With Air Blast Or Suction Patents (Class 15/300.1)
  • Patent number: 11958446
    Abstract: Proposed is a mat cleaning device. The mat cleaning device includes a casing which constitutes an exterior of the mat cleaning device, a washing water spray nozzle which is disposed on one side of the casing and sprays washing water on the mat, a drive motor which is disposed inside the casing and provides power, a plurality of rollers which is rotated by the power supplied from the drive motor and transfers and washes the mat, a vacuum pump which forms vacuum pressure, a vacuum suction means which sucks moisture and foreign matter on a surface of a washed mat by using the vacuum pressure formed by the vacuum pump, and a centrifugation chamber which provides the vacuum pressure formed by the vacuum pump to the vacuum suction means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventor: Sang Cheol Bae
  • Patent number: 11937765
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus including a vacuum cleaner and a docking station is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a vacuum cleaner including a dust collecting chamber in which foreign substances are collected, and a docking station configured to be connected to the dust collecting chamber to remove the foreign substances collected in the dust collecting chamber. The dust collecting chamber is configured to collect foreign substances through centrifugation, and configured to be docked to the docking station, and the docking station includes a suction device configured to suction the foreign substances and air in the dust collecting chamber docked to the docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: See Hyun Kim, In Gyu Choi, Ki Hwan Kwon, Shin Kim, Hyeon Cheol Kim, Do Kyung Lee, Hyun Ju Lee, Yun Soo Jang, Seung Ryong Cha, Jung Gyun Han
  • Patent number: 11801614
    Abstract: A deduster is comprised of two sets (pairs) of counter-rotating dedusting brushes in co-operation with a vacuum system for saw dust removal from wooden lumber. In addition to these features, the deduster may feature a separate, movable, top brush assembly that can be easily adjusted for different board thicknesses and raised up to allow for clearing board jams and for pass-through if boards were to be run without dedusting. This deduster apparatus is modular, thereby allowing it to be positioned over an existing machine or a lumber board unscrambler machine such as a lugged unscrambler machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Automated Industrial Tehnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles D. Lamb, Zachary Adams
  • Patent number: 11789451
    Abstract: A base station performs a service treatment on a floor processing device, wherein the base station has a basic housing with an interface for docking the floor processing device. In order to support docking in a purely mechanical way, the base station has a guide extension arm allocated to the interface and facing away from the basic housing with a predominant longitudinal extension for exclusively mechanically guiding a docking movement of the floor processing device to the interface, wherein an outer contour of the guide extension arm as observed in a vertical top view tapers proceeding from the basic housing up to a free end area of the guide extension arm facing away from the basic housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Windorfer
  • Patent number: 11737636
    Abstract: The cleaning device includes a main body and at least one drive wheel. The at least one drive wheel is arranged on the main body. The main body can walk on the surface to be cleaned by means of the at least one drive wheel. The cleaning device further includes a driving mechanism, a movable bracket, and a cleaning assembly. The driving mechanism is arranged on the main body, the movable bracket is movably connected to the bottom of the main body, and is connected to the driving mechanism. The movable bracket reciprocates along the direction parallel to the surface to be cleaned under the driving action of the driving mechanism. The cleaning assembly is detachably connected to the movable bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: SHENZHEN FLY RODENT DYNAMICS INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wuji Zhang, Quanlong Lu, Changtai Xia
  • Patent number: 11640915
    Abstract: Electronic device processing systems including an equipment front end module (EFEM) with a side storage pod are described. The EFEM includes an EFEM chamber and a recirculation duct. The side storage pod is fluidly coupled to the recirculation duct. The side storage pod includes an interior chamber and a side storage container disposed within the interior chamber. The side storage container is configured to receive one or more substrates from the EFEM chamber. The electronic device processing system further includes an environmental control system. The environmental control system is configured to circulate a purge gas between the EFEM chamber and the side storage pod via the recirculation duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul B. Reuter, Dean C. Hruzek, Nir Merry, John C. Menk, Douglas B. Baumgarten
  • Patent number: 11589504
    Abstract: A lawnmower, and in particular a robotic lawnmower, can include a passive cleaning assembly for removing detritus from the lawnmower housing. The passive cleaning assembly can be moveably mounted on the housing. Movement of the lawnmower with respect to the ground can cause a cleaning portion of the passive cleaning assembly to move with respect to the housing, and thereby remove detritus from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: MTD PRODUCTS INC
