With Spray Or Jet Supplying And/or Applying Means Patents (Class 134/198)
  • Patent number: 8759106
    Abstract: A clinical tester has been described that includes a probe to aspirate a fluid. The probe is washed between aspirations to reduce carryover. The wash operation includes both an internal and an external wash, where the internal wash operation is terminated prior to terminating the external wash. In one embodiment, the probe wash can be implemented on an integrated clinical chemistry/immunoassay tester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Patricia H. Ravalico, Charlie W. Wilson, III
  • Patent number: 8753454
    Abstract: A dishwasher having a tub defining a wash chamber and at least one dish rack located within the wash chamber. The dishwasher also has at least one spray arm located in the wash chamber and at least one nozzle located in the wash chamber and configured to provide a spray of liquid into the dish rack. A diverter valve controls the supply of liquid from a liquid supply to the at least one nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Chad T. VanderRoest, Jay C. Landsiedel, Christopher J. Carlson, Vincent P. Gurubatham, Edward L. Thies
  • Patent number: 8746231
    Abstract: A cleaning system for a cooking range exhaust having a range hood, a backsplash, and an exhaust flue for exhausting cooking effluent is disclosed. The cleaning system can include a fluid delivery system constructed for partial placement within the cooking range exhaust. The fluid delivery system can include a hood spray conduit constructed for placement within the hood and comprising spray openings for directing a degreasing composition to the backsplash. The fluid delivery system can also include a flue spray conduit constructed for placement within or outside the exhaust flue and comprising at least one spray opening for directing the degreasing composition to an interior surface of the flue. The cleaning system can include a pump system constructed for conveying the degreasing composition from a degreasing composition source and through the fluid delivery system. A method of cleaning a cooking range exhaust and a self-cleaning exhaust system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: KBS Automist, LLC
    Inventors: David Alan Kellogg, David Paul Smieja, Ryan Dietrich Bruns
  • Publication number: 20140150831
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher comprising at least one spray device (20), the spray device having at least one nozzle (10) for discharging washing liquid in the form of a spray jet, where at least one nozzle is adjustable in order to change the characteristics of the spray jet. According the invention the adjustable nozzle (10) is adjustable by an adjusting means comprising a thermal actuator (10,60).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.
    Inventors: Klaus-Martin Forst, Hansjoerg Lampe
  • Publication number: 20140137910
    Abstract: A cleaning system having at least one C02 blasting nozzle connected to a robotic arm to automatically and selectively clean an object transported on an assembly line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: BRATNEY COMPANIES
    Inventors: Thomas R. JOHNSTON, Curt Mathew DAVIS
  • Publication number: 20140130834
    Abstract: A dish rack for use in a dishwasher is provided. The dish rack includes a front wall, a pair of spaced apart and opposite side walls, and a back wall interconnected so as to bound a space. A hydraulic circuit is disposed within the walls of the dish rack and a spray nozzle is mounted on the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: MARK W. BALDWIN, BARRY E. TULLER, AMERESH B. VISWANATHAN
  • Publication number: 20140124009
    Abstract: A nozzle for cleaning-in-place of a vessel has a nozzle body to be connected to a wall of the vessel and defining an opening, a nozzle insert is contained within the nozzle body and is able to assume at least two distinct positions relative to the nozzle body, a first position in which the nozzle insert is retracted into the nozzle body and a second position in which the nozzle insert is advanced in the axial direction relative to the nozzle body and protrudes into the vessel. Apertures are exposed in the second position to allow distribution of a cleaning fluid. The nozzle insert has two nozzle insert parts, in mutual abutment in the first position and spaced from each other in a direction transverse to the axial direction in the second position to form a gap between adjacent nozzle insert parts, the apertures being exposed in the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: GEA PROCESS ENGINEERING A/S
    Inventor: Thomas Willum Jensen
  • Patent number: 8707971
    Abstract: A chamber with a fluid distribution network for uniform fluid flow within the chamber is provided. The chamber includes a first chamber wall that has a first surface and an opposing interior surface. The first surface is formed with a first set of channels, and the interior surface is exposed to the interior of the chamber and includes a plurality of interior ports that are connected to a plurality of the first set of channels. The chamber also includes a second chamber wall that has a second surface and an opposing exterior surface. The second surface has a second set of channels that partially intersect the first set of channels when the first surface is mated with the second surface. The exterior surface also includes at least one exterior port that provides access to the second set of channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Xyratex Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Miller, Mike Wallis
