Miscellaneous Patents (Class 15/1)
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Patent number: 5394585Abstract: A carpet wheel is provided for a rotary cleaning apparatus of the type having an electric motor in a housing, a brush member attached to a drive shaft of the motor, a holding tank for a liquid cleaning fluid and a handle extending at an angle upwardly from the holding tank. The carpet wheel comprises a circular shaped base member. Elements are on the base member in a pattern, for forming a plurality of radially extending grooves. The groove forming elements can be releasably positioned against the underside of the brush member, to be rotated thereabout. A plurality of balls are also provided. A structure is for rotatively carrying the balls in the base member, in spaced apart radially extending locations under every other groove, so that the balls will contact and roll upon a carpet.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1994Date of Patent: March 7, 1995Inventor: Walter Connelly
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Patent number: 5384931Abstract: An apparatus dislodges material from a rotating brush having a brush axis and elongated bristles extending outwardly therefrom. The apparatus includes an obstruction device for temporarily obstructing free rotation of the bristles about the brush axis such that the bristles are placed in spring tension as the brush rotates. The obstruction device releases the bristles when sufficient spring tension exists therein.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1993Date of Patent: January 31, 1995Assignee: Bake Star, Inc.Inventor: Douglas R. Hanson
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Patent number: 5349714Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning foreign particles from the surface of sheets of material, such as printed circuit boards during fabrication processing. Two pairs of sheet cleaning rollers are located along the sheet path, and the sheet is passed through the nips between the pairs of rollers. The rollers have a surface tack sufficient to transfer the foreign particles from the surfaces of the sheet to the cleaning roller surfaces. Upper and lower roller cleaning rolls having surfaces of even greater surface tack are arranged in tangential contact with respective ones of the sheet cleaning rollers. The surfaces of the roller cleaning rolls have even greater surface tack, sufficient to transfer the foreign particles from the sheet cleaning rollers to the cleaning roll surfaces. An adjustable preload force is applied to each roller cleaning roll to urge each roll against the sheet cleaning roller surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1993Date of Patent: September 27, 1994Assignee: Systems Division IncorporatedInventors: John A. Korbonski, Eugene C. Greenwood
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Patent number: 5257435Abstract: A chimney cleaning tool for removing accumulations of foreign materials from the interior surfaces of smoke chambers and chimney flues of fireplaces and furnaces. The invention comprises a hub which is adapted to be rotated by a power driven rod, a single resilient multi-wire cable clamped to the hub and U-bolts with hex nuts for clamping the cable to the hub. The cable has loop shaped portions arranged in perpendicular relationship to the rotational axis of the hub which extend outwardly from the hub. When the tool is inserted into a chimney flue, rotated, and brought to bear against the interior surfaces of the flue, the outer portions of loops rapidly remove accumulated materials from the flue without damaging the flue. The invention can also be used for removing materials which accumulate on the walls of other conduits, such as sewers and oil well casings.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1992Date of Patent: November 2, 1993Inventor: John S. Brewster
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Patent number: 5211135Abstract: An apparatus for deslagging a steam boiler includes a plurality of loop clusters of detonating cord, each including a plurality of loops arranged in a multi-directional pattern to impart a three-dimensional generally spheroid shaped to the cluster The clusters are supported in spaced apart relation between a pair of adjacent tubing panels and are interconnected by lengths of detonating cord to form an explosive assembly adapted for substantially simultaneous detonation. A plurality of explosive assemblies are arranged in approximately every third or fourth spread between tubing panels and are interconnected so as to pyrotechnically detonate each explosive assembly after a predetermined delay in response to detonation of another explosive assembly to which it is connected. The invention is further directed to the method of deslagging a steam boiler with the plurality of loop clusters of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1992Date of Patent: May 18, 1993Inventors: Paul A. Correia, Robert R. Lamotte
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Patent number: 5155877Abstract: A device for removal of liquid from carpet. The device includes a flexible suction cup having an upward position and a depressed position and absorbent material within the flexible suction cup. A seal is created over the carpet when the flexible suction cup is moved to the depressed position. A vacuum force is created over the carpet when the flexible suction cup is then moved to the upward position in order to draw liquid from the carpet into the absorbent material.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1991Date of Patent: October 20, 1992Assignee: MoCorp, IncorporatedInventor: Harold L. Reed
