Miscellaneous Patents (Class 134/42)
  • Patent number: 7282178
    Abstract: This invention is directed to an aqueous composition and methods for clean lipid deposits on contact lenses. In particular, a combination of non-ionic surfactants, branched and/or straight poly(ethylene oxide-propylene oxide) (PEO-PPO) block copolymers having HLB value greater than or equal to 18, with an additional straight poly(ethylene oxide-propylene oxide) (PEO-PPO) block copolymers having HLB value less than or equal to 15, has been found to improve the lipid cleaning properties of an aqueous composition for contact lenses and prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, yeast and molds without adversely affecting the comfort or safety in terms of the level of toxicity to eye tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph C. Salamone, Roya Borazjani, Vicki Barniak, Robert Manchester, David McCanna
  • Patent number: 7282099
    Abstract: Method for processing an article by contacting the article with a dense fluid. The article is introduced into a sealable processing chamber and the processing chamber is sealed. A dense fluid is prepared by introducing a subcritical fluid into a pressurization vessel and isolating the vessel, and then heating the subcritical fluid at essentially constant volume and essentially constant density to yield a dense fluid. At least a portion of the dense fluid is transferred from the pressurization vessel to the processing chamber, wherein the transfer of the dense fluid is driven by the difference between the pressure in the pressurization vessel and the pressure in the processing chamber, thereby pressurizing the processing chamber with transferred dense fluid. The article is contacted with the transferred dense fluid to yield a spent dense fluid and a treated article, and the spent dense fluid is separated from the treated article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Thomas McDermott, Richard Carl Ockovic, Alexander Schwarz
  • Patent number: 7282101
    Abstract: A method for dissolving a measured quantity of a solute in a solvent. First, a tracer is combined with a solute in known proportions to form a mixture. The tracer is capable of increasing the turbidity of a solvent in proportion to the concentration of the solute dissolved in the solvent. Then, a container is provided for receiving the mixture and the solvent. Next, the solvent and the mixture are introduced into the container. Finally, the solvent is stirred until its turbidity reaches a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Brent K. McCurdy
  • Patent number: 7282472
    Abstract: An automatic dishwashing composition in unit dose form for delivery into the main-wash cycle of an automatic dishwashing machine, the composition comprising a phosphate or non-phosphate detergency builder and a sulfonated anti-scaling polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Neha Kapur, Anju Deepali Massey Brooker, James Iain Kinloch, Alison Lesley Main
  • Patent number: 7282100
    Abstract: A system for cleaning acid rain and mineral deposits from glass and/or painted surfaces includes powdered kaolin clay. The glass is preferably cleaned with this system, then a system for more effectively delivering Fibershield 218 and like protectants to glass is used to add a protectant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventors: Bryan Schouest, Harrison M. Weber
  • Patent number: 7279455
    Abstract: A rinse aid composition and methods of making and using the same. A rinse aid composition may generally include an effective amount of a sheeting agent component, and an effective amount of a defoamer component. The sheeting agent component may include one or more alcohol ethoxylate compounds that include an alkyl group that includes 12 or fewer carbon atoms. The defoamer component may include an ethylene oxide containing surfactant configured for reducing the stability of foam that may be created by the one or more alcohol ethoxylate compounds of the sheeting agent in an aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Janel Marie Kieffer, Steven Eugene Lentsch, Eddie D. Sowle, Jessica Susan Hammerberg
  • Patent number: 7279050
    Abstract: A one-piece sponge cleans and removes coating material from the bottom edge, inside and outside surface of a photoreceptor drum. The one-piece sponge has an inner sponge section and an outer sponge section, both with internal channels to remove solvent and dissolved coating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Jean D. Van Epps, Jr., Michael J. Duggan, James R. Lee, Steven D. Bush
  • Patent number: 7270716
    Abstract: It is intended to provide a method of selecting a contact lens suitable for a wearer and/or a care system therefor, by which the occurrence of problems (for example, worsening in the feel during wearing, lowering in the oxygen permeability of the lens, shortening in the lens life, lowering in the visual acuity, corneal injury, etc.) can be minimized to thereby ensure a high safety for the eye, namely, a method which comprises collecting the lacrimal fluid of a wearer, detecting the protein content and/or the lipid content in the lacrimal fluid thus obtained (Step S5), estimating the dirt adhesion characteristics of the wearer to a contact lens based on the protein content and/or lipid content thus detected, and then selecting a contact lens suitable for the wearer and/or a care system therefor from among a plurality of contact lenses and a plurality of care systems (Step S6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Menicon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sadanori Ohno, Tetsuji Kawai, Kazuhiko Nakada, Hiroaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7271136
