Using Solid Work Treating Agents Patents (Class 134/6)
  • Patent number: 6186155
    Abstract: Color is used to divide a towel (8) into sections. A larger section (10) lay adjacent to a smaller section (12). The larger section (10) is designated to remove perspiration from the user's face/body while the smaller section (12) is designated for the user to remove perspiration from fitness machines. Furthermore, an arrangement to retain small, personal belongings may be provided by either a retaining device (14), or a storage pocket (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: David Alan Cheek
  • Patent number: 6187104
    Abstract: A cleaning implement includes a mount and a wiping element connected to the mount. The implement can be mounted on a fixed surface in an establishment where smokers engage in smoking, and used to wipe ashtrays used by the smokers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Karyne Bozarjian
  • Patent number: 6187105
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a conduit including a downpipe by removing deposits from a removal area in the downpipe, comprising the steps of introducing a milling cutter into the conduit below the removal area and rotatingly driving the milling cutter by a flexible shaft, feeding the rotating milling cutter through the conduit including the removal area in the downpipe by drawing the milling cutter in an upward direction above the removal area, removing the deposits with the rotating milling cutter, permitting flushing water to flow into the conduit from above the removal area for carrying away the removed deposits, and injecting flushing water into the conduit under pressure below the removal area in an outflow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Peter Matlschweiger
  • Patent number: 6179928
    Abstract: An apparatus having a handle and a plurality of elongated loops connected to the handle provides a means for unclogging a toilet or sink drain of an impediment. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is long and slender in profile to fit within a toilet or sink drain. Furthermore, the apparatus is preferably made of a flexible and firm plastic, thereby providing the means for the apparatus to bend and mold when pushed through a toilet drain. Also in the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is disposable such that a user does not have to wash or store the apparatus after its use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Robert H. Carlton
  • Patent number: 6174448
    Abstract: A method of removing a diffusion aluminide coating on a component designed for use in a hostile environment, such as superalloy turbine, combustor and augmentor components of a gas turbine engine. The method selectively removes an aluminide coating by stripping aluminum from the coating without causing excessive attack, alloy depletion and gross thinning of the underlying superalloy substrate. Processing steps generally include contacting the coating with a mixture that contains a halogen-containing activator and a metallic powder containing an aluminide-forming metal constituent, such as by pack cementation-type process. The mixture is then heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the halogen-containing activator and for a duration sufficient to cause the halogen-containing activator to provide a transfer mechanism for the removal of aluminum from at least a portion of the diffusion aluminide coating, while the metallic powder absorbs the removed aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nripendra N. Das, Howard J. Farr, Raymond W. Heidorn
  • Patent number: 6171406
    Abstract: A method for removing a stain from a surface of a structure which includes the steps of spraying an aggregating agent comprising a cationic linear organic polymer onto the surface of such structure having a stain produced thereon, dissociating the stain particles by use of Coulomb force f generated between the stain particles and the aggregating agent, displacing slightly the stain particles along the surface of the structure to cause peeling thereof from the surface to be cleaned, and simultaneously, aggregating the same for cleaning. Another embodiment includes maintaining water permeability of a road by easily eliminating a stain adhering to the surfaces of granular aggregate particles forming a drainage-type pavement layer of a road without the use of various mechanical tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Hanogumi
    Inventor: Yoshio Otsuki
  • Patent number: 6168671
    Abstract: A rear scrub dual drive for a sugar beet harvester includes functionally-independent first and second variable speed actuators connected to respective first and second drive shafts of a rear scrub and further includes a fluid supply member, pump, and flow control members for energizing the actuators and controlling the speeds at which they can operate to effectively vary the relative speeds of first and second conveyors which are driven by the respective first and second actuators and which are used to scrub and move the harvested sugar beets. The ability to quickly and conveniently change the speeds of the conveyors on the go without replacing and remounting any parts on the rear scrub on the go allows the user to better match the conditions the user may be presented with while harvesting sugar beets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Amity Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary G. Peterson, Michael T. Sprenger, Adam R. Menze, Travis W. Giffey
