Combined (e.g., Automatic Control) Patents (Class 134/18)
  • Patent number: 9661977
    Abstract: A washing system for determining an operating state of a dishwasher (12) comprises a dishwasher (12), in particular wherein the dishwasher (12) comprises a dishwasher interface (14), a dispenser unit (26), in particular wherein the dispenser unit (26) comprises a dispenser interface (28), wherein the dispenser unit (26) is connected to the dishwasher (12) for dosing a detergent to the dishwasher (12), a logic unit (30), in particular wherein the logic unit (30) is connectable to the dishwasher interface (14) and the dispenser interface (28), and a current sensor (24) for measuring an electrical current consumed by the dishwasher (12), wherein the current sensor (24) is connected to the logic unit (30). By replacing costly water meters by a current sensor (24), the cost efficiency of the washing system (10) may be increased. In addition, the assembling and maintenance effort of the washing system (10) may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Dirk Kullwitz, Jeremy Nowak, Freek Schepers
  • Patent number: 9649660
    Abstract: A substrate treatment method includes a rinsing step of supplying a rinse liquid to a front surface of a substrate while rotating the substrate at a first rotation speed, a liquid mixture film forming step of forming a liquid film of a liquid mixture of water and an organic solvent having a smaller surface tension than the water on the front surface after the rinsing step by supplying the water and the organic solvent to the front surface while reducing the rotation speed of the substrate from the first rotation speed to a second rotation speed lower than the first rotation speed, and an organic solvent replacing step of replacing the liquid mixture supplied to the front surface with the organic solvent after the liquid mixture film forming step by supplying the organic solvent to the front surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: SCREEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Fujii
  • Patent number: 9651190
    Abstract: A flow assurance system and method includes procedures to query current valve states and determine the likely effect of new valve states on product flow when using an automated pig launcher. The system and method allows for modulating the mainline bypass valve, kicker valve, and isolation valve between fully opened and fully closed states; prevents flow blocking of the pipeline during this modulation; enables new and different, as well as a broader range of, pig launching options for an automatic pig launcher; and integrates with existing automatic pig launchers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hailey, Lee R. Shouse, Jr., William C. Keenan, Troy D. Geren, Tarek Kandalaft
  • Patent number: 9650809
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) wherein the stiffness level of the stress means (7) is provided to be kept at different values by means of the adjustment means (8) during the washing cycle, the locking mechanism (4) is provided to remain locked completely by adjusting the stiffness level of the stress means (7) by means of the adjustment means (8) depending on the requirement at the respective stage of the washing cycle, the stiffness level is adjusted to the lowest value before or after the washing process for easily opening the door (3) and the locking mechanism (4) is provided not to open easily in order to prevent escape of steam from inside the body (2) during the washing process by adjusting the stiffness level of the stress means (7) by means of the adjustment means (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: ARCELIK ANONIM SIRKETI
    Inventors: Uygar Unverdi, Erhan Ilhan Konukseven
  • Patent number: 9649005
    Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher by controlling the use of hot liquids to dissolve fatty soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Whirpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kathryn Armstrong, Paul E. Beshears, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9649008
    Abstract: Provided is a dishwashing machine determining whether a nozzle spraying washing water is clogged, and a method for controlling the same. In according to one aspect, the dishwashing machine may include a main body; a washing tub provided in the main body; a basket provided in the washing tub for accommodating dishes; a plurality of fixed nozzles fixedly arranged in a first direction of the washing tub and spraying washing water in a second direction; a vane provided for deflecting washing water sprayed from the fixed nozzles towards dishes accommodated in the basket, the vane being linearly reciprocated in the second direction; and a controller determining whether the vane is linearly reciprocated in the second direction in parallel with the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyung Gyu Kim, Hyoung Jun Kim
  • Patent number: 9629514
    Abstract: A traveling cleaning appliance or floor care appliance or floor treatment appliance is provided with a device for creating photographic pictures of a surface to be traveled on. A picture is evaluated for the type of a floor covering for differentiating between a hard floor covering and a carpeted floor. An identified floor covering is used for a traveling strategy and/or for a setting of cleaning parameters. Further, a method for operating an automatically traveling floor cleaning appliance which has a device for creating photographic pictures of a floor surface to be traveled on includes evaluating pictures that have been taken with regard to the type of floor covering. In dependence on an evaluation, a traveling strategy and/or setting of cleaning parameters such as floor clearance and/or size of secondary air openings and/or brush speed is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventors: Lorenz Hillen, Martin Meggle, Benjamin Strang
