Abstract: A mold cleaning apparatus and method is provided for removing debris from an advancing masonry mold product. At least one rotatable tire is arranged at an acute angle to the masonry mold product and engages the mold product to provide a cleaning or scraping force to remove debris from the mold product. The cleaning force of the tire can be adjusted by changing the angle of the tire, the air pressure of the tire or the height of the tire relative to the mold surface. Multiple tires can be employed, while being rotated periodically to evenly distribute wear or replaced as needed.

Abstract: A film roll comprises an elongated substrate film for film deposition wound into a roll, the substrate film including: at least one elongated product-film portion having a pair of surfaces opposite with each other, with one of the surfaces serving as a surface for film deposition; and at least one cleaning-film portion connected to an end of the product-film portion and having a pair of surfaces opposite with each other, with at least one of the surfaces serving as a cleaning surface having a dust removal function.

Abstract: A multi-purpose mop system includes a mop having a mop handle and a cleaning attachment removably mounted thereon, the mop handle further comprising a base and a grip installed thereon for manipulating the mop during use, and a bucket having a basin and a bucket handle removably and pivotally attached thereto, the basin being formed with at least one basin channel bounded by opposite, substantially upwardly-extending basin fingers, and the bucket handle being formed in a central portion inter-connecting opposite leg portions with at least one respective handle channel bounded by opposite handle fingers, whereby the basin channel and the handle channel cooperate in wringing the mop during wet use. The cleaning attachment may be a mop material cinched onto the base of the mop handle using a drawstring or may be a squeegee strapped thereto. A removable extension handle may be pivotally installed on the mop handle.

Abstract: A tip of a carbon nanotube is lowered toward a recess where a foreign object exists to cause the tip of the carbon nanotube to contact a bottom face of the recess. Subsequently, the carbon nanotube is further lowered to cause the carbon nanotube to sag, and a side face of the carbon nanotube is pressed against the bottom face of the recess. A force is applied to the foreign object by moving the carbon nanotube on the bottom face of the recess in a state where the side face is pressed against the bottom face of the recess.

Abstract: The substrate processing apparatus according to the present invention includes: a substrate rotating mechanism holding a substrate in a horizontal attitude and rotating the substrate around an axis passing through the center of the substrate; a processing liquid supply mechanism supplying a processing liquid to a central portion of the upper surface of the substrate rotated by the substrate rotating mechanism; a counter member arranged to be opposed to the upper surface of the substrate rotated by the substrate rotating mechanism; and a liquid film extending mechanism moving the counter member from a position opposed to the central portion of the substrate to a position opposed to a peripheral edge portion of the substrate in parallel with the supply of the processing liquid by the processing liquid supply mechanism and extending a liquid film of the processing liquid covering the central portion of the substrate toward the peripheral edge of the substrate due to the movement.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is an adhesive strip for wrapping around the fingers to remove lint from garments or fabric. The strip has adhesive on one side only and is wrapped around the fingers with the adhesive side facing out. A looped end of the adhesive strip provides an anchor for removing a protective strip and for wrapping the free end of the adhesive strip around the fingers. The free end is adhered to the adhesive surface of the looped end. The strip is easily stored in a flat or folded configuration. Adhesive strips may be offered in stacks with no protective strips applied or the non-adhesive side of one adhesive strip acting as the protective strip for the adhesive side of the adjacent adhesive strip.

Abstract: This invention relates to cleaning large format movie screens, such as vinyl screens and painted screens. There are different variations of the basic concept of using a cleaning head, cables, pulleys, an upper mounting bracket and a winch. In one instance a track may be used instead of a cable. The winch is connected to the cleaning head using cables and is used to move the cleaning head vertically across the screen through pulleys and other arrangements.

Abstract: The technology described herein provides an applicator pad, system, and method for the treatment of faded or oxidized anodized aluminum. The applicator pad includes a central foam core, and an outer cloth covering, the outer cloth covering being substantially smooth and disposed upon and securely adhered to the soft foam core, the outer cloth covering configured to receive and transfer a predetermined measure of polymer to the foam core and for direct application contact with the faded or oxidized anodized aluminum. The system for treating faded or oxidized anodized aluminum includes an applicator pad, a clear gloss, satin, or mat finish polymer, a polymer remover, a cloth, a sandpaper sheet, and an instructional guide. A method for treating faded or oxidized anodized aluminum includes utilizing an applicator pad and a clear gloss, satin, or mat finish polymer for removing the appearance of oxidation from anodized aluminum, elucidating the aluminum, and secondarily providing a protective coat.

