Abstract: A method and apparatus for polishing a substrate is disclosed herein. More specifically, the apparatus relates to an integrated CMP system for polishing substrates. The CMP system has a polishing station configured to polish substrates. A spin rinse dry (SRD) station configured to clean and dry the substrates. A metrology station configured to measure parameters of the substrates. A robot configured to move the substrate in to and out of the SRD station. And an effector rinse and dry (EERD) station configured to clean and dry an end effector of the robot.

Abstract: A cleaning article defining an XY plane and a Z direction perpendicular to the plane. The cleaning article has discrete tufts of tow fibers disposed on a carrier sheet. The discrete tufts have bond lines external to the tufts. The bond lines interrupt the Z-direction thickness of the tufts, to provide channels for improved collection and retention of debris from a target surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-performance adhesive roll cleaner including: an adhesive tape roll formed by winding an adhesive tape, having an adhesive layer formed on one surface of a warp-knitted fabric base layer, so that the adhesive layer faces outward; and a support body configured to rotatably support the adhesive tape roll; wherein the warp-knitted fabric base layer may be continuously cut at intervals of 2 mm. The present invention may provide remarkable advantages in that the adhesive tape may be easily cut at a desired position during use, and may be used repeatedly due to the excellent initial tack thereof, so that the economic efficiency thereof may be maximized while the waste thereof is prevented.

Abstract: Passive brushes formed from plastics, rubbers or other suitable materials may be inserted into openings of aerial vehicles or other machines and subjected to excitation at natural frequencies of vibration of the passive brushes. Where surfaces of the passive brushes are in contact with surfaces of components that are fouled by dust, dirt, grime, or other substances, the vibration of the passive brushes resulting from the excitation causes the dust, dirt, grime or other substances to be released from such surfaces. The passive brushes may have dimensions or shapes that are selected to correspond to internal dimensions of the aerial vehicles or specific components, and may be formed by 3D printing, nanolithography, or in any other suitable manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealed package containing one wipe, wherein the one wipe comprises a carrier and an active ingredient impregnated therein, wherein the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of penile desensitizing agents. The sealed package can be opened, the wipe removed and wiped on the penis of a male to reduce the occurrence of premature ejaculation during subsequent intercourse. Repeated use of the wipes over time can result in statistically significant improvement in intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT).

Abstract: A multi-layer sponge assembly is disclosed which contains a magnetic button that mates with a separate magnetic element to allow the sponge to be elevated in a suspended position to dry.

Abstract: A golf bag including a body defining a housing adapted to receive one or more golf clubs, and extending between a bottom portion and a top portion. The golf bag further includes an attachment mechanism coupled to the body and configured to secure a first portion of a towel.

Abstract: A dusting tool having a flexible skeletal element including a base, from which four elongated arms extend. The elongated arms have a base end and a distal end. The base ends extend from the base and being spaced apart from one another at the base. The arms being flexible and resilient. A plurality of cross-members extend between the elongated arms, a plurality of living hinges being disposed between the plurality of cross-members and the elongated arms. A force applied to at least one of the elongated arms is transmitted to the other of the elongated arm by the plurality of cross-members and the plurality of living hinges.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes an elongated body, a pair of end caps, a filling member, an internal compartment, and an opening. The elongated body includes a first end a second end. The pair of end caps includes a first end cap and a second end cap. The internal compartment traverses through the elongated body. The internal compartment is extended from the first end to the second end. The filling member is positioned within the internal compartment. The first end cap is terminally connected around the first end. The second end cap is terminally connected around the second end. The opening traverses into the internal compartment through the elongated body.

Abstract: An apparatus that facilitates search and rescue, for example, in open water. The apparatus comprises a substrate with a particular geometry and a perimeter. The apparatus further comprises a cover positioned atop the substrate with the cover also having a particular geometry and perimeter, which correspond to the geometry and perimeter of the substrate. An air-tight seal seals the substrate perimeter to the cover perimeter and creates a sealed internal region. A breakable vessel holding an illuminable dye located in the sealed internal region, along with an activator that is also located in the sealed internal region. When the breakable vessel is broken, the illuminable dye reacts with the activator and illuminates the illuminable dye.