  • Patent number: 9631512
    Abstract: A system and method for washing a gas turbine engine. The method for washing the gas turbine engine includes coupling a pressurized air supply assembly to an air supply and to a secondary air system, cranking a compressor rotor assembly of the gas turbine engine, supplying pressurized offline buffer air from the air supply to the pressurized air supply assembly, and spraying a cleaner into the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Incorporated
    Inventor: John Frederick Lockyer
  • Patent number: 9616262
    Abstract: A corrosion prevention treatment of wet Fire Protection System (FPS) includes purging the pipes of O2 with an inert gas such as N2, followed by filling the pipes with deoxygenated water generated “on the fly” as the water enters a building, using one or more Gas Transfer Membrane (GTM) devices and N2 gas. The GTM device eliminates the need for a water reuse tank and its associated pipes, valves, recirculation regimen, and the like. Water is pumped directly from the building water supply to a GTM device, where it is deoxygenated to very low O2 levels—such as below 300 ppb (parts per billion). The deoxygenated water then flows directly into the O2-purged pipes of the FPS. When the FPS is drained for testing or repair, the deoxygenated water may be discharged, and replaced, upon return to service of the FPS, with water freshly deoxygenated from the building supply as the FPS piping is filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: South-Tek Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy S. Bodemann
  • Patent number: 9609997
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting appliance pump cavitation or dry state are provided. An exemplary appliance can include a current measurement circuit configured to provide a feedback signal that describes an inverter current drawn by an inverter providing three-phase power to the pump motor. A control unit of an appliance can detect pump cavitation and dry state by monitoring the feedback signal. Another exemplary appliance can include a motor speed detection circuit configured to provide a motor speed signal describing the speed of the pump motor. The control unit of the appliance can monitor variance in pump motor speed to detect pump dry state or cavitation. An exemplary method includes monitoring either an inverter current used by an inverter to drive a motor or a variance in a rotational speed of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Thomas Fryman, Meher Prasadu Kollipara
  • Patent number: 9610002
    Abstract: A cartridge for a water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a domestic dishwasher, which has a detergent dosing system having at least one detergent dispenser for receiving at least one cartridge, wherein the cartridge has separate chambers for storing at least two detergents, the cartridge including a cartridge housing having at least two chambers formed therein, wherein each chamber has a storage capacity for storing detergent which is greater than the quantities required for one washing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Egbert Classen, Helmut Jerg
  • Patent number: 9601358
    Abstract: The inventive substrate treatment apparatus includes: a rotative treatment control unit which controls a first chemical liquid supplying unit and a second chemical liquid supplying unit to perform a first chemical liquid supplying step of supplying a first chemical liquid to a substrate rotated by a substrate holding and rotating mechanism and a second chemical liquid supplying step of supplying a second chemical liquid to the substrate rotated by the substrate holding and rotating mechanism after the first chemical liquid supplying step; and a cleaning control unit which controls the cleaning liquid supplying unit to spout the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid outlet port to supply the cleaning liquid to the cup inner wall and/or the base wall surface before start of the second chemical liquid supplying step after end of the first chemical liquid supplying step, and/or during and/or after the second chemical liquid supplying step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Aomatsu, Shoji Uemae, Kazuki Nakamura, Yoshinori Izumi, Nobutaka Tanahashi
  • Patent number: 9585540
    Abstract: A dishwasher appliance includes a spray detection sensor and a variable speed pump. Based upon signals from the spray detection sensor, a speed of the variable speed pump is changed. By changing the speed of the variable speed pump, a trajectory of wash fluid from a spray assembly of the dishwasher appliance is also changed such that the wash fluid is directed towards a detergent dispenser of the dishwasher appliance. A related method for operating a dishwasher appliance is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Leo Edward Hodapp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9553004
