Brushing Patents (Class 15/21.1)
  • Publication number: 20110297099
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for removing manure present on a floor, including a frame, a drive for moving the device over the floor and at least one manure slide which has an upper edge, wherein the manure slide is held by the frame by means of a connection structure, wherein the connection structure includes a first rotational connection with a first substantially horizontal rotational centre line which is located below at least a portion of the upper edge of a manure-pushing wall portion of the manure slide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventors: Roelof Stapel, Karel Van Den Berg
  • Publication number: 20110289717
    Abstract: The present invention is a hand-held device that integrates and enables one or more or a combination of functions of spraying, cleaning, drying, waxing, polishing and shining of a floor or a surface including that of a vehicle. The present invention has one or more brushes rotated by one or more electric motors powered by a power source or a built-in and/or removable and/or rechargeable battery pack or by water pressure and is capable of discharging, dispersing or spraying one or more or a combination of air, water, steam, compressed air, pressurized water, pressurized steam, hot air, detergent, waxing agent and polishing agent. The discharging, dispersing or spraying of one or more or a combination of these materials through select nozzles along with the rotation of the brush or brushes enables multiple functions to be accomplished in a single pass of the device over the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Jay Dhanvanthari
  • Publication number: 20110284024
    Abstract: A system and device for assisting with the cleansing of a medical component with a scrub brush is disclosed. In one embodiment, an assistive device for use with the scrub brush is disclosed. The scrub brush includes an insert disposed therein, the insert including a cleansing substance such as CHG or alcohol. The assistive device comprises a housing, a motor, a head removably supporting the scrub brush, and an interface interconnecting the motor and the head. The interface is a shaft that enables back-and-forth rotation or other movement of the head and scrub brush relative to the medical component so as to cleanse the medical component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Trebella, Russell L. Bjorklund
  • Publication number: 20110277254
    Abstract: A motor assembly, especially for home appliances such as a cleaner, has an electric motor and a cooling system. The motor may be a fractional horsepower universal motor with a stator and a rotor. The cooling system has a cooling pipe thermally coupled to an element of the stator, such as a core of the stator and providing a flow path for a liquid to cool the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: James Ching Sik LAU, Zhan Cai
  • Patent number: 8051520
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric toothbrush (10) having a rechargeable energy store (24) that is arranged in an inner space (36) in the body (12) of the toothbrush (10). The inner space (36) is sealed by a primary sealing element (56) against splash water and other detrimental influences. At least one contact element (28) for an external power supply unit (46) produces an electrically conductive connection to the energy store (24). The contact element is located either within the inner space (36), it being possible for the primary sealing element (56) to be removed for charging purposes, or outside the inner space (36), in which case it is optionally protected by an additional secondary sealing element (76). The invention also relates to a process for producing such a toothbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Trisa Holding AG
    Inventors: Philipp Pfenniger, Adrian Pfenniger, Franz Fischer
  • Publication number: 20110258792
    Abstract: The mouthpiece includes a mouthpiece carrier member (14) having upper and lower sections which are adapted to receive the upper and lower teeth of a user. The mouthpiece carrier member has several embodiments which include side members and an intermediate member or members connecting the two side members to define the two sections. A bristle field (20) is mounted on the mouthpiece carrier member for contact with the surfaces of the teeth. The mouthpiece carrier member is moved in such a manner to produce a bristle action which has a significant axial component, resulting in the bristle tufts moving toward the teeth, contacting the teeth and moving away from the teeth, producing cleaning action on the teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Jelte Steur, Martinus Bernardus Stapelbroek, Evert Alle Helfrich, Arif Veendijk
  • Publication number: 20110247152
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning device particularly for grassed areas. The cleaning device includes a cylindrical brush in contact with a rear roller to clean the roller. The brush can be adjusted to a working height relative to the chassis of the device, along an arcuate path having a center situated on the longitudinal axis of the roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: SAS DAIRON
    Inventors: Michel Maurice Dairon, Jose Alain Loyer
  • Publication number: 20110232253
    Abstract: Powered turf conditioning brushes having increased efficiency, improved lift, and which minimize the introduction of grain, and their method of use with reel mower cutting units such as those used for precision mowing of golf course greens. Various embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Rodney Lingle
  • Patent number: 8020237
