Abstract: This invention relates to a device for cleaning and decontaminating rods, shafts or other long tubular materials. In particular, the device cleans and decontaminates rods that are used in downhole remediation tasks that might otherwise transfer contaminants out of the ground. The device scrubs, washes, rinses and dries the outer surface of the rod while recovering the wash and rinse fluids and any soil or other debris scrubbed from the surface of the rods. In one variation, the rinse fluid is recycled for use as wash fluid to conserve fluids used in the field.

Abstract: Scrap metal chips, which may be oily, wet and dirty and which may be of varying lengths and widths, twisted, curled and cracked, resulting from machining metal articles, are cleaned and dried by passing them sequentially through a washer cylinder, a rinse cylinder and a dryer cylinder. A thread formed of a plate-like metal strip is secured within the interior surface of each cylinder to provide a deep, spiral trough within each cylinder. Each cylinder is rotated so that the chips are moved, in a tumbling motion, along the troughs due to the auger-like thread, from one end to the opposite end. A hot, aqueous washing solution is flowed through the washer cylinder in a direction opposite to the movement of the chips. Similarly, a hot rinse water is flowed through the rinse cylinder in a direction opposite to the movement of the chips therethrough.

Abstract: A nozzle device for supplying washing liquid to a reaction vessel holding a carrier therein and for discharging a liquid from the reaction vessel. The nozzle device comprises a cylindrical outer tube having a lower end in a shape of a cone without a vertex and having an axial through-hole in opposition to the reaction vessel and an upper end communicating with a suction device for discharging the liquid. The nozzle device further comprising a cylindrical inner tube inserted loosely in the outer tube, reaching the through-hole of the outer tube, fitting tightly, practically without a gap therebetween, to the axial through-hole at the lower end, and communicating with a washing liquid-supplying device at the upper end thereof to form by itself a supply path for the washing liquid. The nozzle device also includes a liquid discharge path formed between the outside wall of the inner tube and the inside wall of the outer tube.

Abstract: A cleaner unit is provided for applying a liquid cleaning solution onto the surface of an information disk, such as a so-called compact laser disk or the like. The cleaner unit comprises a housing with a rotatable spindle adapted to support the information disk in a generally horizontal orientation, in combination with a circulation system having a rotatable pump impeller for spraying a jet of a cleaning solution onto the underside of the disk near the spindle. A drive motor is operated by a control circuit for initially rotating the spindle and impeller in a first direction for spraying the cleaning solution against the spinning disk, with the rotational disk movement causing the cleaning solution to spread radially outwardly as a film over the underside disk surface. The cleaning solution is thrown from the disk periphery and is captured by an outer contoured deflector shroud for recirculation to the pump impeller.

Abstract: An optical fiber (12) being removed from a storage spool (14) for winding onto a canister (20) passes through a housing formed from separable parts (22, 24). A chamber (34) within the housing has a nozzle (40) connected to a supply of a cleaning solvent and directs a spray of the solvent onto the moving fiber. Another version locates a further nozzle (46) within the housing directing a pressurized air stream on the fiber to dry the solvent as well as remove foreign particulate matter from the fiber. Yet another version has brushes (50, 52) within the housing that the fiber moves against to aid in removing particulate matter from the fiber surface.

Abstract: A method of cleaning window furnishings while located in their place of use, in which the furnishings are pushed together to form a vertically hanging block and a wetting medium is circulated from above. A cleaning washing medium is thereafter circulated from above, followed by a rinsing liquid also from above and over the window furnishings. The furnishings are then dried, and surplus fluids are collected at a base of the furnishings. All procedures are carried out while the window furnishings are hanging vertically in their locations of normal use. The wetting medium, washing medium and the rinsing liquid flow downward due to gravity with uniform velocity and cover the furnishings uniformly.

Abstract: Dispensing within a liquid dispensing and suctioning system is controlled by pinching a flexible tube with a spring-biased actuator. The system includes a slidable extension for pulling the actuator to open the tube to dispense liquid to a surface to be cleaned. The system is assembled with a tubular wand of a wet/dry suctioning system.

