Abstract: An automated process, and a device for implementing the process, for preparing a printing block from a photopolymer plate which has been previously exposed to ultraviolet radiation to convert it into a printing block for flexography or typography, or dry offset. The process includes at least the steps of lowering the plate with its sensitive face down into an etching vat, and then etching the plate by the resultant effect of a reciprocating horizontal movement of plane brushes and a to-and-fro movement of the etching vat in a horizontal direction perpendicular to that of the brushes, with the plate being held in place by gravity during the etching.

Abstract: In-situ removal of material, such as solder paste (12), from openings (26--26) in a stencil (22) is accomplished by imparting a vibrational motion to the stencil. In practice, the stencil (22) may be vibrated by one or more DC solenoids (28--28), each having its plunger (28) in contact with the periphery of the stencil and each excited with AC so that the solenoid plunger undergoes a linear oscillation to vibrate the stencil.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning elongated objects of surface contaminants. The elongated objects are exposed to a liquid or solid inert gas at suitable quantities to embrittle the contaminants. The elongated objects are then drawn through a die orifice causing the embrittled surface contaminants to be removed from the elongated objects.

Abstract: A method for removal of undesirable foreign matter from the interior of existing duct systems. The method comprises the insertion of a plurality of members into a stream of air within the existing duct to loosen the dirt adhering to the duct walls. The members are capable of receiving and holding a static electric charge on their exterior surfaces so that when the members are agitated within the stream of air and against the duct, a static electrical charge is placed thereon. The electrical charge causes a portion of the foreign matter to be attracted to and adhere to the members. The stream of air with the members and loose foreign matter entrained therein is then removed from the duct.

Abstract: A blast media for stripping contaminants from a solid surface comprises abrasive particles and a surfactant in the form of a granular surfactant-clathrate compound formed of a surfactant and a water soluble compound having clathration capability such as urea. The surfactant reduces the amount of water soluble residues which remain on the targeted surface and enhances the removal of dirt, grease and oil from the targeted surface.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning method and equipment for removing foreign metters adhered to a substrate, the method comprising the steps of: making hydrophilic a surface of the substrate; causing pure water to diffusively permeate the hydrophilic surface of the substrate, thereby forming a layer of aqueous particles on the substrate surface; removing the foreign matters on the substrate in which the pure water diffusively permeated; and dipping, into hot pure water, the substrate in which the pure water diffusively permeated and then drying the substrate surface by relatively moving the hot water and the substrate.

Abstract: A system for cleaning test probes attached to a probe mat fixture by propelling CO.sub.2 pellets at the test probes, by rotating the fixture so that the pellets impact different sides of the test probes, and by providing electrostatic protection for active devices mounted on the probemat fixture. The CO.sub.2 pellets are propelled so that they strike the test probes at an angle to the horizontal plane of the test probe as mounted on the probemat fixture. Electrostatic protection is provided by connecting all electrical connections to the probemat fixture to ground and by reducing electrostatic charge build up on the probemat fixture by using an ionizer to direct ions at the probemat fixture.

Abstract: This invention relates to a blast cleaning apparatus and method which includes a laterally moving conveyor with openings therethrough, and particularly a laterally moving wire mesh conveyor. The conveying surface is moved laterally such that there is lateral movement of the conveyor surface in the blast cleaning chamber. The lateral movement is relative to the workpiece and is substantially horizontal and substantially transverse to the direction of advancement of the conveyor. The conveying surface is moved relative to the workpiece so as to expose to upwardly directed cleaning material areas of the workpiece that would otherwise be protected from the cleaning material by material separating the openings in the conveying surface.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for removing trace contaminants from the surface of a chosen substrate, such as delicate surfaces or precision parts, wherein the improvement consists of heating a portion of a chosen substrate surface immediately before, during and/or after application of a stream of cleaning snow to the same portion of the substrate surface.

Abstract: A process for decontaminating a surface contaminated with a toxic agent in which the surface is contacted with a sorbent selected from the class consisting of a carbonaceous resin which contains a strong base in its pores, a macroreticular ion exchange resin which has a strong base hydroxide functionality and which contains water in its pores or a macronet resin which has been impregnated with a Lewis acid and then removing the toxic agent from the surface thereby decontaminating the surface.