  • Publication number: 20140096800
    Abstract: A wafer cleaning device comprising a wafer stage for holding a wafer having a surface to be washed, a first nozzle positioned above the wafer, a second nozzle positioned above the wafer. A first height is between the first nozzle and the surface and a second height is between the second nozzle and the surface, wherein the first height is shorter than the second height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Hsin-Ting Tsai, Cheng-Hung Yu, Chin-Kuang Liu, Ming-Hsin Lee, Wei-Hong Chuang, Kuei-Chang Tung, Yan-Yi Lu, Chin-Chin Wang
  • Publication number: 20140090676
    Abstract: A batch ware washing machine and/or related method of washing wares. The machine includes a moveable door which partially encloses a steam cavity. When the door is in the up or open position, hot moist air may be forcibly pulled from the steam cavity and into an exhaust plenum via an air inlet port that is strategically positioned above the top wall of the door when the door is in the closed position, but below the top wall when the door is in the open position. A controller causes the air to be forcibly pulled through the plenum for a predetermined exhaust time period, such as one minute, and then automatically stops the forced air exhaust movement. The exhaust plenum may be ducted directly to the outside of the surrounding building. The air conditioning load on the HVAC units serving the kitchen are reduced, thereby reducing energy consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Champion Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Vroom, Patrick S. Conklin
  • Patent number: 8684016
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dish washing machine including a sump unit capable of supplying, to an injection nozzle, wash water flowing in accordance with operation of an impeller, without using a separate channel member. The dish washing machine includes a body provided with a washing tub, a sump unit arranged in the washing tub, and at least one injection nozzle to inject wash water into the washing tub. The sump unit includes a sump housing, an impeller arranged in the sump housing, to pump wash water from the sump housing, and a guide member, to which the sump housing is mounted. The guide member guides the wash water pumped by the impeller directly to the injection nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung Chan Ryu, Sung Jin Kim, Jeon Suk Wee, Young Ho Kwon
  • Patent number: 8685203
    Abstract: Provided is a dry etcher including an etching device and a cleaning device, more particularly, a dry etcher including an etching device and a cleaning device to which a cleaning process is added so as to be used in a metal layer etching process. The dry etcher includes an etching device into which etching gas is injected to etch a layer formed on a substrate, a substrate transfer device transferring the substrate processed by the etching device, and a cleaning device cleaning the substrate transferred by the substrate transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Semens Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-Hyun Choi
  • Publication number: 20140083472
    Abstract: A dishwasher may include a tub and a divider located within the tub to divide the interior into a first treating chamber and a second treating chamber. The relative size of the first and second treating chambers may be adjusted by moving the divider relative to the tub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: MARK W. BALDWIN, BARRY E. TULLER
  • Publication number: 20140083466
    Abstract: A system for cleaning gas turbine engines is described. More specifically, methods and apparatuses for cleaning stationary gas turbines and on-wing turbofan engines found on aircraft are disclosed that includes a trailer-mounted, automated low-pressure water delivery system, additive and detergent injection system, nozzle and manifold technology, and active waste water effluent collector system. The system will deliver the liquid cleaning medium at a specific pressure, temperature, and flow rate to optimize the atomization that occurs at the nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: EcoServices, LLC
    Inventors: Hubert E. Sales, JR., Peter Asplund
  • Patent number: 8677892
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling microorganisms in food materials, by which bacterial groups that cause deterioration of the quality of food materials such as poultry and pathogenic microorganisms that cause food poisoning can be efficiently controlled. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for controlling microorganisms in food materials, comprising a step of subjecting a food material immersed in a sterilizing solution to repeated treatment with negative pressure and ordinary pressure and/or a step of subjecting the food material immersed in the sterilizing solution to resonant ultrasonication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignees: University of Miyazaki, Kaijo Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Misawa, Junichiro Soejima, Katsuhiro Koyama
