Abstract: An apparatus and method for moving a cleaning brush, periodically or continuously, to avoid flat spots or voids in the cleaning brush fibers when the printing machine is in standby or off. Periodic movement of the cleaning brush or slow rotation of the cleaning brush when the machine is in a non-operational mode prevent brush "set" from occurring thus, preventing motion quality errors in the printing operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting the continuous reliable supply of sodium bicarbonate particles to a blasting nozzle employing pressured air or water for conveying such particles into contact with a surface to be cleaned. The apparatus includes a hopper at atmospheric pressure and a removable orifice through which the abrasive particles are directed from the hopper to an open ended pipe. One end of the pipe is connected to a media conveying line and a venturi passage provided in a blast nozzle whereby a pressurized fluid passing through the venturi passage creates a suction force in the conveying line and the pipe such that atmospheric air and abrasive particles are drawn from the air pipe to the blast nozzle. The amount of air flow permitted through the pipe can be adjusted by a valve to control the vacuum within the conveying line and along with the particle feeding orifice controls the concentration of abrasive particles in the air stream directed to the nozzle.

Abstract: In a method for cleaning and/or care or floors and/or floor coverings of all types such as carpets, plastics, linoleum, parquet, ceramic, ceramic tiles or marble, etc., with a single-disk or multi-disk rotary machine having at least one drive dish, whereby the floor covering is treated with a cleaning and/or care substrate upon application of heat on a case-by-case basis, an especially good and economical operation succeeds in that a stream of hot air and/or heated auxiliary medium is employed as heat carrier and activation medium, and the hot air stream and/or heated auxiliary medium proceeds onto the floor surface through the drive dish. An apparatus suitable for this purpose comprises a drive dish provided with clearances and comprises a hot air generator. The drive dish can be fashioned as a brush at its underside and/or can have an interactive connection to a co-rotating pad.

Abstract: A process using primarily aqueous-based surfactants for cleaning machinery, tools, containers and the like to remove polyester resin residue. This process involves four stages, each having one or more steps. The first stage is a pre-wash or preliminary cleaning stage which is followed by an ultra-sonic wash stage. The third stage is a rinse stage and the fourth and last stage is for drying the parts cleaned during the previous three stages of the process. Additionally, a fifth evaporation/drying stage is periodically carried out to remove polyester resin residues from the process as solid waste.

Abstract: A method for cleaning bulk bags which have been utilized to transport dry bulk, the method including the steps of providing a first bulk bag to be cleaned; mounting the bulk bag on a frame through its inlet and outlet spouts; providing a vertically inclined brush substantially the same length as the mounted bulk bag; introducing air in the mounted bulk bag from the frame to inflate the bulk bag to its filled configuration; rotating the brush against the wall of the bag which in turn causes the bag to rotate on its axis, thus cleaning the exterior wall of the bag, and shaking material off of its interior wall; suctioning off material removed from the brush; collecting the material from the interior of the bag in a collection compartment; and mounting a second bag on the frame while the first bag is being cleaned; following the cleaning of the first bag, rotating the frame to place the second bag in alignment with the brush; inflating the second bag; and rotating the brush against the wall of the second bag to

Abstract: A rinse spray bar (24), added to CMP equipment (10), provides complete and uniform wetting and rinsing of the polishing pad (12) for an improved process. The rinse spray bar has a first opening (26) running through a portion of its length and multiple second openings (28) connected to the first opening to create multiple flow paths for a rinse agent. These second openings (28) are capped with spray nozzles (36) on the bottom surface of the rinse spray bar so that the rinse agent can be sprayed out from the second openings at a pressure higher than ambient such that the sprays patterns overlap each other to ensure uniform wetting. An in-line valve (34) adjusts and controls the pressure of the incoming rinse agent through the input line (30) so that the spray nozzle pressure can be varied. The rinse spray bar can be used at every polishing pad station in the CMP apparatus.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a pressing and/or curing apparatus includes providing a cleaning mat on the interior of the apparatus and subjecting the cleaning mat to elevated temperature and/or pressure. The cleaning mat is pre-treated with a cleaning composition which preferably includes sodium carbonate. The method obviates and/or reduces the need to disassemble a pressing apparatus (e.g., remove die sets) for periodic cleaning.

