With Solid Agent Dissolving Or Supplying Means Patents (Class 134/93)
  • Publication number: 20040231710
    Abstract: A household dishwasher with a bulk wash aid dispenser for metering individual charges of wash aid from a bulk wash aid supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Geoffrey L. Dingler, Brent A. DeWeerd, Christopher J. Carlson, Michael L. Huie
  • Publication number: 20040194803
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for processing an electronic device, particularly the molding and cleaning of the device. Molding means encapsulate the electronic device with a molding compound. Thereafter, stain from one or more surfaces of the electronic device is removed by a stain removal device adapted to impact the electronic device with a polishing agent. A residue removal system then removes residue from the one or more surfaces of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: ASM Technology Singapore Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Shu Chuen Ho, Teng Hock Kuah, Shuai Ge Lee, Hun Khoon Pang, Bao Zong Zhao
  • Publication number: 20040177654
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a door, a washing tub closable by the door, and a water softener including an ion exchanger and a salt container. The salt container is disposed in an area of the door and includes a first and a second side wall, a bottom, narrow connecting walls, a water inlet and a brine outlet. Two side walls are disposed in the salt container, the dividing walls extending from the side walls to the bottom, dividing the salt container into a water distribution duct including the water inlet, a salt chamber, and a brine collecting duct including the brine outlet. The dividing walls, each including a respective screen surface in a region adjacent to the bottom, separate the water inlet and a brine outlet from each other. The screen surfaces are arranged in a v-shape relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventor: Volker Marks
  • Publication number: 20040163675
    Abstract: A device for use in a dishwashing machine to dispense a water-soluble glass or ceramic composition into the machine over a plurality of dishwashing cycles comprising: a) a shaped body made of the water-soluble glass or ceramic composition; and b) a container for holding said shaped body with at least part of its walls having perforations allowing a controlled circulation of the washing liquor into and out of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Karlheinz Hanh, Jurgen Schick, Tobias Schultheis
  • Patent number: 6773668
    Abstract: A solid detergent dispenser for use with a dishwashing machine includes a chamber and a lid. The chamber is configured and arranged to receive a solid detergent having a particular composition. A water inlet receives water from a water source, and the water flows through a tunnel into the bottom of the chamber. The chamber is flooded with water from the bottom to ensure relatively constant erosion of the solid detergent, which ensures that a relatively constant concentration of the solid detergent is used in the dishwashing machine. A water outlet allows water to flow out of the chamber into the dishwashing machine. The water must flow into the chamber faster than it flows out of the chamber to ensure that the appropriate amount of dissolution of the solid detergent occurs. The only valve used in the preferred embodiment is a valve to control the amount of water flowing into the water inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Everson, Lee M. Monsrud, Michael P. Kremer, Edward D. Sowle
  • Publication number: 20040112406
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for removing solid and/or liquid residues from electronic components such as semiconductor wafers utilizing liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide which is solidified on the surface of the wafer and then vaporized and removed from the system. In a preferred embodiment the solidification and vaporizing steps are repeated (cycled) before removal of the CO2 from the vessel. The residues are carried away with the vaporized carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Cotte, Catherine Ivers, Kenneth J. McCullough, Wayne M. Moreau, Robert J. Purtell, John P. Simons, William A. Syverson, Charles J. Taft
  • Publication number: 20040103930
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dishwasher having an improved water softener. The present invention includes a housing, a tub in the housing to hold tableware, an injector assembly for injecting water on the tableware in the tub, and a water softener softening the water supplied to the injector assembly, the water softener including a first container holding an ion-exchange resin for removing heavy metal and metal ions from the water, a second container holding a predetermined amount of salt and salt water to supply the salt water to the first container to recycle the ion-exchange resin that is saturated, a float installed in the second container, and a sensor provided to the second container to sense a concentration of the salt water according to a distance from the float.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Yong Jae Lee
  • Publication number: 20040103917
    Abstract: A lithographic mask is placed in a chamber which is then sealed. The gas pressure in the chamber is reduced to dislodge contaminant particles on the mask surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: ASMIL NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventor: Gert-Jan Heerens
  • Publication number: 20040101455
    Abstract: A device for generating a liquid detergent concentrate from a solid detergent is provided. The device includes a solid detergent reservoir for holding solid detergent, a stock solution reservoir for holding stock solution, and a hot water heater for controlling the temperature of water used to generate the stock solution from the solid detergent. A method for generating a liquid detergent concentrate from a solid detergent and a method for washing a vehicle are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Terry James Klos, Scott A. Johansen, Paul J. Mattia
