Fixed Position Cleaners Or Installed Cleaning Systems Patents (Class 15/301)
  • Patent number: 8898853
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaning system which has particular application to the oil-field industry. The system includes a vacuum unit for suctioning material from a surface to recycle, reclaim or cleanup said material. The system also includes a collection and discharge unit operable to automatically discharge, into an open atmosphere, an amount of the suctioned material collected while suctioning continues by the vacuum unit. The automatic discharging cycle of the collection and discharge unit allows drilling fluid to be rapidly vacuumed up and discharged to minimize settlement of debris in the collected material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Diamond Tank Rentals, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffry Sawyer
  • Publication number: 20140345078
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for retrofitting a thermoforming trim removal system to utilize a perforated collection bag to collect waste instead of a rigid collection bin. The perforated collection bag can be made of inexpensive, disposable polymeric materials, including those that can be recycled in the same waste stream as the waste, thereby permitting full bags to be discarded without first emptying their waste contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: EVO Development, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Dean Robbins
  • Patent number: 8881749
    Abstract: A system for controlling silica dust generated during the transfer of frac sand from a storage container through a conveyor system includes a system of conduits having a plurality of inlets for collecting silica dust generated at selected points along the conveyor system. An air system pneumatically coupled to the system of conduits generates a negative pressure at each of the inlets to induce the collection of silica dust at the selected points along the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sierra Dust Control, LLC
    Inventor: Kim R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140261568
    Abstract: The present invention provides a local clean microenvironment near optical surfaces of an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) optical assembly maintained in a vacuum process chamber and configured for EUV lithography, metrology, or inspection. The system includes one or more EUV optical assemblies including at least one optical element with an optical surface, a supply of cleaning gas stored remotely from the one or more optical assemblies and a gas delivery unit comprising: a plenum chamber, one or more gas delivery lines connecting the supply of gas to the plenum chamber, one or more delivery nozzles configured to direct cleaning gas from the plenum chamber to a portion of the EUV assembly, and one or more collection nozzles for removing gas from the EUV optical assembly and the vacuum process chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventors: Gildardo Delgado, Francis Chilese, Rudy F. Garcia, Mohammed Tahmassebpur, Salam Harb
  • Patent number: 8834641
    Abstract: A method of using a hand-held power tool having a debris removal attachment is provided. The method includes providing a hand-held power tool having an output shaft and selectively coupling an extension shaft to the output shaft. The method also includes coupling a first impeller to the extension shaft and providing a housing adjacent the first impeller. The method further includes rotating the first impeller to generate a pressure differential sufficient to draw debris into the housing. The extension shaft has a first end and a second end, the first end configured to couple to the output shaft of the hand-held power tool, and the second end configured to couple to a tool bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Credo Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Baker, Josh Barhitte, Barry Jacobs, Harald Krondorfer
  • Publication number: 20140251375
    Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus may include a substrate support having a support surface to support a substrate to be cleaned, wherein the substrate support is rotatable about a central axis normal to the support surface; a first nozzle to provide a first cleaning gas to a region of the inner volume corresponding to the position of an edge of the substrate when the substrate is supported by the support surface of the substrate support; a first annular body disposed opposite and spaced apart from the support surface of the substrate support by a gap, the first annular body having a central opening defined by an inner wall shaped to provide a reducing size of the gap between the first annular body and the support surface in a radially outward direction; and a first gas inlet to provide a first gas to the central opening of the first annular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: JAMES MATTHEW HOLDEN, SONG-MOON SUH, TODD EGAN, Kalyanjit Ghosh, Leon Volfovski, Michael R. Rice, Richard Giljum
  • Patent number: 8819891
    Abstract: An inlet valve for a central vacuum cleaning system having a central vacuum motor connected to a piping network, is disclosed. The inlet valve includes a main body having an air inlet passageway formed therethrough and a pipe connector to connect the air inlet passageway of the inlet valve to the vacuum piping. An outer door is provided which is pivotally mounted to the main body on an opposite side to said connector and an inner door is provided which is pivotally mounted to said main body at one end between the outer door and the main body and seals the air inlet passageway when the inner door is in a closed position. A releasable latch is operatively connected to the outer door to keep the outer door and the inner door closed on the front of the valve when the inlet valve is not in use and a spring is provided to cause the inner door and the outer door to open upon the latch being released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Canplas Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Rick Alan Parkinson