    Inventors: Shalom Levin, Ran Zaslavsky, Eli Shraga, Naor Egozi
  • Patent number: 11572748
    Abstract: An improved vacuum device for use with a vacuum assisted post hole digger tool. The improved vacuum device includes two suction providing motors with their suction outlets connected in a parallel fashion directly to a filter box. The dual motor configuration provides significantly improved suction power over existing vacuum devices but is still able to be powered on household 120V AC power. The improved vacuum device is paired with a post hole digger apparatus which includes an elongated hollow tubular tool for transmitting vacuum to the base end of the tube. The base end of the tube further comprises a variety bore heads for breaking up soil. A variety of devices for breaking up soil or removing clogs around the bore head are included: a thrasher bar, a hammer bar and an unclogger bar. Each of these devices are designed to be activated either manually by the user by application of force at the upper end of the tool or by application of rotary force by a motor disposed at the top of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Corbas Marketing, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Cordova, Sammy Vargas
  • Patent number: 11090699
    Abstract: Drain cleaning and inspection machines, systems and methods are described. The systems and methods utilize a GPS-enabled drain cleaner to collect information during drain cleaning or inspection, forward that information to a host server at which various processing and imagery generation occurs, and providing a detailed map and/or report.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Ridge Tool Company
    Inventor: Christopher Schmauder
  • Patent number: 10765285
    Abstract: A floor maintenance machine includes a chassis, a floor-cleaning implement adapted for engagement with the floor, and a service cabinet. The floor-cleaning implement is supported by the chassis. The service cabinet is coupled to the chassis and defines a cavity. The cavity receives a plurality of fluid access points collectively therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: RPS Corporation
    Inventor: Sean K. Goff
  • Patent number: 10767013
    Abstract: Methods of forming nanoporous materials are described herein that include forming a polymer network with a chemically removable portion. The chemically removable portion may be polycarbonate polymer that is removable on application of heat or exposure to a base, or a polyhexahydrotriazine (PHT) or polyhemiaminal (PHA) polymer that is removable on exposure to an acid. The method generally includes forming a reaction mixture comprising a formaldehyde, a solvent, a primary aromatic diamine, and a diamine having a primary amino group and a secondary amino group, the secondary amino group having a base-reactive substituent, and heating the reaction mixture to a temperature of between about 50 deg C. and about 150 deg C. to form a polymer. Removing any portion of the polymer results in formation of nanoscopic pores as polymer chains are decomposed, leaving pores in the polymer matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dylan J. Boday, Jeannette M. Garcia, James L. Hedrick, Rudy J. Wojtecki
  • Patent number: 10750914
    Abstract: A dust collecting apparatus includes a dust separation unit to separate dust from suctioned air; a dust storage unit to store the dust separated in the dust separation unit; a pressing member to compress the dust stored in the dust storage unit, and having a pressing plate support part, and a pressing plate supported by the pressing plate support part; a fixing member disposed between an inner circumferential surface of the dust storage unit and the pressing plate support part; and a path formed by a part of the fixing member, located between the pressing plate support part and the inner circumferential surface of the dust storage unit, and through which the air between the pressing plate and the fixing member passes, wherein one or more holes through which the air between the pressing plate and the fixing member passes are formed at the pressing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Youngho Kim, Hoikil Jeong, Heonpyeong Ji, Kangjin Park
  • Patent number: 10556990
    Abstract: Methods of forming nanoporous materials are described herein that include forming a polymer network with a chemically removable portion. The chemically removable portion may be polycarbonate polymer that is removable on application of heat or exposure to a base, or a polyhexahydrotriazine (PHT) or polyhemiaminal (PHA) polymer that is removable on exposure to an acid. The method generally includes forming a reaction mixture comprising a formaldehyde, a solvent, a primary aromatic diamine, and a diamine having a primary amino group and a secondary amino group, the secondary amino group having a base-reactive substituent, and heating the reaction mixture to a temperature of between about 50 degC. and about 150 degC. to form a polymer. Removing any portion of the polymer results in formation of nanoscopic pores as polymer chains are decomposed, leaving pores in the polymer matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dylan J. Boday, Jeannette M. Garcia, James L. Hedrick, Rudy J. Wojtecki
  • Patent number: 10548445
