Miscellaneous Patents (Class 134/201)
  • Patent number: 8757190
    Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning one or more valve seats in a valve and for cleaning one or more interior surfaces of said valve with a cleaning agent, where said cleaning system are preferably arranged in a mixproof valve (1) consisting of at least a valve body (2), one or more valve seats (5, 9), a first valve plug (4) with a first stem (6) and a second valve plug (8) with a second stem (10), the second valve plug having a central hollow part (11) for guiding the first stem. Said cleaning system has nozzle means (17) for creating two different spray patterns, said nozzle means being arranged between and/or on the first stem and the hollow central part of the second valve plug, where a first spray pattern is primarily used for cleaning the interior surfaces of said valve and where a second spray pattern is primarily used for cleaning one or more of said valve seats, while the valve is open between a product area (14) and a drain area (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventor: Jesper Bak Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20140158299
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multi-chamber semiconductor processing apparatus including at least two micro chambers for receiving and processing a semiconductor wafer. Each micro chamber includes an upper chamber portion defining an upper working surface and a lower chamber portion defining a lower working surface. The upper chamber portion and the lower chamber portion are relatively movable between an open position for loading or removing the semiconductor wafer and a closed position for receiving and processing the semiconductor wafer. Compared with the prior art, the multi-chamber semiconductor processing apparatus of the present disclosure are provided with a plurality of micro chambers in a longitudinal direction, which enables the multi-chamber semiconductor processing apparatus to carry out single-wafer chemical processing on a plurality of semiconductor wafers at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2011
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: WUXI HUAYING MICROELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Sophia Wen
  • Publication number: 20140144465
    Abstract: A substrate cleaning system has a first processing apparatus including a first holding device for holding a substrate, and a treatment solution supply device for supplying onto the entire portion of the front surface of the substrate a treatment solution which includes a volatile component and solidifies or is cured to form a treatment film, and a second processing apparatus including a second holding device for holding the substrate, and a removal-solution supply device for supplying onto the substrate a removal solution which removes the treatment film formed on the front surface of the substrate after the treatment solution supplied by the treatment solution supply device solidifies or is cured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Miyako KANEKO, Takehiko Orii, Itaru Kanno
  • Patent number: 8734597
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a segmental ultrasonic cleaning apparatus configured to remove scales and/or sludge deposited on a tube sheet. The segmental ultrasonic cleaning apparatus includes a plurality of segment groups arranged in a ring shape on a top surface of a tube sheet along an inner wall of the steam generator, in which each of the segment groups includes an ultrasonic element segment and a guide rail support segment loosely connected to each other by metal wires through hand holes located at a lower portion of the steam generator, such that ultrasound waves radiated from an ultrasonic transducer in each of the ultrasonic element segments travels along the surface of the tube sheet, with the segment groups tightly connected in the ring shape by tightening the metal wires via wire pulleys of flange units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seok Tae Kim, Woo Tae Jeong, Hee Geun Kim, Tae Young Kong
  • Publication number: 20140130979
    Abstract: A cleaning and purifying apparatus 40 cleans a cleaning object 51 in cleaning liquid generated by a plasma generator 1 and pours liquid from a water injection portion 60 toward the cleaning object 51 at the end of cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Wataru Sanematsu
  • Patent number: 8596287
    Abstract: A cleaning tank apparatus and methods for cleaning workpieces are described. The cleaning tank may include an outlet plate having a top edge and a bottom edge, with the outlet plate having a plurality of rows of outlet openings. The plurality of rows of outlet openings including a first row of outlet openings being closest to the top edge of the outlet plate, and a second row of outlet openings below the first row of outlet openings, wherein at least one of the outlet openings of the first row is larger than the outlet openings of the second row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: WD Media, LLC
    Inventors: Chaoyuan C. Chen, Bing-Shiuan Chang
  • Patent number: 8567418
    Abstract: A package for delivering a cleaning solution to a surface to be cleaned comprises a housing, a pocket in the housing having at least one piercing projection extending into the pocket and a passageway between the pocket and the surface to be cleaned beneath the housing. A sealed packet containing a cleaning solution can be configured to fit into the pocket and can have at least a portion of an outer surface thereof adapted to be pierced by the at least one piercing projection when the packet is placed in the pocket. The cleaning solution can be discharged from the packet when the packet is positioned in the pocket and the packet is pierced by the at least one piercing projection. The cleaning solution can then be dispensed through the passageway onto a surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Reed, Jr., Eric J. Hansen, Douglas J. Medema
