Miscellaneous Patents (Class 134/201)
  • Patent number: 6371136
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a cleaning device (RV) for cleaning the shaving head (SK) of a dry shaving apparatus (TR), having a housing (1) including a cleaning basin (8) and a holding device (2), an exchangeable cleaning liquid container (3) containing a cleaning liquid (11) and having a filter (4) integrated therein, and a feed device (6) adapted to be driven by a motor (5) and including a supply pipe (7) leading to the cleaning basin (8), wherein the exchangeable cleaning liquid container (3) with the filter (4) is arranged underneath the cleaning basin (8), wherein the feed device (6) is adapted to be coupled with the inner chamber (10) of the filter (4) at one end while its other end is connected with the cleaning basin (8) through a supply pipe (7), and wherein in a wall (40) of the cleaning liquid container (3) an inlet port (15) is provided admitting the cleaning liquid (11) drained from an outlet port (20) of the cleaning basin (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Höser
  • Patent number: 6367518
    Abstract: The present invention provides a waste disposal system through the use of a bag 14 with removable glove members 20, 22, a removable and replaceable splash shield 17, a drain line tube 32, and a refill tube 48 in order to service aircraft lavatories. Through the use of the bag 14, the ramp attendant, the aircraft ramp, baggage and other property on the ramp is protected from contamination with human waste and chemical solutions used to deodorize and sanitize aircraft lavatories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Airworld Tech Corporation
    Inventor: Ricky D. Duncan
  • Patent number: 6367492
    Abstract: Apparatus for retaining a plastic bag in an opened condition to facilitate cleaning in an automatic dish washer for bag re-use. The apparatus includes an open, segmented framework defining a form structure over which a soiled bag is positioned. First and second parallel frame sidewalls are laterally spaced apart and interconnected such that the form structure corresponds generally in size and shape to the interior of a plastic bag to be positioned thereover so that the form will maintain the bag in an open state. The framework includes a first or upper end and a second or lower end. The upper end is inserted into the open mouth of a soiled plastic bag. The upper end of the framework converges or tapers slightly to facilitate ease of insertion into the open mouth of a soiled plastic bag. The form is inserted into the bag until the mouth of the bag is seated around the second end of the framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: John D. Brown
  • Publication number: 20020020434
    Abstract: A disposable core structure supports a porous polymeric brush utilized in the treatment of substrates. The disposable core structure includes an exterior surface featuring a plurality of waffle-like recesses separated by walls having sufficient thinness to permit fabrication by injection molding. The core structure includes an end adapted to permit attachment to a rotating member of an associated substrate handling apparatus. The end of the core structure further includes an opening to a bore in fluid communication with pores on the exterior surface of the core structure. Injection molding allows economical mass production of the core structure, permitting it to be fitted with the polymeric brush in a clean room setting and then be permanently fixed to a single brush. This avoids problems of bunching, tearing, wrinkling and stretching associated with replacement of brushes in the field that requires the brush to be fitted around a conventional nondisposable core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Daniel T. McMullen, Paul A. Getchel, Vincent J. Catalano, Douglas G. Gardner
  • Publication number: 20020020633
    Abstract: The cleaning container for spectacles comprises a cap and a bellows arranged on the bottom of the cleaning container, the spectacles to be cleaned being adapted to be clamped longitudinally between the cap and the bellows. For mounting the bellows, the circumferential wall of the cleaning container has provided therein a plurality of indentations which are evenly distributed over the circumference and form inwardly projecting noses which grip over the bellows in an axially slightly compressed state. The mounting of the cleaning container is thereby simplified, and the shape of the indentations guarantees that upon axial compression the bellows can always return into the initial state without getting jammed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: Olaf Freise
  • Patent number: 6343612
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and storing pacifiers, comprising an essentially cylindrical body containing two compartments, the first being vertically disposed above the second. The first compartment is designed for cleaning a pacifier and has a water-tight, screw-on lid. The lid contains a channel for accommodating a strap which is used to conveniently attach the apparatus to a baby stroller or other location. The second compartment has a snap-on lid and is designed for the sanitary transportation of a spare pacifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Carla Cherry Dahl