    Abstract: A brush, as well as a method for cleaning a process surface using the brush, having: a hollow cylinder having a closed first end, a closed second end, and a peripheral wall with an internal and external surface; with bristles arranged on the external surface of the peripheral wall thereof; wherein the hollow cylinder has a plurality of apertures formed in the peripheral wall for permitting a gas or liquid to emerge from the interior of the hollow cylinders to the vicinity of the bristles; wherein the apertures are arranged in a staggered multi helical pattern having from about 3 to about 15 helix; and wherein the peripheral wall has a surface area ratio of from about 6 to about 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Donn Nathan Boatman
  • Publication number: 20110220150
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus that includes a device carrier that holds a device, a guide plate that guides the device carrier during extraction or retraction, a carrier support that supports the device carrier, and a ramp that supports and guides the carrier support to a cleaning position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Daryl Villa
  • Patent number: 8011051
    Abstract: A toilet bowl cleaning assembly includes an elongated housing that has a first end and a second end. A cleaning brush apparatus is rotatably coupled to the housing and extends downwardly from the second end of the housing. A drive apparatus is mounted in the housing and is mechanically coupled to the cleaning brush apparatus and turns the cleaning brush apparatus when the drive apparatus is turned on. A shroud is coupled to the housing between the first end of the housing and the cleaning brush apparatus. The shroud has a bottom edge is engageable with an upper edge of a toilet bowl. The cleaning brush apparatus is placed in the toilet bowl and the drive apparatus turned on to clean the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventors: Omar A. Ba-Akeel, Shahrzad Ghaemi
  • Patent number: 8002899
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention generally provide methods and apparatus for cleaning adhesive residual on a photomask substrate. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a processing cell, a support assembly configured to receive a photomask substrate disposed thereon disposed in the processing cell, a protection head assembly disposed above and facing the support assembly, and a head actuator configured to control the elevation of the protection head assembly relative to an upper surface of the support assembly. A cleaning device is provided and positioned to interact with the photomask substrate disposed on the support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Banqiu Wu, Richard Lee, M. Rao Yalamanchili, Ajay Kumar, James S. Papanu, Chung-Huan Jeon
  • Publication number: 20110191968
    Abstract: Disclosed is a brush assembly suitable for use in a wet floor cleaning device. The brush assembly comprises a brush that includes a hollow core. An inner surface of the core is compartmentalized into a number of compartments. An outer surface of the core is furnished with brush material, and the core is pierced with a number of outflow openings. The brush assembly further comprises a first fluid injector for injecting a fluid into the core, and a drive mechanism configured for rotating the brush around an axis. Also disclosed is a method for operating the brush assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Freddy Moes, Bastiaan Johannes De Wit, Peter Christian Eshuis
  • Patent number: 7992245
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning tool for a cleaning device, the cleaning tool being subject to wear during operation. In order to make it easier to identify wear, the invention proposes that the cleaning tool comprise a sensor device with a sensor element which has a physical characteristic variable which changes as a function of the degree of wear of the cleaning tool. The invention also proposes a cleaning device having such a cleaning tool, the cleaning device having a detector device which is coupled to the sensor device for the purpose of sensing the change in the physical characteristic variable of the sensor element, and having an indicator device which is connected to the detector device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Schuetz, Juergen Walz, Wilhelm Eisenmann, Alexander Fuchs, Markus Duenne, Ruwantha De Silva, Andreas Van De Ven, Rainer Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20110186078
    Abstract: Semiconductor equipment is provided to include a reaction chamber, a movable frame, and at least one cleaning brush head. The cleaning brush head is configured to operate on at least one dirty portion to be cleaned within the reaction chamber. The movable frame is disposed within the reaction chamber. The movable frame is capable of carrying a susceptor. The cleaning brush head is capable of touching the dirty portion. The cleaning brush head is capable of moving relative to the dirty portion for removing the residue which is attached to the portion to be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: HERMES-EPITEK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chien-Ping HUANG, Tsan-Hua HUANG, Tsung-Hsun HAN
  • Publication number: 20110180105
    Abstract: A floor cleaning device is disclosed. It comprises a brush, which is rotatable around an axis of rotation, and a cover having a cover surface which faces the axis of rotation and has a plurality of ridges constituting liquid channels between them for transporting liquid to outfalls provided at lower ends of the liquid channels. In addition, a method of cleaning a floor is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a brush, bringing the brush into contact with the floor, moistening the brush with a fluid, for example, a cleaning solution, rotating the brush, collecting droplets of fluid, released from the brush due to a centrifugal force associated with its rotational motion, in a plurality of liquid channels provided on a cover, and guiding the collected fluid through the liquid channels towards outfalls provided at lower ends of the liquid channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Freddy Moes