    Abstract: To provide a cleaning method which makes it possible to reduce alkaline component mixing in an ozone cleaning solution, thereby preventing impairment of cleaning ability of ozone. In the cleaning method, before chuck members retain another workpiece having previously been dipped in an ozone cleaning solution in an ozone cleaning tank, alkaline component attached to part of transfer arms and the chuck members is removed by cleaning, thereby preventing the alkaline component from mixing into the ozone cleaning solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: SUMCO Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Takemura, Keiichiro Mori
  • Patent number: 9532698
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a controller controlling a cleaning cycle, a screen system for filtering a wash fluid, a circulation chamber and a collection chamber in fluid communication with the circulation chamber via a screen arrangement, a circulation pump for circulating the wash fluid and a drain pump for pumping out the wash fluid. During the cleaning cycle, to detect blockage in the screen arrangement, a degree of transmission in the circulation chamber filled with wash fluid is determined with an optical turbidity sensor in a first measuring step. The wash fluid is then pumped out of the collection chamber and the degree of transmission in the circulation chamber is again determined in a second measuring step. The change in the degree of transmission from the first measuring step to the second measuring step is then evaluated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Heidel, Reinhard Hering, Bernd Kränzle
  • Patent number: 9510725
    Abstract: A dishwasher is provided. The dishwasher may include a case, a tub provided in the case and forming a dishwashing space, a re-using section provided inside the case and forming a space for storing wash water to be sprayed into the tub, and a water storing section provided inside the case and forming another space, separated from the re-using section, for storing externally supplied wash water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Youmin Lee, Soohan Eo, Jongmin Lee
  • Patent number: 9506262
    Abstract: A swimming pool cleaner comprising a housing (1, 2), drive means (4, 41), a water inlet (11), a water outlet (12), a filter (20) and a pump (3), arranged so that, in a first operation mode of the swimming pool cleaner, the pump (3) displaces water from said inlet (11) to said outlet (12) through said filter (20), so that debris entering with the water is retained in a first part of said filter (20). A dirt sensor (6) is provided to trigger switching between at least two cleaning programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: AQUATRON ROBOTIC SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventors: Avraham Tavor, Shahar Schloss, Benjamin Attar
  • Patent number: 9447507
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved cleaning composition for cleaning metal surfaces such as aluminum and aluminum-containing alloys. The cleaning composition of the present invention comprises water and an ethoxylate of an alcohol having Formula R1—OH wherein R1 is a saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched aliphatic having from 12 to 80 carbon atoms; an inorganic pH adjusting component; and at least one surfactant that is different than the ethoxylate set forth above. The cleaning composition of the present invention also has an average water-break-free percent reduction of less than 50% after 7 days aging of a working composition prepared from the cleaning composition. The present invention also provides a method of cleaning a metal surface with the cleaning composition of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Andrew M. Hatch, Gary Rochfort, Richard D. Banaszak
  • Patent number: 9445703
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a control facility for executing a wash cycle for cleaning items held in a wash chamber which is filled with water via a water inlet facility having an inlet valve operably connected to the control facility. To identify malfunction of the water inlet facility, the control facility executes an identification sequence which includes a test filling phase, in which the inlet valve is opened for a period corresponding to a predefined time value. A detection facility detects during operation of a recirculation pump to recirculate water in the wash chamber at least one operating parameter corresponding to a quantity of water in the wash chamber at an end of the test filling phase. The control facility determines a water flow into the wash chamber during the test filling phase from the detected operating parameter and compares the determined water flow with a minimum water flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Heidel, Reinhard Hering, Bernd Kränzle
  • Patent number: 9445707
    Abstract: A dishwasher, including a chamber for washing dishes and a chamber for storing dishes is provided. A mechanism is also provided allowing the dish racks to move the dishes from the washing chamber to the storage chamber of the dishwasher once the wash is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Carol Hexem
  • Patent number: 9435063
    Abstract: A washing machine and control methods thereof to enhance washing quality, even when using eco-friendly natural soap-based detergent. Controlling a rinse water temperature based on a wash water temperature to reduce a temperature difference therebetween prevents gelation caused by natural soap-based detergent and maximizes washing quality when using this type of detergent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Sook Kim, Jung Ran Jung, Sung Jin Kim, Sang Yeon Pyo
  • Patent number: 9427131