  • Patent number: 6165280
    Abstract: An assembly is provided for cleaning toner resin from the operating parts of a printing device. The assembly comprises a porous member impregnated with a silicone copolymer and a rigid member with a supporting base to mount said porous member. The assembly is preferably a two-part kit having a brush member for wiping components of the printing device and a pad member mountable for stationary positioning within said printing device for scrubbing components of the printing device as they move relative to the mounted pad. The silicone copolymer has the formula ##STR1## where x represents from about 98.8 molar percent to about 99.5 molar percent, y represents from about 0.5 molar percent to 1.2 molar percent and R comprises from about 70% by weight to about 100% by weight of a C.sub.15 -C.sub.60 alkyl group and from about 0% by weight to about 30% by weight of a C.sub.2 -C.sub.14 alkyl group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Oral Aulick, George Nicholas Powers, Mark Stephen Weisman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6165281
    Abstract: A method of removing glass particles adhering to an inner wall of a glass cartridge of an injection syringe. A helical brush remover made of polyhexamethylene dodecanediamide or a helical stone remover made of aluminum oxide and titanium oxide is inserted into the inner wall of the glass cartridge. The helical brush or helical stone remover rubs against the inner wall of the glass cartridge to remove glass particles as water is sprayed onto the inner wall of the glass cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Boo Yoon Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Yeo Saeng Yoon
  • Patent number: 6162303
    Abstract: A process for cleaning a web having a first major surface and a second major surface on opposite sides of the web, the process including transporting the web while maintaining at least a first rotatable contact cleaner roll in rolling contact with the first major surface to clean the first major surface; interrupting the transporting of the web; rolling the first rotatable contact cleaner roll against the first major surface in at least a first direction while the transport of the web remains interrupted; and rolling the first rotatable contact cleaner roll against the first major surface in the opposite direction while transport of the web remains interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Francis J. Wieloch, Carl A. Wisniewski, Warren R. Smith, Thomas B. Glenwright
  • Patent number: 6158075
    Abstract: A substrate washing apparatus, comprising a spin chuck for holding and rotating a substrate W, a brushing section including a scrubbing member which is brought into contact with a washing surface of the substrate held on the spin chuck and revolved on its own axis together with rotation of the spin chuck, a washing liquid supply mechanism for supplying a washing liquid through the brushing section onto the washing surface of the substrate, a pressure control mechanism for controlling a pressing force of the scrubbing member against the washing surface of the substrate, and a moving means for moving the scrubbing member relative to the substrate in a radial direction of the substrate, wherein the scrubbing member includes an abutting portion which is brought into contact with the washing surface of the substrate, and a non-contact peripheral portion positioned about the abutting portion and formed not to contact the washing surface of the substrate when the abutting portion is in contact with the washing surfa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hideya Tanaka, Kenichi Miyamoto, Minoru Kubota, Walter Swanson
  • Patent number: 6152148
    Abstract: A method for cleaning the surface of a semiconductor wafer having an organic dielectric film thereon by removing residual slurry particles adhered to the wafer surface after chemical-mechanical planarization is provided. The semiconductor is subjected to a post CMP cleaning step by applying mechanical frictional force to the surface of the wafer while concurrently applying to the wafer surface and aqueous solution having a pH of greater than 10 for a period of time sufficient to wet and clean the wafer surface, the basic aqueous solution comprised of a surfactant and a tetra alkyl quaternary ammonium hydroxide compound such as tetramethylammonium hydroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna M. George, Daniel L. Towery
  • Patent number: 6152149
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a power cable having a semi-conductive layer includes wiping the semi-conductive layer with a cleaning solution comprising a brominated hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of n-propyl bromide and isopropyl bromide to remove at least a portion of the semi-conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Arnco Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn Miller, Robert Washburn
  • Patent number: 6153017
    Abstract: A method for removal of hydrocarbon materials from solid particulate soil contaminated with the hydrocarbon materials. The method comprises forming an aqueous slurry of a mixture of a hydrophobic adsorbent selected from foamed synthetic materials or natural materials which entrap gas, with the soil in the presence of water. The adsorbent has a density less than water. The slurry is mixed for a period of time, and a gravity separation of the adsorbent from the aqueous admixture thus obtained is effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Petrozyme Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Owen P. Ward, Ajay Singh
