Abstract: An apparatus for removal of debris from a debris-carrying brush comprising a housing having a brush aperture and an exhaust aperture, a debris-removal component having an array of cleaning elements, and a passive debris collection means, wherein, in a substantially dry environment free of water and cleaning solutions, the debris-removal component rotates such that the array of cleaning elements remove debris from a debris-carrying brush inserted into the apparatus through the brush aperture and brought in contact therewith, rotation of the debris-removal component causes the array of cleaning elements to induce an airflow towards the passive debris collection means, the airflow captures and entrains at least a portion of removed debris, and the entrained debris is deposited in the passive debris collection means.

Abstract: A shoe sole cleaning device is disclosed. The shoe sole cleaning device comprises a housing; a shoe receiving arrangement provided on the housing to receive one or more shoes therein; and a cleaning mechanism comprising a plurality of water jets arranged in the shoe receiving arrangement. The plurality of water jets are adapted to provide water sprays towards bottom of soles of the one or more shoes received in the shoe receiving arrangement for cleaning thereof.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a system and method of manual surface cleaning comprising: a) applying a first use solution of a first detergent composition to a cleaning textile; b) wet wiping a surface with cleaning textiles wetted with a first use solution of the first detergent composition; c) washing the cleaning textiles soiled in the previous step by washing in a second use solution of the first detergent composition; and d) wet wiping a surface with cleaning textiles obtained in the previous step. The present invention further refers to the use of the detergent composition for manual surface cleaning involving the use of cleaning textiles and for washing said cleaning textiles soiled by said manual surface cleaning.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, designs, and methods of using a device for sanitizing feet, shoes, or other surfaces in contact with the floor. The apparatus is capable of detecting the presence of a user and automatically spraying the feet of a user with a sanitizing fluid. Fluid is expelled through an elevated grate, which allows the user to stand on an elevated grate and have their feet sanitized without exposing their feet to a dirty pool of liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a trough for receiving a user's shoe. The trough includes a removal portal. The apparatus includes a vacuum capable of causing a shoe cover to be removed from the shoe of a user when a user places a shoe covered by a shoe cover into the trough. An actuator is triggered by the placement of an object in the trough, the triggering of the actuator causing the vacuum to activate. The vacuum activation causes the shoe cover to be sucked through the removal portal and into a primary chamber. The primary chamber collects the removed shoe covers and is disposed in a remote from the trough for preventing debris and other contaminants from being stored in a clean room. The apparatus may also include multiple troughs connected to one or more primary chambers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sole cleaning apparatus, including a pedal having a plurality of vibration sealing column holes provided thereon. Movable vibration sealing columns protrude out from the sealing column holes. Convex pedal ridges are arranged around the sealing column holes, and the vibration sealing columns are higher than the pedal ridges when not pressed down. A vibration sealing chamber leading to a dust collecting and filter chamber is arranged below the vibration sealing column holes, and comprises a step and a spring component. The vibration sealing columns are columns with discs, and the columns vertically penetrate through the vibration sealing chambers and the discs are arranged on the steps. When the vibration sealing columns are pressed down, the vibration sealing columns are in contact with the vibration plates, and vibration generated by the vibration plates is transferred to a sole stepping on the pedal.

Abstract: A cleaning device (14) for cleaning mop material (33) which freely hangs from a holder (31,32), having an opening (15) in which the hanging mop material (33) is receivable, including a pair of bristle carrying parts (22, 24), each of the bristle carrying parts (22, 24) being rotatable about a respective axis (22a, 24a) by at least one motive device in opposite senses of direction such as to draw the hanging mop material (33) between the bristle carrying parts (22, 24), whereby bristles carried by the bristle carrying parts (22, 24) engage the mop material, and a method of cleaning mop material which freely hangs from a holder, using the cleaning device (14), the method including resisting the drawing-in of the mop material between the bristle carrying parts (22, 24), so that the bristles act on and brush the mop material.