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Patent number: 5024705Abstract: A system is provided for cleaning paint brushes whose bristles have, from use, developed liquefied accumulations thereon of an oil base paint. A plurality of transparent vessels, each containing the same liquid solvent, are supported in a first predetermined serial relationship such that a paint brush with accumulations of paint thereon can be immersed in sequence in the solvent contained in each of the vessels. A towel dispenser provides toweling for wiping the paint brush to mechanically remove the accumulations of paint thereon before and after immersion of the paint brush into the solvent contained in each of the vessels. Covers are removably attached to each of the vessels for selectively sealing the solvent from the atmosphere. Indicia may be applied to the covers or otherwise associated with the vessels.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1990Date of Patent: June 18, 1991Inventor: Claire M. Cahill
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Patent number: 5012542Abstract: A mopping system comprising a scoop pan with a two stage ramp for conveying liquid waste material to an open topped container and a mop support for releasably captively supporting a mop having a mop head, whereby the scoop pan can be manipulated by the mop. The ramp has two serially disposed ramps separated by a gully. The container may lead to a removable storage container or may be arranged to receive and support a liner into which the liquid or waste material passes from the ramp. The mop handle includes storage for liquid to be fed to a foam pad on the mop head.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1989Date of Patent: May 7, 1991Inventor: William R. Lynn
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Patent number: 4995749Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning a paint roller pad includes a hollow annular member and a plurality of semi-rigid or flexible nozzle elements projecting inwardly from an inner surface of the annular member with the free ends of the nozzle elements positioned to have an interference fit with the nap of the roller pad when the pad is passed between the nozzle elements. A connection is provided for introducing liquid into the interior of the hollow annular member, and an annular sleeve is attached to and in substantially coaxial relationship with the annular member. The sleeve provides an interference fit with the roller pad whereby paint and liquid are wiped and wrung from the roller pad as the pad is passed through the sleeve after passing in contact with the nozzle elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1989Date of Patent: February 26, 1991Inventor: Robert J. Gornik
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Patent number: 4983221Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning buffing pads includes a hollow cleaning enclosure for receiving the pad while still attached to the buffing machine and permitting rotation of the pad within the enclosure. Agitating members are provided to contact the buffing pad while cleaning solutions are injected into the enclosure and against the buffing pad face while rotating. A pump drive wheel driven by the rotating buffing pad provides power to drive a pump contained within a reservoir of cleaning fluid to pump the cleaning fluid to the enclosure and pad.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1990Date of Patent: January 8, 1991Inventor: Richard A. Kaiser
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Patent number: 4926775Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for use under water, particularly for cleaning vertical surfaces which are fouled by marine organisms. One or more nozzles (19a-c) for spraying water at high pressure at a surface to be cleaned are arranged on a rotary disc-shaped unit (14)where the rotation axis is intended to be generally perpendicular to the surface which is to be cleaned. The nozzles are obliquely located in a circular plane so that the rotating unit (14) can rotate. Beyond the periphery of the rotating unit (14) there is a casing (12) which forms an annular chamber (13) with an outlet which is at least partly directed away from the surface which is to be cleaned. The annular chamber (13) is formed from two generally cylindrical or truncated conical casing units (20, 30) which are positioned at a radial distance from each other with their internal ends concentric with respect to the nozzle holder (11).Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1988Date of Patent: May 22, 1990Inventor: John P. Andorsen
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Patent number: 4910823Abstract: A method and apparatus, comprising a tool having a clam shell design, for sealing the interface volume between the internal wall of a reactor pressure vessel and submerged piping that penetrates the wall, and for cleaning the interface volume using a series of hydraulic and pneumatic operations. The tool is operable from a remote suface location, using a robotic arm for fine positioning, to clamp around the penetrating pipe. Hydraulic nozzles compressed air and mechanical brushes on the tool may be used to dislodge sediment in the interface volume.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1988Date of Patent: March 27, 1990Assignee: Advanced Resource Development CorporationInventors: Eugene B. Silverman, Richard K. Simmons, Steve K. Hamilton
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Patent number: 4864674Abstract: A device which has wheels is provided that has a removable disc with blades such that when the disc is placed in a certain position the device acts as a pushbroom, and when the disc is continously rotated, the device can act as a dustpan as well as a dustmop.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1987Date of Patent: September 12, 1989Inventor: Nathaniel Hamilton
