APPARATUS ADAPTED FOR THE REMOVAL OF FOREIGN MATTER

Abstract

An apparatus adapted for the removal of foreign matter from the exterior of windows of a building can include a cleaning unit and a positioning unit. The cleaning unit can extend a depth between a front side confronting the work surface and a back side opposite the front side. The cleaning unit can include a cleaning agency. The positioning unit can be engaged with the cleaning unit to move the cleaning unit among a plurality of different positions relative to the building.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/024,477 for a HIGH-RISE WINDOW CLEANING SYSTEM, filed on Jul. 15, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus adapted for the removal of foreign matter and which contains within itself its own guide for operation to move a cleaning agency relative to a work surface, such as classified in USPC Class Number 15.

2. Description of Related Prior Art

U.S. Pub. No. 20130081652 discloses an Apparatus and Method for cleaning Facades on multi-story buildings. That document relates to an automatic cleaning apparatus (1) for cleaning facades on multi-story buildings. The apparatus comprises a rotating brush (11) arranged rotatable about its longitudinal axis, a drive mechanism (16) for rotating the brush, a container (18) for housing a cleaning fluid, and a fluid feeding device adapted to feed the rotating brush with cleaning fluid from the container by means of capillarity forces. The apparatus is designed to engage to steering guides (4) provided on the facade. The apparatus is designed so that a downward movement of the apparatus is solely powered by gravity forces acting on the apparatus. The drive mechanism for rotating the brush comprises at least one drive wheel (16) arranged to be in contact with the surface of the facade and to generate a friction powered torque during downward movement of the cleaning apparatus, and a transmission unit arranged to transfer the torque of the drive wheel to the rotating brush to make the brush rotate during the downward movement. The apparatus further comprises a wiper device (22) arranged above the rotating brush and adapted to be in contact with the facade during cleaning to wipe off used cleaning fluid from the facade, and a fluid collecting member arranged to collect the cleaning fluid wiped off by the wiper device, and to transport the collected cleaning fluid to the container for reuse.

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

An apparatus adapted for the removal of foreign matter from the exterior of windows of a building can include a cleaning unit and a positioning unit. The cleaning unit can extend a depth between a front side confronting the work surface and a back side opposite the front side. The cleaning unit can include a cleaning agency. The positioning unit can be engaged with the cleaning unit to move the cleaning unit among a plurality of different positions relative to the building.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description set forth below references the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure positioned to remove foreign matter from exterior windows of a building;

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure disposed to move vertically between floors of a building;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a front side of a cleaning unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a front side of a cleaning attachment assembly of a cleaning unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure with an outer housing being transparent to reveal internal structures;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a truck of a cleaning unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure with portions cut away to reveal internal structures, wherein the side of the truck illustrated is an internal side;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a truck of a cleaning unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure with portions cut away to reveal internal structures, wherein the side of the truck illustrated is an external side;

FIG. 7 is a magnified portion of FIG. 6 illustrating a side view of a tensioning unit and a braking unit of a cleaning unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a left-hand view of the structures shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an upper positioning assembly of a positioning unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a lower positioning assembly of a positioning unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a vertical adjustment assembly of an upper positioning assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a lateral adjustment assembly of an upper positioning assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a control system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a first alternative cleaning attachment assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a second alternative cleaning attachment assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a third alternative cleaning attachment assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a fourth alternative cleaning attachment assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a fifth alternative cleaning attachment assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A plurality of different embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in the Figures of the application. Similar features are shown in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. Similar features across different embodiments have been numbered with a common reference numeral and have been differentiated by a singular or double alphabetic suffix. Also, to enhance consistency, the structures in any particular drawing share the same alphabetic suffix even if a particular feature is shown in less than all embodiments. Similar features are structured similarly, operate similarly, and/or have the same function unless otherwise indicated by the drawings or this specification. Furthermore, particular features of one embodiment can replace corresponding features in another embodiment or can supplement other embodiments unless otherwise indicated by the drawings or this specification.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an apparatus 10 adapted for the removal of foreign matter from the exterior of windows of a building 14, such as window 12, can include a cleaning unit 16 and a positioning unit 18. Referring now to FIG. 2, the cleaning unit 16 can extend a depth 20 between a front side 22 confronting a work surface, such as the surface 24 of the window 12, and a back side 26 opposite the front side 22. Referring now to FIG. 3, the cleaning unit 16 can include a cleaning agency 28. In FIG. 3, the exemplary cleaning agency 28 can be a wiper blade. Referring again to FIG. 2, the positioning unit 18 can be engaged with the cleaning unit 16 to move the cleaning unit 16 among a plurality of different positions relative to the building 14. Each of the plurality of different positions can be defined by different windows of the building 14.

A cleaning agency is a structure or mechanism for cleaning. A cleaning agency can be a flow of air, steam, or equivalent gaseous fluid; liquid fluid; a brush; a pad; a scraper or blade (squeegee), or any combination having one or more of these agencies. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced with any form of these cleaning agencies.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the exemplary cleaning unit 16 can include a first truck assembly 30, a second truck assembly 32, and a cleaning attachment assembly 34. As will be described in greater detail below, the first truck assembly 30 and the second truck assembly 32 can couple the cleaning attachment assembly 34 to the positioning unit 18. As will be described in greater detail below, the first truck assembly 30 and the second truck assembly 32 can each be engaged with cleaning attachment assembly 34 whereby at least a portion of the cleaning attachment assembly 34 can move relative to the first truck assembly 30 and the second truck assembly 32. The cleaning agency 28 can be mounted on the cleaning attachment assembly 34.

Fluid, such as fluid at high pressure, can be directed to the cleaning unit 16. The pressure of the fluid directed to the cleaning unit 16 can be any desired pressure, such as from eighty pounds per square inch (PSI) to five thousand PSI. The fluid can be directed to the cleaning unit 16 through a conduit 36 (referenced in FIGS. 1 and 6). As will be described further below, different cleaning attachment assemblies engageable with the trucks 30, 32 may be configured to work with fluid at different levels of pressure. For example, one or more cleaning attachment assemblies may operate using fluid at five thousand PSI. Such a cleaning attachment assembly may use the fluid itself to remove foreign matter. Other cleaning attachment assemblies may use fluid at lower pressure in combination with a brush or pad. Fluid can be directed through the conduit 36 with a pump drawing fluid from a reservoir. Such a pump and reservoir (not shown) can be disposed on the top of the building 14.

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can include a sub-system configured to deliver substantially pure water to the cleaning unit 16 to inhibit the formation of spots on the windows. A reverse osmosis and deionization unit with a possible collection tank can be used to supply substantially pure water. Pure water can be water having less than ten parts per million of total dissolved solids. One or more cleaning agencies may require some type of lubricant in the fluid, such as a slight inflow of detergent.

