Work Circumposable Or Opposed Fluid-applying Jets Or Plural Pipes Patents (Class 134/199)
  • Patent number: 8453657
    Abstract: A vehicle washing system associated with a bay in which a vehicle is parked during the washing operation is equipped with a centering target which can be selectively deployed upon entry of a vehicle to assist the driver in placing the vehicle on the longitudinal centerline of the effective washing area in the bay. The target may be provided by a vertically-depending spray arm having internal LEDs which are illuminated in a flashing effect during vehicle entry and in constant colors during the washing program. Several alternative target arrangements are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Belanger, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Belanger
  • Patent number: 8448653
    Abstract: A car wash system comprising at least one rotatable spray arm depending from an overhead carriage. The arm is equipped with a detent-type compound breakaway knuckle which permits the arm to be displaced upwardly from a lowest potential energy orientation by disengaging the detent but thereafter permitting a smooth essentially unresisted movement whereby when the force tending to cause angular displacement and the arm is removed, the arm returns to the normal operating, low potential energy position. A shaker function or a high pressure spray burst may be used to complement the gravitational resetting function as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Belanger, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry S. Turner, Thomas E. Weyandt, Michael Belanger
  • Patent number: 8449688
    Abstract: High-pressure washing liquid spray intended for use in a washing machine for ophthalmic glass or other substrates, consisting of an entry opening (11) for washing liquid and an exit opening (12) for liquid in a jet, connected by a channel. The channel (1) has a rectangular channel in cross section which introduces a constriction, in particular in the center, giving that channel an X shape, so as to form, on one hand, downstream of the above-mentioned constriction, an expanded exit cavity (13) ending in a slit forming the exit opening (12) and, upstream of the above-mentioned constriction on the other hand, an entry cavity (14) in the base cone where the rectangular base forms the entry opening (11) of the channel (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventors: Jean Gebrig, Denis Gehrig
  • Patent number: 8443818
    Abstract: A carwash system is disclosed wherein a spray arm dependingly mounted to an overhead longitudinally movable carriage for dispensing fluids onto the exterior surfaces of a vehicle in a wash bay unidirectionally circumnavigates the vehicle for multiple circuits while performing one or more wash functions by coordinating longitudinal and rotational movements of the arm through the selective operation of two independent motor drives. Electrical power and/or data is carried to and from electrical devices on the arm by way of a slip ring conductor which is mounted coaxially with the arm pivot on the bottom side of the carriage. The fluid supply conduit also passes concentrically through this pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Belanger, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Thomas E. Weyandt, Barry S. Turner, Curtis S. Prater
  • Patent number: 8443893
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for mounting on a wellhead of a well to spray elements positioned in a central passage of the wellhead. The cleaning apparatus may comprise an annular body including an inner surface defining at least a portion of an aperture through the body, with the annular body defining a fluid channel therein. The apparatus may comprise an inlet fitting on the annular body and in fluid communication with the fluid channel, and a plurality of orifices positioned on the annular body and oriented to direct fluid into the aperture. The orifices may be in fluid communication with the fluid channel such that fluid carried in the fluid channel is moved through the orifices into the aperture. A method is also disclosed, and a wellhead assembly including the cleaning apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventors: John W. Finger, Brad Hyronimus, Sandro Sanchez
  • Patent number: 8430109
    Abstract: A washing unit for machines that clean ophthalmic glass (1) or other substrates. It includes, on one hand, two washing lines (22, 23), each able to issue a high-pressure jet of washing liquid in a flared shape of a width substantially equal to or greater than the diameter of the glass to be cleaned, said lines (22, 23) being parallel and mounted opposite each other on each side of the glass (1) to be cleaned so that the two streams of liquid (30) are located at the same level and come into contact on the concave (10) and convex (11) surfaces respectively of said glass (1); and, on the other hand, supports (4) intended to hold the glass (1) in a stable position during the washing operation and the means (2?) to allow movement of said lines (22, 23) or the glass (1) in order to perform simultaneous bathing of the concave (10) and convex (11) surfaces of the glass by the respective streams of washing liquid (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Special Coating Laboratory International
