With Treating Fluid Motion Patents (Class 134/34)
  • Patent number: 8524008
    Abstract: In the case of a device and a method for cleaning substrates on a carrier, to the underside of which the substrates are fastened so as to be parallel to and slightly apart from one another, the carrier has in its interior a plurality of longitudinal channels, which run parallel to one another. As a result of the sawing of the wafers, they merge, via openings, into interstices between the substrates. As a result of a relative movement, an elongate tube, from which cleaning fluid is let out, is introduced into one of the longitudinal channels, the relative movement being achieved substantially through moving of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Gebr. Schmid GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Worm, Reinhard Huber
  • Patent number: 8516685
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a disk drive device, a cleaning process and an assembly process are performed in succession in a clean room having a predetermined cleanness level. The cleaning process includes an alkali cleaning process, a first purified water cleaning process, a second purified water cleaning process, a spray cleaning process, a draining process and a drying process. In the first purified water cleaning process, purified water ultrasonic wave cleaning is sequentially performed on the base member of the disk drive device to be cleaned by using ultrasonic waves of frequencies of 40 kHz, 68 kHz and 132 kHz in purified water filled in a first purified water cleaning tank. The cleaned base member and other components having a predetermined cleanness level are assembled in the assembly process continuous from the cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Japan Advanced Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Nishihara
  • Publication number: 20130213435
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for improved cleaning using neutral cleaners are disclosed. In particular, neutral pH cleaning compositions according to the invention employ a synergistic combination of water insoluble surfactants and an anionic hydrotropes capable of forming a stable, low-foaming solution. The neutral cleaning solutions provide significant benefits over water insoluble microemulsions traditionally used for neutral cleaning compositions and provide at least equivalent cleaning efficacy as non-neutral cleaning compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Catherine Hanson, Andrew Wold, Traci Gioino, Kim R. Smith, Yvonne Marie Killeen
  • Patent number: 8512543
    Abstract: A method of fluid processing a semiconductor workpiece, including disposing a workpiece holder with a housing capable of containing a fluid, the workpiece holder retaining the workpiece, providing an agitation system connected to the housing and comprising a member disposed within the housing adjacent the workpiece holder, and agitating the fluid by moving the member substantially parallel to a surface of the workpiece with a non-uniform oscillatory motion, the non-uniform oscillatory motion being a series of substantially continuous geometrically asymmetric oscillations wherein each consecutive oscillation of the series is geometrically asymmetric having at least two substantially continuous opposing strokes wherein reversal positions of each substantially continuous stroke of the substantially continuous asymmetric oscillation are disposed asymmetrically with respect to a center point of each immediately preceding substantially continuous stroke of the oscillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Tel Nexx, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Keigler, John Harrell, Zhenqiu Liu, Qunwei Wu
  • Publication number: 20130206184
    Abstract: Mitigating solid accumulation on a screen includes jetting water upstream through a portion of the screen while water simultaneously flows downstream through another portion of the screen. The water is jetted via at least one submerged nozzle. Several submerged nozzles may be present in an array on a moveable trolley. The submerged nozzles may be configured to provide warm or hot water or cold water having temperatures of less than 1° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: SHELL OIL COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20130206173
    Abstract: The invention concerns a mobile cleaning device suitable for displacing along and cleaning a series of adjacent tilted solar panels aligned in a row and requiring therefor no superstructure fixed to the row of solar panels. The device includes a supporting frame defining a cleaning plane, on which are mounted a cleaning device suitable for cleaning a surface parallel to the cleaning plane, a support device for maintaining the supporting frame substantially parallel to the surface to be cleaned during the displacement of the cleaning device along a row of solar panels; and a guiding device for guiding the displacement of the cleaning device along a row of solar panels. The guiding device includes at least two, preferably at least three, separate guiding wheels, which are aligned along a straight line parallel to the cleaning plane and adjacent to a first edge of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Jelle Zijlstra
  • Patent number: 8505341
    Abstract: A household cleaning appliance includes a bulk dispensing system configured to receive a removable cartridge containing multiple doses of treating chemistry and configured to deliver a charge of treating chemistry from the cartridge to a treating chamber and a water supply configured to be selectively coupled to the bulk dispensing system to flush at least a portion of the bulk dispensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Stephen Hendrickson, Michael T. Dalton
  • Patent number: 8506722
