Abstract: A debris collection and metrology system for collecting and analyzing debris from a tip used in nanomachining processes, the system including an irradiation source, an irradiation detector, an actuator, and a controller. The irradiation source is operable to direct incident irradiation onto the tip, and the irradiation detector is operable to receive a sample irradiation from the tip, the sample irradiation being generated as a result of the direct incident irradiation being applied onto the tip. The controller is operatively coupled to an actuator system and the irradiation detector, and the controller is operable to receive a first signal based on a first response of the irradiation detector to the sample irradiation, and the controller is operable to effect relative motion between the tip and at least one of the irradiation source and the irradiation detector based on the first signal.

Abstract: An extraction cleaner having a cleanout tool for use with a surface cleaning apparatus such as an extraction cleaner or vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle cleaning implement and a brush cleaning implement.

Abstract: A paint application container includes a first half and a second half. The first half includes an inner upper edge and an outer upper edge defining a continuous channel therebetween. The second half includes a continuous upper edge. The continuous upper edge of the second half aligns with and entirely fits within the continuous channel of the first half. A receptacle is defined in between the first half and the second half. The receptacle sized to fit a paint applicator therein. At least one clamp releasably couples the first half to the second half to hold the continuous upper edge within the continuous channel and create an air tight seal between the receptacle and outside air.

Abstract: A fiber optic alignment device includes a first and a second alignment block and a first and a second gel block. A fiber passage extends from a first end to a second end of the fiber optic alignment device. The fiber passage is adapted to receive a first optical fiber through the first end and a second optical fiber through the second end. An intermediate portion of the fiber passage is positioned between the first and the second ends. The intermediate portion is adapted to align the first and the second optical fibers between the first and the second alignment blocks. A first portion of the fiber passage is positioned between the first end and the intermediate portion of the fiber passage. The first portion extends between the first alignment block and the first gel block. A second portion of the fiber passage is positioned between the second end and the intermediate portion of the fiber passage. The second portion extends between the second alignment block and the second gel block.

Abstract: An improved groove and crack cleaning tool that is economical in cost to manufacture, includes a rigid blade head with a blade tip at the end of the blade edge adapted to dislodge debris build-up commonly found between outdoor surfaces. In addition, groove and crack cleaning tool has a handle adapter built into the blade head for the attachment of different types of handles. The blade head having different thickness and length provide a tool that is simple and easy to use on many outdoors surface and during tool operation, the blade edge glide will slide over the outdoor surface without causing damage to that surface. The blade head is angled to easily wedge under any debris lodged in groove or cracks forcing the lodged debris generally upward.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a clog from a drain consists of an elongated, flexible shaft member with a corkscrew or coil member with an integrated handle at one end and a scraper element at the other end. Inserting the scraper element end into a clogged drain and manually turning the handle allows the scraper element to scrape the materials causing the clog to be scraped from the inside of the drain while the corkscrew portion of the apparatus worms through the matter that is clogging the drain, and when the apparatus is pulled from the drain the clogging matter is held within the corkscrew member to capture the clogging matter or debris for easy removal.

Abstract: Cleaning systems can remove pet hair from surfaces such as furniture and floors without requiring bulky and expensive vacuums. Hair cleaning systems can have an outer housing and a cylindrical basin that is coupled to the outer housing by a pivot. Features working in conjunction with slanted bristles enhance the efficacy of the cleaning systems.

Abstract: Applicator device for a cosmetic product, comprising a flexible applicator head comprising a convergent body and a terminal portion. The convergent body is shorter than the terminal portion, and the terminal portion has a uniform cross-section.

Abstract: A container assembly for retaining a drill byproduct produced when drilling into a wall, the container assembly includes a container disposed on an internal side of the wall having an internal surface and an external surface. The container assembly also includes a sleeve that is disposed about the external surface of the container, the sleeve includes one or more magnets that couple the sleeve and container to the wall and retain the drill byproduct along the internal surface.

Abstract: A fascial abrasion technique tool is provided having at least one treating surface, wherein the treating surface is provided with a textured surface, so as to assist in massaging the fasica of a patient. The textured surface can be provided by a series of ridges and grooves on the edge surface, but more preferably, is provided by grid-blasting of the edge surface to produce pitting of the edge surface. Preferably, the entire tool is provided with a textured surface. The tool provides improved ability for a therapist to provide fascial abrasion therapy.