  • Publication number: 20040098810
    Abstract: A dispensing cartridge for holding a product adapted to be inserted into a machine configured to utilize the product. A container has a bottom and at least one side wall. The bottom of the container has an opening configured to cooperate with the machine. A removable cover closes the opening in the container and prevents contact with the product before the dispensing cartridge is inserted into the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher J. Lancette
  • Publication number: 20040069325
    Abstract: Dispensing device of washing agents for a dishwashing machine, of the type comprises a body (2) to be fastened to a surface or wall delimiting a washing tub, having at least a portion of said body (2) protruding inside the washing tub; said dispenser (1) has at least a tank (11) for containing a liquid washing agent, means for dosing and/or dispensing a dose of liquid washing agent, a filling port (10) through which the liquid washing agent can be introduced into the tank (11), and closing means (15) of the filling port (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Daniele Cerruti, Stefano Belfiore, Constanzo Gadini
  • Patent number: 6701944
    Abstract: A removable cartridge for a detergent dispensing system for a dishwasher comprising: a storage unit containing a plurality of cylindrical or spherical detergent tablets arranged in two or more rows with curved surfaces of adjacent tablets touching such that when the cartridge is upright the tablets will move under gravity towards a transfer station, a transfer station comprising ejection means to eject a tablet from the transfer station through a transfer port out of the cartridge, a transfer seal associated with the transfer port to prevent ingress of moisture into the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Paul McNabb, Willem Oldenburg, Kevin Roberts
  • Publication number: 20040035450
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for cleaning the edge of a wafer that may be relatively simply constructed with low cost, and prevent the wafer from being re-contaminated by the edge cleaning, thus resulting in increase of the yield rate of wafers. The apparatus includes a cleaning agent ejection nozzle body provided on a side part of a chuck for ejecting a particulate cleaning agent (CO2 particles) towards the side and the edge portions of the wafer held and rotated by the chuck, and a nozzle body carriage for moving the nozzle body between rest and cleaning positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Se-Jong Ko, Jung-Gwan Kim, Cheol-Nam Yoom, Jeong-Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 6694678
    Abstract: An apparatus for limiting ice build-up in a gutter, the apparatus deployable in a gutter which has a bottom, the apparatus comprising a housing comprising sidewalls and a base comprising a top side, the sidewalls joined to the top side of the base with the side walls defining a salt block opening through which the salt block is loadable into the housing, with one of the side walls defining a flow opening for allowing frozen precipitation to pass therethrough and contact the salt block and melt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Brian J. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20040020517
    Abstract: A device for dispensing washing agents is described, for a household washing machine, in particular a diswasher, said dispenser (1) having at least a tank (S) for a liquid washing agent and an arrangement (11-22) for dispensing a dose of said washing agent. The arrangement comprises: a passage (12A, 12B, 12C) for putting the inside of said tank (S) in communication with a discharge outlet (16); plugging means (13) for said passage (12A, 12B, 12C), at least an actuator (11) for operating said plugging means (13). According to the invention, said plugging means comprise an element (13) being movable within said passage (12A, 12B, 12C) and bearing sealing means (18-21), whereby the movable element (13), in a first position, allows to realize the dosage of an amount of washing agent and, in a second position, allows to dispense the dosed amount of washing agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Daniele Cerruti, Giovanni Perrucca
  • Publication number: 20040003832
    Abstract: A washing container for a dishwasher having several parts joined together, including a frame with walls, a base, and/or a cover attached thereto. The container can easily be adapted to varying predefined requirements according to the design of the dishwasher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Helmut Jerg, Michael Rosenbauer, Bernd Schessl
  • Publication number: 20030213505
    Abstract: An automatic dishwashing appliance containing a cell and/or device comprising same for electrolyzing tap water and/or wash and/or rinse liquor for treating tableware to improve cleaning, sanitizing and stain removal. The present invention also relates to methods of use and articles of manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth Nathan Price, William Michael Scheper, I-Chun Jennifer Chiao, Julia Elizabeth Ballas, Michael Stanford Showell, Mario Elmen Tremblay, Kevin Lindsey Waugh
  • Publication number: 20030213183
    Abstract: An apparatus for limiting ice build-up in a gutter, the apparatus deployable in a gutter which has a bottom, the apparatus comprising a housing comprising sidewalls and a base comprising a top side, the sidewalls joined to the top side of the base with the side walls defining a salt block opening through which the salt block is loadable into the housing, with one of the side walls defining a flow opening for allowing frozen precipitation to pass therethrough and contact the salt block and melt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Brian J. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6645924
