Machines Patents (Class 15/3)
  • Publication number: 20130104323
    Abstract: In one or more embodiments described herein, there is provided an apparatus for a user interface, the user interface including a user interface surface, the user interface surface including at least part of a self cleaning composition, the composition being configured to draw away at least one dermatological contaminant from one or more contaminated regions of the user interface surface to thereby provide a self-cleaning user interface surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Beecher, Piers Andrew, Chris Bower, Zoran Radivojevic
  • Publication number: 20130104322
    Abstract: The invention is a vehicle roof sweeper for the roofs of trucks and trailers that is rollable along the ground. The vehicle roof top sweeper that has retractable wheels and can be rolled using a pickup truck, car, tractor, forklift, or two or three people on foot. An embodiment of the invention is a vehicle roof sweeper having a pair of vertical supports, an upper crossbar connecting the pair of vertical supports, a plow assembly movable along the pair of vertical supports and positionable below the upper crossbar by a first lifting device, a base structure disposed on each of the pair of vertical supports, and retractable wheels positioned on opposite ends of the base structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Quintin Machinery LLC
    Inventor: Quintin Machinery LLC
  • Publication number: 20130098397
    Abstract: The present invention can reduce the burden on a scrub cleaning member without entailing a large footprint and a long cleaning time and can enhance cleaning performance. A moving arm is moved to move a scrub cleaning member from a standby position above the edge of a substrate to a scrub cleaning position above the center of the substrate. A two-fluid nozzle is moved in conjunction with the movement of the moving arm while jetting a mixed fluid from the two-fluid nozzle toward the surface of the rotating substrate to carry out two-fluid jet cleaning of the substrate. After stopping the jetting of the fluid from the two-fluid nozzle, the scrub cleaning member is brought into contact with the surface of the substrate to carry out scrub cleaning of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: EBARA CORPORATION
    Inventor: EBARA CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130098698
    Abstract: A utility vehicle can comprise a wheeled platform, a motor coupled to the platform and configured to propel the platform, at least one cleaning element coupled to the platform, wherein the at least one cleaning element is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, and one or more controls configured to move the at least one cleaning element between the collapsed position and the expanded position. The at least one cleaning element can also be movable between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the wheeled platform, and the one or more controls can further be configured to move the at least one cleaning element between the raised position and the lowered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel T. Johnson, Andrew L. Dvorak
  • Publication number: 20130098402
    Abstract: A robot cleaner and a control method for the same are disclosed. The robot cleaner and control method are capable of detecting malfunction of an auxiliary cleaning unit, and controlling travel of the robot cleaner in accordance with the detection result, to achieve efficient cleaning of an edge area even when there is an error in the auxiliary cleaning unit. The robot cleaner includes a plurality of auxiliary cleaning units mounted to a bottom portion of the robot cleaner such that the auxiliary cleaning units are extendable and retractable, a sensing unit to sense an extension, retraction, or rotation state of each of the auxiliary cleaning units, and a control unit to determine whether the auxiliary cleaning units operate normally, based on a sensing result of the sensing unit, and to control travel of the robot cleaner, based on a result of the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130091652
    Abstract: A surface cleaning device having a steering assembly is provided. The surface cleaning device includes a foot, a handle assembly with a user manipulated handle, and a steering assembly coupling the handle assembly to the foot. The steering assembly defines an open path between the handle assembly and the foot and includes a means for biasing the foot with respect to the handle assembly. Movement of the handle assembly stores energy within the biasing means so that the biasing means exerts a corresponding force on the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Gregg A. Henderson, Douglas M. Rukavina
  • Publication number: 20130091646
    Abstract: A shoe cleaning device 10 comprises a rotatable disc 12, a housing 14 on which the disc 12 is rotatably mountable, the housing 14 having a circumference the same, or substantially the same, as the cleaning disc 12, and a motor 16 mounted sideways within the housing 14 to maintain an extreme low profile, the motor 16 remaining within, or substantially within, both a circumference of the housing 14 and of the cleaning disc 12. Preferably the housing 14 encapsulates the motor 16 to form a mounded pinchgrip 38. Preferably a pressure activated unit 62 is provided so that pinching of the pinchgrip 38 activates the device 10, offering an interactive interface for a user. An illuminatory power band 80 may provide variable feedback responses to a user through use of light output, and may also be activated by pressurizing of a pressure activated unit 62. In another embodiment, a motor 16 may be mounted at any angle where there is provided an illuminatory power band 80 for variable feedback response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Jethro Lionel Bennett
  • Patent number: 8418662
