Miscellaneous Patents (Class 134/42)
  • Patent number: 7513260
    Abstract: A coke removal system removes coke deposits from the walls of a high temperature passage in which hydrocarbon fuel is present. The system includes a carbon-steam gasification catalyst and a water source. The carbon-steam gasification catalyst is applied to the walls of the high temperature passage. The water reacts with the coke deposits on the walls of the high temperature passage to remove the coke deposits from the walls of the high temperature passage by carbon-steam gasification in the presence of the carbon-steam gasification catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: He Huang
  • Patent number: 7513956
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and/or disinfecting floor surfaces. A floor service trolley defines mop cloth container receptacles and a soiled mop cloth receptacle. Rectangular tapered mop cloth containers are supported by the container receptacle and define an upper sealing rim. A closure defines a seal recess containing a sealing member establishing a seal between the upper sealing rim and the closure preventing leakage of liquid from the container when it is inverted. Mop cloths are stacked within the container and are evenly pre-impregnated with cleaning solution by adding cleaning solution to the container of mop cloths, assembling the closure in sealed relation with the container and inverting the container for a sufficient period of time for saturation of the mop cloths by action of osmosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: FILMOP S.r.l.
    Inventor: Zorzo Bruno
  • Patent number: 7511008
    Abstract: The present invention relates to associative complexes of water soluble and/or water dispersible polymers and polymeric fluorosurfactants, compositions and methods for modifying substrates to provide treated articles with surface protective properties including easier cleaning, increased stain and/or soil repellency, and increased resistance to bio-fouling and environmental contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: David R. Scheuing, Mona Marie Knock, Michael H. Robbins
  • Patent number: 7507697
    Abstract: A method for cleaning the surfaces of food processing equipment that are heavily soiled with food processing byproducts, such as grease, starch and proteinaceous materials. The cleaning method consists of applying two separate aqueous cleaning solutions that are mixed together. One solution contains an aqueous oxidizing agent and the other solution contains a source of aqueous hydroxide ions. Both solutions are mixed together immediately prior to being applied to the soiled surfaces. The combined formulation utilizes the weak Bronsted acidity of the oxidizing agents in interaction with the hydroxide ions to generate perhydroxyl ions and other active oxygen species, which are significantly more effective at cleaning heavily soiled food processing equipment than each cleaning solution alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Rochester Midland Corporation
    Inventors: Joel Terry Shertok, Jack David Fox
  • Patent number: 7507296
    Abstract: In a scrubber adapted to clean a semiconductor wafer, the torque of a brush rotation motor is monitored while a scrubber brush is in contact with the wafer and is being rotated by the motor. The position of the brush relative to the wafer may be adjusted based on the monitored torque to regulate the pressure applied to the wafer by the brush. Open loop positioning or closed loop control may be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael N. Sugarman, Vladimir Galburt
  • Patent number: 7503333
    Abstract: A method of washing a surface includes the step of providing a cleaning formulation including a surfactant composition including a first surfactant, a second surfactant, and a polyalkylene glycol. The first surfactant has the general formula: R1—O-(A)mH. R1 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon having from 8 to 11 carbon atoms, A is an alkyleneoxy group having from 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and m is a positive number. The second surfactant has the general formula: R2—O-(B)nH. R2 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon having from 12 to 14 carbon atoms, B is an alkyleneoxy group having from 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and n is a positive number. The polyalkylene glycol is present in an amount of from 3 to 20 parts by weight. The method also includes providing a rinse formulation, applying the cleaning formulation to the surface, and applying the rinse formulation to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: James S. Dailey, Ernesto Lippert, Sridhar Iyer, Richard Baur, Frank Rittig
  • Patent number: 7503332
    Abstract: A surfactant composition including an alkyl polyglycoside, an ethoxylated alcohol with an average of about 1 to about 30 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, and an alkoxylated alcohol with an average of about 1 to about 30 moles of ethylene oxide and about 2 to about 60 moles of propylene oxide per mole of alcohol, with a ratio of moles of ethylene oxide to moles of propylene oxide of about 1:2 is provided. The surfactant composition including about 1% to about 50% by weight of an alkyl polyglycoside, about 1% to about 50% by weight of an ethoxylated alcohol, and, about 1% to about 50% by weight of an alkoxylated alcohol is also provided. A cleaning composition including the surfactant compositions described above is also provided. A method for cleaning hard surfaces includes applying to a hard surface the surfactant and cleaning compositions described above is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Cognis IP Management GmbH
