Movably Mounted, Adjustable Or Removable Patents (Class 134/183)
  • Patent number: 5958150
    Abstract: A device for storing and cleaning a toilet plunger includes an open-topped container and a lid having two lid-halves with each lid-half having an interior surface and an exterior surface. An internal closure mechanism having two closure members is disposed within the lid with one closure member projecting from the interior surface in each lid-half. Each closure member has at least one bumper/lever member. Each bumper/lever member has a curved member having a curved portion for engaging a side wall of a toilet plunger cup and a linear member having a linear portion for engaging a toilet plunger cup end wall. Preferably each closure member has a pair of bumper/lever members with a cross member joining them. The container has a base having upstanding walls, a base top having base raised portions and base lowered portions, a base top surface and an opposing bottom surface. A counterweight is preferably disposed under the bottom surface. The container walls have a portion defining a pour spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventors: Nancy G. Borger, Gary A. Borger
  • Patent number: 5954073
    Abstract: A dishwasher including a third level washing apparatus which is low cost and effective in spraying water over the upper rack of the dishwasher is described. More particularly, and in one embodiment, the dishwasher includes a rotatable arm mounted in the dishwasher tub below the lower rack for providing first level washing, and a retractable tower secured to, and rotatable with, the rotatable arm and positioned to extend through the lower rack when fully extended. The retractable tower provides second level washing. The dishwasher also includes a third level wash apparatus having a base secured to the upper rack and an elongate body extending from the base. A water passage extends through the base and elongate body. In one embodiment, a spray member is spaced from an open outlet end of the elongate body, and at least one support member extends from the elongate body to the spray member for supporting the spray member at an elevation above the upper rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph Duane Tobbe, Andrew Joseph Spanyer, Larry Barton Curtis
  • Patent number: 5934869
    Abstract: A fan cleaning system includes a fan having a motor mounted to a support structure. A fan blade is mounted to a shaft of the motor and enclosed by a fan guard. In one aspect of the invention, the fan guard comprises a front guard and a rear guard having an upper rear guard and a lower rear guard. The upper rear guard and lower rear guard are mounted to the motor on opposite sides of the motor and shaft thereby permitting removal of the upper and lower rear guards from the motor without removing the fan blade. In a second aspect of the invention, fan cleaning system includes a cleaning shroud which completely encloses the fan guard, blade and part of the motor. The cleaning shroud preferably comprises an upper shroud and a lower shroud and an upper shroud bracket and a lower shroud bracket sealingly mounted against the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Dwight C. Janisse & Associates
    Inventor: Mark T. Janisse
  • Patent number: 5935341
    Abstract: A portable parts washer flows a washing agent over an object to remove any contaminants. The washing agent and contaminants flow into a basin mounted below the object. The washing agent is drawn from the basin and used to wash the object to provide a closed-loop system. A venturi-type injector mixes ozone from an ozone generator with the washing agent. A pump draws the washing agent from a first inlet to the basin, forces the washing agent through the injector, and returns the washing agent through a first outlet to the basin. Various splash protection mechanisms are used to protect an operator from any substances that may splash off of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: EZ Environmental Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Howard B. Kosofsky, Lawrence A. Shrieber, Richard O. Rhodes, Michael D. Damron, Eduardo M. Garcia
  • Patent number: 5924432
    Abstract: A dishwasher having a fluid recirculation system which operates in a wash mode for spraying liquid onto objects supported on dishwasher upper and lower racks. The dishwasher includes a pump having a pump impeller disposed within a pump chamber for supplying wash liquid to first and second spray devices, associated with the lower rack and upper racks, respectively. The pump impeller draws wash liquid into the pump chamber and imparts a rotary motion to the wash liquid disposed in the pump chamber. A rotatable diffuser or flow director having a plurality of vanes extending into the pump chamber selectively directs the rotating wash liquid toward the spray devices and thereby controls wash liquid recirculation within the dishwasher responsive to the rotational motion of the wash liquid in the pump chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Edward L. Thies, Roger J. Bertsch, Wilbur W. Jarvis
  • Patent number: 5913981