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Patent number: 4806277Abstract: The present invention relates to a decontamination method in which an object to be decontaminated is immersed in a liquid, bubbles are produced by blowing vapor in the liquid, and these bubbles are caused to burst on a solid surface which constitutes the object to be decontaminated which is brought into contact with the liquid, whereby substances adhered to the solid surface are separated and removed by the impulsive force produced when the bubbles burst. Also provided is a method of decontaminating solid surfaces which exhibits a high degree of efficiency and a high level of safety.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1987Date of Patent: February 21, 1989Assignees: Hitachi Ltd., Hitachi Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mikio Sakurai, Tsutomu Hayashi, Masayuki Izumi, Hiroshi Sasaki, Thoru Satho, Kazuo Owada
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Patent number: 4792276Abstract: An apparatus for removing debris from a turbomachine. The apparatus includes housing and remotely operable viewing and grappling mechanisms for the purpose of locating and removing debris lodged between adjacent blades in a turbomachine.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1987Date of Patent: December 20, 1988Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Donald F. Krawiec, Robert J. Kraf, Robert J. Houser
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Patent number: 4786333Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning buffing pads while attached to a buffing machine includes a hollow enclosure into which the pad may be inserted and partially enclosed. Rotatable agitating members are provided in combination with the injection of cleaning solutions pumped from a central reservoir onto the pad surface, as the pad is rotated by the buffing machine to which it is normally mounted. Rotation of the pad in contact with the agitating rollers combined with the application of cleaning solution causes the release and washing of particulate matter from the pad. The pad edge is also caused to rotate against stationary protuberances in the enclosure side wall to assist in cleaning the pad as well. A movable cover section is provided for ease of inserting and removing the pad within the enclosure, and the cover includes a central aperture through which the shaft of the buffing machine may be extended.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1988Date of Patent: November 22, 1988Inventor: Richard A. Kaiser
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Patent number: 4760618Abstract: Methods of an apparatus for cleaning an electro-mechanical transducer such as a "mouse" used for moving cursors on a computer display terminal comprise a scrubbing ball having a "hook" VELCRO surface and a pad having a "loop" VELCRO surface. The VELCRO covered ball is lightly coated with solvent, inserted into the recess of the "mouse" and rolled over the "loop" VELCRO surface. This rolling action scrubs the interior of the "mouse" and transfers dust, debris and suspended oil from the recess of the mouse to the pad.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1987Date of Patent: August 2, 1988Inventor: Stephen R. Chapin, Jr.
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Patent number: 4699665Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of cleaning a nuclear steam generator by removing the buildup of deposits which accumulate on the upper tube support plates, on the heat exchanger tubes, on flow holes in the support plates and between the support plates and heat exchanger tubes, and on other secondary side surfaces of a heat exchanger vessel through utilization of a repetitive shock wave induced in the deposits. The shock wave serves to effectively and safely loosen the products of corrosion and other elements which settle on these surfaces of the heat exchanger vessel and thereby facilitiates their easy removal through flushing and vacuuming the vessel. The shock waves are induced by air-gun type pressure pulse shock wave sources or pressurized gas-type pressure pulse shock wave sources.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 1984Date of Patent: October 13, 1987Assignee: Anco Engineers, Inc.Inventors: Terry D. Scharton, George B. Taylor
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Patent number: 4655846Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of cleaning a tube bundle heat exchanger by removing the buildup of sedimentation or "sludge" which accumulates in the bottom or at other elevations of a heat exchanger vessel through utilization of a repetitive shock wave induced in the liquid layer above the sludge. The shock waves are induced by air-gun type pressure pulse shock wave sources or pressurized gas-type pressure pulse shock wave sources. The shock wave serves to effectively and safely loosen the products of corrosion and other elements which settle at the bottom of the heat exchanger or steam generator and thereby facilitates their easy removal through flushing and vacuuming the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1985Date of Patent: April 7, 1987Assignee: Anco Engineers, Inc.Inventors: Terry D. Scharton, George B. Taylor
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Patent number: 4645542Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of cleaning and removing the products of corrosion, oxidation and sedimentation which occur within and become attached to the walls of the interior of heat exchanger tubes which are located within a pressure vessel such as a tube bundle heat exchanger, boiler, condenser or the like, through utilization of a repetitive shock wave induced into a liquid which is placed within the tubes and then subsequently flushing the tubes. The shock wave serves to effectively and safely loosen the products of corrosion, oxidation and sedimentation which are located within or settle on the walls of the interior of the heat exchanger tubes, and thereby facilitates their easy removal through flushing and vacuuming the vessel. The shock waves are induced by air-gun type pressure pulse shock wave sources or pressurized gas-type pressure pulse shock wave sources.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1984Date of Patent: February 24, 1987Assignee: Anco Engineers, Inc.Inventors: Terry D. Scharton, George B. Taylor
