Through Or One-way Fluid Flow Pumps Patents (Class 134/195)
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Patent number: 12096902Abstract: A dishwashing appliance includes a tub defining a wash chamber, and a pump assembly disposed in the wash chamber. The pump assembly includes a first housing portion mounted to a second housing portion to form a pump housing. A cup of the second housing portion defines an air chamber. A tube extends from the first housing portion into the air chamber of the second housing portion. The tube defines an opening. An electrical wire passes through the tube and into the pump housing. A grommet is positioned in the opening of the tube, and sealingly engages the tube of the first housing portion at the air chamber of the second housing portion. The electrical wire passes through the grommet. A pump is disposed within the pump housing. The pump is in fluid communication with the wash chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2022Date of Patent: September 24, 2024Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Adam Christopher Hofmann
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Patent number: 11382484Abstract: A dishwashing appliance or fluid pump, as provided herein may include a fluid impeller, an electric motor, and a housing. The fluid impeller may be rotatably receivable within a tub of the dishwashing appliance. The electric motor may be in mechanical communication with the fluid impeller to motivate rotation thereof. The electric motor may include a multi-phase winding set sealed within an overmolded insulation. The housing may enclose the electric motor therein. The housing may be receivable within a sump to which water is directed in the dishwashing appliance.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Mark Thomas Fryman, John Edward Dries
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Patent number: 9396618Abstract: An entertainment venue, amusement attraction, or interactive play center configured to provide a variety of activities for users. The attraction may include blaster cannons, sorting stations, fountain components, registration stations, video monitors, targets, and other interactive elements. Several of these components may receive and/or propel elements (such as foam balls, water, light or lasers, etc.) and accumulate points for users based upon this activity. A registration and tracking system can keep track of specific users and their activities for the purpose of generating or compiling statistics or generating a score for the users. A mobile application associated with the interactive play center may be used during play to indicate additional information or features about the amusement attraction or to allow for continued entertainment by users even after they have left the entertainment venue or interactive play center. This may be conveyed via augmented reality or other visual/audible notification.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Whitewater West Industries Ltd.Inventors: Mark Weston, Denise Weston, Rick Briggs
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Patent number: 8584688Abstract: A hand carried, manually operated apparatus for cleaning flooring, carpet, upholstery, and the like includes a cleansing fluid chamber, a waste fluid chamber, a pump and an applicator. A first fluid passageway connects the pump and cleansing fluid chamber, a second passageway connects the cleansing fluid chamber and applicator, a third passageway connects the applicator and waste fluid chamber, and a fourth passageway connects the waste fluid chamber and pump. A first one-way valve permits flow from the pump to the cleansing fluid chamber but inhibits reverse flow; and a second one-way valve permits flow from the applicator to the waste fluid chamber but inhibits reverse flow. Air is transferred through the pump from the waste fluid chamber to the cleansing fluid chamber as cleansing fluid is transferred to the applicator from the cleansing fluid chamber and waste fluid is transferred from the applicator to the waste fluid chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2012Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Season 4, LLCInventors: Ken Joyner, Daniel Lee Bizzell, Karl Christopher Gabriel, Raeshon Lamont McNeil, Thomas James Philpott, Michael Starkey, Juan Carlos Perez, Ian D. Kovacevich
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Publication number: 20130019904Abstract: A batch cleaning apparatus includes a housing including a process chamber, a fluid holding tank supported by the housing, and a fluid delivery manifold assembly removably disposed in the process chamber of the housing and in fluid communication with fluid holding tank. The fluid delivery manifold assembly includes a fluid inlet port selectively coupled to the fluid holding tank, a plurality of distribution manifolds in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port, and a plurality of spray bars in fluid communication with the distribution manifolds. The spray bars are configured to provide support for printed circuit boards during a cleaning operation. Other embodiments of batch cleaning apparatus and methods of batch cleaning are further disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Eric Wayne Becker, John Neiderman