    Abstract: An apparatus that visually inspects a state of sludge and foreign substances found between steam generator bundles positioned at an upper portion of a tube sheet of a steam generator of a nuclear power plant using a visual inspector mounted in a robot moving on an inner wall surface of the steam generator for removing the foreign substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Plant Service & Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gyung-Sub Kim, Sang-Hoon Choi, Dong-Il Kim
  • Patent number: 8418303
    Abstract: A coverage robot includes a chassis, a drive system, and a cleaning assembly. The cleaning assembly includes a housing and at least one driven cleaning roller including an elongated core with end mounting features defining a central longitudinal axis of rotation, multiple floor cleaning bristles extending radially outward from the core, and at least one compliant flap extending radially outward from the core to sweep a floor surface. The flap is configured to prevent errant filaments from spooling tightly about the core to aid subsequent removal of the filaments. In another aspect, a coverage robot includes a chassis, a drive system, a controller, and a cleaning assembly. The cleaning assembly includes a housing and at least one driven cleaning roller. The coverage robot includes a roller cleaning tool carried by the chassis and configured to longitudinally traverse the roller to remove accumulated debris from the cleaning roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Deepak Ramesh Kapoor, Zivthan A. Dubrovsky
  • Publication number: 20130087168
    Abstract: A roof debris removal apparatus comprising a generally rectangular platform with a plurality of omnidirectional rollers disposed at the bottom corners thereof, with a telescopic pole connected to the platform for manipulating the apparatus in multiple directions across a roof surface by an operator standing on the ground. A leaf blower, floor dryer or a water jet mechanism is secured to the platform, and a power source is connected to the leaf blower, floor dryer or a water jet mechanism. The apparatus is utilized to remove debris, such as leaves and twigs, from a roof surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Beville James
  • Patent number: 8413284
    Abstract: A dual striker mechanism for a carpet-tapping machine comprises two striker grills which are mounted in a common body opposite one another so as to be pivotable about the longitudinal axis of their retaining rail. The tapping rods of the first striker grill thereby protrude into the gaps between the tapping rods of the second striker grill. The arrangement of the tapping rods of the two striker grills thereby forms a common horizontal plane. The striker grills are coupled to one another such that upon a clockwise pivoting motion of the first striker grill, the opposite one moves counter-clockwise. The drive motor for the striker grills generates an alternating pivoting motion about the longitudinal axis of the striker grills via an eccentric drive. The tapping rods of the two striker grills thereby move toward each other in their common substantially horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Pfisterer
  • Publication number: 20130074873
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus comprising: a substrate holder which holds a substrate having a pattern formed in a surface of the substrate in a predetermined positional relationship with a reference indicator of the substrate; and a cleaner which abuts an adhesive member on the surface of the substrate which is held by the substrate holder and peels off the adhesive member along the surface of the substrate in a peeling direction which is not at right angle to a direction of the pattern, thereby cleaning the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Hiroaki KITAGAWA, Katsuhiko MIYA
  • Publication number: 20130061420
    Abstract: An autonomous surface treating appliance comprising a main body defining an outer plan profile, and having a drive arrangement mounted inboard of the outer plan profile of the main body and configured to propel the appliance in a direction of movement across a surface to be cleaned, a surface treating assembly associated with the main body and carried transversely to the direction of movement, the surface treating assembly being generally elongate in form and having side edges extending substantially at a tangent to respective circular portions of the outer plan profile of the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Mark Stamford Vanderstegen-Drake, James Dyson, Peter David Gammack
  • Publication number: 20130056032
    Abstract: A robot cleaner is accessed to a terminal through a network. A situation inside a house can be real-time checked from the outside, and the situation can be rapidly handled according to a state of the robot cleaner. The robot cleaner can patrol a predetermined region or move to a user's desired location, and can provide, to the user through the terminal, images captured on a moving path or the user's desired location. The robot cleaner can provide image information captured during the cleaning to the terminal. And, the terminal can video-record the image information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Suuk Choe, Sunghun Lee, Junho Jang, Seungmin Baek, Yiebin Kim
  • Publication number: 20130047353
    Abstract: A floor cleaning tool having a body, a cleaning solution reservoir, a brush or other rotating roll by which floor cleaning is performed, and at least one wheel enabling tool movement across a floor. In some embodiments, the tool has a rotatable handle that can be locked in two or more rotational positions, and that can be rotated about a laterally-extending axis of the handle. Some embodiments of the tool have a roll retained by a bracket having one or more axially-extending portions secured by a fastener for easy roll removal, service, and/or replacement. Some embodiment of the tool have a resiliently deformable fluid nozzle plate for easy cleaning. The tool can have a squeegee assembly that is laterally insertable (e.g., between the roll and wheels of the tool) for mounting, such as by rotatable projections insertable into a mount of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: DIVERSEY, INC.
