Miscellaneous Patents (Class 15/1)
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Publication number: 20090119857Abstract: A golf clubhead cleaning device. The cleaning device is a single or multilayer flexible band which is secured to a golf shoe without interfering with the cleats. The device is elastic and stretches sufficiently to be slid over the circumference of a golfer's shoe, and when released, retracts sufficiently to snugly fit and remain in place. The outer surface includes an abrasive surface portion which a golf clubhead is rubbed against to remove any dirt. The lower portion of the device is sized to rest against the sole of a golf shoe such that it does not interfere with the cleats. The outer surface rests snugly against the golf shoe and does not protrude or interfere with the golfer's walking or swing. The outer surface may be detachable and replaceable. Indicia may be displayed on the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2007Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventors: Barry Yurman, Jeffrey Gerstel
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Patent number: 7494512Abstract: This invention relates to new compositions and methods for cleaning textile substrates, especially carpet and upholstery fabrics. More particularly, this invention relates to liquid compositions that contain absorbent particles in a flowable fluid dispersion, which dries to a soil ladened powder, that can be removed by vacuuming, brushing, and/or laundering methods. The composition includes dispersion stabilizing additives such that the composition is presented as a stable dispersion or as a composition that may be easily redispersed prior to application.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2004Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Inventors: Steven E. Brown, Marie S. Chan, Michael A. Valenti, Michael J. McDonald, Shannon B. Stancil, J. Michael Metcalf, Patrick D. Moore
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Publication number: 20090008298Abstract: A pre-sorter forwards items from solid waste to designated processing paths in response to their size. Large items are manually processed to remove non-recyclables, to fuel a generator, to be returned to the pre-sorter after removal from a container, or forwarded to processing streams. The smallest items are forwarded to a first chain of machines that remove metal and glass from the items. Intermediate sized items are forwarded to an assembly that separates small, relatively dense, items from larger lightweight items. The former items are mixed and processed by a first chain of machines. The latter items are forwarded to a second chain of machines that separate and remove paper and other containers from recyclable metal and plastic. Multiple paper types are identified and removed by a third chain of machines. A remediator receives residual items from each of the first, second and third chains of machines.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2007Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventor: Michael Studley
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Publication number: 20080271270Abstract: A probe cleaning tube cleans a probe in a cleaning tub of an endoscope reprocessor having a water supply nozzle for supplying liquid for reprocessing, and is made of at least a soft resin tube. An aperture is made in a side of the soft resin tube, and has a diameter larger than an outer diameter of the probe. A removable water supply nozzle attachment is provided at one end of the soft resin tube for coupling to the water supply nozzle. A drain unit has a drain port at another end of the soft resin tube to stop passage of the probe.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2008Publication date: November 6, 2008Applicant: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.Inventors: Yukihiko SAWADA, Akiko MIZUNUMA
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Patent number: 7428799Abstract: A rain gutter includes a back wall, bottom member, and front wall, forming an elongated channel. The front wall is pivotally connected along the bottom member for forward movement between an upstanding position and a downward open position. An upright scavenger blade mounted in and along the channel is movable between a retracted position and a forward position to push the front wall open and dump the gutter contents. The scavenger blade includes a flexible wiper along its bottom to slide across the channel bottom. The system is actuated by a piston which reciprocates the scavenger blade across the channel, between retracted and extended positions. The actuator system also includes a base plate parallel to the back wall, a channel span parallel to the base plate, and parallel hinge plates connecting the base plate and channel span, all together forming a four-bar linkage. An actuator arm is pivotally connected at one end to the base plate, and slidably connected at its other end to the channel span.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2007Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Inventor: Calvin Frelier
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Publication number: 20080229526Abstract: A system for cleaning a wafer. At least one first chuck roller is connected to a first roller base and includes a first annular groove. A second roller base opposes the first roller base. At least one second chuck roller is connected to the second roller base and includes a second annular groove. A sensing chuck roller is connected to the second roller base and includes a third annular groove corresponding to the first and second annular grooves. A cleaning member covers the third annular groove. A circumferential edge of the wafer is positioned in the first and second annular grooves and abuts the cleaning member. The first and second chuck rollers rotate the wafer, enabling the circumferential edge thereof to rub against the cleaning member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2007Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventors: Tien-Chen Hu, Chih-Ming Hsieh, Chien-Chang Lai, Wen-Jin Lee, Da-Hsiang Chen