Abstract: A workout mat for placement onto a workout apparatus is provided. The workout mat includes a body having a first side and a second side, the second side of the body being positioned opposite to the first side and a top portion connected adjacently to the body. The top portion of the workout mat has a first side and a second side positioned oppositely to the first side, the second side of the top portion being attached to the first side. The workout apparatus has a workout surface, whereby the workout surface is contactable by a human user. The workout apparatus includes a headrest, whereby the headrest is at least partially hydrophobic.

Abstract: A sanitizer for sliding over and sanitizing an elongated member such as a shopping cart handle includes a main body including a bottom housing and a top housing selectively interlockable with each other and defining therebetween a tunnel having a cross-sectional dimension and a general shape that match a corresponding cross sectional dimension and a shape of the elongated member. The top housing has a chamber for holding therein a sanitizing fluid dispenser that is positioned to dispense a sanitizing fluid onto the elongated member. A wiping material is disposed along the tunnel in the main body, in a position and in a manner that enables wiping the sanitizing fluid onto the elongated member as the sanitizer is slid over the elongated member.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes an elongated handle; a base connected to the elongated handle at a first end via a swivel connector, the base having protrusions; and a steel wool attachment to secure to the base via the protrusions; the steel wool is to scrub a floor surface.

Abstract: A cleaning pad including at least one strip of relatively lower absorbency material and at least one strip of relatively higher absorbency material.

Abstract: In one example, we describe a method and apparatus for cleaning the ear canal of cerumen contaminants, dust, and particulates. That includes a handle and replaceable tips, a combination of a flared design and solid base plate attached to the bottom of the tips, limiting the excessive insertion of the tip into the deep area of ear canal that could contact eardrum, which can seriously damage the eardrum and hearing capabilities. The handle has a slot in the front in which a tip can snap into, and as the whole system is secured together, the user can operate the system by spinning the handle, using fingers, e.g., in a clockwise direction, as the user proceeds to insert the tip in the ear canal. Different variations are also presented here.

Abstract: Disclosed is a media suitable for use in a humidifier. The media is water vapor exchange media composed of two components. One component is a nonwoven web for water vapor exchange. A second component includes low melt polymeric fibers such as a polypropylene nonwoven web. The second component seals the first component, preventing exchange of gas through the media. The media is suitable for humidifier components, such as a humidifier component used in a fuel cell system.

Abstract: A system for mitigating the transmission of infectious threats by providing an easy access to a cloth or mitt attached to a retractable cord to allow the user to grab a doorknob, subway passenger strap or pole without having skin contact with public touched surfaces. A protection cloth and retraction cord are attached to a personal attachment device, which can be worn on a belt, also has a container with sanitation solution that is applied to the protection cloth after use and can also be applied to a person's hands. A second cloth is also used to wipe down surfaces such as seats, knobs, switches, etc. providing a reusable sanitation cloth and refillable sanitation container. The invention will reduce the contact transmission of infectious disease threats in a more convenient method than current traditional methods of disposable cloths or liquids.

Abstract: Apertured fibrous structures and more particularly apertured fibrous structures containing one or more fibrous elements, for example filaments, containing one or more fibrous element-forming materials and one or more active agents that are releasable from the fibrous element when exposed to conditions of intended use, and methods for making same.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin (1) includes an absorbent (4) interposed between a liquid permeable top sheet (3) and a back sheet (2), wherein the liquid permeable top sheet (3) has multiple protruding parts (10) that protrude towards a skin side and that are formed at intervals, embossed parts (11) compressed from the skin side, and opening parts (12) that penetrate the liquid permeable top sheet (3), the embossed parts (11) and opening parts (12) being formed, around the protruding parts (10), to be separate from each other. Skin side extending parts (13) are provided at peripheries of the opening parts (12) such that the skin side extending parts (13) protrude towards the skin side at heights lower than heights of the protruding parts (10).