  • Patent number: 8672821
    Abstract: A combined paint roller and paint roller cleaner quickly and efficiently removes paint from the paint roller cleaner while preventing fluids from splashing outwardly and away from the paint roller cleaner. The paint roller cleaner includes a main chamber having a first slot formed at an outer surface thereof, and an auxiliary chamber statically coupled to the main chamber. Such an auxiliary chamber protrudes outwardly from the outer surface of the main chamber and preferably has an outer surface provided with a second slot formed therein. Notably, the second slot may be offset from the first slot in such a manner that an external fluid stream, after passing through the first and second slots, is caused to enter the main chamber at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the outer surface of the main chamber and thereby rotate a portion of the paint roller located within the paint roller cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Neil Frederick Pearce
  • Patent number: 8668155
    Abstract: A high pressure rotary nozzle having a rotating shaft operating within a fixed housing wherein the of axial force which acts upon the shaft due to the fluid pressure at the shaft inlet is balanced by allowing passage of a small amount of the pressurized fluid to be bled to an area or chamber between the outside of the opposite end of the shaft and the inside of the housing where the fluid pressure can act axially in an opposing direction upon the shaft to balance the axial inlet force. The balance of axial forces is self-regulating by controlling escape of the fluid through a tapered or frusto-conical region between the shaft and housing. This further provides a fluid bearing between the two surfaces and allows use of interchangeable rotating jet heads having jet orifices which can be oriented in virtually any desirable configuration including axially forward of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Stoneage, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas E. Wright
  • Publication number: 20140060593
    Abstract: An equipment for cleaning welding torches having a reserve of a pressurised fluid and a dispensing device designed to dispense a flow of dry ice at low temperature onto a welding torch in order to clean it of welding slag, wherein the dispensing device comprises a manual needle regulation valve, a dispensing nozzle to dispense dry ice and an adapter sleeve designed to receive the outer shroud or body of welding torch, wherein the dispensing device is designed to be coupled to welding torch to be cleaned by means of a male-female coupling, with adapter sleeve acting as the female part and the tip of supply nozzle as the male part, so that dispensing device can be adapted to the usual dimensions of welding torches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Alfredo Malomo, Gianluca Porto
  • Publication number: 20140060582
    Abstract: An external lens washing system has an aiming fixture configured to support and constrain an external lens which is exposed to the elements and apt to become soiled with debris. A nozzle assembly is configured to be supported and aimed toward the external lens by the aiming fixture and has at least one laterally offset washing nozzle projecting from the aiming fixture to a spray washing fluid toward the external lens surface, spraying at a shallow, glancing spray aiming angle to impinge upon and wash the lens external surface. Optionally, an integrated image sensor and lens washing assembly is configured for use with a remote control method for cleaning an exterior objective lens surface and includes a sealed image sensor housing assembly including an integral, remotely controllable lens cleaning system with an optimized configuration for aiming one or more cleansing sprays from one or more laterally offset fluidic oscillators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Evan Hartranft, Robert Bower, Srinivasaiah Sridhar, Alan Romack, Keith Berning, Russell Hester, Eric Koehler
  • Publication number: 20140060589
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a maintenance unit for servicing aircraft during stand-still, comprising electrically powered service and/or maintenance equipment. There is a power input for connecting the unit to an electrical power supply operating at 200/115VAC at 400 Hz. The unit further comprises a transformer and conversion unit (TCU) for transforming the 200/115 VAC/400 Hz power to standard grid voltage at 400/23OVAC at 50 Hz and at least one frequency converter enabling variable frequency of the output voltage, for powering said service and/or maintenance equipment. The maintenance equipment may be a gas turbine engine washing equipment and comprises a water delivery member for supplying water from a water source, a high pressure pump coupled to the water providing means for providing pressurized water, and a high pressure water outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: EcoServices, LLC
    Inventors: Sebastian Nordlund, Henrik Amcoff, Helena Nyberg
  • Patent number: 8656936