Abstract: The fabric strips of vertical blinds are cleaned using a novel method of apparatus. A strip is laid on an elongate tray and wetted with an appropriate washing liquid, e.g. a detergent solution. The strip is then passed along the tray between two counter-rotating brushes which act to scrub the opposite surfaces of the strip. Downstream of the brushes, the strip is sprayed with a rinse liquid. It then travels over a perforated section of the tray where it is subjected to a low pressure from below by a vacuum box communicating with a wet-dry vacuum. The cleaned, partially dry strips can then be hung to complete drying.

Abstract: A bar code cleaner is disclosed having the ability to allow the removal of foreign material from bar code labels so that they may successfully be read by machine bar code readers. The bar-code cleaner system consists of the apparatus to clean the bar codes and bar code labels manufactured from materials able to physically resist degradation by the apparatus which cleans the bar code. The apparatus to clean the bar code label consists of, mounted in proximity to the machine bar code reader, a scraping edge and/or a duct releasing compressed gas and/or cleaning fluid and/or a duct producing a vacuum.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a window glass having a moving unit which is moved along a window of a building and a squeegee capable of removing dust deposited on a window glass by spraying water thereon and thereafter scraping the dust off the window glass comprises a first moving member such as a piston guide having a size corresponding to width of a window glass and being mounted on the moving unit in such a manner that the position of fixing the first moving member to the moving unit can be adjusted so that the first moving member can be located closer to or away from the window glass, a second moving member such as a piston mounted on the first moving member in such a manner that the second moving member can be moved toward and away from the window glass, a gas bag containing pressurized gas and connected to the second moving member to supply a moving force to the second moving member, a third moving member such as squeegee holders mounted on the second moving member in such a manner that the third moving member

Abstract: A standard size receptacle for use with a vacuum system, said receptacle extending through a wall, the receptacle carrying a housing for fastening to a wall, the housing having disposed therein a fluid supply and a vacuum inlet, the fluid supply incorporating a quick connect and a check valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning sewers of solid materials using normal and injected water flow to suspend the solids in a slurry. A submersible pump moves the slurry from the bottom of the sewer up to a pressurized container where the water content of the slurry is decanted and reused as injection water while the particulate material settles to the bottom of the pressurized container. When the container is filled with solid material it may be removed for emptying at a waste dump.

Abstract: In an automatic machine for washing self-service meal trays, comprising a sucker (7) by which soiled trays (3) are picked up from a trolley (2) and set down on a conveyor extending through a wash-and-dry tunnel (5) and running out to a restacking trolley, a first improvement consists in the addition of a device (12) by means of which compressed air is blown at the tray (3a) to the end of removing any waste matter and ensuring that the sucker (7) can apply a firm grip. A second improvement lies in the adoption of a power driven, horizontally disposed conveyor belt (16) on which the trays remain stably positioned by virtue of their own weight, free of mechanical constrains, so that any size and shape of tray can be handled without alteration to the machine, and cleansed in its entirety. Once washed, the trays are cleared of rinsing water by a blast of cold air before being dried off with further jets of air.

Abstract: A device for applying fluid (e.g., etchant) to a substrate (e.g., thin metallic tape) wherein the device includes a head member having means therein for directing a first fluid (e.g., etchant) at an established first pressure against the substrate and means for directing a second fluid (e.g., air) at an established second pressure equal to or greater than the first pressure (at the location of fluid intersection) and against the substrate in the area proximate the first fluid so as to substantially contain and limit the first fluid to impingement substantially only at the location against which the first fluid is designed to strike. Preferably, two opposing head members are utilized, and these may serve to maintain the substrate therebetween in a suspended state. Both head members are movable relative to each other during fluid application. As stated, the device is particularly suited to function as an etcher, but may also serve other purposes (e.g., coating, cleaning, rinsing, etc.).

Abstract: A venetian blind or similar flexible flat article is held in tension on a foraminous belt and passed through washing, rinsing and drying zones. The condensate from the air from the drying zone is used as final rinse. The slats of the blind are held at a slight angle to improve drainage and prevent sag or the blind below the edge of the belt.