  • Patent number: 6153016
    Abstract: A pipe cleaner for manually cleaning the threads of pipes of differing sizes includes a body into which is slidably engaged at least one arm with an abrasive member. The abrasive member at the end of the arm extends into an orifice in the body. A single arm opposing a "V" shaped block may be used as well as a plurality of arms with abrasive members. A cover is rotatably mounted on the body and includes a number of angled slots, which are angled relative to radii of the cover and may be an arc segment of a spiral. Pegs that are coupled to each arm are engaged with the angled slot in the cover. Thus by rotating the cover relative to the body of the pipe cleaner, the arms with their abrasive members are driven inwards and outwards of the orifice by the peg and angled slot assembly. The cover includes an orifice that is approximately the same size as the orifice in the body, such that the cover does not inhibit a pipe from extending through the pipe cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Creative Tool Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Rauch, Robert A. Cole, Shahzad Mahmud
  • Patent number: 6152150
    Abstract: A dry zeolite containing composition is used in a method for removing grease and/or oil stains from the human body is disclosed. In accordance with the method, zeolites having an average particle size of about 0.5 mm or less provide superior performance to remove grease and oil stains from the skin. Stain removing activities of the zeolite compositions may be enhanced by the addition of an imide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: OdorPro, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Cook, Gary J. Calton
  • Patent number: 6150175
    Abstract: Radio frequency photo conductive decay is used to monitor a small piece of high-grade silicon to determine if copper contamination has been removed from a probe tool. A probe tool is placed in contact with a small "waferette" of silicon repeatedly until the copper signal is diminished, indicating that the tool may be used for other products without concern for copper contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: LSI Logic Corporation
    Inventors: Gail D. Shelton, Gayle W. Miller
  • Patent number: 6149732
    Abstract: Equipment used in the processing of plastic, such as molds and extrusion screws, is cleaned of plastic residue by a combination of thermal cycling and agitation without impact cleaning. A chamber can be heated by an electric radiant heater and cooled by the introduction of liquid nitrogen. A fixture in the chamber receives the equipment to be cleaned and is agitated by a drive motor. The chamber is heated and cooled in the following cycle in which the drive motor agitates the fixture: first to 250-300.degree. F., then to -315.degree. F., then cycled between -50.degree. F. and -10.degree. F., then to 150.degree. F., then to -200.degree. F., then to 100.degree. F., then to ambient temperature. The chamber is controlled by a computer that prompts the operator for the kind of plastic to be cleaned off of the equipment and then controls the heating and cooling automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Genca Corporation
    Inventor: J. Drake Carlisle
  • Patent number: 6146466
    Abstract: An apparatus and method that enhances removal of contaminating particles from surfaces of a non-electrostatically sensitive components that are cleaned using a carbon dioxide cleaning spray. The apparatus includes a programmable power supply that is connected to ground and to the non-electrostatically sensitive component. The surface charge of the component is determined by cleaning the surface without adding any voltage or charge bias to the component. Then the surface is reversed-biased with a voltage having the opposite polarity by a large amount using the programmable power supply. The surface is then cleaned a second time, which removes the contaminating particles that were bound to the surface by electrostatic forces generated during the first cleaning. Thus, reversing the polarity of the charge on the surface that is to be cleaned removes the strong attraction between the contaminating particles and the surface and enhances removal of the contaminating particles from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: ECO-Snow Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles W. Bowers
  • Patent number: 6143091
    Abstract: In a method for removing toner or similar substance deposited on a recording sheet or similar sheet, projections are formed on a back-up member and located at portions on which the rear of a separating member slide. While a sheet is passed through a pressing portion in contact with the separating member, the projections raise the rear of the separating member toward the surface of the sheet carrying the toner. Hence, even solitary particles of the substance adjoining relatively thick and large masses of the substance can contact the front of the separating member. Hence, the solitary particles are prevented from remaining on the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Saito, Tooru Maruyama, Hisao Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6143089
