Using Solid Work Treating Agents Patents (Class 134/6)
  • Patent number: 7143502
    Abstract: A submersible robotic pool cleaner is provided with an integral sealed rechargeable battery and an inductive charging assembly, a first portion of which is mounted in the pool cleaner housing and during the charging, receives a second separate portion that is connected by a cable to a conventional power source. The pump motor drive shaft is treated with a specialized anti-friction lubricant composition to minimize frictional energy losses where the shaft contacts the seal(s) and any shaft bearing(s), to maximize efficiency and minimize the power consumption of the pump motor assembly and permit the pool cleaner to completely traverse the surfaces to be cleaned within the fully-charged power capacity of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Aquatron, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Porat, Igor Fridman
  • Patent number: 7141123
    Abstract: A cleanling apparatus for removing contaminants from the surface of a substrate includes two parts: one which produces an aerosol including frozen particles and directs the aerosol onto the surface of the substrate to remove contaminants from the surface by physical force, and another part in which a fluid including a gaseous reactant is directed onto the surface of the substrate while the surface is irradiated to cause a chemical reaction between the reactant and organic contaminants on the surface, to chemically removing the organic contaminants. In the method of cleaning the substrate, the physical and chemical cleaning processes are carried out in a separate manner from one another so that the frozen particles of the aerosol are not exposed to the effects of the light used in irradiating the surface of the substrate. Therefore, the effectiveness of the aerosol in cleaning the substrate is maximized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Moon-hee Lee, Kun-tack Lee, Woo-gwan Shim, Jong-ho Chung
  • Patent number: 7141122
    Abstract: An open-ended, cylindrically configured cleaning cloth sleeve having elasticized openings at both ends for the purpose of securing the device, as positioned, on the hand, wrist or forearm of a user. The elasticized openings provide ready accessibility to the hand when dusting or cleaning, or immediate withdrawal to the wrist or forearm for temporary storage when not in use. The elasticized openings allow instant hand, finger or fingertip protrusion and retraction while the device remains on the hand of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Rebecca Anne McKenzie
  • Patent number: 7137164
    Abstract: A glass sheet washing machine with a broken glass removal system includes a support, a liquid container or reservoir, a pump, a liquid applicator, and a liquid permeable member. The support supports a glass sheet being washed. The liquid reservoir is positioned below the support. The pump is coupled to the liquid reservoir. The liquid applicator is coupled to the pump. The liquid applicator applies the liquid from the liquid reservoir to wash the glass sheet. Excess liquid falls into the reservoir. The liquid permeable member is positioned between the support and the liquid reservoir to catch pieces of glass to inhibit the pieces of broken glass from falling into the liquid reservoir and is moved to remove the pieces from the glass washing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Glass Equipment Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Robert Dickerson, Timothy Robert Hall, Robert R. Sheperd, Diana Patricia Foltz, Michael Steven Misura
  • Patent number: 7128789
    Abstract: An absorbent, low-linting fibrous structure comprising an entangled web of synthetic fibers, wherein fibers of at least one of said top surface and said bottom surface are surface bonded, such as by thermal or adhesive bonding. The web is absorbent, has low density, is resistant to linting, and can retain structural integrity at high temperatures. The structure can be made by forming a web of synthetic fibers, entangling the fibers of the web, such as by needling or hydroentangling, and bonding the fibers at the surface of the web by thermal or adhesive bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: William Robert Ouellette, Robert Allan Johnson, Bruce Neil Hall
  • Patent number: 7118632
    Abstract: A method and a device for cleaning the bottom and sides of a swimming pool having a housing with front and rear ends and opposite sides, a pair of motor driven cylindrical brushes rotatably secured to the front and rear ends of the housing, a suction pump disposed within the housing, and a floatation element disposed within the housing and secured to one side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Aqua-Vac Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jirawat Sumonthee
  • Patent number: 7117876
