Abstract: A floor cleaning tool is described and which includes a vacuum chamber having a fluid intake end, and a fluid exhaust end; a coupling member defining a fluid passageway extending therethrough, and which is integrally coupled to the fluid intake end of the vacuum chamber; and a floor engagement member having a plurality of inlet ports, and which is releasably secured to the coupling member by means of a mortise and tenon joint.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a moquette carpet cleaning machine (10) operable in pull-back mode comprising a machine body (11) provided with main rear wheels (12) and a suction mouth (14) placed at the front and is characterised in that support means (19) are constrained to the machine (10), on which support means (19) at least one auxiliary wheel (16) is mounted, and in that at least one from among the main wheels (12), suction mouth (14), the at least one auxiliary wheel (16) and support means (19) are movable means with respect to the machine body (11), between at least a first (A) and at least a second (B) relative position such that, when the movable means (12,14,19,16) are in the first relative position (A), the suction mouth (14) is maintained adherent to the ground (20), and when the movable means (12,14,19,16) are in the second relative position (B), the suction mouth (14) is maintained substantially raised from the ground (20).

Abstract: A motorised pool-cleaning device (1) includes: a suction element (30); a rotary element (4) for moving the device, which define first (2) and second (3) bearing axles; a support (18) consisting of (i) a first central part (24) and (ii) first (25) and second (26) side covers which are connected to either side of the first central part, such as to form the chassis of the motorised device, and which support the rotary movement element (4); and a drive element (16, 17) for rotating the rotary movement element (4), which are disposed on the first and second side covers in a cantilevered manner.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine particularly for industrial applications, comprising a box-like structure, which is provided, in its downward region directed toward the floor, with floor cleaning devices, and supports electrical controls for actuating and controlling the machine, at least one part of the electrical controls for actuating and controlling the machine being associated with a supporting body that can be detachably coupled to the box-like structure, and connectors for detachable electrical connection being provided between the part of the controls for actuation and control and their remaining part.

Abstract: An upright type cleaner that uniformly provides a suction force through the whole area of a suction port. The upright type cleaner includes a body having a fan motor that generates suction force, a suction brush provided at a lower portion of the body and having a suction port to perform a cleaning operation relative to a floor using the suction force, a rotating drum installed in the suction brush, a belt connected between the rotating drum and the fan motor, a belt cover that guides the belt and divides the suction port into two suction areas, and a connection path through which the two suction areas are communicated to each other about the belt cover.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner (1) of the invention is adapted for wipe off cleaning using a sheet wound about a rotary brush (25) incorporated in a suction device (10). In order to wind a sheet (50) around a periphery of the rotary brush (25), a brush motor (44) rotates the rotary brush (25) in a predetermined direction at a predetermined rotational speed. At the same time, suction force of an electric blower fan (42) is set to the lowest level. This achieves the following advantage in a case where a wet sheet is used as the sheet (50). During sheet winding, water and alcohol released from the wet sheet (50) can be prevented from being scattered on a surface (100) to be cleaned. Further, the released water and alcohol do not adversely affect the electric blower fan (42).

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning apparatus (10) for releasing and transporting particles away from an area to be cleaned, comprising: a housing (6) having an opening (8) to be positioned on an area (1) to be cleaned;—a member that is movable within the apparatus for generating an airflow to release and transport particles away from the area; wherein the member comprises an airflow-generating surface (12) arranged within the housing (6), said airflow-generating surface in its operating condition lacing the area (1) to be cleaned and having a direction of movement that is substantially parallel to said area so as to cause an airflow parallel to said area. The apparatus according to the invention requires less energy for releasing and transporting particles away from an area to be cleaned.

