Movably Mounted, Adjustable Or Removable Patents (Class 134/183)
  • Patent number: 11849900
    Abstract: A dishwasher and method for treating dishes according to a cycle of operation, the dishwasher comprising a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and a dish rack movably received within the treating chamber. The dishwasher configured for receiving dishes for treatment during the cycle of operation, and moveable relative to the tub. A sprayer located within the treating chamber, configured to emit spray into the dish rack. A deflector coupled to the sprayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick Thomas Roderick, Mark Steven Feddema, Joseph Allen Gregory
  • Patent number: 11812913
    Abstract: A compact dishwasher for cleaning a few eating utensils includes a wash container disposed on a base. A clean water tank is disposed on the base and in fluid communication with the wash container for supplying clean water to the wash container. A wastewater tank is disposed on the base and in fluid communication with the wash container for receiving wastewater from the wash container. A housing body encompasses the wash container, the clean water tank, and the wastewater tank. The dishwasher can further comprise a first pump for facilitating pressurized discharge of clean water in the wash container and a second pump disposed for facilitating drainage of wastewater from the wash container into the wastewater tank. A heating coil can be employed to provide hot water to the wash container. The dishwasher can further include a cleaning basket insertable through the top of the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Inventor: Marcus Cabrera
  • Patent number: 11439291
    Abstract: A washing liquid distribution device may be provided that includes a holder and an impeller. The holder may hold the impeller within a washing chamber of a dishwasher. The impeller may include a disc-shaped body provided with a plurality of impeller blades extending from a surface of the disc-shaped body. The impeller blades may include driving blades being angled in a first direction to cause rotation of the impeller when washing liquid is directed onto the driving blades. The impeller blades may include at least one backflow blade being angled in a second direction, where the second direction is opposite to the first direction. The present disclosure may also relate to a dishwasher including a washing liquid distribution device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventors: Anna Delin, Kristian Reunanen
  • Patent number: 11253806
    Abstract: An air cleaner may include a filter case configured to introduce, by a suction force of an internal space, ambient air being discharged through a filter provided in the internal space as intake air from which foreign substances are removed; and a built-in valve built in the internal space of the filter case and configured to form an ambient air introduction path for introducing the ambient air and an additional ambient air introduction path separated from the ambient air introduction path and to open the additional ambient air introduction path so that the ambient air flows into through the additional ambient air introduction path when the suction force is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Seong-Youn Kwak, Ju-Ho Han, Won-Seop Choi, Sung-Hyuk Yoon
  • Patent number: 11089937
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub that accommodates dishes; a nozzle assembly that sprays washing water; a vane assembly that is moved between a first position and a second position of an inside of the tub and changes a progression path of the washing water so that the sprayed washing water can be directed toward the dishes; and a controller that moves the vane assembly to the second position if the vane assembly is disposed at the first position. When a linear washing portion washes a small quantity of dishes by spraying washing water while making a reciprocal motion in part of an inside of a washing chamber, a washing time can be reduced, and concentrated washing can also be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chan Young Park, Chang Wook Lee, Seung Gee Hong, Soo Hyung Yoo, Min Ho Jung, Sang Soo Choi
  • Patent number: 10568488
    Abstract: A spray arm for a dishwasher includes an outlet nozzle which is provided on a bottom side of the spray arm for emptying washing liquor from the spray arm. The outlet nozzle is selectively closed and opened by a valve which is movable from an open position into a closed position in response to a pressure of the washing liquor. The valve is pretensioned in a direction to seek the open position so that the valve automatically opens when the pressure of the washing liquor drops below a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Heisele, Anton Oblinger
  • Patent number: 10506909
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dishwasher having a structure improved to enhance the efficiency of washing. The dishwasher includes a main body, a washing tub provided in the main body, a door configured to close or open an open side of the washing tub, a fixed nozzle fixed on another side of the washing tub and configured to spray washing water, a vane configured to reflect the washing water sprayed via the fixed nozzle toward dishes while being moved within the washing tub, and a rail assembly configured to guide the movement of the vane. The vane is rotationally coupled to the rail assembly to change a direction of movement of the washing water sprayed via the fixed nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ki Tae Park, Sung Jin Kim, Chang Wook Lee, Heon Ho Jeong, Jae Man Joo
  • Patent number: 10045681