    Inventors: Dieter Windmeisser, Andre Bartsch, Jerry Auerswald, Thomas Bahr, Beat Stager, Phillip Jahde, Josef Kuzhnini
  • Patent number: 8371315
    Abstract: A washing system comprising a washing machine vessel, a fluid-treatment component for activating a liquid, a dispenser for dispensing the activated liquid to the washing machine vessel, an electrode in electrical contact with the activated liquid, and at least one control circuit configured to generate an alternating electrical field through the dispensed activated liquid between the electrode and the washing machine vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Denison, Bruce F. Field, Jonathan A. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20130031731
    Abstract: A cleaning device is provided with a housing which has a placement surface for setting down a container and with travel wheels for moving the cleaning device. In order to develop the cleaning device further in such a manner that a container can be secured on the placement surface in a simple manner, it is suggested that the cleaning device have at least one storage space, in which at least one tensioning element is arranged in a storage position, this tensioning element being withdrawable from the storage space at least partially and being transferable into a working position for the purpose of securing the container on the placement surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Alfred Karcher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Alfred Karcher GmbH & Co. KG
  • Publication number: 20130031744
    Abstract: An objective of the invention is to eliminate the need of a frequent dust waste by the user and to provide efficient device for wasting the dust that has been collected in the robot cleaner. The invention provides a robot cleaner capable of discharging dust out to a dust discharge station, wherein the robot cleaner is capable of moving autonomously to collect dust, the robot cleaner comprising: a dust container for storing dust; a dust inlet for collecting dust into the dust container; and an opening and closing mechanism of the dust container, provided at a bottom surface of the robot cleaner, for discharging dust collected in the dust container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Tetsu Ota
  • Patent number: 8327487
    Abstract: A vacuum may include a housing defining a suction inlet opening and a debris chamber in communication with the suction inlet opening, a suction device disposed in the housing for providing a vacuum pressure to the inlet opening, a filter disposed in an airflow path between the suction inlet opening and the suction device, and a motor driving a device for disengaging debris from the filter. The device for disengaging debris from the filter may include at least one finger disposed on a belt or a rake. The device for disengaging debris from the filter may include a vibration device that induces a vibration in the filter. A controller can allow electric current to actuate the device for disengaging debris from the filter. The controller can have a plurality of operational modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Kunz, Gregg L. Sheddy, Katherine E. Phelan
  • Patent number: 8321986
    Abstract: A nozzle cleaner having a configuration for centering a cutter thereof with respect to a welding nozzle. The nozzle cleaner peels off sputter from an inner peripheral surface of a welding nozzle by inserting the cutter toward the inner peripheral surface of the welding nozzle, and then rotating the cutter. The nozzle cleaner includes a guide mechanism to center the welding nozzle with respect to the cutter. The guide mechanism includes an insertion-side roller unit and a cutter-side roller unit, each having a pair of guide rollers having a smaller diameter portion and a pair of enlarged diameter portions. The enlarged diameter portions guide the welding nozzle to the vicinity of the central position of the corresponding smaller diameter portion. The facing guide rollers of the cutter-side roller unit and of the insertion-side roller unit are arranged in arrangement directions orthogonal to each other, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Kyokutoh Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kotaro Nakazima
  • Publication number: 20120297559
    Abstract: An object searching method includes: capturing an image in front of a cleaning robot by a camera. Comparing the image with a number of reference images to determine whether the image is the same as one of the reference images. Storing a position of the cleaning robot and the image when the image is the same as one of the reference images, adjusting the path of the cleaning robot to stop the cleaning robot from cleaning the object; and emitting an alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HOU-HSIEN LEE, CHANG-JUNG LEE, CHIH-PING LO
  • Publication number: 20120291218
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for cleaning or otherwise treating a floored surface that includes a platform adapted to support the weight of an operator. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is capable of generally performing 360° turns to facilitate the treatment of difficult to access portions of the floored surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: KARCHER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Roger Pedlar, Brian J. Doll, Rusty Simmon, Nevin Green, Daniel Pearson, Loi X. Tran, Robert S. Gorsky, Eric L. Shark, Daniel C. Venard
