Abstract: It is surprisingly found that when diamond particles are embedded into an alcohol wipe, the cleansing wipe that is formed is extremely useful at cleaning diamond jewellery in the home. It is also surprising that, given the abrasive nature of diamond, the diamond particles result in a satisfactory clean without causing any damage to the surface of the diamond being cleaned. The final result is that the cleaned diamond has recovered most of its original fire, life and brilliance.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for self-cleaning dust removal. The apparatus may be provided with a brush housing 202 having an opening 204, one or more axles 206 disposed around the opening 204, and a plurality of brush fibers 208 emanating from the one or more axles 206 that rotate inward into the opening 204. In addition, the system may include a scraping edge 106, disposed around the opening 204, farther into the brush housing 202 than the one or more axles 206, that scrapes 1408 dust off of the brush fibers 208 as they rotate inward against the scraping edge 106, and a vacuum cleaner intake port 110 inside the brush housing 202 that draws 1410 dust from off and about the brush fibers 208 as they rotate inward 1406. The system may further include a handle 112 connected to the brush housing 202 and a switch 114.

Abstract: An oral care system that includes an oral care implement and a dispenser, an oral care method, and a method of whitening teeth. In one embodiment, the invention may be a method of whitening teeth that includes: providing a toothbrush having a handle and a detachable oral care agent dispenser supported by the handle, the dispenser including a reservoir containing a tooth whitening agent; decoupling the dispenser from the handle of the toothbrush; and applying the tooth whitening agent to an oral surface using the dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention discloses personal hygiene device or cleaning devices and cleaning apparatuses. The cleaning devices include an elongate member, at least one housing coupled to a proximal end of the elongate member, at least one agitation mechanism movably coupled to the at least one housing, and a cleaning device removably coupled to the at least one housing. The cleaning apparatuses include a cleaning portion, a first attachment portion at a first end of the cleaning portion, and a second attachment portion at a second end of the cleaning portion. Methods of using the cleaning devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a pool cleaner having a body and articulated cleaning member extending from the body. The articulated cleaning member can be pivotally and/or rotatably coupled to the body. The articulated cleaning member can be pivoted or rotated with respect to the body to accommodate changes in the terrain of a pool.

Abstract: An apparatus may be used to form an opening in a sinus wall. The apparatus comprises a first cutting member and a second cutting member. The first cutting member comprises a helical blade. The second cutting member is slidably disposed about the first cutting member. The second cutting member comprises a sharp distal edge. An outer sheath is slidably disposed about the first and second cutting member. The sheath may be retracted to uncover the helical blade. The second cutting member may be advanced over the first cutting member to form a circular opening in the sinus wall. The sheath may include an obliquely angled distal edge. A cleaning instrument may be used to clean debris from the first cutting member.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and systems for cleaning a scrub brush of a scrubber utilized in semiconductor fabrication are provided. In particular, a charge modification element, such as a base pH material or ammonia, is applied to the scrub brush to modify a charge of a particle on the scrub brush to a modified charge. The modified charge of the particle is similar to a charge of the scrub brush, such that the particle and the scrub brush repel one another. The particle can be detached from the scrub brush utilizing various techniques such as a de-ionized water technique or a mechanical cleaning bar technique. In this way, one or more particles can be detached from the scrub brush to clean the scrub brush of particles so that the scrub brush can be used to clean a semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A smart phone carrying case that is capable of cleaning and disinfecting a smart phone touch screen every time the phone is removed from the case is disclosed. The smart phone carrying case includes a pocket, inside of which is a cleaning and disinfecting pad, and further includes a flap that supports a drying pad. The touch screen can be cleaned by wiping it across the cleaning and disinfecting pad when the smart phone is removed from the pocket of the carrying case. The touch screen may then be wiped across the drying pad on the flap before the smart phone is operated by the user.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a tongue-mounted cleaning article for caring for the teeth and gums having an elongated body defining an inner cavity formed in the configuration of the tongue for receiving and accommodating the tongue, and a slot for receiving and accommodating the frenulum on the undersurface of the tongue; an open end sized to permit insertion of tongue; and a closed end being narrower than the open end and configured in the shape of the tip of the tongue, the closed end comprising a plurality of pyramidal protuberances or bristles disposed over a portion or entirety of its surface, wherein the pyramidal protuberances or bristles project outwardly for cleaning the teeth and gums by appropriate movement of the tongue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a substrate after chemical mechanical planarizing (CMP) is provided. The apparatus comprises a housing, a substrate holder rotatable on a first axis and configured to retain a substrate in a substantially vertical orientation, a first pad holder having a pad retaining surface facing the substrate holder in a parallel and space apart relation, the first pad holder rotatable on a second axis rotatable parallel to the first axis, a first actuator operable to move the pad holder relative to the substrate holder to change a distance defined between the first axis and the second axis, and a second pad holder disposed in the housing, the second pad holder having a pad retaining surface facing the substrate holder in a parallel and spaced apart relation, wherein the second pad holder is couple with a rotary arm.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a marine element towed in water and related methods are provided. The cleaning device includes a body configured to enclose the marine element; at least one wing attached to the body and configured to impart translational and rotational motion to the body when interacting with the water; a switching and locking mechanism configured to change an orientation of the at least one wing between a first orientation and a second orientation when contacting a stopper and also to lock the selected orientation; rotating means attached to an internal surface of the body and configured to contact the marine element, the rotating means having axles that make a fix angle with a longitudinal axis of the body; and a cleaning tool attached to the body and configured to clean the marine element.

