Combined (e.g., Automatic Control) Patents (Class 134/18)
  • Publication number: 20150027498
    Abstract: A method for removing impurities from shredded plastic uses a device having a first and second cleaning disc with a first and second cleaning surface respectively. The cleaning surfaces lie opposite each other and border a cleaning gap between each other. The cleaning discs are rotated and liquid is fed into the cleaning gap. Shredded plastic is fed between the cleaning discs and conveyed through the cleaning gap, and the shredded plastic is processed abrasively by the cleaning surfaces. The temperature difference of the liquid guided through the cleaning gap during entry into the cleaning gap and the temperature of the liquid as it exits the cleaning gap and/or at least one parameter characterizing this temperature difference is measured. The distance between the cleaning surfaces is set such that the measured temperature difference and/or the at least one parameter characterizing this temperature difference achieve a setpoint value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Hofmann, Alexander Gercke, Carsten Wermter
  • Publication number: 20150027500
    Abstract: A beverage can cleaning apparatus for cleaning beverage cans before they are dispensed from vending machines. The apparatus has a can holder, a hinged platform, tubes, a first nozzle, a second nozzle and a sensing block that matches the profile of the can top periphery. The sensing block is depressed a compressed distance, the distance being dependent on the orientation of the can, and cleaning fluid or compressed air is selectively directed through the first or second nozzle. Subsequent to air or cleaning fluid being dispensed against the top of the beverage can, the can holder releases the hinged platform sending the beverage can into the vending machine's dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Peter Chapman
  • Publication number: 20150027499
    Abstract: A lancing crawler or head crawls along a no-tube lane (NTL) on a floor defining a reference plane oriented transverse to tubes of a steam generator, and has nozzles that generate lancing fluid jets along at least two different angles in the reference plane spaced apart by at least 45°. A rotational drive rotates the nozzles about an axis of rotation that may be offset from an axis of thrust imposed by the jets from the nozzles. An on-board sighting laser may be mounted with the nozzles, along with an on-board camera. A bladder expands to secure the lancing crawler or head between steam generator tubes adjacent the NTL. Each nozzle may include a taperlock seat. A nozzle tilt drive is configured to tilt the one or more nozzles respective to the reference plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Fischer, Rajendra P. Persad, Samuel B. Crabtree, Christopher J. Farrell
  • Patent number: 8938996
    Abstract: A treatment agent metering information evaluator of a washing machine includes a reader that reads portion-wise metering information from an information carrier of a storage container that is in close proximity to the reader, a controller that receives the portion-wise metering information from the reader, a meter that meters portions of treatment agent from the storage container into a treatment process of a washing treatment program, and storage that stores empirical information about experiences of the use of the treatment agent during the treatment process for subsequent application of the treatment agent. The reader includes a transmitter for transmitting the empirical information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Robby Reinholz, Ingo Schulze
  • Publication number: 20150013722
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate processing system including a substrate processing apparatus that includes a nozzle configured to eject a processing liquid to a substrate. The system includes a jig sensor configured to detect whether a checking jig provided with a liquid receiving unit receiving the processing liquid ejected from the nozzle and configured to check an ejection state of the processing liquid from the nozzle is installed at a predetermined position of the substrate processing apparatus; and a controller configured to control the ejection of the processing liquid from the nozzle. When it is determined that the checking jig is installed at the predetermined position of the substrate processing apparatus based on detection of the jig sensor in a state where the ejection of the processing liquid from the nozzle is prohibited, the controller permits the ejection of the processing liquid from the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Amano, Yuki Ito, Eiichiro Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20150013724
    Abstract: A method of removing debris from piping within a high-rise building plumbing network includes inserting a portion of a flexible optical device and flexible water conduit into an opening defined by a plumbing system, the flexible water conduit operably coupled to a water pressure device. The method also includes coupling an end of a vacuum conduit, operably coupled to a vacuum assembly, to the opening and producing an image of a plumbing channel defined by the plumbing system with the flexible optical device. Next, the method includes maneuvering the portion of the flexible optical device within the plumbing system until the image of the plumbing channel depicts a debris at least partially obstructing the plumbing channel, inducing a stream of fluid directed at the debris, and then inducing a vacuum within the plumbing system sufficient to remove the debris from the plumbing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel Grenier
  • Publication number: 20150013723
    Abstract: A chemical meting system to dispense a known or pre-determined amount of cleaning or treating fluid without requiring any moving mechanical parts or power source, for use in fluid tanks having a volume of liquid periodically varying between a high and low level. The system utilizes the pressure changes created by the varying volume of liquid in the tank to push air from a first chamber into a second chamber containing the cleaning or treating fluid to be dispensed. The volume of air displaces a volume of the fluid to be dispensed. Once the pressure in the first chamber is equalized, the dispensing stops until the next cycle when the volume of liquid in the tank changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Christina Bond Burton, Jose Eduardo G. Evaro, Robert C. Pearce, III, Scott Martell Boyette