  • Patent number: 6341688
    Abstract: Storage and cleaning apparatus for dentures comprising a plastic bag, the plastic bag including two ends, a top end and a bottom, and two side edges, a first side edge and a second side edge, and the plastic bag also including a triage of reusable seals, the triage being located near the top end and including an upper seal, a middle seal, and a lower seal, each of the seals including a male portion and a female portion, each of the seals extending parallel to each other and located approximately 1 centimeter to ½ inch from each other. In addition, the apparatus includes a cleaning agent assembly, the assembly being located on the inside of the plastic bag. The apparatus also includes a release valve incorporated into a side edge of the plastic bag, and includes pleating located on the lower half of each side edge of the plastic bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventor: Sandra P. Graham
  • Patent number: 6338352
    Abstract: A handle is provided on the interior side of a dishwasher door so as to facilitate the raising of the door from a low opened position. The handle is pivotally mounted within the door so as to move between an upstanding position when the door is open to a flush position when the door is closed. A counter weight is provided in the handle so the handle automatically rises to the upstanding position when the dishwasher door is moved from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Scott D. Raches, Robert A. Elick, Cory D Howe
  • Patent number: 6338350
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a portable device for cleaning eyeglasses 16. A transparent enclosure 14 is provided having an upper chamber 18 for cleaning the eyeglasses, a lower left chamber 30 which may be removable for containing the cleaning solution 31 and a lower right chamber housing a pump 36 which is powered by batteries 56 and controlled by a microprocessor 58. The pump 36 circulates cleaning solution 31 through a plurality of apertures 60 in the floor 62 of the upper chamber which creates a spray 64 on the eyeglasses 16. A fan 72 with heating coil 74 then circulates warm air over the eyeglasses 16 in order to dry them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Ewen
  • Publication number: 20010048906
    Abstract: An electro-kinetic electrostatic air conditioner includes a mechanism to clean the wire-like electrodes in the first electrode array. A length of flexible Mylar type sheet material projects from the base of the second electrode array towards and beyond the first electrode array. The distal end of each sheet includes a slit that engages a corresponding wire-like electrode. As a user moves the second electrode array up or down within the conditioner housing, friction between slit edges and the wire-like electrode cleans the electrode surface. The sheet material may be biasedly pivotably attached to the base of the second electrode array, and may be urged away from and parallel to the wire-like electrodes when the conditioner is in use. Another embodiment includes a bead-like member having a through opening or channel, through which the wire-like electrode passes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Applicant: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Shek Fai Lau, Jimmy L. Lee, Andrew J. Parker
  • Patent number: 6325082
    Abstract: A motorcycle wheel washer includes a frame, drive belt assembly, drive system, front wheel retainer, and hoist assembly. The drive belt assembly includes a drive belt, a pair of shafts, and two pairs of belt gears. The drive system includes a motor and speed reducer. A hoist assembly includes a hoist, and a support chain. A first shaft is pivotally mounted to one end of the frame and a second shaft is pivotally mounted to the other end of the frame. A belt gear is mounted on each end of the first and second shafts. The drive belt is retained and driven by the belt gears. The motor drives the first or second shaft through a speed reducer. A front wheel retainer assembly is located on one end of the frame; a motorcycle is driven on to the end opposite the front wheel retainer assembly. The motorcycle is driven along a non-rotating drive belt until it is positioned in the front wheel retainer assembly. A pair of hooks extending from the support chain are hooked around the crash bars of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Edward H. Schlueter
  • Publication number: 20010045226
    Abstract: A washing appliance such as a dishwasher where a top-loading wash chamber is slidable out of cabinet for loading and unloading has a cabinet-mounted chamber lid which is power driven down onto the open top of the wash chamber during the washing cycle. Linear actuators or motors mounted in opposite sides of the appliance cabinet are coupled to opposite sides of the lid to pull the lid down when the chamber has been slid back into the cabinet. In a preferred embodiment rotating dc motors are used to rotate a threaded nut which in turn produces linear motion in a threaded shaft engaged within the nut and connected to the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Robert William Todd
