Abstract: An image forming device having a rotatable medium, a latent image forming device for forming a latent image on the rotatable medium, apparatus for applying liquid developer to the latent image to form a toner image, apparatus to transfer the toner image to transfer material and a cleaning apparatus for cleaning the rotatable medium after transfer. The device is operated so that there is an initial application of developer to the cleaning apparatus to loosen any dried toner after which the rotatable medium undergoes a prerotation of at least one half of a complete rotation before image formation is begun. After termination of an image forming operation, the rotatable medium is rotated for a predetermined time to clean its surface and then stopped.

Abstract: A carpet is cleaned by establishing rubbing contact between the carpet and a cleaning pad thereby generating a charge of static electricity. The static charge is accumulated in sufficient magnitude to force migration of carpet soil into the pad. Alternatively, the static charge may be generated by rotation of a plastic static charge accumulator relative to stationary brushes in contact therewith.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing electrophotographic copies, wherein a rotatable photosensitive medium is rotated and pre-cleaned prior to image formation on the cleaned portion and wherein the entire medium is cleaned upon the completion of image formation.

Abstract: Removal of soil or stains from carpeting by a dry cleaning process, in which a pad including yarn selected in accordance with the carpet material and an intermediate reduced area of metal foil is rotated in contact with a carpet area moistened with a first cleaning solution including volatile hydrocarbons such as lower petroleum fractions, detergents, a surfactant, and water, over which a second solution of water and hydrogen peroxide is applied. Pad rotation establishes a controlled electrostatic field, and vapor, liquids, soil particles, etc., are drawn into the pad.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removal of glass from metal surfaces, as for example, glass tubing from aspiration cast rods, is provided in which the glass coated metal is passed between a pair of spaced driven rolls, one being a resilient roll and the other a toothed metal roll, said rolls being adjustable to vary the spacing therebetween dependent upon the thickness of metal being cleaned, whereby the glass coating is broken into small fragments by the toothed roll.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus for filled capsules including in combination a rotary drum for tumbling the capsules, napped or tufted fabric liner means for the drum such that uncleaned capsules during tumbling are rubbed by the nap of the fabric and are thereby cleansed of particulate matter, and vacuum means for removing particulate matter from the nap of the fabric; and a process for cleaning filled capsules.

Abstract: A tool for mounting a cartridge case to a drill chuck for rotating the cartridge case about its longitudinal axis for the purpose of cleaning and polishing the cartridge case. The tool comprises a body member having a bore extending axially from one end thereof to the other end, with at least a portion of the bore being internally threaded. One end of the body member is provided with an undercut slot extending from the periphery thereof inwardly to encompass the bore therein. The undercut slot is adapted to receive the flanged end of a universal cartridge case shellholders. A shaft, at least a portion thereof having external threads, is positioned within the bore in the body member so that the threads on the shaft engage the threads of the bore. The shaft is of sufficient length to extend through the bore in the body member from said one end thereof to and beyond the other end so as to project outwardly from the other end.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for rinsing and sanitizing a mop utilized to clean floors. Utilized with a conventional mop, mop wringer and mop bucket, the apparatus dispenses a pre-selected volume of cleaning solution onto the mop. The mop is then wrung dry and used, and the method of rinsing and sanitizing is repeated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a surface. The surface is moved in one direction relative to a cleaning blade in engagement therewith. Rest periods are provided of no relative motion wherein the blade is moved out of contact with the surface at a first position during the period of no relative motion. The blade is returned to the surface at a second position downstream of the first position. In accordance with a different embodiment the blade is removed from the surface after the surface has stopped, and is returned to the surface before relative motion commences.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing trash and the like from an elongated collection chamber provided on an open-end spinning apparatus. The trash, after separation from the fibrous material, is deposited in the collection chamber. A conveyor belt running through the collection chamber removes the large, coarse trash particles therefrom. A pneumatically intermittently operated collecting device removes the finer trash particles from the collection chamber without adversely affecting the separation operation wherein the trash is initially separated from the fibrous material. In one particular embodiment, a stripper cooperates with the conveyor belt that is used for removing the coarse trash particles for successively positioning a stream of air through the collecting chamber for removing the finer trash particles therefrom. A mechanical stripper is utilized with the stream of air for removing the fine trash particles from the walls of the chamber.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite rod having tungsten carbide particles embedded in a matrix comprising the steps of washing the tungsten carbide particles, placing a predetermined quantity of the carbide particles in a graphite mold, heating the mold and the carbide particles to a range of about 300.degree. to 500.degree. F. and pouring a water solution of flux in the mold while maintaining the temperature whereby the water boils off and the flux coats the surfaces of the carbide particles, placing a matrix in the mold and applying a multi-flame heat to the mold and carbide particles while stirring the particles in the mold with a graphite rod to assist in intimate contact and bonding of the melted matrix with the carbide particles to form a composite rod. The composite rod is then boiled in a weak solution of sodium hydroxide, rinsed and polished by buffing with wire bristles.

