Liquid Treating Agent Treats Solid Material Patents (Class 34/357)
  • Patent number: 10937644
    Abstract: In an example, a method may include closing an opening in a structure with a sacrificial material at a first processing tool, moving the structure from the first processing tool to a second processing tool while the opening is closed, and removing the sacrificial material at the second processing tool. The structure may be used in semiconductor devices, such as memory devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Thorum, Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 9709330
    Abstract: An improved desolventizer toaster. The invention includes a housing. Within the housing, a first set of trays and a second set of trays are mounted. The first trays and second trays are disposed such that they are generally vertically spaced from one another and in a generally parallel disposition with respect to each other. Means for mixing vapors are provided, and they are positioned in a vapor mixing zone which is intermediate the first set of trays and second set of trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Crown Iron Works Company
    Inventors: George E. Anderson, Benjamin W. Floan
  • Patent number: 8997375
    Abstract: An operating method for a laundry drier which has a rotatable drum mounted inside a main body, a heater for heating the air flowing into the drum; and a scent supply module for spraying scent into the drum, comprising: a drying step of drying the laundry by supplying hot air heated by the heater; a pre-treating step of tumbling the drum while supplying air with the heater off; and a scent treating step of spraying scent onto the laundry which has passed through the pre-treating step. Since the scent is sprayed on after the pre-treating step, the scent can be effectively deposited on the laundry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang-Hun Bae, Sung-Ho Song, Min-Ji Kim, Yong-Cheol Jin
  • Publication number: 20140373384
    Abstract: A method, for drying an etched layer with a plurality of structures with etched spaces between the plurality of structures is provided. A liquid is provided within the spaces on the etched layer. The liquid is displaced with a drying solution with a solvent. Some of the solvent is removed from the drying solution to form a solid from the solution, wherein the solid at least fill half the height of the etched high aspect ratio spaces. The solid is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen M. SIRARD, Diane HYMES, Olivier B. POSTEL
  • Patent number: 8904668
    Abstract: A method for removing a moistening liquid from a moistened medium includes bringing at least one surface of the moistened medium into contact with a heating liquid. The heating liquid is warmed to a temperature greater than a moistening-liquid boiling point. Heat is transferred from the warmed heating liquid to the moistening liquid, thereby vaporizing the moistening liquid and removing it from the moistened medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Alan Richard Priebe, Donald Saul Rimai, Christopher J. White
  • Patent number: 8864047
    Abstract: Methods for producing a mono- or multilayer composite are provided in which one or several layers are applied onto a carrier material by coating, the coated mono- or multilayer composite is dried and rolled up, and the installation is subsequently cleaned. The air circuit in the drying oven is entirely set to fresh air supply, and the drying oven is configured to be cleaned in a controlled manner. All components of the drying oven that come into contact with the product do not have to be removed during cleaning, but can be cleaned-in-place using technology integrated into the drying oven. The drying oven Outer housing is designed so that it can be lifted upwardly. All assembly parts in the drying oven interior are designed to eliminate disassembling for cleaning purposes. Transport rollers within the drying oven are designed as hollow shafts and provided with spraying nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG
    Inventors: Rudi Brathuhn, Peter Schwarz, Wolfgang Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8806773
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for folding an airbag (1) for placement in an airbag module for a motor vehicle. The method involves folding the airbag (1), exposing the airbag (1) to moisture, compressing the airbag (1), and simultaneously extracting the moisture. Moisture in liquid or vapor form can be introduced before or after folding the airbag. Further disclosed is a device for folding the airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Raimund Nebel, Oliver Adolph, Jürgen Mackensen
  • Patent number: 8794250
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a spin chuck (3) that holds a substrate (W) and rotates the same. A process liquid supply system (11, . . . ) is disposed to supply a process liquid to the substrate rotated by the spin chuck. There are disposed a fluid nozzle (12) that supplies to the substrate a drying fluid having a higher volatility than that of the process liquid, and an inert gas nozzle (13) that supplies an inert gas to the substrate. A nozzle moving mechanism (15, 52, . . . ) is disposed that moves the nozzles (12, 13) radially outward relative to a rotational center (Po) of the substrate, while maintaining the inert gas nozzle nearer to the rotational center of the substrate than the fluid nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Takehiko Orii, Kenji Sekiguchi, Noritaka Uchida, Satoru Tanaka, Hiroki Ohno