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Patent number: 7425900Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for helping assure the washing of a person's hands. An easily identifiable substance is provided which may be removed by washing. A marking mechanism is coupled with or contains the easily identifiable substance and the hand of the person is then marked with the easily identifiable substance when the marking mechanism is triggered. Substantially concurrent (or somewhat delayed) with the hand being marked a signal is given off which helps assure that the person actually uses the marking mechanism. Another way to coerce use of the marking mechanism and to allow authority figures to monitor use of the marking mechanism is a information recording device which tracks use of the marking mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2005Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Airborne Health, Inc.Inventors: John Morris Lynn, Kathryn Anne Newth
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Publication number: 20080141484Abstract: A cleaning medium flies with an air current in a cleaning tank to collide with an object to be cleaned so as to remove an extraneous substance attached to the object. The cleaning medium includes an outer surface that comes into contact with the object and an inner surface that remains out of contact with the object. The cleaning medium is flexible and formed in a shape that allows the air current to flow from the outside onto the inner surface of the cleaning medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2007Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventors: Tatsuya Satoh, Yoichi Okamoto, Akihiro Fuchigami, Yuusuke Taneda
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Patent number: 7325699Abstract: An electrostatically charged polymeric material, such as a polyolefin non-woven web, can be used in conjunction with a container, such as a tissue carton, for example, to attract lint and reduce the amount of lint that is deposited on the surface area surrounding the carton when the tissues are dispensed.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2004Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Sara Marie Etheridge, David Lewis Myers, Daphne Lynn VanBuren, Kathy Geralyn Richardson, Tammy Jo Balzar
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Publication number: 20070261182Abstract: A latch assembly for a wet/dry vacuum cleaner wherein the vacuum has a fan collector cover disposed between the filter cage and water tank of the vacuum cleaner and the drum lid of the vacuum housing the internal vacuum operating components. The filter cage is assembled to the drum lid or power head without tooling or screws while fixing the fan collector cover in place between the filter cage and drum lid. The power head housing is also attached to the bottom cover without screws or other fasteners.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2006Publication date: November 15, 2007Inventors: Jesus Fernandez-Grandizo Martinez, Felix Rodriguez Perfino
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Publication number: 20070163059Abstract: One primary application of this device is to clamp a cylindrical shaft such that it will not rotate in a housing. This technology may also be used to clamp shafts of various cross sectional shapes to keep them from moving axially. The basic idea is to remove, using ordinary machine tools or the like, portions of the housing that surround the shaft leaving thin areas that act as hinges. The housing may not be cut all the way through so that the hinged or moving portion of the housing that exerts the clamping force is contiguous with the rest of the housing. In most of these examples, a series of three or four hinges lie upon a straight line. Applying force in a plane that is perpendicular to the axis of the shaft, toward the shaft, in the middle of this hinged portion allows that part of the housing to move very slightly. It is assumed that the housing and shaft will be a close fit so that only a slight amount of movement of the moving part of the housing will be required to clamp the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventor: David L. Wimberley
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Patent number: 7030046Abstract: Multi-layer substrates for a premoistened wipe capable of controlled fluid release comprise a reservoir layer and a surface contact layer, wherein the reservoir and surface contact layers have certain blends of hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers, as well as certain basis weights. Premoistened wipes for treating and/or cleaning a surface comprise the multi-layer substrate and a liquid composition impregnated into the multi-layer substrate, wherein the liquid composition comprises a surfactant system and/or a solvent system. Methods of treating and/or cleaning a surface comprise the step of contacting the surface with a premoistened wipe of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2001Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Arthur Wong, Jeffrey Lawrence Flora
