Miscellaneous Patents (Class 134/201)
  • Patent number: 5988189
    Abstract: A cleaning system (1, 5) having multiple cleaning chambers (200) is provided. Each cleaning chamber (200) includes an interior region sufficient for immersing a carrier (242), which has at least one wafer disposed therein, into an ultra-clean liquid. The cleaning chamber (200) also has an inlet operably coupled to the interior region to introduce a gas into the interior region and a drain operably coupled to the interior region to remove the ultra-clean liquid from the interior region at a selected rate. A controller 14 is operably coupled to the chamber (200) for selectively controlling the selected rate. In an alternative embodiment, an installation technique (80) for the above cleaning system (1,5) is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: YieldUP International
    Inventors: Raj Mohindra, David C. Wong, Suraj Puri
  • Patent number: 5983908
    Abstract: A glass washing and dishwashing machine including an improved oscillating spray mechanism, an improved tank valve/water diversion mechanism, and an improved water tank assembly, which are all incorporated into the glass washing and dishwashing machine. The oscillating spray mechanism directs a spray of wash water or rinse water at glasses, dishes or the like and oscillates the spray mechanism in order to more completely contact glasses or the like with wash water during a washing and rinsing operation. The tank valve mechanism selectively supplies wash water or rinse water from the tank assembly to the spray mechanism. The valve/water diversion mechanism is interconnected with two water reservoir chambers for delivering wash or rinse water to a washing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Carl L. Bradley
  • Patent number: 5983432
    Abstract: A portable, multigolf cleaner is provided having an enclosure which includes several fluid reservoirs for containing separate cleaning fluids for cleaning different types of golf equipment. The enclosure has three openings through which cleaning utensils are inserted into the cleaning fluids. The cleaning utensils have integral threaded caps for sealing respective ones of the three openings. Two of the cleaning utensils have integral cleaning brushes which are immersed in the cleaning fluids stored in respective ones of the reservoirs. The cleaning brushes have cleaning brush bristles of various stiffness and coarseness, for cleaning the different types of golf equipment. A third cleaning utensil is a ball washing fixture which is used for retaining a ball for reciprocation within a third one of the fluid reservoirs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Nathan Jones
  • Patent number: 5979475
    Abstract: A highly clean fluid treatment system having a small system volume is provided by using a Bernoulli holder to accomplish stable holding of a specimen in a simple configuration. A holder having a specimen hold face formed almost the same as a specimen or having a Bernoulli effect producing region and a region surrounding the Bernoulli region made of a specific combination of materials is used and fluid supply sources are connected to the holder for supplying one or more fluids containing a treatment agent of a specimen. Since a force for inhibiting a position shift occurs on the end face of the specimen 10, stable specimen holding is enabled. The space between the specimen and the holder where treatment is executed is narrow and fluid always flows from the treatment space to the outside. Therefore, the fluid treatment system of a small volume producing high treatment efficiency and minimizing the chances of recontamination of the specimen can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Satoh, Haruo Itoh, Hitoshi Oka, Yoichi Takahara, Akio Saito
  • Patent number: 5970995
    Abstract: A kit for removing calcium deposits in a shower head extending from a shower arm without removing the shower head from the shower arm. The kit includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is replaceably attached to the shower arm, adjacent the shower head. The second portion is replaceably suspended from the first portion and receives the shower head and is filled with a mild acid, with the shower head submerged therein, so as to allow the mild acid to dissolve the calcium deposits in the shower head soaking in the mild acid in the second portion, without having to remove the shower head from the shower arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: William W. Schy
  • Patent number: 5964955
    Abstract: An operating system (20) for a washer (1) is mounted on a moveable trolley (52). The trolley carries all of the failure prone elements such as pumps (24, 28, 40) solenoid valves 80, electrical heaters (48), an electrical control circuit (50) and the like. Quick-release couplings (58, 59,60 62), between the operating system and plumbing associated with a washing chamber (10), allow the operating system to be quickly disconnected from and reconnected with the chamber. The trolley is then wheeled a distance away from the chamber, providing ready access to all the operating equipment for maintenance and repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Steris Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Rochette, Michel Lemay, Yves-Andrebec Theriault, Michel Emond, Mario Duchaine, Ghislain Parent, Nathalie Thibault
  • Patent number: 5964229