Abstract: A blast media for stripping contaminants from a solid surface comprises abrasive particles and a surfactant in the form of a granular surfactant-clathrate compound formed of a surfactant and a water soluble compound having clathration capability such as urea. The surfactant reduces the amount of water soluble residues which remain on the targeted surface and enhances the removal of dirt, grease and oil from the targeted surface.

Abstract: The invention is an alkaline cleaning system which includes an alkaline detergent composition having a pH greater than 10.5 when diluted to a 1 wt-% aqueous solution, and an alkali stable continuous polymeric film dispersible or soluble in aqueous liquids covering the detergent composition. The invention also includes methods of using the alkaline cleaning system by applying an aqueous diluent automatically (by machine) or manually through partial or complete dissolution of the film covered solid.

Abstract: A localized surface area of an open foam type metal substrate of an electrochemical cell electrode, where the substrate is filled with active material and compressed, is subjected to light pressure scrubbing by a heated soldering iron tip subjected to ultrasonic vibration to quickly dislodge the active material network of the open foam type metal substrate. Compressed air at approximately 100 psi is blown through the open foam type metal substrate to remove dislodged active material particles from the foam type metal substrate to permit effective welding of a metal terminal connection to the substrate at the localized area after cleaning. Alternatively, both opposite surfaces of the open foam type metal substrate at the localized area may be brushed to initially dislodge the active material from the pores of the open foam type metal substrate and the dislodged particles blown through the substrate from one surface to the other.

Abstract: A hard contact lens formed of a polymer having silicon and chlorine incorporated therein is exposed to a solution containing an admixture, an alkylphenyl polyether alcohol surfactant, a second surfactant which is anionic and a third surfactant having a preservative action and the solution is rubbed against the contact lens to remove surface deposits thereon.

Abstract: Impure aqueous media, e.g., contaminated white wines or sugar-containing liquors, are purified by (i) immersing therein a package which comprises a unit purifying amount of a characteristically chemical active charcoal powder enveloped within a film of a water-soluble, notably PVA polymer, (ii) permitting such package to dissolve and intimately contacting the active charcoal powder with the impure aqueous medium for such period of time as to sorb the impurities therein onto the active charcoal powder, and (iii) thence recovering and optionally filtering the aqueous medium thus purified, and whereby essentially none of the water-soluble polymer is present therein.

Abstract: A blast media for stripping coatings or other contaminants from a solid surface comprises water soluble abrasive particles and a rinse aid which reduces the amount of water soluble residues of blast media remaining on the targeted surface and which enables any residues which remain to be readily removed by fresh water. The rinse aid can include magnesium oxide or a mixture thereof with one or more surfactants.

Abstract: A blast media for stripping contaminants from very soft and sensitive substrates comprises compacted abrasive particles which are formed by compacting very fine particles of the abrasive into larger particles which are friable and which will break apart into fine particles upon contacting the substrate surface.

Abstract: A surface treating tool such as a floor polisher and method and apparatus for detecting the absence of a pad or other surface treating member on the tool. In the preferred manner of operation, the invention monitors the amperes being drawn by an electric motor rotating the pad support. If the amperage draw during initial start up of the tool is less than a predetermined amount (representing the absence of a pad on the support, the tool is prevented from lowering the padless support into potentially damaging contact with the floor or other surface.

Abstract: The device for cleaning a dental appliance includes a round casing made of two pieces. The appliance and a cleaning paste are placed within the casing and bristle tufts within the casing are caused to scrub the appliance by turning the casing pieces opposite to one another. After scrubbing, the device with the appliance therein is placed in a path of running water, with the water running through the device through a plurality of openings provided in a peripheral wall thereof. The appliance may then be removed or allowed to dry within the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning composition for use in cleaning the interior of a molding machine having residual molding resin retained therein, comprising (a) a specific graft polymer comprised of a main chain comprising an olefin polymer and having, grafted thereto, a side chain comprising a styrene polymer and (b) a thermoplastic styrene polymer, the graft polymer (a) and the thermoplastic styrene polymer (b) being present in a weight ratio of from 2/100 to 160/100. This cleaning composition exhibits an extremely excellent cleaning effect due to its high capability to scape off a residual resin on a metallic surface. By using this cleaning composition, the cleaning of the interior of a molding machine having a residual molding resin retained therein can be effectively and efficiently performed in a short period of time and at a low cost.

