Abstract: A method of cleaning dirt and debris from surfaces using a cleaning device, such as a vacuum cleaner. The cleaning device has a handle unit which is attached to the body of the cleaning device adjacent a filter compartment. The handle unit has a handle portion that is spaced from the filter compartment to allow a user to place his or her hand through the space and grasp the handle portion and thereby carry the cleaning device using only the handle unit. The handle unit can also be detached from the body of the cleaning device, and then later re-attached, via lockable mating connecting elements.

Abstract: A method of debris removal is provided. The method includes positioning a nanometer-scaled tip adjacent to a piece of debris on a substrate. The method also includes adhering the piece of debris to the tip. In addition, the method also includes removing the piece of debris from the substrate by moving the tip away from the substrate.

Abstract: Exemplary surface debris removal systems and methods are operable to remove debris from a signal transmitting/receiving surface. An embodiment provides power to, and then removes power from, a conductive memory wire that is secured to a moveable portion of a two-position snap spring. In response to providing the power to the conductive memory wire, a length of the conductive memory wire decreases so that the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring is pulled from an extended position to a retracted position. When power is removed from the conductive memory wire, the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring moves from the retracted position to the extended position. In response to the moving of the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring from the retracted position to the extended position, an energy is generated and transferred to the surface that dislodges the debris from the surface.

Abstract: An oil cleaning tool comprising an elongated handle extending vertically from a floor; an absorption piece attached to a bottom portion of the elongated handle; a bracket with a plate connecting the absorption piece to the elongated handle wherein the bracket allows the absorption piece to slide along the floor when the elongated handle is moved by a user over a layer of oil. The absorption piece may be a piece of wood or a piece of plastic covered with an absorbent material to disperse the layer of oil against the floor. Additionally, the bracket may removably attach the elongated handle to the absorption piece.

Abstract: A brush includes a roller body, a first brush layer and a second brush layer. The first brush layer covers an outer surface of the roller body. The second brush layer is on the first brush layer, and is thinner than the first brush layer. The rate of pore formation of the second layer is lower than the rate of pore formation of the first brush layer.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for removing a damaged material from a low-k dielectric film layer include identifying a control chemistry, the control chemistry configured to selectively remove the damaged material from the low-k dielectric film layer, the damaged material being in a region where a feature was formed through the low-k dielectric film layer; establishing a plurality of process parameters characterizing aspects of the damaged material to be removed and applying the control chemistry to the low-k dielectric film layer, the application of the control chemistry being defined based on the established process parameters of the damaged material, such that the damaged material is substantially removed from the areas around the feature and the areas around the feature are substantially defined by low-k characteristics of the low-k dielectric film layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the touch screen of any personal electronic device, including but not limited to smart phones and personal computing tablets. The apparatus comprises a wet portion and a dry portion in a substantially horizontal figure “8” configuration. The apparatus may also comprise a reservoir for storing a volume of conventional cleaning fluid. When not in use, the apparatus is slid into a case which is configured to house the wet and dry portions of the apparatus in separate housing compartments. A method is also provided for storing the apparatus when not in use so as to prolong its effective lifespan and improve its overall performance.

Abstract: A handheld device for removing moisture from a skate blade, the device including a body and multiple wiper blades. The body includes a front end and a rear end and defines a skate blade pathway substantially parallel to an axis extending from the front end to the rear end. The multiple wiper blades are located within the body along an axis extending from the front end to the rear end, and are adapted to contact a surface of a skate blade traversing the skate blade pathway.

Abstract: A self-propelled cleaning apparatus for cleaning a submerged surface of a pool or tank includes a housing having a front portion as defined by the direction of movement of the apparatus when propelled by a water jet, an opposing rear portion and adjoining side portions defining the periphery of the apparatus, and a baseplate with at least one water inlet. Rotationally-mounted supports are coupled proximate the front and rear portions of the housing to enable movement of the apparatus over the submerged surface. A water pump is configured to draw water and debris from the pool through the inlet for filtering. A stationary directional discharge conduit is in fluid communication with the pump and has at least one discharge opening through which a pressurized stream of water forming the water jet is directionally discharged at an acute angle with respect to the surface over which the apparatus is moving.

