is configured to move from the lower arm. The tower connection unit being connected to the tower nozzle to supply wash water to the tower nozzle based on the tower connection unit moving from the lower arm. The rack fixing unit includes a guide configured to guide movement of the tower connection unit withdrawn from the lower arm to the tower nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Shinwoo HAN, Joonho PYO, Younghwan PARK, Daegyu KIM, Byeonghyeon JU
  • Patent number: 8627596
    Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting plant growth by inducing hypothermia by applying a treating substance to summer annual weeds and grasses. Susceptible undesirable plants will be killed by this treatment, while non-susceptible desirable plants will not be adversely affected by this treatment. Compressed carbon dioxide may be applied to other summer grasses to cause the grasses to become dormant. An apparatus is provided for inducing hypothermia in undesirable plants by applying a treating substance. A canister capable of housing gas may be provided. A valve may be provided to control the amount and pressure of gas dispensed from the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Artic, Inc.
    Inventors: Robby James Howerton, Gina Marie Stewart, Steven Lee Worm, Michael Alan Batalia
  • Patent number: 8597435
    Abstract: An aqua comb typically used with a garden hose for thoroughly and quickly cleaning reusable pleated pool water filters and like filter cartridges having a pleated configuration. The aqua comb comprises four design elements: 1) a rotating hose nut with internal seal that is employed for leak-resistant attachment of the aqua comb to various hose endings, 2) an on/off valve for fluid flow control, 3) an elongated and rigid fluid spray body with fluid discharge openings, and 4) a semi-rigid comb member with long fingers. The core design element of the aqua comb is the combined presentation angle and physical design shape of its comb member which works in concert with the fluid spray discharged from the fluid spray openings in its elongated spray body to multiply and leverage mechanical cleaning action even in the valleys between filter pleats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Allen Schreiber
  • Patent number: 8597436
    Abstract: An aqua comb used with a hose for thoroughly and quickly cleaning, rinsing and combing the hair of both humans and animals. The aqua comb comprises four design elements: 1) a rotating hose nut with internal seal that is employed to attach the aqua comb to various hose endings, 2) an on/off valve for controlling fluid flow through the aqua comb, 3) an elongated and rigid fluid spray body with fluid discharge openings, and 4) a semi-rigid comb member positioned above the discharge openings to lift hair and allow fluid spray to reach scalp and skin thereunder. The core design element of the aqua comb is the presentation angle and comb member structure which work in concert with the fluid spray discharged from the fluid spray openings in its elongated spray body to multiply and leverage mechanical cleaning and combing action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Allen Schreiber
  • Publication number: 20130298950
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus (10) for an elongate line (30), the cleaning apparatus (10) comprising an apparatus carriage (11) and a plurality of high pressure water jet nozzles (23) mounted thereto, said apparatus carriage (11) is positionable proximal to the elongate line (30) and adapted to move along the length of the elongate line (30) enabling the high pressure water jet nozzles (23) to clean the elongate line (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: David Hann
  • Patent number: 8578954
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a spray arm assembly positioned in the wash chamber of the dishwasher's tub. The spray arm assembly includes a corner arm that is driven by a gear train. The transfer gear assembly of the gear train is operable to decouple the gear train from its input when rotation of the corner arm is obstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Antony Mark Rappette
  • Patent number: 8567420
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a semiconductor wafer includes: a gas jet device including a gas nozzle which jets a first gas onto the surface of a semiconductor wafer to thin the thickness of a stagnant layer on the surface of the semiconductor wafer; and a two-fluid jet device including a two-fluid nozzle which jets droplet mist onto a region where thickness of the stagnant layer of the semiconductor wafer is thinned, the droplet mist being mixed two-fluid of a liquid and a second gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Minako Inukai, Hiroshi Tomita, Kaori Umezawa, Yasuhito Yoshimizu, Linan Ji
  • Patent number: 8561624
    Abstract: A dishwasher having a washing compartment with a sidewall; a height-adjustable basket that can be at least partially withdrawn from the washing compartment; a spray arm; a feed pipe, disposed on the basket, for the spray arm; and a coupling device. The coupling device has a first part-coupling that is disposed on the sidewall and that has first openings arranged vertically one above another. The coupling device also has a second part-coupling that is connected to the feed pipe and that has a second opening which, depending on a height adjustment of the basket, cooperates with one of the first openings such that washing liquor passes through that opening and the second opening and flows via the feed pipe to the spray arm. The washing liquor is discharged under pressure from the first openings. The second part-coupling closes the remaining first openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Anton Oblinger, Karlheinz Rehm
