Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for a spray nozzle 100, 200, 600. A spray nozzle 100, 200, 600 includes a housing 102 with an inlet 104 and/or a nose cone 106. An axis of an inlet 104 is disposed perpendicular to an axis of a nose cone 106, the housing 102 comprising an internal chamber formed within the housing 102. A spray nozzle 100, 200, 600 includes a nozzle holder 204. A nozzle holder 204 is disposed within an internal chamber of a body. A nozzle holder 204 is secured at a nozzle seat 202 coupled to a nose cone 106. A distal end of a nozzle holder 204 is free to rotate within an internal chamber of a housing 102 along a conical path having a vertex at approximately a nozzle seat 202 of a body. A nozzle holder 204 comprises an internal fluid channel to direct a fluid stream from a distal end of the nozzle holder 204 to a nozzle seat 202.

Abstract: A method includes clamping a mask on a mask stage, in which the mask includes a multilayered magnetic film; performing a first lithography process by using the mask; moving the mask away from the mask stage; and determining whether a surface condition of a surface layer of the multilayered thin film is acceptable; and peeling the surface layer of the multilayered magnetic film from the multilayered magnetic film when the surface condition of the surface layer is determined as unacceptable.

Abstract: A brushless vacuum device may include a vacuum head having a bottom side, a first and second exterior wall, a front end, and a back end. The first exterior wall and second exterior wall may be positioned on the bottom side and may be coupled together at the front end. A suction aperture may be positioned proximate to the front end. A first plurality of jets may extend along the first exterior wall between the suction aperture and the back end. A second plurality of jets may extend along the second exterior wall between the suction aperture and the back end. A suction conduit may be in communication with the suction aperture and may generate negative air pressure in the suction aperture. A pressure conduit may generate a positive air pressure in the first plurality and second plurality of jets. Air exiting the jets may be collected by the suction aperture.

Abstract: An extraction system is designed for metal working and other applications. The system may comprise a blower that delivers a positive pressure airflow to a hood that creates an air region for removal of airborne components from a work area. Return air is filtered in a filter region, and debris removed may be separated by a baffle in the filter region to limit re-uptake of the debris by the blower during operation of the system.

Abstract: A self-propelled cleaning device has a housing, a fan and a surface cleaning system for cleaning a surface to be cleaned. In order to also be able to clean an above-floor surface, in particular a plateau of a baseboard, the cleaning device also has an above-floor cleaning system for cleaning an above-floor surface vertically offset relative to the surface to be cleaned. The above-floor cleaning system has a flow connection to a suction and/or blower unit having a fan, the flow opening of which has a difference in height of roughly 3 cm or more relative to a standing surface of the cleaning device by comparison to a usual orientation of the cleaning device for a cleaning operation.

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner has a horizontally disposed cyclone with a dirt outlet provided in a lower portion of the cyclone.

Abstract: Snow-clearing vehicle (1), having a sweeper-blower arrangement (10), wherein the sweeper-blower arrangement is adjustably pivotable around a vertical axis (13) which runs through the snow-clearing vehicle. The sweeper-blower arrangement has a sweeping-roller brush (4) which is rotatingly drivable around its longitudinal axis. In the direction of travel, blow-air openings (5, 6, 7, 8) arranged on both sides of the vertical axis are provided in front and along the sweeping-roller brush (4), which are arranged for simultaneous and identically acting blowing. This allows for an improved removal of the snow to be cleared.

Abstract: Apparatus includes a lawn debris collection assembly having a plenum assembly configured to be positioned in close proximate relationship with a lawn surface having lawn debris lodged between lawn blades of a lawn. The plenum assembly is movable along the lawn surface. The plenum assembly is also configured to house a positive air-pressure stream in such a way that the positive air-pressure stream is directed toward the lawn debris, and the positive air-pressure stream, in use, dislodges the lawn debris from between the lawn blades. The plenum assembly is also configured to house a negative air-pressure airstream in such a way that the negative air-pressure airstream, in use, flows from the plenum assembly to a debris-collection bag. The negative air-pressure airstream, in use, urges the lawn debris to move from the plenum assembly to the debris-collection bag.