    Inventors: Jean Gehrig, Denis Gehrig
  • Patent number: 8418702
    Abstract: A ready mix truck wash system includes at least one spray arch fluidly connected to a pump, a motor, and controls. The spray arch has a plurality of pipes and spray nozzles configured to spray pressurized fluid onto a ready mix truck. In one embodiment, the ready mix truck is washed in multiple stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Shadley F. Brand
  • Patent number: 8388763
    Abstract: A mobile washing and disinfecting system includes a wash chamber with an openable door, a mobile base coupled to the wash chamber, the mobile base having a recess containing all electromechanical components, a re-configurable spray arm assembly having a pivotable spray arm with a plurality of nozzles connected to a water turbine configured to pivot the spray arm in an oscillating motion for directing a spray of washing and disinfecting fluids radially away from the spray arm within a predefined arc, and a modular programmable microprocessor control supported on the removable wash housing for controlling the cleaning cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Karl Soderquist
  • Patent number: 8388764
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for handling an artificial turf arranged on a base. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus includes a removing station for lifting from the base a strip of the artificial turf extending in a longitudinal direction, a separating station for separating filling material from the strip and a winding station for winding the strip onto a shaft. A method is disclosed for handling an artificial turf arranged on a base. In at least one embodiment, the method includes lifting a strip of the artificial turf extending in a longitudinal direction from the base, separating infill material from the strip and winding the strip onto a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: SYDVAC
    Inventor: Ingemar Jonsson
  • Patent number: 8372207
    Abstract: A one handed hand washer/scrubber is provided enclosed in a self contained, counter placeable housing having an entry orifice at one side for insertion of a user's hand. A sensor monitors the entry orifice for detection of a user's hand accessing a washing cavity within the housing. Two scrubbing web assemblies are housed within the washing cavity, each having a proximal stepper motor placed near the entry orifice, opposite a second stepper motor spaced distally therefrom. Each stepper motor attaches to and supports a sanitizer, disinfectant, soap or cleanser soaked web draped between, and are used to dispense a new section of web for each subsequent use and to reciprocate a working section of web front to back (or back and forth) during use. A series of foam rollers align the rear of the working section of web. The rollers are spring urged to allow for intimate contact of the web against the variable contours of a users hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Julie Shields
  • Publication number: 20130019904
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Wayne Becker, John Neiderman
  • Patent number: 8347899
    Abstract: A wind turbine tower cleaning apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a frame which circumferentially extends at least partially around a wind turbine tower. A separator structure can be attached to the frame and extends between the frame and the wind turbine tower to position the frame at a predetermined distance away from the wind turbine tower. The separator structure can also include an attachment end which is attached to the frame and a slidabe end positionable near the wind turbine tower. A slider can be attached to the slidabe end of the separator structure and can slide on the surface of the wind turbine tower as the frame is raised and lowered on the wind turbine tower. A frame lift device can raise and lower the frame on the wind turbine tower. A sprayer can spray fluid onto the wind turbine tower to clean the wind turbine tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Dustin Jensen, Broque L. Fraughton, Sonny K. Fraughton
  • Patent number: 8347900
    Abstract: A wind turbine tower cleaning or coating apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a frame which circumferentially extends at least partially around a wind turbine tower. A separator structure can be attached to the frame and extends between the frame and the wind turbine tower to position the frame at a predetermined distance away from the wind turbine tower. The separator structure can also include an attachment end which is attached to the frame and a slidabe end positionable near the wind turbine tower. A slider can be attached to the slidabe end of the separator structure and can slide on the surface of the wind turbine tower as the frame is raised and lowered on the wind turbine tower. A frame lift device can raise and lower the frame on the wind turbine tower. A plurality of sprayers can be positioned circumferentially along the frame and configured to selectively spray fluid onto the wind turbine tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Dustin Jensen, Broque L. Fraughton, Sonny K. Fraughton