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Patent number: 7024716Abstract: An automated cleaning apparatus, employed wherein a paste-like printing agent having a low viscosity is used in a screen printing machine, comprising a cleaning unit constituted by an adhesive tape, an adhesive tape take-up body, an adhesive tape delivery body and an adhesive tape pressing table arranged between the adhesive take-up body and the adhesive tape delivery body. The adhesive tape is taken up in the state that an adhesive surface is set upward, the adhesive tape being taken up in the reverse direction to a moving direction of the clearing unit and at a predetermined speed in correspondence to a moving speed of the cleaning unit, and the cleaning unit being moved upward at a starting end position, moved downward at a terminal end position and returned to the starting end position.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Minami Co., LtdInventor: Takehiko Murakami
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Patent number: 6988291Abstract: A cleaning implement for damp cleaning of surfaces using mopping water includes a first plastic element which indicates the temperature of the mopping water by a reversible change in its color upon contact with the mopping water.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KGInventors: Ralf Jürgens, Helmut Hofmeister
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Patent number: 6968906Abstract: An electric tilling machine has a motor mounted on a machine body for rotationally driving a tilling shaft provided with tilling claws. A housing/cleaning box has an upper opening and is configured to receive therein the tilling shaft and tilling claws with the machine body closing the opening of the box. Front and rear locking sections lock the machine body to the housing/cleaning box with the tilling shaft and tilling claws housed in the box. A control section keeps the motor in a controllably operable condition while the machine body is locked in the housing/cleaning box so that the motor can be operated to rotate the tilling shaft and tilling claws within the box in a cleaning mode.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jun Ito, Joji Maeda
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Patent number: 6896468Abstract: A battery powered floor maintenance machine is alignable with a battery docking station that can slidably receive a spent battery assembly from the floor maintenance machine. The floor maintenance machine includes locking and aligning mechanisms to safely attach the machine to the docking station. Once attached, the battery assembly is slid onto the docking station for recharge. The floor machine can be removed from the docking station and attached to a second charging station with a fully charged battery assembly thereon. The battery assembly can be slid from the second charging station to the floor maintenance machine, allowing the machine to be returned to service.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Tennant CompanyInventors: Gregory P. Gallea, Laurence A. Jensen
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Patent number: 6865764Abstract: A fixture for assembling a post-CMP cleaning brush. The post-CMP cleaning brush is provided with a brush core and an outer brush, and the outer brush is provided with a hollow portion. The fixture comprises a base, a plurality of posts and a guiding member. The base is provided with a plurality of holes. The posts insert into the holes of the base through the hollow portion of the outer brush respectively so as to assist the brush core in passing through the hollow portion of the outer brush. The guiding member is connected with the brush core to assist the brush core in passing through the hollow portion of the outer brush.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2002Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Nanya Technology CorporationInventors: Ming Fa Tsai, Chia Chi Lin
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Patent number: 6850167Abstract: The present invention comprises a motion activated switch comprising a plurality of rollable or slideable means enclosed in a containment space, two contacts formed in a support floor of the containment space whereby the plurality of rollable or slideable means forms a reduced resistance electrical connection between the contacts by rolling or sliding into an appropriate location of the containment space. A plurality of the switches may share the same containment space and one or more of the contacts.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2002Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Inventor: Howard Rosen
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Patent number: 6832422Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a post-CMP cleaning brush. The post-CMP cleaning brush is provided with a brush core and an outer brush, and the outer brush is provided with a hollow portion. The apparatus comprises a base, a fixed member, a sliding member, a plurality of posts, and an actuating device. The base holds the brush core and the outer brush, and the fixed member is disposed on the base. The sliding member is disposed on the base in a manner such that it is located at the opposite side of the fixed member relative to the outer brush disposed on the base. The posts, disposed on the sliding member, pass through the fixed member and the hollow portion of the outer brush so as to assist the brush core in passing through the hollow portion of the outer brush. The actuating device connects with the brush core so as to pass the brush core through the hollow portion of the outer brush and separate the posts, inserted into the outer brush, from the outer brush.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2002Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: Nanya Technology CorporationInventors: Ming Fa Tsai, Chia Chi Lin, Shih Hsien Hsu, Chih-Feng Wang, Hong-wei Chen
