Indefinite Length Article Patents (Class 15/309.1)
  • Patent number: 11945004
    Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing equipment cleaning system has a multi-station cleaning and inspection system. Within semiconductor manufacturing equipment cleaning system, a tray cleaning station uses a first rotating brush passing over a first surface of a carrier and possibly semiconductor die, and a second rotating brush passing over a second surface of the carrier and semiconductor die opposite the first surface of the carrier and semiconductor die. Debris and contaminants dislodged from the first surface and second surface of the carrier by the first rotating brush and second rotating brush are removed under vacuum suction. A conveyor transports the carrier through the multi-station cleaning and inspection system. The first rotating brush and second rotating brush move in tandem across the first surface and second surface of the carrier. Air pressure is injected across the first rotating brush and second rotating brush to further remove debris and contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: UTAC Headquarters Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hua Hong Tan, Wing Keung Lam, Zong Xiang Cai, Wei Ming Xian, Yao Hong Wu, Tao Hu
  • Patent number: 11499888
    Abstract: A lens inspection module comprises: a lens insertion station, at least one lens inspection station, and a lens removal station as well as a closed-loop transportation rail, a cuvette transportation shuttle with a plurality of inspection cuvettes, and a self-driving cleaning shuttle for cleaning the rail. Cleaning shuttle comprises a driving unit a cleaning head, a suction unit, and a tube connecting cleaning head and suction unit. Cleaning head is spaced apart from suction unit and driving unit in the transportation direction and is pivotally arranged about a pivot axis. Cleaning head may comprise a distance sensor for detecting the distance between cleaning shuttle and transportation shuttle. Driving unit is configured to change the speed of the self-driving cleaning shuttle when the distance between the cleaning shuttle and the transportation shuttle is shorter than a predetermined threshold distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Bernhard Pfaff, Roger Biel, Susanne Fechner, Daniel Kessler
  • Patent number: 10179994
    Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a fluid movement device suitable for drying adjacent surfaces such as floors, walls or ceilings or items such as furniture, in which the device comprises an inlet for receiving pressurised fluid, and at least one vent to direct said fluid towards said surfaces or items, and at least one pathway to allow escape of humid air generated through drying from the surface being dried to the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventor: Graeme Joynson
  • Patent number: 10166759
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a printed band of flexible material, in which at least one side printing ink comprises with a device. The device comprises a cleaning organ such as a brush roll, and the method the steps comprises of the contacting of the band which printing ink comprises with a cleaning liquid, and the removal of the printing ink which been brought into contact the cleaning liquid with the cleaning organ to obtain a cleaned band of flexible material. Before the effective of adhered liquid getting rid of, comprises the device a pair of wiper blades into the direction of transport of the band remotely of one another are located and are for the removal of the cleaning liquid the band at an angle first via an uppermost wiper blade and subsequently via a lowermost wiper blade of the pair fed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Boers Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Christiaan Mark Van Wijhe, Harmen Van Kesteren
  • Patent number: 9708702
    Abstract: A wiping device which blows a wiping gas toward a steel sheet from a pair of wiping nozzles disposed on both sides of the steel sheet so as to face sheet surfaces of the steel sheet, wherein the steel sheet is interposed between the pair of wiping nozzles and is pulled from a hot dip coating bath, the device includes a suctioning tube, wherein: the suctioning tube is disposed on both sides in a width direction of a section of the steel sheet, the section being positioned between the pair of wiping nozzles, so that the suctioning tube is in parallel to the steel sheet; the suctioning tube has a suctioning port that suctions an air; the suctioning port is disposed to face a side end surface of the steel sheet; a cross-sectional shape of the suctioning tube has the largest dimension thereof along a pulling direction of the steel sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignees: NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION, NIPPON STEEL & SUMIKIN COATED SHEET CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Imai, Takeshi Tamura, Seiji Sugiyama, Kazuhiro Miyamoto, Mitsuo Nishimata, Yasushi Yamane