  • Publication number: 20120311926
    Abstract: A plant air purifying enclosure, or “PAPE,” contained within an unconditioned space, either within or outside a building, containing therein a plant air purifier, which is used to purify air using plants and microbes growing therein. The PAPE enclosure itself receives poor indoor quality air from within structure where the PAPE is located or from a structure close by along with thermal energy which keeps the plant air purifier enclosure at a suitable temperature for the plants and air cleaning microbes within the air purifier. Poor air enters the enclosure, is purified by the plants and microbes, and returns in purified form back to the habitable space from which it was taken. This lowers the amount of outside air needed for ventilation purposes and so lessens a building's overall energy consumption while providing efficiently for naturally purified air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Martin Mittelmark
  • Patent number: 8298347
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for cleaning a surface, such as a wall of a waste boiler of a Kivcet furnace, are described. The invention comprises suspending a pair of spaced apart cables adjacent a surface to be cleaned, attaching ends of the rail to respective ones of the cables with equal lengths of cable between the rail and the roof, the rail being reversibly moveable up and down the surface. A carriage has a nozzle assembly, operative to emit a jet of water, with the carriage reversibly moveable along the rail. The rail is moved from one of a top and bottom of the surface to another of the top and bottom of the surface, and the carriage is moved from one side of the rail to another, cleaning the surface as it moves. The foregoing steps are repeated for each remaining uncleaned surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Mac & Mac Hydrodemolition Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard J. MacNeil, Gordon W. MacNeil, David B. MacNeil, Vernon Bose
  • Patent number: 8282741
    Abstract: A sequencing spray arm assembly includes a plurality fluid spray arms rotatably mounted on respective radially spaced carrier arms. The rotating fluid spray arms are in fluid communication with a fluid distribution manifold and adapted to distribute washing fluid throughout a washing chamber of the appliance. A sequencing diverter valve system enables delivery of washing fluid from the fluid distribution manifold to one or more of the plurality of rotating fluid spray arms. A fluid responsive rotating drive arm drives the rotation of a sequencing disk in the valve system between discrete positions and enables delivery of fluid to one or more of the plurality of rotating fluid spray arms in a sequential manner such that, for each discrete position, less than the total number of spray arms are supplied with washing fluid at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Roger J. Bertsch, Rayburn L. Cox, Bruce W. Gillum, Bernhard Mohrbacher, Donald J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8276605
    Abstract: A device (11) for cleaning a pleated filter element, the device having; a body, a fluid inlet (13), a work face (14) having at least one pleat separating projection (19) and at least one fluid outlet (22) for directing fluid between pleats separated thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Pool Systems Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Warwick Heathcote, Jeremy Smith
  • Patent number: 8276603
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method of cleaning and/or disinfecting medical equipment. A medical equipment washer system can include an enclosure that receives and substantially surrounds the medical equipment and one or more spray assemblies positioned inside the enclosure. The spray assemblies can automatically emit fluid to clean and/or disinfect the medical equipment. In some embodiments, spray arms of the spray assemblies can oscillate while jets emit fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Stat Medical Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Berklund, Keith Roepke
  • Patent number: 8240319
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) to process used materials for input into a manufacturing process. The apparatus includes a housing (10) having a top surface (15) and providing a plurality of chambers arranged in descending order. A series of locations (20) are positioned under said top surface and through which used materials are to pass. Each said location being provided for receipt of a predetermined used material. A descending path (25) extends from each said location and provides for the transfer of used material from the respective location successively through the chambers. The chambers include a sensing chamber (30) downstream of said locations and having sensing means (35) operable to sense the composition of used material located within said sensing chamber. The sensing means being operable to activate an alarm if the used material has been placed by a user in an opening for receipt of a different material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Aldous Montagu Hicks
  • Patent number: 8146613
