With Fluid Supplying Or Movable Applying Means Patents (Class 134/88)
  • Patent number: 6092541
    Abstract: A compact kitchenware washing station providing a variety of functions wherein three sink members are adjacently positioned and aligned adjacent to an automatic dishwashing apparatus. For an automatic operation, two of the sinks can be covered to support dishwashing racks with dishes. When a manual operation is desired, the covers are removed and the sink members utilized to provide a wash, rinse, and sanitizing operation. The kitchenware washing station is compact in design so that it can be utilized in even the smallest type of food service operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson Commercial Markets, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Crane, William M. Swift, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5881747
    Abstract: Two vats are arranged vertically within an occupied area for a single vat, and any of the upper and lower vats can implement washing works at the same time. The upper and lower vats are used simultaneously according to the object of washing, enabling the apparatus to implement quick washing works of articles to be washed within the compact space. An upper vat (15) capable of containing the articles (12) is formed above the lower vat (10) capable of containing the articles (12). A loading and unloading space (14) for articles (12) is formed between the upper and lower vats (15), (10). This apparatus is formed with a lower vertical mover (19) for loading and unloading the articles (12) in and out of the lower vat (10) and an upper vertical mover (18) for loading and unloading the articles (12) in and out of the upper vat (15). The articles (12) are contained in the upper and lower vats (15), (10) at the same time, thereby enabling the apparatus to implement washing related works at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Japan Field Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahide Uchino
  • Patent number: 5873946
    Abstract: An installation for lubricating, cleaning and/or disinfecting conveyor belts for containers, more particularly for foods, such as bottles, glasses, cans, bags and the like, comprising a central metering station connectable to a water pipe used to dilute a concentrated lubricant, cleaner or disinfectant, and several distributing pipes connected to the metering station lead to the points of use. At each point of use there is a mixing valve (13-19) connectable to distribution line (52) and the water pipe (23) and individually adjustable for each point of use and a pressure reducer (50, 51) fitted upstream of each mixing valve. Varying concentration can be provided for each point of use (31-37) with little technical complexity. In another embodiment, the invention is the process carried out by the installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. Ohg
    Inventor: Bernhard Hantmann
  • Patent number: 5871022
    Abstract: Apparatus for grinding tapers and points on elongated needle workpieces having frame means and needle workpiece transport means associated with the frame means for transporting a plurality of the workpieces. The workpiece transport means has a predetermined curvature and workpiece feeder means is mounted adjacent the frame means for feeding workpieces to the workpiece transport means. The grinding means is preferably a grinding wheel disposed adjacent the workpiece transport means to engage workpieces while supported by workpiece supporting means and has a major diameter at a first end and a minor diameter at a second end, the major diameter being greater than the minor diameter. The diameters are connected by a curved grinding surface the diameter of which increases progressively therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventors: Marcelino P. Munoz, W. Scott Samsel, Eugene P. Cybart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5826603
    Abstract: An improved blind washing device comprising a frame supporting a plurality of open-ended tubes, closure mechanism for selectably closing said tubes, mechanism for elevating one end of said tubes, a hose connection for delivering water into said tubes, a spray arm, an extensible hose connected to deliver water to said spray arm, an outlet drain and filter mechanism connected between said tubes and said outlet drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Robert J. Mellein
  • Patent number: 5755244
    Abstract: A dishwasher having spray arm, motor and pump components configured and mounted so as to occupy very low height. In one form the complete wash system is arranged as a drawer which slides in and out of a cabinet. The cabinet opening is stiffened against racking forces by incorporating an inverse portal frame in the opening flange. A synchronous AC motor is used with the rotor running within the wash chamber driving a wash pump integrated with a rotating spray arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventors: Adrian Anthony Sargeant, William Hugh Currie, Willem Ouwens, Philip John Brace, Robert William Todd, Hans-Joachim Scholz
  • Patent number: 5650122
    Abstract: An automated sample analysis instrument positively identifies and maintains the identity of a plurality of patient samples contained in individual sample containers. The invention prevents sample misidentification, especially when patient sample must be transferred from one sample container to reaction wells in Microtiter.RTM. plates. Rows of reaction wells in Microtiter.RTM. plates are processed in parallel so the difference in reaction time between any two wells on a plate is four minutes or less. Reaction wells are washed with high-pressure jets of wash solution and are aspirated so as to advantageously utilize fluid meniscus on top of fluid contained in the wells. The apparatus can be adjusted to perform a variety of different ELISA-type tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Pasteur Sanofi Diagnostics
    Inventors: Paul C. Harris, Curtis C. Genstler
  • Patent number: 5593893