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for rinsing and drying semiconductor wafers. The apparatus includes side walls, end walls and a base. At least a portion of the wall descends relative to the base to facilitate the flow of liquid from the chamber. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a rigid side and end walls. In another embodiment of the apparatus, at least a portion of the side wall is collapsible. In yet another embodiment of the apparatus, at least a portion of the wall has a tambour configuration, facilitating bending or rolling of the wall beneath the base. The apparatus includes an assembly for injecting a rinse liquid into the chamber. The apparatus also includes an assembly for injecting a drying fluid into the chamber. The method includes placing a semiconductor wafer into the rinse/dry apparatus, directing rinse liquid over the semiconductor wafer, and lowering a side wall of the rinse/dry apparatus to remove rinse liquid therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry K. Florez
  • Patent number: 5913985
    Abstract: A fixture for securing a circuit chip substrate having on one side solder connections during wet processing using a pulse jet delivery cleaning system for removing solder flux residue on the solder connections. The fixture comprises a frame of sufficient size to at least partially surround and contact the substrate on a first side and a lid cooperating with the frame to at least partially cover the substrate on a second side containing the solder connections. A resilient polymeric separator is disposed on the lid and faces the substrate for contacting the substrate second side containing the solder connections. There are also openings in the frame for permitting circulation of a cleaner to contact the second side of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chon Cheong Lei, Lannie R. Bolde, Donn Allan Lord
  • Patent number: 5839456
    Abstract: A wafer wet treatment apparatus includes a first supply/discharge line, an outer bath connected to the first supply/discharge line, an inner bath within the outer bath, a second supply/discharge line connected to the inner bath, and at least one partition located on a portion of the inner bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: LG Semicon Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Suk Bin Han
  • Patent number: 5836325
    Abstract: In order to adjust flow conditions of a wash liquid without necessitating replacement of a flow regulator plate, a flow regulator means 8 located downstream of a washing section of a running water type washing machine is constituted by a couple of perforated regulator plates 18 and 19 which are located across the flow passage of the wash liquid in a overlapped state and shiftable relative to the other in the vertical direction for adjustments of the open area defined by the respective water passage apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Speedfam Clean System Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Akanuma, Masashi Fujii
  • Patent number: 5836324
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vent seal device for an automatic dishwasher. The dishwasher includes a door having a vent opening therein. An elongated flexible strip is mounted in the door adjacent and generally registered with the vent opening. The strip has opposite ends and a central portion therebetween. At least one end of the strip is secured against movement with respect to the frame. During certain times of the wash and rinse cycles the strip is deflected into sealing engagement with the vent opening, thereby closing the normally open vent opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M. Johnson, Brian L. Ness
  • Patent number: 5836322
    Abstract: A device for storing and cleaning a toilet plunger includes an open-topped container and a lid having two lid-halves with each lid-half having an interior surface and an exterior surface. An internal closure mechanism having two closure members is disposed within the lid with one closure member projecting from the interior surface in each lid-half. Each closure member has a curved member for engaging a side wall of a toilet plunger cup and a linear member for engaging a toilet plunger cup end wall. The container has a base having upstanding walls, a base top having grooves, a base top surface and an opposing bottom surface. A counterweight is preferably disposed under the base top surface. The container walls have a portion defining a pour spout. The container and the lid are dimensioned for enclosing both the toilet plunger cup and a portion of the toilet plunger handle. The remainder of the toilet plunger handle protrudes through a hole in the lid when the toilet plunger is in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventors: Nancy G. Borger, Gary A. Borger
  • Patent number: 5803982
    Abstract: A portable parts washer flows a washing agent over an object to remove any contaminants. The washing agent and contaminants flow into a basin mounted below the object. The washing agent is drawn from the basin and used to wash the object to provide a closed-loop system. A venturi-type injector mixes ozone from an ozone generator with the washing agent. A pump draws the washing agent from a first inlet to the basin, forces the washing agent through the injector, and returns the washing agent through a first outlet to the basin. Various splash protection mechanisms are used to protect an operator from any substances that may splash off of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: EZ Environmental Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Howard B. Kosofsky, Lawrence A. Shrieber, Richard O. Rhodes, Michael D. Damron, Eduardo M. Garcia
  • Patent number: 5794636