The conduit 36 can be arranged to direct the fluid to a fluid circuit of the present disclosure with an entry port 38 positioned within the second truck 32, as shown in FIG. 6. The fluid circuit can extend from the entry port 38 to a port 40. The fluid circuit can extend from the port 40 by way of a flexible hose 42 exiting the second truck 32. The hose 42 can extend from the second truck 32 to a housing 44 of the cleaning attachment assembly 34. The hose 42 can include a quick-connect fitting to allow the user to easily attach and detach the hose 42 from the truck 32. The other end of the hose 42 can be permanently attached to the cleaning attachment assembly 34 in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates the exemplary housing 44 in operation and FIG. 4 illustrates the housing 44 with a portion removed and/or transparent to reveal internal structures. The hose 42 can extend to a port 46 within the housing 44. A portion of the fluid circuit within the housing 44 can include a plurality of conduits defining a plurality of fluid passageways in the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the fluid circuit can include a conduit within the housing 44 arranged to deliver fluid to at least one cylinder that is operable to extend in response to the delivery of pressurized fluid. Such a cylinder can be a single-acting cylinder in that the cylinder extends in response to the delivery of pressurized fluid and retracts when the delivery of pressurized fluid ceases. A biasing device urging the cylinder to a fully-retracted configuration can be positioned on the outside of the cylinder or internally. A schematic illustration of the cleaning unit 16 when a cylinder is in a fully-retracted position is illustrated in solid line in FIG. 2. A schematic illustration of the cleaning unit 16 when a cylinder is in an extended position is illustrated in dashed line (in phantom) in FIG. 2.

It is noted that the engagement between the first and second trunks 30, 32 and the cleaning attachment assembly 34 can be modular in that a plurality of differently-configured cleaning attachment assemblies can be selectively engagable with the first and second trunks 30, 32. In other words, a first cleaning attachment assembly can be mounted on the first and second trunks 30, 32; operated to remove debris; removed without damage to the first truck 30, the second truck 32, and the first cleaning assembly; and replaced with a second cleaning attachment assembly that can be mounted on the first and second trunks 30, 32 and operated to remove debris.

In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning attachment assembly 34 can include a plurality of cylinders, such as two cylinders on each lateral side of the housing 44. For example, the exemplary cleaning attachment assembly 34 can include cylinders 48 and 50 extending from a first lateral side of the housing 44 and cylinders 52 and 54 extending from a second lateral side of the housing 44 opposite the first lateral side. All of the cylinders 48-54 can receive pressurized fluid from the fluid circuit in the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure to extend concurrently in response to the delivery of pressurized fluid. The exemplary cylinders 48-54 are operable to extend to urge the cleaning agency 28 toward the work surface 24.

Each of the exemplary cylinders 48-54 can be received in one or more sleeves fixedly associated with the first and second trucks 30, 32. Referring now to FIG. 5, a sleeve 56 can be mounted on the truck 32. A similar sleeve can be mounted on the truck 30. The sleeve 56 can have a C-shaped cross-section or any other shape and extend from an opening 58 to a base 60. The rod ends of the cylinders 48 and 50 can be received through the opening 58 and be directed through apertures 62, 64 in the base 60. Fasteners such as nuts can be utilized to secure the rod ends to the sleeve 56 and thus secure the cylinders 48 and 50 to the truck 32.

Each of the exemplary cylinders 48-54 can be pivotally engaged with the housing 44 and the fluid circuit can include valving to allow the cylinders 48-54 to be variably extended. For example, in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the cylinders 48 and 50 could be extended differently to allow the housing 44 to tilt or pivot if desired. The cylinders 48 and 50 could thus be controlled to execute a wiping motion at the bottom of a window mimicking the movement executed by human window washer.

The plurality of cylinders 48-54 can thus define a moving device operably disposed between the cleaning unit 16 and the cleaning agency 28 whereby a distance separating at least part of the cleaning unit 16 and the cleaning agency 28 in a vertically-extending plane transverse to both of the front side 22 and the back side 26 is variable. FIG. 2 is an illustration in a vertically-extending plane transverse to both of the front side 22 and the back side 26. The distance, for example between the trucks 30, 32 and the cleaning agency 28 can increase during extension of the cylinders 48-54 and can decrease during retraction of the cylinders 48-54. In the exemplary embodiment, extension of the cylinders 48-54 can occur along only a horizontal axis in the vertically-extending plane.

Referring again to FIG. 4, a portion of the fluid circuit within the housing 44 can also include one or more conduits defining one or more fluid passageways directing fluid to a sprayer manifold 66. The exemplary sprayer manifold 66 can include a plurality of apertures, such as aperture 68, arranged along its width for directing fluid at the surface 24 of the window 12. The apertures 68 can be evenly spaced from one another and similarly sized, or can be differently-sized and unevenly spaced.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the positioning unit 18 can include at least one flexible, elongate member. The cleaning unit 16 can be at least partially suspended from building 14 by the at least one flexible, elongate member. In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the trucks 30, 32 can be suspended from a top of the building with a flexible, elongate member. The at least one flexible, elongate member can be a rope, a cable, a cord, a wire, or any other structure which can be wound and unwound and from which the cleaning unit 16 can be supported. The elongate member can be constructed of a braided aramid fiber, thermoset liquid crystalline polyoxazole fiber or any other sufficiently strong, flexible and corrosion-resistant material, able to withstand tension of up to several hundred pounds, depending upon wall height, and that exhibits extremely low to zero stretch and extremely low to zero creep and is resistant to ultraviolet light rays.

The first truck 30 can be suspended with a first flexible, elongate member 70 extending in a first loop. The second truck 32 can be suspended with a second flexible, elongate member 72 extending in a second loop. As the cylinders 48-54 extend and urge the cleaning agency 28 against the window 12, the trucks 30 and 32 can be biased outward, away from the building 14. Thus, the elongate members 70, 72 are also urged away from the work surface 24 by extension of the cylinders 48-54. This “compound bow” effect induced in the elongate members 70, 72, best shown in FIG. 2, can be desirable to keep the cleaning unit 16 against the side of the building 14. An angular deflection 74 of the cleaning unit 16 during extension of the cylinders 48-54 can vary as desired.

The positioning unit 18 can also include at least one tensioning unit mounted on the cleaning unit 16. The at least one tensioning unit can be configured to inhibit slack in the at least one flexible, elongate member. The exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can include first and second tensioning units disposed on opposite sides of the cleaning unit 16. A tensioning unit can be mounted on each of the trucks 30, 32.

FIG. 6 shows a tensioning unit 76 mounted on the truck 32. It is noted that FIGS. 5 and 6 show opposite sides of the truck 32. The inner cavity of the truck 32 can be divided so that the sleeve 56 is positioned in a first portion of the interior of the truck 32, as shown in FIG. 5. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the outer walls of the truck 32 are cutaway. The first portion can be facing inwardly, toward a center of the cleaning unit 16. The elongate member 72 can pass through a second portion of the interior of the truck 32, as shown in FIG. 6. The sleeve 56 is not shown in FIG. 5 to allow the second portion of the interior of the truck 32 to be shown in greater detail. The second portion can be facing outwardly, away from the center of the cleaning unit 16. An interior panel referenced at 33 can separate the first and second interior portions of the truck 32. The interior of the truck 30 can be similar to the interior of the truck 32.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the tensioning unit 76 can include a rod 78. The elongate member 72 can extend through the rod 78. The tensioning unit 76 can also include at least one ratchet 80 fixed to the rod 78. The tensioning unit 76 can also include a pawl 82 mounted on the truck 32 and positioned to engage the ratchet 80. The tensioning unit 76 can also include a cylinder 84 and a lever arm 86. The cylinder 84 can be in fluid communication with the conduit 36 through the fluid circuit. In response to fluid pressure, cylinder 84 can be urged to extend. If slack exists in the elongate member 72, the cylinder 84 can extend. Extension of the cylinder 84 moves the lever arm 86, which causes the ratchet 80 and rod 78 to rotate. Rotation of the rod 78 winds the elongate member 72 further about the rod 78. Winding the elongate member 72 further about the rod 78 takes up and/or inhibits slack in the elongate member 72. After the slack has been taken-up, the pawl 82 locks the ratchet 80 and prevents reverse rotation of the rod 78. A tensioning unit similar to tensioning unit 76 can be positioned on the truck 30. A portion of the fluid circuit within the housing 44 can also include one or more conduits defining one or more fluid passageways directing fluid to the truck 30.