  • Publication number: 20140230857
    Abstract: The invention is a permanent house/building integrated maintenance and cleaning gutter system that employs pressurized fluids (such as water and, or air) to remove the leaves and debris from the gutters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Orest Alexandru Dziubinschi, Gabriela Dziubinschi
  • Publication number: 20140201939
    Abstract: A central vacuum cleaner having a housing, a suction chamber, a suction motor at an upper end of the suction chamber, a suction motor inlet, a dirt receptacle, a suction chamber inlet into the suction chamber, and a filter bag between the suction chamber inlet and the suction motor inlet cover. The suction motor has an impeller axis and a suction motor inlet located on and surrounding the impeller axis. The suction motor inlet cover has a bottom wall on the impeller axis below the suction motor inlet, a sidewall extending upwards from the bottom wall and surrounding the suction motor inlet, an inlet chamber formed by the bottom wall and sidewall, and an inlet cover opening fluidly connecting the suction chamber to the inlet chamber. The inlet cover opening is offset from the impeller axis and faces at an upwards angle towards the upper end of the suction chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME CARE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: ANTHONY J. PRUITT
  • Patent number: 8719996
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is disclosed for processing a moving surface. The cleaning apparatus includes a pad that is attached to a support structure, wherein the pad includes a plurality of pad apertures and the support structure includes a plurality of support structure apertures. A vacuum is provided proximate the plurality of support structure apertures for removing debris from a moving surface during use as well as for facilitating cooling of the pad during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Kadant, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen Brauns, Royal Gauvin, Robert Johnson, Normand Boucher
  • Publication number: 20140123432
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing particulate-carrying air from a moving web. The moving web has a first side and a second side. The apparatus includes a NACA duct positioned in a non-contacting relationship on a first side of the moving web, and at least partially submerged in a particulate-carrying boundary layer of the moving web. The NACA duct can have an intake opening and an exhaust opening such that when the intake opening is submerged in the boundary layer at least a portion of the particulate-carrying air from the boundary layer enters the intake opening and exits the exhaust opening, thereby scavenging particulate-carrying air from said boundary layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Brad Scott LOCKHART, Andre MELLIN, John Ferney McKIBBEN, David Matthew OGDEN, Brian Christopher SCHWAMBERGER, Peter WIEDMANN, Richard Matthew GIACHETTO
  • 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: 8689820
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a Pneumatic System that can be employed within the residential environment. The system includes both a section mode and a pressure mode. Both of these modes, in turn, have both a low and a high pressure range. A variety of applications are disclosed for use in conjunction with the various modes of the system. These various applications are described in greater detail hereinafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: WFK & Associates, LLC
    Inventor: Waldemar F. Kissel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8683643
    Abstract: A stocker including a main body unit having a plurality of receiving shelves, a transfer unit transferring a received material to be moved to the main body unit, a robot arm stacking the received material transferred by the transfer unit on one of the receiving shelves of the main body unit, and a dirt collecting unit moving in conjunction with the robot arm to remove particles from inside the main body unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki-Chae Jung
  • Publication number: 20140075709
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for cleaning objects, such as refrigeration coils and the like, by placing a first end of a bag over one side of the coils, and placing a second end of the bag over a suction hose of a vacuum. When the vacuum is activated and compressed air (or other gas or liquid) is blown into a second, opposite, side of the refrigeration coils, the dirt removed therefrom is directed toward the interior of the bag and into the vacuum and contained therein. Baffles within the bag direct the flow of dirt and debris toward the vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas J. Agorichas
  • Patent number: 8631817
