Fountain Patents (Class 15/24)
  • Publication number: 20030200615
    Abstract: A portable tool has a long handle with a fitting for connection to an external pressurized water supply, a hand receiver on the worker end of the handle with a trigger-operated water flow control valve, a rotatable wheel at a distal end of the handle remote from the control and having surface scrubbing elements thereon, a distribution nozzle pivotable in the handle adjacent the wheel to direct high velocity water discharge onto the scrubbing elements, a discharge direction control button adjacent the proximal end, and a control wire coupled to the nozzle and button and operable to direct discharge from the nozzle onto the wheel at selectable radii relative to the wheel rotational axis to change wheel speed, direction and torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Larry C. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 6594843
    Abstract: A portable tool has a long handle with a fitting for connection to an external pressurized water supply, a hand receiver on the worker end of the handle with a trigger-operated water flow control valve, a rotatable wheel at a distal end of the handle remote from the control and having surface scrubbing elements thereon, a distribution nozzle pivotable in the handle adjacent the wheel to direct high velocity water discharge onto the scrubbing elements, a discharge direction control button adjacent the proximal end, and a control wire coupled to the nozzle and button and operable to direct discharge from the nozzle onto the wheel at selectable radii relative to the wheel rotational axis to change wheel speed, direction and torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Electromechanical Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry C. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 6584635
    Abstract: A shower accessory system comprises a housing having a central component with a sidewall formed with a central chamber having an input region and an output region. The central component has a circular upper opening in the top and a circular lower opening in the bottom. A water wheel is mounted in the upper opening for rotation and for being propelled by a flow of water through the central component. An upper component of the housing has a sidewall with an upper opening and a lid removably coupled to the sidewall to form an upper chamber. The upper chamber has a central gear coupled to the water wheel with a common axis for rotation therewith. A lower component of the housing has a sidewall and an open bottom and a sponge mounted therein. A spindle couples the sponge holder and the water wheel for rotating the sponge upon rotation of the water wheel about a common axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Lemuel F. Kornegay
  • Publication number: 20020178520
    Abstract: Disclosed is a portable centrifugal car washer comprising a storeroom, disposed in a case, for storing car washing liquid, a pump for pumping out the car washing liquid in the storeroom; and a centrifugal unit for rotating the car washing liquid at a high speed, resolving into moisture particles and then spraying the moisture particles on a surface of a car. The car washer performs the washing, drying and polishing operation at the same time and thus remarkably reducing an operation time. Further, the portable centrifugal car washer of the present invention has a small size so that an operator facilely uses, and the car washing liquid can be stored in the car washer. Therefore, the car washer can be facilely carried and kept and also used anywhere at any time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Kyung-Dong Kim, Gil-Hee Lee, Tae-Hong Shin
  • Patent number: 6464796
    Abstract: A method of applying a fluid to a brush is provided. The method includes outputting a flow of fluid from a shaft to an area between the shaft and a distributor where the flow of fluid is restricted by the distributor to generate a uniform pressure buildup inside of the distributor. The method further includes delivering the fluid from the area through at least one opening in the distributor to an outer surface of the distributor where the outer surface of the distributor abuts an inner surface of a housing. The method additionally includes dispensing the fluid from between the outer surface of the distributor and the inner surface of the housing to an outer surface of the housing through at least one perforation in the housing, the housing being attached to a brush. The method also includes applying the fluid through the brush where the fluid is received from the outer surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Jim Vail, Mike Wallis
  • Patent number: 6314603
    Abstract: A rotor for home car washing use having a radially oriented inlet at the distal end of a rotor in rotation and in movement against the car vertical sides, i.e., the larger surfaces requiring cleaning, in which washing fluid supplied through the tube flows into the lower half of the rotor, aided by gravity, to effectively power the rotor in rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Sobo