Abstract: A tray for positioning in an exit path of a bee hive comprises a base, a bee entrance end, and a bee exit end. Spaced apart side walls extend upwardly from the base. The sidewalls extend generally lengthwise between the bee entrance end and bee exit end. A plurality of posts extend upwardly from the base and are positioned between the bee entrance end and the bee exit end. The posts are generally circular in cross-section. The posts act as obstacles around which the bees must walk to reach the bee exit end from the bee entrance end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cleaning planar surfaces such as floors, walls, ceilings, countertops, glasses, in particular for floors cleaning, comprising a mop and an external base station, wherein the external base station comprises a reservoir of cleaning fluid and it supplies said cleaning fluid to said mop, when the mop is in contact with a section of the base station. In a preferred embodiment the cleaning fluid is water and the device comprises a heating element is adapted to vaporize the cleaning fluid which is released through the one or more nozzles in the form of steam.

Abstract: A storage container is provided. The container includes a receptacle and a lid connected to the receptacle by a hinge. The lid has a latch for sealing the receptacle closed. The receptacle and the lid are each made from a continuous unitary piece of material that has hinge components formed within the material.

Abstract: The Christmas tree disposal bag is configured for use with a Christmas tree. The Christmas tree disposal bag is configured for use as a tree skirt and as a containment structure. The Christmas tree disposal bag is disposable such that the Christmas tree disposal bag contains the Christmas tree and unwanted decorative items in a segregated fashion during disposal. The Christmas tree disposal bag comprises the containment structure, a plurality of compartments and a zipper. The containment structure is a hollow sheeting structure. The Christmas tree is stored within the hollow interior of the containment structure. The plurality of compartments comprises a plurality of pouches used to store decorative items intended for transport and storage with the Christmas tree. The zipper is a fastener that is intended to control access into the hollow interior of the containment structure.

Abstract: A personal grooming device designed to loosen and remove dirt and other debris from the surface of a material, such as a shirt or jacket. The grooming device comprises a handle, an inner cage fixedly attached to the handle and sized to receive a travel-size lint roller, an outer cage sized to fit over the travel-size lint roller, and an outer sleeve made from moleskin sized to fit around the outer cage. The outer sleeve may be constructed from an piece of adhesive-backed material wrapped around the outer cage or a single piece of cylindrical material sized to snuggly fit around the external cage. The outer sleeve may be made from other materials. In use, the sleeve loosens debris from a surface after which the external cage with sleeve is removed to expose the lint roller. The lint roller then picks up the loosed dirt and debris.

Abstract: A cleaning swab device and method for cleaning a fluid coupling or connector. The device includes a generally elongate cylindrical tubular swab body, and a channel formed at an end thereof to define at least one cleaning finger for insertion into a housing and/or port of the connector to remove residual fluids, clean and disinfect the connector. The cleaning device optionally further includes a guide stem or plunger configured to extend through the tubular body of the swab, having a plug at one end for sealing debris out of a lumen of the connector during cleaning.

Abstract: A collector used to collect bone includes: a container body defining an interior containment space for receiving and retaining collected bone, and having at least one open end for access and removal of collected bone from the interior containment space; and a cap in covering relation to the open end of the container body such that access to the interior containment space for removal of collected bone is inhibited. The collector includes an intake port defining an opening for receiving therein a distal end of a kerrison rongeur for collecting cut bone from a cutting area thereof, and the cap includes at least one scraper for engaging and dislodging cut bone from the cutting area of a distal end of a kerrison rongeur when received within the intake port. The collector preferably is used with a kerrison rongeur for collecting cut bone therefrom.

Abstract: A collector used to collect bone includes: a container body defining an interior containment space for receiving and retaining collected bone, and having at least one open end for access and removal of collected bone from the interior containment space; and a cap in covering relation to the open end of the container body such that access to the interior containment space for removal of collected bone is inhibited. The collector includes an intake port defining an opening for receiving therein a distal end of a kerrison rongeur for collecting cut bone from a cutting area thereof, and the cap includes at least one scraper for engaging and dislodging cut bone from the cutting area of a distal end of a kerrison rongeur when received within the intake port. The collector preferably is used with a kerrison-type rongeur for collecting cut bone therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for a toilet (600) is provided. The apparatus can include a toilet seat engagement portion (101) and a sheet catcher (102) comprising one or more barbs (104,105,106,107,108). A flexible thong (103) can couple the toilet seat engagement portion to the sheet catcher. The sheet catcher to situates within a water seal (605) of the toilet when the toilet seat engagement portion engages a seat (612) of the toilet. The barbs can to catch non-dispersible sheets (701) when the toilet is flushed.

Abstract: A device used for felting. The felting device may include a top portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion may include a bottom surface with a waffle maker pattern. The waffle maker pattern may include a plurality of intersecting grooves that form protruding blocks. The top portion may include a handle for easily grasping and using the felting device.