Abstract: A device for cleaning an optical communication device includes a hollow outer stem, an inner stem core, a locking handle, a flexible base, at least one ring seal, and a flexible cover. The inner stem core, fits within a length of the hollow outer stem and is slidable along the length of the hollow outer stem. The locking handle is coupled to a top end of the inner stem core, and is movable between a released position and a locked position, where moving the locking handle to the locked position from the released position slides the inner stem core within the hollow outer stem. The flexible base is coupled to a bottom end of the hollow outer stem, and is transformable between a contracted position when the locking handle is in the released position and an expanded position when the locking handle is in the locked position. The at least one ring seal is coupled to the flexible base. The flexible cover is wrapped around the flexible base and the at least one ring seal.

Abstract: The disclosed cleaning article includes a working surface made from first ends of a plurality of channels and a capturing surface. The channels are formed from multiple strands of a skip-slit sheet, which in an initial state extend in a first direction and together define a plane. The multiple strands are attached to each other at bridging regions. At least some of the strands are spread from the initial state and separated from each other between the bridging regions to provide the plurality of channels, and at least some of the strands that are separated from each other are twisted out of the plane. A cleaning tool including the cleaning article, a method of making the cleaning tool, and a stack of skip-slit spunbond nonwoven sheets are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sports bag coupling system comprising a sports bag; a sports glove; and a connector including hook and loop fasteners separably coupling the sports glove and the sports bag.

Abstract: A cleaning pad for an autonomous cleaning robot evenly wets and collects debris for cleaning operations. The pad includes a core of absorbent layers for absorbing liquid through capillary action and for distributing the liquid within the cleaning pad. The pad includes a wrap layer around the core, the wrap layer comprising a fibrous layer that is flexible and absorbent, the fibrous layer configured to absorb liquid through capillary action and transfer the liquid to the core. The pad includes one or more transition regions spanning a cleaning width of the cleaning pad, the one or more transition regions dividing the cleaning pad into at least two segments. The forward positioned segment of the pad, of the at least two segments of the pad, has a lesser thickness compared to a thickness of an aft positioned segment of the at least two segments.

Abstract: The present apparatus includes a towel that is detachably connected to a clip and/or a marker. In various embodiments, the towel includes three layers: a first layer for cleaning, a second layer connected to the first layer, and a third layer that acts as moisture barrier between the first layer and the second layer. In some embodiments, the towel may be detachably connected to a clip via an embedded magnet, such that the towel may attach to a user's clothing for easy use.

Abstract: An all-in-one cleaning device, e.g., such as may be used in cleaning the inside of a shower. The device may provide the ability to dispense the composition carried within the device itself, and scrub the composition into or against the surfaces to be cleaned (e.g., shower walls, floors, corners, etc.). Activation of the dispensing mechanism of the cleaning device may dispense a metered dose of composition, in a generally horizontal direction, onto and/or into a nonwoven or other substrate. The dispensing mechanism may not rely on gravity for dispensing, and may be sealed to prevent unwanted backflow of shower water or other material, preventing contamination.

Abstract: A process of cleansing, sanitizing, polishing, conditioning, disinfecting, and other medical, personal, commercial and industrial purposes by applying continuous multiple-ply sections of material comprised of dry sections of material alternating with wet sections of material in which liquid is encased and is released with application of pressure. The sections can be manufactured into a roll separated by perforation. The sections can also be manufactured into flat sections separated by perforation or laid flat independently or folded one on top of the other. The sections can be configured in an unlimited combination of dry and wet sections, composition of dry materials, composition of liquids, dimensions, connectivity, sizes, thickness and properties that synergistically improve the cleansing process when used in combination together. Habitual waste of materials can be progressively reduced, and ply materials are biodegradable and 100% recyclable providing for environmental preservation.

Abstract: A cleaning pad for absorbing liquids from a hard, target surface. In one embodiment the cleaning pad comprises a pad having a floor sheet, and a core joined to the floor sheet. The floor sheet has a combination of polymeric synthetic fibers and natural cellulose fibers. A cleaning strip is joined to the outwardly facing surface of the floor sheet. The cleaning pad provides both good absorbency and a coefficient of friction falling within a specified range judged advantageous for cleaning. The absorbency and coefficient of friction work well with an amine oxide cleaning solution.