  • Patent number: 7979941
    Abstract: A produce bin washer for washing produce bins of an open-box type may include a housing and a conveyor for advancing a plurality of empty produce bins along a path of travel through the housing. The produce bin washer may include at least one scrubbing brush within the housing adjacent the conveyor and along the path of travel. The produce bin washer may also include a positioner within the housing for sequentially lifting and rotating each empty produce bin from the conveyor onto the at least one scrubbing brush to scrub the interior, and returning the empty produce bin to the conveyor. A sprayer may be within the housing for spraying a cleaning solution onto the empty produce bins, and a collector may also be within the housing for collecting sprayed cleaning solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Clint P. Arrington
  • Publication number: 20110154587
    Abstract: A filter cleaning device which automatically cleans a filter. The filter cleaning device includes a brush unit to collect foreign substances filtered out by a filter member, a processing unit to process the foreign substances collected by the brush unit, and a storage unit to store the foreign substances processed by the processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sin Ae Kim
  • Publication number: 20110154588
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus with a removable compartment is provided that allows a dust cup in the removable compartment to be emptied while minimizing handling by the user. The removable compartment is removably secured within the surface cleaning apparatus. The removable compartment can be removed by activating a first trigger device. The dust cup can be emptied by activating a second trigger device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Chad Reese, Mark Rosenzweig
  • Publication number: 20110146009
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brush bar for a surface treating appliance, including a supporting body, at least one retaining member welded to the supporting body and at least one bristle tuft clamped in place on the supporting body by the retaining member. The use of welding to attach the retaining member to the supporting body allows for a reduction in the wall thickness of the supporting body, which is advantageous for locating a motor inside the brush bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Jonathan George MARSH, Christopher Michael Kawomera Nyonyintono
  • Publication number: 20110138550
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote controlled robot for cleaning inner walls of a duct, more specifically, to a remote controlled robot comprising: a cart movable in the duct by remote control; at least one first link pivotally connected to the cart, which is relatively rotatable to the cart; a first driving unit to drive the first link to relatively rotate to the cart; at least one second link pivotally connected to the first link, which is relatively rotatable to the first link; a second driving unit to drive the second link to relatively rotate to the first link; and a cleaning means installed at the second link for separating dusts from the inner walls of the duct, thereby enabling to clean the upper inner-walls and the bottom inner-wall of the duct simultaneously, and to continuously proceed with the cleaning in case of the height change of the duct to reduce cleaning time thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Byung Wook Park
  • Publication number: 20110142529
    Abstract: An automatic bathing apparatus that can automatically bath a body, and more particularly to, an automatic bathing apparatus that can automatically and easily soap massage and take a bath when a bathing device contacts with a body by generating a rotation motion using electricity, transferring the rotation motion to a flexible shaft, and automatically rotating a bathing device, is provided. The automatic bathing apparatus includes: a motor (19) that generates a rotation motion; a first flexible shaft (3) and a second flexible shaft (7) that transfer a rotation motion of the motor (19) and that are disposed in a single line; a relay (5) that is provided between the first flexible shaft (3) and the second flexible shaft (7) and that disconnects or connects transfer of a rotation motion; a bathing device (8); and a driver (9) that receives a rotation motion of the second flexible shaft (7) to drive the bathing device (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Il Mook OH, Dong Mook OH
  • Publication number: 20110131741
    Abstract: An autonomous floor-cleaning robot comprising a housing infrastructure including a chassis, a power subsystem; for providing the energy to power the autonomous floor-cleaning robot, a motive subsystem operative to propel the autonomous floor-cleaning robot for cleaning operations, a command and control subsystem operative to control the autonomous floor-cleaning robot to effect cleaning operations, and a self-adjusting cleaning head subsystem that includes a deck mounted in pivotal combination with the chassis, a brush assembly mounted in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to sweep up particulates during cleaning operations, a vacuum assembly disposed in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to ingest particulates during cleaning operations, and a deck adjusting subassembly mounted in combination with the motive subsystem for the brush assembly, the deck, and the chassis that is automatically operative in response to an increase in brush torque in said brush