  • Publication number: 20150007858
    Abstract: A substrate cleaning method for removing particles adhered to a substrate includes: acquiring particle information including diameters of the particles adhered to the substrate; controlling, based on the acquired particle information, a factor related to sizes of gas clusters having aggregates of atoms or molecules of a cleaning gas; ejecting the cleaning gas, at a higher pressure than a processing atmosphere where the substrate is provided, to the processing atmosphere and generating the gas clusters by adiabatic expansion; and removing the particles by irradiating the gas clusters in a perpendicular direction to a surface of the substrate. As a result, even if recesses for a circuit pattern are formed on the surface of the substrate, the particles in the recesses can be removed at a high removal rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Jiro Matsuo, Toshio Seki, Takaaki Aoki, Kazuya Dobashi, Kensuke Inai, Misako Saito
  • Publication number: 20150000695
    Abstract: A method for cleaning an interior of a process chamber after performing a process of forming a carbon-containing film on a substrate in the process chamber includes performing a cycle a predetermined number of times. The cycle includes supplying a modifying gas into the process chamber to modify deposits including the carbon-containing film deposited on a surface of a member in the process chamber and supplying an etching gas into the process chamber to remove the modified deposits through a thermochemical reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: HITACHI KOKUSAI ELECTRIC INC.
    Inventors: Takaaki NODA, Shingo NOHARA, Yoshiro HIROSE
  • Publication number: 20150004741
    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: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Ichiki KUSUHARA, Kyouhei TSUNASHIMA
  • Patent number: 8924019
    Abstract: A cleaning robot a dirt recognition device thereof and a cleaning method of the robot are disclosed. The recognition device includes an image collecting module and an image processing module. The image collecting module may be used for collecting the image information of the surface to be treated by the cleaning robot and sending the image information to the image processing module. The image processing module may divide the collected image information of the surface to be treated into N blocks, extract the image information of each block and process the image information in order to determine the dirtiest surface to be treated that corresponds to one of the N blocks. Through the solution provided by the present invention, the cleaning robot can make an active recognition to the dirt such as dust, so that it can get into the working area accurately and rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ecovacs Robotics Suzhou Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jinju Tang
  • Patent number: 8920574
    Abstract: An instrument reprocessor for cleaning, disinfecting, and/or sterilizing a medical instrument is disclosed. To reprocess instruments having one or more channels defined therein, the reprocessor can include one or more flow control systems configured to control a fluid flow through each channel. In various embodiments, a flow control system can include a differential pressure sensor and a proportional valve for controlling the fluid flow in a channel. The reprocessor can also include, one, a fluid circulation pump configured to supply the flow control systems with fluid and, two, a system for controlling the pressure of the fluid supplied to the flow control systems. The reprocessor can also include a system for supplying a metered amount of fluid to the fluid circulation system. The system can include a reservoir having a fluid height sensor to monitor the amount of fluid therein and a pump configured to supply the reservoir with fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Ujjal Bhaumik, Hal Williams
  • Patent number: 8919356
    Abstract: An ozone supply module for supplying ozonated water to an appliance that typically includes: an appliance module housing having a water inlet; a water outlet; and an electrical connection for receiving electrical power; a proton exchange membrane cell positioned within the housing; and a water conveying system within the module housing and operably connected to both the water inlet and water outlet. The water conveying system is typically configured to allow water to flow through the deionizing resin and into contact with the proton exchange membrane cell. The module and the proton exchange membrane cell receive electrical power from a home appliance when the module is operably connected to the appliance. The module produces water that contains (dissolved) ozone to be delivered to a chamber within the appliance when the module is in the engaged position with the appliance. The appliance is typically a residential appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Irene M. Brockman, Steven J. Kuehl, Mark M. Senninger
  • Publication number: 20140366916
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of handling process water in a household appliance (1) and to a household appliance, for example a dish washer. The household appliance comprises a wash tub (3) for performing wash program cycles and a tank (5) for storing process water to be re-used in a following program cycle, the method comprising the steps of: determining (101) the type of detergent used in the household appliance with a sensor unit (7), measuring (102) the amount of detergent in the process water with the sensor unit, comparing (105) at least one sensor unit output value with a predetermined threshold value to define the quality of the process water, and storing (106) at least a part of the process water from a rinse cycle in the tank (5) when the sensor unit output value complies with the predetermined threshold value related to the quality of the process water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.