Abstract: A cleaning pad for absorbing liquids from a hard, target surface. The cleaning pad has a hydrophobic floor sheet, and a core joined to the floor sheet. The core has absorbent gelling material therein with a gradient distribution, so that the pad has a particular minimum absorbency as used with water or with common amine oxide cleaning solution. A hydrophilic smoothing strip is joined to the outwardly facing surface of said floor sheet. The cleaning pad provides both good absorbency and a coefficient of friction falling within a specified range judged advantageous for cleaning. The absorbency and coefficient of friction work well with both water and an amine oxide cleaning solution.

Abstract: The sponge made of two layers, formed by the walls of the fine-fibered luffa fruit is offered. Each layer is at least a part of the wall of the luffa fruit with the adjacent radial jugums, the layers are adjacent to each other from the side of the radial jugums and are connected along the perimeter with a seam located under the frame manufactured from a narrow fabric or cloth. The preservation of a stable structural formation of the wall of the luffa fruit in the sponge layers increases its strength while preserving its elasticity.

Abstract: The invention is a towel having a fabric base having a quadrilateral shape and a coupled first horizontal strip having a quadrilateral shape, the first horizontal strip being coupled proximate the top edge of the fabric base in a manner so as to create a loop formed by the fabric base and first horizontal strip. The invention is also a method of securing the towel to a rod, rack, bar or handle.

Abstract: A mop cover has a planar main body with four outer edges, wherein a longer first outer edge is oriented parallel to a longer second outer edge, the first outer edge being longer than the second outer edge, two shorter outer edges respectively extending between the longer outer edges, the main body having at least two pockets, into which mop wings or tensioning elements can be introduced to tense the planar main body, being configured such that the mop cover can be readily gripped, and tensioned, by rectangular wings, wherein the mop cover can be guided effectively for cleaning purposes with the greatest possible degrees of freedom in corner regions, a mop cover of the type mentioned in the introduction is characterized in that at least one outer edge and/or at least one pocket are/is assigned at least one stiffening element for the partially reinforced stiffening of the main body.

Abstract: The present application discloses and claims a three-dimensional sheet material and an absorbent article which utilizes the sheet material within the article. The three-dimensional sheet material is designed to minimize the contact area on one side of the material thereby making it useful for various applications including a body contacting top sheet or liner material.

Abstract: A web including cellulosic fibers having two sides and including an additive composition present on at least one side of the web and a method of making such a web are disclosed. The additive composition includes at least one filming agent and at least one active agent, the filming agent being fixed on the web and the active agent being retained on the web by the filming agent, the active agent being an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: A forming belt for use in making a nonwoven substrate. The forming belt includes a first surface defining a plane of the first surface and an axis parallel to a longitudinal direction corresponding to a machine direction when in use. A plurality of discrete belt patterns can be ordered in sequential relationship with respect to the longitudinal direction. At least a majority of the plurality of discrete belt patterns can include a discrete belt pattern overall area, a first forming zone having a first pattern of three-dimensional raised elements extending outwardly from the plane of the first surface and a second forming zone having a second pattern of three-dimensional raised elements extending outwardly from the plane of the first surface. The first forming zone can have a first air permeability value and the second forming zone can have a second air permeability value. The first air permeability value can be different from the second air permeability value.

Abstract: Methods and kits for treating a fibrous substrate prior to forming an image thereon are provided. The method can include positioning a treatment sheet adjacent to the fibrous substrate, transferring a salt (e.g., calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or a mixture thereof) from the treatment sheet to the fibrous substrate using a wetting solution (e.g., an aqueous solution, such as water) to carry the salt from the treatment sheet into the fibrous substrate, and drying the fibrous substrate such that the salt remains in the substrate. For example, the transfer of the salt from the treatment sheet into the fibrous substrate can be accomplished via pressing the backside of the treatment sheet such that the wetting solution flows from the treatment sheet into the fibrous substrate while carrying the salt.

