Movable Fluid Applying Nozzle And/or With Plugging Or Sealing Of Work Passage Or Opening Patents (Class 134/24)
  • Patent number: 6758225
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and methods for cleaning bins including a lance provided with a nozzle assembly for discharging cleaning fluid (and optionally drying air) towards the inner wall surfaces of a bin. The lance can be advanced into and retracted from the bin while undergoing lateral displacement to maintain the nozzle assembly in close proximity with the inner wall surfaces during cleaning (and optionally drying). The lance can have a rastering mode of operation which is used when the forward end of the lance is adjacent the base of the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventors: Gary Michael Thompson, Andrew Quigley
  • Publication number: 20040099288
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for scarifying the interior surface of a sewer pipe. The apparatus consists of a chassis, with an outer frame coupled to the chassis and an inner frame slidably coupled to the outer frame. Two extendible arms are attached to opposite sides of the inner frame. Each arm has a nozzle assembly mounted on the end, each nozzle assembly having a plurality of fluid jets for spray water onto the interior surface of the pipeline. The nozzle assembly may be pivotally mounted to allow for greater control of the fluid jets. The apparatus further includes a propulsion system for movement of the apparatus along the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Gerard J. MacNeil, David B. MacNeil, Gordon W. MacNeil, Vernon G. Bose
  • Publication number: 20040079393
    Abstract: In a method for cleaning for cleaning metallic ion contamination, and especially copper, from wafer containers, the containers are loaded into a cleaning apparatus. The containers are sprayed with a dilute chelating agent solution. The chelating agent solution removes metallic contamination from the containers. The containers are then rinsed with a rinsing liquid, such as deionized water and a surfactant. The containers are then dried, preferably by applying heat and/or hot air movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Ronald G. Breese, C. James Bryer, Eric J. Bergman, Dana R. Scranton
  • Patent number: 6723171
    Abstract: The present invention provides: a process which involves safely and sanitarily extracting a solid material from a shell-and-tube reactor with good efficiency. The process comprises the step of extracting a solid material 90 that is packed in a reaction tube 20 of a shell-and-tube reactor 10, with the process further comprising: the step (a) of inserting an aspirating tube 30 from an end of the reaction tube 30 wherein the aspirating tube 30 is connected to an exhaust gas aspirator 70; and the step (b) of extracting the solid material 90 from the reaction tube 20 by aspirating the solid material 90 in the reaction tube 20 from a tip of the aspirating tube 30 together with a stream of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiromi Yunoki
  • Patent number: 6715499
    Abstract: A water lance blower for cleaning heat installations includes a water lance moveably mounted with a mouth thereof at or in a hatch. The water lance can blow a jet of water through the heating installation, through which flames and/or flue gases are guided, to wall regions accessible from the hatch, during operation. The water lance is provided with at least one sensor for detecting at least one predeterminable measurement value for monitoring the quality of the water jet. A method for operating the water lance blower includes detecting and evaluating at least one parameter characteristic of the quality of the water jet as a measurement value during operation of the water lance blower. The method permits an evaluation of the cleaning effect of the water lance blower during operation and, if required, influencing of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Clyde Bergmann GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Bartels, Manfred Frach, Klaus Eimer
  • Publication number: 20040025906
    Abstract: The device comprises a spray system (72, 74, 78, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86) for spraying a fluid (76) against the inside periphery of the tube (1) to be cleaned, and two analogous brushing assemblies (10, 20), each of which comprises brushing means (12, 22) and a propelling element which co-operates with the inside periphery of the tube (1). The device further comprises means (50, 30, 40) for moving axially the brushing assemblies towards each other and away from each other in alternation, which means comprise a chamber (58) connected to a feed for feeding in fluid (51) under pressure. Said spray system (72, 74, 78, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86) includes a reservoir (72) put under pressure by being connected to said chamber (58).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Bernard Bourrelly, Jacques Vadot
  • Patent number: 6682605
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for removing coating layers from the top of alignment marks on a wafer are described. The apparatus includes a cleaning chamber that is a cavity and a lid member suspended in the cavity, a wafer chuck that is rotatably mounted in the lid member for holding a wafer in an upside down position such that the alignment marks are facing downwardly, and at least two solvent dispensing arms mounted in an outer peripheral area of the lid member that are immediately adjacent to the chuck for dispensing a flow of solvent upwardly toward the active surface of the wafer when the wafer is held in a stationary position, each of the at least two solvent dispensing arms are positioned corresponding to a position of one of the alignment marks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Aaron Cheng, Ting-Chun Wang, Yu-Ku Lin, Chun-Chang Chen, Yi-Lang Wang