  • Patent number: 8528576
    Abstract: A cleaning system for an installation processing foodstuffs, with a guide path and with a robot arm which is displaceable along the guide path and on which at least one nozzle for discharging a cleaning agent onto the installation, is attached in a manner such that the at least one nozzle may be moved in a targeted manner to individual points of the installation for its cleaning, by way of displacing and moving the robot arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Jürgen Löhrke GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Löhrke
  • Patent number: 8485205
    Abstract: An automatic dishwasher has a rotatable spray arm and at least one rotatable sprayer, a drive link coupling the rotation of the rotatable spray arm and the at least one rotatable sprayer, and a drive for directly driving at least one of the rotatable spray arm and the at least one rotatable sprayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Jordan Robert Fountain, Sathish Andrea Sundaram, Bryan E. Wagenknecht
  • Patent number: 8347900
    Abstract: A wind turbine tower cleaning or coating apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a frame which circumferentially extends at least partially around a wind turbine tower. A separator structure can be attached to the frame and extends between the frame and the wind turbine tower to position the frame at a predetermined distance away from the wind turbine tower. The separator structure can also include an attachment end which is attached to the frame and a slidabe end positionable near the wind turbine tower. A slider can be attached to the slidabe end of the separator structure and can slide on the surface of the wind turbine tower as the frame is raised and lowered on the wind turbine tower. A frame lift device can raise and lower the frame on the wind turbine tower. A plurality of sprayers can be positioned circumferentially along the frame and configured to selectively spray fluid onto the wind turbine tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Dustin Jensen, Broque L. Fraughton, Sonny K. Fraughton
  • Patent number: 8347898
    Abstract: An automatic dishwasher having a rotatable spray arm and at least one rotatable sprayer, with a drive for directly driving at least one of the spray arm and sprayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Jordan Robert Fountain, Sathish Andrea Sundaram, Bryan E. Wagenknecht
  • Patent number: 8347899
    Abstract: A wind turbine tower cleaning apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a frame which circumferentially extends at least partially around a wind turbine tower. A separator structure can be attached to the frame and extends between the frame and the wind turbine tower to position the frame at a predetermined distance away from the wind turbine tower. The separator structure can also include an attachment end which is attached to the frame and a slidabe end positionable near the wind turbine tower. A slider can be attached to the slidabe end of the separator structure and can slide on the surface of the wind turbine tower as the frame is raised and lowered on the wind turbine tower. A frame lift device can raise and lower the frame on the wind turbine tower. A sprayer can spray fluid onto the wind turbine tower to clean the wind turbine tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Dustin Jensen, Broque L. Fraughton, Sonny K. Fraughton
  • Patent number: 8333207
    Abstract: An arm includes a tubular body that is rotatable. The tubular body has a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion between the first end portion and the second end portion. The first end portion is bent in a first direction forming a first angle with the intermediate portion, and the second end portion is bent in a second direction forming a second angle with the intermediate portion. A plurality of nozzles are through the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Jackson MSC LLC
    Inventors: James Scott Calhoun, Walter Ray Lambert, Clifford Ernest Neuman
  • Patent number: 8333206
    Abstract: A parts washer comprises a cabinet, a platform, a liquid distributor, a coupling, and a drive system. The platform is disposed inside the cabinet and supports articles that are required to be cleaned. The distributor is disposed inside the cabinet to one side of the platform and has one or more outlets that direct the liquid in a generally radial direction toward the platform. The coupling couples the distributor to an inside of the cabinet in a manner allowing at least 2°of freedom of motion of the distributor. More particularly, the coupling allows the distributor to move in a complex motion comprising a combination of tilting, rotation and up and down motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Wasabi (Holdings) Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Fenton Goddard
  • Patent number: 8122898
    Abstract: A rotating and telescoping cleaning system improves high pressure water cleaning of the inner surfaces of vessels or tanks. Vessels can be vertically divided with dividing plates with centered through-holes. Synchronized and controlled transverse and rotary movements of water jets result in a controlled spiral or helical cleaning track along the vessel walls. The water jets are directed at a pre-adjusted distance from the vessel wall and the travel speed of the water nozzle jets is exactly controlled allowing the removal of very hard deposits. One pass with the tool carrier with operating water jets along the length axis of the vessel results in a thoroughly cleaned vessel wall. The tool unfolds and folds inside of the vessel powered by the flow of the high pressure cleaning water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Aquajet Ltd.
