Abstract: A cleaning apparatus including: (1) a substantially hollow tubular body having a bore extending therein, (2) actuation means operably coupled to the body and including a plunger disposed within the body and (3) a cleaning head detachably coupled to the body, wherein actuation of the plunger ejects the cleaning head from the body.

Abstract: A produce cleaning device provides a simple, thorough system for cleaning produce. A container, preferably bag-shaped, is made from a porous, durable material. The container includes an opening through which produce is inserted. At least the internal surface of the container is abrasive. Produce is placed inside the container and the abrasive surface cleans the outer surface of the produce.

Abstract: A method and device for cleaning at least an end face of an optical device retained within an optical connector using a cleaning fabric, comprises, alone or in combination, a) preventing the cleaning fabric from contacting the connector prior to contacting the end face of the optical device; b) a cleaning nose being made of a nose material having a hardness less than that of a material of the optical device with a flexural modulus greater than 2700 MPa and c) ensuring a constant tension on the fabric as it is circulated.

Abstract: A swab applicator that may be selectively broken into shorter sections is disclosed. The multi-sectional applicator comprises of an elongated handle with applicator tips affixed to one or both of its ends. Multiple score lines are formed along the length of the elongated handle wherein the multi-sectional applicator may be selectively broken into shorter sections at the score lines. The end section with the applicator tip may be broken-off and disposed of after the applicator tip is used while retaining the remainder of the swab applicator and the other unused applicator tip for other applications or for sebsequent.

Abstract: A device for cleaning vehicular lug nuts or lug nut covers and the surfaces of lug nut or lug nut cover receiving receptacles of hub caps or rims. The device includes scouring fingers pivotably mounted on a base member and defining a socket for receiving the outer sections of lug nuts or the entirety of lug nut covers. The inner surfaces of the scouring fingers engage for cleaning the lug nut or lug nut cover. A scouring pad is mounted on the inner end of a reciprocating shaft supported by the base member. The scouring pad engages for cleaning the end surfaces of a lug nut or lug nut cover, and is shaped to selectively engage the inner surfaces of the scouring fingers to urge them radially into cleaning engagement with the receptacle surface when the shaft is moved axially into the socket formed by the scouring fingers. Reciprocating or rotating this device will serve to scour the lug nut or lug nut cover and receptacle surfaces.

Abstract: A brush head for one-time use is equipped with a bundle of bristles (11) that is fashioned from flat strip of material (1).

Abstract: An edger (10) constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and configured for applying paint to a paintable surface abutting non-paintable bordering surfaces is disclosed. The edger (10) broadly includes a head assembly (12) and a handle assembly (14) couplable to the head assembly (12). The head assembly (12) broadly includes a base (16), an applicator (18) coupled to the base (16), and an edging guide subassembly (20) supported by the base (16). The edging guide subassembly (20) includes a plurality of rotatable guide wheels (64, 66 and 68) configured to engage bordering surfaces (C) and (A) to maintain an applicator pad (50) at a uniform spacing from the surfaces (C,A) when applying paint to a wall (W). The edging guide (20) enables the edger (10) to provide smooth, continuous and uniform lines of demarcation along joints (JA JC) without undesirably applying paint to the bordering surfaces (A,C).

Abstract: The invention relates to a brush, especially a toilet brush, comprising a brush head and a brush head holder, wherein the brush head can be detachably mounted on the brush head holder, especially in such a way that the two interlock. According to the invention, the brush head can be slid onto the brush head holder with a friction fit. It is therefore possible to exchange a used brush head for a new, germ-free replacement. This not only avoids the unattractive appearance that conventional brushes acquire after repeated use, but also prevents health risks to the user.

Abstract: A cleaning attachment for converting a cleaning implement, such as a broom, to a mop includes a flexible cover having end sections interconnected by a central section. Fastening structure secures the end sections together to create an enclosure for the broom head. Reusable mounting structure is provided on the exposed lower outer surface of the central section for engagement with a wipe.