    Abstract: A dishwasher including a washing compartment, and at least one cutlery basket arranged in the washing compartment, wherein the at least one cutlery basket holds items of cutlery horizontally, wherein at least some sections of the cutlery basket have different clearance heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Schessl, Rainer Schütz
  • Patent number: 9565988
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dishwasher including a spray unit fixed to one sidewall of a wash tub and a reflecting plate assembly to reflect wash water sprayed from the spray unit onto dishes and to linearly reciprocate in a spray direction of the wash water sprayed from the spray unit. The dishwasher further includes a drive unit to drive the reflecting plate assembly, and a cam unit to transmit driving force of the drive unit to the reflecting plate assembly. The drive unit includes a motor to generate rotational force, and a belt forming a closed loop and caused to make cyclic movement by the motor. The cam unit is engaged with the belt to transmit power of the belt to the reflecting plate assembly. The cam is alternately engaged with first and second portions of the belt to cause the reflecting plate assembly to reciprocate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chan Young Park, Chang Wook Lee, Seung Gee Hong, Young Su Ser, Soo Hyung Yoo, Kwan Woo Hong, Yong Soo Kyong, Jea Won Lee, Dae Uk Kang, Jeong Hoon Kang, Sung Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 9480386
    Abstract: Dishwasher appliances are provided. A dishwasher appliance includes a tub that defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing, and a rack assembly arranged within the tub. The dishwasher appliance further includes a fluid ejection assembly, the fluid ejection assembly including an ejection head disposed within the wash chamber, the ejection head operable to eject fluid into the wash chamber. In one embodiment, the dishwasher appliance further includes a passive deflection assembly, the passive deflection assembly including a deflection unit disposed within the wash chamber for deflecting fluid from the ejection head towards the rack assembly. In another embodiment, the dishwasher appliance further includes a deflection assembly, the deflection assembly including a deflection unit disposed within the wash chamber for deflecting fluid from the ejection head towards the rack assembly, the deflection assembly further including a magnet operable to move the deflection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Haier U.S. Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramasamy Thiyagarajan, Ronald Scott Tarr, Jeremy Russell Croom
  • Publication number: 20150128999
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub that accommodates dishes; a nozzle assembly that sprays washing water; a vane assembly that is moved between a first position and a second position of an inside of the tub and changes a progression path of the washing water so that the sprayed washing water can be directed toward the dishes; and a controller that moves the vane assembly to the second position if the vane assembly is disposed at the first position. When a linear washing portion washes a small quantity of dishes by spraying washing water while making a reciprocal motion in part of an inside of a washing chamber, a washing time can be reduced, and concentrated washing can also be performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chan Young PARK, Chang Wook LEE, Seung Gee HONG, Soo Hyung YOO, Min Ho JUNG, Sang Soo CHOI
  • Patent number: 9027575
    Abstract: A fluid screen for a washing machine, and a washing machine including a fluid screen, is provided. The fluid screen includes a generally planar member including a first end and a second end extending from the first end. The first end is mounted within the wash tank of the washing machine at a location generally in proximity to an operating fluid level within the wash tank. During operation of the washing machine, fluid circulates within the wash tank to create a rolling wash action and the second end of the fluid screen extends from the first end generally in the direction of fluid flow across the surface of the wash tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Unified Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Cantrell, Mark Churchill
  • Publication number: 20150020856
    Abstract: A dish washing machine including a cabinet forming an external appearance of the dish washing machine; a washing tub arranged in the cabinet and allowing dishes to be washed therein; a dish basket arranged in the washing tub to accommodate the dishes; at least one liquid ejection unit arranged in the washing tub, the at least one liquid ejection unit to eject water; a deflection unit arranged facing the liquid ejection unit to deflect the water ejected from the liquid ejection unit toward the dish basket; and a drive unit to drive the deflection unit to be moved within the washing tub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung Gee HONG, Yong Soo KYONG, Chan Young PARK, Jea Won LEE, Chang Wook LEE
  • Publication number: 20140345655
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dishwasher including a spray unit fixed to one sidewall of a wash tub and a reflecting plate assembly to reflect wash water sprayed from the spray unit onto dishes and to linearly reciprocate in a spray direction of the wash water sprayed from the spray unit. The dishwasher further includes a drive unit to drive the reflecting plate assembly, and a cam unit to transmit driving force of the drive unit to the reflecting plate assembly. The drive unit includes a motor to generate rotational force, and a belt forming a closed loop and caused to make cyclic movement by the motor. The cam unit is engaged with the belt to transmit power of the belt to the reflecting plate assembly. The cam is alternately engaged with first and second portions of the belt to cause the reflecting plate assembly to reciprocate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chan Young PARK, Chang Wook Lee, Seung Gee Hong, Young Su Ser, Soo Hyung Yoo, Kwan Woo Hong, Yong Soo Kyong, Jea Won Lee, Dae Uk Kang, Jeong Hoon Kang, Sung Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 8881751