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a filtering membrane, contaminated by contaminants including inorganic and organic materials during a fluid-filtering process, is disclosed, the method comprises cleaning the filtering membrane by using a first cleaning solution of pH 6˜9 so as to remove the organic material from the filtering membrane; and cleaning the filtering membrane by using a second acid cleaning solution so as to remove the inorganic material from the filtering membrane, wherein the cleaning method of the present invention uses the first cleaning solution having pH 6˜9 instead of a strong-alkaline cleaning solution so as to prevent the filtering membrane from being damaged, and also uses the cleaning solution maintained at a relatively low temperature instead of hot water so as to improve economical efficiency by reduction of energy consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Kolon Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Kwang-Jin Lee
  • Publication number: 20130199579
    Abstract: A hand carried, manually operated apparatus for cleaning flooring, carpet, upholstery, and the like includes a cleansing fluid chamber, a waste fluid chamber, a pump and an applicator. A first fluid passageway connects the pump and cleansing fluid chamber, a second passageway connects the cleansing fluid chamber and applicator, a third passageway connects the applicator and waste fluid chamber, and a fourth passageway connects the waste fluid chamber and pump. A first one-way valve permits flow from the pump to the cleansing fluid chamber but inhibits reverse flow; and a second one-way valve permits flow from the applicator to the waste fluid chamber but inhibits reverse flow. Air is transferred through the pump from the waste fluid chamber to the cleansing fluid chamber as cleansing fluid is transferred to the applicator from the cleansing fluid chamber and waste fluid is transferred from the applicator to the waste fluid chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Ken Joyner, Daniel Lee Bizzell, Karl Christopher Gabriel, Raeshon Lamont McNeil, Thomas James Philpott, Michael Starkey, Juan Carlos Perez, Ian D. Kovacevich
  • Patent number: 8500916
    Abstract: Systems and methods for aligning wafers within wafer processing equipment. In a first embodiment, a wafer alignment nozzle comprises a fixed cylindrical member. A moveable cylindrical member is disposed with the fixed cylindrical member in a sliding fit. The moveable cylindrical member comprises a plurality of angled fluid orifices for directing a plurality of streams of the fluid onto a surface of the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: HGST Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Jian-Huei Feng, Hung-Chin Guthrie, Quang Le, James Nystrom
  • Patent number: 8491723
    Abstract: A method for an automated self-cleaning of a continuous dishwasher for items to be cleaned with at least one rinsing zone, at least one clear rinsing zone and also a transporter. Items to be cleaned are conveyed in the direction of transportation via the transporter. The continuous dishwasher comprises at least one fine filter with a back-rinser on at least one storage tank and also at least one device for emptying each of the storage tanks. The continuous dishwasher automatically carries out a self-cleaning cycle in which cleaning liquid located in each of the storage tanks is used several times in succession in the various zones for cleaning thereof. The cleaning liquid is circulated by means of circulating pumps in the respective storage tanks and supplied to spraying systems, which are already present in the respective zones, or to separate nozzles or nozzle heads for wetting the inner side of the faces delimiting the respective zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Meiko Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Denis Lehmann
  • Patent number: 8486201
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for drying a plate-like article; the method including rinsing with an aqueous rinsing liquid with subsequent rinsing with an organic solvent, wherein the organic solvent has a water content of below 20 mass-% wherein the organic solvent is supplied at a solvent temperature, which is at least 30° C. and not higher than 60° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Lam Research AG
    Inventor: Aurelia Plihon
  • Patent number: 8486200
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of washing ware, in particular in an automatic domestic or institutional ware washing machine, using a detergent composition containing a cationic starch. This eliminates the need for a surfactant in the rinse step. The cationic starch provides a layer of cationic starch on the ware so as to afford a sheeting action in an aqueous rinse step without any added rinse agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Antonius Maria Neplenbroek, Julie Jessica Beau, Florian Romain Marie Raphanel
  • Patent number: 8486199
    Abstract: A device and method for treating the surface of a semiconductor wafer provides a treatment fluid in the form of a dispersion of gas bubbles in a treatment liquid generated at acoustic pressures less than those required to induce cavitation in the treatment liquid. A resonator supplies ultrasonic or megasonic energy to the treatment fluid and is configured to create an interference pattern in the treatment fluid comprising regions of pressure amplitude minima and maxima at an interface of the treatment fluid and the semiconductor wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignees: Lam Research AG, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Frank Holsteyns, Alexander Lippert, Christian Degel, Anette Jakob, Franz Josef Becker
  • Publication number: 20130174878
    Abstract: A fluid supplying apparatus includes an inner tube having a plurality of holes for distributing a fluid supplied from a supply unit, and an outer tube arranged coaxially or non-coaxially with the inner tube to surround the inner tube and having a plurality of slots for injecting the fluid distributed therein from the holes to the outside. The outer tube substantially has the same length as the inner tube. The fluid supplying apparatus may be used for a thin film cleaning system or method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventor: LG CHEM, LTD.
