With Movable Means To Cause Fluid Motion (e.g., Pump, Splasher, Agitator) Patents (Class 134/184)
  • Patent number: 11911807
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for cleaning substrates comprising the steps of: placing a substrate on a substrate holder; implementing a bubble less or bubble-free pre-wetting process for the substrate; and implementing an ultra/mega sonic cleaning process for cleaning the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: ACM RESEARCH (SHANGHAI), INC.
    Inventors: Hui Wang, Xi Wang, Fuping Chen, Xiaoyan Zhang, Fufa Chen
  • Patent number: 11771845
    Abstract: A mesh nebulizer includes a main body with a recessed portion opening upward. The nebulizer includes a cap that covers an upper portion of the main body and a replacement element separate from the main body and the cap and detachably mountable in the recessed portion of the main body while being separated from the cap prior to operation of the nebulizer. The replacement element includes a sheet including a mesh portion, a bottom plate portion, and a sidewall portion. When the cap is closed with respect to the main body, the cap presses the upper edge of the sidewall portion of the replacement element toward an edge portion around the recessed portion to position the replacement element with respect to a longitudinal axis direction of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: OMRON HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuhiko Osoegawa, Hiroyuki Shino, Takaaki Okanishi, Katsumi Matsuda, Takuya Togawa, Junji Kawamoto, Naoki Uchida, Yuka Tanioka
  • Patent number: 11672403
    Abstract: A washing machine such as a dishwashing machine, preferably of the drawer-style or table-top style, or a laundry washing machine, the washing machine having at least one low-height wash liquid conduit connecting the outlet of a sump region of a washing tub to a wash pump. A cover plate is provided for covering a section of the washing tub base and the at least one low-height conduit is formed between the base of the washing tub and the cover plate by a combination thereof. The surface of a heating unit forms a surface of the low-height conduit and the sump is provided with multiple outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Inventors: Wayne Andrew Mason, Paul Christiaans, Robert Effingham Lawrence
  • Patent number: 11666199
    Abstract: An appliance is provided. The appliance includes a cellulose-based insulator. The cellulose-based insulator has a basis weight of 80 g/m2 to 500 g/m2 and an airflow resistance of 500 mks rayls to 2,500 mks rayls. The cellulose-based insulator attenuates low frequency noise and exhibits excellent fire resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Rockwell, Jeffrey Tilton
  • Patent number: 11628518
    Abstract: A wafer manufacturing apparatus includes a chuck table configured to hold an SiC ingot by a suction surface with a wafer to be manufactured on an upper side, an ultrasonic oscillating unit configured to oscillate an ultrasonic wave, a water supply unit, and a peeling unit configured to suck and hold the wafer to be manufactured, and peel the wafer to be manufactured. The chuck table includes a porous plate forming the suction surface and a base supporting the porous plate, and sucks and holds the SiC ingot even in a state in which an area of a second surface of the SiC ingot is smaller than an area of the suction surface, and the water flows on the suction surface exposed on the periphery of the SiC ingot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: DISCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Setsuo Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11579376
    Abstract: A cleaning tool includes a tool body and an extension part that extends from the tool body and that includes: a head that presses a cleaning element onto a cleaning target on a pressing surface; an inner guide part through which the head is inserted; and an outer guide part through which the inner guide part is inserted. When cleaning a first optical connector, an outer peripheral portion of the outer guide part guides the head with respect to a ferrule endface of the first optical connector. When cleaning a second optical connector that includes a housing having a different shape from a shape of a housing of the first optical connector, the outer guide part retracts and the inner guide part is exposed toward the second optical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Nakane
  • Patent number: 11547268
    Abstract: An acoustically insulated machine including a source of noise positioned within a housing, a first insulation member positioned within the housing and including a first porous sound absorbing layer and a first dense layer, and a second insulation member positioned within the housing and including a second porous sound absorbing layer and a second dense layer. The first insulation member being is positioned closer to the internal source of noise than the second insulation member and the first insulation member being spaced apart from the second insulation member such that an air gap is formed between the first insulation member and the second insulation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Lee Rockwell, Phillip J. Johnson, Jeffrey S. Tilton, Donald Hill