    Abstract: A substrate liquid processing apparatus includes a placement table configured to hold a substrate, a rotary driving unit configured to rotate the placement table, a liquid supply unit configured to supply a liquid to the substrate placed on the placement table, and an upper liquid guide cup, a central liquid guide cup, and a lower liquid guide cup which are disposed in this order from the top and are configured to guide downward the liquid scattering from the rotating substrate being placed on the placement table. A driving mechanism is configured to move up and down the upper liquid guide cup, the central liquid guide cup, and the lower liquid guide cup. The driving mechanism is connected to the central liquid guide cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Ogata, Shuichi Nagamine
  • Publication number: 20140299167
    Abstract: A dish washing machine having a structure allowing wash water to be evenly sprayed into a washing tub. The dish washing machine includes a cabinet forming an external appearance of the dish washing machine, a washing tub arranged in the cabinet and allowing dishes to be washed therein, a dish basket arranged in the washing tub to accommodate the dishes, a spray unit to spray wash water into the washing tub, a diversion unit arranged inside a flow passage of wash water to divert the wash water sprayed from the spray unit, and a guide member coupled to one side of the diversion unit to allow the diversion unit to move within the washing tub. As the spray unit and the diversion unit are provided, a dead zone which wash water does not reach may be eliminated, and divided and intensive washing may be implemented in the washing tub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung gee HONG, Yong Soo KYONG, Chan Young PARK, Soo Hyung YOO, Chang Wook LEE, Min Ho JUNG, Hyoung Jun KIM, Jea Won LEE, Hyun Dong JUNG, Jae Man JOO
  • Patent number: 8845815
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid processing apparatus including first and second cups installed so as to surround a rotation holding unit of a substrate and guide a processing liquid scattered from the rotating substrate downwards. A first driving unit and a second driving unit elevate the first cup and the second cup between a position receiving the processing liquid and the lower position thereof. A controller controls that the first cup and the second cup are ascended at the same time by transferring the driving force of the first driving unit while the first cup or a first elevating member thereof is overlapped with the second cup or a second elevating member thereof from the lower side by setting the ascending speed of the first cup to be higher than the ascending speed of the second cup when the first and second cups are ascended at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Ogata, Terufumi Wakiyama
  • Patent number: 8684015
    Abstract: Strategies for tool designs and their uses wherein the tools can operate in either closed or open modes of operation. The tools easily transition between open and closed modes on demand. According to one general strategy, environmentally controlled pathway(s) couple the ambient to one or more process chambers. Air amplification capabilities upstream from the process chamber(s) allow substantial flows of air to be introduced into the process chamber(s) on demand. Alternatively, the fluid pathways are easily closed, such as by simple valve actuation, to block egress to the ambient through these pathways. Alternative flows of nonambient fluids can then be introduced into the process chamber(s) via pathways that are at least partially in common with the pathways used for ambient air introduction. In other strategies, gap(s) between moveable components are sealed at least with flowing gas curtains rather than by relying only upon direct physical contact for sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Tel FSI, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Lauerhaas, Jimmy D. Collins, Tracy A. Gast, Alan D. Rose
  • Publication number: 20140083470
    Abstract: A dishwashing machine is provided. The dishwashing machine may include a rack disposed in a tub to provide a washing space to receive objects to be washed, a water supply pump to supply wash water, a nozzle body disposed at an upper side of the rack to receive the wash water from the water supply pump, a discharge hole provided at the nozzle body to discharge the wash water supplied to the nozzle body to the rack, and an asymmetric impeller rotatably provided at the nozzle body to supply the wash water discharged from the discharge hole to at least two divided areas of the rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Daegyu KIM, Byeonghyeon Ju, Younghwan Park
  • Patent number: 8627836
    Abstract: A system and method to clean the pellicle frame and adhesive ring of a photomask reticle are described. One embodiment includes a cover that isolates the photomasks from the pellicle frame. The reticle is secured between a spin chuck and the cover so that the photomasks are isolated and protected from solvents used in a cleaning process. With the reticle secured to the spin chuck, the spin chuck is rotated under a pressurized spray of solvent. The solvent, which is caustic to the photomasks, removes the contaminants from the adhesive ring. After the exposed areas are cleaned, the cover is removed and foreign material from photomasks are removed using less invasive solvents and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shad Hedges, James Baugh