  • Patent number: 6292971
    Abstract: A powered cleaning brush for cleaning toilet bowl which has at handle with a source of electricity connect thereto. In addition the handle has a container for holding a cleaning solution and a trigger for supplying cleaning solution to the brush. The handle has an angled portion for enabling a user to clean under the rim of the toilet bowl and for cleaning the angled drain on the toilet. The trigger is positioned on the opposite side of the handle from the angled portion to make positioning the brush convenient for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Muhammad I. Chaudray
  • Patent number: 6253404
    Abstract: An electrically operated tooth-cleaning device being provided with a handle part having an electric drive motor. A hanle part can be connected with an attachment provided with a cleansing tool, with the cleaning tool being capable of being caused to rotate by the drive motor. A first cleaning tool of a first attachment is capable of being connected directly with the drive motor, and cleaning tool of a second attachment can be couple trough a transmission with the drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Boland, Michael Stolper
  • Patent number: 6247197
    Abstract: A brush assembly includes a distributor having a slot matrix formed in an outer surface of the distributor, the slot matrix including a plurality of longitudinal slots intersecting a plurality of annular slots. The brush assembly further includes a housing having an inner surface abutting the outer surface of the distributor, a brush mounted on the housing and a shaft. During use, the flow of liquid from the shaft to the housing flows through the longitudinal slots and annular slots of the distributor. By appropriately selecting the dimensions and numbers of these slots, the flow of liquid from the shaft to the housing is readily redistributed. For example, the flow of liquid is redistributed to provide a greater amount of liquid to the ends of the brush than to the center of the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Jim Vail, Mike Wallis
  • Patent number: 6170107
    Abstract: A rotating brush cleaning apparatus is provided having grippable handle and a plurality of elongated brush attachments. The handle houses a rechargeable battery driven motor that drive an attached brush in a circular rotation. Each brush attachment is mounted on a central, elongated bendable plastic core. A first narrow brush attachment is relatively narrow and adapted to be used for cleaning baby bottles and tall glasses. A narrow brush scrubber attachment comprises and annular ring of rough scouring material that can be placed over the narrow brush attachment for cleaning any caked-on residue at the bottom of a baby bottle or tall glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Dewey T. George, Loretta A. George
  • Patent number: 6145148
    Abstract: A cleaning method and apparatus using very dilute hydrofluoric acid (BF) for cleaning silicon wafers and semiconductor substrates. The HF is delivered to the core of a brush where the solution is absorbed by the brush and then applied by the brush onto the substrate. This delivery system applies the chemical solutions uniformly to the semiconductor substrate and reduces the volumes of chemical solutions used in a scrubbing process. The process of the present invention uses very dilute HF and allows a thin oxide to be etched but not completely removed so as to maintain a hydrophilic surface state. Thus, this invention presents a chemical mechanical cleaning process with in-situ etching with the use of PVA brushes on a brush scrubber. Very accurate control of etch rate is obtained and, therefore, makes this process suitable to multiple cleaning applications of silicon wafers and semiconductor substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Diane J. Hymes, Michael Ravkin, Xiuhua Zhang, Wilbur C. Krusell
  • Patent number: 6140723
    Abstract: An oral hygiene device comprises a rotating body 22 mounted to a rotating shaft 21 of an electric motor 14, an output shaft 11 resiliently supported via a resonance pin 25 to be swingable finely, a drive magnetic body 23 provided on the rotating body 22, and a driven magnetic body 31 provided on the output shaft 11 to face the drive magnetic body 23 so as to be out of contact therewith. The drive magnetic body 23 and the driven magnetic body 31 are composed of permanent magnets, and as the rotating body 22 revolves, a varying magnetic field is generated between the both magnetic bodies 23, 31 to cause vibration of the output shaft 11 at high speed. In this manner, there are provided a vibration generating device, which can be manufactured at low cost and efficiently transmits vibration, and an oral hygiene device using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Sunstar Inc.