    Abstract: Apparatuses, and related methods, for processing a workpiece that include a particular barrier structure that can overlie and cover a workpiece. Apparatuses, and related methods, for processing a workpiece that include a particular movable member that can be positioned over and moved relative to a workpiece. Apparatuses, and related methods, for processing a workpiece that include a particular ceiling structure that can overlie a processing chamber. Nozzle devices, and related methods, that include a particular annular body. Nozzle devices, and related methods, that include a particular first, second, and third nozzle structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Tel FSI, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy D. Collins, Samuel A. Cooper, James M. Eppes, Alan D. Rose, Kader Mekias
  • Publication number: 20140041691
    Abstract: A mobile washing apparatus is disclosed. The mobile washing apparatus can include a mobile chassis having a plurality of wheels, a first spray head assembly, and a first adjustable support structure. The first spray head assembly may have a first spray head having a top plate and a side skirt. The top plate and side skirt can together define an interior space. A first rotating sprayer wand may be located within the interior space of the first spray head. The first adjustable support structure supports the first spray head assembly from the mobile chassis. The first adjustable support structure can be configured such that the first spray head assembly is positionable in a horizontal direction and positionable in a vertical direction. The first spray head also defines a face angle and the first adjustable support structure is configured such that the face angle of the first spray head is adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Wade Glasscock
  • Publication number: 20140034091
    Abstract: An engine wash system includes a manifold to secure to a nose cone of an engine; a feeder pipe connecting to the manifold to deliver wash liquid to the manifold; a plurality of nozzles connected to the manifold to direct the wash liquid into the engine; a hook connected to the manifold to connect to a slot on the nose cone; and a guide connected to the feeder to align the manifold relative to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kurt Dorshimer, Robert M. Rice, Sebastian Nordlund, Wayne Zadrick
  • Patent number: 8640719
    Abstract: A bottle cleaning machine and to a method for cleaning bottles with a bottle transporting device for transporting the bottles to be cleaned and with spraying nozzles. The bottle transporting device is configured such that the bottles are transported past the spraying nozzles along a substantially spiral transportation path, and preferably about a horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Franz Gmeiner
  • Patent number: 8640718
    Abstract: A spray-type car wash system includes an overhead carriage which can move longitudinally the length of a wash bay. A pair of laterally opposed spray arms depend from the carriage. During vehicle entry into the bay, LED-based lights running down the length of each arm are caused to flash to help the driver center a vehicle between the arms. Cushioning and breakaway features protect the arms from damage. A single-arm system is also disclosed. A double-light, stationary support system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Belanger, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry S. Turner, Thomas E. Weyandt, Jerry Alan Kotrych
  • Patent number: 8636019
    Abstract: The present invention relates to vacuum processing systems in which process gases are introduced in a process chamber and are exhausted through a vacuum processing system exhaust path. Deposits made by the exhausted gases in one or more dry vacuum pumps are removed by introducing hydrofluoric acid upstream of the dry pump while the processing chamber is idle. The hydrofluoric acid is introduced upstream of the dry pump through a nozzle in the foreline or at the inlet to the dry pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Edwards Vacuum, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Park Taylor
  • Publication number: 20140014139
    Abstract: A two media spray lance and nozzle useful for moistening at least a portion of absorbent material present in a mixer. The nozzle includes a central body with a connecting portion for connecting the nozzle to the two media spray lance for a supply of liquid and gas thereto, and an atomizing portion. The atomizing portion delivers droplets of liquid to the absorbent material present in the mixer to obtain moistened absorbent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Per Hakan Fredrik Landmer
  • Publication number: 20140014141
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for cleaning the exterior of a furnace heat exchanger that includes a bundle of finned convection or bare radiant tubes heated when in use by the flue gases of a heater furnace. The apparatus comprises a motorised carriage 10 guided for movement along the outer surface of the bundle in a direction parallel to the tubes and a holder 24 on the carriage for holding a lance 20 in a position relative to the carriage 10 that permits the lance 20 to penetrate between the tubes of the bundle and to be advanced along the core by the carriage while remaining in the latter position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Tube Tech International Limited