  • Patent number: 8480814
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a shopping cart includes urging the shopping cart up a ramp and into an interior of a wash chamber of a shopping cart cleaner. A main door leading into said interior of the wash chamber may be closed. A cleaning mode of the shopping cart cleaner may be selected from either an automatic cleaning mode or a manual cleaning mode. A sump that is disposed at a bottom of the wash chamber may be filled with a quantity of water. The shopping cart may be washed with the water and a wash detergent. The shopping cart may be rinsed with the water and a rinse chemical. The water may be drained from the sump. The main door may be opened. The shopping cart may be removed from the wash chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: John Dimitrios Fanourgiakis, Nicholaos Dimitrios Fanourgiakis, Manoli Dimitrios Fanourgiakis, George Dimitrios Fanourgiakis
  • Publication number: 20130167882
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for the treatment of polymeric particles recovered after use in cleaning processes for soiled substrates, the method comprising treating the particles with a particle cleaning agent. Preferably, said agent comprises at least one surfactant. Preferably said agent comprises an aqueous medium. Typically, the polymeric particles comprise particles of nylon or polyester. The invention also provides a method for cleaning a soiled substrate, the method comprising the steps of: (a) treating polymeric particles with a particle cleaning agent; and (b) treating a moistened substrate with a formulation comprising a multiplicity of said treated polymeric particles. Most preferably, the substrate comprises a textile fibre or fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: XEROS LIMITED
    Inventors: Stephen Martin Burkinshaw, Stephen Derek Jenkins, Frazer John Kennedy, John Edward Steele
  • Publication number: 20130167881
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing articles with acoustic energy and a method of constructing a transducer that utilizes a composite of piezoelectric pillars. In one embodiment, the invention is a method of constructing a device for generating acoustic energy comprising: providing a layer of supporting material; positioning a piezoelectric material atop the layer of adhesive material; cutting the piezoelectric material into a plurality of pillars so that spaces exist between adjacent pillars; and filling the spaces with a resilient material to form a composite assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: John A. Korbler, Richard Novak
  • Publication number: 20130167878
    Abstract: A dynamic cyclic nucleation transport (D-CNX) process is disclosed, including cyclically changing the volume of a process chamber, for example, through a piston or bellows. A D-CNX process and system can include a dynamic chamber volume that can instantly change from vacuum to pressure conditions and eliminates vacuum pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: HyperFlo LLC
    Inventor: Richard W. Plavidal
  • Publication number: 20130171227
    Abstract: A sanitary agent for treatment of a sanitary appliance includes a solid or semi-solid active body, designed to adhere to a wall of the sanitary appliance and including a treatment compound having at least an active element for treatment of the sanitary appliance. The body has an external surface thereof covered by a water-soluble film. In this way, the sanitary agent can be manipulated by hand for application thereof to a moist ceramic wall of a sanitary appliance to be treated, without the user's hands entering into contact with the components of the sanitary agent itself. Furthermore, any undesired loss of the components of the sanitary agent is avoided; these can be due to deformation of the sanitary agents before use thereof, displacements thereof and/or any dripping. A method for applying the sanitary agent for deterging, disinfecting and/or perfuming the sanitary appliance is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Fabio Pagani
  • Patent number: 8475601
    Abstract: A rapid and effective means for decontaminating fouled oil-control booms is provided. The process involves washing the boom with pressured washing fluid, reorienting the boom to facilitate full inspection, and drying the boom. This can be performed in an assembly-line manner, using one or more conveyors to transport the boom sequentially to a washing area, an inspection area, and a drying area. Consequently, contaminated oil-control booms can be cleaned and redeployed rapidly and inexpensively during an oil release accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: William G Yates, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8475110
    Abstract: A system and method capable of performing online corrosion monitoring of a component installed in a gas turbine. A sensing device is located so that electrodes thereof are exposed to an operating environment within the gas turbine section containing the component. The electrodes are formed of a material so that the component and electrodes similarly respond to corrosive agents within the gas turbine section. The electrodes are electrically insulated from each other and each electrode is operable as an anodic electrode or a cathodic electrode, depending on the extent of corrosion thereat, so that each electrode has an electrical potential value, voltages exist across the electrodes, electric currents flow between the electrodes, and the electrical potential/current values correspond to corrosion behaviors at the anodic electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rebecca Hefner, Jeff P. Czapiewski
  • Patent number: 8470096
