With Movable Means To Cause Fluid Motion (e.g., Pump, Splasher, Agitator) Patents (Class 134/184)
  • Patent number: 8936032
    Abstract: An air blanket reflector, which is placed inside and next to the walls of an ultrasonic tank, reflects ultrasonic energy. The air blanket reflector has a relatively thin metal plate, such as 14 gauge stainless steel, facing the interior of the tank and an air-filled cavity on the opposite side of the thin metal plate. The thin metal plate reflects ultrasonic energy away from the walls of the tank to reduce the amount of ultrasonic energy absorbed by the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Crest Oil & Gas, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Michael Goodson
  • Publication number: 20150013714
    Abstract: A device arranged to apply a linear tension to an intramedullary reamer for ultrasonic cleaning, and a corresponding method thereof
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Catherine Campbell HENRY, Haider INAM, Ossman Steven COSSIO, Edwin LU, Claire Josephine STUMP, Courtney Marie LAWSON, Eric Michael MORAN, Narotham BADRISH, Daniel Robert MONACO
  • Publication number: 20140373880
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for cleaning a substrate (e.g., wafer) in the fabrication of semiconductor devices utilizing a composition of magnetic particles dispersed within a base fluid to remove contaminants from a surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Nishant Sinha, Stephen J. Kramer, Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 8899247
    Abstract: The invention provides an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus in which unevenness of sound pressure among a plurality of oscillating elements is solved by emitting uniform ultrasonic waves, the rate of removal of fine particles is improved, and the uneven cleaning is avoided. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning bath that stores an object to be cleaned and cleaning solvent; a plurality of oscillating elements attached to the cleaning bath; a plurality of oscillators connected respectively to the plurality of oscillating elements for exciting the plurality of oscillating elements; and a controller connected to the plurality of oscillators for controlling the plurality of oscillators to output signals having the same phase or substantially the same phase to the plurality of oscillating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Kaijo Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hasegawa, Tomoharu Kamamura
  • Patent number: 8893735
    Abstract: A jewelry cleaning device may include the following components: a basin having a base portion and for holding a cleaning solution, a support post extending upwards from the base portion inside the basin and shaped to securely hold a piece of jewelry in place, and a sleeve sized to fit within the basin and having a plurality of bristles disposed therein with a handle portion on the top end thereof. A plastic dome may likewise be provided on a top end of the sleeve. All components may be modular and may be readily fitted together to form a unitary jewelry cleaning device. By rotating the sleeve using the handle portion while a piece of jewelry is supported within the cleaning solution of the basin on the support post, a user may cause the bristles to clean a piece of jewelry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Adam Shatz
  • Patent number: 8888925
    Abstract: A nozzle for discharging droplets of a processing liquid for processing a substrate has a main body including a supply port, a drain port, a processing liquid flow passageway connecting the supply port and the drain port, and a plurality of discharge ports from which the processing liquid is discharged. The processing liquid flow passageway includes a plurality of branch flow channels, which branch out between the supply port and the drain port and collect together between the supply port and the drain port. The plurality of discharge ports form a plurality of columns respectively corresponding to the plurality of branch flow channels; and are aligned along and connected to the corresponding branch flow channels. A piezo element applies vibration to the processing liquid flowing through the plurality of branch flow channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanobu Sato, Hiroyuki Yashiki, Mai Yamakawa, Takayoshi Tanaka, Ayumi Higuchi, Rei Takeaki
  • Publication number: 20140332042
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a rack provided with interior and exterior corner nozzles to direct washing fluid onto interior and exterior surface portions of an object placed in a corner of the rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: WALTER T. BLANCHARD, DAVID H. CHEN
  • Publication number: 20140318573