Abstract: Airborne dust is controlled and minimized by spraying a fine spray mist by nozzles (50) in a direction tangential to and spaced from spaced, vertical, parallel axes of counter-rotating first and second front brooms (26) and opposite to the rotation direction and angled to the floor in front of the axes. The fluid is pumped at a rate in the order of 0.033 gallons (125 ml) per minute and at a pressure in the order of 40 psi (2.81 kg/cm) through the nozzles (50) having orifice diameters in the order of 0.015 inch (0.38 cm) and a spray angle in the order of 110° to produce droplets having a volume mean diameter in the order of less than 220 microns. The fine spray mist adheres to the airborne particulates to control settling of the airborne particles onto the floor and without build-up of moisture on the floor being swept.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) and method for restoration of hook/loop attachment materials (8) which apparatus (1) includes a rake with a set of teeth (2) that match the separation widths of rows of the hooks of the attachment materials.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for degreasing and lubricating objects, such as mechanical devices and the like. A composition comprised of a mixture of ethanol and food-grade mineral oil is applied directly to the substrate or objects sought to be degreased or lubricated. For degreasing applications, an amount of the composition is applied in an amount sufficient to penetrate and loosen grease-covered substrates, and is particularly well suited for hand wiping applications. Such methods can also be utilized to remove paint and ink. The compositions are substantially effective yet relatively non-toxic and biodegradable.

Abstract: Devices and methods of cleaning are described. The methods, and devices formed by the methods have a number of advantages. Embodiments are shown that include cleaning using a supercritical fluid. Advantages include a combination of both chemical and mechanical removal abilities from the supercritical fluid. Mechanical energy for cleaning is transmitted in a homogenous manner throughout a carrier fluid. The mechanical energy provided in methods shown can also be used with delicate surface features.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning tapered towers such wind turbine towers. A semicircular member hugs the tower surface. A plurality of nozzles affixed to the semicircular member sprays high pressure cleaning fluid on the tower surface as the semicircular member is raised and lowered. The spray nozzles are kept at a constant distance from the tower surface by a plurality of wheels affixed to the semicircular member. At least one constricting structure is used to force the plurality of wheels to be in constant contact with the tower surface. The constricting structure can be a spring loaded scissor apparatus and/or a bungee cord with rolling beads. A brush can be optionally added to the semicircular member to aid in cleaning.

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 cleaning material is disposed over a substrate. The cleaning material includes solid components dispersed within a liquid medium. A force is applied to the solid components within the liquid medium to bring the solid components within proximity to contaminants present on the substrate. The force applied to the solid components can be exerted by an immiscible component within the liquid medium. When the solid components are brought within sufficient proximity to the contaminants, an interaction is established between the solid components and the contaminants. Then, the solid components are moved away from the substrate such that the contaminants having interacted with the solid components are removed from the substrate.

Abstract: Devices and methods of cleaning are described. The methods, and devices formed by the methods have a number of advantages. Embodiments are shown that include cleaning using a supercritical fluid. Advantages include a combination of both chemical and mechanical removal abilities from the supercritical fluid. Mechanical energy for cleaning is transmitted in a homogenous manner throughout a carrier fluid. The mechanical energy provided in methods shown also can also be used with delicate surface features.

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 device and method for cleaning and sanitizing water bottles and consumable liquid containers such as soda and juice bottles. The device positions a cleaning pad immediately adjacent to the container available for employment by a user during opening of the container by removing a cap. The cleaning pad may be housed in a container affixed to the cap of the drink container or may be housed within a cavity formed integral to the cap covering the drink container.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a friction stir welding tool cleaning method and apparatus for fixed and retractable pin tools. The method and apparatus use a heating component, a temperature indicator component, a controller component, and a rotatable tool cleaner component for cleaning fixed pin tools. An additional bore cleaner component is used for cleaning retractable pin tools. Heat is applied to a friction stir welding tool having a surface with weld process residue material until the process residue material is sufficiently plasticized, and then the tool cleaner component is applied to the heated tool to remove the plasticized residue on the pin and shoulder surfaces of the tool, and for retractable pin tools, the bore cleaner component is applied to the heated tool to remove the plasticized residue in the tool bore.

Abstract: This non-woven production installation comprises a spunbond tower (1), a device (7, 8) for consolidation by means of jets of water and a device (9, 10) for perforating by means of jets of water, the perforating device comprising three rows of jet outlet orifices.

