Abstract: Press-on tool for pressing on a film to adhere to a substrate. The press-on tool comprises a relatively hard and rigid carrier part with a press-on surface with which, during use, the film can be pressed against the substrate. The intermediate layer comprises a relatively soft, resilient cushion layer. Preferably, the cushion layer is non-slidably connected with the press-on surface and/or the carrier part. The invention also relates to a method for pressing on a film to adhere to a substrate.

Abstract: A wind driven cleaning ring apparatus for removing dirt on electrical insulators used in electric systems. The cleaning ring apparatus includes spaced apart bowl members supported on a cylindrical ring member by being sleeved over the ring member or formed integral therewith. The bowl members may be hemispherical or conical in shape and may be held spaced apart on the ring member by spherical or cylindrical beads. The bowl members may include a peripheral scraper edge. Spaced apart circular brushes and/or scraper members may be mounted on the ring member between respective ones of the bowl members.

Abstract: An automated erasure system that is suitable for erasure of non-permanent markings from boards is disclosed. The boards being erased can be whiteboards (whether electronic or not) or other boards (e.g., chalkboards).

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a chalkboard cleaning device that is mountable to a conventional chalkboard 12 providing means for selectively cleaning parts thereof. The present invention 10 is comprised of a rail 18 mounted to the top edge of an existing chalkboard 12 having the cleaning apparatus 20 attached thereto and extending from the top to the bottom edge of the board 12. The present invention 10 is comprised of an adjustable frame 30 and sponge 20 which is trimmed at the time of installation to fit the adjusted frame size. The frame 30 has a tensioned 40 rail 18 engaging element 27 for selectively moving the cleaning apparatus 20 to a desired point to be cleaned. Once positioned the apparatus 10 has a pump 26 and fluid containing reservoir 22 in communication with sponge 20 whereby pressure applied to the pump button 48 releases fluid 54 into the body of the sponge 20 whereupon movement of the cleaning apparatus by means of the handle 24 cleans the selected area.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a paint applicator which may be used to apply paint to corners, to junctions between adjacent walls, along window trim, along floor moldings, or other surface adjacent to the surface being painted, without smearing paint on the adjacent surface. Moreover, the present disclosure provides a paint applicator having a trim system that prevents the painter's hands from becoming covered with paint upon actuation of trim system.

Abstract: A stand-up toothbrush having an elongated handle with a head at one end, the head carrying bristles, and a hand holding portion at the other end, the hand holding portion long enough to be fully grasped by the hand of the user. A stand is provided on the hand holding portion of the handle at the other end, the stand extending past the other end of the handle and terminating in a support end. The support end extends transverse to the handle and is large enough to stably support the toothbrush in an upright storage position. The handle is made from relatively rigid material, and the stand is made from resilient, flexible material of the type allowing the stand to be moved against the hand holding portion of the handle when the user grasps the stand and the hand holding portion so as to interfere minimally with holding the toothbrush during use, and to return to its original position when the brush is released.

Abstract: A toothbrush has, on the brush head (1), a negative end magnetic pole (5), lateral magnetic poles (6a,b) of opposite polarities and upper magnetic poles (7a-c) which have alternately opposite polarities, that of the foremost magnetic pole (7a) differing from that of the end magnetic pole (5). The field strength at the surface of the toothbrush is between 600 and 1500 Gauss in the vicinity of a magnetic pole. The magnetic poles (5, 6a,b, 7a-c) are produced by magnetic plates (4a-f) integrally cast close to the surface. Instead of being let directly into the brush head, the magnetic plates can also be let into an attachment which can be pushed onto a conventional toothbrush.

Abstract: A street sweeper drag shoe of cast austempered ductile iron used with a rotary broom in sweeping, whereby escaping debris from under a contact skid is recaptured. The street sweeper drag shoe contains a deflection plate that redirects bristle tip movement inwardly to allow the broom to recapture debris which escapes during normal operation. The street sweeper drag shoe also includes an angled wedge for concentrating outer bristles of the broom into a rotating barrier to prevent debris migration to the ends of the broom. The contact skid exhibits total planar contact with the roadway without interceding carbide wear plates.

