Abstract: A tool and a method are provided for cleaning a sealing surface of a valve body. The tool includes a stem adapted to be disposed in the valve body, at least one cleaning element coupled to the stem, and a handle operatively coupled to the at least one cleaning element via the stem. The at least one cleaning element includes at least one cleaning surface adapted to engage the sealing surface when the stem is disposed in the valve body. The at least one cleaning element is movable responsive to actuation of the handle such that the at least one cleaning surface cleans the sealing surface of the valve body.

Abstract: A flexible cleaning apparatus including a cleaning mechanism manipulated by expanding and stretching into an elongated narrow form for insertion into a small or narrow opening of a container, and once inserted, the flexible cleaning mechanism can be manipulated further, external the opening, by contracting and scrunching into various condensed mass forms for concentrated cleaning of the interior of the container.

Abstract: A device for cleaning carboys, kegs, and similar containers is disclosed. The device includes a pair of cleaning pads pivotally attached to a rod. Each pad has a fabric exterior, a stiffening insert, and the absorbent sponge. The insert and sponge are placed on one side of the fabric exterior. The opposite side of the fabric exterior is folded over the stiffening insert and the sponge and then sewn together.

Abstract: A cleaning bullet for use in a pipe or track includes a compressible body. In one embodiment, a sheet draped over the body is engageable with interior walls of the pipe or track to clean small contaminants. In another embodiment, the body is formed from an absorbent material that absorbs a fluid, such as a cleaning solution, that can clean and/or disinfect the interior walls of the pipe or track. In yet another embodiment, an alignment key extends radially from a body axis for guiding the cleaning bullet in an air conveyor track.

Abstract: A cleaning and scouring brush generally made from a pair of twisted wire arms, each arm having a cleaning portion shaped to conform to the interior profile of an article to be cleaned. The portions are provided with a cleaning or scouring device such as a sponge, scrubber or bristles intended to clean or scour the interior surface of the article to be cleaned. The brush is also provided with a handle which rotates the cleaning portions with respect to one another about an axis in order to facilitate the entry and removal of the device from the article to be cleaned which generally has a relatively small opening into a relatively large interior volume.

Abstract: A cleaning and scouring brush generally made from a pair of twisted wire arms, each arm having a cleaning portion shaped to conform to the interior profile of an article to be cleaned. The portions are provided with a cleaning or scouring device such as a sponge, scrubber or bristles intended to clean or scour the interior surface of the article to be cleaned. The brush is also provided with a handle which rotates the cleaning portions with respect to one another about an axis in order to facilitate the entry and removal of the device from the article to be cleaned which generally has a relatively small opening into a relatively large interior volume.

Abstract: A cleaning and scouring brush generally made from a pair of twisted wire arms, each arm having a cleaning portion shaped to conform to the interior profile of an article to be cleaned. The portions are provided with a cleaning or scouring device such as a sponge, scrubber or bristles intended to clean or scour the interior surface of the article to be cleaned. The brush is also provided with a handle which rotates the cleaning portions with respect to one another about an axis in order to facilitate the entry and removal of the device from the article to be cleaned which generally has a relatively small opening into a relatively large interior volume.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a product, includes a handling element secured to an application member. The application member includes a base and an application support is mounted on the application member. The application support defines an application surface. The applicator includes a manipulation member designed to alter a profile of the application surface at right angles to a mid-plane of the base. At least one passage passes through the base. A portion of the manipulation member extends through the at least one passage so that the manipulation member can be placed in engagement with the application support so as to alter the profile of the application surface. The applicator can be used, for example, for treating or applying makeup to the face.

Abstract: An extractor for removing a cork from the inside of a main body of a narrow neck bottle comprises a handle, and at least two generally oval wire loops depending from the handle, the wire loops being deformable so they can fit through the neck and expand and capture a cork. Optionally mesh is provided with the loops for extracting cork fragments. The mesh can be held in place by interlocking the loops together.