Abstract: An exemplary aspect comprises an apparatus comprising: a handle; and a body connected to the handle via a rotatable joint; the body comprising a bristle component on a first side and a cloth component on a second side, the bristle component comprising broom bristles and the cloth component configured to accept a cloth, the body rotatable with respect to the handle, between a first position and a second position, the first position placing the broom bristles in contact with a floor surface, and the second position placing the cloth in contact with the floor surface. One or more method embodiments comprise using the apparatus as a broom, with the body in the first position; rotating the body from the first position to the second position; and using the apparatus as a mop, with the body in the second position.

Abstract: A device for removing snow from a vehicle comprising a flat sheet of sturdy flexible material having elongated opposite side sections and substantially shorter opposite end sections. Each end section has a spaced apart pair of handles for manual manipulation of the sheet and each end section has two spaced apart straps with hooks at the end. An end of the sheet is entered in a door opening with the sheet stretched over the top of the vehicle and moved back and forth to remove snow and a pair of hooks may be engaged with a fender edge with the sheet stretched over the hood or trunk lid to remove snow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a product and method for cleaning outdoor surfaces. The product may include a support member and a cleaning element. The support member may include top and bottom portions, the top portion may include a connector configured and dimensioned for receiving and attaching a pole to the support member. The bottom portion may include a structural support for providing rigidity to the support member. The cleaning element associated with the structural support. The cleaning element may include a cleaning face operatively associated with the bottom portion of the support member. The structural support may transfer cleaning forces to the cleaning element. Examples of the type of cleaning element may be a mitt or an alignment plate. The cleaning element may be made of a material that is washable, durable and absorbent and the structural support may be removable from the cleaning element when not in use.

Abstract: A surface treatment appliance includes moveable members that are driven by a slide crank mechanism. The moveable members, which are driven in linearly reciprocating motion, are attached to guide members such that there is relative movement between the guide members and a stationary support member that is part of an appliance head.