    Inventors: Christian Lundberg, Elisabetta Bari, Monica Celotto, Guiseppe Dreossi, Sarah Tempelmann, Bernd Krische
  • Publication number: 20140366917
    Abstract: A cleaning system configured to use a hydrogen peroxide solution to clean contact lenses. The cleaning system includes a reservoir to hold the cleaning solution and a complex base coupled to the reservoir to insure a hermetically closed reservoir environment. The complex base is separated into at least a first and a second segment. A lens holder assembly holds the lenses within the solution and is coupled to the complex base in the first segment. A motor is located in the second segment of the complex base to selectively introduce a catalyst to the cleaning solution. The cleaning system has additional features that permit the system to allow for the storage of the contact lenses by converting a neutralized cleaning solution into a storage solution to prevent recontamination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Yoseph YAACOBI
  • Publication number: 20140366918
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for cleaning management, such as evaluating the cleaning of surfaces. Compositions and methods for controlling or preventing the spreading of biological contamination are also provided. The compositions may include at least one of a fluorescent indicator, an alcohol, and water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Katherine E. Pech, Maynard Riley
  • Publication number: 20140360530
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for operating a washer, and in preferred embodiments to a washer having a water tank that is integrally, preferably detachably, formed with the washer, wherein the washer comprises a washing chamber for accommodating goods to be cleaned, said washing chamber having in its lower portion a sump for collecting water during operation of the washer, a water inlet, a circulating pump for circulating water through the washing chamber, and a control unit for controlling a washing cycle carried out by the washer. In accordance with the invention, in this method water is fed via the water inlet into the sump; the pressure within an inlet or outlet conduit of the circulating pump is measured; and based on the pressure measurement the washing cycle is controlled and/or indicator signals are issued to a user of the washer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Per-Erik Pers, Sarah Forster, Niklas Olson
  • Patent number: 8906163
    Abstract: A method of operating one or more back end circuits of a plasma processing system, comprising: prior to a front end module receiving one or more wafers to be processed, receiving preliminary data at a back end circuit, wherein the preliminary data indicates a recipe and a predetermined number, the predetermined number indicating a number of wafers to be processed; determining whether a plasma processing chamber is ready for processing; and if the chamber is ready for processing and via the back end circuit, selecting a load lock, based on the predetermined number, instructing the front end module to pull the one or more wafers into the load lock, enabling the chamber to process a first wafer of the one or more wafers according to the recipe, and subsequent to the processing of the first wafer, instructing the front end module to remove the first wafer from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Chung-Ho Huang, Cheng-Chieh Lin
  • Patent number: 8906165
    Abstract: In a substrate processing method according to the present invention, a substrate is first processed using a chemical liquid. Next, the substrate is rinsed by supplying a rinsing liquid thereto while the substrate is being rotated. Thereafter, the substrate is dried while the substrate is being rotated. The drying of the substrate includes reducing a rotating speed of the substrate to a first rotating speed lower than that of the substrate during the rinsing of the substrate, while supplying the rinsing liquid to a central portion of the substrate; moving, from the central portion of the substrate toward a peripheral edge portion thereof, a rinsing liquid supply position to which the rinsing liquid is supplied, after the rotating speed of the substrate has been reduced to the first rotating speed; and supplying a drying liquid to the substrate, after the rinsing liquid supply position has been moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Teruomi Minami, Naoyuki Okamura, Hirotaka Maruyama, Yosuke Kawabuchi
  • Publication number: 20140352727
    Abstract: A device and method for cleaning a surface using dry steam is disclosed. A dry steam wand is fitted with a custom nozzle that permits the dry steam to be angled to clean difficult to access surfaces of a gas turbine. The nozzle includes a slit that is configured to maintain sufficient temperature and pressure to effectively remove contaminants found on gas turbines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Manuel Kenneth Bueno, Daniel Thomas Harvell, Gregory Douglas Troutman, Carlo Angelo Yon
  • Publication number: 20140352728
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the operation of a liquid food processing system is provided. The method comprises the steps of initiating a fluid flow through at least one section of said food processing system; and determining a pressure difference across said at least one section during said fluid flow for monitoring removal or build-up of deposits, the removal or build-up being caused by said fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Cecilia Svensson
