Abstract: A dust withdrawing arrangement has a plurality of individual enclosures each enclosing a respective one of working areas from which dust has to be removed, a common enclosure which is arranged around said individual enclosures, a negative pressure generating unit for generating a negative pressure in an interior of the common enclosure, and a passage associated with each of the individual enclosures and leading exclusively to the interior of the common enclosure without communicating with passages from other individual enclosures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sealing system for intake and exhaust ports used when performing purging on the interior of a container accommodating objects, such as an FOUP, wherein the sealing of the intake and exhaust lines is effected in a satisfactory manner with respect to the external environment. The sealing member has a ring-shaped main body portion, an inner peripheral lip protruding from the ring inner peripheral portion of the main body portion, and an outer peripheral lip protruding from the ring outer peripheral portion of the main body portion, wherein the space formed by the inner peripheral lip, the outer peripheral lip, etc. can be evacuated.

Abstract: A powder spray booth (2) with a powder recovery system having an overspray intake (18) communicating with the interior of the booth. A vertically extending duct (20) leads from the overspray intake to a powder recovery system such as, for example, a cyclone. The vertically extending duct may have doors (32) opening to the interior of the booth to provide access to the vertical duct for cleaning. The doors may have holes (120) to aspirate air from the booth interior to optimize air flow patterns within the booth. A diverter plate (26) within the booth (2) defines with the booth floor (10) a floor duct leading to the overspray intake (18). The diverter plate has apertures for allowing oversprayed powder to be collected through the plate.

Abstract: Wafer holder cleaning devices, systems and methods that are capable of removing contaminants from a wafer holder. An embodiment includes a particle removal surface on the cleaning device. An embodiment of the surface is a brush. An embodiment includes moving the surface into contact with the wafer holder. An embodiment includes moving the surface into a close, non-contacting relationship to the wafer holder. An embodiment includes a vacuum removing the particles from the wafer holder. In an embodiment, the wafer holder is a spindle chuck. In an embodiment, the spindle chuck is in a fabrication station. In an embodiment, one of the cleaning device and wafer holder rotates.

Abstract: A self-contained vacuum system attachable to the ceiling of a building is described. The system includes a housing having a hose storage compartment and a vacuum source compartment; a vacuum hose extendable between a retracted position in the hose storage compartment, and an extended position extending from the hose storage compartment; a reversible drive mechanism within the housing to move the hose between retracted and extended positions; a positioning mechanism to lower and raise the housing; a control device in the form of a control handle with switches, connected to the distal end of the hose and a vacuum source mounted in the vacuum source compartment, the hose having an inner end communicating with a debris collector.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning debris and residue from a multitude of electrical contacts of a test probe card of an integrated circuit test probe apparatus preferably comprises a silicon wafer having a grooved surface into which the test probe card is moved into pressurized contact. The grooved surface provides a grating structure that when combined with the pressurized electrical contacts will crush any intervening or attached residue particles, which will then break into smaller particles and fall away from the probe card. Pressure and relative movement of the probe card may be controlled by a variety of measurement sensors.

Abstract: An air jet for a machine tool to clean cutting dust has a housing with a hole and an outlet. An eccentric member has a cam and is provided in the housing which the eccentric member is driven by a power resource of the machine tool for rotation. An annular transmission is engaged with the eccentric member. A driving member is driven by the transmission for linear reciprocating motion. A flexible film is provided in the housing covering the outlet and has an inlet corresponding to the driving member, wherein the inlet of the film is sealed and the film is pressed for strain while the driving member is moved toward the film, and a tube has an end thereof connected with the outlet.

Abstract: An imaging-device cleaning apparatus is attached to a camera by engaging with a lens mount of the camera typically used for attaching a camera lens. The imaging-device cleaning apparatus includes a nozzle for removing dust and dirt in the vicinity of an imaging section of the camera, and a motor and a fan for supplying air to the nozzle to remove the dust and dirt from the vicinity of an image sensor of the camera.

Abstract: A needle cleaning system, for use with a liquid dispensing system that dispenses a quantity of material through a dispensing needle or transfer pin, includes a vacuuming device coupled with a residual material collection device, wherein the collection device includes at least one appropriately shaped orifice for receiving an end of the dispensing needle or pin. The liquid dispensing system further includes a control system for periodically positioning the dispensing needle or pin relative the orifice in the collection device. The vacuuming device creates an airflow, which passes around the exterior of the needle or pin and into the collection device, thereby removing residual material from the exterior of the dispensing needle or pin without contact.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning at least one surface of tubular tool rails includes an elongated housing having a free end, at least one brush rotatably attached to the free end of the housing, and a motor attached to the housing. The motor is operable to rotate the at least one brush to clean the at least one surface of the tool rail when the brush contacts the at least one surface. A debris removal device is attached to the housing adjacent the brush.