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Patent number: 8337632Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a hair-cutting portion of an electric hair-cutting device includes a cleaning-liquid basin for receiving the hair-cutting portion of the electric hair-cutting device in a central area such that the hair-cutting portion is at least partially immersed in the cleaning liquid. The electric hair-cutting device is cleaned by generating a cleaning-liquid flow revolving within the basin around the central area of the basin, the hair-cutting portion being at least partially immersed in the cleaning liquid. The liquid flow effectively entrains debris away from the hair-cutting portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Klaas Kooijker, Fokke Roelof Voorhorst, Martijn Van Baren, Jacob Brinkert, Alastair Ian Blake
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Patent number: 8236091Abstract: A fluid separation apparatus suitable for separating a mixed fluid with different properties and capable of separating a complex fluid mixture efficiently is provided. The fluid separation apparatus includes a sampling entrance, a first separation column, a second separation column, a bypass line, a detector and a guide multi-channel valve. A mixed fluid flows into the first separation column via the sampling entrance. The second separation column is connected to the first separation column in series and connected to the bypass line in parallel. The detector is connected to the second separation column and the bypass line. The guide multi-channel valve has different modes to control a flow-through status and a closed status between the first separation column and the second separation column, between the first separation column and the bypass line, between the second separation column and the detector, and between the bypass line and the detector.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: National Taiwan University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Sheng-Chiang Yang, Shih-Chi Lu, Bing-Joe Hwang
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Patent number: 7967020Abstract: A hand held self contained cleaning apparatus includes a reservoir containing a single use cleaning and/or disinfecting liquid, a pump, and a nozzle for directing a spray of the cleaning and/or disinfecting liquid against a soiled nipple of a pacifier or baby bottle cap. The apparatus includes a platform for supporting the pacifier or bottle cap, a mouth for inserting the nipple into an area just above the nozzle, and a separator for preventing dirty liquid from returning to the reservoir. The spray is directed against a soiled nipple to loosen and remove soil from the nipple. After cleaning the pacifier or bottle cap, the dirty cleaning liquid is released so new clean liquid may be used for the next cleaning. The apparatus may be carried with other related items and used to clean the pacifier or bottle cap at any location and in particular away from home.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Inventor: Matthew Jimenez
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Patent number: 7909047Abstract: A cleaning apparatus (4) for cleaning a hair-cutting portion (2) of an electric hair-cutting device (1) includes a cleaning-liquid basin (5) for receiving the hair-cutting portion of the electric hair-cutting device in a central area such that the hair-cutting portion is at least partially immersed in the cleaning liquid (13). The electric hair-cutting device is cleaned by generating a cleaning-liquid flow revolving within the basin (5) around the central area of the basin, the hair-cutting portion being at least partially immersed in the cleaning liquid. The liquid flow effectively entrains debris away from the hair-cutting portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2006Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Klaas Kooijker, Fokke Roelof Voorhorst, Martijn Van Baren, Jacob Brinkert, Alastair Ian Blake
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Publication number: 20110017230Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing abrasive slurry used in cutting operations. The slurry is mixed with a first solvent in a tank. The slurry is vibrated and/or ultrasonically agitated such that abrasive grain contained in the slurry separates from the other components of the slurry and the first solvent. After the abrasive grain has settled to a bottom portion of the container, the other components of the slurry and the first solvent are removed from the tank. The abrasive grain may then be washed with a second solvent. The abrasive grain is then heated and is suitable for reuse in an abrasive slurry.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: MEMC ELECTRONIC MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Henry F. Erk, Vandan Tanna
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Patent number: 7798158Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning system for removing coatings from a hard surface by high pressure liquid. The system employs a combination liquid and vacuum reservoir connected to a high pressure pump for directing ultra high pressure water through a blast head mounted on a front portion of the vehicle. The cleaning system is preferably mounted on a single truck with a single prime mover. The drive-line of the vehicle is constructed and arranged to operate in two distinct modes, e.g. a transport mode and a work mode. In the transport mode, a first transmission coupled to the rear portion of the prime mover delivers torque from the engine to the rear wheels of the vehicle. In the work mode, the prime mover is utilized to mechanically drive the bed mounted equipment as well as provide motive force in the form of mechanical-hydrostatic transmission to propel the system at a speed suitable for marking removal.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2006Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Inventor: James P. Crocker