  • Patent number: 6673055
    Abstract: A medical suction system comprising a medical suction canister used in draining bodily fluid from a patient, and a cleaning station for automatically draining and cleaning the suction canister and for automatically providing a visible indication that the canister has been cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Peter F. Bemis, Amelia H. Newar, Steven J. Kolste, William J. Genett
  • Patent number: 6655393
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning passageways such as air ducts or flues. The apparatus includes a body having a nozzle, or plurality of nozzles, rotatably coupled to it. A cage is coupled to the body and surrounds the rotative path of the nozzle or nozzles. The nozzles are configured such that passage of fluid through the nozzle's orifice imparts a rotating motion of the nozzle about the defined axis. The apparatus is placed in a duct or ventilation passageway, preferably at the highest vertical location of the passageway. Fluid is then passed through the nozzle spraying and cleaning the interior of the duct. The rotating motion of the spray causes the apparatus to maneuver its way through the duct system, including through angular transitions, until it travels the entire pathway of the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Grease Duct Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Mervyn Loughmiller
  • Patent number: 6644325
    Abstract: A method of scarifying an interior surface of a pipe to remove contaminants and corrosion products, using a vehicle carrying an attached principal arm that is pivotable and that has a nozzle assembly at a distal end thereof. The nozzle assembly has a plurality of nozzles mounted at free ends of associated nozzle branches, the nozzle branches being rotatable or capable of oscillation about a distal end of the principal arm. One of the nozzle branches and the principle arm are extendible to position the nozzle assembly adjacent a first selected region of the interior surface of the pipe. The vehicle moves down the pipe with the nozzle assembly rotating or oscillating, and applying pressurized fluid to the nozzles so that they each emit a jet that scarifies the first selected region. Once the first selected region is scarified, the principal arm is pivoted to position the nozzle assembly adjacent a subsequent selected region to be scarified and the process is in part repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Mac & Mac Hydrodemoliton, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard MacNeil, David MacNeil, Gordon MacNeil, Vernon Bose
  • Patent number: 6640817
    Abstract: A method for removing concrete from the interior surfaces of a concrete mixing drum, the drum including an open end and at least one interior surface facing away from or opposite the open end, an elongate probe having a longitudinal axis and an axially extending forward end being inserted into the drum through the open end thereof; and at least one fluid nozzle being mounted to the probe in position for discharging a stream of fluid against the at least one interior surface facing opposite the open end under sufficient pressure to dislodge accumulated concrete therefrom as the probe is moved in the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas G. Harmon
  • Patent number: 6630032
    Abstract: Apparatus for dislodging an accretion of a substance from the vicinity of a vessel, includes apparatus for generating gas-borne shock waves in the vicinity of a vessel, thereby to expose a substance accrued on a surface thereof to separation forces causing at least partial separation of the substance from the surface, so as to facilitate removal of the at least partially separated substance therefrom; and support apparatus for supporting the apparatus for generating shock waves in a selected association relative to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: ProWell Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gennady Carmi, Yuri Ass
  • Patent number: 6626190
    Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for automatically cleaning at least the cooking chamber of a cooking device upon use of a fluid, the fluid is selected from a first fluid comprising cleaning agent, rinse agent, decalcification agent, water and/or the like, and/or from a second fluid that is acquired from the third fluid discharging from the cooking chamber during cleaning on the basis of at least partial cleaning thereof. At least one spray head is provided to which the first fluid from at least a first reservoir and/or the second fluid can be supplied via a line system from a processing unit connected to the discharge conduit of the cooking chamber. The processing unit has at least a second reservoir, a cleaning unit, and a pump unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Rational Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wilfried Durth, Peter Wiedemann
  • Patent number: 6620259
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cleaning containment enclosures, and in particular for dedusting them. The invention is implemented with double containment; and suctioning is performed within a removable receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: GĂ©rard Bertolotti, Bernard Defontaine