  • Patent number: 9593451
    Abstract: A method for operably adjusting a forming board lead blade of a paper sheet forming machine of the type having a headbox for impinging a jet of slurry from a slice opening of the headbox onto the surface of a porous wire moving continuously in a horizontal machine direction over the forming board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventors: Richard L House, Warren E Hills, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8834640
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for treating containers relating especially to cleaning plastic bottles (1) preferably in the inverted position. Each container is thereby subjected to a treatment medium (16) applied and/or introduced thereto. Electrically charged ions introduced into the treatment medium (16) serve to balance the charge of each container. According to the invention, the treatment medium (16) is tested for the presence of ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Steffen Kappel, Thomas Ludwig
  • 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: 8657998
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Brad Scott Lockhart, André Mellin, John Ferney McKibben, David Matthew Ogden, Brian Christopher Schwamberger, Peter Wiedmann, Richard Matthew Giachetto
  • Patent number: 8616148
    Abstract: In a gas wiping apparatus for blowing a gas on the front side and the back side of a strip, which exits from a hot-dip plating bath and travels upward, from wiping nozzles to adjust the amount of a plating deposit, the wiping nozzles are supported to be linearly movable beyond the width of the nozzles in the plate width direction of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi-Hitachi Metals Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: Hironori Fujioka, Takashi Yonekura, Masashi Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 8585826
    Abstract: A method of web cleaning, particularly relatively soft polymeric webs, without using dipping baths or ultrasonic energy. The method includes conveying the web against a backup roller and spraying the web with a high pressure liquid while the web is supported by the backup roller. Thereafter, residual fluid from the high pressure stream is stripped from the web by a gas curtain while the web is supported by the backup roller. In many convenient embodiments, the web is contacted with a cleaning roller while the web is in contact with the backup roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Brian E. Schreiber, William B. Kolb, Keith R. Bruesewitz
  • Patent number: 8545637
    Abstract: A cleaning device (1) performs a cleaning of an article by blowing a cleaning medium (5) by an air stream onto the article (4). The cleaning device (1) includes a cleaning tank (6) that forms a space for the cleaning medium (5) to be blown, which includes an opening; a holding unit (3) that holds the article (4) at the opening; a pool member (19) that is arranged on an outer edge of the opening with a clearance between the pool member (19) and the article (4); and a cleaning-medium collecting unit (8) that brings the cleaning medium (5) leaked out of the outer edge and accumulated in the clearance back into the cleaning tank (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Fuchigami, Tatsuya Satoh, Yoichi Okamoto, Yuusuke Taneda
  • Patent number: 8510899
    Abstract: A system and method for self cleaning an air idler are provided. An air idler non-contactingly guides printable media using a flow of fluid through a porous surface portion. Rotation of the air idler results in rubbing contact with one or more wipers, during which debris is removed from the porous surface portion. A cleaning solution is used to remove ink and/or paper residue from the porous surface portion. The cleaning solution can wet one or more of the wipers. The cleaning solution can circulate through a reservoir disposed in contact with a portion of the air idler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Timothy Bouma, Timothy Souza
  • Patent number: 8499410
    Abstract: A deposit removing device capable of efficiently removing deposit on a plate-like member such as a metal plate or resin plate by reducing a spacing distance between the plate-like member and an injection nozzle, and also capable of coping with the removal of deposit on the plate-like member rolled or conveyed at a high speed. This deposit removing device removes the deposit adhered to the plate-like member (T) by jetting compressed air from at least one jetting hole (101) of a nozzle body (100) in which the at least one jetting hole (101) is formed. This device is configured so that the nozzle body (100) is supported so as to be movable in a direction (W1) substantially perpendicular to the surfaces (T1 and T2) of the plate-like member (T).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Yoshimura, Kenichi Uesugi, Taisuke Miyazono, Koichi Honke, Toru Okada