    Abstract: A cleaning composition based on an aqueous or non-petroleum solvent, and useful for cleaning exterior surfaces such as aircraft exterior surfaces and other metal, glass, rubber and polymer surfaces possesses solvent-like properties with respect to greasy soils; inhibits corrosion and degradation of rubber; is bio-degradable; forms a stable emulsion with water; remains optically clear and stable at multiple dilutions with water; and conforms to MIL-PRF 87937D. The composition includes at least one fatty acid methyl ester, at least one ethoxylated alcohol having an HLB ranging from about 10 to about 14, at least one alkyl polyglycoside having an HLB ranging from about 10 to about 14, at least one hydrotrope, an alkali metal silicate, at least one corrosion inhibitor in an amount effective to prevent corrosion on metals, and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Spray Nine Corporation
    Inventor: Claudia E. Britton
  • Patent number: 7270717
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for cleaning contaminated articles based on the provision of a zeotropic composition comprising (a) at least one flammable solvent having a boiling point at a first pressure; (b) at least one first nonflammable solvent having a boiling point at said first pressure which is less than about said first pressure boiling point of said flammable solvent; and (c) at least one second nonflammable solvent having a boiling point at said first pressure which is greater than about the first pressure boiling point of said flammable solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Knopeck, Rajiv R. Singh, Kane Cook, Ian Shankland, Harold Kieta
  • Patent number: 7270131
    Abstract: Aqueous hard surface cleaning compositions comprising a non associative, acrylic copolymer alkali swellable emulsion and a set of alkaline detergent builders. Methods of producing the compositions, using the compositions for cleaning hard surfaces, and improving the cleaning efficiency of alkaline liquid cleaning compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventors: Edward Hocking, Dimas Reyes
  • Patent number: 7267728
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for cleaning and/or treating a surface, preferably surfaces such as ceramic, steel, plastic, glass and/or painted surfaces such as the exterior surface of a vehicle. The system and method utilize a cleaning composition that contains at least one water-soluble or water dispersible copolymer. The method may also include a step of applying to the surface a treating composition which contains non-photoactive nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bruce Barger, Thomas Geroge Crowe, Robert Henry Rohrbaugh, Alan Scott Goldstein, Michael Ray McDonald, Helen Frances O'Connor, Morgan Thomas Leahy
  • Patent number: 7264680
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a semiconductor workpiece having a metal layer in a processing chamber includes the steps of introducing a liquid solution including dissolved carbon dioxide onto the workpiece, and introducing ozone into the processing chamber. The ozone oxidizes contaminants on the workpiece, while the carbon dioxide inhibits corrosion of the metal layer. The liquid solution is preferably heated to a temperature greater than 40° C., and preferably comprises deionized water injected with carbon dioxide gas. The workpiece is preferably rotated within the processing chamber during the cleaning process. The ozone may be entrained in the liquid solution before the liquid solution is introduced onto the workpiece, or the ozone may be introduced separately into the processing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Maximilia Gebhart, Eric J. Bergman
  • Publication number: 20070199580
    Abstract: A vibration device separates foreign particles from a semiconductor device, and a suction interface of a suction device covers an opening portion of the semiconductor device. A space connected with a vacuum passage and a communication passage is formed between the semiconductor device and the suction interface. The suction device suctions the space, and fresh air is introduced into the space through the communication passage. As a result, a current of air is generated from the communication passage to the vacuum passage, and foreign particles are suctioned and removed from the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuta Hasebe, Hiroshi Tanaka, Masanobu Azukawa, Junichi Tanaka, Tadashi Kobayashi, Kenta Iwahana
  • Patent number: 7261780
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a ceramic susceptor for considerably reducing the count number of metal atoms on the surface of a semiconductor after the semiconductor is treated, specifically to 1×1010 atoms/cm2 or lower. It is provided a ceramic susceptor 2 having a face for mounting semiconductor 2a wherein each of metal elements other than metal element(s) constituting the ceramic material has a count number of 1×1011 atoms/cm2 or lower. It is further provided a method of cleaning a ceramic susceptor 2 having a face 2a for mounting semiconductor, wherein the susceptor is cleaned using a complexing agent capable of forming a complex with a metal element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Taiji Kiku, Akiyoshi Hattori
  • Patent number: 7258748