  • Publication number: 20130319487
    Abstract: A dish washing machine having a structure allowing water to be evenly ejected onto the interior of a washing tub. The dish washing machine includes a cabinet forming an external appearance of the dish washing machine, a washing tub arranged in the cabinet and allowing dishes to be washed therein, a dish basket arranged in the washing tub, at least one liquid ejection unit arranged in the washing tub to eject water, a defection unit arranged facing the liquid ejection unit to deflect the water ejected from the liquid ejection unit toward the dish basket, and a drive unit to drive the defection unit to be moved within the washing tub. Since the dish washing machine includes a defection unit in addition to a liquid ejection unit, a dead zone which water does not reach may be eliminated and divided and intensive washing may be possible in the washing tub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Seung Gee Hong, Yong Soo Kyong, Chan Young Park, Jea Won Lee, Chang Wook Lee
  • 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
  • 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: 8562752
    Abstract: A process chamber for processing semi-conductor wafers. The chamber includes at least one rotor within the process chamber. The rotor is adapted to receive and/or process semi-conductor wafers. The top of the process chamber also includes a tiltable rim. This rim tilts from a non-inclined position to an inclined position. The wafers may be loaded into and unloaded from the process chamber when the rim is in its inclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: APPLIED Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 8551251
    Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for cleaning substrates and enhancing diffusion limited reaction at substrate surfaces use piezoelectric transducers operating in the gigasonic domain. The resonator assemblies include plural transducer stacks each including a thin film piezoelectric element coupled to a resonator plate that faces the substrate. At the disclosed frequencies and powers used, Eckart or Rayleigh streaming can be induced in a liquid treatment medium without substantial generation of cavitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Lam Research AG
    Inventors: Frank Holsteyns, Alexander Lippert
  • Patent number: 8529707
    Abstract: Provided is a liquid processing apparatus in which a target substrate is horizontally held on a substrate holding unit and rotated around a vertical shaft, and the chemicals are supplied from a chemical supplying unit to the bottom surface of the target substrate that is rotating. In particular, the liquid processing apparatus performs a first step in which the chemicals are supplied to the target substrate while rotating the target substrate at a first rotation speed, a second step in which the supply of the chemicals is halted and the chemicals are thrown off by rotating the target substrate at a second rotation speed higher than the first rotation speed, and a third step in which the rinse liquid is supplied to the target substrate while rotating the target substrate at a third rotation speed equal to or lower than the first rotation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Hiromitsu Namba
  • Patent number: 8528574
    Abstract: A dishwasher machine with a compact device for spraying items to be rinsed is provided whereby the rinsing liquid is regularly sprayed in the rinsing container and the spray jets created by the spray device can be varied. To this end, the rinsing device comprises at least one spray channel which guides a rinsing liquid and comprises, on a side thereof facing the inside of the rinsing container, openings for the rinsing liquid and two open ends via which rinsing liquid can be supplied in a pressurized manner. At least one distributor is provided for regulating the supply of rinsing liquid to the spray channel in lieu of conventional mobile components such as spray arms, and various spray patterns can be produced by means of the distributor, improving the cleaning action of the dishwasher machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Jerg, Hans-Peter Nannt
  • Publication number: 20130074890
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and a spraying system for supplying liquid to the treating chamber. The spraying system includes a sprayer having a body with an interior, a liquid passage provided in the interior, and a plurality of outlets extending through the body and in fluid communication with the liquid passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: MARK S. FEDDEMA, KEVIN B. MILLER
  • Patent number: 8336565
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drawer dishwasher (1), comprising an extractable washing tub (2) for receiving objects that are to be washed, and a lid (9), for sealing engagement with the washing tub (2). The lid (9) is movable between an engagement position (A), wherein it is in sealing engagement (10) with an upper edge (6) of the washing tub (2), and an opening position (B), wherein it is spaced from the upper edge (6) of the washing tub (2). The drawer dishwasher (1) has a sealing device (10) arranged to press the lid (9), when it is in the engagement position (A), towards the upper edge (6) of the washing tub (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Stellan Wrangberth, Arne Hagelin, Mats Svensson