Abstract: A cost effective and environmentally sound method for quickly removing liquid from surfaces of a substrate under manufacture without leaving behind substantial residue (e.g., silicon elements from the substrate, commonly known in the field as “water marks”). The process includes first providing a substrate (e.g., a semiconductor wafer, glass flat panel, or disc media), which has undergone one or more liquid-based processes (e.g., cleaning, scrubbing, rinsing, etc.). An upper surface and a lower surface of the substrate are then subjected to vacuum suction, thereby removing liquid thereon. An apparatus for removing liquid from surfaces of a substrate is also provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of vacuum application members configured for applying vacuum suction to surfaces of a substrate, thereby removing liquid therefrom.

Abstract: Several alternate improvements of a vacuum cleaner are provided. In one aspect, the vacuum cleaner utilizes interchangeable components. In another aspect, the vacuum cleaner comprises a chamber having a top, and a first cleaning stage and suction motor are provided on the top. In another aspect, the vacuum cleaner utilizes a reconfigurable divider plate.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a cleaning unit that is mounted on a wheeled base.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mat vacuum cleaning machine in which a vacuum suction device is installed in a rear region of the machine and is adapted to vacuum suction and remove moisture, impurities, and bacteria in a washed mat so as to effect a rapid drying of the mat, and an electric heating device is installed near the vacuum suction device to heat the mat, which was inevitably deformed and wrinkled in the previous washing and drying processes, to a predetermined temperature from 30° C. to 60° C. so as to evenly smoothen the mat, resulting in an improvement in cleanness of the automotive passenger compartment using the mat.

Abstract: A vacuum appliance having a housing with an attached intake port. A plurality of attachment nodes are axially located about the intake port. An accessory with a plurality of axially located grooves selectively engage the plurality of attachment nodes to establish a locking relationship with the intake port.

Abstract: A cleaning device comprises a battery-powered suction unit (3) and a steerable vehicle (1) on wheels which is driven by muscle power, wherein the suction unit (3) is drivable on wheels (10) and is connected to the vehicle (1). The cleaning device also comprises a suction nozzle (4) disposed in the region of the steering axis (15) of the vehicle (1).

Abstract: A unique piece of engineering device “BT' Smart Machine” (BTSM) is described with the capability of lawn mowing, leave blowing/vacuuming, snow blowing, and general purpose blowing/vacuuming with other extra functionalities such as vehicle jump starter, heavy duty air compressor, vertical trolley, horizontal trolley, and outlets for AC and DC devices. BTSM' uniqueness lies in the fact that it can be run in manual (semi-automatic mode) or automatic mode (hands free mode). In manual mode (semi-automatic mode) BTSM anticipates and helps you along the way while in full-automatic mode BTSM does the work for you while you are home away from home or simply use that time to do something else and with a minimum of 10 to 12 hr uninhibited rechargeable battery life, BTSM has more than enough power to traverse your entire compound. In addition to all that, BTSM also runs off of solar energy which further maximizes battery life.

Abstract: A nonwoven fibrous mat or web forming or treating system is disclosed comprising a movable, permeable wire or belt for carrying the fibrous mat or web over at least one suction tube assembly comprising a primary suction tube having a suction slot at the top of the primary suction tube and an exit tube communicating with the primary suction tube mounted beneath the permeable belt to have the suction slot on or close to the bottom surface of the movable belt. The suction slot is at least 3.6 meters long and up to more than 5.3 meters long, and the exit tube of the suction tube assembly communicates with the primary suction tube through an opening in the primary suction tube, the opening being generally centered around a centerline of the suction slot. This primary suction tube assembly provides a more uniform suction distribution along the suction slot and reduces fouling of the suction slot compared with previous suction tube assemblies.

Abstract: Tread structures, wave motion navigational controls, and ramp up recovery controls are provided to an autonomous floor cleaner to reduce wheel slippage. The floor cleaner delivers liquid to the floor as part of the cleaning process. Wheels on the device are provided with relatively deep peripheral grooves to minimize the contact surfaces of a sprocket wheel and to accommodate the layer of liquid on the floor. In the event of wheel slippage, or to prevent wheel slippage, the device is designed to move forward with a slight side-to-side wave action caused by periodically altering the relative speeds of two drive wheels. There is also provided a slippage recovery mode where the drive wheels shut down or greatly slow when severe slippage is sensed, followed by a slow ramp up of speed.