    Abstract: A method of processing thin flat articles, particularly semiconductor wafers, utilizing sonic energy. In one aspect, the invention is a method comprising: supporting a substrate in a generally horizontal orientation and transmitting sonic energy to the substrate while flowing liquid onto both sides of the substrate to loosen particles on both sides of the substrate while maintaining said orientation. In another aspect, the invention is a cleaning method comprising: applying cleaning fluid to one side of a thin flat article while supporting the article in a generally horizontal orientation; and applying energy to the other one of the sides with sufficient power to produce vibration on the one side in the area of the cleaning fluid to loosen particles on the one side, while maintaining said orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Akrion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mario E. Bran
  • Patent number: 7115172
    Abstract: An Advanced Burnishing Tool for burnishing Venetian plaster surfaces comprises a base with a working surface with a plurality of concentric ribs. The tool may be used manually or may be mounted on a power tool such as an oscillating sander. Each rib has a rounded upper portion for contacting the surface, so that each rib acts in a manner similar to the rounded edge of conventional burnishing tools. The plurality of ribs provide a simultaneous working of multiple points in the plaster surface. Efficiency is further improved when a power tool is used to reduce the manual effort required for burnishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Mishko Teodorovich
  • Patent number: 7105063
    Abstract: A method of treating a fuser member surface to extend the life thereof includes applying to the fuser member surface an ethylene diamine tetraacetate. In addition, the fuser member may be subjected to a sonic treatment during the application of the ethylene diamine traacetrate in order to remove additional materials therefrom that are resistant to removal by the ethylene diamine traacetate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: George A. Gibson, Richard E. Eisemann, Santokh S. Badesha, David J. Gervasi
  • Patent number: 7094293
    Abstract: A device for mechanically cleaning a grooves used to hold a rotor or a stator winding of an electric machine includes an axially moveable device carrier and at least one cleaning tool connected to the device carrier and extending radially from the device carrier into the groove. In addition, a corresponding method includes the steps of radially moving at least one cleaning tool connected to a device carrier so as to mechanically remove impurities on a wall section of the groove, axial advancing of the device carrier in a manner adapted to the radial movement of the at least one cleaning tool, and setting the dimensional tolerance range for the groove by adjusting the cleaning tool. The device and the method are suitable for cleaning grooves into which a new winding is to be installed in an existing laminated body, for example, in the case of the retrofitting of generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Walter Meier, Ralph Studer
  • Patent number: 7090728
    Abstract: A system and method for reliably cleaning the nozzle face of each head while flexibly coping with changes in specification for a product to be manufactured. The film forming apparatus has a plurality of heads for jetting droplets, each having an nozzle in a nozzle face; and a common head cleaning mechanism for collectively cleaning the nozzle faces, so that the head cleaning mechanism is not substantially affected by a change in the pitch between the heads, or the like. Typically, the head cleaning mechanism has a wiping sheet for wiping the nozzle faces; a supply unit for feeding the wiping sheet towards the nozzle faces; and a roller for pressing the wiping sheet against the nozzle faces while the wiping sheet is fed from the supply unit, so that an unused cleaning face can always be supplied to each nozzle face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7089624
    Abstract: A cleaner is provided for cleaning the end surface area of a ferrule of a fiber optic connector. The cleaner includes a housing having a mating portion for mating the cleaner with the connector. A cleaning head is movably mounted on the housing for movement across the end surface area. A motor is mounted on the housing and is coupled to the cleaning head for moving the cleaning head in response to operation of the motor. An air jet is mounted on the housing for directing a stream of a cleaning medium toward the cleaning head to remove residue from the end surface area. An exhaust is provided on the housing for removing and evacuating residue from the end surface area. A plurality of the cleaners are mounted on a dummy circuit board for cleaning the end surface areas of the ferrules of a plurality of fiber optic connectors mounted in a given pattern on a backplane of a chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Vyacheslav Malevants, Igor Grois
  • Patent number: 7087121