  • Patent number: 8251077
    Abstract: A liquid processing apparatus and method capable of separately collecting first and second processing liquids from each other, and preventing a formation of a defect (such as watermarks and particles) on a target substrate are disclosed. In one embodiment, the liquid processing apparatus includes a substrate holding device, a processing liquid supply device to supply a first processing liquid and a second processing liquid, a rotating cup, an outer discharge portion and an inner discharge portion to respectively discharge the first processing liquid and the second processing liquid received from the first receiving surface of the rotating cup, and a discharge portion switch device to open/close the outer discharge portion. The lower end of the first receiving surface of the rotating cup extends to a lower position than the position of the substrate held by the substrate holding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hidemasa Aratake, Norihiro Itoh
  • Publication number: 20120090649
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a substrate holding unit that horizontally holds a substrate in non-contact with a major surface of the substrate, a processing liquid supply unit that supplies a processing liquid to the major surface of the substrate held by the substrate holding unit, and a hydrophilic surface placing unit that places an annular hydrophilic surface along a peripheral portion of the major surface of the substrate held by the substrate holding unit such that the hydrophilic surface comes into contact with a liquid film of the processing liquid held on the major surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Hiroaki TAKAHASHI, Toru ENDO, Masahiro MIYAGI, Koji HASHIMOTO
  • Patent number: 8118044
    Abstract: A process chamber for processing semi-conductor wafers. The chamber includes at least one rotor within the process chamber. The rotor is adapted to receive and/or process semi-conductor wafers. The top of the process chamber also includes a tiltable rim. This rim tilts from a non-inclined position to an inclined position. The wafers may be loaded into and unloaded from the process chamber when the rim is in its inclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 7993471
    Abstract: A wash cylinder or chamber for an automated cleaning station to clean an object or a person's body part includes nozzles on the interior of the cylinder, the nozzles of one embodiment comprising an increasing roll angle providing a novel spray pattern. Additionally, embodiments of the invention include fluid guidance and conveyance structures, angled nozzles, sealing structures, finger guards, wash chamber seating mechanisms and drains, and nozzle ribs that prevent the nozzle from being dislodged during the operation of the cleaning station Also disclosed are methods of washing an object or body part using a wash cylinder or chamber and methods of assembling a wash cylinder or chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventors: Paul R. Barnhill, Thomas M. Johannsen
  • Patent number: 7779848
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for precisely removing dusts from a side edge of a wafer, improving a production yield of wafers, and reducing a manufacturing cost for semiconductor devices. The apparatus includes: a retaining table having a circular top plan view, capable of retaining the wafer disposed on the top surface, and being rotated in the wafer cleaning; a feeding unit for supplying a cleaning solution to a top surface of the wafer; a cup member for recovering the cleaning solution supplied to the wafer, the cup member surrounding a radially outer circumference and a bottom of the retaining table; and a guard member disposed inside the cup member so as to be spaced apart from the retaining table, which surrounds the radially outer circumference of the retaining table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Masafumi Shiratani
  • Publication number: 20100200024
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing particles from a shaft includes a housing having a bore that receives the shaft. The housing includes an inlet port coupled to a pressurized fluid supply, a manifold chamber in communication with the inlet port, and a plurality of bores in communication with the manifold chamber and adjacent the shaft such that the fluid flowing through the bores impinges on the shaft. The bores are angled to produce a spiraling flow pattern about the shaft. A method of removing particles from a shaft includes directing a flow of a fluid onto the surface of the shaft in a generally spiraling pattern, and removing particles from the shaft using the spiraling flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: The Sheffer Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffery R. Norris
  • Patent number: 7767028
    Abstract: Apparatus to clean silicon electrode assembly surfaces which controls or eliminates possible chemical attack of electrode assembly bonding materials, and eliminates direct handling contact with the parts to be cleaned during acid treatment, spray rinse, blow dry, bake and bagging. Aspects of the apparatus include a kit including an electrode carrier to hold an electrode assembly, a treatment stand to allow access to the electrode assembly, a spider plate to clamp the electrode assembly in the electrode carrier, a nitrogen purge plate to supply nitrogen gas to the backside of the electrode assembly during acid cleaning of the electrode, a water rinse plate to supply water to the electrode face, a blow dry plate to supply nitrogen to dry the electrode assembly and a bake stand to support the electrode assembly during a bake before placing the clean electrode assembly in a bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Augustino, Charles Rising