  • Patent number: 11433435
    Abstract: An ultrasonication apparatus is provided for improving catheter function. The ultrasonication apparatus includes a transducer configured to produce ultrasonic waves for ultrasonication and a chamber for containing a fluid having a passage for receiving a catheter. The chamber is adapted to receive the ultrasonic waves from the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Jayesh P. Thawani, Jared M. Pisapia, Hongjie Zhu, M. Sean Grady, Andrew Tsourkas
  • Patent number: 11412914
    Abstract: The stationary gasket used in all kinds of dishwashers and similar household appliances, characterized in that; it ensures the sealing not by being compressed but by stretching and ensures sealing in both ways with a single part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: SERDAR PLASTIK SANAYI VE TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI
    Inventor: Serdar Mustafa Tütek
  • Patent number: 11313808
    Abstract: An inspection device has a particle detector adapted to detect particles in a liquid, the particle detector preferably including a camera. The inspection device including a seat adapted to position a container housing the liquid in an area of operation of the particle detector and a vibration arrangement for vibrating the container. The vibration arrangement includes a frequency generator adapted to provide an electrical signal and a transducer adapted to transduce the electrical signal provided by the frequency generator into an acoustic wave. The seat is adapted to position the container adjacent to the transducer for inspecting a liquid inside a container with respect to the existence of particles. The inspection device allows for an accurate and gentle inspection of the liquid filled in the container and for detecting particles in the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE INC.
    Inventors: Tobias Werk, Anke Dorn, imke Sonja Ludwig, Hanns-Christian Mahler, Denis Luthringer, Carmen Lema Martinez, Jörg Lümkemann
  • Patent number: 11037804
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for cleaning substrate without damaging patterned structure on the substrate using ultra/mega sonic device, comprising: applying liquid into a space between a substrate and an ultra/mega sonic device; setting an ultra/mega sonic power supply at frequency f1 and power P1 to drive said ultra/mega sonic device; after micro jet generated by bubble implosion and before said micro jet generated by bubble implosion damaging patterned structure on the substrate, setting said ultra/mega sonic power supply at frequency f2 and power P2 to drive said ultra/mega sonic device; after temperature inside bubble cooling down to a set temperature, setting said ultra/mega sonic power supply at frequency f1 and power P1 again; repeating above steps till the substrate being cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: ACM Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Hui Wang, Xi Wang, Fuping Chen, Fufa Chen, Jian Wang, Xiaoyan Zhang, Yinuo Jin, Zhaowei Jia, Jun Wang, Xuejun Li
  • Patent number: 11035063
    Abstract: A fabric treating appliance includes a rotatable basket defining a treating chamber for receiving a load of laundry items for treatment. A float valve can be incorporated into the basket structure, selectively opening or closing the valve based upon the liquid level in a tub. As liquid fills the tub, the float valve will rise until it moves into a closed position, permitting the basket and treating chamber to fill with liquid. As the tub drain, the float valve can fall, opening the valve and permitting liquid to drain from the basket or treating chamber. The opened or closed positions can be selectively operated by opening or closing a pump or sump and allowing a tub to drain or fill, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Alexander, Brent M. Burgess, Michael K. Cluskey, Christopher A. Jones, Dale E. Mueller, Zachary Bohenick
  • Patent number: 10967407
    Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning a component of a processing chamber is provided. A tank for holding a megasonic conditioning solution is provided. A mount holds the component immersed in a megasonic conditioning solution, when the tank is filled with the megasonic conditioning solution. A megasonic conditioning solution inlet system delivers the megasonic conditioning solution to the tank. A megasonic transducer head comprises at least one megasonic transducer to provide megasonic energy to the megasonic conditioning solution, wherein the megasonic energy is delivered to the component via the megasonic conditioning solution. A megasonic conditioning solution drain system drains the megasonic conditioning solution from the tank at a location above where the component is held in the megasonic conditioning solution. An actuator moves the megasonic transducer head across the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Amir A. Yasseri, Hong Shih, John Daugherty, Duane Outka, Lin Xu, Armen Avoyan, Cliff La Croix, Girish Hundi