    Abstract: A fluid pump volute offshoot system for debris diversion and collection, a solids collection system, and related methods, for a pot and pan, or other, similar, washing machine is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Unified Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Cantrell, Mark Churchill, David Robert Gast, Michael P. Licata, Joshua H. Huisenga
  • Patent number: 9420937
    Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of an automatic dishwasher having at least one cycle of operation and a sensor that indicates a degree of turbidity of liquid in the dishwasher includes repeatedly determining a correction value for the sensor related to the scaling of the sensor and executing a de-scaling cycle of operation based thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Brent A. Deweerd, Brooke L. Lau, Robert J. Pinkowski, Robert J. Rolek
  • Patent number: 9394622
    Abstract: The device 1 according to the invention is suggested for gentle treatment of a flat material B to be treated with a treatment liquid F. The device 1 has the following components: at least one treatment chamber 20, in which the treatment liquid F can be accumulated up to a bath level M, at least one supply device 7 for the supply of the treatment liquid F into the at least one treatment chamber 20, at least one transport device 30, with which the material B to be treated can be transported in the horizontal position in a transport plane E below the bath level M through the at least one treatment chamber 20, at least one reception area 4 for the treatment liquid F, and at least one discharge device 40 with, respectively, at least one discharge opening 41 for the treatment liquid F for conveying it from the at least one treatment chamber 20 with a respective discharge rate into the at least one reception area 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Atotech Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Ferdinand Wiener, Christian Thomas, Olaf Lorenz
  • Patent number: 9373528
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus 1 includes a substrate processing unit 40 configured to process a substrate W by supplying a mixed liquid M of a first liquid C and a second liquid D to the substrate W, a first flow rate regulator 10 disposed in a first supply pipe 31 configured to allow the first liquid C to flow therethrough, and the first flow rate regulator 10 configured to measure a flow rate by a differential pressure and to regulate the flow rate, a second flow rate regulator 20 disposed in a second supply pipe 32 configured to allow the second liquid D to flow therethrough, and the second flow rate regulator 20 configured to measure a flow rate by a differential pressure and to regulate the flow rate, a concentration meter 51 disposed in a mixed liquid pipe 33 configured to guide the mixed liquid M with a mixture of the first liquid C having passed through the first flow rate regulator 10 and the second liquid D having passed through the second flow rate regulator 20 to the substrate processing unit 4
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: EBARA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toru Maruyama, Mitsunori Komatsu
  • Patent number: 9301718
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to reusable wireless sensors. According to certain embodiments, the wireless sensor may include a rechargeable battery coupled to an induction coil for recharging the battery. One or more magnets may be disposed within or coupled to the wireless sensor, and the one or more magnets may be arranged to align the induction coil of the wireless sensor with a recharging device to facilitate recharging the battery of the wireless sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Andy S. Lin
  • Patent number: 9296600
    Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: STOKELY-VAN CAMP, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Mastio, Rei-Young Amos Wu, Michael F. McGowan, Subodh K. Raniwala, Gregory Schimmel, Richard O. Powell
  • Patent number: 9287145
    Abstract: In a coating and developing treatment system including a treatment station and an interface station, the interface station has: a cleaning unit cleaning a rear surface of a wafer before the wafer is transferred into an exposure apparatus; an inspection unit inspecting whether the cleaned wafer is in an exposable state; and a wafer transfer mechanism including an arm transferring the wafer between the cleaning unit and the inspection unit. Each of the cleaning unit and the inspection unit is provided at multiple tiers in an up and down direction on the front side in the interface station, and the wafer transfer mechanism is provided in a region adjacent to the cleaning units and the inspection units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Masahiro Nakaharada, Yoji Sakata, Akira Miyata, Shinichi Hayashi, Suguru Enokida, Tsunenaga Nakashima
  • Patent number: 9278670
    Abstract: An on-board optical sensor apparatus includes an optical sensor, an optical sensor cover, and a controller. The optical sensor has a lens. The optical sensor cover includes a holder and a washer nozzle. The holder holds the optical sensor. The washer nozzle performs a washing operation to wash a lens surface of the lens of the optical sensor or a glass surface of a cover glass located facing the lens by spraying a washer fluid, supplied from a washer fluid tank, onto the lens surface or the glass surface. The controller controls the washing operation of the washer nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshihiro Hattori, Manabu Ono
  • Patent number: 9259138