Abstract: A vacuum extraction system is provided for extracting contaminants from rotating electrical devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the vacuum extraction system extracts conductive dust from the current collection system of a synchronous generator with a static excitation system. As the brushes (24) of the static excitation system wear against the collector rings (26), they produce conductive dust, which if permitted to accumulate, may cause electrical shorts and arcing and severe damage to the rotating electrical device. Methods and systems consistent with the vacuum extraction system of the present invention extract conductive dust from a rotating electrical device through vacuum passages (50, 62, 67, 72, 77) in the rotating electrical device into a removable dust capture media (46) to prevent dust accumulation and possible electrical damage.

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: A system for adapting the intake configuration of a central vacuum cleaning system is disclosed. The canister of the central vacuum cleaning system is provided with at least two vacuum intake openings from which an installer can choose to insert an intake coupler and at least one intake closure or cap of the present invention. Insertion and attachment of the intake coupler and the cap(s) is achieved by use of a novel twist-to-lock interface provided between the vacuum intake openings and the coupler and cap(s). Attachment of the coupler and the cap(s) is accomplished easily and quickly by hand and without the need for glue, clamps, tools, or any other equipment.

Abstract: A reed cleaning apparatus is provided with rotary brushes (16) supported on a carriage (3) that travels along the upper bar (2) of a reed for rotation about an axis parallel to guide groove (17) formed in the reed. Flexible shafts (15) are used to transmit rotative force to the rotary brushes (16) to form the reed cleaning apparatus in compact construction, to dispose the rotary brushes close to the reed, to form the rotary brushes in a small diameter, and to enable cleaning the reed with warp yarns extended through the reed by depressing the warp yarns. The rotary brushes are disposed at the opposite longitudinal ends, respectively, of the carriage (3) to enable the reed cleaning apparatus to clean the entire length of the reed.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a chenille production machine has a yarn fabricating head enclosure that includes a base member positioned in parallel and in close proximity with a back side of the yarn fabricating head and fixedly mounted to the supporting frame, a body member circumferentially encompassing the yarn fabricating head and fixed to the base member, and a cover member secured to the body member to enclose the fabricating head for collecting the fabricating dust. The cover member has at least one opening port for direct removal of the dust. A dust evacuating system is associated with the opening port. The dust evacuating system has a guiding member that is positioned within the cover member to direct the dust from the enclosure to a hose connected to an exhaust system. The cleaning apparatus optionally includes an automatic purge system which provides an automated cleaning service of the yarn fabricating head in a predetermined time intervals and for a predetermined duration.

Abstract: A work table having the function of collecting dust or the like may be used to collect fragments or chips produced during the working process of the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method or device for removing dust, waste and short fibres in the removal zone of a carder or carding machine, having a stripper roller or doffer, a doffing cylinder, an upper and a lower press roller, and a transverse conveyor belt. A solution according to the present invention provides at least one of the following means: means, for example a compressed air device, for generating a preset air flow in the region between the stripper roller, the doffing cylinders and the press rollers; an exhaust device for the area of the lower stripper and the lower press roller; an exhaust device for the area above the upper mote knife.

Abstract: A vacuum dustpan having a housing with an inlet to the level of the floor surface into which dust and debris can be directed. A vacuum motor induces a vacuum to transfer the debris to a collection chamber within the housing. The vacuum dustpan is usable in locations such as shops, hair salons, kitchens and other environments where debris collects and periodically swept.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a viewing window of a detector substantially clean includes enclosing the detector within a housing, and moving a target surface relative to the viewing window to create an airflow adjacent the viewing window. The housing can include an aperture through which the viewing window of the sensor views the target surface. Motion of the target surface creates an airflow velocity adjacent the viewing window for maintaining the viewing window substantially clean. To increase the accuracy of the detector, a high emissivity area is provided on an outside surface of the housing which faces the target surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile filter cleaning system allowing movement to a site where dirty filters are located. The filter cleaning system includes a trailer or truck, an air compressor, an aftercooler, an air drier, a filter cleaning station, a compressed air tank, a dust collector, a fan and fan motor, and an airflow verification unit. Along a first fluid communication, compressed air is used to clean dirty filters in the cleaning station and filter cartridges in the dust collector. Along a second fluid communication dirt, liberated from the dirty filter is pulled from the cleaning station to the dust collector by a fan-induced draft. The compressor creates the first fluid communication and the fan creates a second fluid communication.