The positioning unit 18 can also include an emergency brake unit 88 disposed on the cleaning unit 16. As best shown in FIG. 7, the elongate member 72 can be wound over a brake shoe clevis 90 of the emergency brake unit 88. The brake shoe clevis 90 can be mounted on a pivot shaft 92 for free rotation. The pivot shaft 92 can be moveable relative to the truck 32 and biased toward a brake shoe 94 of the emergency brake unit 88 by a spring 96 of the emergency brake unit 88. The elongate member 92, when in tension, can urge the brake shoe clevis 90 away from the brake shoe 94. If the elongate member 72 is severed, the tension is lost and the brake shoe clevis 90 can be pressed against the brake shoe 94 by the spring 96, capturing the elongate member 72.

The positioning unit 18 can also include an upper positioning assembly 98 mountable proximate to or at the top of the building 14, above the highest row of windows. Referring now to FIG. 9, the upper positioning assembly 98 can include a track 100 fixed to the building 14 and a carriage 102 moveable along the track 100, laterally back and forth across the building 14. The carriage 102 extends a width between a right carriage side 122 and a left carriage side 124. The upper positioning assembly 98 can also include a vertical adjustment assembly 104 mounted to the carriage 102. The vertical adjustment assembly 104 can be operable to rotate the elongate member 72, which is arranged as a loop. As will be detailed below, the elongate member 70 can be rotated by a vertical adjustment assembly of a lower positioning assembly of the positioning unit 18. When the loops defined by the elongate members 70, 72 are rotated in a first rotational direction, the cleaning unit 16 is moved vertically upward. When the loops defined by the elongate members 70, 72 are rotated in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the cleaning unit 16 is moved vertically downward. The upper positioning assembly 98 can also include a lateral adjustment assembly 106 mounted to the carriage 102. The lateral adjustment assembly 106 can be operable to drive the carriage 102 in movement along the track 100. The vertical adjustment assembly 104 and the lateral adjustment assembly 106 are interconnected with respect to one another through the carriage 100. The vertical adjustment assembly 104, the lateral adjustment assembly 106, and the elongate members 70, 72 can thus move together, back and forth across a side of the building 14. The components of the upper positioning assembly 98 can be enclosed in an enclosure 118; portions of the enclosure 118 have been removed in FIG. 9 to reveal internal structures.

The positioning unit 18 can also include a lower positioning assembly 108 mountable at the bottom of the building 14 or at some point on the building 14 below the top of the building 14. Referring now to FIG. 10, the lower positioning assembly 108 can include a track 110 fixed to the building 14 and a carriage 112 moveable along the track 110, laterally back and forth across the building 14. The carriage 112 extends a width between a right carriage side 126 and a left carriage side 128. The lower positioning assembly 108 can also include a vertical adjustment assembly 114 mounted to the carriage 112. The vertical adjustment assembly 114 can be operable to rotate the elongate member 70. The lower positioning assembly 108 can also include a lateral adjustment assembly 116 mounted to the carriage 112. The lateral adjustment assembly 116 can be operable to drive the carriage 112 in movement along the track 110. The vertical adjustment assembly 114 and the lateral adjustment assembly 116 are interconnected with respect to one another through the carriage 110. The vertical adjustment assembly 114, the lateral adjustment assembly 116, and the elongate members 70, 72 can thus move together, back and forth across a side of the building 14. As set forth in greater detail below, the movement of the upper positioning assembly 98 and the lower positioning assembly 108 can be coordinated such that the lateral movement of the upper positioning assembly 98 and the lower positioning assembly 108 is the same. The components of the lower positioning assembly 108 can be enclosed in an enclosure 120; portions of the enclosure 120 have been removed in FIG. 10 to reveal internal structures.

Referring now to FIG. 11, the vertical adjustment assembly 114 can include a motor 130, a drive shaft 132, and a drive sheave 134. The motor 130 can be positioned on the carriage 112. The drive shaft 132 can extend from the motor 130 and be driven in rotation by the motor 130. The motor 130 can be operable to selectively rotate the drive shaft 132 in first and second opposite rotational directions. The drive sheave 134 can be mounted on the drive shaft 132 for concurrent rotation with the drive shaft 132. The elongate member 70 can extend around the drive sheave 134. When the drive sheave 134 is rotated in a first rotational direction, the cleaning unit 16 is moved vertically upward. When the drive sheave 134 is rotated in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the cleaning unit 16 is moved vertically downward.

The vertical adjustment assembly 104 associated with the upper positioning assembly 98 can be substantially similar to the vertical adjustment assembly 114. The vertical adjustment assembly 104 can include a motor 136, as referenced in FIG. 9. Although not referenced by number in the drawings, the vertical adjustment assembly 104 can also include a drive shaft and a drive sheave. In the exemplary embodiment, the vertical adjustment assembly 104 is arranged to mirror the arrangement of the vertical adjustment assembly 114; the drive sheave of the vertical adjustment assembly 104 is positioned to the left of the motor of the vertical adjustment assembly 104. The motor can be positioned on the carriage 102. The drive shaft can extend from the motor and be driven in rotation by the motor. The motor can be operable to selectively rotate the drive shaft in first and second opposite rotational directions. The drive sheave can be mounted on the drive shaft for concurrent rotation with the drive shaft. The elongate member 72 can extend around the drive sheave of the vertical adjustment assembly 104. When the drive sheave is rotated in a first rotational direction, the cleaning unit 16 is moved vertically upward. When the drive sheave is rotated in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the cleaning unit 16 is moved vertically downward. As will be set forth in greater detail below, the motor 130 and the motor 136 of the vertical adjustment assembly 104 can be jointly controlled to coordinate and harmonize the movement of the elongate members 70, 72.

In the arrangement of the exemplary embodiment, each of the positioning assemblies 98, 108 defines a moving arrangement for rotating only one of the first loop defined by the elongate member 70 and the second loop defined by the elongate member 72 and a guiding arrangement for guiding rotation of the other of the first loop and the second loop.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the lateral adjustment assembly 116 can include a motor 138, a drive shaft 140, and a drive sheave 142. The motor 138 can be positioned on the carriage 112. The drive shaft 140 can extend from the motor 138 and be driven in rotation by the motor 138. The motor 138 can be operable to selectively rotate the drive shaft 140 in first and second opposite rotational directions. A worm gear 144 can be mounted on or defined by the drive shaft 140. A spur gear 146 can be mounted on or defined by the drive sheave 142. The spur gear 146 and the worm gear 144 can be meshed such that the drive sheave 142 and the drive shaft 140 are arranged for concurrent rotation.