Abstract: A method for removing a surface coating by impinging an area of impingement of the surface coating with photon energy while simultaneously impinging the area of impingement with a cryogenic particle blast flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing particulate contaminants from a semiconductor wafer are disclosed. A wafer 10 is held in a wafer holder 12 at cleaning station 14. Cleaning station 14 has a rinse fluid supply system 18 which supplies, e.g. deionized water, to the wafer surface during particle removal. A cleaning pad 20 is mounted on a platen 22, substantially in the plane of wafer 10. Platen 22 is coupled to a drive mechanism 24, which may for example be an electric motor, and drive mechanism 24 is coupled to station 14 by an engagement mechanism 26 which provides vertical displacement to engage pad 20 and wafer 10 for particle removal, and also provides a controlled pad contact pressure during particle removal. In operation, rinse fluid from 18 is supplied to slowly rotating wafer 10, while pad 20 is rotated, preferably at 200 to 600 rpm, and contacted with wafer 10.

Abstract: Basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for cleaning fruits and vegetables are provided. Clear liquid formulations comprising oleate, alcohol ethoxylates and buffers are sprayed onto apples, lettuce and the like to remove soil and unwanted deposits.

Abstract: Improved methods of removing coating films from resin substrates includes first treating the resin substrates in an aqueous alkali solution with a concentration of 0.1 wt % or more at a temperature of 110.degree. C. or more, which temperature is lower than the melting point of the substrates and then polishing the surfaces of the substrates by either bringing them into contact with each other in suitable equipment such as a screw feeder, or using an abrasive in suitable equipment such as a high-speed vessel type stirrer, or subjecting the substrates to a liquid honing process.

Abstract: A coin washing method involving introducing coins to be washed into a coin washing apparatus also forming a part of the invention, orienting the introduced coins in the apparatus not to overlap each other, washing one side of the oriented coins, turning the washed coins to expose their unwashed sides, washing the exposed unwashed sides of the coins, removing washing liquid adhered to the washed coins, drying the coins, and discharging the coins from the apparatus, and a coin washing apparatus of a housing having a coin feed opening, and a coin discharge opening a first conveyor belt for receiving and transporting the coins from the feed opening, a positioning roller for orienting the cons on the first conveyor belt not to overlap each other, a first transfer device for transferring the oriented coins from the first conveyor belt, a second conveyor belt for receiving the coins transferred from the first conveyor belt for washing the exposed side of the received coins thereon, a moisture dispenser for spraying

Abstract: A cleaning card for a card-printing machine associated with a station for the electrical customization of the cards. The cleaning card has dimensions substantially identical to those of the cards to be printed, and is coated with two cleaning flat pads. The first cleaning flat pad, on both sides of the card, collects and retains various types of dust and dirt. The second cleaning flat pad, on the face designed to receive the electrical customization at the locations defined by the standards, is adapted to the cleaning of the landing contacts.

Abstract: A wet indexer for receiving a cassette of wafers from a previous processing station that have not been allowed to dry. The wet indexer then keeps the wafers submersed in processing solution before and during indexed transmission to later cleaning stations.

Abstract: A method of removing a cured plastic matrix material from a fiber optic ribbon includes applying thereto a composition of matter comprising a solvent and a filler. The filler is selected from the group consisting of fumed silica and cornstarch, and the solvent is selected from the group consisting of ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method and system for removing a surface layer contaminated with radioactive and/or hazardous material and subsequently treating the waste to remove contaminants and provide an essentially contaminant-free final effluent. The contaminated material is removed by blasting the surface with a pressurized stream of air and sodium bicarbonate abrasive media, and the media is dissolved in water subsequent to the blasing operation. The resulting waste is treated in a sequence of steps including adjustment of pH, aeration and separation into primarily solid and liquid phases by precipitation of solids, which are removed for appropriate disposal. The primarily liquid phase is successively passed through a particle filter, a granulated activated carbon filter and a polishing unit to produce the clean final effluent.