Abstract: A multipurpose cleaning implement that functions both as a broom and a scuff removing device. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a plastic base that serves as the attachment point for (i) a plurality of bristles (ii) a handle, and (iii) a device that is useful for removing scuff marks from floors. A first general embodiment of the scuff removing device includes a friction forming material that has been attached to a base or support that includes a rounded or curved forward surface. A second general embodiment of the scuff removing device includes a detachable scuff remover that includes a piece of friction forming material mounted on a base which may be clipped to the end of a broom handle opposite the broom head.

Abstract: The instant invention pertains to a squeegee and brush holder in combination with a bucket for holding a liquid consisting of a first portion having a plurality of suction cups for adhering to the inside of the bucket and an outer portion having three openings, the outer portion extending outwardly from the bucket for holding the brushes and squeegees in an upright position.

Abstract: A device is provided for supplying one or several active substances to a cleaning device and makes use of a retaining device against which the active substance lies upon or is connected thereto such that the active substance is held by the retaining device. The retaining device is affixable to a conventional cleaning device, preferably one as used in sanitary and/or hygienic fields. The inventive retaining device comprises a receiving area preferably configured as a single-piece ring and connected by means of a coupling section to a fixing area which is affixed to the cleaning device.

Abstract: A device is operably attached to a swimming pool cleaner for dislodging and permitting a steering of the swimming pool cleaner away from obstacles within a swimming pool. The device includes a coupling slidably attached to the swimming pool cleaner near its hose coupling. An upper, generally horizontally positioned, resilient elongate bumper has its opposing ends affixed to the coupling to form the upper bumper into an arcuate shape extending partially around a forward portion of the swimming pool cleaner. A second resilient, elongate vertical bumper has one end attached to the upper bumper and an opposing end attached a weight assembly of the pool cleaner at a location proximate the sealing flange. A roller is attached to the vertical bumper near the upper bumper for rotation thereabout when the swimming pool cleaner encounters an obstacle such as a step from which it is to be dislodged.

Abstract: A method details injecting water into a gas turbine engine to facilitate cleaning an inner surface of a combustor. The method comprises removing an axial fuel injector from the combustor, wherein the fuel injector includes a nozzle stem, and inserting a spray nozzle assembly into a fuel injector opening created within the combustor when the fuel injector was removed, wherein the spray nozzle assembly includes a popet nozzle that is coupled to a nozzle stem that is shaped substantially identically to the fuel injector nozzle stem removed from the combustor. The method also comprises coupling the spray nozzle assembly to the combustor such that the popet nozzle is inserted substantially concentrically into the combustor, and injecting water into the combustor through the spray nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting bristles that includes a sleeve sized and shaped to be slideably received over a handle attached to the bristles, the sleeve formed of breathable material to facilitate drying of the bristles, and the sleeve formed of rigid material to support the handle and the bristles in a vertical orientation and to protect the bristles, the sleeve formed of a length sufficient to cover the bristles, and to cover at least a portion of the handle. In accordance with a method of the invention, the sleeve is slid over the proximal end of the handle and moved down the handle to a position where the sleeve covers the bristles and a first end of the sleeve extends beyond the bristles, and the handle is placed in a vertical orientation so that the first end of the sleeve bears against a supporting surface to hold the handle and the bristles in a vertical orientation.

Abstract: A toothbrush has a handle (4) and a possibly electrically drivable brush head (2), which is connected to the handle (4) via a neck part (5). In order to provide advantageous construction conditions, a guide (6), which encloses the neck part (5) with movement play, forms a bite support.