    Abstract: A watertight enclosure for washing photographic material. The enclosure has individual print chambers (24), that are separated by dividers (8), (10). The dividers (8), (10), are sectioned into levels with each level having slots (22), (23) at predetermined intervals along the length of each divider that accept rods (9), (11) to hold the material being washed at the top of the washer. The rods (9), (10) also suspend the material in the water at all levels. The washers inlet chamber (2) is suspended above the bottom of the washer so that water and residual chemical can pass under and away from the print chambers (24) as it exits the washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel A. Vogel
  • Patent number: 5775350
    Abstract: A flow regulation means 7 for a wash liquid 5 is constituted by first and second regulator plates 11 and 12 in the form of perforated plates and a third regulator plate 13 in the form of a fibrous plate, the first to third regulator plates 11 to 13 being successively located in spaced positions from upstream to downstream side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Speedfam Clean System Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Akanuma, Masashi Fujii
  • Patent number: 5743280
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for cleansing a semiconductor wafer which is capable of separating an inner tub into an upper and lower portion, for thus adjustably forming the inner tub, so that it is possible to fold the upper portion of the inner tub when cleansing the wafer, for thus reducing the cleansing space, whereby it is possible to reduce the amount of the cleansing liquid and increasing the cleansing effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: LG Semicon Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Suk-Bin Han
  • Patent number: 5704988
    Abstract: A trough soaking device for use in a process for complete wet removal of asbestos insulation covering from pipes, joints, and valves comprising: a flexible waterproof sheet material having disposed at its shortest ends a strip of sealing means for placement about pre-formed outermost adherent contact points on an asbestos covered pipe, and sleeve means at its longest ends to accommodate insertable support rods; a pair of support rods for insertion into a portion of said sleeve means; and at least a pair of saddles containing arched-out semi-circles for placement over pre-formed innermost adherent contact points on an asbestos covered pipe; said saddles containing slot means disposed at its lengthwise ends to accommodate press-fitting of support rods disposed in said sleeve means when said sealing means of said shortest ends of said waterproof sheet material are sealed together over said pre-formed outermost adherent contact points on said asbestos covered pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: William G. Lyons
  • Patent number: 5697392
    Abstract: A spray assembly for a dishwasher includes a fluid pump and a spray tower. The spray tower includes a lower stationary member and an upper rotatable member and includes a fluid cavity therein. The rotatable member has at least one spray opening adjacent its upper end. A spray nozzle directs a stream of washing fluid upwardly into the spray tower and moves the stream of washing fluid in a circular pattern. The stream of water engages the upper rotatable member of the spray tower and the upper rotatable member rotates in response thereto. One form of the invention uses a deflecting surface on the rotatable member for causing rotational movement of the rotatable member and for causing precession of the rotatable member. Another modification of the present invention utilizes a pair of intermeshing gears for causing precession of the rotatable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M. Johnson, Brian L. Ness, Jeffrey T. Jones, Rodney M. Welch
  • Patent number: 5664594
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the cleaning of a ventilator manifold while it is attached to a respiratory support system. A particular embodiment of the present invention relates to a cleaning device used in conjunction with the ventilator manifold to clean the interior chamber of the manifold of patient secretions that have accumulated during the use of the manifold. The cleaning device includes a dual lumen catheter which accesses one of a plurality of manifold ports by inserting the cleaning device through a flexible boot attached to one of the manifold ports. The flexible boot allows for omni-directional use of the cleaning device inside the manifold by medical personnel. The use of the flexible boot in combination with the cleaning device allows medical personnel to cleanse the interior of the manifold without concurrent loss of respiratory support to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Sherwood Medical Company
    Inventor: Kok-Hiong Kee
  • Patent number: 5660195
    Abstract: A passive or dynamic venting system for a frontloading dishwasher is located within the dishwasher door and includes a plate-shaped valve which closes off a valve port in the inner liner or face of the door; the valve is moved by a linear actuator along a path of closing and opening that is perpendicular to the plane of the door. In the dynamic system, a cross-flow type blower is also located within the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Marion Lee Taylor, Jr., Lars Rosengren
  • Patent number: 5651381