    Abstract: A method and device for removing sawdust from a deck surface (24) of a wooden pallet (10) is provided. The device comprises a rotary brush (124) having a working length (WL) defined by a plurality of bristles (130). The working length (WL) is greater than a width (WD) of the deck surface (24). A mechanism (136) is connected with the rotary brush (124) and is actuatable for rotating the rotary brush (124). A support (32) rotatably supports the rotary brush (124). The mechanism (136) is fixed relative to the support (32). Rotation of the rotary brush (124) when the bristles (130) are in contact with the deck surface (24) of the wooden pallet (10) simultaneously removes sawdust and debris across the width (WD) of the deck surface (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: John L. Herschberger
  • Patent number: 7081169
    Abstract: A method of removing iron oxide scale and cold reducing sheet metal leaves a wustite layer on the sheet metal. The iron oxide scale on the sheet metal generally comprises three layers prior to surface conditioning: a wustite layer, a magnetite layer, and a hematite layer. The wustite layer is bonded to a base metal substrate of the sheet metal. The magnetite layer is bonded to the wustite layer, and the hematite layer is bonded to the magnetite layer. Conditioning the surface of the sheet metal includes bringing a surface conditioning member into engagement with the surface of the sheet metal in a manner to remove substantially all of the hematite and magnetite layers from the surface, and in a manner to remove some but not all of the wustite layer from the surface. The portion of the wustite layer that remains bonded to the base metal substrate of the sheet metal protects the surface from oxidation, even after subsequent cold reduction of the sheet metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: The Material Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kevin C. Voges
  • Patent number: 7081167
    Abstract: A method of removing iron oxide scale from sheet metal and galvanizing the sheet metal includes bonding galvanizing zinc to a wustite layer of the sheet metal. The iron oxide scale on the sheet metal generally comprises three layers prior to surface conditioning: a wustite layer, a magnetite layer, and a hematite layer. The wustite layer is bonded to a base metal substrate of the sheet metal. The magnetite layer is bonded to the wustite layer, and the hematite layer is bonded to the magnetite layer. Conditioning the surface of the sheet metal includes bringing a surface conditioning member into engagement with the surface of the sheet metal in a manner to remove substantially all of the hematite and magnetite layers from the surface, and in a manner to remove some but not all of the wustite layer from the surface. The portion of the wustite layer that remains bonded to the base metal substrate of the sheet metal protects the surface from oxidation until the surface is galvanized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: The Material Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kevin C. Voges
  • Patent number: 7081168
    Abstract: A method of removing iron oxide scale and coating sheet metal bonds a pre-paint to a wustite layer of the sheet metal. The iron oxide scale on the sheet metal generally comprises three layers prior to surface conditioning: a wustite layer, a magnetite layer, and a hematite layer. The wustite layer is bonded to a base metal substrate of the sheet metal. The magnetite layer is bonded to the wustite layer, and the hematite layer is bonded to the magnetite layer. Conditioning the surface of the sheet metal includes bringing a surface conditioning member into engagement with the surface of the sheet metal in a manner to remove substantially all of the hematite and magnetite layers from the surface, and in a manner to remove some but not all of the wustite layer from the surface. The portion of the wustite layer that remains bonded to the base metal substrate of the sheet metal protects the surface from oxidation until the surface is coated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: The Materials Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kevin C. Voges
  • Patent number: 7077914
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a scraper suitable for use in removing material adhering to flat surfaces, e.g. paint. In the presently preferred embodiment, the scraper comprises a blade body, a scraping surface and a handle. The scraping surface extends longitudinally along a bottom edge of the blade body while the handle is affixed to a top edge of the blade body. The blade body comprises an elongate, flat body constructed of a rigid, yet flexible material, e.g. steel. The blade is characterized by a pair of angular bends dividing the blade into a center portion and two end portions, each portion being in a different plane. The bends are preferably positioned on opposite sides of the handle, more preferably equidistant from each end of the blade body. The end portions are angled to opposite sides of the center portion so that the angles are complementary, resulting in the end portions being generally parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Larry Tennyson, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7067016