The exemplary lateral adjustment assembly 116 can also include an idler sheave 148 and belts 150, 152 extending around the sheaves 142 and 148. It is noted that in FIG. 12 portions of the sheaves 142 and 148 have been cut away to reveal other structures. The belts 150, 152 can be positioned between the sheaves 142, 148 and the track 110. When the drive sheave 142 is rotated in a first rotational direction by the drive shaft 142, the belts 150, 152 (like vehicle tracks) rotate and the carriage 112 is moved rectilinearly in a first lateral direction. When the drive sheave 142 is rotated in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction by the drive shaft 142, the belts 150, 152 rotate and the carriage 112 is moved rectilinearly in a second lateral direction opposite to the first lateral direction.

The lateral adjustment assembly 106 associated with the upper positioning assembly 98 can be substantially similar to the lateral adjustment assembly 116. Each of the lateral positioning assemblies 106, 116 defines a shifting arrangement for shifting the respective carriage 102, 112 laterally across the building 14. The lateral adjustment assembly 106 can include a motor 154, as referenced in FIG. 9. Although not referenced by number in the drawings, the vertical adjustment assembly 104 can also include a drive shaft and a drive sheave. The motor 154 can be positioned on the carriage 102. The drive shaft can extend from the motor 154 and be driven in rotation by the motor 154. The motor 154 can be operable to selectively rotate the drive shaft in first and second opposite rotational directions. A worm gear can be mounted on or defined by the drive shaft. A spur gear can be mounted on or defined by the drive sheave. The spur gear and the worm gear can be meshed such that the drive sheave and the drive shaft are arranged for concurrent rotation.

The exemplary lateral adjustment assembly 106 can also include an idler sheave and belts extending around the drive and idler sheaves of the assembly 106. The belts of the assembly 106 can be positioned between the drive and idler sheaves of the assembly 116 and the track 100. When the drive sheave is rotated in a first rotational direction by the drive shaft of the assembly 106, the belts (like vehicle tracks) rotate and the carriage 102 is moved rectilinearly in a first lateral direction. When the drive sheave of the assembly 106 is rotated in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction by the drive shaft of the assembly 106, the belts of the assembly 106 rotate and the carriage 102 is moved rectilinearly in a second lateral direction opposite to the first lateral direction. As will be set forth in greater detail below, the motor 138 and the motor 154 of the lateral adjustment assembly 106 can be jointly controlled to coordinate and harmonize the movement of the carriages 102 and 112.

Referring again to FIG. 11, the vertical adjustment assembly 114 can also include idler sheaves 156 and 158. It is noted that in FIG. 11 portions of the sheaves 156 and 158 have been cut away to reveal other structures. The vertical adjustment assembly 114 can also include belts 160 and 162. The belts 160, 162 can extend around the sheaves 156 and 158. The belts 160, 162 can be positioned between the sheaves 156, 158 and the track 110. Lateral movement of the carriage 112 can be effectuated by the lateral adjustment assembly 116 and the sheaves 156, 158 and belts 160, 162 of the vertical adjustment assembly 114 can guide the movement of the carriage 112. The vertical adjustment assembly 104 can also include idler sheaves and belts similar to the sheaves 156, 158 and belts 160, 162.

Referring again to FIG. 12, the lateral adjustment assembly 116 can also include an idler sheave 164. The idler sheave 164 can be mounted for free rotation on a shaft that abuts the shaft 140. There can be double bearings between the idler sheave 164 and the shaft 140 with a divider between. Distinct, adjacent shafts can be desirable to inhibit the encoder 172, during lateral movement, from giving false readings. The shaft 140 can therefore rotate without inducing rotation in the idler sheave 164. The elongate member 72 can extend around the idler sheave 164. Rotation of the loop defined by the elongate member 72 can induce rotation of the idler sheave 164. The lateral adjustment assembly 116 can also include an idler sheave similar to the idler sheave 164.

It is noted that in some embodiments of the present disclosure, an adjustment assembly can include structures to function as both a lateral adjustment assembly and a vertical adjustment assembly. For example, the shaft 140 referenced in FIG. 12 could drive the sheave 164 as well as the sheave 142 if desired.

It is also noted that each adjustment assembly can include an emergency brake unit similar to the emergency brake unit 88. An emergency brake unit disposed on an adjustment assembly 104, 106, 114, and/or 116 can include a brake shoe clevis and a brake shoe. The respective elongate member 70 or 72 can be wound over the brake shoe clevis of the emergency brake unit associated with the respective adjustment assembly 104, 106, 114, or 116. The brake shoe clevis can be mounted on a pivot shaft for free rotation. The pivot shaft can be moveable relative to the respective adjustment assembly 104, 106, 114, or 116 and biased toward the brake shoe by a spring of the emergency brake unit. The respective elongate member 70 or 72, when in tension, can urge the brake shoe clevis away from the brake shoe. If the respective elongate member 70 or 72 is severed, the tension is lost and the brake shoe clevis can be pressed against the brake shoe by the spring, capturing the respective elongate member 70 or 72. An emergency brake unit is referenced in FIG. 11 at 202. An emergency brake unit is referenced in FIG. 12 at 204.

Referring again to FIGS. 9 and 10, the positioning unit 18 can also include a master processor 166 and a slave processor 168. While one processor is illustrated for each of the master processor 166 and the slave processor 168, it should be appreciated that the term “processor” can include two or more processors that operate in an individual or distributed manner. In the exemplary embodiment, the master processor 166 can be disposed on the upper positioning assembly 98 and the slave processor 168 can be disposed on the lower positioning assembly 108. The master processor 166 can control the motors 136 and 154. The slave processor 168 can control the motors 130 and 138. The exemplary master processor 166 and/or the exemplary slave processor 168 can be a STM32F205 120 Mhz ARM Cortex M3 processor from ST Microelectronics with a Broadcom BCM43362 Wi-Fi chip or a Hope RFM69HW transceiver. There are any number of processors and RF radios that could be utilized in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Many of them can be purchased as a single unit. The processors 166, 168 can be an RF device with high RF output power and channelized operation that is compliant with ETSI and FCC regulations over a wide frequency range, including the 315, 433, 868 and 915 MHz license-free ISM frequency bands.

Referring again to FIG. 11, the vertical adjustment assembly 114 can include a sensor disposed to sense movement of the idler sheave 158 and emit a signal in response to the sensed movement. Movement of the idler sheave 158 corresponds to lateral movement of the lower positioning assembly 108. The sensor can be a quadrature encoder 170. The encoder 170 can track the motion of the idler sheave 158. The encoder 170 may be any quadrature encoder that is capable of delivering a pulse resolution matching the step resolution of the lateral drive motor 154 of the upper positioning assembly 98. The vertical adjustment assembly 104 of the upper positioning assembly 98 can also include a sensor similar to the encoder 170.

Referring again to FIG. 12, lateral adjustment assembly 116 can include a sensor disposed to sense movement of the idler sheave 164 and emit a signal in response to the sensed movement. Movement of the idler sheave 164 corresponds to rotational movement of the loop defined by the elongate member 72. The sensor can be a quadrature encoder 172. The encoder 172 can track the motion of the idler sheave 164. The encoder 172 may be any quadrature encoder that is capable of delivering a pulse resolution matching the step resolution of the vertical drive motor 136 of the upper positioning assembly 98. The lateral adjustment assembly 106 of the upper positioning assembly 98 can also include a sensor similar to the encoder 172.