    Inventors: Christian Geppert, Stefan Schroth
  • Publication number: 20120037193
    Abstract: A spray arm assembly for a dishwasher, comprising a spray arm (12; 74) comprising a plurality of spraying nozzles (40, 42, 60; 76), and support means (16; 56; 78) comprising a mounting element (18; 50; 80) for mounting the support means within the dishwasher and a support member (20; 54; 82) on which the spray arm (12; 74) rests during periods of non-use. The spray arm assembly is characterized in that it further comprises—first supplemental outlet means (24, 48, 58; 92) to direct, during periods of use, liquid to between the support member (20; 54; 82) and the spray arm (12; 74) so as to form a liquid layer between the support member and the spray arm, on which liquid layer the spray arm floats during rotation, and—second supplemental outlet means (28; 86) to direct, during periods of use, liquid to between the spray arm (12, 74) and a guiding surface (34) provided at the support means, so as to stabilize rotation of the spray arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.
    Inventors: Matthias Bayer, Friedrich Mack, Oliver Kleinert, Richard Schadt
  • Patent number: 8113222
    Abstract: An automatic dishwasher having a tub defining a wash chamber for receiving utensils to be washed, a first rack located within the wash chamber, a second rack located within the wash chamber above the first rack, a rotatable spray arm associated with the second rack, a liquid recirculation system for selectively supplying liquid to the rotatable spray arm, and a drive system for driving the rotatable spray arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Roger James Bertsch, Jordan Robert Fountain
  • Patent number: 8104488
    Abstract: A centrifugal workpiece processor for processing semiconductor wafers and similar workpieces includes a head which holds and spins the workpiece. The head includes a rotor having a gas system. Gas or air is sprayed or jetted from inlets in the rotor to create a rotational gas flow. The rotational gas flow causes pressure conditions which hold the edges of a first side of the workpiece against an angled annular surface on the rotor. The rotor and the workpiece rotate together. Guide pins adjacent to a perimeter may help to align the workpiece with the rotor. Outlets through the rotor allow gas to flow out of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason A. Rye, Kyle M. Hanson, Daniel J. Woodruff
  • Publication number: 20120006364
    Abstract: A flux cleaning apparatus for cleaning an object with flux by removing impurities that include flux from the object with flux includes a body, a mount, at least one steam spraying nozzle, and a steam supplying unit. The mount is coupled with the body for mounting the object with flux. The at least one steam spraying nozzle is coupled with the body for spraying steam toward the object with flux on the mount such that the object with flux is cleaned by the steam sprayed from the steam spraying nozzle. The steam supplying unit is coupled with the body and the steam supplying unit supplies steam to the at least one steam spraying nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Jong-Guw KIM
  • Patent number: 8082932
    Abstract: A centrifugal workpiece processor for processing semiconductor wafers and similar workpieces includes a head which holds and spins the workpiece. The head includes a rotor having a gas system. Gas is sprayed or jetted from inlets in the rotor to create a rotational gas flow. The rotational gas flow causes pressure conditions which hold the edges of a first side of the workpiece against contact pins on the rotor. The rotor and the workpiece rotate together. Guide pins adjacent to a perimeter may help to align the workpiece with the rotor. The rotor may have cylindrical side walls joined to a top plate, and with the gas inlets located in the cylindrical sidewalls. The head is moveable into engagement with a bowl. Spray nozzles in the bowl spray a process liquid onto the second side of the workpiece, as the workpiece is spinning, to process the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Rye, Daniel J. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 8061373
    Abstract: The surface cleaning apparatus is provided in self-propelled embodiments and in a trailer embodiment. The apparatus draws liquid from a supplied tank. Liquid is pressurized to approximately 4,000 psi, then directly to the surface to be cleaned. All cleaning and cleaning component functions are powered via the same fluid pumps via a supply manifold. Total width limitations dictated the design of the sidewalk capable apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: John R. Storms
  • Patent number: 8016947
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a surface such as a driveway or a vertical wall which includes converting or retro-fitting a zero-turn radius (ZTR) or other type of mower to a cleaning apparatus. The conversion of the mower includes the steps of adding a water supply tank to the deck area of the mower and providing low pressure and high pressure flow lines. The low pressure flow lines are supplied via a low pressure pump. The high pressure flow lines are supplied by a separate high pressure pump unit. Plural solenoid valves are utilized in the method and system to control the flow of a cleaning solution for various method operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventors: William Rushin, Charles Rushin
  • Patent number: 7980260
