With Closable Work-treating Chambers Patents (Class 134/200)
  • Patent number: 5402810
    Abstract: Portable apparatus is provided for storing and cleaning pacifiers, including a vessel having a vessel opening for containing cleaning fluid, a pacifier storage and cleaner rack comprising a raised platform having a platform edge and sized to fit within the vessel, the platform having opening for permitting the passage of the cleaning fluid through the platform and alternatively with a through-hole with a diameter sized smaller than the pacifier's base with the through-hole preferably sized at approximately the same diameter as bulb portion, and optional support member connected to the platform adjacent to the platform edge for lifting the platform. The apparatus preferably includes a vessel lid having an outer lid edge, the vessel lid being connected to the support member adjacent to the outer lid edge. The apparatus also preferably includes a lid engaging mechanism for removably securing the lid over the vessel opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: J.J. Donley and Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: Beth J. Donley
  • Patent number: 5401328
    Abstract: A device for cleaning mechanical appliances, small parts and/or electronic switch units using cleaning liquids comprises a cleaning chamber ventilated by means of a fan. A baffle plate is arranged in front of an intake opening of the chamber. A door provides access to the chamber. A discharge chamber below the cleaning chamber collects the cleaning liquid for regeneration. The cleaning chamber is mounted above a square, closed substructure. The delivery connection piece of the fan is connected by a pipeline to the base region of the substructure. A ventilation pipeline leading both into the cleaning chamber and an evacuation pipeline opens into the upper region of the substructure. A rotary table in the cleaning chamber holds the objects to be cleaned. The cleaning chamber has at least one rising pipe which is supplied with cleaning liquid by a pump and which has spray nozzles directed toward the rotary table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventor: Rudolf Schmitz, deceased
  • Patent number: 5385159
    Abstract: A parts washer having an upper tank with a sloped bottom portion that slopes downward to an exit aperture and having a pumping mechanism for pumping solvent from the upper tank to a solvent-spraying means. A valve assembly with first and second end portions is attached to the exit aperture such that there is a fluid-tight seal between the first end portion of the valve assembly and the upper tank. A lower tank having a cover, a detachable lower portion, an attachment mechanism for attaching and detaching the lower portion from the cover, and a sealing mechanism for providing an air-tight seal between the cover and the lower portion is attached to the valve assembly such that the cover is attached to the second end portion of the valve assembly so that a fluid-tight seal exists between the cover and the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: Rodney D. Mead
  • Patent number: 5377708
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for improved processing of semiconductor wafers and the like using vapor phase processing chemicals, particularly aqueous hydrofluoric acid etchants. Homogeneous vapor mixtures are generated from homogeneous liquid mixtures. Means for recirculating, mixing and agitating the liquid phase reactants are provided. In some embodiments the liquid phase is advantageously circulated through a chemical trench within the processing bowl. Exposure of wafers to vapors from the chemical trench can be controlled by a vapor control valve which is advantageously the bottom of the processing chamber. The wafer is rotated or otherwise moved within the processing chamber to provide uniform dispersion of the homogeneous reactant vapors across the wafer surface and to facilitate vapor circulation to the processed surface. A radiative volatilization processor can be utilized to volatilize reaction by-products which form under some conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Bergman, Timothy J. Reardon, Raymon F. Thompson, Aleksander Owczarz
  • Patent number: 5370143
    Abstract: A degreasing and cleaning method for removing oils from an object includes the steps of heating an object deposited with oils in a container, jetting a cleaning liquid which is mainly water or steam into the container and subsequently evacuating the container to reduce the pressure in the inside of the container to thereby evaporate the deposited oils to remove them from the object. The degreasing and cleaning method can be conducted by an apparatus which includes a vacuum container having a heating means for heating an object deposited with oils, a jetting means for jetting the cleaning liquid into the vacuum container and an exhausting means for exhausting evaporated ingredients formed by steam distillation in the vacuum container therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Oriental Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsuneo Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5368379
    Abstract: A dishwasher chassis includes a tub into which dishes are inserted. The tub is placed on a torsion stiff shell structure (10, 22), with a part of the shell comprising the bottom of the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventor: Jan S. Wrangberth
  • Patent number: 5361789
