With Detachable Work Holder Or Receptacle Patents (Class 134/92)
  • Patent number: 9707600
    Abstract: A boot and bicycle tire bath and method of using the same for facilitating the removal of undesirable material, such as from rubber or synthetic material, including cleaning snow and ice with grit from the soles of footwear and/or the tires of bicycles. Footwear may be dipped in a fluid in the bath, removing grit and other material, and thereafter left to dry on optional heel and/or toe holds. A bicycle tire, optionally supported by spaced apart rollers, may likewise be rotated through the fluid for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Barry Alan Gore
  • Patent number: 9439553
    Abstract: A portable washing and drying apparatus useful for washing and drying baby bottle components and other baby-feeding accessories in limited spaces. The apparatus has a flexible membrane to place baby-feeding accessories so that the apparatus can lie in sink basins that have a variety of sizes and shapes. The membrane has a plurality of interspersed holes and a plurality of projections to hold accessories. The membrane may have vertical partitions that separate the flexible membrane into drying and washing regions. The membrane is supported by at least two frame members secured to opposing sides of the membrane and can be spatially adjusted from each other. In one configuration, the frame members have hooks that extend therefrom and attach to an external support, such as a towel bar. In another configuration, the frame members are connected by a chain and hook, so that the apparatus can hang from a shower rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Niloufar Gabbay
  • Patent number: 9155448
    Abstract: A portable washing and drying apparatus useful for washing and drying baby bottle components and other baby-feeding accessories in limited spaces. The apparatus has a flexible membrane to place baby-feeding accessories so that the apparatus can lie in sink basins that have a variety of sizes and shapes. The membrane has a plurality of interspersed holes and a plurality of projections to hold accessories. The membrane may have vertical partitions that separate the flexible membrane into drying and washing regions. The membrane is supported by at least two frame members secured to opposing sides of the membrane and can be spatially adjusted from each other. In one configuration, the frame members have hooks that extend therefrom and attach to an external support, such as a towel bar. In another configuration, the frame members are connected by a chain and hook, so that the apparatus can hang from a shower rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Inventor: Niloufar Gabbay
  • Patent number: 8919358
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus has an indexer block and a processing block. One side of the processing block has a vertical stack of a plurality of top surface cleaning units and the other side of the processing block has a vertical stack of a plurality of back surface cleaning units. Reversing units for reversing the substrate W are provided one above the other between the indexer block and the processing block. For example, one reversing unit is used for reversing the substrate before a back surface cleaning processing by the back surface cleaning unit or for other purposes, and the other reversing unit is used for placing the substrate W after a top surface cleaning processing by the top surface cleaning unit or for other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ichiro Mitsuyoshi, Jun Shibukawa, Shinji Kiyokawa, Tomohiro Kurebayashi
  • Patent number: 8858731
    Abstract: A disinfecting chemical bottle includes a bottle body including a storing section that stores a chemical used for cleaning/disinfecting an endoscope and a mouth portion including an opening portion from which the chemical freely flows out, a first conductive portion provided so as to be exposed in an inner portion and an outer portion of the bottle body, and a second conductive portion provided at a position different from that of the first conductive portion so as to be exposed in the inner portion and the outer portion of the bottle body, the second conductive portion being electrically connectable to the first conductive portion via the chemical in the bottle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Takaaki Komiya, Tsuyoshi Fujita
  • Publication number: 20140190528
    Abstract: A cutlery drawer for a dishwasher includes a frame extendably supported within a washing tub and a plurality of inserts which are movably disposed on the frame and are configured to hold dishware items to be washed. The plurality of inserts include a horizontally displaceable disposed on the frame so as to be horizontally displaceable in a direction perpendicular to a direction of withdrawal of the cutlery drawer and a vertically displaceable insert disposed on the frame so as to be vertically displaceable. The horizontally displaceable insert has longitudinal sides extending in the direction of withdrawal of the cutlery drawer and is disposed on the frame so as to be vertically displaceable at one of the longitudinal sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Wegener, Cornelius Wolf