Abstract: A cover (1) for a carpet kicker head (2) that covers the carpet kicker needles (7) on the base of the head. The cover has fastening means (8) on a distal end (17) to connect it around a needle adjustment knob (10) on the top of the kicker head and fastening means on the proximal end (16), which may include tie straps (9), snaps (19) or hook and loop fastening material (18) to secure it around a bar (4) connecting the head and a knee kicking. panel (5) on the other end, during use of the cover on the carpet kicker head to install carpet, carpet fibers (14) which become imbedded between the carpet kicker needles can be easily removed by unfastening the proximal end of the cover and pulling it in a downward direction (15), resulting in the carpet fibers being quickly and easily removed from the teeth on the base of the head, thereby eliminating the need for tedious removal by using one's fingers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for cleaning injection nozzles which is mounted as an additional station in a glass gluing machine. The inventive nozzle cleaning machine can be mounted in a fixed or sliding manner in the machine assembly, depending on whether the nozzle is of the fixed or the sliding type. For cleaning purposses, the nozzle, which is covered with paper, is introduced intoa a penumatically-actuated clamping head. The nozzle is then rotated a series of times such that the putty or material on said nozzle is left on the strip of paper.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for cleaning test probes used in a semiconductor testing machine of the type having a plurality of test probes configured to contact the surface of a semiconductor wafer to test one or more dies formed thereon. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a roller-support arm and a cylindrical roller supported by the roller-support arm. The roller has an outer surface comprising a sticky material. Debris on the probes will adhere to the sticky material as roller is rolled across tips of the probes. The probes are thereby cleaned.

Abstract: Cleaning rings driven by wind for removing the dirt on an insulator used in the electric system. The cleaning ring consists of insulating rings, bowls driven by wind, rings brush and crashing plates. The cleaning rings driven by wind revolve around the insulator by this way the insulator remains clean and can be prevented from dirty sparking.

Abstract: The adjustable ceiling fan blade cleaner consists of a clamp that connects around the body of a ceiling fan motor via a two-member telescoping ring. Two arms project out the end of the cleaner. Each arm then has a section of cloth that hangs down and slightly drapes over the fan blade in much the same manner as a flag. Thus as the blades of the fan turn, the cloth swipes off any dust. When dirty, the cloths are simply slid off of the end, washed, and then replaced. Disposable, one-time cleaning cloths may also be used as well. The use of the attachable duster for ceiling fan allows for virtually effortless cleaning of ceiling fan blades in a manner, which is quick, easy and effective.

Abstract: A brush correcting device for toothbrush, comprising a toothbrush support body (2) having a support part (2a) for supporting at least the tip side lower surface of a toothbrush (T) and one of two guide groove parts or guide elongated holes (2e, 2f) formed on the tip upper side of the toothbrush (T) supported by the support part (2a), and a band-shaped convergent body inserted into one or two guide groove parts or guide elongated holes (2e, 2f) and bent in U-shape, V-shape, or channel-shape at the center thereof, whereby the brush correcting device for toothbrush allowing a variety of toothbrushes to be corrected according to the shape of the brush part can be provided at a low production cost.

Abstract: A wheel cleaning device for cleaning and/or polishing a rim or any other exposed part of the wheel during traveling of the vehicle. The device includes a mounting support for securing the device to the wheel axle so as to be in a stationary relationship relative to the wheel and a cleaner having a shaft and a brush. The shaft has a first end rotatably connected to the support for continuous rotation relative thereto about the rotation axis of the wheel and a second end extending radially from the first end. The brush mounting on the second end of the shaft is positioned, configured and sized to contact the wheel. The brush depends downwardly from the support under gravity to continuously rub against the wheel to clean the wheel under rotation during traveling of the vehicle.

Abstract: A stand-up toothbrush having an elongated handle with a head at one end, the head carrying bristles, and a hand holding portion at the other end, the hand holding portion long enough to be fully grasped by the hand of the user. A stand is provided on the hand holding portion of the handle at the other end, the stand extending past the other end of the handle and terminating in a support end. The support end extends transverse to the handle and is large enough to stably support the toothbrush in an upright storage position. The handle is made from relatively rigid material, and the stand is made from resilient, flexible material of the type allowing the stand to be moved against the hand holding portion of the handle when the user grasps the stand and the hand holding portion so as to interfere minimally with holding the toothbrush during use, and to return to its original position when the brush is released.