    Abstract: A washing/drying method, comprising: dipping a material to be washed into an aqueous solution containing a surfactant having a water repellency so that at least one molecular layer of the water repellent surfactant is attached to the surface of the material to be washed; and then drying the material according to a known drying method such as vacuum drying, shaking off, blowing with gas and heating; or heating the material to be washed with steam at a temperature of less than 100.degree. C. in an atmosphere reduced to a pressure such that the boiling point of water becomes less than 100.degree. C.; and then drying the material according to a known drying method such as vacuum drying, shaking off, blowing with air, and heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Ichiro Yoshida, Hiroshi Iida
  • Patent number: 5357993
    Abstract: Produce, whether vegetable and/or fruit, is supported upon a screen basket suspended within a closed cabinet. Each of a plurality of nozzles disposed about the basket emits a filled cone of washing liquid to scour the produce and to dislodge by agitation and flotation debris therefrom. After filtering of the washing fluid through a screen in the cabinet, the washing fluid is recycled by a pump pumping the washing fluid from a collection trough to the nozzles. Preferably, the washing fluid is slightly acidic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: Marty St. Martin
  • Patent number: 5357991
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for improved processing of semiconductor wafers and the like using vapor phase processing chemicals, particularly aqueous hydrofluoric acid etchants. Homogeneous vapor mixtures are generated from homogeneous liquid mixtures. Means for recirculating, mixing and agitating the liquid phase reactants are provided. In some embodiments the liquid phase is advantageously circulated through a chemical trench within the processing bowl. Exposure of wafers to vapors from the chemical trench can be controlled by a vapor control valve which is advantageously the bottom of the processing chamber. The wafer is rotated or otherwise moved within the processing chamber to provide uniform dispersion of the homogeneous reactant vapors across the wafer surface and to facilitate vapor circulation to the processed surface. A radiative volatilization processor can be utilized to volatilize reaction by-products which form under some conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Bergman, Timothy J. Reardon, Raymon F. Thompson, Aleksander Owczarz
  • Patent number: 5357992
    Abstract: A heat cycle type dishwasher having a housing body for the preformance of washing and cleaning processes therein, and water supplied from the main water reservoir is heated by the burner cap and distributed to the washing tub and the cleaning tub. For washing and cleaning, at first water in the main water reservoir is delivered to the upper and lower manifolds by means of the pump, for washing the dishes with the pressurized water column and detergent, and the used water is filtered and returned to the washing tub for cycle use, which is the cycle type washing process. And next clean water in the cleaning tub is delivered to the cleaning manifolds by means of the pump for the performance of cleaning process. The two processes are performed alternatively to accomplish washing and cleaning of dishes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: Shui-Chuang Yang
  • Patent number: 5355901
    Abstract: An apparatus for precision cleaning with carbon dioxide includes a pressure vessel having a removable cleaning drum with a sanitized work zone, a separator for regenerating spent carbon dioxide, and pressure and temperature monitoring and control devices to maintain the carbon dioxide in a supercritical state while it is circulated in contact with a part to be cleaned. The sanitized work zone is defined by an impermeable drum body having removable entry and exit filters to ensure that circulating cleaning fluid does not redeposit contaminants on the parts. The separator includes distillation means. The pressure vessel and separator form part of an overall system, including a storage vessel for carbon dioxide, a pump, a preheater, a let-down valve in communication with the pressure vessel outlet, a condenser and a bypass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Autoclave Engineers, Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mielnik, John A. Metalonis, Richard K. Reber, Larry R. Rosio, Stephen H. Shore, Charles W. Smith
  • Patent number: 5343885
    Abstract: A vacuum air lock assembly for transferring an article into an enclosure for treating the article with a solvent, the enclosure including a door for admitting the article into or out of the enclosure, the assembly including a chamber mounted on the enclosure and having an outer door, the chamber being sealed to the enclosure for transferring the article from the chamber through the enclosure door into the enclosure, a vacuum pump for drawing a vacuum in the chamber and discharging the air to atmosphere, the chamber being connected to the enclosure to break the vacuum in the chamber with solvent vapor from the enclosure, the article is transferred into the enclosure through the enclosure door for treatment and returned to the chamber after treatment, and the solvent vapor in the chamber is returned to the enclosure chamber through the vacuum pump and the vacuum in the chamber is broken to atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventor: David C. H. Grant
  • Patent number: 5339843
