Abstract: A vortex generator creates a waveform within a housing. The waveform evolves into a vortex as it exits an orifice of the housing. The vortex carries a bolus of active substances held within the housing. A different number of actives can be used. To form a waveform, the housing has a diaphragm with an actuator for moving the diaphragm. The housing may have a mechanism for facilitating directional pointing and/or causing oscillating movement of the housing to enable multi-directional targeting of the vortex.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a housing to be moved along a surface to be cleaned. Within the housing, a cleaning ribbon is disposed between a supply reel and a take-up reel. A portion of the cleaning ribbon is held parallel to, and in substantial contact with, the surface to be cleaned, for attracting and retaining smaller debris. Another portion of the cleaning ribbon is configured to create a particle trap. A rotatable brush, also disposed within the housing, sweeps larger debris into the particle trap. The supply reel, the take-up reel, the cleaning ribbon, and/or the rotatable brush are alternatively included in a cartridge which is detachably secured within the housing.

Abstract: A vortex generator creates a waveform within a housing. The waveform evolves into a vortex as it exits an orifice of the housing. The vortex carries a bolus of active substances held within the housing. A different number of actives can be used. To form a waveform, the housing has a diaphragm with an actuator for moving the diaphragm. The housing may have a mechanism for facilitating directional pointing and/or causing oscillating movement of the housing to enable multi-directional targeting of the vortex.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a housing to be moved along a surface to be cleaned. Within the housing, a cleaning ribbon is disposed between a supply reel and a take-up reel. A portion of the cleaning ribbon is held parallel to, and in substantial contact with, the surface to be cleaned, for attracting and retaining smaller debris. Another portion of the cleaning ribbon is configured to create a particle trap. A rotatable brush, also disposed within the housing, sweeps larger debris into the particle trap. The supply reel, the take-up reel, the cleaning ribbon, and/or the rotatable brush are alternatively included in a cartridge which is detachably secured within the housing.

Abstract: A scanning system which obtains and displays the spatial energy distribution of a high power laser beam. The beam to be examined is directed toward two knife-edge mirrors arranged to pass only a thin vertical segment of the beam and to reflect the remainder of the beam to power absorbers. The mirrors are scanned across the beam, and a scanning disk having helical slots therein samples the vertical segment, and these samples are directed by means of a paraboloid mirror toward a detector responsive to the wavelength of the laser beam. The output of the detector is placed into storage and thereafter displayed on a high resolution color monitor with different colors representing different energy levels or as a simulated three dimensional display so that an operator may obtain an indication of the spatial energy distribution of the laser beam under examination.

Abstract: A light beam directing apparatus is described which permits a reflected collimated beam of light, such as a laser, to be directed in a path which comprises a plurality of straight segments. Each segment of the beam is associated with a segment of a robot's arm in a fixed spatial relationship.