Abstract: Soils and bacteria are removed from a hard floor surface by providing two resiliently flexible, transversely parallel strips, applying suction to the space between the strips so that their lower edge portions engage the floor surface, bodily displacing the strips longitudinally back and forth, while applying disinfectant or cleaning liquid to the floor surface outside the space between the strips to wet that surface over which the strips are displaced and flex back and forth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning surfaces and crevices of teeth wherein at least one tuft of filaments is rotated in a controlled reciprocating manner whereby the tuft is rotated a number of revolutionsin one direction and then rotated the same number of revolutions in the opposite direction. An alternative embodiment comprises a plurality of tufts of filaments, each of which is rotated in a controlled reciprocating fashion about its own central axis. Furthermore, immediately adjacent tufts are contrarotated. Each tuft is rotated about its own central axis, and placed in contact with the teeth whereby the filaments develop a twisting action dynamically and serially progressing from the base of each tuft to the opposite free ends of the filaments. The plurality of tufts are positioned in two parallel rows, each of which has adjacent tufts staggered with respect to each other.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning the top surfaces of raised input/output (I/O) terminals of semiconductor elements of a semiconductor wafer prior to electronic leads being reflow bonded to such terminals. The top surfaces of the I/O terminals substantially lie in I/O plane. The wafer is mounted on a work handler and the handler is fixedly mounted on a vacuum plate holder which is mounted for oscillatory movement in a plane at a predetermined amplitude and frequency. A vinyl eraser having a planar surface of greater area than the area of the wafer occupied by the elements is mounted directly above the wafer. The eraser is operatively connected to an actuator which presses the planar surface of the eraser against the top surfaces of the I/O terminals with a predetermined force.

Abstract: A window wipe suitable for wiping the outer surface of a windowpane is provided with a magnet on the inner surface of the pane, a magnetized cleaning element on the outer surface of the pane and a container on the outer surface for storing the cleaing element when not in use.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with an apparatus for scraping the bottom wall of a coke oven chamber adjacent the chamber opening so as to remove deposits which would otherwise prevent the sealing insertion of the chamber door into the opening. The apparatus has a support which can be inserted into and withdrawn from the chamber opening. A scraping tool is mounted on the support so that it can pivot between an upwardly tilted position which it assumes as the apparatus is being inserted into the chamber opening, and a downwardly tilted position in which a horizontally extending scraping edge of the tool engages the bottom wall of the coke oven chamber to scrape away deposits therefrom as the support is withdrawn from the chamber opening. A biasing arrangement biases the scraping tool into engagement with the bottom wall when the scraping tool is in the downwardly pivoted position.