    Abstract: A controlled agitation cleaning system, for cleaning parts with a flammable cleaning liquid, has a container with an interior volume sufficient to accept a quantity of the cleaning liquid and an opening through which an item to be cleaned can be placed in the cleaning liquid. A lid closes the container opening. Several agitation nozzles extending in liquid-tight manner through a wall of the container, with each nozzle arranged to direct the volume of cleaning liquid flowing through that nozzle toward an associated container volume portion, when an air-operated pump moves the cleaning liquid through the nozzles. The pump is activated only when the lid has provided a positive closure of the container opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Benedict, James F. Burke
  • Patent number: 5331986
    Abstract: A dishwashing machine is provided which comprises: a housing having a first washing compartment and a second washing compartment spatially separated from each other by a partition wall; first spray means for spraying the washing water onto the dishes within the first compartment; second spray means for spraying the washing water onto the dishes within the second compartment, the first and the second spray means operable independently of one another to permit selective washing of the dishes accommodated in the first and the second compartments; a drainpipe for allowing the washing water to be drained therethrough at the termination of an washing operation; and a multi-way valve, responsive to the particular mode of operation of the dishwashing machine for selectively coupling the pressurized washing water to the first spray means, the second spray means and the drain pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Daewoo Eelctronics Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Moo-Seang Lim, Jong-Man Yun, Chan-Kyu Park, Sang-Dae Lee, Sun-Chae Ma, Seung-Seob Oh, Eui-Sik Jeong, Kwang-Sun Paek
  • Patent number: 5331987
    Abstract: An apparatus for rinsing and drying a substrate includes a process chamber; a rinsing bath provided in the process chamber and having a first opening and a second opening at the bottom and at the upper portion, respectively; a device for supplying a rinsing solution into the rinsing bath through the first opening; a device for discharging the rinsing solution overflowing from the rinsing bath to the outside of the process chamber; a device for discharging the rinsing solution from the first opening of the rinsing bath; a device for elevating and lowering the substrate between positions above the rinsing bath and within the rinsing bath; a device for supplying predetermined ionized and heated gas, preferably, inactive gas such as nitrogen gas, into the process chamber; and a device for reducing pressure in the process chamber so as to dry the rinsed substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiichiro Hayashi, Kazunori Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 5320119
    Abstract: Wash package for surgical tools such as pistol grip graspers, cutters and the like with a tubular shaft, comprising a mating first section (10) and pivotably mounted second section (2), matable to form a wash enclosure around the pistol grip, and a pivotably mounted lock (30) and fluid admittance and removal conduits (51, 52), constructed for fluid pressurizing and exit through the tubular shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: TNCO, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry R. Griffiths
  • Patent number: 5313966
    Abstract: An immersion cleaning device is provided with concave portions housing respective chemical baths into which a workpiece is selectively immersed. Any gas and mist generated from the chemical baths is exhausted from the concave portions. A transportation element has a portion to hold a workpiece with takes the workpiece into or out from the chemical bath. A controller is included to control operation of transportation means. An enclosure body moves with the holding portion and is moved with the workpiece to substantially enclose any gases and chemical mist generated during the transportation. Corrosion of the device and pollution which might be caused by leaks of gases and mist to the outside are thus prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaaki Sadamori
  • Patent number: 5313965
    Abstract: A system for continuously processing items using supercritical fluid wherein the main process vessel in which the items are cleaned or extracted is continuously pressurized with supercritical fluid. The continuous pressurization of the main process vessel is achieved by using an entry airlock to initially pressurize the item to be processed prior to transport into the main process vessel. An exit airlock is provided to depressurize the item after cleaning or extraction in the main process vessel. The system also provides for pretreatment of the items in the entry airlock prior to processing in the main vessel. Post-treatment may also be provided in the exit airlock when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventor: Edward J. Palen
  • Patent number: 5311894
    Abstract: A conveyor dishwashing machine in which racks of dishes are conveyed from a loading surface through a hood which presents washing and rinsing zones and onto a discharge surface. In the washing zone, wash spray is applied to the dishes from a spray system which is easily removed for cleaning and easily replaced in the proper position. In the rinsing zone, a rinse curtain applies an initial rinse and creates a barrier against the wash spray. A final rinse of clean city water is applied subsequent to the rinse curtain. Automatic controls operate the machine with a minimum of human intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: TCA, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell L. Payzant