  • Patent number: 6615848
    Abstract: The methods and apparatus of the present invention include an tubing disposed within an conduit to assure flow through the outer pipe. The tubing string is nearly neutrally buoyant or substantially buoyant and has a cleaning and monitoring tool attached to its end. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for removing material from an conduit includes an tubing extending through the conduit and having a flowbore adapted to flow fluids within the tubing and a monitoring and cleaning tool attached to and receiving the fluids from the tubing. The tool preferably includes a plurality of nozzles, a sonic measuring device, and an expandable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: E. Alan Coats
  • Patent number: 6616771
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for cleaning a contaminated cannula so that it may be reused includes moving the contaminated cannula from a drug reconstitution station where the cannula is used to prepare a drug solution into a first rinsing station where the cannula is cleaned. A database is referred to to determine what drug solution the cannula has been contaminated with, and to determine a first amount of cleaning fluid that needs to be passed internally through the cannula, and a second amount of cleaning fluid that needs to be passed externally about the cannula so that there is effectively no contaminant remaining inside and outside of the cannula. The first amount of cleaning fluid is passed internally through the cannula. The second amount of cleaning fluid is passed externally about the cannula. After the cannula is cleaned, the cannula is moved to the drug reconstitution station to prepare another drug solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Forhealth Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel A. Osborne, Dennis Tribble, William C. Aven
  • Patent number: 6607607
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for substantially cleaning fill from a borehole, variously including in preferred embodiments disturbing, particulate solids of fill while RIH, entraining particulates while POOH, jetting downhole while RIH and jetting uphole while POOH, and controlling at least one of a pump rate regime or a POOH rate regime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Scott A. Walker, Jeff Li, Graham Wilde
  • Publication number: 20030136427
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for cleaning the oxide layer created on the bearing surface of a fluid dynamic bearing by the electrochemical machining of pressure generating grooves onto the bearing surface, wherein the method involves spraying a high-pressure liquid jet onto the bearing surface and the cleaning device is an apparatus for spraying a high-pressure liquid jet onto the bearing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Kesao Suzuki, Noriyuki Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 6579379
    Abstract: A method for washing the media bed of a gas pollution abatement reactor which includes using a bed washer apparatus which includes a continuous tubular manifold having a plurality of spaced downwardly directed nozzles directing liquid onto the bed supported on a frame, a drive wheel supports the frame, and a motor driving the drive wheel in at least two directions inside the reactor. The manifold is connected to a source of liquid and the apparatus includes directional control switches for reversing the direction of the drive wheel. In this method the reactor is first taken offline and the media bed is cooled to ambient temperature. The components of the washer are disassembled and then re-assembled inside the reactor and the manifold is connected to a source of wash liquid. The washer traverses the media bed, uniformly washing the media bed to remove particulate contaminants without requiring personnel inside the reactor while the media is being washed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Durr Environmental, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Wayne Noble
  • Patent number: 6572709
    Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning method for cleaning the film, scale and sludge from internal surfaces of tubes, tubesheets, tube support plates and channel heads of steam generators previously exposed to water or steam at temperatures of more than 200° C. introduces an ultrasonic transducer or transducer array into the steam generator and submerges the ultrasonic transducer and the surface to be cleaned in water or aqueous solution. Ultrasonic energy is introduced into the water at a power level of 20 watts/gallon or more and at frequencies of from 10 to 200 KHz. An array of transducers is employed to introduce 20 to 60 watts/gallon of water or more into the steam generator. In one practice, the transducer or transducer array is suspended in the steam generator. An array of transducers can be assembled (and later disassembled) in situ where individual transducers or small transducer subassemblies must introduced into the steam generator through small hand holes or other small diameter nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Dominion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Sotaro Kaneda, Naonobu Sasada, Robert D. Varrin, Jr., Michael W. Rootham
  • Patent number: 6565668
