Abstract: A web cleaning system includes one or more conductive electrostatic cleaning members that may be grounded or electrically biased, and form an electric field. The conductive cleaning member opposes a conductive backing member that may be grounded or electrically biased. The conductive cleaning member contacts the web as it translates through the cleaning system, and charged debris on the web is affected by the electric field formed by the cleaning member.

Abstract: There is provided a system for removing a glued-on label from a wine bottle or other container, comprising in spatial sequence a brushing station for dry-brushing the container surface, a solvent station for applying a liquid solvent for removal of adhesive from the container surface, a container support, a drive for imparting relative motion between the brush and a containers when aligned with the brushing station, and a indexing system for imparting relative motion between the container support and stations whereby each of said containers on said support is brought into alignment and contact with the respective stations for sequential mechanical and solvent-based label removing steps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the dispensing of a washer fluid onto a rear windshield upon detecting the disablement of the rear wiper arm is provided. The disablement of the rear wiper arm may be caused by the movement of the rear windshield from a fully closed position to an open position.

Abstract: A roof debris removal apparatus comprising a generally rectangular platform with a plurality of omnidirectional rollers disposed at the bottom corners thereof, with a telescopic pole connected to the platform for manipulating the apparatus in multiple directions across a roof surface by an operator standing on the ground. A leaf blower, floor dryer or a water jet mechanism is secured to the platform, and a power source is connected to the leaf blower, floor dryer or a water jet mechanism. The apparatus is utilized to remove debris, such as leaves and twigs, from a roof surface.

Abstract: The present invention 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 façade. The apparatus is designed so that a downward movement of the apparatus is solely powered by gravity forces acting on the apparatus.

Abstract: A model train car or engine wheel cleaning device includes a cradle having a base plate and side walls. Cleaning strips are mounted on the side walls and a spring loaded core is located there between. The core is moveable between a neutral position and a compressed position. Conductive strips are positioned on top of the core. Electrical contacts are electrically connected to the conductive strips. During use, the core is in the compressed position and the rail contact surfaces of the wheels contact the cleaning strips. When cleaning a model train engine with motorized wheels, the wheel rims are in contact with the conductive strips and an electric current is supplied to the electrical contacts, causing the wheels to turn and be cleaned. When cleaning a model train car with free-spinning wheels, the car is manually moved back and forth, causing the wheels to turn and be cleaned.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning a personal care applicator, particularly an applicator for a product that is subject to dry out. In some embodiments, the invention is implemented as a reusable cleaning tool. In other embodiments, the invention is implemented as a disposable, single-use or limited use cleaning tool. The tool comprises a relatively flat body having first and second exterior surfaces, and one or more cleaning regions that extend through the body. As an applicator is drawn through the cleaning region, dried out product is scraped off the applicator.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus comprising: a substrate holder which holds a substrate having a pattern formed in a surface of the substrate in a predetermined positional relationship with a reference indicator of the substrate; and a cleaner which abuts an adhesive member on the surface of the substrate which is held by the substrate holder and peels off the adhesive member along the surface of the substrate in a peeling direction which is not at right angle to a direction of the pattern, thereby cleaning the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for cleaning a semiconductor wafer. In an embodiment of the method, a single wafer cleaning apparatus is provided and a wafer is positioned in the apparatus. A first chemical spray is dispensed onto a front surface of the wafer. A back surface of the wafer is cleaned while dispensing the first chemical spray. The cleaning of the back surface may include a brush and spray of cleaning fluids. An apparatus operable to clean the front surface and the back surface of a single semiconductor wafer is also described.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a computer or typewriter keyboard with a cleaning device, wherein the keyboard includes a pair of keys spaced apart a distance S1 from each other, and wherein the cleaning device includes a handle, a bristle retaining portion extending in a direction d1 away from the handle, wherein the bristle retaining portion has a first end connected with the handle and an engagement area located on the bristle retaining portion at a point on the bristle retaining portion which is furthest from the handle, and a plurality of bristles connected with and extending from the bristle retaining portion at the engagement area, the method comprising: inserting the engagement area in between the keys.