    Abstract: A device for or in a garbage truck, particularly a vehicle for receiving and transporting so-called biological or organic garbage, includes tilting arrangements at the end of the vehicle for tilting a can containing garbage upwardly for emptying the can and for tilting the can backwardly into its initial position after the can has been emptied. The garbage dropped into the hold of the vehicle and the emptied can are sprayed with a disinfecting agent for treating the garbage and cleaning the can. The spraying device includes a spray nozzle which is movable between a first spray position for spraying in the direction of the garbage in the hold of the garbage truck and a second spray position for spraying in a second spray direction in which the spray jet is directed into the interior of the can which is in its upwardly tilted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Baier & Koppel GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Jurgen Brendel
  • Patent number: 5961733
    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: January 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignees: Chemfree Corporation, Advanced Bioremediation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Leland Strange
  • Patent number: 5954841
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for scouring wool. The method comprises differential heating of grease contaminants in the unscoured wool to at least partially liquefy the grease, absorbing the grease by the addition of a grease-absorbing material, and separating the grease-absorbing material from the wool. The method of the invention involves substantially less water consumption than current methods and is a more efficient means of producing wool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Primary Applications Limited
    Inventor: Peter William Beven
  • Patent number: 5950647
    Abstract: A parts washer unit including an aqueous cleaning fluid storage receptacle which can be easily exchanged with a like receptacle by the user of the unit. The unit includes a injection molded plastic base for supporting the receptacle and a sink. The base includes an upper portion configured to support the sink from a fixed work surface, and a lower portion configured to receive the receptacle. The lower portion includes side walls to cammingly guide the receptacle in a lateral direction and a bottom wall configured with an inclined cam surface leading to a generally horizontal receptacle support surface to cammingly guide the receptacle in a longitudinal direction. The bottom wall contains channels that form ribs sufficiently spaced to provide structural rigidity and minimize heat transfer from the receptacle to the fixed work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Usher Oil Company
    Inventor: Michael D. Usher
  • Patent number: 5950648
    Abstract: An application brush cleaning apparatus which prevents the handle of an application brush from contacting a bristle cleaning solution. Provided are an elongated container, a hollow pier situatable within the container and a resilient support washer having a brush seat characterized by a center hole and a plurality of radial slits communicating therewith. The container is preferably composed of clear glass. The pier is any structure which defines a rest and a central hollow, as for example a coil spring or an apertured pedestal. The pier is placed into the container and then the container is filled with a bristle cleaning solution to no more than the level of the rest of the pier. The handle is thrust into the brush seat of the support washer until the ferrule is frictionally held thereat. The washer and application brush combination is placed into the container, bristles first, wherein the bristles pass into the central hollow of the pier and into the bristle cleaning solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventors: Renee' M. Skrocki, Rose M. Kerekes, Michael A. Kerekes
  • Patent number: 5950643
    Abstract: A processing system for processing of wafers that are formed by slicing a cylindrical workpiece which is adhered to a support plate by an adhesive agent. The processing system includes a washing apparatus, a removing apparatus, a separating apparatus, and a transferring apparatus. The washing apparatus washes the wafers that are remained adhered to the support plate. The removing apparatus removes a group of the wafers from the support plate. The removed wafers are gathered in a cylindrical shape. The separating apparatus separates the wafers one by one. The separating apparatus includes a vessel for accommodating the wafers separated one from another. The transferring apparatus transfers the wafers from the washing apparatus to the removing apparatus and then to the separating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventors: Takeshiro Miyazaki, Yoshikazu Tsubata, Akio Kawakita, Noboru Katsumata, Akihiro Nakayama, Toyokazu Harada, Mitsuo Takaku, Syunso Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5947135
    Abstract: When tableware is washed and rinsed in a dishwasher using a plurality of washing steps, the tableware is washed within 10 minutes using acid ionized water having a pH value of at most 6.0 and a temperature of at least 40.degree. C. in a first washing step, whereby dirt is made to form cohesion and is prevented from being reattached to the tableware, so that a washing load in the following washing steps is reduced. Furthermore, the tableware is washed for at least 15 minutes with alkaline ionized water having a pH value of at least 8.5 and a temperature of at least 55.degree. C. in at least one of the washing steps, whereby the washing effects on fats and oils, protein and starch are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshitake Sumida, Tetsuo Moriyama, Yoko Fukushima, Takeo Abe