    Inventors: Tsuguo Matsui, Michihisa Sugimoto, Masaharu Kita
  • Patent number: 6062229
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing nail polish which generally includes a curved, substantially cylindrical housing having dimensions and a shape which is conveniently and comfortably grasped by the user and which receives the various operating components of the apparatus including a rotatable brush which projects from an end of the housing, and a motor for rotating the brush responsive to an actuating switch located along the surface of the housing. The motor is preferably battery-operated so that the apparatus is made portable and maneuverable. A reservoir is further provided to contain a polish-removing solution, and a fluid dispenser is provided to deliver desired amounts of the solution from the reservoir to the brush. The solution is advantageously dispensed into center portions of the brush so that the solution need not be applied to the brush or to the nails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventors: Melinda Kandratavich, Melissa Kandratavich
  • Patent number: 5987682
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is provided including a brush assembly adapted to emit water therefrom upon the receipt thereof. Also included is a hose connected to the brush assembly. Next provided is an elastomeric cover connected to the hose and further releasably securable to a water outlet of a bathing stall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: John L. Rossi
  • Patent number: 5980802
    Abstract: A method for treating a roller cover includes the steps of positioning an element with respect to a roller cover and removing a portion of the roller cover with said element to form a pattern on said roller cover. The process for treating roller covers for a paint roller may also includes the steps of providing a surface, forming a pattern on the surface, heating the surface, and contacting the roller cover with the heated surface. The heated surface is a metal. The heat is transferred from the heated metal surface to the roller cover when the heated metal surface contacts the roller cover. The heated surface sears or melts the nap of the roller cover. The surface can be provided with a pattern so that a pattern can be placed into the nap of the roller cover. An apparatus used to treat the surface of a roller cover includes a surface having a desired pattern therein. A holder for a roller cover holds or presents the roller cover to the surface. A heater is attached to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Wagner Spray Tech Corporation
    Inventors: George H. Wakat, Alan Neumann
  • Patent number: 5974614
    Abstract: An improved toothbrush which allows the user to brush the teeth and gums simultaneously while using a minimal forward and backward arm stroke, and minimize the time required for dental hygiene. The invention consists of three brushes, one inner and two outer sets of bristles. The outer brushes are designed to fit over the upper and lower gum area to clean, stimulate, and massage the entire gum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Keith B. Ross
  • Patent number: 5960503
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an electric, hydraulic, kitchen utensil cleaning tool, being adapted for use with one hand to wash all types of kitchenware in homes, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, etc. It is operated with water from the kitchen pipe line via a hose. It has three systems: Water, Detergent, and Power Systems. To integrate these systems together it has a main connecting receiving element (MCRE) which has: valves and ducts for water and detergent, a sleeve plug and a seal to couple the hollow shaft of a drive motor to the MCRE. The MCRE is connected to a detergent reservoir having an integrated injector. The detergent is mixed with water in a T connection formed by the water and detergent ducts. The mixture passes through the hollow shaft. Cleaning is performed by a rotating cleaning head at the end of the hollow shaft. The cleaning head has a brush and an annular fiber scrub pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Gilberto R. Del Pozo Y Mattei
  • Patent number: 5926893
    Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning internal surfaces of water closets ("WCs") and similar fixtures includes a container to be placed near the fixture to be cleaned. A brush is stored in a lower section of the container, and it is removed from the container to clean the WC. A water supply system in an upper section of the container includes water conduits and a flexible tube which is retractably mounted on a rolling up device. Water flows from the flexible tube through the brush handle to an impeller which rotates the brush, and the water sprays the bristles to keep the brush clean and to prevent the formation of deposits on the bristles. When the brush is inside the container, a cleaning rod protrudes into the bristles, and the brush is rotated to clean its bristles further.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventors: Pietro Cestari, Giuseppe De Bella
  • Patent number: 5913982
    Abstract: The invention includes a water driven brush mechanism which is pivotally attached to a rigid hose. The rigid hose acts as a handle to the user and a conduit to supply water to the brush mechanism. The pivotal attachment allows the user to change the angle of the brush mechanism to the rigid pipe to facilitate the cleaning process. The rigid hose is attached to a flexible hose on the opposite end of the brush mechanism. The flexible hose in turn attaches to the faucet or shower head for the necessary water supply. The flexible hose is necessary to provide easy movement of the brush mechanism to a variety of positions with respect to the faucet or shower head. The flexible hose is also of sufficient length as to easily reach the desired surface to be cleaned. The flexible hose has a male threaded end cap which can engage with the threaded male end of a shower head by use of a coupling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: Patrick Stephen Phillips