In operation, when the cleaning unit 16 is to be moved vertically, the master processor 166 can calculate the amount of rotation required of the drive shaft of the motor 136 and also determine the direction of rotation required to accomplish the desired movement. The master processor 166 can then send a command to the slave processor 168 to begin vertical movement. The slave processor 168 can respond with a “ready” response or a “busy” response. When the slave processor 168 transmits the ready response to the master processor 166, the master processor 166 controls the motor 136 to commence rotation of the drive shaft extending from the motor 136. This induces rotation of the loop defined by the elongate member 72.

The idler sheave 164 of the lateral adjustment assembly 116 commences rotation, driven by the elongate member 72. The encoder 172 senses movement of the sheave 164 and transmits a signal corresponding to the movement to the slave processor 168 in the form of electronic pulses. The slave processor 168 reads each pulse and in response transmits a corresponding pulse to control the motor 130 to rotate the shaft 132. The drive shaft 132 rotates the drive sheave 134. Rotation of the drive shaft 132 therefore induces rotation of the loop defined by the elongate member 70. Thus rotation of the loop defined by the elongate member 70 is responsive to rotation of the loop defined by the elongate member 72 and in lock step with rotation of the loop defined by the elongate member 72.

A rotary encoder associated with an idler sheave of the lateral adjustment assembly 106 is disposed to sense rotation of that idler sheave. This encoder is referenced at 194 in FIG. 13. As the loop defined by the elongate member 70 rotates, the rotary encoder 194 associated with an idler sheave of the lateral adjustment assembly 106 senses the rotation and transmits a signal corresponding to the rotation to the master processor 166. The master processor 166 can then determine the rate of rotation of loop defined by the elongate member 70. A closed loop feedback system is thus defined to insure the rotation of both loops is synchronized so that both sides of the cleaning unit 16 are moved similarly. The processors 166, 168 can be configured to take corrective action, such as slightly moving only one of the drive sheaves of the vertical adjustment assemblies 104, 114 to bring the elongate members 70, 72 back into synchronization. Also, at least one of the processors 166, 168 can be configured to emit a warning message to a user if the elongate members 70, 72 are determined to be out of synchronization. Such a warning message can be done in conjunction with corrective action, prior to corrective action, or if one or both of the processors 166, 168 determine that corrective action has not been successful.

In operation, when the cleaning unit 16 is to be moved laterally, the master processor 166 can calculate the amount of rotation required of the drive shaft of the motor 154 and also determine the direction of rotation required to accomplish the desired movement. The master processor 166 can then send a command to the slave processor 168 to begin lateral movement. The slave processor 168 can respond with a “ready” response or a “busy” response. When the slave processor 168 transmits the ready response to the master processor 166, the master processor 166 can control the motor 154 to commence rotation of the drive shaft extending from the motor 154. This induces rotation of the sheaves associated with the motor 154 and belts encircling those sheaves. Concurrently, the slave processor 168 can control the motor 138 to commence rotation of the drive shaft 140, which induces rotation of the sheave 142 and belts 150, 152.

During lateral movement, the slave processor 168 can monitor signals from the encoder 170, the signals indicative of the movement of the carriage 112. Similarly, the master processor 166 can monitor signals from an encoder associated with the vertical adjustment assembly 104, the signals indicative of the movement of the carriage 102. This encoder is referenced at 196 in FIG. 13.

The master and slave processors 166, 168 can monitor the motion of the respective carriages 102, 112 to ensure synchronized motion. The slave processor 168 can transmit the signals from the encoder 170 to the master processor 166. The master processor 166 can compare the signals from the encoder 170 to the signals of the encoder 196, which is associated with the vertical adjustment assembly 104. If the carriages 102, 112 are determined to be out of synchronization, the master processor 166 can control the motor 154 and the slave processor 168 to cease. The processors 166, 168 can also be configured to take corrective action, such as slightly moving only one of the carriages 102, 112 to bring the carriages 102, 112 back into synchronization. Also, at least one of the processors 166, 168 can be configured to emit a warning message to a user if the carriages 102, 112 are determined to be out of synchronization. Such a warning message can be done in conjunction with corrective action, prior to corrective action, or if one or both of the processors 166, 168 determine that corrective action has not been successful.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a control system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The control system can include the master processor 166 and the slave processor 168. The control system can also include limit switches 174. A limit switch 174 can be associated with each elongate member 70, 72. Each limit switch 174 can communicate signals to the master processor 166. Each limit switch 174 can be tripped if one of the loops defined by the elongate members 70, 72 is rotated beyond a desired range. In response to one of the limit switches 174 being tripped, the master processor 166 can control the motor 136 and the slave processor 168 to cease. The slave processor 168 can also communicate with limit switches 175. There can also be lateral limit switches located on either side of the upper carriage 102 and of the lower carriage 112 that can be tripped if either carriage reaches the end of the track 100, 110 on either side. Such switches can communicate with the respective processors 166, 168.

In one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the control system can also include a managing processor 176. The managing processor can also be a STM32F205 120 Mhz ARM Cortex M3 processor from ST Microelectronics with a Broadcom BCM43362 Wi-Fi chip or a Hope RFM69HW transceiver. In one or more embodiments, the managing processor 176 can be remote from the building 14. The managing processor 176 can be cloud-based. The managing processor 176 can direct movement commands to the master processor 166. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the processors 176, 166, and 168 can communicate with one another over a mesh network. The control system can also include one or more power sources, such as power source 178. In one example, the power source 178 can be a source of electrical power and the managing processor 176 can control the flow of electrical power to any device requiring electrical power. Source of power other than electrical power can be a part of the control system of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure and the distribution of such power can be controlled by a managing processor.

In one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the control system can also include a memory 180. Memory 180 can be any suitable storage medium (flash, hard disk, etc.). System programming can be stored in and accessed from memory 180. Building data can also be stored in memory 180. For example, the managing processor 176 can retrieve dimensional data associated with the building 14 from memory 180 and transmit the dimensional data to the master processor 166 when sending a movement request to the master processor 166. Equipment usage data can also be stored in memory 180. The managing processor 176 can alert a user when any particular component requires scheduled maintenance or replacement based on usage data stored in memory 180. A cleaning schedule can also be stored in memory 180. The managing processor 176 can automatically initiate window cleaning based on the cleaning schedule can also be stored in memory 180. It is noted that in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the master processor 166 can store and control the cleaning schedule, allowing each apparatus 10 to act independently of every other apparatus on the building 14. It is noted that one or more processors can be mounted on any of the cleaning attachment assemblies. An exemplary processor 220 is illustrated as being mounted on the cleaning attachment assembly 34 in FIG. 4. Such processors can be responsive to any one or all of the processors 166, 168, and/or 170. Such processors can be configured to control solenoid valves for directing fluid flow, or some other purpose.

Any combination of one or more computer-usable or computer-readable media may be utilized in various embodiments of the invention. For example, a computer-readable medium may include one or more of a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM) device, a read-only memory (ROM) device, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory) device, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), an optical storage device, and a magnetic storage device. Computer program code for carrying out operations of this invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages.

In one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the control system can also include one or more valves 182. A valve can be disposed at each of the cylinders 48-54. A valve can be disposed along the conduit 36. One or more valves can be positioned within the fluid circuit to selectively permit flow to a cleaning agency or portions of a cleaning agency. The managing processor 176 can control valves 182 within the system as desired.