  • Patent number: 8701256
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing condensed metal from the surfaces of metal processing chambers, such as, vacuum induction melting (VIM) furnaces having, for example, condensed Mg or Ti, are disclosed. The methods and apparatus provide a robotic arm end positioned in the furnace having a nozzle operatively connected to a source of dry ice. The robotic arm end directs a stream of dry ice particles against the surface of the furnace to displace condensed metal. The displaced metal is collected for reuse or disposal. Aspects of the invention provide a safe and automated process for cleaning process chambers and recovering metal that can typically be dangerous when performed by conventional methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Mars Metals, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron P. Mars
  • Patent number: 8168006
    Abstract: A utensil holder assembly for a dishwasher includes multiple utensil baskets that can be mounted in various different configurations in the dishwasher to provide a consumer with the flexibility to construct diverse arrangements of dishware, cookware, utensils and the like for a washing operation. In a first configuration, two utensil baskets are interconnected to form an elongated basket which can be mounted to an inner liner of a dishwasher door. In a second configuration, one basket is mounted to the inner liner and the other basket is supported on a rack in the dishwasher. In a third configuration, both of the baskets are supported on the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Debra L. Bengston, Mark Britton, Heather Hagans, Scott D. Raches, Wayne M. VanLandingham, Christopher W. Vaughn, Karl R. C. Wendt
  • Patent number: 8124010
    Abstract: A reusable container for the sterile transfer of pharmaceutical recipients, in particular of syringe bodies. The container comprises an outer case and a sterilizable interior, wherein the interior is microbially isolated from the environment of the container. The interior has at least one holder for accommodating at least one nest for storing a plurality of pharmaceutical recipients. The nest can be removably accommodated in the holder. The container further has at least one container door for removing or introducing the nest into the interior and at least one lock for coupling the container to a sterile space. The lock is configured in such a way that, after coupling to the sterile space, it is possible to open the container door without substantially suspending sterility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: F. Hoffman-La Roche AG
    Inventors: Rolf-Dieter Gabel, Martin Knierim
  • Patent number: 7846269
    Abstract: A dishwasher basket for use with baby bottle nipples includes a specially designed rack that maintains baby bottle nipples in an upright position during the washing and drying. The base of the nipple is also prevented from resting upon the surface of the rack. Feeding straw and valve holders are also provided that can be attached to the dishwasher basket. The dishwasher basket is able to be opened using only one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Kevin Johnson, Mark Hatherill
  • Publication number: 20100180921
    Abstract: A conductor cleaning system for cleaning aluminum strands of all aluminum and steel reinforced conductors, such as ACSS, ACSR, ACAR, and AAA. The conductor cleaning system having a container adapted to receive a portion of a conductor to be cleaned, a housing adapted to receive and support the container, and a cleaning solution contained in the container for cleaning the portion of the conductor. The cleaning solution being adapted to clean the conductor without reacting with or damaging the conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Phillips, Andrew H. Stewart, Shridas Ningileri, Neil J. Hurst, J. Finley Bush, Sike Xia, Chenghe Xiao
  • Publication number: 20090101178
    Abstract: A container rinsing system (10) has an air nozzle adapted to be positioned proximate an opening of the container and adapted to direct a supply of compressed air to the container. A vacuum member is adapted to be in communication with a vacuum source. The vacuum member is positioned around the air nozzle and adapted to vacuum foreign particles away from the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: STOKELY-VAN CAMP, INC
    Inventors: Rei-Young Amos Wu, Michael J. Mastio
  • Publication number: 20090101180
    Abstract: Provided are a substrate treating apparatus and a method of manufacturing the substrate treating apparatus. Processing units of a process equipment are modularized, and the modularized processing units are detachably disposed in a main frame. According to this characteristic, work time and work effort required for manufacturing the process equipment can be reduced. In addition, maintenance/repair of each of the processing units can be further easily performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Sung-Ho Jang, Byung-Man Kang