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Joseph L. Jones, Newton E. Mack, David M. Nugent, Paul E. Sandin
  • Publication number: 20110126367
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile sweeper comprising a housing, in which a sweeping roller driven by an electric motor is mounted for rotation, and a sweepings container for receiving sweepings, wherein there are mounted on the housing adjacent to the sweeping roller two front supporting wheels and at a distance from these at least one rear supporting wheel, each for rotation about an axis of rotation. In order to further develop the sweeper such that with the occurrence of surface unevennesses, there is no risk of the sweeping roller becoming blocked or of the sweeper tilting, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the axis of rotation of a first front supporting wheel be arranged coaxially with the axis of rotation of the sweeping roller and, in relation to the main direction of movement of the sweeper, offset from the axis of rotation of the second front supporting wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Wolf, Roland Schick
  • Publication number: 20110119843
    Abstract: A surface treating device includes a member adapted for engaging a surface to be treated and a driver operatively associated with the member. The driver is adapted for imparting a linear reciprocating motion to the member, wherein the member engages the surface in a manner substantially perpendicular to the surface to be treated. The surface treating device further includes a dispenser for delivering a fluid drawn from a discrete fluid source to the surface being treated by the member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Jason J. Nikitczuk, Christopher Miller, Matthew L. Phillips, Benny S. Yam, Bernadette Devaney, Paul Dowd
  • Publication number: 20110113574
    Abstract: A grout cleaning device includes a housing having a front end, a lower region, and a handle; the lower region being separated from the handle. The cleaning device includes a rotatable brush operatively coupled to the housing at the housing front end for scrubbing grout. A motor is located in the housing and operatively coupled to the brush for rotating the brush. An ultraviolet light is operatively coupled to the housing at the housing lower region for sanitizing grout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: R. Tracey Fulmer
  • Publication number: 20110107529
    Abstract: A side brush assembly mechanism for a floor surface maintenance vehicle including a linkage assembly supporting a brush deck, a pivot assembly and a cable connected to the linkage assembly, and a cable tensioning device for retracting the cable. The cable tensioning device is capable of lifting and retracting the brush deck. The side brush assembly mechanism may include a biasing mechanism for lowering and extending the brush deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: TENNANT COMPANY
    Inventor: Matthew R. Hetler
  • Publication number: 20110107530
    Abstract: A brush for a machine for the horizontal and/or vertical cleaning of surfaces which are provided with grooves, joints, unevennesses and/or pores is provided to move the brush in a plane which is substantially parallel to a surface. This brush is provided with at least one set of first hairs for cleaning or polishing the parts of the surface which extend between the grooves, joints, unevennesses and/or pores, and at least one set of second hairs for cleaning the grooves, joints, unevennesses and/or pores. The brush includes a base plate which is releasably attached to one or several brush parts, which are provided with one or several sets of second hairs. A machine for the horizontal and/or vertical cleaning of surfaces which are provided with grooves, joints, unevennesses and/or pores is provided with one or several of such brushes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Marc Delaere, Christiaan De Clerck
  • Publication number: 20110067727
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing uniform pressure, friction and/or contact between a substrate and a cylindrical roller in a brush-type cleaning system is described. The apparatus includes an alignment member adapted to allow pivotal movement of the cylindrical roller based on the topography of a substrate and/or the outer surface of the cylindrical roller. The method includes positioning a substrate between two cylindrical rollers, moving each of the two cylindrical rollers to a position where at least a portion of an outer surface of each of the cylindrical rollers are in contact with the major surfaces of the substrate, and rotating one or both of the substrate and the two cylindrical rollers relative to each other while allowing a longitudinal axis of one or both of the two cylindrical rollers to pivot relative to a plane defined by one of the major surfaces of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: HUNG CHIH CHEN, HUI CHEN, DAN ZHANG
  • Patent number: 7895694
    Abstract: This relates generally to devices used in the removal of excess spray-applied insulation from building components, and more particularly to an improved rotary scrubber that is readily extendable for reaching areas of extended elevation. To facilitate the scrubbing of insulation from areas of extended elevation, one embodiment of the scrubber has an adjustable handle assembly connected to the housing. The adjustable handle assembly preferably comprises a receiver connected to the housing and an extension and a support handle adjustably connected with the receiver. The extension preferably defines an extension handle, with the support handle adjustably connected with the receiver forward of the extension handle when the extension is adjustably connected with the receiver. In other embodiments, the scrubber further comprises at least one extender optionally removably connectable between the scrubber's housing and the framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventor: Thomas J. Fellinger