    Abstract: The device relates to a method for the cleaning of animal stalls, which have a number of spaces that are to be cleaned by means of an automatic clean device. The method is characterized by the steps of (a) positioning the device in a parking position, in which the device can reach into and clean a first space, (b) cleaning of the first space through manual controlling of the device, (c) the repetition of steps (a) and (b) until all the spaces in the premises which are to be cleaned have been cleaned by the device, programming the device with the movements which were performed during the above-mentioned steps, by means of signals representing these movements which are supplied to a control unit, through registering the movements performed by storage of the steps in a memory which is provided in a control unit which is part of the device, and the use of the contents of the memory during the next cleaning of the same animal stall as a program for the control unit for the automatic controlling of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventors: Jan Sandberg, Bjarne Graff, Anders Lif
  • Patent number: 6561199
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the interior of a vessel for containing a sanitary product by ejecting a rotating stream of cleaning fluid. The apparatus features a stationary housing that forms an inlet for receiving a flow of cleaning fluid, a rotatable housing mounted for rotation on the stationary housing about a first axis, and a nozzle for ejecting the cleaning fluid, the nozzle being rotatably mounted on the rotatable housing so that the nozzle rotates about a second axis. A planetary gear train is driven by an impeller driven by the flow of cleaning fluid and drives the rotation of the rotatable housing. The planetary gear train is located between the apparatus inlet and the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Gamajet Cleaning Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bentley F. Gleeson, Andrew K Delaney, Minh Quang Le, Robert E. Delaney
  • Patent number: 6562143
    Abstract: Cleaning of MBE vacuum chambers of residue containing a volatile material, such as red phosphorus, is safely achieved by wetting the residue with de-ionized water (37) and depositing the residue in a water bath, formed by the water at the bottom of the chamber, to form a slurry. The slurry is vacuumed (1 & 30) from the chamber and collected (44) within the canister (3) of the vacuum cleaner. The water precludes ignition of the red phosphorus during cleaning of the chamber and during collection within the canister of the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Todd K. Makishi
  • Patent number: 6557566
    Abstract: A drum washer has a base, a barrel support structure, and a water delivery system. A hollow drum is turned over and placed on the drum washer by inserting a spray head of the water delivery system through a hole in a top cover of the drum and into the interior of the drum. The barrel support structure holds the drum at a fixed angle while water is sprayed from the spray head onto interior surfaces of the drum. The water rinses the interior surfaces of the drum and drains out the hole in the top cover of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: LSI Logic Corporation
    Inventor: Don Rudolfs
  • Publication number: 20030070694
    Abstract: An air or liquid handling device access and cleaning method and apparatus which allows the cleaning operator to clean the interior of the air or liquid handling device while the device is operational, thus negating the conventional need to shut down the system. The apparatus contains a flexible cleaning hose which delivers a cleaning agent through a nozzle connected to the distal end of the hose. The hose is subsequently inserting into a hose sealing mechanism which ensures and air-tight seal around the periphery of the hose while still allowing rotational and longitudinal movement of the hose. The preferred embodiment also connects, in seriatim, a pipe “T” junction with a pressure relief valve, a pipe bell reducer, a pipe extension and an access control valve, thus permitting controlled access to the pressurized interior of the air or liquid handling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel McCleary, Mark Gaffin
  • Patent number: 6539953
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for cleaning a heater bellow in a chemical vapor deposition chamber by utilizing a plug and a plug base specifically designed for such cleaning are disclosed. The apparatus consists of the plug and the plug base which can be advantageously mounted in a heater bellow for the filling of the bellow with an oxidizing fluid such as H2O2. After a suitable soaking period of the oxidizing fluid, the fluid is drained away and then deionized water is used to fill the bellow to rinse the bellow wall and to remove the oxidized compound of metal, such as WO3. During the soaking process by H2O2 or by deionized water, an inert gas such as argon may be purged through the fluid to improve its uniformity and to improve its interaction with the metal oxide deposition on the bellow wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Kevin Lee
  • Patent number: 6540842
    Abstract: A method of accessing and cleaning an interior portion of a gas scrubber canister in-situ. A removable glass member is attachable to a flange formed on the canister. By removing the removable glass member an access port in communication with the interior portion of the canister is provided. A vacuum device is insertable through the access port to clean the interior portion in-situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: C&M Inc.