    Inventor: Michael Watson
  • Patent number: 8629375
    Abstract: A defogger system includes structure defining a window or a mirror, a heating element operatively connected to the structure to selectively apply heat to the structure, and a source of electrical energy. The defogger system also includes a switch and an electrically conductive path from the source of electrical energy to the heating element. The switch includes an active material member, and is configured such that the switch interrupts the electrically conductive path when the active material member is above a predetermined temperature. The switch is also configured such that the switch does not interrupt the electrically conductive path when the active material member is below the predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Paul W. Alexander, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8627838
    Abstract: A rotary impingement cleaning apparatus is configured for use in sanitary environments with a minimum of components to enable easy inspection and cleaning. The components of the cleaning apparatus are formed to fit relatively loosely to one another and promote self flushing and self drainage of cleaning liquid. A stator is mounted within a housing for diverting the flow of the pressurized cleaning liquid from axial to angular to impinge and rotationally drive a rotator stem or a rotor. The rotator stem or rotor causes an elbow to rotate around the vertical axis and a number of nozzles mounted to a nozzle housing to rotate around the horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Tank Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Delaney, Andrew K. Delaney, Johnny A. DeBeaupre, Suneeth D. A. Molugu
  • Patent number: 8623146
    Abstract: A cooling gas discharge nozzle 7 is arranged above an initial position P(Rin) distant from a rotation center P(0) of a substrate W toward the outer edge of the substrate W and supplies a cooling gas to the initial position P(0) of the rotating substrate W to solidify DIW adhering to an initial region including the initial position P(Rin) and the rotation center P(0). Following formation of an initial solidified region FR0, a range to be solidified is spread toward the outer edge of the substrate W and all the DIW (liquid to be solidified) adhering to a substrate surface Wf is solidified to entirely freeze a liquid film LF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Kato, Naozumi Fujiwara, Katsuhiko Miya
  • Patent number: 8617320
    Abstract: A wash system for cleaning the exposed surfaces of a contaminant collection device that includes a source of pressurized cleaning solution and a rinse appliance. The rinse appliance includes a first flow path that is adapted to direct the pressurized cleaning solution against a plurality of interior surfaces of a sampling head of the contaminant collection device and a vacuum tube that couples the sampling head to a collection chamber of the contaminant collection device. The rinse appliance may also include a second flow path that is adapted to direct the pressurized cleaning solution against a plurality of interior surfaces of the collection chamber and a separator filter installed therein. The rinse appliance further includes a dipping tank adapted to receive the cleaning solution after passing through one of the first and second flow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Microbial-Vac Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne D. Carlsen, Jared G. Maughan, Kris Nosack, Joshem Coy Gibson, Kelly Maureen Black, Jared V. Bradley, Kevin Joseph Church
  • Publication number: 20130340798
    Abstract: A cleaning system includes an elongate pole, a mounting structure, a cradle, and a spray bottle. The elongate pole has a proximal end for manipulation by a user and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The mounting structure is attached to the distal end of the pole for connecting a mopping implement to the distal end of the pole. The cradle is attached to the pole between the proximal end and the distal end. The spray bottle includes a spray head, an operable trigger, and a container housing defining an internal reservoir space. The container housing is removably received by the cradle. A flat mop can be connected to the mounting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Perelli
  • Publication number: 20130340799
    Abstract: A rinse arm or wash arm includes a tubular body connected to a fluid source. The tubular body has at least a first aperture and a second aperture therethrough. The first aperture forms a first spray and the second aperture forms a second spray when the fluid flows through the tubular body from the fluid source. The first aperture has a first aperture axis therethrough and the second aperture has a second aperture axis therethrough. The first aperture axis forms a first angle with a first vertical axis and the second aperture axis forms a second angle with a second vertical axis. The first angle is greater than 0 degrees, so that the first aperture directs the first spray towards the second spray forming an overlapping spray of the first spray and the second spray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Jackson WWS, Inc.
