Abstract: An apparatus for treating a surface bounding a space within which a bulk supply of flowable material can be contained. The apparatus has an elongate support with a proximal region and a distal region. At least one flexible tube is provided at the distal region of the elongate support through which a fluid from a pressurized supply can be directed. The at least one flexible tube is movable continuously in a whipping action to thereby cause a force to be applied to a surface at or adjacent to which the flexible tube is located to thereby at least one of: a) apply a fluid; and b) separate matter adhered, to a surface at or adjacent to which the flexible tube is located. The apparatus further has a moving assembly for the elongate support. The moving assembly is operable to controllably reposition and/or reconfigure the elongate support, thereby to controllably place the at least one flexible tube at different selected locations with respect to a surface to be treated by the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an exposed surface. The apparatus has an elongate support with a proximal region and a distal region. The proximal region is engagable by a user to controllably reposition the elongate support and thereby situate the distal region at an exposed surface to be treated. At least one elongate element is provided at the distal region of the elongate support. The at least one elongate element is moveable at the distal region to repeatedly contact an exposed surface at which the elongate element is situated to thereby separate matter from an exposed surface at which the elongate element is situated.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a surface bounding a space within which a bulk supply of flowable material can be contained. The apparatus has an elongate support with a proximal region and a distal region. At least one flexible tube is provided at the distal region of the elongate support through which a fluid from a pressurized supply can be directed. The at least one flexible tube is movable continuously in a whipping action to thereby cause a force to be applied to a surface at or adjacent to which the flexible tube is located to thereby at least one of: a) apply a fluid; and b) separate matter adhered, to a surface at or adjacent to which the flexible tube is located. The apparatus further has a moving assembly for the elongate support. The moving assembly is operable to controllably reposition and/or reconfigure the elongate support, thereby to controllably place the at least one flexible tube at different selected locations with respect to a surface to be treated by the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system wherein the flowable material is guided by a surface assembly between first and second locations. The method includes the steps of: providing a first flexible tube; placing the tube at a first operating location with respect to the system; and directing a pressurized fluid through the tube in a manner whereby the first flexible tube is moved in a whipping action to at least one of: a) impact the surface assembly; b) direct the pressurized fluid at least one of: i) into the flowable material moving between the first and second locations; and ii) against the surface assembly; and c) move within the flowable material moving between the first and second locations, thereby to at least one of: i) break loose flowable material adhering to the surface assembly; and ii) agitate flowable material moving between the first and second locations.

Abstract: A method for treating an exposed surface. A treating apparatus is provided having an elongate support and at least one flexible surface contacting element at a distal region of the support. The elongate support is manipulated from a proximal region of the support so as to place the flexible surface contacting element at the exposed surface to be treated. The flexible surface contacting element is caused to be repeatedly moved to effect treatment at the exposed surface.

Abstract: A method of treating a surface such as a ferrous surface. The method includes the steps of: providing an apparatus having a carriage and a treating assembly on the carriage; causing the apparatus to be attracted to the ferrous surface with a force that tends to maintain the apparatus against the ferrous surface yet allows the apparatus to move over the ferrous surface; and moving the apparatus over the ferrous surface to effect treating of the ferrous surface with the treating assembly through manual orientation and movement of the apparatus by a user through application of a maneuvering force by a user from a location spaced from the carriage that allows controlled movement of the apparatus over the ferrous surface.

Abstract: A method for treating an exposed surface. A treating apparatus is provided having an elongate support and at least one flexible surface contacting element at a distal region of the support. The elongate support is manipulated from a proximal region of the support so as to place the flexible surface contacting element at the exposed surface to be treated. The flexible surface contacting element is caused to be repeatedly moved to effect treatment at the exposed surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an exposed surface. The apparatus has an elongate support with a proximal region and a distal region. The proximal region is engagable by a user to controllably reposition the elongate support and thereby situate the distal region at an exposed surface to be treated. At least one elongate element is provided at the distal region of the elongate support. The at least one elongate element is moveable at the distal region to repeatedly contact an exposed surface at which the elongate element is situated to thereby separate matter from an exposed surface at which the elongate element is situated.