Abstract: An optical fiber (12) being removed from a storage spool (14) for winding onto a canister (20) passes through a housing formed from separable parts (22, 24). A chamber (34) within the housing has a nozzle (40) connected to a supply of a cleaning solvent and directs a spray of the solvent onto the moving fiber. Another version locates a further nozzle (46) within the housing directing a pressurized air stream on the fiber to dry the solvent as well as remove foreign particulate matter from the fiber. Yet another version has brushes (50, 52) within the housing that the fiber moves against to aid in removing particulate matter from the fiber surface.

Abstract: The apparatus and system utilize sprays of steam to clean the exterior or laminated objects, preliminary to electrostatic powder coating, as well as to effect volatilization of liquid contaminates trapped between lamina thereof. Off-gassing that would otherwise occur when the objects are heated to effect fusion of the powder deposit is thereby avoided. The apparatus includes a conveyor for transporting a workpiece along a horizontal travel path through a chamber, above and below which path a spray compartment and collecting compartment are defined, respectively.

Abstract: The disclosed cleaning method is carried out using a pressure vessel containing a cleaning liquid pumped out of the pressure vessel and into a dirty tank. Cleaning liquid and dislodged contaminants are sucked up from the dirty tank by a partial vacuum created above the cleaning liquid within the pressure vessel. Solids and cleaning liquid are pumped from the pressure vessel at a first rate and are separated by a solids separator with the cleaning liquid being centrifuged to remove fine solids and then collected in a makeup tank. Cleaning liquid from the makeup tank is pump into the dirty tank at a second rate, less than the first rate. Excess liquid in the makeup tank is sucked back into the pressure vessel. A phase separator, mounted beneath the suction inlet, speeds the separation and concentration of solids, liquids and gases/vapors.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing position oriented stoppers in a closed environment while retaining the orientation comprises a closed chamber, and a chain conveyor located in the closed chamber for receiving position oriented stoppers. The chain conveyor includes two spaced chain wheels, and a chain passing over the chain wheels. A plurality of dogs are fixedly attached to at least some of the chain links. The chain conveyor defines curved portions around the chain wheels and straight portions therebetween. A supply conveyor communicates with the closed chamber at a location of one of the chain wheels. A washing station is located along one of the straight portions and a closed delivery member is in communication with a closed chamber at the other chain wheel. The dogs grip each stopper between two adjacent dogs and carry them along the straight portions of the conveyor.

Abstract: In a cleaning system for cleaning venetian blinds, the blinds are stretched with their slats extending vertically on a carrier belt that is mounted to rotate about longitudinally separated drive and idler assemblies. One run of the carrier belt forms a station for loading and unloading of the blinds, and the other run of the carrier belt passes through successively arranged chambers in which both sides of the blinds to be cleaned are sprayed with washing liquid followed by various rinse solutions, whereafter the blind is passed through a drying chamber in which hot air is blown to effect drying. The vertical arrangement of the slats of the blind enable the washing and rinse liquids to drain rapidly and substantially completely so that the energy required for drying is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for brushing and/or cleaning shoes and other footwear which includes a number of sequential stations. The apparatus includes a machine having a plurality of upstanding brushes mounted for rotation about respective generally vertical axes. The vertical axes of the upstanding brushes are sequentially spaced apart and each of the brushing stations is defined by a sequential pair of the upstanding brushes. Between sequential pairs of the upstanding brushes, a respective flat circular brush is mounted. Each of the brushes is driven by a single motor. Further, a casing is provided for housing the brushes and at least a portion of the driving transmission from the motor. The casing has a lateral opening at each of the brushing stations for introducing a shoe or boot for brushing or cleaning. A cleaning fluid for the brushing and/or cleaning stations can be merely water or water with an additive such as a detergent or disinfectant. In addition, heated air can be provided for drying the cleaned shoes.