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a paint roller assembly having a roller applicator, the apparatus having a housing assembly forming a cleaning cavity and forming a longitudinal input slot, support apparatus removably supporting the paint roller assembly to dispose the roller applicator within the cleaning cavity for free rotation about the center axis thereof, and a nozzle and sealing assembly supported on the housing assembly having a nozzle having fluid communication with the cleaning cavity through the input slot and closure assembly which movably supports the nozzle for travel along the length of the input slot, the nozzle attachable to a high pressure supply of cleaning fluid, the nozzle supported to direct cleaning fluid against the roller applicator to impart rotation thereof during cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Hossein Balouchian
  • Patent number: 5630435
    Abstract: An industrial parts washer having a split canopy for enclosing the processing zones and conveyor system of the washer includes a fixed first section and a selectively removable second section for accessing the internal processing areas of the washer. The removable section of the canopy is optionally constructed as a single piece of material covering all processing zones across the length of the washer, or alternatively the removable section is segmented into two or more subsections which are easily removed and replaced onto the washer by one or two operators. The removable sections of the canopy are releasably attached to the washer with appropriate quick release latches, and the removable section of the canopy is appropriately sealed to the washer to prevent the escape of moisture, steam and chemical contaminants. The canopy is also made of molded fiberglass or plastic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Alliance Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery P. Brouchoud, Keith D. Daun
  • Patent number: 5614021
    Abstract: A paint roller assembly having an integral paint roller sleeve washing apparatus for washing a paint roller sleeve without having to remove the sleeve from the paint roller assembly. The paint roller assembly comprises a shield, a manifold connected to the shield and a plurality of tubes. The paint roller shield has a plurality of apertures therethrough. One end of each tube is connected in fluid flow communication to a corresponding one of the apertures and the other end of each tube is connected in fluid flow communication to the manifold. The manifold is connected in fluid flow communication to a fluid source whereby a fluid is sprayed on the sleeve rotating the sleeve and flushing the paint therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Fred C. Catlin
  • Patent number: 5546968
    Abstract: This invention relates to a supplementary washing device of a dish washer, which has an additional spraying device that provides a uniform spray of washing water to a wider area. The supplementary washing device of the dish washer includes spray arms formed in the washer tub for spraying water onto dirty dishes and a circular supplementary arm rotated by the washing water flowing out through static pressure influencing means, and a splashing means formed on the circular supplementary arm. The spraying means is a plurality of spiralled blades fixed to the underside of the supplementary arm, becoming lower as they extend to the circumference, or a combination of blades having different lengths and different curvatures of spiral for rotating the supplementary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Goldstar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Si M. Jeon, Seong K. Kang
  • Patent number: 5542443
    Abstract: A dishwasher comprising: a cleaning tank; a plurality of dish containers disposed vertically in the cleaning tank; cleaning means having a plurality of jetting openings for jetting cleaning water. The cleaning means comprises: a first arm nozzle disposed in a space below an upper dish container and rotating substantially horizontally; a second arm nozzle disposed in a space below a lower dish container and rotating substantially horizontally; and a third arm nozzle having a rotation axis eccentric in a predetermined distance from the rotation axis of the second arm nozzle and rotating on the second arm nozzle. The first arm nozzle jets cleaning water toward the upper dish container. The second and third arm nozzles jet cleaning water toward the lower dish container. The third arm nozzle eccentric from the rotation axis of the second arm nozzle jets cleaning water in a wide angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Yura, Yukio Hirai, Hirosi Oya
  • Patent number: 5503172
    Abstract: A dishwasher machine tub for containing water sprayed therein during operation of a dishwasher. The tub includes a wall, a door, and a first wall plate. The wall defines a dishwashing chamber having an opening. The door is connected to the wall and may be positioned to cover and uncover the opening. The first wall plate is spaced apart from the wall, resiliently connected to the wall, and positioned within the chamber. Preferably, the first wall plate is positioned so as to be directly impinged by some of the sprayed water during operation of the dishwasher. The air gap and the resilient connection between the first wall plate and the wall provide localized attenuation of the noise from the drumming impact of the sprayed wash water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Hedeen, Omer L. Ari
  • Patent number: 5485637