Abstract: A vacuum extraction system is provided for extracting contaminants from rotating electrical devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the vacuum extraction system extracts conductive dust from the current collection system of a synchronous generator with a static excitation system. As the brushes (24) of the static excitation system wear against the collector rings (26), they produce conductive dust, which if permitted to accumulate, may cause electrical shorts and arcing and severe damage to the rotating electrical device. Methods and systems consistent with the vacuum extraction system of the present invention extract conductive dust from a rotating electrical device through vacuum passages (50, 62, 67, 72, 77) in the rotating electrical device into a removable dust capture media (46) to prevent dust accumulation and possible electrical damage.

Abstract: A dust withdrawing arrangement has a plurality of individual enclosures each enclosing a respective one of working areas from which dust has to be removed, a common enclosure which is arranged around said individual enclosures, a negative pressure generating unit for generating a negative pressure in an interior of the common enclosure, and a passage associated with each of the individual enclosures and leading exclusively to the interior of the common enclosure without communicating with passages from other individual enclosures.

Abstract: A web trim collection system having an air pressure system to move web trim. A divert bin operable in a first position to allow the web trim to be deposited in a collection bin. The divert bin is also operable in a second position to intercept the web trim, so as to allow the collection bin to be removed from the collection system while the collection system continues to collect trim.

Abstract: A system for cleaning the fouling and clogging of particulate matter associated with a fluidized gas bed. The system is particularly suited for use with Selective Catalytic Reduction reactors but its use is not limited thereto. The system includes a gas compressor to force cleaning gas through gas injection lines adjacent to retaining structures to be cleaned. The compressor produces sufficient pressure to cause the cleaning gas to dislodge the particulate from the retaining structures. A vacuum system withdraws the dislodged particulate and mixed gas from the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A needle cleaning system, for use with a liquid dispensing system that dispenses a quantity of material through a dispensing needle or transfer pin, includes a vacuuming device coupled with a residual material collection device, wherein the collection device includes at least one appropriately shaped orifice for receiving an end of the dispensing needle or pin. The liquid dispensing system further includes control means for periodically positioning the dispensing needle or pin relative the orifice in the collection device. The vacuuming device creates an airflow, which passes around the exterior of the needle or pin and into the collection device, thereby removing residual material from the exterior of the dispensing needle or pin without contact.

Abstract: Wafer holder cleaning devices, systems and methods that are capable of removing contaminants from a wafer holder. An embodiment includes a particle removal surface on the cleaning device. An embodiment of the surface is a brush. An embodiment includes moving the surface into contact with the wafer holder. An embodiment includes moving the surface into a close, non-contacting relationship to the wafer holder. An embodiment includes a vacuum removing the particles from the wafer holder. In an embodiment, the wafer holder is a spindle chuck. In an embodiment, the spindle chuck is in a fabrication station. In an embodiment, one of the cleaning device and wafer holder rotates.

Abstract: A vehicle vacuum cleaning system for cleaning the interior of a vehicle having an access opening therein includes a movable bellows housing assembly having a movable bellows frame with a pair of spring biased pivotable sealing members attached thereto. An inlet box having a suction air inlet opening is attached to the bellow frame. Each of the sealing members has a first sealing flap for engaging an inside edge of the access opening on one side thereof and a second sealing flap for engaging a portion around an outer edge of the access opening adjacent the one side. A duct is connected to the air inlet opening and a motor driven fan is connected to the duct for drawing air from inside the vehicle through the access opening and suction air inlet whereby loose material from the vehicle is removed.

Abstract: A vehicle vacuum cleaning system for cleaning the interior of a vehicle having an access opening therein includes a movable bellows housing assembly having a movable bellows frame. An inlet box having a suction air inlet opening is attached to the bellow frame and a pair of pivotable sealing members are attached to the sides of the bellows frame. Each of the sealing members has a first sealing flap for engaging an inside edge of the access opening on one side thereof and a second sealing flap for engaging a portion around an outer edge of the access opening adjacent the one side. Spring means are provided for biasing the sealing members into sealing engagement with the vehicle. A duct is connected to the air inlet opening and a motor driven fan is connected to the duct for drawing air from inside the vehicle through the access opening and suction air inlet whereby loose material from the vehicle is removed by the air and discharged into the duct for collection in a container.

Abstract: A dental vacuum system for use in dental operatories wherein a dental aspirator tip and in the dental operatory is in fluid communication with a vacuum means for providing suction to the system, there being interposed between the aspirator tip and the vacuum means a separation chamber for the separation of effluent, and solids, including amalgam and other particulate matter from the air stream, the separation chamber being in communication with a collection chamber for the separation collection of solids, amalgam and other particulate matter, from the effluent which is discharged, the collection chamber being removably replaceable from the system for the recycling of the contents.