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: A system and method for high efficiency floor treating is provided. Embodiments of the floor treating system include a floor treating device with a power source having a rotatable drive shaft with an axis of rotation, a flywheel with an aperture for receiving the drive shaft, a counterbalance connected to the flywheel, and a floor treating attachment located at a distance of at least 0.400 inch from the axis of rotation of the drive shaft. Embodiments of the floor treating method include agitating a cleaning substance using the floor treating device with the floor treating attachment positioned at least 0.400 inch from the axis of rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions comprised of methylperfluoroheptene ethers and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene. The present disclosure also provides for methods of use for the azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions.

Abstract: A floor mop including a mop head; a bow shaped handle having a distal end positioned remote from the mop head, a proximal end pivotably attached to the mop head, a concave side and a convex side opposite the concave side, the bow shaped handle being pivotably displaceable relative the mop head between a convex side up operating position and a concave side up operating position; and a fluid dispenser mounted on the bow shaped handle.

Abstract: A multi-surface kitchen cleaning system is described that allows for easier cleaning of all residential and commercial kitchen surfaces from all angles, especially underneath a range hood and up inside an oven, and which comprises an alkaline/nonionic composition contained in and dispensable from a package comprising an angled-neck sprayer bottle fitted with an invertible trigger sprayer assembly, wherein the cleaning system may be used in an entirely upside-down orientation to spray upwards at an acute angle.

Abstract: An enhanced sponge mop is presented for extracting cleaning solution from a mop head. The enhanced sponge mop may include a mop block structure, a hinged connector, and a sponge structure. Also, a rod may be threaded through a mop handle and attached to the hinged connector on one end and a pressure applying member on the other end. When the pressure applying member is moved from one position to another, swivels located on the mop block structure may allow a sponge attached to the sponge structure to be wrung. In addition, the mop block structure may include rails that mate with teeth located on the hinged connector to give additional stability to the enhanced sponge mop.

Abstract: The invention relates to a windshield wiper device (1) having a wiper motor (11) that can be actuated by means of a control unit (12) and that actuates a wiper (101, 102) in order to wipe a predetermined wiping area. The control unit (12) adjusts the wiping area of the wiper (101, 102) depending on an environmental and/or wiper parameter (13, 14). The invention further relates to a method for operating such a windshield wiper device (1).

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes an elongated housing bounding a chamber with a motor disposed therein. A drive shaft is at least partially disposed within the chamber of the housing, the drive shaft being coupled with the motor such that during selective operation of the motor the drive shaft is rotated. A hub having a rotational axis about which the hub rotates is coupled with the drive shaft such that rotation of the drive shaft facilitates rotation of the hub. A cleaning head is removably coupled with the hub such that rotation of the hub causes rotation of the cleaning head. A disengaging system is movable between a first position where the cleaning head is securely engaged to the hub and a second position where the cleaning head is freely removable from the hub.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for cleaning internal optical components of a fiber optic connector includes a cleaning strip that is advanced past one or more optical surfaces of the connector to wipe the connector free of contaminants. The cleaning tool includes a drive mechanism that is operated by rotating a drive, thereby advancing the cleaning strip along a cleaning strip path and into contact with the one or more optical surfaces. The cleaning tool comprises a cleaning tip that functions to place the cleaning strip in proper alignment within the connector in order to clean the optical surfaces that are not available for cleaning at the endface of the connector. Alignment features are provided in the cleaning tip to properly position the cleaning strip relative the optical surfaces.

Abstract: A vehicle sprocket chain maintenance apparatus that includes a brush for cleaning the vehicle sprocket chain and a device for applying lubricant to the vehicle sprocket chain is adapted to be mounted on a vehicle and used on the vehicle sprocket chain while running the vehicle. The vehicle sprocket chain maintenance apparatus includes a mechanism for individual remote control of actuating the brush and the device for applying lubricant on the vehicle sprocket chain while running the vehicle.

Abstract: A brush device is provided for cleaning an interior of a pool. The brush device includes a brush component having a base with a back portion and a front portion. Bristles are configured to extend from the front portion. Additionally, the brush device includes a flap portion pivotally mounted to the back portion of the base. During the cleaning of the interior of the pool, the flap portion pivots from a first position to a second position, during a first direction of motion of the brush component along the interior of the pool. Additionally, during the cleaning of the interior of the pool, the flap portion pivots from the second position to the first position, during a second direction of motion of the brush component along the interior of the pool. The second direction is opposite in direction to the first direction.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed cylindrically configured wiping towel forming a tube with two open ends, forming a mitt with two openings, and further capable of being constructed with multiple, pre-selected exterior areas of varied colors and patterns for user awareness of soiled portions in order to discourage possible cross contamination. The cylindrically structured tube towel is designed to provide the same amount of cleaning surface as a flat conventional towel in a tubular cavity which encompasses and compacts into a more maneuverable, controlled and tubular device. The cylindrically configured wiping towel turns inside out in order to utilize all towel surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for cleaning solar panels by means of a washing apparatus (1) which can be displaced on the solar panel (2) and applies rinsing water to the surface of the solar panel (2) and washes the surface with the help of washing nozzles and/or brushes. The washing apparatus (1) embraces the solar panel (2) in the edge region in such a way that the washing apparatus (1) is guided in a longitudinally movable way directly on the solar panel (2).