  • Patent number: 8793898
    Abstract: A method for drying substrates using isopropyl alcohol (IPA) includes: a pre-stage in which heated fluid is injected to a bottom surface of a substrate to raise a temperature of the substrate simultaneously to injection of an organic solvent to a top surface of the substrate and injection of a dry gas to the top surface thereof to improve a vaporization power of the organic solvent; and a final stage in which the injection of the heated fluid is stopped and the organic solvent and the dry gas are injected to the top surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Semes Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Ju Jeong, Bok-Kyu Lee, Sun-Kyu Hwang, Jeong-Yong Bae, Soo-Bin Yong
  • Patent number: 8771429
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a supercritical drying method for a semiconductor substrate, comprises introducing the semiconductor substrate into a chamber in a state, a surface of the semiconductor substrate being wet with alcohol, substituting the alcohol on the semiconductor substrate with a supercritical fluid of carbon dioxide by impregnating the semiconductor substrate to the supercritical fluid in the chamber, and discharging the supercritical fluid and the alcohol from the chamber and reducing a pressure inside the chamber. The method further comprises performing a baking treatment by supplying an oxygen gas or an ozone gas to the chamber after the reduction of the pressure inside the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Linan Ji, Hidekazu Hayashi, Hiroshi Tomita, Hisashi Okuchi, Yohei Sato, Takayuki Toshima, Mitsuaki Iwashita, Kazuyuki Mitsuoka, Gen You, Hiroki Ohno, Takehiko Orii
  • Publication number: 20140101965
    Abstract: A method for removing a moistening liquid from a moistened medium includes bringing at least one surface of the moistened medium into contact with a heating liquid. The heating liquid is warmed to a temperature greater than a moistening-liquid boiling point. Heat is transferred from the warmed heating liquid to the moistening liquid, thereby vaporizing the moistening liquid and removing it from the moistened medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Alan Richard Priebe, Donald Saul Rimai, Christopher J. White
  • Publication number: 20130145643
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a spin chuck (3) that holds a substrate (W) and rotates the same. A process liquid supply system (11, . . . ) is disposed to supply a process liquid to the substrate rotated by the spin chuck. There are disposed a fluid nozzle (12) that supplies to the substrate a drying fluid having a higher volatility than that of the process liquid, and an inert gas nozzle (13) that supplies an inert gas to the substrate. A nozzle moving mechanism (15, 52, . . . ) is disposed that moves the nozzles (12, 13) radially outward relative to a rotational center (Po) of the substrate, while maintaining the inert gas nozzle nearer to the rotational center of the substrate than the fluid nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
  • Patent number: 8365434
    Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a dryer comprising dispensing a treating chemistry from a dispensing system into a treating chamber of the dryer based on an output from the environmental drying sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Carow, Ryan R. Bellinger, Francesco Jatta
  • Publication number: 20130000140
    Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for treating a substrate, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for treating a substrate using a supercritical fluid. The apparatus for treating a substrate includes a process chamber in which an organic solvent remaining on a substrate is dissolved using a fluid provided as a supercritical fluid to dry the substrate and a recycling unit in which the organic solvent is separated from the fluid discharged from the process chamber to recycle the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: SEMES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eunsun Jung, Woo Young Kim, Chan Young Heo, Jeong Seon Park
  • Publication number: 20120328895
    Abstract: The present application relates to methods of pre-treating wood, methods of drying wood, and methods of preserving wood. The methods include providing untreated wood, and applying an ionic liquid to the untreated wood. The methods also can include drying the wood after applying the ionic liquid to the wood. The methods also can include applying a preservative to the wood. Also provided herein are wood products produced by the methods provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Hideki Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20120260517
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for drying a surface of a substrate includes a proximity drying head having a head body that includes a process surface configured to be disposed opposite a surface of a substrate when present. The process surface includes a first region, a second region and a third region. The first region is defined at a leading edge of the head body and includes a cavity region that is recessed into the head body. The cavity region includes a plurality of inlet ports that are used to introduce a vapor fluid to the cavity region. The second region is disposed proximate to the surface of the substrate when present and is located beside the first region. The third region is disposed proximate to the surface of the substrate when present and is located beside the second region. A plurality of vacuum ports is defined at the interface of the second region and the third region. The third region includes a plurality of angled inlet ports that are directed toward the second region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Lenz, Mike Ravkin, Katrina Mikhaylichenko