  • Publication number: 20130276836
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning paint roller sleeves comprises an open top drum (2) having a base and side walls for holding a quantity of liquid; a detachable cover (3) for sealing said open top drum; and a removable section (11) comprising a plurality of vertical substantially cylindrical compartments (12) for receiving paint roller sleeves and having a central vertical substantially cylindrical compartment (14). The base of the removable section is positioned above the base of the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Patrick Fahy, Hugh O'Donoghue
  • Publication number: 20130276823
    Abstract: Silicon plates can be cleaned, rinsed and dried by hyperbaric superheated liquid and superheated steam. The superheated liquid can be used to clean and rinse the silicon plates after being saw from a silicon block. A slow drain can be open to remove the superheated liquid. A fast drain then can be open, preferably to atmosphere, to allow steam to vent through bottom. The fast drain can function as a drying process, vaporizing water droplets down the drain with the escaping steam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Advanced Wet Technologies GmbH
    Inventor: Richard W. Plavidal
  • Patent number: 8562752
    Abstract: A process chamber for processing semi-conductor wafers. The chamber includes at least one rotor within the process chamber. The rotor is adapted to receive and/or process semi-conductor wafers. The top of the process chamber also includes a tiltable rim. This rim tilts from a non-inclined position to an inclined position. The wafers may be loaded into and unloaded from the process chamber when the rim is in its inclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: APPLIED Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 8505563
    Abstract: It is to improve the washing efficiency of the wash-target and the cleanness of the washing. There is provided a wash-target holder that is soaked in a wash tank by holding at least one wash-target, which comprises a tray for placing the wash-target, wherein a suction hole is provided at a wash-target placing area of the tray, which is opened through the tray for sucking the wash-target from an opposite side of the wash-target placing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Satoyoshi, Katsuro Tanabe
  • Patent number: 8439054
    Abstract: A painting implement cleaning and storage apparatus 10 is provided. The painting implement cleaning and storage apparatus of this invention facilitates the cleaning and storage of painting implements such as a roller 12, a brush 14 and a roller pan 16. The apparatus of this invention is provided with a base support member 18. The roller 12 is supported on the base support member 18 in an upwardly extending diagonal position adjacent a shield 70 for containing paint spreads from the roller in a predetermined confined area. The brush 14 is supported on the base support member in a predetermined upwardly projecting position. A roller pan 16 is coupable to the base support member 18 and supported thereon in a diagonally descending position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Rhines
  • Patent number: 8418703
    Abstract: A device for fitting an object in a dishwasher is provided. The device can be easily integrated as complementary equipment in a large number of the dishwasher racks and provides the user with the possibility of rapidly filling objects and even fitting objects which are non cylindrical in shape. The fixing device comprises a first section designed to be coupled with the rack of a dishwasher, and a second section that extends substantially vertically forming a curve, the first section being designed to be non rotating and to be coupled with a vertical element of the dishwasher rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Schessl, Rainer Schütz
  • Publication number: 20130068267
    Abstract: An applicator, related applicator system, and a method for delivering a self-adhesive material are provided. The applicator includes an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface of the applicator defines a void that is operable to receive the self-adhesive material. At least a portion of the inner surface releasably adhere the applicator side of the self-adhesive material where the adhesive force between the portion of the inner surface and the applicator side being less than adhesive force between the substrate and the substrate side. The applicator is used by placing the applicator in contact with a substrate, pressing the applicator against the substrate such that the self-adhesive material adheres to the substrate, and releasing the applicator from the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Douglas A. Soller, William J. Rice, Cory J. Nelson, Michael E. Klinkhammer
  • 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: 8377227
    Abstract: A utensil holder for use in a dishwasher includes a basket including front, rear, bottom and opposing side walls, as well as an upper opening. The rear wall has a height greater than the front wall. A lid member, having a support surface across which are arrayed a plurality of openings, is secured across the upper opening. The plurality of openings receive and arrange utensils to be exposed to a washing operation. A handle member, including first and second upstanding portions interconnected through a cross bar portion, extends from the basket. The cross bar portion includes angled sections that enable a gripping section to be offset. The utensil holder is designed to mount in various configurations to an inner liner of a dishwasher door, or alternatively be supported on a rack in the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Debra L. Bengston, Mark Britton, Heather Hagans, Scott D. Raches, Wayne M. VanLandingham, Christopher W. Vaughn, Karl R. C. Wendt