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a bell cup after its removal from a rotary paint atomizer. A device is provided that preferably includes an enclosure within which the bell cup is retained during the cleaning operation. Pressurized cleaning fluid is introduced into the enclosure where it flows over the bell cup and removes paint therefrom. The enclosure may be connected to the nozzle end of a paint spray gun that can be used to deliver the pressurized cleaning fluid thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Charles C. Marks
  • Patent number: 8468718
    Abstract: A home laundry drier (1) comprising an outer box casing (2) and, inside the casing, a laundry drying container (3) for housing the laundry to be dried, a hot-air generator (7) for circulating a stream of hot air inside said laundry drying container (3), and a steam generator (20) for feeding steam into said laundry drying container (3); the steam generator (20) comprising a steam-generating boiler (21) designed to receive water and convert it into a stream of low-pressure steam whose pressure is higher than external pressure, a steam injection nozzle (22) structured for projecting jets of low-pressure steam directly inside the laundry drying container (3), and a steam exhaust manifold (23) connecting the outlet of the steam-generating boiler (21) to the steam injection nozzle (22) for feeding the low-pressure steam produced by the steam-generating boiler (21) directly to said steam injection nozzle (22); the steam injection nozzle (22) being located over the steam-generating boiler (21), and said steam exhaus
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Ugo Favret, Flavio Noviello
  • Publication number: 20130152979
    Abstract: In a device to clean a component of deposits, at least one first nozzle unit is positioned to spray a fluid at an angle onto a surface of the component that is to be cleaned, the first nozzle unit being provided opposite a border region of the surface of the component that is to be cleaned. At least one second nozzle unit generates a flow of a gaseous medium over the surface to be cleaned and is provided adjacent to edge of the border region of the surface of the component that is to be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Andreas Mueller, Stefan Buschmann, Robert Sigismund, Rainer Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20130152978
    Abstract: A combination of ultrasonic waves causing microcavitation bubbles to form between the surface of a contact lens and an attached contaminant layer formed by microbes thereon initiates separation. However, a vigorous convective flow takes advantage of any localized breaking and separating of the contaminant layer and immediately imposes a hydrodynamic drag force on the pieces of the contaminant layer that may be separated, thus leading to greater separation, pealing, and tearing of the contaminant layer away from the surface. Thus, the combination has proven much more effective than either feature alone. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its fundamental functions or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the illustrative embodiments are to be embraced within their scope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Jacob Allred, Majid Abbasi, Jacob Morisse
  • Patent number: 8465596
    Abstract: Disclosed is a supercritical processing apparatus and a supercritical processing method for suppressing the pattern collapse or the injection of material constituting a processing liquid into a substrate. A processing chamber receives a substrate subjected to a processing with supercritical fluid, and a liquid supply unit supplies a processing liquid including a fluorine compound to the processing chamber. A liquid discharge unit discharges the supercritical fluid from the processing chamber, a pyrolysis ingredient removing unit removes an ingredient facilitating the pyrolysis of a liquid from the processing chamber or from the liquid supplied from the liquid supply unit, and a to heating unit heats the processing liquid including a fluorine compound of hydrofluoro ether or hydrofluoro carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Takayuki Toshima, Mitsuaki Iwashita, Kazuyuki Mitsuoka, Hidekazu Okamoto, Hideo Namatsu
  • Publication number: 20130146106
    Abstract: A robotic pool or tank cleaner is propelled by water jets, the direction of which is controlled by the direction of rotation of a horizontally mounted pump motor within the pool cleaner housing, having a propeller attached to either end of the motor drive shaft which projects from opposing ends of the motor body, each of the propellers being positioned in a water jet discharge conduit that terminates in discharge ports in opposing ends of the housing. Each discharge conduit has a pressure-sensitive flap valve downstream of the respective propellers. When the propellers rotate in one direction, the water is drawn through one or more openings in the base plate, passes through one or more filter assemblies associated with the pool cleaner and is discharged through one of the discharge ports as a water jet of sufficient force to propel the pool cleaner along the surface being cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Giora Erlich
  • Patent number: 8459277