    Abstract: A method for post-etch cleaning of a substrate with MRAM structures and MJT structures and materials is disclosed. The method includes inserting the substrate into a first brush box configured for double-sided mechanical cleaning of the substrate. A non-HF, copper compatible chemistry is introduced into the first brush box for cleaning the active and backside surfaces of the substrate. The substrate is then inserted into a second brush box which is also configured to provide double-sided mechanical cleaning of the active and backside surfaces of the substrate. A burst of chemistry is introduced into the second brush box followed by a DIW rinse. The substrate is then processed through an SRD apparatus for final rinse and dry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Katrina Mikhaylichenko, Michael Ravkin
  • Patent number: 7067015
    Abstract: A cleaning chemistry for lowering defect levels on the backside of a semiconductor wafer after chemical mechanical planarization (CMP). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a cleaning chemistry comprising nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and phosphoric acid in solution with deionized water is applied to the wafer surface to be cleaned preferably while subjected to megasonic assist cleaning. The wafer is preferably then subjected to brush scrubbing and a deionized water rinse with megasonic assist cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Changfeng Xia, Linlin Chen
  • Patent number: 7063749
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a substrate is provided. The apparatus comprises a plurality of rollers adapted to support a substrate in a vertical orientation, a scrubber brush adapted to contact a substrate supported by the plurality of rollers, and a sonic nozzle positioned at an elevation below the elevation of the scrubber brush and adapted so as to output a sonicated fluid spray that contacts a beveled edge or a major surface of the substrate such that fluid having sufficient sonic energy to harm the scrubber brush will not contact the scrubber brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Applied Materials
    Inventor: Michael Sugarman
  • Patent number: 7052554
    Abstract: A spring shaft (1) for cleaning pipelines consists of a coil spring (2) with windings (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) of spring steel and with a rotation axis (RA) and a spiral winding axis (WA). In order to give the spring shaft (1) a particular cleaning function, the windings (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) have at least on their outside (4) a cross section departing from the circular shape, with at least one edge (K) acting on the pipeline. At the same time it is possible to provide the outside (4) with at least one longitudinal groove (8) following the windings (3c), or to configure the cross section of the windings (3a, 3b) as a square whose outside edge (4a) runs parallel to the rotation axis (RA) or whose surface diagonal (4b) runs radially to the rotation axis (RA). Lastly, it is possible to provide the outside (4) with a profile (5) in which projections and grooves alternate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Rothenberger Werkzeuge Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Helmut Rothenberger
  • Patent number: 7045018
    Abstract: A method for cleaning and drying a front and a back surface of a substrate is provided. The method includes brush scrubbing the back surface of the substrate using a brush scrubbing fluid chemistry. The method further includes applying a front meniscus onto the front surface of the substrate upon completing the brush scrubbing of the back surface. The front meniscus includes a front cleaning chemistry that is chemically compatible with the brush scrubbing fluid chemistry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Ravkin, John M. de Larios
  • Patent number: 7045017
    Abstract: The inventive method cleans residual titanium accumulations and other undesirable materials from a planarized surface of a wafer to produce a planarized surface with less than about fifty defects per wafer. After a metallic layer of material has been planarized using a CMP process, loose residual particles of undesirable material are removed from the planarized surface. The residual titanium accumulations remaining on the planarized surface are then detached from the planarized surface, which produces additional, new particles on the surface of the wafer. The additional particles produced by the detaching step are then scrubbed from the planarized surface until the planarized surface has less than approximately 50 defects per wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David Gonzales, Guy F. Hudson
  • Patent number: 7041176