  • Patent number: 8375965
    Abstract: Inventive methods and systems of cleaning patterned integrated circuit (“IC”) substrates are described. The cleaning methods of the present invention include: (1) providing the patterned integrated circuit substrate having thereon poly silicon lines adjacent to each other; (2) charging a solution, which contains at least a solute selected to promote cleaning of the patterned integrated circuit substrate, to produce a charged solution, wherein at least a portion of the solute is present as clusters in the charged solution; and (3) conveying the charged solution for cleaning the patterned integrated circuit substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Nano OM, LLC
    Inventor: Suraj Puri
  • Patent number: 8356610
    Abstract: A dishwasher, in particular a domestic dishwasher having a detergent-solution pump for pumping dirty washing liquid out of a washing compartment; a discharge line connected to the detergent-solution pump on a pressure side thereof; a venting shaft located above the topmost liquid level of the washing compartment in fluid communication with the discharge line; and a first valve operationally disposed within the venting shaft, with the first valve being closed when the detergent-solution pump is operating and open when the detergent-solution pump is not operating, the dishwasher comprising a bypass line for operationally connecting the detergent-solution pump and discharge line, with the bypass line operationally venting the detergent-solution pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Harlacher, Bruno Reiter, Erika Ulrike Ertle, Marion Ertle, Lisa Marie Ertle, Marco Andreas Ertle
  • Patent number: 8347903
    Abstract: A colander/bowl set includes a bowl having at least one indicator; and a colander comprising a plurality of holes, the colander being insertable into the bowl and removably attachable to the bowl. The at least one indicator is a calibrated guide positioned at a height of a maximum amount of water which the colander/bowl set holds, accounting for displacement of water by the colander and by a particular kind of food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Virginia de Raddo
  • Patent number: 8343621
    Abstract: An image removing method including heating a recording material having thereon an image to a temperature so that the image has a plasticity; pressure-contacting an uppermost stream peeling member with the recording material while the image maintains a plasticity; separating the uppermost stream peeling member from the recording material to transfer at least a portion of the image to the uppermost stream peeling member; and repeating the heating, pressure-contacting and separating steps at least one more time using at least one downstream peeling member, wherein the uppermost stream peeling member has a first outermost layer which does not have a plasticity when being pressure-contacted with the recording material, and at least one of the at least one downstream peeling member has a second outermost layer which has a plasticity when being pressure-contacted with the recording material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Kakuji Murakami
  • Patent number: 8327862
    Abstract: A dishwasher comprising a wash compartment with a base wall that has a retaining contour, and an electronic control module supported by the retaining contour and which controls appliance components in the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Haltmayer, Mathias Herrmann, Stefan Kasbauer, Claus Köther, Martin Weissenburger
  • Patent number: 8313650
    Abstract: A system for regulating a reverse osmosis system to obtain zero wastewater. A reverse osmosis apparatus filters water from the fresh water supply into a concentrate rinse stream and a permeate rinse stream. A concentrate storage tank and a permeate storage tank are downstream of the reverse osmosis apparatus and receive the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream, respectively. A concentrate solenoid valve and a permeate solenoid valve control the flow of the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream from their respective storage tank. An institutional dishmachine receives the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream during a rinse cycle of the institutional dishmachine. A control system is operatively connected to the concentrate solenoid valve and the permeate solenoid valve and control flow of the rinse streams into the institutional dishmachine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Adrian E. Hartz
  • Patent number: 8313708
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating objects with a treatment gas comprises a treatment chamber, a chamber input through which objects enter the treatment chamber, and a chamber output (which may be the same as the chamber input) through which the objects leave the treatment chamber. The treatment chamber encloses the treatment gas, which can be steam. The chamber output and/or the chamber input include an intermediate medium, such as a liquid, through which the objects pass. The intermediate medium prevents escape of the treatment gas from the treatment chamber and the ingress of external gases into the treatment chamber, while facilitating input of the objects to the chamber, and output of the objects from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventor: Paul N. Walker