Abstract: The dental position tracking system includes a toothbrush (30) which has a system (20) for determining the orientation of the toothbrush in the mouth of a user relative to the earth, based on measured stored information. Information is stored in the toothbrush concerning target ranges of expected measured toothbrush orientations for each of a plurality of dental zones (22). A processor (24) compares the measured toothbrush orientation information with the target orientation ranges, following conversion of both the target orientation information and the measured toothbrush orientation information to the same coordinate system. The processor then determines which if any of the target ranges matches, within a selected tolerance thereof, with the toothbrush orientation information. Any difference between the target range and the measured toothbrush orientation information is then used to partially adjust the target information range, in order to compensate for a change of position of the user's head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a carpet. In some embodiments, the appliance includes a pad attached to a cleaning head, the pad having a non-absorbent portion that agitates the carpet with a reciprocating movement to work an encapsulant or other cleaning agent into the carpet fibers. The pad also may include an absorbent portion to absorb moisture from carpet.

Abstract: A device for submersibly cleaning surfaces inside a nuclear reactor includes a pump and a nozzle connected to said pump. The nozzle is arranged to face surfaces to be cleaned. The device includes cleaning means capable of removing debris on surfaces to be cleaned. The device includes adjustable flotation means, capable of adjusting the flotation capability of the device depending on a type of cleaning application.

Abstract: A catalytic composition with a corrosion-inhibiting effect on metal surfaces is described. Also described, is a corrosion-inhibiting process and use of a corrosion inhibitor. Further, the catalytic composition can have a corrosion-inhibiting effect on metal surfaces in contact with an esterification medium comprising a carboxylic acid and an alcohol, wherein the composition comprises as a catalyst, a strong protonic acid and, as corrosion inhibitor, an iron(III) carboxylate.

Abstract: A method of removing makeup from skin of humans comprising providing a system comprising: multiple, individual conical elements having an at least adsorbing surface; at least some of the individual conical elements each seated in contact with a respective underlying next individual conical element as an upper and a lower pair of individual conical elements; contacting a tip of an uppermost individual conical element with skin adjacent to an area of skin having makeup thereon; moving the tip into contact with makeup; wiping off and at least adsorbing excess makeup onto the tip; and removing the uppermost individual conical element with makeup at least adsorbed thereon from contact with the skin and from seating with the next individual conical element to expose an at least adsorbing surface of the next individual conical element without any makeup being present on the exposed surface of the next individual conical element.

Abstract: A bevel/backside polymer removing method removes multi-layered bevel/backside polymers adhering to a bevel surface and a backside of a target substrate. The multi-layered bevel/backside polymers include an inorganic layer and an organic layer. The bevel/backside polymer removing method includes mechanically destroying the multi-layered bevel/backside polymers and heating residues of the multi-layered bevel/backside polymers mechanically destroyed.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to effectively remove particles on the glass substrate surfaces, even in the case wherein abrasive particles having a small particle size is used in the polishing step of the glass substrate and a supersonic treatment is performed at a high frequency at the supersonic cleaning step after the polishing step. In a manufacturing method of a glass substrate for a magnetic disk comprising a polishing step for performing polishing of the glass substrate and a supersonic cleaning step for performing supersonic cleaning of the glass substrate after the polishing step, the polishing step uses abrasive particles having a particle size of 10 nm to 30 nm and a first supersonic cleaning is performed at a frequency of 300 kHz to 1,000 kHz to form secondary particles and then a second supersonic cleaning is performed at a frequency of 30 kHz to 100 kHz in the supersonic cleaning step.

Abstract: A materials removal assembly for clearing materials from a horizontal surface, such as for removing snow or precipitation from a top surface on a vehicle. The assembly has a beam; a first coupling connected to a first end of the beam; a second coupling connected to the first coupling; and a blade assembly connected to the second coupling. The first coupling permits rotation of the second coupling and the blade assembly above and below a longitudinal axis of the beam. The second coupling permits rotation of the blade assembly about a first vertical axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the beam. In one embodiment, movement of the materials removal assembly causes rotation of the blade assembly and movement of the materials to a side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A cleaning implement includes an erodible foam adapted to contact a surface to be cleaned and a hydrophobic film attached to the erodible foam. The erodible foam is adhered to the hydrophobic film with an adhesive attachment. The cleaning implement may also include a handle attached to the impermeable film.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a post-sputter flat media disk, comprises submerging the disk in a wet conveyor containing a liquid, loading the disk onto a spindle of a spindle system, rotating the disk, engaging the disk on both sides with a pair of rollers such that the disk is wiped on both sides at a disk-roller interface due to the motion of the spindle system, and dispensing a slurry at the disk-roller interface.

