Pressurized cleaning system
Inventors
CALIO, Rosario S. • Churchvara, Jeffrey • VELLUTATO, JR., Arthur
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12083562-B2
Publication Date
2024-09-10
Expiration Date
Abstract
A washing system that includes a vessel for storing a cleaning solution, an inlet connection point for pressurizing the vessel, and an outlet connection point for dispensing the cleaning solution. In one embodiment, the washing system includes a regulator valve configured to remain open and allow the inside of the vessel to be filled with pressurized gas via the inlet connection point when pressure inside the vessel is below a predetermined value and automatically close when pressure inside the vessel exceeds the predetermined value. In another embodiment, the washing system includes a relief valve (e.g., at the top of the vessel) that is configured to remain closed when pressure inside the vessel is below a predetermined value and automatically open when pressure inside the vessel exceeds the predetermined value.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a bucketless cleanroom washing system having a vessel that stores cleaning solution under pressure, an inlet connection for pressurizing the vessel, and an outlet connection for dispensing solution through interchangeable cleaning applicators. A removable automatic regulator remains open below a predetermined pressure and closes when pressure exceeds that value. The system also includes pressure-control and venting components and a vessel-mounted pressure gauge.
The supplied partial content does not include the background section, so the problem being solved is not explicitly described. The disclosure also describes removable inlet and outlet regulator assemblies with autoclave stems that permit steam passage, supporting sterilization of the vessel and assemblies; it presents the system as simplifying charging and purging, improving pressure safety and dispensing control, and reducing contamination risk.
Claims Coverage
The three independent claims cover two cleaning-system configurations and a method for autoclaving a cleaning system. The main inventive features are summarized in three features.
Pressure-regulated cleaning system
Claim 1 covers a vessel for storing cleaning solution under pressure, an inlet connection for pressurizing the vessel, an outlet connection for dispensing the solution, and a removable automatic regulator that remains open below a predetermined pressure and closes when pressure exceeds that value. Dependent claims add pressure relief, manual purging, pressure measurement, and cleaning-applicator refinements.
Cleaning system with solution extraction and pressure relief
Claim 12 covers a vessel with a top inlet assembly that communicates with the bottom of the vessel and extracts cleaning solution, a top outlet for dispensing the solution, and a pressure relief valve that opens when vessel pressure exceeds a predetermined value. Dependent claims further specify a dip tube assembly and add regulator, purge, pressure-gauge, and drain features.
Autoclavable cleaning-system assemblies
Claim 19 covers an autoclaving method for a cleaning system with removable inlet and outlet regulator assemblies. Autoclave stems permit steam passage through the assemblies, supporting sterilization of the vessel and both assemblies. [Procedural detail omitted for safety.]
The independent claims cover pressure-regulated dispensing from a cleaning-solution vessel, a vessel arrangement with bottom solution extraction and pressure relief, and sterilization of the vessel and regulator assemblies using an autoclaving arrangement.
Stated Advantages
The system simplifies charging and purging.
The system improves pressure safety and dispensing control.
The removable regulator assemblies and autoclave stems support sterilization of the complete system and reduce contamination risk.
Documented Applications
Bucketless cleanroom washing using a pressurized cleaning-solution vessel and interchangeable cleaning applicators.
Dispensing cleaning solution through a sprayer, sponge mop, or fogger.
Autoclaving the cleaning-system vessel and its inlet and outlet regulator assemblies.
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