Special Work Patents (Class 15/210.1)
  • Patent number: 6615435
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Lee Curtis Randall
  • Patent number: 6611985
    Abstract: The inventive cleaning card for magnetic track and chip card read/write devices has a card-shaped support (2) which consists of a nonwoven material and which is partially layered with a soft cleaning material (6). Said cleaning material (6) is located on several predetermined surface areas of the support (2) and consists of a fibrous flock with densely stuck-on individual fibres of predetermined length and with a predetermined diameter, which project essentially perperdincularly away from the support (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignees: ECS AG, Wincor Nixdorf GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lutz Neubauer, Ernst Emil Ruch
  • Patent number: 6611986
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a disposable cleaning pad dispenser system. The system comprises a pad dispenser having an elongated member with a chamber therein. The chamber is surrounded by side walls and has an open top that optionally has a closure. A plurality of disposable cleaning pads are stacked one upon the other to form an elongated column. The column is of a size and shape that fits through the open top and fits within the chamber. The sides of the so formed column may slidably engage the side walls of the chamber. A cleaning wand is provided. The wand includes a hollow cylindrical member that has a near end and a distal end. An end plate is mounted to the open distal end, the end plate being substantially the same size and shape as the disposable cleaning pad, and slidably engageable with the side walls of the chamber of the dispenser. The wand further comprises a rod having a near end and distal end slidably mounted within the cylindrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Valerie Seals
  • Publication number: 20030159714
    Abstract: A mop head having a sculpted cutout in at least one side surface that corresponds to the shape of floor molding to allow for cleaning of the floor molding and floor together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Pia C. Licciardi
  • Publication number: 20030150479
    Abstract: A blade cleaner having a protective holding apparatus is provided. A method for cleaning blades is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: H. Christopher Morris
  • Patent number: 6601262
    Abstract: A decorative painting kit including multiple-color paint applicators and a method of decoratively painting a surface though in situ surface blending of two or more paints of different colors by using a multiple-color paint applicator which is stroked over the same surface a sufficient number of time to at least partially blend the different paint colors. The partial in situ surface blending of two or more paints produces a decorative pattern on the painted surface that is color characterized by having areas with some of the original paint colors and other areas with various blends of the original paint colors thereon to produce a decoratively painted surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Padco, INC
    Inventor: Robert Ives Janssen
  • Patent number: 6601260
    Abstract: A duster which is flexible in all directions has the ability to dust hard to reach and inaccessible surface areas. One application of the duster is to clean the sound board beneath the strings of a grand or baby grand piano. The core of the duster has an elongated rod which is made from a resilient material and is covered by a close fitting cleaning or dusting sleeve made from napped material, cloth or other well known cleaning or dusting fabric or material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Arlene Lenaghan
  • Patent number: 6601264
    Abstract: A cleaning device having a sponge on one end of flat, one-piece, elongated, resilient handle, and a transverse hand grip on the opposite end of the handle, for cleaning the facing surfaces of closely spaced motor vehicle parts such as the truck cab and truck cap of a pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Mark A. Hendricks
  • Publication number: 20030140442
    Abstract: Provided is a toothbrush head which enables a single toothbrush to cope with any individual user's oral condition. The toothbrush head has bristle bundles, sponge pieces or the like implanted herein as a cleaning element on the bristling surface and contains unbristling areas formed on the bristling surface. Some or all of the bristle bundles are implanted asymmetrically with respect to the major central axis or the minor central axis of the head. The head can contain as separate parts bristling areas having bristle implanted therein and unbristling areas, which are removably attached to the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Aoyama
  • Patent number: 6599848
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymers. The present invention is also directed to a method of making ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymers and their applicability as binder compositions. The present invention is further directed to fiber-containing fabrics and webs comprising ion-sensitive, water-dispersible binder compositions and their applicability in water-dispersible personal care products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Franklin M. Chen, Kelly D. Branham, Eric D. Johnson, Frederick J. Lang, Jeffrey D. Lindsay, Kim G. Schick, Walter T. Schultz, Tong Sun, Dave A. Soerens, Yihua Chang, William S. Pomplun, David M. Jackson, Kenneth Y. Wang, Pavneet S. Mumick