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Patent number: 6802103Abstract: In the broader aspects of the invention, there is provided a cleaning tool for electrically and pneumatically powered surgical instruments having either a pneumatic hose connector or an electrical plug connector thereon comprising a tool body having opposite ends. An instrument connector is at one of the ends. A handle is at the other of the ends. The handle allows positive control of the positioning of the surgical instrument and positive control over both axial movement and rotary movement of the instrument during cleaning.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2002Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Nuell, Inc.Inventor: David C. Holsclaw
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Publication number: 20040104510Abstract: A method for manufacturing an insert mold product using an insert member has machining step for machining the insert member using a machining assistant; a cleaning step for removing the machining assistant and foreign matter from the insert member, which foreign matter includes swarf created in the machining step; and an insert molding step for coating at least part of the surface of the insert member with a molding material. This prevents degradation in the quality of the product.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2003Publication date: June 3, 2004Inventors: Takayuki Ito, Toshihiko Asaya, Norio Otani
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Publication number: 20040074023Abstract: An automated cleaning apparatus, employed wherein a paste-like printing agent having a low viscosity is used in a screen printing machine, comprising a cleaning unit constituted by an adhesive tape, an adhesive tape take-up body, an adhesive tape delivery body and an adhesive tape pressing table arranged between the adhesive take-up body and the adhesive tape delivery body. The adhesive tape is taken up in the state that an adhesive surface is set upward, the adhesive tape being taken up in the reverse direction to a moving direction of the clearing unit and at a predetermined speed in correspondence to a moving speed of the cleaning unit, and the cleaning unit being moved upward at a starting end position, moved downward at a terminal end position and returned to the starting end position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventor: Takehiko Murakami
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Publication number: 20030204922Abstract: Drying of wet ground surfaces provided with stalks includes removing droplets from stalks with comb-shaped slitted, cubical or squared projections provided on an underside of a broad plank, and guiding the removed droplets along the slitted, cubical or squared projections toward lower edges of the slitted, cubical or squared projections and from there onto the ground surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2003Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventor: Wilhelm Erwig
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Patent number: 6629538Abstract: A method of dry cleaning surfaces of a semiconductor wafer includes the steps of placing a processed wafer in a vacuum environment and positioning a pad near each of a front surface and a back surface of the wafer. Cleaning gas is injected into a small clearance formed between each pad and the front and rear surfaces to generate a high-speed gas flow along the surface of the wafer. Particles left at the surfaces of the processed wafer are physically cleaned and removed with the high-speed gas flow. In order to assist this physical cleaning action, it is also possible to apply either a chemical cleaning method or an electrical cleaning method under application of plasma.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Kenetsu Yokogawa, Yoshinori Momonoi, Masaru Izawa, Shinichi Tachi
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Publication number: 20030172487Abstract: A sewer-cleaning tool includes a sleeve is sized to have an inside diameter incrementally greater than the outside diameter of the pipe. A sleeve is sized to have an inside diameter incrementally greater than the outside diameter of the pipe. A scoop, having a spoon shaped main body, is carried by a lower portion of the sleeve. A fence assembly includes left and right fence segments attached along their lower edges to the scoop and at an upper rear location to the sleeve. A reinforcement assembly includes left and right rods connected to an upper and forward location on the left and right fence segments, respectively, and to the sleeve. In operation, a water hose delivers water upstream of the cleaning tool, causing debris to be washed to the tool and evacuated, while the water moves through the fence assembly, increasing the ratio of debris to water collected.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2002Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventors: Ronald L. Thompson, Willaim R. Peacock
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Publication number: 20030154566Abstract: A battery powered floor maintenance machine is alignable with a battery docking station that can slidably receive a spent battery assembly from the floor maintenance machine. The floor maintenance machine includes locking and aligning mechanisms to safely attach the machine to the docking station. Once attached, the battery assembly is slid onto the docking station for recharge. The floor machine can be removed from the docking station and attached to a second charging station with a fully charged battery assembly thereon. The battery assembly can be slid from the second charging station to the floor maintenance machine, allowing the machine to be returned to service.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2003Publication date: August 21, 2003Applicant: Tennant CompanyInventors: Gregory P. Gallea, Laurence A. Jensen