Abstract: A method of controlling a security assembly comprising a frame member and at least one door is disclosed. The method comprises the step of when a door is required to be opened, determining whether the door has been open within a predetermined past time period, such as the past hour. If the door has not been open the predetermined past time period, the door is allowed to be opened. However, if the door has been open during the predetermined past time period, the door is not allowed to be opened.

Abstract: A footwear cleaning apparatus has a housing formed of a single hollow molded plastic body. A rotary brush is rotatably supported on laterally opposed walls of the housing so as to partially protrude upwardly through an opening in the top side of the housing. A motor mounted alongside the housing drives rotation of the rotary brush by directly coupled bevelled gears on the motor output and rotary brush respectively. A lower portion of the housing defines a refuse receptacle which spans the full length and width of the housing and is suitable for containing liquid and other debris removed from footwear engaged with the rotary brush. A rear discharge spout mounted in a rear perimeter wall of the housing permits the contents of the refuse receptacle to be discharged therethrough.

Abstract: A brush cleaning system comprising: a plate comprising at least one of silicon nitride (SixNy) or silicon oxide (SiaOb), wherein the plate has a static charge on a surface thereof; and a machine configured to rotate a brush in contact with the static charged surface of the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a support having a clean surface is provided. Alternatively, an apparatus for manufacturing a stack including a support and a remaining portion of a processed member whose one surface layer is separated is provided. A positioning portion, a slit formation portion, and a peeling portion are included. The positioning portion is provided with a first transfer mechanism of a stacked film including a support and a separator and a table for fixing the stacked film. The slit formation portion is provided with a cutter that can form a slit which does not pass through the separator. The peeling portion is provided with a second transfer mechanism and a peeling mechanism extending the separator and then peeling the separator. In addition, a pretreatment portion activating a support surface is included.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dust suction apparatus includes: an upper plate 110 forming an upper part of a housing, which includes a plurality of suction ports 111 formed therein at a predetermined interval, and is connected with a vibration device 300 so as to be horizontally vibrated; a lower plate 130 forming a lower part of the housing and including a stepped portion formed on an inner side wall along an upper edge portion thereof so as to have the upper plate placed thereon, such that a storage space for storing the dust which has fallen down through the suction ports 111 is defined between the upper plate 110 the lower plate 130; and elastic actuating members 120 disposed between the upper plate 110 and the lower plate 130 to selectively open the suction ports 111 while normally closing the suction ports by elastic force stored therein.

Abstract: A filter cleaning device includes a cleaning chamber operable to receive a gas filter to be cleaned, the cleaning chamber having an inlet through which a gas flow can be admitted and an outlet for gas flow leaving the cleaning chamber, the inlet and outlet being arranged such that the airflow is forced to pass through at least a part of the filter when inserted, the filter cleaning device further comprising a mechanical agitation arrangement operable, in one mode of operation, to generate a linear oscillation along an axis of the filter when inserted and, in another mode of operation, to rotate the filter about an axis of rotation.

Abstract: A cleaning device for shoe soles is disclosed. The cleaning device provides a surface having a plurality of bristles designed to engage the sole of a shoe. The bristles are arranged such that one or more groups of bristles are reciprocated over the length of the surface to dislodge and remove debris on the shoe sole. The debris removed from the shoe sole is also directed away from the bristles and surface into a receptacle for later removal. Thus, the cleaning device provides for effortless removal of debris from shoe soles while cleaning any debris dislodged by the bristles.

Abstract: An aspect of embodiments of the invention is to lower fluid resistance applied to gas flow (A, S) flowing within a dust collection system (1) so as to enhance dust collection efficiency of the dust collection system (1) without depending on the number or the two dimensional arrangement of movable elements (40) within the system (1). Embodiments of the dust collection system (1) of the invention includes: a housing (10) defining a cavity (50) therewithin, the housing (10) having a plurality of inlets (53) and at least one outlet (57) for gas; a plurality of movable elements (40) for opening and closing the inlets (53), the movable elements (40) being respectively provided corresponding to each of the inlets (53); a gas flow generating device (20) for generating a gas flow (A, S) from each of the inlets (53) to the outlet (57) during the opening operation of the movable elements (40); and a flow path control device (13) for controlling the flow paths of the gas flow (A, S).

