Interrupted Work Engaging Surface Patents (Class 15/230.16)
  • Patent number: 10513026
    Abstract: A surface grinding tool includes a support housing adapted to be coupled to a source of pressurized gas. The housing includes a conduit for directing the pressurized gas to an open end of the housing. A flexible sealing membrane is coupled to the housing such that the sealing membrane spans the housing's open end to prevent the pressurized gas from passing through and around the sealing membrane. A plate having through holes is coupled to the housing. The plate has a first face disposed adjacent to the sealing membrane and a second face opposing the first face. Each of a plurality of grinding elements is coupled to the sealing membrane and to the first face of the plate. Each grinding element has a portion thereof passing loosely through one of the through holes and extending away from the second face of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA
    Inventor: Charles W. Griffith
  • Patent number: 10479330
    Abstract: A rotary brush for automatic vehicle washing systems, said brush comprising a central unit (2) and a plurality of cleaning elements (3), operatively supported by and coupled to said central unit (2) through removable coupling means (7); the cleaning elements (3) being removable from said central unit (2) and it being possible to replace and/or remove them without requiring the removal of said central unit from the rotary structure; said central unit (2) comprises a rigid shaft (4) that supports a plurality of supporting elements (5) comprising a plurality of lugs (53) to which the cleaning elements (3) are fastened; the rotary brush is characterized in that said cleaning elements (3) comprise bands (33), fringed and fringeless, helically arranged on said central unit (2) in such a way that each band (33) is coupled to a plurality of supporting elements (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: FAVAGROSSA EDOARDO S.R.L.
    Inventor: Leonardo Favagrossa
  • Patent number: 10471481
    Abstract: A roll-type cleaning member for scrubbing and cleaning a target cleaning surface of a substrate includes a plurality of nodules formed on a surface thereof. Each nodule includes a slit which extends so as not to be parallel to the rotation direction of the roll-type cleaning member, upstream edges are formed by the slit so as to serve as edges first contacting the target cleaning surface when a cleaning surface of the nodule contacts the target cleaning surface of the substrate by the rotation of the roll-type cleaning member, and the upstream edges are provided at a plurality of positions of the cleaning surface of the nodule in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: EBARA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomoatsu Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 10011999
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for finishing a composite floor. The apparatus includes a grouting pan configured to be affixed to the rotating head of a finishing machine. The grouting pan has a planar bottom surface and a curved sidewall. Grouting pans are rotated over a prepped surface such that the curved sidewalls trowel the mortar onto the rough composite surface and the bottom surface which is in contact with the prepped floor forces the mortar into the surface voids such that a grouted surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Diamond Tool Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: Tchavdar V. Tchakarov, Eric Gallup, Robert James Michielutti
  • Patent number: 9289106
    Abstract: A pad driver for a floor treating machine comprises an annular support plate to which is attached a plurality of resilient spoke members that project radially therefrom. The support plate is shock-mounted to a hub used to couple the pad driver to a floor treating machine drive motor shaft. On the free ends of the resilient spokes are connector plates on which abrasive pads are removably secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Diamond Productions Ltd.
    Inventors: Harvey Stark, Pavel Ikonomov
  • Patent number: 9199613
    Abstract: A method of forming a vehicle wash component includes the step of providing a mold for forming at least one media element for the vehicle wash component. The at least one media element includes a first segment to facilitate attachment to a vehicle wash component, and a second segment for contacting a vehicle to provide a cleaning function. A polymer compound is injected into the mold to form the at least one media element. The molded media element is removed from the mold and then attached to a hub portion of the vehicle wash component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Belanger, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, Thomas E Weyandt
  • Patent number: 9074487
    Abstract: A self-lubricating brush seal assembly, for a power generation system and method of reducing air leakage in a power generation system including a plurality of self-lubricating members is provided. The plurality of self-lubricating members include a plurality of self-lubricating bristles, a plurality of cores sheathed in a self-lubricating braid, a plurality of cores having an outer diameter coated with self-lubricating material and a solid lubricating pack. The lubricating material is selected from graphite, hexagonal-boron nitrite (hBN), molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), tungsten disulfide (WS2), titanium nitride (TiN), titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN), titanium carbonitride (TiCN), and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Krishnamurthy Anand, Surinder Singh Pabla, Sundar Amancherla, Paul Mathew
  • Patent number: 8973205
    Abstract: A brush assembly for an automotive car wash having a drum adapted to be rotatably driven about an axis. The drum includes a plurality of elongated and circumferentially spaced cylindrical channels around the outer periphery of the drum and each channel includes an elongated slot open radially outwardly from the drum. An annular and cylindrical bearing sleeve is positioned within each cylindrical chamber while a brush has a retainer with a cylindrical boss along one edge which is then slidably inserted within the retainer thus securing the brush to the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Theodore Yamin
  • Patent number: 8905489
    Abstract: A washing element for a washing system is provided, in particular an automatic motor vehicle washing system, wherein the washing element is formed by a foam material. To provide a washing element of this kind wherein the risk of damage to the article to be washed can be reduced, the washing element is a foam sheet which has at least on one side a skin, wherein the skin is provided, at least in certain sections, with a surface texturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Yunus Demirtas, Alfred Losansky