  • Publication number: 20080314421
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dishwasher having a substantially block-shaped housing and a washing tub. The housing includes a hanging cover and a front side having an opening. The washing tub includes a top having an opening and side walls having upper edges extending parallel to the housing cover. The washing tub is configured to be received and withdrawn -from the housing front side opening and to be fully inserted into the housing during a washing operation. A region of the washing tub bears against a region of the housing during the washing operation. The housing has at least one contact surface contoured to match a surface of the washing tub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: MIELE & CIE. KG
    Inventors: Uwe Bauch, Stephan Lange, Volker Stank
  • Patent number: 7451770
    Abstract: A cleaning device for an electrical hair removing apparatus is capable of being stored in a compact profile. The apparatus has an operator head at its top, and is formed on its bottom with an electric terminal for receiving an external signal that controls the apparatus. The cleaning device includes a basin for receiving the operator head of the apparatus and also includes a control circuit providing the external signal. The device has a tank storing a volume of a cleaning liquid, and a circulator configured to supply the cleaning liquid into the basin from the tank for cleaning the operator head. A stand is provided on the device to hold the apparatus upside down with the operator head disposed within the basin. The stand is formed at its top end with a header carrying contacts which are connected to the terminal on the bottom of the apparatus. The stand is composed of a fixed support and a movable arm which extends from the support and is formed at its top with the header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Saito, Hiroyuki Kameoka, Jyuzaemon Iwasaki, Fumio Taniguchi, Yasuo Ibuki, Hiroshi Shigeta
  • Patent number: 7448398
    Abstract: A sonic cleaner for small articles includes two tanks for receiving a liquid and articles to be cleaned and a base unit having chambers for receiving each tank. A vibratory motion generator attaches to the base unit through an isolating structure. Complementary attachment elements on the vibratory motion generator and each tank form a releasable, rigid connection. When the tank is attached to the vibratory motion generator, liquid in the tank can be agitated. When the releasable, rigid connection is detached, the tank can be removed from the base unit for disposing of liquid in the tank without having to handle the entire sonic cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Connoisseurs Products Corporation
    Inventors: Dov Z. Glucksman, Laura J. Nickerson, Gary P. McGonagle
  • Patent number: 7337635
    Abstract: Washing agent dispenser for a household washing machine, namely a dishwasher, which dispenser has a body (2) delimiting at least a recess (3) for containing a certain amount of washing agent, comprising occlusion means (4,5) for said recess (3). According to the invention, said occlusion means (4,5) are capable of taking at least two different operating conditions for a partial opening of said recess (3), one for loading said amount of washing agent, the other for its subsequent dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Eltek S.p.A.
    Inventors: Daniele Cerruti, Giovanni Perucca, Fabio Nebbia, Stefano Belfiore
  • Patent number: 7261110
    Abstract: A shaving apparatus cleaning device includes a reservoir for holding a supply of a cleaning fluid and a cleaning receptacle for receiving the shaving apparatus. The reservoir has a discharge orifice through which the cleaning fluid is allowed to flow from the reservoir to the cleaning receptacle. The reservoir and the cleaning receptacle are designed so that the level of the cleaning fluid in the reservoir is higher than a pre-determined minimum level of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning receptacle, and a flow of fluid generated by the difference between levels and flowing from the reservoir to the cleaning receptacle is controllable in dependence upon the actual fluid level in the cleaning receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Diana Kappes, Andreas Larscheid, Uwe Ludäscher
  • Patent number: 7252102
    Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaner apparatus is disclosed which includes a support housing, a tub supported by the housing and an ultrasound and sensor transducer contacting the bottom of the cleaning tank. A fixture assembly for holding items to be cleaned is configured for insertion into the cleaning tank. The fixture assembly comprises a predetermined number of slots, which are positioned around the perimeter of a pair of end disks disposed on the fixture assembly. The slots are configured to receive the distal ends of slats or other items to be cleaned. Rotation of the fixture assembly in the cleaning solution and ultrasonic energy effectively cleans the items while the fixture assembly securely holds the items during cleaning, rinsing and drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventors: Jeff Grass, Michael Giboney