  • Patent number: 8336161
    Abstract: The air wiping device includes a housing having an internal elongated tubular passage through which the elongated product extends and including opposite one and other ends with the housing tubular passage having an inlet end and an outlet end for respectively receiving and passing the elongated product; a first set of nozzles mounted at the one end of the housing for communicating a compressed gas stream to the internal elongated tubular passage and second set of nozzles mounted at the other end of the housing for communicating a compressed gas to the internal elongated tubular passage. A ceramic insert is disposed in the internal tubular passage of the housing and through which the elongated product passes. The ceramic insert includes a tapered input through which the elongated product is received and an output through which the elongated product passes from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Huestis Machine Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Bettencourt
  • Patent number: 8199430
    Abstract: A cleaning structure for removing dust is constituted of a guiding member having a sliding surface for guiding run of a tape, and a vacuum pressure supply source for making a vacuum pressure effect on a suction space provided inside the guiding member and so on. At the sliding surface of the guiding member, a suction port for making the suction space communicate with an external space is formed, and the opening edge of the suction port on the downstream side in the tape running direction is served as a first dust removal portion for removing dust on the tape surface. The guiding member has a guiding wall having a contact surface which guides at least one tape edge of a tape, and the contact surface is served as a second dust removal portion for removing dust adhering to the tape edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Hata, Shigeo Fujitani, Junichi Sato, Hisashi Takai, Sadamu Kuse
  • Patent number: 8079323
    Abstract: A liquid wiping apparatus that can eliminate the increase in the thickness of membranous liquid and defects in the surface quality resulting from the attachment of splash onto the surface of a metallic strip and can improve the productivity in a manner of accelerating the line speed is provided. The liquid wiping apparatus includes blade wipers for contacting with a molten metal having been attached onto the metallic strip 1 to mechanically wipe the molten metal. In the liquid wiping apparatus, a pressure applying unit 7 of the static pressure pad type using gas is installed at the outlet side of the blade wiper 6 in the strip running direction, and phase-mixed flow of gas/liquid 15 is produced in membranous liquid running between the blade wiper 6 and the strip 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi-Hitachi Metals Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: Masashi Yoshikawa, Tatsuya Hirano, Hironori Fujioka, Takanori Nagai
  • Patent number: 7617562
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for the contactless cleaning of a conveying element which is designed to receive rod-shaped articles in the tobacco-processing industry, including at least one ionising element for removing electrostatic charges on the surfaces of the conveying element to be cleaned, at least one rotating compressed-air nozzle for loosening and removing contaminants located on surfaces of the conveying element, and a suction device for extracting the contaminated outgoing air, characterized in that associated with the apparatus is a housing for forming a cleaning chamber at least partially shielded from the environment, whereby the cleaning chamber has an inlet opening and an outlet opening for the conveying element to be cleaned, such that upper side and lower side of the conveying element are surrounded. Furthermore, the invention concerns an arrangement for transporting and/or storing rod-shaped articles with an apparatus for contactless cleaning with the above-mentioned characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Hauni Maschinenbau AG
    Inventors: Hans-Herbert Schmidt, Knut Tracht
  • Patent number: 7578882
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing module and nozzle or die tip for discharging at least one liquid filament. The nozzle includes a strand guide for guiding a substrate past the nozzle. The strand guide is a concave or rounded notch in the nozzle which receives and aligns a strand to allow accurate placement of a liquid such as adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Harris, Hubert Kufner, Joel E. Saine
  • Publication number: 20090165238