Abstract: A substrate scrubbing and cleaning method in which a substrate is carried to a rotatable scrubbing arrangement, and both surfaces of the substrate are scrubbed by the rotatable scrubbing arrangement while the substrate is maintained substantially horizontal. In addition, a cleaning solution is applied to both surfaces of the substrate while the substrate is substantially horizontal and is linearly reciprocated.

Abstract: Contaminated material is decontaminated using a process in which fractions of the contaminated material are sequentially exposed to a polymeric sorbent to enhance removal of contaminants. The contaminated material is first converted into a slurry which may be divided into a sand slurry and a slimes slurry. A quantity of large polymeric sorbent particles are first contacted with the slimes slurry and then separated and contacted with the sand slurry. The sorbent particles are then separated from the sand slurry which is exposed to the action of a flotation cell. The concentrate removed from the flotation cell is then exposed to the polymeric sorbent particles. At least a portion of the sorbent particles are then thermally regenerated and recycled. One preferred material for the polymeric sorbent is nitrile-butadiene rubber.

Abstract: A window scraper and method are provided wherein a scraping brush has filaments and wherein the tips of the filaments are moved linearly across the work surface as the brush rotates. Preferably, the brush has brass filaments trimmed to a point, and the brush drive mechanism moves the brush in an oscillating arcuate path while cams and cam surfaces simultaneously cause the brush to move toward and away from the work surface to maintain the tip of the filaments in substantially the same plane at a constant distance and pressure relative to the work surface. A novel brush has filaments trimmed to a point, an axle of rotation and cams to engage cam surfaces. The device includes an oscillating drive mechanism, a slot to rotatably and slidingly receive the brush axle, and cam surfaces to engage the brush cams and cause the brush axle to slide in the slot, causing the brush to move toward and away from the work surface during portions of the rotating brush sweep.

Abstract: A process for cleaning a surface contaminated with an organic, acidic or basic contaminant. In the process, a liquid-state composition including an agent selected form the group consisting of an absorbant, an acid-neutralizing agent and a base-neutralizing agent is applied to the surface, and allowed to interact with the contaminant to form a product and to solidify into a solid-state matrix which sequesters the product. The solid-state matrix is then removed from the surface, thereby substantially cleaning the surface of the contaminant. There is also a process wherein a second liquid-state composition including a functionally different composition is applied to the surface. The second liquid-state composition may enhance the removability of the solid-state matrix from the surface.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a surface of an external wall of a building includes applying a cleaning fluid containing a strippable film forming agent to the surface of an external wall of a building, drying the applied cleaning fluid to form a strippable film, and stripping the strippable film from the surface of the external wall. Thus, the cleaning fluid which contains soil is removed with the strippable film, so that the scattering of the cleaning fluid around the building can be prevented.

Abstract: A blast media for removing coatings from hard surfaces such as steel includes a major amount of a granular relatively soft abrasive having a Mohs hardness of less than 4 and a minor portion of a granular hard abrasive having a Mohs hardness of greater than 5.

Abstract: Basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for cleaning fruits and vegetables are provided. Clear liquid formulations comprising oleate, alcohol ethoxylates and buffers are sprayed onto apples, lettuce and the like to remove soil and unwanted deposits.

Abstract: A method of applying a treating agent to a surface, e.g., a vehicle body surface, without undue fatigue. A working pad is formed with a handle attachment part having a first flat surface substantially parallel with a bottom work surface of the pad. A handle is provided with a pad engaging part having a second flat surface. The handle and the working pad are configured to fit with one another by friction, and the first and the second flat surfaces then become aligned flush. The work surface of the pad is placed on the surface after applying a treating agent, and the pad is wiped via the fitted handle over the surface while exerting a downward force.

Abstract: A substrates-cleaning apparatus including a first unit provided with a scrubber for scrubbing a single side of a substrate, a second unit provided with a turning mechanism for turning the substrate upside down or vice versa, and a carrier robot for carrying the substrate between the first and the second unit.

