Combined Patents (Class 15/4)
  • Publication number: 20110030163
    Abstract: A floor cleaning machine is provided that includes a chassis that supports at least one cleaning element and a fluid collection assembly for pooling and retaining cleaning fluids proximate to the at least one cleaning element. One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a floor cleaning machine that includes cleaning fluid dispension apparatus and a cleaning fluid collection assembly for efficiently dispensing fluid on a surface for cleaning the surface, and collecting the dispensed fluid to maximize the cleaning capacity of the fluid and extend the time of a cleaning cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: KARCHER N. AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Steven W. Tucker, Daniel C. Venard
  • Patent number: 7884336
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Brent Gibson
  • Publication number: 20110023248
    Abstract: A floor cleaning machine is provided that includes a chassis that supports at least one cleaning element. The chassis is supported by a plurality of wheels, one which is steerable via a steering wheel that is interconnected to a housing also associated with the chassis. The chassis provided includes a plurality of movable housing members, one of which is associated with the steering wheel. To access the internal components of the floor cleaning machine, the front housing is rotated or moved away from the other housings wherein the steering wheel does not require disconnection to allow this movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Tucker, Daniel C. Venard
  • Publication number: 20110010873
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus including a main body, a dust collection unit detachably installed on the main body and provided with a plurality of inlets, through which foreign substances are introduced into the dust collection unit, and a connection hole, to which an external instrument is connected, a shutter to open and close one inlet, and a cap to open and close the connection hole. The shutter opens and closes the inlet in cooperation with one of whether or not the dust collection unit is attached to or detached from the main body and whether or not the connection hole is opened or closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Won Kim, Hwl Chan Jang, Jae Man Joo, Jun Pyo Hong, Jun Hwa Lee, Woo Ram Chung, Jae Young Jung, Kyung Hwan Yoo, Jang Youn Ko, Jeong Gon Song, Sam Jong Jeung
  • Publication number: 20110004342
    Abstract: A floor cleaning device that is manually trainable for subsequent automatic operation. Prior to automatic operation, a user trains the cleaning device by manually manipulating the device through one or more desired cleaning paths. After training of the device, the device is configured to automatically initiate subsequent cleaning operations in accordance with the trained routine(s). Preferably, the training routine includes user specification of one of a number of cleaning modalities that are supported by the flooring cleaning device. In addition to automatic navigation, the floor cleaning device is configured to initiate a desired cleaning modality as a function of the device's position with respect to one or more of the trained routine(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Jeremy F. Knopow, David Curtis, Everett F. Carter, JR., Ted Larson, Bob Allen
  • 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: 20100325820
    Abstract: A powered sweeper includes a housing, a brushroll chamber disposed in the housing, a brushroll mounted in a brushroll chamber, a dirt chamber disposed in the housing, a drive motor disposed in the housing, and a driven wheel operatively connected to the drive motor. The brushroll rotates in the brushroll chamber and the dirt chamber communicates with the brushroll chamber such that debris is propelled by the brushroll into the dirt chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Mark E. Reindle
  • Publication number: 20100326468
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning metal debris from a magnetic tool (some tools of which have magnetic properties) is disclosed. For one embodiment, the magnetic cleaner comprises a magnetic element suitably sized to interface with a surface of a tool associated with metal debris. A housing comprising a magnetic interface constructed of magnetically transparent material surrounds the magnetic element wherein the remainder of the housing is optionally constructed from material that forms a magnetic barrier. The magnetic element may be movably associated with the housing allowing the magnetic element to be associated/disassociated with the housing magnetic interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Earl H. Parris, John Michael Kay
  • Publication number: 20100313364