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Patent number: 4590422Abstract: In an automatic wafer prober, the prober steps through a certain predetermined sequence of die on the wafer. After a certain predetermined number of die have been probed, the prober automatically interrupts the probing sequence and steps the prober off of the wafer onto an abrasive element for scrubbing clean the probe tips. Thereafter, the prober returns to its predetermined probing sequence. The abrasive element is preferably fixidly secured to the wafer chuck. A flat of the abrasive element serves as an alignment flat for registration with a flat of the wafer.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1981Date of Patent: May 20, 1986Assignee: Pacific Western Systems, Inc.Inventor: Vernon C. Milligan
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Patent number: 4542555Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the cleaning of a collecting rope of oil or similar material. The device consists of a frame which is positioned around the rope and which has or to which there are connected tongues. The tongues are pressed or, by the effect of an external force, can be pressed towards the core of the rope, whereby the tongues wipe the oil or similar material off the rope as the rope passes through the device.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1984Date of Patent: September 24, 1985Assignee: Oy Lars Ludin Patent AbInventor: Lars Lundin
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Patent number: 4508465Abstract: An apparatus attachable to the end of a garden hose for cleaning paint from paint rollers and the like. The apparatus includes a first nozzle having a generally arcuate shaped opening for delivering a gentle stream of water to soak the paint roller and to remove the bulk of the paint adhering thereto. The arcuate opening can also function as a scraper to help remove paint from the roller. A second high pressure nozzle is provided to direct a jet of water against the roller. The jet of water is designed to penetrate the fibers of the roller to loosen embedded paint and to impart a spinning motion to the roller, thus causing the paint and water to be spun off of the roller. One or move valves are provided in the apparatus to control the flow of fluid to the two nozzles.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1983Date of Patent: April 2, 1985Inventor: J. Berkeley Orton
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Patent number: 4494267Abstract: Fluid is inertially removed from the bristles of brush by causing the bristles of a moving brush to be intercepted in the path of their motion in a manner so as to abruptly affect the speed of movement of the bristles and so inertially disperse fluid therefrom. The fluid so dispersed is collected within an opened top container comprising an upright walled enclosure. This upright walled enclosure may be utilized in the manner disclosed for stowing and transporting additional items useful to an artist.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1982Date of Patent: January 22, 1985Inventor: C. Thomas Fredley
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Patent number: 4455636Abstract: A record cleaning device comprises a container body for receiving therein an adhesive material to be applied onto a surface of a record for cleaning, a slit formed in the bottom of the container body, an arm member attached to an end of the container body to be integrally formed therewith, and positioning means provided at an end of the arm member. The positioning means is located in the center of the record to be cleaned so that the container body can be rotated over the record. The cleaning device is further provided with support means situated on at least one of the bottom face of the container body and the bottom face of the arm member to form a clearance between the bottom of the slit and an upper surface of the record to be cleaned when the cleaning device is located on the record. Consequently, when the container body is turned over the record, the adhesive material can be applied uniformly onto the upper surface of the record through the slit and the clearance.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1982Date of Patent: June 19, 1984Assignee: Lion CorporationInventors: Tatsuhiko Tsutsui, Toru Sema, Tsuneo Unezawa
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Patent number: 4427140Abstract: A window washing kit in which a belt to be worn by the window washer is hollow for containing water to be used in washing windows, and has tubes attached thereto for wetting a scrubber used in washing windows. The belt also has holders for holding scrubbers and squeegees when they are not being used by the window washer. The scrubber or water applicators are unique and comprise a metal frame with a layer of foam for retaining water and a layer of cloth or the like for scrubbing windows. Further, the kit includes a pole for holding a scrubber or squeegee during use, and is configured to permit easy swivelling of the scrubber or squeegee during use. The pole also has bifurcated ends for holding a blade or the like for scraping windows.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1980Date of Patent: January 24, 1984Inventor: Charles H. Dennis, Jr.