    Inventor: James S. Calhoun
  • Patent number: 8602041
    Abstract: A spray-type car wash system includes an overhead carriage which can move longitudinally the length of a wash bay. A pair of laterally opposed spray arms depend from the carriage. During vehicle entry into the bay, LED-based lights running down the length of each arm are caused to flash to help the driver center a vehicle between the arms. Cushioning and breakaway features protect the arms from damage. A single-arm system is also disclosed. A double-light, stationary support system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Belanger, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry S. Turner, Thomas E. Weyandt, Jerry Alan Kotrych
  • Publication number: 20130319457
    Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method of cleaning a substrate. The apparatus includes a substrate supporting unit supporting a substrate, a container surrounding the substrate supporting unit and collecting an organic solvent scattered from the substrate, and a fluid supplying unit provided on one side of the container and spraying a liquid organic solvent with bubbles to the substrate. The fluid supplying unit includes a nozzle head ejecting the organic solvent to the substrate, an organic solvent supplying line supplying the organic solvent from an organic solvent storage tank to the nozzle head, and a bubble providing element provided on the organic solvent supplying line and providing bubbles to the liquid organic solvent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Yong Hee LEE, Bok Kyu LEE, Jongsu CHOI
  • Patent number: 8597436
    Abstract: An aqua comb used with a hose for thoroughly and quickly cleaning, rinsing and combing the hair of both humans and animals. The aqua comb comprises four design elements: 1) a rotating hose nut with internal seal that is employed to attach the aqua comb to various hose endings, 2) an on/off valve for controlling fluid flow through the aqua comb, 3) an elongated and rigid fluid spray body with fluid discharge openings, and 4) a semi-rigid comb member positioned above the discharge openings to lift hair and allow fluid spray to reach scalp and skin thereunder. The core design element of the aqua comb is the presentation angle and comb member structure which work in concert with the fluid spray discharged from the fluid spray openings in its elongated spray body to multiply and leverage mechanical cleaning and combing action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Allen Schreiber
  • Patent number: 8597435
    Abstract: An aqua comb typically used with a garden hose for thoroughly and quickly cleaning reusable pleated pool water filters and like filter cartridges having a pleated configuration. The aqua comb comprises four design elements: 1) a rotating hose nut with internal seal that is employed for leak-resistant attachment of the aqua comb to various hose endings, 2) an on/off valve for fluid flow control, 3) an elongated and rigid fluid spray body with fluid discharge openings, and 4) a semi-rigid comb member with long fingers. The core design element of the aqua comb is the combined presentation angle and physical design shape of its comb member which works in concert with the fluid spray discharged from the fluid spray openings in its elongated spray body to multiply and leverage mechanical cleaning action even in the valleys between filter pleats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Allen Schreiber
  • Publication number: 20130312794
    Abstract: An apparatus, operable with a source of cleaning fluid under pressure, for cleaning external surfaces of heat exchange tubes of an air cooled heat exchanger which tubes are situated in generally horizontal rows vertically separated from each other, thus defining a generally horizontal zone between each two adjacent rows, including a. a spray mat having: i. top and bottom fluid impermeable sheets sealed at their mutual peripheral edges defining at least one chamber with a fluid inlet into said chamber for receiving a flow of the cleaning fluid under pressure, and ii. a plurality of laterally spaced apertures and coupled spray nozzles in the top and bottom sheets which are in fluid communication with the chamber, and b. a positioning mechanism for moving the spray mat transversely into and out of one of the zones between two adjacent rows of the heat exchange tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
  • Patent number: 8590550
    Abstract: A substrate holder is defined to support a substrate. A rotating mechanism is defined to rotate the substrate holder. An applicator is defined to extend over the substrate holder to dispense a cleaning material onto a surface of the substrate when present on the substrate holder. The applicator is defined to apply a downward force to the cleaning material on the surface of the substrate. In one embodiment the cleaning material is gelatinous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Mikhail Korolik, Erik M. Freer, John M. de Larios, Katrina Mikhaylichenko, Mike Ravkin, Fritz Redeker
  • Patent number: 8585276
    Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning the interior of an industrial food mixing bowl of, for example, a dough mixer includes a cleaning lance with a spray nozzle assembly at an end of the lance, an actuator operable to reciprocally insert and retract the lance into or out of a food mixer bowl, and a pump operable to deliver cleaning fluid under pressure over a conduit to the lance and spray nozzle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: The Trustees of the La Strada No. 2 Trust
    Inventor: Richard Stanley Michael Fenton
  • Patent number: 8585832