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a robot cleaner having an improved travel pattern and a control method thereof. The robot cleaner performs cleaning using zigzag travel as a basic cleaning traveling manner, and then performs cleaning using random travel as a finishing cleaning traveling manner so as to clean areas skipped during the zigzag travel. The robot cleaner performs the zigzag travel while maintaining a designated interval with a travel route proceeding to a wall regardless of a direction proceeding to the wall, and employs an improved zigzag travel method to maintain a zigzag travel pattern, if the robot cleaner senses an obstacle during the zigzag travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Woo Ram Chung, Jae Man Joo, Dong Won Kim, Jun Hwa Lee, Jun Pyo Hong, Jae Young Jung, Kyung Hwan Yoo, Hwi Chan Jang
  • Publication number: 20100306933
    Abstract: A self-rolling cleaning device is generally disclosed comprising a battery operated and remotely controlled electric motor with power supply (3) located inside the hollow spherical body (1) or a hollow cylindrical body (2) and ensuring rotation thereof, and attached litter collector (7) with sticky, bristly, magnetic, or any other surface capable of collecting small-sized litter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Bakhytbek Z. Ussen, Zhaniya B. Ussen, Timur B. Ussen
  • Publication number: 20100287716
    Abstract: An upright bare floor cleaner with a handle assembly pivotally mounted to a base assembly. The base assembly has a sweeper that includes a rotatably driven brush adapted to sweep dust and dirt particles into a removable dirt receptacle. The handle includes a water tank to store a quantity of water and a fluid distribution system that includes a heater and a spray nozzle. Steam is generated by the heater and is distributed to a removable mop cloth that applies the steam to the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: BISSELL HOMECARE, INC.
    Inventors: Gary A. Kasper, Joseph M. White, John L. Jansen, Aaron P. Griffith
  • Publication number: 20100281636
    Abstract: A personal care system having personal hygiene products and a display for assisting the user is described. The personal care system can include a personal care product (e.g., an electric toothbrush), an interactive display in data communication with the personal care product. The display provides information associated with a plurality of characteristics of a personal care regimen to the user. The display is in data communication with a network and operable to receive information from the network, and the display is operable to run one or more applications to display the information received from the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Marc Philip Ortins, Alexander Timothy Chenvainu, Mark Edward Farrell, Elizabeth Jane Wenzel, Jose Tadeo Vergara Decastro
  • Publication number: 20100282272
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a method for the treatment of a transport support (1) for the conveyance and storage of semiconductor substrates, with said support (1) possibly having first undergone a cleaning operation using a liquid. The method includes a treatment stage in which the transport support (1) is placed in a sealed chamber (4) connected to a vacuum pump (5) and said transport support (1) is subjected to the combined action of a subatmospheric pressure and infrared radiation to favor the removal of foreign bodies on the walls of the transport support (1). The invention also concerns a treatment station for a transport support (1) for implementation of the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Erwan Godot, Remi Thollot, Amaud Favre
  • Publication number: 20100269274
    Abstract: A washing device has a washing cloth for removing contaminants, ink, etc. from a surface and an ultrasound device for assisting a cleaning operation. The washing device includes one or more ultrasound generators and one or more resonators each in the form of an oscillating flat metal body, from which sound energy is output onto a substantially linear region on the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: HEIDELBERGER DRUCKMASCHINEN AG
    Inventors: Helge Steckmann, Irina Karpel
  • Publication number: 20100263141
    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: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: 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: 20100242192
    Abstract: A device for a liquid treatment unit includes a UV generating element, arranged inside a compartment, which compartment is arranged in a liquid treatment enclosure, which enclosure is arrange with an inlet and an outlet, wherein the compartment includes UV light permeable material, and wherein the liquid to be treated surrounds the compartment. The invention is characterised in that the device includes a mechanical cleaning element arranged to and capable of cleaning outer surface of the compartment when the unit is in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: WALLENIUS WATER AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventors: Lennart Backman, Magnus Carlsson
  • Patent number: 7788757