    Abstract: A subassembly for use in a vacuum inlet valve assembly for a central vacuum system, the subassembly having a valve body with a wiring compartment and at least one press connection detent means and a reversible mounting flange for connecting to the valve body. The mounting flange includes an attachment portion, a mounting flange wall sized and shaped to cover an open side of wiring compartment and press catch connection elements sized and shaped to interact with the detent to secure the mounting flange to the valve body. Also disclosed is a vacuum inlet valve assembly comprising the above subassembly in combination with a cover plate having a rectangular door, a hinge located on a long side of the rectangular door, and a face plate with a vacuum connection opening. In an alternate embodiment the valve body includes a perimeter wall, attachment openings internal but adjacent to said perimeter wall and a snap fit cover to close an open wall of a wiring compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Canplas Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: James Mantyla, Andrew Bird, John Ward
  • Patent number: 8621707
    Abstract: A vehicle wash system may have a drying station that may have a frame and a blower mounted on the frame. The blower may be used blowing liquid from the surface of a vehicle and may have a plenum with a cavity opening, an exit port, and an interior cavity. An impeller may be positioned inside the cavity, and when driven by a motor, may be operable to draw air into the cavity compress the air, and then emit an airflow from the plenum through the exit port. The blower may have an inlet region formed proximate the cavity opening and be in communication with the cavity. The inlet region may have a generally tubular inlet opening. A movement apparatus may be provided that is movable axially relative to the inlet opening to vary the size of the tubular inlet opening. The system may also include a sensor system operable to detect the presence and/or absence of a vehicle at drying station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ryco Canada, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. MacNeil
  • Patent number: 8615843
    Abstract: A powered operation device for a glove box in a particular application to the field of nuclear fuel manufacturing. The device including a receiving portion designed to be driven by a motor part. The receiving portion has primary attachment means designed so as to enable this receiving portion to be mounted inside the glove box on a docking cylinder provided on the latter, and the motor part has secondary attachment means designed so as to enable this motor part to be mounted on the same docking cylinder, but outside the glove box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignees: S.T.M.I. Societe des Techniques en Milieu Ionisant, Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Xavier Ladet, Jean-Pierre Alanore, Patrick Bolcato
  • Publication number: 20130318738
    Abstract: An illuminated inlet for a vacuum cleaning system which can be mounted in a wall of a structure or in a cabinet. The inlet includes a main frame, a front plate, a door, and an electrical switch that operates the motor of the vacuum cleaning system. Illumination of the area directly in front of the inlet is provided by LED's operated upon the opening of the door. The inlet is mounted adjacent a floor so that an individual can clean a room by sweeping up the dirt and debris towards the present invention. The door of the inlet is then opened and the dirt and debris is swept into the present invention. When the door opens the LED's are illuminated and the motor of the vacuum cleaning system is turned on so that the dirt and debris can be drawn into a collection container. When the door is closed, the LED's and the motor for the vacuum cleaning system is turned off. A magnet is used to keep the door in the open position and a retainer to keep the door in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: IVD GLOBAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Peter Schlapkohl
  • Publication number: 20130323431
    Abstract: A template washing method and a photowashing apparatus which ensure removal of resist residual remaining on a pattern surface of a template, a pattern forming method and a nanoimprint apparatus which ensure formation of patterns with fewer defects are provided. The template washing method of the invention for photowashing the pattern surface of the template used in nanoimprint includes a vacuum-ultraviolet light irradiation process for irradiating the pattern surface of the template with vacuum ultraviolet light under an atmosphere of dry air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Ushio Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroki HORIBE
  • Publication number: 20130318737
    Abstract: An inlet for a vacuum cleaning system which can be mounted in a wall of a structure or in a cabinet. The inlet includes a main frame, a front plate, a door, and an electrical switch that operates the motor of the vacuum cleaning system. The inlet is mounted adjacent a floor so that an individual can clean a room by sweeping up the dirt and debris towards the present invention. The door of the inlet is then opened and the dirt and debris is swept into the present invention. When the door opens the motor of the vacuum cleaning system is turned on so that the dirt and debris is sucked into a collection container. When the door is closed, the motor is turned off. A magnet helps to keep the door in the open position and a retainer helps to keep the door in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Schlapkohl
  • Publication number: 20130306109
    Abstract: Dust that is accumulated in an exhaust passage provided in a chamber, the exhaust passage for discharging gas in the chamber of a semiconductor crystal manufacturing device, is removed by being sucked from the outside of the chamber. Moreover, an opening and closing valve for cleaning that is detachably attached to an opening of the exhaust passage, the opening facing the chamber, is opened and closed intermittently in a suction state. Furthermore, the opening and closing valve for cleaning is driven by a valve driving unit. The dust accumulated in the exhaust passage is removed efficiently, whereby the time required to clean the exhaust passage is shortened and fluctuations of the pressure inside the chamber when a semiconductor crystal is manufactured are suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: SUMCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenji Okita