  • Patent number: 7201176
    Abstract: A wafer chuck is configured to hold a wafer efficiently for spin process cleaning of wafer edges and back sides. A first group of retractable tips extend to hold the wafer during a first portion of the cleaning period. A second group of retractable tips extend to hold the wafer during a second portion of the cleaning period. Residues left between the tips and the wafer edge areas during the first portion of the cleaning period are removed during the second portion. The change from the first group of tips to the second group of tips occurs while the wafer is rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: LSI Logic Corporation
    Inventors: Kyoko Kuroki, Hideaki Seto
  • Patent number: 7107692
    Abstract: A cleaning device for a shaving apparatus includes a chassis supporting a cleaning container for receiving the shaving head region of the shaving apparatus. A detent device is movably suspended on the chassis and is biased by means of a resilient element toward a first end position in which the detent device fixedly secures a replaceable reservoir holding a supply of cleaning liquid to the chassis in a positive engagement relationship therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Diana Kappes, Andreas Larscheid, Uwe Ludascher
  • Patent number: 7059336
    Abstract: A cleaning device for a shaving head of a dry shaving apparatus includes a reservoir to store a cleaning fluid, a receptacle adapted to receive the shaving head and the cleaning fluid, the receptacle being configured to direct the cleaning fluid toward the shaving head, a return conduit extending from the receptacle to the reservoir to convey the cleaning fluid from the receptacle into reservoir; and a venting device attached to the reservoir to provide aeration and deaeration of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Höser, Diana Kappes, Andreas Larscheid, Uwe Ludäscher, Svatopluk Krumnikl
  • Patent number: 7056392
    Abstract: A wafer chuck is configured to hold a wafer efficiently for spin process cleaning of wafer edges and back sides. A first group of retractable tips extend to hold the wafer during a first portion of the cleaning period. A second group of retractable tips extend to hold the wafer during a second portion of the cleaning period. Residues left between the tips and the wafer edge areas during the first portion of the cleaning period are removed during the second portion. The change from the first group of tips to the second group of tips occurs while the wafer is rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: LSI Logic Corporation
    Inventors: Kyoko Kuroki, Hideaki Seto
  • Publication number: 20040244825
    Abstract: A household dishwashing machine of the type having a wash chamber in the form of a drawer, with the drawing being moveable between a lowered to a raised position for facile loading and unloading of the dishes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Robert H. Ashton
  • Publication number: 20040091391
    Abstract: During the treatment, in particular cleaning, disinfecting and drying, of used, dirty endoscopes, in order to render them suitable once again for subsequent use, the following steps take place: placing a used, dirty endoscope in a rack, connecting the passages of the endoscope to a connection block which is arranged in a fixed position in the rack, placing the rack, with the endoscope therein, in at least one device for treating the endoscope, the connection block being connected to a counter-connection block which is present in the treatment device, in order to bring about a connection between the endoscopes and the treatment device, subjecting the endoscope which is accommodated in the rack to a specific treatment in the treatment device, taking the rack with the endoscope therein out of the treatment device, and uncoupling the endoscope from the connection block after it has been taken out of the final treatment device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Johannes Antonius Walta
  • Patent number: 6719850
    Abstract: The present invention provides a small, quiet sonic cleaner which can be used to clean jewelry and other small objects. The cleaner includes a tank which is rigidly connected to a vibration generator such as an eccentrically loaded motor, and which is flexibly coupled to a base upon which the cleaner sits. The coupling of the tank to the base is preferably through progressive motion attenuators such as springs, which provide superior vibration isolation for the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Connoisseurs Products Corp.