    Abstract: The invention is a fun shower brush. The brush has a bubble-making device on its top part. Different kinds of brush can be fitted into the front of the shower brush to meet the needs of the user. This design makes the brush suitable for use by the general public and the bubble-making device makes showering more fun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Chia-Ho Lei
  • Publication number: 20100218322
    Abstract: An oral care implement with an oral care region having cleaning elements for engaging oral tissue and a body for gripping the implement including a handle with a front and a removable faceplate is described. The removable faceplate may be transparent or translucent and may also include design features. The faceplate may provide protection to a user inscription surface on one of the surfaces of the handle which is may be configured to receive user indicia that may later be removed and further indicia provided. A method for marketing the oral care implement and various features of the oral care implement including one or more thematic faceplates is also contemplated and described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: John Gatzemeyer, Jimenez Eduardo
  • Publication number: 20100115717
    Abstract: A machine for cleaning the soles of shoes, in particular for personnel locks (entries) in hygienic exclusion areas such as clean rooms, includes a wiping grid (4) composed of grate bars (5) as well as a trough (2) which is arranged below the wiping grid (4) and inside which two rotatably driven roller brushes (3) are arranged that reach between the grate bars (5) of the wiping grid (4) with the top circumferential areas (3.1) thereof to wipe the soles of shoes. The machine is equipped with a wetting apparatus (7, 8) in the area of the trough (2) in order to apply water and liquid cleaners in order to clean soles of shoes and is also equipped with a liquid discharging device (15) at the bottom area of the trough (2). A cleaning device (12) for the roller brushes (3) and the interior of the trough is additionally arranged in the area of the trough (2) that automatically cleans the interior of the trough including the roller brushes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Itec-Ingenieurbüro für Hygiene Und Lebensmitteltechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Hermann Vogt
  • Publication number: 20100114372
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a surface using an automatic cleaning device may include learning, by an automatic cleaning device, one or more cleaning methods. Each cleaning method may be associated with a code corresponding to a radio frequency identification tag positioned in a vicinity of a surface to be cleaned. The method may also include receiving, by the automatic cleaning device, a target code from a target radio frequency identification tag positioned in a vicinity of a target surface to be cleaned, determining the cleaning method associated with the target code and applying the associated cleaning method to the target surface when the target radio frequency identification tag is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: INTELLIBOT ROBOTICS LLC
    Inventors: David M. Knuth, JR., Henry L. Hillman, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100062697
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning the peeling section of a roller-type peeling machine. The apparatus includes an x-y robot disposed above the peeling section of the peeling machine. The robot has a cleaning tool, such as a liquid spray nozzle, as an end effector. A controller commands the robot to control the movement of the cleaning tool along a predetermined cleaning path to clean the peeling section. One such cleaning path follows each of the insert rollers in the peeling section of a peeling machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Lars Vedsted, Soren Vedsted
  • Publication number: 20100050364
    Abstract: A washing device capable of stably washing a substrate is disclosed. The washing device includes a substrate entry guiding unit which guides a substrate supplied from the outside to be entered in a correct direction, a dirt removing unit supplied with the substrate from the substrate entry guiding unit to remove dirt formed on the substrate, a dirt washing unit supplied with the substrate from the dirt removing unit to wash off residual dirt remaining on the substrate, and a position controlling unit controlling position of the substrate being discharged from the dirt washing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Tae Young Oh, Hui Jae Lee, Geon Yong Kim, Eun Ha Lee
  • Publication number: 20100000034
    Abstract: A device and method for coupling a floor cleaning implement to a floor cleaning machine. The device and method selectively couple a floor cleaning implement, such as a pad or brush, in manner that can be easily released and connected. In one embodiment the coupling device comprises a plate having a first and second channel coupled to opposite edges of the plate. The channels are dimensioned and configured to receive edges of the cleaning implement. At least one channel has projecting members that selectively prevent the cleaning implement from leaving the channel. In some embodiments, the plate has a plurality of recesses dimensioned and configured to selectively receive projections extending from the cleaning implement. The projections of the cleaning implement only fully engage the recesses of the coupling device when an actuator presses the cleaning implement against a floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: JohnsonDiversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Heinrich-Tito Mayer, Franz Oberhaensli