    Inventors: Kye-Jin Lim, Gwon Sagong, Daniel K. Weber
  • Publication number: 20030047197
    Abstract: A method of removing ceramic core material from an internal passage of a superalloy airfoil casting using a CNC controlled fluid spray nozzle in a manner that the fluid spray nozzle is caused to laterally scan and/or rotary orbit an area of one or more openings of one or more passages at an exterior casting surface to improve removal of material residing in the passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: Howmet Research Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Beggs, Paul C. Jensen
  • Patent number: 6526998
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning treatment composition containers are disclosed which are capable of taking out photographic treatment compositions in the form of powder, granules, tablets or slurry from the containers without adhesion of the components to the inner wall of the container and residue of the coagulated and solidified substances and as well as cleaning the inside portions of the containers. The method and apparatus for cleaning the containers for the photographic treatment compositions have the steps of mounting containers filled with treatment compositions in the form of powder, granules, tablets or slurry and comprising as a resin, only high-density polyethylene (HDPE) having a density of 0.941 to 0.969 g/cm3 and a melt index of 0.3 g/10 min to 5.0 g/10 min to a cleaning apparatus; opening an opening portion of the container to inject the treatment material into a dissolving tank, and spraying cleaning water into the empty container from a nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Abe
  • Patent number: 6503126
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for abrading the inner surface at the intersection region of a branch outlet with the wall of a body having a passageway. Using abrasive flow machining, it is possible to abrade the intersection region to provide a smooth transition between the wall and the branch outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Extrude Hone Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Rhoades
  • Patent number: 6500388
    Abstract: An automatically analyzing apparatus includes a plurality of reaction containers for reacting a sample with a reagent, and a reaction container washing unit for washing the reaction containers through a plurality of washing steps. The reaction container washing unit includes a plurality of storage parts in each of which washing liquid containing therein reacted substance is reserved. The plurality of storage parts are sorted with different reacted substance concentrations. A supply part of the reaction container washing unit selects washing liquid of a desired reacted substance concentration among the plurality of storage parts in accordance with respective washing conditions of the reaction containers and supplies the selected washing liquid into the reaction containers for washing the respective reaction containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Nagaoka, Ryo Miyake, Masaharu Nishida, Takeshi Shibuya, Takao Terayama, Hiroshi Mitsumaki
  • Patent number: 6491762
    Abstract: A method for removing non-stick coatings from cookware or bakeware products is disclosed. The method includes the step of determining the angles of the primary surfaces of a pan having a coating to be removed. The method further includes the step of configuring a high-speed, multiport, rotating cleaning head to provide at least one water jet associated with each primary surface. The method further includes the step of employing the cleaning head to deliver an ultra-high pressure water jet directed at the pan while tracking the cleaning head along a plane substantially parallel to the upper surface of the pan. Using the method of the present invention, a coating may be removed from a pan in a single pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventors: Gilbert L. Bundy, Bradley S. Moore
  • Patent number: 6485577
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for pipe pig that is employed in a piping system for the purpose of recovering product. The pipe pig, or simply “pig,” is utilized to flush or purge a piping system, which includes a pipe that is normally filled with a product stream. The pig is a substantially solid slug that is introduced into the flow within the pipe. The pipe pig includes at least a component of a product stream and the pig is at least partially frozen to achieve its substantially solid form. The pipe pig is inserted or alternatively formed within a launch chamber that junctions with a pipe. A release valve is opened to allow the pig to enter the pipe. An exterior surface of the launch chamber can be heated to prevent the pig from sticking within the launch chamber or refrigerated to form the pig. The pipe pig can be propelled into the product stream or allowed to fall by gravity or suction alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Kiholm
  • Patent number: 6478034
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a cooking chamber of a cooking apparatus has at least one nozzle pivotably connected to a base, which is detachably connected on a wall of the cooking chamber in an area of a supply line for a liquid which is forced through each spray nozzle to cause a rotation of the nozzle and a pivoting of the nozzle around a pivot point to spray surfaces of the cooking chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Rational AG
    Inventors: Wilfried Durth, Lorenz Scholl, Hubert Brunner
  • Patent number: 6474348