    Abstract: A wheel driving device includes: a motor rotating a shaft: an input gear fixed to the shaft; at least one transmission gear meshed with the input gear to transmit power of the motor; and a final gear meshed with the transmission gear and connected with a wheel via an axis to transmit the power from the transmission gear to the wheel. The wheel driving device includes an extraction gear meshed with the final gear or the transmission gear, and a power transmission part connected with the extraction gear to transmit the power from the extraction gear to a cleaner head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: NIDEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chun-Hsien Liu, Hiroyuki Ichizaki
  • Patent number: 10123670
    Abstract: A byproduct collection system is configured to collect byproducts of a manufacturing operation on a workpiece. The byproduct collection system includes a collection shroud defining a collection chamber, and a securing mount coupled to the collection shroud. The securing mount is configured to removably secure the byproduct collection system to a surface of the workpiece so that the collection shroud is proximate to a working location of the workpiece during a working operation on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Andrew Lawrence Neale
  • Patent number: 9844929
    Abstract: An automated fastener insert installation system for composite panels is provided. A first module receives and secures a composite panel with respect to an origin of a first coordinate system, wherein the composite panel has opposed major surfaces and defines an insert-receiving orifice extending through one of the major surfaces, and is secured such that one of the major surfaces is externally accessible. A second module engages each of a plurality of fastener inserts with an installation aide. Third module determines a configuration of the orifice defined by the composite panel, selects a corresponding one of the fastener inserts engaged with the installation aide, inserts the selected fastener insert into the orifice, and dispenses an adhesive material through the installation aide and into the orifice about selected fastener insert such that the adhesive material secures the selected fastener insert within the orifice. Associated systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Aaron Coon, Chris G. McInelly, Bret Hoeksema, Ryan Lillibridge, Tom Allen, Steve Solack, Kevin Bowe, Gary K. Allen
  • Patent number: 9637887
    Abstract: A 3D volume rate control method and apparatus (10) for a slewing bucket-wheel stockpile reclaimer 16 is described. The apparatus (10) comprises four 3D image sensors (12) mounted adjacent a bucket-wheel (14) of the (reclaimer 16), which are adapted to provide 3D images of a stockpile bench face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: 3D Image Automation Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Paul John Wighton
  • Patent number: 9612035
    Abstract: An adaptable system for defogging a mirror in a steamy bathroom having a tube assembly with a plurality of openings with an impeller and a plurality of heating elements for blowing hot air through the openings onto the fogged mirror. In one example embodiment, the tube assembly has louvers directing the hot air from the openings. The system has a plurality of mounting assemblies configured for all types of mirrors operative for coupling to the tube assembly, such as a portable mounting assembly with a rechargeable battery that selectively attaches on or adjacent to a mirror. The system has an articulated arm mounting assembly in one example embodiment. The system has a mounting assembly fixture in another example embodiment. A kit comprises the tube assembly and at least one mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: WINTERVENTION
    Inventor: Frank Winters
  • Patent number: 9516985
    Abstract: A washing-drying machine including a scraping device including a reversible fastening system of scraping blades. The reversible fastening system makes it possible to apply the scraping blades to the scraping device in a simple and safe way and as simply to remove them to clean them or replace them when worn out through a flexible fastening mechanism including holes for engaging with support elements provided on the scraping device, and including at least an elastic end portion with a slot for engaging with the undercut of a corresponding locking element, formed in the proximity of end portions of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: NILFISK A/S
    Inventors: Andrea Chignoli, Andrea Odoli
  • Patent number: 9427124
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a removable dust separator. The dust separator has an inlet duct and an outlet duct. The inlet duct is arranged for fluid connection to a dirt-air duct on the cleaner, and the outlet duct is arranged for fluid connection to a motor intake duct on the cleaner. In accordance with the invention, the inlet duct and outlet duct share a common wall which divides the open ends of the ducts, an inlet duct sealing member is provided for forming an air-seal between the inlet duct and the dirty-air duct, and an outlet duct sealing member is provided for forming an air seal between the outlet duct and the motor intake duct. Both seals are thus required to fail in order to short-circuit the two dirty-air duct and the motor intake duct, despite there being a common wall section between the inlet duct and the outlet ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Paul Andrew McLuckie, Stuart Lloyd Genn, Jeremy William Crouch
  • Patent number: 9427125