Abstract: A rotary applicator cleaning device in which a roller is placed within a housing and rotated within that housing as it is subjected to a cleaning solution and a resilient scrubbing.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning contact lens includes a lens cleaning case having a base and a cover pivotally mounted to the base. The base is provided with two spaced-apart domed lower cleaning pad receptacles. A cleaning pad motion plate is provided with a pair of dished upper cleaning pad receptacles adapted to be concentrically aligned with the lower receptacles when the motion plate is situated between the lower receptacles and the top of the cover. Cleaning pads having cleaning surfaces and spaced-apart handling surfaces are installed on each of the receptacles so that the cleaning surfaces of the lower pads. A stanchion or boss extends upwardly from the motion plate through a provided hole in the cover. The cleaning pads are absorbent and are impregnated with a suitable cleaning fluid. Lenses to be cleaned are placed on the top of each of the lower cleaning pads, the upper cleaning pads are placed on top of the lenses and lower pads, and the cover is closed.

Abstract: A hydrofoil (10) is disclosed for attachment to a pool brush (12) to facilitate cleaning the side walls of a pool. The hydrofoil is pivotally attached to the handle through a resilient clip (30) passing through a pair of opposed holes (24) in the hydrofoil (10) and received in matching engagement pin receiving apertures (48, 50) in a notch (46) in the hydrofoil (10). As the pool brush (12) is moved up and down along the side of the pool, the hydrofoil pivots and causes the water to force the pool brush against the side of the pool to facilitate cleaning.

Abstract: A cleanser for releasing adherent deposits from a surface consisting essentially of ethylene glycol n-butyl ether, acetone, dibasic ester, and optionally water in specified proportions. Also disclosed is a method of releasing adherent deposits from a surface by applying the aforementioned composition to the deposits.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing fibrous material wound around a generally cylindrical shaft rotated about a central longitudinal axis thereof. A cutter blade is provided to have a forward edge portion extending along the central longitudinal axis of the shaft, which edge portion is normally spaced from the shaft to define a non-cutting position. The edge portion of the cutter blade is moved about a reciprocating locus defined by a forward movement from the non-cutting position to a predetermined distance from the shaft effective to define a cutting position contacting the fibrous material, a lateral movement in the cutting position along the central longitudinal axis of the shaft to cut the fibrous material for its removal from the shaft, and a rearward movement from the shaft to return the edge portion to the non-cutting position.

Abstract: A sanitizing block for cleaning the blade of a food product slicer is manufactured from an inert material, such as cellulose sponge, which does not crumble nor dull the blade of the slicer when positioned on the carriage and sliced in the normal manner as would be used for a chunk of meat or cheese. The sanitizing block is preferably pre-moistened with a sanitizing solution to aid in the cleaning of the slicer and blade. The sanitizing block is useful as a compliment to the normal cleaning procedures of the slicer which often require disassembly of the slicer and washing of the component parts. The sanitizing block reduces food-born bacteria and minimizes carryover flavors from previously sliced items by removing residue remaining on the blade and slicer.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for scrubbing a substrate are provided, the method including the step of scrubbing one face of the substrate with a cylindrical rotary brush while applying back pressure to the substrate by jetting a fluid for generating back pressure against the other face of the substrate.

Abstract: A satellite dish cleaning apparatus and method is disclosed in one preferred embodiment of the present invention as including a handle member removably disposed within an elongated opening integrally formed at a first end of an intermediate member. The intermediate member is preferably formed having a substantially curvilinear neck portion extending substantially at an angle between approximately 10.degree. to 170.degree. from the first end to a second end of the intermediate member. Preferably, formed at the second end of the intermediate member is a retaining assembly for removably retaining a first end of a satellite dish engaging member. In addition, formed at a second end of the satellite dish engaging member is a contacting surface having a configuration substantially conforming with the concave facing surface of a satellite dish.