  • Publication number: 20090260180
    Abstract: A device for cleaning a chimney preferably includes a cleaning head having a hub with brush arms extending from the hub, a cable assembly connected to the cleaning head and having a flexible cable surrounded by a casing, with the casing being sized to allow the cable to rotate in the casing without rotating the casing, at least one positioning assembly for holding the cleaning head a desired distance from the interior walls of a chimney, a motor attached to one end of the cable, and a positioning rod effective for pushing said cleaning head and cable assembly up a chimney for a distance of at least eight feet. A camera may be attached to the casing to allow observation and/or recording of the chimney while the cleaning head is working. The device may further include an air knife for dislodging debris when the device is used to sweep a chimney, and/or a vacuum for removing waste dislodged by the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: John E. Meredith, Thomas J. Urban
  • Patent number: 7599758
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a height adjust mechanism disposed on the housing and a height adjust motor, disposed within said housing that controls a height of the height adjust mechanism. A position element is mounted to said housing. A sensor processor, mounted to said housing, is in communication with the position element to provide a signal that relates to a position of the height adjust mechanism based at least in part upon data received from the position element. A controller processor, mounted to said housing, is in communication with the sensor processor for selectively controlling a height of the height adjust mechanism relative to a subjacent surface on which the vacuum cleaner is positioned. A height adjust mechanism height motor controller is in communication with the controller processor, for driving the height adjust motor to locate the height adjust mechanism in an appropriate position relative to the subjacent surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Mark E. Reindle, Norman Siegel
  • Publication number: 20090199355
    Abstract: An ozone toothbrush is comprised of a main body, a brush head which is provided on one end of the main body and a power connection device which is provided on the other end of the main body. An ozonizer and a gas-pressurized device which can supply ozone generated by the ozonizer to the brush head through a transmission channel are provided in the main body. The brush head can be axially connected to the main body by spiral engagement or insertion, or can be radially connected to the main body by spiral engagement or insertion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: SHENZHEN JINGRUI INDUSTRY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Jian Yuan
  • Publication number: 20090183323
    Abstract: A device for cleaning an artificial “infill turf” field includes a rotating brush assembly and a basket for receiving waste and infill material. The basket has a bottom with openings that allow infill material to be returned to the field, and a vibrator to promote separation of infill from waste. The device may include wheels connected to the brush assembly in a manner effective to rotate the brush when one or both of the wheels rotate, and a magnet for picking magnetic waste material from the field. The device may include an actuator for adjusting the height of the brushes, and a tow bar that allows the device to be positioned in an “active” orientation to sweep a field, or an “uplifted” orientation to transport the device across curbs or rough terrain. Multiple brushes and/or baskets may be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Michael E. Davis, John Kitterman
  • Publication number: 20090178228
    Abstract: A floor-cleaning machine comprising a support trolley (2), on which support trolley (2) at least a floor-cleaning group (7) is installed, which floor-cleaning group (7) is provided with at least a flexible blade (70) and is mobile on board the support trolley (2) between a work position, in which the flexible blade (70) is in contact with a floor, and a rest position, in which the flexible blade (70) is distanced from the floor, the floor-cleaning machine comprising magnetic means (26) which are destined to block the floor-cleaning group (7) in the rest position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: IP CLEANING S.P.A
    Inventor: Francesco RECCANELLO
  • Publication number: 20090177125
    Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method for treatment of skin conditions which includes a brushhead member which comprises a first portion which includes a plurality of rings of bristle tufts, the first portion oscillating in operation through a selected angle at a selected frequency and a second portion which also includes a plurality of rings of bristle tufts concentric with the first portion, the second portion remaining stationary in operation. At least one monochromatic light source is included, providing light directed from the brushhead in a direction substantially the same as the bristle tufts, such that the light impinges on the area of skin of the user acted on by the oscillating brushhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Pacific Bioscience Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Pilcher, Robert E. Akridge
  • Publication number: 20090007802
    Abstract: A machine for automating manual labor has a portion to house the motor and at least three interchangeable head fittings for different applications. Applications include cleaning surfaces, cleaning vessels, mixer, blender, chopper, slicer, shredder, vibrator, massager, semi and fully automatic milk cream maker. The machine is driven by an electric motor that can perform different motions and actions, one at a time or simultaneously, depending on the head piece attached to the motor piece. Two such motions are rotary and linear. The machine is powered by battery or mains electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Isaac Taitler
  • Publication number: 20080295265
    Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to the remote cleaning of outer surfaces of windows or facades of high rise buildings without the need for workers located outside the building wall. In fact, the cleaning operation effectively duplicates the conventional manual cleaning operation, such that a minimum of cleaning liquid is used, and no means is required for removal of excess cleaning liquid. The apparatus comprises a rectangular master frame and a parallelogram sub-frame contained therein, suspended from the top of the building to a position opposite a window to be cleaned. A novel cleaning tool, including mechanical scrubbing means e.g a brush and mechanical scraping means e.g. squeegee and a washing liquid spray means, is carried on an insertion tool attached to the parallelogram sub-frame, and brought to bear against the window outer surface to be cleaned, as required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel J. Gorman
  • Patent number: 7448106
    Abstract: A motorized scrubbing implement for cleaning a surface with contours is disclosed. The scrubbing implement includes a resilient base that includes a plurality of resilient fingers, each of which extend radially away from center of the base. A rigid cap comprises an inside upper end and a wider open lower end. The cap preferably includes a handle receiving means pivotally fixed to the cap for receiving a threaded end of an elongated handle. A flexible pad is included that comprises a cleaning surface on a lower side thereof. The pad has a peripheral lip forming an aperture in the pad for receiving the distal ends of each finger of the base. A rotational scrubbing surface driven by a motor projects through a central aperture in the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Sanjay Aiyar
  • Publication number: 20080209647
    Abstract: A cleaning device includes a length adjustable handle with a traditional cleaning device selectively attached to one end and a scuff removal device attached to an opposed end. The traditional cleaning device may be a light or heavy duty broom, wet mop, dust mop, squeegee, or the like. The scuff removal device may include a motor connected to a battery and a scuff removal tip operatively coupled to the motor. When the motor is selectively energized, the tip is caused to vibrate for efficiently removing a scuff mark from a surface. Thus, the cleaning device may be converted from a traditional cleaning tool to a scuff mark removal tool merely by inverting the elongate handle in the user's hands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Paul D. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20080201877
    Abstract: In order to provide a hand-held cleaning/polishing machine, comprising a holding device for holding the cleaning/polishing machine, a drive motor, a tool head for one or more cleaning tools and/or polishing tools, which has a tool drive shaft driven by the drive motor, and a transmission device for transmitting torque from the drive motor to the tool drive shaft, which is universally usable, it is provided that at least one coupling for connecting at least one first fluid line is arranged on the holding device and that at least one second fluid line leads to the tool head from the at least one coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Flex-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Sengewald, Bernd Augustin
  • Publication number: 20080178412