    Abstract: A device for generating a liquid detergent concentrate from a solid detergent is provided. The device includes a solid detergent reservoir for holding solid detergent, a stock solution reservoir for holding stock solution, and a hot water heater for controlling the temperature of water used to generate the stock solution from the solid detergent. A method for generating a liquid detergent concentrate from a solid detergent and a method for washing a vehicle are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Terry James Klos, Scott A. Johansen, Paul J. Mattia
  • Publication number: 20030168085
    Abstract: During the rinse cycle of a re-circulating dishwashing machine (132), water is simultaneously diverted into a dispenser (100) as water is delivered to the rinse arms (133) of the dishwashing machine (132). The cavity (118) of the dispenser (100) contains a solid detergent block (125) and is flooded with water during the rinse cycle. The water contacts the detergent (125) during the rinse cycle to create a use solution, and the use solution exits the dispenser (100) and flows into a wash water storage tank (135) of the dishwashing machine (132). During the wash cycle of the dishwashing machine (132), the wash water containing the use solution from the dispenser (100) is pumped into the wash arms (134). The wash water becomes diluted during the subsequent rinse cycle, however, the water diverted into the dispenser (100) during the rinse cycle replenishes the detergent (125) concentration in the wash water for use in the subsequent wash cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Eddie D. Sowle, John J. Rolando, John P. Furber, Allan L. Schuman, Katherine M. Sanville
  • Publication number: 20030106570
    Abstract: A device is described, for dispensing washing agents for a household washing machine, in particular a dishwasher, said dispenser (1) having at least a space (3B) for containing an amount of washing agent necessary for performing a washing cycle, wherein the charging of said amount of washing agent in said space (3B) is performed manually and the dispensing of the washing agent is performed at least partially by gravity. According to the invention, the device comprises at least a dispensing body (3) capable of performing angular or rotary movements around a first axis and angular movements with respect to a second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Daniele Cerruti
  • Patent number: 6565818
    Abstract: A recycling system melts unused portions of soap in order to improve the efficiency of the soaking procedure. A chamber has a pump and a screen that holds the soap disposed therein, while a tube member connects to the chamber. One or two conduits are fluid flow connected to the outlet port of the pump and each have one or more jets that protrude through the tube member. Soap is placed onto the screen and water is drawn into the chamber by the pump. The inlet pattern of the pump creates a flow of water that flows over the soap on the screen, with the soap laden water being pumped through the conduits and discharged into the sink by the jets. Now that the soap has melted into soap laden water, pieces and bits of soap will not stick to the fabric at the conclusion of the soak wash period. A fluid level switch deactivates the pump if the water within the sink falls below a certain level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Mauri A. Jarvinen
  • Publication number: 20030051513
    Abstract: A water distributor for an automatic laundry or dishwashing machine, comprises a water inlet that is controllable by a programming device of the machine and a movable element controllable by said programming device which serves for supplying water to a predetermined detergent dispenser for carrying a selected detergent towards the washing tub according to the washing program of the machine. The movable element is driven through a shape memory alloy wire electrically connected to a drive circuit that is part of the programming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Paolo Castelli, Giorgio Zambon
  • Publication number: 20030034056
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a substrate processing part 46 for processing a substrate by a processing liquid and a processing-liquid recovery path 137 allowing of a passage of the processing liquid discharged from the substrate processing part 46. The processing-liquid recovery path 137 is provided with foreign substance removal lines 181, 182 including filters 200, 201 for removing an foreign substance from the processing liquid and cleaners 201, 211 for cleaning the filters 200, 201 respectively. With this constitution, it is possible to cancel the blocking of foreign substances in pipes etc. and also possible to lengthen the life span of the filters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Masaru Amai, Masahiro Mukoyama, Takayuki Toshima
  • Publication number: 20020179125
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for applying a detergent use solution to a washing surface of a motor vehicle, including the steps of: (a) providing a liquid detergent concentrate that includes an active ingredient level from about 0.1 wt. % to about 15 wt. %; (b) introducing the liquid detergent concentrate into a water stream to provide a detergent use solution that includes an active ingredient level from about 0.03 wt. % and 1 wt. %; and (c) applying the detergent use solution to a washing surface of a motor vehicle. In addition, the present invention also relates to a method for washing a washing surface of a vehicle, wherein the method includes: (a) providing a liquid detergent concentrate having an active ingredients level from about 0.1 wt. % to about 15 wt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Terry James Klos, Scott A. Johansen, Paul J. Mattia, Michael Edward Besse