    Abstract: A pipe renovating method and system in which a pipe is first cleaned and then coated with a suitable coating material. In the cleaning step, pressurized air and particles of abrasive material are pumped into a first end of a pipe while suction is applied to the second end of the pipe via a vacuum pump to improve flow along the entire length of the pipe. The coating material is subsequently pumped in at one end of the cleaned pipe while suction is applied at the other end. In each step, the suction flow rate is higher than the input flow rate, so as to steer the mixture towards the second end. This method can be used to coat and clean different sections of a pipe system, by connecting the input materials successively to different access ports in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Joerg Kruse
  • Patent number: 7014716
    Abstract: An improved method and system for cleaning a cylinder of a printing press. One method involves soaking a strip of cleaning fabric on a press with a low volatility organic compound solvent. Excess solvent, if any, is removed to place the strip of cleaning fabric in functional equilibrium with the solvent. The cleaning fabric is then used to clean a cylinder. Alternatively, the strip of cleaning fabric is soaked on site by contacting the strip of cleaning fabric with the solvent and wrapping the strip of cleaning fabric into a cleaning fabric supply roll. The cleaning fabric is then brought in engagement with a printing press having a cylinder to be cleaned without disposing a sleeve around the fabric roll and without substantially disturbing the distribution of the solvent in the fabric roll and detrimentally affecting the cleaning ability of the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Baldwin Graphic Systems Inc.
    Inventors: C. Robert Gasparrini, Peter E. Anselmo, Walter H. Cano
  • Patent number: 7014717
    Abstract: A wiper assembly having impact action includes a wiper shaft cap, a first pivotal yoke, a second pivotal yoke, an actuation device and a wiper arm. The actuation device is formed in one end of the wiper arm. One end of the first pivotal yoke is pivotally attached to the wiper shaft cap. The other end of the first pivotal yoke is pivotally attached to one end of the second pivotal yoke. The other end of the second pivotal yoke is secured to an actuation end of the actuation device. In a second embodiment of a wiper assembly having impact action, the actuation device is formed in the wiper shaft cap. The actuation device in either embodiment is actuated to lift the wiper arm and drop thereof suddenly to remove sleet, ice or snow off a wiper blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Mark S. Lahti
  • Patent number: 6986816
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the removal of deposits formed in a reaction apparatus by the precipitation of solids from a liquid reaction mixture, which process is characterized in that particles of a material that is inert under the reaction conditions are introduced into the reaction apparatus, which particles, by suitable mechanical circulation of the reaction mixture, are so moved through the reactor that, during the reaction, by striking the walls or other built-in elements, they abrasively remove precipitates adhered thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Claus-Peter Reisinger, Sven Michael Hansen, Peter Fischer, Konrad Triebeneck, Joachim Helbig
  • Patent number: 6979371
    Abstract: A detergent composition and/or solution for floors comprising a hydrophilic shear-thinning polymer at very low level for improved cleaning end result. The solution can be used with conventional implements known in the art, including sponges, cloths and/or sponge, string, and/or strip mops and floor cloths such as those sold at retail and speciality stores. In a most preferred embodiment, the solution is used with a cleaning pad comprising an effective amount of a superabsorbent material, said pad preferably being part of cleaning implement comprising a handle and said cleaning pad preferably being removable. The detergent composition preferably contains a limited amount of a detergent surfactant, preferably linear in structure and relatively hydrophilic, the level of solvent in the formula preferably being kept below about 5.0%, and the pH preferably being maintained above about 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Nicola John Policicchio, Alan Edward Sherry
  • Patent number: 6979372
    Abstract: A method for cleaning portions of a particle classifier, such as for example the rotor and/or stator, includes providing carbon dioxide particles to the classifier. Carbon dioxide particles are supplied to the classifier via a particle inlet and subjected to processing conditions similar to those utilized in particle classification. Cleaning a classifier with carbon dioxide particles may be accomplished off-line or on-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. A. Otten, Robert H. Buijtendijk
  • Patent number: 6972057
    Abstract: Methods for cleaning a first group of electrodes contained within an air conditioner are provided. A second group of electrodes within the air conditioner has a cleaning device fastened therewith. The cleaning device engages the first group of electrodes. A method includes removing the second group of electrodes from the air conditioner, and replacing the second group of electrodes back into the air conditioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Shek Fai Lau, Jimmy Luther Lee, Andrew J. Parker