  • Patent number: 5947137
    Abstract: A draw-tube solvent retaining and draining cover is disclosed, comprised of a main body, of a generally linearly elongated, cylindrical, hollow configuration. The main body is of sufficient length to allow a conventional pick-up tube to pass through the main body and into a paint can. Grooves to improve gripping are located on the exterior circumferential surface of the main body. The main body is comprised of an upper portion and a lower portion, which connect via mated threads on the bottom of the upper portion and the top of the lower portion. An upper cap is located on the top of the upper portion, releasable secured to the top portion of the main body via mated threads. The upper cap is releasably secured to the packing cylinder of the majority of airless sprayers via a universal attachment means. The upper cap has a pick-up tube hole and a return hose hole. O-rings are located between the various components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Tim Sheafer
  • Patent number: 5944035
    Abstract: An improved detergent recycling apparatus for parts washing machines includes a detergent recycling apparatus additionally provided with a control box, a manifold, a first control valve, an extension tube, a spray gun, a second control valve, a third air duct and a secondary serpentine hose. The control box is mounted on one side of the detergent recycling apparatus, and the manifold, first control valve, silencer, extension tube and second control valve are assembled thereto. The manifold is internally provided with an air vent and has a high pressure air inlet at one end thereof. The manifold includes front, intermediate and rear threaded holes. The first control valve is screwably secured to the rear threaded hole and communicates with an extraction pump via a first air duct. The extension tube is screwably locked to the front threaded hole at one end and connected to the spray gun at the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: I-Lung Chen
  • Patent number: 5942007
    Abstract: A dry cleaning system and method, in which specially designed or modified machinery is used in conjunction with a specific solvent which is derived from an organic/inorganic hybrid (organo silicone). In this class of organo silicones is a group known as cyclic siloxanes. The cyclic siloxanes present the basis for material composition of the solvent chemistry which allows this dry cleaning system to be highly effective. The cyclic-siloxane-based solvent allows the system to result in an environmentally friendly process which is, also, more effective in cleaning fabrics and the like than any known prior system. The siloxane composition is employed in a dry cleaning machine to carry out the method of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: GreenEarth Cleaning, LLP
    Inventors: Dieter R. Berndt, John McLeod Griffiss
  • Patent number: 5941259
    Abstract: A new shoe washing and drying device for washing and drying shoes. The inventive device includes a housing dimensioned for receiving a pair of shoes therein. The housing holds a predetermined quantity of water therein. A shoe support rack is secured within the housing for supporting the pair of shoes thereof. A pump mechanism is disposed interiorly of the housing on a closed lower end thereof. The pump mechanism is disposed below the water within the housing. The pump mechanism has openings in a lower end for receiving the water therein. A water conduit extends outwardly from the pump mechanism along an interior surface of the closed lower end of the housing. The water conduit has an upper portion extending upwardly along an interior surface of a front wall of the housing. A manifold is secured to and is in communication with an upper end of the upper portion of the water conduit. The manifold has a plurality of nozzles extending outwardly therefrom directed inwardly with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Gregory A. Cleveland
  • Patent number: 5934298
    Abstract: The present invention provides a combination sink and dishwashing apparatus having a sink sharing a common side wall with a cabinet which defines a closed space. The cabinet has a wire basket for holding and washing a plurality of dishes within the cabinet. The common side wall is a part of the cabinet that defines the closed space and is positioned to form one side of the sink. The common side wall can be opened to allow the wire basket to slide from within the cabinet and into the sink, for loading and unloading the dishes. Within the cabinet, the invention contains a pump powered by a motor, the pump spraying water through a rotatably mounted spray arm onto the dishes to wash them, as with traditional dishwashing machines. The invention preferably includes a garbage disposal which is also powered by the motor. In an alternative embodiment, this invention can include two cabinets as described above, each located on opposing sides of the sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Baljit Singh
  • Patent number: 5927616