Abstract: A programmable steerable robot, particularly useful for cleaning swimming pools, includes: a body member; a first ground-engaging rotary propelling device at one side of the body member; a second ground-engaging rotary propelling device at an opposite side of the body member; a rotary brush carried by the body member engageable with walls of the swimming pool for cleaning same; a drive for driving both of the rotary propelling devices and the rotary brush; a transmission system connecting the drive to both of the rotary propelling devices and the rotary brush; and a programming device controlling the transmission system such that, for preselected travel intervals, both rotary propelling devices are driven in the same direction to propel the body member along a linear path, and for other preselected time intervals, the rotary propelling devices are controlled such that the body member is propelled along a different path.

Abstract: A dust collecting apparatus for separating particles from an airflow comprises at least a first cyclonic separator for removing larger particles from the airflow and a plurality of second cyclonic separators, arranged in parallel and in tandem with one another, for removing smaller particles.

Abstract: A vacuum can include a housing having an inlet adapted to receive debris being vacuumed. A mounting bar can be fixedly coupled to the housing. A floor collector assembly can be rotatably disposed about a first axis defined by the mounting bar. The floor collector assembly can include a floor scoop that, in the use mode, can be pivoted to be disposed adjacent to the floor. The front wall of the floor scoop can define a recess that allows debris to pass under the recess so that the floor collector assembly can be used in a debris pickup mode. A visor can be mounted to the floor scoop and can be moved to a closed position to block at least a portion of the recess so that the floor collection assembly can be used in a water pickup mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile unit for cleaning a sewer network from a manhole, the unit comprising a suction hose, a cleaner hose, and a support and guide arm comprising a horizontal portion movable in swiveling about a vertical axis and in horizontal translation relative to the mobile unit, said arm further including a vertical portion connected to the horizontal portion and presenting a bottom module movable in swiveling and in vertical translation relative to said horizontal portion, the suction and cleaner hoses being connected to said bottom module, whereby the positioning of the bottom module corresponds substantially to the positioning of the working ends of the suction and cleaner hoses.

Abstract: A domestic appliance such as a cyclonic vacuum cleaner includes a component such as separating apparatus, carried by a chassis. A catch is provided and is operable to release the component from the chassis. The component and the chassis are able to move slightly with respect to each other. When the appliance is lifted, lugs on the separating apparatus move into slots on the chassis so as to inhibit release of the catch when the appliance is lifted. Thus, accidental release of the separating apparatus from the chassis is avoided.

Abstract: A voice control apparatus of a vacuum cleaner includes: a sense signal detector for detecting a sense signal provided from a user to provide a voice recognizable environment in an ambience; a voice command recognizing unit for temporarily stopping a driving of a motor upon receiving the detected sense signal and, at the same time, outputting a voice command control signal previously set in a voice command set corresponding to a voice command instructed by the user; and a driving command controller for controlling a function and a mode of a vacuum cleaner upon receiving the voice command control signal. By providing a voice recognizable environment, the vacuum cleaner can be effectively controlled through a user's voice command even in an environment with a strong noise.

Abstract: The present invention is a method, apparatus and process for an improved substrate mounting and processing technique for various substrate treatments comprising cleaning, dicing, sawing, polishing, and planarization, among others.

Abstract: A printing machine in which excessive ink remaining in ink delivery tubings (20, 22, 24) each connecting an ink reservoir (16) to an ink supply source (18) can be quickly removed or rinsed out is provided.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is inspected and cleaned by applying a vacuum to the area in which the semiconductor device is positioned. Micro-sized particulates that are brushed off the semiconductor device during cleaning are drawn off by the vacuum.