In one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the control system can also include one or more pumps 184. A pump can be disposed at intake of the conduit 36 and be operable to deliver pressurized fluid to the cleaning unit 16. A pump can be disposed on the cleaning unit 16. The managing processor 176 can control pumps 184 within the system as desired.

In one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the control system can also include one or more motors 186 in addition to the motors already disclosed. A motor can be disposed on one or more of the cleaning attachment assemblies. The managing processor 176 can control motors 186 within the system as desired.

In one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the power source 178 can be based on solar power and the control system can also include a charger 188. The charger 188 can include one or more solar panels. The solar panels can be mounted on the upper and/or lower positioning assemblies, and/or on the cleaning unit 16. Alternatively, if solar panels were used to power the system, such panels would most likely be positioned on the roof of the building 14 and feed a bank of batteries. The power source 178 can include one or more batteries. The solar panels can transmit electrical power for storage in the one or more batteries. The charger 188 can apply a charging algorithm in controlling the flow of electrical power from the solar panels (or from an electrical grid) to the one or more batteries. The managing processor 176 can control the charger 188 as desired.

In one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the control system can also include a camera 190 and a camera mover 192. This camera 192 can be a self-contained unit about 0.76 inch in diameter by about 3.15 inches long that contains its own battery and 2.4 GHz wireless transmitter. The battery could be rated at 280 mAH with a working time of 1.2 hours. The camera 190 could also draw power from batteries external to the camera, such as batteries mounted inside the cleaning unit or truck. The camera 190 could be mounted on the trucks to inhibit overspray on the lens, as shown in FIG. 3. The lens of the camera 190 could be hydrophilic-coated glass to inhibit overspray of fluid and facilitate a clear image and higher resolution. The camera 190 can transmit image data to the managing processor 176. The camera mover 192 can change the orientation of the camera 190 to change the field of view of the camera 190. The camera mover 192 can be integral with the camera 190.

The image data can be processed to assess the effectiveness of the cleaning process. The image data can also be processed to detect structural problems of the building 14 and inspect the building. For example, the image data can be stored and analyzed visually by a qualified technician or engineer, or processed by a computer program to analyze and identify defects or anomalies in the building structure or façade. Some items that can be searched for and/or visually inspected during the examination of a building include weather-tightness of the facade; cracks; displacement (outward shifting of facade unit); mold; mildew; rust; rot; cracks in masonry; water stains; spalls (sections where materials come apart); and the condition of flashing, sealant, weather stripping, and caulking. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can include software configured to identify such items in image files. If a problem is detected, at least one of the processors 166, 168, 176 can be configured to emit a warning message to a user.

It is noted that one or more embodiments of the present disclosure could omit the cleaning attachment assembly 34 and utilize the trucks 30, 32 and some structure interconnecting the trucks 30, 32 to support a camera. Such a system could be operated as a device for inspecting the building 14. Further, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure could utilize a single one of the trucks 30, 32 to support a camera for building inspection.

In one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the control system can also include one or more meteorological sensors 198. A meteorological sensor can be operable to detect the direction and velocity of wind. A meteorological sensor can be operable to detect rain/moisture. A meteorological sensor can be operable to detect temperature. The managing processor 176 can receive signals from the meteorological sensors 198 and control devices of the control system in response to signals from the meteorological sensors 198.

In one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the control system can also include one or more fluid sensors 200. A fluid sensor can be operable to detect a rate of fluid flow and/or a pressure of fluid. A fluid sensor can be positioned in the conduit 36 and/or along the fluid circuit. The managing processor 176 can receive signals from the fluid sensors 200 and control devices of the control system in response to signals from the fluid sensors 200.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a first alternative cleaning attachment assembly 34a according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can include a non-rotating brush 28a as a cleaning agency. The cleaning attachment assembly 34a can include a housing 44a. A hose 42a can extend from a first truck (not shown) to the interior of the housing 44a. A hose 43a can extend from the housing 44a to a second truck (not shown). The cleaning attachment assembly 34a can include a plurality of cylinders 48a-54a. The cylinders 48a-54a can be pivotally engaged with the housing 44a. The cleaning agency 28a in the form of a non-rotating brush can be mounted on the housing 44a. The cleaning attachment assembly 34a can also include sprayer manifolds 66a and 66aa.

In operation, pressurized fluid (about eighty to one hundred and twenty-five PSI) can be directed to the cleaning attachment assembly 34a and be distributed through the fluid circuit within the housing 44a. The fluid can be equally distributed among the cylinders 48a-54a and the sprayer manifolds 66a and 66aa. One or more solenoid valves can be positioned on the cleaning unit and opened to release the pressurized fluid to the cylinders 48a-54a. Each cylinder or pairs of cylinders can have a dedicated solenoid valve so that the cylinders can be selectively extended and retracted. The cylinders 48a-54a can extend and press the brush 28a against the window surface. The one or more solenoid valves can be controlled by one of the processors 166, 168, 176. The positioning unit can move the cleaning unit supporting the cleaning attachment assembly 34a vertically the height of the window surface. At the bottom of the window, the solenoid valve can be closed, resulting in retraction of the cylinders 48a-54a. The processors of the positioning unit can agitate the brush 28a back and forth by moving the upper and lower carriages 102, 112 laterally to clean the top and bottom of the window frame, or can agitate the brush 28a back and forth in a zigzag motion as the brush 28a is descending along the window surface. This attachment 34a can be particularly useful in cleaning walls, trim and windows.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a second alternative cleaning attachment assembly 34b according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can include a microfiber pad assembly 28b as a cleaning agency. The microfiber pad assembly 28b can include microfiber pad pressed against the window and a microfiber pad support being an ultra-highly absorbent material such as sponge or super-absorbent polymer. The cleaning attachment assembly 34b can include a housing 44b. A hose 42b can extend from a first truck (not shown) to the interior of the housing 44b. A hose 43b can extend from the housing 44b to a second truck (not shown). The cleaning attachment assembly 34b can include a plurality of cylinders 48b-54b. The cylinders 48b-54b can be pivotally engaged with the housing 44b. The cleaning agency 28b in the form of a microfiber pad assembly can be mounted on the housing 44b. The cleaning attachment assembly 34b can also include sprayer manifolds 66b and 66bb.

In operation, pressurized fluid (about eighty to one hundred and twenty-five PSI) can be directed to the cleaning attachment assembly 34b and be distributed through the fluid circuit within the housing 44b. The fluid can be equally distributed among the cylinders 48b-54b and the sprayer manifolds 66b and 66bb. One or more solenoid valves can be positioned on the cleaning unit and opened to release the pressurized fluid to the cylinders 48b-54b. Each cylinder or pairs of cylinders can have a dedicated solenoid valve so that the cylinders can be selectively extended and retracted. The cylinders 48b-54b can extend and press the microfiber pad assembly 28b against the window surface. The one or more solenoid valves can be controlled by one of the processors 166, 168, 176. The positioning unit can move the cleaning unit supporting the cleaning attachment assembly 34b vertically the height of the window surface. At the bottom of the window, the solenoid valve can be closed, resulting in retraction of the cylinders 48b-54b. The processors of the positioning unit can agitate the microfiber pad assembly 28b back and forth by moving the upper and lower carriages 102, 112 laterally to clean the top and bottom of the window frame, or can agitate the microfiber pad assembly 28b back and forth in a zigzag motion as the microfiber pad assembly 28b is descending along the window surface. This attachment 34b can be particularly useful in cleaning the glass surface of the window.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a third alternative cleaning attachment assembly 34c according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can include a rotating brush 28c as a cleaning agency. An alternate embodiment might also include a rotating drum covered in microfiber instead of the brush. The cleaning attachment assembly 34c can include a housing 44c. A hose 42c can extend from a first truck (not shown) to the interior of the housing 44c. A hose 43c can extend from the housing 44c to a second truck (not shown). The cleaning attachment assembly 34c can include a plurality of cylinders, such as cylinders 48c and 52c. The cylinders 48c, 52c can be pivotally engaged with the housing 44c. The cleaning agency 28c in the form of a rotating brush can be mounted on the housing 44c. The cleaning attachment assembly 34c can also include a sprayer manifold 66c.