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a removable cyclonic separator that includes a cyclone chamber; a dirt-collection chamber, open at one end; and an outlet duct from the cyclone chamber. An open end of the outlet duct is arranged for connection to a motor intake duct on the cleaner, the outlet duct and dirt collection chamber sharing a common wall section which divides the open end of the outlet duct from the open end of the dirt collection chamber. A cover closes off the open end of the dirt collection chamber and can be opened to allow access to the dirt collection chamber for emptying. When the cover is in the closed position, a cover sealing member forms an air seal between the cover and the common wall section. When the outlet duct is connected to the motor inlet duct, an outlet duct sealing member forms an air seal between the ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Andrew McLuckie, Stuart Lloyd Genn, Jeremy William Crouch
  • Patent number: 9227151
    Abstract: A cyclone comprises a cyclone chamber having an air inlet, a vortex finder, a first end wall, a second end wall and a sidewall, the air inlet has an inlet end having a shape and a cross sectional area in a plane transverse to a direction of airflow through the air inlet, and the air inlet is provided at a first juncture of the sidewall and the first end wall, the vortex finder has a wall that meets one of the first and second end walls at a second juncture, wherein the second juncture extends at an angle to both the wall of the vortex finder and the end wall on which the vortex finder is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 9039844
    Abstract: A steam cleaning apparatus including a main body having a main switch, a steam cleaning head coupled to the main body, and a position sensitive switch having a first state when the steam apparatus is in a substantially vertical storage position and a second state when the steam cleaning apparatus is in a tilted, cleaning position, the position sensitive switch being connected in electrical series with the main switch such that when the position-sensitive switch is in the first state the position-sensitive switch interrupts the flow of electrical current from the main switch and when the position-sensitive switch is in the second state, electrical power is supplied by the main switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Barry Pears, David Rowntree, Martyn Riley, Stephen Houghton, Andrew Walker
  • Patent number: 9038232
    Abstract: A wheeled suction and blower apparatus for either sucking up debris or blowing debris. The wheeled suction and blower apparatus includes a base member supported upon wheels and being towed behind a prime mover; a motor supported upon the base member; a housing with an impeller being in communication with the motor; a chute fastenable to the housing; a hood being pivotally attached to the chute; and an actuating assembly for adjusting the positioning of the hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Myron L. Morrow
  • Patent number: 9027202
    Abstract: Highly efficient particulate collectors, such as for dust and street debris collected by a mobile street cleaning vehicle, with very low pressure loss are disclosed. One embodiment uses a specially contoured passage to separate the solid particles from particulate-laden gas stream by rapid directional change at a throat region. By using the Venturi effect at the accelerating zone communicating with a gas return channel from the particulate retaining chamber, a small amount of the gas will be recirculated from the deposit zone to help move and retain the separated particles in a confined collection receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventor: Xiaolun Huang
  • Publication number: 20150121645
    Abstract: Chassis (20) for a suction cleaner (10), and a suction cleaner (10) including such a chassis (20) A chassis (20) for a vacuum cleaner (10) including a duct portion (40) affording a passage for suction airflow of the cleaner (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Mohammed Irfan
  • Patent number: 8950037
    Abstract: A low profile rinsing table is provided for cleaning rugs and other articles. The table includes an upper member having a series of apertures therein. Cleaning solutions can be scrubbed into the top of the rug and vacuum sources connected to the rinsing table will extract dirt, spent cleaning liquids and rinse water by pulling it through the rug, into a waste chamber and out for proper disposal. In an alternate embodiment of the rinsing table a roller extends along one side of the table to allow the rug to be easily indexed thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Zimmerman Carpet Cleaners, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20140373302
    Abstract: An automatic floor cleaner includes a cover, a base plate, a motive assembly, a driving wheel assembly, and a flat bottom plate. In use, the flat bottom plate can be attached with a dust removal sheet to mop a floor surface. When the floor cleaner hits an object, the driving wheel assembly can rotate about a vertical output axle of the motive assembly to cause the moving direction of the floor cleaner to be changed to a randomly new direction, so that the floor cleaner can escape the object to continue advancing and cleaning the floor surface. Furthermore, the floor cleaner can be mounted with a vacuum cleaning unit, so that the cleaning effect can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Pei-Cheng Hsu
  • Patent number: 8916002