Abstract: A window-pane cleaning device for cleaning window-panes of a building is provided in a cleaning unit which is moved along a window of the building. The device includes a squeezee for cleaning a window-pane, an approaching and retraction servo device for moving the squeezee toward and away from the surface of the window-pane, an inclination angle adjusting servo device for adjusting the inclination angle of the squeezee, sensors for detecting the position and pressing force of the squeezee, and a control device responsive to detection outputs of the sensors for controlling the pressing force and inclination angle of the squeezee to predetermined values respectively at starting of cleaning, during continuous cleaning and finishing of cleaning.

Abstract: In the drying zone of a sheet glass washing machine, a pair of mutually opposed nozzles (10) is provided, the air outlet openings (11) of which face the glass sheet to be dried. At least one shutoff element (12) is associated with the air outlet opening (11) of each nozzle (10), this shutoff element, in its operative position, sealing off the top region of the air outlet opening (11). The shutoff element (12) extends over half the length of the air outlet opening (11) and has a cylindrical shutoff member (13) of an elastically yielding material which can be placed from the inside against the air outlet opening (11).

Abstract: A method for removing lubricant grease from enclosed gear train housings of motor operated valves, having one or more ports. First, bulk lubricant grease in the housing is removed by suction through an evacuation wand inserted into the housing. Second, remaining lubricant grease in the housing is mechanically dislodged and physically dissolved by flushing the housing with a solvent for the lubricant grease delivered through a fluid lance inserted into the housing. Third, any lubricant grease/solvent residue in the housing is removed by evacuation through one or more ports in the housing. The method can include rinsing the housing interior and partially drying the housing interior prior to any relubrication. The method can optionally include measuring and analyzing quantities of lubricant grease removed from the housing. A variety of flexible evacuation wands for use in the method can be easily attached to the source of the suction.

Abstract: An apparatus to clean the reeds of a weaving machine without removing the reeds from the machine and without disconnecting the warp yarns. A cleaning head is slid down the reed and blows a foaming agent from one of the cavities through the space between the dents into the other of the cavities of the reed and sucks the lint, dust, etc. dislodged by the foaming agent back through the spaces between the dents and directs such to a point of collection.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to clean the reeds of a weaving machine without removing the reeds from the machine and without disconnecting the warp yarns. A cleaning head is slid down the reed and blows a foaming agent through the space between the dents of the reed and sucks the lint, dust, etc. dislodged by the foaming agent back through the spaces between the dents and directs such to a point of collection.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus is provided wherein cleaner is applied to all or a portion of the lane and the cleaner, oil and other residue is picked up by a vacuum head trailing the cleaner applicator in one trip from the foul line to the pit leaving the lane clean and dry. The cleaner can be applied either by means of an applicator pad or by a sprayer. If desired, the cleaning operation can be limited to the last forty-five feet or so, since it is generally desirable to clean this portion of the lane more often than the front portion. On the return or reverse movement of the stripper, no cleaning operations are undertaken but cleaner may be permitted to flow from the cleaner storage tank to the applicator so that the applicator will have sufficient cleaner in it for the beginning of application on the next lane. A mechanism is provided for bowing the vacuum head so that the center is lower than the side edges so that it conforms generally to the concave shape of a bowling alley.

Abstract: A cleaning assembly for cleaning electrically conductive, flexible contact springs around the perimeter of a closure in a shield erected to prevent the passage of unwanted electromagnetic radiation. A pressurized solvent supply system and a vacuum recovery system are mounted in portable cabinet and each is connected via a flexible hose to a hand held cleaning head. The cleaning head comprises a trigger operated spray gun having a support block with a narrow vacuum recovery slot located immediately adjacent to and extending downwardly from the nozzle of the spray gun. The vacuum recovery slot is connected via an internal cavity in the support block to the hose leading to a vacuum recovery container.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a combination apparatus is provided wherein cleaner is applied to all or a portion of the lane and the cleaner, dressing and other residue is picked up by a vacuum head trailing the cleaner applicator followed by a buffer roller to apply new dressing to the lane. If desired, the cleaning operation can be limited to the last forty-five feet or so, since it is generally desirable to clean this portion of the lane more often than the front portion. On the return or reverse movement of the stripper, no cleaning operations are undertaken but cleaner may be permitted to flow from the cleaner storage tank to the applicator so that the applicator will have sufficient cleaner in it for the beginning of application on the next lane. In an alternative embodiment, the applicator may be in the form of a spray nozzle to spray cleaner onto the lane.