    Abstract: A system and method for a surgical scrub automated cleaning station are disclosed. The surgical scrub cylinder automated cleaning station includes a rotatable, extendable, and retractable wash cylinder that is operable to accommodate any variety of arm length. More specifically, the surgical scrub automated cleaning station may include an accordion, telescoping, or otherwise adjustable cylinder to accommodate a variety of arm lengths. The surgical scrub cylinder automated cleaning station may be used to provide a surgeon or other health care personnel with a hand and forearm washing. The surgical scrub cylinder automated cleaning station may also be monitored to ensure compliance with one or more hygiene protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Resurgent Health & Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Barnhill, James Glenn, Kathy Lockridge, Jeff Heng
  • Patent number: 8141569
    Abstract: A structural member is designed to define a fluid distribution conduit receiving cavity within its interior volume. An elongate extruded plastic cover snap-fits onto the member to conceal the conduit but permits nozzles and the like to extend therethrough so that fluid may be distributed from the conduit and/or serviced as necessary without removing the cover. The cover effectively supports the conduit by trapping it against a compression pad on the cavity floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Belanger, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry S. Turner
  • Patent number: 8105442
    Abstract: A tubular measurement system for in service cleaning, inspecting, and measuring of a tubular, comprising: a first and second housing portion connected using hinges operable by hydraulic actuators. At least one high pressure water jet unit and a marine growth plough is disposed on a cleaning end of the housing. At least one enclosable camera block containing at least one digital camera is disposed on an inspection end of the housing. A first set of roller assemblies is disposed on the cleaning end and a second set of roller assemblies is disposed on the inspection end. A communication conduit is used to transfer signals from the digital cameras to a remote location. A hydraulic conduit and a high pressure water conduit provide hydraulic fluid and high pressure water from the remote location. A tether is used to provide a variable tension from the remote location to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Welaptega Marine Limited
    Inventor: Anthony D. Hall
  • Patent number: 8028709
    Abstract: A cleaning system which can be integrated into a coater track system for use in the production of semiconductor devices and methods for its use are provided. The cleaning system can include a series of nozzles having assorted configurations and features which provide uniform and efficient rinsing of excess material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Adrian Salinas, Joel Peterson
  • Patent number: 8001983
    Abstract: A wafer W is held in a horizontal attitude within an airtight container 41 by a vacuum chuck 42 such that small gaps are formed between the wafer W and the inner surfaces of the airtight container 41. A cleaning liquid is supplied toward the center portion of a front surface of the wafer W through a fluid supply port 40 which is an end of a fluid supply path 5, and is discharged through a fluid discharge portion 44 arranged in the bottom portion of the airtight container 41 in a form of a groove running along a circle having its center located on the center axis of the wafer W. The cleaning liquid flows and spreads from the center portion of the wafer W toward the peripheral portion while removing particles adhered to the wafer W, and is discharged through the fluid discharge portion 44. This arrangement allows the particles to be uniformly and reliably removed without rotating the wafer W. The entire cleaning apparatus 4 has a small size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Masahiro Fukuda, Taro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8002900
    Abstract: A method and apparatus 30 are provided for cleaning of bottle filling equipment 10 that has a plurality of elevated valves 18, each valve being in flow communication with filling liquid supply means 14. The method includes storing a manifold 32 that has a plurality of cleaning openings 42 in a configuration resembling that of the valves, in a position that allows clear visibility and access to the operation of the valves. The manifold 32 is lowered relative to the valves 18, so that it is below the valves and is positioned underneath the valves, with each cleaning opening 42 in flow communication with a valve. The valves 18 are rinsed with liquid flowing through the filling liquid supply 14, the valves and the manifold 32. Afterwards, the manifold 32 is removed from the valves 18 and returned to its stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Etienne Le Roux
  • Patent number: 7967020
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Matthew Jimenez
  • Patent number: 7919129