  • Patent number: 6321762
    Abstract: Side extension members and a front extension member, which extend inwardly horizontally to be bent downward at right angle are provided on side walls and a front wall in a washing tank to be positioned at a level lower by a predetermined distance than a top end of the washing tank. A rack rail is pivotally supported on the side extension members through shaft portions to be made turnable. The rack rail is formed with positioning portions. Restriction members are provided on the front extension member to extend inward corresponding to the positioning portions of the rack rail, and the positioning portions are adapted to be placed on the restriction members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Suyama, Osamu Okui, Keiichi Toga, Hiroshi Omura, Sadamu Kamoto
  • Patent number: 6318389
    Abstract: A device for cleaning semiconductor wafers is provided. The device includes a carrier for holding wafers during the cleaning process. The carrier includes a frame with an open top and a plurality of carrier rods extending between opposite ends of the frame. The carrier rods have grooves that receive marginal edge portions of the wafers to retain them against movement in the carrier during cleaning and transportation. The grooves are structured to reduce the amount of contaminants remaining on the wafers after cleaning. The frame may be made substantially entirely of a polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip R. Schmidt, Jon Seilkop, Craig Spohr
  • Patent number: 6314975
    Abstract: An encapsulated pickling plant that operates under a permanent vacuum. The pickling plant contains at least one pickling bath, at least one lock gate in the encapsulation for introducing and removing the material to be pickled as well as an air supply and a suction station, a directed air stream into the interior of the encapsulation supported by the suction, and at least one air supply provided in the area of the lock gate. The air supply is provided within the lock gate in one embodiment, and is located on both sides of the lock gate in a second embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Korner Chemieanlagenbau Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Friedrich Nerat, Franz Wurm
  • Patent number: 6314971
    Abstract: The invention concerns a cleaning paper dispenser, consisting of a box (6) and a support for the paper (2) roll (2), at least a spraying nozzle capable of being switched on, and which can be actuated by a motor during the forward progression of the paper for moisturising it, of a motor drive for moving the paper forward, and a reservoir (5) containing the moisturising agent. The drive for moving the paper forward comprises at least a cylinder (7) driven by a motor and a counter-element. Said cylinder (7) consists of a foam envelope (40). The space between said cylinder and the counter-element is located under the roll unwinding point, and the opening for removing the paper from the box is located substantially in vertical alignment with the space separating the cylinder from its counter-element. The force of pressure between the cylinder and the counter-element can be adjusted such that the paper located between them can be removed when the motor has stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Wellgo GmbH Werkzeuge und Spritzgussteile
    Inventor: Albert Schneider
  • Patent number: 6314972
    Abstract: A portable domestic steam cleaning appliance comprises a generally accurate housing having a forward facing barrel portion and a handle portion. A water reservoir is releasably attached to the handle portion. A tube extends into the water reservoir to supply water via a pump to a flash boiler. Steam exits an outlet in use. Power to an embedded heating element is controlled by a thermostat to prevent excessive heating of the boiler. The components are incorporated in the housing that is readily carried in one hand to enable sweeping of attachments that fit to the outlet over surfaces for cleaning and sterilising those surfaces as required. There is no need to carry around or have closely available a significant quantity of water at high temperature or pressurised steam, to provide an adequate supply of steam, being a significant disadvantage over otherwise similar prior art appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Techtronic Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Timmy Hok Yin Sin
  • Patent number: 6305391