  • Patent number: 6594851
    Abstract: A golf ball cleaning device includes opposing panels joined by a hinge. The panels have a layer of a waterproof material defining an edge, a layer of a water absorbent material defining a perimeter and being affixed to the waterproof material of at least one of the panels, and a margin of waterproof material extending between the perimeter of the layer of water absorbent material and the edge of the layer of the waterproof material to which the water absorbent material is affixed. The golf ball cleaning device has a closed position in which the opposing panels contact one another, with the water absorbent material positioned between the layers of waterproof material. The margin of waterproof material prevents moisture in the water absorbent material from wicking out of the golf ball cleaning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Edwin J. Sprague
  • Publication number: 20030131871
    Abstract: A device made of flexible material for cleaning sharp-tipped dental instruments in a way that protects the practitioner against puncture wounds or cuts. The device contains a) a finger rest, b) a stem, and c) an open container having a textured exterior surface, an interior surface, and a top. The exterior surface has a girth near the top. The interior surface contains a plurality of prongs. The top has a protective rim. For use, gauze is put into the container and the gauze is contacted with the sharp tip of the dental instrument. Pressure is applied to the container to help create a firm contact between the gauze and the instrument. The prongs help to keep the gauze in place while the instrument is being removed. The use of this device helps prevent puncture wounds or cuts caused by the dental instrument and the accompanying possibility of infection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Regina A. Cetrangelo
  • Publication number: 20030126707
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical-connector cleaning device, wherein an outer casing has an openable and closable window, through which a cleaning tape for cleaning fiber end surface of the optical connectors is gradually fed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Daisuke Sato, Sadao Tomioka, Yoshiteru Kiyomura, Iwao Watanabe, Kouji Ueno
  • Publication number: 20030121114
    Abstract: A computer screen dusting cloth affixable to a computer monitor case having a reel capable of winding a tether thereon. The tether is attached at a distal end to a monitor wiping cloth. The reel has a wound position with the tether wound upon it and an extended position when it is unwound from the tether. The reel is continuously biased toward the wound position but is locked to the extended position once the user pulls the attached cloth and extends the tether. This allows uninhibited use of the cloth on the monitor. A lock release in the form of a button communicating through the reel housing allows the user to wind up the tether automatically after use by a simple press of the button and storing the cloth attached to the monitor by the tether and real holding tether.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: David Waite
  • Publication number: 20030114060
    Abstract: A floor cleaning wipe comprising a water insoluble substrate which is impregnated with a floor cleaning composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: John Puckhaber, Harry Aszman
  • Publication number: 20030108846
    Abstract: A disposable, hand-held oral hygiene device comprising an elongated member and one or more swabs attached to one or both longitudinal ends of the elongated member. The swab can comprise a material suitable for cleaning the teeth and mouth. In particular embodiments, this material is a nonwoven fabric having projections. The elongated member can be sufficiently compressible to prevent harm to the care receiver in the event the care receiver bites down while receiving care. For example, the elongated member can have a compressive energy of from about 2 to about 20 inch-pounds (from about 0.226 to about 2.26 Joules). The present invention further describes various methods of making a disposable oral hygiene device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Kim Marie Hoertsch
  • Publication number: 20030106178
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for cleaning cautery tips of electrosurgical units. Briefly described, the device includes a central porous pad having top and bottom surfaces that are substantially parallel and a portion of plastic mesh disposed on the top surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Wallace F. Martin
  • Patent number: 6575172
