Abstract: The present invention provides a system for disinfecting shopping carts. In one embodiment, the system comprises a treatment station for applying a disinfectant to a shopping cart and a conveyor system for transporting carts relative to the treatment station at two different speeds so as to effect a nesting operation. In another embodiment, the system comprises a treatment station that is comprised of a first modular unit and a second modular unit that each perform different functions but can readily joined to one another to form a treatment station with the desired features for a particular application. In yet another embodiment, certain features of the modular units are symmetrical relative to a lateral plane to facilitate the joining of the units to one another in different orders. A further embodiment comprises a treatment station with a molded structure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the use of wear measuring elements to monitor the wear of cleaning elements on cleaning devices, such as cleaning machines and vacuum cleaners. The wear measuring elements are located adjacent to cleaning elements and have a length corresponding to a minimum desired length for the cleaning elements. When the length of the cleaning elements decreases due to usage to the length of the wear measuring elements, the user will realize that the cleaning elements need replacement.