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a wafer oriented vertically is provided. The apparatus includes a first brush and a second brush located horizontally from the first brush. During use, a wafer is orientated vertically between the first and second brushes. The brushes are brought into contact with the wafer and rotated thereby engaging the wafer with rollers. By rotating the rollers, the wafer is also rotated. Liquid is sprayed towards the brushes and wafer. By orienting the wafer vertically, liquid and particulates contained therein readily fall from the wafer due to gravity. This is particularly advantageous when cleaning larger diameter wafers in which particulates must be removed from a larger wafer surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Edgar Stephens, Oliver David Jones, Hugo John Miller, III
  • Patent number: 6137861
    Abstract: A system for cleaning, storing and maintaining x-ray cassettes. The system is used within the environment of an x-ray exposure room for shooting x-ray images of x-ray subjects, and an x-ray dark room for developing x-ray images. The system may include a portable transport, cleaning and storage unit for storing, cleaning and transporting x-ray cassettes. The unit includes a work surface, at least one x-ray cassette receptacle for storing x-ray cassettes, and a vacuum apparatus for vacuuming dust particles from the x-ray cassettes and the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: X-Ray Cassette Repair Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Leo Reina, James Sorgani
  • Patent number: 6129092
    Abstract: An improved mouse cleaning apparatus having a cleaning ball for temporary insertion into the cavity formed on the underside of the mouse. In one embodiment, the cleaning ball includes a core which is encased within an outer shell of polymeric material such as a foamed rubber compound. This core may be metallic, polymeric, or made of another sufficiently dense material, and is provided to ensure that the cleaning ball is sufficiently heavy to properly roll in response to movement of the mouse across a mouse pad or the like. The core may alternatively be covered with absorbent fibers, which may be synthetic or organic in nature, rather than a polymeric coating. In another embodiment, the cleaning ball is made entirely of a polymeric or elastomeric material having sufficiently high weight and/or density or is sufficiently compressed such that a weighted core is not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventors: John T. Mondl, Mark E. Esmile, Aubert Y. Coran
  • Patent number: 6129093
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a wiper assembly are disclosed which facilitate the removal by complete release or shattering of a frozen mass of ice or snow which has become merely trapped beneath a wiper blade during its movement. In particular, there is described a method and structures for removing such frozen masses by vibrating a wiper blade at high intensity of vibration. The vibrational intensity is normally measured when no frozen masses are present and causes at least parts of the wiper blade to move out of contact with the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Michael J. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6130104
    Abstract: A cleaner of this invention is a cleaner for inspecting projections and removes any substance, e.g., aluminum oxide, which attaches to needle points of probe needles, when the probe needles pierce into the cleaner. The cleaner has a cleaner layer and a substrate. The cleaner layer is constituted by an elastic material layer, and a filler having a surface state improving function of the inspecting projections and dispersed in the elastic material layer. As the filler having a surface state improving function, a powder including at least one of ceramic materials, e.g., sand, glass, alumina, Carborundum (trade name), and the like, or a fiber layer made of an inorganic fiber or organic fiber can be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Rikihito Yamasaka
  • Patent number: 6126756
    Abstract: A water-wiping blade for wiping water from surfaces having projecting regions from the surface is based on a flexible panel having an upper and a lower long edge, with a handle interface along the upper long edge, and a lip formed along the lower long edge, the lip ending in a sharp line at the end away from the flexible panel. In a preferred embodiment a handle is attached by the handle interface along the upper long edge. By rotating the flexible panel around the handle length and urging the panel into a surface, the lip can be caused to wrap around regions projecting from the surface with the sharp line of the lip in contact with the surface. Translating the panel then is effective in wiping standing water from the surface even in the presence of such surface deformities, such as rivet heads and the like. In some embodiments handle extensions may be used to allow positioning the flexible panel in hard-to-reach places.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Goldtime Products LLC
    Inventor: Donald Dean Varner
  • 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: 6121058
    Abstract: A method for removing deposits from a probing feature of a probe card. The method includes the step of exposing the probing feature of a probe card to a composition that chemically reacts with the deposits on the probing feature to remove the deposits from the probing feature while not substantially effecting the material comprising the probing feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Melissa K. Shell, Richard S. Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 6113708