Abstract: A purge/vent system (10) for and method of purging/venting a brush arm bearing. The purge/vent system includes a driven mechanism (12) and a support member (14) having a first cavity (48) for containing the driven mechanism. A gas supply system (24) is in fluid communication with the first cavity proximate the upper end (18) of the driven mechanism, and an evacuation system (26) is in fluid communication with the first cavity proximate the lower end (20) of the driven mechanism. In operation, the gas supply system supplies a gas to the first chamber and the evacuation system draws the gas from the first chamber. As the evacuation system draws the gas from the first chamber, the gas is drawn across and/or through the driven mechanism to keep the driven mechanism dry and/or remove foreign material from the first chamber.

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: 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: A spray boom assembly adapted for mounting on a vehicle, includes a pair of spray booms mounted for movement between a horizontally extended rigged-out position and an elevated rigged-in position. A single power cylinder moves the booms between the rigged-out and rigged-in positions and a lift link assembly is pivotally attached to the boom to effect elevation of the boom automatically upon rigging-in and depression of the boom automatically to its horizontally extended rigged-out position.

Abstract: A portable, dust collection system for collection of wood dust generated in a wood floor sanding operation, the system comprising a plurality of portable blower motors comprising the primary static pressure generator positioned in series between the sanding tools and the collection container, this system having a plurality of collection hoses of increasing diameter between the sanding tools and the primary static pressure generator with intermediate blower motors positioned between the hoses where diameters increase, sanding tools having skirts for position thereon in distal proximate contact with the floor such that all dust is collected by the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing food and grease in a wastewater stream from a food service facility. Vacuum is supplied to a suction hose, which is used to remove food and grease from plates and utensils prior to these being introduced into the water flow. The food and grease is collected in a waste container for separate disposal. The suction hose may be fitted with a scrubber head for breaking up and removing the materials. The vacuum may be supplied by an air pressure operated vacuum transducer, or by an exhaust blower. The invention thus solves the problem of high BOD, FOG and TSS levels in wastewater streams from food service facilities, which generate excessive loads on both on-site septic systems and municipal waste water treatment plants.

Abstract: A purge/vent system (10) for and method of purging/venting a brush arm bearing. The purge/vent system comprises a driven mechanism (12) and a support member (14) having a first cavity (48) for containing the driven mechanism. A gas supply system (24) is in fluid communication with the first cavity proximate the upper end (18) of the driven mechanism, and an evacuation system (26) is in fluid communication with the first cavity proximate the lower end (20) of the driven mechanism. In operation, the gas supply system supplies a gas to the first chamber and the evacuation system draws the gas from the first chamber. As the evacuation system draws the gas from the first chamber, the gas is drawn across and/or through the driven mechanism to keep the driven mechanism dry and/or remove foreign material from the first chamber.

Abstract: A portable dust collection system for collection of wood dust generated in a wood floor sanding operation, the system comprising a plurality of portable blower motors comprising the primary static pressure generator positioned in series between the sanding tools and the collection container, this system having a plurality of collection hoses of increasing diameter between the sanding tools and the primary static pressure generator with intermediate blower motors positioned between the hoses where diameters increase, sanding tools having skirts for position thereon in distal proximate contact with the floor such that all dust is collected by the system.

Abstract: An automatic public toilet for outdoor use has a public part confined by a roof, four walls and a floor, and comprises a lavatory unit including a toilet seat and bowl, the lavatory unit being supported on a wall of the toilet, wherein the floor is movable into and out of the public part of the toilet and the cleaning device for the floor is placed outside the public part. The floor is rotatable around a vertical axis.

Abstract: A pollution containment apparatus for removal of polluted material from a ceiling and/or a wall. The apparatus has a platform which can support a workperson and can be raised and lowered. A support on the platform holds a enclosure. The enclosure has gloves and a waste bag attached. A portion of the top of the enclosure can be opened and closed for access to the polluted portion of the ceiling and/or the wall. The entire completely assembled apparatus can be moved from one location to another.

Abstract: A vacuum fitting for connection to a remote source of vacuum, the vacuum fitting comprising a main body mountable to a fixed structure. The main body includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening; an openable closure mounted to the main body and being moveable between an open position and position covering the inlet opening; a latch member selectively positionable to keep the closure in said covering position when positioned between the main body and the closure and to permit said closure to move to an open position when not positioned between said main body and the closure; and a biaser to urge the closure to an open position. A switch is also provided to initiate the remote source of vacuum when the closure is moved to the open position by the biaser.