    Abstract: System and method for applying an antimicrobial agent, such as acidified calcium sulfate (ACS), to unpackaged meat products, in order to eliminate or reduce existing food borne bacterial pathogens and to prevent their growth when the meat products are stored. A conveyor transports unpackaged meat products to a spray chamber having nozzles positioned above and below the conveyor and meat products. The conveyor can be a wire conveyor having wires having a thickness so that they can support the food items, which can be eight to ten pounds, while being small enough so that the they do not block ACS solution sprays from the bottom nozzles, or do so to a negligible degree. The lower nozzles spray ACS solution through apertures of the conveyor and onto at least the bottom surfaces of the unpackaged meat products. The solution is sprayed with a sufficiently high pressure and sufficiently small drop size so that the ACS solution penetrates into tissues of the unpackaged meat products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods RDM, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne P. Pruett, Jr., Kevin G. Mellor, Donald N. Sinnot, Gilbert L. Boldt
  • Patent number: 7891066
    Abstract: A plate material vertical processing line that is capable of subjecting large-sized and thinned glass plates to scribing, venting, etc without degrading their quality, comprises a plurality of processing devices each having a modular structure; wherein each of the processing devices includes a platform; a belt conveyor that is mounted on the platform and is configured to convey a glass plate placed in a substantially upright position while supporting a lower end of the glass plate; and a fluid guide that is mounted on the platform and is configured to apply a fluid pressure to a surface of the glass plate to support the glass plate in the substantially upright position and in a non-contact state; and wherein the processing devices include a combination of at least two processing devices selected from a scribing device, a venting device, a chamfering device, a cleaning agent washing device, a water washing device, a high-pressure water spray device, and a glass plate turn device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignees: Kawasaki Plant Systems Kabushiki Kaisha, Corning Japan K.K.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Aoki, Keiji Tsujita, Morimasa Kuge, Takaaki Yokoyama, Takashi Sakurai, Michio Suzuki, Masayuki Anada, Masayuki Shinkai
  • Patent number: 7794547
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automatic washer system mounted within a maple sugar evaporator above the rear flue pan for removing niter and sediment built up during the boiling of sap. The evaporator comprises a furnace, a steam hood, a pan and a nozzle for washing the pan. The steam hood extends over the furnace. The pan is mounted to the furnace and under the steam hood. The nozzle is mounted over the pan. Cleaning fluid is sprayed from the nozzle to clean the pan by an automated process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: David Shrader Mann
  • Publication number: 20100139719
    Abstract: A spray assembly for an automatic dishwasher is provided comprising a conduit system for receiving pressurized washing liquid, and an elongated spray arm including an upper surface and a lower surface. The spray arm includes a dividing wall between the upper surface and the lower surface. The spray arm includes a plurality of orifices formed in the upper surface and the lower surface for distributing the liquid throughout the dishwasher. The dividing wall and the upper surface define an upper interior compartment and the dividing wall and the lower surface define a lower interior compartment. The conduit includes a water feed system and a water diverting mechanism for selectively diverting water into the upper compartment, the lower compartment, or both the upper and the lower compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Errin Whitney Gnadinger, Mohan Ponnaganti
  • Publication number: 20100071720
    Abstract: Inside a vacuum chamber 200 a cleaning unit 204 provides atomic hydrogen or atomic deuterium for cleaning a surface 202 at a pressure of less than 10?4 Torr or of more than 10?3 Torr. The surface 202 is heated by the heating unit 203 to a temperature of at least 50° C. This allows achieving cleaning rates of more than 60 ?/h. Preferably, the surface 202 is the surface of a multilayer mirror 201 as used in an EUV lithography apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Dirk Heinrich Ehm, Stefan Schmidt, Dieter Kraus, Stefan Wiesner, Stefan Koehler, Almut Czap, Hin Yiu Anthony Chung
  • Publication number: 20100043826
    Abstract: A sequencing spray arm assembly includes a plurality fluid spray arms rotatably mounted on respective radially spaced carrier arms. The rotating fluid spray arms are in fluid communication with a fluid distribution manifold and adapted to distribute washing fluid throughout a washing chamber of the appliance. A sequencing diverter valve system enables delivery of washing fluid from the fluid distribution manifold to one or more of the plurality of rotating fluid spray arms. A fluid responsive rotating drive arm drives the rotation of a sequencing disk in the valve system between discrete positions and enables delivery of fluid to one or more of the plurality of rotating fluid spray arms in a sequential manner such that, for each discrete position, less than the total number of spray arms are supplied with washing fluid at a time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: ROGER J. BERTSCH, RAYBURN L. COX, BRUCE W. GILLUM, BERNHARD MOHRBACHER, DONALD J. WILSON