Abstract: A floor tool is provided, and includes a handle with first and second opposite ends through which a longitudinal axis of the handle extends, and a mop head coupled to the second end of the handle. In some embodiments, a fluid container is coupled to and carried by the handle at a location between the first and second ends of the handle. The fluid container can have a center of mass offset from the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, a portion of the handle is located between the fluid container and the first end of the handle, and is offset from the longitudinal axis more than center of mass of the fluid reservoir. The floor tool can also have a valve coupled to the handle and having a gap into which a length of conduit extending from the fluid container can be laterally inserted. A valve-actuating trigger can be coupled to the handle for rotation, such that the trigger pivot point is closer to the second end of the handle than the terminal end of the trigger squeezed by a user.

Abstract: A jewelry cleaning device may include the following components: a basin having a base portion and for holding a cleaning solution, a support post extending upwards from the base portion inside the basin and shaped to securely hold a piece of jewelry in place, and a sleeve sized to fit within the basin and having a plurality of bristles disposed therein with a handle portion on the top end thereof. A plastic dome may likewise be provided on a top end of the sleeve. All components may be modular and may be readily fitted together to form a unitary jewelry cleaning device. By rotating the sleeve using the handle portion while a piece of jewelry is supported within the cleaning solution of the basin on the support post, a user may cause the bristles to clean a piece of jewelry.

Abstract: A dredge having an auger, a pump and a screen box is inserted into the waste pit of an animal holding structure. The rotatable auger bites into a local portion of a body of sludge on the bottom of the waste pit and puts such local sludge portion into a liquid suspension that can be pumped by the pump through the screen box and then out of the waste pit to an exterior of the structure. The screen box has a basket shaped filter screen that retains relatively large foreign debris as a spot close to the pump. The sludge pumped out of the waste pit is dewatered by a shaker table to convert the liquid suspension into a particulate material and into a liquid. The particulate material comprises the nutrient rich sludge previously on the bottom of the waste pit and can be reused as fertilizer.

Abstract: A hand-held tool for applying a solution to grouted tile surfaces includes a container, a cap assembly, a head assembly and an applicator body. The container contains the solution and provides an exit port. The cap assembly is coupled to the container and forms a conduit fluidly open to the exit port. The head assembly is rotatably coupled to the cap assembly and defines a support face. An aperture is fluidly connected to the support face and the conduit. The applicator body is retained by the support face and forms a perimeter defining a major dimension greater than a minor dimension. Solution is delivered from the exit port to the applicator body by a pathway including the conduit and the aperture, with the pathway remaining open as the applicator body is rotated relative to the container. The tool can be especially useful with stone or porous tile surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a CMP polishing slurry comprising cerium oxide particles, an organic compound having an acetylene bond (triple bond between carbon and carbon) and water, and a method for polishing a substrate which comprises a step of polishing a film to be polished of the substrate with the polishing slurry. In a CMP (chemical mechanical polishing) technique for flattening inter layer dielectrics, insulating films for shallow trench isolation and the like in a manufacturing process of semiconductor devices, the present invention enables the effective and high-speed polishing.

Abstract: A porous material for insertion cleaning of instruments is provided, such porous material including an at least partially open-cell foam body and a surface configured to enable an instrument having contaminants to be inserted into the body. The body may be configured to substantially grip the instrument to remove a substantial portion of the contaminants from the instrument.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide methods for cleaning patterned substrates with fine features. The methods for cleaning patterned substrate have advantages in cleaning patterned substrates with fine features without substantially damaging the features by using the cleaning materials described. The cleaning materials are fluid, either in liquid phase, or in liquid/gas phase, and deform around device features; therefore, the cleaning materials do not substantially damage the device features or reduce damage all together. The cleaning materials containing polymers of a polymeric compound with large molecular weight capture the contaminants on the substrate. In addition, the cleaning materials entrap the contaminants and do not return the contaminants to the substrate surface. The polymers of one or more polymeric compounds with large molecular weight form long polymer chains, which can also be cross-linked to form a network (or polymeric network).