  • Patent number: 8220179
    Abstract: The present invention provides a disc drying device and a disc drying method that allow simultaneous and quick drying of plural discs by a batch process and realize miniaturization of the device. In the present invention, plural discs arranged along a single axis are simultaneously chucked at outer peripheries thereof so that central openings of the discs internally form a space; plural nozzles are disposed in the space so as to supply hot water from inner peripheral surfaces of two sides of each of the discs to heat the discs with the hot water; and the discs are simultaneously rotated to thereby move the hot water from inner peripheries to outer peripheries of the discs and discharge the hot water outwardly of the outer peripheries by centrifugal force. The discharged hot water flows through valley grooves provided in inner wall surfaces of a water receiving cover to the lower side of the discs to be discharged to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Maruyama, Brian Rattray
  • Publication number: 20120124855
    Abstract: A method for reducing the moisture of at least one winding surrounded by an insulating layer in a container, includes heating the winding to a specifiable temperature by a low-frequency current. A spraying device includes a nozzle for reducing the moisture of at least one winding surrounded by an insulating layer in a container. A rod element is used as a part of the spraying device so that it is possible to point the nozzle of the spraying device directly at a winding and an insulating layer. A gentle and effective drying of the winding having an insulating layer is provided by combining an inner heating of the winding by a low-frequency current and the spraying of a rod-shaped spraying device directly at the winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Jan-Rainer Sicham
  • Publication number: 20120096735
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for folding an airbag (1) for placement in an airbag module for a motor vehicle. The method involves folding the airbag (1), exposing the airbag (1) to moisture, compressing the airbag (1), and simultaneously extracting the moisture. Moisture in liquid or vapor form can be introduced before or after folding the airbag. Further disclosed is a device for folding the airbag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Raimund Nebel, Oliver Adolph, Jürgen Mackensen
  • Publication number: 20120053249
    Abstract: Co-agglomerates of crystalline mannitol and granular starch, characterised in that they have a compressibility, as determined according to a test A, higher than 120 N, and preferably of 200 to 450 N, and a flow time, as determined according to a test B, of 3 to 15 seconds, and preferably of 4 to 8 seconds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: ROQUETTE FRERES
    Inventors: Baptiste Boit, Alain Francois, Philippe Lefevre, Damien Passe
  • Publication number: 20110314689
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor substrate whose surface is wet with a chemical solution (solvent) and formed with patterns having an aspect ratio of 10 or more is loaded into a chamber. Then, while the chemical solution (solvent) remains on the semiconductor substrate, its temperature is increased to a predetermined temperature in the range of 160° C. or more and less than the critical temperature of the chemical solution (solvent), and the evaporated chemical solution (solvent) is discharged from the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Hisashi OKUCHI, Yohei SATO, Hidekazu HAYASHI, Hiroshi TOMITA, Yukiko KITAJIMA
  • Publication number: 20110289793
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor substrate having a surface wetted with a chemical solution is introduced into a chamber, and a supercritical fluid is supplied into the chamber. The temperature in the chamber is adjusted to the critical temperature of the chemical solution or higher, so that the chemical solution is put into a supercritical state. The pressure in the chamber is then lowered, and the chemical solution in the critical state is turned into gaseous matter. The gaseous matter is then discharged from the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Hidekazu HAYASHI, Hiroshi Tomita, Hisashi Okuchi, Yohei Sato, Yukiko Kitajima
  • Patent number: 7937851
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously treating a moist biomass feedstock is disclosed. The method includes treating a biomass feedstock with a swelling agent in a pressurized first vessel, transferring the feedstock to a second vessel at a lower operating pressure than the first vessel such that the biomass fibers rupture. At least portions the swelling agent, and/or the moisture are recycled in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Michigan Biotechnology Institute
    Inventors: Srinivasan Rajagopalan, Tonya Tiedje, Darold McCalla
  • Patent number: 7846355
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing residue from a surface comprising: contacting the surface with a composition comprising at least one unsaturated fluorinated hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of compounds having the formula E- or Z—R1CH?CHR2, wherein R1 and R2 are, independently, C1 to C6 perfluoroalkyl groups, or C1 to C6 hydrofluoroalkyl groups, and recovering the surface from the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Mario Joseph Nappa, Melodie A. Schweitzer, Allen Capron Sievert, Ekaterina N. Swearingen