  • Patent number: 6482358
    Abstract: A sequential delivery assembly (30) sequentially releases three different treatment materials into a fluid flow path (24) to form a treatment fluid with a composition which varies throughout a cleaning and microbial decontamination cycle. A chamber (12) receives items to be cleaned and decontaminated. A pump (22) pumps the treatment fluid from the sequential delivery assembly along a fluid flow line (24) to nozzles (16, 18) disposed within the chamber. The nozzles spray the treatment fluid over the items to be cleaned and decontaminated. The delivery assembly includes a well (34) for receiving a three compartment cup (44). The cup contains a first compartment (70) which includes a cleaning material (76), such as a detergent. A second compartment (72) contains pre-treatment materials (78), such as buffers and corrosion inhibitors, which prepare the system for receiving a microbial decontaminant (80), such as a concentrated solution of peracetic acid, contained in the third compartment (74).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel N. Kelsch, Jude A. Kral, Joseph Tvcrgyak, Bernard J. Moss, James C. Hlebovy, Arthur T. Nagare, Jeffery R. Horacek
  • Patent number: 6474351
    Abstract: A dispensing device of detergents and/or additives for washing machines is described, of the type having at least a space for containing a liquid, such as a rinse aid, the body of the device including at least a first part and a second part, the parts being made integral with each other by welding, wherein a portion of the body is intended to be inserted through an opening of a wall, a surface of the wall facing on a washing tank while the opposite surface of the wall faces on a space which has to be sealed from the tank. According to the invention, a seal is provided, in order to prevent leakage of the liquid from the welding into the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Eltek S.p.A.
    Inventors: Daniele Cerruti, Costanzo Gadini, Fabio Nebbia
  • Publication number: 20020113000
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for cleaning a liquid-containing vessel. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device (1), suitable for cleaning liquid-containing vessels (such as bathtubs or swimming pools), equipped with an energy storage means, wherein said device (1) is a static device and uses a liquid present in said vessel as rinse-liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Katia Bredo, Alejandro Cedeno, Nicolas Remy Denis Pochart, Michela Ratti, Joris Jozef Gustaaf Tack
  • Patent number: 6423280
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining an effective concentration of alkaline detergent in an aqueous medium in a warewashing machine, which apparatus comprises a batch-fill warewashing machine having an aqueous rinse system, an alkaline detergent dispenser and a sump sized for a predetermined volume of an aqueous solution of the alkaline detergent in the aqueous medium; a source of the aqueous medium fluidly connected to the rinse system; means for controlling the flow of the aqueous medium through the rinse system; diverting means for obtaining a predetermined portion of the aqueous flow from the rinse system and for directing the diverted portion through a metering cap and volume control to the alkaline detergent dispenser, thereby to dissolve the alkaline detergent; and means for directing the dissolved alkaline detergent to the sump; wherein the detergent is dispensed only in a rinse cycle and an effective concentration of alkaline detergent is maintained in the warewashing machine sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Tarara, Glen W. Davidson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: 6418958
    Abstract: A solid chemical feed system, preferably including two feed bowls, comprises a quantity of solid chemicals that dissolve upon immersion in water to form a liquid solution. A sump is provided to receive liquid solution from the feed bowls, the liquid solution with additive chemicals being used as a treatment for cooling towers, boilers, or other industrial processes to inhibit corrosion and rust. The feed system comprises a valve system that is controlled by a sensor that detects the conductivity of the liquid solution to alternatingly switch the introduction of liquid solution from one feed bowl to the other feed bowl. As such, upon depletion of chemical feed in one bowl, desired treatment will continue and the empty bowl may be replaced without disruption of liquid solution supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: BetzDearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Rossi, Kenneth C. Barrett
  • Patent number: 6401733
    Abstract: A dispenser for a dishwasher is proposed containing a housing 1 partially projecting in the installed condition through a door recess into the interior of the door of the automatic dishwasher and located partially within the wash area. The housing consists of two housing sections which preclude housing leaks into the interior of the door. This is achieved by providing an inner section located only partially within the interior of the door and projecting into the wash area, and an outer section located completely on the side of the wash area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Aweco Appliance Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Harald Schrott, Guenter Biechele
  • Patent number: 6363884
    Abstract: A device for preparing cleaning liquid in a buffer vessel, which can be used to clean a milking device. The cleaning agent is supplied as a powder, possibly in tablet form, and is metered into a mixing vessel which may form part of the buffer vessel. Consequently, the cleaning liquid is easier to prepare, since there is less risk of spilling the aggressive substances, and the packaging can easily be thrown away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Prolion B.V.