  • Patent number: 8840533
    Abstract: A rubbing apparatus including a rubbing roller including an opening portion at a region of a circumferential surface of the rubbing roller, an outlet portion connected to the opening portion and open to an outside of the rubbing roller, and a groove portion connected to the opening portion and penetrating into the rubbing roller along the opening portion; and a rubbing cloth substantially surrounding the circumferential surface of the rubbing roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Valeriy Prushinskiy, Len Kaplan, Se-Ho Cheong, Won-Sik Hyun, Heung-Yeol Na, Kyong-Tae Park, Min-Soo Kim, Seon-Hong Ahn
  • Patent number: 8819887
    Abstract: A component for a vehicle wash system includes a frame and a hub portion that is rotatably connected to the frame. The hub portion has an inner surface, an outer surface and an axis of rotation. The hub portion includes a plurality of media elements secured thereto and arranged in a plurality of spaced apart rows that extend in a direction along the axis of rotation. The hub portion includes at least one translucent portion disposed on its outer surface. The translucent portion is disposed between a pair of adjacent rows of the plurality of spaced apart rows. The hub portion includes at least one illumination element for illuminating the at least one translucent portion such that said illuminated translucent portion is configured to be seen while the said hub portion rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Belanger, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, Thomas E Weyandt
  • Patent number: 8778087
    Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a substrate is provided. In one aspect, the cleaning device includes a brush including a first end, a second end opposed to the first end, an outer surface, and a hollow bore defined in the brush about a central axis of the brush. The brush defines a first cross-sectional area near the first end and a second cross-sectional area near the second end. Both the first and second cross-sectional areas are generally perpendicular to the central axis and the second cross-sectional area is greater than the first cross-sectional area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Tyrrell, Bradley S. Withers
  • Patent number: 8771794
    Abstract: A method for treating flooring not designed for sanding and having a multi-layer wax finish reduces the frequency of stripping the wax layers down to the flooring and recoating the flooring in carrying out periodic maintenance on the flooring. A mobile floor treating machine includes at least one rotating brush which is driven at a first circular speed x for cleaning the flooring and is driven at a second circular speed y for removing the two uppermost layers of wax, where y?2x. The top remaining wax layer is then cleaned with the brush operating at the original circular speed x. Two layers of wax are then sequentially applied to the top remaining wax layer in replacing the two removed layers of wax on the floor and restoring the flooring to its original finish. The brush may be operated at 800-1500 RPM for burnishing and polishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Minuteman International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Pollack, John M. Hill, III
  • Patent number: 8555448
    Abstract: This relates generally to devices used in the removal of excess spray-applied insulation from building components, and more particularly to an improved roller for rotary scrubbers used in the removal of such excess insulation. A rotary scrubber generally comprises a hand-held device having a roller assembly rotatably associated with a forward end of an arm or a pair of arms of the device. The roller assembly, comprised of one or more rollers and adapted for driven, rotatable association with the scrubber, is driven to rotate by a motor and one or more associated drive belts located on the device. The improved roller comprises a cylindrical body having an at least an outer surface defining a plurality of longitudinal ribs, with each rib defining at least one longitudinal edge to enhance the removal of excess spray-applied insulation. The ribs may be machined or cut into the outer surface of each roller, or the ribs may be formed by a molding or extrusion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventor: Thomas J. Fellinger
  • Patent number: 8533895
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods and materials for making a brush or pad for removing materials, particles, or chemicals from a substrate. The brush or pad includes a rotatable base for supporting a porous pad material. The base include an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of channels in the base for interlocking the porous pad material with the base. A porous pad material covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the base and is used for removing material from various substrates. The porous pad material fills one or more of the channels in the base and interlocks the porous pad material with the base. Preferably the channels fluidly connect said inner surface with the outer surface of the base and aid in the alignment of porous pad nodes and the distribution of fluid within the porous pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventor: Briant Enoch Benson
  • Patent number: 8407846
    Abstract: In one aspect, a scrubber brush assembly is provided. The scrubber brush assembly includes (1) a cylindrical brush including exterior and interior surfaces; and (2) a sleeve having an exterior surface coupled to the interior surface of the scrubber brush and an interior surface. The exterior surface of the sleeve includes first coupling features adapted to prevent rotation of the sleeve relative to the brush. The scrubber brush assembly also includes a mandrel coupled to the interior surface of the sleeve. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Hui Chen, Sheshraj L. Tulshibagwale, Hideshi Takahashi, Toshikazu Tomita, Takashi Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 8393044
    Abstract: A helical rotary brush for motor vehicle washing systems comprising a plurality of strips coupled to a central support element, through restrained joint coupling means, comprising slots designed for receiving suitably contoured bar elements, said slots being arranged with an helical arrangement on the central support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Favagrossa Edoardo S.R.L.