    Abstract: In a method for processing a baking pan, the baking pan is placed in a solution including: water, N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone, Ethoxylate of nonylphenol, Monoethanolamine, Triethanolamine and Potassium hydroxide. The solution is heated to a temperature in a predefined temperature range. The baking pan is removed from the solution after a predefined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Chemstar Corporation
    Inventor: Mingzhong Su
  • Patent number: 7258747
    Abstract: A method of using an electric stainbrush for cleaning inanimate surfaces is provided. The electric stainbrush includes a handle having a motor disposed therein, a head having a longitudinal axis, and a neck disposed between the handle and the head. First and second bristle holders are associated with the head. The first bristle holder oscillates or rotates. The second bristle holder reciprocates in generally the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the head but does not rotate or oscillate. The motor is operatively connected to the first and second bristle holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: James Charles Vago, Stephen Allen Jacobs, Paul Amaat Raymond Gerard France
  • Patent number: 7258749
    Abstract: A wash fluid containment system includes an elevated, fluid impervious surface upon which items to be washed are placed for washing. The surface is configured to cause wash fluid to flow to an edge of the surface and off of the surface to prevent buildup of wash fluid on the surface. A collecting trough is positioned in fluid flow communication with the edges of the surface to which the fluid flows to catch and collect the fluid as it flows from the surface. Used wash fluid is taken from the collecting trough for disposal or recycling and solids and debris can be easily removed from the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Hydro Engineering Equipment and Supply Co.
    Inventors: James P. McCormick, Alan G. McCormick, Kerry G. Smith
  • Patent number: 7258750
    Abstract: A process for removing paint from a plastic substrate that typically includes immersing and optionally agitating the painted plastic substrate in a first chemical fluid, removing the substrate from the first chemical fluid, typically immersing and optionally agitating the substrate in a second chemical fluid, removing the substrate from the second chemical fluid, optionally immersing and optionally agitating the substrate in a third chemical fluid, where the third chemical fluid typically includes substantially the same chemicals as the second chemical fluid, rinsing the substrate, and drying the substrate. The present invention also includes a method for recycling an initially painted plastic substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Montie-Targosz LLC
    Inventor: Paul Montie
  • Publication number: 20070186960
    Abstract: There is provided a system capable of supplying pure water containing almost no dissolved gas and pure water containing dissolved gas without increasing the amount of pure water manufactured in a volume production semiconductor factory. In the present invention, pure water is supplied using a pure water supply system, which includes: a pure water manufacturing means for manufacturing pure water having a dissolved gas concentration of 0.4 ppm or lower; a first pure water supply means capable of supplying the pure water from the pure water manufacturing means; a dissolving means that is coupled to the pure water manufacturing means via a coupling portion and dissolves gas in the pure water transferred from the pure water manufacturing means via the coupling portion; and a second pure water supply means capable of supplying the pure water in which the gas has been dissolved by the dissolving means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Applicant: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
    Inventor: Masayoshi Danbata
  • Patent number: 7255750
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved dilutable cleaning composition for flocculating soil during use comprising a polymeric flocculation agent. In one embodiment, the composition optionally contains at least one adjunct selected from the group consisting of solvents, surfactants, cosurfactants, chelating agents, buffers, thickeners, dyes, colorants, biocides, fragrances, defoamers and mixtures thereof. The invention provides for settling of soil during use, resulting in a decrease in soil in the top of the use container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Brian K. Cartwright, Maria Jaya
  • Patent number: 7256165
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning composition comprising a surface substantive polymer for cleaning surfaces, particularly the exterior surfaces of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jan Bertrem, Alex Cedeno, Aghmed Gourari, Ivano Schiavi, Alan Edward Sherry, Alan Scott Goldstein, Bruce Barger
  • Patent number: 7255749
    Abstract: In a cleaning treatment of a substrate using an aqueous solution of ammonium fluoride or a mixture of an aqueous solution of ammonium fluoride and hydrofluoric acid as a cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid is replenished by at least one liquid selected from the group consisting of water, ammonia, aqueous ammonia, and an aqueous solution of ammonium fluoride with the lapse of time during the use of the cleaning liquid, in which the required amount of the liquid to be added according to the time lapse is calculated based on the measurement date and controlled, or the component concentration of the cleaning liquid is detected and the liquid is added according to the obtained result, so that not only can the substrate be cleaned uniformly and stably, but also a resource saving and a reduction in waste can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhito Inagaki, Mineo Shimizu, Yoshihiro Fujitani