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for cleaning heat exchangers and similar vessels by introducing chemical cleaning solutions and/or solvents while maintaining a target temperature range by direct steam injection into the cleaning solution. The steam may be injected directly into the heat exchanger or into a temporary side stream loop for recirculating the cleaning solution or admixed with fluids being injected to the heat exchanger. The disclosed methods are suitable for removing metallic oxides from a heat exchanger under chemically reducing conditions or metallic species such as copper under chemically oxidizing conditions. In order to further enhance the heat transfer efficiency of heating cleaning solvents by direct steam injection, mixing on the secondary side of the heat exchanger can be enhanced by gas sparging or by transferring liquid between heat exchangers when more than one heat exchanger is being cleaned at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Dominion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Varrin, Jr., Michael J. Little
  • Publication number: 20130139856
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions for use in open washing devices and methods of cleaning articles in open washing devices using the disclosed compositions. The disclosed compositions are effective at cleaning articles using the relatively less intense mechanical action of an open washing device (versus the more intense mechanical action of a closed automatic dishwasher). The disclosed compositions also generate some foam to provide visual confirmation that there is a composition in the sink, but not so much foam that the foam becomes excessive when the agitator is turned on or that the generated foam overflows the sink. Finally, the disclosed compositions are less irritating to an operator's skin, which is at least partly attributed to the lower levels of free alkalinity in the composition as measured as percent sodium oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventor: Ecolab USA Inc.
  • Patent number: 8454761
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the surface of a base, comprising: a base; a plurality of apertures flush with the surface of said base, said apertures being connected to a plurality of sub-channels and wherein said apertures are adapted to expel air; at least one air chamber operatively connected with said plurality of sub-channels; a main channel connected with said at least one air chamber; wherein said main channel is supplied from an air compressor; and a main valve located between said at least one air chamber and said main channel, wherein said main valve regulates the air flow from said main channel to said at least one air chamber, said valve being further adapted to close said main channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Fermin Esson
  • Patent number: 8454760
    Abstract: Several methods of removing contaminant particles from a surface of a substrate are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the method includes directing an incompressible fluid spray onto a surface of a substrate to remove contaminant particles from the surface. In an embodiment, the surface of the substrate and the nozzle are both immersed in an incompressible fluid. The fluid can flow across the surface of the substrate to remove the contaminant particles from the area. The fluid spray can be positioned normal to the substrate surface, or can be positioned at an angle relative to the substrate surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Yates
  • Patent number: 8449685
    Abstract: A cover for a pedicure spa containing an automatic sanitation apparatus is disclosed. When activated, the cover automatically sprays disinfectant in a circular motion from a nozzle on the bottom of the cover. The interior surfaces of the pedicure basin are treated with the disinfectant solution. The pedicure basin is thereby efficiently and thoroughly sanitized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph Anthony Veltri
  • Patent number: 8449686
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a drain line of a dialysis machine downstream of a filtration unit. The method includes closing inlet and outlet valves of the filtration unit, and closing a bypass valve along a bypass line that connects a source line to a drain line. The method also includes configuring the balancing chamber such that flow is permitted only via the drain line, flowing an amount of a cleaning agent into the drain line through a cleaning agent valve, and rinsing the cleaning agent from the drain line with a rinse fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Schlaeper, Martin Joseph Crnkovich
  • Patent number: 8449684
    Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate cleaning method capable of removing particles from the entire surface of a substrate to be processed at a high removing efficiency. In the substrate cleaning method according to the present invention, a substrate to be processed W is immersed in a cleaning liquid in a cleaning tank 12. Then, ultrasonic waves are generated in the cleaning liquid contained in the cleaning tank 12, so that the substrate W is subjected to an ultrasonic cleaning process. The step of generating ultrasonic waves includes a step of generating ultrasonic waves in the cleaning tank while the cleaning liquid is being supplied into the cleaning tank. A supply rate at which the cleaning liquid is supplied into the cleaning tank at a certain timing in the step of generating ultrasonic waves differs from a supply rate at which the cleaning liquid is supplied into the cleaning tank at another timing in the step of generating ultrasonic waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Tsukasa Watanabe, Naoki Shindo
  • Patent number: 8449688