    Abstract: Web substrate cleaning systems and methods are provided. In some embodiments, a web cleaning system for removing debris from a substrate surface can generally comprise idlers and rollers. A web of substrate material can be held between the idlers, and moved at a first velocity to create a web boundary layer to hold debris on the web. A pair of counter rotating smooth, uniform surfaced rollers can rotate in an opposite direction to that of the web. The smooth, uniform surfaced rollers can have a substantially uniform surface with no extensions extending from the surface of the rollers. The rotating smooth, uniformed surfaced rollers can define a rotating boundary layer encasing the rollers that impinge the web boundary layer. Such impingement can cause the web boundary layer to releases debris from the web to the rotating boundary layer. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: LESLIE BENNETT
  • Patent number: 7552503
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus and method which includes spraying high pressure air obliquely onto a cleaning surface from an air nozzle disposed in the vicinity of the cleaning surface of a cleaning object to be cleaned. A recovery portion of the cleaning apparatus which is disposed in front of an outlet port of the air nozzle recovers at least air containing foreign matter removed from the cleaning object by making the air exhaust into an exhaust introducing passage along a wall surface of an air guide. The recovery portion of the cleaning apparatus includes an air guide section disposed in front of the outlet port of the air nozzle, and an air cover section, which forms an exhaust introducing passage for recovering the air that flows along an air guide wall surface of the air guide section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsunobu Wakao, Masaki Terai, Yukitoyo Ohshima
  • Patent number: 7517412
    Abstract: A method of removing dust, dirt and the like from the surface of a paper substrate comprises the steps of transporting the paper substrate along a path of travel, and training the paper substrate over and in direct contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of a vacuum drum having openings therein. Suction is applied to the openings as the paper moves over the drum at a slightly different linear velocity from the surface velocity of the drum. Dust, dirt and the like are drawn away from one surface of the paper substrate through the openings of the drum as the paper substrate sweeps over the vacuum drum surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Gary Atwell
  • Publication number: 20090077765
    Abstract: A cylindrical member conditioning device. The device includes a housing having a longitudinal axis and a passageway extending along the longitudinal axis, the passageway being of sufficient size to receive the cylindrical member and to facilitate its movement through the housing. The housing includes at least one roller pair, each roller of the roller pair having an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Each roller is rotatable about its axis, the rollers of the roller pair positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis. The surface of each roller is sized to extend sufficiently into the passageway such that as the cylindrical member passes through the housing, the rollers change a surface condition thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Steven A. Heumann, Richard D. Howard
  • Patent number: 7462240
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing module and nozzle or die tip for dispensing at least one liquid filament from a liquid discharge passage onto at least one moving strand. A strand guide is used for guiding each strand past the nozzle and/or locating each strand relative to the discharged liquid filament. The nozzle includes a process air outlet that supplies a stream of process air impinging each moving strand before the liquid filament is dispensed onto the strand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Harris, Joel E. Saine
  • Patent number: 7334289
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for cleaning a lubricant for dry-type wire drawing. The apparatus comprises a case provided with a cover and piercing holes at opposite sides of the case such that a steel wire can pass through the case, a plurality of driving motors provided at one side of the exterior of the case, rotating members located at an inside of the case and connected to the driving motors, respectively, by belts serving to rotate them, support plates for supporting the rotating members, and cleaning members coupled to the rotating member and adapted to provide a path through which the steel wire passes. The dry lubricant on the surface of the steel wire can be effectively cleaned by friction between the lubricant on the steel wire and the cleaning members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: LG Cable Ltd.