    Inventor: Francesco Favagrossa
  • Patent number: 8286291
    Abstract: A two piece eraser assembly , including an eraser disk and an eraser hub for mounting and holding the eraser disk. The eraser hub includes upper and lower surfaces a flange at the peripheral edge of the hub and a stub shaft on the lower surface positioned axially with a throughbore. The eraser hub includes a plurality of spaced apertures for engaging with and detachably locking eraser disk extensions on the backside. The upper surface of the eraser disk includes a central recess and an aperture in the recess. The eraser disk includes a plurality of abrading teeth running radially from the central recess. The lower surface of the eraser disk further comprises a plurality of mounting elevations keyed for engaging with the spaced apertures or slots in the eraser hub for securely locking the eraser disk to the eraser hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Dynabrade, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lampka, Matthew A. Giles
  • Patent number: 8230541
    Abstract: A module for supporting rotary brushes and fringes of the brushes for vehicle-washing machines and vehicle-drying machines is provided. The module comprises a pair of complementary components of annular structure that are detachably coupled together, face-to-face, by pairs of axial rods with a free end and an open cavity bounded by a cylindrical wall portion around the axial rods. The axial rods include end sections that are fitted into complementary holes of the complementary component. The axial rods, which are arranged on the periphery of the pair of complementary components, fasten fringes and supporting members for front bristles or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Istobal, S.A.
    Inventors: Francisco Botella Pla, Yolanda Tomás Puchades
  • Patent number: 8181303
    Abstract: A car wash brush is constructed by sliding multi-layered, wheel-shaped foam plastic cartridges onto a hub with three keyways formed in the outer surfaces thereof. The cartridges use spacers interspersed with foam layers and adhesively bonded to the foam layers. The spacers have keys which fit into die hub keyways to prevent relative rotation while allowing, longitudinal sliding motion. Multiple cartridges are used to produce a brush of desired length. Old style hubs can be salvaged for use in this construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Belanger, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Vivyan, Jerry A. Kotrych, Barry S. Turner
  • Patent number: 8028365
    Abstract: A cleaning tool generally comprises a hub having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of cleaning members. The cleaning members, formed of a fibrous material, are connected to the hub. In accordance with one embodiment, the cleaning members are distributed along the longitudinal axis. Also disclosed is a floor cleaning machine that includes a mobile body, the cleaning tool and a motor. The mobile body supports the cleaning tool and the motor and is configured to travel over a surface. The motor is configured to drive a rotation of the cleaning hub about the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventor: Bruce F. Field
  • Patent number: 7988540
    Abstract: A brush module (6) for a rotating grinding brush, said brush module comprising: an elongate body part (7); at least one abrasive cloth (9) protruding from the body part (7); a plurality of bristles (8) extending from the body part (7) essentially in the same direction as the abrasive cloth (9). The body part (7) is provided with an undercut, longitudinally extending guide (13), and at an edge the abrasive cloth (9) is provided with a protruding head (15) that is complementary with the undercut groove (13) to the effect that the undercut guide (13) and the protruding bead (15) constitute complementary mechanical interconnecting means for releasable mounting of the abrasive cloth (9) on the body part (7). The protruding bead (15) is provided on a holder (14) comprising two flaps (16, 17), between which an edge of the abrasive cloth (9) is securely clamped. Besides, use of such abrasive cloth (9) in a rotating grinding brush with or without brush module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Amanda Patent and Licensing SIA
    Inventor: Nina Himmer
  • Patent number: 7906051
    Abstract: Selected surfaces of a cellular polymeric foam surface finishing pad are heated to cause the surface cells to partially collapse or to fully collapse and glaze over. The selected surfaces may be the planar pad faces or may be formed in one or more depressions formed in the planar faces. The areas of partially collapsed cell structures in the operating face of the pad provide a slow down in the rate of polish or compound absorption, increasing the effectiveness of the finishing process. The fully collapsed cell glazed surface on the rear attachment face of the pad prevents the migration of moisture through the pad to the pad attachment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Lake County Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott S. McLain
  • Patent number: 7904989
    Abstract: A rotary eraser assembly includes a rotary eraser, two discs, a threaded bolt and a nut. The rotary eraser includes, in each of two opposite sides, a cavity in communication with the aperture and at least one recess in the wall of the cavity. Each of the discs includes an annular lip disposed in the cavity in a related one of the sides of the rotary eraser and at least one block disposed in the recess in the related side of the rotary eraser. The threaded bolt is inserted through the rotary eraser and the discs. The nut is engaged with threaded bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Tsan Chung Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tao-Chuan Chen