  • Patent number: 8894773
    Abstract: A method of operating a sweeping machine, including a battery, a positioning receiver, a battery charge monitoring system and a computer, and having a cleaning and a transport mode of operation The method comprising the steps of: a) providing the computer with the location of a charging station, b) using the positioning receiver to provide the computer with the location of the sweeping machine, c) using the computer to provide an estimate of an amount of energy required to drive the sweeping machine from its location to the charging station in the transport mode, d) using the battery charge monitoring system to provide the computer with the amount of energy remaining in the battery, e) using the computer to compare the estimate with this amount of energy, and f) providing an operator notification when the amount of energy remaining in the battery falls below a predetermined amount of the estimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Tennant N.V.
    Inventors: Alan Bryson Riach, Andrew Francis Robert Galashan
  • Publication number: 20140338702
    Abstract: A device for washing an array plate having an array of liquid droplets adhered thereto is described. The array of liquid droplets is covered with a hydrophobic medium immiscible with the array of liquid droplets. The device includes a mechanism for draining the hydrophobic medium from the array plate; a mechanism for providing an aqueous wash liquid over the array plate; a mechanism for shaking the array plate in a presence of the aqueous wash liquid; and a mechanism for removing the aqueous wash liquid from the array plate. A method for washing an array plate is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Namyong KIM, Li LI
  • Patent number: 8888929
    Abstract: A device to capture the relative position of a component (14) of which the position can change relative to a reference component (12) of a washing handling device (10), in particular a washing machine or drier, includes at least one light source (34, 38, 42), at least one light receiver (36, 40, 44), a light-reflecting surface (50, 52), which reflects light which the light source (34, 38, 42) emits to the light receiver (36, 40, 44). The device is designed to capture the present relative position of the changeable-position component (14) relative to the reference component (12), according to the reflected light which the light receiver (36, 40, 44) captures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: emz-Hanauer GmbH & Co. KgaA
    Inventors: Johann Schenkl, Johannes Baumer, Michael Sorgenfrei, Manfredi Signorino
  • Publication number: 20140332032
    Abstract: A fill level gauge is described with a rinsing device for rinsing a fill level sensor, comprising a sensor for detecting a measuring signal as well as a measurement device connected to the sensor for determining a measurement from the detected measuring signal, with the measurement device being connected to a comparator for comparing the measurement determined with a first reference value at a predetermined condition of comparison, which comprises a control signal output for issuing a control signal, with the rinsing device being coupled to the control signal output or being connected to the control signal output such that, when the condition of comparison is fulfilled, the control signal output transmits a control signal to the rinsing device for activating said rinsing device so that the rinsing device is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: VEGA Grishaber KG
    Inventor: Fritz Lenk
  • Patent number: 8882928
    Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling a dishwasher. The dishwasher includes a washing chamber accommodating a dish, a sump storing washing water, and supplying the washing water to the washing chamber, and a filter part provided to the sump, and filtering a foreign substance from the washing water. In the method, a first pump is driven to perform a washing or rinsing process, the first pump is stopped and a second pump is driven for a first set time to perform a discharging process, after the washing or rinsing process, the second pump is stopped and the first pump is driven for a second set time, and the first and second pumps are stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Minchul Kim, Kyuhyung Choi
  • Patent number: 8882929
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method of washing (or pre-washing) silverware/flatware, or one or more other objects/parts is provided. The apparatus and method utilizes a fluid-push/pull system and method in which generally an entire volume of fluid is pushed or pulled through a cavity in which the silverware/flatware or other objects/parts are located. A cavity is filled with fluid, a mass of silverware or other parts is located within the cavity, generally an entire volume of fluid is pumped out of the cavity, and the pumped fluid is directed back into the cavity to create a generally continuous flow of generally an entire volume of fluid through the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Unified Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Cantrell, Mark Churchill, Michael P. Licata, David Gast
  • Patent number: 8881748