  • Publication number: 20070181166
    Abstract: For the removal of graffiti 10 a method and removal agent are provided, said agent being comprised of solvents and surface-active agents and present in the form of a gel-like compound, applied to the background surface 3 to be cleaned. This gel-like compound 12 adheres to the background surface, which is moistened slightly beforehand, and makes it possible, after being rubbed in, to dissolve the graffiti 10 and remove it from the background surface 3, so that, once it has been removed, the originally soiled surface is again neutral.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventor: Claus Noth
  • Patent number: 7252718
    Abstract: A composition for the cleaning of residues from substrates can contain from about 0.01 percent by weight to about 5 percent by weight of one or more fluoride compounds, from about 20 percent by weight to about 50 percent by weight water, from about 20 percent by weight to about 80 percent by weight of an organic amide solvent and from 0 to about 50 weight percent of an organic sulfoxide solvent. The composition can have a pH between about 7 and about 10, alternately from greater than 8 to about 10. Additionally, the composition optionally can contain corrosion inhibitors, chelating agents, surfactants, acids, and/or bases. In use of the composition, a substrate can advantageously be contacted with the composition for a time and at a temperature that permits cleaning of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: EKC Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Melvin K. Carter
  • Patent number: 7252720
    Abstract: Prion infectivity adsorbed onto substrates (for example, chromatographic columns used to fractionate blood plasma) is removed by treatment with 2M sodium chloride. Optionally, the substrate is further washed with 0.1 M sodium hydroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Common Services Agency
    Inventors: Peter Reynolds Foster, Brenda Doreen Griffin, Ronald Vance McIntosh
  • Patent number: 7252095
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method of cleaning a workpiece is disclosed. The method comprises providing a mobile flushing unit and servicing the workpiece as follows: a) connecting a flexible hose of the mobile flushing unit to one end of the workpiece and connecting another flexible hose of the mobile flushing unit to a second end of the workpiece; b) flowing compressed air through each hose and the workpiece; c) pumping a cleaning fluid through each hose and the workpiece for a predetermined amount of time; d) ceasing cleaning fluid flow, followed by purging with air to remove the cleaning fluid from the workpiece; e) pumping water through each hose and the workpiece for a predetermined amount of time; f) ceasing water flow, following by another purge with air to remove the water from the workpiece; and g) disconnecting each hose from the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: John Watt
  • Patent number: 7250085
    Abstract: Method of wet cleaning a surface of at least one material chosen from silicon, silicon-germanium alloys, A(III)/B(V)-type semiconductors and epitaxially grown crystalline materials, such as germanium, in which method the following successive steps are carried out: a) the surface is brought into contact with an HF solution; b) the surface is rinsed with acidified, deionized water, then a powerful oxidizing agent is added to the deionized water and the rinsing is continued; c) optionally, step a) is repeated, once or twice, while optionally reducing the contacting time; d) step b) is optionally repeated, once or twice; and e) the surface is dried. Process for fabricating an electronic, optical or optoelectronic device, such as a CMOS or MOSFET device, comprising at least one wet cleaning step using the said cleaning method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Commissariat A l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Alexandra Abbadie, Pascal Besson, Marie-Noëlle Semeria
  • Patent number: 7247270
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ophthalmic solution for soft contact lenses for controlled release of polyethers into an eye's tear film. Polyether components of the subject solution are released from the soft contact lens material matrix over long time periods to produce longer lasting wetting performance, improved lubricity, improved end-of-the-day comfort and reduced feeling of dryness from wearing contact lenses. The present invention also includes the use of cationic polyelectrolytes for controlling the swelling of hydrogel contact lenses typically caused by the absorption of high concentrations of polyethers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventors: Zhenze Hu, Joseph C. Salamone, Dharmendra Jani
  • Patent number: 7247208
    Abstract: Ammonia-free, HF-free cleaning compositions for cleaning photoresist and plasma ash residues from microelectronic substrates, and particularly to such cleaning compositions useful with and having improved compatibility with microelectronic substrates characterized by sensitive porous and low-k to high-k dielectrics and copper metallization. The cleaning composition contain one or more non-ammonium producing, non-HF producing fluoride salt (non ammonium, quaternary ammonium fluoride salt) in a suitable solvent matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Baker, Inc.