  • Publication number: 20120279535
    Abstract: A washer, comprising a washing chamber defined by a pair of side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall, the washing chamber having an opened front face and an opened back face. A first shelf assembly is mounted within the washing chamber having at least one shelf section for receiving and supporting articles to be cleaned during a washing operation. A second shelf assembly is mounted within the washing chamber vertically above the first shelf. The second shelf assembly is mounted to the side walls having at least two shelf sections, at least one of the at least two shelf sections being selectively removable from the washing chamber so that additional space may be provided for larger articles on one side of the first shelf, and so that articles may be inserted into or removed from the washing chamber through the front face or back face of the washing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Maxime Robert, Claude Gravel, Luca Serli
  • Publication number: 20120273007
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device (1) for wetting a medical equipment component (20) with a liquid medium (M), having a dispenser (10) for applying the liquid medium (M) to a section (200) of the component (20) that is to be wetted. A device of this type is characterized by a suction device (12) for drawing off at least a portion of the liquid medium (M) from the section (200) of the component (20) that is to be wetted. The invention furthermore concerns a method for wetting a component. In this manner, a device and a method for wetting a component with a liquid medium is created, with which a wetting procedure can be executed in an at least partially automated manner, at least partially reducing the risk thereby of blockage at the opening of the component as a result of too much liquid being applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: FRESENIUS KABI DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: JUERGEN VOGT, EDUARD FRANSEN
  • Patent number: 8261759
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus, in particular a high-pressure cleaning apparatus, is provided, on which at least one fastening device for fastening the cleaning apparatus to a carrier is disposed. The at least one fastening device comprising at least one tensioning section on which a tensile force, which is directed at the carrier, acts when the cleaning apparatus is fastened to the carrier by means of a tensioning element. At least one retaining section is connected to the at least one tensioning section, for retaining the at least one fastening device on the cleaning apparatus. The at least one fastening device has at least one support section in order to be supported on the cleaning apparatus. The support section is connected to the at least one tensioning section by at least one connecting section, the at least one connecting section yielding if the tensile force exceeds a maximum permissible tensile force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Kelle, Ralph Seitter
  • 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: 8230542
    Abstract: The present invention is a particle removing member of a substrate processing equipment including a particle removing layer in which a time necessary for a signal intensity of free induction decay measured by a pulse NMR-Solid Echo method to decay to 37% of an initial value at a measurement temperature of 100 degrees centigrade is 1000 ?s or less, in particular, a particle removing sheet including the above-constituted particle removing layer on a support, and a conveying member with particle removing function formed by adhering the above-constituted particle removing sheet on the conveying member, and furthermore a method of removing particle of a substrate processing equipment, including conveying the above-constituted conveying member with particle removing function into a substrate processing equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Hashimoto, Yoshio Ota
  • Patent number: 8231738
    Abstract: A dishwasher comprises a tub formed as a molded plastic structure having a bottom wall joined to a plurality of vertical walls, and a top wall joined to upper ends of the vertical walls, so as to define a wash chamber, a front side of the tub defining an opening for access to the wash chamber; (b) a door for closing the opening in the front side of the tub; (c) a hinge support member integrally molded with the tub and located proximate the front edge of the bottom wall of the tub; and (d) a pair of hinge plates respectively secured to the opposite side edges of the door and pivotally engaged with the hinge support member on the tub to enable the door to pivot relative to the tub about a horizontal pivot axis defined by the hinge support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Haeberle
  • Patent number: 8205352
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus and methods for rinsing and drying substrates. One embodiment provides an end effector comprising a body having a contact tip for contacting an edge area of a substrate, wherein the end effector is configured to support the substrate while the substrate is in a rinsing bath and while the substrate is being dried from the rinsing bath, and the contact tip comprises a hydrophilic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Lewis, Michael Biese, Garrett H. Sin, Chidambara A. Ramalingam, Balaji Chandrasekaran, Tak Fan (Kerry) Ling
  • Patent number: 8206514