    Inventors: Dov Glucksman, Karl Kaltenbach, Gary McGonagle, Laura Nickerson
  • Patent number: 6641781
    Abstract: During the treatment, in particular cleaning, disinfecting and drying, of used, dirty endoscopes, in order to render them suitable once again for subsequent use, the following steps take place: placing a used, dirty endoscope in a rack, connecting the passages of the endoscope to a connection block which is arranged in a fixed position in the rack, placing the rack, with the endoscope therein, in at least one device for treating the endoscope, the connection block being connected to a counter-connection block which is present in the treatment device, in order to bring about a connection between the endoscopes and the treatment device, subjecting the endoscope which is accommodated in the rack to a specific treatment in the treatment device, taking the rack with the endoscope therein out of the treatment device, and uncoupling the endoscope from the connection block after it has been taken out of the final treatment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Johannes Antonius Walta
  • Patent number: 6640819
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a cleaning device (RV) with a housing (1) and with a cleaning bath (8) for receiving an appliance of personal use, in particular a shaving head (S) of a shaving apparatus (R), with a replaceably arranged cleaning liquid container (3) having an inlet port (15) and an outlet port (18), a sealing element (51) for sealing the outlet port (18), a liquid impelling assembly (6) adapted to be driven by a motor (5) for propelling a cleaning liquid (11) from the cleaning liquid container (3) into the cleaning bath (8) whose draining conduit (9) is adapted to be coupled to an inlet port (15) of the cleaning liquid container (3), wherein provision is made for a sealing element (14) between the draining conduit (9) and the inlet port (15), and the flow cross section of the draining conduit (9) is dimensioned such as to enable the cleaning liquid (11) with contaminants to drain into the cleaning liquid container (3) and gaseous medium to escape from the cleaning liquid container (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Höser, Alf Jahn
  • 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: 6055996
    Abstract: In order to reuse dishes, cutlery, glassware and other food service utensils onboard an aircraft, a washing apparatus is provided as a part of the food service system onboard the aircraft. The apparatus includes a service trolley and a washing unit that may be coupled together to form a washing chamber within the trolley. The washing unit is installed within a trolley parking bay in a galley of the aircraft and is connected to a water supply and a power supply. The trolley is equipped with racks for receiving the dirty utensils, and the washing unit is equipped with water spray arms that reach into the trolley into clearance spaces between the racks. The dirty utensils are collected from passengers directly into the service trolley, which is then wheeled into position in the trolley parking bay, and coupled to the washing unit. Thereby, the utensils may be collected, cleaned, stored, and reused, with only minimal handling, cost, and space requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Aerospace Airbus GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Sprenger, Jens Harten, Bernd Roessner
  • Patent number: 5875800
    Abstract: A cleaning device for cutlery, includes a cleaning chamber with a spraying device acting in the cleaning chamber, the cleaning chamber being disposed so that it can be removed from the cleaning device. Also in a method for cleaning and disinfecting cutlery, the disinfecting and the cleaning are carried out consecutively in this or in the reverse order in the same cleaning chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Jan Hendrik Hulskotte
  • Patent number: 5709234
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention includes a dryer for reusable material which includes a housing having a top, bottom wall, and a side wall that together define a chamber. A flue connects a fan to the chamber. A heating mechanism is positioned adjacent the flue and thereby in communication with the drying chamber. The fan displaces air warmed by the heating mechanism toward an opening in one of the top, bottom wall or side wall and through a removable porous basket for holding remediated material that can be adapted to fit in covering relation over the opening. Thus, the reusable remediated material is quickly dried. This dryer can be used in combination with a washer tank and a quick-dumping removable porous basket adapted to fit into the tank and hold the remediated materials during washing as well as drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: B&S Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent J. Lashmett, Doug C. Lashmett, H. W. Lashmett, Larry R. Herzog, Thomas P. Tri
  • Patent number: 5649556
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a cleaning device 5 for cleaning the shaving head 3 of a dry shaving apparatus 1, with a cradle structure 7 adapted to receive therein the shaving head 3, a cleaning fluid container 61 holding a cleaning fluid, as well as a device adapted to be driven by a motor 28 for feeding the cleaning fluid, wherein the cleaning fluid container 61 is separable from the cleaning device 5 and includes a filter means 24 integrally formed therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Braun Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gebhard Braun