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for cleaning phonograph records are disclosed. In some embodiments, a phonograph record can be cleaned in a liquid basin using ultrasonic transducers, wherein the liquid basin has a dampening structure. Also, the ultrasonic transducers are disposed on a flexible wall for reducing vibrations of the cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Kioan CHEON, AnKuk SONG
  • Patent number: 8863957
    Abstract: A wafer separation apparatus improves wafer separation performance in separation and transfer and suppresses the occurrence of wafer breakage in separation and transfer, while remaining inexpensive and small. The apparatus includes: a cassette that vertically accommodates a large number of single wafers in intimate contact with each other, the cassette being at least vertically opened; a cassette support that removably supports the cassette, the cassette support being at least vertically opened; a hoisting unit that hoists and lowers the cassette support integrally with the cassette; a liquid bath that accommodates a liquid into which the cassette support is immersed integrally with the cassette when the hoisting unit descends; a nozzle in the inside of the liquid bath to issue micro bubbles from the underside of the cassette support toward a large number of the wafers; and a micro bubble generator that generates micro bubbles to be issued from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Watanabe Shoko
    Inventors: Ichiki Kusuhara, Kyouhei Tsunashima
  • Patent number: 8858718
    Abstract: An automated method of cleaning the pipes of a plate washing system is provided. The plate washing system includes at least one manifold having a plurality of pipes configured to be provided within wells of a plate in order to wash the wells, an ultrasonic transducer mounted to a tank, and a control system. The plate washing system also includes sensors to sense the position of the pipes relative to plate and the tank, and the fluid level within the wells of the plate. The method includes dispensing fluid to the tank, submerging the tips of the pipes within the fluid, activating the ultrasonic transducer in order to vibrate the fluid, and aspirating the fluid from the tank. The control system may initiate a cleaning operation at the request of the user, at a scheduled interval, or when the level sensing system detects a decrease in instrument function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: BTI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Gifford, Lenore Buehrer, Thomas A. Cleveland
  • Publication number: 20140299160
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a stack of secure instruments is disclosed. Each secure instrument includes a substrate, visual data and a security feature. The method and apparatus include exposing the stack to a supercritical fluid at a temperature and a pressure and for a duration sufficient to clean each secure instrument and not compromise each security feature and each visual data, and maintaining a securing mechanism on the stack during exposure of the stack to the supercritical fluid such that cleaning each secure instrument includes one or more substances from each secure instrument into the supercritical fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: SPECTRA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nabil Lawandy
  • Patent number: 8839804
    Abstract: A conductor cleaning system for cleaning aluminum strands of all aluminum and steel reinforced conductors, such as ACSS, ACSR, ACAR, and AAA. The conductor cleaning system having a container adapted to receive a portion of a conductor to be cleaned, a housing adapted to receive and support the container, and a cleaning solution contained in the container for cleaning the portion of the conductor. The cleaning solution being adapted to clean the conductor without reacting with or damaging the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Phillips, Andrew H. Stewart, Shridas Ningileri, Neil J. Hurst, J. Finley Bush, Sike Xia, Chenghe Xiao
  • Publication number: 20140261582
    Abstract: An appliance pump is provided having a seal ring that can reduce or eliminate noise that can occur when e.g., the pump experiences air or an under-primed condition. The seal ring uses one or biasing members to urge the seal ring into a position to prevent rattling or other vibrations that cause such noise. The present invention also includes seal ring having such construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Steven Chadwick Koepke
  • Publication number: 20140261573
    Abstract: A system and method for cleaning one or more components used to manufacture composite sandwich panels, which uses an acetone solvent and increased pressure to facilitate cleaning manufacturing equipment used to produce composite sandwich panels. The acetone solvent may be pressurized to enhance cleaning of the contaminated manufacturing equipment. A trough may be positioned to receive the acetone solvent for re-use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: MILLPORT ASSOCIATES S.A.