    Abstract: A cleaning device for a medical implement is disclosed. The cleaning device includes a cap having an opening to an inner cavity, the opening being adapted to receive a site of the medical implement. The cleaning device further includes a compressible cleaning material that contains a cleaning agent prior to receipt of the site of the medical implement, i.e. the cleaning material is pre-loaded with the cleaning agent. The compressible cleaning material is at least partially secured in the inner cavity and adapted to swab and clean the site with the cleaning agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Ivera Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Bobby E. Rogers, Paul Diperna
  • Patent number: 8187391
    Abstract: A pet waste disposal device having a motor driving a set of cutting blades inside of an open ended plenum. A water supply such as a garden hose provides water to a nozzle or jet inside of the plenum, the water washes away the waste as it is chopped by the blades. The motor may be electrical, gasoline driven, or water driven. The plenum may have a safety screen across the open end. In preferred embodiments, the device may be mounted on an elongated support with a hand grip at one end and the plenum and motor at the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: William H. Wood
  • Patent number: 8163099
    Abstract: Examples of methods and apparatus for reducing deposits from a petroleum flow line may include a pipe capable of being attached to a petroleum flow line. The pipe may have a pipe axis that defines a direction for fluid flow in the petroleum flow line. The apparatus may also include a first and a second field winding circumferentially disposed around the pipe, and an electric wave generator adapted to electrically communicate an electric wave to the first field winding and the second field winding. In response to the electric wave, the first and the second field windings are adapted to produce magnetic fields having a first magnetic axis a second magnetic axis, respectively. The first magnetic axis may be noncollinear with respect to the second magnetic axis, and at least the first magnetic axis may be noncollinear with respect to the pipe axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Qi Ning Mai
  • Patent number: 8122548
    Abstract: A method of installing a water vacuum break in a housing including the steps of providing a plurality of slots in a wall of the housing; moving a water vacuum break in a first direction; and moving the water vacuum break in a second direction. The step of moving the water vacuum break in a first direction includes moving it substantially perpendicularly with the outer wall so that a plurality of retaining protrusions extend through the plurality of slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Group Dekko, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry L. Hygema
  • Patent number: 8118043
    Abstract: A vehicle washing installation includes a wash bay having a floor for supporting a vehicle to be washed and a washing apparatus for washing a vehicle. An artificial turf covers the floor of the wash bay which functions to pre-filter dirt and debris from the water used to wash the vehicle before the water is passed thru a water filtration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: G. Thomas Ennis
  • Patent number: 8108960
    Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a particle removing member of a substrate processing equipment which can be assuredly conveyed into the substrate processing equipment and can conveniently and assuredly remove an adhered foreign matter, and a particle removing method of a substrate processing equipment that uses the particle removing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Hashimoto, Yoshio Ota
  • Patent number: 8079377
    Abstract: A washout container to which are mounted inclined ramps that allow a transit mixer, concrete pumping truck or other concrete handling vehicle to drive up over a portion of the container for dumping excess concrete and washing out waste concrete. The container cross-section may be rectangular to semi-circular, and is preferably fabricated with a steel structure. A watertight latching door assembly is coupled to the container to prevent leakage of collected liquid concrete waste material while allowing solidified concrete materials to be unloaded at a disposal site. The interior of the container is preferably lined with a material to which concrete will not adhere. The liner may be applied as a coating to the interior of the container or as a solid material retained within the container. In this way, solidified waste concrete can be easily removed from the container at the disposal site and preferably crushed for recycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Concrete Washout Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8066817
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing deposits from a petroleum flow line are disclosed. An embodiment of an apparatus for removing deposits from a petroleum flow line may include a pipe capable of being attached to a petroleum flow line. The pipe may have a pipe axis that defines a direction for fluid flow in the petroleum flow line. The apparatus may also include a first and a second field winding circumferentially disposed around the pipe, and an electric wave generator adapted to electrically communicate an electric wave to the first field winding and the second field winding. In response to the electric wave, the first field winding is adapted to produce a first magnetic field having a first magnetic axis and the second field winding is adapted to produce a second magnetic field having a second magnetic axis. The first magnetic axis may be noncollinear with respect to the second magnetic axis, and at least the first magnetic axis may be noncollinear with respect to the pipe axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Qi Ning Mai