  • Patent number: 7805798
    Abstract: A car wash brush comprises an axial core structure and a plurality of foam plastic media sheets attached to the core structure in angularly spaced relationship to one another. The media sheets are preferably made of closed cell, low absorbtivity foam plastic material between about ? and ½ inch thick and thermoformed into a pleated configuration with a surface pattern of raised and recessed geometric figures. The media sheets are split at least partially into individual pliant fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Belanger, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Belanger
  • Patent number: 7743454
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a washing brush for automatic motor vehicle washing systems, comprising a cylindric body on the side outer surface thereof are provided a plurality of bands defining the cleaning elements of the brush. The main feature of the invention is that the band or strip elements extend on the side surface of the cylindric body along direction which are inclined with respect to the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Favagrossa Edoardo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Francesco Favagrossa
  • Patent number: 7716778
    Abstract: A buffing ball is formed by compressing a stack of generally circular buffing pads along a central axis. The individual pads have a generally wave-like outer peripheral surface having valleys and mounds. When compressed together, the mounds form small knobs that are ideal for buffing or cleaning intricate surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: James J. Meister
  • Patent number: 7496985
    Abstract: The present invention is a multipurpose cleaning apparatus for cleaning a variety of surfaces which includes an apparatus for removably retaining a reusable cleaning swifter, an apparatus for removably retaining a disposable cleaning cloth, an apparatus for removably retaining a brush and an apparatus for removably retaining a scouring pad. The apparatus comprises a base having two hingeably attached sections which can be rotated to form a angle so that the swifter can be attached, rotated to form a rigid elongated structure to retain the disposable cleaning cloth through locking clasp assemblies, and configured to receive members which retain gripping members to removably retain a cleaning brush and a scouring pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Worldwide Integrated Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred I. Morad
  • Patent number: 7469443
    Abstract: In a formulation of a wafer cleaning brush, forming a polymer solution with a plurality of nano-scale porogens or with a synthetic pore forming agent and curing the polymer solution to form a porous polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Huey-Chiang Liou, Alexander Tregub, Mansour Moinpour
  • Publication number: 20080078048
    Abstract: A car wash brush comprises an axial core structure and a plurality of foam plastic media sheets attached to the core structure in angularly spaced relationship to one another. The media sheets are preferably made of closed cell, low absorbtivity foam plastic material between about ? and ½ inch thick and thermoformed into a pleated configuration with a surface pattern of raised and recessed geometric figures. The media sheets are split at least partially into individual pliant fingers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: Belanger, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Belanger
  • Patent number: 7296320
    Abstract: A polishing, buffing, compounding, and cleaning device incorporating rotary motion. The outer body of the invention includes two components. At least one of the components has a base and a plurality of projection members extending in a uniform direction away from the base. Projection members are spatially separated from one another, creating space in between each pair of adjacent projection members. At least one of the components is able to receive the projection members, thereby coupling the two components and forming the outer body. A plurality of extending material, such as disposable cloth or shop towels, is inserted in the empty space in between the projection members, such that both ends of each extending material extends radially from the central body. In one variation, the outer body is connected to rotary machinery, such as a drill, via a rotation rod extending from the outer body, to the rotary machinery, so as to provide rotary motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: John W. Cronin
  • Patent number: 7266856
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fabric-strip curtain for car wash installations, comprising a support bar (2) that is displace back and forth, on which cleaning strips (3) consisting of a cleaning textile are hung next to one another, each of the strips being provided with loops (5), which encompass the support bar (2) and are formed by fixing strips (6) that lengthen the top of the cleaning strips (4). The aim of the invention is to be able to replace each individual cleaning stip independently of the other neighbouring strips arranged on the support bar in a fabric-strip curtain of this type. To achieve this, one end of the fixing strip (6) is permanently fixed to the cleaning strip (4) and the opposite end is provided with a fixing element (8) for detachably attaching to the fixing strip (6) above the area (7) that is fixed to the cleaning strip (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventors: Gregor Kohlruss, Hubert Wiesner, Oliver Griebe