Abstract: A medicament delivery tray and method of manufacture thereof for treating periodontal disease include an apparatus having a body formed to be fitted about all of the upper or lower teeth of a patient and having a top portion and an outer wall and an inner wall with each composed of resilient elastomeric material for substantially conforming to the enclosed teeth and gum tissue proximate to the teeth, the body having recesses, a treatment chamber and a raised seal formed about an inner surface of one of the skirts along a gum line and forming a substantially air tight seal thereto, and a port positioned on one of the skirts to receive a positive pressure from an external pressure source increasing a biasing force of the raised seal against the gum line when positive pressure is received through the port for sealing the chamber.

Abstract: A planar sealing panel member for cleaning the condenser coils of a cooling appliance. This member has at least one hole in its surface to accommodate a hose supplying compressed air. It also has affixation means on its surface so as to hold the sealing panel against the cooling appliance adjacent the opening(s) holding the condenser coils to form a substantially sealed enclosure along with the appliance structure within which the coils reside when cleaned using compressed air.

Abstract: A printer and a method of printing is disclosed. The printer includes a frame having a printing mechanism. The printing mechanism has an exterior surface, an inlet for receiving a leading edge of a film and an advancing mechanism. The printing mechanism also has a print head capable of depositing a plurality of ink droplets onto the advancing film and an outlet for allowing the printed film to exit. A lid is secured to the printing mechanism and is movable between a closed position, where the film is covered, and an open position, where the film is exposed. A first heating element is secured to the lid which heats the incoming air. A first fan is located adjacent to the first heating element and functions to direct the heated air onto the plurality of ink droplets. An inlet aperture is formed in the exterior surface of the printing mechanism which is aligned with the first fan. A cover having at least one opening formed there through is positioned over the inlet aperture.

Abstract: A device, method, and system are provided for aiding the whitening of teeth. The device includes a mouthpiece suitable for implementing a dental treatment, wherein the mouthpiece includes one or more stock dental cover layers suitable for forming a treatment cavity having a vacuum, wherein the dental cover layers includes a layer over the upper teeth and/or a layer over the lower teeth; and one or more treatment supply layers wherein the treatment supply layer has one or more flow channel in fluid communication with the treatment cavity so that the treatment supply layer can deliver and/or remove one or more treatment fluids from the treatment cavity.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner blows hot air to dry objects to be cleaned and prevent adhesion of the objects. The vacuum cleaner includes a first bottom air inlet, a rear air outlet, a housing having an air passage for guiding first air from the first bottom air inlet to the rear air outlet, and an electric blower fan in the air passage to suck up the first air. The housing includes a headwind inlet that inhales second air from outside and guides its flow as a headwind against the flow of the first air preventing adhesion of objects to be cleaned. A bottom air outlet discharges hot air heated when passing by the electric blower fan. A flow direction changer changes the direction of the hot air to the rear and/or bottom air outlets. A user selectively controls the flow direction of the hot air toward the objects to be cleaned, thereby drying them. A headwind blows against the flow of air inhaled into the housing and prevents adhesion of the objects to be cleaned, thereby improving usability.

Abstract: An automatic cleaner includes a casing having a suction port, a suction device disposed in the casing to suction foreign substances through the suction port, a moving device that moves the casing, and a side brush assembly movably installed on the casing. The side brush assembly includes a movable member movably disposed on the casing, a first driving device that generates power for moving the movable member, a brush rotatably mounted on the movable member, and a second driving device that generates power for rotating the brush.

Abstract: A component extractor system includes a source of a positive pressure air stream and a source of a negative pressure air stream. Conduits convey the air streams to and from a work area where one or more nozzles create a capture region and draw airborne components into the system. The system is optimized in terms of flow ratios, dimensions of the conduits and elements of the nozzle, and so forth.