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Patent number: 6598260Abstract: A liquid barrier system for protecting selected areas of flooring from liquid flow. The liquid barrier system includes a pair of end assemblies adapted for abutting a surface of a floor, and an elongate barrier assembly having two ends, each one of the barrier assembly ends being coupled to an associated one of the end assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Inventor: Michael D. Sharpe
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Publication number: 20030126697Abstract: A vacuum unit used to vacuum lawn debris includes a vacuum unit body having at least first and second inlet openings and at least one flap that can be adjusted to selectively cover and open the second opening. The vacuum unit body includes a flap adjustment member that is located within the second opening and that includes a contact surface that contacts the flap. Preferably, the flap adjustment member has one end that is adapted to receive a vacuum hose. The flap adjustment member can be placed into a first position where it causes the flap to open the second opening and a second position where it permits the flap to cover the second opening. The vacuum hose has a handle that can be attached to the vacuum unit handle permitting the vacuum hose to remain permanently attached to the vacuum unit even when the vacuum hose is not being used.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2003Publication date: July 10, 2003Applicant: MTD Products, Inc.Inventors: Usman Firdaus, John Dawson, Philip B. Smith, Jeffery R. Kucera
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Patent number: 6574819Abstract: Devices and methods for removing dew from grassy areas, such as golf courses. One embodiment comprises a plurality of beaded lines comprising lead weights which are disposed within an outer synthetic rope sheath. The ends of the flexible elongated member comprise means for attaching the elongated member to at least one and preferably two separate tractors. Dew is removed by connecting at least one of the aforesaid devices to at least one tractor and dragging the device across the grassy area.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2000Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Inventor: Robert Ratcliffe
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Publication number: 20030085609Abstract: A fixture for assembling a post-CMP cleaning brush. The post-CMP cleaning brush is provided with a brush core and an outer brush, and the outer brush is provided with a hollow portion. The fixture comprises a base, a plurality of posts and a guiding member. The base is provided with a plurality of holes. The posts insert into the holes of the base through the hollow portion of the outer brush respectively so as to assist the brush core in passing through the hollow portion of the outer brush. The guiding member is connected with the brush core to assist the brush core in passing through the hollow portion of the outer brush.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Applicant: NANYA TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Ming Fa Tsai, Chia Chi Lin
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Publication number: 20030056306Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for cleaning wood-containing material, comprising the following features:Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Applicant: B. Maier Zerkleinerungstechnik GmbHInventor: Robert Loth
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Patent number: 6453496Abstract: An apparatus for removing undesired particles on a target object comprises an electrostatic charge inductor for attracting the undesired particles on the target object, an electrostatic charge developer coming into contact with the electrostatic charge inductor, and a driving source for rotating the electrostatic charge developer. The electrostatic charge developer is rotated by the driving source to be rubbed by the electrostatic charge inductor, which in turn charges the electrostatic charge inductor with negative electricity. The charged inductor attracts the undesired particles off the target object, thereby removing the undesired particles therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Anam Semiconductor, Inc.Inventor: Byung Chul Lee
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Publication number: 20020092103Abstract: A vacuum extension kit elements includes extensions, a flexible hose and an adapter or two, each having plural diameter male and female connectors for connection to different size vacuum cleaner elements and attachments and/or an elastic adapter. The conduit through the elements is essentially a uniform diameter, for uninterrupted flow, and is small enough to double the flow velocity through standard vacuum cleaner elements. A clog preventer, for filtering out large particles, and inserts, for optional further reduction of female connector inside diameters, are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2002Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: Frank L. Bruno, Marva L. Plummer-Bruno
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Publication number: 20020088756Abstract: A magnetic cleaning tool having a housing defining a cavity, a plunger partially disposed within the cavity, and a magnet located on the plunger is provided. Withdrawal of the plunger from the cavity moves the magnet along the cavity and thereby removes the magnetic field from one end of the housing. This removal of the magnetic field allows a user to easily detach any particles adhered to the exterior surface of the housing due to the presence of the magnetic field by simply pulling the plunger and moving the magnet. The assembly may also include a peripheral skirt that assures the removal of adhered particles, and straps that facilitate securement of the assembly to another body, such as a tank. A method of using the magnetic cleaning tool to remove metallic fines from lapping compounds is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventor: Dan L. Wolosion