    Abstract: A rinse arm spray system for directing multiple streams of water supplied under pressure from a source of water, the system comprising: a water supply conduit for supplying the water; a rinse arm having an exterior surface, an interior volume, a first open end, and a second end, the arm being releasably connected to the water supply conduit wherein the first open end is in communication with the water supply conduit; a plurality of spray nozzles spaced apart along the exterior surface of the arm, the nozzles communicating with the interior volume of the arm for providing directed streams of water supplied to the arm under pressure; an actuating mechanism releasably connected to a second end of the rinse arm, the actuating mechanism comprising a rod adapted to cooperate with the second end of the rinse arm, a guide tube for supporting the rod, a helical spring enclosing the rod, and a pressure actuating means for exerting pressure to compress the spring wherein the rinse arm is disengaged from the system, and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ronald Eugene Grise, William David Schrand
  • Patent number: 5924433
    Abstract: A dishwasher construction having a molded one piece tub with integrally molded reinforcing ribs on an outside surface of the tub, the reinforcing ribs being hollow members formed by gas injection molding. At least one of the reinforcing ribs can be fashioned as a hollow conduit for transferring water from a bottom mounted pump to a top mounted wash arm of the dishwasher, or from a drain pump to a drain outlet. By using hollow reinforcing members molded integrally with the tub, an external upper wash arm conduit is avoided which can have external leakage, and an internal upper wash arm conduit is avoided which tends to restrict the working space within the dishwasher and can trap food and be otherwise functional and unappealing to the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Edward L. Thies, Roger J. Bertsch, John P. Vance, Roger D. Jewell
  • Patent number: 5915398
    Abstract: A cleaning station for cleaning parts from apparatus that itself uses a water spray to clean a toxic gas. The cleaning station has a tray and a sink for holding a part to be spray cleaned and the sink is connected to drain the spray water into the drain system of the gas cleaning apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ying-Hsiang Chen, Chwan-Der Lee
  • Patent number: 5914017
    Abstract: An electrical field between a positive anode and a negative target in a cavity and a magnetic field in the cavity produce electron flow from the target in a convoluted path for ionizing a gas such as oxygen flowing through the cavity. The ionized oxygen forms positive and negative oxygen ions which flow from the cavity to an aluminum oxide surface on a substrate. The aluminum oxide surface may contain hydrocarbon molecules which prevent a thin magnetizable layer from adhering uniformly on the aluminum oxide surface. The ionized oxygen molecules and atoms flow through the cavity at a reduced rate and react chemically with the hydrocarbon molecules to form water vapor and carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide gases. By removing the hydrocarbons from the aluminum oxide surface, the layer of the magnetizable material is deposited adheringly on the aluminum oxide surface. A neutral gas (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Sputtered Films, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Clarke
  • Patent number: 5911231
    Abstract: A drive-through vehicle wash of the type including a plurality of gantries defining a tunnel through which the vehicle passes and including a plurality of longitudinally spaced work stations along the tunnel for performing respective operations associated with the washing of the vehicle. A utility carrier is provided to facilitate delivery of the various utility lines (such as soapy water, clear water, electric power, hydraulic power, and hot air) to the various work stations. The utility carrier comprises a ladder structure positioned above the gantries and a plurality of U-shaped brackets positioned on top of the gantries. The ladder structure has a closed loop configuration overlying the gantries and includes an entry section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Belanger, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry S. Turner, Thomas E. Weyandt
  • Patent number: 5909741
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing a workpiece in a chemical bath liquid contained in a liquid container. The liquid container is fabricated from a material such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), poly-amide-imide (PAI) or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). A vibration generator is positioned on each of one or more container walls to introduce vibrations with a selected frequency (20-750 kHz) through the container wall(s) and into the chemical bath liquid. Two or more vibration generators may introduce vibrations with different frequencies into the chemical bath liquid and at different angles. The chemical bath liquid may be an acid such as HCl, H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, HNO.sub.3, H.sub.2 PO.sub.3 and HF, or may be an oxidizer or base such as NH.sub.4 OH and H.sub.2 O.sub.2. The chemical bath may be used to process semiconductor wafers and circuits, printed circuit boards, optical components and similar workpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Inventor: Gary W. Ferrell
  • Patent number: 5904165
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a multipurpose repair and maintenance apparatus for aerial inspection, repair and cleaning, comprising a work platform for installation on the skids of an helicopter and sustaining a boom assembly and a fluid circuit such that the loads on the work platform are fully balanced. The work platform is made of electrically conductive material and all electrically conductive parts of the apparatus are connected to the electrically conductive parts of the helicopter to have same electrical potential. The boom assembly extends from the port side of the work platform and has an inboard section and an outboard section. A pumping assembly is mounted on a power drive mount at the starboard side of the platform, so as to balance the weight of the boom assembly. A boom actuator is provided at the onboard end of the boom assembly and controls the vertical and horizontal movement of the outboard end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventors: Ian McLean, deceased, by Raymond Jodoin, executor