    Inventors: Seon-tae Kim, Jeong-ho Kim, Tae-jung Lee
  • Patent number: 7146678
    Abstract: A system for removing dust, dirt and like from the surface of a flexible paper substrate and accurately positioning same comprises a transport assembly for conveying the paper substrate along a path of travel. The transport assembly includes a rotating vacuum drum having an outer surface over which the paper substrate is trained in the direction of drum rotation as it moves along the path of travel. Openings are provided in the outer surface of the vacuum drum, and a suction source is connected to those openings so that dust, dirt and the like on the surface of the paper substrate are drawn away by the suction as the paper substrate moves along the path of travel over the drum. The linear speed of the paper substrate is slightly more or less than the surface velocity of the vacuum drum so that the paper sweeps across the drum surface during the cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Gary Atwell
  • Patent number: 7147724
    Abstract: A longitudinal cutting device, that is usable for cutting a length of material such as a fabric or a paper web, includes a cylinder which supports the length of fabric or web. A blade cooperates with the cylinder to cut the fabric or web. A blower nozzle is used to direct a flow of fluid against the surface covering the cylinder. A suction nozzle is provided for suctioning the flow of fluid from the covering surface before it touches the length of fabric or the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Elmar Norbert Klüpfel, Burkard Otto Herbert, Artur Wiesner
  • Patent number: 7140065
    Abstract: A machine for surface preparation of a pipeline includes a vacuum shroud that encircles the pipeline. Three manifolds, each housing a plurality of ultra high pressure water nozzles, are mounted in the vacuum shroud at circumferentially spaced intervals. A carrier assembly advances the vacuum shroud along the pipeline at a rate that avoids contact between the water jets and uncoated pipe. The shroud also oscillates about a longitudinal axis of the pipeline so that a short extent of the pipeline is subjected to the force of the water for each oscillation. The vacuum in the shroud carries away all debris created by the coat-stripping process to a closed loop filtration and recycling system. The nozzles are mounted a constant stand-off distance from the pipeline to avoid creation of hot spots during the stripping process. All motions are electronically monitored and detection of any movement failure results in system shutdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: AMEC Pipeline Professionals, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick A. Boos, Edward N. Fite, Marcus Alexich
  • Patent number: 6990707
    Abstract: A cylindrical member maintenance device is comprised of a housing comprised of two hinged halves for being closed around a cylindrical member, such as a stranded steel cable. A rotary helical brush assembly and a rotary longitudinal brush assembly are positioned in the housing and rotatable about an axis of the housing. Each rotary brush assembly is comprised of coaxial split rings with rotary cylindrical wire brushes connected in between and which are independently rotatable about their own axes. Nozzles are positioned on the inside of the housing for applying a cleaning fluid or paint to the cylindrical member. Apertures in the housing are for connecting to a suction device for removing debris, cleaning fluid, and paint to avoid contaminating the environment. Loops on the housing are for attaching to cables for moving the housing along the cylindrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventors: Steven A. Heumann, Richard D. Howard
  • Patent number: 6951044
    Abstract: A paper cleaning apparatus employs a paper buffing roll which has a lightweight hollow cylindrical core mounted between stub shafts. The stub shafts are mounted to bearings and the hollow core is arranged to be driven at approximately 3,450 to approximately 4,450 RPM. The surface of the cylindrical core is given a rough surface over which a wool cloth jacket is placed. The cloth sleeve is clamped in place by retaining end caps which fit over the stub shafts and clamp the sleeve against the ends of the hollow cylindrical core. The cloth sleeve is shrunk onto the surface of the cylindrical core with hot water or steam. The cloth sleeve is frayed to form a soft outer surface, with radially extending fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: Wayne K. Kaim
  • Patent number: 6941606
    Abstract: A sheet and web cleaner has a pair of substantially identical units in facing relation, providing a path for transporting a sheet or web therebetween. Each unit includes a suction hood with an inlet slot. A pair of channels adjacent and parallel thereto have a pressurized air ionizing bar which discharges ionized air at high velocity onto a moving sheet or web. A faceplate covers the channels and the inlet slot and has a tapered central elongate inlet opening which overlies the inlet slot. Elongate air discharge openings overly each of the channels adjacent the inlet opening. A plurality of spaced ridges are disposed on a side of the faceplate proximate the sheet or web oriented relative to a direction of travel of the sheet or web from a travel direction towards respective edges of the sheet or web. Spaces between the ridges communicate with the inlet and discharge openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: ElectroStatics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter Mariani, Robert Myers