Abstract: A conveyer for delivering a column of balls to an elevated location has a rotating wheel formed of resilient material. A track has a pair of curvilinear rails which extend along a portion of the circumferential surface of the wheel and which are spaced apart by distance that is smaller than the diameter of the balls. Balls are sequentially fed onto a first portion of the track at which the rails are spaced from the wheel by a distance which causes the balls to be pressed against the wheel. The edges become closer to the wheel at a second portion of the track causing increased clamping pressure against the balls at that portion of the track. A ball delivery tube extends upward from the outlet end of the track. The increased clamping pressure against balls which are momentarily below the base of the upwardly extending column of balls enables elevation of a column of balls to a greater height.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for computer pointer devices having a standard ball contacting input rollers has an abradant ball mounted to a rotary shaft in a manner that the abradant ball may be brought into contact with rollers of the pointer device with the standard ball removed, the position of the abradant ball such that rotating the shaft will rotate the abradant ball in a manner that the abradant ball will both abrade and turn the rollers. The cleaning apparatus may be a hand-held device, built into a free-standing housing, or into a housing as a part of another computer housing, such as a computer or display. In some cases there is a variable speed drive with user settable speed, and in some cases there is a vacuuming system for removing abraded matter from a pointer device while cleaning takes place.

Abstract: The invention is in a portable golf ball washer arranged to be maintained to a golfer's person, or to their golf bag or cart, and is useful for washing the surface of a golf ball during a round of golf The washer includes a pair of sections, that are preferably each a half sphere having a center open area therein to receive a half spherical washer pad fitted therein that itself includes a center half spherical opening formed to fit to the golf ball surface. The half spherical sections are connected to turn, one with the other, whereby the washer pads move back and forth over the surface of a contained golf ball, remove dirt and scruff marks therefrom.

Abstract: An object cleaning device for cleaning objects such as golf balls is disclosed. The device comprises a cleaning element including an inlet end for receiving objects and an outlet end for discharging objects, the cleaning element further comprising a rotatable body including at least a first interior object cleaning surface, and a stationary track interior of the rotatable body. The stationary track defines a path of travel for objects between the inlet and outlet ends of the cleaning element. A drive mechanism rotates the rotatable body relative to the stationary track such that rotation of the rotatable body relative to said stationary track causes the movement of objects from the inlet end to the outlet end of the cleaning element along the stationary track.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for golf balls and golf club heads has a base portion that houses a motor, the base portion being adapter to removably engage a receiver housing containing a rotatably mounted brush. The motor removably and operably engages the brush through a plurality of gears that are brought into operable engagement when the receiver housing removably engages the base portion. The receiver housing is then filled with cleaning fluid and the user can wash his clubs in the cleaning fluid by holding the clubs against the brush as the motor causes the brush to rotate. A golf ball cassette filled with dirty golf balls can also be inserted into the receiver housing. The rotation of the brush drives the dirty golf balls in a circular pattern, causing them to be cleaned by top and bottom ball wash brushes of the golf ball cleaning cassette.

Abstract: A portable, multigolf cleaner is provided having an enclosure which includes several fluid reservoirs for containing separate cleaning fluids for cleaning different types of golf equipment. The enclosure has three openings through which cleaning utensils are inserted into the cleaning fluids. The cleaning utensils have integral threaded caps for sealing respective ones of the three openings. Two of the cleaning utensils have integral cleaning brushes which are immersed in the cleaning fluids stored in respective ones of the reservoirs. The cleaning brushes have cleaning brush bristles of various stiffness and coarseness, for cleaning the different types of golf equipment. A third cleaning utensil is a ball washing fixture which is used for retaining a ball for reciprocation within a third one of the fluid reservoirs.

Abstract: A portable golf ball washer is characterized by a container having a top end and a bottom end. A plunger is connected to the top end and is opposed by a return assembly mounted on the bottom end. The ball washer also has a scrubbing material inside the container. The plunger pushes a golf ball through and against the scrubbing material and then the return assembly automatically pushes the golf ball back through and against the scrubbing material to produce a clean golf ball. The ball washer may also include an ejection mechanism to facilitate removal of the golf ball from the ball washer, and the bottom end may be detached to facilitate cleaning and repairing the golf ball washer.

Abstract: A container constructed of an outer liquid impermeable shell with an open mouth and a liquid permeable chamber rigidly dependent from the anterior of a lid to the outer shell provides a sealed closure of the outer shell with the permeable chamber entirely enclosed interior to the closed container. The permeable chamber is configured to receive a golf ball toward the top, proximate the anterior of the lid, and allow displacement of the golf ball in the interior of the chamber to the bottom of the same after sealing the container with the lid, immersing the golf ball in cleansing fluid held in the impermeable shell. Reciprocal displacement of the contained golf ball with reciprocation of the closed container in an appropriate amount of cleansing fluid wets and brings the exterior surface of the ball into contact with scrubbing surfaces disposed upon the interior of the permeable chamber thus cleaning the ball.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for cleaning a computer mouseball. The mouseball washer has a container which houses a bristle assembly and a solvent. A plunger holds the mouseball and is adapted to fit within the interior of the container. The plunger is manipulated into the container where the mouseball comes in contact with the bristle assembly and solvent. This provides a simple and efficient method of removing any foreign substance accumulated on the mouseball.