Abstract: This invention presents a preparation of expanded silicate-based aggregates as useful in a method for absorbing hazardous liquid materials. This expanded silicate-based aggregate material has previously been known for use as insulation, fireproof wallboard and insulating blocks, high temperature pipe covering, fire proofing of steel structures, marine deck filler and for cement block in non-bearing fire walls, but not for absorbing hazardous liquids. The present invention uses this aggregate material, either alone or mixed with a solution of five to seven percent of polyvinyl chloride in a solvent comprising 15% dimethylsulfoxide and 85% methylethyl ketone providing a paste which may be placed on a hazardous liquid material and within seconds will absorb the hazardous material throughout the thick paste material.

Abstract: Charged residual toner is removed from a photoreceptor by simultaneously (1) exposing the photoconductive layer of the photoreceptor to light, (2) charging the photoconductive layer to the same polarity as that of the toner, (3) vibrating the photoreceptor to dislodge the toner by entraining the photoreceptor about a roller while rotating the roller about an eccentric axis, and (4) subjecting the toner to a force (e.g. vacuum or gravity) which draws the toner away from the photoreceptor.

Abstract: Vacuum operated debris removal apparatus for a power broom comprises an enclosed hopper for collecting debris swept up by the power broom and vacuum removal apparatus for continuously removing the debris from the hopper and conveying the debris away from the apparatus. The hopper has an outlet in the bottom thereof and inclined sides leading to the outlet, so that debris collected in the hopper is urged by gravity toward the outlet. A vacuum manifold is attached to the outlet for applying a vacuum to the outlet. The hopper is independently supported on wheels and attached to the power broom such that the debris removal apparatus can be moved over the surface being cleaned along with the power broom without having the weight of the debris removal apparatus being carried by the brush of the power broom. This support mechanism is adjustable to vary the height of the hopper with respect to the power broom.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing straws from bottles employing a plurality of resilient blades which are mounted to rotate such that the ends thereof engage the straws within the bottles removing same.

Abstract: A developed photopolymer layer is completely removed from a support substrate of a printing plate. Such photopolymer is developed by photoinitiated polymerization from at least one water-soluble ethylenic monomer and includes a partially saponified polyvinyl acetate. For removal, the photopolymer layer is immersed in boiling water for sufficient time to swell the layer and then the swollen polymer is scraped from the printing plate.

Abstract: Bot eggs are readily removed from horse's hair by first applying to the eggs a thickened aqueous solution of an imidazoline or betaine surfactant in which the hydrophobe is a C.sub.7 to C.sub.12 hydrocarbyl group. This loosens the adhesion of the eggs so they can be scraped off easily, even by the use of a pad of metal wool.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing tarry deposits from the sealing surface of coke oven doors. At least the lowermost portion of the sealing surface is cleaned by reciprocating, fan-shaped, high pressure water jets, directed so as to undercut the tarry deposit. Removal of the deposits from the side portions of the sealing surface may be accomplished by the use of movable scraper blades which on encountering a hard deposit are adapted to be pressed more firmly into the deposit.

Abstract: A pH measuring instrument includes a specimen probe having parallel front and rear panels with a planar electrode mounted on each and electrically coupled to a meter movement. Each electrode includes a broad flat electrolytically active surface. The probe is so dimensioned that the active electrode surfaces are parallel and spaced apart a distance less than the gripping capacity between the thumb and forefinger of an operator. A specimen pH value is measured after initial electrode treatment including a dry wiping of the active electrode surfaces, a cleansing of the active electrode surfaces with a plastic filamentous abrasive sponge pad held in one hand and wrapped around both electrodes and an in situ specimen preconditioning. The probe is removed after specimen preconditioning has been attained, recleansed and reinserted in the specimen, after which an accurate pH value measurement is indicated at the meter.

Abstract: A carriage is freely suspended, to be movable in all directions, from a cart movable along rails supported by a fixed coke guide car structure of a coke oven. The carriage has upper and lower drives which move grippers to grip the back of a door to be cleaned and to thus move the freely suspended carriage toward the door. Centering pieces on the carriage contact the edges of the door and center the carriage relative to the specific alignment of the door. The carriage carries a further drive which rotates spindles which cause cleaning instruments mounted thereon to move therealong to clean surfaces of the door.