    Inventor: Ulrich Schwartau
  • Publication number: 20140261575
    Abstract: A particle removal tool having a sound field transducer, a cleaning chamber, and an open sealing face. The cleaning chamber having a cleaning fluid guiding chamber extending from the sound field transducer to the open sealing face, a cleaning fluid delivery channel in fluid communication with the cleaning fluid guiding chamber, and a cleaning fluid return channel. The open sealing face has a cleaning portal disposed contiguous with a plane formed by the open sealing face and a chamber-to-surface interface seal which forms a fluid tight seal with a cleaning surface plane. The sound field transducer is disposed within a line-of-sight of the cleaning portal and generates acoustic waves with a frequency between approximately 20 kHz and approximately 2 MHz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Armen Avoyan, Cliff LaCroix, Hong Shih, John Daugherty
  • Publication number: 20140251392
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for washing gas turbine engines comprising a manifold comprising one or more tubes; a pumping system for providing pressurized washing liquid to the manifold, the pumping system comprising a pump, and one or more valves; and a control unit for regulating the pumping system according to washing parameters associated to a particular engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: PRATT &WHITNEY LINE MAINTENANCE SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Per G. Alvestig, Sebastian Nordlund
  • Publication number: 20140251390
    Abstract: A pressure washing system that includes a pump configured to generate a pressurized fluid stream and a wand that is connectable to the pressurized discharge of the pump. The wand includes a trigger and a nozzle that are exposed to the pressurized fluid path. The wand includes a treatment fluid path that is isolated from the pump pressurized fluid path. A reservoir configured to receive a treatment agent is disposed in the treatment fluid path and is connected between the water source and an outlet proximate the nozzle. A control is connected to the wand proximate the trigger to allow selective introduction of treatment agent contained in the reservoir to be introduced into the pressurized fluid flow downstream of the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mir Khan, Greg Wischstadt, David Serdynski
  • Publication number: 20140238441
    Abstract: A system for removing particles or deposits from a surface having particles or deposits thereon, the system comprising at least one vessel, at least one enclosure containing a surface having particles or deposits thereon, one or more pumps, and one or more valves; the at least one vessel suitable for holding a chemical composition; wherein the at least one vessel is in fluid communication with the at least one enclosure, and the at least one enclosure is in fluid communication with the at least one vessel, to form at least a primary chemical composition circulation loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Fujifilm Planar Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Saeed Mohseni, Deepak Mahulikar, Elizabeth Gramm
  • Publication number: 20140230844
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning industrial components which has a liquid container defining a liquid enclosure for containing a cleaning liquid and ultrasonic transducers having an operating frequency and a wavelength in the cleaning liquid and secured to at least a portion of the liquid container at a spacing of between 2 and 10 wavelengths. During operation, the transducers generate a larger power density in the component-receiving area of the liquid container than an average power density of the liquid container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: William Lash Phillips, Shawn Smith, Byron Kieser
  • Publication number: 20140230863
    Abstract: Provided is an automatic film washout device includes a housing defining a rinsing chamber and a drain in fluid communication with the rinsing chamber. A drum is rotatably coupled to the housing and is configured to be engageable with the photosensitive material for washout thereof. A booster pump is operatively coupled to the housing and includes a pump inlet and a pump outlet, the pump inlet being fluidly connectable to the pressurized fluid source to receive fluid therefrom at an inlet pressure, the pump being configured to elevate the pressure of the fluid exiting the pump via the pump outlet. A plurality of nozzles are coupled to the housing and in fluid communication with the pump to receive fluid therefrom. The plurality of nozzles are configured to direct fluid into the rinsing chamber for washout of the photosensitive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: MEDIA BLAST & ABRASIVES, INC.
    Inventors: Ron Storer, Robert A. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20140230864
    Abstract: A table top washing machine comprises a tub (14) for accommodating articles to be cleaned, means for circulating water within the tub, and a waste water drain (51) comprising a drain port (52) for draining water from the tub and a fitting (54) for connecting a waste line (26) to said drain port. In accordance with the present invention the waste water drain comprises an angled connector (56) having a first leg (58) for connection to the drain port (52) and a second leg (60) comprising the fitting (54), wherein said first leg is adapted for rotatable connection to the drain port, and wherein said waste water drain further comprises means (69, 70, 72, 74, 76) for limiting rotation of the first leg such that orienting the second leg to point in an upward direction is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.