    Abstract: This patent discloses a cleaning system for shopping carts. The cleaning system may include a prewash station, a wash station, a rinse station, a drying station, a physical disinfecting station, a conveyor, and a recovery tank. The wash station may include brushes. The drying station may include a fan configured to blow a thin sheet of air downward and onto the shopping cart. The physical disinfecting station may include an ultraviolet light generator. The conveyor may include a track system having hooks attached to chains that are configured to be moved by a conveyor motor. A frame may surround and support the stations. The cleaning system additionally may include a water recovery/supply system and an external spray wash hose attached to a reservoir to pre-prewash the shopping carts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: MICHAEL A. KITER
  • Publication number: 20080155768
    Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Ziegler, Duane Gilbert, Christopher John Morse, Scott Pratt, Paul Sandin, Nancy Dussault, Andrew Jones
  • Publication number: 20080134458
    Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Ziegler, Duane Gilbert, Christopher John Morse, Scott Pratt, Paul Sandin, Nancy Dussault, Andrew Jones
  • Publication number: 20080140255
    Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Ziegler, Duane Gilbert, Christopher John Morse, Scott Pratt, Paul Sandin, Nancy Dussault, Andrew Jones
  • Publication number: 20080135061
    Abstract: A system and method for cleaning wooden pallets comprises conveying the pallets through a first stage area having regions for brushing a top exterior, a bottom exterior, all four side exteriors, a top and bottom interior and at least one pair of side interiors. Preferably, these brushes are treated with a non-stick coating and retract into separate ridged chambers when not in use to deter pallet cross-contamination. Each scoured pallet is then conveyed to a second stage area for a non-chemical, germicidal treatment, preferably including ultraviolet light irradiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Adam J. Madgar
  • Publication number: 20080127446
    Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Ziegler, Duane Gilbert, Christopher John Morse, Scott Pratt, Paul Sandin, Nancy Dussault, Andrew Jones
  • Publication number: 20080115805
    Abstract: A device for removing stray fibers from a shade fabric includes a fabric teaser adapted to loosen fibers along an edge of the fabric and fiber cutters adapted to remove stray fibers from the shade fabric. The fabric teaser comprises first and second rotary brushes each having a brush element. The brush elements of the first and second rotary brushes are adapted to receive the edge of the shade fabric between the brush elements and to rotate in opposite rotational directions for loosening the stray fibers along the edge of the shade fabric. According to one embodiment, the fiber cutters include reciprocating cutting elements and the fabric teaser includes rotary brushes having radially-extending bristles arranged to receive the shade fabric between the bristles. The device may include a mounting bracket for adjustably mounting the fabric teaser and fiber cutters on an elongated rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: David A. Kirby
  • Patent number: 7373684
    Abstract: This device is used to clean and dry lens of eyewear. The entire device is contained in one unit and will provide the appropriate motion or movement to accomplish the cleaning of the eyewear using brushes and drying pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Warren L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080099043
    Abstract: A system is provided for providing automated washing for debris removal from the skin of a user's hands. At least some embodiments of the present include a friction enhancing structure such as a brush. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the system includes an RFID capability for identifying when at least one component, such as a removable brush, is due to for replacement for sanitation reasons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: ICON SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Barnhill, James Glenn, Timothy Prodanovich
  • Patent number: 7313838
    Abstract: A motorized cleaning/polishing device includes a housing and a carrier with a detachable cleaning/polishing attachment. The housing contains a rechargeable battery, motor and flex mount having flexible pillars to which the carrier is mounted. The carrier is also coupled to the motor drive shaft via an eccentric element and bearing. The carrier may have a foam layer with hook fasteners adhered to its underside for removably attaching any one of various attachments to the carrier. Cleanser or polish can be impregnated in the attachment wet or dry, or it can be contained in a perforated or water dissolvable packet sandwiched between the carrier and the attachment. A removable scrub brush can also be attached to the carrier so that its bristle head orbits in front of the device. The device is particularly suited to orbit in the 2,500 to 10,000 OPM range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Long, Edward L. Paas, John R. Wietfeldt