  • Patent number: 5911256
    Abstract: A water-powered brush is composed of a handle, a bristled head, and a flexible tubular body located between the handle and the bristled head. The bristled head is provided with an impeller and a centrifugal member capable of actuating the bristled head to move back and forth on the surface of an object at such time when the impeller is driven by water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventor: James Tsai
  • Patent number: 5909754
    Abstract: A shower unit is disclosed, including a compressor for producing high-pressure air for used with a water supply; a rotator driven by the high-pressure air; an injector positioned near the rotator to inject tap water; and a cleaning unit driven directly by the rotator. The inventive shower unit also includes a grip portion having the rotator and the injector, a switch for operating the rotator, and a valve for controlling the flow of the water sprayed through the injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Kwang-Woo
    Inventor: Il-Mook Oh
  • Patent number: 5864912
    Abstract: A cleaning device has a housing, and a turbine drive located in the housing and rotatable under the action of water flowing into the housing, the turbine drive including two rotors connected with one another so that under the action of water flowing through the housing the rotors are rotated together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Eli Zhadanov
  • Patent number: 5787539
    Abstract: The invention is a hand held golf club cleaner that utilizes a common plunger to apply power to a motor that rotates a cleaning brush, and to pump a cleaning fluid from a reservoir inside the golf club cleaner onto the golf club head. A set of gears reduces the speed of brush rotation from the speed of the motor to provide greater brush rotational torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Steven Nussbaum
  • Patent number: 5700146
    Abstract: A dental hygiene cleaning tool (12) comprising an elongated generally cylindrical housing (14) to be grasped by a hand (16) of a person. A brush bit (18) is provided. A structure (20) is for coupling the brush bit (18) to a first end of the housing (14). A component (22) within the housing (14) is for rotating the brush bit (18). An element (24) within the housing (14) is for reciprocating the brush bit (18) back and forth, so as to clean plaque build up on teeth (26) and gums (28) of a person (30), to remove bacteria which causes periodontal disease to the gums (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventor: Smiljana Kucar
  • Patent number: 5573398
    Abstract: A dental hygiene device has a brush assembly and a control unit. The brush assembly has a handle with suction and irrigation conduits passing therethrough. A brush head has two or more parallel rows of bristles. Suction and irrigation ports are positioned between the rows and coupled to the suction and irrigation conduits. Suction and irrigation tubes are coupled to the suction and irrigation conduits. The control unit has an irrigation outlet coupled to the irrigation tube and an irrigation pump, and a supply reservoir coupled to the irrigation pump. The supply reservoir contains a dental hygiene solution that is pumped from the supply reservoir through the irrigation outlet into the irrigation tube. The irrigation tube transmits the solution to the irrigation conduit and then to the irrigation port, where it is expelled. A suction inlet is coupled to the suction tube, and a suction pump is coupled to the suction inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Towle, Richard A. Cloonan
  • Patent number: 5458563
    Abstract: The invention relates to toothbrushes and particularly with toothbrushes for bedridden patients. Cleaning of the teeth of bedridden patients is particularly difficult and especially the rinsing of the mouth. It is an object of the present invention to provide a toothbrush that overcomes this difficulty, an objective that is met by a construction comprising a bristled head and a handle, there being a fluid supply associated with the handle and having an outlet emerging in the bristles on the toothbrush head, the fluid supply being connectable to a source of fluid, and there being a separate fluid disposal associated with the handle having an inlet associated with the bristles on the toothbrush head and to direct spent fluid away from the bristle head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Timothy N. Stewart
  • Patent number: 5402548
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning the inside surfaces of HVAC ducts or the like is provided by the present invention. The apparatus broadly includes a rotatable cleaning head, a fluid driven drive means, and a variable length lightweight handle. The cleaning head carries a plurality of brush members, each including a tubular stiffener and a group of bristles received in said stiffener. The drive means is a pneumatic motor adapted to rotate the cleaning head which is mounted on the output head of the motor. The input end of the motor is connected to the handle, and the end of the handle is connected to a source of pressurized fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventors: Michael A. Adair, John F. Holmes, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5400468