  • Patent number: 5904162
    Abstract: Disclosed is a warewashing assembly comprising a batch-loading warewashing machine and a movable tray or cart capable of holding a rack in a position that departs form the horizontal outside of the warewashing machine for convenient operations; said tray or cart comprising a flat tray of a size complementary to said rack, wherein the flat tray comprises side and rear fences capable of holding the ware rack against horizontal motion and wherein the tray is attached to a support structure in such a way that it is supported at the desired angle .alpha. and can be inserted into the machine when quiescent; wherein the support structure is of a height approximately equal to that of the warewashing machine and comprises means to move horizontally in relation to the warewashing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Ferguson, Dwayne A. Becknell, Daniel F. Brady, Martin D. Schenk
  • Patent number: 5899217
    Abstract: An engine wash recovery system is temporarily installed on an aircraft turbine engine to recover wash liquids and contaminants washed from the engine during engine cleaning operations. The apparatus basically comprises a collector, an engine exhaust duct, and a container. The collector is formed of a flexible, liquid proof material which is removably secured beneath the engine housing (fuselage, nacelle, cowling, etc.) of the aircraft, to capture wash liquids which spill from the housing. The duct is removably connected to the engine exhaust, to capture spray which has passed through the engine as the engine is turned over at a relatively low rpm to flush the fluid through the engine. Both the collector and the duct are connected to a container for recovering all liquids emanating from the engine and its housing during the wash process. The collector may include a forward extension to capture liquids which back up out of the engine intake or inlet, and a rearward extension which extends back to the exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Frank L. Testman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5899429
    Abstract: Disclosed is an artists' easel which has a pivotally adjustable frame which carries the artists' canvas. A bag retaining assembly attached to the easel frame is adapted for a bag, e.g., a plastic garbage bag, to fit thereover with a apertured splatter panel covering the mouth of the bag. A beater bar inside the bag frame permits the artist to beat the paintbrush on the beater bar while the bag traps the solvent inside. The easel also is adjustable in height, and has provision for a tray, a paper towel holder, and a container holder (e.g., for solvent). Provision for holding the bag in place is provided also.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Jerry L. McCloud
  • Patent number: 5896876
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provides for decontamination of soil from contaminates such as polychlorinated biphenyls. The method involves (a) admixing a short chain alcohol and a long chain alcohol to provide a solvent composition, (b) admixing the solvent composition with the contaminated soil to extract the contaminant from the soil into the solvent to form contaminated solvent, (c) separating the soil from the contaminated solvent, (d) washing of the decontaminated soil with water to remove residual solvent from the soil, and (e) distillation of the contaminated solvent to separate the reusable short chain alcohol as a light fraction from a heavy fraction containing the long chain alcohol and the contaminant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Erle L. Plunkett
  • Patent number: 5890503
    Abstract: A fully automatic eyeglass cleaning apparatus includes a vessel partially filled with a cleaning fluid, wherein a mechanism is included to accept and hold a pair of eyeglasses to be cleaned. The mechanism lowers the eyeglasses into the volume of fluid, and provides for a duration of vibratory cleaning activities (within the volume of fluid). Subsequently the eyeglasses are raised above the volume of fluid and are then dried by the application of directed streams of heated air that impinge upon the eyeglasses. After sufficient periods of time are provided for fluidic cleaning and drying, the eyeglasses are raised and may be removed from the mechanism by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Steven J. Bowen
  • Patent number: 5884644
    Abstract: A quartz tank for wet semiconductor wafer processing includes one or more ports extending through the tank for the exchange of fluids with the tank. The openings may be aligned with a T-shaped quartz stem having an enlarged end retained on the interior side of said quartz tank in sealing abutment therewith. The lower end of the quartz stem may have external threads to abut with a suitable union. The union may include a nut having a reduced diameter lower end to engage an enlarged end of the tubing member connected to the bottom of the quartz stem. An o-ring seal may be sandwiched between the tubing and the lower end of the quartz stem. The nut may be formed of a carbon-fiber reinforced fluorocarbon material such as perfluoroalkoxy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: L. Brian Dunn