  • Patent number: 7624744
    Abstract: An apparatus for covering and cleaning a cylindrical paint roller pad includes a painting shield having a semi-cylindrical side wall; mounting means for rotatably mounting the pad so that the painting shield side wall is spaced from a first segment of the pad side wall with the longitudinal axis of the pad is coincident with the axis of curvature of the painting shield side wall; a rinse shield rotatable between a closed position substantially beneath the painting shield side wall and an extended position spaced from a second segment of the roller outer surface, the shields being spaced to form a water discharge gap when the rinse shield is in its extended position; and a water manifold to direct water against the pad. The mounting means may be a spindle with a secured handle, or a separate handle attachable to the painting shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Millard F. Wallace
  • Patent number: 7608152
    Abstract: In the vicinity of a rim portion of a spin base 5, a plurality of supports 7 which abut on a bottom rim portion of a substrate W and support the substrate W are formed projecting toward above from the spin base 5. The substrate W is supported horizontally by the plurality of supports 7, with a predetermined distance ensured from the spin base 5 which opposes the bottom surface of the substrate W. Into the space which is created between the top surface of the substrate W and an opposing surface 9a of an atmosphere blocker plate 9, inert gas is ejected from a plurality of gas ejection outlets 9b which are formed in the opposing surface 9a. The inert gas thus supplied to the top surface of the substrate W presses the substrate W against the supports 7 and the substrate W is held at the spin base 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Miya, Koji Ando
  • Publication number: 20090235952
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for wet treatment of plate-like articles including: a first plate holding elements for holding a single plate-like article substantially parallel to the first plate, first dispensing elements for introducing liquid into a first gap between said first plate and a plate-like article when being treated, wherein the first plate is a silicon plate, which consists at least 99 wt % of silicon, the silicon plate being in contact with the treatment liquid, when the plate-like article is treated. Further disclosed is a method associated therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: SEZ AG
    Inventors: Alexander Lippert, Alexander Pfeuffer
  • Patent number: 7556049
    Abstract: A modular exhaust vent for use in venting a wash chamber of a dishwasher, such as during a dry cycle, comprises a housing that forms an exhaust flow path from the wash chamber to the exterior of the dishwasher and a valve operable for pivotal movement about a pivot axis between an opened and closed position for selectively closing the exhaust flow path. An actuator for moving the valve is connected to the valve by a link such that activation of the actuator effects movement of the link to pivot the valve to either the opened or closed position. Further, the valve selectively closes the exhaust flow path at an inlet to impede introduction of sound into the exhaust flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Michelle L Oakes, Marc R Pendergrass, Angela J Robbins, Andrew J Retsema
  • Patent number: 7467635
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus 10 includes a holding table 20 for rotatably holding a wafer W, a nozzle 40 for supplying chemical solutions L1 and L2 to the wafer W, at least one light irradiation units G1 and G2, and a pot 30 placed in the outer radius of the holding table 20for collecting the processing solutions L1 and L2 that are scattered from the wafer W. The pot 30 also includes a cover 70 that can be moved in the direction of the axis of the holding table 20so that a plurality of chemical solution collecting chambers M1 and M2 are formed in the pot by changing the position of the cover 70.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Sprout Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joya Satoshi, Kazuyoshi Takeda, Tohru Watari
  • Patent number: 7451770
    Abstract: A cleaning device for an electrical hair removing apparatus is capable of being stored in a compact profile. The apparatus has an operator head at its top, and is formed on its bottom with an electric terminal for receiving an external signal that controls the apparatus. The cleaning device includes a basin for receiving the operator head of the apparatus and also includes a control circuit providing the external signal. The device has a tank storing a volume of a cleaning liquid, and a circulator configured to supply the cleaning liquid into the basin from the tank for cleaning the operator head. A stand is provided on the device to hold the apparatus upside down with the operator head disposed within the basin. The stand is formed at its top end with a header carrying contacts which are connected to the terminal on the bottom of the apparatus. The stand is composed of a fixed support and a movable arm which extends from the support and is formed at its top with the header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Saito, Hiroyuki Kameoka, Jyuzaemon Iwasaki, Fumio Taniguchi, Yasuo Ibuki, Hiroshi Shigeta
  • Patent number: 7431100