    Abstract: A slat cleaning apparatus (10) is disclosed for use in cleaning slats making up a verticle blind. Cleaning of vertical blind slats is made complicated by the difference in thickness of the head, body and tail of the slat and by the needs to apply and remove a cleaning liquid without creating mess to surrounding slats and or windows. The slat cleaning apparatus has a head (16) with a slot (70) and a partable barrier located in the slot (70) for substantially sealing against the slat. A fluid extractor (50,74) is provided for operating under vacuum pressure to withdraw fluid and entrained matter from the head (16). Two cleaning elements (72) are provided substantially mutually parallel and located on opposite sides of the slot (70) for cleaning the slat. The cleaning elements (72) are compressible or moveable for operating at differing gaps to accommodate the differing thickness in the slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Andy De Petra
  • Patent number: 5235937
    Abstract: A device for automatically washing and drying teats of generic dairy animals comprises a portable washing head whereto a teat-cleansing liquid is supplied through an interspace defined in a flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Gilna Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Felice Farina, Emilio Lucchini, Renato Federici
  • Patent number: 5235717
    Abstract: A rotary spherical scrubber formed of a fluid permeable material is arranged for rotative mounting relative to a support conduit, wherein the support conduit directs fluid interiorly of the scrubber directing fluid spray from nozzles interiorly of the scrubber onto vanes within the scrubber for rotation of the scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventors: Albert J. Lanzo, Jr., Laura M. Lanzo, Albert J. Lanzo, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5211132
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically washing teats of generic dairy animals, specifically dairy cattle, comprises a box-type body formed with an opening for introducing a teat thereinto, and two pairs of counter-rotating brushes located at the opening in the box-type body and aligned along a direction of introduction of the teat into the box-type body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Gilna Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Felice Farina, Emilio Lucchini, Renato Federici
  • Patent number: 5208933
    Abstract: A powered dental tool dispenses a liquid dentifrice from a removable and replaceable cartridge to a dental site being cleaned or otherwise treated. The tool mounts the cartridge to receive a supply of the dispensable liquid, and accommodates the removal and replacement of a spent cartridge. A removable and replaceable cartridge for supplying dispensable liquid to a dental tool is initially sealed, is readily installed in the tool with a connection to a dispensing tube, and is collapsible for emptying it. A multiple-treatment dental care system has a single power handle that operates interchangeable with a fluid dispensing spray implement, with a rotary treatment implement, and with a revolving-bristle brush implement. In addition to dispensing fluid with the spray implement, the system can dispense liquid material to the dental site being treated by way of the rotary implement and by way of the revolving brush implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: L. Paul Lustig
    Inventors: L. Paul Lustig, Andrew Tybinkowski
  • Patent number: 5146642
    Abstract: A powered scrub brush having a power head module, a brush head module, and n extension shaft module. The power head module includes a positive-displacement motor and a flow-control valve. The motor may be coupled directly to the brush head module or indirectly through one or more extension shaft modules. The power head module has a liquid discharge port that is connected to a liquid discharge tube on the extension shaft module that in turn is connected to a liquid sprayer having a nozzle on the brush head module. Mechanical power is transferred from the motor to the brush via an output shaft on the motor, a flexible shaft in the extension shaft module, and a shaft in the brush head module on which the brush is removably mounted. The powered scrub brush is manually operated by regulating a flow-control valve that is connected between a pressurized water source and an inlet port on the motor. As pressurized liquid flows through the motor, the brush will rotate and liquid will be discharged via the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: James F. Mank, Michael D. Milosh, Timothy J. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 5072475
    Abstract: An apparatus including a pneumatic gun member, including a trigger to selectively direct pressurized air into contact with teeth members mounted circumferentially about a support disk. The teeth members, upon rotation, are directed against a cleaning pad to effect dislodgement and pneumatic removal of debris such as polishing compound and the like formed about a surface of the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Inventor: Alfred Rubiano
  • Patent number: 5044035
    Abstract: An electrically-operated plaque-removing dental cleaning machine provided with an elongated rotating brush shaft having helical brush tufts strips thereon, and a partial shield spaced from the brush strips for collecting particles dislodged from the teeth when the brush strips engage and sweep the teeth and the inter-dental areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Inventor: George Barradas
  • Patent number: 4827551