    Inventor: Chien-Pin Sherman Hsu
  • Patent number: 7244315
    Abstract: Improved methods of rinsing and drying microelectronic devices by way of an immersion processing apparatus are provided for effectively cleaning microelectronic devices. Methods and arrangements control the separation of one or more microelectronic devices from a liquid environment as part of a replacement of the liquid environment with a gas environment. Cleaning enhancement substance, such as IPA, is introduced into the gas environment according to a controlled profile while the separation step is conducted. The controlled profile being directed to the timing of introduction of cleaning enhancement substance, the concentration of cleaning enhancement substance and/or flow rates thereof into the vessel. Controlled timing of gas and cleaning enhancement substance delivery can also improve effectiveness of separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: FSI International, Inc.
    Inventors: Tracy A. Gast, Stephen C. Loper, Thomas J. Wagener
  • Patent number: 7244314
    Abstract: A system for recycling reusable resin mold products recovered from discarded apparatuses is disclosed. This recycling system includes a crushing system for crushing resin mold products one kind by one kind into crushed resinous pieces and packing the same in a bag, a classification system for irradiating a light beam to the resin in the bag and classifying the bags into respective kinds of resins based on a reflected beam therefrom, a cleaning system for separately cleaning the respective kind of crushed resinous pieces taken out of the bag to remove foreign matters adhered onto the surfaces of the crushed resinous pieces therefrom, and a recovery system for recovering the cleaned crushed resinous pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Techno Polymer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takateru Imai, Kenichi Urabe, Kouji Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7243664
    Abstract: A method of preventing corrosion of metals such as stainless steel, carbon steel and chrome plated flatware in automatic dishwashers through the use of a corrosion inhibitor in an automatic dishwashing detergent composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Patricia Sara Berger, Patti Jean Kellett
  • Patent number: 7235141
    Abstract: A lift-off procedure is provided which enables prevention of damage to a wiring pattern caused by contact of a metal being peeled off from a wafer with a wiring pattern at a time of lift-off procedure. A wafer having a surface on which a pattern is formed which contains a pattern portion to be removed is soaked into a chemical liquid at an angle at which the surface faces downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Suzuki, Yoshiki Nitta, Kazuhiko Ohmuro
  • Patent number: 7235140
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cleaning system and methods for cleaning tissue embedding molds. The cleaning system includes a cleaning vessel that holds a cleaning solution. The tissue processing molds are supported by a basket receptacle which is placed inside the cleaning vessel. Cleaning solution is supplied to the cleaning vessel through a supply line. Additional fluids are stored in a reservoir and may be mixed with the cleaning solution in the supply line. Cleaning solution drains from the cleaning vessel through a drain line. A controller controls the opening and closing of valves and the activation or deactivation of a heat source to operate a wash cycle, a rinse cycle, and a dry cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventors: Steve Hayes, Doug Low
  • Patent number: 7231927
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for recycling plastics which is improved with respect to operation efficiency, operation environment, lowering degradation of plastics, recycling cost and environment load including saving energy. The recycling is made as follows: coarse-crushing used-up plastic products, separating plastic materials from other foreign matters by air blow separation, fine-crushing the separated plastics, washing the fine-crushed plastics by the process using a circulation flow including a spiral flow in which interaction between crushed plastics helps themselves clean without washing agents, dewatering the washed plastics, drying them, removing metallic matters by using metal detector, then feeding them directly without pelletizing to an injection molding machine of which nozzle part is equipped with filter and flow-switching mechanism for cleaning the filter by backwash reverse filtration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Suehara
  • Patent number: 7232493