  • Patent number: 6953384
    Abstract: An electronic component chip feeder enabling to feed electronic component chips in which electrodes on the outer surfaces thereof can be cleanly maintained and the reliability of electrical connections is excellent even when miniaturizing thereof is promoted, and a method for manufacturing electronic devices by using electronic component chips being excellent in the reliability of electrical connections are provided. The electronic component chip feeder for feeding electronic component chips includes a cleaning device disposed in an intermediate portion of a supplying system for supplying plural electronic component chips in an aligned relationship for cleaning outer surfaces of the electronic component chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoyuki Nakagawa, Kenichi Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6949145
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards the use of a reactive gas or vapor of a reactive liquid prior to or in combination with cryogenic cleaning to remove contaminants from the semiconductor surfaces or other substrate surfaces requiring precision cleaning. The reactive gas or vapor is selected according to the contaminants to be removed and the reactivity of the gas or vapor with the contaminants. Preferably, this reaction forms a gaseous byproduct which is removed from the substrate surface by the flow of nitrogen across the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: BOC, Inc.
    Inventors: Souvik Banerjee, Harlan Forrest Chung
  • Patent number: 6942737
    Abstract: A substrate is supported at a plurality of edge positions thereof, to be in horizontal posture, by support pins erected on a spin chuck. A two-fluid nozzle is fixed to a position spaced from and directly over edges of the substrate to clean the edges. Substantially simultaneously therewith, a cleaning brush cleans the substrate while swinging over, in direct contact with, areas other than the edges of the substrate. The two-fluid nozzle delivers mist in a small quantity and in minute droplets. The mist is restrained from rebounding and scattering from the plurality of edge positions supported by the support pins of the spin chuck. The mist may be supplied to clean such positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanobu Sato
  • Patent number: 6936111
    Abstract: During a washing cycle of a rubber blanket on a blanket cylinder some revolutions of the blanket cylinder are initially performed during which the cleaning element is lifted off the blanket cylinder temporarily when the clamping channel passes under the cleaning element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Günther Koppelkamm, Klaus Töpfer
  • Patent number: 6929702
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for release of adherent deposits from surfaces and substrates are provided. The compositions are low volatile organic compound (low VOC) compositions, solutions or mixtures. Adherent deposits removed using the compositions include grease and oil, shoe polish, crayons, candle wax, gum, lipstick, stickers, adhesives, tape and others. The compositions may be used on any surface or substrate including carpet, fabrics, metals, painted surfaces (oil and latex), wallpapers and plastics, without harming the surface or substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Gregg Motsenbocker
  • Patent number: 6923870
    Abstract: The present disclosure also relates to a method for cleaning and decontaminating the internal working components of a piece of electronic equipment along a predetermined media path which includes the steps of: 1) providing a base material having first and second surfaces, the base material having a cleaning substrate disposed on the first surface and an adhesive substrate disposed on the second surface; 2) inserting the base material into the electronic equipment along the predetermined media path; and 3) moving the base material through the predetermined media path such that the cleaning substrate cleans and polishes at least one internal working component of the electronic equipment and the adhesive substrate decontaminates at least one internal working component of the electronic equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Audrey Muhr-Sweeney
  • Patent number: 6921438
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner attachment and method of use thereof provides an effective cleaning system for fungi and the like. A vacuum paddle extension enables the attachment to travel into narrow cracks and crevices where fungus may grow and by use of an abrasive and porous pad dislodges such fungus or fungi. When attached to a vacuum system, such as a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air-Filtered) vacuum system, the debris and particulate matter generated by the abrasive process is drawn into the vacuum attachment and into the vacuum system where it is removed from the air which is then expelled by the vacuum system. Better cleaning of surfaces afflicted with fungi, molds, and the like is then achieved in a manner that is safer and more effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: John Lausevic