  • Patent number: 7240396
    Abstract: A floor cleaner is provided for cleaning a floor, where the floor cleaner has a front and a rear and includes: a sweeper for sweeping the floor; a scrubber, connected to the sweeper and located in the rear of the sweeper, for wetting and cleaning the floor; and a burnisher, connected to the scrubber and located in the rear of the scrubber, for burnishing the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: JohnsonDiversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor W. Thomas, Sr., Robert K. Kay, Jayant Sharma, Philip R. Mass, Rosario Robert, Colin Angle, Lee F. Sword, Joseph L. Jones, Paul E. Sandin, John P. O'Brien, Benjamin L. Wirz, Mark Chiappetta, Gideon Coltof
  • Patent number: 7060137
    Abstract: A lane maintenance machine has a cleaning system that includes at least one cleaning liquid dispensing head which reciprocates back and forth transversely of the lane as the machine travels along the length of the lane. In a preferred embodiment the dispensing head emits successive squirts of liquid from a positive displacement pump, such as a peristaltic pump. The positive displacement pump provides accurate, precise metering of the cleaning liquid and affords board-by-board control of the dispensing action. A wiping assembly immediately behind the cleaning liquid dispensing head provides a web of cloth-like material looped under a compressible backup roller to wipe the applied liquid into a thin film and to pick up a measure of the liquid along with oil and dirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Kegel, LLC
    Inventors: John M. Davis, Mark E. Davis
  • Patent number: 7013527
    Abstract: A floor cleaner is provided for cleaning a floor, where the floor cleaner has a front and a rear and includes: a sweeper for sweeping the floor, a scrubber, connected to the sweeper and located in the rear of the sweeper, for wetting and cleaning the floor; and a burnisher, connected to the scrubber and located in the rear of the scrubber, for burnishing the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: JohnsonDiversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor W. Thomas, Sr., Robert K. Kay, Jayant Sharma, Phillip R. Mass, Rosario Robert, Colin Angle, Lee F. Sword, Joseph L. Jones, Paul E. Sandin, John P. O'Brien, Benjamin L. Wirz, Selma Slipichevich, Mark Chiappetta, Gideon Coltof
  • Patent number: 7013528
    Abstract: A battery-powered, upright vacuum sweeper comprises a base assembly and a handle pivotably attached thereto. The base assembly comprises a vacuum fan assembly fluidly communicating with an inlet for vacuuming dust and the debris particles from a surface into a removable reservoir. A rotating roller brush attached to the base assembly sweeps the particles into the inlet. A dust pad assembly comprises a disposable dust cloth extending over a portion of the base assembly in contact with the surface to be cleaned for removing dust particles which are not removed by vacuuming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Bissell Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy S. Parker, David L. Haan, David E. McDowell
  • Patent number: 7007331
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush includes a handle having a motor disposed therein and a head having one or more moving bristle holders, wherein the one or more moving bristle holders are operatively connected to the motor. A neck disposed is between the handle and the head. The handle has a viewing window and a movable viewing surface disposed there beneath, wherein at least a portion of the viewing surface is visible through the window. The viewing surface is mechanically coupled to the motor so that rotational output of the motor causes movement of the viewing surface. The viewing surface may be directly or indirectly coupled to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Nicola Mills Davics, Frank Delmar Macaulay, Douglas A. Gall
  • Patent number: RE40761
    Abstract: An apparatus 10 for compacting and baling leaves, grass clippings, sticks, pine straw and other debris on lawns, yards, or fields is provided. The apparatus 10 may have diagonal brushes 26 to gather debris for processing though a crusher 28, a conveyor belt 30 to transport the crushed debris, and a baler 32 to compact and bale the debris. The baler 32 may compact the debris by rotating the debris in a continuous band 52, into which baling material 72 may be inserted to bale the debris. Alternatively, the debris may be gathered and feed into a crusher 28 that deposits the crushed debris directly into the baler 32 for compacting and baling. Further still, the apparatus 10 may gather the debris with brushes 26 and feed it onto a conveyor mechanism 30 that then introduces it into a crusher 28. The crushed debris may then be feed into a baling mechanism 32 that compacts and bales the debris for easy removal and disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Bobby L. Truitt