  • Patent number: 10966478
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a helmet has a container with a hollow interior, a lid and a base. The lid is detachable from the base. The base has a body and a removable bottom panel. The body of the base has a shoulder and the removable bottom panel has a lip that rests on the shoulder of the body of the base. A magnet is provided for attaching the container to a ferromagnetic surface and a cleaning device is positioned within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Ryan Wyers
  • Patent number: 10933451
    Abstract: A system comprises a plate (235) and one or more transducers (200) coupled to the plate (235). Each of the one or more transducers (200) is operable to generate ultrasonic waves which propagate through the plate (235) in a propagation direction (240), for ultrasonically clearing droplets (250) of fluid from the plate (235). The plate (235) comprises one or more structures disposed in the path of ultrasonic waves and configured to control the propagation of ultrasonic waves in the plate (235) to achieve a predetermined amount of ultrasonic wave energy propagating in a direction opposite to the propagation direction (240). The value of one or more parameters of the shape of each of the one or more structures is predetermined to achieve a predetermined effect on ultrasonic waves incident on the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: EchoVista GmbH
    Inventors: David Trevett, Patrick Trevett, Mincheol Shin
  • Patent number: 10910244
    Abstract: A method for cleaning semiconductor substrate without damaging patterned structure on the substrate using ultra/mega sonic device comprising applying liquid into a space between a substrate and an ultra/mega sonic device; setting an ultra/mega sonic power supply at frequency f1 and power P1 to drive said ultra/mega sonic device; before bubble cavitation in said liquid damaging patterned structure on the substrate, setting said ultra/mega sonic power supply at frequency f2 and power P2 to drive said ultra/mega sonic device; after temperature inside bubble cooling down to a set temperature, setting said ultra/mega sonic power supply at frequency f1 and power P1 again; repeating above steps till the substrate being cleaned. Normally, if f1=f2, then P2 is equal to zero or much less than P1; if P1=P2, then f2 is higher than f1; if the f1<f2, then, P2 can be either equal or less than P1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: ACM Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Hui Wang, Fufa Chen, Fuping Chen, Jian Wang, Xi Wang, Xiaoyan Zhang, Yinuo Jin, Zhaowei Jia, Liangzhi Xie, Jun Wang, Xuejun Li
  • Patent number: 10758905
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of acoustic waves for the manipulation and sorting of particles and cells. In an embodiment, there is provided a microfluidic device for manipulating a particle in a fluid suspension, the device comprising: (a) a substrate; (b) a channel defined in the substrate, the channel having an inlet for receiving the fluid suspension and an outlet for discharging the fluid suspension; and (c) an acoustic source configured to deliver a travelling surface acoustic wave transverse the flow of the fluid suspension in the channel, wherein the acoustic source is an interdigital transducer (IDT), the IDT comprises a plurality of concentric circular arcs having a tapered end directed at the channel, and the tapered end has an aperture of between 4 ?m and 150 ?m. In an alternative embodiment, the device comprises a second channel disposed intermediate the first channel and the acoustic source wherein the first and second channels are connected by a pumping channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Singapore University of Technology and Design
    Inventors: Ye Ai, David John Collins
  • Patent number: 10595960
    Abstract: Devices and methods for ultrasonic dental treatment are described, wherein the devices and methods can comprise a flexible array of cooperative ultrasound transducers. The array can contain individual ultrasonic transducers that can perform both functions of emitting and sensing. The transducers can have the ability to interchange their functions from emitting to sensing. The transducers can cooperate in providing an ultrasound treatment and each transducer can be independently controlled by an external source controller. An ultrasound system is provided comprising: an ultrasound transducer sensor array operable to emit or sense ultrasound, wherein the timing and intensity of emission may be controlled by an electronic controller based on a feedback signal from the sensors. In addition the ultrasound system can also have the ability to sense coupling to a treatment tissue. This ability to sense proper coupling can improve the efficacy of the treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: SMILESONICA INC.