  • Patent number: 7624744
    Abstract: An apparatus for covering and cleaning a cylindrical paint roller pad includes a painting shield having a semi-cylindrical side wall; mounting means for rotatably mounting the pad so that the painting shield side wall is spaced from a first segment of the pad side wall with the longitudinal axis of the pad is coincident with the axis of curvature of the painting shield side wall; a rinse shield rotatable between a closed position substantially beneath the painting shield side wall and an extended position spaced from a second segment of the roller outer surface, the shields being spaced to form a water discharge gap when the rinse shield is in its extended position; and a water manifold to direct water against the pad. The mounting means may be a spindle with a secured handle, or a separate handle attachable to the painting shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Millard F. Wallace
  • Patent number: 7527062
    Abstract: A kitchenware washing assembly includes at least one wall defining at least a portion of a tank for holding fluid for washing kitchenware. The kitchenware washing assembly also includes at least one pump and at least one chamber in fluid communication with the tank. The kitchenware washing assembly is formed such that at least part of the chamber is formed unitary with the wall of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Steelkor, L.L.C.
    Inventor: James W Bigott
  • Publication number: 20090000646
    Abstract: A new and useful device and method for cleaning a paint roller cover is provided. A paint roller frame has a longitudinal axis, and is supported in a manner such that the frame can spin freely about its longitudinal axis. A paint roller cover is placed on the roller frame, so that the paint roller cover extends about the longitudinal axis of the frame, and can spin with the frame about the longitudinal axis, thereby forming a frame/paint roller cover assembly that has the same longitudinal axis as the frame. A manifold is adapted to be connected to a source of cleaning fluid (e.g. water), and an array of no more than three spray nozzles are supported by the manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Donald G. Durant, Ronald D. Durant
  • Publication number: 20080308125
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a sawn wafer block includes a cleaning basin, a fixture for holding a sawn wafer block in the cleaning basin such that, when cleaning liquid is present in the cleaning basin, at least a portion of the wafer block having sawn gaps is disposed in the cleaning liquid, at least one outlet port in a bottom region of the cleaning basin, and a closer for the outlet port, by means of which the outlet port may be opened and closed. The closer, the outlet port and the bottom region of the cleaning basin are configured such that, by opening the closer the cleaning liquid is drainable so fast from at least the area of the cleaning basin having the wafer block disposed therein that contaminants are removable from the sawn gaps due to a suction effect of the cleaning liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: STANGL SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Stangl, Hans-Juergen Stangl
  • Patent number: 7461664
    Abstract: The plug is proposed for insertion into a hollow core of a roller cover to keep water from traveling through the hollow core, the plug comprising a body sized and configured to be received in the hollow core, and the body incorporating a peripheral lip thereon to keep the plug from being pushed into the hollow core by water pressure applied thereagainst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Collin Budron
  • Publication number: 20080295860
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the cleaning of thin wafers (6), wherein the wafers (6) are fixed with one side to a carrier device (2), and wherein an interspace (7) is formed between two adjacent substrates, wherein the apparatus substantially consists of a shower device (15) by which fluid is injected into the respective interspaces (7), and a basin (14) that can be filled with fluid and that is dimensioned such that it houses the carrier device (2). According to the invention, optionally either the shower device (15) can be moved in relation to the immobile carrier device (2), or the carrier device (2) can be moved in relation to the immobile shower device (15), or both the carrier device (2) as well as the shower device (15) can be moved in relation to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Norbert Burger
  • Patent number: 7455067