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a cleaning device for cleaning a shaving head of a dry shaving apparatus, having a housing, a holding device, a cleaning liquid container, a filter, a feed device adapted to be driven by a motor and including a supply pipe leading to a cleaning basin and a liquid drain from the cleaning basin to the cleaning liquid container, so that the cleaning liquid container with an integrated filter is arranged underneath the cleaning basin, the feed device is adapted to be coupled with the inner chamber of the filter, and a backflow of cleaning liquid can be effected from the supply pipe through the filter to the cleaning liquid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Höser
  • Patent number: 6276376
    Abstract: A washing machine for lamellar blinds includes a moveable wash container operationally connected to a transportable shower head, which is also operationally connected to a catch basin. For easy handling and transport, the outside dimensions of the catch basin (2) are matched to the inside dimensions of the wash container (1). The catch basin (2) is constructed such that it can be inserted into the wash container (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Wolfgang Hörmann
  • Publication number: 20010013357
    Abstract: A dish washing machine according to the present invention has vertically divided upper and lower doors 16 and 17 for covering an opening of a washing chamber. The upper door 16 is opened through its upward pivotal movement about its shafts 20. The lower door 17 is opened through its downward pivotal movement about its shafts 22. The upper door 16 is fully opened through its pivotal movement substantially through 180 degrees. The lower door 17 is opened to a substantially horizontal position. And when the lower door 17 is in this opened state, a basket 4 contained in the washing chamber 3 can be pulled out onto the lower door 17.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventors: Tomohiko Matsuno, Tetsuo Harada, Yasuhisa Fukui
  • Patent number: 6273106
    Abstract: In a method of washing contaminated particulate matter, a screw conveyor is disposed in a cleaning tank for rotation around a substantially vertical axis so that the lower part of the screw conveyor is positioned under the surface of the cleaning water and the upper part of the screw conveyor is positioned above the surface of the cleaning water. Under the surface of the water, the grains of the particulate matter are contacted with each other with sludge being interposed therebetween to remove at least a part of contamination substances from the surface of the grains of the particulate matter and to wash off the substances into the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Nihon Genryo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Saitoh
  • Patent number: 6263890
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a cleaning device (RV) for cleaning a shaving head (SK) of a dry shaving apparatus (TR), having a housing (1), a holding device (2), a cleaning liquid container (3), a filter (4), a feed device (6) adapted to be driven by a motor (5) and including a supply pipe (7) leading to a cleaning basin (8) and a liquid drain (9) from the cleaning basin (8) to the cleaning liquid container (3), wherein the cleaning liquid container (3) with integrated filter (4) is adapted to be coupled with a wall (12) of the housing (1) by means of a latching device (V).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Höser
  • Patent number: 6260565
    Abstract: A dishwasher cabinet has a front wall, a rear wall, and opposite sidewalls. The cabinet has an intermediate wall for forming the cabinet into a first compartment and a second compartment. The front wall has a first opening and a second opening providing access into the first and second compartments respectively. First and second doors are in covering relation over the first and second openings and are movable between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney M. Welch, Stephen L. Birkenholtz, Douglas M. Ringger, Juda J. Cordle
  • Patent number: 6253914
    Abstract: The present invention provides a caddy for holding and washing golf balls. The caddy includes a plurality of enclosure walls defining a cavity. At least one of the walls has openings allowing fluid to enter the cavity to clean the golf balls. Top and bottom openings are also provided to allow balls to be placed into and removed from the cavity, respectively. In one embodiment, the bottom opening is closed by a door to prevent balls from leaving the cavity. In a second embodiment, a deformable elongated opening retains the balls in the cavity. The opening can be deformed by the application of a force to allow balls to selectively be removed from the cavity. A connector is also provided to secure the caddy with a support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Pin-amax Golf Products, LLC
    Inventor: David G. Berg
  • Patent number: 6250315
    Abstract: A device for cleaning a nasal coagulator or similar instrument. The nasal coagulator is of the type that has a generally cylindrical sidewall defining a bore, in which char or the like accumulates. The device has a generally cylindrical sidewall which defines a chamber, and a flared trumpet-like ending. A prong is located within the chamber, and two slit apertures are foxed in the sidewall to communicate the chamber and the exterior of the device. In use, the coagulator is inserted into the cleaning device so that that the prong loosens any char, and the coagulator is rotated so that the char exits the slit apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Joel A. Ernster