Abstract: In a method and system for removing particles from a surface, a portable, compressed gas can is provided containing a particle removal gas. An air ionizer unit is connected to the gas can. A high voltage potential is selectively actuated at a time when a nozzle of the gas can is depressed, the high voltage potential being positioned in the gas stream to create air ions in the gas stream which facilitate removal of the particles.

Abstract: The cleaning of particles from an electrostatic chuck. In one embodiment, a method of cleaning an electrostatic chuck in a processing chamber is disclosed. The method comprises directing a flow of gas across the electrostatic chuck to dislodge particles from the electrostatic chuck and removing the flow of gas and particles through an exhaust port in the processing chamber. In this embodiment, the vacuum integrity of the chamber is not compromised during the cleaning of the electrostatic chuck.

Abstract: In this disclosure, air flow is formed above chemical liquid film and a move of the chemical liquid is generated by making the air flow into a contact with the surface of chemical liquid. Further, a negative pressure is generated in a space between a processing object substrate and a plate by rotating the plate. Consequently, uniformity of processing of chemical liquid is improved, so that liquid removing step can be carried out effectively. As a result, yield rate of chemical liquid treatment can be improved.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for an ECMD anode pad including a vacuum head which applies vacuum pressure to the surface of the anode pad between ECMD operations in order to remove particles precipitated onto the surface of the anode pad and prevent or minimize inadvertent scratching or peeling of a wafer supported by the pad during the process. The particles are dislodged from the anode pad and removed from the ECMD system by flow of electrolyte solution into the vacuum head. The electrolyte solution is typically filtered before returning to the electrolyte tank for ultimate redistribution to the ECMD system.

Abstract: A surface cleaning or surface conditioning pressure sprayer which has one or more liquid sprayers with a source of pressurized liquid. The sprayer is mounted on one or more liquid spray headers. The header is moved in a traversing motion by a connecting arm attached to a rotary cam. An angle adjustment device moves the header on a pivot in order to accomplish the most effective angle of attack for cleaning between the surface to be cleaned or conditioned and the pressurized liquid spray. The above described device may be mounted on a support having a mobility means, a housing to contain and manage liquid and air flow. Airflow, air velocity, air temperature, air dryness and air impingement may be adjusted to improve cleaning and drying of the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A process for treating a particulate material is described, comprising the steps of filling the material into a container, the container having a base, an upright wall widening from bottom to top, and a deflection element adjoining the wall in an upper region of the container, moving the material in the container in a continuous circulatory movement along the base to the wall and along the wall upward by rotating the wall about a vertical axis of rotation, and moving the material along the deflection element by means of an air stream, which is introduced substantially from bottom to top through at least one air gap in a transition region from the wall to the deflection element and, in a region adjacent to the air gap, substantially tangentially with respect to the course of at least one of the wall and the deflection element. Further an apparatus for carrying out the process is described.

Abstract: A self-propelled cleaning device having a cylindrical side cover has a suction body capable of moving transversely to the forward direction. The side cover is held by a base via a suspension. When cleaning corners of a room, the suction body moves by a wall and as the suction body moves to a corner, the movement amount of the suction body is changed. When an obstacle touches the cleaning device, the side cover moves, and the article touches a side cover switch, and the direction of the article is detected.

Abstract: A vacuum debris removal system for an integrated circuit manufacturing device is disclosed. The vacuum debris removal system comprises at least one vacuum tube. An opening is formed in the at least one vacuum tube at a selected location to cause air flow away from an element of the integrated circuit manufacturing device.

Abstract: Please add the Abstract Of The Disclosure, as set forth on the separate accompanying sheet. That Abstract Of The Disclosure is essentially the same, in content, as the Abstract which is a part of the published PCT application WO 02/066212. No new matter is being added by the presentation of this Abstract Of The Disclosure.