    Abstract: A portable food tray pre-wash and water recycling apparatus and method for pre-washing reusable food trays prior to placement in a separate cleaning and sanitizing unit that significantly reduces water wasted in kitchen and scullery areas. The apparatus includes a portable cabinet having a slot in a top end for inserting a food tray, laterally opposed spray nozzles beneath the slot that spray both sides of the tray, laterally opposed rotating brushes beneath the nozzles that scrub the tray, a tray support and brush comb member that supports the tray in a vertical position and removes particles from the brushes, a series of removable incrementally smaller gauge filters vertically spaced beneath the brushes that slide in from one side to filter the water, a water reservoir beneath the filters, a heating unit to heat and disinfect the filtered water, and a pump that recycles heated water back to the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Randall D. Cotton
  • Patent number: 7442256
    Abstract: Apparatus for spraying maintenance enhancing material onto the periphery of a tubular member positioned above a ground surface, that comprises means for generating spray onto the periphery of the tubular member; means for delivering maintenance enhancing material to the spray generating means; and means for positioning the spray generating means in such a way that the periphery of the tubular member is completely impinged by the spray issuing from each spray generating means and that a line corresponding to the shortest distance of a spray issuing from the spray generating means to the periphery of the tubular member is not necessarily colinear with the radius of the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Kal Sal Works Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Sela, Shlomo Kline
  • Publication number: 20080236630
    Abstract: Disclosed are a dish washer and a method of controlling the same, in which the amount of water consumed is reduced and a washing time is maintained while assuring a washing performance. The dish washer includes a washing tub; dish baskets provided in the washing tub to accommodate dishes; and a plurality of nozzles to spray washing water to the dish baskets, where spray holes to spray the washing water are formed through each of the plurality of nozzles, and the spray holes formed through the plurality of nozzles have areas different from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shimotera Kennichi, Young Ho Kwon, Jung Chan Ryu
  • Patent number: 7422024
    Abstract: An ultrasonic shower cleaning apparatus is disclosed which is capable of efficiently cleaning both surfaces of an article and configured to have a reduced size enabling an installation space thereof to be decreased. A pair of ultrasonic shower cleaning mechanisms each include a nozzle, a disc-shaped ultrasonic transducer arranged so as to face a backward end of the nozzle and an inlet port for a cleaning liquid formed opposite to a side surface of the nozzle. The ultrasonic shower cleaning mechanisms are integrally incorporated in one casing in such a manner that axes of the nozzles cross each other at a predetermined angle. The casing is provided with one inlet branch port connected to the inlet ports of the ultrasonic shower cleaning mechanisms. The casing may have a groove formed therein in which an edge of the article arranged between the two nozzles can be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Kaijo Corporation
    Inventors: Seigo Takahashi, Junpei Ohkawara, Kazunari Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7409962
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump assembly for establishing a recirculated wash fluid flow within a washing chamber. The pump assembly includes a housing having a recirculation portion and a drain portion. The recirculation portion includes an inlet passage, a recirculation passage and a pump mount. The inlet and recirculation passages share a common wall and open into the pump mount. The pump assembly further includes a pump having a housing, a motor drivingly connected to an impeller and a conduit having inlet and outlet portions projecting from the housing. The inlet and outlet portions are concentrically arranged within the conduit and fluidly connected with the impeller. With this arrangement, the pump unit can be readily secured to the pump mount and, during operation, draws washing fluid in through the inlet and redirects the washing fluid to the recirculation passage of the housing at approximately 180° from the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney M. Welch
  • Patent number: 7392815
    Abstract: A wafer processing chamber “chamber” is provided. Broadly speaking, the chamber allows a fluid flow and a fluid pressure within the chamber to be controlled in a variable manner. More specifically, the chamber utilizes removable plates that can be configured to control the fluid flow and the fluid pressure in an inner volume within the chamber. Also, the removable plates can be used to separate the inner volume within the chamber from an outer volume within the chamber. In this manner, the removable plates can be used to create a pressure differential between the inner volume within the chamber and the outer volume within the chamber. A lower pressure in the outer volume within the chamber requires less outer chamber strength to withstand the lower pressure. A lower outer chamber strength requirement translates into an overall decrease in chamber size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: John Parks
  • Patent number: 7368016