  • Patent number: 7887559
    Abstract: A cutting accessory for use with a powered surgical tool. The accessory includes a drive shaft to which an outer hub is attached. Internal to the outer hub is a self-contained transponder formed from an RFID chip and a coil of electrical conductor embedded within a solid substrate or encapsulated within a plastic enclosure. The transponder wirelessly communicates one or more pieces of information concerning the identity and operation of the accessory to the surgical tool when the accessory is attached to the surgical tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Wenjie Deng, Barry J. Kauker
  • Publication number: 20110010886
    Abstract: A surface treating head includes a main body; a brush unit; and a drive mechanism for moving the brush unit relative to the main body between a stowed position and a deployed position. The drive mechanism includes a pressure chamber and a valve unit for varying the pressure within the chamber. The valve unit includes a housing, a valve located within the housing and, disposed on the housing, an actuator moveable relative to the housing through engagement with a surface to be treated for operating the valve and at least one surface engaging member extending downwardly beyond the actuator. The housing is moveable relative to the main body to maintain the surface engaging member in contact with the surface to be treated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Spencer James Robert ARTHEY, Stephen Robert Dimbylow, Alistair William Skuse
  • Publication number: 20110005012
    Abstract: A rotary brush attachment for use with a tool, such as a power tool, to remove rust, paint, debris, and other unwanted matter accumulated on the surface of fasteners and other parts used in construction, automotive applications, and industrial applications. The rotary brush attachment comprises a body oriented along a longitudinal axis, an engagement portion for removably engaging a tool, and a brush portion. The brush portion comprises a hollow extending at least partially into the body along the longitudinal axis, and bristles extending from the interior surface of the hollow towards the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Roger LE BLANC
  • Patent number: 7865994
    Abstract: A vibrating hair brush for enhanced detangling of hair, comprising a head portion including a motor assembly for operating a vibrating actuator and a plurality of bristles depending from a bristle pad of the head portion, wherein the actuator is disposed for generating a vibrating movement of the bristles in a curvilinear direction generally within a plane parallel to the bristle pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Silver Taggart, Jeffrey M Kalman, John Richard Nottingham, John Wilford Spirk, Jay Tapper, Rachel Marie Nottingham, Carolyn Marie McNeeley, Richard Skinner, Brian Douglas Wall, Stephen Lee Wire
  • Patent number: 7861347
    Abstract: A vehicle for removing an accumulation of particles comprises a vehicle body, a system configured to remove the particles in bulk, and an arm coupled to and extending from the vehicle body. The arm comprises a first sweeping element and a second sweeping element. Each sweeping element includes a shaft member rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and a set of bristles projecting away from the axis along the shaft member. The first and second longitudinal axes are a distance apart, and the sweeping elements define a concerted sweeping area. The arm may be movably coupled to the vehicle body and may be configured to move the sweeping element around the vehicle body by rotating the arm about a horizontal axis. When a sweeping element rotates in proximity to the ground, the longitudinal axis is substantially vertical. The vehicle may further include a computer system for tracking the location of an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: 3rd Millennium Solutions Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephen Lyle McKeown, Daniel Andrew Faux
  • Publication number: 20100326469
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method of fabricating a thin film transistor array substrate. The apparatus includes a dip strip part for stripping a photo-resist pattern and a thin film formed on a substrate by using a stripper; a removing part for removing residual photo-resist and thin film from the substrate; and a jet strip part for jetting the stripper to remove residual particles of photo-resist and thin film left on the substrate. The method of fabricating includes dipping a substrate in a stripper, wherein the substrate has a photo-resist pattern and a thin film, the thin film being formed on an entire surface of the substrate so as to cover the photo-resist pattern; removing residual photo-resist and thin film using the stripper; and removing particles of residual photo-resist and thin film left on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Oh Nam Kwon, Heung Lyul Cho
  • Publication number: 20100325821
    Abstract: A system for cleaning windows in tall buildings, comprises a chassis (7) with means for its mounting on a suspended platform. (3) It also includes a rotating conveyor belt (61) mounted on the chassis and brushes (62) mounted on the conveyor belt. Each brush is mounted through extender means (63). Preferably, the conveyor belt includes means for its rotation in a generally horizontal direction. The means for rotating the conveyor belt include a first roller (71) and a second roller (72) mounted on the chassis. The conveyor belt is preferably mounted between the rollers and further includes motor means for rotating one of the rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Aviram Mann