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Patent number: 4404704Abstract: A cleaning kit adapted to clean a large area comprises a preliminary cleaning device, a finishing cleaning device, and a cleaning cart including a base frame, a handle having a retaining member and at least two containers situated on the base frame. The preliminary and finishing cleaning devices include a plurality of preliminary and finishing cleaning appliances respectively, the appliances being adapted to be removably connected to each end of the cleaning device. The base frame of the cleaning cart includes at least two wheels connected at one side of the bottom of the base frame and a plurality of floor engaging projections situated at the other side of the bottom of the base frame. The preliminary and finishing cleaning devices are retained in the retaining member of the handle, while the preliminary and finishing cleaning appliances are separately disposed in the two containers.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1981Date of Patent: September 20, 1983Inventor: Philipp Rabban
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Patent number: 4378597Abstract: A record cleaning device comprises a container body for receiving therein an adhesive material to be applied onto a surface of a record for cleaning, a slit formed in the bottom of the container body, an arm member attached to an end of the container body to be integrally formed therewith, and positioning means provided at an end of the arm member. The positioning means is located in the center of the record to be cleaned so that the container body can be rotated over the record. The cleaning device is further provided with support means situated on at least one of the bottom face of the container body and the bottom face of the arm member to form a clearance between the bottom of the slit and an upper surface of the record to be cleaned when the cleaning device is located on the record. Consequently, when the container body is turned over the record, the adhesive material can be applied uniformly onto the upper surface of the record through the slit and the clearance.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1980Date of Patent: March 29, 1983Assignee: Lion CorporationInventors: Tatsuhiko Tsutsui, Toru Sema, Tsuneo Umezawa
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Patent number: 4310940Abstract: An apparatus for remotely cleaning an overhead gutter (10) includes a first and a second fork (17, 25) disposed near the top of an elongated handle (15). The first fork (17) is stationary with respect to the handle (15) and is slid along the interior of the gutter. The second fork (25) is adapted for rotational motion with respect to the first fork (17) in order to selectively engage debris positioned therebetween. The gutter cleaner also includes a pusher blade (47) mounted on the second fork (25) for cleaning under gutter hanger spikes (10e), as well as brush (74) and mirror (78) attachments.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1979Date of Patent: January 19, 1982Inventor: Edward L. Moore
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Patent number: 4111546Abstract: An electrostatographic reproducing apparatus and process include a system for ultrasonically cleaning residual material from the imaging surface. Ultrasonic vibratory energy is applied to the air space adjacent the imaging surface to excite the air molecules for dislodging the residual material from the imaging surface. Preferably pneumatic cleaning is employed simultaneously with the ultrasonic cleaning. Alternatively a conventional mechanical cleaning system is augmented by localized vibration of the imaging surface at the cleaning station which are provided from behind the imaging surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1976Date of Patent: September 5, 1978Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Arthur R. Maret
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Patent number: 4042037Abstract: The present invention resides in a floor cleaning aid or lawn edging device comprising a shank having a handle portion at one end thereof, a blade member depending from another end of said shank remote from said handle, means projecting from said blade member in a direction transverse to the plane of the blade member and an elongate member pivotally connected at one end thereof to said shank to pivot in a plane substantially parallel to said plane of the blade. Further there is provided a spring connecting said elongate member and said blade member, said spring being adapted to bias said elongate member towards said blade member.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1975Date of Patent: August 16, 1977Assignee: Marie Ellen WhiteleyInventor: William Bede Whiteley