  • Patent number: 5350064
    Abstract: A novel disposable container and method is used for cleaning and lubricating a standard dental handpiece. The disposable container completely encloses a head of the dental handpiece. When the handpiece is cleaned or lubricated with cleaning or lubricating agents, the container collects cleaning or lubricating agents and any other materials that are expelled therewith from the handpiece to prevent these materials from entering the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Gendex Corporation
    Inventor: Gary G. Schneck
  • Patent number: 5024705
    Abstract: A system is provided for cleaning paint brushes whose bristles have, from use, developed liquefied accumulations thereon of an oil base paint. A plurality of transparent vessels, each containing the same liquid solvent, are supported in a first predetermined serial relationship such that a paint brush with accumulations of paint thereon can be immersed in sequence in the solvent contained in each of the vessels. A towel dispenser provides toweling for wiping the paint brush to mechanically remove the accumulations of paint thereon before and after immersion of the paint brush into the solvent contained in each of the vessels. Covers are removably attached to each of the vessels for selectively sealing the solvent from the atmosphere. Indicia may be applied to the covers or otherwise associated with the vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: Claire M. Cahill
  • Patent number: 4705056
    Abstract: A multiple gel destaining apparatus is disclosd, in which the gels are laid out horizontally in a series of trays arranged in a stack. Each tray accommodates either one slab gel or one layer of tube gels. The trays are of interchangeable construction, and designed with appropriately placed openings for fluid passage so that destaining fluid flows through the tray stack in a serpentine path, sweeping one tray then sweeping the next in the opposite direction. The tray stack is submerged in a tank with continuous circulation of destaining fluid, arranged to draw the fluid downward through the stack, outward through a filter at the bottom of the tank, and upward along the sides of the tank to the top of the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Y. M. Chu
  • Patent number: 4702266
    Abstract: A multiple gel destainiing apparatus is disclosed, in which the gels are laid out horizontally in a series of trays arranged in a stack. Ech tray accomodates either one slab gel or one layer of tube gels. The trays are of interchangeable construction, and designed with appropriately placed openings for fluid passage so that destaining fluid flows through the tray stack in a serpentine path, sweeping one tray then sweeping the next in the opposited direction. The tray stack is submerged in a tank with continuous circulation of destaining fluid, arranged to draw the fluid downward through the stack, outward through a filter at the bottom of the tank, and upward along the sides of the tank to the top of the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Y. M. Chu
  • Patent number: 4671206
    Abstract: A rack for supporting articles being surface treated includes a device for locating and supporting at least two rows of articles with the articles of one row being in alternating, staggered and partially overlapping relationship with the articles of the other row. Preferably, the article rack is used in high volume manufacturing processes wherein a plurality of articles to be treated are placed on the rack which is immersed in a treating solution. The structure of the rack in combination with solution vibrating means enables the articles to be supported, separated and treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Inventors: Lamont I. Hoppestad, George A. Blanos
  • Patent number: 4616748
    Abstract: A container in which artists' pastels can be safely stored and transported and discoloring pastel dust can be conveniently removed from the pastels. The container holds a stack of trays, each made from a frame that surrounds and supports an open mesh on which pastels can be placed. The trays are supported above a freely flowing granular abrasive in the bottom of the container which can scour the pastel dust from the surfaces of the pastels. The top tray is just beneath the top of the container so that, when the container is inverted, the trays are held in place by the stack and the pastels are protected against breakage by the abrasive, which surrounds and scours the pastels, and by the previously overlying top of the container or by the mesh of the previously overlying tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Inventors: Warren R. Thomas, Edna H. Thomas
  • 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: 4528997
    Abstract: A rack for supporting articles being surface treated includes a device for locating and supporting at least two rows of articles with the articles of one row being in alternating, staggered and partially overlapping relationship with the articles of the other row. Preferably, the article rack is used in high volume manufacturing processes wherein a plurality of articles to be treated are placed on the rack which is immersed in a treating solution. The structure of the rack in combination with solution vibrating means enables the articles to be supported, separated and treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Assignee: Corpane Industries