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Publication number: 20100043840Abstract: A dishwasher and controlling method thereof are disclosed, by which noise generated from rotation of a passage switching valve can be reduced in a manner of adjusting a rotation timing point of the passage switching valve and a rotation speed of a wash pump. The embodiments describe rotating a passage switching valve for switching a passage to selectively supply water to either an upper nozzle or a lower nozzle and reducing a rotational speed of a wash pump supplying the water to the upper and lower nozzles before the rotation of the passage switching valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2009Publication date: February 25, 2010Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Seong Ho Kim, Joon Ho Pyo
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Publication number: 20090183694Abstract: A method is provided for cleaning crevices between a plurality of tubes and a plurality of tube support plates supporting the tubes in a steam generator. The steps include filling a secondary side of the steam generator with a solvent to a first level above a first tube support plate to be cleaned, draining the solvent to a second level lower than the first tube support plate, and refilling the secondary side of the steam generator with the solvent to a third level above the first tube support plate. A cleaning system is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2008Publication date: July 23, 2009Applicant: AREVA NP INC.Inventors: John F. Remark, Sarah E. Evans
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Publication number: 20080289655Abstract: A commercial dishwasher comprising spray nozzles for spraying liquid into a treatment region in the form of a treatment chamber or a treatment zone for treating items to be washed; at least two centrifugal pumps, which are arranged in series hydraulically one behind the other, for conveying liquid from the wash tank to the spray nozzles; a control device for alternatively operating only one centrifugal pump or at least two of the centrifugal pumps which are connected hydraulically one behind the other in series, in order to thus generate different liquid pressures.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Applicant: Premark FEG L.L.C.Inventors: Udo Buerkle, Martin Schrempp
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Publication number: 20080236616Abstract: An apparatus and method for commissioning steam turbine generator power plants to advance the cleanliness of the complete steam cycle by the conditioned discharge of steam to the plant surface condenser.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: BOYLE ENERGY SERVICES & TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventor: Christopher J. Bloch
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Publication number: 20080223418Abstract: A device for cleaning and doping (lubrication) equipment for threads (3b, 4b) of the type used to join pipes (4) to a pipe string (3), especially in connection with petroleum production, where cleaning fluid and dope (lubricant) are sprayed at the threads (3b, 4b) at relatively high pressure from at least one nozzle (5, 6) mounted in the rotatable make-up section (1) of a power tong, and where at least one injection pump (7, 8) arranged to supply cleaning fluid or dope to the at least one nozzle (5, 6) is located in the rotatable make-up section (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2006Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventor: Per A. Vatne
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Publication number: 20080223420Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dish washing machine that is capable of preventing the unintentional drainage of some wash water by the increase of the water pressure in a sump due to the excessive accumulation of filth in the sump. The dish washing machine includes a washing tub, at least one injection nozzle disposed in the washing tub, a sump disposed in the washing tub to forward wash water to the at least one injection nozzle, a guide pipe connected between the sump and the at least one injection nozzle, and a bypass pipe, diverging from a portion of the guide pipe, connected to the sump to bypass the wash water in the sump to the guide pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shimotera Kennichi, Jung Chan Ryu, Young Ho Kwon, Sung Jin Kim
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Publication number: 20080216874Abstract: A cleaning apparatus (4) for cleaning a hair-cutting portion (2) of an electric hair-cutting device (1) includes a cleaning-liquid basin (5) for receiving the hair-cutting portion of the electric hair-cutting device in a central area such that the hair-cutting portion is at least partially immersed in the cleaning liquid (13). The electric hair-cutting device is cleaned by generating a cleaning-liquid flow revolving within the basin (5) around the central area of the basin, the hair-cutting portion being at least partially immersed in the cleaning liquid. The liquid flow effectively entrains debris away from the hair-cutting portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2006Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Klaas Kooijker, Fokke Roelof Voorhorst, Martijn Van Baren, Jacob Brinkert, Alastair Ian Blake
