Including Forming A Solidified Or Hardened Coating For Cleaning Patents (Class 134/4)
  • Patent number: 7045016
    Abstract: Use in the treatment of ceramic materials for obtaining an easy stain removal, of mono- and bifunctional (per)fluoropolyether derivatives having the following structures: [Rf—CFY-L-O]mP(O)(O?Z+)3-m??(A) (O?Z+)2P(O)[O-L-YFC—O—Rf—CFY-L-O—P(O)(O?Z+)]m?-[O-L-YFC—O—Rf—CFY-L-O]P(O)(O?Z+)2??(B) Rf—CFY-L-W??(C) W-L-YFC—O—Rf—CFY-L-W??(D) wherein m? is an integer from 0 to 20, preferably from 0 to 4; L is an organic group selected from —CH2-(OCH2CH2)n—, —CO—NR?—(CH2)q—, with R?=H or C1–C4 alkyl group; n=0–8, preferably 1–3, q=1–8, preferably 1–3; Z=H, alkaline metal or NR4 group with R=H or C1–C4 alkyl group; Y=F, CF3; m=1,2,3, preferably 1,2; W is a —Si(R1)?(OR2)3-? group with ?=0,1,2, R1 and R2 equal to or different from each other are C1–C6 alkyl groups, optionally containing one or more ether O, C6–C10 aryl groups, C7–C12 alkyl-aryl or aryl-alkyl groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Solvay Solexis, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mattia De Dominicis, Gabriella Carignano
  • Patent number: 6984268
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method to facilitate the removal of adherent polymeric films from a hard surface occasioned by the evaporation of solvent from compositions containing an anionic amphiphilic polymer, the method comprising incorporating a phosphate ester surfactant into the compositions, and washing the film from the surface to which it adheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Stanley Pohl
  • Patent number: 6916383
    Abstract: A coherent body (B) of wet crushed ice is pumped along a pipe (5). The crushed ice body can be used as a means of cleaning the pipe wall, as a means of driving a product liquid out of the pipe for recovery, or as a barrier for preventing mixing of two different bodies of liquid (1,2) in the pipe to either side of it. Being coherent but flowable and non-tensile, the mass of crushed ice can negotiate internal constrictions, obstructions and junctions of the pipe readily, unlike conventional solid or gelled pigs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: University of Bristol
    Inventor: Giuseppe L. Quarini
  • Patent number: 6858089
    Abstract: An improved method for removing contaminant particles from a surface of a semiconductor wafer includes forming a sacrificial film on the surface of the wafer and then removing the sacrificial film by supercritical fluid cleaning. The removal of the sacrificial film via the supercritical fluid cleaning process facilitates removing the contaminant particles. The method further includes identifying and characterizing the contaminant particles and creating a record of the contaminant particle data. The composition of the sacrificial film is selected based on the contaminant particles data and the supercritical cleaning recipe is selected based on the composition of the sacrificial film and the contaminant particles data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Paul P. Castrucci
  • Patent number: 6827792
    Abstract: Powdered compositions comprising in admixture inorganic salts and silica gel, and optionally a fragrance additive, are disclosed. The novel compositions are useful in absorbing and deodorizing liquid waste and for removing such waste from irregular surfaces, such as textiles and carpeting, as well as from smooth hard surfaces. The compositions are effective in absorbing liquid biohazards, such as blood, vomit, urine, and other body fluids. For this application, a halogen-containing compound, such as sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite is preferably included in the composition. The mixtures can also be utilized for the absorption of oil-based spills and hydrocarbons and are also effective in removing moisture and malodors associated with pet urine and other moisture-related stains encountered in the home. When applied to liquid wastes, the absorbent properties of the compositions contain the spill, creating a solid cohesive matrix that allows for easy disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Strategic Environmental Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald N. Cervero, Matthew W. Gower
  • Patent number: 6802321
    Abstract: The foreign matter adhered to the data bearing surface of a master medium is removed by use of a dry, non-contact removal process, so as to facilitate the performance of a high transfer quality magnetic transfer. Before performing a magnetic transfer or forming an optical disk, a magnetic transfer master medium or an optical disk master medium is placed in a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber is evacuated by an evacuating means, and a reactive gas is introduced thereto by a gas introducing means. In the state in which the chamber has been evacuated and the reactive gas has been introduced thereto, a discharging means applies a discharge voltage in the chamber, causing a plasma discharge to be generated between the master medium and an electrode. The plasma etching action of the plasma discharge burns off the foreign matter adhered to the surface of the master medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akito Kamatani, Masakazu Nishikawa
  • Publication number: 20040194803