Abstract: A cleaning and waxing machine for billiard balls utilizing a horizontal,rotating disk. A plurality of circular apertures in the disk holds the balls. Rotation of the disk causes a constantly varying spin to be imparted to the billiard balls and also makes them contact stationary carpeting layers mounted above and below as they spin. As detergent,water and wax are successively added to the balls, they will be efficiently cleaned, uniformly waxed and polished to a bright finish.

Abstract: This invention relates to a more improved Golf Ball Cleaner, ball storage with accessories such as a clipboard, area for storing tees, pencil, liquid solution and a towel. This invention is an Automatic Golf Ball Washer Caddy. This Golf Ball Washer can be used on a stationary surface, attached to a golf cart, golf bag or a power driven cart. With the aid of an electronic timer and/or a conventional switch, the primary objective of this invention is to provide an improved ball cleaner that can be used anywhere or anytime. The ball is therefore placed in the receiving chamber by a cradle. This chamber has brushes strategically placed as to promote effective ball rotation. The cleaning action is realized by the ball travelling upward and downward by a motor, shaft and a spring. The ball is rubbed against the imbedded brushes causing a cleaning action.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning work pieces is disclosed, having a tub structure wherein cleaning liquid is introduced and a predetermined number of play balls are placed. A motor is coupled to the supporting frame. The motor generates the power to a brush mechanism which comprises an arm and a pair of brushes, with the arm's first end coupled to the first brush and the second end coupled to the second brush. The link between the motor and the brush mechanism is provided by a drive shaft structure. The drive shaft structure is substantially vertical, meeting the arm of the brush mechanism at a right angle. When the motor is functioning, the brush mechanism is activated and the brushes will clean the work pieces for a predetermined time. Once cleaning is complete, the supporting frame is rolled to one side of the tub structure and the work pieces may be removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for cleaning and dispensing golf balls from a magazine. The balls are advanced and brushed clean by a brush roll which rotates in the direction of movement of the balls over tracks or paths defined by parallel devices having curved upper ends which surround the underside of the roll. The apparatus also includes a grid which delimits the lower part of the tracks in an upward direction and which extends from the roll to a ball dispensing arrangement. The formation of bridges or ball-clusters in the magazine is counteracted with the aid of an eccentrically mounted roll, and washing liquid is delivered from spray nozzles.

Abstract: A golf ball washer and conditioner is disclosed. The golf ball washer and conditioner is portable and may be carried by the golfer on a golf cart. The golf ball washer and conditioner is constructed from insulated material so that the golf balls can be kept warm during cold weather.

Abstract: An automated golf ball washer is provided with an integral agitation ball delivery means that is driven from the same power source that performs the golf ball cleaning function. The shaft that drives the washing mechanism has a cam thereon, that drives a reciprocating rod into the box holding the golf balls to be washed. The reciprocating action of the rod forces any balls jammed in the box to become dislodged, thereby encouraging a continuous feed of golf balls to the washing device.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a device for cleaning and accelerating objects which are globular. In particular the invention relates to a device for cleaning golf balls with a high throughput of balls. Devices of this kind are mainly used on golf courses for practice operations as for that purpose, on the one hand, a great number of golf balls is used and, on the other hand, the balls get dirty when they touch the soil or have contact with very short grass residues, which result from the cutting of the greens. Especially the dirt sticking between the dimples of the golf balls, which might dry and become hard, leads to an extremely negative influence on the flight properties of the golf balls. In order to guarantee smooth and economic practice operations, a device of this kind must ensure a high degree of cleaning power as well as a high throughput of balls.

Abstract: A ball cleaning system utilizes negative and positive pressures to urge ball travel to and from the ball washing compartment. The system described herein is particularly useful for "dry" pool balls which must be frequently moved and cleaned for sanitation and appearance purposes. Convergers and diverters increase the functionality of the system by allowing balls from multiple pools to be cleaned in an easy, convenient manner.

Abstract: Plastic balls of the type used in recreational trampoline type pits are picked up by a hand held conduit and conveyed pneumatically to a sorting station where out of round balls are culled from the stream of balls to be washed. A golf ball type washer cleans and disinfects the balls, which are then conveyed to a storage bag for reuse in the pit.