Abstract: A self-cleaning entry rug assembly has a housing with a hingedly supported top plate extending over substantially its entire top and providing transversely extending openings adjacent its opposite ends. A frame is supported on the top plate and rotatably supports a pair of tread rollers extending in the transversely extending openings of the top plate as well as auxiliary rollers. An endless belt carrying a rug extends about the tread rollers and auxiliary rollers, and a rug cleaning device is provided in the housing below the closed path. One of the auxiliary rollers may be moved on the frame to vary the tension on the belt, and a drive motor effects rotation of the rollers to rotate the belt and rug. A control system controls the drive motor and cleaning device, and it is adapted to receive a signal from a presence sensor adjacent the entry rug assembly to terminate rotation of the rollers upon approach of a person.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing individual plates from a mineral wool mat while minimizing the spread of loose fibers. The method comprises the steps of cutting the mat into individual plates, forming the plates into a pile, establishing a region of vacuum for exhausting air from areas adjacent the sides of the pile and causing movement between the pile and the vacuum to vacuum the sides of the pile. The apparatus for performing the method includes a cutting device for cutting the mat into individual plates, a stacking device for combining the cut plates into a pile of plates, a vacuum device positioned to establish a vacuum for withdrawing air and loose fibers from the sides of the pile, and a conveyor for causing relative movement between the pile and the vacuum device.

Abstract: A vacuum refuse collecting vehicle has a tank divided into two hermetically sealed compartments by an internal sloped wall. The forward compartment functions as a water tank and the rear compartment as a waste containment tank. The capacity of the compartments can be increased by the addition of spacers to the cylindrical tank to make the tank longer, by changing the angle of the internal sloped wall, or by changing the depth of the concave end walls of the tank. The rear compartment is equipped with an upwardly tilting hinged concave tail gate for emptying the waste therefrom. The airstream which deposits the waste material in the tank is directed out of the tank into one or more bag filter housings, through an air pump, a silencer, and then to the surrounding atmosphere. The bag filters are so mounted and constructed that they may be removed through the bottom of the housings, thereby maintaining the upper portions of the housings substantially free of waste material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning carpet tiles is disclosed. The apparatus which accomplishes the present method includes a machine having a frame structure, a loading station connected to the frame structure and adapted for receiving a carpet tile, and an unloading station connected to the frame structure and adapted for allowing removal of a carpet tile from the machine. Infeed rollers are provided a cleaning compartment of the machine for continuously propelling a carpet tile from the loading station and over a nozzle bank which subjects the pile side of the carpet tile to a cleaning fluid spray. A scrubbing roller then scrubs the pile side of the carpet tile, and the carpet tile is next propelled over rinsing nozzles which rinse the cleaning fluid therefrom.

Abstract: A mobile vacuum loading machine has a swivel assembly permitting the boom to be rotated 360.degree. through the use of internal hydraulic and pneumatic passages in the swivel assembly. The hose reel is mounted on the rear of the machine and capable of being swung out outwardly a full 180.degree. and fixedly held at any position through the use of a linkage assembly attached to a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus is provided wherein cleaner is applied to all or a portion of the lane and the cleaner, oil and other residue is picked up by a vacuum head trailing the cleaner applicator in one trip from the foul line to the pit leaving the lane clean and dry. If desired, the cleaning operation can be limited to the last forty-five feet or so, since it is generally desirable to clean this portion of the lane more often than the front portion. On the return or reverse movement of the stripper, no cleaning operations are undertaken but cleaner may be permitted to flow from the cleaner storage tank to the applicator so that the applicator will have sufficient cleaner in it for the beginning of application on the next lane. Means is provided for bowing the vacuum head so that the center is lower than the side edges so that it conforms generally to the concave shape of a bowling alley.