Abstract: Spray nozzle systems and methods of use are described herein. The spray nozzle system may include a stationary tube, a rigid rotor, and a sub-medium supply source. The stationary tube may be in fluid communication with a pressurized air source. The substantially rigid rotor is in fluid communication with the pressurized air source. The substantially rigid rotor includes a substantially rigid conduit that is in fluid communication with the passages of the stationary tube and the rotor. A portion of the conduit is substantially arched such that an outlet of the conduit is offset a radial distance in a radial direction from the rotor axis. Pressurized air ejected from the outlet produces directional components of the pressurized air in the direction of rotation about the rotor axis; and during use, the pressurized air rotates the rotor and sucks sub-medium from the sub-medium supply source into the stationary tube passage.

Abstract: Bowls and methods for scrubbing objects are disclosed. The bowls or optionally removable liners in said bowls include a plethora of bristles or mesh material which provides an abrasive surface against which objects can be scrubbed. The bowls may optionally incorporate extendable sections for the purpose of suspending the bowls from the sides of a sink. In one embodiment, a circular version of the bowl may be configured to double as a spinner bowl inside a salad spinner and in other embodiments apertures with abrasive material inside may be provided for scrubbing narrow items such as carrots. Larger industrial-size versions of the bowl may be constructed for use in restaurants, or for the purpose of scrubbing non-food products, such as mechanical parts. The shape, depth and diameter of the bowls as well as the type of abrasive materials used inside these bowls can vary to suit the application.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes an elongated housing bounding a chamber with a motor disposed therein. A drive shaft is at least partially disposed within the chamber of the housing, the drive shaft being coupled with the motor such that during selective operation of the motor the drive shaft is rotated. A hub having a rotational axis about which the hub rotates is coupled with the drive shaft such that rotation of the drive shaft facilitates rotation of the hub. A cleaning head is removably coupled with the hub such that rotation of the hub causes rotation of the cleaning head. A disengaging system is movable between a first position where the cleaning head is securely engaged to the hub and a second position where the cleaning head is freely removable from the hub.

Abstract: A method including immersing a ceramic coated article into a bath including an HF acid solution having NH4F with a molar concentration of about 0.1M to 1.0M for a time period to remove a deposition, and rinsing the ceramic coated article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a substrate after chemical mechanical planarizing (CMP) is provided. The apparatus comprises a housing, a substrate holder rotatable on a first axis and configured to retain a substrate in a substantially vertical orientation, a first pad holder having a pad retaining surface facing the substrate holder in a parallel and spaced apart relation, the first pad holder rotatable on a second axis disposed parallel to the first axis, a first actuator operable to move the pad holder relative to the substrate holder to change a distance between the first axis and the second axis, and a second pad holder disposed in the housing, the second pad holder having a pad retaining surface facing the substrate holder in a parallel and spaced apart relation, the second pad holder rotatable on a third axis parallel to the first axis and the second axis.

Abstract: A method and system for cleaning a surgical tool and storing bone and tissue. The system may include a housing including one or more entry openings and one or more brush assembly chambers, each brush assembly chamber in communication with an entry opening, a brush assembly disposed within each brush assembly chamber, a storage container in communication with each brush assembly chamber, and a ramp face that defines the one or more entry opening. The method may include inserting a distal end of a surgical device with biological material into an entry opening of a collection device, rotating a brush assembly within a brush assembly chamber, the brush assembly and brush assembly chamber being disposed within the collection device, the brush assembly chamber being in communication with the entry opening, and removing biological material from the distal end of the surgical device with the rotating brush assembly.