Abstract: A high efficiency disposable cellulosic wiper includes (a) pulp-derived papermaking fiber; (b) up to 75% by weight regenerated cellulosic microfiber having a characteristic CSF value of less than 175 ml, the microfiber being selected and present in amounts such that the wiper exhibits a Laplace pore volume fraction at pore sizes less than 15 microns of at least 1.5 times that of a like wiper prepared without regenerated cellulose microfiber. The wipers of the invention exhibit remarkable residue removal efficiency.

Abstract: A combination pool strainer and brush for cleaning debris from a body of water and from a bottom surface of a water holding container including a frame defining an outer perimeter of an opening through which debris passes; a net for capturing debris integrally formed with the frame; a plurality of bristles that are integrally formed with the frame and cooperatively form a brush; a flange for scraping debris from a bottom surface of a container for holding a body of water, the flange integrally formed with the frame and formed at at least a 45 degree angle with respect to the plurality of bristles, wherein the flange protrudes outwardly from the frame at a least a 45 degree angle; and a handle attachment structure integrally formed with the frame on an opposing side of the frame from the flange adapted to receive an elongated handle.

Abstract: A wafer chuck is cleaned using a cleaning cap to remove processing residue and particulate matter. The cleaning cap is configured to overlie and align with the wafer chuck and includes a base and a first roller connected to the base and having wound therearound a cleaning cloth. The cleaning cap further includes a second roller connected to the base and having attached thereto a free end of the cleaning cloth. During use, the cleaning cloth winds upon the second roller from the first roller when the second roller rotates about its axis. The cleaning cap can be positioned relative the wafer chuck by way of a manipulator to ensure the cleaning cloth contacts the wafer chuck with sufficient force. The cleaning cloth rubs the wafer chuck with both translational motion and rotational motion.

Abstract: A parts cleaning device has at least one rotor assembly with an axis of rotation, and a plurality of microfiber cloths arranged at spaced locations along a length of each rotor assembly. The microfiber cloths each have an opening through a center portion thereof, and a shaft of the rotor assembly extends through the opening. A plurality of spacers are arranged so that each microfiber cloth is squeezed between two spacers. The rotor assembly is rotated together with the microfiber cloths so that centrifugal forces cause the microfiber cloths to extend radially outwardly from the rotor assembly and wipe surfaces of parts that pass within a path of movement of the microfiber cloths. A vacuum chamber has an inlet positioned in the path of movement of the cloths for removing fine particles from the cloths as the cloths rotate past the inlet.

Abstract: Methods of cleaning plasma processing chamber components include contacting surfaces of the components with a cleaning solution, while avoiding damage of other surfaces or areas of the components by the cleaning solution. An exemplary plasma processing chamber component to be cleaning is an elastomer bonded electrode assembly having a silicon member with a plasma-exposed silicon surface, a backing member, and an elastomer bonding material between the silicon surface and the backing member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a roller cover cleaning apparatus. The apparatus may include a handle and a wire that is coupled to the handle. The wire may form a helix that extends around an axis of the helix for more than 360 degrees. The wire may be substantially radially equidistant from the axis of the helix along the length of the wire from the proximal end of the helix to the distal end of the helix. The wire may be at least partially resiliently flexible to increase the radial distance between the wire and the axis.

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 my be used with equal effect.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a comb (2) comprising teeth (4) extending from the body (8) of said comb, said comb comprising: a teeth cleaner (14) comprising a perforated bar (6) in which the holes (20) thereof surround said teeth (4), wherein said perforated-bar (6) and said teeth (4) are movable one along and in relation to the other, thereby allowing removing stuck objects from said teeth (4).

Abstract: A ceiling fan blade cleaning system including a vacuum attachment, configured expressly to be easily secured to virtually any household vacuum cleaner or industrial shop vac nozzle for convenience of the user in cleaning ceiling fan blades. The device is designed specifically to effectively eradicate dust, pollen, pet dander and other agents from all sides of a ceiling fan blade simultaneously, thereby preventing these agents from infiltrating a room's environment.

Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus is provided. The floor cleaning apparatus includes a roller arrangement for carrying rolls of soiled and unsoiled cleaning media thereon. The floor cleaning apparatus also includes an actuation arrangement operable to simultaneously unwind unsoiled cleaning media and wind soiled cleaning media.

Abstract: A surface treatment robot including a robot body, a differential drive system mounted on the robot body and configured to maneuver the robot over a cleaning surface, a liquid applicator carried by the robot body, and a collection assembly carried by the robot body and configured to remove waste from the cleaning surface. The robot body has a forward portion and a rear portion, with the forward portion preceding the rear portion as the robot moves in a forward direction over the cleaning surface. The liquid applicator is configured to dispense a liquid to the cleaning surface such that at least a portion of the liquid is dispensed rear of the collection assembly as the robot moves in the forward direction.

Abstract: A method removes organic liquids from surfaces or volumes by identifying the presence of organic liquids on a surface or within a volume; providing absorbent, solid non-glass inorganic particles onto areas of the surface or within a volume where the organic liquids are present; absorbing or adsorbing organic liquids into the particles; and removing the particles with organic liquid therein.

Abstract: The grill cleaning brush provides for the cleaning of accumulated deposits from the sides of grill grate bars, along with the simultaneous cleaning of collected grease, oil, fat and other liquids or semi-liquids that have accumulated on the grill grate. The grill cleaning brush includes a base having opposed upper and lower surfaces, a gripping handle mounted on the upper surface of the base, and a cleaning layer attached to the lower surface of the base. The cleaning layer includes both a wire scrubber and a grease absorbent pad embedded within the wire scrubber. Preferably, the wire scrubber is provided as first and second wire scrubber pads attached to the lower surface of the base, the grease absorbent pad being sandwiched therebetween. The grease absorbent pad may be formed from cotton, paper, a combination of the two, or the like.

Abstract: A cleaning method according to embodiments of the present invention is a cleaning method of cleaning residues from a semiconductor substrate by rotating a roll brush, the method having cleaning residues from the semiconductor substrate while pressing the roll brush against the semiconductor substrate with a first pressure of 7.35 kPa or lower, and cleaning residues from the semiconductor substrate while pressing the roll brush against the semiconductor substrate with a second pressure higher than 7.35 kPa.

Abstract: A method of cleaning an uncoated surface includes providing a composition having a pH of between about 7 and about 11 and applying the composition to the uncoated surface. The composition includes a fatty acid salt constituting between about 5% and about 40% by weight of the composition, a gloss-enhancing agent constituting between about 0.1% and 20% by weight of the composition, an anti-slip agent constituting between about 0.5% and about 10% by weight of the composition, and water constituting between about 20% and about 94.6% by weight of the composition. The composition can be applied at least three times a week.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and removing small particulate matter fluid and/or contaminants on hard surfaces.

Abstract: A method of removal of beryllium contamination from an article is disclosed. The method typically involves dissolving polyisobutylene in a solvent such as hexane to form a tackifier solution, soaking the substrate in the tackifier to produce a preform, and then drying the preform to produce the cleaning medium. The cleaning media are typically used dry, without any liquid cleaning agent to rub the surface of the article and remove the beryllium contamination below a non-detect level. In some embodiments no detectible residue is transferred from the cleaning wipe to the article as a result of the cleaning process.

Abstract: A double bucket system for flat mops that is mounted in a frame. One bucket contains only clean water. The second bucket is used to hold dirty water. The second bucket has a special fixture attached that the user slides the mop through. The frame compresses the mop as it slides through, which ensure complete, even pressing of the mop to extract the greatest amount of dirty water. The frame includes footpads upon which the user stands during the pressing operation. This ensures that the device remains in place during the pressing. Finally, once the mop has been thoroughly pressed, the user can pick up clean water from the first bucket for the next portion of the floor to be cleaned. In this way, the user is able to quickly clean a large floor with clean water instead of repeatedly dipping the mop back into dirty water.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions comprised of methylperfluoroheptene ethers and ethanol. The present disclosure also provides for methods of use for the azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions.

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: An elongated washcloth has one or more loops formed on each end thereof. The loops may be sized to fit a user's hands or wrists. The elongated washcloth may be formed from a single piece of material, where the loops are formed by folding the ends of a strip of material down onto itself. The elongated washcloth may be useful for people to clean themselves by rubbing a portion of the washcloth over sections of their body. The washcloth may be especially useful for people with limited range of motion, permitting such people to reach places they may otherwise be unable to reach with a conventional washcloth.