  • Patent number: 6247481
    Abstract: An apparatus for wet cleaning or etching of flat substrates comprising a tank with an inlet opening and outlet opening for said substrates. Said tank contains a cleaning liquid and is installed in a gaseous environment. At least one of the openings is a slice in a sidewall of the tank and is present below the liquid-surface. In the tank there may be a portion above the liquid filled with a gas with a pressure being lower than the pressure within said environment. The method comprises the step of transferring a substrate through the cleaning or etching liquid at a level underneath the surface of said liquid making use of said apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum (IMEC)
    Inventors: Marc Meuris, Paul Mertens, Marc Heyns
  • Patent number: 6223757
    Abstract: A toy car wash apparatus includes a plurality of hollow tubes and a plurality of hollow connectors for connecting the tubes together to form a framework having an open front and open back. The apparatus includes an adapter for connecting the apparatus to a water source under pressure. A plurality of water nozzles are coupled to various tubes for dispensing water into an interior space defined by the framework. An actuator is rotatably coupled to each nozzle such that rotation of the actuator selectively adjusts the flow of water dispensed from the nozzle. A pair of wheels are pivotally attached to one end of the framework which in a vertical position for permitting lateral and longitudinal placement of the apparatus. The wheels are pivotally retractable for allowing the framework to bear against a ground surface following placement of the framework. A variety of other water dispensing devices can be mounted to the framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventors: Roger C. Horvath, Joseph R. Horvath
  • Patent number: 6199565
    Abstract: A parts cleaner for removing oil, grease and contaminants from parts or items. The cleaner has a sink supported on a base. A modular housing containing a reservoir is removably positioned below the sink and includes a pump and electrical components. The pump is connected to a dispensing apparatus at the sink for delivery of cleaning solution. The sink drain communicates with the reservoir via a flexible line. The modular housing may be removed for servicing and servicing may be accomplished by replacing the removed modular housing with another previously serviced unit so the removed unit may be conveniently and environmentally safely serviced at a remote central servicing location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald H. Bluestone
  • Patent number: 6196240
    Abstract: An equipment for conveyance and treatment of garbage in a high building comprises a conveyer, a guide track, gathering barrels, and a cleaning mechanism. The conveyer further comprises a driving motor, a conveyer belt, a driving gear wheel, and a driven gear wheel, wherein the driving motor is to drive the conveyer belt to revolve via the driving gear wheel and the driven gear wheel. A guide track is covered with the conveyer belt for stable revolution, and the gathering barrel attached to the conveyer belt externally is provided with a reception opening for garbage collection of each story. A bracket and cantilevers are supplied to the gathering barrel to keep the same upright when circulating. The gathered garbage is conveyed to base story of a building and ejected through outlet at bottom of the gathering barrel. The used gathering barrel will be cleaned by the cleaning mechanism for immediate subsequent use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: Howard Liao, Hen Liao, Gun Je Liao, Han-Pin Liu, Chih Hsiung Kuo
  • Patent number: 6189550
    Abstract: The pump-connector has an elastic member that seals a connecting socket against a connecting piece that partly projects into the connecting socket. The elastic member is folded in between the connecting socket and the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Stickel, Johann Wilhelmstätter, Manfred Seessle
  • Patent number: 6189552
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing substrates is provided. The apparatus includes a receptacle for containing processing fluid, and at least one substrate support. Components of the receptacle and/or substrate support that come into contact with processing fluid have a protective layer. Guide or support members for the substrates are fused to the protective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: STEAG MicroTech GmbH
    Inventor: John Oshinowo
  • Patent number: 6178976
