Abstract: A machine for cleaning the upper and lower surfaces of a sheet of material and having a housing and a conveyor for driving the sheet through the housing and through first and second cleaning stations located therein. At the first cleaning station portions of the surfaces of the sheet exposed by the conveyor are cleaned by passing the sheet between ionization bars which neutralize static electrical charges on the sheet, air jets which blow light particulate matter from the surfaces of the sheet and rotary brushes which sweep the surfaces of the sheet. Portions of the sheet surfaces not exposed at the first cleaning station are exposed by the conveyor as the sheet passes through the second cleaning station, where it is further cleaned by similar cleaning apparatus. As the sheet leaves the housing, it passes another ionization bar which neutralizes static charges produced by frictional engagement of the air jets and rotary brushes with the sheet surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing particulates from objects comprises a cleaning chamber which is open on at least one side to receive the object, a curtain of air which covers the opening to the cleaning chamber, and two converging air streams within the cleaning chamber, which converging air streams create turbulence in the vicinity of the object and dislodge particulates from it. The air curtain acts as a barrier to prevent such dislodged particulates from escaping into the surrounding environment. The air streams and the air curtain are recirculated and HEPA filtered to trap the dislodged particulates.