  • Patent number: 6851434
    Abstract: A composition and apparatus and method for aqueous spray conditioning of scale on metal surfaces. An aqueous solution having a base composition of an alkali metal hydroxide is used. The aqueous solution may contain additives to improve the performance of the salt. In one embodiment, the solution is used to condition the scale on a strip of stainless steel. The strip of steel is at a temperature between the melting point of the alkali metal hydroxide in anhydrous form and a temperature at which the Leidenfrost effect appears. One or more nozzles is provided to spray the solution, and the heated strip is passed by the nozzle or nozzles where the solution is sprayed on the surface or surfaces of the strip that have the scale or oxide. The invention also includes the apparatus and control thereof for the spraying of the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventors: John M. Cole, James C. Malloy, John F. Pilznienski, William G. Wood
  • Patent number: 6763547
    Abstract: A device can clean hoses of varying dimensions and uses vacuum, wiping and jet spray to clean a hose. The device can be used to clean carpet cleaning hoses and can be transported on a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventors: Robert D. Brewer, James K. Watson
  • Patent number: 6694565
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a chenille production machine has a yarn fabricating head enclosure that includes a base member positioned in parallel and in close proximity with a back side of the yarn fabricating head and fixedly mounted to the supporting frame, a body member circumferentially encompassing the yarn fabricating head and fixed to the base member, and a cover member secured to the body member to enclose the fabricating head for collecting the fabricating dust. The cover member has at least one opening port for direct removal of the dust. A dust evacuating system is associated with the opening port. The dust evacuating system has a guiding member that is positioned within the cover member to direct the dust from the enclosure to a hose connected to an exhaust system. The cleaning apparatus optionally includes an automatic purge system which provides an automated cleaning service of the yarn fabricating head in a predetermined time intervals and for a predetermined duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Quaker Fabric Corporation of Fall River, Inc.
    Inventor: Ricardo Medeiros
  • Publication number: 20040003475
    Abstract: A sheet and web cleaner has a pair of substantially identical units in facing relation, providing a path for transporting a sheet or web therebetween. Each unit includes a suction hood with an inlet slot. A pair of channels adjacent and parallel thereto have a pressurized air ionizing bar which discharges ionized air at high velocity onto a moving sheet or web. A faceplate covers the channels and the inlet slot and has a tapered central elongate inlet opening which overlies the inlet slot. Elongate air discharge openings overly each of the channels adjacent the inlet opening. A plurality of spaced ridges are disposed on a side of the faceplate proximate the sheet or web oriented relative to a direction of travel of the sheet or web from a travel direction towards respective edges of the sheet or web. Spaces between the ridges communicate with the inlet and discharge openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Peter Mariani, Robert Myers
  • Patent number: 6612913
    Abstract: A wire cleaning system includes a pair of blocks that are generally elongated and have an internal chamber. A conduit extends from the chamber to a port disposed at the side of the block. The port is connected to an air supply. A groove is made on one side of the block. The groove generally conforms to the wire diameter or shape. Holes are made from the bottom of the groove to the chamber. An abrasive media may be placed over the holes in the groove in the blocks. A pair of the above-described blocks with media disposed in the grooves are placed on opposite sides of the wire and squeezed together by clamps, holding the media against the wire. The face on the leading side of the block is placed against a stop to prevent it from moving as the wire is pulled. Additional pairs of blocks are added as required in a radial direction to cover the entire circumference of the wire. As the wire is pulled, air is injected into the ports in the blocks. The air exits from the holes and blows off the debris from the media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Bison Steel, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin C. Bailey, Richard M. Mruk
  • Patent number: 6598261
    Abstract: A web cleaner (20) is presented that removes debris that clings to the surface of a substrate in a printing process. The cleaner uses a number of idlers (26) holding a web (22) taut therebetween with the web driven at high speeds by a printing press (24). The cleaner utilizes a pair of counter rotating textured rollers (28) positioned between the idlers with one roller positioned on each side of the web in close proximity therewith and each roller rotates in an opposite direction to that of the webs flowpath. A air separating bar (36) is positioned at right angles to the web bordering each roller in adjacent relationship for directing the air into a plenum (44) that covers each roller and skiving bar. The plenum is used to collect the debris detached from the web surface by air currents formed by rotation of the rollers creating an air film on the web surface. The same air currents produce a positive air pressure within the plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Paul C. Howard