  • 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: 6916382
    Abstract: A wipe pad (10) for cleaning debris from cooking grate (24) while preparing the cooking grate for use in cooking foods, in which the wipe pad has a sheet of an absorbent fire retardant material with a cooking agent (18) received by the sheet. The sheet, being attached to a grill brush (26) by a plurality of bristles (32) extending therefrom and partially penetrating the sheet, clings to the grill brush (26) for wiping contact of the sheet against the grate (24) upon movement of the grill brush to clean cooking debris from the cooking grate while communicating a film of the cooking agent from the sheet to prepare the cooking grate for use. A method of preparing a cooking grate for cooking is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Grate Chef, LLC
    Inventor: W. Keith Aldredge
  • Patent number: 6907890
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for drying substrates. The inventive apparatus comprises: an object support member for supporting at least one substrate in a process tank having one or more support sections comprising capillary material. The inventive method is a method of removing liquid from a wet substrate in a process tank comprising contacting the wet substrate with capillary material. In another aspect, the invention is a method of drying at least one substrate having a surface in a process tank comprising: submerging the substrate in a liquid having a liquid level; supporting the submerged substrates in the process tank; supplying a drying vapor above the liquid level; lowering the liquid level or raising the substrate so that the liquid level is below the substrate, thereby removing a major portion of liquid from the substrate surface; and removing remaining liquid from the substrate surface with capillary material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Akrion LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Myland
  • Patent number: 6905551
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for cleaning the front surface of a mounted lens a web is moved to a lowered position against the lens. A first segment of the web is then slackened. The first segment of web is then rubbed against the lens. Following the rubbing the web is pulled taut while the web is still in the lowered position. A second segment of web can be wiped against the lens while the web is held taut. The first segment can be wet and the second segment dry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Davis, Mark S. Carducci, Stephen P. North
  • Patent number: 6905553
    Abstract: The present invention involves a solvent vapor transfer device for holding an absorbent pad, which receives and disperses solvent vapors over a lacquer-based residue on a textile. A solvent is poured or dripped into an absorbent pad portion of the vapor transfer box, from which solvent vapors are released. The solvent vapors pass through the vapor transfer box and concentrate in a vapor chamber over the lacquer-based residue and textile. As the solvent vapors come into continuous contact with the lacquer-based residue, the residue begins to dissolve and soften. Upon sufficient dissolution, minute quantities of the liquid solvent may be applied directly to the partially dissolved residue and quickly suctioned into an extraction vacuum. This process may be repeated as necessary to achieve complete removal of the residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Harris Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn T. Rodeback, Edward E. Durrant
  • Patent number: 6905552
    Abstract: A cleaning station for a vertical nozzle plate of an ink jet printer includes a cylindrical cleaning roller that has an outer surface, and has a substantially vertical central axis and a substantially vertical rotational axis. The roller is spaced from the nozzle plate to form a cleaning cavity between the roller and the nozzle plate. The roller has a top end above the nozzle plate and a bottom end below the nozzle plate. A drive element is connected to the roller to rotate the roller about its rotation axis. A fluid outlet near the top of the roller directs cleaning fluid onto the outer surface of the roller, and into the cleaning cavity between the roller and the nozzle plate. A fluid reservoir stores cleaning fluid, and a fluid conduit conducts cleaning fluid from the fluid reservoir to the fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Werner Fassler, Marcello Fiscella
  • Patent number: 6896741
    Abstract: A hand-held cleaning tool comprises a flexible elongated member having at one end a polymer cleaning element and a finger grip at the other end, the polymer being non-abrasive with inherent adhesion for small particles and hair, no aqueous solubility, non-corrosive, no particulate emission, and no separate chemical impregnation into the polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: William N. Stelcher
