Abstract: Various operational mode arrangements of an electric toothbrush (10) include pre-programming a controller portion (16) of the electric toothbrush such that a single brushing event of approximately two minutes comprises automatically at least two different operating modes and specified times for each mode. Another operational mode includes the capability of operating the on/off button (20) of the toothbrush within a specified short time following termination of a normal brushing event to provide the user a specified additional time, e.g. 30 seconds of toothbrush action. A special toothbrush interface arrangement includes a display (80) which encourages children to maintain brushing for the full brushing period. This is accomplished through sequential illustration of the progress of an article from an initial state to a final desired state as the toothbrush is used for increasing portions of a full brushing time period.

Abstract: A cleaning implement is disclosed with a support sheet having a first surface, a second surface, and a longitudinal axis. A plurality of detachable cleaning sheets, each having an outwardly facing cleaning surface and an inwardly facing attachment surface, may be supported by the support sheet in a stacked configuration. A plurality of folded portions included with the support sheet and the cleaning sheet extend generally radially from the longitudinal axis of the cleaning implement. The outermost cleaning sheet may be removed from the stacked cleaning sheet to expose a new, fresh cleaning sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing a wet region and corresponding dry region on a wafer. A proximity brush unit delivers fluids with a rotatable brush to produce the wet region on the wafer. As the proximity brush unit moves in a selected scan method across the wafer, a plurality of ports produces the dry region on the wafer. Further, the rotatable brush disposed within the proximity brush unit can rotate via mechanical gears or electromagnetic levitation. The selected scan method that produces the wet region and the dry region moves the proximity brush unit in a variety of methods including a radial scan, a linear scan, a spiral scan and a raster scan. To further produce a dry region during the selected scan method, the plurality of ports disposed on the surface of the proximity brush unit is on the trailing edges of the proximity head unit and the wafer.

Abstract: According to certain embodiments of the invention, a pressure washing system delivers a cleaning fluid under pressure to a surface to be cleaned, and includes a fluid pump unit for supplying the fluid to the surface. A fluid collector captures wastewater runoff of the cleaning fluid on the surface to be cleaned. The vacuum pump unit withdraws the captured waste fluid from the fluid collector.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus includes a curtain cleaning element constructed of a main pipe for receiving a liquid from a supply source and having a plurality of openings therein and a plurality of secondary pipes connected to the openings in the main pipe for receiving the liquid therefrom and discharging it through a plurality of discharge openings. The main pipe and the secondary pipes form a framework for supporting a curtain constructed of a liquid retaining material folded over on itself to form a double layer of the material fastened together at spaced positions, with the secondary pipes positioned between the layers whereby when liquid is flowed through the pipes, it is discharged through the discharge openings to wet or lubricate the liquid retaining material of the cleaning element. The vehicle washing apparatus includes a frame having a set of top mounted curtains and two sets of opposed side curtains rotatably attached thereto for washing a vehicle.

Abstract: A passive vehicle surface preparation apparatus includes a mounting assembly and a support arm assembly having support arms pivotally connected to the mounting assembly. The vehicle preparation apparatus further includes a first wiper assembly having a stationary preparation surface for wiping the top surfaces of a vehicle. The vehicle preparation apparatus may also include vertical wiper assemblies for wiping the side panels of the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed are brushes for cleaning toilet bowls and the like. The brushes have a permanent handle and can be used with a replaceable/disposable brush head that is flushable after use. The brush is a stack of sheets of water-dissolvable material. The sheets are compressed to both bind them together into a stack and create axial/longitudinal undulations. A wand provides a remote system for clamping and unclamping the brush head. The wand has a jaw whose mouth has corresponding undulating configurations. A side opening in the jaw may also be provided to facilitate assembly, as may a rear catch portion on the brush head.

Abstract: An induction liquid pump includes a power unit and a circulation unit that are oppositely mountable to a tank with a plurality of fixation units. The liquid pump power unit includes a power induction unit to produce a variable magnetic field. The submersible liquid pump circulation unit includes an impeller unit to agitate or induce liquid flow in response to the variable magnetic field. A magnetic scrubber includes a power unit and a pad unit. The scrubber power unit produces a variable magnetic field in response to supplied power. When the scrubber power unit is held against a first surface of a tank, the scrubber pad unit is held oppositely against a second surface of the tank. The scrubber pad unit moves in response to the variable magnetic field to scrub the second surface of the tank.

Abstract: A linear oscillator and an electric toothbrush capable of emitting a low noise and of being assembled compact are provided. The linear oscillator, which reciprocates a shaft in an axial direction thereof, includes a plunger movable together with the shaft in the axial direction of the shaft, an elastic member for applying an axially acting resilient force to the plunger, an electromagnetic driving unit operable to reciprocate the plunger in the axial direction of the shaft at a resonant frequency when an alternating current is supplied thereto, and a fixing member restricting rotation of the plunger about an axis thereof within a predetermined angle. The electric toothbrush includes the linear oscillator and a brush head attached to the shaft for use in brushing teeth.

Abstract: As shown in FIG. 1, there is a paint scraper 1, comprising support means 2 supporting a blade portion 3, the blade portion having a scraping edge 5 with undulations, the undulations being arranged to match corrugations of a sheet of corrugated iron; the scraper 1 being formed such that when it is in use the blade portion can be arranged against the sheet of corrugated iron such that the blade portion extends from the sheet in a substantially perpendicular fashion with the undulations of the scraping edge 5 aligned in complimentary fashion with undulations of the sheet, and wherein a substantial part of the scraping edge can then be scraped across the sheet to substantially effectively remove paint flakes or dirt from the sheet.