  • Patent number: 6564421
    Abstract: The multi functional cleaning module comprises a plurality of air curtain, an eximer ultraviolet light irradiating device, a brush, a high-speed shower device, and an air knife, where they are arranged continually on a plan and the glass substrates are inserted continually into them. The cleaning apparatus using the multi functional cleaning module comprises a driving part having a loading and an unloading portions as well as the multi functional cleaning module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventors: Yong Seok Park, Jum Lyul Han, Jeong Jin Kim, Byeong Hoo Park
  • Publication number: 20030066155
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a chenille production machine has a yarn fabricating head enclosure that includes a base member positioned in parallel and in close proximity with a back side of the yarn fabricating head and fixedly mounted to the supporting frame, a body member circumferentially encompassing the yarn fabricating head and fixed to the base member, and a cover member secured to the body member to enclose the fabricating head for collecting the fabricating dust. The cover member has at least one opening port for direct removal of the dust. A dust evacuating system is associated with the opening port. The dust evacuating system has a guiding member that is positioned within the cover member to direct the dust from the enclosure to a hose connected to an exhaust system. The cleaning apparatus optionally includes an automatic purge system which provides an automated cleaning service of the yarn fabricating head in a predetermined time intervals and for a predetermined duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Ricardo Medeiros
  • Publication number: 20030046787
    Abstract: A web cleaner (20) for removing debris that clings to the surface of a substrate during a printing process. The cleaner (20) uses a number of idlers (26) which hold a web (22) taut therebetween, with the web driven at high speeds by a printing press (24). The cleaner (20) utilizes a pair of counter rotating, textured rollers (28) that are positioned between the idlers, with one roller positioned on each side of the web in close proximity therewith and each roller rotates in an opposite direction to that of the webs flowpath. A skiving bar (36) is positioned at an angle between 90 degrees to 180 degrees to the web bordering each roller in adjacent relationship for directing the air into a plenum (44) that covers each roller and skiving bar. The plenum (44) is used to collect the debris detached from the web surface by air currents formed by rotation of the rollers creating an air film on the web surface. The same air currents also produce a positive air pressure within the plenum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Paul C. Howard
  • Patent number: 6526621
    Abstract: A positioning frame supports a rotating buff roll within a vacuum plenum at a desired location adjacent a moving web of material. The apparatus has a drive arm with a jackshaft and a support arm each pivoted off bases which may be clamped to a single cross machine direction shaft. The motor drive may also be positioned at a variety of orientations. Three parallel axes of adjustment are defined by the positioning frame granting the installer of the apparatus great latitude in positioning the buff assembly near the web to be cleaned. Two web cleaning apparatuses may be installed on opposite sides of an open span of web, or a first apparatus may be engaged against the web where it turns around a roll, and a second apparatus may be engaged against the web where it turns around a downstream roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Wayne K. Kaim
  • Patent number: 6487750
    Abstract: A device is provided for cleaning of elongate flexible hoses. The device has a smooth radiused low friction entry fairlead that allows the soiled hose to be readily pulled along a straight line path through the cleaner. After entry, the surface of the hose passes through a set of pliant wiping flaps that closely engage the full circumference of the hose, wiping dirt and debris from its surface as it enters the active cleaning region. In the cleaning region, multi-stream jets of high pressure water blast and scour the moving hose's surface, and the hose exits through a second set of pliant wiping flaps that wipe any adherent water from the hose surface. The active cleaning region, filled with water spray, is maintained at a negative pressure by means of an associated suction system which also sucks out the dirty water and debris. The pliant wiping flaps act as partial pneumatic seals, allowing maintenance of the negative pressure in the cleaning region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Terry A. Brown
  • Patent number: 6481046
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for cleaning from the outer surface of an endless transport belt the ink, not ejected for printing purposes, of an inkjet printer, said method and apparatus serving for completely removing and collecting the ink adhering to the transport belt, while retaining a high transport belt speed. The method is characterized by the application of a converging compressed-air stream onto the outer surface of the ink-wetted transport belt by means of an air conduit, comprising a suction nozzle, of a pressure nozzle, and by extraction of the resulting ink-air mixture by means of the suction nozzle, the two steps being performed simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael N. Freund, Kurt Stehle