  • Patent number: 6893508
    Abstract: A foot scrubbing device comprising a pedestal with a rough surface pad to step on and four vertical scrubbing posts for scrubbing in between the toes. Beneath the surface pad is a pressurized soap compartment having several channels through which liquid soap may be pumped to the surface of the surface pad via a foot pump. A person may clean his or her foot by placing it on the scrubbing surface so that the toes are placed in between the scrubbing posts. The person then uses his or her other foot to step on the pump pedal, thereby causing liquid soap to move to the surface of the pad where the foot is resting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Ricky Lee Andrews
  • Patent number: 6883527
    Abstract: The compressor cleaning system includes a track mounted about the inlet of the compressor. A circumferential position assembly mounts an insertion drive assembly which is driven about the track into selected circumferential positions. The insertion drive assembly carries a manipulator arm assembly mounting at its distal end a cleaning head. By using pairs of control cables, the proximal yaw, pitch and distal yaw sections of the manipulator arm can be moved to weave the cleaning head past the multiple stages of blading to locate the cleaning head adjacent a selected blade. By repeated extension and retraction of the cleaning head relative to the compressor inlet and about the compressor blades, each blade can be cleaned without disassembly of the compressor casing or removal of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew Joseph Travaly, William Francis Lopes, Kathleen Lynne Bentzel
  • Patent number: 6884300
    Abstract: A cleaning sheet has a base sheet, a first polishing layer formed on the base sheet, a porous foamed layer having air bubbles inside formed on the base sheet, and a second polishing layer formed on the foamed layer. The surface of the foamed layer may be flat or preferably porous with the second polishing layer having openings corresponding to those on the porous surface of the foamed layer. For cleaning a probe by using such a cleaning sheet, the tip of the probe is caused to penetrate the surface of the second polishing layer, to pass through the foamed layer and to be pressed against the first polishing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Nihon Microcoating Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Sato, Akihiro Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 6881273
    Abstract: An eyewear cleaning device and method provides convenient cleaning of various types of eyewear, such as glasses and sunglasses. The eyewear cleaning device comprises a housing with a retractable cord, at the end of which is attached a soft, nonabrasive cloth for cleaning eyewear lenses. A cleaning fluid dispenser may be included with or attached to the housing. The device can be attached to clothing or other items in proximity to the user of the device, such as a dashboard, sports bag or backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Charles D. Oberman
  • Patent number: 6881274
    Abstract: A test carrier for testing bumped semiconductor components such dice, chip scale packages, BGA devices, and wafers is provided. The test carrier includes a base for retaining one or more components and contact members for making temporary electrical connections with contact balls on the components (e.g., solder balls). The test carrier also includes terminal contacts formed as hard metal balls, as hard metal balls coated with a non-oxidizing metal layer, or as glass, ceramic or plastic members coated with a conductive material. The contact members on the base protect the contact balls on the components from deformation during testing and handling. The terminal contacts on the test carrier are configured for multiple uses in a production environment without deformation. Also provided is a calibration carrier for calibrating semiconductor test systems for bumped components, and a cleaning carrier for cleaning test sockets for bumped components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Hembree
  • Patent number: 6878215
    Abstract: A method of removing a virgin metal oxide coating from the surface of a superalloy gas turbine engine component. The component bearing the applied metal oxide coating is contacted with an aqueous coating-removal solution, typically containing by weight about 10-25% alkali hydroxide, about 1-8% alkanolamine, and about 0.5-5% gluconate salt at a temperature of from about 170° F. (67° C.) to about 210° F. (99° C.), for a time sufficient to remove the metal oxide coating from the superalloy blade by gentle mechanical means. The metal oxide coating can comprise one or more metal oxide layers, such as a chromium oxide layer and an aluminum oxide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Robert G. Zimmerman, Jr.