Abstract: A method for wiping and cleaning a windshield for a vehicle includes rotating a pair of circular windshield portions of the windshield against a brush containing moisture, and an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: A robotic cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an automatically controlled cleaning machine and coded reflective targets used to provide information to the cleaning machine for positioning it along desired cleaning paths. The apparatus determines it position on a real time basis, particularly in the case of obstacles that are encountered by the cleaning machine during its cleaning operation. Hardware and software are provided for controlling movement of the cleaning machine relative to side and end walls of the floor surface section being cleaned, as well as controlling the functions of cleaning equipment.

Abstract: A system for coating articles by the use of electrostatic attraction of ionized particles which are subsequently cured. The system includes a pair of carriers for jointly carrying each article through the system, from application of the particles to the article through curing of the particles on the article. Each carrier is capable of carrying the article independently of the other. After deposition of the particles on the article, the article and the carriers are conveyed through a cleaning station wherein one of the carriers is moved out of carrying engagement with the article and cleaned while the article supported by the other carrier. The other carrier is then moved out of supporting engagement with the article and cleaned while the article is supported by the first carrier.

Abstract: A method of treating blocks of waste paraffin wax entailing initially subdividing the wax into particles less than one cubic inch in size, and preferably in elongated string or rod form, then intimately mixing the particles with a viscous hydrocarbon liquid in a first mixing zone by agitation. The mixture is passed through a centrifugal pump where further mixing and further comminution of the wax particles occurs as a result of cavitation and pump impeller impact. A slurry of wax in hydrocarbon is discharged from the centrifugal pump and recycled at least once back through the first mixing zone and then back to the pump.

Abstract: Solid adsorbents for soaking up or binding adsorbates from the group comprising mineral oils, ester oils, liquid hydrocarbons and other liquid inert organic compounds or mixtures thereof which comprise, as adsorptive components, a finely disperse to granular polyvinyl acetal insoluble in water and in the adsorbates, preferably polyvinyl butyral.Use of the adsorbents for soaking up or adsorptive binding and, as appropriate, for subsequent disposal or reprocessing of products, which may acutely pollute the environment, from the group comprising crude oil, tar oil, lubricating oil, lubricating grease, mineral oil, petroleum, hydraulic oil, paraffin oil, spindle oil, light and heavy fuel oil, diesel oil, kerosene, gasoline, benzene, liquid organic pesticides or pesticide solutions, vegetable oils and fats, animal oils and fats and, if appropriate, aqueous emulsions or suspensions of the said products.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous cleaning of bag making machinery is provided. A single roll with a cleaning material attached thereto contacts a rotating drum to remove debris from the surface thereof. When the portion of the cleaning material in contact with the drum becomes saturated with debris, the roll is rotated to present fresh cleaning material to the surface of the drum. The compact design of the cleaning apparatus permits its use in the limited space found around bag making machinery.

Abstract: A method for cleansing metal mesh gloves to remove particles of meat or the like embedded within the metal mesh of the gloves includes elongated rollers which preferably counter-rotate with respect to each other and define an entry slot area within which the gloves are inserted for cleansing.

Abstract: A mounted bracket with wheels that attaches to existing holes on the carriage of a "Rol-Dri"(TM) roller or similar equipment for removing water from and simultaneously drying hard surfaces such as tennis courts. The purpose of the invention is to eliminate the need to lift and carry the roller dry or wet. While transporting the roller to and from the wet area or during the drying operation. This is accomplished by lowering the handle of the roller which places the wheels of the invention in contact with the ground thereby lifting the roller off of the ground. The user can pull the roller along by the wheels of the invention without having the roller in contact with the ground.

Abstract: New contact lens cleaning materials are designed for use in cleaning fluorine and silicon containing hard contact lenses. The contact lens cleaning materials are water based and contain an alkylphenyl polyether alcohol surfactant, an anionic second surfactant selected to have good cleaning action with respect to protein and mucous-like material deposits and a phosphate ester surfactant.

Abstract: A hand powered rotatable toothbrush is characterized by elements, such as tufts of brush bristles, positionally fixed to the brush head to frictionally engage tooth surfaces and thereby positionally stabilize the brush head so that a distal portion of the brush handle can be longitudinally reciprocated relative to the brush head. One or more rotatable brush members mounted on the brush head are operatively connected to the distal handle portion, as by a rack and pinion, to cause the brush members to be rotated in response to longitudinal handle reciprocation. In one embodiment the rotatable brush member cyclically rotates in opposite directions in response to back and forth linear motion of the handle. In another embodiment the rotation of the brush member is in the same direction, irrespective of the direction in which the handle moves.