    Abstract: An automatic dishwasher having a tub defining a wash chamber for receiving utensils to be washed and including a rotatable spray arm located within the wash chamber and a liquid recirculation system for selectively supplying liquid to the rotatable spray arm and where the rotatable spray arm is driven with a power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Roger James Bertsch, Jordan Robert Fountain
  • Patent number: 7870864
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a spray assembly positioned in the wash chamber of the dishwasher's tub. The spray assembly includes a pump outlet that rotates relative to the bottom wall of the tub. One end of a flexible hose is secured to the pump outlet. The other end of the pump outlet is secured a belt that advances around a number of pulleys. Water is sprayed from the flexible hose via a number of nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Roger J. Bertsch, Andrei Tres, Luis F. Welin, Lorraine J. Westlake
  • Patent number: 7699066
    Abstract: Device for cleaning of surfaces under water, such as ship hulls, includes a rotary disc furnished with nozzles for discharge of pressurized liquid against the surface to be cleaned. The nozzles are mounted obliquely in relation to the rotational axis of the rotary disc and are arranged to be supplied with pressurized liquid through a hollow spindle that is concentric with the rotational axis. The nozzles have an inclination that have an orientation involving that the velocity component (Vp) of the liquid jet from each nozzle that is not perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned, has a tangential velocity component (Vt) that has the same direction as the direction of rotation (R) of the rotary disc and optionally a radial velocity component that is positive, i.e. that is directed outwards in relation to the center of the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Cleanhull Norway AS
    Inventors: Robert Andersen, Thor Olay E. Sperre
  • Patent number: 7559333
    Abstract: A vehicle wash apparatus including a carriage assembly is supported above a vehicle. A pair of opposed shuttle assemblies are operatively supported by the carriage assembly and moveable generally transverse to the carriage assembly. A pair of spray manifold assemblies are operatively supported by one of the opposed shuttle assemblies, and each of the spray manifold assemblies includes a vertical manifold. Each of the pair of spray manifold assemblies are moveable rectilinearly with the carriage assembly, transversely with the shuttle assemblies, and pivotally about the vertical manifold to allow the pair of spray manifold assemblies to move toward and away from one another and to circumscribe the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Belanger
  • Patent number: 7527698
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a first liquid from a surface of a substrate is provided. A second liquid is supplied to at least part of a surface of a substrate having a rotary movement. The rotary movement has a center of rotation and an edge of rotation. The second liquid is directed from the center of rotation to the edge of rotation using a nozzle. A dry zone is created on the substrate as the position of the spray moves from the center of rotation to the edge of rotation. As a result, the first liquid and the second liquid are removed from the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum (IMEC, VZW)
    Inventors: Frank Holsteyns, Marc Heyns, Paul W. Mertens
  • Patent number: 7082952
    Abstract: A well-cleaning system (10) is provided with a control system (30) where waste liquid level sensors (35, 36) co-operate with timers (39, 40) to control the frequency and duration of the well-cleaning cycles. Chemicals can be injected into the water on demand from a well-conditioning sensor (38); and the well-cleaning system (10) can be operated when high H2S gas levels are detected in the well (20) by a H2S gas sensor (37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: McBerns Pty LTD
    Inventors: Douglas B McCasker, David A Jobberns
  • Patent number: 7059945
    Abstract: A pipe joint between welded exposed metal end sections of coated pipe being formed into a pipeline is cleaned before a corrosion resistant film is applied. A cleaning head of a cleaning mechanism is placed with a mounting frame on the pipe in the area of the pipe ends to be cleaned. The cleaning head moves in a succession of longitudinal cleaning passes in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pipe area being cleaned. The frame also moves the cleaning head rotatably with respect to the pipe joint to positions for the longitudinal cleaning passes. A control mechanism defines the extent of the longitudinal cleaning passes, and also controls movement of the cleaning head to successive cleaning passes until the pipe joint is cleaned. The control is programmed and automatic, and there is no need for contact with the mechanism while it is in operation. The number of cleaning heads and cleaning material supply and exhaust hoses or tubes, as well as the number of crew required, is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Offshore Joint Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald P. Skinner
  • Patent number: 7055537
