With Valved Liquid Drain From One Or More Stations Patents (Class 134/91)
  • Patent number: 11702828
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and techniques for cleaning sinks and dishes are provided. In some embodiments, a cleaning system comprises at least one fluid supply, at least one opening in a side wall of a sink basin, and at least one nozzle positioned along an exterior of the sink basin. The nozzle is configured to receive fluid from the fluid supply, and dispense fluid through an opening in a side wall of the sink basin to an interior surface of the sink basin. In some embodiments, the nozzle is configured to dispense fluid to the interior of a sink basin, such that substantially all surfaces of the interior of the sink basin are covered with a thin layer of fluid. In some embodiments, nozzle dispensing angle, duration of a cleaning cycle, flow rate or amount of dispensing fluid, or activation of a cleaning cycle may be manually or automatically controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ki Bok Song, Alison J. Lyons, Jiekun Qian, Jean-Jacques L'Henaff, Emilie Williams
  • Patent number: 8479753
    Abstract: A liquid processing apparatus includes a substrate holding member configured to rotate along with a substrate held thereon in a horizontal state; an annular rotary cup configured to surround the substrate held on the substrate holding member and to rotate along with the substrate; a rotation mechanism configured to integrally rotate the rotary cup and the substrate holding member; and a liquid supply mechanism configured to supply a process liquid onto the substrate. The apparatus further includes an annular drain cup configured to receive the process liquid discharged from the rotary cup, and provided with a drain port; and a circular flow generation element configured to generate a circular flow within the drain cup when the rotary cup and the substrate holding member are rotated, such that the circular flow serves to lead the process liquid within the drain cup to the drain port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Nanba, Norihiro Ito
  • Patent number: 8297291
    Abstract: A combination parts washer for cleaning mechanical parts of oil, grease and contaminants. The washer has a cabinet which has two reservoirs. A parts receptacle in the one of the reservoirs receives the parts which are cleaned by ultrasonic waves. An operable sink for manual cleaning is positioned on the top of the cabinet and opens to access the cabinet and reservoir. Fluid from the sink drains to the first reservoir. In the closed position, the sink covers the top of the cabinet and may be used as a sink washer using the attached brush supplied by fluid from the first reservoir. Initial pre-cleaning may be performed in the sink using the brush. Subsequent precision cleaning may be accomplished by immersion and ultrasonic cleaning in the second reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald H. Bluestone, Ryan J. Bluestone
  • Patent number: 7992580
    Abstract: A combination parts washer for cleaning mechanical parts of oil, grease and contaminants. The washer has a cabinet which has two reservoirs. A parts receptacle in the one of the reservoirs receives the parts which are cleaned by ultrasonic waves. An operable sink for manual cleaning is positioned on the top of the cabinet and opens to access the cabinet and reservoir. Fluid from the sink drains to the first reservoir. In the closed position, the sink covers the top of the cabinet and may be used as a sink washer using the attached brush supplied by fluid from the first reservoir. Initial pre-cleaning may be performed in the sink using the brush. Subsequent precision cleaning may be accomplished by immersion and ultrasonic cleaning in the second reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald H. Bluestone, Ryan J. Bluestone
  • Patent number: 6884301
    Abstract: A method and biological cleaning system are provided for cleaning substrate surfaces of oils and/or greases using a biological cleaning system which utilizes a pre-treatment bath and/or post-treatment bath as part of the cleaning system. The pre-treatment and/or post-treatment baths are compatible with the biological cleaning bath and during operation of the system, the used pre-treatment and/or post-treatment baths are recycled to the biological cleaning solution for biodegradation. A system is provided in which none of the pre-treatment, post-treatment or biological cleaning baths need expensive waste disposal. Replenishment pre-treatment and/or post-treatment baths as well as biological cleaning baths are added as needed to the biological cleaning system. Other treatment baths may be added directly to the biological cleaning bath with or without pre- or post-treatment for specific purposes such as a detergent phosphating bath used in the biological cleaning tank to provide a cleaned phosphated part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: BioClean, USA
    Inventors: Juan Haydu, Timothy P. Callahan, Zoltan F. Mathe, Mikael Norman
  • Patent number: 6491049