  • Patent number: 5882096
    Abstract: In order to equip a dishwasher (1) with a machine base (10), on which a washing container (20) is arranged so as to be capable of being put down in position, in a simple way with a fastening for the washing container (20), said fastening being less complicated and therefore more cost-effective and having better stability, according to the invention the washing container (20) rests, on the rear side, on the upper edge (11) of the machine base (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Wilhelmstatter, Helmut Jerg, Bernd Schessl, Gerhard Fetzer, Michael Hartmann, Markus Hopfl, Karl-Heinz Rehm, Rudolf Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5882739
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving the drying performance of a dishwasher and the resulting products thereof. The method involves chemically treating a dishwasher component to alter or modify the chemical properties of the surface, rendering such surface hydrophilic. The hydrophilic surface sufficiently attracts water molecules within the dishwasher to enhance the drying capabilities of the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Duane M. Kobos, Patrick J. MCCann
  • Patent number: 5871022
    Abstract: Apparatus for grinding tapers and points on elongated needle workpieces having frame means and needle workpiece transport means associated with the frame means for transporting a plurality of the workpieces. The workpiece transport means has a predetermined curvature and workpiece feeder means is mounted adjacent the frame means for feeding workpieces to the workpiece transport means. The grinding means is preferably a grinding wheel disposed adjacent the workpiece transport means to engage workpieces while supported by workpiece supporting means and has a major diameter at a first end and a minor diameter at a second end, the major diameter being greater than the minor diameter. The diameters are connected by a curved grinding surface the diameter of which increases progressively therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventors: Marcelino P. Munoz, W. Scott Samsel, Eugene P. Cybart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5871023
    Abstract: A fluid driven tank cleaning device is provided. The device includes an inlet that connects to a source of cleaning solution under pressure and a stem coupled to the inlet having a fluid receiving chamber. A hermetically sealed gear box is also provided which is coupled to the stem and has a secondary chamber separated from the receiving chamber by a common wall. A primary drive shaft rotatably mounted within the fluid receiving chamber is driven by an impeller which rotates in response to fluid entering the fluid receiving chamber. The primary drive shaft is magnetically coupled to a secondary drive shaft rotatably mounted within the secondary chamber. A gear train reduces the speed of the secondary shaft. A first output shaft rotatably mounted within the secondary chamber is connected to the secondary drive shaft via the gear train. The output shaft is magnetically coupled to a second output shaft which rotates a main housing relative to the stem about a first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Butterworth Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: George L. Sherman, Jr., Daniel G. Elko
  • Patent number: 5870787
    Abstract: There is disclosed door driving control equipment for a washing machine, which washing machine includes an outer casing, a door formed on a top portion of the outer casing, a door motor for generating force used for opening and closing the door, and a lamp for lighting the interior of the washing machine. Also included are: an opening/closing command input portion which is used to input a command to open or close the door to the washing machine; door opening and closing sensing portions that sense whether the door is opened or closed; and a microprocessor which controls operations of the door motor and the lamp according to a command signal to open or close the door and an input signal for the door opening and closing sensing portions, in order to actuate the door motor and the lamp in a prescribed sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ssi Chol Choi
  • Patent number: 5868150
    Abstract: A method (400) for cleaning a semiconductor wafer. The method includes immersing (420) a wafer in a liquid comprising water. The wafer has a front face, a back face, and an edge. The method also includes providing a substantially particle free environment adjacent to the front face and the back face as the liquid is being removed. A step of introducing a carrier gas comprising a cleaning enhancement substance during the providing step (450) also is included. The cleaning enhancement substance dopes the liquid which is attached to the front face and the back face to cause a concentration gradient of the cleaning enhancement substance in the attached liquid to accelerate fluid flow of the attached liquid off of the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: YieldUP International
    Inventors: Raj Mohindra, Abhay Bhushan, Rajiv Bhushan, Suraj Puri, John H. Anderson, Sr., Jeffrey Nowell
  • Patent number: 5865903