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Publication number: 20080178909Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Per G. Alvestig, Sebastian Nordlund
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Patent number: 7191787Abstract: An apparatus and a method is provided for using high-frequency acoustic energy with a supercritical fluid to perform a semiconductor wafer (“wafer”) cleaning process. High-frequency acoustic energy is applied to the supercritical fluid to impart energy to particulate contamination present on the wafer surface. Energy imparted to particulate contamination via the high-frequency acoustic energy and supercritical fluid is used to dislodge and remove the particulate contamination from the wafer. Additionally, the wafer cleaning process benefits from the supercritical fluid properties of near zero surface tension, high diffusivity, high density, and chemical mixing capability.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Lam Research CorporationInventors: Fred C. Redeker, John M. Boyd, John Parks
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Patent number: 7114509Abstract: Dishwashing machine comprising a programme sequence control unit, at least two rotating spray arms, a circulation pump (3) capable of operating even intermittently, a distribution valve (10) arranged directly on the delivery-side section (6) of the pump (3) and having at least a first and a second outlet (11, 13) which communicate with a respective rotating spray arm. The shutter member (20) of the valve, in accordance with the flow direction of the liquor at the delivery side (6) of the pump, is adapted to selectively displace both between said first and second outlets (11, 13) and into an intermediate seat (15) situated between the same outlets. The duration of the pauses in the intermittent operation of the pump (3), as controlled by the programme sequence control unit, is correlated to the actual pressure at the inlet of the valve (10) by the action of means (21) provided to monitor the localized pressure of the liquor.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2001Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Italy S.p.A.Inventor: Ugo Favret
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Patent number: 6974505Abstract: A cleaning tool for cleaning substrates, comprising a circulation conduit through which is circulated a cleaning liquid or gas. The circulation conduit is disposed in fluid communication with an upstream flow chamber and a downstream cleaning chamber, the cross-sectional area of which cleaning chamber is less than the cross-sectional area of the flow chamber. In use, the cleaning chamber receives a wafer substrate for cleaning of particles or removal of polymer films from the substrate. The smaller cross-sectional area of the cleaning chamber accelerates the flow of a cleaning fluid flowing through the cleaning chamber from the flow chamber. The rapidly-flowing cleaning fluid removes the particles and/or films from the substrate while preventing dropping of the removed particles or re-deposition of the film back onto the substrate. A particle filter may be provided in the circulation conduit downstream of the cleaning chamber for removing the particles.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2002Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hsin-Ching Shih, Chun-Li Chou, Ming-Hong Hsieh, Hong-J. Tao
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Patent number: 6938628Abstract: An eyeglass cleaning station with a wash chamber and tissue dispenser. The wash chamber has removable nozzles for adjusting spray and a primer bulb pump that operates by hand.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2002Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Inventor: James Cooley
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Patent number: 6857437Abstract: Initially, process parameters for dense phase fluid cleaning are determined. Thereafter, a cleaning chamber containing a substrate is pressurized with a dense phase fluid, based on these process parameters. The substrate is then cleaned with the dense phase fluid, again based on these process parameters. Exhaust fluid is subsequently expelled from the cleaning chamber, and thereafter analyzed. The process parameters are then adjusted to adjusted process parameters based on the analysis of the exhaust fluid. Thereafter, the cleaning chamber is again pressurized and cleaning repeated. This pressurization and cleaning is based on the adjusted process parameters. Also, this pressurization and cleaning is repeated until the substrate is sufficiently clean.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: EKC Technology, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Fury, Robert W. Sherrill
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Patent number: 6782908Abstract: A washer system which includes a first reservoir containing a freezable washer liquid and having a drain port therein. The drain port is in fluid communication with the freezable washer liquid when the first reservoir is in at least a full state. The washer system also includes a temperature sensor for measuring a critical temperature corresponding to approximately a freezing temperature of the freezable washer liquid, a drain plug sealingly communicating with the drain port, and an electrical control unit in operative communication with the temperature sensor and the drain plug. The electrical control unit controls the drain plug to drain the liquid from the first reservoir in response to the critical temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ellen Cheng-chi Lee, Kevin Richard John Ellwood, Scott Alan Wojan