    Abstract: A tank for liquidous material is disclosed having a single aperture for accessing an interior volume. A collar formed as a truncated cone circumscribes the aperture to provide sealing with a cap having a mating conical band. A band surface and a collar surface form the only contact between the cap and the collar. A drain fitting may be secured to the collar upon removal of the cap, after which the tank is upended for draining through the drain fitting. A wash fitting attached to the drain fitting sprays the interior of the tank for cleaning. No recesses (grooves) or `O` ring seals, and no protruding, resilient, normal, face seals are used which might trap debris and inhibit complete cleaning. The tapered collar and band create contact forces for sealing that are much greater than the load securing the cap to the collar. The tank, collar and cap may be rotomolded of a single material in a single mold, the cap being severed and trimmed after molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventor: John A. Green
  • Patent number: 5474616
    Abstract: A plate-shaped article is immersed in a cleaning liquid filling a cleaning bath having an overflowing surface through which the cleaning liquid flows out, and is rinsed out. In the cleaning bath, streams mostly being directed away from a predetermined plane approximately perpendicular to the overflowing surface are formed. The plate-shaped article is then brought into the cleaning liquid having the stream maintaining a state where the plate-shaped article intersects the predetermined plane and the surfaces of the plate-shaped article are in approximately parallel to the streams mostly being directed away from the predetermined plane on the surface of the cleaning liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Yuka Hayami, Masanori Kobayashi, Ken Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 5413131
    Abstract: An elongated open top tank containing water, one end being a loading end, and the opposite end being an exit end. Positioned transversely across the tank, spaced generally along the full length above the water line, are water distribution lines each having multiple water outlet nozzles aiming downward and at an angle toward the exit end of the tank. The distribution lines are connected to an output side of a high volume water pump used to circulate the tank water. The water pump draws water from the exit end of the tank so that during pumping, a strong current is created in the tank as the nozzles re-apply the water. Positioned transversely within the tank is a plurality of solid baffles, some positioned high in the water, and some positioned low in the water in a staggered arrangement. Produce deposited at the loading end of the tank is sprayed by the nozzles and drawn by the strong current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventor: Harold G. Medlock
  • Patent number: 5337769
    Abstract: Disclosed is a paint roller cover cleaning device comprising a drum having a perforated base, a cylindrical sidewall and an open top fitted with a removable lid. The device has a support member for frictionally engaging a paint roller cover rotatably secured to the base of the drum. The cylindrical sidewall has a vertical slot opening that allows the user to selectively direct a pressurized stream of solvent from a nozzle against the outer periphery or nap of the paint roller cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Michael E. Howe
  • Patent number: 5285802
    Abstract: A wheelchair cleaning system includes, in a modular assembly, a wash chamber, operators control unit and a mobile base support structure housing the electromechanical components used to apply the cleaning process. The operator places a wheelchair in the wash chamber and from the control unit selects cleaning functions to be applied through a programmable micro-processor. A pump draws cleaning solution from the sink through a line connected to the rotating spray arm assembly. As the spray arm lifts past the wheelchair, the solution is sprayed against the wheelchair through nozzles on the spray arm. The solution returns into the sink for continuous re-cycling. A drain pump draws the contaminated water from the sink through a drain line into a drain receptacle when the wash and rinse cycles are completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Karl Soderquist
  • Patent number: 5247953
    Abstract: A fluid collector positionable beneath a fluid sprayer, said collector comprising a fluid receiving surface having at least one concave collection well formed therein. A preferred embodiment of the collector comprises a dual welled insert positionable within an existing catch tank or sump, said insert having first and second collection wells with a raised bulkhead or septum formed therebetween. A solution or suspension rolling down the sloped surface of the dual welled insert will be separated on either side of the raised bulkhead or septum so that a first portion of the fluid will collect in the first collection well and a second portion of the fluid will collect in the second collection well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: D.E.M. Controls of Canada
    Inventor: Mark D'Amato
  • Patent number: 5178172
    Abstract: A dishwasher lid assembly (1) is disclosed which includes a lid having upper (2) and lower (3) portions. The lid (2,3) is pivotally supported by a hinge shaft (4) above a sink (8). A hinge spring (5) surrounds the shaft (4) and biases the lid (2,3) to an open configuration. A latch can be used to retain the lid (2,3) closed. The shaft (4) and spring (5) are located within a hinge cover (9) below which is an air vent (6) arranged to permit vapor and/or air within the sink (8) to escape, thus preventing a build-up of pressure under the lid (2,3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: McIlwraith Davey Pty Limited
    Inventor: Stuart A. Morley