Abstract: In this disclosure, air flow is formed above chemical liquid film and a move of the chemical liquid is generated by making the air flow into a contact with the surface of chemical liquid. Further, a negative pressure is generated in a space between a processing object substrate and a plate by rotating the plate. Consequently, uniformity of processing of chemical liquid is improved, so that liquid removing step can be carried out effectively. As a result, yield rate of chemical liquid treatment can be improved.

Abstract: A sewer-cleaning tool includes a sleeve is sized to have an inside diameter incrementally greater than the outside diameter of the pipe. A sleeve is sized to have an inside diameter incrementally greater than the outside diameter of the pipe. A scoop, having a spoon shaped main body, is carried by a lower portion of the sleeve. A fence assembly includes left and right fence segments attached along their lower edges to the scoop and at an upper rear location to the sleeve. A reinforcement assembly includes left and right rods connected to an upper and forward location on the left and right fence segments, respectively, and to the sleeve. In operation, a water hose delivers water upstream of the cleaning tool, causing debris to be washed to the tool and evacuated, while the water moves through the fence assembly, increasing the ratio of debris to water collected.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for breaking out a pattern (1) embedded in loose particulate matter (2), whereby the pattern (1) is arranged on a platform (4) movable at least vertically. At least during breakout, the movable platform (4) is enclosed in a container (3) that is open at least in the upward direction as viewed from the platform (4) towards the pattern (1). The platform (4) is displaced at the desired settable speed upwards in the direction of the pattern (1) and the loose particulate matter (2) is removed simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and a cleaning brush for removing contaminants from and extending the life of a photoconductor film wherein the cleaning brush has end sections having a reduced coefficient of friction with the end sections of the photoconductor film which are less frequently used.

Abstract: A power nozzle for use with a vacuum cleaner. The power nozzle includes a housing having at least two compartments and a bottom surface, a rotary brush at least partially in a front compartment of the housing, a brush motor at least partially positioned in an back compartment of the housing, a suction opening located in the bottom surface of the housing, a set of front wheels, a set of rear wheels, and a wand connected to the housing. The bottom surface has a front end, a back end, and a non-planar shape. The bottom surface at least partially slopes downwardly at least between the front end of the bottom surface and the set of front wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing fines from the bottom of a tank includes an extraction device having an internal chamber along with a vacuum arrangement which, when activated, lowers the pressure within the chamber. An inlet structure adjacent the bottom of the extraction device is adapted to be juxtaposed against fines accumulated on the bottom of the tank, the inlet device acting, when the vacuum is activated, to move fines toward the internal chamber by superimposing on the moving fines an inwardly convergent motion. A cable is provided for lowering the extraction device toward the bottom of the tank. The apparatus includes a distributor above the extraction device. The distributor defines a quiet zone above the device for separation of fines from the fluid.

Abstract: In this disclosure, air flow is formed above chemical liquid film and a move of the chemical liquid is generated by making the air flow into a contact with the surface of chemical liquid. Further, a negative pressure is generated in a space between a processing object substrate and a plate by rotating the plate. Consequently, uniformity of processing of chemical liquid is improved, so that liquid removing step can be carried out effectively. As a result, yield rate of chemical liquid treatment can be improved.