Abstract: A novel method and a novel article for cleaning a metal, glass, or plastic surface without scratching or scoring the surface. The novel method includes wiping the surface with the novel article, which is made from an open cell, hydrophilic, static-dissipative, polyurethane foam, and which is laundered so that the article in deionized water releases fewer than 36.0.times.10.sup.6 per square meter of apparent surface area of the article for particles of a size greater than about 0.5 .mu.m and fewer than about 2.5 parts per million of chloride, fluoride, sodium, sulfate, sulfite, or silicon ions. The novel article may be a wiper, a sponge, a roller, a swab mounted on a handle, or a plug having a generally cylindrical shape when unstressed and having particular utility where the surface is the interior surface of a metal, glass, or plastic tube. The plug is propelled through the tube, as by means of compressed air. The novel method also may include washing the surface with deionized water.

Abstract: A rumble strip for removing snow and ice from a windshield wiper blade having an elongated body positioned at an edge of a windshield over which a windshield wiper blade will pass when activated, the elongated body having at least one surface sufficiently raised from the outer surface plane of the windshield as will cause the windshield wiper blade to be flexed and/or bumped as it passes thereover, whereby the flexing and/or bumping action will be sufficient to dislodge at least some of the snow and ice which has adhered to the windshield wiper blade.

Abstract: A method and system for removing a surface layer contaminated with radioactive and/or hazardous material and subsequently treating the waste to remove contaminants and provide an essentially contaminant-free final effluent. The contaminated material is removed by blasting the surface with a pressurized stream of air and sodium bicarbonate abrasive media, and the media is dissolved in water subsequent to the blasing operation. The resulting waste is treated in a sequence of steps including adjustment of pH, aeration and separation into primarily solid and liquid phases by precipitation of solids, which are removed for appropriate disposal. The primarily liquid phase is successively passed through a particle filter, a granulated activated carbon filter and a polishing unit to produce the clean final effluent.

Abstract: A method is provided for washing spherical objects such as toy balls and the like. The balls are delivered into a bin above a hopper where they are manipulated to prevent jamming as they are passed from the hopper to a channel below consisting of rotating and stationary brushes. The balls are brushed and a detergent solution is applied. The balls are then rinsed and air is forced over them to dry any moisture thereon. The balls then exit through a discharge where they can then be collected and reused.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for oil cleanup or protection includes meltblowing equipment mounted on a vessel or vehicle for the generation and deposition of an oil absorbent web at the site of the spill.

Abstract: Relatively thin flexible sheets of oleophilic, hydrophobic substrates, such as polyethylene film, are used as the basis for sorbent media in novel methods for defending against oil spills. Exhibiting the combination of a high storage density and a high affinity for oil, substrates according to the invention are intended for deployment on sensitive areas of open water or shoreline as a first line of defence against approaching oil slicks, or for early assistance in the containment of oil near the source of a spill. Efficiency and economy in specific applications is achieved on the principle that oil pick-up per unit mass of film-form substrates is increased by decreasing the substrate thickness. The substrate is deployed from a compact supply, in a pre-deployment condition of high storage density onto the area to be protected, in the course of which it is converted to a post-deployment, in-use condition of bulk capacity for oil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the cleaning of plastic flakes to be recycled. Water is added to the plastic flakes and high shear agitator is provided so that dirt, paper and other contamination are removed from the surface of the plastic flakes. The contaminant containing water is then separated from the cleaned plastic flakes. Batch and continuous embodiments of the present invention are disclosed.

Abstract: A polishing lace comprising a roll of thin fabric having a central axis and a free end. The roll of thin fabric is impregnated with a cleaning and disinfecting compound. A thin object, such as the spoke of a wheel of a motor vehicle is cleaned by forming at least one loop around the spoke and pulling the ends of the impregnated ribbon back and forth to clean and polish the spoke. Preferably a second not impregnated fabric take is utilized to remove any polish residue from the spoke. A container holding a roll of the polishing lace has a scissors portion for cutting off a length of tape from the roll.