    Inventor: Cristian Scurtescu
  • Patent number: 10492930
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for dispersing sterile water from a circulating high-purity water system to a processing field containing allograft tissue. One embodiment includes a fluid inlet that is fluidly coupled with and configured to receive sterile water from the water system. The dispersion system also includes at least first and second fluid outlets that are selectively operable to deliver respective first and second fluid streams into different areas of the processing field. At least one of the first and second fluid outlets may be associated with a regulator valve configured to provide an adjustable flowrate to conserve water pulled from the circulating water system to meet the needs of the application taking place within the processing field. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Allosource
    Inventors: Donald Von Kaenel, Daniel R. Hanten, II
  • Patent number: 10441869
    Abstract: A hydrating mouthguard. The mouthguard includes a base having U-shape with a front periphery and a rear periphery. A labial wall upstand from the front periphery of the base and a lingual wall upstands from the rear periphery of the base. A channel sized to receive a user's upper teeth is defined in between the labial wall and the lingual wall. The mouthguard further includes at least one receptacle having an entrance opening and an exit opening. At least one tube runs from the entrance opening and includes an opposing open end 20. A valve selectively allows a fluid to travel from the receptacle to the tube and out the open end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Inventor: Michael George Forrest, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10264945
    Abstract: A device for washing articles includes a pre-wash section for the removal of particles from the articles, a wash section for the removal of residue from the articles, a pre-wash conveyor for conveying the articles in the pre-wash section, and a wash conveyor for conveying articles in the wash section. The pre-wash conveyor and the wash conveyors are separate with the pre-wash conveyor terminating at the commencement of the wash conveyor, and the articles are transferred from the pre-wash conveyor to the wash conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: JCS-Echigo Pte Ltd
    Inventor: Liang Zhao
  • Patent number: 10006216
    Abstract: A portable ultrasonic descaling device provides an improved method to remove calcium deposits and stains from the surfaces of swimming pools and other structures in contact with water. The handheld device comprises a water-resistant housing, within which are mounted an ultrasonic transducer, a fluid pumping system, a cleaning blade, a controller, and a power source. The ultrasonic transducer drives both the pumping system and the cleaning blade. The fluid pumping system draws fluids from a water source and through the device, cooling the transducer, cleaning blade, and surfaces being descaled by fore mounted spray nozzles. The power source comprises batteries to power the device. Lighting may also be fore-mounted for illumination and is connected to the circuitry along with a visual indicator. Direct contact of the calcified buildup with the oscillating cleaning blade and water spray from the nozzle heads causes breakdown of the deposits by cavitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: RONCONI ACQUISITIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Robert L. Ronconi
  • Patent number: 9975096
    Abstract: A batch or continuous mixer for mixing powders, immiscible liquids, or a powder with a liquid includes one or more vibrational energy applicators which propagate vibrational energy into the mixture, causing powders to flow like liquids and breaking up liquid droplets and powder clumps. In embodiments, the vibration frequency and amplitude are selected according to properties of the mixture components. Vibrations can be propagated through container walls, impellers, or other structures within the mixing container. Vibrated structures can be flexibly supported for enhanced propagation of the vibrations. Vibrational energy can be uniform throughout the container, or focused in a desired region. Ultrasonic energy can be simultaneously applied with acoustic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Christopher T. Banus
  • Patent number: 9830934
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for cleaning phonograph records are disclosed. In some embodiments, a phonograph record can be cleaned in a liquid basin using ultrasonic transducers, wherein the liquid basin has a dampening structure. Also, the ultrasonic transducers are disposed on a flexible wall for reducing vibrations of the cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Koolance, Inc.