Abstract: A whisk wiper, a device having a a plurality of intersecting slits angularly disposed in an asterisk type pattern, is mounted onto a whisk. It is pulled down over the loops 44, each loop 44 guided through a slit 32. To clean off mixture 50 stuck to the whisk 46 the whisk wiper 30 is simply pulled off, the opposed edges of each slit 32 wiping the loops 44 clean, the removed mixture 50 collected on the top side of the whisk wiper 30 so it can be then returned to the mixing bowl 52. The whisk wiper 30 is also a splash guard, support to hang the whisk 46 on the edge of a bowl, keeps the whisks loops up off the surface when the whisk is set down and the outer edge 40 can be used to wipe out the mixing bowl 52. Additionally the whisk wiper can be configured to be turned inside out to allow the slits to be easily cleaned.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a container, a tank or a silo, is provided with a cleaning unit suspended by rope sections and between winding units comprising a wound supply of rope. By changing the length of the sections by the winding devices under control of a controller the cleaning unit can be lifted and lowered, tilted and pressed against the inside wall of said container.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning a surface of a semiconductor device is disclosed. An embodiment comprises buffing the first surface with a cleaning solution comprising a reactant that will remove a portion of the first surface and also change the first surface from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. The first surface may further be cleaned using a brushing process that also utilizes the cleaning solution.

Abstract: A plating apparatus includes a vessel for holding a bath of plating liquid. A head is adapted to hold a work piece, such as a silicon wafer, in the vessel, with a seal on the head sealing against the work piece. A component cleaner assembly may be used to automatically clean a component of the plating apparatus, such as a seal or a contact ring. The cleaner assembly has a component contactor, such as a brush, on an arm. An arm actuator is linked to the arm for moving the arm from a retracted position, to a deployed position, where the contactor is in physical contact with the component. A method for cleaning a component of a plating apparatus includes moving a scrubber or contactor into contact with the component and applying a cleaning liquid onto the component adjacent to the contactor.

Abstract: A cap sanitizer with an anti-bacterial sponge therein for sanitizing a dispenser bottle tip or other similar device. The inner side portions of the cap are lined with a continuous sponge (or absorbent foam) ring soaked with antibacterial solution. An o-ring is disposed below the sponge to prevent solution from leaking from the dispenser bottle when the cap is in place. A cavity within the dispenser cap serves as a reservoir for the antibacterial solution, which is slowly channeled to the sponge ring via a perforated separating film. Alternatively, the reservoir may be disposed between the sponge and the sides of the dispenser cap sanitizer, with a perforated separating film between the sponge and the antibacterial solution. Solution from the reservoir is channeled through the perforated separating film into the sponge. In an alternative, a sanitizer cap for a toothbrush is provided having stiff fibers extending through the perforated membrane.

Abstract: A cleaning device (14) for cleaning mop material (33) which freely hangs from a holder (31,32), having an opening (15) in which the hanging mop material (33) is receivable, including a pair of bristle carrying parts (22, 24), each of the bristle carrying parts (22, 24) being rotatable about a respective axis (22a, 24a) by at least one motive device in opposite senses of direction such as to draw the hanging mop material (33) between the bristle carrying parts (22, 24), whereby bristles carried by the bristle carrying parts (22, 24) engage the mop material, and a method of cleaning mop material which freely hangs from a holder, using the cleaning device (14), the method including resisting the drawing-in of the mop material between the bristle carrying parts (22, 24), so that the bristles act on and brush the mop material.

Abstract: An autonomous cleaning apparatus including a body, a brush unit which is rotatably installed onto the body to collect dust from a bottom of the body, and a brush cleaning member including a first brush cleaning protrusion and a second brush cleaning protrusion that protrude toward the brush unit to make contact with the brush unit to remove foreign substances wound around the brush unit.

Abstract: A window cleaning apparatus includes a first cleaning unit and a second cleaning unit that is attached to both sides of a window, respectively, by a magnetic force and moved on the sides, and a method of controlling a movement of the window cleaning apparatus. The method includes detecting the first initial attachment position of the window cleaning apparatus and moving the window cleaning apparatus close to the detected initial attachment position after cleaning.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a spatula with a handle and a blade. The blade includes a first blade end, an interior rigid section, a flexible straight edge, and two flexible opposing edges. At the first blade end, the blade is attached to the handle. The interior rigid section extends from the first blade end and has a substantially rectangular transverse profile. The flexible straight edge is located along the second blade end positioned opposite the first blade end. The two flexible opposing edges are substantially perpendicular to the first blade end and the second blade end and are curved in opposing directions. The interior rigid section encompasses a portion of the blade between the first blade end and the flexible straight edge and between the two flexible opposing edges. The flexible straight edge and the two flexible opposing edges deform under less stress than the interior rigid section.