    Inventors: Mats Lundberg, Luigi Salerno
  • Publication number: 20140224286
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher and a method of controlling the dishwasher. A dishwasher according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a tub forming a dishwashing space; a plurality of wash arms disposed in the tub and spraying wash water; a plurality of wash arm pipes connected with the wash arms, respectively, and supplying wash water; a reusing pipe diverging from at least any one of the wash arm pipes; and a reusing section storing wash water supplied from the reusing pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Youmin Lee, Seongho Kim, Suhyun Kim
  • Publication number: 20140224285
    Abstract: A dishwasher enabling wash water to be reused, and a method of controlling the same, include a body provided with a washing tub on which dishware is disposed to be washed, a sump unit provided at a lower side of the body, and configured to accommodate wash water and pump the accommodated wash water, a spray nozzle configured to receive the wash water from the sump unit and spray the wash water to the washing tub, a storage tank provided at a lower side of the body and configured to accommodate used wash water which is supplied from the sump unit, a water supply pipe connecting the sump unit to the storage tank, and a pump connected to the water supply pipe and configured to pump the wash water being accommodated in the sump unit to the storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyung Kwen HAM, Jung Yoon Hahm, Dong Ho Park, Keon Ho Hong
  • Publication number: 20140216508
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for processing substrates using acoustic energy. In one aspect, the invention can be a system for processing flat articles comprising: a support supporting a flat article; a dispenser applying liquid to a first surface of the flat article; a transducer assembly comprising: a transmitting structure having a longitudinal axis; a first set of transducers acoustically coupled to the transmitting structure in a spaced apart manner on a first side of the longitudinal axis; a second set of transducers acoustically coupled to the transmitting structure in a spaced apart manner on a second side of the longitudinal axis; the transducers of the first and second sets staggered along the longitudinal axis; and wherein when the dispenser applies liquid to the first surface of the flat article, a film of liquid is formed between the transmitting structure and the first surface of the flat article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Akrion Systems LLC
    Inventor: John A. Korbler
  • Publication number: 20140213063
    Abstract: A wet chemical processing method and apparatus for use in semiconductor manufacturing and in other applications, is provided. The method and apparatus provide for energizing a processing liquid such as a cleaning or etching liquid using ultrasonic, megasonic or other energy waves or by combining the liquid with a pressurized gas to form a pressurized spray, or using both. The energized, pressurized fluid is directed to a substrate surface using a fluid delivery system and overcomes any surface tensions associated with liquids, solids, or air and enables the processing liquid to completely fill any holes such as contact holes, via holes or trenches, formed on the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Yen HSU, Shao-Yen KU, Chun-Li CHOU, Tsai-Pao SU
  • Patent number: 8783273
    Abstract: Embodiments of the current invention describe a substrate processing tool. The substrate processing tool includes a housing defining a chamber, a substrate support, a container, and an impelling mechanism. The substrate support is coupled to the housing and configured to support a substrate within the chamber. The container is coupled to the housing within the chamber and configured to hold a liquid. The container is below and spaced apart from the substrate. The impelling mechanism is coupled to the housing and configured to apply a force to the liquid within the container such that an impelled portion of the liquid contacts a lower surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventor: Rajesh Kelekar
  • Patent number: 8778085
    Abstract: A dissolved nitrogen concentration monitoring method is used for monitoring a dissolved nitrogen concentration of a cleaning liquid when an ultrasonic wave is irradiated onto the cleaning liquid in which a substrate is dipped. The method includes measuring an amount of increase of a dissolved oxygen concentration of the cleaning liquid resulting from an oxygen molecule generated from a water molecule as a result of a radical reaction caused by ultrasonic wave irradiation. A dissolved nitrogen concentration of the cleaning liquid is calculated from the measured amount of increase of dissolved oxygen concentration based on a predetermined relationship between a dissolved nitrogen concentration and an amount of increase of dissolved oxygen concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Siltronic AG
    Inventors: Teruo Haibara, Etsuko Kubo, Yoshihiro Mori, Masashi Uchibe
  • Patent number: 8777695
    Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the present invention comprises a plurality of cleaning tanks configured to store a cleaning liquid, an object-to-be-processed holder capable of being inserted into each cleaning tank, the object-to-be-processed holder being configured to hold an object to be processed and to immerse the object to be processed into the cleaning liquid, a vibrator disposed on each cleaning tank, a single ultrasonic oscillator configured to make each vibrator ultrasonically vibrate, an output switch interposed between the ultrasonic oscillator and the vibrator of each respective cleaning tank, the output switch being configured to switch the vibrator that is connected to the ultrasonic oscillator, and a control device configured to control the ultrasonic oscillator and the output switch, wherein the control device controls the ultrasonic oscillator and the output switch such that a timing at which the vibrator of one of the cleaning tanks is made to ultrasonically vibrate, and a tim