    Abstract: A disposable nail polish removal pad with handle is provided having an elongated handle bifurcating into a V-shaped base portion. The V-shaped base portion has an absorbent cotton applicator bonded to an upper surface thereof. The disposable nail polish removal pad with handle allows for the removal of nail polish from toenails in a manner which ensures that any nail polish on fingernails is not damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Marion Crosby
  • Publication number: 20030102010
    Abstract: A system for detailing vehicles, including an elongate flexible tool (26, 28, 30) having first and second ends. A cloth or absorbent material (32) can be attached to the tool first end, and the second end of the tool can be grasped and manipulated to clean remote areas on the vehicle. The tool is preferably between about 10 and 20 inches long, and can be in one of several configurations, including a pointed flat paddle design, pointed rod, and/or a slotted rod. The latter in particular can be driven by a drill motor to speed up the detailing procedure. A kit according to the invention can also include a mesh bag (33) to store and wash the various cleaning cloths; and one or more broad area cleaning devices, e.g., a lamb's wool duster (25) and/or a mini-mop (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Burke Lawrence Mays
  • Patent number: 6571419
    Abstract: An improved mop which is equipped with a long handle, a connector, a torsion spring, a rivet, a securing ring, a coarse sponge, a soft sponge, a fixing seat, a washer ring, a sucking plate and a screen housing. The front end of the long handle is provided with bifurcated connecting lugs each having a pivot hole so as to permit the bifurcated connector to be pivotally fixed to the handle. An externally threaded journal end is disposed at the bottom of the connector. The securing ring of a proper thickness sandwiched between the soft and coarse sponge is provided with a tubular central hole with internal threads defined therein so as to permit the connector to be removably engaged with the securing ring. The fixing seat is tubular in shape and has an opened end with an engagement cavity defined at the closed bottom end thereof so as to permit the sucking plate provided with a raised block, a pull piece disposed at a periphery edge thereof to be engaged with a pulling cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Chien-Chan Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Pei-Yuan Lee
  • Publication number: 20030098045
    Abstract: An article and process for cleaning relatively inaccessible and recessed surfaces, including a shaft having a first end opposite a second end with a cleaning head assembly, including a movable strip of buffing material, at the first end of the shaft. The article has an actuator at the second end of the shaft; and a connector coupling the cleaning head assembly to the actuator to move the movable strip during positional change of the actuator. Repeated positional change of the actuator produces reciprocatory movement in the movable strip of buffing material to produce a rubbing, cleaning action of the material against a recessed surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Harry A. Loder, Curtis L. Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 6568029
    Abstract: A back washing assembly for allowing the user to wash their back and other hard to reach areas with minimal effort. The back washing assembly includes a backing member designed for coupling to a shower wall, and a scrubbing portion coupled to the backing member such that the scrubbing portion faces outwardly from the shower wall, the scrubbing portion facilitates scrubbing portions of the users body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald G. Letts
  • Publication number: 20030094186
    Abstract: A cleaning pad including at least one surface formed with a plurality of spaced, protruding cleaning elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: David Klein
  • Patent number: 6564415
    Abstract: A surface treating device includes a material of sponge or brush fur that constitutes a treating portion, a plastic holder having a fitting groove, and a pair of plastic plates having inside clamping structures. The pair of plastic plates with one end of the material clamped between the inside clamping structures thereof are forced into and fixed in the fitting groove of the plastic holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Taiho Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaaki Katakura, Sousaburo Ohara, Akira Miyagi
  • Publication number: 20030089384
    Abstract: A cleaning sheet has a base sheet, a foamed layer of a porous material on the base sheet and a polishing layer formed on the foamed layer. The foamed layer includes abrading particles and air bubbles. Such a cleaning sheet may be produced by preparing a paint having air bubbles dispersed inside by mechanically foaming a foaming material containing a foaming resin material and abrading particles, forming on the base sheet a foamed layer having abrading particles dispersed inside by coating a surface of the base sheet with this paint and drying it, and forming a polishing layer on the foamed layer. A probe having a tip may be cleaned with such a cleaning sheet by causing a surface of its polishing layer to be pressed against the tip of the probe and causing the tip of the probe to penetrate the polishing layer and further to be inserted into the foamed layer having abrading particles dispersed inside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Nihon Microcoating Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Sato, Akihiro Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 6560812