Abstract: An improved device for cleaning probe pins of a probe head assembly is presented. The device includes a first holding plate, a second holding plate and a cleaning cartridge. The first holding plate secures the probe head assembly. The second holding plate secures the cleaning cartridge in proximity to the first holding plate. The cleaning cartridge has a chamber. The chamber includes a cleaning solution and an absorbent pad located therein. The absorbent pad is saturated with the cleaning solution and prevents leakage of the cleaning solution out of the chamber. During cleaning operations, the first holding plate is positioned about the second holding plate such that the probe pins of a probe head extend into and contact the absorbent pad in the chamber. Once contact is established, the cleaning solution acts upon the probe pin tips to remove unwanted debris. A depth of penetration of the pins into the pad is controlled by a surface of the cartridge.

Abstract: A cover for a handle of a motorised toothbrush wherein the cover is firmly and removeably attachable to the handle, characterised in that the toothbrush can be used with the cover in place

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for cleaning auger flightings having a mounting attachable to an auger support frame, and an auger cleaning device having a single shaft positioned in the mount; a disk slidable on and rotatable about the shaft; the disk having a series of lobes extending radially from the disk and adapted to be interposed in the flightings of an auger; a stop fixable on the shaft; and a spring to bias the disk against the stop.

Abstract: A curling broom, comprises a broom head, a broom handle attached to the broom head, and a delivery accessory adapted for attachment to either the broom handle or the broom head in both a first position and a second position. The delivery accessory improves the balance of a person delivering a curling stone in the first position. The delivery accessory is stored in a nonobtrusive manner in the second position enabling the curling broom to be used for conventional sweeping in front of a delivered curling stone. The delivery accessory for comprises a support stand and a mount adapted for attaching the support stand to the curling broom. The accessory is also useable with tools such as shovels, rakes, and the like. A method for delivering a curling stone is also disclosed. The method comprises the steps of attaching a delivery accessory to a curling broom, and delivering the curling stone with one hand and holding onto the curling broom with a second hand as the curling stone is being delivered.

Abstract: A sweeping device (1) having an actuating means (6), including a surface contacting means (2), a handle (3) connected to the surface contacting means and a friction reducing means (4, 7), in which the friction reducing means is adapted to enable the lifting of the surface contacting means of the sweeping device from the surface being swept or scraped upon user actuation of the actuating means (6).

Abstract: A device is operably attached to a swimming pool cleaner for dislodging and permitting a steering of the swimming pool cleaner away from obstacles within a swimming pool. The device includes a coupling slidably attached to the swimming pool cleaner near its hose coupling. An upper, generally horizontally positioned, resilient elongate bumper has its opposing ends affixed to the coupling to form the upper bumper into an arcuate shape extending partially around a forward portion of the swimming pool cleaner. A second resilient, elongate vertical bumper has one end attached to the upper bumper and an opposing end attached a weight assembly of the pool cleaner at a location proximate the sealing flange. A roller is attached to the vertical bumper near the upper bumper for rotation thereabout when the swimming pool cleaner encounters an obstacle such as a step from which it is to be dislodged.

Abstract: A pool brush includes a hydrofoil moving on a hinge. The hydrofoil provides downforce on the surface being brushed regardless of the direction of the pool brush (pulled or pushed). Adjustable front and rear stops allow the amount of downforce to be adjusted and to compensate for larger and deeper pools. The hydrofoil also creates a method for laterally steering the pool brush by twisting the handle.

Abstract: A toothbrush with a handle including a gripping zone and a connecting zone, and with a bristle portion following the connecting zone, wherein the handle has a stop part spaced from the bristle portion and extending at least substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush so as to limit an introduction of the toothbrush in the buccal cavity.

Abstract: A sonde comprising a first sensor and a second sensor adjacent the first sensor, the first sensor including an optical window and a wiper element, the wiper element rotating on a shaft extending from the first sensor so as to clean debris from the window, a brush extending from the wiper element beyond the perimeter of the first sensor such that the brush contacts the adjacent second sensor and removes debris which accumulates on the second sensor.