    Abstract: A substrate processing unit includes: a vertically-movable substrate holder for holding a substrate; a pan surrounding a periphery of the substrate holder; a cell, located below the substrate holder and within the pan, having in its interior a chemical processing section; and a cell cover, capable of closing a top opening of the cell, having a plurality of spray nozzles for separately spraying at least two types of processing liquids, wherein the pan and the cell each have an individual liquid discharge line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Katsuoka, Masahiko Sekimoto, Teruyuki Watanabe, Ryo Kato, Toshio Yokoyama, Kenichi Suzuki, Kenichi Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20080092924
    Abstract: Provided area cleaning apparatus and an associated method of using the disclosed apparatus wherein the apparatus utilizes one or more nozzles configured to provide a coherent stream of one or more cleaning fluids for removing accumulated fine particulate matter, sludge, from surfaces. The nozzles may be sized, arranged and configured to provide coherent streams that maintain the initial stream diameter for a substantial portion of the maximum dimension of the space being cleaned. The apparatus and method are expected to be particularly useful in the cleaning of heat exchangers incorporating a plurality of substantially vertical and narrowly spaced tubes by directing cleansing streams along a plurality of intertube spaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Jean Collin, Ryan Jones, Joshua Luszcz, Marc Kreider, Aaron Pellman, Robert Varrin, David Arguelles
  • Patent number: 7287535
    Abstract: A work washing apparatus including a transfer unit for controlling forward and rearward movements of a work, a table moved by the transfer unit, carrying out the washing of the work from upper and lower surfaces thereof and provided with water/air pipes, an upper surface washing unit provided on an upper surface of the transfer unit and having upper surface washing nozzles which make planetary movements by utilizing rational movements of the nozzles on their own axes and an orbital movement of the washing unit, side surface washing units provided on both side surfaces of the transfer unit and having side surface nozzles which make planetary movements by utilizing rotational movements of the nozzles on their own axes and an orbital movement of the upper surface washing unit, a lower washing unit provided on a lower surface of the transfer unit and having lower surface washing nozzles which make planetary movements by utilizing rotational movements of the nozzles on their own axes and an orbital movement of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Fine Machine Kataoka Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiji Kataoka
  • Publication number: 20070246088
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved exterior rollover vehicle washing machine and/or cleaning system including an external frame, a gantry having no internal propulsion, a motor, a drive line/pulley system, at least two washer arm assemblies, a water supply line and a chemical supply line. In one embodiment, the motor has belt and pulley members to move the gantry back and forth along a frame track. The washer arms can move horizontally alongside the vehicle from vehicle front to vehicle back, as well as horizontally toward and away from the vehicle. The washer arms can further be pivotally mounted to the gantry so as to move within a 90 degree range such that the water supply line and/or chemical supply line can rotate from approximately 45 degrees to one side of the normal line directed at the vehicle to 45 degrees on the other side of the normal line directed at the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventor: Donald J. Rennie
  • Patent number: 7278433
    Abstract: A produce washer includes a holder to position a single piece of produce and a nozzle disposed at a horizontal distance adjacent to the holder. When the produce is a cored lettuce head, the cored lettuce head is positioned in the holder with the cored portion facing the nozzle disposed across the horizontal distance. When the cored lettuce head is positioned in the holder, the nozzle directs a stream of cleansing liquid across the horizontal distance into the cored portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc.
    Inventors: John Y. Bryce, Rafael Garibay
  • Patent number: 7252100
    Abstract: A circuit board processing system includes a wash tank configured to contain cleaning fluid, and a positioning subsystem configured to immerse a set of circuit boards into the wash tank. The system further includes a flow control subsystem having (i) a first set of nozzles disposed within the wash tank, (ii) a second set of nozzles disposed within the wash tank, and (iii) a controller. The controller is configured to direct the cleaning fluid through the first set of nozzles to provide a flow of the cleaning fluid in a first direction relative to the set of circuit boards. The controller is further configured to direct the cleaning fluid through a second set of nozzles to provide a flow of the cleaning fluid in a second direction relative to the set of circuit boards after providing the flow of the cleaning fluid in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Stuart D. Downes, Deborah Fragoza, Eric Ren, Thomas E. Knight