    Abstract: A tank cover made of a plurality of sections, which when connected, form a continuous tank cover enclosing the pickle tank. The tank cover is constructed of a plurality of exhaust sections each having an exhaust outlet and a plurality of sections having a plenum chamber which adjoin each other and the exhaust sections. The sections of the tank cover having the plenum chamber have an internal chamber for collecting evaporated acid fumes and transporting these fumes to exhaust outlets connected to the exhaust sections where the fumes may be discharged to an external scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Danieli Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard K. Lordo
  • Patent number: 6164301
    Abstract: An improved cleaning basin (including cover and stand) for commercial grill, oven and stove ventilation filters. The device allows convenient soaking and cleaning of the filters in cleaning solution, and provides for safe and efficient drainage of the solution. The device is specially sized to facilitate simultaneous cleaning and soaking of multiple filters in caustic cleaning solution, and it provides for safe and efficient filling and drainage of the solution from the basin. The device is rugged, durable, weather-proof, and it can be manufactured at nominal cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventors: Michael John McFadden, John Culp McFadden
  • Patent number: 6158258
    Abstract: A container (10) for use in rinsing out dirt from a cleaning cloth comprises a compartment (12) adapted to hold water, means for providing fresh water, a structure (34) adapted to receive the cleaning cloth to be rinsed, and at least one nozzle (32) for supplying water free of dirt onto the cleaning cloth (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: David Alan Bowman
  • Patent number: 6141995
    Abstract: A pump mount of the present invention is adapted to removably mount a pump to a washing machine without requiring access to the bottom of the washing machine. The pump includes a mount having a pair of feet which are adapted to be secured to the base of the washing machine using a twist lock. The feet can be inserted into holes formed in the washing machine base and the pump twisted to lock the pump in place. The wash tub outlet hose and drain hose are then attached to the pump. The hoses attached to the pump secure the pump in the locked position preventing the pump from twisting to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Troy Johnson
  • Patent number: 6138696
    Abstract: A new Nonsplashing Washing System for preventing splashing of a hazardous liquid when cleaning parts and for preventing the hazardous liquid from igniting by using a fire retarding screen. The inventive device includes a solvent container, a compression spring within the solvent container, a cleaning solvent partially filling the solvent container, and a fire retarding screen within the solvent container engaging the compression spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventors: Morris J. Labit, Jr., Belle G. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 6135130
    Abstract: A dismantlable door (22) seals an opening (24) in a chamber (20) of a washer. The door includes removable glass panes (36) and (38) which allow an operator to view the contents of the washing chamber during a washing cycle. A connecting member (40, 132, 156, 180, 200, 216, 220, 244, 250) seals the inner glass pane (36) to a frame (28) of the door by compressing a gasket (42). In one preferred embodiment, the connecting member also receives a lower end 102 of the outer pane (38) in a channel (100, 202'). In other preferred embodiments a channel (131, 242) or L-shaped flange (224) is connected with the lower end of the door frame for supporting the lower end (102) of the outer glass pane. In yet another preferred embodiment, fixing members (258) connect the outer glass pane to the connecting member. An air space (170) is formed between the inner and outer panes. Air is able to enter and leave the air space through air gaps between the channel and the outer panes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Steris Corporation
    Inventor: Louis Martineau
  • Patent number: 6120661
    Abstract: A glass substrate processing apparatus, part of which comprises a composite material, the composite material being formed of a matrix and a ceramic layer formed on a surface of the matrix by a thermal spraying method, the matrix being formed of a ceramic member and an aluminum-containing material filled in a texture of the ceramic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shinsuke Hirano, Kei Takatsu, Shingo Kadomura
  • Patent number: 6102055
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing deposits from a razor blade includes a quantity of cation source material, a vessel retaining a cation carrying medium, and a medium and cation permeable barrier dividing the vessel and the medium into a blade placement region and a material retaining region, for separating the quantity of cation source material from the razor blade. The cation source material preferably includes several plastic beads. The medium permeable barrier is preferably a wire mesh. The cation carrying medium preferably includes water. A method of removing deposits from a razor blade includes the steps of: providing an apparatus including a vessel containing a water medium and cation source material at least partly submerged in the water medium, and immersing the blade in the water medium for a length of time to permit cations supplied by the material to react with the deposits on the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Walter W. Karnatz