Abstract: A join end face of an optical connector is easily and reliably cleaned when the optical connector has been inserted into a connector housing, by using an optical connector cleaning unit comprising a cleaning member which wipes clean a join end face of an optical connector inside a connector housing by relative motion against the join end face, a drive mechanism which drives the cleaning member, and a connection section which enables a drive auxiliary mechanism for applying a moving force to the drive mechanism to be connected, and an optical connector cleaning tool in which a drive auxiliary unit comprising the drive auxiliary mechanism has been connected to the connection section of the optical connector cleaning unit.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a polyester textile fabric having a relatively low level of particulate contaminates and high absorbency is provided by heatsetting the fabric at a temperature of 300° F. or less.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning surfaces such a toilet bowls or baths comprising a handle having a trigger at one end and a head at the other. The head is adapted to fit into a disposable cleaning pad in the form of a slipper. The cleaning pad is fixed to the head during the cleaning operation and it may be attached or removed from the head by fixing means actuated by the trigger means. The fixing means are actively disengaged from the cleaning pad by ejection means.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a polished end-face of an optical connector is disclosed. The device comprises (a) a three-dimensional base having at least three sides; (b) a cleaning media disposed on at least a portion of at least one side of said base; and (c) means for fastening said cleaning media to said base. The device is particularly useful for cleaning the polished end faces of ferrules that use guide pins and guide pin holes.

Abstract: A toilet cleaning apparatus and caddy is provided which includes a tool which may be held in a user's hand. A swab, which is flushable down the toilet after the cleaning process is complete, is provided which is easily attached and detached from the tool. The tool is movable to a number of operative positions which assist in the loading, holding, or removal of the swab. A caddy is also provided which can hold the tool as well as unused swabs.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the tip portion and the side surfaces of a probe has two or more different kinds of intermediate sheets affixed to a substrate in a side-by-side relationship with respect to each other. One of these intermediate sheets is an elastic sheet having an elastic property. Another intermediate sheet of a different kind is a plastic sheet which is less elastic. The tip portion of a probe is cleaned by a polishing layer affixed to the elastic sheet. The side surfaces of the probe are cleaned by a polishing layer affixed to the plastic sheet. A porous foamed sheet having openings on its surface and having air bubbles inside may be used as the elastic sheet. A polishing layer is formed on the surface of the foamed sheet, having a porous surface with openings corresponding to the openings on the foamed sheet. A spacer may be provided between the substrate and the plastic sheet for adjusting the heights of the polishing layers formed over the intermediate sheets.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning window surfaces in the narrow space between a truck cab and canopy, for example. The device has a cylindrical shaped brush head and an elongated rod with an offset hand grip, and functions by either rotating the rod on its axis or by the forward and backward motion of the rod. The cylindrical brush head is of a circumference adapted to the narrow space between the truck cab and its associated canopy. A cleaning mitt may be provided, and covers the brush head to provide a non-abrasive cleaning surface.

Abstract: A porous material for insertion cleaning of instruments is provided, such porous material including an at least partially open-cell foam body and a surface configured to enable an instrument having contaminants to be inserted into the body. The body may be configured to substantially grip the instrument to remove a substantial portion of the contaminants from the instrument.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and polishing products, including fruits and vegetables, in which the product is placed in a specially constructed cleaning bag and oscillated. The rolling motion of the product cleans and polishes the surfaces of the product. The bag has a lining especially selected for the purpose and is designed for occasional replacement of the lining or temporary removal for cleaning purposes. In one embodiment, the bag features an elastic section that accommodates various sizes of loads.

Abstract: A pacifier cleaner is disclosed that includes a container and a pacifier cleaner insert removably held in the container. The container encloses the pacifier while also holding a liquid for cleaning the pacifier. The insert is adapted to clean the nipple and the inside surface of the pacifier base while wet with a cleaning liquid distributed in the container. The insert may have clustered bristles, fingerlike extensions or flocked fibers. The pacifier base cleaning surface may have a convex shape to correspond with the shape of an inside surface of a pacifier base.

Abstract: Manual cleaning device (10), comprising a cleaning member (12, 120), delimited at least over a portion of its circumference by an edge (13) formed in a plane (14) and configured on one side of this plane (14) to have a dome shape, characterized in that the cleaning member (12, 120) has a flat dome shape on both sides of the edge (13) and in that the circumference of the cleaning member (12, 120), dome-shaped on both sides, is oval at least in the area of its edge (13).

Abstract: A wall mountable razor cleaning device including a pad portion mounted on a rear panel. The pad portion includes a textured forward surface. The textured forward surface is capable of removing hair from a razor blade.

Abstract: Scuff Remover Device with a stick like handle, a hollow, spherical ball shape having a size and outside surface similar to that of a standard tennis ball. A connection collar joins one end of the stick handle to the ball shape and an adhesive material connects the collar to the ball shape.