  • Patent number: 7152269
    Abstract: The invention relates to a washing device, in particular a wash brush for car wash units, which is rotationally or peripherally positioned and powered. The washing device has several essentially horizontal projecting, bristle type wash elements located at its periphery and several strip-shaped wash elements which are arranged in an alternating fashion. The bristle-shaped wash elements are longer and harder than the strip shaped wash elements. The strip-shaped wash elements can be made of a closed pore foam material or a fiber material. The wash elements can be arranged in an alternating fashion in the peripheral direction and/or the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Washtec Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Günter Windel
  • Patent number: 7051396
    Abstract: A vehicle cleaning element of a substantially flat configuration having a first cleaning surface provided by a portion of the flat surface and a second cleaning surface provided by radially projecting prongs or tines for reaching into and pulling out dirt and debris from seams, openings and crevices on a vehicle. The first cleaning surface and second cleaning surface may be divided by water and dirt channeling grooves and utilize stiffeners and means for varying the radial forces on the prongs or tines for reaching into and cleaning openings, seams and crevices. The novel vehicle cleaning element may be employed to retrofit existing automatic car washing devices or in equipment of a new design. The vehicle cleaning element can be configured for application to mitter cleaning elements and rotatable cleaning elements in automatic vehicle cleaning operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Gary H. Levesque
  • Patent number: 6875163
    Abstract: An industrial sponge device and a method of manufacturing the same. The sponge is made from a polyvinyl acetal material with a process in which the pores are formed by gas to provide an open pore structure having no fibrils. Additionally, the sponge is purified by an extracting process which includes alternating exposure of the partially cross-linked sponge to solutions of high pH and low pH. The sponge is sterilized by electron beam radiation to destroy micro organisms that can cause contamination of the final product. The resulting sponge material is formed into an industrial sponge having a cylindrical body and a plurality of projections extending from the body. The projections are tapered truncated cones having a cross-sectional radius that decreases with distance from the body. The extracting process permits residual amounts of calcium, zinc, and other elements to be 2 ppm or less, preferably 1 ppm or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Cercone, Gerald D. Ingram, Leon C. Nunier, Scott J. Quaratella
  • Publication number: 20040200024
    Abstract: A carwash brush having a pair of annular hubs, each hub having a planar annular surface. A plurality of elongated fingers each have a first end sandwiched in between the hubs so that the fingers extend radially outwardly from the hubs and so that the second or outer ends of each finger are circumferentially spaced from each other. The first ends of the fingers are continuously bonded to the hubs. Preferably, both the hubs and the fingers are constructed of a closed-cell foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Theodore Yamin
  • Patent number: 6795996
    Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus includes a movable support such as a rotary brush hub having a cleaning element attached thereto. The cleaning element includes a base component having a plurality of spaced slots formed there in and a plurality of cleaning strips extending through the slots to attach the strips to the base component. The slots are formed in a plurality of first and second alternating pairs of slots, with the first pairs of slots being positioned closer to a first edge and the second pairs of slots being positioned closer to an opposite edge of the base component so that when the cleaning strips are inserted through the slots they are mounted in overlapping relationship. A method is also provided for manufacturing the cleaning element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventors: G. Thomas Ennis, Francis D. Tenggardjaja
  • Patent number: 6793612
    Abstract: An industrial sponge device wherein the sponge is made from a polyvinyl acetal material with a process in which the pores are formed by gas to provide an open pore structure having no fibrils. Additionally, the sponge is purified by an extracting process which includes alternating exposure of the partially cross-linked sponge to solutions of high pH and low pH. The sponge is sterilized by electron beam radiation to destroy micro organisms that can cause contamination of the final product. The resulting sponge material is formed into an industrial sponge having a cylindrical body and a plurality of projections extending from the body. The projections are tapered truncated cones having a cross-sectional radius that decreases with distance from the body. The extracting process permits residual amounts of calcium, zinc, and other elements to be 2 ppm or less; preferably 1 ppm or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Cercone, Gerald D. Ingram, Leon C. Nunier, Scott J. Quaratella