Abstract: Cleaning imaging material from a xerographic imaging surface with a cleaning blade with reduced friction between the blade and the surface is provided without image degredation by an appropriately roughened surface, which roughness is formed on the photoconductive surface by substrate pre-etching to provide a final or post coated roughness pattern of 3 to 5 microns and less than 20 microns.

Abstract: A spill of liquid elemental mercury is cleaned up by contacting the mercury with zinc coated metal wools which have been activated by immersion in an acid activator solution.

Abstract: A wiping material in the shape of a cup and a handle for holding the material during its use. The wiping material may include several layers with the same or different compositions. For hygienic use, it may have a layer of soft, absorbent toilet paper with, perhaps, an innermost layer of a moisture-impermeable material. The handle typically fits inside of and grasps onto the cup-shaped wipe. Conveniently, a compressible sponge on the end of the handle and slightly larger than the inside of the wiping material retains the material for use. The handle may also eject the wipe after such use. A plunger connects to a shaft in the handle which in turn connects to a washer or some other surface near the sponge. Depressing the plunger moves the cone of material off the sponge where it may fall into some receptacle. A spring within the handle biases the plunger and shaft back into its former position. Utilizing the combination involves placing the handle next to the cone of material and connecting the two together.

Abstract: Hard-surface cleaning compositions especially suited for cleaning polished surfaces contain amine compounds as impurities and a sufficient amount of a metal ion to complex the amines thereby preventing them from attacking the polish composition. Methods of using the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: In the marking of metal, for example, steel billets, by spraying aluminum through a stencil, the sprayed metal tends to build up on the stencil and render it inoperative. To reduce the metal build-up, a release compound is applied to the stencil surface and the surface is cleaned periodically during use. The release compound can be sprayed-on and cleaning can be effected by a rotary brush, both movable with the metal spray nozzle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning carpet. The pile of the carpet is first lifted, opened and agitated by stiff rotating brushes and beater bars, separating the foreign matter therein from the pile and bringing the matter to the surface of the carpet. The carpet is then vacuumed removing the separated matter therefrom. A film of cleaning agent is then sprayed through a hand-held wand over the carpet encapsulating the carpet fibers. The wand communicates with a portable pressurized supply of cleaning agent. After a short setting, the carpet is scrubbed with counter-rotating or rotary brushes. The agent is then allowed to dry and the residue removed with a vacuum.

Abstract: Movable means are provided interiorly of a rotating confined line on a substantially horizontal plane through which reactant fluids, such as liquids and gases, flow and react, whereby inherently to inhibit the adherence of particulate matter within the line and effect enhanced contact and intermingling of the liquid maintained in the form of a pool therein with the gas during rotation of the line.The movable means comprise relatively solid objects which bounce and tumble within the line to contact the interior of the line. The relatively solid objects, which may be in the form of chains, wires, cables or any other solid media whether consisting of separate or joined components, also function to prevent the liquid, maintained in the pool and/or passing through the line from assuming a dry or precipitate state as it is splashed or otherwise distributed about the entire interior periphery of the line.

Abstract: A new use for ion exchange compositions and a new method for utilizing such compositions in containing and removing spills of radioactive materials. The ion exchange compositions when used with liquid spills are arranged to have a cross-linking which, when they are deposited over the spill, permits them to absorb the liquid spill simultaneously with the occurrence of an exchange of the radioactive ions with the ions of the ion exchange compositions. A dry spill of radioactive material can be contained and removed by using a dampened ion exchange composition which is deposited over the spill. The wet or dry spills can then be readily and safely removed for appropriate disposal.

Abstract: Surfaces are cleaned of liquid developer by a blade having a configuration which deflects material away from the surface undergoing cleaning while it cleans the surface as a scraper blade. The blade provides a scraper function in addition to conveying the liquid developer cleaned from the surface to a retention reservoir.