Abstract: An improved mop assembly is shown having a pair of mop holders which grip a mop fabric. The mop holders can be rotated about the axis of the mop handle so that the previously exposed contact surfaces of the mop fabric are reversed with the inner mop surfaces, thereby presenting unsoiled mop fabric for continued mopping.

Abstract: A car-cleaning implement (1) comprises a spongy resiliently-flexible liquid-absorbent block (2) having an exposed face (3) for applying soapy water, and its opposite face sheathed with a thin flexible skin (4) which is not water absorbent and is formed with parallel ribs (5) extending between opposite ends of the block. By inverting the block after washing off the soapy water, the ribbed skin can be used to remove water droplets from the painted surface of the car without streaking.

Abstract: A web cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning the surface of a web (22), for example a photographic film. The apparatus has a rotatable particle transfer roller (10) for removing particulate contamination from the web and a rotatable renewal roller (30) having a cleaning surface (36) for contacting and cleaning the particle transfer roller. Wiping contact is established between the particle transfer roller and the renewal roller to effectuate cleaning of the transfer roller. An absorbent cleaning member (46) is positioned in a cleaning fluid reservoir (32) for wetting and cleaning the cleaning surface of the renewal roller.

Abstract: Described is a method and cleaning composition for cleaning tubes or other vessels, comprising a ceramic particulate spherical or conical in shape in an amount of 1-20 wt % of the total composition, and a liquid organic solvent in an amount of 80-99 wt % of the total composition, wherein the ceramic particulate is dispersed within the liquid solvent and wherein the solvent also has present in it N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone in an amount of 1-15 wt % of the total composition.

Abstract: A process for removing a contaminant from a surface. In the first step of this process, a liquid-state composition is applied to a surface comprising a contaminant. Next, the liquid-state composition is allowed to solidify into a solid-state matrix comprising the contaminant, thereby sequestering the contaminant. Finally, the solid-state matrix is removed from the surface, thereby decontaminating the surface. Also provided is a process for cleaning up a contaminant-containing spill in which a liquid-state composition is applied to the spill, physically mixed with the spill, and allowed to form a solid-state matrix. The matrix is then removed, thereby cleaning up the spill. A further process is provided for detecting a contaminant in a surface or spill, in which a contaminant-detecting compound is applied to a surface or spill and is allowed to react with the contaminant to produce a detectable change, thereby detecting the contaminant.

Abstract: This present invention provides an element for controlling release of a quaternary disinfectant in aqueous solutions comprising a substrate coated with the residue of an aqueous composition of a water soluble polymer and a quaternary ammonium disinfectant characterized in that the water soluble polymer has weight average molecular weight of 85,000 to 186,000 and a degree of hydrolysis of 87 to 89 percent.

Abstract: Surfaces contaminated with chloromethylmethyl ether and bis-chloromethyl ether may be decontaminated by treating them with an aqueous solution of a basic organic amine, for example a tertiary amine, a nonionic surfactant and an alkali-metal hydroxide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning pickup and feed rolls of machines such as printers, copiers, facsimile machines and the like. The method utilizes a roll cleaner which includes an absorbent layer and cleaning solution provided within the absorbent layer. The roll cleaner is sufficiently thick to prevent the roll cleaner from feeding through the machine. The pickup and feed rolls will spin against the absorbent layer for cleaning. The roll cleaner may be stored in a resealable cellophane bag.

Abstract: A vibrator apparatus adapted for rubbing absorbent granules against a surface to remove oil spots therefrom. The apparatus comprises a platen having a generally flat lower face for engaging the surface, and a power driven shaft rotatably mounted on the platen and eccentrically weighted for vibrating the platen to rub the granules against the surface. The eccentrically weighted shaft comprises at least two eccentric weights mounted on the shaft and projecting radially therefrom at axially spaced locations. At least one of the eccentric weights is rotatable relative to the shaft to adjust the relative angular orientation of the eccentric weights and releasably lockable to the shaft, whereby adjustment of the relative angular orientations of the eccentric weights alters the vibrating motion of the platen. A method of removing oil spots with the vibrator apparatus is also disclosed.