  • Publication number: 20120291810
    Abstract: A cleaning system is provided. The cleaning system includes at least one sign object and a cleaning robot. The cleaning robot detects and records a position of the sign object to generate a recorded result. The cleaning robot has a locking function. When the locking function has been activated, the cleaning robot performs a cleaning operation according to the recorded result. When the locking function has been activated and the sign object has been removed, the cleaning robot is capable of performing the cleaning operation according to the position of the sign object before it was removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Shui-Shih CHEN, You-Wei Teng
  • Patent number: 8307486
    Abstract: An assembly used to scrape clean a vent pattern with a blade and catch or the scrapings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dean F Herring, Jason A. Matteson, Robert A. Myers, Philip M. Woodward
  • Publication number: 20120279010
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handheld floor treatment device, comprising a floor part (1), which has a liquid supply (11), and a liquid in-take (13) and a structurally separated suction unit that contains at least one suction turbine (17). The invention further relates to a handheld floor treatment device, comprising a floor part (1) having a bow (5), which encompasses the floor part (1) at least in some sections and which is connected to the floor part (1) by means of a first joint (4) that can be adjusted in the treatment direction (6), and further comprising a guide part (2) attached to the bow (5), the guide part having a handle (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Rainer Kenter, Rudolf Franke
  • Publication number: 20120266394
    Abstract: The utility model relates to the technical field of driving structure, and provides a linear reciprocatingly movement-type driving structure and a cleaning tool. The linear reciprocatingly movement-type driving structure comprises of: a driving gear and a crown gear engaged with said driving gear; an eccentric cam that is set eccentrically on the crown gear, a first connecting shaft is set on said eccentric cam, a crankshaft is sleeved on the said first connecting shaft, while the crankshaft is connected to an output shaft. In the utility model, the driving method of the motor 16 could be changed from a 360-degree rotation into a linear reciprocating motion through the driving gear, the crown gear, the eccentric cam, the first connecting shaft, the crankshaft and the output shaft. Therefore the wear and tear is reduced and the service life is prolonged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Ruiyu HE, Weilin Hu
  • Patent number: 8282740
    Abstract: Exemplary surface debris removal systems and methods are operable to remove debris from a signal transmitting/receiving surface. An embodiment provides power to, and then removes power from, a conductive memory wire that is secured to a moveable portion of a two-position snap spring. In response to providing the power to the conductive memory wire, a length of the conductive memory wire decreases so that the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring is pulled from an extended position to a retracted position. When power is removed from the conductive memory wire, the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring moves from the retracted position to the extended position. In response to the moving of the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring from the retracted position to the extended position, an energy is generated and transferred to the surface that dislodges the debris from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Eldon Technology Limited
    Inventor: Mark Gohl
  • Patent number: 8281442
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a blade maintenance vehicle. The blade maintenance vehicle includes a self-contained balance configured to stabilize the blade maintenance vehicle on an upwardly facing edge of a horizontally positioned wind turbine blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Eric Eggleston
  • Patent number: 8281794
    Abstract: A stage device for use in a vacuum includes a frame-shaped movable stage having a sample mounting surface, a fixed stage surrounded by the movable stage, an air bearing to float the movable stage by supplying gas to a gap between the stages, a pressure regulator to regulate a pressure of the gas, a differential pumping portion to prevent the gas from flowing outside the gap, and a controller. The controller moves the movable stage within a predetermined range under a pressure in the differential pumping portion set equal to that for movable stage in use when setting a floating height of the movable stage lower than that for movable stage in use, and under the pressure in the differential pumping portion set higher than that for movable stage in use when setting the floating height of the movable stage equal to that for movable stage in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Advantest Corp.