  • Publication number: 20130305481
    Abstract: A maintenance system and a cleaning system having the same, the maintenance system including a maintenance station provided at indoors to mount a robot cleaner having a first dust container thereon, a suction port to suck dust of the first dust container, and a dust removing apparatus connected to the suction port while being disposed at outdoors, so that the cleaning performance is maintained regardless of existence of dust in the dust container of the robot cleaner while enhancing the spatial efficiency at indoors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Soo JUNG, Dong Won KIM
  • Publication number: 20130291899
    Abstract: A self-contained vacuum apparatus having a housing with an air inlet aperture for receiving debris, a dustbag in the housing communicable with the air inlet for storing received debris, a suction motor communicable with the air inlet aperture for generating suction at the aperture to draw the debris into the dustbag, an air outlet aperture communicable with the suction motor to exhaust air from the vacuum apparatus, and an on/off switch for activating the vacuum apparatus, the vacuum apparatus being mountable in a cavity to locate the air inlet aperture adjacent a floor surface so that debris urged towards the air inlet aperture is drawn into the dustbag upon activation of the on/off switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Sweepovac Limited
    Inventors: Henry Joseph Fingleton, Dermot Thomas Costello
  • Patent number: 8516648
    Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioner having an air filter provided on a suction side of an indoor fan has a construction in which dust removed from the air filter by a dust removing part can be recovered easily and reliably. The construction includes a dust removing part (51) for removing dust captured by an air filter (30) provided on the suction side of an indoor fan (21), storage containers (60), (81) having the dust removing part (51) stored therein, a nozzle insertion part (110) into which a nozzle (150) of a cleaner can be inserted, and a suction passage (95) for making the storage containers (60), (81) to communicate with the nozzle insertion part (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Sakashita, Yoshiharu Michitsuji
  • Patent number: 8505154
    Abstract: A screen intake system has a body with an open end and a chamber. A flat screen is disposed at the open end of the body. To keep the screen clear of debris, an airburst system has pipes disposed in the chamber. The pipes dispose parallel to one another adjacent the flat screen, and each of the pipes has orifices in a side facing the flat screen. Directors are disposed along the backs of the pipes in a lattice, and each of the directors has a channel in which the pipe disposes. Compressed air released by valves from a tank dispersed from the pipe's orifices. Each of the directors directs the resulting water/airburst from the orifices toward the adjacent flat screen to clear it of debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Bilfinger Water Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Schuler, Michael Ekholm
  • Patent number: 8479353
    Abstract: A hose valve for central vacuum cleaning systems that employ retractable suction hoses of the type that retract into a system vacuum pipe. The hose valve comprises a valve box with a connection port wherein a locking assembly is secured within the valve box. The locking assembly includes a compression cylinder. A cylindrical deformable sleeve is coaxially disposed within the compression cylinder. The deformable sleeve is radially inwardly deformable responsive to an axial compressive force. A thrust means is provided for engagement with the compression cylinder to impose a compressing force on the deformable sleeve. The thrust means being axially movable from a first unlocked non-compressing position where the deformable sleeve is in its non-deformed condition, to a second locked compressed position where the deformable sleeve is compressed to cause deformation with its walls collapsing radially inward to form a seal around a retractable hose disposed through the locking assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: Rod Drivstuen, Robert Lee Rawls
  • Publication number: 20130117958
    Abstract: A central vacuum cleaner having a housing with a vacuum fan and motor and a dirt container mounted to a lower end of the housing. The dirt container includes a receptacle, a ring mount extending from the receptacle sidewall near an open top of the receptacle and a release ring. The ring mount extends around the sidewall perimeter and a bottom of the ring mount is shaped to be held by an operator to support the dirt container. The release ring is movably mounted above the ring mount and extends around the sidewall perimeter. One or more locks are mounted between the ring mount and the release ring. The locks are movable by the release ring from an engaged position to hold the dirt container to the housing to a disengaged position to permit removal of the dirt container from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Anthony PRUITT, Raymond E. Clepper
  • Patent number: 8419862