    Inventor: Pieter Adriaan Oosterling
  • Patent number: 6351871
    Abstract: This invention relates to the cleaning of objects that relate to semiconductor printing, such as, for example, screening masks. This invention is basically directed to removing, for example, an organic polymer-metal composite paste from screening masks used in printing conductive metal patterns onto ceramic green sheets in the fabrication of semiconductor packaging substrates. More particularly, this invention is concerned with the automated in-line cleaning of paste screening masks with an aqueous alkaline solution of a quaternary ammonium hydroxide as a more environmentally friendly alternative to non-aqueous organic solvents-based cleaning in screening operations for the production multilayer ceramic (MLC) substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Krishna G. Sachdev, John T. Butler, Michael E. Cropp, Donald W. DiAngelo, John F. Harmuth, James N. Humenik, John U. Knickerbocker, Daniel S. Mackin, Glenn A. Pomerantz, David E. Speed, Candace A. Sullivan, Bruce E. Tripp, James C. Utter
  • Patent number: 6301733
    Abstract: A process for washing laundry in a washing machine employs a receptacle for dispensing a detergent tablet. The receptacle is substantially rigid and includes a number of apertures which have an average dimension equivalent to a mesh size of between 1 and 10 mm. A solid detergent in the form of a tablet is placed in the dispensing receptacle, the latter then being placed into a washing machine along with laundry to be washed and a washing operation is carried out. After the washing operation, the device is removed from the machine and stored for subsequent use. Moreover, the invention relates to a dispensing device for carrying out this process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Lever Brothers, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: George Thomas Dawson, Francois Delwel, James William Gordon, Albert Cornelis de Jong, Colin Watt Kerr, Edwin Leo Lempers, Loic Marie Tardy
  • Patent number: 6234080
    Abstract: The invention encompasses method and apparatus for cleaning screen used in screen printing machine for printing of solder paste onto a surface of a printed circuit board. The apparatus includes two upper and lower cleaning chambers 4, 5 which are provided on upper and lower sides of the screen 2 in opposed relationship with each other in such a manner that the two chambers are in watertight contact with the upper and lower surfaces 2A, 2B, of screen 2, respectively and are communicated with each other through openings 2C in the screen 2. The upper and lower cleaning chambers are essential components of the apparatus for carrying out cleaning the solder paste residue adhered to inner peripheral surfaces of the openings 2C in the screen 2 as well as the solder paste residue adhered to the upper and lower surfaces 2A, 2B from the screen 2. A wash liquid supply means is provided for supplying wash liquid into each of the chambers 4, 5 to wash away the past residues adhered to the screen 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Tani Denkikogyo Co. Ltd
    Inventor: Okie Tani
  • Patent number: 6227012
    Abstract: Device for housing washing agents which can be used in a washing machine, preferably in a machine for washing laundry, comprising a body of the device having one or more vessels for housing washing agents and one or more conduits for conveying respective flows of water to each of said vessels for housing the washing agents to remove the agent contained therein and the subsequent feeding of the same to the washing tub of the machine. The body of the device comprises at least one portion defining directly at least part of said conveying conduits or a portion for access to said conduits. Said portion being attached in a removable or openable manner to the remaining part of the body of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: T&P S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Borroni, Carlo Carli
  • Patent number: 6214218
    Abstract: A soldering apparatus includes a solder wave shape forming device for melting solder and forming a solder wave shape, and a separating agent dusting device for dusting solder oxides with a separating agent which separates solder and solder oxides. The separating agent is any one selected from the group consisting of offal, cereal grain or flour, bean flour, seed grain or flour, soybean-cake flour, and peanut hull flour, or a combination thereof, as well as an agent and a method of separating solder and solder oxides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuji Kawashima, Kaoru Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6213353