    Abstract: An automatic dishwasher having at least one primary sprayer and at least one auxiliary sprayer located within a treating chamber. Wherein the at least one auxiliary sprayer is removably mounted in the treating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: David H. Chen, Kristopher L. Delgado, Jordan R. Fountain, Antony M. Rappette, Eric J. Schuh, Barry E. Tuller
  • Patent number: 9243325
    Abstract: A method comprises transporting a first stream of a carrier gas to a delivery device that contains a liquid precursor compound. The method further comprises transporting a second stream of the carrier gas to a point downstream of the delivery device. The first stream after emanating from the delivery device and the second stream are combined to form a third stream, such that the dew point of the vapor of the liquid precursor compound in the third stream is lower than the temperature of the plumbing that transports the vapor to a CVD reactor or a plurality of CVD reactors. The flow direction of the first stream, the flow direction of the second stream and the flow direction of the third stream are unidirectional and are not opposed to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: ROHM AND HAAS ELECTRONIC MATERIALS LLC
    Inventors: Egbert Woelk, Ronald L. DiCarlo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9232882
    Abstract: Dishwashers and methods of control for operation of dishwashers are disclosed. The dishwasher may include an upper rack in an upper portion of a washing compartment configured to receive small dishes, such as a cup having a small washing load, and a lower rack in a lower portion of the washing compartment for placing large dishes, such as a dinner bowl having a large washing load. The operation of the dishwasher can include wash and rinse cycles having a plurality of sub-cycles. During the sub-cycles, the upper and lower racks can be selectively sprayed with water and steam can be supplied to the washing compartment based on configured conditions, such as a water temperature or operation time being reached. The operation of the dishwasher can reduce excessive washing of dishes having small washing loads and reduce power consumption of the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Jin Choi, Gap Su Shin, Byeong Hyeon Ju
  • Patent number: 9226635
    Abstract: A control method of a robot cleaner for traveling to clean includes checking information about a predetermined traveling pattern; determining a traveling trajectory based on a traveling speed; generating a traveling pattern based on the determined traveling trajectory and the information about the predetermined traveling pattern, wherein the traveling pattern includes a first straight path, a first rotation path connected to the first straight path and for rotation in a first direction, a second straight path connected to the first rotation path, and a second rotation path connected to the second straight path and for rotation in a second direction; and repeatedly traveling along the generated traveling pattern at regular intervals. Therefore, since the robot cleaner performs cleaning without scattering dust, the efficiency of cleaning may be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shin Kim, Jeong Gon Song, Ju Sang Lee, Jun Pyo Hong
  • Patent number: 9227232
    Abstract: A tank cleaning verification process works in conjunction with a specialized spray head to evaluate cleaning efficacy and to ensure proper cleaning. The system includes an encoder, and one or more pressure sensors to verify proper operation as the tank cleaning system automatically accounts for one or more characteristics of the vessel being cleaned and modifies the cleaning operation accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventor: Franklin Erik Bramsen
  • Patent number: 9220388
    Abstract: A method is proposed for operating a cleaning appliance which comprises a control device as well as at least one cleaning element for cleaning a surface which has a memory element. The control device comprises a control memory member and the control device is connected to a reader for reading the memory element. In order to reduce the risk of the user unintentionally using an unsuitable cleaning element, it is suggested that characterizing data distinguishing the type of cleaning element be stored in the memory element, these data being read and evaluated in the period of time from the starting up of the cleaning appliance up to the beginning of the cleaning action of the cleaning element. In addition, a cleaning appliance for implementing the method is suggested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Juergen Walz, Michael Schuetz, Frank Nonnenmann, Gilles Troff, Samuel Baeuerle, Dieter Schaible
  • Patent number: 9222275
    Abstract: A cleaning robot that may include a control unit, a drive motor, a jet generator, a housing, a waterline proximity sensor, a filtering unit and a brushing unit. The jet generator has first and second openings that are positioned at opposite sides of the housing. The control unit is arranged to control the jet generator for jetting fluids to thereby inducing the pool cleaning robot to move according to a waterline movement scheme when the pool cleaning robot is proximate to the waterline. The waterline proximity sensor is arranged to sense proximity of the pool cleaning robot to a waterline. The drive motor and the jet generator are substantially closer to a front edge of the housing than to a rear edge of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: MAYTRONICS LTD.