    Abstract: An electrical base powers an attached massaging head and toothbrush. Water flows through the base into the massaging head to stimulate the gums and clean the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Inventors: Brigitte Maser, Gerhard David
  • Patent number: 4825496
    Abstract: A wheeled trolley (11,12) supports a removable back-pack unit (35,36) containing a motor drive (37,39) and a fluid pump (38). The motor (37) drives the pump (38) to draw fluid from a canister (32) and supply the fluid via flexible hoses (62,63, 64, 65) to a rotary brush unit (57,58,59). The motor rotates the brush via a flexible drive line (61) running from an output (39) on the back-pack to an input (56) on the brush handle (57). The trolley body (11) and back-pack casing (35) co-operate to retain the back-pack on the trolley in a readily removable manner. The canister (32) is likewise readily removable. The fluid supply and the motor electrical supply both run independently of the trolley. The back-pack can therefore be used as such, at locations remote from the trolley, or can remain on the trolley to function as a power pack for the apparatus. The brush (59) may be a cylindrical brush and two different formats (66,83) are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Inventor: John Taylor
  • Patent number: 4783871
    Abstract: A water powered rotary toothbrush is provided which includes a housing having inlet and outlet ports and a rotatable center shaft. The rotatable center shaft has one end provided within the housing. A paddle wheel is located in the housing and is fixedly attached to the shaft near the one end thereof. The opposite end of the shaft extends out of the housing and has removably attached thereto a rotary brush element. Water is introduced into the housing through the inlet port where it is directed against the paddle wheel causing it and the center shaft to which it is fixedly attached, to rotate. The rotation is translated to the brush element which likewise rotates. Excess water is removed through the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Inventor: Joseph Rich, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4688959
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for applying a liquid to treat the nap and backing of a rug or carpet. The applicator having a cylindrical body enclosing a hollow reservoir with teeth extending from inside the reservoir outwardly through the body such that the nap of the rug is penetrated to apply liquid to the backing of the rug. The teeth and, optionally, the cylindrical body are porous, allowing the treating liquid to migrate from the reservoir to the surface to be treated as the apparatus is moved across the surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignee: Texas Romec, Inc.
    Inventors: Munson R. Snedeker, Rodney J. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 4660244
    Abstract: A hydraulic brush for teeth and gum cleaning and massaging, having a rotating cylindrical, spiral, disc or cupped-shape brush with radially projected ultrathin bristles and simultaneous liquid jets supply to the teeth and gums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Inventor: Mark Polyak
  • Patent number: 4630952
    Abstract: A device for painting wallpaper-like patterns on walls and other flat surfaces. The device comprises a container for holding paint as well as a series of feeder rollers for feeding paint onto the embossed surface of a pattern roller. Additional means, independent of the pattern roller, provides turning power to rotate the feeder rollers at the same linear speed as the pattern roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Inventor: Saul Elbaum
  • Patent number: 4597127
    Abstract: A hydraulically driven rotary brush for cleaning vehicles and the like. This is a rotary brush system wherein the brush rotates about an axis parallel to the item being washed. It has a wand for the attachment to a source of water at one end, and a brush mounted at the further end. Water flowing through the wand is diverted into a channel or channels for the operation of at least one turbine unit connected to the drum supporting the brush. Water exiting from the turbine unit is directed onto the surface being washed to thoroughly flush the same. The drum is provided with means for inserting detergents and/or waxes within the drum, and apertures are provided within the surface of the drum whereby these materials can be fed to the brush whereupon they mix with the water for application to the surface. Provision is made whereby the drum can be readily removed, for example, for the replacement of the bristles or elements of the brush itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Inventor: Robert A. Swanson
  • Patent number: 4574414
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance has a housing with an inlet opening for admitting water, a rotor rotatable in the housing, a brush member connected with the rotor for joint rotation therewith, a first smaller opening for supplying a smaller portion of water to the brush member for mixing with a soap, and a second greater outlet opening for exiting a greater portion of water for rinsing a dish or the like washed by the brush member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Inventor: Sam Zhadanov
  • Patent number: 4538315
    Abstract: A dental hygiene apparatus having five incurvated, flexible, rotating brushes mounted in a H-shaped arrangement on a housing which comprises an open brush holder portion matching with two opposed half dental arches and consists of an outer cheek-guard and an inner tongue-guard, and a closed biting portion provided with a pair of opposite restrictions for receiving the incisor teeth of the other two half dental arches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1985