  • Publication number: 20100324460
    Abstract: The self-contained intraoral appliance includes first and second substantially rigid bands (12, 14) configured to fit along the outer and the inner surfaces of a row of teeth in the mouth. A motor (20) driven by a battery is connected to the bands through a connecting assembly (2, 24, 28, 34, 40 and 44) in such a manner that one end of the first band moves through a displacement to brush the teeth while the other end remains substantially stationary, and such that an opposing end of the second band moves through a displacement while the other end remains substantially stationary. Brush elements (16, 18) are mounted on the surfaces of the bands to provide cleansing of the teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Joost Adrianus Johannes Van Der Rijt, Michiel Allan Aurelius Schallig, Martinus Bernardus Stapelbroek, Jozef Johannes Maria Janssen, Folkert Vrijburg
  • Publication number: 20100313910
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a robot cleaner that has an improved traveling performance, and a method of controlling traveling thereof. The robot cleaner allows driving wheels, which move the robot cleaner, and a brush unit, which sweeps dust on a floor, to be rotated in the same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Hwa LEE, Jae Man Joo, Sam Jong Jeung, Jeong Gon Song, Dong Won Kim, Jun Pyo Hong, Jang Youn Ko, Woo Ram Chung, Kyung Hwan Yoo
  • Publication number: 20100299854
    Abstract: The subject device of the invention is electric and used for cleaning, especially for washing and waxing cars. The main characteristic thereof is to spray cleaning solution, wash and aspirate the removed dirt and store same. The first, tri-functional operation is performed by the head, comprising a brush with a preferably circular cross-section wherein the scrubbing bristles (1) in the frontal view of the drawn example form a circular crown; interspersed between said bristles are the pipes for spraying the washing solution (3), which are channelled from the pipe (4) which together with the wider cross-section aspiration pipes forms the barrel and in the FIGURE exits in the centre. Said barrel joins the head to the handle. The interior volume, limited by the scrubbing bristles (1), the face (2) of the head bearing said bristles and the surface for cleaning form a chamber wherein washing and aspiration take place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Ignacio Fernandez Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20100293729
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a solar panel, comprising a controlling device and a solar panel, wherein the controlling device is installed either on bottom portion or lower back of the back portion of the solar panel. A driving motor of the controlling device is controlled by means of setting the timer, so that the driven cleaner will be driven to clean up the surface of the solar panel on the presetting time. Since the structural constitution of the present invention is simple, so that the maintenance cost can be reduced significantly. Thus, the objects of simplifying the structure and reducing the maintenance costs are achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Chang Chi LEE
  • Publication number: 20100263142
    Abstract: A mobile robot operable to move on a surface in a room is provided. The mobile robot includes a shell and a chassis including at least two wheels. At least one motor is connected to the wheels for moving the mobile robot on the surface. A cleaner is operable to clean the surface as the mobile robot moves on the surface. A wall sensor is operable to detect a wall in the room as the mobile robot moves on the surface. A controller is operable to control the motor to move the mobile robot on the surface in accordance with a wall following mode and a bounce mode. In the wall following mode, the mobile robot moves generally adjacent to and along the wall in response to detection of the wall by the wall sensor. In the bounce mode, the mobile robot moves away from the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: IROBOT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph L. JONES, Philip R. MASS
  • Publication number: 20100263158
    Abstract: A floor-cleaning robot includes a wheeled housing having a perimeter, a motor drive operably connected to wheels of the housing to move the robot across a floor surface, and a bumper responsive to obstacles encountered by the robot. A controller is in electrical communication with both the bumper and the motor drive and is configured to control the motor drive to maneuver the robot to avoid detected obstacles across the floor surface during a floor-cleaning operation. A driven cleaning brush, rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to an underside of the housing, is disposed substantially across a central region of the underside and is positioned to brush the floor surface as the robot is moved across the floor surface. Additionally, a driven side brush extending beyond the perimeter is positioned to brush floor surface debris from beyond the perimeter toward a projected path of the driven cleaning brush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: IROBOT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph L. JONES, Newton E. MACK, David M. NUGENT, Paul E. SANDIN
  • Patent number: 7814601