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for processing an electronic device, particularly the molding and cleaning of the device. Molding means encapsulate the electronic device with a molding compound. Thereafter, stain from one or more surfaces of the electronic device is removed by a stain removal device adapted to impact the electronic device with a polishing agent. A residue removal system then removes residue from the one or more surfaces of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: ASM Technology Singapore Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Shu Chuen Ho, Teng Hock Kuah, Shuai Ge Lee, Hun Khoon Pang, Bao Zong Zhao
  • Publication number: 20040194799
    Abstract: There is provided a surface cleaning apparatus and method using plasma to remove a native oxide layer, a chemical oxide layer, and a damaged portion from a silicon substrate surface, and contaminants from a metal surface. By absorbing potential in a grounded grid or baffle between a plasma generator and a substrate, only radicals are passed to the substrate, and HF gas is used as a second processing gas. Thus a native oxide layer, a chemical oxide layer, or a damaged portion formed on the silicon substrate during etching a contact hole is removed and the environment of a chamber is maintained constant by introducing a conditioning gas after each wafer process. Therefore, process uniformity is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Jeong-Ho Kim, Gil-Gwang Lee
  • Publication number: 20040173241
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a printhead in an inkjet printer by removing organic debris deposits from the printhead, uses anyone of the liquid mixes of NaOCl (sodium hypochlorite) and H2O (water), H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) and H2O, Na2S2O4 (sodium hydrosulfite) and H2O, CaCl2O2 (calcium hypochlorite) and H2O, or KMnO4 (potassium permanganate) and H2O on the debris deposits, to serve as a cleaning agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael Long, Gregory J. Garbacz, Vincent E. Hamilton-Winbush
  • Patent number: 6786975
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a printhead in an inkjet printer by removing organic debris deposits from the printhead, uses anyone of the liquid mixes of NaOCl (sodium hypochlorite) and H2O (water), H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) and H2O, Na2S2O4 (sodium hydrosulfite) and H2O, CaCl2O2 (calcium hypochlorite) and H2O, or KMnO4 (potassium pernanganate) and H2O on the debris deposits, to serve as a cleaning agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael Long, Gregory J. Garbacz, Vincent E. Hamilton-Winbush
  • Publication number: 20040168708
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for cleaning surfaces, notably metal surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Franck Rouppert, Christophe Largeron, Annie Rivoallan
  • Patent number: 6783599
    Abstract: Contaminants are removed from a surface of a substrate by applying a fluid to the surface; lowering the temperature of the fluid to form a solid layer of the fluid and entrap contaminants therein; and applying energy to the layer and/or substrate to cause the layer containing the contaminants to separate from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn W. Gale, Frederick W. Kern, Jr., William Alfred Syverson
  • Patent number: 6776171
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for removing contaminate particulate matter from substrate surfaces such as semiconductor wafers. The method and apparatus use a material, preferably a liquid curable polymer, which is applied as a sacrificial coating to the surface of a substrate containing contaminate particulate matter thereon. An energy source is used to dislodge the contaminate particulate matter from the surface of the wafer into the sacrificial coating so that the particles are partially or fully encapsulated and suspended in the sacrificial coating. The sacrificial coating is then removed. The coating is preferably formed into a film to facilitate removal of the coating by pulling (stripping) the film providing a cleaner substrate surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nicole S. Carpenter, Joseph R. Drennan, Alison K. Easton, Casey J. Grant, Andrew S. Hoadley, Kenneth F. McAvey, Jr., Joel M. Sharrow, William A. Syverson, Kenneth H. Yao
  • Publication number: 20040149311
    Abstract: A method for cleaning cookware and tableware with film-forming liquid dishwashing compositions is disclosed. The method includes the steps of applying the composition to soiled cookware/tableware, allowing the composition to form a film and act on the soil, and removing the film with the soil, leaving a clean surface. The compositions include a film-forming polymer, a plasticizer, a cleaning active and a carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Peter Robert Foley, Howard David Hutton, Martin Ian James
  • Publication number: 20040149312