    Abstract: A component (10 or 12) of a flat-panel display is cleaned with a fluid having a mole-fraction dominant constituent. The cleaning operation is performed by subjecting the component to the cleaning fluid while its absolute pressure exceeds the absolute pressure at the triple point of the dominant constituent and is at least 20% of the absolute pressure value at the critical point of the dominant constituent. The temperature and pressure of the cleaning fluid are typically controlled in a direction toward the supercritical state of the dominant constituent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignees: Candescent Technologies Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: George B. Hopple, Scott J. Crane, Bob L. Mackey, John D. Porter
  • Patent number: 6113706
    Abstract: A method of washing a blind including the steps of contracting the blind while inserting offset ring-like portions of a coil-spring-like spacer formed of a wire having a specified diameter between adjacent louvers. The blind is then placed in a washing bath in a state where a gap, corresponding to the diameter of the wire, is formed between adjacent louvers. The blind is then placed on a fine particle layer of a mixed material. A vibration generator is driven to apply a vibration to the mixed material through the washing bath so that the fine particles in the mixed material are liquefied. The blind is then sunk into the fine particle layer due to its own weight through the liquefaction. The dirty materials deposited on the surfaces of the louvers are removed by the brushing action of the fine particles, which move in contact with the surfaces of the louvers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Daitoh System Company Limited
    Inventor: Norio Kawanobe
  • Patent number: 6110293
    Abstract: A method of absorbing oil or wax by contacting the oil or wax with a nonwoven or woven fabric prepared from a polyvinyl alcohol fiber. A method of recovering oil or wax contained in such a fabric using water and at a rate surprisingly faster than the rate of oil or wax recovery from cotton. A method of absorbing oil or wax from a mixture of oil or wax and sand by contacting the mixture with a fabric made from polyvinyl alcohol. Method of disposing of such fabrics which have been soiled or saturated with the oil or wax. The method is also applicable to other hydrocarbons such as aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon solvents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Isolyser Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis W. Honeycutt, Baosheng Lee, Nigel J. Flynn, Feng Qin
  • Patent number: 6110294
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a semiconductor wafer. The apparatus preferably includes a brush holder that may include a base and a connection stud extending from the base. The base preferably includes a receiving lip for receiving a brush that is disposed on its lower surface. The brush preferably includes a substantially flexible material and a plurality of protrusions for contacting a semiconductor wafer. A backing plate preferably is attached to one side of the brush for connecting the brush to the brush holder. The backing plate preferably further includes an outer edge capable of forming a snap-fit engagement within the receiving lip of the brush holder to: (a) facilitate periodic replacement of the brush and (b) form a mechanical connection between the brush and brush holder that can withstand the presence of relatively basic or acidic cleaning agents. A rotatable shaft is connected to the connection stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Shipley, Peter A. Burke
  • Patent number: 6108272
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the geographic relationship between a surface station and at least one diver, including a first and second devices for sending passive or active select signal frequencies and receiving select signal response frequencies data. A third and fourth devices for receiving passive or active select signal frequencies data and sending passive or active select signal response frequencies to the first device. A fifth and sixth device for processing data based on a cycle time and a seventh and eighth device for plotting the data received from the fifth and sixth devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Peter M. Fox
  • Patent number: 6106681
    Abstract: The present invention provides an ITO sputtering target and a method of cleaning the target. ITO ground powder which is deposited on a surface of the target requires removal to increase the cleanness of the target surface. This prevents the production of nodules caused by sputtering in order to restrain abnormal discharge and prevent the production of particles. Particles deposited on a sputtered surface of an ITO sintered target are removed by subjecting the sputtered surface to multiple-oscillation ultrasonic washing, or alternatively, by sticking an adhesive tape to the sputtered surface, sufficiently rubbing the tape against the surface, and then peeling the tape off the surface. Both methods result in 400 or fewer deposited particles of 0.2 .mu.m or more average particle diameter being present in a 100 .mu.m.times.100 .mu.m area of the sputtered surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Japan Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Saito, Yoshikazu Kumahara, Katsuya Kuboyama
  • 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: 6093254