Abstract: A device for cleaning vehicular lug nuts or lug nut covers and the surfaces of lug nut or lug nut cover receiving receptacles of hub caps or rims. The device includes scouring fingers pivotably mounted on a base member and defining a socket for receiving the outer sections of lug nuts or the entirety of lug nut covers. The inner surfaces of the scouring fingers engage for cleaning the lug nut or lug nut cover. A scouring pad is mounted on the inner end of a reciprocating shaft supported by the base member. The scouring pad engages for cleaning the end surfaces of a lug nut or lug nut cover, and is shaped to selectively engage the inner surfaces of the scouring fingers to urge them radially into cleaning engagement with the receptacle surface when the shaft is moved axially into the socket formed by the scouring fingers. Reciprocating or rotating this device will serve to scour the lug nut or lug nut cover and receptacle surfaces.

Abstract: Wiping means are provided to help skiers, hunters, cyclists, tennis players and others in keeping their nose clean and dry. Also, to wipe sweat from foreheads. Various embodiments are shown. For example, the wipes can be attached to gloves, or to sleeves of jackets, or can simply be in the shape of a wristband or armband. Wipes can be covered for esthetic reasons. Wipes and their components can be provided together with their base patches; or separately, where users can purchase spare sponges to apply to their existing patches. Both patches and/or sponges can be of various colors and/or imprinted with logos, trade names, or other advertising information.

Abstract: An implement used for personal hygiene by an obese or impaired person includes an elongated handle having a curving blade covered with an absorbent wiping cover, stroked by the user gripping the handle with the covered blade pressed against the person's anal-genital body regions.

Abstract: A fully disposable toilet brush can have a cardboard tube handle on the end of which a open cell plastic or foam sponge can be mounted. After use the entire brush including the handle and the sponge is discarded.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for cleaning articles comprises a flexible waterproof pouch with a flexible absorbent lining and a watertight closure. A workpiece article to be cleaned is inserted into the pouch. External manipulation of the pouch causes the lining to abrade the workpiece, thus cleaning it. Soap solution, detergent solution, or cleaning fluid poured onto and absorbed by the absorbent lining enhances cleaning. The absorbent lining may have an abrasive surface which further enhances cleaning. The apparatus when not in use is flat and flexible and may be conveniently carried in a user's pocket. The watertight closure prevents escape of the liquid absorbed in the absorbent lining onto the user's clothing or person.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the magnetic head of a card reader, particularly, a generally rectangular shaped semi-rigid card, wherein at least one aperture is sized and positioned on the apparatus to allow the magnetic head of a card reader to protrude into the aperture. The aperture is at least partially covered with an absorbent material which is bonded to the apparatus and may be presaturated with a cleaning solvent. As the apparatus passes through the card reader, the aperture covered by the semi absorbent material conforms to the entire convex surface of the magnetic head, and effectively removes particulate matter on the magnetic head. The apparatus, without the cleaning solvent, is then used to remove any remaining particulate matter raised by the cleaning solvent to prevent settling of residue.

Abstract: The cleaning tool for optical fiber connectors has cleaning sheet laminated to the bottom surface of a front plate. A plurality of rows of slit shaped windows are opened through the front plate. Peel-off sheet is attached to the front plate to close off the windows. Peel-off sheet sealing off the windows is removed to open a window, an optical fiber connector is moved within the exposed window, and the connecting surface of the optical fiber connector is cleaned by the cleaning sheet.

Abstract: The present invention cleaning brush includes a handle member and a brush member which are connected to one another in a locking/unlocking fashion and wherein they are separated from one another by a mechanism component that is located on the handle member remotely from the brush member. The handle member has a first end having a handle portion and a second end having a mechanism for removably attaching the brush member. The brush member has one of a male and female fittage and the second end of the handle member has the other of the male fittage and the female fittage. There is a locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the male fittage and the female fittage relative to one another. The locking mechanism includes lock-unlock manually operated component remotely located from the brush member, typically toward or near the first end of the handle member.

Abstract: A device for cleaning fiber optic components includes a container having an opening with a soft, large work surface formed in a side thereof. The device includes a plurality of cleaning wipes located within the container, allowing the wipes to be fed from the inside of the container through the opening and placed on the work surface for cleaning. A method for cleaning fiber optic components is also disclosed.

Abstract: A scuff mark removal tool for removing scuff marks from tile floors with little effort. The scuff mark removal tool includes a flexible ball member having a wall and being adapted to remove scuff marks from a tile floor; and also includes an elongate handle member being removably and securely engaged to the flexible ball member.