Abstract: A pocket insert card is received within a pocket of a garment. An absorbent fabric sheet is attached to the card such that the sheet can be situated outside the pocket for cleaning purposes while the card remains in the pocket. The fabric sheet may be elongated and folded in face-to-face portions attached to the card. A hook and loop patch may support an object on the fabric sheet. A holder for a spare golf tee or pencil is provided, as is a retainer for a scorecard. The fabric sheet may be inserted into the pocket or may form the pocket body itself. The fabric sheet may also be used without the pocket, attached directly to the interior of a garment. A double sided snap may be used to mount a ball marker to the fabric sheet.

Abstract: A whisk wiper, a device having a plurality of intersecting slits angularly disposed in an asterisk type pattern, is mounted onto a whisk. It is pulled down over the loops 44, each loop 44 guided through a slit 32. To clean off mixture 50 stuck to the whisk 46 the whisk wiper 30 is simply pulled off, the opposed edges of each slit 32 wiping the loops 44 clean. An absorbent whisk wiper 94 can also be used to scrub a whisk with deep slits 84 and compressed zig zag slit 106. The whisk wiper 90 can be configured to be turned inside out to allow the slits 84 to be easily cleaned. The slits can be extended to create a compressed slit 98 which can be further configured with zig zag 102 or ribbed 100 sides to enhance the cleaning action.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing the secondary paper roll for the tissue paper products including: a multi-ply forming step (51) of multi-ply forming single-sheets S11 and S12 from primary paper rolls, reeled out from the plural primary paper rolls JR in the continuous direction so as to form a multi-ply continuous sheet S2, a chemicals applying step (53) of applying chemicals to the multi-ply continuous sheet S2, a slitting step (55) of slitting the multi-ply continuous sheet S2 into each product width of the tissue paper products or several fold widths thereof, and a winding step (56) of coaxially winding the respective slit multi-ply continuous sheets S2 so as to form plural secondary paper rolls R of each product width of the tissue paper products or several fold widths thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cross-contamination prevention wipe, comprising a cleaning layer having fibers which collect and trap contaminants and a barrier layer which prevents transmission of the contaminants from the cleaning layer and through the barrier layer, wherein the barrier layer is directly bonded to the cleaning layer.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods of using articles of footwear and components thereof, including outsoles, in conditions normally conducive to the accumulation of soil on the outsoles. In particular, the disclosure relates to a method of using an article of footwear having an outsole that includes a film on its ground facing surface. When the outsoles are wetted with water, the outsoles can become more compliant and/or can rapidly uptake and/or expel water, which can prevent soil from adhering to the outsole and/or can assist in shedding soil present on the outsole. Thus, the methods provided herein can prevent or reduce the accumulation of soil on the footwear during wear on unpaved surfaces such as sporting fields.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the touch screen of any personal electronic device, including but not limited to smart phones and personal computing tablets. The apparatus comprises a wet portion and a dry portion in a substantially horizontal figure “8” configuration. The apparatus may also comprise a reservoir for storing a volume of conventional cleaning fluid. When not in use, the apparatus is slid into a case which is configured to house the wet and dry portions of the apparatus in separate housing compartments. A method is also provided for storing the apparatus when not in use so as to prolong its effective lifespan and improve its overall performance.

Abstract: A steam frame for a steam appliance has a body, a passageway in the body for passage of a fluid medium, and a member such as an unbalanced rotatable turbine in fluid communication with the passageway, where the member is capable of being engaged by the fluid medium to produce vibrations in the body for enhanced cleaning performance. A steam attachment includes a body, a pad covering at least a portion of the body, and a heating element coupled to the body. The heating element and vibration-producing member may be used separately or together.

Abstract: Absorbent members, especially bulked absorbent members, and methods of making the same are disclosed. The absorbent member may be in the form of a unitary absorbent fibrous layer comprising at least some cellulose fibers. The unitary absorbent fibrous layer is at least partially stratified through its thickness. The absorbent member may also have a plurality of discrete deformations, such as depressions and/or apertures in its surfaces. The method involves subjecting a precursor web to at least one cycle (or pass) through a mechanical deformation process. The mechanical deformation process utilizes a first forming member and a second forming member that form a nip therebetween through which the precursor web is passed. The first and second forming members are moving at different speeds relative to each other when they come together to form the nip.