Abstract: Sponge sanitizing enclosure with a front cover, a rear cover, an inner back plate, a base housing, a push plate, a push button, a UV lamp, electronics to support the UV lamp, a battery power supply, a translucent sponge, and a hinge member. The front and rear cover each being dish shaped and forming a hollow housing and being joined at their base by the hinge member. The inner back plate forms a bisection of the front cover and the rear cover. The UV light is located between the rear cover and the inner back plate. The front cover includes a centrally located aperture that accepts the push button which is fixedly attached to the push plate. The space between the push plate and the inner back plate accommodates the translucent sponge. The base housing encloses the electronics and the battery power supply that support the UV lamp.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a top of a beverage can. The top of the beverage can to be cleaned is inserted into a can-receiving cavity in the body of the cleaning apparatus, and the top of the can contactingly engages an actuator that opens a valve to a source of pressurized air. First air jets in communication with the air source expel air onto the lip around the top of the can and also onto the lip groove adjacent the lip, thereby cleaning the lip and the lip groove. Second air jets may also clean the top of the beverage can and its mouth. The cleaning is assisted by condensed moisture on the top of the can that is blown by the air expelled from the air jets. Venting ports allow air expelled from the air jets to escape from the can-receiving cavity.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for removing hair entangled among the teeth of combs or the bristles of brushes, after their use, which acts through the action of rotating whips and of an assembly for sucking and collecting the removed residuals.

Abstract: A footwear cleaning apparatus includes a vertically oriented frame with an upper frame for supporting the user that is standing while cleaning the footwear. The apparatus receives water from a garden hose and provides a control valve for regulating the water flow while the user is standing upright. The water is directed upwardly through a foot platform on the lower frame, and also through a lower brush onto the footwear sole, the resulting splash causing water to wet two side brushes that are oriented to bear upon the sides of the footwear. A scraper assembly is also on the lower frame and provides a horizontal scraping edge and two vertical scraping edges for the sole and sides of the footwear, respectively. After the water is turned off a drain outlet allows the device to be drained.

Abstract: A floor mat with incorporated vacuum system including a permeable mat portion having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface is defined by a plurality of upwardly extending bristles. A vacuum assembly is coupled with respect to the permeable mat portion. The vacuum assembly includes a pipe circuit disposed below the lower surface of the mat portion. The pipe circuit has a main outlet pipe extending outwardly therefrom. The main outlet pipe has an open outer end disposed beyond the mat portion. The pipe circuit has a plurality of air intakes extending upwardly therefrom in a spaced relationship. The air intakes have open upper ends in contact with the lower surface of the mat portion. The vacuum assembly includes an intake housing positioned adjacently to the mat portion. The intake housing has a hollow interior defining a debris collection chamber. The intake housing receives the open outer end of the main outlet pipe therein.

Abstract: An improved, electric motor driven dust mop vacuum cleaner is provided that employs rotating brushes, high vacuum, and an efficient air filtration system. The rotating brushes housed in a closely fitting tub remove the dust and dirt from the dust mops and by means of impellers in the vacuum motor chamber. The dust and dirt are then passed on to the air filtration system. The air filtration system consisting of an intake port, removable particulate trapping tray, and exhaust port filters, remove the particulates from the air before returning it to the environment. The particulate trapping tray located at the base of the unit and behind a hinged door, contains an effective particulate trapping liquid. The entire apparatus is movable by means of casters mounted on the base of the unit.