    Inventors: Kioan Cheon, AnKuk Song
  • Patent number: 9796002
    Abstract: Technologies are generally described for systems and methods effective to implement particle removal. In one example, a method for at least partially removing particles from a region is generally described. In some examples, the method includes applying an electric field to a material to produce an acoustic wave from the material. The material may have a periodic piezoelectric coefficient. The method may include applying the acoustic wave to the region to produce an agglomeration. The agglomeration may include at least two of the particles. The method may further include at least partially removing the agglomeration from the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Yanqing Lu, Xikui Hu, Fei Xu, Wei Hu
  • Patent number: 9601357
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus and method includes, a plate that has a size equal to or larger than a principal face of the substrate, and has a horizontal and flat liquid holding face opposing the principal face of the substrate from below. A processing liquid supply unit supplies a processing liquid to the liquid holding face. A control unit controls the processing liquid supply unit and a movement unit to supply the processing liquid to the liquid holding face to form a processing liquid film, a contact step of bringing the principal face of the substrate and the liquid holding face close to each other to bring the principal face of the substrate into contact with the processing liquid film, and a liquid contact maintenance step of maintaining the processing liquid in contact with the principal face of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Hashimoto, Masahiro Miyagi, Mitsukazu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9574283
    Abstract: An electroplating/etch apparatus including a fluid jet and a dryer present over the tank containing the electrolyte for the electroplating/etch process. The fluid jet and the dryer remove excess liquids, such as electrolyte, from the component being plated or etched, e.g., working electrode. The working electrode is present on a holder that traverses from a first position within the tank during a plating or etch operation to a second position that is outside the containing the plating electrolyte. The fluid jet rinses the working electrode when the holder is in the second position, and the forced air dryer blows any remaining fluid from the fluid jet and the electrolyte from the working electrode into the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Charles L. Arvin, Raschid J. Bezama, Hariklia Deligianni
  • Patent number: 9475099
    Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning system that includes an electrical power supply, and a plurality of ultrasonic transducers coupled in parallel, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic transducers are coupled to the electrical power supply. The ultrasonic cleaning system also includes a transducer fault indicator coupled between the electrical power supply and the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, wherein the transducer fault indicator consists essentially of a current sensing portion configured to detect electrical current, and an alarm mechanism coupled to the current sensing portion. Additionally, the alarm mechanism is configured to provide a signal, indicating a failure of the ultrasonic transducer, based on the magnitude of electrical current detected by the current sensing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ultrasonic Power Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Puskas, Steven H. Myers
  • Patent number: 9470242
    Abstract: An impeller radial pump includes a pump chamber with a central suction and with a pump chamber outlet, wherein an impeller is provided in the pump chamber. Radially outside of the impeller, a circular ring shaped and circumferential pump chamber ring section is provided as a part of the pump chamber, wherein the pump chamber ring section essentially has an extension along the axial direction of the pump from the impeller against the suction direction. The pump chamber ring section has a varying width and is configured to be narrower in a compression region in the circulation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Albert, Uwe Koegel
  • Patent number: 9282873
    Abstract: A dish washing machine including a cabinet forming an external appearance of the dish washing machine; a washing tub arranged in the cabinet and allowing dishes to be washed therein; a dish basket arranged in the washing tub to accommodate the dishes; at least one liquid ejection unit arranged in the washing tub, the at least one liquid ejection unit to eject water; a deflection unit arranged facing the liquid ejection unit to deflect the water ejected from the liquid ejection unit toward the dish basket; and a drive unit to drive the deflection unit to be moved within the washing tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung Gee Hong, Yong Soo Kyong, Chan Young Park, Jea Won Lee, Chang Wook Lee
  • Patent number: 9284653