    Abstract: A portable vacuum includes a container having a sidewall, an open bottom portion, an opposing, open top portion and an attachment opening in the sidewall. A bucket is detachably coupled to the container. A vacuum unit is detachably coupled to and closes off the top portion of the container, the vacuum unit having at least one air inlet and at least one air exhaust port. The vacuum unit is operable to selectably generate an air stream entering the air inlet and exiting the air exhaust port. The portable vacuum also includes an elongate, generally hollow suction tube having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end being detachably coupled to the attachment opening of the container. The air stream generates a vacuum at the second end of the suction tube operable to draw waste material into the suction tube, the waste material being deposited in the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: James Landolt
  • Publication number: 20140366315
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a main body including a fan motor to generate suction force, a suction unit connected to the main body to suction foreign matter from a surface to be cleaned in a state of contacting the surface, a dust collector separatably mounted to the main body to separate and collect foreign matter from air suctioned by the suction unit, and a wheel assembly to move the main body, wherein the main body is rotatable independently of the wheel assembly such that the main body rotates to change a movement direction thereof and the main body is moved in the changed direction by the wheel assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Won CHUN, Yeon Young NAM, Deok Sang YUN, Hwan Woong CHOI, Yu Na Park
  • Publication number: 20140359967
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a main body including a fan motor to generate suction force, a suction unit connected to the main body to suction foreign matter from a surface to be cleaned in a state of contacting the surface, a dust collector separatably mounted to the main body to separate and collect dust from air suctioned by the suction unit, and a wheel assembly to move the main body, wherein the wheel assembly includes frames provided at a lower part and left and right sides of the main body and wheels rotatably mounted to the frames provided at the left and right sides of the main body, each wheel having a negative camber angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Joung Soo PARK, Ki Man KIM, Dong Jun KIM, Hyoun Soo KIM, Seok Bong BAEK, Suzuki NARUHIKO, Dong Hyun LEE, Jin Ho LEE, Jong Gook LIM, Kyoung Hui JEON, Jun Hoo CHOE
  • Patent number: 8893350
    Abstract: A water tank cleaning apparatus and kit of components, the apparatus utilizing a wet or dry vacuum source, an adapter having one part of a two-component separable connector with a thumb tab thereon to facilitate separation of the two-component separable connector, and a working tip element having a second part of the two-component separable connector and functional end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Hoa Mai
  • Patent number: 8881749
    Abstract: A system for controlling silica dust generated during the transfer of frac sand from a storage container through a conveyor system includes a system of conduits having a plurality of inlets for collecting silica dust generated at selected points along the conveyor system. An air system pneumatically coupled to the system of conduits generates a negative pressure at each of the inlets to induce the collection of silica dust at the selected points along the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sierra Dust Control, LLC
    Inventor: Kim R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140311964
    Abstract: An adjustable vacuum pan assembly for a belt filter is disclosed. The adjustable vacuum pan assembly comprises an arm configured to be attached to a frame portion of the filter, a vacuum pan adjustably connected to the arm, and a cam operatively coupled to the arm. The cam is rotatable with respect to the arm and has a peripheral surface which contacts a portion of the vacuum pan. The assembly further comprises a locking member which serves to hold the cam against rotation with respect to the arm. Varying an angular rotational position of the cam effectively varies a spacing between the vacuum pan and the arm, thereby providing an amount of misalignment compensation therebetween. Retrofit kits for a preexisting conventional filter and methods of providing increased adjustability to a filter are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Jay Breinholt, Joseph L. Wood
  • Patent number: 8840730
    Abstract: A machine for cleaning a head-disk assembly (HDA) of a hard disk drive (HDD) includes a nest that seals the HDA between an upper and lower portion during cleaning. An inlet port receives a gas and an exhaust port exhausts the gas and entrained particles. A shock drive delivers mechanical shocks to the nest and the HDA while the gas is flowing through the HDA. A blower may circulate the gas from the exhaust port to the inlet port. A filter may be coupled to the inlet port. The HDA nest may be movable along an axis of the mechanical shocks delivered by the shock drive. A blow tube may deliver gas to a screw hole and a coaxial vacuum tube may rest against a surface around the screw hole to encapsulate the blow tube during cleaning and remove the gas and particles from the screw hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Pranee Thonghara, Lie Dhani Hastama, Pattira Mokawan
  • Patent number: 8834641