    Abstract: A method of removing ceramic core material from an internal passage of a superalloy airfoil casting using a CNC controlled fluid spray nozzle in a manner that the fluid spray nozzle is caused to laterally scan and/or rotary orbit an area of one or more openings of one or more passages at an exterior casting surface to improve removal of material residing in the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignees: Howmet Research Corporation, Controlco Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Beggs, Paul C. Jensen
  • Patent number: 6419840
    Abstract: A cleaning system for a swimming pool having plural active drains deployed about the bottom wall of a swimming pool and that cooperate with plural stationary nozzles mounted in the side walls that direct a flow of water down the side wall of the swimming pool. The directional nozzles dislodge debris from the side and bottom walls which is swept toward and received by the plural active floor drains, thus cleaning the pool. Additionally, the active floor drains have a grid cover that admits larger debris and does not prohibit the use of mobile pool cleaners. The active floor drains are connected to in-deck, fine mesh cannister filters to remove medium and large size debris before it reaches the water pump and balance of the pool filtration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Jonathan E Meincke
  • Patent number: 6406554
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member capable of obtaining high-quality uniform images without image defects and nonuniformity in image density. The method of producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member includes a step forming a functional film on a substrate, and a washing step of spraying water on the substrate surface from concentrically arranged nozzle groups positioned in a twisted relationship before the step of forming the functional film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Katagiri, Yoshio Segi, Hideaki Matsuoka, Yasuyoshi Takai
  • Patent number: 6402854
    Abstract: A method of cleaning the inside surface of a kitchen extraction duct or other grease duct, includes applying solid carbon dioxide under pressure to the inside surface of the duct, so that grease thereon is hardened and dislodged therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: System Hygienics Limited
    Inventor: Graham Horridge
  • Patent number: 6394108
    Abstract: The inside out gas turbine cleaning method is a new method to clean axial gas turbine compressors. This is done by inserting a specially and fabricated flexible hose with nozzles on it into the first several stages of an off line gas turbine compressor. High pressure hot water with detergent is supplied to the hose and as it is withdrawn from the compressor it blasts dirt from the airfoil surfaces in the compressor. Conventional cleaning sprays water in one direction down the throat of the gas turbine compressor, whereas this method cleans from the back forward giving a different blast angle with higher pressure water (see FIG. 1). Using both the conventional cleaning method and this new process, the compressor can be cleaned better allowing for improved gas turbine power and fuel efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: John Jeffrey Butler
  • Patent number: 6391221
    Abstract: A method for effectively removing the thermal-hardened frit seal (solder glass) which is used for assembling the electronic parts is disclosed. By utilizing the solution which contains sulfonic acid ion, the frit seal can be effectively removed without generating the noxious gas. Additionally there are merits of reducing the discharge volume of wastes and conveniences of wastes treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Ki Won Lee
  • Patent number: 6374847
    Abstract: A method is provided for cleansing a seal of a device used for sealing an evaporative emission control system of an automotive vehicle. The method starts by determining if a request to close the device has been made. If the request to close the device has been made, the method cycles the device a plurality of times to press and lift the seal off of a seat repeatedly. The method also determines if the seal is closed after the cycling step. If the seal is not closed after the cycling step, the method closes the seal. Preferably, the cycling step includes cycling the device at a pre-selected duty cycle, frequency and cycle count. The duty cycle, frequency, and cycle count correspond to calibration tables prepared for the particular device employed to insure that the seal strikes its seat about three times before sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Gary D. Dawson, William B. Blomquist, Chris J. Booms
  • Patent number: 6375757
    Abstract: An apparatus for jetting a fluid within a tubular member. The apparatus may comprise a cylindrical member having an outer portion and an inner portion, an outer sleeve disposed about the cylindrical member forming an annulus area, and a venturi device for jetting the fluid against the inner diameter walls of the tubular string. The venturi device comprises a nozzle disposed within the cylindrical member and a throat formed within the outer sleeve. A recirculation port is formed on the outer sleeve for communicating the fluid from a second annulus area to a first annulus area adjacent the throat. Also disclosed is a method of cleaning a tubular string with a power medium. The method includes providing a wash apparatus concentrically positioned within the tubular string. The power medium may be a fluid or air. In the preferred embodiment, the power medium is a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Thru-Tubing Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J Gazewood
  • Patent number: 6368417