    Inventors: Lamont I. Hoppestad, George A. Blanos
  • Patent number: 4336816
    Abstract: A device for cleaning small objects, such as dentures, in a tank containing cleaning fluid is provided. The cleaning fluid is electromagnetically agitated. A removable basket having a perforated bottom is positioned in the tank. Releasably coupled to the bottom of the basket is a basket insert which also contains a perforated bottom. A removable screen is mounted between the basket and basket insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1982
    Assignee: Braun Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Eberhard Horz, Robert Wirsing, Gunter Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 4310010
    Abstract: A two-chambered cleaning device includes an upper chamber and a lower chamber separated by a generally horizontal perforated plate. Generally vertical openings extend through the horizontal plate constituting the perforations which receive generally vertical open tubes extending above the horizontal plate into the upper chamber. The vertical open tubes receive the open ends of closed-end tubes which are to be cleaned. A cleaning liquid is introduced into the upper chamber, above the horizontal plate. The pressure in the lower chamber is reduced below that of the upper chamber whereby the cleaning fluid passes upwardly through the annular space between the outer surface of the vertical open tubes and the inner surface of the closed-end tubes which are to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1982
    Inventor: Melora J. Svoboda
  • Patent number: 4280344
    Abstract: A drag cloth cleaning and rinsing device including a bucket-like receptacle, capable of bearing fluid, a box-shaped screen removably mounted within the opening of said bucket, the screen having sufficient depth to be received into the bucket so that a portion of the screen is immersed below the water level within the bucket, and a drag cloth squeezing and draining trough mounted on one side of the screen. The drag cloth is inserted below the fluid level in the bucket within the screen, the screen being used to compress the drag cloth repeatedly within the fluid medium in the bucket for cleaning the drag cloth. Once cleaned, the drag cloth is transferred to the trough where the fluid is squeezed out and largely removed from the cloth by compressing the cloth against the trough. The ends of the trough, or any portion thereof, are open to allow drainage back into the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Inventor: John D. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 4178091
    Abstract: Photographic processing of a plurality of film discs is accomplished by rotating the discs partially immersed in chemical solutions. Processing trays, which contain the solutions, conform to the peripheries of the discs, reducing the volumes of the solutions and making single use batches of the solutions attractive. Single and multiple-tray approaches are included and, at least in the latter case, a transport mechanism is provided for transferring the discs from tray-to-tray while rotating the discs between the trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1979
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Victor C. Solomon
  • Patent number: 4077416
    Abstract: To eliminate the manual handling of individual articles associated with loading and unloading conventional treating apparatus, a plurality of articles are simultaneously treated in the carriers which are used for batch handling prior to and subsequent to the treating operation. In a disclosed embodiment, wafer-shaped articles are held in mutually spaced substantially parallel relationship in a plurality of slots in a first carrier having an open face through which the wafers can be inserted and removed. The open face of the first carrier is abutted to the open face of an empty second carrier having at least a corresponding plurality of slots, such that the slots of the first carrier are aligned with the slots of the second carrier. The abutted carriers, with the wafers contained therein, are submersed in a treating medium and rotated about an axis running through the abutted faces of the carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1978
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Anderson F. Johnson, Jr., Edward L. Stork, Richard H. Winings
  • Patent number: 3974843
    Abstract: This invention relates to a washing machine for dental instruments comprising a frame structure housing a tank which may be closed by a lid, supplying pipes of said tank with water through a water treatment apparatus. A draining pump for said tank is provided, and an agitator for the water in the tank. A cylinder is rotatively and removely mounted in the tank and has a support which receives the instruments to be cleaned. A control device comprising a timer, push-buttoms, valves and pressure gages controls the automatic washing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1976
    Assignee: Societe Distrembal SA
    Inventor: Michel Aubert