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gross, Anna Kvecher, Virginia Lazarowitz, Timothy C. Morris
  • Patent number: 7503983
    Abstract: A wafer preparation method is provided for producing a wet region and then a corresponding dry region on the wafer. Brushing produces the wet region on the wafer. As the brushing moves in a selected scan operation across the wafer, a generating operation forms a meniscus that follows the brushing and dries the wet region. The generating operation produces the meniscus at least partially surrounding the wet region scrubbed by the scrubbing. The controlled meniscus is formed by applying fluid to the surface of the wafer and simultaneously removing the fluid. The scan operations may be selected so the brushing scrubs the wet region and then the meniscus forms the dry region where the scrubbing took place. The scan operations include a radial scan, a linear scan, a spiral scan and a raster scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Boyd, Michael L. Orbock, Fred C. Redeker
  • Patent number: 7503090
    Abstract: A glass sheet washing machine comprising a conveyor for moving a glass sheet along a path of travel at a controlled linear speed and a brush rotatable at a controlled rotational speed positioned along said path of travel such that said brush contacts the glass sheet moves along said path of travel wherein the linear speed of the conveyor and the rotational speed of the brush are variable and one of the linear speed and the rotational speed is dependent on any other of the linear speed and the rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: GED Integrated Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Misura, Robert R. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 7501027
    Abstract: Non-chlorinated concentrated acid detergent compositions and methods for using the same are provided. More particularly, the acid detergents comprise a quantity of a fatty alkyl-1,3-diaminopropane or salt thereof and optionally alkylsulfonic acid. The detergents form the basis for an all-in-one cleaning, sanitizing, and descaling composition for use on soiled surfaces, particularly surfaces contaminated with milk soils and other food soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: DeLaval Holding AB
    Inventors: Fahim U. Ahmed, N. Camelia Traistaru
  • Patent number: 7501026
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of cleaning a hard surface, said process comprising the step of applying a liquid hard surface cleaner composition onto said hard surface in the form of a spray, wherein said composition comprises a hydrophobically modified nonionic polyol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Fabienne Riou
  • Patent number: 7501388
    Abstract: The use of a composition effective in removing a wide variety of contaminants, such as organic compounds, including spores and bacteria, from a medical device or instrument system is provided. The process of preparing such composition includes contacting hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and water. The process may additionally include contacting with one or more additional components such as isopropyl alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: James E. McClung
  • Patent number: 7501387
    Abstract: An antifouling detergent for hard surfaces, which can be used in home to confer an excellent antifouling performance and an ability to prevent re-deposition on hard surfaces in a toilet, a bathroom and a kitchen; and a method of antifouling and washing hard surfaces of toilet bowls, which includes treating the surfaces with an antifouling detergent composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Shin Aihara, Yosuke Komatsu, Kazunori Tsukuda, Seiichi Miyanaga, Kenichi Shiba
  • Publication number: 20090056349
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-nonafluoro-1-hexene compositions for use in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, particularly in centrifugal compressor systems. Also disclosed are 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-nonafluoro-1-hexene in combination with at least one bromofluorocarbon, ketones, alcohols, chlorocarbons, ethers, esters, 4-chloro-1,1,2,3,3,4-hexafluorobutene, N-(difluoromethyl)-N,N-dimethylamine, or mixtures thereof, which are azeotropic or near azeotropic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Mario Joseph Nappa, Barbara Haviland Minor, Velliyur Nott Mallikarjuna Rao
  • Patent number: 7498269
    Abstract: Silicon electrode assembly decontamination cleaning methods and solutions, which control or eliminate possible chemical attacks of electrode assembly bonding materials, comprise ammonium fluoride, hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid, optionally ammonium acetate, and deionized water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Daxing Ren, Hong Shih
  • Patent number: 7498296
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising fluorinated olefins or fluorinated ketones, and at least one alcohol, halocarbon, hydrofluorocarbon, or fluoroether. In one embodiment, these compositions are azeotropic or azeotrope-like. In another embodiment, these compositions are useful in cleaning applications as a degreasing agent or defluxing agent for removing oils and/or other residues from a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Melodie A. Schweitzer, Allen Capron Sievert, Joan Ellen Bartelt, Barbara Haviland Minor
  • Patent number: 7494603