    Abstract: A method of using a hand-held power tool having a debris removal attachment is provided. The method includes providing a hand-held power tool having an output shaft and selectively coupling an extension shaft to the output shaft. The method also includes coupling a first impeller to the extension shaft and providing a housing adjacent the first impeller. The method further includes rotating the first impeller to generate a pressure differential sufficient to draw debris into the housing. The extension shaft has a first end and a second end, the first end configured to couple to the output shaft of the hand-held power tool, and the second end configured to couple to a tool bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Credo Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Baker, Josh Barhitte, Barry Jacobs, Harald Krondorfer
  • Patent number: 8834640
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for treating containers relating especially to cleaning plastic bottles (1) preferably in the inverted position. Each container is thereby subjected to a treatment medium (16) applied and/or introduced thereto. Electrically charged ions introduced into the treatment medium (16) serve to balance the charge of each container. According to the invention, the treatment medium (16) is tested for the presence of ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Steffen Kappel, Thomas Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20140237767
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a first flexible electrified air flow conduit having an air inlet end that is electrified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: G.B.D. Corp.
  • Patent number: 8790467
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an article may include a cleaning head. The cleaning head may have a lower edge and may include an annular steam chamber and a steam nozzle. The annular steam chamber may define a vacuum chamber that may be configured to receive the article therewithin. The annular steam chamber may have a plurality of discrete apertures positioned in vertically spaced relation to the lower edge. The steam nozzle may be configured to provide steam to the annular steam chamber for discharge through the apertures into the vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Sergey G. Ponomarev
  • Publication number: 20140201942
    Abstract: An arrangement for supporting a wheel for rotation about an axis, comprising a wheel carrier part having an at least partially annular carrier formation extending therefrom generally in the direction of the axis, a wheel encircling at least part of the carrier formation and a retaining member releasably engaging the carrier part and affording a bearing surface with which a complementary bearing surface of the wheel co-operates to support the wheel for said rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Mohammed Irfan, David Cottrell
  • Patent number: 8733388
    Abstract: A device is provided for deflating or inflating an item using a vacuum source including a receiving member including an outer open-ended cup with a partial bottom, the bottom including a central aperture, and an outer frustoconical portion extending from the central aperture; an air-flow adjusting member including an inner open-ended substantially cylindrical portion, an inner frustoconical portion extending from the inner open-ended substantially cylindrical portion; a tip member; and means for removably coupling the tip member to the air-flow adjusting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Steven S. Gray
  • Patent number: 8726453
    Abstract: A suction cleaning apparatus or suction cleaning horn is a generally cylindrical barrel or sleeve with an insertion cone to control and direct the distal tip of a suction tool into the bore of the barrel. A stylet is secured within the suction cleaning barrel and aligned on the longitudinal axis of the bore such that insertion of the suction tool into the cleaning barrel inserts the stylet into the channel of the suction tool to mechanically clear any obstructions of the suction tool. The distal end of the suction cleaning horn may also include one or more holes or vents to permit cleaning liquid to be drawn into the bore of the cleaning horn and into the suction tool channel to help clear obstructions in the suction tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ontium, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Berry, Kenneth D. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8719997
    Abstract: A pass-through vacuum includes a mixing tube and separate and removable housing extending along a mutual central longitudinal axis. The housing contains at least one location for retaining a nozzle which extends along a nozzle axis and has an inlet configured to be in fluid communication with a compressed gas source and an outlet in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the mixing tube via an aperture. The nozzle axis of the nozzle extends at an acute angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the mixing tube. The at least one nozzle accelerates gas from the compressed gas source to create an improved performance to entrain gas and material to flowing through the mixing tube from the entrance end to the exit end. The mixing tube and the housing can each be independently configured to optimize their function and performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Guardair Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Nathenson, Mark W. Yorns
  • Publication number: 20140102483