Abstract: A method and a device for cleaning the undersurface of footwear and wheels of shopping trolleys and other transport expedients to minimize the amount of dirt and moisture brought into a building by persons entering the building. The objective of the invention is to provide a device which provides sustained high-performance cleaning, even in adverse weather conditions and with heavy use. To this end the invention uses a mat rotated as an endless loop between guide rollers within a floor opening at an entranceway or elsewhere within a building. In a section running in one direction, the mat acts at least partially as a tread surface and absorbs dirt and moisture, while in a section running back in the opposite direction, which has gathered dirt and moisture from its exposure to persons entering the building, the mat is cleaned and reconditioned by mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic mechanisms within the floor opening.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for removing foreign particles such as dust from an object of complex shape is disclosed. An object is placed in an enclosed chamber and agitated by mechanical vibration means and by pulsed air jets while rotating, all to separate the dust particles from that object. Periodic injection of compressed air causes the dust particles to be suspended in that air and subsequently removed when the air is aspirated. The method and an apparatus can be used in combination with a household vacuum cleaner for cleaning of large household items such as clothing, pillows, linens, etc. In industrial use, the method of invention can be used for cleaning of electronic components from foreign particles.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus for the wheels of a car used in a semiconductor manufacturing plant has a pair of endless belts that carry a dust trapping material on their outer surfaces. The belts turn against a wheel and thereby remove the dust.

Abstract: A shoe bottom or side cleaning device which is either portable or installed in a floor of an entrance to a dwelling or building, and is either manually or automatically operated. The device includes a plurality of side-by-side, elongated and rotated brushes, a funnel beneath the brushes, a motor for driving the brushes and a squirrel cage fan for collecting dirt from the brushes via the funnel, and a chamber for accumulating the collected dirt. The chamber can be equipped with a dirt collection bag. A central building vacuum system can assist the device's fan. The elongated brushes can have either a solid core or a twisted" wire core.

Abstract: A commercial carpet brush cleaning device that removes built-up accumulations of carpet fibers and associated cleaning compound residue and dirt from a carpet cleaning brush. An elevated machine receiving area is defined having a plurality of arcuately spaced elongated openings therein and corresponding upstanding elongated cleaning tines assemblies are positioned in spaced inter-related relations to the openings. A collection and evacuation chamber below the openings removes the brush waste as it is cleaned by the rotation of the brush on the cleaning tines assembly within the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cleaning device for shoe soles. The cleaning device includes a housing in which a brush rack assembly and an oscillating device for oscillating the brush rack assembly are housed. The brush rack assembly includes a plurality of brush rods situated in a spaced manner. Each of the brush rods defines a rod from which a multitude of bristles extend. The cleaning device also includes a vacuum assembly for catching and removing dirt removed from the shoe soles. Specifically, the vacuum assembly includes a vacuum device and a reservoir. The brush rack assembly is supported in the reservoir and the reservoir defines a port which extends through the housing and to which the vacuum device is connectable.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for cleaning filters used in air breathing machinery. The apparatus is adapted to clean filters that are either contaminated or dirty on the inside surface of its filter medium or on the outside. For this purpose, the filter is placed in a first chamber of a housing wherein it is rotatably supported and wherein there is a vacuum established if the filter surface is dirty on the outside and wherein alternatively a vacuum is established on the inside of the filter if the filter is dirty on the inside surface. This establishes the fact that cleaning air moves through the filter medium in the direction of its contamination. In order to aid in dislodging any contaminants, vibrating hammers are provided on the outside or on the inside of the surfaces of the filters.

Abstract: A method for cleaning the wheels of a car used in a semiconductor manufacturing plant uses a pair of endless belts that carry a dust trapping material on their outer surfaces. The car is located with a wheel supported by two rollers that each carry one of the belts. One of the rollers is turned and as the wheel rides in a gap between the two belts it turns with the first belt and transfers a turning motion to the other belt. As the wheel turns with the belts, dust on the wheel is transferred to the belts.

Abstract: There is disclosed method and apparatus for cleaning roots, tubers, bulbs, and the like, for example, sugar beets, chicory, Jerusalem artichokes, dahlia, potato, and onions (hereinafter "articles"). In the apparatus, spaced horizontal rollers have helices on their cylindrical surfaces which scroll the articles laterally to the ends of the rollers where they are deposited on a slide that removes them from the cleaner, or, optionally, returns the articles to the cleaner at strategically located lower positions for stalk removal and/or leaf stripping, or for other desired cleaning. The first sets of rollers are designed to separate small chips, small stones and loose soil from the articles. The next sets of rollers are designed to remove adhering soil and/or mud, weeds, and larger stones. Strategic placement sizing, rotational speed, and direction of rotation of the helices on the rollers are instrumental in removing leaves, stalks, weeds, breaking up dirt clods and mud balls, and cleaning of the articles.