Abstract: An implement washing apparatus is disclosed. A portable, rigid housing defines at least a first basin and a second basin. The first basin has an open top and closed side walls and bottom for containing liquid to soak the implement. The second basin has side walls that include a plurality of bristles in an arrangement directed generally inwardly to a center of the second basin to scrub the implement.

Abstract: Example nocks, arrowheads and/or arrowhead inserts include a tapered annular flange axially engaging a correspondingly tapered edge on a tubular arrow shaft. The tapered flange and edge help prevent the end of tubular arrow shaft from deforming radially outward when substantial axial force is applied to the nock, arrowhead and/or arrowhead insert.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for a toilet (600) is provided. The apparatus can include a rim engagement portion (101) and a sheet catcher (102) comprising one or more barbs (104,105,106). A bowl side bestrider (103) can couple the rim engagement portion to the sheet catcher. The sheet catcher to situate within a water seal (605) of the toilet when the rim engagement portion engages a rim (601) of the toilet. The barbs can to catch non-dispersible sheets (701) when the toilet is flushed.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool for use during surgical procedures for cleaning tissue and debris from the in-vivo end of surgical instruments. The tool is used during various surgical procedures to clean debris from various surgical instruments. A substantially cylindrical, hollow shaft extends from one or both ends of the invention. An elastomeric suction tip coupler is configured at one or both ends of the hollow shaft to allow connection of commonly used suction tips. The invention includes a plurality of substantially parallel, elastomerized, concentric cleaning blades. The user of the invention may insert or swipe an instrument to be cleaned along cleaning blade edges configured at the peripheries of the cleaning blades, thereby causing the instrument to be cleaned. A hollow suction bulb, either integrated or stand-alone, is used to force fluid through clogged, commonly used suction tips in a backwash fashion, thereby clearing them of debris.

Abstract: The tool for cleaning a drain includes a handle, a strip member, and an end piece. The handle inserts and removes the tool from the drain. The strip member has an elongated and undulated shape and is formed by segments. Each segment has a curvature with a concave side and convex side, which alternate from adjacent segments. Each segment also has barbs on each concave side. The barbs are shielded by an adjacent convex side of an adjacent segment. The end piece connects to a bottom segment of the strip member and has a collar and tip. The collar has a protective shoulder to shield barbs of the bottom segment and an actuatable spike to collect debris when bent. The tip has a distal point with prongs and a distal shoulder, which shields the prongs. The tip may also include a shaft with shaft barbs protected by a shaft shoulder.

Abstract: A device includes a base container delimiting an inner space receiving a first cosmetic product. It includes a compression wall, mounted so as to be slideably mobile in the inner space through an insertion aperture between an outer position and an inner position. The compression wall delimits through-passages for circulation of the first cosmetic product, each through-passage opening out into the inner space. The device includes a receptacle for mixing the cosmetic composition including the compression wall and a side wall displaceable together with the compression wall. The side wall protrudes from the compression wall and delimits a mixing space into which the through-passage opens out.

Abstract: A new combination cleaning tool construction wherein the same can be utilized for cleaning surfaces, in particular, glass surfaces such as windshields. In particular the invention described herein provides a new combination cleaning tool construction wherein the same can be utilized for cleaning surfaces, in particular, glass surfaces such as windshields or the like, with corner portions.

Abstract: A microporous membrane wipe and a method of using such microporous membrane wipe are disclosed. The microporous membrane wipe may be uniaxially or biaxially oriented microporous membrane. The uniaxially or biaxially oriented microporous membrane may be made from one or more block and/or impact copolymers of polyethylene and/or polypropylene. A method of using such a microporous membrane wipe for skin oil blotting is also disclosed. Further disclosed is a method of using such a microporous membrane wipe for cleaning a surface for the removal of fingerprints, smudges and the like, where such surfaces may include, for example, eyeglasses, electronics, cell phones, displays, optical devices, camera lenses, microscope lenses and other precision optics, and/or the like.

Abstract: A floor scrubber with a floor scrubber head having a backing plate to which a pad is secured with the pad adapted to being placed in contact with a surface to be cleaned. The scrubber head includes a motor support to which a motor is mounted with the backing plate being secured to the motor support, with the motor configured to move the backing plate and pad when cleaning a surface. The scrubber head further includes a cover member having an opening through which the motor extends, with the cover member further including a pair of wheels with an outer perimeter of the wheels partially extending beyond a periphery of the cover member.