    Abstract: A system to remove debris from a chamber includes a debris chamber, an exhaust pipe, a debris conduit, and a tab. The exhaust pipe may direct a flow of gas into an air outlet, and include an exhaust pipe interior. The debris conduit connects the chamber with at least one of the exhaust pipe interior and the air outlet, and includes a debris conduit end disposed in at least one of the exhaust pipe interior and the air outlet. The tab includes at least three outer edges forming at least two corners, and an adjacent edge. The adjacent edge is adjacent to the debris conduit end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Haiping Hong, Chris Scolton
  • Publication number: 20140101887
    Abstract: A cordless, battery-powered system of cleaning products. The system of cleaning products includes devices such as upright vacuums (e.g., a stick vacuum, a lightweight upright vacuum, etc.), a hand-held vacuum, a carpet-cleaner, a canister vacuum, and the like. Each of the devices is powered by a battery pack which is interchangeable among the devices. The battery pack includes a combination of hardware and software for connecting to, identifying, and communicating with the cleaning products to ensure that each of the products receives the power necessary to ensure optimal performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Brett Reed, Markus Allemann, Doug Rukavina, Mark Reindle, Norm Siegel, Jack W. Gee, Jamie Horvath, Mark Butts
  • Publication number: 20140090670
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is provided that includes a first nozzle configured to direct a cleaning jet towards a contaminated surface at a pressure sufficient to remove contaminants from the surface. At least one second nozzle is configured to direct a rinsing jet towards the contaminated surface to remove cleaning fluid therefrom, wherein the rinsing jet is directed at a pressure sufficient to isolate the cleaning jet from an ambient environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: THE BOEING COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20140060577
    Abstract: A fluid extracting device with a shaped head and associated systems and methods of use and manufacture. In one embodiment, the device includes an extractor head that includes an extractor port housing having a cavity configured to be coupled to a vacuum source. The extractor port housing includes a recessed surface and individual openings extending through the recessed surface and in fluid communication with an interior suction cavity. The extractor port housing can further include first and second lips each adjacent to opposite sides of the recessed surface and each configured to provide a squeegee function. In another embodiment, the device includes a tubular member and a handle operably coupled to the tubular member and including a suction control device. The suction control device is configured such that a user can simultaneously operate the device to control the suction and operate the extractor to remove fluid from a flooring surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: SAPPHIRE SCIENTIFIC
    Inventors: William Bruders, Brett Bartholmey
  • Publication number: 20140026351
    Abstract: An apparatus for collecting material from a workpiece from a machined workpiece includes a fluid nozzle for inducing a flow of a fluid and a collection nozzle. The collection nozzle includes a motive nozzle for accelerating a first portion of the fluid flow; and an induced-suction nozzle for receiving a second portion of the fluid flow. A suction force can be generated within a vicinity of the induced-suction nozzle based on the accelerated first portion of the fluid flow. The suction force can be sufficient to carry at least a portion of the material away from the workpiece. Related methods of collecting material from a workpiece are also disclosed, as are systems capable of incorporating the material apparatus collecting apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy Alan Willey, Steven Albert Supalla
  • Publication number: 20130340201
    Abstract: A robot cleaner and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The robot cleaner includes a body provided with a suction portion and a slope formed to be inclined at a lower end thereof, an auxiliary front wheel disposed at a rear side of the slope, a main wheel disposed at a rear side of the auxiliary front wheel and arranged such that a height of the main wheel is variable with respect to the body, and a driving unit to lower or raise the main wheel with respect to the body, wherein the driving unit lowers the main wheel when the auxiliary front wheel enters a stepped portion. The robot cleaner is capable of climbing up a higher stepped portion than in conventional cases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Jaewon Jang, Sungil Park, Hwang Kim
  • Patent number: 8591668
    Abstract: System for washing and sterilizing endoscopes provided with multiple channels held by a sheath, comprising a machine connected by means of multiple connectors provided with safety valves to at least one case with hermetic closure into which the endoscope is positioned, in which each of the channels of the endoscope is connected by means of a connector, the inner space of the case is connected to at least one additional connector, in such a way as to inject the washing and sterilization liquids and/or the gases for emptying the channels or drying, into each of the channels of the endoscope and into the space of the case, in which the case is also provided with an outlet connector for system circulation, in which the case is detached after the working cycle of the machine and its inner space remains in sterile conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Cisa S.p.A.
    Inventors: Silvano Pieroni, Eros De Pian