Abstract: An assembly for removing debris from the feet of persons and having the capability of cleaning the collected debris, comprises a housing extending along a longitudinal axis thereof and ending in a first and an opposite second end. A drive roller is mounted for rotational movement at the first end of the housing and is disposed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. A driven roller is mounted for rotation on the second end of the housing and is disposed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis thereof. A means is associated with the driven roller and the housing second end for slide in connection and slide out removal of the driven roller with the housing. An endless loop carpet is trained about each of the drive and driven rollers and extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, the endless loop carpet having an upper run and a lower run, the upper run being supported substantially by an upper plate supported by the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing particulate material from the surface of an article of flat or hollow ware comprises spaced endless belt members adapted to engage the opposite edges of the article, mechanism for driving the belt members at the same peripheral speed alternately in the same direction and in opposite directions whereby to deliver the article to a brushing position and rotate the article in the brushing position, and mechanism for brushing the opposite surfaces of the article during rotation of the article in the brushing position.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus for aligning the flat edges on semiconductor wafers has a roller 13 used to turn the wafers 12 during alignment. The roller 13 is hollow and has a plurality of holes 14 in the surface of the roller though which a vacuum is drawn to remove particle contaminates from and around the semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for brushing chalk powder off from an eraser surface of a blackboard eraser in which elastic brushes attached to rotatable shafts of rotatable bodies are brushingly engaged with the eraser surface and are rotated in forward and reverse directions by a motor so that the chalk powder removed from the eraser is collected in chalk powder receiving containers. After the passage of a set time interval, the operation of the apparatus is automatically stopped. A chalk powder containing eraser and the now clean eraser inside the apparatus can be exchanged. Thus, dispersion of powder into the room is prevented.

Abstract: A towed type beet harvester includes a main frame having ground engaging wheels and having a lifter wheel assembly for excavating beets, potatoes, carrots and similar root crops. A front set of grab rollers are positioned rearwardly of the lifter wheel assembly and are coated with a high impact plastic material to minimize damage to the harvested crop. A rear set of grab rollers are positioned rearwardly of the front set of rollers and are also coated with a high impact plastic material. A vertically disposed discharge wheel assembly is positioned interiorly of the harvester main frame and conveys harvested crop to a reversible discharge conveyor. An open top holding tank is mounted at the rear of the harvester for temporarily holding the harvested crop during the harvesting operation.

Abstract: A pants cleaning and sterilizing apparatus, which includes a housing for receiving the user's leg, two rotary brushes turned in reversed directions by a motor drive to remove dust from the bottom of the pants upon the insertion of the user's foot, a sterilizing device for sterilizing the pants, a dust collecting drawer disposed inside the housing at the bottom for collecting dust, and an induced-draft fan for drawing away air from the housing to let dust be gathered in the dust collecting drawer.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning the reverse surface of a semiconductor wafer has a pair of holders for holding the wafer therebetween such that the wafer is kept substantially horizontal with the major surface directed upward. The holders can be moved close to each other and away from each other in the horizontal direction, and be moved in the vertical direction. A rotary brush is brought into contact with the reverse surface of the wafer held between the holders. The rotary brush can be rotated about its center, and be revolved substantially about the center of the wafer. The shaft of the brush is connected to a flexible pipe. Pure water as cleaning water and drying nitrogen gas of about 200.degree. C. are selectively supplied to the reverse surface of the wafer through the flexible pipe. Cleaning nitrogen gas as a barrier gas is supplied to the major surface of the wafer so as to prevent a contaminant from being scattered from the reverse surface and attached to the major surface.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning adhesive particles and other foreign matter from a disk-shaped wafer mount plate used in semiconductor fabrication comprises a plurality of support rollers supporting the wafer mount plate horizontally for rotation about its own axis. One or more driving rollers are brought into frictional contact with the peripheral side surface of the wafer mount plate to rotationally drive the same. An upper surface washing brush, a lower surface washing brush and a side surface washing brush are movable into brushing contact with the upper, lower and peripheral side surfaces, respectively, of the wafer mount plate for simultaneously brushing all the surfaces thereof while a washing liquid is sprayed thereon. Then rinsing liquid is sprayed on the wafer mount plate, which is thereafter dried by blowing drying gas thereon.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cleaning the oil off of oil covered parts by the employment of oil absorbing particulate such as ground corncob. The oil covered parts and oil absorbing particulate are mixed together in a tumbler for a period sufficient to bring each of the parts into contact with the oil absorbing particulate. Much of the particulate adheres to the oil covered parts. Thus, following mixing, the particulate adhered parts are subjected to a series of vibrating, impinging, tumbling, and air blowing actions which remove the adhering particulate from the parts and direct the oil absorbed particulate and cleaned parts into two separate, respective vessels.