    Abstract: This solid bowl feeder and equipment tray assembly includes a bowl having an outer wall providing a seating rim and an inner wall defining a bowl, and an equipment tray having an outer wall providing an upper end attachable to the underside of the bowl. The bowl includes optional spray assembly mounting locations and the tray is adapted to receive various arrangements of the control equipment. The tray also includes a PC board cooperating with an accessible switch for selecting the duration of the spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Dema Engineering Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Haul, Jeffrey J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6119707
    Abstract: A swimming pool cleaning device powered by pressurized water running into the pool from an outlet jet port connected to the pool pump. The device has two hose sections, the first being approximately one foot is screwed into the outlet jet port. Attached to an opposite end is a swivel connector which is connected to a second hose that is approximately as long as the pool itself. The second hose has floats positioned along the exterior and wear rings for protecting the hose from wear and tear effects from using the apparatus. Attached to the second hose is a cleaning head having angled through-hole exit ports, which when water is flowing through the hoses causes the head and second hose to rotate relative to the first hose. Second and third versions include using brush sleeves over hose or rings and the cleaning head. A cage having a chlorine table can be located in the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Ginger Jordan
  • Patent number: 6058946
    Abstract: A delivery device for delivering a dose of washing material, especially a detergent tablet, into the interior of a washing apparatus such as a machine dishwasher. In one preferred form, the device comprises:a chamber for containing the dose of washing material to be delivered, the chamber including at least one opening for allowing communication between the interior of the chamber and the outside of the device;closure means for selectively closing or opening the at least one opening in the chamber; andtemperature sensitive actuation means constructed and arranged for causing the closure means to move from their closed condition to their open position at a point or stage in the wash cycle of the apparatus at which a predetermined temperature within the interior of the apparatus is reached. The temperature sensitive actuation means preferably comprises a temperature sensitive actuation element, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventors: Riccardo Paolo Federico Bellati, Robert John Monaghan, Martyn Noel Wallwork, Matthew David Cotterill, Alan Digby Tomlinson, Marco Franciscus Van Dijk
  • Patent number: 6048501
    Abstract: A liquid permeable dispensing device adapted to retain a detergent tablet in a dish washing machine is provided. The dispensing device includes a hollow body having an opening for receiving a tablet, a base opposite the opening, and a liquid permeable side wall. A hook extends along at least a portion of the side wall for attaching the hollow body to the interior of a dish washing machine, wherein the hook has a free end disposed adjacent the base. A clip having a free end disposed adjacent to or above the free end of the hook prevents upward movement of the hollow body during use in the dish washing machine. The clip is adapted to engage a perforation of a cutlery basket in a dish washing machine while the hook is adapted to engage an exterior wall of a cutlery basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Liesbeth Johanna Carolina Lemaire, Rueben Earl Oder, III, Tanya Cecile Corneel Van Rompuy
  • Patent number: 5884821
    Abstract: A liquid-carrying container of machine, such as a dishwasher, has a detergent metering device disposed in a boundary wall thereof. The device has a housing with at least one container in which the detergent may be placed and which may be closed with a cover. The cover may be opened and closed with a control unit. The cover moves linearly, quietly, and with a minimal space requirement in a plane which extends parallel to the boundary wall of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignees: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH, ELTEK S.p.A.