Abstract: To provide a cleaning device coupling instrument that can easily attach or detach a main body to or from a cleaning part in a cleaning device, and the cleaning device including the cleaning device coupling instrument. A cleaning device coupling instrument 1 which can couple a main body in a cleaning device to a cleaning part to be fixed to the main body has: a first coupling member 10 including a bulging part 100 having a slant part the side peripheral part of which is tapered toward a tip thereof; and a second coupling member 20 including a fitted part 200 in which the bulging part 100 can be loosely fitted.

Abstract: An apparatus configured for cleaning brushes such as paint brushes, makeup brushes, and/or other brushes is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise a body having a first side opposing a second side. The first side may have a concave surface. The second side may have a convex surface. The first side may further have a texture configured to facilitate cleaning a brush by stroking bristles of the brush on the first side until an amount of any substance disposed on the bristles is reduced.

Abstract: An absorbent cleaning device for use during a surgical procedure is disclosed. The absorbent cleaning device may comprise a substantially non-fibrous or non-particulate absorbent material and at least one opening. The opening may comprise a slit or channel and be configured to accommodate a portion of a medical appliance or an elongate medical device. The absorbent cleaning device may be configured to clean the medical appliance or the elongate medical device. The absorbent cleaning device may also be configured to retain or secure a medical appliance or elongate medical device during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the removal of foreign matter, such as oil and dust, from the end faces of optical fiber and optical fiber connectors. Cleaning is effected by bringing carbon nanotube material into contact with an end face to create a differential adhesion in the proximity of the end face that more strongly attracts foreign matter residing on the end face to the carbon nanotube material than its attraction to the end face. The carbon nanotube material is applied with cleaning swabs or tapes that are used to clean end faces with swiping actions.

Abstract: A roller for cleaning the skin comprising a wheel mounted on a handle having means for mounting said wheel, and where the wheel's periphery has asymmetrical suction cups with elongated shapes. Said suction cups have their suction surfaces oriented out from the center axis of the wheel and are preferably made of rubber or elastomer.

Abstract: An exemplary coating applicator is provided for evenly applying a material having an aggregate to a substrate. The exemplary applicator provides for a generally even distribution of the material and the aggregate the coating material to the surface such as a wall or a floor where it is desirable to have a finished, textured surface and a material having an evenly distributed aggregate.

Abstract: A disposable treatment article or disposable cleaning article that includes a hydrophobic nanoporous material. The disposable treatment or cleaning article is configured to contact and apply the nanoporous material to a surface. The nanoporous material is configured to form hydrophobic nanostructures on a surface upon the application of an activation stimulus. The nanostructures provide an anti-contamination benefit to the surface upon which the nanostructures are disposed.

Abstract: An intelligent pig for pipeline monitoring comprises a single body containing signal transmitters and receivers provided with replaceable rings for centering the body within the pipeline, the rings may be provided with brushes which help center the pig within the pipeline and also aid its passage through pipelines which may contain bends and/or be of variable diameter, the pig may be used in combination with a cleaning pig to provide combined activities using a common driving force.

Abstract: A cleaning tool 10 having at least one side opening 41 and a cleaning roll 50 at a cleaning head 30, wherein a dust guide surface 42 for leading dust from a surface to be cleaned to the side opening 41 is provided along a lower end of the side opening 41; the cleaning roll 50 is formed of an elastic roll having a surface covered with a thin film 53, and is rotatably arranged in a position to close the side opening 41 and to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned; and the cleaning roll 50 rotating according to movement of the cleaning head 30 takes the dust through the dust guide surface 42 into the side opening 41 while pushing the dust against the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cleaning tool, a cleaning sheet and method of removes debris, lint, or hair from a variety of surfaces. The cleaning tool is provided with a first array of stems and a second array of stems, wherein the first array of stems are smaller and more densely included on a cleaning surface of the cleaning tool. The larger stems are able to loosen and pull deeply embedded hair from loose fabric surfaces, while the smaller stems are able to capture and retain the loosened hair.

Abstract: A tool 54 for introducing a paste 74 into voids 44 in an article 12 includes at least one pad having a working surface shaped similarly to the shape of a target region on the article. In one specific embodiment, the tool 54 has first and second pads 56, 60, joined to each other by, for example, a hinge 66 . The pads and hinge are engageable with the article 12 so that each similarly shaped working surface 58, 62, 68 hugs a corresponding target region on the article to urge the paste into the voids. An associated method of concurrently filling voids in an article includes applying a filler material to the article in the vicinity of the voids and urging the filler material concurrently into the multiple voids.