  • Patent number: 5168887
    Abstract: A single wafer processing apparatus includes a portable processing head that can be a portable module or a movable unit mounted to a supporting machine frame. The processing head has movable fingers adapted to grip a wafer. The fingers protrude from a protective wafer plate. Indexing and rotation monitoring assemblies are provided for automation of the wafer processing steps. A complementary processing base includes an upwardly-open bowl that receives a wafer held by the portable processing head. It has a full-diameter movable bottom wall for rapid draining purposes. Liquid and/or gas jets and nozzles supply fluids required within the bowl for processing of wafers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymon F. Thompson, Aleksander Owczarz
  • Patent number: 5168886
    Abstract: A single wafer processor supports a semiconductor wafer having at least one surface that is to be subjected to contact with a fluid. The equipment includes a portable module including a gripper assembly that is rotatable about the axis of a portable housing and is capable of mechanically engaging or disengaging the edge of an individual wafer. The portable module is complementary to a receiving base having an open bowl provided with liquid jets for discharging processing liquids or reagents in parallel streams directed toward the outer surface of a rotating wafer. The bowl can also be filled with liquid for immersion treatment of a wafer, which can be held stationary or rotated at slow speeds. The portable unit is moved between base units by a robotic arm. All elements associated with holding of the wafer are physically shielded to minimize wafer contamination from environmental contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymon F. Thompson, Robert W. Gordon, Daniel Durado
  • Patent number: 5156174
    Abstract: A single wafer processing apparatus includes a portable processing head that can be a portable module or a movable unit mounted to a supporting machine frame. The processing head has movable fingers adapted to grip a wafer. The fingers protrude from a protective wafer plate. Indexing and rotation monitoring assemblies are provided for automation of the wafer processing steps. A complementary processing base includes an upwardly-open bowl that receives a wafer held by the portable processing head. It has a full-diameter movable bottom wall for rapid draining purposes. Liquid and/or gas jets and nozzles supply fluids required within the bowl for processing of wafers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymon F. Thompson, Aleksander Owczarz
  • Patent number: 5131432
    Abstract: A dishwasher with a wash tub (3) connected on the bottom to a collection well (4) into which extends the outlet duct (8) of a discharge pump (6) fitted with a nonreturn valve (11) accessible from the inside of the wash tub. The valve consists of a box-like housing (12) made in one piece with the outlet duct (8) which, in turn, is made in one piece with the well (4). The valve (11) has a flat flexible-membrane plug (18) with a tail (19) hooked to a peg (21) made in one piece with the box-like body (12). A protrusion (22) of the cover (13) for the box-like body (12) is in contact with the peg (21) to block the membrane (18) in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Zanussi Elettrodomestici S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gianni Santarossa, Elvio Tonus
  • Patent number: 5115826
    Abstract: A spatter shield is provided which is attached to a lower portion of the inner door of a dishwasher at a location above and inside the upper edge of the enclosure tub. This shield includes a flange area for deflecting fluid splashed toward the dishwasher opening back into the tub when the door is closed. A channel is provided which is shielded by the flange area for receiving run-off fluid from the flange area when the door is open and for discharging that run-off into the tub when the door is closed. The shield can extend horizontally along a substantial length of the door and is preferably attached to the door by way of a rib on the door which is received in a toothed slot of the shield. The teeth within the slot permit the rib to be inserted relatively easily but resist withdrawal of the rib. These teeth are preferably co-extruded with the rest of the shield from a plastic composition that is relatively flexible with respect to the material forming rest of the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Roger J. Bertsch, Larry D. Marks
  • Patent number: 5078089
    Abstract: A spray coating booth for enclosing individual articles to be coated with a liquid spray while the articles are supported in closely spaced relation on an article conveyor for movement through the booth includes a rigid frame with fixed sidewalls and movable top and end walls which may be moved between a closed position completely enclosing an article supported on the conveyor and an open position to permit articles to be moved into and out of the booth. The movable top assures against coating liquid dripping onto and contaminating articles moving on the conveyor which are not to be coated. The end walls are supported for movement in substantially a transverse vertical plane to permit close spacing of articles on the conveyor without contact of the articles by the end walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: National Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond Dugan, Daniel D. Evans, Robert Griffith, Ronald G. Mumaw
  • Patent number: 5058612