Abstract: The invention comprises a bean cleaning apparatus comprising a plurality of pairs of elongated inclined rotating parallel rods. One of the rods in each pair has a spiral groove along its length and the other rod has a smooth cylindrical outer surface. The rods in each pair are mounted to a frame with a space between the rods in each pair narrower than a small bean and with the one rod in its rotation spiralling doward so as to auger the beans downward along the rods. The rods in their rotation in each pair rotating toward one another to move the beans toward the rods and with the engagement of the rods with the beans acting as a abresion to the outer surface of the beans to clean the beans of foreign matter as it moves along with the space allowing small particles of foreign matter to pass between the rods.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for automatically cleaning and dispensing golf balls. The apparatus has a supply chute which connects to a cleaning apparatus and to a gravity operated sorting apparatus which incorporates a dispensing apparatus which feeds a predetermined number of golf balls to an outlet. According to the invention, the sorting apparatus comprises a downwardly sloping barred-grating onto which the golf balls fall from a supply-chute and over which they roll in rows to the dispensing apparatus. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dispensing apparatus has a row of apart-lying cams which can move upward to their operating positions between the rods of the ball-grating to lift a predetermined number of balls from rows of balls lying on the rods and allow them to fall into the outlet while in their rest positions and cams remain free of the balls lying on the ball-grating.

Abstract: A method for removing dust and other fine particulates matter from the exterior surface of a bottle moving along a conveyor line. A jet of ionized air neutralizes any static charge adhering the particulate matter to the bottle and also commences the dislodgement of the former from the latter. Moving brushes contacting the exterior surface of the bottle further dislodges the particulate matter. Lastly, a vacuum on the other side of the brushes from the bottle removes the air and entrained particulate matter detached from the bottles. One or more rotating longitudinal screws can control the bottles motion through the system. A belt in contact with the bottles and moving relative to the conveyor effects their rotation regardless of their exterior configuration. This assures that the brushes contact all portions of their exterior surface. When the device uitlizes a longitudinal screw, the belt can rotate around rollers placed at the ends of the screw.

Abstract: A self-cleaning entry rug assembly has a housing with a hingedly supported top plate extending over substantially its entire top and providing transversely extending openings adjacent its opposite ends. A frame is supported on the top plate and rotatably supports a pair of tread rollers extending in the transversely extending openings of the top plate as well as auxiliary rollers. An endless belt carrying a rug extends about the tread rollers and auxiliary rollers, and a rug cleaning device is provided in the housing below the closed path. One of the auxiliary rollers may be moved on the frame to vary the tension on the belt, and a drive motor effects rotation of the rollers to rotate the belt and rug. A control system controls the drive motor and cleaning device, and it is adapted to receive a signal from a presence sensor adjacent the entry rug assembly to terminate rotation of the rollers upon approach of a person.