Abstract: A lint-removing brush. The lint-removing brush having a handle portion, a lint-removing portion, and lint-removing material attached to the lint-removing portion, where the handle portion is connected to the lint-removing portion. In one preferred embodiment, the lint-removing portion includes a free end and a connecting end opposite the free end, a first side and a second side opposite the first side, where the distance between the first side and the second side near the free end is less than the distance between the first side and the second side near the connecting end.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for delivering a cleaning and inspection device to an appropriate position on a backplane having an optical connector. A set of tubes corresponding to the number of optical connectors is attached to the rear of a connector assembly or some other similar device capable of being coupled to a connector housing containing the optical connector. The diameter of the hollow tube large enough to accommodate the insertion of several types of cleaning and inspection devices including optical cleaning swabs and scopes. After the connector assembly is mated with the connector housing, the tubes can provide direct access to each optical connector for cleaning and inspection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cosmetic applicator for applying a cosmetic product having an applicator body with a first longitudinal axis and defining external and internal walls. The internal walls of the present invention define at least one internal member having a second longitudinal axis and capable of movement between a retracted first position and a second projected position. The internal member of the present invention provides the consumer with one application surface adapted to apply relatively small amounts of one or more cosmetic products.

Abstract: A two-sided washcloth is made of a sheet of loofah that is lined on an outside perimeter with cloth. The washcloth has a convenient set of parallel spaced-apart linear openings also lined with cloth. The surface area of the loofah between the linear openings together with the lining around the openings constitutes a holding area for pressing the back one's hand against after inserting four fingers of a person's hand through both linear openings. The grip is secured by maintaining the thumb on the near side of the first opening. The grip permits both sides of the sheet comprising the washcloth to be applied to the body conveniently, thereby assuring maximum use of the loofah.

Abstract: A pacifier cleaner is disclosed that includes a container and a pacifier cleaner insert removably held in the container. The container encloses the pacifier while also holding a liquid for cleaning the pacifier. The insert is adapted to clean the nipple and the inside surface of the pacifier base while wet with a cleaning liquid distributed in the container. The insert may have clustered bristles, fingerlike extensions or flocked fibers. The pacifier base cleaning surface may have a convex shape to correspond with the shape of an inside surface of a pacifier base.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the polished end faces of fibers of an optical connector having guide pins is provided. The device has a surface with at least one rail disposed on the surface. The rail has a height above the surface sufficient to accommodate guide pins extending from an optical connector. A system for cleaning the polished end faces of fibers of an optical connector is also provided that includes an overlay disposed on the cleaning device. A guide member that is disposed on top of the overlay is also provided for receiving the optical connector. A method for cleaning an optical connector with the disclosed device and system is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for maintaining the take-up rollers of document feeders of a folding/insertion machine, comprising a sheet imbibed with a liquid maintenance product and intended to be entrained inside the machine by the take-up rollers, this self-cleaning sheet comprising retaining means for stopping its advance in the machine and allowing its withdrawal once the take-up rollers of the feeder are stopped.

Abstract: An attachment for fastening a brush to a shoe. The attachment having a first (horizontal) flange extending to a second (vertical) flange. The first flange attaching to the sole of the shoe, with the second flange attaching to a wiping element such as a brush. The attachment could alternatively be provided with a disk-like single flange having threading allowing the attachment to be screwed into a standard golf shoe threaded spike hole.

Abstract: An attachment for fastening a brush to a shoe. The attachment having a first (horizontal) flange extending to a second (vertical) flange. The first flange attaching to the sole of the shoe, with the second flange attaching to a wiping element such as a brush. The attachment could alternatively be provided with a disk-like single flange having threading allowing the attachment to be screwed into a standard golf shoe threaded spike hole.

Abstract: A strip with an exterior sticky surface is judiciously selected for its ability to entrap dust and other loose debris without interfering with the operation of moving parts contacted thereby. The strip is attached to the sides of a magnetic tape cartridge, with the sticky surface facing outward, in places contacted by rollers and/or belts during the process of handling the cartridge in an automated system. Thus, any loose debris in the rollers or belts is retained by the tacky surface of the strip as the cartridge passes through the rollers and belts of the robotic system. The strips of the invention may be removably adhered to the data cartridge, or may be permanently attached. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the strips may be incorporated into a cleaner cartridge for the periodic maintenance of loading equipment.