Abstract: A paintbrush as claimed at claim 1 wherein the paintbrush comprises a head, a plurality of bristles arranged on the head, a handle endwise interconnected with the head, and a magnetic region for removably securing the paintbrush to a surface responsive to a magnetic field provided by the magnetic region.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning solder paste off the bottom side of a printed circuit board stencil includes a container of cleaning solution therein and a blade holder that is movable between a wiping position and the container of cleaning solution. A wiping blade is mounted in the blade holder. The blade holder, with the blade mounted thereon, is reciprocated back and forth when in communication with a stencil to be cleaned. The blade is moved from the wiping position in communication with the stencil into the cleaning solution in the container. A pneumatic piston and rotary actuator provides controlled movement of the wiping blade. The wiping blade may be vibrated during wiping to improve removal of solder paste from the stencil and the cleaning solution may be ultrasonically vibrated to improve removal of solder paste from the wiping blade. The wiping blade may also be pulsed into a sponge to remove excess cleaning solution prior to the next cleaning cycle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a surface contacting disc for location around the inlet of a suction operated pool cleaner wherein at least one concentric groove is provided in the surface engaging face of the disc which provides flexibility for the outer part of the disc to fold progressively along the grooves.

Abstract: A pool cleaner includes a cleaning body adapted to be coupled to a suction source, a foot pad assembly coupled to the elongate member, and at least one deflection member coupled to the foot pad assembly by an adjustable coupling. The deflection member may be configured both horizontally and vertically relative to the cleaning body.

Abstract: For stimulating acupuncture points in the oral cavity, a toothbrush has, on the brush head (1), a negative end magnetic pole (5), lateral magnetic poles (6a,b) of opposite polarities and upper magnetic poles (7a-c) which have alternately opposite polarities, that of the foremost magnetic pole (7a) differing from that of the end magnetic pole (5). The field strength at the surface of the toothbrush is between 600 and 1500 Gauss in the vicinity of a magnetic pole. The magnetic poles (5, 6a,b, 7a-c) are produced by magnetic plates (4a-f) integrally cast close to the surface. Instead of being let directly into the brush head, the magnetic plates can also be let into an attachment which can be pushed onto a conventional toothbrush. Toothbrush or attachment may also have certain colours for achieving an additional chromotherapeutic effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for fitting one or several active substances (8) to a cleaning device (20). To this end, the invention makes use of a retaining device against which the active substance (8) lies upon or is connected thereto such that the active substance (8) is held by the retaining device. The retaining device (1) is affixable to a conventional cleaning device (20), preferably one as used in sanitary and/or hygienic fields. The inventive retaining device comprises a receiving area (2) preferably configured as a single-piece ring and connected by means of a coupling section (4) to a fixing area (3) which is affixed to the cleaning device (20).

Abstract: A curling broom, comprises a broom head, a broom handle attached to the broom head, and a delivery accessory adapted for attachment to either the broom handle or the broom head in both a first position and a second position. The delivery accessory improves the balance of a person delivering a curling stone in the first position. The delivery accessory is stored in a nonobtrusive manner in the second position enabling the curling broom to be used for conventional sweeping in front of a delivered curling stone. The delivery accessory for comprises a support stand and a mount adapted for attaching the support stand to the curling broom. The accessory is also useable with tools such as shovels, rakes, and the like. A method for delivering a curling stone is also disclosed. The method comprises the steps of attaching a delivery accessory to a curling broom, and delivering the curling stone with one hand and holding onto the curling broom with a second hand as the curling stone is being delivered.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with automatic pool cleaners includes a tube which defines a flow channel for water drawn pump from the pool through a house by a remote pump. The tube includes tubular sections (10A, 10B) joined by a joint (11) which operates to move one tube section between first and second angularly displaced positions. Means are provided for periodically causing the movable tube section to move about the joint with sufficient force to impart movement to the hose to cause a change in direction of the cleaner.