    Abstract: Electrolyzed water containing chlorine gas and hydrogen gas is provided, wherein the electrolyzed water has improved storage stability and provides satisfactory cleaning efficiency. In a fine bubble electrolyzed water generating apparatus and a method for generating fine bubble electrolyzed water, an electrolytic apparatus having a three-chamber structure is provided including an anode chamber with an anode electrode, a cathode chamber with a cathode electrode, an intermediate chamber, and diaphragms and provided between the intermediate chamber and each of the anode chamber and the cathode chamber. An acidic electrolyzed water storage tank and an alkaline electrolyzed water storage tank ii are provided adjacent to the apparatus. The respective storage tanks are in communication with the anode chamber and the cathode chamber through pipes. The respective storage tanks are in communication with nanobubble generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Tech Corporation Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Nakamoto
  • Patent number: 9267867
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling acoustic treatment of a sample including a liquid. A processing volume in which the sample is acoustically treated may be controlled, e.g., by positioning a suitable element so as to reduce and/or eliminate a headspace at a sample/gas interface. An interaction between the acoustic energy and the sample may be controlled, e.g., by using an energy director positioned at least partially in the sample that helps to reduce splashing or other sample ejection that would otherwise occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Covaris, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Laugharn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9108232
    Abstract: A megasonic processing apparatus matches the fundamental resonant or higher-level harmonic frequencies of megasonic thickness-mode transducers to the fundamental resonant or higher-level harmonic frequencies of a plate or other mounting structure upon which the transducers are mounted. The multifrequency transducers are piezoelectric transducers operating in thickness mode at different operating frequencies. The thickness of the mounting plate at the transducer locations is selected to provide a resonant or harmonic frequency matched to that of its corresponding transducer. Two or more megasonic transducers are bonded to the same radiating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: MEGASONIC SWEEPING, INCORPORATED
    Inventor: J. Michael Goodson
  • Publication number: 20150136187
    Abstract: A dishwasher having a tub defining a wash chamber, a dish rack located within the wash chamber, and pump assembly for recirculating wash liquid is further provided with a spray assembly and a spray manifold with multiple nozzles each having at least one aperture emitting wash liquid into the wash chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER J. CARLSON, VINCENT P. GURUBATHAM, JAY C. LANDSIEDEL, EDWARD L. THIES, CHAD T. VANDERROEST
  • Patent number: 9027576
    Abstract: Substrate treatment systems are provided. The substrate treatment systems may include a treating device configured to treat a substrate with a supercritical fluid, and a supplying device configured to supply the supercritical fluid to the treating device. The treating device may include a supercritical process zone in which the substrate is treated with the supercritical fluid, and a pre-supercritical process zone in which the supercritical fluid is expanded and then provided into the supercritical process zone to create a supercritical state in the supercritical process zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-Jhin Cho, Yongsun Ko, Kyoungseob Kim, Kwangsu Kim, SeokHoon Kim, Jung-Min Oh, Kuntack Lee, Wonho Jang, Yongmyung Jun
  • Patent number: 9016131
    Abstract: At least two sound pressure sensors in parallel with each other are inserted into a liquid to which waves are applied. The sound pressure sensors have a bar-like shape and the same sensitivity. In a first synchronized state waves detected by the sound pressure sensors are synchronized with each other. The sound pressure sensors are moved relative to each other in a longitudinal direction, to break the first synchronized state and then establish a second synchronized state in which the waves detected by the sound pressure sensors are again synchronized with each other. A wavelength of the detected waves is determined according to a quantity of the relative movement of the sound pressure sensors between the first and second synchronized states. The detection of a wavelength of waves applied to the liquid is usable to evaluate and control a total amount of dissolved gases in the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuichi Akutsu
  • Publication number: 20150101644