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hideaki Sato, Kazuyoshi Eshima, Hiromi Hara, Hirozumi Hoshino
  • Patent number: 8765002
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a first processing chamber and a second processing chamber, a first substrate holding unit that holds a substrate in the first processing chamber, a chemical solution supply unit that supplies a chemical solution containing an etching component and a thickening agent to the substrate held by the first substrate holding unit, a substrate transfer unit that transfers the substrate from the first processing chamber to the second processing chamber in a state in which the chemical solution is held on the substrate, and a second substrate holding unit that holds a plurality of substrates on each of which the chemical solution is held in the second processing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Azuma, Kenji Yamada, Hiroyuki Araki, Koji Ando
  • Patent number: 8763616
    Abstract: A multisurface cleaning tool having a tapering head and a hollow handle contiguous with the head that constitutes a reservoir capable of holding flowable material. A pump actuated dispenser is in communication with the reservoir and permits user actuated expression of flowable material from within the reservoir. A cover is applied to and covers at least a portion of the head. In one embodiment, the cover is a microfiber pouch with an elasticized perimeter, which permits the pouch to be fitted over the cleaning tool head. In another embodiment, a portion of the cover is an integrally formed abrasive surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventors: Kurt Koptis, David McGovern, Bruce Bodlak
  • Patent number: 8764911
    Abstract: An ultrasonic wave generating apparatus includes: a generator including an electric power supply, a controller that generates a control signal, a liquid crystal display indicator, and a transducer drive circuit; and transducer portions. The generator includes: the controller having an internal memory or a port to which an external memory is inserted, and formed of a microcomputer to control the generator and the transducer portions; thyristor portions that are arranged respectively in the front and rear ends of the transducer portions, in which two thyristors are connected in series in the respective thyristor portions; snubber circuit portions that are connected in parallel with the respective thyristor portions; at least one transducer that is connected with the controller and is included in the transducer portions; and choke coils that are connected with one end of the respective transducers in the transducer portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Won-churl Lee
  • Publication number: 20140174488
    Abstract: A cleaning device includes a cleaning tank, a vibrator, and a number of loading plates. The cleaning tank contains cleaning liquid. The vibrator is received in the cleaning tank. The loading plates are received in the cleaning tank, and are stacked one by one in the cleaning tank. Each of the loading plates supports a workpiece in the cleaning tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: PO-CHOU CHEN
  • Publication number: 20140174470
    Abstract: A device is for cleaning objects in a body of water. The device includes: a plurality of cleaning elements; a plurality of supporting elements; and a collar, to which first ends of the supporting elements are attached. The cleaning elements are attached to the supporting elements. One or more of the supporting elements slope with its/their second, free end(s) in towards at least one point outside the collar, so that the supporting elements and the collar form at least one funnel. A method is for cleaning objects in a body of water using a cleaning device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Anne-Marthe Dalseide
  • Publication number: 20140158153
    Abstract: Ultrasonic cleaning apparatuses and methods of cleaning substantially planar articles. An apparatus comprises (i) a substantially circular tank; (ii) a plurality of cleaning fluid inlets for delivering a cleaning fluid to the tank; (iii) an intermediate support for receiving an article to be cleaned; and (iv) an ultrasonic generator coupled to the tank for generating ultrasonic waves in the tank and cleaning fluid received therein. The apparatus is configured to remove particles from a substantially planar article and have them carried by flow of cleaning fluid away from the article and out of the tank. Using such an apparatus, a cleaning method comprises introducing a substantially planar article to be cleaned into the tank; introducing a cleaning fluid into the tank through the plurality of cleaning fluid inlets; and exciting the cleaning fluid with ultrasonic waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Evangelos T. Spyropoulos, Iqbal A. Shareef, Clifford Erik La Croix
  • Patent number: 8746260
    Abstract: A system and method for securing tokens to be cleaned includes a tray with a curved surface defining a channel extending along a first direction and spacers projecting from the curved surface into the channel. The spacers are disposed at regular intervals along the first direction. The curved surface also has at least one opening. The tokens may be inserted into the channel between adjacent spacers and the tray holding the tokens can be submerged into a cleaning liquid. Identical trays containing tokens can also be stacked and together submerged into the cleaning liquid. The tray holding the tokens can be placed on a drying surface that has a drainage hole, and wetness remaining on the tokens can be sucked through the hole in the channel and the drainage hole by a vacuum or blown through the hole in the channel and drainage hole by an air blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Phillip Alston Hewitt
  • Publication number: 20140150832