    Abstract: A cleaning sheet with frame for cleaning a molding die comprising a cleaning heat main body that covers the entire mating surface of a molding die and a reinforcing frame which can be disposed along the peripheral edge to the outside of the plural cavities of the mating surface of the molding die, the cleaning sheet main body being formed with first through holes at positions corresponding to the cavities of the molding die, air vent slits and flow cavity recesses at positions corresponding to the air vents of the cavities, second through holes at positions corresponding to the pots of the molding die, and slits at positions corresponding to the runners of the molding die, thereby capable of improving the cleaning effect of the molding die and shortening the time for the cleaning operation to improve the productivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicants: Renesas Technology Corporation, Hitachi Yonezawa Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Tsuchida
  • Publication number: 20040134515
    Abstract: An improved method for removing contaminant particles from a surface of a semiconductor wafer includes forming a sacrificial film on the surface of the wafer and then removing the sacrificial film by supercritical fluid cleaning. The removal of the sacrificial film via the supercritical fluid cleaning process facilitates removing the contaminant particles. The method further includes identifying and characterizing the contaminant particles and creating a record of the contaminant particle data. The composition of the sacrificial film is selected based on the contaminant particles data and the supercritical cleaning recipe is selected based on the composition of the sacrificial film and the contaminant particles data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Paul P. Castrucci
  • Patent number: 6761775
    Abstract: The present invention relates to anaerobic curing impregnation sealant compositions which are readily separable from water upon mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Henkel Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick F. Newberth, III, Charles M. Muisener, Stephen W. Ernst
  • Publication number: 20040112406
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for removing solid and/or liquid residues from electronic components such as semiconductor wafers utilizing liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide which is solidified on the surface of the wafer and then vaporized and removed from the system. In a preferred embodiment the solidification and vaporizing steps are repeated (cycled) before removal of the CO2 from the vessel. The residues are carried away with the vaporized carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Cotte, Catherine Ivers, Kenneth J. McCullough, Wayne M. Moreau, Robert J. Purtell, John P. Simons, William A. Syverson, Charles J. Taft
  • Patent number: 6699577
    Abstract: At least one part of a road surface is covered by a photocatalyst layer containing a photocatalyst such as titanium dioxide, etc. to purify pollutants in exhaust gases emitted from vehicles by photocatalytic reaction of the photocatalyst. Pollutant-originating matters as retained on the photocatalyst layer are washed away by rain water or sprinkled water. In one embodiment of the invention, road 12 is a road provided with a dewaterable pavement and rain water passes through surface layer 18 during raining, flows over and along base layer 16 and is discharged. In surface layer 18, numerous aggregates of small particle sizes 1802 are projected from the entire surface of concrete layer 1804. Titanium dioxide layer 20 is formed by injecting or spraying a mixture comprising titanium dioxide, cement, a filler and water onto the entire surface of surface layer 18 thinly and is water-permeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Nonoyama, Hiromi Koga
  • Patent number: 6673162
    Abstract: A glass article comprising a glass body having a surface and a water-soluble surface-protection film formed on the surface. The water-soluble surface-protection film is made of hydroxy acid or salt thereof. The hydroxy acid or the salt thereof is one or more kinds selected from the group consisting of citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, gluconic acid and salts thereof. An example of the glass body is a funnel part having an anode button for a CRT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Miwa, Yoshinobu Saji, Shigeyoshi Itou
  • Patent number: 6668587
    Abstract: A method for the production of a glass substrate for magnetic recording mediums is herein provided and this method is characterized in that the final cleaning step is performed in two stages, in which scrubbing and dip-cleaning steps are carried out after the completion of the first cleaning stage and after the growth of needle-like projections comprising an alkali metal carbonate on the surface of the glass substrate. The method for the production of a glass substrate for magnetic recording mediums does not require the use of an expensive device having high resistance to acids. Moreover, in the glass substrate for magnetic recording mediums produced by the foregoing method, any growth of needle-like projections containing an alkali metal carbonate on the surface of the glass substrate is inhibited even during temporal storage of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining and Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Fujimura, Daisaku Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20030211962