Abstract: An apparatus for clearing tubing includes a grip assembly connected to the pair of rollers. The grip assembly is operable to move the rollers to engage the tubing therebetween. The movement of the grip assembly is limited such that a minimum tubing gap between the rollers is equal to approximately twice a wall thickness of the tubing. The rollers are moved along the tubing to clear obstructions. The apparatus can also include a clamp assembly having one or more plates that limits movement of the grip assembly to bring the rollers no closer than the minimum tubing gap. Alternately, the grip assembly can include first and second shell halves movable between open and closed positions with a channel defined therebetween, and the rollers are mounted in the grip assembly.

Abstract: To provide a substrate cleaning apparatus capable of effectively removing deposits adhering to at least an end surface of a substrate by means of a sponge-like brush. A substrate cleaning apparatus includes: a spin chuck 3 configured to rotatably hold a substrate W; a motor 4 configured to rotate the substrate W held by the spin chuck 3; a cleaning-liquid supply mechanism 10 configured to supply a cleaning liquid to the substrate W held by the spin chuck 3. The cleaning mechanism includes: a brush 21 made of a sponge-like resin, which is brought into contact with at least an end surface of the wafer W during the cleaning; and a brush compressing mechanism 23a, 23b, and 24 configured to compress the brush 21. The brush 21 is compressed by the compressing mechanism 23a, 23b, and 24, and cleans at least the end surface of the substrate W.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning using a tri-state body are disclosed. A substrate having a particle deposited thereon is provided. A tri-state body that has a solid portion, liquid portion, and a gas portion is generated. A force is applied over the tri-state body to promulgate an interaction between the solid portion and the particle. The tri-state body is removed along with the particle from the surface of the substrate. The interaction between the solid portion and the particle causing the particle to be removed along with the tri-state body.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a first support, a first cleaning material coupled to a first side of the first support, a second support coupled to the first support at a first edge of the second support, a second cleaning material coupled to a first side of the second support, and a third cleaning material coupled to a second side of the second support. Some aspects include placement of a second support between a musical instrument and a string coupled to the musical instrument, and rotation of a first support coupled to a first edge of the second support with respect to the second support to dispose the string between the first support and the second support, to bring a first cleaning material coupled to a first side of the first support in contact with the string, to bring a second cleaning material coupled to a first side of the second support in contact with the string, and to bring a third cleaning material coupled to a second side of the second support in contact with the musical instrument.

Abstract: Dirt or make-up is removed from a variety of unclean surfaces, such as domestic, institutional or body surfaces, by applying an ampholytic or zwitterionic polymer composition thereon, spreading and/or wiping such composition thereover, whereby dirt or make-up is or has been transferred into such composition, and then removing such composition therefrom, for example by means of a wipe, cloth, pad, sponge, mop, and the like.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a contoured cooking surface is disclosed. Methods of cleaning a cooking system with the cleaning apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel cleaning method for preventing defects and particles resulting from post tungsten etch back or tungsten chemical mechanical polish is provided. The cleaning method comprises providing a stack structure of a semiconductor device including a tungsten plug in a dielectric layer. The tungsten plug has a top excess portion. A surface of the stack structure is then contacted with a cleaning solution comprising hydrogen peroxide. Next, the surface of the stack structure is contacted with dilute hydrofluoric acid. The cleaning solution and hydrofluoric acid are capable of removing the top excess portion and particles on the surface of the stack structure.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a front-mounted collection means for a vacuum tank for the collection of liquid or semi-liquid materials. The collection means comprises a substantially V-shaped housing with a scraper at the bottom thereof, a height adjustable suction inlet at the apex thereof, and a pair of laterally adjustable pivoting wings for varying its width to correspond to that of an alley or gutter. A plurality of rotary feeders, each having a vertical axis of rotation, are mounted to the housing adjacent the scraper to prevent accumulation of the materials on the scraper. The feeders do not contact either the surface upon which the scraper is operated, nor the scraper itself, but serve to mix thick consistency materials with thinner consistency materials and also to dislodge any accumulation that does occur.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning fabrics, floor coverings, and bare floor surfaces utilizing a soil transfer cleaning medium is disclosed. A method of mechanically removing soil from a surface intended to be cleaned includes the steps of successively and repeatedly: wetting a portion of a cleaning medium with a cleaning liquid; extracting any soil and at least some of the cleaning liquid from the previously wetted portion of the cleaning medium; and wiping the surface intended to be cleaned with the portion of the cleaning medium so as to transfer soil from the surface intended to be cleaned to the cleaning medium. Portable and vehicle-based devices may be utilized to practice the method of cleaning.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a fluidic system of a flow cytometer having a sheath pump to pump sheath fluid towards an interrogation zone and a waste pump to pump the sheath fluid and a sample fluid as waste fluid from the interrogation zone, wherein the sheath pump and/or the waste pump draw sample fluid into the flow cytometer through a drawtube towards the interrogation zone. The method includes controlling the sheath pump and the waste pump to cooperatively flush a fluid out through the drawtube, thereby cleaning the fluidic system of the flow cytometer.