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method of cleaning a substrate wherein the substrate is placed into a first brush station while a chemical solution is delivered to the first brush station at a desired cleaning level. The substrate is then scrubbed in the first brush station. After the substrate is scrubbed in the first brush station the substrate is transferred to a second brush station. The chemical solution used in the first brush station is then delivered to a brush in the second brush station in a ramp up manner in order to clean the brush in the second brush station. The delivery of the chemical solution to the second brush station is then stopped and deionized water is delivered to the second brush station. The substrate is then scrubbed using the deionized water in order to rinse the chemical solution from the substrate prior to transferring the substrate from the second brush station to another processing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Julia Svirchevski, Katrina Mikhaylich, Jackie Zhang
  • Patent number: 6093255
    Abstract: A method of sanitizing the bore of an MRI machine by using a pair of sponge elements attached to an elongated handle. The first sponge element has an arcuate surface which is a segment of a sphere having a radius substantially equal to the radius of the bore, the arcuate surface having a first dimension longer than a second dimension. The first sponge element is mounted on an elongated handle having axis which is transverse to the first dimension of the sponge element when the sponge element is used for sanitizing the ceiling of some bores. According to the method, a second sponge element with a planar surface is used for cleaning the floor or track of the bore and disposable cleaning are provided for mounting on the sponge element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventors: Sidney D. Smith, Joe A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6090214
    Abstract: A chemical mechanical cleaning method utilizes an ammonium persulphate solution with simultaneous mechanical brushing to remove residual slurry particles from copper surfaces. The pH of the solution is selected to electrostatically repel charged slurry particles from the copper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Dashun Steve Zhou, Solomon I. Beilin, James J. Roman
  • Patent number: 6090215
    Abstract: A method of using a disposable moist towelette with a can cleaning device to clean and sanitize a top surface and a tight circumferential groove on the top of a pop top beverage can. The method includes the use of a disposable moist towelette made of material which resists tearing when manipulated with a can cleaning device. The towelette is moistened with a liquid such that when the moist towelette is placed over the top surface of a pop top beverage can and a can cleaning device is guided into place on top of the moist towelette, rotating the can cleaning device relative to the can effects cleaning and sanitizing of the top surface and groove on the can. The moist towelette may be stored in an air tight packet which can be attached to the beverage can. The moist towelette and packet may be dispensed from a vending machine along with a beverage can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Byron W. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6086682
    Abstract: A nit and lice removal system for use with a vacuum cleaner. The removal system has one device, which is adjacent to the vacuum cleaner, having closely spaced teeth that can be drawn through an individuals hair to dislodge nits and lice for suction into the vacuum cleaner. Another device for attachment to a vacuum hose has a flat flexible surface for engaging the skin without discomfort to the user. The latter device is very effective for removing live lice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Daniel P. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6082377
    Abstract: A wafer cleaning and drying apparatus comprises a vertical wafer drive assembly providing two-sided wafer cleaning by symmetrically disposed brushes. Each wafer brush comprises two parallel rotatable shafts within the lumen of a substantially tubular sponge, with an adjustable distance between the two shafts, which is narrowed to facilitate insertion into the sponge and widened to stretch the sponge into a substantially oval cross-sectional shape, thereby improving traction. One or more nonrotating perforated fluid delivery tubes are mounted within the lumen of the sponge in the space between the two shafts. The apparatus further comprises a minimal volume rinse/dry enclosure that conserves water and process chemicals; and a wafer transport assembly configured to transfer multiple wafers simultaneously between multiple process stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Bernhard M. Frey
  • Patent number: 6083891
    Abstract: An oil-free, water-based sweeping compound containing sawdust, sand, and water has enhanced performance when an effective amount of a super-absorbent polymer, especially a cellulose/acrylate polymer, is incorporated. The resultant product is comparatively inexpensive, smells pleasant, maintains a desirable moist texture, and resists untimely moisture evaporation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Akona, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen H. Hodges
  • Patent number: 6082376