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for automatically cleaning and decontaminating medical instruments. The method comprising the steps of: a) placing the medical instruments into a container after their use in a medical procedure; b) closing the container to seal the instruments inside whereby to prevent personnel contact with the instruments and any contaminants which might be thereon; c) inserting the sealed container into a washer/decontaminator and sealing the washer/decontaminator; d) the washer/decontaminator automatically opening the container and applying a washing fluid thereto to wash the instruments within the container; and e) the washer/decontaminator automatically applying a disinfectant to the container to disinfect the instruments whereby to allow safe handling thereof by personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Szu-Min Lin, Robert C. Platt, Peter C. Zhu
  • Patent number: 8584613
    Abstract: A head for dispensing a thin film over a substrate is disclosed. The head includes a body assembly that extends between a first and a second end that is at least a width of the substrate. The body includes a main bore that is defined between the first and the second ends, the main bore connected to an upper side of a reservoir through a plurality of feeds that are defined between the main bore and the reservoir. The body also includes a plurality of outlets connected to a lower side of the reservoir and extend to an output slot. The plurality of feeds have a larger cross-sectional area than the plurality of outlets and the plurality of feeds are fewer than the plurality of outlets. Wherein fluid is configured to flow through the main bore, through the plurality of feeds along the bore and fill the reservoir up to at least the threshold level before fluid is evenly output as a film out of the output slot onto the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Arnold Kholodenko, Cheng-yu Lin, Leon Ginzburg, Mark Mandelboym, Gregory A. Tomasch, Anwar Husain
  • Publication number: 20130298585
    Abstract: An appliance is provided including a noise reduction device to reduce noise generated within a main body of the appliance. The noise reduction device may include a sound absorbing plate having a plurality of sound absorbing holes and a resonance member, one side of which is open and having a hollow portion, so that noise generated by a drive of the appliance passes through the noise reduction device, in order to efficiently reduce noise in the appliance and achieve an increase of internal capacity, a decrease in weight, and a reduction in manufacturing costs for the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Byoungsoo JE
  • Patent number: 8578954
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a spray arm assembly positioned in the wash chamber of the dishwasher's tub. The spray arm assembly includes a corner arm that is driven by a gear train. The transfer gear assembly of the gear train is operable to decouple the gear train from its input when rotation of the corner arm is obstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Antony Mark Rappette
  • Patent number: 8578951
    Abstract: A dish washer comprises a washing tub having a sump, at least one spraying nozzle located within the washing tub, means for feeding fresh water into the sump, a circulation pump for circulating process water from the sump to the spraying nozzle and a conductivity sensor for measuring the conductivity of the fresh and/or the process water. In order to enable use of a single conductivity sensor for measuring the conductivity of both the fresh and the process water, the conductivity sensor is located in a conduit for feeding fresh water into the sump and there further is provided a bypass line which is arranged to cause process water to flow through the conductivity sensor when the circulation pump is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation, N.V.
    Inventors: Jiri Bohac, Rolf Stahlmann, Hansjörg Lampe
  • Patent number: 8578626
    Abstract: A laundry dryer includes a drying chamber, a process air channel having a supply air opening for drawing in process air, an exhaust air opening for expelling process air, an exhaust air channel through which process air is conducted to the exhaust air opening, and a nebulizer that distributes condensate in process air. The dryer further includes a fan in the process air channel for driving process air through the drying chamber, and a heat exchanger that extracts heat from process air flowing out from the drying chamber, supplies heat to process air flowing into the drying chamber, and separates the condensate from the process air for the nebulizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Günter Steffens
  • Patent number: 8578952
    Abstract: A substrate processing system which enables a minute piece of foreign matter attached to a substrate surface to be detected and are suitable for mass production of substrates. The substrate processing system has a substrate processing apparatus that carries out predetermined processing on a substrate. The substrate processing system comprises a substrate surface processing apparatus having a fluid supply unit that supplies onto a surface of the substrate a fluid containing an altering substance that alters a substance exposed at the surface of the substrate, and a substrate surface inspecting apparatus that inspects the surface of the substrate onto which the fluid has been supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nagaike, Tsuyoshi Moriya
  • Publication number: 20130291908
    Abstract: A dishwasher appliance is provided with a spray arm assembly. The spray arm assembly defines an orifice for directing liquid out of the spray arm assembly. The orifice can selectively receive a nozzle with a particular outlet geometry. By selectively receiving the nozzle, a spray pattern of liquid exiting the orifice can be changed by replacing or modifying the nozzle without remanufacturing or replacing the spray arm assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Joel Charles Boyer, Errin Whitney Gnadinger, Ronald Scott Tarr, Satish Kumar Raju Buddharaju
  • Patent number: 8573237
    Abstract: A tool for cleaning heat exchangers may include a fluid flow control valve, a hollow elongated stem attached to the valve and a hollow fan head attached to the hollow stem. The fan head may have a fan-head axis oriented at an oblique angle relative to a stem axis of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Jerry Crum