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising fluorinated olefins or fluorinated ketones, and at least one alcohol, halocarbon, hydrofluorocarbon, or fluoroether and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, these compositions are azeotropic or azeotrope-like. In another embodiment, these compositions are useful in cleaning applications as a degreasing agent or defluxing agent for removing oils and/or other residues from a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Barbara Haviland Minor, Melodie A. Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 7494966
    Abstract: A description is given of an alkanol-free alkoxylate of the general formula (I) CnH2n+1O(A)x(B)yR??(I) where R is C1-6 alkyl or benzyl A is ethyleneoxy B is C3-6 alkyleneoxy or mixtures thereof, it being possible for groups A and B to be in random distribution, in alternation or in the form of two or more blocks in any order, n is an integer in the range from 4 to 8 x is a number in the range from 0 to 25 y is a number in the range from 0 to 10 and x+y is at least 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ralf Noerenberg, Ulrich Annen
  • Patent number: 7491362
    Abstract: The liquid composition is based on surfactants and enzymes, and is particularly useful for manual cleaning of instruments. In manual and ultrasonic application the composition in use concentration shows low foaming and gives a cleaning solution which is not cloudy at least at a temperature in the range from 16° C. to 40° C. In addition, the composition has good cleaning efficiacy over a broad temperature range (20 to 55° C.) and shows good material compatibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence Geret, Carola Stingl, Silke Denzin
  • Publication number: 20090038636
    Abstract: A method of cleaning an imprint template is disclosed. The method includes exposing the imprint template to a reductive fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Sander Frederik Wuister, Vadim Yevgenyevich Banine, Maarten Marinus Johannes Van Herpen
  • Publication number: 20090025757
    Abstract: A method of reducing sticking of a door of a semiconductor device processing apparatus is provided. The method comprises providing rinsing fluid to a lid of a semiconductor devise processing chamber so as to rinse particulates therefrom; and sliding a door that is operatively coupled to the lid so as to move between a closed position wherein the door occludes an opening formed in the lid, and an open position wherein the door does not occlude the opening. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph Yudovsky, Hui Chen, Gary Ettinger
  • Publication number: 20090025159
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for cleaning wheel rims. Said device is used for removing sticky excess powdered pigments from the flange and hub of the rims prior to the baking process during powder coating. The inventive device comprises a first brush which can be introduced into the hub of a rim that is to be cleaned as well as a second brush which is concentrically disposed around the first brush and rests against the flange surface of the rim when the first brush is inserted in the hub of the rim. The first brush can be axially displaced relative to the second brush and is spring-mounted on the second brush. Furthermore, a drive unit is provided which rotates the first and the second brush by a specific angle, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2005
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas Rau
  • Publication number: 20090025749
    Abstract: A substrate handler is provided. In one embodiment, the substrate handler includes a first and second carriage coupled to a rail. A first robot having at least two grippers is attached to the first carrier. A second robot having at least one gripper is coupled to the second carriage. The first carriage is independently positionable along the rail relative to the second carriage. As each carriage has a separate actuator, the movements of the first and second robot are decoupled, thereby allowing increased throughput. The substrate handler is particularly suitable for using in a planarization system having an integrated substrate cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph Yudoovsky, Hul Chen
  • Publication number: 20090014037
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of cleaning or descaling thin slabs and rolled strips in a hot strip rolling mill train and is characterized by use of cryogens such as oxygen or compound formed of cryogens with a carrier medium such as compressed air which are sprayed into slab surface or strip surface in liquid, deep-freeze form. The invention also relates to a method of cleaning and/or descaling of strips in a strip treatment installation with the above-mentioned characterized features, and to a correspondingly equipped apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Richter, Heinrich Roese, Stephan Kramer, Walter Timmerbeul, Heinz-Dieter Gabriel, Juergen Seidel, Andreas Gramer
  • Publication number: 20090013874
    Abstract: A beverage making device comprising a brewing chamber for enclosing a pad (6) containing a substance from which the beverage is to be brewed. The brewing chamber is formed by an upper part with one or more openings (5) for supplying water to the brewing chamber and by a lower part (8) with an outflow opening (16) through which the brewed beverage can leave the brewing chamber. Beverage receiving means (10,11) are present below said lower part (8). One or more further openings (22) are present between the brewing chamber and the beverage receiving means (10,11), and means for closing said one or more further openings (22) during the brewing process are present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Gemma Louise Wood, Richard Andrew Snell, Stephen Blatcher, David Stuart Harris, Ben Arlett, Hans Kodden
  • Patent number: 7476279