    Abstract: High-pressure washing liquid spray intended for use in a washing machine for ophthalmic glass or other substrates, consisting of an entry opening (11) for washing liquid and an exit opening (12) for liquid in a jet, connected by a channel. The channel (1) has a rectangular channel in cross section which introduces a constriction, in particular in the center, giving that channel an X shape, so as to form, on one hand, downstream of the above-mentioned constriction, an expanded exit cavity (13) ending in a slit forming the exit opening (12) and, upstream of the above-mentioned constriction on the other hand, an entry cavity (14) in the base cone where the rectangular base forms the entry opening (11) of the channel (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventors: Jean Gebrig, Denis Gehrig
  • Publication number: 20130118529
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning a surface. The apparatus includes a frame having wheels and a handle extending outwardly therefrom. A disc plate assembly is mounted on the frame for rotation about a first vertical axis and a nozzle assembly is mounted on the disc plate assembly for rotation about a second vertical axis. The disc plate assembly is rotated at a lower speed than the nozzle assembly. Separate pneumatically-operable motors drive the wheels, the disc plate assembly and nozzle assembly. A skirt extends downwardly from the frame and outwardly from nozzles on the nozzle assembly. The nozzles may be raised or lowered relative to the surface to be cleaned. Fluid is delivered from a fluid source to the nozzles and a vacuum port is provided on the frame to enable dirty fluid to be removed from a chamber bounded by the skirt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: TERYDON, INC.
    Inventor: Terry D. Gromes, SR.
  • Publication number: 20130122211
    Abstract: A wind turbine tower cleaning or coating apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a frame which circumferentially extends at least partially around a wind turbine tower. A separator structure can be attached to the frame and extends between the frame and the wind turbine tower to position the frame at a predetermined distance away from the wind turbine tower. The separator structure can also include an attachment end which is attached to the frame and a slidabe end positionable near the wind turbine tower. A slider can be attached to the slidabe end of the separator structure and can slide on the surface of the wind turbine tower as the frame is raised and lowered on the wind turbine tower. A frame lift device can raise and lower the frame on the wind turbine tower. A plurality of sprayers can be positioned circumferentially along the frame and configured to selectively spray fluid onto the wind turbine tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Dustin Jensen, Broque L. Fraughton, Sonny K. Fraughton
  • Publication number: 20130112228
    Abstract: A method and cleaning solution for cleaning electronic substrates, such as a semiconductor wafers, hard disks, photomasks or imprint molds. The method comprises the steps of contacting a surface of the substrate with a cleaning solution comprised of a polyphosphate, and then removing the cleaning solution from the surface. Additional optional steps include applying acoustic energy to the cleaning solution while the cleaning solution is in contact with the surface, and removing the cleaning solution from the surface by rinsing the surface with a rinsing solution with or without the application of acoustic energy. The cleaning solution comprises a polyphosphate, such as any of the water soluble polyphosphates. Depending on the application, the cleaning solution may also comprise a base and/or a quantity of suspended particles. Complexing agents, amines, biocides, surfactants and/or other substances, may also be added to the cleaning solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: FONTANA TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Fontana Technology
  • Patent number: 8435358
    Abstract: A conveyor dishwasher (2) has a control apparatus (50) for automatically setting the quantity of final rinse liquid sprayed in the final rinse zone (18) per unit time as a function of the conveying speed and/or as a function of the type of washware conveyed through the final rinse zone (18). A rinse aid metering apparatus (57) is also provided which is designed to add in a metered fashion a constant quantity of rinse aid per unit time to the fresh water provided for final rinsing purposes independently of the quantity of final rinse liquid sprayed in the final rinse zone (18) per unit time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Harald Disch, Martin Schrempp, Norbert Litterst
  • Publication number: 20130104940
    Abstract: A liquid processing apparatus of the present disclosure includes a rotatable substrate holder that holds a wafer from above, and a top plate nozzle that supplies at least rinse liquid to the wafer and is provided in the rotation center of the substrate holder. The top plate nozzle is movably configured with the substrate holder in the top-bottom direction, and the rinse liquid is supplied to the wafer from the top plate nozzle while the top plate nozzle is spaced from the substrate holder. When the top plate nozzle approaches to the substrate holder, the rinse liquid is supplied to the lower surface of the substrate holder from the top plate nozzle to clean the lower surface of the substrate holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Tokyo Electron Limited
  • Patent number: 8430970
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for preventing corrosion of a plasma-exposed yttria-coated constituent from ambient acidic hydrolysis wherein the plasma-exposed yttria-coated constituent includes a hydrolysable acid precursor is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Ganapathy Swami, Peter Loewenhardt, Yunsang Kim
  • Publication number: 20130098403