    Abstract: Many prior art processes for cleaning predominantly organic hard surfaces have been found to be considerably less effective in removing very fine particles on such surfaces than are the best cleaners for metallic surfaces. However, it has been found, and forms the basis of this invention, that fine particles can be removed effectively from organic surfaces by an indirect process of first forming a thin solid coating over the surface and then removing the solid coating, into which the fine particles that formerly contaminated the surface to be cleaned have presumably become incorporated. Substantially hydrolyzed poly(vinyl acetate) has been found particularly useful for forming the thin solid coating when this coating is to be removed by treatment with an acidic aqueous solution; acrylate polymers are preferred if the solid coating is to be removed by an alkaline aqueous solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Theodore D Held, Gerald J Cormier, William E Fristad
  • Patent number: 6645307
    Abstract: Cleaning compositions including a photocatalytic material and a sensitiser employ a photocatalytic material and a sensitiser at a locus, for example on a surface. The residue combats soils and/or undesired microorganisms at the locus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Rod Thomas Fox, Duncan Roger Harper
  • Patent number: 6624078
    Abstract: A method for using a monitor substrate to determine effectiveness of a cleaning operation is provided. The method includes selecting a substrate from a lot of substrates and inspecting a surface of the substrate to determine a roughness profile of the substrate. The monitor substrate is then processed through a cleaning operation, and the monitor substrate is patterned with die regions throughout. Each of the die regions has a plurality of areas defining distinct roughness simulations. The method the proceeds to inspecting the monitor substrate at one die region and at one of the plurality of areas in the one die region that most closely resembles the roughness profile of the substrate. The inspecting of the monitor substrate is configured to yield data regarding cleaning performance of the cleaning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Ravkin
  • Publication number: 20030148904
    Abstract: A cured resin dissolving composition comprising an alkyl ammonium fluoride dissolved in a wide variety of solvents and co-solvents with a soluble amine and surfactant. The composition is ionized to release fluoride which penetrates and reacts with the cured resin causing bond cleavage, breakdown, and dissolution of polymeric structure. The solvent system may be composed of hydrophilic solvents such as amides, ketones, alcohols, esters, and ethers, as well as hydrophobic families such as alkanes, alkenes, halogenated hydrocarbons, and aromatic hydrocarbons of varying carbon chain length and molecular weight. The rate of reactivity of polymer breakdown is concentration dependent upon ionized fluoride, stimulated by solution polarity and upon the amine triggered release from the organo-fluoirde. This rate is determined to be optimum in hydrophilic solvent systems with an amine. The product may be used in manufacturing to remove unwanted cured resins and their residues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: John C. Moore
  • Patent number: 6589868
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method of depositing an improved seasoning film. In one embodiment the method includes, prior to performing a substrate processing operation, forming a layer of silicon over an interior surface of the substrate processing chamber as opposed to a layer of silicon oxide. In certain embodiments, the layer of silicon comprises at least 70% atomic silicon, is deposited from a high density silane (SinH2n+2) process gas and/or is deposited from a plasma having a density of at least 1×1011 ions/cm3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent Rossman
  • Publication number: 20030109413
    Abstract: Process for enhancing the cleaning properties of an aqueous cleaning composition comprising at least one surfactant, intended for cleaning a surface which has been soiled with soiling, by adding to said cleaning composition, at least one polymer (P) comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Cedric Geffroy, Marie-Pierre Labeau, Eric Aubay
  • Patent number: 6554908
    Abstract: Process for pickling stainless steel carried out at a temperature of between 20° and 70° C., with the use of a pickling solution containing the following basic ingredients: H2SO4 (free acid): 50 to 200 g/l HF (free acid): 0 to 60 g/l F− anion (total): 5 to 150 g/l SO42− anion (total): 50 to 350 g/l Total free acidity (H2SO4+HF): between 1 and 7 g. equiv./l where by “free acid” is meant the acid that does not constitute the anion bound in the form of salts or complexes with the metal cations present in the solution; and, in addition: Fe3+ in a quantity of at least 15 g/l chloride anion in a quantity of between 0.1 and 10 g/l, into which solution is fed, during the pickling process, an oxidant that is able to oxidize Fe2+ to Fe3+ in order to maintain the redox potential of the solution at a value of between +230 and +800 mV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignees: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien, Acciai Speciali Terni S.p.A.