    Abstract: A vibrating hair brush provides enhanced detangling of user's hair. The brush has a bristle pad comprising a plurality of bristles disposed in a brush head. The bristle pad is supported within the brush head by a vibrating motor and isolator assembly disposed for directing a vibratory movement of the motor to a bristle pad movement in a plane generally parallel to a user's scalp. The motor and isolator assembly effectively translate a circular vibratory movement of the offset weight into an elliptical movement of the bristle pad while insulating the vibration caused by the movement of the weight from a handle of the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Silver Taggart, Jeffrey M. Kalman, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Jr., Jay Tapper, Rachel Marie Nottingham, Carolyn M. McNeeley, Richard Skinner, Brian Douglas Wall, Stephen Lee Wire
  • Publication number: 20100257680
    Abstract: A cleaner head for a cleaning appliance including a housing having an air outlet, a rotary brush bar assembly located within a chamber of the housing, the chamber having an air outlet which is in fluid communication with the air outlet of the housing, and a drive mechanism for driving the brush bar assembly, the drive mechanism extending into the chamber between first and second side walls of the chamber, wherein the brush bar assembly comprises a first brush bar section located within a first section of the chamber between the drive mechanism and the first side wall of the chamber, and a second brush bar section located within a second section of the chamber between the drive mechanism and the second side wall of the chamber, and wherein the air outlet of the chamber extends between and into both sections of the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Scott Andrew MAGUIRE, Andrew James BOWER
  • Publication number: 20100258143
    Abstract: A method for fabricating semiconductors is provided that includes an oxide chemical mechanical polish (CMP) step. Prior to performing the CMP of an integrated circuit semiconductor silicon wafer, a number of steps are performed. The silicon wafer is scrubbed with a brush using a liquid cleaner. The silicon wafer is rinsed with deionized water (DIW). Finally, the silicon wafer is dried.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Jacob L. Williams
  • Publication number: 20100242991
    Abstract: A dedusting device and method is disclosed for the dry or moist dedusting (i.e., cleaning, dusting, or removal of dirt, dust, or other debris) from components, e.g., of motor vehicles. An exemplary method may generally include positioning a dusting tool driven by a drive motor in a predetermined dusting position such that the tool contacts or touches the component, and determining a first operating variable of the drive motor of the dusting tool when positioning the dusting tool in the predetermined dusting position. The first operating variable may reflect a mechanical load of the drive motor due to the contact with the component to be dusted. The method may further include calculating a corrected dusting position as a function of the predetermined dusting position and the first operating variable of the drive motor, and positioning the dusting tool in the corrected dusting position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Juergen Haas, Alexander Meissner, Marcus Frey
  • Patent number: 7797781
    Abstract: A robot mechanism adopts a dry cleaning method to clean the surface of live-line insulators without using water and can perform cleaning and inspection of the surface of the live-line insulators while automatically moving along an insulator string. The robot mechanism includes a main unit having upper and lower wing frames connected with each other by a connecting bracket to surround the insulator string, a cleaning unit disposed between the upper and lower wing frames and including a base frame to perform dry cleaning with a rotational brush and a CM guide, a lift unit including a clamp and a ball-bearing screw to move the main unit up or down, and an inspection unit to electrically inspect the insulators; and a coupling unit to couple a pair of the main units to allow the pair of main units to move along a tension insulator string or a suspension insulator string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Korea Electric Power Corporation
    Inventors: Joon Young Park, Sung Il Song, Byung Hak Cho, Seung Hyun Byun, Jin Bong Kim
  • Publication number: 20100223741
    Abstract: A cleaning device for a component disposed within a process air circuit of a domestic tumble dryer, in particular for a heat exchanger, including a cleaning brush and a drive mechanism including a drive rod for moving the cleaning brush along the component, the cleaning device including a guiding element operatively associated with the drive mechanism for guiding the drive rod, and at least two flexible sealing elements for protecting the drive mechanism against fluff or similar soiling, wherein the drive rod is passed between the at least two sealing elements for movement along the guiding element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Grunert
  • Patent number: 7784135
    Abstract: A tool assembly provides for brushing circumferential welds in a restrictive access area between a cylindrical inner member and a cylindrical outer member such as the shroud and vessel in a nuclear reactor. The tool assembly includes a circumferential plate sized larger than an outside diameter of the inner member and smaller than an inside diameter of the outer member. At least one renew brush is coupled with the circumferential plate, and a motor is coupled with the renew brush that rotates the renew brush. A driving assembly mounted between the inner member and the outer member engages the circumferential plate and circumferentially drives the circumferential plate in the restrictive access area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Frank Ortega