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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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 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: 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 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 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: 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 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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 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: 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 vehicle and method for cleaning parabolic trough solar collectors (2) by means of a motorised vehicle (1) which includes a water tank (4); front (5) and rear (6) cleaning arms, with a telescopic part having several sections, coupled at one end to a pivoting head (8) which supports a rotary cleaning brush (9) and comprises spray nozzles (10), as well as proximity sensors (12) for the brushes (9). It comprises the same number of front and rear transverse guide rails (13) which include a linear movement means (14) coupled, by means of a pivot (15), to the cleaning arms (5, 6). The brushes (9) are movable in relation to the head (8) by means of a shaft (21) actuated by a retraction actuator (27) for overcoming obstacles (26).

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

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: 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 touch sensitive display displays status of operation and controlling operation of a surface cleaner. The touch sensitive display is connected to the surface cleaner and interfaces with a logic processor disposed in the surface cleaner. The logic processor receives information from the touch sensitive display, various sensors on and within the vacuum cleaner, and variable inputs. The logic processor outputs information to the touch sensitive display, and controls various functions and components of the surface cleaner. The information displayed on the touch sensitive display may be determined at least in part by the architecture of the logic processor and the touch sensitive display. The information displayed on the touch sensitive display can be varied among different surface cleaner systems and can depend upon the operational state of an individual surface cleaner. The logic processor can transmit information wirelessly over the internet to a remote station accessible by the user.

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.

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: A portable self-heating device includes a heating cell having a fluid permeable wall defining an interior space of the cell. The device includes an outer cover having a fluid permeable section, and an absorbent layer positioned external to the interior space of the cell. The heating cell and absorbent layer are positioned within a cavity formed by the outer cover such that the absorbent layer contacts the heating cell. A user can activate the portable self-heating device by contacting the device with a fluid (e.g., a gas or a liquid) that reacts exothermically with a fluid activated material located in the interior space of the cell. This raises the temperature of the device. This increase can be sufficient to heat any portion of a liquid adjacent or contacting the device such that the liquid is converted to gas and passes out of the outer cover through the fluid permeable section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for picking up stickers in grassy or other ground areas. A roller is rotatably mounted on a frame and a stretchable fabric is removably mounted and stretched on an outer surface of the roller. The fabric is of a construction and thickness to pick up stickers as the roller is moved by the frame and rotated in engagement with a grassy or other ground surface. When the fabric is full of stickers, it is removed from the roller and replaced with a new unused stretchable fabric that is removably mounted on the roller.

Abstract: A cleaning cloth for use with a steam mop having a housing mounting the cleaning cloth for cleaning the surface to be cleaned and a steam delivery system for delivering steam to the cleaning cloth. The cleaning cloth has at least one fabric layer that is configured to be attached to a steam mop and an encapsulated cleaning composition associated with the fabric layer and configured to be released by exposure to steam delivered to the cleaning cloth. A steam mop for use of the cleaning cloth and a method of cleaning with the cleaning pad is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate cleaning method for prevent damage to a pattern formed on a substrate. The substrate cleaning method includes cleaning the substrate by striking cleaning particulates carried in a flow of dry air or inert gas against a surface of the substrate, and removing the cleaning particulates.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed incorporating a bath brush assembly for attachment to a bathtub or shower. The device includes a base structure having at least one movable brush, a power producing system to move the at the least one movable brush, a mounting structure to attach the base structure to a bathtub or shower. The base structure has a plurality of movable brushes, and the power producing system includes a pulley system connected to the plurality of movable brushes to rotate the plurality of brushes.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a combination brush and shampoo. The apparatus includes a handle, a brush head extending outward from a first end of the handle, the brush head having a plurality of apertures, an end coupler connected with a second end of the handle, a main channel extending from the end coupler, through the handle and brush head to the bristle pack such that the end coupler is in fluid communication with the plurality of apertures, and a reservoir formed in the brush head having a cleaning agent channel extending to and intersecting with the main channel. The system includes the apparatus and a semi-rigid region in the reservoir configured to be depressed and force the cleaning agent out of the reservoir. The method includes providing the apparatus, ejecting cleaning agent, and rinsing with water.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an aqueous composition comprising one or more amphoteric, organic polynitrogen-compounds having at least 3 nitrogen atoms contained in the molecule in the form of an amine and/or amide and one or more types of inorganic nanoparticles, a concentrate comprising said composition and to a method for treating and/or cleaning a surface which uses said composition.

Abstract: A screen wiper arrangement is provided including a window screen and a screen wiper for cleaning the window screen, wherein the window screen is arranged in an opening of a cabin and inserted in a window frame, and wherein the window screen includes at least one screen portion which can be moved between an open and a closed position. The window screen includes an electrically conductive element coupleable to an electrical circuit which has at least a first state in response to a first position of the at least one screen portion and a second state in response to a second position of the at least one screen portion. One or more contact points are available for detecting if the electrical circuit is in the first or the second state, and a wiper control element is provided which controls the activation of the screen wiper system.

Abstract: A robot cleaner includes a main brush to sweep or scatter dust off a floor, a main brush motor to rotate the main brush, a Revolution Per Minute (RPM) detector to detect an RPM of the main brush motor, and a control unit to determine a type of floor according to the RPM of the main brush motor acquired by the RPM detector and control an operation of the robot cleaner based on the determined type of floor. A carpet mode to clean only a carpet area and a hard floor mode to clean a hard floor area excluding the carpet area are given based on detected information relating to the material of a floor, which enables partial cleaning with respect to a cleaning area selected by a user and adjustment in the number of cleaning operations or the intensity of cleaning according to the material of the floor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a service device for maintenance of a solar panel arrangement, comprising a service unit for maintenance of at least one surface of the solar panel arrangement, a guiding unit for guiding the service unit with respect to the solar panel arrangement, and a driving unit for moving the service unit with respect to the solar panel arrangement, wherein the service unit comprises a first engagement section and a second engagement section, wherein the guiding unit is attachable to the first engagement section, the guiding unit being configured for direct engagement with an edge of the solar panel arrangement, wherein the driving unit is attachable to the second engagement section, and wherein the second engagement section is displaceable with respect to the first engagement section by the driving unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for cleaning a cooking device or appliance comprising contacting at least the cooking chamber of the cooking device or appliance with a cleaning composition comprising a sheeting polymer that provides a layer on the surfaces of at least the cooking chamber so as to afford a sheeting action in an aqueous rinse step. The sheeting polymer is selected from the group of cationic polysaccharides and maleic acid-olefin copolymers.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning an edge of a semiconductor substrate include providing a brush in a housing, the housing provides a volume for holding the brush. A cleaning fluid is inserted into the housing to at least partially fill the volume holding the brush, with the cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid is removed from the volume of the housing while the cleaning fluid is being inserted. The brush is rotated within the housing while the cleaning fluid is inserted and removed. The edge of the semiconductor substrate is inserted into a slot of the housing. The edge of the semiconductor substrate inserted into the slot is maintained at a distance and for a period of time. The distance is configured such that the brush contacts the edge of the semiconductor substrate but continues to enable rotation of the brush within the housing.