    Abstract: An improved wash tube is provided for a dishwasher. The wash tube is mounted on the upper rack and has a first end adapted to be releasably docked with the water manifold in the back of the dishwashing chamber as the rack is moved between the extended loading position and the retracted wash position. The inner end of the wash tube includes a curved cap which increases the docking tolerance and which presents a substantially downwardly oriented water inlet to the wash tube. The cap creates water stagnation adjacent the inlet such that the water velocity is substantially reduced and the pressure increased. The second end of the wash tube is connected to the spray arm which rotates as water is ejected from the spray arm nozzles at increased pressure. The cap allows the wash tube to fully dock into the manifold without obstructing the water inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Elick, John Trevor Morrison
  • Patent number: 7044144
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for attaching a pressure washing device to a storage tank that allows adjustment of the location of the pressure washing device. One embodiment includes a mounting plate adapted to be connected to a tank opening, a second plate hingably attached to the mounting plate, and a pressure washer attachment plate hingably connected to the second plate. The hinged connections may be arranged such as to allow rotation about two axes that are substantially perpendicular to each other. Linear connection apparatus may also be provided to control the relative location between the plates. A roof mounted system includes a vertical extension arm that is suspended from a roof-mounted manway. The vertical extension arm supports a primary pivot point about which a first extension arm deploys. The first extension arm carries a telescoping extension arm that has a secondary pivot point about which pivots a wash head arm having a wash head mounted on the end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Paul Hebert
  • Patent number: 7040328
    Abstract: A combination fluid and air washing apparatus for washing a vehicle's viewing surface. The apparatus includes a housing, a nozzle assembly with at least one fluid nozzle and at least one air nozzle corresponding to each of fluid nozzles. A shaft is pivotally attached to the housing. The fluid and air nozzles are adjacently attached to the shaft and point towards the vehicle viewing surface. The air nozzle points lower on the vehicle viewing surface than the fluid nozzle. A pressured lines provides pressured air to the washing apparatus. The air compressor provides pressured air to the fluid reservoir forcing the fluid through the fluid nozzle and the air compressor simultaneously provides pressured air through the line to the air nozzle. Thus, the vehicle's viewing surface with the fluid and the fluid washes the vehicle's viewing surface and the air dries the vehicle's viewing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Kollsman, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth S. Woodard
  • Patent number: 6865937
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for increasing the safety of a clogged or failed exhaust system. In accordance with a first embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes (1) a tank adapted to contain a processing fluid; (2) an exhaust system coupled to the tank and adapted to exhaust a gas from the tank, the gas including a hazardous vapor of the processing fluid; (3) a sensor coupled to the exhaust system and adapted to detect a rate at which gas is exhausted from the tank; and (4) a fluid supply mechanism adapted to supply a diluting fluid to the tank so as to dilute the processing fluid contained by the tank if the rate at which gas is exhausted from the tank is less than a predetermined rate. Systems, methods and computer program products are provided in accordance with this and other embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander N Lerner, Harshad M Borgaonkar
  • Patent number: 6857438
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle washing system includes a frame comprising a bridge member end opposed and support sections mounted for linear reciprocating movement on spaced apart support rails. Pivoting washing nozzle support arms are mounted on the bridge section and are interconnected by a drive motor and drive pulleys to move in opposite directions to wash the sides and opposite ends of a vehicle. Each arm includes movable arm sections supporting spaced apart nozzle assemblies which may move toward each other or away from each other to size a vehicle according to its width. Each arm includes opposed elongated beam members which also provide fluid conducting passages for conducting washing fluids to the nozzle assemblies. Certain ones of the nozzle assemblies are drivenly connected to an oscillating servomotor. The servomotor is also used to position the pivoting arm sections through a lost motion coupling and a gear drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Hydrobotic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20040244819
    Abstract: A system and method of selectively extending a wash cycle duration of a warewasher beyond a set minimum duration provides suitable cleaning of wares while at the same time seeking to increase the number of wash cycles per unit time. A system and method for detecting water level in a wash chamber or other tank provides the ability to identify a progressively fouling electrode. A system and method of automatically priming one or more chemical feed lines of a warewasher is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: David Charles Edelmann, Richard W. Cartwright, Gary V. Hoying