    Abstract: A portable tank spray cleaning apparatus is comprised of a manhole sealing component and a spinner spray component. The manhole sealing component is adapted for use in the manhole of a storage tank during a cleaning operation to seal the interior thereof. The sealing component comprises a cylindrical-shaped core with a base plate which fits into the manhole and a cover plate which rests on a lip of the manhole. An inflatable tube is positioned on the core. A connecting tube extends through the base plate with one end used for connection to a cleaning solution delivery hose and the other end used for connection to the spinner spray component. A vent pipe optionally also extends through the base plate to relieve a pressure build-up during a cleaning operation. In operation, the tube is pressurized to inflate it and create a seal against the sidewalls of the manhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Inventor: Billy C. Winsted
  • Patent number: 5052423
    Abstract: Apparatus for the hydrocleaning of the exterior surface of a pipeline or the like includes a frame adapted to surround a portion of a pipeline and defining a longitudinal passage through which, in use, the pipeline extends. A plurality of liquid jet nozzles are mounted to the frame in spaced apart relation so as to surround, in use, said pipeline in circumferentially spaced apart relationship to one another with each nozzle in spaced relation to the pipeline exterior surface. Means for supplying high pressure liquid to the nozzles to cause liquid jets to be emitted from the nozzles are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: CUPS, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Chapman, Charles M. Reid
  • Patent number: 5031651
    Abstract: Water deflector member removably mountable to the base of a dishwasher tub in a preselected fixed position near the side edge of the door of the dishwasher such as to deflect into the tub water running down the corner between the tub side wall and the door. The preferred deflector member includes a resilient plug portion inserted into a vertical socket formed in the lower wall of the tub, a flat resilient deflector portion extending horizontally from the plug towards the door in a cantilever fashion, and a webbed portion extending in a vertical plane between the plug and the deflector portion. The webbed portion extends through a slot formed in the lower wall of the tub which further serves to drain the socket of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond W. Spiegel, Roger J. Bertsch, Geoffrey L. Dingler
  • Patent number: 4955402
    Abstract: A rectangular container having a divider at one end of the container. The divider separates the container into a large processing region and a second region from which the solvent fluid is drained from the container. The divider acts as a weir over which the solvent flows from the processing region into the second region. Contaminating particles which fall onto the surface of the solvent and are momentarily trapped by surface tension are quickly removed from the processing region by the overflow action into the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: P.C.T. Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry R. Miranda
  • Patent number: 4842002
    Abstract: A releasably retainable fresh water flushing adaptor for outboard and stern-drive marine propulsion systems having an external lower propulsion housing which includes at least one water intake port along or immediately adjacent either side of the upper forwardly bulbous portion of the lower housing. The flusing adaptor includes a molded cover which is mateably, releasably seal-retaining over this forwardly portion of the lower housing and also includes a fitting connected or connectable into the upper forwardly portion of the cover for releasable attachment to a supply of fresh water. The fitting has an internal passage in alignment and in fluid communication with the housing water intake port. At least one water distribution groove formed into the interior surface of the cover adjacent the fitting for providing water flow one both water intake port is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventor: James A. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 4825887
    Abstract: In the disclosed glass washing machine each spray curtain comprises a vertically slitted sheet of supple plastic and a similarly slitted guard sheet of a stiffer but flexible smooth-surface plastic. The guard sheet extends down through about the upper half of the height of the supple sheet and overlies its side from which glasses approach it, prolonging the life of the supple sheet by decreasing rubbing and sharp flexing due to passing glasses. A grid of vertical slats closely underlies the top wall in each cleansing zone, causing upwardly sprayed liquid to fall from it in numerous uniformly distributed streams that are effective in cleansing exterior surfaces of glasses. Each spray nozzle assembly is removable without tools by loosening one wing nut and pulling out of the assembly a male fitting on a hose that communicates the assembly with another part of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Perlick Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Nezworski
  • Patent number: 4805651