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Patent number: 6739348Abstract: An improved pot and pan washing machine is provided including wash tank, a self-draining parallel flow pump connected to the wash tank, a self-cleaning intake manifold within the wash tank, flush mounted jet nozzles within the wash tank, and a non-welded field joint for connecting two portions of the washing machine together as a single unit. The pump is located on a side of the wash tank. Fluid enters the pump in a first direction and is discharged in a second direction that is substantially parallel to the first direction. The discharge fluid is unobstructed as it enters an outlet manifold located along the rear wall of the wash tank. Directional tubes of the nozzles then divert the fluid from the outlet manifold into jet streams that are directed towards the bottom wall of the wash tank. The jet streams skim across the top of the intake manifold to blow away debris.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Metcraft, Inc.Inventors: John Inch, John W. Cantrell, Mark Churchill, Dave Stockdale
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Publication number: 20030201004Abstract: An eyeglass cleaning station with a wash chamber and tissue dispenser. The wash chamber has removable nozzles for adjusting spray and a primer bulb pump that operates by hand.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2002Publication date: October 30, 2003Inventor: James Cooley
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Publication number: 20030127119Abstract: In the present invention a car wash system is provided with a plurality of additive supplies, often referred to as solutions in the car wash industry, each supply feeding to a manifold including a common meter that has a value associated with each of the separate additive supplies for controlling flow from each of the supplies. A single variable speed pump under control of the computer pumps water through the meter and against the vehicle to be washed. The flow of the water through the meter aspirates additives from the supplies that mix with the water stream in the meter. Opening and closing of the valves to admit one or more of the additives to the water stream is responsive to a pre selected car wash cycle that is controllable by a controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Applicant: Washing Equipment Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Donald W. Scordo
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Patent number: 6571812Abstract: A decontamination device (10) includes a washing chamber (12) defined by a series of sidewalls. Upper and lower shelves (30, 32) are horizontally disposed within the washing chamber. The lower shelf is a rigid non-removable structure divided into three washing sections (42, 44, 46). The upper shelf is disposed vertically above the lower shelf and is slidably mounted within the washing chamber. The upper shelf comprises first, second, and third washing sections (82a, 82b, 82c) and a channel (78) operatively connected to the three shelf sections. The channel provides cleaning solutions to the shelf sections. Each of the washing sections and the shelf sections receive a spindle header (50) having a series of spindles (58) over which glassware is placed. A sealing connector, disposed on each washing section and shelf section, registers with and seals around a manifold of the spindle header and provides cleaning solutions from the channel to the spindle header.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Steris Inc.Inventors: Patrice Lavoie, Denis Belanger
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Patent number: 6328812Abstract: A pipeline-cleaning method and device thereof is built and applied by firstly forming a sealing circuit including a pipeline pending cleaning, a pressure control device, and two units of pipeline-cleaning device A, A′. A storage tank filled with rigid granules in each pipeline-cleaning device A, A′ is provided with a filter net unit at its lower portion and a filter unit at its upper portion. When cleaning, a pressurized liquid is supplied by the pressure control device to drive the granules circulating the circuit and thereby remove dirt and sediment deposited on the pipe wall by collision and rubbing of the granules to the pipeline inner wall.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Inventor: Ta-Hsin Huang
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Patent number: 6171409Abstract: Metal surfaces are contacted with a solution of a process bath (1), for example a phosphating or pickling solution, which comprises several components in aqueous solution, the composition of the process bath (1) being maintained within a given range by addition of solutions or gases, in particular air. The profitability is improved considerably if the solution of the process bath (1) is circulated via a first line (2) and a circulating pump (3) and the solution to be added and/or the gas to be added is fed to the process bath where, as a consequence of the ending of the line (2), vigorous thorough mixing prevails, or if the solution to be added or the gas to be added is fed to a suction pump (4), the solution to be added or the gas to be added mixing with the circulated solution.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf AktienInventors: Matthias Hamacher, Berhard Kotschy, Peter Kuhm