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Publication number: 20020086155Abstract: Brush filaments having an outer surface which, distal from the filaments'free ends, exhibits sudden directional changes which in use can effect a cleaning action additional to that due to the free ends of the filaments is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2000Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventor: Moosa Naghibi
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Patent number: 6414816Abstract: A library apparatus accommodating a number of cartridges containing memory mediums is used for automatically cleaning a hand of an accessor robot that transfers a plurality of cartridges and is provided in the library apparatus. A control unit is provided to control the movement of the accessor robot. The control unit counts the number of times the hand is used to determine when the hand is to be cleaned.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Minory Hikita
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Publication number: 20010009046Abstract: A workbench including provisions for cleaning of an object. The workbench includes an enclosure and a shelf that is slidable into and out of the enclosure. The shelf can support an object within the enclosure. A manifold and nozzles within the enclosure direct cleaning liquid or compressed gas at the object so as to clean it and collect the material removed from the object within the enclosure. The workbench includes a top suitable for dimensional gaging and inspection of the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2001Publication date: July 26, 2001Inventor: Richard A. Cardemon
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Patent number: 6211788Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for helping to assure the washing of a person's hands. An easily identifiable substance is provided which may be removed by washing. A marking mechanism is coupled with or contains the easily identifiable substance. A hand of the person is then marked with the easily identifiable substance when the marking mechanism is triggered. In one embodiment, a flush mechanism of a toilet or urinal may be equipped with the marking mechanism. The marking mechanism is preferably triggered when the person flushes the toilet or urinal. In another embodiment, a door handle may be equipped with the marking mechanism, and the marking mechanism is triggered when the person uses the door handle. For some applications the marking mechanism may be releasably secured to an activating member.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Inventors: Fiona Armstrong Lynn, John M. Lynn
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Patent number: 6031461Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for helping to assure the washing of hands. An easily identifiable substance is provided which can be removed by washing, and a marking mechanism is coupled to the easily identifiable substance. A hand of a person is then marked with the easily identifiable substance when the marking mechanism is triggered. In one embodiment, a flush mechanism of a toilet or urinal is equipped with the marking mechanism, and the marking mechanism is triggered when a person flushes the toilet or urinal. In another embodiment, a door handle is equipped with the marking mechanism, and the marking mechanism is triggered when a person uses the door handle.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Inventor: John M. Lynn
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Patent number: 5960513Abstract: A pump-free automobile window washer system for providing a continuous supply of window washer fluid for use with a window washing squeegee. The window washer system has a reservoir tank with a lid, which may be locked in place, and, at least one dispenser, having a lid which may be locked in place with an aperture formed therein for receipt of automobile window washing squeegee. The reservoir and dispenser are interconnected by tubing. A filter is positioned within the dispenser for removing impurities from the window washer fluid contained in the dispenser, the filter may be removed for cleaning and replaced within dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Inventor: Paul Beshah
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Patent number: 5867859Abstract: A device and associated methods provide protection from harmful effects produced when a vehicle is stored with its wiper blades in contact with its windshield. In a preferred embodiment, a device has a wiper arm support portion, an elongated body portion, and a windshield contacting portion. Operative installation of the device between the vehicle's wiper arms and the windshield lifts the wiper blades out of contact with the windshield.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1997Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Inventor: Shelby G. Tackett
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Patent number: 5772779Abstract: Photoconductor scumming in an electrophotographic copying machine is substantially eliminated by using a synthetic fiber cleaning brush that is substantially free from low yield strength, low surface energy materials.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1996Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Donald Saul Rimai, Theodore Herbert Morse, John Robert Locke, Raymond Charles Bowen, James Clinton Maher