    Abstract: A liquid treatment system for hollow articles having an open end facing downwardly upon a moving conveyor belt includes a vacuum stripper tube connected to a blower for generating a suction force withdrawing excess liquid from the hollow articles and the belts, and a pair of flow splitters for distributing the suction force applied to opposite ends of the vacuum stripper tube. The system is provided with a baffle disposed in the vacuum stripper tube for improving the distribution of suction force in the vacuum stripper tube. The system also includes an excess liquid collection arrangement constructed and arranged to establish a one-way flow of and collect excess liquid evacuated from the vacuum stripper tube. The system further contemplates a blow-off unit operably connected to the blower for supplying dry air to the hollow articles and conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: James W. Duncan
  • Patent number: 5862819
    Abstract: A scrubbing tower mounted on a mobile frame is movable between a horizontal transport position and a vertical operating position. A means is provided for distributing gas upwardly through the scrubbing tower, and water downwardly through the scrubbing tower, when the tower is in the vertical operating position. The apparatus also includes a blower and a pump mounted on the mobile frame, the blower being connectable with a source of hazardous gases enclosed within a storage vessel, and the pump being connectable with a source of water. The apparatus is especially beneficial in removing water soluble hazardous compounds, such as ethylene dichloride and hydrogen sulfide, from gaseous atmospheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Robert R. Cradeur
  • Patent number: 5863350
    Abstract: A bearing cleaning method and accompanying kit is provided which allows for the cleaning of roller blade wheel bearings. By following a succession of steps in cooperation with a kit comprising a modular stacking unit and container and closely sized to receive the unit, a user can quickly and easily clean a plurality of roller blade wheel bearings agitating an organic solvent partially filling the container. A plurality of roller blade wheel bearings are stacked within a modular stacking unit comprising a multitude of cylindrical spacing elements, a pair of planar end caps, with each planar end cap including two integral spacing elements, and a resilient band member. The modular stacking unit, once assembled, is placed within the interior volume of a container, along with a small quantity of organic solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Carl Lekavich
  • Patent number: 5860436
    Abstract: A washer having a pair of offset legs. In addition to the offset legs, the washer includes a tub, a front frame and a rear frame. The tub defines a wash chamber with a front opening and includes a bottom wall and opposing side walls. The front frame has a pair of legs respectively disposed adjacent to the opposing side walls of the tub toward the front opening. The rear frame has a pair of horizontal legs with outer ends and a pair of vertical supports. The vertical supports are disposed rearward from the legs of the front frame. The horizontal legs are secured to the vertical supports and extend forward therefrom to the outer ends. The offset legs each have a neck and an upright member. The necks are offset forward of the upright members and are respectively secured to the legs of the front frame. The upright members are respectively secured to the horizontal legs toward the outer ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley B. Hobday
  • Patent number: 5857473
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved retaining device designed to hold articles in a top or bottom dishwasher rack preventing them from dislodging during a wash cycle. The device comprises a substantially rectangular net member attached to a window shade type roller assembly. The roller assembly may be removably attached to any side of a top or bottom dishwasher rack. The net member has a substantially centrally located aperture for receiving a dishwasher water tower allowing the device to be easily used to retain items placed in a lower dishwasher rack. The net member also has one or more mesh storage pockets on a side thereof allowing additional lightweight articles to be stored therein. Longitudinal stainless steel reinforcement strips are provided on the net member allowing it to be easily retracted within the roller assembly and allowing it to more tightly engage articles stored in the dishwasher rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventors: Kim Vanover, Larry Vanover
  • Patent number: 5857472
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for rinsing a fluid-storage space that is provided with a rising chamber fillable with a fluid arranged in the region of the high point of the storage-space floor, which chamber, when the storage space runs empty, abruptly lets the fluid run out through a rinse opening as a rinsing torrent. The rinsing device has a container that serves to hold the rinse fluid; the container is either raisable, so that rinse fluid floods out through its bottom opening, or else the upper edge of the container is lowerable, so that the rinse fluid, coming forth from here, can flood out radially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventors: Lothar Steinhardt, Jorg-Michael Steinhardt
  • Patent number: 5853962