  • Patent number: 5305769
    Abstract: A power spray washing machine includes an enclosed wash cabinet positioned above a wash holding tank and a rinse holding tank. Openings are provided through a floor of the wash cabinet directly into the wash and rinse tanks, respectively. Vertical plug valves are associated with each opening to open and close the openings and control the flow of fluids therethrough. Each valve includes a first valve head moveable between a closed position in direct contact with and closing the opening and an open position out of contact with and uncovering the opening. The valve heads retain no fluid between the floor of the wash cabinet and the holding tanks when the valve head is in the closed position. By this arrangement, cross contamination of solutions between the wash and rinse holding tanks is minimized or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: American Metal Wash, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Jung
  • Patent number: 5302004
    Abstract: A method for removing asbestos containing material from an area of a building by creating a containment area substantially surrounding the area of the building where the asbestos containing material is located. Removing and compressing compressible asbestos containing material within the containment area and cutting rigid asbestos containing material into pieces within the containment area. Packaging the compressed and cut asbestos containing material for removal from the containment area. Demolishing block walls within the containment area and grinding pieces of the walls into particles for removal from the containment area. Scraping adhering asbestos containing material from surfaces within the containment area and encapsulating the surfaces from which asbestos containing material has been removed with a lock-down agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: QSI International, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Docherty
  • Patent number: 5287868
    Abstract: A convection air inlet and suds control device is provided for a dishwasher. The dishwasher has a washing chamber with a bottom wall, a chimney extending through the bottom wall with opposite upper and lower ends positioned on opposite sides of the bottom wall. A chimney cap is spaced in covering relation over the upper end of the chimney. A container having an inner cup and an outer cup is mounted adjacent the bottom wall such that the inner cup surrounds the lower extension of the chimney. The outer cup includes an opening such that air may flow by convection into the outer cup, into the inner cup and upwardly through the chimney into the washing chamber so as to dry the articles in the dishwasher. In oversudsing conditions, the suds flow downwardly through the chimney for collection in the inner cup. Excess suds filling the inner cup will spill over into the outer cup. The inner cup and lower extension of the chimney cooperate to function as a valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Barry E. Tuller, Thomas M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5285802
    Abstract: A wheelchair cleaning system includes, in a modular assembly, a wash chamber, operators control unit and a mobile base support structure housing the electromechanical components used to apply the cleaning process. The operator places a wheelchair in the wash chamber and from the control unit selects cleaning functions to be applied through a programmable micro-processor. A pump draws cleaning solution from the sink through a line connected to the rotating spray arm assembly. As the spray arm lifts past the wheelchair, the solution is sprayed against the wheelchair through nozzles on the spray arm. The solution returns into the sink for continuous re-cycling. A drain pump draws the contaminated water from the sink through a drain line into a drain receptacle when the wash and rinse cycles are completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Karl Soderquist
  • Patent number: 5273060
    Abstract: A spray cleaning system is designed to use a flammable solvent, such as isopropyl alcohol, and includes safety features to maintain the concentration of solvent vapor within the cleaning chamber below a safe limit. The system includes a chamber for containing the article to be cleaned, a nozzle for directing a spray of solvent against the article, and a pump for supplying solvent to the nozzle. The chamber is ventilated with a flow of air to maintain the concentration of solvent vapor within the chamber below a predetermined safety limit, such as the lower explosive limit for the solvent, and the air is exhausted to create a negative pressure within the chamber. A sensor detects combustion or an explosion within the chamber. Additional sensors can be included to monitor leakage of solvent from the cleaning chamber or solvent supply tank. The flow of solvent to the nozzle is automatically halted in the event of combustion or explosion, or if solvent leakage is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Corporation
    Inventors: Walter E. Hill, III, Dale J. Skulborstad, John B. Howard, Jr., Kenneth P. Marts
  • Patent number: 5268035