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Patent number: 5937876Abstract: A rinsing system used in a photoresist coater to remove a brim portion of the formed photoresist layer on a substrate. The rinsing system has capability to avoid a reversed pressure effect. The rinsing system includes several distribution ducts, which are coupled to a solvent container. Each duct includes an one-way valve, an automatically-releasing-gas filter, and a pump with sequential couplings from the solvent container. The pump is used to transport solvent to the substrate to rinse the photoresist layer. The pump also induces the reversed pressure effect, which can be avoided by the automatically-releasing-gas filter, the one-way valve, and the solvent container. The one-way valve includes a spring to hold a ball-like stopper of the valve so that the reversed pressure effect is consumed by the spring force. The automatically-releasing-gas filter contains a gas and includes a releasing-gas valve to release the gas.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1998Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.Inventors: Kuei-Hsi Lai, Ching-Chih Cheng, Hung-Lung Ma
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Patent number: 5927309Abstract: A continuous-flow warewashing apparatus that includes: a substantially rectangular tub having four side walls and a floor; a pump; a tub outlet channel coupled between the tub and the inlet port of the pump for providing fluid communication between the tub interior and the pump; and an array of outlet nozzles, where each of the outlet nozzles are in fluid communication with the outlet port of the pump and extend into the tub interior so as to provide a continuous-flow of washing fluid into the tub. A substantial portion of the outlet nozzles are positioned substantially along a first one of the side walls and pointed towards a second one of the side walls immediately adjacent to the first one of the side walls, such that the nozzles are adapted to jet fluid in a whirlpool-like manner substantially about the perimeter of the tub.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1998Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.Inventors: Richard D. Hoover, Walter J. Boryca, Gary V. Hoying
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Patent number: 5775347Abstract: A continuous-flow pot and pan washing system comprising a frame; a substantially rectangular tub mounted on the frame, where the side walls of the tub are shorter in length than the back and front walls of the tub; a pump mounted to the frame; a tub outlet channel coupled between the back wall of the tub and an inlet port of the pump, providing fluid communication between the tub interior and the pump; a manifold mounted to a first one of the sidewalls, having a manifold inlet coupled to, and a fluid communication with, the outlet port of the pump; and an array of outlet nozzles extending from the manifold, through the sidewall and into the tub interior, where a substantial portion of the outlet nozzles are angled towards one of the front or back walls such that the nozzles are adapted to jet fluid in a whirlpool-like manner substantially about the perimeter of the tub. Preferably the nozzle array includes nozzles positioned at least two vertical levels.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.Inventors: Richard D. Hoover, Walter J. Borvca, Gary V. Hoying
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Patent number: 5743281Abstract: A dishwasher having spray arm, motor and pump components configured and mounted so as to occupy very low height. In one form the complete wash system is arranged as a drawer which slides in and out of a cabinet. The cabinet opening is stiffened against racking forces by incorporating an inverse portal frame in the opening flange. A synchronous AC motor is used with the rotor running within the wash chamber driving a wash pump integrated with a rotating spray arm.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1995Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: Fisher & Paykel LimitedInventors: Adrian Anthony Sargeant, William Hugh Currie, Willem Ouwens, Philip John Brace, Robert William Todd, Hans-Joachim Scholz
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Patent number: 5732724Abstract: Household and institutional sinks are commonly used in cleaning regimens in which articles are contacted with aqueous cleaning media under conditions of agitation. Such agitation can be provided by directing the aqueous medium contained within the sink to a pump that returns the aqueous medium to the sink under agitating conditions such that the agitation can act to promote soil removal. The aqueous medium can be withdrawn from a waste line installed in a sink drain. The aqueous medium can then pass into a pump which can return the aqueous medium to the sink at a location in the sink causing the aqueous medium to agitate and circulate within the sink bowl. Preferably, valved waste line hardware can be installed in the drain such that when the waste line valve is closed, the aqueous medium is retained in the sink. The pump intake is placed in liquid communication with the aqueous cleaning medium upstream of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1996Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventor: Dwayne A. Becknell