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for at least partially removing a contamination layer (15) from an optical surface (14a) of an EUV-reflective optical element (14) by bringing a cleaning gas into contact with the contamination layer. In the method, a jet (20) of cleaning gas is directed to the contamination layer (15) for removing material from the contamination layer (15). The contamination layer (15) is monitored for generating a signal indicative of the thickness of the contamination layer (15) and the jet (20) of cleaning gas is controlled by moving the jet (20) of cleaning gas relative to the optical surface (14a) using this signal as a feedback signal. A cleaning arrangement (19 to 24) for carrying out the method is also disclosed. The invention also relates to a method for generating a jet (20) of cleaning gas and to a corresponding cleaning gas generation arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignees: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH, ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Dirk Heinrich Ehm, Arnold Storm, Johannes Hubertus Josephina Moors, Bastiaan Theodoor Wolschrijn, Thomas Stein, Edwin te Sligte
  • Patent number: 8375505
    Abstract: The present invention wipes a writing board through areas. A teacher can wipe an area of a blackboard while writing on another area. Thus, a writing board can be flexibly used with convenience obtained and time saved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: National Central University
    Inventors: Shu-San Hsiau, Chi-Hsin Ho, Peng-Shin Lee, Po-Ting Pan, Chao-Hung Zeng, Yi-Fu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8370989
    Abstract: Provided is a static eliminator with dust removal feature. The static eliminator includes an ion generator, a dust-removing main body and a dust-collecting device. The dust-removing main body has a workpiece-passing channel passing through the dust-removing main body. A dust-scraping member is disposed on a sidewall of the workpiece-passing channel. A blow vent of the ion generator communicates with said workpiece-passing channel and faces to the dust-scraping member. An inlet end of the dust-collecting device communicates with the workpiece-passing channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-hsing Chang, Feng-chi Lee, Kuo-chuan Chiu
  • Patent number: 8302249
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaning system which has particular application to the oil-field industry. The system includes a vacuum unit for suctioning material from a surface to recycle, reclaim or cleanup said material. The system also includes a collection and discharge unit operable to automatically discharge, into an open atmosphere, an amount of the suctioned material collected while suctioning continues by the vacuum unit. The automatic discharging cycle of the collection and discharge unit allows drilling fluid to be rapidly vacuumed up and discharged to minimize settlement of debris in the collected material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Diamond Tank Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Sanders, Jeffry Sawyer
  • Patent number: 8296898
    Abstract: A device for cleaning inside electrical-connection sockets, methods for constructing such cleaning devices, and methods for using such cleaning devices are illustrated herein. The device may be shaped like an electrical plug designed for coupling with the electrical-connection socket. The device includes a primary fluid-duct, ejection ducts, and ejection ports for allowing fluid to be injected into the chamber. A cleaning fluid is pushed through the device into the chamber. Air can then be pushed into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventor: Christopher Lee Moncrief
  • Publication number: 20120216362
    Abstract: A central vacuum cleaning system can include a vacuum unit, a plurality of inlet valves, an exhaust, a cleaning air path from the inlet valves through the vacuum unit to the exhaust, and a control unit. An example control unit can include a power input, a power output, motor control circuitry to control application of power from the power input to the power output, a first port, a second port, a conduit providing a conduit air path between the first port and the second, a heat sink in thermal contact with the conduit air path and a component of the motor control circuitry, wherein the control unit is connected through the first port and the second port in the cleaning air flow path between the inlets and the exhaust, and the power output is connected to a power input of the vacuum unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: CUBE INVESTMENTS LIMITED
    Inventors: J. Vern Cunningham, Mircea Dan Paul, Daniel Budurea
  • Patent number: 8245724
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a Pneumatic System that can be employed within the residential environment. The system includes both a section mode and a pressure mode. Both of these modes, in turn, have both a low and a high pressure range. A variety of applications are disclosed for use in conjunction with the various modes of the system. These various applications are described in greater detail hereinafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: WFK & Associates, LLC
    Inventor: Waldemar F. Kissel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8230548
    Abstract: A method of removing a waste product includes forming a waste product during operation of at least one sheath removal device. The method also includes inducing a fluid flow in a vicinity of waste product formation. The method further includes removing at least a portion of the waste product with the induced fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: David R. Van Wagenen
  • Publication number: 20120080057