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating workpieces with a fluid, in particular for cleaning metallic workpieces prior to a subsequent heat treatment are disclosed. According to claimed method the workpieces are positioned in a washing vessel and are entirely overflowed with a pressureless swell of a treating fluid. After a certain period of time, a discharge opening in the vessel is closed so that an immersion bath is filled in. When the workpieces are entirely immersed in the treating fluid, the fluid is agitated by means of air bubbles. During subsequent bath discharge the workpieces are continuously overflowed by the treating fluid in order to avoid chemical reactions with the ambient atmosphere. Finally, the workpieces are dried by means of a vacuum dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Aichelin GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Neubauer, Werner Comanns
  • Patent number: 5268036
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating workpieces with a fluid, in particular for cleaning metallic workpieces prior to a subsequent heat treatment are disclosed. The workpieces are positioned in an air-tight washing vessel. The vessel is filled with an immersion bath substantially covering the workpieces and having a temperature of between 50.degree. C. and 90.degree. C. After closing the washing vessel it is evacuated down to a vacuum having a pressure being below the saturation vapor pressure of the fluid at the prevailing temperature. Thus, the fluid starts to boil although its temperature is substantially below the boiling temperature of the fluid at atmospheric pressure. After a certain period of time of maintaining the vacuum and the boiling, the vacuum is relieved and the bath is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Aichelin GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Neubauer, Werner Comanns, Alexander Witte
  • Patent number: 5267581
    Abstract: An apparatus for and method abating discharges of chemicals into the environment. The apparatus comprises a retractable top and a shroud to trap and recondense vapors emanating from open-top chemical processing and solvent cleaning tanks. The retractable top is formed by a plurality of panels that are pivotally attached to the top of the tank. The temperature of the interior surfaces of the panels is controlled to create an equithermal zone across the top of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Inventor: Pierre C. Morinaud
  • Patent number: 5265633
    Abstract: A parts washer (10) is disclosed in its preferred form including modular components of a base (12), a reservoir (14), a reservoir cover (16), a wash basin (18), and a basin cover (20). The reservoir (14) is slideably received in a receptacle (34) formed in the base (12). The cover (16) is slideably received on the reservoir (14) with a positioning trough (70) of the cover (16) received in a groove (48) in the reservoir (14) and is removably fastened to the reservoir (14) by an expandable plug (114) insertable into and expandable within parallel assembly apertures (50, 68) formed in the reservoir (14) and the cover (16). The wash basin (18) abuts with the cover (16) and includes a depressed center portion having a drain depression formed therein which is slideably received and nestled within a depressed center portion having a drain depression formed in the cover (16) and further includes a positioning trough (88) which is slideably received and nestled within the trough (70) of the cover (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: Glenn C. Knowlton
  • Patent number: 5259406
    Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning a toilet brush includes a splash proof housing, which surrounds the toilet brush and has a bottom provided with an outlet for spent water, and a supply line leading to the housing. To permit simple, reliable and effective cleaning of the toilet brush, nozzles are provided in the housing, which are directed toward the toilet brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: Hermann Hofmann
  • Patent number: 5259890
    Abstract: A washing machine for nondestructively cleaning machine parts comprises an enclosure and a water wheel for projecting a wash liquid against an object to be treated. The water wheel rotates at high speed. Washing liquid is fed into a central opening in the water wheel, and the liquid is projected at high velocity against the object to be cleaned. The liquid is projected in a pattern comprising a plurality of spaced-apart, geometrically similar, arcuate, dense zones of wash liquid. A pulsed cleaning effect is obtained. The device is especially useful for cleaning worn automotive and truck brake shoes prior to reconditioning the brake shoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Goff Division, George Fischer Foundry Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Goff
  • Patent number: 5257638
    Abstract: A dishwashing machine having a vertically movable door which when closed seals against the frame sides of a door opening leading to a treatment chamber (10) in which dishes are washed by spraying the dishes with washing liquid. The door opening includes a bottom, substantially vertical part (28) located on the front side of the chamber, and a top part (30) which extends obliquely upwards and in towards the machine interior. The door comprises a bottom and a top section (22, 20) and a center section (24), which are pivotally connected to one another. The sections are supported and guided by pivot arms (38) and link arms (42) in a manner such that when pulling up the door from its closed position, the top section will swing into the machine to a position adjacent the rear wall (14) of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Inventor: Arne Alvemarker