    Abstract: A golf ball cleaning device having a bag for cleaning golf balls, a club clasp for attaching and detaching the bag to and from the putter, an extension cable to connect the club clasp and cleaning bag and a detachable towel to wipe or dry the ball after cleaning it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Henry Aaron Pettway
  • Patent number: 6560811
    Abstract: A compact optical fiber cleaning apparatus includes a base plate and a retaining plate having a plurality of apertures. The base plate is configured to hold one or more resilient absorbers situated under the retaining plate. In operation, a wiper, such as a piece of lint-free cloth, is placed over the absorber and the retainer is closed. When closed, the plurality of apertures within the retainer allow wiper material to be forced through the apertures by the resilient absorber material. Each section of exposed wiper may be employed for a different cleaning purpose. For example, a solvent may be applied to one exposed section of the wiper, or to the underlying absorber material, with another exposed section of the wiper left dry. A technician may then clean an optical fiber endface, by first wiping the endface on the “wet” section of wiper material, then wiping the endface on the “dry” section of wiper material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis L Krause, Elaine Fontes Parnagian
  • Patent number: 6558472
    Abstract: A cleaning device for the anus including a cylindrical portion comprised of a flexible material. The cylindrical portion has an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a cylindrical side wall therebetween. The closed lower end is concave defining a central alignment point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Steven Tung
  • Patent number: 6557204
    Abstract: A device with a handle, for securing a sponge, mesh sponge or other medium with a string or cord attached, and used for the purpose of bathing, massaging or applying a substance to ones body and more precisely to ones back or other hard to reach areas of the body. An improved back and/or body scrubber which holds a common mesh sponge or similar item, and allows for its quick installation and removal. The invention is comprised of a handle (7), which acts as a housing to contain plug (2), spring (3), finger pilot (4), finger (5), and pusher (6). Along with cap (9), these components work together as a spring-loaded unit for the purpose of pulling and holding a mesh sponge, or similar item, by its string or cord, into head (1) through a slot in the side of head (1). The purpose of the bell or cone shaped head (1) is to gather and push forward the folds or surfaces, of a mesh sponge or similar item, creating a wide and stable surface suitable for scrubbing or washing ones body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Daryl Wayne Maxwell
  • Publication number: 20030081980
    Abstract: A tool for cleaning fingers which includes, in the preferred embodiment, two interlocking tubes. Each tube is configured to accept a finger from the user. Within the first tube is a longitudinal brush used to clean the sides of the inserted finger as the tube is rotated around the finger. At an end of the tube is another brush which cleans the finger nail area while the tube is rotated. The second tube includes a soft brush is used to softly clean or buff the finger. Holes in the tube permit soap to enter and be used for the cleaning process. In one embodiment, soap is dispensed from a cavity in the tubes. In other embodiments of the invention, the bristles on the brushes are coated with an antibacterial agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Michael P. Moga
  • Patent number: 6554902
    Abstract: A painting device includes a scrubbing material secured to a board for being applied with a painting material. A device may be used for moving the board and the scrubbing material along a supporting surface, such as the corner strap. The scrubbing material may be adjusted relative to the board for being adjusted relative to the surfaces to be painted. One or more wheels may be used for facilitating the movement of the scrubbing material along the floor. A handle may be secured to the board or the scrubbing material for moving the scrubbing material along the corner strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Ruey Fwu Yan
  • Publication number: 20030075202
    Abstract: An adjustable brush for cleaning a drive or sprocket chain has a C-shaped toolhead fixed to a handle with an opposing cleaning element. The length of the handle sufficiently keeps users hands away from the chain during cleaning, and provides a means for the opposing cleaning element to clean generally inaccessible areas. The toolhead defines a chain passage recess having a plurality of inner sides. Each inner side has projecting retaining members to define a brush block cavity adapted to removably receive a brush block element such that a cleaning member formed thereon projects into the recess. Likewise, the opposing cleaning element has a pair of retaining members projecting therefrom to define a brush block cavity adapted to removably receive a brush block element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Eric Silvers, Peter Muller