    Abstract: A method of removing photoresist or redeposited material from a substrate or other surface using a carbon dioxide jet spray. A substrate having photoresist or redeposited material on its surface is disposed in an environmental enclosure. A carbon dioxide jet spray is generated and directed onto the surface of the substrate and photoresist or redeposited material. The carbon dioxide jet spray cools or freezes the material and causes a mismatch in the thermal coefficient of expansion of the material and the substrate. The material debonds from the substrate due to the induced thermal shock to the material. This rapid shrinkage loosens the material and allows the solid particles in the spray to knock the material from the surface of the substrate. The removed photoresist or redeposited material may be collected in a filter, and removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Eco-Snow Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles W. Bowers
  • Patent number: 5849104
    Abstract: A cleaning system (1, 5) having multiple cleaning chambers (200) is provided. Each cleaning chamber (200) includes an interior region sufficient for immersing a carrier (242), which has at least one wafer disposed therein, into an ultra-clean liquid. The cleaning chamber (200) also has an inlet operably coupled to the interior region to introduce a gas into the interior region and a drain operably coupled to the interior region to remove the ultra-clean liquid from the interior region at a selected rate. A controller 14 is operably coupled to the chamber (200) for selectively controlling the selected rate. In an alternative embodiment, an installation technique (80) for the above cleaning system (1, 5) is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: YieldUP International
    Inventors: Raj Mohindra, David C. Wong, Suraj Puri
  • Patent number: 5829278
    Abstract: An automatic wet towel supplying device includes a cutting member for automatically supplying and cutting a dry cotton cloth, a spraying member for providing uniform dampening moisture to produce a wet towel, and a winding member for winding the wet towel in a rolled state while homogenizing the moisture content in the wet towel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Ja Yoon Koo
  • Patent number: 5829459
    Abstract: A dishwashing machine having a reservoir (6) communicating with the washing tank (1) through a lower aperture (7) connected to the delivery side of a drain pump (3). The reservoir (6) comprises an upper aperture (9) capable of communicating with the outside ambient through a valve (10) which is controlled by the program sequence control switch (13) of the machine so as to open during a pre-determined water discharge phase to enable the reservoir (6) to be filled by the water being let out from the tank (1); to temporarily close so as to prevent said reservoir (6) from emptying after said water discharge phase; and to finally open again so as to enable the water stored in the reservoir (6) to flow back into the washing tank (1), through the lower aperture (7) and the pump (3), to be used during said subsequent phase of the washing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Electrolux Zanussi Elettrodomestici S.p.A.
    Inventors: Claudio Milocco, Gianluca Tassotti, Giovanni Centis
  • Patent number: 5826603
    Abstract: An improved blind washing device comprising a frame supporting a plurality of open-ended tubes, closure mechanism for selectably closing said tubes, mechanism for elevating one end of said tubes, a hose connection for delivering water into said tubes, a spray arm, an extensible hose connected to deliver water to said spray arm, an outlet drain and filter mechanism connected between said tubes and said outlet drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Robert J. Mellein
  • Patent number: 5823211
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes at least one adjustable-height basket to which an associated spray arm and its inlet tube are secured. The inlet tube is disposed horizontally and is connected by a coupling to a supply line secured to a side wall of a tub. An open connection fitting and two closed blind fittings protrude toward the inlet tube. The coupling has two openings into which the connecting fitting and one of the blind fittings respectively protrude. In order to provide a simple way of assuring the joining together of the coupling to the fittings, and to assure that pressure losses in the water supply to the spray arm connected to the coupling through the use of the supply and resultant worsening of the cleaning action are effectively avoided, regardless of how the basket is loaded, the coupling has an end oriented toward the supply line with a centering plate and downstream thereof a sealing plate having flexible sealing lips and being freely movable between a housing of the coupling and the centering plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Wilhelmstatter, Helmut Jerg, Bernd Schessl, Gerhard Fetzer, Michael Hartmann, Markus Hopfl, Karl-Heinz Rehm, Rudolf Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5814156
    Abstract: Foreign material on a surface of a substrate is processed to form a non-solid by-product by providing a gaseous reactant in the vicinity of the foreign material and delivering a beam of radiation to aid the gaseous reactant to react with the foreign material to form the non-solid by-product.In another aspect, radiation for cleaning a surface of a substrate is provided by a laser configured to deliver an original beam of ultraviolet radiation, and optics (e.g., a pair of orthogonal cylindrical mirrors) for shaping the beam to have a cross-section in the form of a line having a width smaller than any dimension of a cross-section of the original beam and a length at least ten times larger than any dimension of the original beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: UVTech Systems Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Elliott, Richard F. Hollman