  • Publication number: 20100242302
    Abstract: A device for treating fabrics comprising a cabinet, said cabinet comprising: a shell having an interior surface, said shell forming an opening; the device further comprising: at least a first and a second spray head positioned upon said interior surface of said shell, the first spray head comprising a multitude of spray nozzles and the second spray head comprising at least one spray nozzle, wherein in at least one first direction the first spray head produces a spray pattern comprising a sequence of a first spray-on area, a first spray free area, and a second spray-on area and in said first direction the second spray head produces a spray pattern comprising at least a third spray-on area and wherein the third spray-on area covers at least a portion of the first spray free area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Stephan James Andreas Meschkat, Stefan Hollinger
  • Patent number: 7718089
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing residue from a surface comprising: contacting the surface with a composition comprising at least one unsaturated fluorinated hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of compounds having the formula E- or Z—R1CH?CHR2, wherein R1 and R2 are, independently, C1 to C6 perfluoroalkyl groups, or C1 to C6 hydrofluoroalkyl groups, and recovering the surface from the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Mario Joseph Nappa, Melodie A. Schweitzer, Allen Capron Sievert, Ekaterina N. Swearingen
  • Patent number: 7665227
    Abstract: A method of revitalizing a fabric comprises directing a flow of air through a chamber while tumbling the fabric to dehydrate the fabric; removing particulates from the air flowing through the chamber; directing a treatment fluid into the chamber and onto the fabric; and tumbling the fabric while at least intermittently contacting the fabric with a low absorbency textured surface. In another embodiment, a method comprises placing the fabric in a chamber having a low absorbency textured surface; extracting fluid from the fabric to dehydrate the fabric; inserting treatment fluid into the chamber to apply the treatment fluid to the fabric; and extracting fluid from the fabric to dehydrate the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Tremitchell Wright, Karl D. McAllister, LD Metcalfe, Janice M. Kaeding
  • Publication number: 20100000112
    Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a dryer comprising dispensing a treating chemistry from a dispensing system into a treating chamber of the dryer based on an output from the environmental drying sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: JAMES P. CAROW, RYAN R. BELLINGER, FRANCESCO JATTA
  • Patent number: 7596886
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for collecting fluid within a wafer cleaning chamber is provided. The apparatus includes a rotatable annular manifold configured to support a wafer within an inner cavity defined by an inner surface of the annular manifold. The annular manifold includes a channel extending from an inner surface of the annular manifold to a floor of the annular manifold. The floor has at least one opening. The apparatus includes a catch basin having a base with at least one drain. The base has an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall extending therefrom. The catch basin is disposed under the annular manifold to capture fluid dispensed from the at least one opening of the floor of the annular manifold. A spin, rinse and dry module and a method for collecting a fluid delivered to the surface of a rotating wafer are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Boyd, Fred C. Redeker
  • Patent number: 7307663
    Abstract: A video surveillance camera comprising a lens, lens holder, image sensor, base, and ring. The base has a plurality of slots, and the image sensor is mounted on the base. The lens is positioned in the lens holder, which has a plurality of arms with a pin. Each of the arms is positioned so that its respective pin is located in one of the plurality of slots in the base. The ring has a plurality of grooves for engagement with the pins and is rotatably engaged with the base such that rotation of the ring imparts axial movement to the lens relative to the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Pelco
    Inventors: Alex Pokrovsky, Thomas Lyon, Erik Tews, Mark J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7178263
    Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing incombustible wood that enables maximization of the amount of an incombustion agent used to be impregnated into wood. Further provided is a method of manufacturing incombustible wood that completely satisfies incombustible-wood conditions required by the Building Standard law and that can be relatively easily manufactured. The method of manufacturing incombustible wood includes performing plural times of individual drying steps for drying wood (for example, board material B), decompression steps for decompressing the wood, decompression impregnation steps for impregnating the wood with an incombustibility treatment agent in a decompressed state, and compression impregnation steps for impregnating the wood with the incombustibility treatment agent in a compressed state, wherein two times of the individual decompression steps, individual decompression impregnation steps, and compression impregnation steps are performed, and three times of the drying steps are performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Asano Mokuzai Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nariaki Asano, Hiroya Asano, Takahito Asano