  • Publication number: 20040107527
    Abstract: A polishing, buffing, compounding, and cleaning device incorporating rotary motion. The outer body of the invention includes two components. At least one of the components has a base and a plurality of projection members extending in a uniform direction away from the base. Projection members are spatially separated from one another, creating space in between each pair of adjacent projection members. At least one of the components is able to receive the projection members, thereby coupling the two components and forming the outer body. A plurality of extending material, such as disposable cloth or shop towels, is inserted in the empty space in between the projection members, such that both ends of each extending material extends radially from the central body. In one variation, the outer body is connected to rotary machinery, such as a drill, via a rotation rod extending from the outer body, to the rotary machinery, so as to provide rotary motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: John W. Cronin
  • Patent number: 6684447
    Abstract: A cleaning sponge roller is made of a polyvinyl acetal-based porous sponge having elasticity in a wet state and comprises a generally cylindrical roll body and a plurality of protrusions molded integrally on the periphery of the roll body. The cleaning sponge roller rotatingly cleans a material to be cleaned by contacting the top portions of the protrusions with the surface of the material and brushing off polishing residues found on the surface of the material. Each of the protrusions has a tapered protruding base portion extending from the periphery of the roll body, and a protruding end portion having almost the same sectional shape from the top end surface of the protruding base portion to the top portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Aion Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Mihara, Shuki Gohda, Masao Ide, Koei Igarashi, Konomu Tokunaga, Hiroshi Miyaji
  • Publication number: 20040010878
    Abstract: A vehicle cleaning element of a substantially flat configuration having a first cleaning surface provided by a portion of the flat surface and a second cleaning surface provided by radially projecting prongs or tines for reaching into and pulling out dirt and debris from seams, openings and crevices on a vehicle. The first cleaning surface and second cleaning surface may be divided by water and dirt channeling grooves and utilize stiffeners and means for varying the radial forces on the prongs or tines for reaching into and cleaning openings, seams and crevices. The novel vehicle cleaning element may be employed to retrofit existing automatic car washing devices or in equipment of a new design. The vehicle cleaning element can be configured for application to mitter cleaning elements and rotatable cleaning elements in automatic vehicle cleaning operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Gary H. Levesque
  • Patent number: 6655746
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a paint roller having a roller body comprised of a synthetic foam with an inner recess for placement on a support arm. The invention is characterized in that the roller body is expanded in a molding tool. Towards this end, the expansion pressure is set such that a closed compact covering of the synthetic material, preferably a polyester polyurethane foam, is formed on the outer surface of the roller body and/or on the wall of the inner recess. The coating is at least partially opened or removed in a successive method step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Sterkel GmbH Pinsel-und Frabrollerwerk
    Inventor: Georg Weihrauch
  • Publication number: 20030200994
    Abstract: A cleaning/polishing pad has a first surface with raised, substantially nubs, having a length greater than a width, arranged adjacent each other forming laterally alternating rows of nubs and having troughs interspersed therebetween, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a thickness. The troughs, which may contain polishing/cleaning chemicals, are divided into first and second groups of substantially parallel troughs. The groups of troughs are arranged at an angle to one another forming a hatch pattern. The pad can be formed to make roller brushes, circular brushes or manual wipes. For the circular brushes the nubs are arranged adjacent each other forming laterally alternating concentric circles of nubs. Micropores are interspersed within the pad having a gradient of pores with smaller pores towards the first surface and larger pores towards the second. There are no sharp edges or corners in/on the pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: BERKSHIRE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Harald A. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20030172479
    Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus includes a movable support such as a rotary brush hub having a cleaning element attached thereto. The cleaning element includes a base component having a plurality of spaced slots formed there in and a plurality of cleaning strips extending through the slots to attach the strips to the base component. The slots are formed in a plurality of first and second alternating pairs of slots, with the first pairs of slots being positioned closer to a first edge and the second pairs of slots being positioned closer to an opposite edge of the base component so that when the cleaning strips are inserted through the slots they are mounted in overlapping relationship. A method is also provided for manufacturing the cleaning element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: G. Thomas Ennis, Francis D. Tenggardjaja