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Oae, Youichi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8268088
    Abstract: A dishwasher, including: a washing container; at least two spray devices disposed inside the washing container; a circulating pump to deliver liquid to the at least two spray devices; a first drive to drive the circulating pump; a reversing device, wherein, based on a position of the reversing device, the circulating pump delivers the liquid to at least one of the at least two spray devices; and a control device to detect a current position of the reversing device based on an operating parameter assigned to the first drive and to at least one of control and regulate the first drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Kränzle, Pedro Sancho, Franz-Josef Wagner
  • Patent number: 8261757
    Abstract: A device for wet treatment of wafers includes a first plate and a second plate substantially parallel to the first plate, and a wafer is held between the first and the second plate substantially parallel. A first dispenser introduces fluid into a first gap between the first plate and the wafer when being treated, and a second dispenser introduces fluid into a second gap between the second plate and the wafer when being treated. At least one vibrating element is acoustically coupled to at least the second plate, and a holder and the second plate are rotated relative to each other about an axis substantially perpendicular to the second plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Lam Research AG
    Inventors: Rainer Obweger, Alexander Pfeuffer, Martin Köffler, Alexander Lippert
  • Patent number: 8256249
    Abstract: The present invention relates to laundry machines, and, more particularly, to a safe laundry machine which enables a user to open/close a door easily, and can prevent an accident caused by opening/closing of the door from taking place. The laundry machine includes a cabinet, a drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet, a door having a latch for being opened/closed selectively to expose an inside of the drum to an outside of the laundry machine, and a door switch assembly provided for enabling opening/closing of the door, wherein the door switch assembly includes a switch unit for making selective connection to the latch, and an opening operation unit spaced from the switch unit for the user to enable to disconnect the connection between the latch and the switch unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jae Yoen Lim, Jong Chul Bang, Ki Chul Cho, Seong No Yoon
  • Publication number: 20120211030
    Abstract: A vertical closed loop link chain vacuum conveyor is provided. A conveying frame extends along a lane-like longitudinal conveying path. The frame has a vertical and longitudinally offset closed loop section. The closed loop section has a change in elevation including a decline and an incline, change in direction, and a central vacuum plenum. A multi-flex link chain is in guided support and travel in the conveying frame while running in trained contact about a link chain drive assembly. The multi-flex link chain is in evacuated communication with a suction generator is in ducted communication with the vacuum plenum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: William D. Jones
  • Patent number: 8230542
    Abstract: The present invention is a particle removing member of a substrate processing equipment including a particle removing layer in which a time necessary for a signal intensity of free induction decay measured by a pulse NMR-Solid Echo method to decay to 37% of an initial value at a measurement temperature of 100 degrees centigrade is 1000 ?s or less, in particular, a particle removing sheet including the above-constituted particle removing layer on a support, and a conveying member with particle removing function formed by adhering the above-constituted particle removing sheet on the conveying member, and furthermore a method of removing particle of a substrate processing equipment, including conveying the above-constituted conveying member with particle removing function into a substrate processing equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Hashimoto, Yoshio Ota
  • Patent number: 8215134
    Abstract: A laundry treatment appliance includes: a drum defining a laundry treatment chamber configured to hold laundry; a motor coupled to the drum and configured to rotate the drum; and a controller coupled to the motor and configured to determine a parameter representative of a rotational speed of the laundry in the drum and determine a laundry load size based on the parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Farhad Ashrafzadeh, Ryan Robert Bellinger
  • Patent number: 8215321
    Abstract: Methods of cleaning backing plates of electrode assemblies, or electrode assemblies including a backing plate and an electrode plate are provided. The methods can be used to clean backing plates and electrode plates made of various materials, such as silicon electrode plates and graphite and aluminum backing plates. The backing plates and electrode assemblies can be new, used or refurbished. A flushing fixture that can be used in the cleaning methods is also provided, the flushing fixture comprising a base plate comprising a recessed inner portion including and an upper surface configured to support the backing plate or the electrode assembly, and a cover plate configured to cover the base plate, the cover plate including at least one liquid passage through which a flushing liquid is introduced into an interior of the flushing fixture defined by the base plate and cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Hong Shih, Yaobo Yin, Jason Augustino, Catherine Zhou, Armen Avoyan