Abstract: A device for cleaning leaves and debris from swimming pools comprising a reticulated bag having an open mouth and closed end. The mouth is connected to the nozzle of a high pressure water hose, which in turn is connected to an automatic swimming pool cleaner of the type that floats and propels itself about the pool by means of a high pressure water supply. A flotation collar is connected to the bag so that it will float semi-submerged, a portion of the mouth being above the water to trap floating leaves and debris. The flotation collar is detachable so that the hose and bag will sink for cleaning the bottom of the pool. The hose is sufficiently flexible and weighted so that the bag can tip upward while on bottom, with the mouth facing the bottom and the hose on the forward side of the mouth. The rearward side of the mouth scrapes the bottom, aiding in trapping leaves from the bottom as the swimming pool cleaner drags the hose and bag about the pool.

Abstract: Both sides of thin slices of material are cleaned simultaneously in the apparatus of this invention. A slice of material rotates about its axis as it passes between opposed rotatable cleaning surfaces. The apparatus includes a stop which maintains the slice of material off-center with respect to the cleaning surfaces. The apparatus is particularly useful for cleaning slices of semiconductor material.

Abstract: A procedure and apparatus are shown for on a continuous, commercially practical basis recovering a non-ferrous base metal, such as copper or aluminum in the form of clean, bright metal pieces or bits and for enabling recovery of different non-ferrous coating metals, such as of lead, tin or alloys thereof, and under conditions in which a resin insulating coating may be present. Mechanical shredding means is used for reducing insulated wire to an aggregate containing bits, particles or pieces within a requisite size range, extraneous magnetics are removed, and the content of resin coating material is reduced under dry conditions to within a maximum of 2%.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are herein described for cleaning and waxing automobiles in commercial "car wash" operations without any need for mechanical buffing or polishing as, for example, with brushes. The surface of the car is first covered with a water soluble, agitated liquid cleaner which has been at least partially foamed. Then, the surface of the car is blasted with water soluble beads under sufficient pressure to apply a frictional cleaning motion to the liquid cleaner, but with insufficient pressure to damage the car surface by excessive abrasion. After the blasting step, the liquid cleaner and water soluble beads are rinsed by the application of a high pressure water spray thereto. If it is desired to wax the car surfaces, microcrystalline beads of dry, water soluble, carnauba wax are blasted against the car surfaces with sufficient pressure to cause frictional buffing and polishing of the surfaces, but insufficient pressure to damage the surfaces with abrasion.

Abstract: A method for removing heat-insulating material, at least some of which is frangibly caked, from an ingot mold before removal of the hot ingot from the mold comprising the steps of providing a low-pressure vacuum, conducting the vacuum through a rigid, manually manipulatable, heat-resistant conduit, and simultaneously fragmentizing the caked heat-insulating material with, and applying the low-pressure vacuum through, the rigid conduit for removing the heat-insulating material.

Abstract: A spill of a compound providing cyanide ion is cleaned up by mixing with the spilled cyanide compound a composition containing a powdered ferrous sulfate and an alkali or alkaline earth metal carbonate.

Abstract: Method for polishing a stationary vehicle comprising a mobile carriage that travels on wheels along longitudinally disposed tracks located on either side of the vehicle. The carriage supports opposing side polishing brushes rotatably mounted about laterally movable vertical axes to buff the vertical surfaces of the vehicle. An overhead brush rotatably mounted on a horizontal axis is movable in a vertical direction to polish the upper surfaces of the vehicle. The vehicle surfaces are coated with a wax or other suitable polishing materials, and the carriage with the rotating brushes is reciprocated back and forth relative to the stationary vehicle such that the vehicle surfaces are polished by the action of the rotating brushes.