Abstract: A shed-forming apparatus for a weaving machine includes warp thread guiding healds reciprocated vertically between an upper shed position and a lower shed position; a lowering frame; and return springs attached to each heald and to the lowering frame to reset the healds into the lower shed position. The lowering frame supports a channel through which an air stream is forced. The return springs are coupled to the channel for exposing the return springs to a pressure of an air flow to prevent dust deposition and lint formation on the return springs.

Abstract: An under cabinet vacuum device including an intake fan disposed interiorly of a cabinet. A collection bin is removably disposed interiorly of the cabinet forwardly of the intake fan. The collection bin has a top wall, a bottom wall, an open rear, an open front and opposed side walls. The open rear is aligned with the intake fan. An intake vent is positioned through a lower wall of the cabinet on a flooring surface that the cabinet is positioned on. The intake vent is made up of a forward plate and a rearward plate with a channel disposed therebetween. The forward plate has an open lower end in communication with the channel. The open lower end is exposed to the flooring surface. The rearward plate has an open upper end in communication with the channel. The open upper end is exposed to the open front of the collection bin.

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaner system having a motor driven vacuum source which is selectively turned on or off. The central vacuum cleaner has an interface connector for establishing a connection between the central vacuum and an air exchanger. The interface connector is connected to be activated by the central vacuum when the motor is turned on so as to activate the air exchanger.

Abstract: Apparatus for a home workshop to collect wood dust from a plurality of locations and deposit the dust in a central container. The apparatus consists of a tubing manifold, running along the wall of the workshop, with multiple connection points for tools. The manifold contains a vacuum tee fitting that allows the vacuum source to be connected in the middle of the manifold, rather than at one of the ends, without sacrificing collection efficiency. This reduces the average length of the suction path to the tools, further enhancing collection efficiency, and allows location of the vacuum source where convenient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improvements in the operation and design of wall-mounted recessed vacuum cleaner systems. The invention advantageously incorporates an extremely compact motor design which enables the filtering debris receptacle to be arranged directly over the motor housing. The vacuum system of the instant invention is characterized by an upper containment compartment and a lower evacuation compartment. The containment compartment houses an air filtering and residue collecting receptacle, e.g. a vacuum bag assembly, which may incorporate HEPA filtration characteristics.

Abstract: A glove box for cutting a hole in a ceiling collects dust and debris during the cutting operation. The glove box is a transparent container having a central aperture in the bottom. The aperture includes an inwardly extending ring having an outwardly extending flange for attaching a glove. A seal at the top of the container engages the ceiling, compressing to accommodate irregularities or minor slope in the ceiling. The glove box may be held by the user during use, or may be supported on top of a telescoping pole. A fork engages the telescoping pole at its lower end, and opposite sides of the cylinder on its upper end. A spring between the fork and telescoping pole biases the container towards the ceiling. The container may include openings for a vacuum hose or an electrical cord for a cutting tool.

Abstract: A floor mounted sweeping suction inlet is provided with a door that carries a user-activated portion by which the door may be opened by contact from a foot. This makes it unnecessary for the householder to bend over to activate the vacuum-operated waste collection system. The vacuum source can be turned-on automatically by opening the door by the presence of a door-activated electrical switch. An adapter converts the floor-mounted vacuum opening to a standard circular opening for receiving a vacuum hose and wand.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus for the wheels of a car used in a semiconductor manufacturing plant has a pair of endless belts that carry a dust trapping material on their outer surfaces. The belts turn against a wheel and thereby remove the dust.

Abstract: A workbench includes a hollow base member formed with a lower chamber and an upper chamber that is disposed above and in fluid communication with the lower chamber. A tabletop is mounted on top of the base member and is formed with a plurality of apertures for access into the upper chamber. An air filtering device is mounted in the upper chamber. A motor-operated suction device is mounted in the lower chamber and is operable to create a downward air stream for drawing air to flow in a direction from above the tabletop into the base member such that woodworking waste on the tabletop can be drawn into the base member via the apertures so as to be entrapped by the air filtering device.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a stretch machine with a drive mechanism which is placed in a drive enclosure (3). This drive is covered by a movable top (2), which lies with its edge areas (24) on a stationary part (10) of the stretch machine and which top carries a blower (4) with at least one suction side and one discharge side. The blower stands with its suction side in connection with a filter (5) and with its discharge side open to the interior of the drive enclosure (3). Within the drive enclosure is provided an air distribution system (6). This is so arranged and so oriented that the blower (4) produces, in the entire peripheral area of the cover (2), an effect which is essentially of uniform strength. The blower 4 is provided with a control apparatus (71) for a reversal of its direction of impelling air.