    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: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: GED Integrated Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Misura, Robert R. Sheperd
  • Patent number: 7229504
    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: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael N. Sugarman, Vladimir Galburt
  • Patent number: 7229505
    Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for affecting indoor air quality, such as by reducing particulates in indoor air and providing allergen control comprising using surfactant-free cleaning compositions to remove particulate matter such as soils and stains from fibers and surfaces comprising fibers such as indoor carpeting and upholstery, and to prevent redeposition of particles and other soil or stain components on indoor environmental surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Clean Control Corporation
    Inventor: Cory S. Hammock
  • Patent number: 7229506
    Abstract: A process for pickling martensitic or ferritic stainless steel, preferably in the form of wires, tubes or rods, wherein the stainless steel is placed in contact with a pickling solution which has a temperature in the range 15 to 29° C. and contains 50 to 120 g/l of free sulfuric acid, 5 to 40 g/l of free HF and 5 to 40 g/l of Fe(III) ions. Such pickling may be incorporated into a sequential process, wherein the stainless steel is a) subjected to a treatment during which the oxidic coating is applied, preferably sand-blasting or metal-blasting, treatment with a molten salt or treatment with an aqueous permanganate/alkali metal hydroxide solution, b) pickled in accordance with the aforedescribed process, and c) post-treated with a passivating solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Paolo Giordani, Dario Negri, Mauro Rigamonti
  • Patent number: 7226514
    Abstract: An inventive vertical spin-dryer is provided. The inventive spin-dryer may have a shield system positioned to receive fluid displaced from a substrate vertically positioned within the spin-dryer. The shield system may have one or more shields positioned to at least partially reflect fluid therefrom as the fluid impacts the shield. The one or more shields are angled to encourage the flow of fluid therealong, and are preferably hydrophilic to prevent droplets from forming. Preferably the shield system has three shields positioned in a horizontally and vertically staggered manner so that fluid is transferred from a substrate facing surface of a first shield to the top or non-substrate-facing surface of an adjacent shield, etc. A pressure gradient may be applied across the interior of the spin-dryer to create an air flow which encourages fluid to travel along the shield system in a desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Anwar Husain, Brian J. Brown, David G. Andeen, Svetlana Sherman, John M. White, Michael Sugarman, Makoto Inagawa, Manoocher Birang
  • Patent number: 7226512
    Abstract: A substrate is transferred from an environment at about vacuum into a load lock through a first door. The substrate is then sealed within the load lock. The pressure within the load lock is raised to a high pressure above vacuum. A second door coupling the load lock to a high-pressure processing chamber is then opened and the substrate moved from the load lock into the high-pressure chamber. The substrate is then sealed within the high-pressure chamber. High-pressure processing, such as high pressure cleaning or high pressure deposition, is then performed on the substrate within the high-pressure chamber. Subsequently, the second door is opened and the substrate transferred into the load lock. The substrate is then sealed within the load lock. The pressure within the load lock is lowered to about vacuum and the first door opened. The substrate is then removed from the load lock into the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: EKC Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Fury, Robert W. Sherrill
  • Patent number: 7226897
    Abstract: A composition having a first nonionic nonylphenol surfactant having an HLB value ranging from about 10 to about 15, a second nonionic nonylphenol surfactant having an HLB value ranging from about 16 to 20, an aqueous solvent, and optionally, a bio-film permeation agent. A total of the first surfactant and the second surfactant in the composition ranges from about 2 to about 20 percent by weight of a total weight of the composition, and a ratio of the second surfactant to the first surfactant in the composition ranges from about 2:1 to about 4:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Innovation Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey G. Hubrig, Joseph B. Dooley