Abstract: A bathing tool consisting of a bathing ball and a handle is disposed. The bathing ball includes a base including a first back panel with equiangularly spaced first rib portions and a second back panel with equiangularly spaced second rib portions arranged in a stack. The first and second rib portions are alternatively arranged in a stagger manner, having respectively a first mating connection portion and a second mating connection portion. The handle is detachably connected to one second rib portion of the second back panel. Thus, on the one hand, the present invention allows the user to operate the bathing ball through the handle to clean every part of the body of a person, and on the other hand, the mating between the first and second mating connection portions allows multiple bathing balls to be connected together to expand the bathing area.

Abstract: Techniques of transporting bath sponges involve holding a used bath sponge in a case that will carry and compress the used bath sponge. Such a case separates the soiled water and debris that is drained from the used bath sponge. The case is designed to facilitate the drainage of water and debris that have accumulated in the bath sponge after it is used. The action of compression of a bath sponge within this case will also help to maintain the original shape of the bath sponge. This case will keep all water and debris that has collected by the action of compression of the bath sponge contained in the lower sections of the case. In addition, when this case is stored in an upright position, the water and debris will not be able to flow back into the top section where the sponge is being stored.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cleaning member includes a fiber bundle conveying step conveying a fiber bundle to a merging section, a nonwoven fabric conveying step conveying the nonwoven fabric strips to the merging section; a multilayer web forming step forming a multilayer web by overlaying the fiber bundle on the nonwoven fiber strips at the merging part; and a joining step joining the fiber bundle and the nonwoven fabric strips to each other in the multilayer web. In the fiber bundle conveying step, the fiber bundle is conveyed at a tension at which there is no width shrinkage in the fiber bundle, and in the multilayer web forming step, the multilayer web is formed by overlaying the fiber bundle on the nonwoven strips while applying a tension that does not cause width shrinkage in the fiber bundle.

Abstract: This disclosure includes displays for financial transaction cards, and related methods. Some embodiments of the disclosed displays include an upper hanging tab configured to be releasably coupled to a financial transaction card; a lower enclosure detachably coupled to the hanging tab and defining an opening; and a card holder movably disposed within the enclosure and accessible through the opening, the card holder configured to be releasably coupled to a financial transaction card. In some of the disclosed displays, at least one surface of the enclosure comprises a sandpaper texture.

Abstract: A fiber optic component cleaning device includes a body, a motor mounted in the body and a power supply mounted in the body and operably connected to the motor. The device has a resilient platen mounted to the body and a cleaning material configured to reside on the platen. An oscillating device is operably mounted to the motor to induce an oscillation in the body and the platen to oscillate the platen with the cleaning material thereon. The tool is configured to clean surfaces of the fiber optic component by oscillating movement of the platen and the cleaning material on the platen.

Abstract: A system having a sleeve with a circumscribing sidewall formed of elastic, compliant material, the sleeve having an internal axial bore sized to have an inside diameter equal to or less than an outside diameter of a host hair to be received in the bore, the sidewall formed of thermoplastic resilient, compliant material, and at least one supplemental hair embedded in the sidewall or attached to the sidewall of the sleeve.

Abstract: A non-woven electret fibrous web for electrostatic adsorption and odor elimination and the preparation process thereof. In certain exemplary embodiments, the non-woven electret fibrous web includes a multiplicity of electret fibers, at least one of a plurality of photo-catalytic fibers or a plurality of multi-component fibers; and optionally, at least one of a plurality of chemically-active particulates, a plurality of carbon-based fibers, or a plurality of mono-component thermoplastic fibers. In other exemplary embodiments, carding and cross-lapping or air-laying processes are disclosed for making nonwoven fibrous webs including electret fibers and one or more of photocatalytic fibers, chemically-active particulates, multi-component fibers, mono-component thermoplastic fibers, or carbon-based fibers.