    Abstract: A cleaning cap for a medical implement having a male protrusion. The cleaning cap includes a housing defining an inner cavity defined by an inner wall and distal end that encloses the inner cavity, and an opening opposite the distal end. The inner wall has a recess near the opening to the housing. The recess has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the inner wall near the recess. The cap further includes a movable piston having a forward nose and rearward end surrounded by a flexible flange that extends outward and toward the opening to abut the inner wall near the recess of the housing to maintain a cleaning solution in the inner cavity prior to receipt of the male protrusion into the inner cavity. The rearward end of the movable piston configured to couple with a distal end of the male protrusion to move the piston toward a distal end of the housing opposite the opening of the housing to provide a portion of the cleaning solution to the male protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Bobby E. Rogers, Paul DiPema, Gino Kang, Christine Arme, John Detloff
  • Publication number: 20140150826
    Abstract: A wafer cleaning apparatus includes a beam for holding a plurality of semiconductor or solar wafers. The beam includes at least one channel extending axially through the beam. An opening extends from the channel to a location between adjacent wafers. A manifold includes a conduit coupled to the channel and an immersion tank includes an ultrasonic transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Peter D. Albrecht, Brian Schulte, Vandan Tanna, Terry Grace, Desmond Teo, Fu Shun Ng
  • Patent number: 8739580
    Abstract: A pulley electric motor for a washing machine, comprising a stator, a rotor, electronic power circuitry for actuating the rotor, and electronic control circuitry for controlling both the electronic power circuitry to control movement of the rotor and a discharge electric pump of the washing machine. An actuation system for a washing machine is also described, comprising a pulley electric motor for the actuation of a washing drum and a discharge electric pump for discharging water, controlled by the electronic control circuitry, the pulley electric motor equipped with electronic control circuitry which also controls the discharge electric pump. Also described is a washing machine comprising a housing body for a rotary washing drum, a pulley electric motor connected to the drum through a kinematic belt/pulley coupling, a discharge electric pump, and electronic control circuitry for controlling the pulley electric motor. The electronic control circuitry also controls the discharge electric pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Askoll Holding S.r.l.
    Inventor: Elio Marioni
  • Publication number: 20140147350
    Abstract: A reactor assembly includes a first block having an array of reactors defined therein and a second block having an array of openings defined within a surface of the second block. Each opening of he array of openings is substantially aligned with a corresponding opening of the array of reactors so that that each reactor is associated with at least one corresponding opening defined within the surface of the second block when the surface of the second block is placed on a surface of the first block. The first block is removably sealed against each surface defining the array of openings. A network of channels is defined within the second block. The network of channels is in fluid communication with a fluid source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: INTERMOLECULAR, INC.
    Inventor: Brian Kennedy Foster
  • Patent number: 8734597
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a segmental ultrasonic cleaning apparatus configured to remove scales and/or sludge deposited on a tube sheet. The segmental ultrasonic cleaning apparatus includes a plurality of segment groups arranged in a ring shape on a top surface of a tube sheet along an inner wall of the steam generator, in which each of the segment groups includes an ultrasonic element segment and a guide rail support segment loosely connected to each other by metal wires through hand holes located at a lower portion of the steam generator, such that ultrasound waves radiated from an ultrasonic transducer in each of the ultrasonic element segments travels along the surface of the tube sheet, with the segment groups tightly connected in the ring shape by tightening the metal wires via wire pulleys of flange units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seok Tae Kim, Woo Tae Jeong, Hee Geun Kim, Tae Young Kong
  • Patent number: 8734721
    Abstract: An analyzer includes, as a cleaning system, a cleanser tank that contains a cleanser; a cleaning-water tank that contains cleaning water; a connection pipe that connects the cleanser tank with the cleaning-water tank; a pump that is provided to the connection pipe and pumps the cleanser out of the cleanser tank to the cleaning-water tank; a valve that is provided to the connection pipe and adjusts a flow of the cleanser from the cleanser tank into the cleaning-water tank; and a control unit that opens the valve and causes the pump to pump the cleanser out of the cleanser tank to the cleaning-water tank via the connection pipe to clean the inside of the cleaning-water tank and the insides of cleaning-water flow-path constituents that form a flow path through which the cleaning water flows from the cleaning-water tank when the specimen is subjected to an analysis process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Shinya Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 8733377
    Abstract: An acoustic cleaning system includes an operating device having an interior portion. An acoustic cleaning device provides for the passage of a sound wave into the interior portion of the operating device. The acoustic cleaning device includes a horn section attached to an elongated section having a linear or non-linear shape. Sound waves are configured to pass from the elongated section to the horn section and into the interior portion of the operating device. The elongated section is removable from the horn section such that the elongated section is interchangeable with an elongated section having a different length, such that the sound waves are configured to have a frequency between 55 Hz to 75 Hz depending on a temperature of the operating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: BHA Altair, LLC