  • Patent number: 7219675
    Abstract: A novel cleaning composition comprises a dilutant, a wetting agent, a chelating agent, an alkaline builder, and a chlorine provider. The dilutant is preferably water. The wetting agent is alkoxylated alcohol. The chelating agent is an acrylic/maleic acid copolymer. The alkaline builder is sodium hydroxide. The chlorine provider is sodium hypochlorite. A method comprises the steps of partially filling the whirlpool tub with water, activating the whirlpool pump to circulate the water, adding to the circulating water a cleaning composition comprising a dilutant, a wetting agent, a chelating agent, an alkaline builder, and a chlorine provider, running the whirlpool pump for a predetermined time to circulate the water and cleaning composition thoroughly through the internal plumbing, and draining the whirlpool tub completely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Brust
  • Patent number: 7214276
    Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of the formula (1) in which A is C2- to C4-alkylene, B is C1- to C4-alkylene, x is a number from 1 to 3, and y is a number from 1 to 100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Clariant Produkte (Deutschland) GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Dahlmann, Rainer Kupfer
  • Patent number: 7214650
    Abstract: Compositions comprising one or more polymeric suds volume and suds duration enhances which are mild on the user's skin. The polymeric suds enhances are suitable for use in methods which in use as compositions light duty liquid, LDL compositions, hand dishwashing compositions, laundry bars, personal cleansing compositions and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Co.
    Inventors: Chandrika Kasturi, Michael Gayle Schafer, Marsha Jean Spears, Howard David Hutton, III, Mark Robert Sivik, Bernard William Kluesener, William Michael Scheper
  • Patent number: 7211551
    Abstract: Versatile cleaning composition that has tremendous cleaning power, yet is compatible with many surfaces. For example, the cleaning composition easily cleans oil, grease, tar, and rubber from soiled surfaces, but does not damage metals, vehicle paints, concrete, plastics such as polycarbonate, MYLAR polyester and silicone sealants, wood, ceramic, and the like. The cleaning composition includes an oil solubilizing amount of a degreaser, a rubber solubilizing amount of a rubber solvent, and a polar, organic diluent. In preferred embodiments, the degreaser comprises a glycol ether, the rubber solvent comprises an nonaromatic naphtha, and the diluent comprises an alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Mary E. McDonald
  • Patent number: 7201804
    Abstract: A method for cleaning materials containing solids and/or liquids is disclosed which involves contacting the materials with an extracting fluid including Xe, NH3, lower aromatics, nitrous oxide, water, CO, CO2, H2O, lower alcohols, lower alkanes, lower alkenes, or mixtures or combinations thereof under conditions of temperature and pressure sufficient to maintain the fluid at, near or above its critical point and to products derived therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Labo Liquids, LLC
    Inventors: Ian Tunnicliffe, Ray Mt. Joy
  • Patent number: 7201806
    Abstract: The present invention includes disinfection washing of an object, with a washing solution 1 containing a chlorine-based disinfection detergent, and subsequent acid-washing of the object of washing, with a washing solution 2 adjusted to pH 4 or less by adding a reducing agent to the washing solution 1. This method is applicable as a method of washing artificial hemodialysis instruments used in hospitals etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Asamori
  • Patent number: 7198052
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method of cleaning a workpiece is disclosed. The method comprises providing a mobile flushing unit and servicing the workpiece as follows: a) connecting a flexible hose of the mobile flushing unit to one end of the workpiece and connecting another flexible hose of the mobile flushing unit to a second end of the workpiece; b) flowing compressed air through each hose and the workpiece; c) pumping a cleaning fluid through each hose and the workpiece for a predetermined amount of time; d) ceasing cleaning fluid flow, followed by purging with air to remove the cleaning fluid from the workpiece; e) pumping water through each hose and the workpiece for a predetermined amount of time; f) ceasing water flow, following by another purge with air to remove the water from the workpiece; and g) disconnecting each hose from the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: John Watt