    Inventors: Boaz Ben Dov, Yohanan Maggeni
  • Patent number: 9198550
    Abstract: A window cleaning robot according to the present embodiment comprises a first cleaning unit and a second cleaning unit, which are respectively attached to and move on both surfaces of a window by magnetic force. The window cleaning robot further comprises: a first magnetic module included in the first cleaning unit; a second magnetic module included in the second cleaning unit; a magnetic force sensing part for sensing magnetic force between the first magnetic module and the second magnetic module; and a magnetic force controller for controlling the magnetic force between the first magnetic module and the second magnetic module, wherein the first magnetic module comprises a first magnet which is rotationally mounted, and a second magnet and a third magnet disposed on both sides of the first magnet, and the magnetic force controller rotates the first magnet so as to control the magnetic force between the first magnetic module and the second magnetic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: INTELLCTUAL DISCOVERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Man-Hyun Ryu, Dong-kyu Kim, Sung-Hyuk Kang
  • Patent number: 9155442
    Abstract: A dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, includes a control facility for performing a wash cycle to clean items to be washed based on a plurality of selectable wash programs. The control facility operates, in particular controls or regulates, a drain pump for pumping off wash fluid from the dishwasher. At least one of the wash programs includes an automatic execution of a pump-off sequence having at least three successively executed pump-off phases to define first, second and third pump-off phases, during each of which the drain pump is activated, with a break being provided between the first and second pump-off phases and a break being provided between the second and third pump-off phases, wherein the drain pump is deactivated during each of the breaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Jerg, Andreas Reiter, Michael Georg Rosenbauer
  • Patent number: 9135822
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the area surrounding a vehicle, especially behind the vehicle and/or a connected trailer. The system includes distance sensors, which are arranged in a main plane and in at least one additional plane, for detecting objects in the respective monitoring region that pose a risk of collision and/or that limit passage height and/or width. The system also includes a device that evaluates the distance sensor signals to ascertain the current distance of the vehicle from the detected object and to compare the current distance against a predefinable, vehicle-specific setpoint distance value and to output a warning signal if a predefinable difference value therebetween is not reached. To cover the monitoring region both in area and height, additional distance sensors are arranged in at least one additional plane such that objects that cannot be identified by the sensors in the main plane can be detected over the entire width of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Lucking, Rainer Risse, Udo Ronnenberg, Axel Stender
  • Patent number: 9108230
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system of processing and removing hydrocarbon sludge from a tank wherein the hydrocarbon sludges are the product of gravity settling in the bottom of the tank to form a sludge consisting of inorganic and organic materials not readily flowable or pumpable for removal in the found state and where a process is used to selectively separate, grind, disperse and suspend these materials with a mechanical classifier system, and where flow agents may be metered to effect a slurry stream directed thru a nozzle system towards the sludge in the tank and by reducing the surface tension and mechanical conditioning of the sludge, create a pumpable slurry that may be removed from the tank with minimal time, cost and environmental impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: JR & JH HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventor: John C. Hancock
  • Patent number: 9078557
    Abstract: A dishwasher is provided that includes a washing compartment and a sorption drying system to dry items to be washed, wherein the sorption drying system has a sorption container that contains reversibly dehydratable sorption material. The dishwasher further includes an air ducting channel to connect the sorption container with the washing compartment in order to generate an air flow. The air ducting channel has an inlet-side tube section and the sorption container and/or the inlet-side tube section has flow conditioning elements. Each flow conditioning elements has an air passage such that, to a large extent, an equalization of a local cross-sectional profile of an air flow is effected when air flows through the sorption container in a throughflow direction of the sorption container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Haugeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Delle, Ulrich Ferber, Helmut Jerg, Hans-Peter Nannt, Kai Paintner
  • Patent number: 9055850
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a control device controlling a dishwashing cycle for cleaning items to be washed, a dishwashing chamber for the items to be washed, an inlet valve for controlled filling the washing chamber with washing liquid, and a circulating pump for circulating the washing liquid in the dishwashing chamber. The inlet valve is opened during a primary filling phase having a duration sufficient to fill the dishwashing chamber with a nominal amount of washing liquid and allowing the circulating pump running to run concentrically at a rated speed. A concentricity monitoring unit performs a concentricity check at the end of the primary filling phase to ascertain whether the circulating pump is running concentrically at the rated speed. The filling sequence is terminated when the circulating pump is running concentrically, whereas the filling sequence is continued when the circulating pump is not running concentrically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Jerg, Anton Oblinger, Michael Georg Rosenbauer