Abstract: Methods are provided for increasing the temperature of a section of conduit used for the production or transmission of hydrocarbon. According to one aspect, the method includes the steps of: (a) forming a treatment fluid comprising: (i) a carrier fluid; and (ii) a first reactant and a second reactant; and (b) introducing the treatment fluid into a section of conduit used for the production or transmission of hydrocarbon. The first reactant and second reactant are selected for being capable of reacting together in an exothermic chemical reaction; and the first and second reactant are in at least sufficient concentrations in the carrier fluid to generate a theoretical heat of reaction of at least 1,000 kJ/liter of the treatment fluid. At least some of at least one of the first reactant and the second reactant is suspended in the carrier fluid in a solid form that is adapted to help control the release of the reactant into the carrier fluid.

Abstract: A disk manufacturing method that includes: processing a surface of a disk while rotating the disk; cleaning the surface of the disk after the processing to remove a processing residue from the disk; drying the disk after the cleaning; and end-face cleaning that cleans an end-face of the disk while rotating the disk, the end-face cleaning being performed concurrently with at least one of the processing and the cleaning.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the floor of an accommodation of an animal. The apparatus is provided with an air-flow-generating device and with a control system for controlling the operation of the apparatus, the apparatus being movable over the floor controlled by the control system and the apparatus performing a cleaning of the floor controlled by the control system. The control system is programmed in such a way that the control system controls the cleaning of the floor in such a way that the control system first activates and subsequently deactivates the air-flow-generating device. A method of cleaning the floor of an accommodation for an animal, the method comprising, as a first cleaning step, first generating an air flow and directing the air flow to the floor for removing loose material lying thereon.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of forming functionally active fibers and substrates comprising functionally active fibers. The method includes forming a mixture of at least one poly vinyl polymer and at least one bleaching active. The mixture is then injected at a controlled flow rate into an electric field to cause the mixture to at least partially form fine fibers that have an average diameter of less than about 1000 nanometers.

Abstract: In a container that retains a wash liquid, a cutter blade having a cutting edge is inserted into a slit formed on a cleaning member impregnated with the wash liquid from an opening side of the slit and is moved horizontally by a predetermined amount with two side faces thereof being brought into contact with the slit. Then, the cutter blade is pulled out upward, so that adherents on the two side faces of the cutter blade are removed from the cuter blade.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A method and a device for replacing objective parts, especially of a projection or illumination objective for microlithography in which an objective having an objective interior and objective parts provided therein is provided. At least one objective part is replaceably accommodated in the objective. Immediately prior to installation in the objective, the replaceable objective part is cleaned outside the objective interior in at least one cleaning room sealed off from the ambient atmosphere. Immediately after cleaning, the replaceable objective is installed in the objective without contact with the normal ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of removing scale from the surfaces of processed sheet metal employs a scale removing medium propelled by counter-rotating pairs of wheels positioned in close proximity to the sheet metal surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a standalone cleaning device for cleaning at least a portion of a surgical instrument, especially the scope, within a body cavity during minimal invasive surgical procedure comprising, at least one cleansing means characterized by an un-deployed configuration in which said device is inserted into said body cavity; and, a deployed configuration in which said portion of said surgical instrument is cleaned; said cleaning means are adapted to be reversibly transformed from said deployed configuration to said un-deployed configuration and from said un-deployed configuration to said deployed configuration; wherein said cleaning of said surgical instrument is obtained by wiping motions of said portion of said surgical instrument over said cleansing material within said body cavity, such that the removal of said surgical instrument during said surgical procedure for cleaning necessity is avoided.

Abstract: A printer ROS window cleaning system enforces unidirectional cleaning motion through a passageway formed in the printer housing. A guide has a distal portion that engages a cleaning tool from insertion until a cleaning portion reaches the rear of the passageway. A cleaning tool deflector positioned at the rear of the passageway biases the cleaning tool from the distal portion of the passageway to a proximate portion so that the cleaning portion contacts the ROS window. A unidirectional cleaning feature ensures that the cleaning portion will contact the ROS window during removal of the cleaning tool by preventing re-insertion of the cleaning tool in the proximate portion of the passageway.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for scraping paint to prepare surfaces for fresh paint may include two, three, or more independent blades attached to a single handle to provide follow up scraping by parallel edges after the leading edge has passed, in order to improve the effectiveness of scraping. Chips, scratches, and other breaches in one blade need not leave a flaw behind as subsequent blades passing over the surface will lift that material away from the surface. Blades may be configured to be identical, reversible, and interchangeable, providing substantial convenience, durability, and wear.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses for are disclosed for cleaning a vehicle wheel surface on a vehicle wheel with a brush. A brush may comprise a plurality of resilient brush elements having varying lengths. The methods may provide for rotating the brush elements such that at any time during at least some of the plurality of brush elements are in engagement with the wheel surface. The wheel surface may be engaged by brush elements that have a length that changes cyclically and the brush elements may also cyclically vary the contact pressure between brush elements and the vehicle surface.