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for washing a vehicle or water craft includes heating only a quantity of clean wash fluid required to completely wash the exterior of the watercraft to a first predetermined temperature. The heated clean wash fluid is discharged through one or more nozzles on a wash station platform at a predetermined temperature so that the temperature of the wash fluid as it strikes the hull of the water craft is at a second minimum temperature to kill organisms adhered to the vehicle. The clean wash fluid is applied in a number of successive wash cycles each covering a predetermined section of the exterior of the watercraft over a predetermined discharge time period for each section. Rotary spinning, oscillating, fixed and manually moveable nozzles are mounted on the wash station platform to automatically and manually provide wash fluid over the entire exterior surface of the water craft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: PREFIX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Prefix Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130098399
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for washing a vehicle or water craft includes heating only a quantity of clean wash fluid required to completely wash the exterior of the watercraft to a first predetermined temperature. The heated clean wash fluid is discharged through one or more nozzles on a wash station platform at a predetermined temperature so that the temperature of the wash fluid as it strikes the hull of the water craft is at a second minimum temperature to kill organisms adhered to the vehicle. The clean wash fluid is applied in a number of successive wash cycles each covering a predetermined section of the exterior of the watercraft over a predetermined discharge time period for each section. Rotary spinning, oscillating, fixed and manually moveable nozzles are mounted on the wash station platform to automatically and manually provide wash fluid over the entire exterior surface of the water craft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: PREFIX CORPORATION
    Inventor: PREFIX CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130098407
    Abstract: An instrument reprocessor is disclosed. The instrument reprocessor includes a basin having a rim located in an inclined plane forming an acute angle with respect to a horizontal plane. At least one nozzle is disposed in a plane substantially parallel to the inclined plane. The at least one nozzle is configured to discharge a stream into the basin in a direction substantially parallel to the inclined plane. A lid assembly is also disclosed. The lid assembly may cover the basin in a close configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy J. Perlman, Sungwook Yang, Robert P. Michaloski
  • Patent number: 8425689
    Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher having a treating chamber for washing utensils includes executing a cycle of operation having at least one liquid supplying phase, removing at least some of the supplied liquid, storing the removed liquid, and later reusing at least some of the stored liquid in the same or subsequent phase or in the same or subsequent cycle of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Scott D. Slabbekoorn, Elliott V. Stowe, Barry E. Tuller, Chad T. Vanderroest
  • Publication number: 20130092192
    Abstract: A cleaning or care device for the cleaning or care of medical or dental instruments, having a cleaning or care chamber in which at least two connections for the instruments to be cleaned are provided, and a supply device for supplying the at least two connections with a cleaning or care agent. The at least two connections and the supply device can be moved relative to one another in such a way that one of the connections can be connected to the supply device and supplied with a cleaning or care agent, while another of the connections is not connected to the supply device and cannot be supplied with a cleaning or care agent. A corresponding method for the cleaning or care of medical or dental instruments with such a cleaning or care device is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Nikolaus Pfaffinger, Christian Spieler
  • Patent number: 8414708
    Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for cleaning a photomask. The photomask including a first region and a second region surrounding the first region, a pattern to be protected disposed on the first region, and a material to be removed exists on the second region. A cleaning liquid is sprayed from an inside region of the second region toward an outer region of the second region to remove the material, and a gas is blown from the first region toward the second region to protect the pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-song Jeong, Hyung-ho Ko, Sung-jae Han, Kyung-noh Kim, Chan-uk Jeon
  • Publication number: 20130081659
    Abstract: An oil-in-water monitor cleaning apparatus includes a nozzle configured to direct pressurized cleaning fluid at an optical window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: Statoil Petroleum AS
    Inventors: Per Gerhard Grini, Harald Kallevik
  • Patent number: 8409364
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing at least part of at least one layer of a composite coating that is formed of fibers and at least one resin that is present on the surface of the body of a gas cartridge. In said method, at least one liquid nitrogen stream is dispensed at a temperature less than ?100 DEG C at a pressure of at least 00 bars upon contact with said coating so as to remove at least part of said coating layer present on the body of the gas cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude el l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Jacques Quintard, Frederic Richard, Charles Truchot