  • Publication number: 20030160926
    Abstract: A rubbing device for alignment-treating an alignment layer on a substrate of a liquid crystal display, and the liquid crystal display in which the alignment layer on the substrate is rubbed by using the rubbing device. The rubbing device comprises a rubbing roller having a roller base and a rubbing cloth stuck on the outer surface of the roller base. The rubbing cloth has a plurality of slits formed parallel along the longitudinal direction of the roller base. The rubbing cloth may also comprises a plurality of separate rubbing cloth members which are stuck on the roller base via gaps therebetween and each of which has at least one slit formed parallel along the longitudinal direction of the roller base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiro Horiuchi
  • Publication number: 20030145409
    Abstract: An industrial sponge device and a method of manufacturing the same. The sponge is made from a polyvinyl acetal material with a process in which the pores are formed by gas to provide an open pore structure having no fibrils. Additionally, the sponge is purified by an extracting process which includes alternating exposure of the partially cross-linked sponge to solutions of high pH and low pH. The sponge is sterilized by electron beam radiation to destroy micro organisms that can cause contamination of the final product. The resulting sponge material is formed into an industrial sponge having a cylindrical body and a plurality of projections extending from the body. The projections are tapered truncated cones having a cross-sectional radius that decreases with distance from the body. The extracting process permits residual amounts of calcium, zinc, and other elements to be 2 ppm or less. preferably 1 ppm or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald J. Cercone, Gerald D. Ingram, Leon C. Nunier, Scott J. Quaratella
  • Patent number: 6598255
    Abstract: A cleaning rotary brush 1 comprises a hard base 3 mounted to a rotary shaft and a plurality of ridged projections 27 formed on and projecting from the working surface of the base 3, the tops of said ridged projections 27 in contact with an object to be cleaned while rotating in substantially the same plane. The ridged projections 27 are made of a polyvinyl acetal porous elastomer and disposed continually on a plurality of phantom setting lines 31 extending from inner reference, points 31a on the side of the center of rotation 35 of the working surface to outer reference points 31b on the side of the outer periphery 17b of the working surface. The length L1 in a longitudinal direction of said ridged projections 27 is made longer than the length D1 in a widthwise direction of the ridged projections 27.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Aion Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuki Gohda, Masao Ide, Konomu Tokunaga
  • Patent number: 6578227
    Abstract: A cleaning/polishing pad has a first surface with raised, substantially nubs, having a length greater than a width, arranged adjacent each other forming laterally alternating rows of nubs and having troughs interspersed therebetween, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a thickness. The troughs, which may contain polishing/cleaning chemicals, are divided into first and second groups of substantially parallel troughs. The groups of troughs are arranged at an angle to one another forming a hatch pattern. The pad can be formed to make roller brushes, circular brushes or manual wipes. For the circular brushes the nubs are arranged adjacent each other forming laterally alternating concentric circles of nubs. Micropores are interspersed within the pad having a gradient of pores with smaller pores towards the first surface and larger pores towards the second. There are no sharp edges or corners in/on the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Berkshire Corporation
    Inventor: Harald A. Bailey
  • Patent number: 6564418
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flag element for making motor vehicle washing brushes, the flag element comprising an elongated plate-like element having a central portion therefrom extend fringes obtained by cutting with different lengths the plate-like element. A method for making a motor vehicle washing brush is also disclosed, as an integral part of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Francesco Favagrossa
  • Publication number: 20030079308
    Abstract: A vehicle washing brush assembly which includes a cylindrical holder configuration having plural cloth or foam pads secured thereto and configured to be centrifugally extended radially outwardly from the holder and into surface treating engagement with a vehicle surface. A first longitudinal length of the holder has a selected number of separate cloth or foam pads oriented around the perimeter of said holder so that the ratio of the number of cloth or foam pads per 360° of the holder to the outer diameter of the holder is in the range of 5 to 12. A second longitudinal length of said holder having a selected number of separate cloth or foam pads oriented around the perimeter of the holder so that the ratio of the number cloth or foam pads per 360° of the holder to the outer diameter of the holder is 6.0 or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: G. Jack Clark