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a hydraulically actuated dispenser for dispensing an additive into a treating chamber of the dishwasher. The dispenser includes a storage chamber, a lid, and a hydraulic cylinder that is fluidly connected to a water source external to the dishwasher. The hydraulic cylinder opens the dispenser lid at a predetermined point in a washing operation such that the additive is released into the treating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Beshears, Jr., Elliott V. Stowe
  • Patent number: 8876980
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer-program product for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a method for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher is provided, wherein the dishwasher includes a water valve for providing water to the dishwasher and a drain pump for removing water from the dishwasher. The method comprises detecting an overfill condition in the dishwasher with at least one detection device, wherein the overfill condition corresponds to a water level in the dishwasher that is greater than a predetermined threshold. The method further includes controlling the drain pump and the water valve in response to detecting the overfill condition in order to facilitate removal of the overfill condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Glen Mitchell, Jason Duckworth, John DeFilippi, Virgil J. Francisco
  • Publication number: 20140318581
    Abstract: A camera cleaning system and method for a milking system which includes a rotating platform, plural milking stalls thereon, a robot for performing an animal related operation with respect to the animals in the milking stalls passing by the robot, and a camera in response to signals from which the robot moves, the camera cleaning system includes usage identifying arrangement to identify a future usage demand of the camera; a processing device to analyze the future usage demand of the camera to find at least one time slot when the camera is not to be used and which also occurs during certain conditions; and a cleaning arrangement arranged to clean the lens arrangement of the camera during the determined time slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Axelsson, Jan Eriksson, Mats Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20140318580
    Abstract: A condition warning system for an apparatus such as a pot and pan washing machine, a control system and control methods for a pot and pan washing machine are provided. The condition warning system includes a control system that monitors operational, safety or compliance parameters of an apparatus, and a light that illuminates a location below (or above) an operator's direct line of sight, and which is outside of the operator's direct line of sight. The control system and control methods include a punitive wash action lockout, an extended wash cycle time, and a deep clean wash cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: UNIFIED BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: JOHN CANTRELL, MARK CHURCHILL
  • Publication number: 20140318579
    Abstract: A dishwasher has a treating chamber for receiving dishes for treatment according to an automatic cycle of operation and a dispensing system for storing and dispensing a treating chemistry to the treating chamber during the cycle of operation. The dishwasher may dispense a treating chemistry when a temperature of a liquid in the treating chamber satisfies a predetermined temperature threshold. The temperature of the liquid may be maintained to satisfy the predetermined temperature threshold for a predetermined period of time based on the treating chemistry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: CHAD T. VANDERROEST
  • Patent number: 8871030
    Abstract: A cleaning path guidance method combined with a dirt detection mechanism is performed in an automatic cleaning device to generate a cleaning path, so as to guide the automatic cleaning device to clean an area to be cleaned, in which plural grids are defined in the area. The method includes: moving the automatic cleaning device in the area to clear dirt away, and continuously detecting a flow of the dirt cleared away to obtain a dirt level of a current gird; if the dirt level of the current gird exceeds a threshold, marking the grid as a dirty grid; performing an algorithm and finding a shortest path passing through all dirty grids as a cleaning path according to the marked dirty grids; and moving the automatic cleaning device to pass through each dirty grid according to the clean path, so as to clean each dirty gird sequentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: MSI Computer(Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shui-Shih Chen, You-Wei Teng
  • Patent number: 8869342
    Abstract: A robot cleaner that automatically removes dust accumulated on a floor while navigating a cleaning area, and a method of controlling the robot cleaner, includes a main body that navigates a floor; a first detector that detects an obstacle getting closer to the main body; an auxiliary cleaner that is mounted on the main body to protrude and retract; a second detector that detects a protrusion state or a retraction state of the auxiliary cleaner; and a controller that determines an abnormal operation of the auxiliary cleaner based on a result of the detection of the second detector and controls a protrusion operation or a retraction operation of the auxiliary cleaner according to a result of the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Sik Yoon, Hee Won Jin, Byung Chan Kim, Yeon Kyu Jeong, Sang Hwa Choi