The cleaning attachment assembly 34c can also include hydraulic motors 206c and 208c. An alternate embodiment might include electric motors driven by batteries. The motors could be switched by a hydraulic-actuated relay that closes when pressure is applied through the hose. The motors 206c and 208c can rotate the brush 28c. One or more solenoid valves can be positioned on the cleaning unit and opened to release the pressurized fluid to the motors 206c and 208c to rotate the brush 28c. The one or more solenoid valves can be controlled by one of the processors 166, 168, 176. Alternatively, the motors 206c, 208c, can be powered by the fluid pressure without solenoid valves such that when pressure is released, rotation stops.

In operation, pressurized fluid (about eighty to one hundred and twenty-five PSI) can be directed to the cleaning attachment assembly 34c and be distributed through the fluid circuit within the housing 44c. The fluid can be equally distributed among the cylinders 48c, 52c, any other cylinder, and the sprayer manifold 66c. One or more solenoid valves can be positioned on the cleaning unit and opened to release the pressurized fluid to the cylinders 48c, 52c, and any other cylinder. Each cylinder or pairs of cylinders can have a dedicated solenoid valve so that the cylinders can be selectively extended and retracted. The cylinders 48c, 52c, and any other cylinder can extend and press the rotating brush 28c against the window surface. The one or more solenoid valves can be controlled by one of the processors 166, 168, 176. The positioning unit can move the cleaning unit supporting the cleaning attachment assembly 34c vertically the height of the window surface. At the bottom of the window, the solenoid valve can be closed, resulting in retraction of the cylinders 48c, 52c, and any other cylinder. The processors of the positioning unit can agitate the rotating brush 28c back and forth by moving the upper and lower carriages 102, 112 laterally to clean the top and bottom of the window frame, or can agitate the rotating brush 28c back and forth in a zigzag motion as the rotating brush 28c is descending along the window surface. This attachment 34c can be particularly useful in cleaning walls, trim and windows.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a fourth alternative cleaning attachment assembly 34d according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can include a plurality of cleaning agencies, such as a blade 28d and a brush 28dd. The cleaning attachment assembly 34d can include a housing 44d. A hose 42d can extend from a first truck (not shown) to the interior of the housing 44d. A hose 43d can extend from the housing 44d to a second truck (not shown). The cleaning attachment assembly 34d can include a plurality of cylinders, such as cylinders 48d and 52d. The cylinders 48d, 52d can be pivotally engaged with the housing 44d. The first cleaning agency 28d in the form of a blade and the second cleaning agency 28dd in the form of brush can be mounted on the housing 44d. The cleaning attachment assembly 34d can also include a sprayer manifold 66d.

The housing 44d can include side sections 210d, 212d and a center section 214d. The center section 214d can be supported for rotation on the side sections 210d, 212d. The range of rotation of the center section 214d relative to the side sections 210d, 212d can be less than three hundred and sixty degrees. The blade 28d and the brush 28dd can be mounted on the center section 214d of the housing 44d.

The cleaning attachment assembly 34c can also include rotary actuators 216d and 218d. The rotary actuators 216d and 218d can rotate the center section 214d. One or more solenoid valves can be positioned on the cleaning unit and opened to release the pressurized fluid to the rotary actuators 216d and 218d to rotate the center section 214d. The one or more solenoid valves can be controlled by one of the processors 166, 168, 176.

In operation, pressurized fluid (about eighty to one hundred and twenty-five PSI) can be directed to the cleaning attachment assembly 34d and be distributed through the fluid circuit within the housing 44d. The fluid can be equally distributed among the cylinders 48d, 52d, any other cylinder, the rotary actuators 216d and 218d, and the sprayer manifold 66d. One or more solenoid valves can be positioned on the cleaning unit and opened to release the pressurized fluid to the cylinders 48d, 52d, and any other cylinder. Each cylinder or pairs of cylinders can have a dedicated solenoid valve so that the cylinders can be selectively extended and retracted. The one or more solenoid valves can be controlled by one of the processors 166, 168, 176, or by a processor disposed in the cleaning attachment assembly 34c itself.

When the cleaning unit reaches the top of the window surface, the rotary actuators 216d and 218d can be controlled to position the brush 28dd toward the window surface. The cylinders 48d, 52d, and any other cylinder can then be extended to press the brush 28dd against the window surface. The positioning unit can then move the cleaning unit supporting the cleaning attachment assembly 34c vertically downward the height of the window surface.

Once the cleaning unit has completed a vertical pass of the window surface with the brush 28dd engaged, the solenoid valves associated with the cylinders 48d, 52d, and any other cylinder can be closed, resulting in retraction of the cylinders 48c, 52c, and any other cylinder. The positioning unit can then return the cleaning unit back to the top of the window. The rotary actuators 216d and 218d can be controlled to rotate or pivot one hundred and eighty degrees to orient the blade 28d toward the window surface. The cylinders 48d, 52d, and any other cylinder can then be extended to press the blade 28d against the window surface. The positioning unit can then move the cleaning unit supporting the cleaning attachment assembly 34c vertically downward the height of the window surface to wipe the window surface with the blade 28d.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a fifth alternative cleaning attachment assembly 34e according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can include a fluid sprayer 28e as a cleaning agency. A hose 42e can extend from a first truck (not shown) to fluid sprayer 28e. A hose 43e can extend from the fluid sprayer 28e to a second truck (not shown). The cleaning attachment assembly 34e can include a plurality of cylinders 48e-54e. The cylinders 48e-54e can be pivotally engaged with the fluid sprayer 28e.

In operation, pressurized fluid (about three thousand to five thousand PSI) can be directed to the cleaning attachment assembly 34e and be distributed through the fluid circuit within the housing 44e. It is noted that all of the components of the cleaning attachment assembly 34e can be enhanced to be more robust in view of the elevated pressure levels. The pump 184, the hose 36, and any solenoid valves in the upper carriage can be more robust as well. The fluid can be equally distributed among the cylinders 48e-54e and the fluid sprayer 28e. The fluid can pass through a high-pressure regulator capable of reducing pressure from about three thousand to five thousand PSI to about eighty to one hundred and twenty-five PSI before it is distributed to the cylinders and back into the truck through the hose 43e. The fluid sprayer 28e can be similar to the sprayer manifolds disclosed above, but can be enhanced to be more robust in view of the elevated pressure levels. One or more solenoid valves can be positioned on the cleaning unit and opened to release the pressurized fluid to the cylinders 48e-54e. Each cylinder or pairs of cylinders can have a dedicated solenoid valve so that the cylinders can be selectively extended and retracted. The cylinders 48e-54e can extend and position the fluid sprayer 28e proximate to the window surface. The one or more solenoid valves can be controlled by one of the processors 166, 168, 176. The positioning unit can move the cleaning unit supporting the cleaning attachment assembly 34e vertically the height of the window surface. At the bottom of the window, the solenoid valve can be closed, resulting in retraction of the cylinders 48e-54e. The processors of the positioning unit can agitate the fluid sprayer 28e back and forth by moving the upper and lower carriages 102, 112 laterally to clean the top and bottom of the window frame, or can agitate the fluid sprayer 28e back and forth in a zigzag motion as the fluid sprayer 28e is descending along the window surface. This attachment 34e can be useful in cleaning any surface.