    Abstract: A connecting end face cleaning tool having superior cleaning properties includes a cleaning fabric. This cleaning tool removes soiling attached to the connecting end face of an optical connecting part when that connecting end face is detached. The cleaning fabric is constructed such that the woof threads protrude from the surface of the fabric more than the warp threads. The cleaning fabric has a tape-like shape, the lengthwise direction of which is the direction of the extension of the warp threads. Soiling is removed from a connecting end face as the connecting end face and cleaning fabric are moved relatively such that the connecting end face moves transverse to the woof threads of the cleaning fabric. A method of cleaning a connecting end face uses a cleaning fabric with woof threads protruding from the surface of the fabric more than the warp threads and the fabric is moved relative to the connecting end face transverse to the woof threads of the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Seikoh Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahisa Kida
  • Patent number: 7470655
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a method of inactivating prions located on surfaces. In an embodiment, the invention pertains to a method of inactivating prions located on surfaces using a composition including a peracid. In an embodiment, the invention pertains to a method of inactivating prions located on surfaces using a composition including a peracid and a surfactant. The composition may comprise additional functional ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Holger Biering, Thomas Merz, Bernhard Meyer, Friedrich Von Rheinbaben
  • Patent number: 7470331
    Abstract: A cleaning composition with a limited number of natural ingredients contains alkyl polyglucoside, a 2-hydroxylcarboxylic acid, and a fragrance containing lemon oil or d-limonene. The cleaning composition optionally has a small amount of dye, colorant, and preservative. The cleaning composition can be used to clean hard surfaces and cleans as well or better than commercial compositions containing synthetically derived cleaning agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Gregory van Buskirk, Aram Garabedian, Ryan K. Hood, Stephen Bradford Kong
  • Patent number: 7470290
    Abstract: Hydroscopic polymer gels can be formed by applying a polymer to a surface and allowing water to be sequestered from the atmosphere into the polymer. The polymer gels are formed using methods and compositions employing water soluble or water dispersible copolymers having: (i) a first monomer that is acidic and is capable of forming an anionic charge in the composition; (ii) a second monomer that is amphipathic; (iii) optionally, a third monomer that is hydrophobic; and (iv) optionally, a fourth monomer that that has a permanent cationic charge or that is capable of forming a cationic charge on protonation. The polymer gels are particularly substantive and effective at modifying surfaces such as glass and hydrophobic polymeric substrates to provide soap scum and soil resistance, and easier next time cleaning benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Klin A. Rodrigues, David R. Scheuing, Michael H. Robbins, Nicholas Pivonka, David L. Budd, Malcolm A. Deleo
  • Patent number: 7470330
    Abstract: A method of removing metal scale from surfaces that includes contacting the surfaces with a first aqueous solution of a chelating agent, allowing the chelating agent to dissolve the metal scale, acidifying the solution to form a precipitant of the chelating agent and a precipitant of the metal from the metal scale, isolating the precipitant of the chelating agent and the precipitant of the metal from the first solution, selectively dissolving the precipitated chelating agent in a second aqueous solution, and removing the precipitated metal from the second solution is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignees: M-1 Production Chemicals UK Limited, Oilfield Mineral Solutions Limited
    Inventor: Richard Keatch
  • Patent number: 7467633
    Abstract: The present invention provides a surfactant blend that includes an extended chain surfactant and high HLB nonionic surfactant. The surfactant blend may be incorporated into household and industrial-institutional cleaning products to solubilize hard to remove oily stains and soil from a variety of surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Huntsman Petrochemical Corporation
    Inventors: George A. Smith, Katie R. Hand
  • Patent number: 7468106
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing niobium-rich second-phase-particle (SPP) deposits from zirconium-niobium alloy components. The method comprises washing a freshly pickled and rinsed zirconium-niobium alloy component with an acidified oxalic acid or ammonium oxalate washing solution. The method of the present invention results in a rapid, efficient and complete removal of surface SPP deposits from the zirconium-niobium alloy component without pitting, leaving behind a clean, shiny surface without the need to use water blasting or mechanical wiping operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Co LLC
    Inventor: David F. McLaughlin
  • Publication number: 20080308132
    Abstract: A method has been disclosed which cleans a semiconductor substrate using a cleaning liquid produced by mixing bubbles of a gas into an acid solution in which the gas has been dissolved to the saturated concentration and which brings the zeta potentials of the semiconductor substrate and adsorbed particles into the negative region by the introduction of an interfacial active agent. Alternatively, a semiconductor substrate is cleaned using a cleaning liquid produced by mixing bubbles of a gas into an alkaline solution in which the gas has been dissolved to the saturated concentration and whose pH is 9 or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tomita, Hiroyasu Iimori, Hiroaki Yamada, Minako Inukai