Abstract: A method for predictably cleaning the contact elements and support hardware of a tester interface, such as a probe card and a test socket, while it is still in manual, semi-automated, and automated handling device and the electrical test equipment is disclosed. In the method, a cleaning device is loaded into wafer prober or packaged device handler and the pin contact elements and support hardware are contacted by the cleaning device.

Abstract: A scraper assembly for removing debris deposited on the surface of a porous work chuck during a wafer grinding process.

Abstract: A device for providing elliptical path motion to skin or other surface. The device includes a motor, shaft, and a cam having at least one offset axis cam lobe for creating offset motion. A mounting bracket assembly that has a pair of arms associated with the motor can be moved by the cam in an elliptical path having X-axis, Y-axis and, in exemplary embodiments, Z-axis movement. The mounting bracket assembly may have two brackets, each being associated with an oscillating plate. Each oscillating plate may have a plurality of protrusions or tufts of bristles protruding therefrom. Elliptical movement of the oscillating plates creates offset elliptical motion of the protrusions associated with each oscillating plate. A fluid delivery system may be incorporated to provide fluid through the device. The device may be used for cleaning, stimulation or treatment of skin.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning a collector surface of a solar collector. The system includes a first liquid-dispensing unit configured to deliver a first spray of liquid to the collector surface. The system also includes a brush element having a longitudinal side oriented along a first direction and disposed adjacent to the first liquid-dispensing unit. A first squeegee element is oriented along the first direction and adjacent to the brush element. The first squeegee element, the brush element, and the first liquid-dispensing unit define a first cleaning area. A second squeegee element is oriented along the first direction and separated from the first squeegee element by a gap to define a second cleaning area. The system also includes a second liquid-dispensing unit configured to deliver a second spray of liquid to the second cleaning area located between the first and second squeegees.

Abstract: A glass wiping device and a control method thereof are provided.

Abstract: Provided is a nonwoven surface preparation or cleaning material comprising melamine fibers and a process for preparing the material. The nonwoven material, in one embodiment, comprises from 20 to 100% by weight melamine fibers. Other synthetic and natural fibers can be used in conjunction with the melamine fibers. However, it is the melamine fibers which are important, and the actual amount can be varied based on the nature of the surface to be cleaned, cleaning difficulty and material cost.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions of surfactant-based products containing one or more alkaline builders for the preparation of liquid cleaning compositions are discussed. The surfactant-based product may be any type of cleaning product based on surfactants. Methods of cleaning a household surface and of making cleaning compositions are also discussed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a broom sweeper apparatus and related embodiments. Specifically, the present invention relates to a broom and/or broom attachment apparatus that provides a debris collection mechanism for quickly, easily and efficiently removing and holding a pile of debris swept into said pile by the broom. Systems and methods of using the same are further provided.

Abstract: Novel devices and methods for cleaning optics are disclosed. A polymer can be sprayed onto the surface of an optic to capture contaminants. A spray cone can be used to limit the area of the polymer application. As the polymer solidifies, contaminants are captured and subsequently removed together with the polymer.

Abstract: An improved lint removing assembly consisting of Velcro hooks. The Velcro hooks hold and lift lint or hair from garments. The first embodiment calls for a predetermined square base comfortably fitting in the palm of the hand. The Velcro hooks attached to base completes the cleaning assembly. The garment will be completely lint free by utilizing vertical and/or horizontal palm motion. A serrated element will keep the Velcro hooks clean. In the second embodiment, the square base is replaced by rods. The Velcro hooks are attached to an expanded circular base that allows for maximum surface contact between the Velcro and the garment. The materials are readily available that would facilitate the second embodiment. Other cleaning embodiments can readily be created to fit cleaning specifications and needs because of the flexibility of the Velcro material. Color can be added to enhance the attractiveness of the embodiments.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a substrate is provided. In one aspect, the cleaning device includes a brush including a first end, a second end opposed to the first end, an outer surface, and a hollow bore defined in the brush about a central axis of the brush. The brush defines a first cross-sectional area near the first end and a second cross-sectional area near the second end. Both the first and second cross-sectional areas are generally perpendicular to the central axis and the second cross-sectional area is greater than the first cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A method of cleaning residue from a surface using a disposable cellulosic wiper that includes from about 25% or more by weight of pulp-derived papermaking fibers. The pulp-derived papermaking fibers have a characteristic scattering coefficient of less than 50 m2/kg. The wiper also has from about 25% to about 75% by weight of fibrillated regenerated independent cellulosic microfibers. The fibers are finer than 14 mesh, have a characteristic Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) value of less than 175 ml, have a number average diameter of less than about 2 microns, and are present in amounts such that the wiper exhibits a scattering coefficient of greater than 50 m2/kg. The wiper is applied, with a predetermined amount of pressure, to a residue-bearing surface. The surface is wiped with the applied wiper to remove residue from the surface, such that the surface has less than 1 g/m2 of residue after being wiped.