  • Patent number: 6095164
    Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for removing an image forming substance such as toner from an image holding member such as a sheet of transfer paper, a CCD sensor detects an unremoved image formed by a stamp, additional writing, etc. and left on the transfer paper sheet after toner separating processing is performed with respect to the transfer paper sheet by a liquid-providing toner-separating unit. A discriminating mark such as a punch, a mark o, etc. is additionally provided to the transfer paper sheet having the detected unremoved image by a discriminating mark providing unit. The transfer paper sheet having the discriminating mark is automatically sorted by a sorting unit and is discharged onto a paper discharging tray. The toner removing apparatus may have an unrecognizing device for blotting the unremoved image such as a seal print, a signature, etc. on the transfer paper sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Saitoh, Kazuhiro Ando, Tadashi Saitoh, Youichi Asaba, Kiyoshi Tanikawa, Yoshiaki Miyashita, Satoshi Shinguryo, Shinichi Kuramoto, Sadao Takahashi, Yoshiyuki Kimura
  • Patent number: 6092540
    Abstract: A sink side dishwasher is designed to use the same faucet of the water sink as its water source. It comprises an oscillating spray arm equipped with improved nozzles, an improved soap dispenser, a specially designed dish rack, and a specially designed washing house to cooperate with the unique structure of the dishwasher and other components to achieve of manufacturing an useful and operative dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Yen-Nian Chiao
  • Patent number: 6090218
    Abstract: An incentive-based grocery cart washing and disinfecting system including a consumer special-offer coupon applying apparatus, for use in a batch or continuous process comprising a housing having at least one pipe manifold with nozzles positioned therein to provide at least one treatment zone selected from pre-wash, wash, disinfecting, and rinse zones. In addition, blown air water-stripping/drying zones may be provided, with a heating source to assist drying. Following drying, a strip of specially adapted grocery coupons is optionally applied to the grocery cart handle, so that the coupons can be redeemed by customers during their subsequent shopping. The housing is generally a linear tunnel permitting access of soiled carts at one end and removal of the clean, disinfected carts at the other end. A cart pusher system may be employed to transport the carts through the tunnel either singly or in nested groups. A convenient antimicrobial disinfecting solution is a water solution of hypochlorite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: DM & BB, Inc.
    Inventors: Rogers F. Brackmann, Jacques M. Dulin
  • Patent number: 6085763
    Abstract: A device for cleaning ends of optical fibers comprises a vessel intended to contain a rinsing fluid, in which the ends are to be inserted. A holder assembly is attached to the vessel and has a central element comprising a through-hole adapted to receive a fiber holder. The central element can be moved vertically in order to position the fiber holder at a predetermined distance from the surface of the rinsing fluid, so that only a predefined portion of an end portion of an optical fiber held by the fiber holder is emerged in the rinsing fluid. For a correct distance this will protect the primary coating of the optical fiber from being wet by the fluid. A light guide is mounted in the central element. Its lower end projects through a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the central element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
    Inventors: Sasan Esmaeili, Bertil Lohman
  • Patent number: 6077362
    Abstract: A portable device having a shoulder strap for mashing and dispersing feces type material. The device includes a cylindrical chamber that is filled with liquid such as water, disinfectants, fragrances, soapy water, detergents, and the like. The liquid in the chamber is pressurized by a handpump, air compressor, electrical compressor, pressurized cartridge and the like. A nozzle having an adjustable spray pattern connects to the outlet port of the chamber. When activated, a switch on the chamber allows the pressurized contents in the chamber to pass through the nozzle. Attached to a lower end of the chamber is a conical shroud having plural rods across the interior of the wide diameter end. When the shroud is placed over clump material such as animal feces, the rods break up and separate the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: William Mark Reed
  • Patent number: 6076538