Abstract: A golf ball washing device is provided which includes an internal overflow. The golf ball washing device includes a shell having an cavity which holds cleaning liquid, an agitator movably connected within the cavity, a stand having a hollow portion attached to the shell, and an overflow passage. In preferred embodiment, the overflow passage is a tube having a first end which is connected to the cavity and a second end which communicates with the hollow portion of the stand. The shell is cast to encase the overflow passage. During use, when the agitator mechanism causes the cleaning liquid to splash or otherwise rise above its normal level within the cavity, the overflow passage drains the excess cleaning liquid from the cavity into the stand. With this configuration, the overflow passage prevents cleaning liquid from spilling or splashing outside of the shell.

Abstract: A golf ball washer includes a housing having interior walls defining an interior cavity and a cylindrical lip defining an access opening. The cylindrical lip has exterior threads. Abrasive ball cleaning medium lines the interior walls of the interior cavity. A plunger is disposed within the interior cavity of the housing. The plunger has a first end and a second end. The plunger is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position the first end of the plunger telescopically extends from the access opening of the housing. In the retracted position the plunger is confined within the housing. The plunger has a golf ball receiving aperture extending therethrough. The golf ball receiving aperture protrudes from the access opening when the plunger is in the extended position, such that a golf ball can be inserted in the golf ball receiving aperture. A top cap is rotatably mounted to the first end of the plunger. The top cap has a depending annular skirt with interior threads.

Abstract: A kit for cleaning a tracking ball and pad of a computer mouse arrangement. The inventive kit includes a container having a tacky liner within which a mouse ball can be positioned and agitated to adhesively remove dirt therefrom. A roller having a tacky exterior coating can be manually reciprocated over a mouse pad to remove dirt therefrom to reduce subsequent fouling of the cleansed tracking ball of the mouse.

Abstract: A portable motor-driven device is described for cleaning balls. The device includes a cup having a cleaning medium mounted therein which forms all or a portion of a ball receiving recess and a spindle disposed thereover. The spindle engages a ball retained within the recess, and a motor provided rotates the spindle thereby rotating the ball against the cleaning medium. A solvent may be used if desired.

Abstract: A golf ball and golf club head cleaner including a leak resistant container which has a lid and open cylindrical portion for receiving a cleaning fluid therein. The lid has a ball holder attached at the end of an extender portion and a handle attached on top forming one rigid piece. A rigid bristle cage formed of plastic or wire mesh internally lined with bristles is placed inside of the open cylinder. A golf ball is placed into an opening in the center of the ball holder and secured by a pair of alternate prongs. The ball holder is then immersed into the container and swished about against the bristles in the liquid detergent. To clean a golf club head the ball holder is removed and the club head is immersed in the detergent liquid in the container. One side of the ball holder has bristles for easy cleaning of the deep grooves on the golf club head. A clip is attached to the side of the container for attachment to a golf bag for easy transportation.

Abstract: A portable golf ball washing device includes a generally elongated cylindrical container within which a pair of bristle modules are disposed with the bristles of each module including a short bristle segment and a long bristle segment to define two separate concentric zones within the container. A ball carrying paddle is provided with a ball receiving opening adjacent one end thereof and a closure member with appropriate handle means attached thereto at the opposite end. The paddle is dimensioned to extend into the receptacle and support the ball for rotative movement during the washing action. An appropriate cleaning solution is disposed within the container for assisting in the washing action when the paddle is moved longitudinally of the container and the ball engages the several bristle zones.

Abstract: A playball cleansing machine comprises a cleansing member, a transporting member and a guide plate member. The cleansing member has a shaft provided peripherally with bristles. The transporting member is located under and parallel to the cleansing member and is provided with a rod having peripherally a spiral located along the longitudinal axis thereof for forming a spiral recessed rail. The guide plate member is provided with a lower plate having at the top thereof a shoulder plate extending upwards to form an upper plate for forming a transporting rail.

Abstract: A ball cleaning device adapted for use in causing a plurality of billiard balls to be cleaned under a supply of cleaning fluid comprises a housing having a generally cylindrical side wall, a top access opening and a closed bottom; a spindle rotatably fitted through the bottom of the housing to extend upwards along an axis of the housing; a turntable coaxially mounted on the spindle for rotational movement therewith, the turntable supporting the game balls; an idle wheel concentrically mounted on the turntable for rotation relative to the turntable, the idle wheel having a plurality of compartments arranged along its circumference, each of the compartments receiving the game balls in a spaced apart relationship with one another; and an electric motor for rotatably driving the spindle and the turntable in unison to subject the game balls to a random rolling movement and a planetary movement around the spindle so that the idle wheel is pushed by the game balls into rotation about the spindle.