Abstract: A screen cleaning and utensil container shaped to simulate a consumer product package is provided. The screen cleaning and utensil container includes a body having a sidewall, bottom wall and a top wall shaped to simulate a consumer product having an exterior surface, the body forming at least one internal compartment adapted for storing utensils, the top wall forming a top opening in connection with the internal compartment and at least one cleaning member for cleaning a display screen is connected to a portion of the surface.

Abstract: A paint pad allows a user to produce a unique finish to a surface without having to wear gloves. The pad includes a base having an upper surface and a lower surface. A painting medium, which is a cross-section of a natural sponge or chamois leather, Preferably, a handle extends from the upper surface of the base. In one preferred embodiment, the base and handle are both circular, with the handle extending from a center of the base and with the diameter of the base being greater than the diameter of the handle. The present paint pad provides for even paint distribution, is long lasting and is economical. In preferred embodiments, the paint pad is packaged in a single paper or paperboard sheet having a front panel, a back panel and a middle panel connecting bottom edges of the front and back panels. The back panel includes a cutout region for receiving the handle of the paint pad.

Abstract: A fine surgical instrument tip-cleaning device including a box-like cleaning unit that provides an outer abrasive cleaning surface and internal cleaning surfaces. The internal structure of the device consists of a transverse abrasive cleaning strut, which can be straddled by instruments such as forceps or bipolar cautery tips. The sidewalls of the cleaning box also contain abrasive cleaning lateral surfaces, which approximate the central cleaning strut. The lateral surfaces have a springiness, which permits the entrance of instrument tips into the box while maintaining constant contact of the abrasive cleaning surfaces against the instrument. In this fashion, effective removal of debris, coagulate and other substances are possible from surgical instruments even from the internal surfaces of forceps-type instruments. Easy introduction into the cleaning unit and back and forth motion of an instrument provides effective cleaning of the latter.

Abstract: A swab for cleaning electrical and electro-mechanical components includes a handle defining a longitudinal axis and having a cleaning head end and a grasping end. The cleaning head end is formed to define a taper. A fabric cleaning end is formed by forming a fabric around the handle at the taper. A conical cleaning head is formed and is sealed to the handle at a juncture of the cleaning head end and the grasping end to define a circumferential handle seal. The fabric is further sealed along the taper to define a longitudinal seal. A method for making the swab is also disclosed.

Abstract: A faux painting tool includes a tubular handle, planer body and an application surface. The handle is rotatable and extendable to provide versatility and user comfort. The handle rotates about a first end having a circular dowel rotatably engaged by two spaced parallel couplings. A second end of the handle is removably engaged by a semi-circular carrier member having an opening for insertion of a portion of the handle. A telescoping elongated unit is slidably positioned over the tubular handle. Pressing spring biased pins permits the telescoping unit to be adjusted along a length of the tubular handle thereby lengthening the handle. A handle end includes a threaded aperture for receiving a threaded pole extension. Application material, including lamb's wool, is removably attached to a body of the tool by means of hook and loop fasteners attached to the material and a back surface of the tool's body.

Abstract: An applicator used to evenly apply liquid tire dressing to the entire outer sidewall of a tire. The applicator includes a pad that includes an elongated, concave, curved lower surface that is complementary in shape with a portion of the sidewall. The pad includes at least one beveled, concave lateral edge that enable the tire dressing to be applied evenly to the areas of the sidewall adjacent to the wheel hub and to the compressed shoulder area of the tire adjacent to the ground. The pad is attached to a rigid base that includes a rigid handle aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pad and rigid base and that allows the user to easily hold the applicator perpendicular to the sidewall and move the applicator in long broad strokes in a circular pattern around the sidewall of a tire. An optional holding tray is also provided that temporarily stores the applicator and prevents the tire dressing from drying out.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning and decontaminating the internal working components of a piece of electronic equipment along a predetermined media path includes a base material having first and second surfaces. The apparatus also includes a cleaning substrate disposed on the first surface for cleaning at least one internal working component of the electronic equipment; and an adhesive substrate disposed on one of the first and second surfaces for decontaminating at least one internal working component of the electronic equipment.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for an optical connector cleans a connecting end face of a ferrule fixed to an optical connecting plug, and includes a cleaning sheet and a plug holding member. The cleaning sheet cleans the connecting end face of the ferrule. The plug holding member holds the optical connecting plug such that the connecting end face of the ferrule comes into contact with the cleaning sheet to be parallel to it.