Abstract: A floor surface treatment apparatus includes a wheeled vehicle having wheels and floor surface treating unit, and a dolly pivotally connected to the vehicle for pivoting movement between a lowered, support position in which the vehicle is supported by the dolly with the floor surface treating unit raised off the floor and a non-support position in which the vehicle is unsupported by the dolly. The dolly has at least three wheels for conjoint pivoting movement therewith relative to the floor surface treatment apparatus. The at least three wheels are arranged relative to each other such that in the support position of the dolly the at least three wheels stably support the apparatus with the floor surface treating unit raised off the floor. In its non-support position the dolly may be stowed onboard the apparatus during operation thereof.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for cleaning test probes used in a semiconductor testing machine of the type having a plurality of test probes configured to contact the surface of a semiconductor wafer to test one or more dies formed thereon. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a roller-support arm and a cylindrical roller supported by the roller-support arm. The roller has an outer surface comprising a sticky material. Debris on the probes will adhere to the sticky material as roller is rolled across tips of the probes. The probes are thereby cleaned.

Abstract: The invention concerns a surface contacting disc for location around the inlet of a suction operated pool cleaner wherein at least one concentric groove is provided in the surface engaging face of the disc which provides flexibility for the outer part of the disc to fold progressively along the grooves.

Abstract: A toothbrush is provided that includes a toothbrush body having a toothbrush handle and a brush head. A display window is selectively attachable to and detachable from the toothbrush body. A photograph can be placed behind the translucent display window to cover, and yet provide visual access to, the photograph. Different photographs can be chosen for different toothbrushes such that each toothbrush is customized for a particular user. This provides for easy identification of different toothbrushes, and provides each user with a uniquely customized toothbrush.

Abstract: A toothbrush with a handle including a gripping zone and a connecting zone, and with a bristle portion following the connecting zone, wherein the handle has a stop part spaced from the bristle portion and extending at least substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush so as to limit an introduction of the toothbrush in the buccal cavity.

Abstract: A novel end cap assembly for attachment to a commercially available paint roller assembly allows the application of a coating material, such as paint, uniformly to two intersecting surfaces such as in a corner. The inventive end cap comprises a unitary disc like base having a prong projecting laterally therefrom, the base and prong being formed unitarily from a suitable polymer. A textured material such as fabric, open celled foam, or sheepskin bearing natural wool is adhered to the base. A single prong engages a space existing between the inner surface of the roller cover and the outer surface of the roller frame barrel so that the possibility of damage to the possibly damp paper tube of the roller cover is avoided when the end cap is installed. The prong is straight where joined to the cap at its proximal end, and is curved at its distal or free end. The prong is formed from a material imparting spring qualities.

Abstract: The present invention comprises in combination a paint brush and a brush tilting mechanism including a paint brush of the type including a ferrule, bristles and a handle; and includes a ferrule having a raised portion such that the bristles of the brush are oriented upwardly away from a flat surface when said paint brush being laid onto a flat surface.

Abstract: A paint roller apparatus for applying paint to a painted surface includes a rotating accessory arm. The rotating accessory arm is rotatably mounted on a handle of the paint roller apparatus such that the accessory arm rotates between a first position wherein an accessory or the accessory arm is substantially proximate to a cylindrical roller of the paint roller apparatus and a second position where the accessory arm is at an angle of substantially ninety degrees to a plane defined by the longitudinal axes of the handle and the roller. A switch assembly located on the handle provides for rotation of the accessory arm with minimal effort on the part of the user. The switch assembly may include a locking mechanism to lock the accessory arm into the first position and second position so that the accessory arm does not rotate inadvertently.

Abstract: The pool cleaner includes a body and at least one member secured to the body and which, in use, engages a submerged surface to be cleaned, thereby preventing the body from directly contacting the submerged surface. The member and at least part of the body are rotatable relative to each other. A skirt may be attached to the member, or the member may take the form of a skirt.

Abstract: A method of mopping including the use of unique mop handle means which allows an offset gripping of the handle intermediate its ends and utilization of rotatable swivel grip on one end, which enables the user of a mop to mop more efficiently and with reduced risk of injury including repetitive motion injuries and the like.