Abstract: A floor treatment machine is disclosed for treating floor surfaces and includes a housing, two drive wheels, at least one support wheel, a drive device, a controller, at least one scan sensor configured to ensure that distance measurements can be carried out in a substantially horizontal plane via a predetermined angular area, and a floor treatment device configured to ensure that the floor can be treated. In at least one embodiment, the controller encompasses a treatment mode, which guarantees a simple and reliable selection of a successful route by way of few driving and storing steps. The boundary of the floor surface is treated as an obstacle. To record the treated surface, starting and end points of route segments, which have been followed, and one of the states “completely treated” or “incompletely treated” for the end points as well as direction information is stored.

Abstract: The invention provides cleaning implements that include head components comprising cleaning surface components and cleaning material support components. The cleaning material support components typically include cleaning material receiving areas that communicate with the cleaning surface components. Cleaning material receiving areas are generally configured to receive cleaning materials that are movable to and/or from the cleaning material receiving areas to extend over at least portions of the cleaning surface components. The invention also provides cleaning material components that include cleaning material support structures and cleaning materials. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method for drying a workpiece using an apparatus comprising a liquid bath for immersing said workpiece, a deionized water supply for supplying deionized water to said bath, a partially enclosed volume of heated inert gas located above said liquid bath and a heated inert gas supply for supplying heated inert gas. A first holder is used for holding said workpiece in said liquid bath with a vertical orientation between the first holder and said liquid bath and a second holder, comprising a horizontal member, that is able to hold said at least one workpiece in such a way as to substantially prevent said workpiece from sliding along said horizontal member.

Abstract: A double bucket cleaning system for use with microfiber mat mops. One bucket contains clean water; the second holds dirty water. The second bucket has a slide press for extracting dirty water from the mop. The system can use a connector to connect the two buckets together, or a single bucket with two compartments can be used. Both designs use a footpad upon which the user stands during the pressing operation. This ensures that the device remains in place during the sliding. Finally, once the dirty water has been extracted from the mop, the user can pick up clean water from the first bucket for the next portion of the floor to be cleaned. In this way, the user is able to quickly clean a large floor with clean water, instead of repeatedly dipping the mop back into dirty water.

Abstract: Oral and dental care and cleaning agents are provided for use with an electric toothbrush. The oral and dental care and cleaning agent includes at least one polishing agent and at least one surfactant. A weight ratio of the at least one polishing agent to the at least one surfactant is less than or equal to six.

Abstract: A fabric care device comprising a body having first and second ends for attaching respective first and second fabric care attachments, wherein at least one of the first and second ends is adapted to detachably attach one of the first and second fabric care attachments. An attachment for a fabric care device selected from the group consisting of a depiller, a delinter, a fabric pile restorer, and a brush.

Abstract: A hard surface cleaning composition, namely a bathroom cleaning composition, using partially neutralized citric acid salts and/or fully neutralized ethanolamine citrate salts are disclosed. The cleaning composition is unexpectedly safe to use, environmentally-friendly and efficacious for removal of soap scum and water hardness stains at mildly acidic and/or alkaline pHs. Methods of using the same are disclosed.