    Inventors: Dario Negri, Paolo Bruno Giordani
  • Patent number: 6537622
    Abstract: This method of prevention of particle pollution in a pre-clean chamber includes an oxygen gas supplying step for injecting oxygen gas into the pre-clean chamber; and a plasma generating step for ionizing the oxygen gas into plasma so as to interact with silicon-rich oxide to form a silicon oxide layer in the pre-clean chamber. The method according to the invention could prevent particle pollution due to peeling-off of silicon-rich oxide in a pre-clean chamber so as to prolong the life of a bell-jar therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Silicon Integrated Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Chia-ming Kuo, Chao-yuan Huang
  • Publication number: 20030034049
    Abstract: A cleaning substrate for cleaning and regenerating a mold is disclosed. The mold is contaminated after repeatedly packaging the semiconductor device by making use of thermosetting resin. At least a protrusion of the substrate can substantially match with and be contained within the edges of the mold cavity of the mold when the cleaning substrate is placed in the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Applicant: ADVANCED SEMICONDUCTOR ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventor: Kuang Chun Chou
  • Publication number: 20030024548
    Abstract: A new method is provided to clean melamine deposits from tools and components that are used to form molds around and to therewith encapsulate BGA devices. The cleaning process applies a dummy BGA substrate as part of and during the cleaning procedure. This dummy BGA substrate replaces the conventionally used copper strips that shield areas of the molding tools during the cleaning cycle. The dummy copper strips require, during and as part of the melamine cleaning process, frequent cleaning, which adds considerable to the time and expense of the melamine cleaning process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: ST ASSEMBLY TEST SERVICES PTE LTD
    Inventor: Loreto Ycong Cantillep
  • Publication number: 20030015217
    Abstract: Contaminants are removed from a surface of a substrate by applying a fluid to the surface; lowering the temperature of the fluid to form a solid layer of the fluid and entrap contaminants therein; and applying energy to the layer and/or substrate to cause the layer containing the contaminants to separate from the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn W. Gale, Frederick W. Kern, William Alfred Syverson
  • Publication number: 20030000547
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for removing contaminate particulate matter from substrate surfaces such as semiconductor wafers. The method and apparatus use a material, preferably a liquid curable polymer, which is applied as a sacrificial coating to the surface of a substrate containing contaminate particulate matter thereon. An energy source is used to dislodge the contaminate particulate matter from the surface of the wafer into the sacrificial coating so that the particles are partially or fully encapsulated and suspended in the sacrificial coating. The sacrificial coating is then removed. The coating is preferably formed into a film to facilitate removal of the coating by pulling (stripping) the film providing a cleaner substrate surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nicole S. Carpenter, Joseph R. Drennan, Alison K. Easton, Casey J. Grant, Andrew S. Hoadley, Kenneth F. McAvey, Joel M. Sharrow, William A. Syverson, Kenneth H. Yao
  • Patent number: 6468361
    Abstract: A new method is provided to clean melamine deposits from tools and components that are used to form molds around and to therewith encapsulate BGA devices. The cleaning process applies a dummy BGA substrate as part of and during the cleaning procedure. This dummy BGA substrate replaces the conventionally used copper strips that shield areas of the molding tools during the cleaning cycle. The dummy copper strips require, during and as part of the melamine cleaning process, frequent cleaning, which adds considerable to the time and expense of the melamine cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: ST Assembly Test Service Ltd.
    Inventor: Loreto Ycong Cantillep
  • Patent number: 6468358
    Abstract: A portable, diver-operated cryogenic freezing unit cleans surfaces underwater. A housing has a first chamber that contains cryogenic liquid, such as liquid nitrogen, and a second chamber is disposed adjacent to an end portion that fits about contaminating matter on a surface underwater. A valve vents cryogenic liquid from the first chamber to expand as gas in the second chamber. The vented cryogenic liquid and gas freeze a slug of water and the contaminating matter on the surface within the end portion. The housing is bent, twisted or otherwise displaced to break or pry-away and remove the frozen slug of water and contaminating matter from the surface to thereby clean it. A method of cleaning a surface underwater using the cryogenic freezing unit is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Billy Courson, John Shelburne
  • Patent number: 6469201
    Abstract: In the preparation of esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid by esterification with alcohols, the interfering deposits formed on the apparatus parts by relatively high molecular weight by-products can be avoided, removed or lessened by allowing a liquid partly or wholly consisting of the alcohol used for the esterification to act on the deposits, fouled apparatus parts or on the surfaces of the apparatus parts on which deposits are easily formed, with preference being given to wetting the deposits or surfaces using suitable nozzles or cleaning sprayers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Friedrich-Georg Martin, Armin Schraut, Josef Wekerle
