1 A. Findings of fact
2 The following findings are believed to be supported by at least a
3 preponderance of the evidence.
4 Background of the invention
5 The invention relates to a method for cleaning an industrial part
6 following a manufacturing operation. Specification, page 1, lines 4-5.
7 In the manufacture of an engine part for use in an automobile engine,
8 it is necessary to clean the engine part following a manufacturing operation.
9 Specification, page 1, lines 7-8.
10 The part may contain not only cutting oils and lubricants as a result of
11 a machining operation to make the part, but also machine shavings, coarse
12 sand residue and the like. Specification, page 1, lines 9-10.
13 Failure to remove debris from the engine part can result in damage to
14 the engine after assembly of individual components parts into an engine.
15 Specification, page 1, lines 10-12.
16 According to applicants, prior to their invention in order to clean an
17 engine part of debris, the part was subjected to high pressure liquid sprays
18 which directed a cleaning solution toward the part. Specification, page 1,
19 lines 15-17.
20 After the part was cleaned, it was typically carried by a conveyor or
21 positioned in a dunnage container and allowed to dry under a forced air
22 dryer. Specification, page 1, lines 17-19.
23 Applicants tell us that one disadvantage of the prior method of
24 cleaning parts was that oftentimes cutting oils and shavings would pool in
25 the areas of the part. Specification, page 1, line 20 through page 2, line 1.
26 The disadvantages is said to have resulted in pollution of the facility
27 floor when conveying the part from one machining operation to the next, as
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Last modified: November 3, 2007