  • Patent number: 8869424
    Abstract: A method and an associated apparatus for drying moisture-laden air from a working chamber of a water-bearing machine, in particular a dishwasher, comprises: setting the temperature of the moisture-laden air in the working chamber to between 40° C. and 50° C., setting the temperature of a cooling medium in a heat exchanger to less than 20° C., and conducting the moisture-laden air, of which the temperature has been adjusted in this way, out of the working chamber through the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Etimex Technical Components GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Hermann, Adalbert Kasper
  • Publication number: 20140311953
    Abstract: System to detect coking in at least one component of refinery equipment is provided. The system includes a fiber optic assembly having at least one optical fiber operably coupled with the component, the fiber optic assembly further including a light source to transmit light having a known parameter through the optical fiber and a receiver to receive the light from the optical fiber, and a processor in communication with the fiber optic assembly to identify a shift in the parameter received by the receiver, the shift corresponding to an operating characteristic of the component. Method also provided for detecting coking using the system to detect coking disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Robert J. CHIMENTI, Brian D. ALBERT, Berne K. STOBER, Christopher J. WOLFE
  • Publication number: 20140311527
    Abstract: A device for cleaning a dental appliance is disclosed. The device includes a holding container including an upper portion and a lower portion, the holding container adapted to receive at least one dental appliance; an electrolytic cell for generating chlorine dioxide from a chlorine dioxide precursor; and an electrical current supply including a circuit operably connecting the electrical current supply to the electrolytic cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Alexander F. Doll, Mario Elmen Tremblay, Alan David Willey, Luisa Navarro Cerda
  • Patent number: 8864912
    Abstract: Internal cleaning of inverted cans includes engaging a can's cylindrical wall with a wall-conforming vacuum or adhesive gripper, causing a spraying unit to travel axially in and out of the can's opening while the can is inverted on a circular conveyor, and using a supporting arm or bottom stop to subject the can to a counterforce against a flushing force from sprayed cleaning medium. This prevents the can from being pressed out of a receptacle in which it sits during cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Timo Jakob, Steffen Kappel, Thomas Stolte
  • Patent number: 8860256
    Abstract: A domestic appliance having a control device to control device components of the domestic appliance during execution of a program, wherein the device components have electrical loads. The domestic appliance also has a switch to at least partly de-energize the control device after the program has finished executing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Georg Rosenbauer
  • Patent number: 8858724
    Abstract: A collapsible and transportable automated carwash includes a bay with a collapsible frame. The collapsible frame has a plurality of collapsible cross-members. The collapsible cross-members are on the bottom and top of the frame connecting the left side of the collapsible frame to the right side of the collapsible frame. The plurality of collapsible cross-members allows the collapsible frame to collapse and reduce the width of the carwash. Whereby, the collapsible and transportable automated carwash is transportable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Nathaniel Black, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8858719
    Abstract: A method for operating a water-conducting household appliance having a storage container which is connected by means of an overflow outlet in a liquid-conducting manner to a washing compartment and having a pump which is connected in the liquid-conducting manner to the washing compartment. The method includes starting the pump; filling the storage container with a liquid; monitoring a first operating parameter associated with the pump after the pump has been started; and terminating the filling of the storage container with the liquid when the first operating parameter reaches a predefined threshold value and/or the first operating parameter exceeds a predefined fluctuation range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Hesterberg, Karlheinz Rehm, Franz-Josef Wagner
  • 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: 20140299157
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cleaning method for an electing head of an alignment film printer, which is used automatically to clean up the ejection head of the alignment film printer, comprising the following steps: spraying a dissolving liquid to the ejection head of the alignment film printer at a specific time according to a specific moving path to dissolve droplets coagulated on the nozzles of the ejection head, and the dissolving liquid sprayed to cover all the ejection heads of the alignment film printer; proceeding with a vacuum suction according to the moving path to remove the dissolving liquid covered on the surface of the ejection head. The present invention further provides a cleaning device for an electing head of an alignment film printer. The cleaning method and device for the ejection head of the alignment film printer according to the present invention can prevent effectively the ejection head of the alignment film printer from clogging because of dry drip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yu Song