Abstract: The system disclosed is a brushing installation for use in scrubbing the front, rear and sides of a motor vehicle. A pair of front/side brushes and a pair of side/rear brushes provide double coverage of these surfaces during a single passage of the vehicle. The brushes are suspended from short, side-mounted pivot arms and displacement of the brushes during operation is a function of vehicle position relative to the brushing installation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing trash from an air stream in the vacuum system of an open end spinning machine without interrupting operation of the machine. A filter removes the trash from the air stream and a traveling scraper removes the trash from the filter into a collection compartment.

Abstract: A power driven turntable has a conveyor thereon for moving a car onto the turntable while the turntable is held at rest. A control then locks the conveyor to hold the car in place on the turntable as it is rotated by a motor therefor. Individual components such as a wheel scrubbing brush can operate on said turntable. Brushes are mounted on horizontal axes mounted on arms hinged from above, and engageable with upwardly facing surfaces of the car as the turntable is rotated. Brushes are also mounted on carriages movable toward and away from the center of rotation, for scrubbing vertical surfaces of the car as the turntable turns. Tire soaking troughs for a caustic solution are provided near the entrance. Controls are employed to move the brushes in response to changes in pressure of engagement of the brushes against the surfaces as the car is turned.

Abstract: Coatings are loosened for removal from various substrates by rotating a chain-like flail against the coating while maintaining the flail oriented and positioned with respect to the surface of the coating so that the next-to-last terminal link of the flail barely strikes the coating on the edge of the link, twists and then whips the terminal link flat against the coating on the side of the link. The flail is useful for remote controlled operations as underwater or in a hazardous area as high radiation environment and may be employed for cleaning any underwater surface such as conduits, ships hulls, docks, and offshore drilling or production structures. In particular, the flail works well on underwater conduits when used in combination with a wire wheel brush which removes the coating from the conduit after the coating is first loosened by the flail.

Abstract: Residual pressure-sensitive adhesive is removed from surfaces by applying a composition containing a swelling agent for the adhesive and a detackifying agent for the adhesive to the residual material, allowing the composition to remain in contact with the adhesive long enough to swell and detackify the adhesive, and then removing the adhesive, e.g. by rubbing, scraping or scouring with a cleaning tool. The remover compositions contain a swelling agent for the adhesive and a chemical detackifying agent selected from polyvalent metal-containing compounds or basic amines. The remover may also include a minor quantity of an organic acid, and/or a thickener for the remover composition such as a fumed silica or an organic resin.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning conveyor belts includes a cylinder, and drive means for causing the cylinder to rotate. A plurality of fingers extend from and are spaced about the curved exterior surface of the cylinder with the fingers being inclined in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the cylinder. To clean a conveyor belt, the cylinder is positioned adjacent the surface of the conveyor belt so that the fingers of the cylinder contact or nearly contact the surface of the belt and, as the cylinder is rotated, the fingers are forced outwardly to make greater contact with the surface of the belt. To enhance the cleaning process, the conveyor belt is driven in a direction opposing the direction of movement of the fingers.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a soiled surface comprising rubbing the surface in the presence of water with a fibrous cleaning material characterized in that a fibrous carrier is impregnated with a rubber latex of at least one member selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, butadiene rubber and styrene-butadiene rubber and a high molecular weight substance selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer, polychloroprene and acrylic resin and thereafter drying.

Abstract: Airborne electrophotographic toner particles are filtered by a body of carrier beads of a material selected to develop a relatively high triboelectric charge upon contact by the toner particles. When the filtering capability of the body of carrier beads is exhausted, the carrier beads and the collected toner are simply mixed into the developer mix of a xerographic machine whereby the collected toner can be reused.

Abstract: A plurality of abrasion resistant particles are embedded in the layer of photoconductive material on the conductive substrate of a conventional electrostatographic photoreceptor so that generally hemispherical portions of the particles protrude to a height of from 0.5 to 5 microns above the surface of the photoreceptor. The improved photoreceptor is readily adaptable to cleaning by applying a flexible doctor blade to its surface and providing relative motion therebetween.