Abstract: A bridge surface preparation, maintenance and painting system has a truck-mounted man lift with an extensible platform on which robot arms and cameras are mounted. Inflatable bags isolate the area of the bridge being worked on, and an apron catches debris such as from sand blasting. An operator sits at a remote control console on a truck, directs the man lift platform into position, controls the inflating of the barriers and operates and guides the robot arms through master-slave controls while watching video displays. The machine is used for surface preparation, undercoating, finish coat painting and bridge inspections.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided which has a simple structure and exerts suction without involving discharge of gas at all so that it can be used in extremely clean environments. A vacuum cleaner (100) comprises a vacuum tank (1) which is previously evacuated to create a vacuum inside, a valve (2) for keeping the vacuum tank 1 airtight, and a suction unit (20) attached to the valve (2); the valve (2) is opened when the vacuum cleaner (100) is used. The valve (2) is a so-called gate valve and the vacuum tank (1) is kept airtight when the gate valve element (22) in the valve (2) is closed. A connection inlet (23) is attached to the valve (2) on the side opposite to its surface attached to the vacuum tank (1). A connection adapter (31) is screwed into the connection inlet (23) and an attachment, e.g. a flexible suction hose (32), is attached to the connection adapter (31).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the removal of laser ablation byproducts generated in the imaging of laser sensitive media. In accordance with the invention, the byproducts are generated when a laser sensitive media is imaged with a laser. At least two sources of fluid flow are directed toward the imaging area and are oriented such that a substantial component of the bias of one source is anti-parallel with that of the other. These two fluid flow sources are operative to direct the ablation byproducts away from the imaging area, where they are collected by a sink, to which fluid moves. The sink removes the ablation byproducts from the vicinity of the laser sensitive media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a central vacuum power unit comprising in combination a canister, a chamber for collecting debris, a first plate, a second plate, a third plate, a duct means, a motor-fan assembly, a filtering means, a first baffle means, means for generating a flow of cooling air for an electric motor, and means for reducing the emission of noise outside the canister. This central vacuum power unit is characterized in that a portion of said piping passes across a further opening is provided in the plate which is provided with the seat of resilient vibration dampening material and is receiving the motor-fan assembly, in that said portion of piping has a vertical axis substantially parallel to the axis of the intake of the vacuum fan, so that any deformation of the seat due to the vacuum existing underneath the motor-fan assembly will allow the piping to slide freely in said further opening without solid contact with said plate.

Abstract: A method for dry cleaning a wafer container such as a SMIF pod that is equipped with a bottom mounting plate covered with contaminating particles. In the method, the wafer containers are mounted in openings of the enclosure such that the bottom mounting plates with the contaminating particles are exposed to an air-tight cavity of the enclosure. A purge gas flow is then directed to the bottom of the plate to dislodge the contaminating particles which are then picked up by a vacuum conduit positioned juxtaposed to the purge gas conduit and connected to a factory vacuum source such that contaminating particles dislodged are immediately removed. The present invention novel method can be carried out without using wet bench cleaning while achieving desirable and efficient cleaning results.

Abstract: A method of cleaning an embossing roll used in an embossing process. The method includes steps of passing a paper web between a pair of embossing rolls and preventing or cleaning deposits from the surface of at least one embossing roll. Pressurized air is forced through an air nozzle having an elongated narrow outlet that directs the pressurized air as an air knife against the patterned surface of the embossing roll after the patterned surface rotates out of contact with the web. The air knife extends an embossing width of the embossing roll. A lubricant or solvent may be mixed with the pressurized air.

Abstract: The invention is an adjustable portable vacuum assisted device for collecting dense matter, such as nuts, while separating and ingesting less dense matter in the same original environment as the nuts, such as leaves or other lawn refuse. The source of vacuum may be the inlet side of a lawn blower. In the invention, ambient forces, such as gravity and turbulence disengage dense solids in a gaseous stream from less dense matter in the gaseous stream induced by the vacuum means without operational malfunction caused by clogging or jamming of the device. Disengaged dense matter is collected within a collection chamber while less dense matter is ingested through and discharged by the vacuum means.

Abstract: A positioning unit for a yarn splicer mountable to a creel in a yarn winding operation includes a rolling unit attachable to the creel, a main support member secured to the rolling unit, and a slide unit supporting the yarn splicer. The slide unit is slidably mounted to the main support member. In one arrangement, the main support member includes an air cylinder, and the slide unit includes an actuator driven by the air cylinder. In another arrangement, the slide unit is secured to the main support member for manual positioning by a creel attendant and is supported by a counterweight assembly. The positioning unit enables a creel attendant to easily and readily position a mechanical splicer or the like relative to yarn packages on a creel to facilitate yarn package maintenance.