  • Patent number: 6748671
    Abstract: This invention provides a dried singulated cellulose pulp fiber product as well as an apparatus and a method for forming singulated and dried fibers. In accordance with the process a feed pulp is delivered to a jet drier. The jet drier singulates and dries the feed pulp. The singulated and dried fibers are collected from the jet drier. The feed pulp may be treated with a treatment substance. The jet drier may be maintained at negative pressure. The product fibers may have low knot count, a low fines count, as well improved kink, curl and twist. The apparatus for carrying out the process may include a pretreatment station for supplying the treatment substance, a pulp feed device designed for pulp, a pulp feed device designed for pulp and foam suspensions, and/or a fiber separation station having a vacuum conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventors: Michael David Vrbanac, Ramon Charles Dezutter, Brian Wester, Michael James Yancey
  • Patent number: 6711830
    Abstract: A method of treating drill cuttings containing a detectable amount of hydrocarbon-based drilling fluid comprises injecting a non-toxic additive to the cuttings and mixing the cuttings and additive to the point where the amount of hydrocarbon-based drilling fluid is less than 1% by weight. The method of treating cuttings includes the additional step of taking the mixture of cuttings and additive and disposing of the mixture directly to the soil, preferably in the immediate vicinity of the well site. A system is provided for carrying out the method, including structure for adding a quantity of an chemical additive to cuttings carrying a quantity of drilling fluid. The system further provides a controller to determine the cuttings load within the system, and controls to vary the quantity of treatment chemicals added to the cuttings according to the cuttings load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventors: Gary L. Hensley, Lee Hilpert
  • Patent number: 6634117
    Abstract: The method serves for drying an active part containing at least one winding and solid insulations. The active part is arranged in a vacuum-tight housing and is heated there to a final temperature value (Tfin) by means of warmed oil and by means of a current (I) carried in the winding. The warmed oil is sprayed in the housing at reduced pressure (p) and with the current (I) switched on. At the same time, water is extracted from the active part. The sprayed oil is collected on the housing bottom, after discharging heat to the active part, and, after rewarming, is sprayed once again in the housing at reduced pressure and with the current switched on. The active part is thus dried particularly quickly and carefully.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Micafil AG
    Inventors: Paul Gmeiner, Peter Keller
  • Publication number: 20030159310
    Abstract: A method of treating drill cuttings containing a detectable amount of hydrocarbon-based drilling fluid comprises injecting a non-toxic additive to the cuttings and mixing the cuttings and additive to the point where the amount of hydrocarbon-based drilling fluid is less than 1% by weight. The method of treating cuttings includes the additional step of taking the mixture of cuttings and additive and disposing of the mixture directly to the soil, preferably in the immediate vicinity of the well site. A system is provided for carrying out the method, including structure for adding a quantity of an chemical additive to cuttings carrying a quantity of drilling fluid. The system further provides a controller to determine the cuttings load within the system, and controls to vary the quantity of treatment chemicals added to the cuttings according to the cuttings load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Gary L. Hensley, Lee Hilpert
  • Patent number: 6557267
    Abstract: A heat treatment process for fiber feedstock, comprises repeatedly subjecting the bale to a reduced pressure atmosphere followed by the introduction of steam which permeates the bale. The interior of the bale may ultimately reach a temperature of about 80° C., which conditions and sanitizes the cotton fibers. Reduced pressure in the range of 20-200 mbar and steam treatment time in the order of 5 minutes can be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Freddy Wanger
  • Patent number: 6502325
    Abstract: A method of treating fabric which provides improved benefits to treated fabrics relating to moisture absorption, fragrance deposition, soil removal, reduced wrinkling prior to ironing and better appearance after ironing, said process comprising applying to the fabric a dryer sheet comprising a substrate and a coating composition comprising: (a) from about 0.1% to about 30%, by weight, of a surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic, nonionic and cationic surfactants, and wherein said surfactant is not derived from hydrazine; (b) from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of (i) a polymer derived from a polycarboxylic acid; and (ii) a compound derived from urea; and (c) balance water and adjuvants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Co.