Abstract: An industrial-type washing machine having a washing compartment and a rinsing compartment in immediate longitudinal alignment with each other and having spray jets respectively receiving washing and rinsing solutions from separate reservoirs and applied under pressure to the upper and lower surfaces of a strip of metal as it passes along a defined path therefor in the compartments, the exit end of the washing compartment being spaced a limited distance from the entrance end of the rinsing compartment to provide application of liquid-removing air sprays applied against the strip and spaced outwardly from the exit end of the rinsing compartment is an air jet compartment in which air from the jets effects drying of the metal strip.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for washing off the inner surface of a reaction vessel and/or of the outer surface of at least one spherodial reagent body present in the reaction vessel, the device comprising a small tube (6) connectable to a washing liquid suction device having a suction opening (2) and being pressable by means of a spring (4) in the direction of the bottom of the reaction vessel, a mantle (8) radially surrounding the small tube (6) at an axial distance from its suction opening (2), which mantle bounds between its inner surface and the outer surface of the small tube (6) a washing liquid inlet canal (10) connectable to a washing liquid supply device, holes (12) being provided in an end section of the mantle (8) facing the suction opening (2) for the exit of the washing liquid and two electrodes (14,16) arranged outside the mantle (8) at a distance from one another, axially further remote from the suction opening (2) than the holes (12) in the mantle (8), the electrodes (14,16) being

Abstract: A multi-layered cell harvester having a multi-layered top section and multi-layered bottom section with holes and channels formed in the multiple layers along with vacuum and wash manifolds is provided for removing, filtering and washing the contents from test tubes in a standard test tube rack. The novel multi-layered cell harvester precisely controls an equal volume of wash fluid or reagent to the test tubes and each of the filter areas on a sheet of filter paper areas on a sheet of filter paper by utilizing a wash fluid or reagent reservoir having a purge means and wash channels of equal length formed in the multi layers from the reservoir to the tip of each wash needle where the diameter of each wash channel is the same, or by increasing the diameter of some of the wash channels or a combination thereof. The multi-layered cell harvester can include provisions for separately handling radioactive materials and saving the mother liquid and wash fluids or reagents.

Abstract: Vehicle drying apparatus for use in either roll-over, drive-through, or tunnel type car washing installations. The dryer comprises an air plenum tube which extends overhead and transversely of the drying location and has a plurality of air outlet nozzles, the angular orientations of which relative to a vehicle being dried is subject to alteration. Means are provided for pivoting the nozzles transversely of the vehicle and, in the case of the roll-over washer, reaiming the nozzles so as to constantly direct air in a forward direction regardless of the direction of movement of the gantry frame relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: In washing an elongated tape with hot water, the tape is fed through a succession of hot-water baths one after another. When the tape is transferred from one bath to the next, the hot water on and in the tape is removed. In each bath, the tape is brought out of and then into the hot water at least one time.

Abstract: The specification discloses an apparatus and method for cleaning printing screens or the like work surfaces in which solvent is pumped from a reservoir to the surface to be cleaned at a point closely adjacent a vacuum cleaning tool. The vacuum cleaning tool is connected by a vacuum line to the reservoir and vacuum means are provided to draw a vacuum on the reservoir whereby solvent is delivered to the surface to be cleaned and residue laden solvent is vacuumed off the surface to be cleaned through the vacuum tool and vacuum line. A clean up tray and light panel are provided to facilitate the clean up operation. A control assembly comprising independently or simultaneously actionable foot pedals for control solvent feed and vacuum is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for disposing of waste liquid from an industrial cleaning system, which comprises a waste liquid holding tank designed to fit on a toilet, for receiving waste liquid and automatically emptying the waste liquid from the holding tank into the toilet when the holding tank is full.

Abstract: This invention relates to the removal of soil from paper machine forming fabrics. More particularly, this invention is directed to a method and apparatus for removing contaminants from forming fabric in a papermaking machine wherein the forming fabric moves in a longitudinal direction, the apparatus includes a set of bristles having upper and lower ends and arranged above the forming fabric, the lower ends of the bristles being in contact with the upper surface of the forming fabric and the upper ends of the bristles being engaged by a bristle holder, the bristle holder being supported by a support device and the bristles being comprised of a lower surface energy material oleophilic to polyester at a water/oil interface.