    Abstract: A passive diverter is provided that does not require a dedicated motor to switch between multiple outlet ports. The diverter uses a flow of fluid provided by a pump to switch between different outlet ports. In a dishwashing appliance, fluid from the pump that supplies one or more spray assemblies can be used to cause the diverter to switch between different fluid outlets and e.g., different spray assemblies. A separate motor to power the diverter is not required, which allows a savings in costs and space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Craig Curtis
  • Patent number: 9004017
    Abstract: A water heater includes a bypass that is formed, on the side of a water supply pipe, branching from a main water path and bypassing a part of the main water path, and a flow path switching unit (a valve and a stepping motor) that is formed at a branching portion of the main water path and the bypass. The flow path switching unit is controlled by a controller and that can selectively switch a flow path between the main water path and the bypass. A microbubble generator generating microbubbles is provided on the bypass, the microbubble generator including a water agitator portion, a compression portion and a decompression portion. When the controller determines that scale has built up, the flow path is switched to the bypass by the flow path switching unit, and water containing microbubbles is caused to flow inside the water heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Paloma Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirohisa Narita
  • Publication number: 20150090306
    Abstract: A spray control assembly for a dishwashing appliance is provided. Using concentric flow paths, the spray control assembly allows selection of e.g., the rotational direction for at least one spray arm assembly. The selection of flow through e.g., multiple different spray assemblies is also provided. The spray control assembly incorporates a diverter having multiple port selections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Joel Charles Boyer
  • Patent number: 8985127
    Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Stefanos Konandreas, Andrew Ziegler, Christopher John Morse
  • Patent number: 8985128
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dish washer in which a structure for mounting a drain pump is improved for minimizing residual water, vibration and noise. The dish washer includes a cabinet which forms an exterior of the dish washer, a tub in the cabinet to form a space for washing the dishes, a sump assembly at a lower portion of the cabinet, the sump assembly having a drain chamber for holding washing water to be drained, and a drain pump assembly coupled to a lower side of an outside of the sump assembly so as to be in communication with one side of the drain chamber for draining the washing water from the drain chamber by pumping, wherein the drain pump assembly is mounted tilted upward at a predetermined angle from an inside bottom surface of the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Joon Ho Pyo, Byeong Hyeon Ju, Yong Jin Choi
  • Patent number: 8978673
    Abstract: A system for cleaning semiconductor packages is provided which includes a pickhead that is configured to hold the semiconductor packages in an array arrangement and a plurality of nozzles, each of which is constructed and arranged to project a separate jet of cleaning fluid upwardly against the semiconductor packages. A megasonic energy generator is coupled for imparting megasonic energy to the cleaning fluid and a driving device drives relative movement between the plurality of nozzles and the pickhead to direct the said jets to clean the array of packages on the pickhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: ASM Assembly Automation Ltd
    Inventors: Chi Wah Cheng, Wang Lung Alan Tse, Leung Por Boris Chan
  • Publication number: 20150068552
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a molding compound, a conductive plug, and a cover. The conductive plug is in the molding compound. The cover is over a top meeting joint between the conductive plug and the molding compound. The semiconductor structure further has a dielectric. The dielectric is on the cover and the molding compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: PING-YIN LIU, XIN-HUA HUANG, LAN-LIN CHAO
  • Publication number: 20150059813
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for salvaging red blood cells from patients during a surgical procedure. In one general aspect, a system is described for extracting blood from blood-soaked absorbent surgical materials such as surgical sponges, gauze, tape, and the like. The collected blood and fluids from these materials can be transferred to a cell salvage machine for harvesting viable red blood cells for autotransfusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Cyclone Medtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Len Robinson
  • Patent number: 8967168