    Abstract: A dispensing device having a flexible tube provided with a pipetting nozzle at an end, a washing solution supplier supplying washing solution to the flexible tube and the pipetting nozzle, a syringe connected to another end of the flexible tube and a control section for controlling the driving of the syringe. The control section of the present invention includes a syringe driving compensator by which the washing solution is supplied into or discharged out of the syringe in an amount compensate for the variation in the inner volume of the tube caused by reduction in the liquid pressure when the washing solution is transmitted from the washing solution supplier into the flexible tube. The liquid surface of the washing solution contained in the pipetting nozzle is maintained at a constant level by actuating the driving compensator in response to the completion of washing of the pipetting nozzle with the washing solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: TOA Medical Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Masayuki Kobashi, Noriaki Koeda, Yoshiteru Mizuno, Satoru Okada
  • Patent number: 5535766
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmission service bench having an inclined work surface to direct transmission fluid, liberated from a transmission being serviced, into one or more drains. The fluid collected is filtered and communicated to a wash basin provided adjacent to the work surface. The fluid contained in the wash basin may be used alone or combined with a cleaning solvent to clean various transmission components. A pump is included for providing a pressurized stream of fluid to be used for cleaning individual transmission components and/or for pumping fluid from the wash basin onto the work surface to flush din and debris therefrom. The wash basin may include a lid that closes automatically should a fire occur in or near the wash basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: David L. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5501240
    Abstract: The invention provides a cleaning method comprising:a step of immersing the object of cleaning first in a first tank to wash roughly by bubbling from beneath, and showering with purified water from above when lifting the object,a step of immersing the object coming from the first tank in a second tank to wash preliminarily with ultrasonic waves, and showering with purified water from above when lifting the object,a step of immersing the object coming from the first tank or second tank successively in a third tank to wash thoroughly with ultrasonic waves and water jet, and showering with purified water from above when lifting the object, anda step of immersing the object coming from the third tank finally into a fourth tank to finish with water jet, and lifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Hitachi Zosen Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Dohku, Kazuo Yoshida, Kazunori Koba, Kazuyuki Miyake
  • Patent number: 5494531
    Abstract: The present invention provides a medical instrument cleaning method and apparatus suitable for thoroughly cleaning medical instruments, particularly instruments used in dental treatment and with strongly adhesive deposits such as cement and the like.The instrument cleaning process according to the present invention comprising a boiling step of boiling instruments with deposits thereon in a boiling vessel, allowing water to soak into the deposits, a drying step of drying the boiled instruments with hot air in a drying vessel to dry the water-soaked deposits, and a washing step of washing the dried instruments in a washing vessel to remove the dried deposits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Nippon Seiki K.K.
    Inventor: Masatoshi Azuma
  • Patent number: 5331986
    Abstract: A dishwashing machine is provided which comprises: a housing having a first washing compartment and a second washing compartment spatially separated from each other by a partition wall; first spray means for spraying the washing water onto the dishes within the first compartment; second spray means for spraying the washing water onto the dishes within the second compartment, the first and the second spray means operable independently of one another to permit selective washing of the dishes accommodated in the first and the second compartments; a drainpipe for allowing the washing water to be drained therethrough at the termination of an washing operation; and a multi-way valve, responsive to the particular mode of operation of the dishwashing machine for selectively coupling the pressurized washing water to the first spray means, the second spray means and the drain pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Daewoo Eelctronics Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Moo-Seang Lim, Jong-Man Yun, Chan-Kyu Park, Sang-Dae Lee, Sun-Chae Ma, Seung-Seob Oh, Eui-Sik Jeong, Kwang-Sun Paek
  • Patent number: 5277209
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus is provided with at least two identically configured reservoirs, each of which may be functionally adapted to serve as the washer portion or the collecting portion of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Gene R. Olson
  • Patent number: 5133373
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning delivery probes used for dispensing protein-containing reagents. The apparatus includes: a bath of a cleaning solution for a protein-containing reagent; a device for lowering the probe into the cleaning solution for aspirating cleaning solution into the probe and for coating the outside of the probe; a device for raising the probe from the cleaning solution; a device for forcing primer liquid through the probe for expelling aspirated cleaning solution followed by primer liquid from the probe for washing the inside of the probe; and a device for deflecting cleaning solution and primer liquid expelled from the probe onto the outside of the probe for washing the outside of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: AKZO N.V.