  • Patent number: 8037892
    Abstract: A parts washing apparatus comprising a basin having a drain, a reservoir located below the drain, and a solvent filtering and recirculating system. This system comprises a centrifuge filter assembly and a solvent recirculating system. The centrifuge filter assembly in turn comprises a centrifugal filter comprising a receptacle and a replaceable filter element, and also a turbine to drive the centrifugal filter. The centrifuge filter and the turbine are positioned in an enclosing structure to enclose the turbulent flow of the solvent from the centrifuge filter and also enclose the fumes associated with the turbulent flow. Thus, there is a discharge of solvent as less turbulent flow while substantially enclosing the associated fumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Charles T. Magliocca
  • Patent number: 8025737
    Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus for cleaning a front-side clean target surface 1a and a back-side clean target surface 1b of a edge portion of a substrate 1 by wiping surfaces 12a, 12b of a cleaning tape 12. The substrate cleaning apparatus includes a presser member 11a for pressing the cleaning tape 12 against the clean target surface 1a, a presser member 11b for pressing the cleaning tape 12 against the clean target surface 1b, a tape path passing through between the presser member 11a and the clean target surface 1a and between the presser member 11b and the clean target surface 1b, a moving device for moving the cleaning tape 12 and the substrate 1 relative to each other in a longitudinal direction of the edge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masaya Watanabe, Sakae Kobayashi, Akira Kabeshita
  • Patent number: 7985301
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an ultrasonic cleaner in which an automated ultrasonic cleaning operation is executed using an aqueous solution. The cleaner includes a tank having a valve means in fluid communication therewith, a bottom tank portion with at least one drainage aperture therethrough and at least one tank wall depending therefrom to provide a solution retention region. At least one ultrasonic transducer is removably secured to one of the tank bottom and tank wall. A partition in the solution retention region has at least one aperture defined therethrough and defines a service section and a support section thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Aleksandr Prokopenko
  • Patent number: 7984722
    Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning an operator head of a hair removing apparatus such as a dry shaver. The system includes a cleaning device having a housing configured to hold the shaver upside down to place the operator head in a basin for cleaning the same with a liquid supplied from a tank. The apparatus incorporates an externally controllable electric circuit for driving the operator head in accordance with an external electric signal generated by a controller within the device. The device's housing has a signal transmitting means for transmitting the electric signal, while the apparatus has a signal receiving means which comes into electrical interconnection with the signal transmitting means. The signal receiving means is disposed intermediate the height of the apparatus such that the electrical interconnection can be made within the height of the apparatus, requiring no extra height dimension to the system for the electrical interconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Saito, Jyuzaemon Iwasaki, Hiroyuki Kameoka, Yasuo Ibuki, Fumio Taniguchi, Kotaro Yanagi, Hiroshi Shigeta
  • Patent number: 7980257
    Abstract: Provided is a parts washer that includes a multi-tiered basin, a cleaning fluid and a biological component, living within the fluid, that breaks down organic waste. The multi-tiered basin includes a sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter are interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink member. The false bottom, support grid, and filter are readily removable from the sink member. The tank is partially filled with the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly direct a flow of the cleaning fluid to the basin. The cleaning fluid discharged into the basin flows through a drain hole in the false bottom, through the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole in the bottom panel of the sink member back into the tank for reuse. The cleaning fluid includes, at least, a surfactant that functions to remove organic waste from the parts being washed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Zymo International, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. McClure, Thomas W. McNally
  • Patent number: 7981222
    Abstract: Embodiments of dishwashers with sound attenuating properties are provided. The dishwashers include one or more laminated structures for attenuating sound. The structure may include a layer of an acoustic tape having a plurality of bi-direction fibers configured to redirect and convert sound generated by the dishwasher into heat such that the sound perceivable outside the dishwasher is reduced. The structure may further include one or more layers of foam for absorbing sound and one or more layers of vinyl for converting sound into heat. Panels of the laminated structure may be positioned in, around, and along the toe plate assembly, the door assembly, the base and tub of the dishwasher, and framing elements of the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Prducts, Inc.