  • Patent number: 8202373
    Abstract: A warewash machine includes a rinse sump and a wash sump. A controllable deflector, under control of a control module, directs wash agent dispensed during a wash phase to the wash sump, directs rinse agent to the wash sump for a predetermined period of time after initiation of an auxiliary rinse phase, and directs the rinse agent to the rinse sump after the predetermined period of time and for a remaining duration of the auxiliary rinse phase. The controllable deflector directs water dispensed during a final rinse phase to the rinse sump such that the water combines with the rinse agent therein. The rinse agent is re-used during at least one subsequent auxiliary rinse phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Louis M. Holzman, Adrian Hartz, Eddie D. Sowle, Lee J. Monsrud
  • Publication number: 20120110757
    Abstract: An easy disassemble sweeper includes a sweeping device, a machine body and a trash box connected to the machine body, and further includes a magnet device for assembling or separating the trash box and the machine body. As compared with the prior art, t he machine body and the trash box of the present invention are securely assembled by a magnetic force and the present invention has a simple structure, which allows the user to quickly and conveniently assemble or separate the machine body and the trash box for the ease of cleaning the trash box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: XIAOTIAN (ZHONGSHAN) INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Oscar CHOW
  • Publication number: 20120110759
    Abstract: Provided is an automatic cleaner, which includes a first moving part, a second moving part, a moving wheel, a driving motor, a fixing member, and a control part. The first moving part is movably disposed at a side of an object to be cleaned. The second moving part is movably disposed at another side of the object. The moving wheel is disposed on at least one of the first moving part and the second moving part. The driving motor provides driving force to the moving wheel. The fixing member fixes the first moving part and the second moving part to each other through the object. The control part increases or decreases the driving force output from the driving motor according to a moving direction of the first or second moving part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Jong-Hyun Seo
  • Publication number: 20120103367
    Abstract: A cleaning robot a dirt recognition device thereof and a cleaning method of the robot are disclosed. The recognition device includes an image collecting module and an image processing module. The image collecting module may be used for collecting the image information of the surface to be treated by the cleaning robot and sending the image information to the image processing module. The image processing module may divide the collected image information of the surface to be treated into N blocks, extract the image information of each block and process the image information in order to determine the dirtiest surface to be treated that corresponds to one of the N blocks. Through the solution provided by the present invention, the cleaning robot can make an active recognition to the dirt such as dust, so that it can get into the working area accurately and rapidly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: ECOVACS ROBOTICS (SUZHOU ) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jinju Tang
  • Publication number: 20120102670
    Abstract: A robot cleaner provided with a shutter to open or close an inlet of a dust box when the dust box is separated from a body of the robot cleaner. Another robot cleaner, which docks with an automatic exhaust station, is also disclosed, together with the automatic exhaust station. The latter robot cleaner includes a shutter to be automatically opened by air discharged from the automatic exhaust station in a docked state of the robot cleaner to exhaust dust from the dust box, in order to allow even heavy dust to be easily exhausted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hwi Chan Jang, Dong Won Kim, Hyun Soo Jung, Jun Hwa Lee
  • Publication number: 20120097187
    Abstract: There is disclosed a cleaning apparatus for a radiation source assembly in a fluid treatment system. The cleaning system comprises: a cleaning carriage comprising at least one cleaning element for contact with at least a portion of the exterior of the radiation source assembly; a rodless cylinder comprising an elongate housing having a first longitudinal axis; a slidable element disposed on an exterior surface of the elongate housing; and an elongate motive element coupled to the driving element. The slidable element is: (i) coupled to the cleaning carriage, and (ii) magnetically coupled to a driving element disposed within the elongate housing. The elongate motive element has a second longitudinal axis that is oriented in a substantially parallel, non-coaxial relationship with respect to the first longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: Trojan Technologies
    Inventors: Douglas Penhale, Joseph Elku, Ryan Moffatt, George Traubenberg
  • Publication number: 20120090104
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus, in particular to a cleaning apparatus, for carrying out a working movement moving to and fro, in particular a periodic working movement, in particular a cleaning movement, having a holding rod defining a longitudinal direction and a work unit which is coupled to the holding rod and which is movable relative to the holding rod for carrying out a working movement running parallel to the longitudinal direction, wherein an external drive is provided for generating the working movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Anton Jaeger