Abstract: Systems and methods directed to the art of transferring a fluid, such as to a work surface, are provided. A fluid applicator capable of being received within a standard hobby knife handle and used to apply a desired amount of fluid to a work surface. The fluid applicator has a loop end for collecting, supporting, and depositing a fluid.

Abstract: A system for cleaning an underwater surface includes a cleaning head having a base with a scrubbing pad attached thereto, a hollow handle having leg portions that are connected to openings through the base and an extension tube open toward a rear portion of the cleaning head. A flexible skirt extends perpendicular to the lower surface of the base to surround the sides of the scrubbing pad. A water pump is connected to the extension tube of the handle via a hose to draw water through the base openings to produce a partial vacuum in a space between the base, the skirt and the underwater surface. In one embodiment at least one mechanical filter is disposed downstream of the cleaning head. The system may further include at least one biological and/or chemical filter disposed downstream of the cleaning head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method for treating or preventing tooth decay, gum disease or sensitive teeth and to compositions, devices and kits for use in this method. The method comprises the application of an oral care composition to the gum and teeth of an individual using an applicator. In the method, there is a contact time between the oral care composition and the gum and teeth of at least 5 minutes. The applicator is preferably removed directly after application of the oral composition.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning pin contact elements and support hardware in a semiconductor testing apparatus that has a cleaning layer with a predetermined configuration appropriate for the particular pin contact elements and a substrate having a configuration to be introduced into the testing apparatus during the normal testing operating of the testing apparatus. The cleaning layer secured to the substrate has predetermined characteristics that cause the pad to clean debris the pin contact elements and support hardware when the pin contact elements and support hardware contact the pad during the normal operation of the testing machine.

Abstract: The present invention is a shakable cleaning bag to clean a plurality of objects that includes a base cleaning bag, a cleaning pouch disposed in the base cleaning bag that receives the objects to be cleaned and a perforated cut line disposed on the top portion of the base cleaning bag that is cut when the base cleaning bag is ready to be used. A fastener disposed below the perforated cut line that runs across the base cleaning bag allowing access to the cleaning pouch and an abrasive or non-abrasive alcohol cleaning solution that is contained in the base cleaning bag that has direct contact with the objects that are placed in the base cleaning bag to be cleaned by the alcohol cleaning solution. There is also a two pouch base cleaning bag with a rinsing pouch and rinse solution and a method of use.

Abstract: A multisurface cleaning tool having a tapering head and a hollow handle contiguous with the head that constitutes a reservoir capable of holding flowable material. A pump actuated dispenser is in communication with the reservoir and permits user actuated expression of flowable material from within the reservoir. A cover is applied to and covers at least a portion of the head. In one embodiment, the cover is a microfiber pouch with an elasticized perimeter, which permits the pouch to be fitted over the cleaning tool head. In another embodiment, a portion of the cover is an integrally formed abrasive surface.

Abstract: A combination sticky roller and brush for dislodging and collecting debris from a plurality of different types of surfaces. The present invention utilizes a rubber brush to dislodge debris such as hairs, dusts, or dirt from a surface. The device includes a compartment with a cover lid that conceals a sticky roller. Once the debris is uprooted from a surface, the user is able to roll the sticky roller over the surface to pick up and retain the debris. The present invention can be used on fabrics or other textiles surfaces and is convenient for use anywhere due to its travel sized and unique configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a device for cleaning VELCRO® comprising first and second rotating handle assemblies and a compound brush assembly comprising opposite first and second surfaces, the first surface comprising a stiff brush having metallic bristles, the second surface comprising a soft brush having non-metallic bristles. Rotation of the handles 180 degrees exposes the compound brush assembly for use.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a novel scraper assembly having a plurality of interchangeable scraper heads and handles and corresponding method for use. The scraper assembly further comprises a plurality of abrasive mechanisms, namely spring bristles, coiled springs, chainmail abraders and wire cloth abraders capable of effectively cleaning a surface without scoring or otherwise damaging the surface. The invention may be particularly useful for cleaning grills and ovens. Additionally, the invention may also be useful for shaping, adding texture to, stripping materials from or otherwise preparing a surface, including wood, metal or ceramic surfaces.

Abstract: A hand-worn debris removal device for cleaning fabric, upholstery, carpet, and other textiles comprises a pocket having a longitudinal axis, a first debris collecting element having unidirectional fibers having a first directional orientation, a second debris collecting element having unidirectional fibers having a second directional orientation opposite the first directional orientation and a gap formed between the first and second debris collecting elements along the longitudinal axis. Movement of the device in a first direction and a second direction across a surface to be cleaned collects debris removed by the first and second debris collecting elements in the gap.