Abstract: A cleaning cartridge and method for cleaning the electrical contacts of a connector block of a computer or video game having a cartridge receptacle and wherein the cleaning cartridge has a housing to be inserted into the cartridge receptacle and the housing contains a board having a one and the other end, the other end of the board having on at least one planar surface a cleaning material adapted to clean the electrical contacts of a connector bar, the other end extending outwardly of the housing, and wherein the board is adapted to move in a slidable manner between by the user grasping the other end of the board between an outwardly extending, non-cleaning position and inwardly extending, cleaning position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating old foundry sand for reuse in place of core sand wherein the precleaned sand grains are subjected to further abrasive-thermal treatment so as to volatize and remove basic constituents adhering to the precleaned sand grains.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dispensing detergent from within a container comprises directing a water spray transversely of the container vertical orientation to dissolve and remove detergent in solution from the container. The transverse direction of water spray greatly improves detergent dispensing performance and minimize clogging of the system during down times.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for buffing articles, such as leather goods, silverware and the like. The apparatus includes a flexible container for receiving an article to be buffed. The interior of the container has a buffing material therein and is of a size to permit relative movement of the article and the buffing material so that, when the container is moved about, such as in the drum of a clothes dryer, the article and the buffing material move continuously into frictional engagement with each other causing a buffing action to occur. Several embodiments of the container are disclosed. A clothes dryer can be used for moving the container. In the alternative, a coin operated drum can be provided.

Abstract: A new superabsorber which gels and cross-links as hydrated has been developed. The superabsorber contains a branched-chain polyanionic carbohydrate such as carboxymethylcellulose, a cross-linking agent, and a hydrophobic carboxylic acid. The superabosrber is biodegradable and non-toxic.

Abstract: The apparatus includes an elongate housing containing a rotatable plate-mounting drum, a reversibly rotatable brush roll, and first and second spray manifolds for respectively spraying fresh water and recirculated water onto the printing plates. The plate-mounting drum may be formed of perforate metal so as to facilitate mounting printing plates thereon. When the printing plate or plates to be cleaned extend longitudinally along only part of the plate-mounting drum, valves associated with the manifolds may be closed to cause water to be discharged only from those manifold sections that confront the printing plates. The fresh water supply circuitry of the apparatus is separate from the circuit for the recirculated water circuitry. A limit switch associated with a housing cover of the apparatus prevents discharge of water from the spray manifolds when the cover is not fully closed.

Abstract: A composition for absorbing liquids comprises an organic material derived from at least one substance selected from the group consisting of plant gums and plant mucilages. The absorbing compositions are applied as powders, pastes, or sheets.

Abstract: A pre-moistened towelette wipes a compact disc clean without leaving a visible residue thereon. An ultra-pure tissue, free of binders, fillers and dyes, is permeated with a liquid cleaning preparation comprised of a highly concentrated solution of ultra-pure alcohol, a non-ionic, ultra-pure surfactant, and ultra-pure water.

Abstract: An improved process for absorbing oils and especially separating and recovering oils from an aqueous medium or aqueous/wetted medium using an absorbent oleophilic biodegradable sponge material comprised of essentially fat-free, foamable natural products, specifically animal proteins or plant polysaccharides, such as gelatin, collagen, egg white albumen, gum agar, gum arabic, gum karaya, and locust bean gum, which absorb oils at a rate of at least about 30 times their weight.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of cleaning a surface soiled with a staining agent. The method includes the steps of applying to the soiled surface a highly cross-linked macroporous hydrophobic copolymer which contains a chemical entrapped therein which is a solvent for the staining agent present on the soiled surface, dissolving the staining agent with the solvent, absorbing the staining agent into the solvent entrapped copolymer, and removing the copolymer containing the solvent and the dissolved staining agent from the surface.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a thermal head with a raised portion formed on a printing surface portion corresponding to a heat generating element. The method comprises passing a nonwoven sheet, havng an alcohol-impregnated forward portion and a dried rear portion, between a printing surface of the thermal head and a platen, upon the rotation of the platen, in a fashion compressed therebetween to allow the printing surface to be cleaned with the alcohol impregnated in the forward portion of the nonwoven sheet and the alcohol to be sucked in the dried rear portion of the nonwoven sheet.