Abstract: A method for in-line cleaning of ultrasonic welding tools is described. The method includes applying cleaning solution onto a work surface of a welding tool to be cleaned using an application device. Then the method involves removing residue dissolved in the cleaning solution from the work surface using a cleaning device. Next, the work surface is neutralized and rinsed using purified water and polished with a cleaning cloth. Finally, the work surface is rinsed using cleaning alcohol and blow-dried with compressed air.

Abstract: An oral care implement includes a releasable sensory material that invokes a sensory response when in contact with tissues or surfaces of a mouth of a user. In one embodiment, an element is provided that is visually indicative of the sensory response. The oral care implement may also include a soft tissue cleaner provided with the sensory material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a CMP brush that has a combination of central nodules at an inner region of the brush and one or more edge nodules at an end region of the brush where the central nodules and edge nodules are in a staggered or matched arrangement with each other and an upper surface of each edge nodule on the brush has the same or a greater contact area than an upper surface of a central nodule. The area of contact of the upper surface of each edge nodule with the substrate edge region is the same or greater than the area of contact of the upper surface of a central nodule with the substrate center region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing chewing gum and residues thereof from substrates using chewing gum modifying compositions comprising oxidising reagents and one or more oxidation catalysts.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in removing painted markings is provided that includes a first covering that is dissolvable by water. A second covering is included that is dissolvable by water. A paint removal agent is present and is located between the first covering and the second covering. A method for removing painted markings is also provided.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a substrate is provided. The method initiates with applying an activation solution to a surface of the substrate. The activation solution and the surface of the substrate are contacted with a surface of a solid cleaning surface. The activation solution is absorbed into a portion of the solid cleaning element and then the substrate or the solid cleaning surface is moved relative to each other to clean the surface of the substrate. A method for cleaning the surface of the substrate with a solid cleaning element that experiences plastic deformation is also provided. Corresponding cleaning apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: An abrasive or cleaning pad includes a composite resin as a wear layer. A cleaning pad system for motorized floor cleaning or polishing applications includes a pad having a combination of two grades of melamine resin-based foam. A method of cleaning a floor surface is also provided.

Abstract: A device for treating exhaust gases from a heating system, preferably a small heating system, particularly a small heating system used in private households, comprising: a catalytic device comprising a catalytically active material, wherein the catalytically active material is a ceramic by means of which an oxidation of exhaust compounds is catalyzable; and wherein the catalytic device comprises a plurality of apertures through which the exhaust gases may flow; characterized in that the catalytic device comprises a bulk material comprising a plurality of bulky components.

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.

Abstract: A grinding machine cleaning system and method provides a range of human safe products that can easily be introduced into the grinding chamber and cycled through the equipment. Some of the products include corn cobs, walnut shells, pecan shells, nuts, rice, dried corn kernels, corn meal, barley, wheat, bulgur, and other grain, fiber, legume, nut, bark, and shell products in varying shapes and sizes. Organic products have largely been considered ideal. However, inorganic materials also may be used with equal effect.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for the cleaning of an endotracheal tube while a patient is being supported by a ventilator connected to the endotracheal tube for the purpose of increasing the available space for airflow or to prevent the build up of materials that may constrict airflow or be a potential nidus for infection. In one embodiment, a method for cleaning endotracheal tubes comprises inserting a cleaning device within an endotracheal tube while a cleaning member is in a compressed position, radially expanding the cleaning member to an expanded position within the endotracheal tube, and withdrawing the cleaning device from the endotracheal tube with the cleaning member in the expanded position.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a semiconductor wafer composed of silicon directly after a process of chemical mechanical polishing of the semiconductor wafer includes transferring the semiconductor wafer from a polishing plate to a first cleaning module and spraying both side surfaces of the semiconductor wafer with water at a pressure no greater than 1000 Pa at least once while transferring the semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor wafer is then cleaned between rotating rollers with water. The side surfaces of the semiconductor wafer are sprayed with an aqueous solution containing hydrogen fluoride and a surfactant at a pressure no greater than 70,000 Pa. Subsequently, the side surfaces are sprayed with water at a pressure no greater than 20,000 Pa. The wafer is then dipped into an aqueous alkaline cleaning solution, and then cleaned between rotating rollers with a supply of water. The semiconductor wafer is then sprayed with water and dried.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for use in cleaning a fabric surface of dust, dirt, pet hair and other debris present on the surface. The device includes a pair of cleaning members or rollers disposed on an underside of the device which can roll with respect to the device and with respect to one another. The rollers are selectively contacted with one another such that each roller can assist in removing debris picked up by the opposite roller and dispensing the debris into a collection chamber releasably positioned within the housing. The removal of the debris from each roller is also facilitated by opposed edges of a central opening in the housing that contact the rollers and direct the debris into the debris collection chamber.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a workpiece support that includes using a workpiece that has been coated on its bottom surface with a suitable material is disclosed. This specially coated workpiece is placed on the support, and some time later, it is removed, taking with it particles from the support. In certain embodiments, the workpiece undergoes an ion implantation process to increase its temperature, and to increase the tackiness of the coating on the bottom surface. The material used to coat the bottom can be of variable types, including photoresists, oxides and deposited glasses.