Abstract: A method for washing and vacuum drying long necked laboratory flasks. The apparatus includes a cabinet which presents a washing and drying compartment and a pump and rotary spray arm. A special rack which can be rolled into and out of the compartment includes a central manifold and a plurality of distribution arms extending radially from the manifold. Upright spindle tubes extend from the distribution arms to receive the inverted flasks such at that the tubes extend through the narrow necks of the flasks with the open ends of the tubes located within the bodies of the flasks. A diaphragm coupling allows water to be pumped to the manifold for delivery to the spindle tubes during washing and rinsing cycles. The tubes spray the water directly inside of the flask bodies for thorough washing and rinsing. A vacuum conduit extending from the manifold carries a seat which engages a gasket to couple the manifold with a vacuum blower when the rack is moved into the cabinet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning blinds which have a plurality of parallel, spaced slats where the method comprises the steps of (1) drawing the slats of the blind together, (2) immersing the blind in a container of liquid detergent, (3) rinsing the drawn blind with a rinsing liquid and (4) blowing the blind with a gas until it is substantially dry. The apparatus comprises a container containing a liquid detergent and capable of receiving the blind, a rinsing means for propelling rinsing liquid over the blind and drying means for blowing a gas over and through the blind until it is substantially dry.

Abstract: A horizontally moving automatic outer surface cleaning apparatus comprising horizontal rails provided above and below a surface to be cleaned such as a window glass and a carrier having engaging means for engaging with the horizontal rails for enabling the carrier to be guided along the rails. On the carrier, there are mounted drive means for driving the carrier to move along the horizontal rails, water spray means for spraying water over the surface to be cleaned, wiper means for cleaning the surface by wiping the surface and a soiled water tank containing soiled water collected as a result of wiping by the wiper means. In a preferred embodiment, the carrier consists of a main carrier and a work carrier coupled to the main carrier in such a manner that the carrier can move along a curved portion which can be formed in the horizontal rails.

Abstract: A magnetic recording disk accommodated in a casing is rotated and air in the casing is drawn through air sucking openings formed in the upper and lower sides of the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning windowpanes of a building comprises a unit suspended from the roof of the building and being capable of ascending and descending along the building. An opening portion is formed in the front portion of the unit and a cleaning head is provided in this opening portion. The cleaning head can be adjusted in its position and can be accurately positioned against a windowpane to be cleaned by reducing a relative velocity of a scraper attached to the cleaning head to zero by ascending the cleaning head while the unit is descending. The scraper and a rotary disc for sprinkling water are secured to a movable member provided in the cleaning head. The scraper can not only approach and withdraw from the windowpane but also incline with respect to the windowpane. An air curtain is formed below the scraper so as to guide soiled water left after wiping of the windowpane by the scraper into a soiled water collection portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-contained apparatus for cleaning the vertical surface of a building exterior, including washing, rinsing and drying the windows. The apparatus is positioned by an operator above a vertical row of windows and then remotely operated to clean the exterior building surface as the apparatus descends. The apparatus consists of a housing having a washing chamber, a rinsing chamber, and a drying chamber. The washing chamber has a plurality of cleaning fluid spray heads, a sonic agitator for impinging sonic energy onto the cleaning fluid to aid in removing dirt from the windows, air seals for retaining the fluid in the chamber, and a plurality of air wipes for removing the fluid from the building surface. The rinsing chamber has a plurality of rinsing liquid spray heads, a plurality of air seals to contain the rinsing fluid within the chamber and a plurality of air wipes for removing the fluid from the building surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for both washing and drying an automotive vehicle. The apparatus includes a track gantry that moves along the track and over the vehicle. Water outlets and brushes are on the gantry to wash the car. The apparatus further includes a blower, nozzle, and oscillator. The blower, also mounted on the gantry, expels air onto the vehicle. The nozzle, positioned on the blower, defines an orientation and directs the air from the blower substantially parallel to the orientation. The oscillator periodically changes the orientation of the nozzle and the direction of the air from the blower.