    Inventor: Frederic Barth
  • Patent number: 4535499
    Abstract: The device is armed with servo-applicator means for applying shoe polishing compound to a rotor-driven applicator wheel which in turn transfers the polish to the shoe. The wheel may then be used to shine the shoe with the polish, or a substitute wheel may be used for this purpose, or if need be, an entirely separate means may be used for the purpose. The servo-applicator means may take the form of an insertible cartridge which is operable as a pushbutton-like applicator means on the device, or which can be separately employed as a handheld applicator means. The cartridge is commonly equipped with a stick of polishing compound, and in certain embodiments, the stick is removable from the cartridge, for purposes of renewing or replacing the compound, even while the cartridge is inserted in the device. In other embodiments, the cartridge is first removed from the device and then the compound is renewed or replaced before the cartridge is returned to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Inventor: Chun S. Cho
  • Patent number: 4461052
    Abstract: A hand operated combination handle and control valve assembly applicable to each of three related cleaning devices. The valve, when attached to a standard pressurized water hose, controls the pressure flow as desired; such as off, pressure to a first outlet port, pressure to both the first and second outlet ports, and finally, pressure to only the second outlet port. A first scrubbing device consists of the handle/valve attached to a pair of water passage tubes assembled to receive pressurized water to impart rotational motion to a turbine operated, planetary gear reduction driven scrubbing brush and also to rinse the soap residue of the scrubbing operation. A second scrubbing device consists of the handle/valve attached directly to a housing which directs pressurized water to a nozzle to wet or rinse an object and also through an inclined orifice to impart rotational motion to a water turbine attached to a central shaft designed to receive a scrubbing brush, such as a bottle brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1984
    Inventor: Thomas A. Mostul
  • Patent number: 4399578
    Abstract: A tool for cleaning a bathtub. The tool enables an individual standing adjacent a bathtub to readily reach and clean the inner vertical and horizontal surfaces of the bathtub. The tool comprises a cleaning head and an elongate handle shaped, contoured and dimensioned to allow the application of the cleaning head to bottom and side surfaces of the bathtub. The handle is attached to the cleaning head generally at the center of gravity thereof to facilitate the control and positioning of the cleaning head during utilization of the tool. The cleaning head includes a rotary circular pad for contacting and cleaning the surfaces of the bathtub and a motor for supplying motive power to drive the circular pad. The circular pad is resiliently compressible to facilitate the adaptation of the cleaning head to the various curved surfaces of the bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1983
    Inventor: Willard A. Bordeaux
  • Patent number: 4378804
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device, intended primarily for home use, for both vacuuming and scrubbing facial skin surfaces to remove oils and debris from the skin. The device is adapted for attachment to a conventional water outlet and comprises a Venturi tube to which is attached a housing overlying the throat suction aperture of the tube. The housing accommodates a turbine rotor which is rotated by the flow of water through the Venturi throat and the rotor drives a remote facial brush. Coaxial with the rotor is a vacuum controlling rotor which may deliver continuous or pulsating vacuum. When producing pulsating vacuum, the rotor periodically interrupts or pulses the vacuum produced in the housing which, via a flexible tube, is utilized by a remote vacuum head applied by the user to his facial surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1983
    Inventor: Thomas A. Cortese, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4302122
    Abstract: A rotary brush for applying paint to surfaces comprises a housing, a rotatable hollow cylindrical body which bears on the cylindrical surface a plurality of brush units, motor means, passage means for supplying paint from a supply channel to the bristles of the brush units, and a number of stationary guide rings mounted rigidly in the housing and guidingly surrounding the rotatable cylindrical body. The guide rings are disposed in zones transverse to the axis of the cylindrical body and distributed over the length of the same. Each ring bears a slidable bearing means adapted for bearing, for instance with a loose wheel at its free end, against the surface to be painted, thus relieving pressure of the bristles on the surface to be painted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Inventor: Liborio A. Moya
  • Patent number: 4254526
    Abstract: A car washing aid incorporates an extended drive shaft within a tubular housing attached at one end to a handle assembly, and at the other end to a wash head cover. A motor supported by the handle assembly drives one end of the drive shaft, and a rotatable brush support is driven by the other end of the shaft, rotating relative to the wash head cover. A hose supplies water into a chamber defined between the wash head cover and the brush support, and perforations in the brush support allow the water to be ejected into the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1981
    Inventor: George R. Fromm