    Abstract: A drawer dishwasher includes a drawer which is movable from a closed to an open position. A lid is separate from the drawer and is adapted to seal over the top of the drawer when the drawer is in its closed position and to move upwardly and away from the drawer in response to movement of the drawer from its closed to its open position. Recirculation plumbing and draining plumbing are connected to the drawer dishwasher and lead to a remote pump and reservoir for receiving drained fluid from the drawer and for recirculating drained fluid back into the spray assembly within the drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Barry E. Tuller, Rodney M. Welch
  • Patent number: 6391836
    Abstract: A method and biological cleaning system are provided for cleaning substrate surfaces of oils and/or greases using a biological cleaning system which utilizes a pre-treatment bath and/or post-treatment bath as part of the cleaning system. The pre-treatment and/or post-treatment baths are compatible with the biological cleaning bath and during operation of the system, the used pre-treatment and/or post-treatment baths are recycled to the biological cleaning solution for biodegradation. A system is provided in which none of the pre-treatment, post-treatment or biological cleaning baths need expensive waste disposal. Replenishment pre-treatment and/or post-treatment baths as well as biological cleaning baths are added as needed to the biological cleaning system. Other treatment baths may be added directly to the biological cleaning bath with or without pre- or post-treatment for specific purposes such as a detergent phosphating bath used in the biological cleaning tank to provide a cleaned phosphated part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: BioClean, USA
    Inventors: Juan Haydu, Timothy P. Callahan, Zoltan F. Mathe, Mikael Norman
  • 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: 5845661
    Abstract: A parts washer for removing cutting oil from machined parts includes two open compartments separated by a common heat-conducting wall. A single heater in one compartment heats washing solution in both compartments. The back of the washer has a stepped configuration to protect components from injury while the washer is on the shop floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: R. H. Sheppard Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Allen W. Leppo
  • 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: 5699726
    Abstract: The invention relates to a soaking system for solids. The system includes stacked tanks each of which has a conical bottom. The tanks are connected through perforated valves through which the solids move from the top and water is fed from the bottom. The solids are soaked in a counterflowing water. In one embodiment, two or more similar units are stacked one upon the other for more efficient operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventor: Rajendra P. Gupta
  • Patent number: 5398708
    Abstract: A parts cleaning machine (10) is provided which includes a cabinet (50) with a rotating carousel (60) therein for supporting articles to be cleaned and a spray bar network (80) for directing cleaning fluid (F) against articles supported upon the carousel (60). The carousel (60) is enclosed within the cabinet (50). A sink (100) is also provided which receives fluid (F) from a line (126) which taps into the spray bar network (80) to utilize cleaning fluid (F) provided by a fluid delivery system (250). The cabinet (50) includes a reservoir (90) at a bottom thereof which collects cleaning fluid (F) utilized by the spray bar network (80) and utilized within the sink (100). A filter (150) processes water from the reservoir (90) to remove contaminants from the cleaning fluid (F). The parts cleaning machine (10) can simultaneously wash articles within the cabinet (50) and within the sink (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: Morris W. Sheldon
  • Patent number: 5112572
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for removing the oxide surface from water atomized metal powders containing an oxidizer capable of oxidizing chromium from a trivalent to a soluble hexavalent state, whereby chromium oxides are removed from the metal powder surface. The powder is then treated with a dilute acid solution essentially devoid of hydrofluoric acid to remove other hydrated oxides from the metal powder surface. The powder is then water washed and dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Inco Limited
    Inventors: Thijs Eerkes, James A. E. Bell, Carlos M. Diaz
  • Patent number: 4135530
    Abstract: A rinsing tank constructed to allow low volume water flow from an ingress point at one end of the tank to an outlet. Weirs are provided in the path of water flow to normally dam scum driven by the water flow yet allow passage of water. The rinsing water is, therefore, free of scum over a major part of its surface to permit immersion into and withdrawal from clear water of parts to be rinsed. Immersion of parts raises the water level in the tanks whereby scum dammed by the weirs can rise and pass over the weirs to the tank outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1979
    Assignee: Litton Industrial Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce R. Cheney