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a main separating unit, a filter, an auxiliary separating unit, a vacuum source adapted to generate an airstream, and airflow passages configured to operate in a vacuum cleaning mode and a filter cleaning mode. In the vacuum cleaning mode, the airflow passages are configured to direct the airstream through the main separating unit and then through the filter in a first direction, and the airflow substantially bypasses the auxiliary separating unit. In the filter cleaning mode, the airflow passages are configured to direct the airstream through the filter in a second direction, opposite the first direction, and then through the auxiliary separating unit. A method for operating a vacuum cleaner is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Stefan Jonsson, Jonas Beskow
  • Patent number: 8118942
    Abstract: A dust collecting installation for collecting airborne dust adjacent to a moving web. An elongate duct extends transversely to the direction of movement of the web and is positioned adjacent to the web. The duct is shaped and positioned so as to form an opening into the duct that receives at least a proportion of a layer of dust laden air adjacent to and moving with the web surface, and dust laden air is in turn withdrawn from the duct. The duct is positioned and so shaped that air flow into the opening is augmented by a jet of air generated where the moving surface converges with and comes into contact with a surface of a roller which the web passes over and contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventors: David Featherson, David Collins
  • Publication number: 20120011676
    Abstract: In a cleaning system, dust stored in a dust box is suspended in air introduced into the dust box through a first opening formed through a robot cleaner, and is then discharged to a second opening formed through a maintenance station through the first opening of the robot cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Soo JUNG, Dong Won KIM, Jun Hwa LEE, Jun Pyo HONG, Sang Sik YOON
  • Patent number: 8096014
    Abstract: A central vacuum cleaning system 3 has a central vacuum unit 17 with a motor 10, a motor compartment 19, and a vacuum chamber 25. The system 3 also has a control circuit 1 for controlling power to the motor 10, and one or more airborne contaminant sensors 15 for sensing contaminants within the system 3. The sensors 15 may be located in pipes 31 motor compartment 19, vacuum chamber 25 and hose handle 34. Vacuum air may be drawn through aperture 37 in wall valve 38.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Cube Investments Limited
    Inventors: J. Vern Cunningham, Allen D. Muirhead
  • Patent number: 8092564
    Abstract: An aspect of embodiments of the invention is to lower fluid resistance applied to gas flow (A, S) flowing within a dust collection system (1) so as to enhance dust collection efficiency of the dust collection system (1) without depending on the number or the two dimensional arrangement of movable elements (40) within the system (1). Embodiments of the dust collection system (1) of the invention includes: a housing (10) defining a cavity (50) therewithin, the housing (10) having a plurality of inlets (53) and at least one outlet (57) for gas; a plurality of movable elements (40) for opening and closing the inlets (53), the movable elements (40) being respectively provided corresponding to each of the inlets (53); a gas flow generating device (20) for generating a gas flow (A, S) from each of the inlets (53) to the outlet (57) during the opening operation of the movable elements (40); and a flow path control device (13) for controlling the flow paths of the gas flow (A, S).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sun Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Totsugi
  • Patent number: 8061738
    Abstract: A seal member has a configuration including a ring-shaped main body portion, an inner peripheral lip portion protruding from a ring inner peripheral portion of the main body portion and an outer peripheral lip portion protruding from a ring outer peripheral portion of the main body portion. The inner peripheral lip portion takes an O-ring shape deformable in a protruding direction. The outer peripheral lip portion takes a structure deformable in a direction different from an extending direction, corresponding to a pressure in a sealed area. The member preferably seals when in communication with a plurality of spaces separated from an external space, the plurality of spaces from an external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Okabe, Toshihiko Miyajima, Hitoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7958594
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaning system for use in a structure. System has receiver adapted to receive communication that an appliance has been activated, and a control circuit adapted to control the central vacuum cleaning system upon receipt of a communication at the receiver that the appliance has been activated. Example appliances include doorbell, telephone or ERV. System may have a communication module that communicates with corresponding appliance communication module. The system communication module may transmit communications to the appliance communication module. Alternatively, the appliance communication module may transmit communications to the system communications module. The modules may both receive and transmit. Preferably, communications between modules are radio frequency (RF) wireless, however wired communications, where wiring is possible or available, are also suitable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Cube Investments Limited
    Inventor: J. Vern Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20110078871