    Inventors: Tian Xuan Zhang, David Michael Chapin
  • Patent number: 8720455
    Abstract: An installation including a bath storage reservoir, a treatment tank to receive the component that is to be treated which is carried by a support tool collaborating with the tank, respective pipes for conveying the bath from the reservoir to the tank and for emptying the bath from the tank to the reservoir, and a motion instigating device for setting the bath in motion in the closed circuit is provided. The tank is of elongate shape with a longitudinal axis and a cross section that is substantially constant between the respectively upstream and downstream opposite transverse ends of the tank. The bath conveying and emptying pipes are respectively connected to the upstream and downstream ends of the elongate tank along the longitudinal axis thereof. The tooling carrying the component that is to be treated, which component is placed in the tank, is mounted fixedly thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventor: Herve Molet
  • Publication number: 20140116474
    Abstract: A method and system for cleaning a secure instrument, such as a banknote, including a substrate, visual data and a security feature, including exposing the secure instrument to a supercritical fluid at a temperature and a pressure and for a duration sufficient to clean the substrate and not compromise the security feature and the visual data, wherein to clean the substrate includes to remove one or more substances from the substrate into the supercritical fluid. The substances removed from the substrate may include contaminants, dirt, sebum and pathogens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: SPECTRA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nabil M. Lawandy
  • Patent number: 8709163
    Abstract: Provided is a method of descaling a mask that quickly and effectively removes a material attached to the mask. The method includes: directing a laser beam onto a material attached to the mask; and removing the material attached to the mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eui-Gyu Kim, Tae-Hyung Kim
  • Publication number: 20140102493
    Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning tank, a control device and a plurality of ultrasonic transducers. The cleaning tank includes a bottom surface. The ultrasonic transducers are located in the cleaning tank and are inclined relative to the bottom surface so that ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic transducers concentrate in a same region within the cleaning tank. The control device is located outside of the cleaning tank and electrically connected with the ultrasonic transducers. The control device controls the ultrasonic transducers to emit out the ultrasonic waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHANG-WEI KUO
  • Patent number: 8684016
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dish washing machine including a sump unit capable of supplying, to an injection nozzle, wash water flowing in accordance with operation of an impeller, without using a separate channel member. The dish washing machine includes a body provided with a washing tub, a sump unit arranged in the washing tub, and at least one injection nozzle to inject wash water into the washing tub. The sump unit includes a sump housing, an impeller arranged in the sump housing, to pump wash water from the sump housing, and a guide member, to which the sump housing is mounted. The guide member guides the wash water pumped by the impeller directly to the injection nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung Chan Ryu, Sung Jin Kim, Jeon Suk Wee, Young Ho Kwon
  • Publication number: 20140083449
    Abstract: Various methods and apparatuses for facilitating cleaning of submerged geophysical equipment using sound waves transmitted at ultrasonic frequencies are disclosed. In some embodiments, one or more transducers may be configured to transmit sound at one or more ultrasonic frequencies. The sound at ultrasonic frequencies may be transmitted in the vicinity of submerged geophysical equipment, such as a sensor streamer towed behind a survey vessel. Obstructions (e.g., barnacle larvae) adhering to surfaces of the geophysical equipment may be loosened or removed altogether when ultrasonic transmissions occur within its vicinity. The transducers used to transmit the ultrasonic frequencies may be implemented in various ways, such as being attached to a remote operated vehicle, a cleaning unit, or as being an integral component of the geophysical equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Bo Erneland
  • Publication number: 20140083471
    Abstract: An apparatus is for cleaning of articles, for example brushes. The apparatus comprises a container which is arranged for receiving a cleaning liquid, a lid which is arranged for closing the container, and means arranged for holding the articles at least partly fixed in an upper portion of the container. At least one paddle wheel is arranged rotatable in a lower portion of the container. The container comprises one or more wall portions which partly are surrounding the at least one paddle wheel and provide means arranged for guiding a flow of cleaning liquid from the at least one paddle wheel towards the upper portion of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: C-SOL AS
    Inventor: Kristian Lian Tangstad
  • Publication number: 20140075682
    Abstract: A home appliance (2), in particular dishwasher or laundry treatment apparatus, further in particular a laundry treatment apparatus capable of washing and/or drying, includes a liquid supply channel (24) and/or a liquid reservoir (22) and a droplet spraying device (26). The droplet spraying device includes a membrane (36) arranged in fluid connection with the liquid supply channel (24) and/or the liquid reservoir (22). The membrane (36) has a plurality of openings (38), and at least one actuator (40) is provided for actuating the membrane (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.
    Inventors: Mario Filippetti, Andrea Zattin