  • Patent number: 5247953
    Abstract: A fluid collector positionable beneath a fluid sprayer, said collector comprising a fluid receiving surface having at least one concave collection well formed therein. A preferred embodiment of the collector comprises a dual welled insert positionable within an existing catch tank or sump, said insert having first and second collection wells with a raised bulkhead or septum formed therebetween. A solution or suspension rolling down the sloped surface of the dual welled insert will be separated on either side of the raised bulkhead or septum so that a first portion of the fluid will collect in the first collection well and a second portion of the fluid will collect in the second collection well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: D.E.M. Controls of Canada
    Inventor: Mark D'Amato
  • Patent number: 5240686
    Abstract: An arrangement for the emptying and cleaning, and when required, for the disinfecting of hygienic vessels which are employed in the health care or nursing sector, without contamination of the external portions of the arrangement. The arrangement for the emptying and cleaning of hygienic vessels, consists of a rinsing chamber with a conical lower portion, with an odor trap, as well as with cleaning nozzles in the rinsing chamber and with a horizontal or vertical trap door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: S I C AG
    Inventor: Jan Harlegard
  • Patent number: 5240018
    Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning printed wiring boards and/or printed circuit boards after soldering thereof for removal of rosin soldering fluxes using terpene compounds. The apparatus includes three separate components, a first housing containing the terpene washing apparatus, a second housing containing a water rinsing apparatus, and intermediate conveying means for transporting the devices from the first housing to the second housing. This intermediate conveying means should be disposed at an angle such that the end facing the second housing is disposed lower than the first end. Exhaust fans are provided for the first housing to prevent escape of terpene odors or vapors therefrom, while similar exhaust fans in the second housing prevent the escape of water vapor. Scrubbers are provided in the exhaust ducts from the first housing to prevent terpene compounds from escaping to the atmosphere. A flame detector prevents the introduction of boards having flames thereon or being overheated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Vitronics Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald F. Clark, Gary J. Attalla
  • Patent number: 5238012
    Abstract: A paint roller cleaning apparatus comprising a tubular barrel-shaped roller container. The container includes two C-shaped sections. A hinge joins the C-shaped sections along adjacent edges and with the C-shaped sections being relatively movable to one another into open and closed positions for enabling a paint roller to be inserted into the container for cleaning. A motor is retainingly mounted on one end of the tubular barrel-shaped roller container. A roller coupler is located inside of the tubular barrel-shaped roller container and is connected to the motor for driving connection to one end of a paint roller to rotate a paint roller within the tubular barrel-shaped roller container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Inventor: Mario C. Coronato
  • Patent number: 5235995
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for improved processing of semiconductor wafers and the using vapor phase processing chemicals, particularly aqueous hydrofluoric acid etchants. Homogeneous vapor mixtures are generated from homogeneous liquid mixtures. Means for recirculating, mixing and agitating the liquid phase reactants are provided. In some embodiments the liquid phase is advantageously circulated through a chemical trench within the processing bowl. Exposure of wafers to vapors from the chemical trench can be controlled by a vapor control valve which is advantageously the bottom of the processing chamber. The wafer is rotated or otherwise moved within the processing chamber to provide uniform dispersion of the homogeneous reactant vapors across the wafer surface and to facilitate vapor circulation to the processed surface. A radiative volatilization processor can be utilized to volatilize reaction by-products which form under some conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Bergman, Timothy J. Reardon, Raymon F. Thompson, Aleksander Owczarz
  • Patent number: 5232299
    Abstract: A recirculating parts washer provides both automatic jet washing and manual, sink-type brush washing for automotive parts and the like. The parts washer, which uses a water-based detergent cleaning solution, comprises a tank for storing a cleaning solution, a housing for providing an enclosed wash area, a jet wash means providing automatic jet washing, a brush wash means allowing manually cleaning, and a pump means for selectively delivering a flow of cleaning solution to the jet wash means and/or the brush wash means. A means for decontaminating the cleaning solution and the tank is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Better Engineering Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Keith W. Hiss
  • Patent number: 5224504