    Inventors: Julie F. Hoffman, Lionel E. Jones
  • Patent number: 5078799
    Abstract: To render residues such as thickened sludge and sedimented crude oil or refinery products which collect at the bottom of a tank into pumpable flowable condition, crude oil is taken from an upward region of the tank, pumped upwardly to a suction pump (609)-pressure pump (605) unit (610) located, for example, on top of a floating roof of the tank, the pressurized crude oil taken from the top portion of the tank being reintroduced through a preferably rotating liquefaction lance (13) to a region in the vicinity of the sedimented sludge. The pressure is converted into hydrodynamic energy. Preferably, a plurality of such lances are used, arranged with respect to each other to form eddies or vorteces, to establish flow patterns within the tank, thereby liquefying the sludge or residues and rendering them into pumpable flowable condition for removal from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Fiprosa Holding
    Inventors: Rolf Matter, Bernard Paringaux
  • Patent number: 5066336
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning delivery probes used for dispensing protein-containing reagents. The apparatus includes: a bath of a cleaning solution for a protein-containing reagent; a device for lowering the probe into the cleaning solution for aspirating cleaning solution into the probe and for coating the outside of the probe; a device for raising the probe from the cleaning solution; a device for forcing primer liquid through the probe for expelling aspirated cleaning solution followed by primer liquid from the probe for washing the inside of the probe; and a device for deflecting cleaning solution and primer liquid expelled from the probe onto the outside of the probe for washing the outside of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Akzo N.V.
    Inventors: Julie F. Hoffman, Lionel D. Jones, II
  • Patent number: 5041164
    Abstract: Apparatus for washing the disc portions of an electrical insulator includes first and second mating housing portions for positioning about the discs and fluid lines for delivering a cleansing fluid through the housing portions for cleaning the surface of the discs. The two mating housing portions preferably define a basin for collecting the cleansing fluid and facilitating removal of the cleansing fluid after use. A support assembly including a robotic arm positions the first and second mating housing portions about the discs of the electrical insulator for cleaning. A cleaning liquid such as water or freon or a cleaning gas such as air or steam is applied through the mating housing portions for cleaning the surface of the discs. Following the cleaning, a surface-enhancing material such as a silicone coating can be applied to the surface of the insulator for protection from future contamination and make the insulator more resistant to electrical or mechanical degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute
    Inventor: Narain G. Hingorani
  • Patent number: 5024744
    Abstract: A stamper cleaning apparatus comprises an electrocleaning tank for performing electrodegreasing, a washing room adjacent to this cleaning tank, a shower, disposed in the upper section of the washing room, for water-washing a stamper by spraying washing water onto the stamper while the stamper is positioned inside the washing room and is wet with an electrocleaning solution, a water drain tank, disposed in the lower section of the washing room, for collecting water after the stamper is washed with water and for draining the water, and a small drying room disposed in the upper section of the washing room for operating to heat and dry the stamper after the shower has operated during the predetermined time the stamper is held in the washing room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Norio Okabayashi
  • Patent number: 4989623
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning delivery probes used for dispensing protein-containing reagents. The apparatus includes: a bath of a cleaning solution for a protein-containing reagent; a device for lowering the probe into the cleaning solution for aspirating cleaning solution into the probe and for coating the outside of the probe; a device for raising the probe from the cleaning solution; a device for forcing primer liquid through the probe for expelling aspirated cleaning solution followed by primer liquid from the probe for washing the inside of the probe; and a device for deflecting cleaning solution and primer liquid expelled from the probe onto the outside of the probe for washing the outside of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Akzo N.V.
    Inventors: Julie F. Hoffman, Lionel D. Jones, II
  • Patent number: 4988042
    Abstract: This invention is an automated system and method for washing automobiles. The invention provides a device which sprays liquid onto the vehicle, while closely following the general contour of the vehicle. The system determines that contour by analyzing and recording patterns of broken light beams when the vehicle passes by an array of photoelectric sensors. The system uses the stored information about the contour of the vehicle to control the movement of a spray bar which contains a set of nozzles. As the vehicle is pulled into the washing area by a conveyor, the spray bar initially moves with the vehicle, spraying the front grille while maintaining a constant distance from the vehicle. Then, the spray bar reverses direction, while the vehicle continues to move forward. The spray bar then travels around the vehicle contour, while adjusting the direction of the nozzles so that the liquid flows in the proper direction. After having traced the entire contour, the spray bar reverses direction again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Sherman Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Del Prato, Sherman L. Larson
  • Patent number: 4870981
    Abstract: The invention deals with some improvements on chambers intended for setting concrete parts, as well as with the necessary complementary components to transfer the concrete parts from the production machine up to the chamber part outlet. One of the improvements consists of a certain mechanism, named transfer unit, which carries out the transportation of panels loaded with parts from the moulding machine up to a lifter responsible for raising and introducing those panels in the different floors of the chamber. Another improvement consists in providing the lifter with a counterweight stop and some moving arms to push the panels properly and prevent them from getting on top of each other, as well as to open the respective chamber gates. The chamber is a little bit inclined to facilitate the panel movement. Another improvement consists of a rolling path made up of a wheel-shaft-self-levelling bracket assembly as well as a spray watering system and an individual little roof per floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Inventor: Alberto B. Serrano