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a tire mold with frozen CO2 cleaning material wherein a portable frame is positioned on a bottom mold of a tire press and has a rotatable frame on which a nozzle support is mounted for swivel action to clean the upper mold half and the lower mold half as the nozzle support is moved radially and circumferentially of the tire mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: David Joseph Weber
  • Patent number: 6322633
    Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning carriers or containers used to carry semiconductor wafers has a door cleaner adjacent to a centrifugal box cleaner. Box holder assemblies are attached to a rotor within the box cleaner. Upper and lower hooks on the box holder assemblies hold boxes as the rotor spins. The door cleaner has a base which holds doors in a vertical and upright position. An elevator lowers the base into an ultrasonic cleaning tank. The tank lid seals the tank during use. Ultrasonic cleaning fluid is filtered and cycled into and out of the tank. Boxes and their doors, such as front opening unified pods (FOUP) are both efficiently cleaned and handled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Bexten, Jerry R. Norby
  • Patent number: 6308719
    Abstract: A pre-clean deluge system for cleaning automobile white bodies including a cleaning solution filtration and distribution system. The filtration system includes a series of filters specially adapted to remove metal particles from the cleaning solution. The distribution system includes deluge cannons that are position so as to deliver cleaning solution to the interior of the white body in a location during the white body travel so that the particles flushed therefrom are introduced into a small tank prior to a main tank in which the white body is subsequently immersed. The distribution system also provides regulated flow of cleaning solution to the deluge cannons, as well as a bypass to facilitate cycling of cleaning solution for end-of-shift filtration purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: John McTighe, Derek Heath, Jeff McKinley, Shawn Guthrie, Gene Hunt
  • Publication number: 20010022187
    Abstract: A waste object containing oil has a first opening formed therein at an upper portion thereof and a second opening positioned below the first opening. The first and second openings are connected to a recovery tank. Hot water of a predetermined temperature is held in the recovery tank and is caused to accumulate inside the waste object via the second opening. Oil that has floated upwards is recovered in the recovery tank via the first opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takano, Tetsushi Yonekawa
  • Patent number: 6280639
    Abstract: A self-cleaning swimming pool with an improved skimmer and floor drain design. Two skimmers are preferably located approximately across the pool from each other, and each skimmer is located approximately across the pool from two upper return nozzles such that the nozzles tend to direct a flow of water toward the skimmers. A plurality of capped floor drains are located preferably not more than twelve feet apart or more than six feet from each pool end; and a plurality of lower return nozzles are preferably located 6 to 12 inches from the pool bottom to direct debris on the pool bottom towards the floor drains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Pedro G. Ortiz
  • Patent number: 6281137
    Abstract: A chemical treatment apparatus including a treatment tank filled with chemical with which wafers are treated, and a jet pipe having chemical jetting holes which is provided at the bottom portion of the treatment tank and jets the chemical from the jetting holes thereof, the jetting holes containing at least first jetting holes for jetting the chemical upwardly and second jetting holes for jetting the chemical in a direction different from that of the first holes. The second direction is set to a direction within the range from the horizontal direction of the jet pipe to the obliquely downward direction at 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hayato Iwamoto, Kiyoshi Kurosawa
  • Patent number: 6258178
    Abstract: A heated high pressure air and/or a high pressure water are spouted through nozzles. Therefore, the coated layer is removed without crushing the bumper unlike in the conventional method, and therefore, a plurality of process steps can be skipped. Thus the bulk of the apparatus can be reduced, the operating cost can be lowered, and the environment can be protected. The method for removing a coated layer includes the step of installing a bumper to be subjected to a removal of the coated layer. Then the coated layer is removed from the bumper by spouting water and/or a pre-heated air to the bumper. Then the bumper is carried to a predetermined psition after removing the coated layer, and then the bumper is detached. The apparatus includes an installing/detaching means for installing/detaching the bumper to be subjected to a removal of the coated layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Agency for Technology and Standards, MOCIE
    Inventors: Hyong Ki Choi, Yong Moo Lee, John Hee Hong, Yang Soo Lim
  • Patent number: 6248177
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a wafer carrier utilizes two isolated fluidic circuits. The wafer carrier having an interior and an exterior. The carrier is sealingly attached to a cleaning apparatus having separate isolated areas, one isolated area including the interior and the other the exterior. Fluid of the first fluidic circuit is sprayed on the interior and fluid from the second circuit is sprayed on the exterior reducing cross contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Fluoroware, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Halbmaier