  • Patent number: 6463942
    Abstract: A portable, diver-operated cryogenic freezing unit cleans surfaces underwater. A housing has a first chamber that contains cryogenic liquid, such as liquid nitrogen, and a second chamber is disposed adjacent to an end portion that fits about contaminating matter on a surface underwater. A valve vents cryogenic liquid from the first chamber to expand as gas in the second chamber. The vented cryogenic liquid and gas freeze a slug of water and the contaminating matter on the surface within the end portion. The housing is bent, twisted or otherwise displaced to break or pry-away and remove the frozen slug of water and contaminating matter from the surface to thereby clean it. A method of cleaning a surface underwater using the cryogenic freezing unit is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Billy Courson, John Shelburne
  • Patent number: 6461440
    Abstract: An article having a metallic surface treated with polymeric complexing agent is described. Particularly suitable polymeric complexing agents are phosphonoalkylated polyethyleneimines and/or carboxyalkylated polyethyleneimines and/or vinylimidazole polymers. As a rule, the treated metallic surface forms the total inner surface or a part of the inner surface of a process apparatus or of a container. The surface is protected by the treatment, in particular from the adhesion of polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinz Friedrich Sutoris, Gerhard Wagenblast, Jürgen Schröder, Harald Keller, Rainer Rahm, Jürgen Decker, Thomas Jaworek, Volker Schliephake
  • Publication number: 20020139392
    Abstract: Powdered compositions comprising in admixture inorganic salts and silica gel, and optionally a fragrance additive, are disclosed. The novel compositions are useful in absorbing and deodorizing liquid waste and for removing such waste from irregular surfaces, such as textiles and carpeting, as well as from smooth hard surfaces. The compositions are effective in absorbing liquid biohazards, such as blood, vomit, urine, and other body fluids. For this application, a halogen-containing compound, such as sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite is preferably included in the composition. The mixtures can also be utilized for the absorption of oil-based spills and hydrocarbons and are also effective in removing moisture and malodors associated with pet urine and other moisture-related stains encountered in the home. When applied to liquid wastes, the absorbent properties of the compositions contain the spill, creating a solid cohesive matrix that allows for easy disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald N. Cervero, Matthew W. Gower
  • Patent number: 6408860
    Abstract: A method for cleaning phosphorus from a MBE vacuum chamber by freezing the panel (22) placed within the vacuum chamber (10) onto which excess phosphorus is deposited. The panel is connected to a source of cold nitrogen (24) which cools the panel. Water is introduced after the panels are cooled so as to form a layer of ice on top of the phosphorus. The panel may then be removed for cleaning with ice covering the phosphorus without danger of ignition of the phosphorus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick T. Chin, Todd K. Makishi, Thomas R. Block
  • Patent number: 6348107
    Abstract: A paint stripper for use by immersion of a painted substrate in a bath of the composition or application in place has two phases, one aqueous and the other of partially water soluble organic solvent. The aqueous phase is saturated with organic solvent. The organic solvent is preferably benzyl alcohol, dibasic ester or ethyl-e-ethoxypropionate, The total amount of organic solvent in the bath is suitably in the range 2 to 20%. The stripper may be acid or alkali activated. The application stripper is thickened to avoid separation during storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Chemetall PLC
    Inventors: Colin Alfred Whitton, Joanna May Braley, Angela Mary Lawlor
  • Patent number: 6328810
    Abstract: A method for removing products of hot corrosion and oxidation from selective portions of surfaces of a gas turbine engine, such as coatings and substrates, following exposure of the surfaces to hot oxidative gases of the turbine exhaust. The method involves a high temperature chemical reaction and has no detrimental effect on adjacent coatings and substrates that have not been attacked by the hot exhaust gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Conner, Howard J. Farr
  • Publication number: 20010030876
    Abstract: A self-cleaning automotive head lamp, wherein the inner surface of the lens has applied to it an amphiphilic coating containing a photocatalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Ing-Feng Hu, Paul J. O'Connor, Yi-Hung Chiao
  • Patent number: 6296717
    Abstract: An in-situ method for regenerating a chemical-mechanical polishing pad which includes the steps of: forming the polishing pad by dispensing liquid moldable material, such as wax, polymers or water, on a polishing surface and solidifying the liquid material by reducing the temperature, allowing the moldable material to harden; distributing slurry material on the polishing pad; polishing the surface of a semiconductor wafer with a combination of the slurry material and the polishing pad; and regenerating in-situ the polishing pad. This method quickly, easily and repeatably, resurfaces and refreshes the surface on which the a semiconductor wafer is polished. The polishing pad may also include abrasives embedded therein to enhance its polishing capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Adam D. Ticknor, Karl E. Boggs, Kenneth M. Davis, William F. Landers, Michael L. Passow