    Abstract: A fire fighting tool includes an elongated hollow cylindrical nozzle having a plurality of openings surrounding the nozzle, a tubular member and a coupling for connecting the tubular member to a hose. The tool also includes a mounting member for positioning the nozzle within an interior of a structure. The mounting member includes a base, an upper member and a pair of rotatable clamping members adjustably mounted on the mounting member for engaging inner and outer surfaces of a wall. The mounting member and nozzle extend through an opening in the wall for spraying water or other fire suppressant onto the fire. The tool also includes a rotatable heat shield for protecting a fireman from heat and smoke and a handle for carrying the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Zafer J. Al-Osaimi
  • Patent number: 7426933
    Abstract: An improved water distribution system is provided for a dishwasher. The system includes one or more disks mounted in the dishwasher for rotation about a vertical axis, and one or more water nozzles in the dishwasher for directing a water jet onto the disks. The water jets are directed transverse to the axis of rotation of the disks so as to impart rotation to the disks, and thereby redirect the water jet to a radial direction for distribution in the washing chamber of the dishwasher. Thus, the linear kinetic energy of the water jet is transferred to radial kinetic energy by the rotating disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Palm, Michael J. Kramer, Kristen K. Hedstrom
  • Publication number: 20080223421
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a washing container provided with a washing tub and a housing cover which is connected to the washing tub. The washing tub is provided with an inner tub and a plastic support in order to reduce the noise occurring when the washing liquid comes into contact with the washing tub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: BSH Bosh und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Rosenbauer, Bernd Schessl
  • Patent number: 7409960
    Abstract: The invention aims at improving a cleaning fluid container (3) for a cleaning device (RV) for personal needs, in particular for cleaning a shaving head (SK) of a dry shaving apparatus (R), with a housing (20), with an inlet port (15) provided on the housing (20) to admit cleaning fluid (11), with an outlet port (14) equally provided on the housing (20) to discharge the cleaning fluid (11), and with a filter element (F), said filter element (F) being provided with filter pores for filtering out solid particles, particularly hair particles, and being arranged in a flow area between the inlet port (15) and the outlet port (14), in a manner enabling the pump capacity to be significantly reduced or the service life of a cartridge (K) to be substantially increased. This is accomplished in that the filter element (F) has pores of a size causing part of the particles to penetrate the filter element (F) according to their size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Hoser, Daniel Dietzel
  • Publication number: 20080122331
    Abstract: Counterbalance devices are provided for a closure mounted with respect to a container. The devices can include a stationary friction member, an elongated flexible member, and a biasing member. The stationary friction member can be comprised of a mounting portion and a friction portion. An intermediate portion of the elongated flexible member can also slidingly engage the friction surface of the stationary friction member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Haeberle
  • Patent number: 7306001
    Abstract: A method for cleaning tubes and heat exchangers provides a cavitation enhancement unit between a source of pressurized fluid an a lance. The pressurized fluid flows through jets, which impart a high speed rotation to a set of propellers, preferably square in profile canted at a 15° angle. Generation of cavitation develops a cleaning vibration in the fluid discharged from the lance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: AIMM Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph Garcia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7300526
    Abstract: A system and method to clean the pellicle frame and adhesive ring of a photomask reticle are described. One embodiment includes a cover that isolates the photomasks from the pellicle frame. The reticle is secured between a spin chuck and the cover so that the photomasks are isolated and protected from solvents used in a cleaning process. With the reticle secured to the spin chuck, the spin chuck is rotated under a pressurized spray of solvent. The solvent, which is caustic to the photomasks, removes the contaminants from the adhesive ring. After the exposed areas are cleaned, the cover is removed and foreign material from photomasks are removed using less invasive solvents and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shad Hedges, James Baugh
  • Patent number: 7261110
    Abstract: A shaving apparatus cleaning device includes a reservoir for holding a supply of a cleaning fluid and a cleaning receptacle for receiving the shaving apparatus. The reservoir has a discharge orifice through which the cleaning fluid is allowed to flow from the reservoir to the cleaning receptacle. The reservoir and the cleaning receptacle are designed so that the level of the cleaning fluid in the reservoir is higher than a pre-determined minimum level of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning receptacle, and a flow of fluid generated by the difference between levels and flowing from the reservoir to the cleaning receptacle is controllable in dependence upon the actual fluid level in the cleaning receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Diana Kappes, Andreas Larscheid, Uwe Ludäscher