    Inventors: Marianne Zappone, Dixie June Umstead, Marija Heibel, Sayed Ibrahim
  • Publication number: 20020174563
    Abstract: The method serves for drying an active part containing at least one winding and solid insulations. The active part is arranged in a vacuum-tight housing and is heated there to a final temperature value (Tfin) by means of warmed oil and by means of a current (I) carried in the winding. The warmed oil is sprayed in the housing at reduced pressure (p) and with the current (I) switched on. At the same time, water is extracted from the active part. The sprayed oil is collected on the housing bottom, after discharging heat to the active part, and, after rewarming, is sprayed once again in the housing at reduced pressure and with the current switched on. The active part is thus dried particularly quickly and carefully.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Paul Gmeiner, Peter Keller
  • Patent number: 6425191
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for reducing solvent residue in a solvent-type dryer for drying semiconductor wafers have been disclosed. The apparatus is constructed by a tank body, a wafer carrier, an elevator means, a tank cover, a solvent vapor conduit and an exhaust means. The exhaust means is provided for fluid communication with a compartment in the tank cover such that any residual solvent vapor or any organic residue in the compartment left from the wafer drying cycle can be evacuated to a factory exhaust system. The present invention novel method for reducing solvent or organic residue in the dryer can be carried out, after the removal of the dried wafers from the dryer, by evacuating the compartment in the tank cover for a time period of between about 30 sec. and about 300 sec. until all residual solvent vapor or organic residue is evacuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Rong-Hui Kao, Ming-Dar Guo, Jih-Churng Twu, Tsung-Chieh Tsai, Chia-Chun Cheng
  • Publication number: 20020038520
    Abstract: A method for drying a polyacrylamide gel, the method comprising contacting the gel with an aqueous solution of a polyhydoxy alcohol other than a polyhydroxy alcohol having at least 3 vicinal hydroxy groups and drying the gel. Examples of suitable polyhydroxy alcohols include 1,2-ethane diol, 1,2-propane diol, 1,3-propane diol, 1,4-butane diol, 1,6 hexane diol, alkyl triol, 1,2,6-trihydroxy hexane, trimethylol propane and pentaerythritol. The gel may be dried between two cellophane sheets positioned in a drying frame arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Grace Y. Chan
  • Patent number: 6249989
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of heating or cooling a charge of a solid material are disclosed. The method includes the steps of supplying a charge of the material to form a packed bed of solids in a process vessel having one or more passageways through which a heat transfer fluid can flow, passing a heat transfer fluid through the one or more passageways and supplying a working fluid to said vessel. The method is characterized by circulating the working fluid through the bed, the circulation step including removing at least part of the working fluid from one or more sections of the vessel and then returning the working fluid to other sections of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: KFx Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Conochie, Mark J. Greenwood
  • Patent number: 6240655
    Abstract: A method for treating a descending process flow and a spherical-shaped semiconductor integrated circuit manufacturing system incorporating the same. The manufacturing system includes a first processing station, a second processing station and first and second intermediate stations positioned between the first and second processing stations. The first processing station produces, at an output thereof, a first process flow comprised of a first process fluid and spherical-shaped semiconductors. The output of the first processing station is coupled to a first downwardly descending tube which forms an input tube of the first intermediate station. The first process flow enters a porous tube positioned inside an evacuation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Ball Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Dirk Fruhling
  • Patent number: 6185841
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating or cooling a solid material (93) in a process vessel (80) is disclosed. The Method includes supplying a working fluid to a vessel which holds a packed bed (93) of the solid material. The method is characterised by reversing the flow of the working fluid to enhance heat transfer between a heat exchange fluid and the solid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: KFx Inc.
    Inventor: David Stewart Conochie
  • Patent number: 6132811
    Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure applicable for drying substrate surfaces of a large number of materials, such as semiconductors, metals, plastics and, in particular, silicon. The silicon (1) is dipped into a liquid bath (2) and the silicon (1) is separated from the liquid (3), the liquid of the bath (2) consisting of an aqueous HF solution (3) with a concentration between 0.001 and 50%. By removing the silicon from the bath at a speed of between 0.1 cm/sec and 20 cm/sec, the bath liquid drains from the hydrophobic surface to provide a clean, dry substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: ICTOP Entwicklungs GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Schellenberger, Dieter Herrmannsdorfer
  • Patent number: 6105274
    Abstract: A process for treating a workpiece. The workpiece is cooled by directing toward the workpiece a material that includes a gas and particles of a material that undergoes a phase change when applied to the workpiece. The gas and the particle material are non-reactive with the workpiece during the cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Arne W. Ballantine, Ronald A. Warren
  • Patent number: 5714203
    Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure applicable for drying substrate surfaces of a large number of materials, such as semiconductors, metals, plastics and, in particular, silicon. The silicon (1) is dipped into a liquid bath (2) and the silicon (1) is separated from the liquid (3), the liquid of the bath (2) consisting of an aqueous HF solution (3) with a concentration between 0.001 and 50%. By adding a gas mixture containing O.sub.2 /O.sub.3 immediately after the drying process is finished, the silicon surface is hydrophilized. By adding a gas mixture containing O.sub.2 /O.sub.3 during the drying process, cleaning takes place as the ozone enters the solution on the liquid surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Ictop Entwicklungs GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Schellenberger, Dieter Herrmannsdorfer