    Abstract: A sink insert for cleaning a medical device having a lumen, such as an endoscope, includes a basin and a pump connected to the basin. The basin is shaped to fit into a sink, and has lip portions on its side walls shaped to extend outwardly to overlap side walls of the sink. The basin includes a drain formed in its floor; an additive reservoir integrally formed as a depression in its floor; additive fill lines defining pre-calibrated volume measurement areas for measurement of additives in the reservoir; a thermometer; and basin fill lines on its side walls defining pre-calibrated volume measurement areas for measurement of cleaning liquid filled into the basin. The pump includes inlet and outlet tubes for drawing cleaning liquid from the basin into the pump, and for pressurized output of the cleaning liquid from the pump to the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Pure Processing LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Leonard Gusanders
  • Patent number: 8960208
    Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning device includes an ultrasonic transducer (13) for providing ultrasonic energy to a propagation liquid (15), an ultrasonic propagation tube (12) for flowing the propagation liquid provided with the ultrasonic energy by the ultrasonic transducer, a holding mechanism disposed below the ultrasonic propagation tube for holding an object to be cleaned (21), and a cleaning liquid supply mechanism for supplying a cleaning liquid to a cleaning surface of the object to be cleaned held by the holding mechanism. The ultrasonic propagation tube (12) is disposed so that a side surface thereof may contact a liquid film (19) of the cleaning liquid formed on the cleaning surface by supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning surface by the cleaning liquid supply mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Kaijo Corporation
    Inventors: Kazunari Suzuki, Ki Han
  • Publication number: 20150047679
    Abstract: A dishwasher (2) is provided comprising a washing chamber (8) with a sump (14) and a circulation circuit (16). The circulation circuit (16) comprises the sump (14), a circulation pump (18) and a spraying device (20) for spraying washing liquid into the washing chamber (8). The dishwasher (2) further comprises a reservoir (24) adapted to be connected to water mains, wherein a liquid connection (30) is adapted to transfer liquid from the reservoir (24) to the washing chamber (8). A return system (32) is adapted to transfer liquid from the washing chamber (8) to the reservoir (24). The reservoir (24) is thermally insulated from the washing chamber (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Giuseppe Dreossi, Berndt Krische, Niklas Nordin
  • Patent number: 8956466
    Abstract: A process for treating a substrate comprised of sorptive material is provided herein. The sorptive material may be an absorbent synthetic material such as polyester. The material is designed to be used for cleaning surfaces in an ultraclean environment. The process first comprises unwinding a roll of sorptive material as a substrate into a cleaning system. The cleaning system utilizes several sections. These include a pre-washing section, an acoustic energy washing section, and a drying section. Preferably, the process of moving the substrate through the cleaning system is continuous. The acoustic energy washing section employs one or more acoustic energy generators. In one aspect, the process also includes cutting the substrate into sections to form wipers after moving the substrate through the drying section. Thereafter, the wipers are placed into a bag and the bag is sealed. An integrated treating system for a sorptive material is also provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Texwipe (a division of Illinois Tool Works Inc.)
    Inventors: H. Dennis Blaiss, Laurent H. Sene, Gregory T. Hall, Randy H. Whittington
  • Publication number: 20150027502
    Abstract: Provided are a washing device and a washing method that can remove burnt body fluid adhered to a medical instrument. The washing device can remove the burned component which adhered to a tip end portion of a surgical instrument by applying a physical force caused by the pressure of cleaning agent-dissolved water ejected from a cleaning nozzle member in addition to a chemical force caused by a cleaning agent contained in the cleaning agent-dissolved water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Hiroaki Yamamoto, Kohichi Tamura, Yohichi Furukawa, Tomoyuki Kanzaki
  • Publication number: 20150020845
    Abstract: A cleaning device and method remove a lubricant from the rolls of a roll stand. To achieve economical and efficient cleaning of the rolls, the cleaning device includes at least one ultrasonic generator for generating ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic waves being routed to the surface of the rolls by cleaning water; and a supply line for the cleaning water. The supply line is a branch of a cooling water circuit for the roll stand, enabling the water consumption for the roll stand to be kept constant during the cleaning phase. The water is merely redistributed in that a portion of the cooling water is supplied to the cleaning device. This creates the advantage of the roll temperature rising slightly, with the result that the cleaning performance is supported by the higher roll temperature at which the lubricant is better released from the surface of the roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Johannes Dagner, Martin Roessiger