  • Publication number: 20030074754
    Abstract: A tool for providing treatment to an uneven surface such as for applying paint or for sanding. The uneven surface may be a latticework panel or a trellis structure. The tool has a base (1) with a planar first work surface (20) and an elongate protrusion (21) on the base providing a second work surface (21) substantially parallel to the first work surface. Both the work surfaces are covered with an appropriate coating such as a paint applying material (6). There may also be a third work surface between the other work surfaces normal to them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Clive Holden
  • Patent number: 6550093
    Abstract: An inexpensive, portable golf ball cleaning device which provides a readily accessible means for cleaning a golf ball at any time and at any point on the golf course. The golf ball cleaning device includes a ball cleaning pad removably attachable to a golfer at a position which is readily accessible and convenient for wiping or swiping a golf ball on the pad yet does not interfere with the golfer's swing. In the preferred embodiments, a towel or plurality of towels are attached to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Shioda
  • Publication number: 20030056808
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Lee Curtis Randall
  • Publication number: 20030046781
    Abstract: A wipe-up-the-mess wand that enables one to wipe-off or wipe-up all “yucky” materials including paint, oil, grease, chemicals, hazardous materials, etc. and accomplished with hands-off action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Lyle J. Christiansen
  • Patent number: 6530107
    Abstract: A paint pad apparatus having a mounting plate for attaching a removable paint pad and handle. The mounting plate has a plurality of projections for aligning, receiving, and blocking a shaft of the handle. The projections allow the shaft of the handle to be freely rotatable. The paint pad apparatus also is also provided with a plurality of accessible spacers to allow application of paint to a surface adjacent an adjoining surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Song B. Kim
  • Patent number: 6526618
    Abstract: The bath scrubber includes an open resilient layer of loops of filaments of flexible, synthetic organic thermoplastic resin a rigid of flexible resin backing and releasable wall mounting means such as mini suction cups. The resin materials can contain antibacterial and antifungal agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: John Bolton
  • Patent number: 6523550
    Abstract: An application device for applying a wide variety of lotions and creams to the body. The application device includes a head portion that includes a first end, a second end, a top wall, a bottom wall and peripheral edge integrally coupled to and extending between the top and bottom walls such that a chamber is defined. The bottom wall includes a plurality of holes extending therethrough. A solution is positioned in the chamber. A handle member is integrally coupled to a central portion of the top wall. The handle member includes a first end, a second end and a peripheral wall extending therebetween. An absorbent member for absorbing the solution from the chamber through each of the holes in the bottom wall is securably attached to an outer surface of the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: John McCormick
  • Patent number: 6521319
    Abstract: An assembly is provided for cleaning toner resin from the operating parts of a printing device. The assembly comprises a porous member impregnated with a silicone copolymer and a rigid member with a supporting base to mount said porous member. The assembly is preferably a two-part kit having a brush member for wiping components of the printing device and a pad member mountable for stationary positioning within said printing device for scrubbing components of the printing device as they move relative to the mounted pad. The silicone copolymer has the formula where x represents from about 98.8 molar percent to about 99.5 molar percent, y represents from about 0.5 molar percent to 1.2 molar percent and R comprises from about 70% by weight to about 100% by weight of a C15-C60 alkyl group and from about 0% by weight to about 30% by weight of a C2-C14 alkyl group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Oral Aulick, George Nicholas Powers, Mark Stephen Weisman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6516489
    Abstract: An adjustable cleaning tool adapted to clean facing surfaces of closely spaced parallel surfaces is made of thin rigidly flexible inner mount and removable fabric outer sleeve cover having scrubber material associated therewith. When the device is inserted between closely spaced parallel surfaces sliding movement of the device between the surfaces makes this cleaning tool easy to contact and clean surfaces neglected due to inaccessibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Steven Lee Rose