Abstract: A selectively controllable heated wash system for a vehicle surface includes a wiper system control module operatively disposed in the vehicle and may be adapted to receive at least one sensed input. A fluid heating module is controlled by the wiper system control module, the heating module adapted to heat fluid therein to a predetermined target temperature, or to a preferred temperature determined as a result of recognition and analysis of the sensed input(s). Fluid is dispensed onto the surface from the heating module manually, according to predetermined parameters, or according to predetermined parameters determined at least in part as a result of recognition and analysis of the sensed input(s).

Abstract: A mobile vehicle washing apparatus in which the length, width and height of the apparatus may each be adjusted to the size of the vehicle to be washed and for easier transport. The frame dimensions may be adjusted by a system of cranks found on each frame member that may need to be adjusted. Also, attached to the frame are swinging arm members that may clean the bottom side of a vehicle passing through them. Powered brush members are used in the apparatus as a means to scrub vehicle surfaces. The cleaning and rinsing fluids pass through a series of hoses and nozzles mounted about the frame so that the tops and left and right sides of the vehicles being cleaned may be covered by said fluids.

Abstract: A system and method for removing post-etch polymer residue from a surface of a substrate includes identifying a dry flash chemistry for removing the post-etch polymer residue from the surface of the substrate. The dry flash chemistry is configured to selectively remove the post-etch polymer residue left behind by an etch operation in a region where a feature was formed through a low-k dielectric film layer. The identified dry flash chemistry is applied using a short flash process to remove at least a portion of the post-etch polymer residue while minimizing the damage to the dielectric film layer. A wet cleaning chemistry is then applied to the surface of the substrate. The application of the wet cleaning chemistry aids in substantially removing the remaining post-etch polymer residue left behind by the short flash process.

Abstract: A method for preventing or reducing agglomeration and/or accumulation on or around the gas distribution grid in a fluidized-bed vessel. The method involves introducing one or more scouring balls into the vessel above the gas distribution grid, and carrying out a fluidized-bed process in the presence of the scouring balls.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unit for applying a fluid material to a surface of a vehicle. The unit includes a body, at least one reservoir for holding a fluid material, at least one sprayer connected to the reservoir via a hose, an optional applicator pad for spreading, wiping or buffing the fluid material on a surface of a vehicle to which the fluid material is applied, and a pressure source for transferring the fluid material from the at least one reservoir to the at least one sprayer. The unit further includes a control system for activating the pressure source upon receipt of a signal. A method for using the above mentioned unit is also described.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a circumferential surface of a cylinder of a printing press provides for improved cleaning to be achieved during a short time. In order to clean the circumferential surface, a cleaning fluid is first applied to the circumferential surface. In order then to remove contaminants, the contaminants a broken up mechanically after the cleaning fluid is applied and before a cleaning apparatus acting on the circumferential surface is set into operation.

Abstract: A surface cleaning system having a storage container, debris collection apparatus and debris conduit is disclosed. Water discharged from spray nozzles forces debris into a debris collection apparatus such that a series of rotating brushes can transport the debris to an open end of the debris conduit. An auger, water pressure or air pressure is used to force the debris through the debris conduit into the storage container for disposal. The storage container includes a single unit having multiple joined compartments or individual units for separating debris, particulates and water. The design of the debris collection apparatus also facilitates the capture of most of the water used to force the debris into the debris collection apparatus. Accordingly, the system is able to reuse the water thereby extending the surface area that may be cleaned with a specified amount of water.

Abstract: A device made of flexible material for cleaning sharp-tipped dental instruments. The device contains a) a finger rest, b) a stem, and c) an open container having a textured exterior surface, an interior surface, and a top. The exterior surface may have a girth near the top. The interior surface may be rough and contain a plurality of prongs and ribs. The top has a protective rim. For use, gauze is put into the container and the gauze is contacted with the sharp tip of the dental instrument. Pressure is applied to the container to help create a firm contact between the gauze and the instrument. The prongs help to keep the gauze in place while the instrument is being removed. The use of this device helps prevent puncture wounds or cuts caused by the dental instrument and the accompanying possibility of infection.