    Inventor: Mario Ascander Colon
  • Publication number: 20110168217
    Abstract: An appliance includes a housing having top and bottom panels disposed opposite each other and a plurality of walls connected to the top and bottom panels. The top and bottom panels and the plurality of walls define a cavity of the appliance. The housing also has an outermost surface about which a polyurethane foam is disposed. The polyurethane foam reduces noise and vibrations emitted from the appliance during use and has a density of from 20 to 50 pounds per cubic foot (pcf). The polyurethane foam also has a damping factor of at least 0.2 measured at a temperature of from 40° C. to 60° C. Furthermore, the polyurethane foam has a k-factor of less than 2.0 btu-in/hr-ft2-° F. which reduces an amount of energy required to operate the appliance. The appliance is formed by applying the polyurethane foam to at least one of the top panel, bottom panel, and plurality of walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Raymond A. Neff, Lucyanne Carmona, David R. Phelps
  • 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: 7946301
    Abstract: A laser powered cleaning system for cleaning pollutants and debris from both sides of automobile windshields and windows. The system includes an electromagnetic interior block having a top surface having a plurality of focused laser beams, and a magnetic exterior block having a top surface including a reflective surface. The windshield or window is situated between the interior and exterior blocks which pass over the window for cleaning. A power cord connected to an adapter plugs into an automobile power outlet for supplying power. A safety sensor is integrally coupled to the interior block for actuating the system when safe. The system is fixable onto a windshield or window within a door of an automobile. An on-off switch actuates the fixed system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: John Walsh
  • Patent number: 7923065
    Abstract: An image removing method including heating a recording material having thereon an image to a temperature so that the image has a plasticity; pressure-contacting an uppermost stream peeling member with the recording material while the image maintains a plasticity; separating the uppermost stream peeling member from the recording material to transfer at least a portion of the image to the uppermost stream peeling member; and repeating the heating, pressure-contacting and separating steps at least one more time using at least one downstream peeling member, wherein the uppermost stream peeling member has a first outermost layer which does not have a plasticity when being pressure-contacted with the recording material, and at least one of the at least one downstream peeling member has a second outermost layer which has a plasticity when being pressure-contacted with the recording material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Company Limited
    Inventor: Kakuji Murakami
  • Patent number: 7909942
    Abstract: A pet waste disposal device having a motor driving a set of cutting blades inside of an open ended plenum. A water supply such as a garden hose provides water to a nozzle or jet inside of the plenum, the water washes away the waste as it is chopped by the blades. The motor may be electrical, gasoline driven, or water driven. The plenum may have a safety screen across the open end. In preferred embodiments, the device may be mounted on an elongated support with a hand grip at one end and the plenum and motor at the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: William H. Wood
  • Patent number: 7891366
    Abstract: A liquid processing apparatus includes a substrate holding member configured to rotate along with a substrate held thereon in a horizontal state; a rotary cup configured to surround the substrate held on the substrate holding member, to rotate along with the substrate, and to receive the process liquid thrown off from the substrate; a rotation mechanism configured to integrally rotate the rotary cup and the substrate holding member; and a liquid supply mechanism configured to supply a process liquid onto the substrate. The apparatus further includes an annular drain cup and an annular exhaust cup with an exhaust port connected thereto to discharge a collected gas component. A gas-flow adjusting mechanism is disposed between the exhaust cup and the exhaust port and configured to adjust a gas flow of the gas component to flow toward the exhaust port from essentially all around within the exhaust cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Norihiro Ito