    Abstract: An apparatus for dyeing the skeletons of animal fetuses with medical liquids includes a treating tank for accommodating a cage in which the fetuses are put, in which tank the medical liquids are circulated by a medical liquid pump. When fed into the treating tank, the circulating medical liquids are dispersed over the liquid surface. The skeleton-dyeing apparatus further includes a neutralization tank for neutralizing used-up medical liquids discharged from the treating tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Tiyoda Seisakusho, Sakura Finetechnical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiyasu Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 4782843
    Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning particulate material includes a hopper defining a downwardly tapering chamber and a nozzle for directing a high velocity liquid jet upwardly into the chamber. A tubular riser extends vertically through the chamber having a lower end situated proximate to, but spaced from, the liquid nozzle and an upper end situated at the upper end of the chamber. Particulate material to be cleaned is charged into the hopper so that a portion of the material falls into an agitation zone defined between the nozzle and the lower end of the riser. A liquid jet discharged from the nozzle is directed towards the lower end of the riser and agitates the dirty particulate material situated in the agitation zone and carries particulate material from the agitation zone upwardly through and out of the upper end of the riser. As the procedure continues, dirty particulate material continues to settle into the agitation zone to be partially washed by agitation and carried with the liquid jet through the riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Inventor: James Lapaglia
  • Patent number: 4768533
    Abstract: A closed system paint or varnish stripping apparatus in which the surface finish of furniture and the like can be removed with very little operator contact or maintenance. The system recycles the stripping chemical with only a minimum of filtering being required. Nozzles having an unique design in which the diameter of the orifice is greater than one-half the inside diameter of the supply pipe facilitate spraying the recycled chemical with very little possibility of the nozzles plugging. Moreover, the use of these large orificed nozzles allows the chemical to be sprayed at a high flow rate providing for the drenching of a work piece in several seconds and eliminating much of the mist production and evaporation losses previously associated with paint and varnish stripping operations. In addition, this high flow rate is achieved with only low pressure loss so that low pressure pumps with small motors can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Inventor: William R. Hall
  • Patent number: 4768534
    Abstract: A portable cleaning apparatus for cleaning dishes, vegetables, fish, or like items, is disclosed comprising a base, or tray, and removable hood or cover supported thereon to form a cleaning chamber. An inlet opening is formed at the top of the hood through which a rigid hand-held feed conduit extends. A resilient seal at the inlet opening provides a liquid tight engagement between the feed conduit and hood while permitting manual axial and pivotal movement in any pivotal direction of the feed conduit. A nozzle is provided at the inner end of the feed conduit from which liquid is jetted for cleaning items contained in the cleaning chamber. A high pressure pump in communication with a source of liquid pumps the liquid to the nozzle through a flexible supply conduit connected to the feed conduit. At least a portion of the hood is formed of transparent material for viewing the nozzle and items to be cleaned by the jet stream issuing from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Inventor: Max F. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4765353
    Abstract: A shield for a paint roller is adapted for washing a paint roller while the roller is mounted within the shield. The paint shield includes a splash guard that when not being used for washing, is rotated into a splatter guard. When the roller is to be washed, the spray shield is rotated to cover the opening defined by the splatter guard. The spray shield has openings defined therein so that wash water may drain therethrough while through which little or no watery paint spray may pass. A water hose is attached to the splatter guard which supplies water to a chamber which includes a slot extending the length of the roller and which includes holes positioned to direct sprays of water at the roller bearings. In a preferred embodiment, a second chamber is provided to have liquid soap placed therein which mixes with the water to aid in cleaning the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Inventor: Clark J. Rhoades
  • Patent number: 4735222
    Abstract: A spray system is disclosed for forming directed streams of liquid under pressure. A supply conduit having an open end and a manifold communicating with a plurality of spray nozzles and having an inlet conduit with an open end cooperate for insertion of the inlet conduit into the supply conduit to connect the manifold to the supply conduit, the manifold is placed near the supply conduit in a predetermined but misaligned position. A plate having a slot defines at least a portion of a pair of cam surfaces and a wash arm formed on the manifold defines a cam follower. Rotation of the inlet conduit about its central axis causes the cam follower to contact and cooperate with the cam surfaces to produce lateral force along the inlet conduit, thereby forcing the same into fluid-tight engagement with the supply conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: Hobart Corporation
    Inventors: Herbert R. Crane, Richard D. Valentine