    Abstract: A single wafer processor supports a semiconductor wafer having at least one surface that is to be subjected to contact with a fluid. The equipment includes a portable module including a gripper assembly that is rotatable about the axis of a portable housing and is capable of mechanically engaging or disengaging the edge of an individual wafer. The portable module is complementary to a receiving base having an open bowl provided with liquid jets for discharging processing liquids or reagents in parallel streams directed toward the outer surface of a rotating wafer. The bowl can also be filled with liquid for immersion treatment of a wafer, which can be held stationary or rotated at slow speeds. The portable unit is moved between base units by a robotic arm. All elements associated with holding of the wafer are physically shielded to minimize wafer contamination from environmental contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymon F. Thompson, Robert W. Gordon, Daniel Durado
  • Patent number: 5225160
    Abstract: An instrument (28) or other item to be sterilized is supported on a hanger (26) in a decontamination chamber (10). A container such as a sleeve (92), is supported at adjacent ends between supporting rings (90) such that the container surrounds and is displaced from the instrument. A pump (40) recirculates a sterilant or other antimicrobial solution that collects in a lower drain (48) and a reservoir (50) through spray nozzles (70, 96) and connectors (44) which are connected to interior passages of the instrument. In this manner, the internal passages of the instrument are sterilized by the flowing liquid and exterior surfaces are sterilized by sterilant solution mist which condenses on and coats the exterior surface. After the instrument is sterilized, a sterile rinse is sprayed on the instrument and interior of the container. The container and instrument are removed as a unit and the container is closed at its ends to prevent the instrument from becoming microbially contaminated from the ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Steris Corporation
    Inventors: Bill R. Sanford, Raymond C. Kralovic
  • Patent number: 5222511
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing dust-containing or hazardous material from bags includes a vertical bag feeding chute having one or more vertically disposed knife blades fixed (no moving mechanical parts) in the chute to slice open the bag as it falls through the chute. The sliced bag is caught in a downwardly angled perforated basket disposed below the bag feeding chute where an operator operating through a glove box removes solid material from the interior of the sliced bag after most of the bag contents have fallen through the perforated receiving basket and into a mixing tank. The apparatus is particularly useful for debagging acrylamide monomer in the production of polyacrylamide homopolymers and copolymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Diatec Environmental
    Inventors: Alan R. Mikkelsen, Edwin T. Sortwell
  • Patent number: 5221360
    Abstract: Rinser dryer system for rising process chemical from silicon or gallium arsenide wafers, substrates, masks or disks and drying of silicon or gallium arsenide wafers, substrates, masks or disks positioned in a wafer cassette. A wafer cassette is positioned in a rotor assembly and the rotor assembly positioned within a removable heated chamber bowl. The wafer cassette rotates past rising and drying manifold nozzles. The removable chamber bowl is secured to a rinser dryer mounting plate by quick disconnect hardware for removal and for external cleansing. A broken chip collector in a lower portion of an exhaust manifold assembly removes small broken chip remains. An acidity sensor is positioned in a bottom portion of the exhaust manifold assembly for monitoring rinse effluent during the rising process. A gated exhaust valve in an exhaust gas manifold of the exhaust manifold assembly provides for gases to exhaust to an external location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymon F. Thompson, Aleksander Owczarz
  • Patent number: 5220933
    Abstract: A cleaning tank comprised of a fluid container, an air-driven motor, a drive shaft, a filtered submersible pump, fluid transport conduits and outlet nozzles is disclosed. Supports are provided for workpieces to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventor: Terry A. Albers
  • Patent number: 5213117
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning paint guns and related accessories includes a housing defining a washing chamber, a fluid manifold located within the washing chamber having fluid jets attached thereto, a solvent storage tank, an air-flow system and a fluid distribution system for driving the solvent from the storage tank to the manifold for washing the parts mounted on the fluid jets. A timer is provided for control of the washing cycle time and a preset time may be used which is greater than the time required to empty the storage tank thereby providing a drying cycle. In one aspect, the solvent storage tank is provided with a movable barrier dividing the tank into an air chamber and a solvent chamber with the air-flow system coupled to the air chamber so that when pressurized the movable barrier drives the solvent through the fluid distribution system to the manifold. A removable solvent tank is included which is coupled to the solvent chamber by the fluid distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: Soichiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5209843
    Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for treating waste water, particularly metal-containing waste water. The process includes separating and removing metals and other impurities from the waste water by the sequential addition of a base, a polyelectrolyte and an acrylamide-containing copolymer dispersion. The purified water is recycled for continuous reuse while the small quantities of metal-rich residue are available for reclamation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Inventor: John Wese
  • Patent number: 5205419
    Abstract: A dishwasher having a unique racking system mounted therein is provided. The dish racking system includes a lower rack having a side wall extending substantially higher than the front, rear and other side walls to define a protective barrier between a side panel of the washing chamber and various large articles placed adjacent the side wall for washing. An upper rack is supported above the lower rack. The upper rack has a bottom support means including at least one upwardly stepped portion adjacent the high side wall of the lower rack. A pivotal shelf is located generally intermediate the bottom support wall and the upper edge of the high side wall of the lower rack. A pivotal shelf can be similarly provided in the upper rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis L. Purtilo
  • Patent number: 5201331
    Abstract: A vapor containment apparatus for washing an ink pump and sucker tube with a volatile ink solvent has a closed receptacle with a liquid solvent sump. An elongated sleeve encases the sucker tube within the receptacle and positions an inlet end of the sucker tube in the sump. A solvent applicator directs solvent into contact with an outer surface of the sucker tube to drain into the sump and wash the outer surface. An solvent return tube delivers solvent from the ink pump to the sump such that solvent can be drawn through the sucker tube and the pump to wash the pump and the inner surface of the sucker tube. A vacuum exhaust draws solvent vapor through openings on the elongated sleeve and the return tube and evacuates the vapor from the closed receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: R. R. Donnelley & Sons Co.
    Inventor: Lee C. Tapper
  • Patent number: 5197500
    Abstract: A combustion cleaning machine for removing coatings on the interior of combustion chambers for jet engines is provided and includes a rotatable turntable for carrying a plurality of the generally cylindrical combustors to and from at least one work station where a fluid, liquid or mixture is projected at a combustor under high pressure to remove the interior coating.The machine includes a revolvable main turntable or wheel having a plurality of individual minor turntables for supporting the combustor cylinders and rotating them. A computer or microprocessing control means is provided for monitoring and controlling various machine functions including the means for indexing the main turntable, the means for rotating the individual turntables and the combustors mounted thereunder, and the means for directing or spraying the material at the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Northwest Airlines, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward M. Diamond
  • Patent number: 5193561
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a work chamber (14) in which may be placed an object to be cleaned, and a cover (32) to enclose the work chamber; a fluid delivery system (52, 54) for delivering cleaning solvent to the work chamber (14) including a pump (40) for pressurizing the solvent; a first and second switch (204,210) for activiating and deactivating the operation of the pump means; and a fluid timer (220), in communication with the fluid delivery system, for causing at least one switch to be activated and thereafter after a predetermined time deactived terminating operation of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Herkules Equipment Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Robb, Lee S. Garretson, Michael J. Grubb
  • Patent number: 5193564
    Abstract: A dip washing machine for machined parts including transfer bar for the parts and at least one washing station in which the part is dipped in a bath of washing liquid. The bath is formed by a generally cubical casing, the surfaces of which are formed by a side wall and a bottom, attached to the machine frame, and by a complementary shell including a front surface, a rear surface, a side surface and a top wall. The bottom is provided with an aperture for the passage of the transfer bars and the side surface is provided with a port for the quick filling of the bath. The shell moves upwardly and downwardly, so that it alternately opens and closes the port and the bath, at the same time as it allows for the loading and discharging of the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Ingenieria Agullo, S.A.
    Inventor: Miguel Agulloo-Negui
  • Patent number: 5193563
    Abstract: A surgical suite scrub station is disclosed provided with means to adjust the spacing between the forearm ports of the device from the ground on which the user stands during the use. Only a small amount of the cleansing mixture is recirculated to improve the ambient conditions by reducing the volume of gases normally generated when working with antimicrobial substances. An air curtain is used in preventing escape of cleansing or rinsing substance out of the forearm inserting ports of the cleansing compartment. The device presents improvement in convenience and economy of operation of surgical scrub stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Inventor: Victor P. Melech