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Patent number: 5673918Abstract: A ball play system provides a confined play area that has a plurality of balls and a ball cleaning apparatus for cleaning the balls. A target structure is disposed in the play area so that balls which strike a target area pass through a ball supply outlet while balls that miss the target area rebound into the play area. The cleaning apparatus receives balls from a conveyor that communicates with the ball supply outlet of the play area. Cleaned balls from the cleaning apparatus are returned to the play area at a ball inlet by means of a ball return apparatus. The ball return apparatus is a chute, a blower to propel the balls upwardly in the chute to a chute outlet and a rail assembly that receives balls from the chute and returns them to the play area under gravity fee. The rail assembly is serpentine and of a sufficient length so that the cleaned balls undergo drying during transit. A method utilizing this ball play and cleaning system is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1995Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Inventor: Steven T. Bigari
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Patent number: 5660194Abstract: A wash water system for retrofitting a pre-wash tank or sink includes a plurality of spray nozzles which extend along an inner surface of a back wall of a pre-wash sink wherein the spray nozzles are in flow communication with a discharge side of a water circulating pump. A return conduit is provided wherein the return conduit extends vertically downward along the inner back wall of the sink a preselected distance and is in flow communication with a suction or intake side of said pump. The sink is provided with a bottom wall with at least one opening therein and a heater is provided with a conduit extending from the heater to and in flow communication with the opening in the bottom wall of the sink. A vertically extending first filter device is placed along the back wall of the sink over the openings into the return conduits to the suction side of the pump and a second filter device is placed over the opening in the bottom wall of the sink.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1995Date of Patent: August 26, 1997Assignee: Food Equipment Engineer and Design, Inc.Inventor: Phillip L. Sanders
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Patent number: 5630437Abstract: A dishwasher is provided with a flapper valve for directing water from a recirculation pump to spray arms or a drain. The valve is spring biased toward a recirculate position and solenoid operated to a drain position. An inlet of the pump is provided with a downwardly curved suction pipe having a generally horizontal bell mouth. The dishwasher has a sump separated into a pump chamber and a collection chamber. The pump inlet is located in the pump chamber and has a mouth that is located below a level of the bottom of the collection chamber. Wash liquid is pumped through a venturi in the collection chamber to a drain.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1996Date of Patent: May 20, 1997Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.Inventors: John E. Dries, James M. Edwards
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Patent number: 5609173Abstract: A prewasher for sorting and soaking golf balls prior to entry into a ball washer has a tub for receiving the balls, a standpipe in the tub through which a stream of water moves the balls up out of the tub to deposit them in a track that carries only round balls to the ball washer. Broken balls and/or stones drop through openings in the track and are not delivered to the ball washer.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1995Date of Patent: March 11, 1997Assignee: Hollrock Engineering, Inc.Inventor: J. Richard Hollrock
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Patent number: 5505219Abstract: Fluid cleaning apparatus for precision parts, comprising in combination, a chamber, having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, for holding parts to be cleaned and a fluid tight recirculating flow system including the chamber. The fluid tight system directs supercritical carbon dioxide fluid flow across the parts being cleaned. A fluid recirculating cylinder has a first fluid port and a second fluid port connected in the flow system. A fluid piston is in the cylinder between said ports. A pneumatic cylinder has a further piston between a first pneumatic port and a second pneumatic port. A driving member is connected between the pistons for reciprocal movement caused by air from a source alternately introduced to the pneumatic ports to cause the fluid piston to pump fluid through the chamber and back to the recirculating cylinder. A shuttle valve is connected between the air source and the pneumatic ports.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1994Date of Patent: April 9, 1996Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventors: Don D. Lansberry, Thomas G. Council
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Patent number: 5381809Abstract: A powered cleaning apparatus is provided for routine cleaning of both moderately soiled and severely stained toilet bowls. The device comprises a motor, fluid pump, and cover universally mountable on toilet bowls, and provides a continuous recirculated spray of cleaning solution fluid onto all interior toilet bowl surfaces. The continuous contact of cleaning solution fluid cleans the interior bowl surfaces without manual effort.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1993Date of Patent: January 17, 1995Inventor: Kenneth B. Parker, Jr.