    Abstract: A method and kit for cleaning jewelry and small paits to 95% and greater clean. A holding basket has a plurality of apertures formed therein, and is adapted to securely retain jewelry and small parts therein. Jewelry is placed in the holding basket and dunked into a container filled with cleaning solution to coat the jewelry with cleaning solution. The holding basket is removed from the container of cleaning solution, and is placed in an automatic dishwasher and run through a wash cycle and dry cycle, thereby exposing the jewelry to impinging water and the action of steam to remove the cleaning solution and grime from the jewelry and small parts. The steam helps prevents formation of water spots. The kit includes a hinged jewelry holding basket with handles and a container filled with cleaning solution. The hinged jewelry holding basket is sized to be dunked into the cleaning solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Jon Frankson
  • Patent number: 6073640
    Abstract: An industrial part washer is disclosed having a washer housing with an upper chamber, a lower chamber, and a fluid passageway connecting the chambers together. A fluid drain is connected to a lower chamber for draining fluid from it while a pump pumps a cleaning fluid into the upper chamber. A flood valve is positioned in the fluid passageway between the upper and lower chambers and this valve is movable between an open and a closed position. Parts are sequentially moved into a position adjacent the washer housing and are selectively loaded into the lower chamber, washed and, following completion of a wash cycle, subsequently unloaded from the lower chamber. A valve control closes the flood valve during the loading and unloading operations of the part into the lower chamber so that, during the loading and unloading portions of the wash cycle, the upper chamber at least partially and preferably completely fills with the cleaning fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Valiant Machine & Tool Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Douglas McTaggart
  • Patent number: 6068004
    Abstract: In order to be able to carry out in a vessel cleaning machine with a circulating conveyor chain a safe, reliable and fast inspection of the interior of the vessel cleaning machine, an inspection device is arranged on the conveyor chain. The inspection device is provided with sensors and/or cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Krones AG Hermann Kronseder Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Norbert Wittmann
  • Patent number: 6068707
    Abstract: A portable parts washing machine using a washing solvent to wash motor parts or the like. The apparatus has a stowed configuration and an operating configuration. In the operating configuration, a solvent container/wash basin is positioned on a base section which also functions as a solvent reservoir. Solvent is recirculated by a pup and recirculating line fro the reservoir to the wash basin, with the solvent washing the parts and then flowing through a drain in the wash basin into a centrifugal filter. The centrifugal filter removes the contaminates, with the solvent returning to the reservoir. In the stowed configuration, the base section, centrifugal filter and solvent recirculating assembly are stowed in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Charles T. Magliocca
  • Patent number: 6050279
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are presented for immersing an object in a liquid such that a lower surface of the object does not touch a bottom surface of a container. The apparatus includes a forceps for holding the object and a pin for limiting movement of the forceps in relation to the container. The forceps includes a pair of jaws having opposed surfaces used to grip the object. A hole dimensioned to receive the pin extends through the pair of oppose surfaces. The container is used to hold the liquid, and has an opening in an upper portion surrounded by a lip. The object is gripped between the opposed surfaces of the jaws, and the pin is inserted through the hole in the forceps. The forceps is positioned above the container, then lowered until the object enters the liquid and the pin contacts the lip of the container. The pin limits vertical downward movement of the forceps with respect to the container, preventing the lower surface of the object from touching the bottom surface of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Allison L. Goad
  • Patent number: 6047716
    Abstract: A cleaning tool includes a support substrate, a cleaning member, a shaft member where the cleaning member is connected to one end of the shaft member detachably, and support member mounted to the a support substrate for supporting the one end of the shaft member with the cleaning member so that the shaft member and cleaning member are oscillated freely in a direction which intersects perpendicularly to an axial direction of the shaft member. The cleaning tool may be used to clean an end surface of a ferrule of the optical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignees: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Naoko Shimoji, Masaaki Takaya, Shinji Nagasawa