Abstract: An improved, hand-held, battery powered golf ball washer having a case with a ball receiving chamber and a motor containing chamber, the ball receiving chamber having therein a U-shaped brush which is rotatable within the ball receiving chamber and in relatively close relationship to the wall of the ball receiving chamber. The ball receiving chamber is provided with a curved T-shaped stationary brush mounted to its inner wall such that a golf ball may be inserted within the ball-receiving chamber, a detergent solution added, a hatch closed over the opening, with motor means within the motor containing chamber to drive the U-shaped brush about the golf ball in the ball receiving chamber, thereby causing the ball to rotate and scrub against the stationary brush while the rotatable brush scours the ball as well.

Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning the surface of spheroidal game balls including a spherical enclosure, a hand crank, an array of fixed, compliant surface-shear pads, a top port for inserting soiled game balls, a rotating disc shaped member to ensure firm contact between game ball and shear pads and propel them along the surfaces of the pads, a reservoir of conditioning fluid covering a portion of pads and disc shaped member and a bottom drain port for flushing out weakened, spent or dirty conditioning fluid.

Abstract: Hand held golf ball washing apparatus having a ball receiving chamber wherein a ring-shaped rotatable brush is positioned. The brush is driven on its axis by a battery-powered motor. Push button switch means is provided to selectively operate the motor. A removable hatch is provided in the apparatus to allow insertion and removal of a golf ball to be cleaned, and for insertion of a detergent solution.

Abstract: The invention herein provides an apparatus and method for washing spherical objects such as toy balls and the like. The balls are delivered into a bin above a hopper where they are manipulated to prevent jamming as they are passed from the hopper to a channel below consisting of rotating and stationary brushes. The balls are brushed and a detergent solution is applied. The balls are then rinsed and air is forced over them to dry any moisture thereon. The balls then exit through a discharge where they can then be collected and reused.

Abstract: A collection, washing and dispensing apparatus for lightweight balls. A pneumatic transport receives the balls and transports the balls to an elevated storage hopper which has an angled bottom surface terminating in a downchute for feeding the balls to a scrubbing element. The scrubbing element has a rotating drum mounted in a semicylindrical mating rack immersed in a fluid tight washtub. The opposing surfaces of the drum and rack are covered by a compressible pile to provide a friction engagement of balls between the drum and rack. The rotation of the drum urges the balls around the rack to an exit lip of the tub. A gravity feed race adjacent the lip carries the balls to a collection funnel. A sterilization spray is mounted over the race for spraying the balls. A pneumatic transport is connected to receive balls at the funnel for dispensing.

Abstract: A golf ball washing apparatus and method includes a bin and a conveyor which takes rows of golf balls from the bin and conveys them up an inclined ramp. A plurality of reciprocating brush heads clean the balls and a fluid spray head sprays cleaning fluid onto the balls as they advance up the ramp. Golf balls which exit the top of the ramp reach a gate where they are alternatively recirculated through the washing apparatus or directed out to a storage bin. The entire wash operation is clearly visible to an operator so that he can readily determine when the balls have been cleaned sufficiently to warrant opening the gate.

Abstract: A method for cleaning soiled health care instruments involving subjecting the soiled surfaces of the instruments to a surrounding array of generally inwardly directed cleansing bristles. The bristles are carried by a tubularly bent flexible panel within a tubular container. The container has opposite ends one of which is closed and the oppose of which permits cleansing entry of instruments into the container. Said opposite end may have a self-sealing door entrance for projections therethrough of the instruments to be cleaned. Protection is provided against injury from exposed sharp edges of the instruments being cleaned. Liquid cleaning simultaneously with the bristle cleansing is provided for.

Abstract: A tool arranged for employment in a golfing game includes a tubular housing having a spike at a first end of the housing, and a cap mounted to the second end of the housing, with the cap removably mounted relative to the second end to receive a circular tee member arranged for receiving a golf ball thereon arranged for projection through the tube for positioning upon an underlying ground surface. The cap structure includes spaced semi-cylindrical flanges in facing relationship relative to one another coaxially aligned relative to the cap and the housing for resiliently grasping a golf ball therebetween as the flanges are arranged in a spring biased relationship towards one another.