  • Publication number: 20120090105
    Abstract: A surface cleaning device having a steering assembly is provided. The surface cleaning device includes a foot, a handle assembly with a user manipulated handle, and a steering assembly coupling the handle assembly to the foot. The steering assembly includes a means for biasing the foot with respect to the handle assembly. Movement of the handle assembly stores energy within the biasing means so that the biasing means exerts a corresponding force on the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Gregg A. Henderson
  • Publication number: 20120090106
    Abstract: A fluid rotation drive, in particular for cleaning apparatus, having at least one drive wheel, in particular a turbine wheel or bucket wheel, which can be directly set into rotation about a drive axis by the action of a supplied fluid, in particular supplied in jet form; having at least one planetary transmission, with a sun gear of the planetary transmission being connected to the drive wheel; and having a housing which includes the drive wheel and the planetary transmission and which has at least one inlet for the fluid supplied for acting on the drive wheel, with a first ring region for the fluid being defined by the drive wheel and the housing and a second ring region for the fluid being defined by a toothed arrangement of an annulus gear of the planetary transmission, and with the first ring region and the second ring region being arranged in direct spatial proximity to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Anton Jaeger
  • Publication number: 20120084930
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a cleaning device with a drive motor which drives at least one cleaning tool. In order to develop the method further in such a manner that the degree of wear of the cleaning tool can be determined in a simple manner even when the cleaning tool is replaced, it is suggested in accordance with the invention that a wear value, which corresponds to the degree of wear of the cleaning tool present at the time the wear value is stored, be stored in a memory element of the cleaning tool and that this wear value be repeatedly updated. In addition, a cleaning device and a cleaning tool for carrying out the method are suggested.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Schuetz, Markus Duenne, Ruwantha De Silva
  • Publication number: 20120067368
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus providing uninterrupted cleaning of first and second parts of a deployed marine seismic streamer cable using one cleaner apparatus, the first and second parts located to respective sides of a bird attached to the streamer cable. The system comprises a connecting apparatus for connecting by a web or rung the bird to the streamer cable, and the cleaner apparatus provided with a slit open over the full length of the cleaner and adapted to let the web or rung pass from end to end of the cleaner, whereby the cleaner is allowed to pass from the first part to the second part without interrupting its cleaning action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Fugro Norway AS
    Inventors: Peer Toftner, Denis Murphy
  • Publication number: 20120066858
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine including a base or foot movable along a surface to be cleaned and a handle pivotally coupled to the foot for movement between an upright position and a reclined position. The handle includes a tank tray having an inlet and a drain. A channel communicates with the drain and extends away from the tank tray. A distributor communicates with the inlet and is operable to distribute cleaning fluid to the surface. A supply tank is removably coupled to the handle and has an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet when the supply tank is coupled to the handle. The supply tank is at least partially supported by the tank tray and the tank tray is configured to collect fluid spilt from the supply tank and to divert the fluid away from the tank tray by way of the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Harald Krondorfer, Robert A. Salo, Euan Macleod, Patrick Quinn, John Bantum
  • Publication number: 20120047666
    Abstract: A device (10) for collecting debris from a ground surface (18). A flexible generally planar member (17) has openings (16) therethrough. When the device is laid on and forwardly moved over the ground surface (18) debris on the ground surface passes upwardly through the openings, over inclined pick-up portions (42) of the device and thence onto collection surfaces (25) of the device. The device has transversely extending openings (88) spaced in the lengthwise direction on inclined surfaces (68) of the pick-up portions (42) whereby under forward movement of the device (10) in use, debris is accumulated in the recesses (88). Debris accumulated in the recesses (88) tends to be retained therein during deceleration of the device (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: AERO-TECH PTY LTD.
    Inventor: Warwick Brook Tozer
  • Patent number: 8108960
    Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a particle removing member of a substrate processing equipment which can be assuredly conveyed into the substrate processing equipment and can conveniently and assuredly remove an adhered foreign matter, and a particle removing method of a substrate processing equipment that uses the particle removing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Hashimoto, Yoshio Ota