  • Patent number: 7465359
    Abstract: A game ticket scratching device and method includes an elongated tubular member that has an open first end and a closed second end. An axle is mounted within the tubular member adjacent to the first end. A plurality of bristles is attached to and radially extends outwardly away from the axle. A motor is mounted within the housing and is mechanically coupled to the axle. A power supply electrically coupled to the motor. An actuator is operationally coupled to the power supply for selectively turning the power supply on or off. The power supply is turned on so that the axle rotates. The bristles are abutted against a lottery ticket concealing layer so that the bristles scrape the concealing layer off of the game card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Walter J. Vives-Martinez
  • Patent number: 7465360
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods of removal of a lubricious coating. In more specific aspects, the invention relates to methods of removal of aqueous polymers comprising acrylamide or copolymers thereof from a substrate comprising application of one or more metal salts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventor: Cliff J. Scribner
  • Publication number: 20080303857
    Abstract: A nozzle chip cleaning apparatus of an inkjet printer in which a structure to supply and drain a cleaning solution to clean nozzle chips. The nozzle chip cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning bath in which a cleaning solution is contained to clean the nozzle chips, an ultrasonic wave device installed in the cleaning bath to generates waves in the cleaning solution contained in the cleaning bath so that the cleaning solution reaches the nozzle chips, a supply and drain pipe that performs as a supply pipe to supply the cleaning solution from a cleaning solution storage tank to the cleaning bath and as a drain pipe to drain the cleaning solution that has been supplied to the cleaning bath to the cleaning solution storage tank, and a pump that provides a driving force to supply and drain the cleaning solution through the supply and drain pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Karp-sik YOUN
  • Patent number: 7462248
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a photomask includes cleaning the photomask with a chemical cleaner, introducing a solution to the photomask, the solution is configured to react with residuals generated from the chemical cleaner to form insoluble precipitates, and rinsing the photomask with a fluid to remove the insoluble precipitates from the photomask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Cheng Chiu, Ching-Yu Chang
  • Patent number: 7462249
    Abstract: A surface treatment process for a metal article includes the following steps. Firstly, a metal article, made of at least one of copper and an alloy thereof, is provided. Secondly, a surface of the metal article is degreased. Thirdly, the surface of the metal article is activated in an acid solution. Finally, the surface of the metal article is deactivated by submersion in an antioxidant agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Sutech Trading Limited
    Inventors: Jiang-Rong Ding, Zheng-Jiang Ren, Hong-Hai Xu
  • Publication number: 20080295870
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices, systems, and methods for transferring cleaning fluid from a tank to a reservoir located on a cleaning implement. The present invention provides a fluid-transfer system that may include a pump assembly for pressurizing fluid stored in a tank and a filling dock for providing fluid communication between the tank and the cleaning implement. The filling dock may releasably secure the implement during the fluid transfer operation. In operation, the cleaning implement is attached to the filling dock, and, after attachment, cleaning fluid flows from the tank, through the filling dock, and into the reservoir of the cleaning implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Rubbermaid Commercial Products LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Perelli, Grant M. Mason
  • Patent number: 7459029
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus of organic substances attached to a vapor-deposition mask for low molecular weight organic EL devices comprises a first stage for treating a vapor-deposition mask with a derivative of pyrrolidone, a second stage for rinsing the vapor-deposition mask with water, and a third stage for rinsing the vapor-deposition mask with flowing water. The cleaning apparatus also comprises a fourth stage for treating the vapor-deposition mask with ethanol, a fifth stage for drying the vapor-deposition mask, and a carrying means that carries the vapor-deposition mask to each stage in sequence. It is desirable to adopt N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone as the derivative of pyrrolidone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiko Hosoda, Shinichi Yotsuya
  • Patent number: 7459421
    Abstract: A cleaning composition and method for the removal of contaminants, such as, oil and grease from a surface, particularly concrete and asphalt. The composition includes an absorptive material, charcoal, and a pH modifying agent which is applied and removed in a dry form. Optionally, surfactant, solvent, carbonate or microorganisms may be added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: J&J Marketing, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Gordon Bullis, Jonathan E. Michel
  • Publication number: 20080289662