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Patent number: 5692808Abstract: A brush rejuvenating apparatus has a main housing including an inner bristle collector guide and an outer bristle collector guide which cooperate with a series of bristle combs to drive bristles into a rejuvenating position or a straight array, to be therein until the brush has dried.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1996Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Inventor: George M. Heuvelman
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Patent number: 5682638Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a buffing pad mounted on a rotary powered buffing machine is adapted to be adjustably mounted by a plurality of support legs within an open container containing a liquid cleaning solution. The buffing pad is placed in an upper enclosure that can be adjusted in size to correspond to buffing pads of varying thickness. The bottom of the enclosure includes a water wheel mounted for engagement by the buffing pad and rotatable between the enclosure and a point below the level of cleaning solution in the container, such that powered operation of the buffing machine and rotation of the pad drives the water wheel to deliver cleaning solution to the pad enclosure to clean accumulated wax, dirt and other materials from the pad. The device makes use of a series of rotatable cleaning wheels of the type used in prior devices which are also driven by the buffing pad and assist in loosening and removing accumulated materials from the buffing pad.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 1995Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Inventor: Richard A. Kaiser
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Patent number: 5639311Abstract: A method of cleaning brushes used in post chemical-mechanical polishing of semiconductor wafers employs water blanks treated with a hydrofluoric acid to render the surface hydrophobic. When an undesirable amount of cleaning residue builds up brushes, the treated wafer blanks are passed between brushes to attract and remove the residue.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: June 17, 1997Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Brian Holley, Andrew Sauer, Herman Schmitt
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Patent number: 5634693Abstract: A rotary scrubbing brush employed to clean carpets and floors is rejuvenated by straightening of the brush bristles after they have been bent or flexed. To straighten and or reverse the direction of worn and or bent brush bristles of a rotary carpet or a floor scrubbing brush lengthens the life of the brush.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: June 3, 1997Inventor: George M. Heuvelman
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Patent number: 5572759Abstract: A storage and maintenance system for a mobile cleaning machine or the like comprises a space (6) which is at least partially enclosed for storing the mobile machine (7), guiding elements (9a, 9b) for accurately positioning the machine in the storage space, a first supply unit to replenish the machine energy source and a second supply unit (10, 11) to fill the machine's containers with consumable materials.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1995Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Inventor: Kurt Zachhuber
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Patent number: 5496412Abstract: A rotary applicator cleaning device in which a roller is placed within a housing and rotated within that housing as it is subjected to a cleaning solution and a resilient scrubbing.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1994Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Inventor: Shamoon Ahmad
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Patent number: 5475474Abstract: A wiper system for use in an electrophotographic printing machine having a variety of electrophotographic subsytems situated about a photoconductive member. The electrophotographic printing machine includes a slidable module for supporting a photoconductive member, the slidable module being movable relative to the electrophotographic subsytems such that the photoconductive member is retractably displaceable from the electrophotographic printing machine to provide access thereto. A wiper assembly, engaging with an exposed surface of at least one of the electrophotographic subsytems, is mounted on the slidable module such that the wiper means is slidably engaged with the exposed surface to provide cleaning action thereagainst in accordance with the slidable movement of the slidable module.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1994Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: William G. Osbourne, Gerald J. Cavaliere, Julio A. Sanchez-Banos
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Patent number: 5471726Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a buffing pad mounted on a rotary powered buffing machine is adapted to be mounted on the upper edge of an open container containing a liquid cleaning solution. The buffing pad is placed in an upper enclosure the bottom of which includes a water wheel mounted for engagement by the buffing pad and rotatable between the enclosure and a point below the level of cleaning solution in the container, such that powered operation of the buffing machine and rotation of the pad drives the water wheel to deliver cleaning solution to the pad enclosure to clean accumulated wax, dirt and other materials from the pad. The device makes use of a series of rotatable cleaning wheels of the type used in prior devices which are also driven by the buffing pad and assist in loosening and removing accumulated materials from the buffing pad.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 1994Date of Patent: December 5, 1995Inventor: Richard A. Kaiser