  • Patent number: 6477734
    Abstract: In a fiber-processing machine with a separating edge, in which both fibers as well as air are guided past the edge in a substantially predetermined conveying direction, air layers loaded with dirt particles or waste are deflected by means of the edge from the stream of fibers/air. The removal of dirt is aided at first by means of blast air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Rieter AG
    Inventors: Götz Theodor Gresser, Olivier Wüst, Rolf Böhler, Christian Griesshammer
  • Patent number: 6457204
    Abstract: A device for removing dust from a moving paper web, where the dust is carried in a boundary layer of air that runs with the web, includes a first separating box mounted across the web running direction. The first separating box has a collecting duct extending across the web running direction, a curved guide surface which guides the paper web, and apparatus for deflecting the dust-laden air boundary layer into the collecting duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Andritz AG
    Inventors: Jörg Bauböck, Adolf Gogg, Klaus Gissing
  • Patent number: 6457335
    Abstract: Device with a nozzle beam for producing fluid streams for striking the fibers of a web of goods by streams. The fluid spraying against the underside of the nozzle beam must be captured. For this purpose, a device is used Fat is located to the side of the nozzle beam over its length. A funnel-shaped slot is provided at the edge of the nozzle beam, at whose inner end a suction slot approximately 2 mm high is formed. If a sufficiently low vacuum is connected to the otherwise completely enclosed device, all of the drops from the underside of the nozzle beam can be sucked up safely for the goods to be needled, including a spray fog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Fleissner GmbH & Co. Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Gerold Fleissner
  • Publication number: 20020108202
    Abstract: The device sprays a mist of cleaning fluid onto the record medium—e.g., motion picture film—and wipes it off, preferably with a soft material such as velvet. Then, the film is dried with air, including thin air jets to spread the liquid evenly, and heated, ionized air. The device has a closed housing and air in the housing is evacuated and sent to a still to recover much of the cleaning liquid and prevent its escape into the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: DeLuxe Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Leisinger, George J. Rowland, Colin F. Mossman
  • Publication number: 20020108203
    Abstract: A positioning frame supports a rotating buff roll within a vacuum plenum at a desired location adjacent a moving web of material. The apparatus has a drive arm with a jackshaft and a support arm each pivoted off bases which may be clamped to a single cross machine direction shaft. The motor drive may also be positioned at a variety of orientations. Three parallel axes of adjustment are defined by the positioning frame granting the installer of the apparatus great latitude in positioning the buff assembly near the web to be cleaned. Two web cleaning apparatuses may be installed on opposite sides of an open span of web, or a first apparatus may be engaged against the web where it turns around a roll, and a second apparatus may be engaged against the web where it turns around a downstream roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Wayne K. Kaim
  • Patent number: 6412140
    Abstract: The suction slit between two sliding strips for a transport device transporting the textile material is filled by a cleaning strip which has holes on one side to carry away the fluid to be drawn off and preferably on the other side as well, on the top of a separating strip, to determine the width of the suction slit. In this fashion, the fibers loosened by needling come to rest on the ribs of the holes in the cleaning strip and not on the ribs on the openings in the suction tube and thus can be removed quickly from the suction device by replacing the cleaning strip. In addition, the width of the effective suction slit can be changed quickly by replacing it by another cleaning strip in which the width of one or two separating strips is dimensioned accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Fleissner GmbH & Co., Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Gerold Fleissner
  • Patent number: 6345453
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus of drying a fiber web (5) which is dried between two tight bands (1, 2) that move in parallel and turn around turning rolls (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b), the first band (1) being heated and the second band (2) being cooled, the fiber web (5) being arranged to run through the drying zone defined by the bands (1, 2) together with at least two felts or wires (3, 4) such that the fiber web (5) is in contact with the surface of the first band (1), a coarse wire (4) is in contact with the surface of the second, cooled band (2), and a fine wire (3) is between the fiber web (5) and the coarse wire (4). The fine wire (3) is cleaned with a cleaning device (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Jari Ilomäki, Seppo Mustonen, Timo Ojala