    Abstract: A method for operating an upright wet extractor having a base and a handle. The base includes a floor cleaning tool and has a hand held cleaning tool permanently attached thereto. A motor fan unit is operated to generate a suction force and this suction force is selectively communicated to a suction inlet of one of the hand held cleaning tool and the floor cleaning tool. When the suction force is communicated to the hand held cleaning tool suction inlet, pressurized cleaning fluid is also supplied to that tool, and when the suction force is supplied to the suction inlet of the floor cleaning tool, a brush unit is rotated in the floor cleaning tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Karr, David Erickson, Kevin Genge, William Hanold, Gregory Luebbering, William Phelan
  • Patent number: 6077360
    Abstract: A cleaning composition for a mold for molding a semiconductor device comprising an unvulcanized rubber, a cleaning agent, and water in an amount of from 1 to 30% by weight based on the total amount of the cleaning composition.The cleaning composition is preferably used as a sheet form comprising the cleaning composition itself, wherein a plurality of straight cuts are formed on the surface of the sheet in a definite direction in parallel at an definite interval for enabling folding of the sheet and at least one cutting cut may be formed on the surface such that the cutting cut crosses perpendicularly to the plural cuts.The cleaning sheet is very effective to remove soiled material on the inside surfaces of a mold formed by repeatedly molding semiconductor devices using a thermosetting resin composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventor: Kouichi Takashima
  • Patent number: 6074490
    Abstract: The invention relates to a specialized shoe cleaning method that will clean athletic shoes in such a manner that the newly cleaned shoes resemble brand new shoes. The method or process includes applying a chemical to the outer part of the shoe, agitating the surface dirt via a motorized spinning brush, applying high pressure air to blow off any remaining dirt from the shoe, applying a chemical spray (e.g., for shoes with different type fabric), applying pressurized steam, applying an extraction process, using a specialized tool to extract dirt to clean the interior upper, and applying a drying process to dry the shoes. The application of cleaning solutions, high pressure air and steam in conjunction with the vacuum process is especially suited for the removal of dirt, stains and other foreign matter from the shoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Stephen Collin Brown
    Inventor: Stephen Collin Brown
  • Patent number: 6074108
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a film transport unit (5), in which a cleaning leader (80) formed of a synthetic fiber (81) hardened with a resin (82) is transported through a transport path of the film transport unit, and the cleaning leader (80) removes substances adhering to a magnetic head (32a) disposed in the transport path, with said cleaning leader. Preferably, the synthetic fiber is hardened by being impregnated with a resin (82) selected from urethane resin, acrylic resin and silicone resin. Preferably, the cleaning leader (80) is elongated to be an identical or similar shape to a film (2) transported through the film transport unit (5). At least a leading end of the cleaning leader is hardened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Ohwaki, Mikio Inoue, Hiroshi Miyawaki, Takahisa Miyamori, Yoshiyuki Yamaji
  • Patent number: 6071354
    Abstract: An elongated fluid applicator is used to manually apply a fluid such as a lubricant or a cleaning fluid to the belt and/or belt supporting surface of an exercise treadmill. The applicator is optionally included in a kit containing one or more desired fluids, and at least one treadmill belt tension adjusting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Charles Williams
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6068820
    Abstract: The proper quantity of the desired cleaning/disinfecting liquid sufficient to wet the desired wiping material is introduced into a small plastic pouch and sealed. The wiping material and the sealed pouch are placed in a plastic bag and the bag is then sealed closed. The bag is preferably sealed over the top of the plastic pouch as well, fixing the pouch in place in the bag. The sealed bag is transported to the intended cleaning location. Thereat, the bag and pouch therein are folded over onto themselves, and the folded pouch squeezed and ruptured. The liquid flows from the ruptured pouch to the wiping material soaking the same, without opening the outer bag. The outer bag is then torn open providing access to the wetted wiping material, for the desired wiping procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Micronova Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Joselito De Guzman
  • Patent number: 6068706
    Abstract: A contour following tool for preparing the surface of a workpiece is disclosed. The tool has axially shiftable pins that are biased toward a position in which they are fully extended from a housing. As the tool is moved relative to the workpiece, changes in the contoured surface of the workpiece are accommodated by allowing the pins to shift back from their fully extended position against the biasing force. The pins may be biased by a fluid under pressure or by springs. The tool may be used with a wiping cloth or end caps that may apply a cleaning fluid that is applied either externally or internally through the tool through a bore formed in one or more of the pins. A method of cleaning a contoured workpiece is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Louis K. Justin