Abstract: A can opener cleaner and method of cleaning a can opener are disclosed. The can opener cleaner includes a cylindrical body member with an open top, a top edge and a cylindrical side wall; a lip disposed about the top edge of the body member for retaining the can opener cleaner in engagement with a can opener; a first cleaning element disposed about the top edge for cleaning the inner face of a can opener cutting element; and a second cleaning element disposed within the body member for cleaning the outer face of a can opener cutting element. The first cleaning element is a resilient, fuzzy element, such as a pipe cleaner, attached at three points about the circumference of the top edge of the body member. The second cleaning element is a sponge, and may be provided with a central hole therethrough for storing the can opener cleaner on a hook.

Abstract: A system is provided for cleaning paint brushes whose bristles have, from use, developed liquefied accumulations thereon of an oil base paint. A plurality of transparent vessels, each containing the same liquid solvent, are supported in a first predetermined serial relationship such that a paint brush with accumulations of paint thereon can be immersed in sequence in the solvent contained in each of the vessels. A towel dispenser provides toweling for wiping the paint brush to mechanically remove the accumulations of paint thereon before and after immersion of the paint brush into the solvent contained in each of the vessels. Covers are removably attached to each of the vessels for selectively sealing the solvent from the atmosphere. Indicia may be applied to the covers or otherwise associated with the vessels.

Abstract: A composition for absorbing liquids comprises a quantity of fibrous material from plants and coated with a waterproofing composition, such as with sodium methyl silicate some embodiments include organic material derived from at least one substance selected from the group consisting of plant gums and plant mucilages in admixture with particulate plant fibers. The absorbing compositions are applied to hydrocarbon liquids, such as oil and the like on water.

Abstract: A handle and method of using the handle are described for use with baby wipe containers used to clean infants. The disclosed handle is utilized such that the baby wipe container is secured to the outer face of a user's first hand. The first hand is also used to secure the infant's legs while the user's second hand is used to remove wipes from the wipe container. This allows a user to perform three functions that a single user could not perform at a single time with the prior art containers. The container is secured on the outer surface of a user's one hand which also secures and infant's legs, such that two steps which in the prior art require two separate hands are performed by a user's single hand. This allows the user's other hand to perform the third step, and easily clean an infant.

Abstract: A portable eyeglass cleaning kit is provided with a chemically treated pig skin chamois housed within a small portable plastic storage case. The chamois is treated with a chemical mixture for more efficient eyeglass lens cleaning. The chemical fixture serves as a fungicide for inhibiting the growth of mildew while the chamois is stored in the case. The chamois can be maintained moistened in the air-tight storage case or dry to be moistened when needed. The storage case is affixed with a detachable chain which enables the unit to serve as a key chain or be attachable to one.

Abstract: A novel method is provided for removing lint, hair, and other particulate matter from fabric articles such as clothing, upholstery, or draperies. A sprayable aerosol adhesive composition is applied to flexible sheet material, such as a paper towel, so as to splatter the surface of the sheet with tacky adherent globules of a tackified or plasticized resin without forming a continuous coating on the surface. The sprayed surface of the sheet is ready within 60 seconds for contacting with the fabric from which the particulate matter is to be removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning buffing pads includes a hollow cleaning enclosure for receiving the pad while still attached to the buffing machine and permitting rotation of the pad within the enclosure. Agitating members are provided to contact the buffing pad while cleaning solutions are injected into the enclosure and against the buffing pad face while rotating. A pump drive wheel driven by the rotating buffing pad provides power to drive a pump contained within a reservoir of cleaning fluid to pump the cleaning fluid to the enclosure and pad.

Abstract: Asbestos containing materials which have become friable and thus hazardous to health can be rendered non-friable by treatment with a lipophilic material, such as a triglyceride oil having non-polar or slightly polar characteristics. The method of the invention is particularly applicable to the treatment of asbestos-containing roofs which are friable and which, without treatment, would be required to be removed using the stringent, expensive protocol which is specified under the Federal Asbestos Abatement Guidelines for removal of friable asbestos roofs.

Abstract: A cleaning composition includes a liquid vehicle having dispersed therein, a particulate, organic, polymeric material. This composition is used for cleaning encrustations from the interior surface of tubes or other vessels, particularly those of paint delivery systems. Such cleaning is accomplished by maintaining a flow of the cleaning composition through the vessel. The vehicle may comprise organic or inorganic solvent mixtures and may include detergents, surfactants and similar ancillary ingredients.