It is also noted that in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a plurality of trucks 32, 32 can be mounted on the same flexible elongate members 70, 72, each pair supporting a cleaning attachment assembly. The process of cleaning all of the windows of a building can be accelerated by having multiple cleaning units 16 (each with the same cleaning attachment or different cleaning attachments) in use on the same set of elongate members 70, 72 at the same time. The present disclosure can be capable of allowing for multiple cleaning units in part due the relatively low weight of the cleaning unit. Each cleaning unit can be mounted at a fixed position relative to the elongate members by having tensioning units on each truck, allowing a cleaning unit to rest on clamps fixed to the elongate members, or by clamping the trucks and elongate members together.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the cleaning agency could be mounted on one or more pivoting arms. Such arms could be pivotally mounted on the trucks. For example, the cleaning agency could be mounted at first ends of such arms and cylinders could be engaged with opposite, second ends of such arms. The arms could be connected to the trucks by pivot pins. Extension of the arms could result in the cleaning agency being move toward the window. Retraction of the arms could result in the cleaning agency being drawn away from the window.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. It is noted that in the apparatus claims, terms preceded “the” are not elements of the claims; claim elements recited after the initial recitation are preceded by “said.” The right to claim elements and/or sub-combinations that are disclosed herein as other present disclosures in other patent documents is hereby unconditionally reserved.

Claims

1. An apparatus adapted for the removal of foreign matter from the exterior of windows of a building and comprising:

a cleaning unit extending a depth between a front side confronting the work surface and a back side opposite said front side, said cleaning unit including a cleaning agency; and

a positioning unit engaged with said cleaning unit to move said cleaning unit among a plurality of different positions relative to the building.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said positioning unit further comprises:

a first drive sheave configured for mounting proximate to a top of the building;

a first motor disposed to selectively drive said first drive sheave in rotation;

a first idler sheave configured for mounting proximate to a bottom of the building below said first drive sheave;

a second drive sheave configured for mounting proximate to the bottom of the building laterally spaced from said first idler sheave;

a second motor disposed to selectively drive said second drive sheave in rotation;

a second idler sheave configured for mounting proximate to the top of the building above said second drive sheave and laterally spaced from said first drive sheave;

a first flexible, elongate member extending between said first drive sheave and said first idler sheave, said cleaning unit at least partially suspended from said first flexible, elongate member; and

a second flexible, elongate member extending between said second drive sheave and said second idler sheave, said cleaning unit at least partially suspended from said second flexible, elongate member.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said positioning unit further comprises:

a first sensor disposed to sense movement of said first idler sheave and emit a first signal in response to the sensed movement; and

a processor disposed to receive said first signal and control said second motor in response to said first signal.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said positioning unit further comprises:

a second sensor disposed to sense movement of said second idler sheave and emit a second signal in response to the sensed movement, wherein said processor is further defined as disposed to receive said second signal and control said first motor in response to said second signal.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said positioning unit further comprises:

a first carriage configured for mounting proximate to a top of the building and extending a first width between a first right carriage side and a first left carriage side;

a second carriage configured for mounting proximate to a bottom of the building and extending a second width between a second right carriage side and a second left carriage side;

a first flexible, elongate member extending in a first loop between said first carriage and said second carriage at said first right carriage side and said second right carriage side, said cleaning unit at least partially suspended from said first flexible, elongate member, and a first lateral side of said cleaning unit moved vertically by rotation of said first loop;

a second flexible, elongate member extending in a second loop between said first carriage and said second carriage at said first left carriage side and said second left carriage side, said cleaning unit at least partially suspended from said second flexible, elongate member, and a second lateral side of said cleaning unit opposite said first lateral side moved vertically by rotation of said second loop; and

wherein each of said first carriage and said second carriage includes a moving arrangement for rotating only one of said first loop and said second loop and a guiding arrangement for guiding rotation of the other of said first loop and said second loop.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein each of said first carriage and said second carriage includes a shifting arrangement for shifting said respective carriage laterally across the building.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said positioning unit further comprises:

at least one flexible, elongate member wherein said cleaning unit is at least partially suspended from said at least one flexible, elongate member; and

at least one tensioning unit mounted on said cleaning unit and configured to inhibit slack in said at least one flexible, elongate member.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising:

a conduit configured to deliver fluid to said cleaning unit, wherein said tensioning unit includes a cylinder in fluid communication with said conduit.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein:

said at least one flexible, elongate member is further defined as first and second flexible, elongate members disposed on opposite sides of the cleaning unit; and

said at least one tensioning unit is further defined as first and second tensioning units disposed on opposite sides of the cleaning unit, both of said first and second tensioning units receiving fluid from said conduit.

10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said at least one tensioning unit further comprises:

a rod wherein said at least one flexible, elongate member extends through said rod.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said at least one tensioning unit is configured to wind said at least one flexible, elongate member about said rod to inhibit slack in said at least one flexible, elongate member.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

at least one extendible cylinder mounted on said cleaning unit, said cleaning agency mounted on said at least one cylinder, wherein said cleaning agency is urged toward the work surface by extension of said at least one cylinder and drawn away from the work surface by retraction of said at least one cylinder.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said positioning unit further comprises:

at least one flexible, elongate member wherein said cleaning unit at least partially suspended from said at least one flexible, elongate member and wherein said at least one flexible elongate member is urged away from the work surface by extension of said at least one cylinder.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said at least one flexible elongate member is further defined as including a plurality of said flexible elongate members and all of said flexible elongate members are urged away from the work surface by extension of said at least one cylinder.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a conduit configured to deliver fluid to said cleaning unit; and

at least one cylinder engaged with said cleaning agency and extendable to urge said cleaning agency toward the work surface, said at least one cylinder in fluid communication with said conduit.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said at least one cylinder is further defined as a plurality of cylinders including first and second cylinders positioned on a same lateral side of said cleaning unit.

17. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said at least one cylinder is further defined as a plurality of cylinders including first and second cylinders positioned on opposite lateral sides of said cleaning unit.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a moving device operably disposed between said cleaning unit and said cleaning agency whereby a distance separating said cleaning unit and said cleaning agency in a vertically-extending plane transverse to both of said front side and said back side is variable.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said moving device further comprises:

at least one extendible cylinder mounted on said cleaning unit, said cleaning agency mounted on said at least one cylinder, wherein said distance increases during extension of said at least one cylinder and decreases during retraction of said at least one cylinder.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein extension of said at least one cylinder occurs along only a horizontal axis in said vertically-extending plane.

21. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

said cleaning unit further comprises at least one truck;

said positioning unit further comprises at least one elongate member, wherein said at least one truck is mountable on said at least one elongate member; and

a said apparatus further comprises a camera mountable on said at least one truck.