Abstract: A device for selectively cleaning the head of a golf club or for cleaning the surface of a golf ball, including a housing having a cleaning chamber formed therein, a pair of brush members being mounted in the housing for counterrotation, each of the brush members being mounted on separate shafts that are disposed in the housing in spaced parallel relation so that the bristles of the brush members are disposed in overlapping relation with respect to each other, the head of a golf club being insertable into the chamber for location of the face of the club in engaging relation with the bristles of the brush members, the chamber having a liquid contained therein and the counterrotating movement of the brush members creating movement of the liquid in the chamber between the brush members, wherein the movement of the liquid cooperates with the movement of the brush members to effectively clean the club head as disposed therebetween, and a top member having a ball receiving tube joined thereto, the top member being

Abstract: A continuous washing apparatus is provided which comprises an elongate washing vessel 1 having an inlet 2 for receiving objects to be washed at one end thereof. An outlet 3 is provided for discharging objects W to be washed at the other end thereof. The elongate washing vessel is arranged in an inclined manner so that the inlet is located downwardly and the outlet is located upwardly. A conveyor is disposed within the washing vessel for conveying the objects from the area adjacent to the inlet toward the area adjacent to the outlet. A washing structure 14 15 is provided for washing the objects. The conveyor includes a screw body 4 rotatably mounted on the washing vessel 1, and a drive mechanism for driving the screw body. The screw body includes a continuous length of fin 5 which extends helically around the longitudinal axis of the washing vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the transportation of golf balls, particularly at a driving range, which includes one or more tanks remote from a range house and in proximity to a driving target, in which golf balls can be separate from other objects and mixed with a fluid. This mixture is then pumped to a central location, during which the balls remain immersed in the fluid which is made to flow at high velocity, providing a cleaning action. The balls can then be subjected to further cleaning, if desired, separated from the fluid and the fluid returned to the tank in a substantially closed system. A high capacity ball cleaner is provided to furnish the further cleaning which is particularly adapted to be used with the ball processing system and method.

Abstract: The disposable toilet seat wipe apparatus of this invention includes a pre-moistened, cleansing pad within a carrying container in coupling relationship with a plunger construction extending outwardly from one of the container ends. The opposite end of the container is configured to "blossom" the cleansing pad out of the container as the plunger is actuated inwardly, with the plunger and container then serving as a handle for the apparatus in wiping the seat with the pre-moistened pad as so deployed. A series of protrusions are also provided within the container to prevent the cleansing pad from coming loose from the handle during manipulation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A golf iron cleaner particularly adapted to clean all golf irons, regardless of the loft, equally well. The present invention provides a golf iron cleaner that includes a container in which brushes are removably mounted. There are two brushes in each container and the bristles of each brush project inwardly toward each other. While the brushes face each other, the bristles do not touch, thus creating a channel between the bristles of the two brushes. The bristles of the two brushes are of a length so that the channel gives an appearance of a smooth curve, and as one progresses along the curve of the channel, the curve tends to mirror the loft of a golf iron as the loft is increased through the range of irons in a set. The bristles of one of the brushes are of a greater diameter and are thus stiffer than the bristles of the other brush. The container is positioned within a housing and can be removed from the housing to dispose of waste materials and to remove the brushes and cleanse them.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for automatically cleaning and dispensing golf balls. The apparatus has a supply chute which connects to a cleaning apparatus and to a gravity operated sorting apparatus which incorporates a dispensing apparatus which feeds a predetermined number of golf balls to an outlet. According to the invention, the sorting apparatus comprises a downwardly sloping barred-grating onto which the golf balls fall from a supply-chute and over which they roll in rows to the dispensing apparatus. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dispensing apparatus has a row of apart-lying cams which can move upward to their operating positions between the rods of the ball-grating to lift a predetermined number of balls from rows of balls lying on the rods and allow them to fall into the outlet while in their rest positions and cams remain free of the balls lying on the ball-grating.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a leather ball adapted for sport and recreational use is provided. The method includes frictionally contacting the cover of the ball with an abrasive medium sufficient to completely dislodge some of the soil and debris thereon and partially dislodge other soil and debris but insufficient to substantially abrade the cover. The method additionally includes the step of applying a substantially moisture-free particulate material comprising poly tri-sodium phosphate to the cover to completely dislodge any remaining soil and debris following the frictional contacting step. According to one aspect of the method, a conical rotating abrasive surface is oriented relative to a predetermined direction along a seam of the ball and applied to the ball laterally to each side of the seam to frictionally dislodge the soil and debris.