    Inventors: Johann Wilhelmstaetter, Helmut Jerg, Bernd Schessl, Gerhard Fetzer, Michael Hartmann, Markus Hoepfl, Karl-Heinz Rehm, Rudolf Schmidt, Daniele Cerruti, Giovanni Perucca
  • Patent number: 5870906
    Abstract: The present invention relates to gravity based dispensers for washing machines that incorporate at least one storage reservoir and at least one dispersement chamber, wherein the dispersement chamber is adjusted by a user to regulate the amount of a liquid or granular material that is dispensed by the device. The device is controllable to allow a predetermined amount of the stored material to be dispensed into the dispersement chamber. The material is then flushed or dispersed from the chamber by the introduction of a fluid that is under pressure into the dispersement chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Richard A. Denisar
  • Patent number: 5858305
    Abstract: A decontamination apparatus for medical devices includes a decontamination basin (14a, 14b) with a selectively opened and closed cover member (16a, 16b) to provide selective access to the basin (14a, 14b). A mixing chamber assembly (80) selectively dispenses detergent concentrate and decontaminant concentrate into a liquid to form a liquid cleaning solution or a liquid decontaminant solution, respectively. A source of decontaminated rinse liquid, such as a microbe removal filter (54), is in selective fluid communication with the basin (14a, 14b). A source of anti-microbial liquid is in selective fluid communication with the microbe removal filter (54) and rinse liquid flow paths (58) between the microbe removal filter and the basin for decontaminating the filter (54) and the rinse lines (58). Each channel of a medical device (E) being decontaminated is connected to a channel flush line (30) and a channel pump (32) for flushing the channels of the device (E).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Steris Corporation
    Inventor: Paul S. Malchesky
  • Patent number: 5849253
    Abstract: A dispenser for powdered, granular, pellet, briquette or tablet-like material is provided. The dispenser includes a dispenser head through which the material dissolved in water can be dispensed. A spray device is provided at the head to spray water onto the material provided in the dispenser head. A suspension device is provided to suspend a bag containing the material above the dispenser head. The bag in its suspended orientation has a fastener along the bottom end which closes the bottom end of the bag. The fastener is not, however, releasable until after the bag is mounted in the dispenser. Then the fastener is releasable to allow the contents thereof to fall by gravity onto the dispenser head. The dispenser provides a system, which normally avoids contact of the toxic contents of the bag with the user. At the same time, the only waste is in the form of a bag which may be made of recyclable plastic, hence minimizing waste associated with the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Diversey Lever, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry W. Crossdale, Peter J. Bacon, Michael Veveris
  • Patent number: 5842599
    Abstract: A method of delivering a liquid detergent product which may be caustic, is described. In particular, a predetermined volume of water is dosed into a container using a flow meter, a valve means, and, optionally, a water supply pump means. A pump means is activated to deliver the liquid detergent product into the container until it is completely filled as controlled by a level sensor located in the container. The contents of the container are then delivered. A device for carrying out the method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Diversey Lever, Inc.
    Inventors: Bennie Douma, Leendert Los
  • Patent number: 5817184
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus capable of supplying on a substantially continuous basis an anhydrous agent and water to an area to be cleaned. The cleaning machine includes an inner enclosure disposed in an interior chamber of an outer enclosure. The outer enclosure is designed to enclose the interior chamber. Also, provided in the cleaning apparatus is a system for purging the interior chamber with dry air. The inner enclosure contains the anhydrous agent, which is typically baking soda. The inner enclosure further includes a system for distributing the anhydrous agent to a cleaning nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: John Webb Lawrence
  • Patent number: 5694794
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for repeated, automatic metering of precisely metered quantities of a powdered detergent into water-carrying cleaning machines, in particular household dishwashers and household washing machines, include a detergent holder and a metering and dispensing device having a movable metering device with at least one metering receptacle. The interior of the detergent holder and a guide of the metering and dispensing device are acted upon continuously by a stream of compressed air. Therefore, clumping of the highly hygroscopic powdered detergent and an expensive, complex apparatus, which requires a high drive torque and a high air pressure, are avoided. The metering device has only one metering receptacle. The metering and dispensing device has two chambers communicating with one another. The detergent fed into the first chamber is fed gradually, during the motion of the metering device, into the second chamber, which has an opening toward the treatment vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Bosch-Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Jerg, Daniele Cerruti
  • Patent number: 5685178
    Abstract: A detergent dissolving device for a clothes washing machine includes a receptacle for powdered detergent, and a cover for covering the top of the receptacle. The cover has a water supply opening. A water jet is provided for discharging a jet of water through the water supply opening along a direction inclined with respect to vertical and horizontal. The water jet is freely rotatable about a vertical axis and includes blades arranged to contact a water flow entering the water jet, whereby the water jet is rotated by the force of the water flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki Pyo Ahn
  • Patent number: 5679173
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and assembly for sanitizing foodware in a sanitizing zone of a high temperature warewashing machine. The method comprises providing a source of fluid sanitizing material that is effective to sanitize foodware and sensing the temperature of final rinse water being used to sanitize foodware disposed within the sanitizing zone during a final rinse operation of the warewashing machine. An actuating signal is produced when a sensed temperature of the final rinse water is outside the preselected sanitizing temperature range. A sufficient amount of the fluid chemical sanitizing material is then provided in the final rinse water to sanitize foodware disposed in the sanitizing zone when the sensed temperature of the final rinse water is outside a preselected sanitizing temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Jerry M. Hartman