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for degreasing and lubricating objects, such as mechanical devices and the like. A composition comprised of a mixture of ethanol and food-grade mineral oil is applied directly to the substrate or objects sought to be degreased or lubricated. For degreasing applications, an amount of the composition is applied in an amount sufficient to penetrate and loosen grease-covered substrates, and is particularly well suited for hand wiping applications. Such methods can also be utilized to remove paint and ink. The compositions are substantially effective yet relatively non-toxic and biodegradable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: John R. Tindall
  • Publication number: 20080289664
    Abstract: A dishwasher for receiving and cleansing soiled kitchenware includes a tub defining a washing chamber, a movable door for selectively exposing the washing chamber, and a modular, slidably mounted drip pan and component mounting assembly or base member positioned below the tub. One or more of a plurality of wash system components, including a wash pump, an inlet valve and a drain valve, is mounted to the modular base member. The modular base member includes connection points for household utilities, a peripheral lip or rim so as to contain any liquid that may fall from the dishwasher tub and a float and cut-off system that serves to terminate operation of the dishwasher upon detecting a water leak. In addition, the modular base member may also contain a system for heating washing fluid to a desired temperature, along with related control components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Anthony L. Rockwell, Phil Johnson, Clint Frysinger, Albert W. Chan
  • Publication number: 20080276974
    Abstract: The invention discloses a spray pretreatment system and a method for pre-treating workpieces by spraying in a spraying tunnel, wherein the workpieces are fed into a treating station through an entry station. The inlet opening of the entry station is located below the level of the treating installations of the treating station. In this way, partial condensation of the vapors escaping from the treating station occurs in the entry station so that one can do without an extraction system in the area of the roof surface of the spraying tunnel. If desired, an extraction system with relatively low capacity may be provided in the region of the inlet opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Gerd Wurster
  • Patent number: 7449072
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing solid or semi-solid material from within a container, for example removing an energetic material from the casing of an explosive shell. The method is applicable to the demilitarization of aged or obsolete explosive ordnance, for example mortar rounds, and uses ultrasonic energy rather than heat like previous methods. An item to be demilitarized and cleaned is immersed in a fluid contained within a vessel. An ultrasonic probe or wand is inserted into the submerged item, in proximity with the material to be removed. The fluid is the medium for transmitting sonic energy from the probe to the material to fracture and mobilize the material. Mobilized particulates are expelled from the casing, and settle to the bottom of the fluid vessel for collection. At the conclusion of the process, the emptied container shell, now relatively clean, is retrieved from the vessel and salvaged as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: TPL, Inc.
    Inventors: Randal Johnson, Catherine Malins
  • Publication number: 20080271761
    Abstract: The invention is generally related to cleaning compositions and methods of using same. More particularly, the invention is related to cleaning compositions which are substantially free of volatile organic chemicals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: United Laboratories,Inc.
    Inventors: Nancy Sherrel, David Rogel
  • Patent number: 7445676
    Abstract: An improved process for removal of particulate matter having airborne potential. The process includes applying a foam to the particulate matter in a particulate matter area to prevent the particulate matter from becoming airborne. The particulate matter area may then be removed, prior to the foam draining, and encased in a storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventors: William R. Martin, Carl W. Martin
  • Patent number: 7446086
    Abstract: A detergent, cleaning, conditioning or cosmetic agent that is absorbed by the surface of substrates and that contains oligomers, polymers or copolymers comprising a specific structural element. The agent may also form part of a conditioning substrate, wherein the substrate, such as a fleece material, is saturated and/or coated with the agent. The agent may also be used in a process for treating hard and/or soft substrate surfaces comprising the step of applying an effective quantity of the agent to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Andreas Bauer, Wolfgang Lahn, Werner Faber, Georg Meine
  • Patent number: 7445644
    Abstract: A cleaning composition utilizing an anionically modified catechol in combination with a soil suspending polymer to remove clay and plant-derived polyphenolic compound soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Xinbei Song, Kevin Patrick Christmas
  • Patent number: 7442677
    Abstract: A chemical solution and process for the decontamination of chemical warfare agents. More particularly, a process for the decontamination of the vesicant HD by oxidation to its corresponding sulfoxide and nerve agents VX and GD by perhydrolysis to their non-toxic phosphonic acids using environmentally safe reactants, specifically a citrate/bicarbonate/molybdate peroxide solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: George W. Wagner