  • Publication number: 20030024060
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning head of pin-contact memory card slot mainly includes a base and a sheeted cleaning element. The base is provided at a front end surface with a recess, and the cleaning element is attached to the base so as to shield the front recess. When the base is plugged in a pin-contact memory card slot just like a memory card, contact pins provided in the head of the memory card slot pierce through the cleaning element attached to the front end of the base to locate in the front recess. The cleaning element is in contact with and thereby wipes clean outer surfaces of the contact pins when the latter pierce through the cleaning element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Jin - Sheng Weng
  • Publication number: 20030024061
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning head of surface-contact memory card slot mainly includes a base and a sheeted cleaning element spread over an upper and/or a lower side of a front portion of the base. When the base is inserted into the surface-contact memory card slot just like a general memory card, the cleaning element on the base is in contact with and wipes elastic contact plates provided in the head of the memory card slot to thereby clean surfaces of the elastic contact plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Jin-Sheng Weng
  • Patent number: 6510576
    Abstract: An oral cleaning device having two portions, wherein the first portion is to be handled by the user, and the second portion, having a terry cloth sleeve affixed thereto, is inserted into the mouth for cleaning the vestibule and for removing plaque from teeth therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Jack Gruber
  • Patent number: 6510577
    Abstract: Sponge assemblies include a substantially spherical mesh sponge having an element of loofah secured thereto. In one embodiment, the element of loofah includes a substantially flat disk including an outer layer of loofah, an inner layer of loofah, and a reinforcing layer disposed therebetween. In another embodiment, the element of loofah includes a block of uncompressed natural loofah.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Jean Charles Incorporated
    Inventors: Victor Borcherds, Suzanne Borcherds, Manfredo Nolasco
  • Patent number: 6507972
    Abstract: Assembly of a cleansing device and one or more substantially flat cleansing elements for single use, in particular intended for the cleansing of a toilet bowl, the cleansing device comprising at least a handle with a head, while the cleansing elements are provided on one side, at least locally, with an adhesive for temporarily attaching the cleansing element to the head of the cleansing device, in which assembly the cleansing device comprises release means for releasing the cleansing element after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Gerald Leslie Hart
  • Publication number: 20030005536
    Abstract: A paint pad apparatus having a mounting plate for attaching a removable paint pad and handle. The mounting plate has a plurality of projections for aligning, receiving, and blocking a shaft of the handle. The projections allow the shaft of the handle to be freely rotatable. The paint pad apparatus also is also provided with a plurality of accessible spacers to allow application of paint to a surface adjacent an adjoining surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Song B. Kim
  • Publication number: 20020195123
    Abstract: Very small fiber-optic cable-receiving openings and cable ends within such openings in terminals or connectors are cleaned using a very slender swab comprising multiple layers of a single yarn wound around a very slender form, with end support and/or tension control and yarn size selection and/or balanced simultaneous multiple yarn winding to prevent excessive bending of the slender form during winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: David E. Strait
  • Patent number: 6491998
    Abstract: A wet cleaning cloth for cleaning stoneware areas has a textile carrier, with individual unbundled elastic fibres in a range from 1,000 to 2,000 per square centimeter extend from one side of said textile carrier. Said individual fibres are arranged at a certain distance from each other and extend with a length range of 2 to 12 mm from said carrier, said fibres having a free end with a sharp edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Pathol Limited
    Inventor: Rosita Heitz
  • Publication number: 20020166190
    Abstract: A cleaning tool for an optical connector includes a cylindrical cleaner and a holding member for holding a proximal portion of the cleaner. The cleaner has a main body with a ferrule insertion hole extending from a ferrule insertion port at its distal end face toward the proximal end of the cleaner. The ferrule insertion hole has an inner diameter substantially the same as an outer diameter of a ferrule. The ferrule insertion hole is surrounded by a rough surface so as to clean an outer surface of the ferrule which is to be inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Taisei Miyake, Ai Fukuhara, Hitoshi Goto, Kazuya Sawa, Kiyoshi Nara