  • Patent number: 4756322
    Abstract: A vertical panel (1) separates the shop into an average cleanness zone (2) and a maximum cleanness zone (3). An elongated tank (4) is located in the zone (2) and an enclosure (6) is inserted in an opening (5) in the panel (1). The tubes are cleaned and prerinsed in the tank (4), then rinsed and dried in the enclosure (6), which also serves as a lock for the transfer of the tubes between the zones (2) and (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Inventor: Philippe A. Lami
  • Patent number: 4709714
    Abstract: An apparatus for exposing the fibrous reinforcements of a fiber reinforced resin body comprises at least one stage in which a portion of the resin body is brought into contact with a heated resin removing liquid while the resin body is vibrated. According to this apparatus subsequent processing of the resin body, e.g., connecting to another similarly treated resin body, can be advantageously conducted by utilizing the exposed fibrous reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Assignee: Hitachi Zosen Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Nishino, Masahiko Yamamoto, Tadayoshi Uda, Kiyoshi Kondo, Yutaka Kondo, Kazuo Kondo
  • Patent number: 4561956
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for rinsing electroplating solution from the surfaces of articles so that substantially complete recovery of the electroplating solution is achieved. The apparatus is preferably receivable on a wall of an electroplating tank and comprises an open housing-like structure having a splash wall and an open trough beneath the splash wall, and a rack for supporting at least one plated article in front of the splash wall above the trough. For use of the apparatus in accordance with the method, an article is supported on the rack in front of the splash wall, and a rinse solution, such as water, is sprayed onto the article in order to rinse electroplating solution from the surfaces thereof. The rinse solution and any plating solution intermixed therewith gravitate downwardly from the article and the splash wall and are received in the trough and then transferred to the plating tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: Antonelli Plating Co.
    Inventor: Christopher C. Antonelli
  • Patent number: 4426233
    Abstract: The sludge collecting in a floating roof type oil storage tank is disposed of by inserting a compressed liquid spurting device in a straightened state into the tank through an orifice in the floating roof, feeding compressed liquid to the spurting device, causing the spurting nozzle of the device to be swung about the device proper and, at the same time, releasing the compressed liquid against the sludge inside the tank thereby causing the sludge to be disintegrated and fludized by the force of the compressed liquid, and allowing the fludized sludge to be drawn into a reservoir whose interior is under negative pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1984
    Assignees: Taiho Industries Co. Ltd., O.P.E. Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Manabe, Takahiro Goto
  • Patent number: 4276263
    Abstract: A sterilization system preferably utilizing two baths in which articles to be sterilized are immersed into a first bath where the articles are conditioned and then into a second bath containing a sterilizing solution where they are sterilized. The ingredients for the sterilization system are stored in hermetically sealed pouches which are opened just prior to use to release and activate the system. The sterilization system utilizes a chlorine solution which is highly efficacious while being non-corrosive and having a reduced toxicity and prolonged shelf life, and may be utilized by relatively untrained personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1981
    Assignee: Anprosol Incorporated
    Inventors: Harold W. Andersen, Shirley R. Andersen, Clifford Zaner, Charles H. Harrison
  • Patent number: 4178089
    Abstract: A photographic developer for sheet film arranged to feed the film through two or more interconnected chambers sealed by seals at the inlet of the first chamber and the outlet of the final chamber and also sealed at the interconnection of the chambers by means of seals which are preferably rotatable and controlled by a single motor, the seals preferably having rotatable valves at one end which control the inlet and outlet of developing and fixing agents as well as a drying gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1979
    Inventor: Harry A. H. Spence-Bate
  • Patent number: 4058412
    Abstract: A device for washing a can comprising a support for supporting the can on one of its lateral sides for sliding movement from a prepunch position to a punch position. A knife is positioned adjacent the support and has a cutting edge presented toward the bottom of the can so that the knife will destructively pierce the bottom of the can whenever the can is manually forced against the knife. The knife is shaped to provide a channel for liquid contents of the can to drain therefrom whenever the can is pierced by the knife. A spray nozzle is mounted with respect to the knife so as to protrude within the interior of the can whenever the knife pierces the can. A timing device causes the spray to spray the interior of the can throughout a 30-second cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1977
    Assignee: Green Hills, Inc.
    Inventors: Merton C. Knapp, Charles Rex Galloway
  • Patent number: 4003392
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for cleaning particles from the surfaces of MOS-LSI die is disclosed. The present invention involves cleaning apparatus that includes a process tank, a manifold fixture that secures a plurality of universal inserts having variable die size cavities and a multi-nozzle agitator assembly that attaches to said manifold fixture having means for directing pressurized gas and fluid means. The die inserts are selected, fitted and secured in the cavities of the manifold fixture. The dice are installed and secured in the die inserts. The loaded manifold fixture is positioned over the process tank where the dice are rinsed with deionized water, rinsed with alcohol, inspected, scrubbed, pressure rinsed with deionized water, pressure rinsed with alcohol and dried with nitrogen, inspected and secured in clean die trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1977
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Schaefer