  • Patent number: 6241828
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for removing impurities from an elastomer intended for medical or pharmaceutical use, which includes a step of performing a first solvent extraction process on the elastomer by contacting the elastomer with a first extracting solvent in a non-supercritical state to substantially remove impurities from the elastomer, thereby leaving a residue of said first extracting solvent in the elastomer. The elastomer is there after subjected to a second solvent extraction process, by contacting the elastomer with a second extracting solvent, which is a supercritical fluid or a mixture of super critical fluids, in order to remove substantially reduce the concentration of the residue of the first extracting solvent remaining in the elastomer after the first solvent extraction process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Bespak, PLC
    Inventor: Paul Barnes
  • Patent number: 6183567
    Abstract: A graffiti removing method including the steps of: applying a solvent condensation type silicone resin coating composition having water repellency onto a surface of a base material of a structure through a primer layer to form an adhesion-resistant surface layer on the primer layer; applying a releasable coating composition onto the surface layer to form a releasable layer, after graffiti are written onto the surface layer; and releasing the releasable layer from the surface layer after the releasable layer is hardened to thereby remove the graffiti together with the releasable layer from a surface of the surface layer, whereby although graffiti remaining on a surface layer are generally removed by wiping, or the like, not only it is difficult to wipe off graffiti but also the surface layer may be injured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Sho-Bond Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuyuki Kamijo, Katsuyuki Miyasato, Hideo Tateno
  • Patent number: 6123777
    Abstract: A method for cleaning structural surface 1 by forming a substratum membrane 17a thereon through application and drying of a thin layer 16 of aqueous solution 5 of membrane-forming polymer 2 on a structural surface, spreading a fibrous reinforcing member 15 on the thin layer 16 before drying or the substratum membrane 17a after dried, and applying the aqueous solution 5 on the outer surface of the reinforcing member 15 while wetting it in such a manner that, upon drying, an overlying membrane 17b integral with both the substratum membrane 17a and the reinforcing member 15 is formed so as to generate a multi-layer membrane 18 having the substratum and overlying membranes sandwiching the reinforcing member. After causing foreign matters on the structural surface 1 to adhere onto the substratum membrane 17a, the multi-layer membrane 18 is peeled off from the structural surface 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Kajima Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuo Sakurai, Hanako Nagai, Boon Keng Lim, Gun-ichi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6103016
    Abstract: Electrostatic discharges that occur during solid CO.sub.2 cleaning of a substrate (10) can be virtually eliminated by chilling the substrate so that moisture in the atmosphere, in the form of water droplets(30), condense on the substrate surface (14), thereby forming a continuous film of water (28). The water in the film (28) reacts with the solid CO.sub.2 (24) to form carbonic acid that dissociates into free ions that neutralize the charge on the solid CO.sub.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Min-Chung Jon, Hugh Nicholl, Peter Hartpence Read
  • Patent number: 6084146
    Abstract: Processes for immobilizing solid contaminated materials, such as radioactive species, hazardous species, or combinations of both radioactive and hazardous species, comprise mixing the contaminated materials with hydrated ferric oxides, and then pressing the mixture at a temperature of at least about 150.degree. C. and gradually removing a large part of the water while under pressure to produce a solid composition. The water content of the mixture is adjusted if necessary. Contaminated materials dissolved or suspended in an aqueous solution can be immobilized by precipitating hydrated ferric oxide in the solution, and adjusting the water content and pressing, as above. In another process in accordance with the present invention, hydrated ferric oxides are deposited on metal surfaces. The deposited ferric oxide is pressed to produce a solid coating adhered to the surface, to retard corrosion. A ceramic body of ferric oxide composition may also be made in accordance with the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Barkatt, Ewa Labuda, Marta Gmurczyk, Donna M. Wilder
  • Patent number: 6068001
    Abstract: Process for stainless steel pickling consisting in placing the material to be treated in a bath kept at a temperature ranging from 30.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. and containing:a) HClb) Fe.sup.3+c) HFd) emulsifiers, wetting agents, polishing agents, acid attack inhibitors;the bath being fed continuously with:an air flow equal to at least 3 m.sup.3 /h per m.sup.3 bath min. and an oxidizer quantity adjusted to the bath redox potential to be kept at 250 mV min.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Novamax ITB S.R.L.
    Inventors: Cesare Pedrazzini, Paolo Giordani