Abstract: The technical decision is applied for cleaning exteriority of external male genital organs. The hygienic article consists of the handle made to the shape of a dowel with the possibility of grasping by thumb and index finger of human hand and the sheaf of sliced cleaning material. The handle is made from press paper; sanitary-hygienic paper is used as the sliced cleaning material.

Abstract: Embodiments of solar panel cleaning apparatuses, solar panel cleaning systems, and solar panel cleaning methods are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the disclosed solar panel cleaning apparatuses, systems and methods do may not require any water or other cleaning liquids in the whole cleaning process, which makes them prominent well suited in for water-deficit environments such as deserts. In one embodiment, the solar panel cleaning apparatus comprises one or more rotatable brushes each having a rotational axis and a drive configured to move each of the one or more rotatable brushes in a direction that is not perpendicular to the rotational axis. The solar panel cleaning apparatus is may be configured such that the angle of the rotational axis of at least one of the one or more rotatable brushes is adjustable relative to the direction of travel.

Abstract: A cleaner includes at least one cleaning component, a pump module, a driving module and a control system. The at least one cleaning component and the plate delimit at least one space. The pump module is connected to the at least one space to pump air out of the at least a space to form a negative air pressure in the at least one space so that the cleaner is sucked on the plate. The driving module is connected to the at least a cleaning component to drive the at least a cleaning component. The control system is coupled to the pump module and the driving module and controls the driving module to cause the at least one driven cleaning component to make a movement on the plate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer composition, comprising: water; a water-soluble polymer; and solid particulates of a sequestering agent. The composition may be used for decontaminating, cleaning and/or washing substrates contaminated with contaminants and/or contaminated materials.

Abstract: A system for removing debris from a surface of a photolithographic mask is provided. The system includes an atomic force microscope with a tip supported by a cantilever. The tip includes a surface and a nanometer-scaled coating disposed thereon. The coating has a surface energy lower than the surface energy of the photolithographic mask.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for sterilising caps/stoppers for pharmaceutical purposes comprises a vessel, pump, heater, circulation line. The sterilising liquid (hot water, steam) is heated and pumped to the vessel where a fluidised bed of caps etc. is generated. After leaving the vessel the liquid is circulated/heated. Optionally an additive (siliconisation in case rubber parts) or cooling liquid is added. Further, the vessel is disconnectably attached to the supply lines for transportation to a production facility.

Abstract: A one handed hand washer/scrubber is provided enclosed in a self contained, counter placeable housing having an entry orifice at one side for insertion of a user's hand. A sensor monitors the entry orifice for detection of a user's hand accessing a washing cavity within the housing. Two scrubbing web assemblies are housed within the washing cavity, each having a proximal stepper motor placed near the entry orifice, opposite a second stepper motor spaced distally therefrom. Each stepper motor attaches to and supports a sanitizer, disinfectant, soap or cleanser soaked web draped between, and are used to dispense a new section of web for each subsequent use and to reciprocate a working section of web front to back (or back and forth) during use. A series of foam rollers align the rear of the working section of web. The rollers are spring urged to allow for intimate contact of the web against the variable contours of a users hand.

Abstract: A fiber containing ferrate, which comprises (1) one or more ferrate compounds, wherein the ferrate compound is selected from a group consisting of a metal ferrate(V) compound, metal ferrate(VI) compound, and a mixture thereof; and (2) one or more nonaqueous polymers. Also, methods are disclosed that make and/or use the fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the control of a window washer system associated with a system for wiping a glazed surface of a motor vehicle, said wiper system comprising a wiper motor for rotating at least one wiper blade holder arm, and this window washer system comprising a liquid reservoir connected to at least one nozzle designed to deliver, over a wiping cycle, at least one liquid jet for at least a first window washer system activation period defined between an instant (td1) for initiating the spraying of the liquid and an instant (ta1) for stopping the spraying of the liquid, these instants each being determined as a function respectively of a first angular position and of a second angular position of the wiper blade holder arm defining a first angular sector in which the spraying of the liquid is continuous.