  • Patent number: 9046741
    Abstract: Disclosed are lens cap assemblies wherein a removable lens cap may include a lens cap body that is configured to be removably attached to an end of a lens. The lens cap can further include a cap communication interface configured to receive lens information from a lens communication interface while the lens cap is in an attached position. The lens cap can include a display to allow for the displaying of lens characteristics and information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventor: Bradley T. Kaye
  • Publication number: 20150135727
    Abstract: The present application and the resultant patent provide a gas turbine engine system. The gas turbine engine system may include a gas turbine engine, a water wash system, and a system controller. The gas turbine engine may include a compressor, a combustor in communication with the compressor, and a turbine in communication with the combustor. The water wash system may be in communication with the gas turbine engine and configured to remove contaminants therefrom. The water wash system may include a number of valves configured to control flows through the water wash system, and a number of sensors configured to measure operating parameters of the water wash system. The system controller may be in communication with the valves and the sensors and operable to automatically control the valves upon receiving operating parameter signals from the sensors in order to perform a wash of the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rahul J. Chillar, Dean Matthew Erickson, George Martin Gilchrist, III, Michael Savale, Mica Lee Longwell
  • Publication number: 20150136173
    Abstract: The cleaning process of cleaning an imprinting mold including a release layer coupled via siloxane bonds to a substrate of that release layer includes a first cleaning step and a second cleaning step. In the first cleaning step, the angle of contact of the surface of the release layer with water is made small, and in the second cleaning step, the alkali cleaning agent is brought in contact with the release layer that has gone through the first cleaning step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Noriko YAMADA, Akiko AMANO
  • Publication number: 20150136179
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling a dispenser for dosing a product in a washing machine leading to an optimized dosing result, a dispenser controller programmed with an algorithm to execute the method of the present invention as well as to the use of said dispenser for controlling dosing of a product in a washing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Gerold Carlhoff, Andreas Ruppert, Roger Swert
  • Patent number: 9034109
    Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher having a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving utensils and a spraying system spraying liquid in the treating chamber, to determine at least one parameter of the cycle of operation based on the set of load condition by selectively spraying liquid in multiple portions of the treating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Barry E. Tuller
  • Patent number: 9034110
    Abstract: A method for grit blasting tubes and for blowing swabs through tubes, automatically sensing that the swab has passed through the tube, and logging the event. Also, various methods are used for inserting the swabs into the tubes efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Extundo Incorporated
    Inventors: Clifford L. Johns, August M Dattilo, III, Munaf Najmuddin Chasmawala, Manfred Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9027573
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus that includes a process tank having a pair of opposed sidewalls for storing a chemical liquid, and processing a plurality of substrates by the chemical liquid; a substrate holding mechanism including a holding part for holding the plurality of substrates, and a back part connected to the holding part and interposed between the substrates held by the holding part and one sidewall of the pair of opposed sidewalls when the substrate holding mechanism is loaded into the process tank. A heating device is disposed on the process tank for heating the stored chemical liquid. The heating device includes at least a first heater disposed on the one sidewall, and a second heater disposed on the other sidewall of the pair of opposed sidewalls. Energy outputs of the first heater and the second heater are independently controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hironobu Hyakutake, Shinichiro Shimomura
  • Publication number: 20150122291
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wafer cleaning module for post CMP processes that reduces defects (e.g., watermarks, deposited particles) on a substrate, and an associated method. In some embodiments, the wafer cleaning module has a cleaning tank that may receive a semiconductor substrate within a cleaning medium. A pusher is may vertically move the semiconductor substrate from a starting position within the cleaning tank to an ending position. A position sensor may determine a position of the semiconductor substrate relative to a meniscus of the cleaning medium. Based upon the determined position, a control unit is may adjust a location of the starting position to a predetermined distance below the meniscus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Ting Yen, Kao-Feng Liao, Ying-Ho Chen