    Abstract: A power-brush attachment usable in combination with a line-voltage source and with a vacuum-cleaner suction intake has a housing having a lower wall formed with an opening and a connection—suction tube and/or hose—on the housing engageable with the suction intake. The housing has a passage extending between the connection and the opening for drawing particles in the opening. A rotary brush in the housing is exposed in the opening and engageable therethrough with a floor underneath the housing. A low-voltage electric motor is connected to the brush for rotating same. A low-voltage power source, typically a battery, in the housing is also connectable to the motor for powering same without connection to the line-voltage same. A power converter and electrical line are connectable between the line-voltage source and the electric motor for powering the motor from the line-voltage source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Dieter KAFFENBERGER, Horst DILGER
  • Patent number: 7900315
    Abstract: An integrated apparatus has a cooling section, a motor section, a suction section and control module. The motor section drives the suction section to draw vacuum air through inlet and exhaust vacuum air through outlet. The motor section also drives the cooling section to draw cooling air through cooling air inlet, and push it through the motor section to cool the motor section. The control module controls the operation of the motor section. The control module is located in the cooling air path after the motor section. The cooling air for the motor section also cools the control module. The cooling section, motor section, suction section and control module are integrally mounted to form a single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Cube Investments Limited
    Inventor: J. Vern Cunningham
  • Patent number: 7886402
    Abstract: Waste material that is introduced into waste inlet units (10) is managed by connecting the inlet units to a temporary storage volume (3) for charging the storage volume with the waste and by controlled, intermittent opening of the storage volume for the removal of accumulated waste therefrom. Specifically, waste is introduced into each inlet unit during an inlet charging phase; shaft charging vacuum (CV) is applied to the storage volume and is maintained continuously therein except when waste is removed from the storage volume; and the charging vacuum and atmospheric air (AA) is intermittently communicated to the inlet unit to charge the storage volume with the introduced waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Envac AB
    Inventor: Christer Kihlström
  • Patent number: 7882591
    Abstract: A pre-wash device for dishes and/or utensils includes a vacuum chamber comprising a collection vessel open to the vacuum chamber, a food material collection pan exhausting into the vacuum chamber at a location where material from the collection pan falls into the collection vessel at an end of the collection vessel open to the vacuum chamber, and a blower having an intake in the vacuum chamber and an exhaust directed and focused to force food material on plates and/or utensils into the collection pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Mark T. Arnold
  • Patent number: 7823248
    Abstract: A vacuum collector includes an upright support supported on a base, a housing disposed on top of the upright support, a fan device attached to the housing, a dust collecting receptacle attached to the housing for collecting the dirt, a tubular member has one end coupled to the housing for guiding the dirt into the housing and has a manifold, and the other end coupled to a mouth, two valve devices are coupled to the mouth and the manifold for controlling the dirt to selectively flow into the housing from the mouth or from the manifold, or from the ground, the plants or work places where the machine tools are located, or the other places where are full of dirt or dust or ash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Chang Tjer Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kun Yi Lin
  • Patent number: 7789997
    Abstract: A device for cleaning a filter net of a pulp dryer fan tower includes a nozzle guide connectable to a filter net of a fan tower in a pulp dryer and at least one nozzle movably arranged on the nozzle guide. At least one connection is arranged on the nozzle for connecting a vacuum pressure to the at least one nozzle. The nozzle guide includes a rail or a threaded rod and an intermediate part connected between the nozzle and the rail or threaded rod. An actuatable power device is configured for moving the nozzle relative to the rail or threaded rod, wherein said at least one nozzle is arranged and dimensioned for cleaning the filter net during the movement relative to the rail or threaded rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimmo Rajanummi, Johan Lindholm
  • Publication number: 20100218336
    Abstract: Waste material that is introduced into waste inlet units (10) is managed by connecting the inlet units to a temporary storage volume (3) for charging the storage volume with the waste and by controlled, intermittent opening of the storage volume for the removal of accumulated waste therefrom. Specifically, waste is introduced into each inlet unit during an inlet charging phase; shaft charging vacuum (CV) is applied to the storage volume and is maintained continuously therein except when waste is removed from the storage volume; and the charging vacuum and atmospheric air (AA) is intermittently communicated to the inlet unit to charge the storage volume with the introduced waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: ENVAC AB
    Inventor: Christer Kilhlstrom