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Patent number: 5322078Abstract: An aqueous parts washing machine includes a main tank and a submersion tank disposed within the main tank. The submersion tank is supported in spaced relation from the walls and floor of the main tank. An aqueous cleaning solution fills the submersion tank and partially fills the main tank. A pumping system circulates the cleaning solution within the submersion and main tank. The pumping system includes a pump for drawing solution from the main tank and a solution agitation member for receiving solution from the pump and injecting the solution into the submersion tank to agitate solution within the submersion tank. The pumping system further includes a sparging mechanism for projecting solution from the pump across an upper surface of solution within the submersion tank to skim an oil deposit on the upper surface over an edge of the submersion tank.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1993Date of Patent: June 21, 1994Assignee: Kleer-Flo CompanyInventor: Geoffrey D. Tuttle
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Patent number: 5275668Abstract: A medical and dental instruments washer is capable of washing medical and dental instruments clean within a few minutes. The washer contains a watertight chamber with a means for holding the instruments. A pump recirculates the cleaning solution within the chamber at a velocity and flow rate which is sufficient to wash the instruments.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1992Date of Patent: January 4, 1994Inventors: Joseph G. Dell, Robert A. Anderson, Richard L. Despres
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Patent number: 5143663Abstract: An improved stereolithographic apparatus and method is described. In one embodiment, the improvement includes immersing at least a portion of a part in a volume of a liquid solvent in a vapor degreaser while subjecting the portion to ultrasonic agitation to substantially remove excess resin. Several examples of solvents are provided, including ethanol, and Freon TMS. In a second embodiment, the improvement includes building the part on a layer of liquid resin supported by a volume of a dense, immiscible, and UV transparent intermediate liquid, and integratably immersing at least a portion of the built part in the intermediate liquid, and then either subjecting the immersed portion to ultrasonic agitation to substantially remove excess resin, or subjecting the immersed portion to UV light. Several examples of intermediate liquids are provided, including perfluorinated fluids, such as Fluorinert FC-40, and water-based salt solutions, such as solutions of magnesium sulfate or sodium chloride in water.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1989Date of Patent: September 1, 1992Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Richard N. Leyden, Thomas A. Almouist, Mark A. Lewis, Hop D. Nguyen
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Patent number: 4991610Abstract: The present application is directed to new and improved apparatus for use in analytical instruments which includes an elongated dosing tube having a tip at one end which is constructed and arranged to move between a sample vessel, a rinsing vessel and an analytical instrument; the other end of the dosing tube being connected in fluid flow communication to a rinsing liquid supply vessel through a sample pump assembly and a rinsing liquid pump assembly; the liquid pump assembly including a pump cylinder having an inlet and an outlet; a pump piston arranged for reciprocal movement in the pump cylinder between a first end position in the discharge direction and an opposite second end position in the intake direction; a first check valve mounted on the inlet of the pump cylinder and a second check valve mounted on the outlet of the pump cylinder; a seal mounted adjacent the outlet which cooperates with the pump piston to sealingly close the outlet when the pump piston is positioned in its first end position in theType: GrantFiled: February 3, 1987Date of Patent: February 12, 1991Inventors: Bernhard Huber, Toma Tomoff
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Patent number: 4962778Abstract: A mechanical/chemical cleaning apparatus for clearing air conditioner reservoir or a drain pan flow lines of algae and other solid material includes a special fitting with an internal flexible conduit which can extend or retract within the drain line for mechanically/chemically treating the flow line to remove solid material therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1989Date of Patent: October 16, 1990Inventor: Brent J. Driskill
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Patent number: 4955402Abstract: A rectangular container having a divider at one end of the container. The divider separates the container into a large processing region and a second region from which the solvent fluid is drained from the container. The divider acts as a weir over which the solvent flows from the processing region into the second region. Contaminating particles which fall onto the surface of the solvent and are momentarily trapped by surface tension are quickly removed from the processing region by the overflow action into the second region.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1989Date of Patent: September 11, 1990Assignee: P.C.T. Systems, Inc.Inventor: Henry R. Miranda
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Patent number: 4919161Abstract: An apparatus for removing plastic residues from parts of plastics processing machines includes a vessel which is closed in air tight manner by a lid and contains a liquid heat transfer fluid which is heated by heating elements to a temperature above the melting point of the plastic material adhering to the parts. For shortening the working cycle for heating and cooling the heat transfer fluid and also for shortening the cleaning process per se, the interior of the vessel cooperates with a pump which circulates the heat transfer fluid. In order to prevent a decomposition of the heat transfer fluid, inert gas is introduced into the space above the liquid level of the heat transfer fluid for displacing the prevailing air volume.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1989Date of Patent: April 24, 1990Assignee: C. CHRIST Abgasfreie Werkzeugreinigungsapparate fur die KunststoffindustrieInventor: Rudolf Schmidt
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Patent number: RE33625Abstract: A packaged prosthesis and a system and method for washing prosthetic and other implants with a biologically compatible wash solution prior to implantation, which allows for complete washing of valve and graft tissue to remove preservatives used to store the tissue grafts and or treat the same, having containers containing the wash solution, a sterile filter in fluid communication with these containers, a valve to the sterile filter to control the flow of wash solution from the containers to the sterile filter and a wash chamber, in fluid communication with the sterile filter, for positioning the prosthesis or tissue implant to permit wash solution to flow freely over and wash the same are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1989Date of Patent: July 2, 1991Inventors: Diana R. Wright, David W. Schlerf