Abstract: A sprayable homogeneous and high viscosity surface cleaning gel or gel foam composition and method of cleaning is provided. The composition may include from about 70% to about 99% of a liquid carrier; from about 0.002% to about 10% of surfactant selected from the group of non-ionic, anionic, amphoteric, and zwitterionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof; from about 0.005% to about 5% of a water-soluble polymeric thickening agent; and from about 0.001 to about 1.0% of a pH balancing agent. The sprayable gel cleaner composition may be completely clear without any suspended encapsulated particles in it and includes a viscosity range from about 200 centipoise to about 30,000 centipoise at standard temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A method for the surface tribological decontamination of nuclear fuel rods automates surface wiping by one or more bands of fabric. The band is distant from the axis of the rod, the rod is placed facing the band, and then the band is tensioned around the surface of the rod and moved. The rod may be immobile, moved in pure translation along its axis or with a wide-step helical movement. Preferably, the decontamination is carried by two bands simultaneously, so as to cover the total surface in one pass of the rod.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for removing labels (12) and/or for washing containers (10) in recyclable plastic material; the containers (10) with labels (12) to be removed are supplied upwards from the bottom of a vertical screw feeder (15), in which a water flow is supplied from above to drag the removed labels (12?) downwards into a collection chamber (31) positioned underneath an inlet opening (20) for the containers (10) in the vertical screw feeder (15); the water flow for downwardly dragging the removed labels (12?), may also be used for removing contaminants and washing the containers (10) while they are moving upwards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning device (100) for dry cleaning, in particular dust removal, in particular of irregular objects (150) such as miniature models, drinking vessels and the like, comprising a hollow body (110) having a first opening (120) for introducing the object (200) into the hollow body, wherein the hollow body (110) is equipped on an inner face (111-114) with dry cleaning means (130).

Abstract: The scraper blade device is provided for cleaning a surface, for instance a roadway surface, when moving in a forward direction relative to the surface. The scraper blade device includes an upper blade portion and a bottom blade portion. The bottom blade portion has a plurality of widthwise-disposed blade segments that are adjoined and juxtaposed to one another. The bottom edge of each blade segment is independently slidingly movable in an up and down movement out of alignment with reference to the bottom edge of the other blade segments and is biased towards a downward working direction. The bottom edge of the blade segments is also pivotally movable with reference to the surface to be cleaned about a pivot axis that is substantially parallel to the lowermost edge of the scraper blade device. The bottom edges is biased towards a forward working position.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning debris from swimming pools includes a frame, a corresponding net, and retaining means for retaining the net on the frame. The preferred retaining means is an elongated strip of resilient, flexible material, having a generally U-shaped cross-section. The web portion of the cross-section includes an exterior surface smoothly shaped between its two edges to urge debris from the pool into the net. The leg portions of the cross-section include gripping portions to assist in engaging and/or disengaging the retaining means from the frame, to permit the net to be assembled, changed or replaced. Preferably, the retaining means is formed from at least two different materials. The preferred frame of the tool is fabricated from aluminum and includes an elongated, curved frame portion with its ends permanently assembled into the end of a tubular attachment member, to permit attachment of the tool to a handle, pole or similar structure.

Abstract: A scouring body which comprises a sponge body and a sheet like textile structure arranged on the sponge body, wherein the cleaning surface of the sheet-like textile structure is sealed, strengthened and provided with scouring particles by means of a binder, is described. The scouring particles comprise plastic particles. The scouring body is characterized by an extraordinarily high cleaning power, washing stability and hydrolysis resistance.

Abstract: A cleaning package for wires, method and system comprising said cleaning package, the package comprising a fiber-glass core, a synthetic fiber coating layer surrounding the fiber-glass core and interlaced with said fiber-glass core, and a coating layer surrounding, at least in part, the synthetic fiber coating layer, wherein the coating layer is a thermoplastic layer. The cooled-off galvanized wire is passed in between the at least two cleaning packages at a speed of up to 250 meters per second, while lasting up to eight hours.