  • Patent number: 8852351
    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: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Barry E. Tuller
  • Publication number: 20140290698
    Abstract: Provided is a substrate treatment apparatus including a housing, a supporting unit located inside the housing and supporting a substrate, a nozzle unit supplying chemicals to the substrate disposed on the supporting unit, and a chemical supplying unit supplying the chemicals to the nozzle unit. Herein, the chemical supplying unit includes a chemical supply source, a first tank and a second tank storing the chemicals, a chemical supplying line supplying the chemicals from the chemical supply source to the first tank and the second tank, a chemical discharge line supplying the chemicals from the first tank and the second tank to the nozzle unit, a circulation line allowing the chemicals to circulate through the first tank and the second tank, respectively, a member installed on the circulation line, and a controller controlling the member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Semes Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae Suk YUN, Byung Un KIM, Chang Yul CHO
  • Patent number: 8845815
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid processing apparatus including first and second cups installed so as to surround a rotation holding unit of a substrate and guide a processing liquid scattered from the rotating substrate downwards. A first driving unit and a second driving unit elevate the first cup and the second cup between a position receiving the processing liquid and the lower position thereof. A controller controls that the first cup and the second cup are ascended at the same time by transferring the driving force of the first driving unit while the first cup or a first elevating member thereof is overlapped with the second cup or a second elevating member thereof from the lower side by setting the ascending speed of the first cup to be higher than the ascending speed of the second cup when the first and second cups are ascended at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Ogata, Terufumi Wakiyama
  • Patent number: 8845813
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a washer which comprises a washing chamber for accommodating goods to be cleaned, said washing chamber having in its lower portion a sump for collecting water during operation of the washer, a water inlet connected to a water tank, preferably to a water tank that is integrally, still preferably detachably, formed with the dishwasher, a pump for circulating water through the washing chamber, and a control unit for controlling a washing process carried out by the washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Per-Erik Pers, Sarah Forster, Niklas Olson
  • Patent number: 8845814
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for operating a washer, and in preferred embodiments to a washer having a water tank that is integrally, preferably detachably, formed with the washer, wherein the washer comprises a washing chamber for accommodating goods to be cleaned, said washing chamber having in its lower portion a sump for collecting water during operation of the washer, a water inlet, a circulating pump for circulating water through the washing chamber, and a control unit for controlling a washing cycle carried out by the washer. In accordance with the invention, in this method water is fed via the water inlet into the sump; the pressure within an inlet or outlet conduit of the circulating pump is measured; and based on the pressure measurement the washing cycle is controlled and/or indicator signals are issued to a user of the washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Per-Erik Pers, Sarah Forster, Niklas Olson
  • Patent number: 8840960
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a carbon work piece includes the step of applying an acetone cleaning agent to the carbon work piece to remove debris therefrom. The removal of debris promotes adhesion between the carbon work piece and a subsequently applied coating. For example, other steps may precede the acetone cleaning step, such as submersing the carbon work piece in deionized water. In one example, a subsequent coating process deposits an alumina coating on the carbon work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: George H. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8843269
    Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for managing an interface between a machine or work vehicle and a surface that the machine/work vehicle travels on in order to provide an optimum work performance level that balances fuel efficiency and surface adversity. Fleet management and reporting capabilities pertaining to such interface management are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Noel Wayne Anderson, Larry Lee Hendrickson