Abstract: A firewood cleaning apparatus for separating debris from firewood with the cleaning apparatus having a slatted bed for joltingly catching firewood to dislodge debris from the firewood and a conveyor chain for pushing the firewood along the slatted bed to separate and remove additional debris from the firewood prior to bundling the firewood for delivery to a customer.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning hay and straw has a casing with a table and an inlet through which the hay and straw is fed. A set of tines (a rake) is positioned downstream from the inlet. A set of rotary tines is positioned to rotate through the rake to provide a combing and beating effect on the hay and straw fed thrugh the apparatus. Downstream of the tines is a chamber with a vacuum pump operatively connected to provide a suction through a perforate wall to remove spores and dust particles from the beaten and combed hay or straw. An outlet from the apparatus is located downstream from the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: Agricultural products often require cleaning before sorting, packing or further processing. Such cleaning generally includes removing unwanted projections, such as roots, stems, loose leaves, foreign articles sticking thereon, etc. If the cleaning is done manually, it is cumbersome and expensive. The invention provides a cleaning device for agricultural products with at least one pair of rotatable elongated members arranged adjacent and substantially parallel to each other. At least one spiral ridge is provided on one elongated member in each pair; and a complementary associated spiral groove is provided on an adjacent associated elongated member. On rotation of the elongated members projecting parts of agricultural products are gripped between associated spiral ridges and spiral grooves for removal from such products.

Abstract: A flatware washer comprising a cogged endless belt mechanism mounted lengthwise in a vertical orientation within a water containment housing; the top end of the cogged belt mechanism being hung around a drive wheel mechanism having complementary cogs mating with the cogs of the belt mechanism; the drive wheel mechanism being mounted at the top of the housing and supporting the belt mechanism in a vertical lengthwise orientation such that a curved bottom end section of the belt mechanism is spaced above the bottom edge of the housing and such that a pair of relatively elongated lengthwise sections of the belt extend downwardly from around the drive wheel mechanism in substantially parallel opposing relationship; the curved bottom end section of the hung belt mechanism being open for receiving a plurality of pieces of flatware between the pair of lengthwise sections; the drive wheel mechanism being connected to a drive mechanism programmed to drivably oscillate the wheel mechanism between predetermined degrees

Abstract: A shoe cleaning apparatus for household use includes a horizontal rotary brush to clean a toe portion of the sole of a shoe, a reciprocating brush to clean a heel portion of the shoe, and a vertical oscillating brush to clean side portions of the shoe. All the brushes are driven by a single motor which, along with the brushes, is mounted in a housing. A shoe rest bar extends across the housing between the rotary brush and the reciprocating brush. A user of the apparatus places an instep of the shoe on his foot on the shoe rest bar and pivots about the bar to vary the degree of engagement between portions of the shoe and the rotary and reciprocating brushes. The rotary brush includes baffles which cooperate with the rotary brush to create an airflow to carry away material removed from the shoe to a filter bag.

Abstract: An apparatus for tumbling and cleaning articles such as rocks, clams, potatoes, other vegetables and fruits, and the like. The apparatus has a frame with a container mounted for free rotation thereon. The container has perimetric surfaces with numerous openings therethrough for allowing an impinging jet of water or other liquid to wash the articles and carry dirt away. Fins are advantageously provided about the container for engaging the jet of liquid to thereby rotate the container so that articles being cleaned are tumbled therein. Brushing devices are included within the container to aid in removal of soil from the articles as they tumble against the brushes.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for separating liquid from small spheres, for example spheres formed by gel precipitation. The apparatus comprises sloping screening decks (12, 14), arranged in stepped relationship so that spheres tumble down onto the lower screening deck (14) after passing along the upper screening deck (12), each screening deck comprising a large number of upright plates (30, 60) spaced apart from each other and extending in the direction of slope, so that the liquid drains down between the plates. Alternate plates might be replaced by rods when separating extremely small spheres from a liquid.The apparatus has no moving parts, and even after inflow of the liquid stops, the spheres still continue to pass through the apparatus.