Abstract: A extraction system is designed for metal working and other applications. The system may comprise a cart-type base or may be incorporated into a fixed or semi-fixed installation. A blower delivers a positive pressure airflow to a hood that creates an air region by directing the air through an annular space between inner and outer shrouds, impacting the air against a single generally perpendicular flange. Return air from the operation may be mixed with fresh air, both of which may be filtered, to supply the positive pressure air. Both air streams to and from the hood may be adjusted to optimize operation. Adjustments may be made at the base unit or remotely.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for drying a material or, more generally, flash evaporating a target substance having a vapor pressure threshold. The methods and systems include a conveyor conduit that receives material and within which a pressure is established that is greater than the vapor pressure threshold of the target substance. The material moves through the conveyor and is expelled into a pressure drop zone created by one or more venturi nozzles. The pressure in the pressure drop zone is far less than the vapor pressure threshold of the target substance. As the material encounters the pressure drop zone, the targeted substance in the material experiences a rapid and extreme pressure drop and simultaneously a rapid temperature increase. This causes the target substance in the material to flash evaporate virtually immediately. The resulting vapor is separated from the remaining material and the now dry material is collected for further processing or use.

Abstract: A method for removing dust-carrying air from a moving paper web is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a moving web, the web having a first side and a second side, the web moving at a sufficient rate to produce a boundary layer of adjacent dust-carrying air; providing a NACA duct, the NACA duct having an intake opening and walls that diverge in increasing cross-sectional area to an exhaust opening having greater cross sectional area than the intake opening; and submerging the intake opening into the boundary layer to scavenge dust-carrying air from the boundary layer.

Abstract: A cleaning system used for removing contaminant particles on a surface of an image sensor is provided. The cleaning system includes an gas blower, two plate electrodes parallel to each other, and a high frequency voltage source. The gas blower supplies a mixed gas to the two plate electrodes. The high frequency voltage source provides a high voltage for the two plate electrodes to ionize the mixed gas, thereby the ionized gas cause contaminant particles on the surface of the image sensor to be positively charged, and cause the surface of the image sensor to be positively charged. The vacuum pump device removes the positively charged particles, which are repelled by the positively charged surface of the image sensor.

Abstract: A portable air blower includes: a first pipe having a first outlet opening communicating with a main body, the first pipe discharging wind generated in the main body through the first outlet opening; and a second pipe having a larger diameter than that of the first pipe, the second pipe being attached movably in the axial direction to the outer circumference of the first pipe and having a second outlet opening having a larger diameter than that of the first outlet opening. In the portable air blower, the second pipe is moved relative to the first pipe to dispose the second outlet opening upstream or downstream of the first outlet opening; the second pipe has an inflow window disposed upstream of the first outlet opening, the inflow window enabling air to flow from the outside into the second pipe.

Abstract: A braking device 1 for braking advancing of the rear portion of a flat sheet when the sheet is advanced and is displaced by being pulled by its front portion: a surface over which the sheet is advanced, a suction hole 10 in the surface which communicates with an exhaust orifice 30 via an air circulation channel 20, a principal compressed air injection device 40 which, by a Venturi effect, indirectly generates a braking suction air flow through the suction hole 10, a secondary compressed air injection device 50 which, by a Venturi effect, indirectly generates a cleaning suction air flow through the suction hole 10.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for collecting material from a surface. The apparatus comprises a chassis, a holding tank, a material collector and a pumping system. The chassis comprises wheels for relocating the apparatus on the surface. The holding tank is for receiving the material and is operatively coupled with the chassis. The holding tank has a material-entry aperture in a bottom surface. The material collector comprises a suction device, which is operatively coupled with the material-entry aperture. The suction device has an inlet that can be disposed adjacent the surface. The pumping system is operatively connected with the holding tank for depressurizing the holding tank and thereby gathering the material at least partially via suction through the inlet of the suction device and the material-entry aperture in the holding tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a detector comprising a housing and a bowl connected to the housing having a detector chamber adapted for enclosing a detector to be cleaned, a contacting surface positioned on the bowl, and one of more air nozzles positioned within the detector chamber for directing one or more bursts of compressed air at a detector to clean the detector, and a fan positioned within the housing operable to draw air within the detector chamber into a filter, and a dust collector for containing dirt and debris dislodged from a detector during the cleaning operation.

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.

Abstract: An arrangement for removing dust from the atmosphere during cleaning of a generally flat surface, such as floor, includes a reservoir for providing water to a nozzle. Also included is an air compressor and a compressed air tank. Compressed air is provided in a controlled manner at an elevated pressure to the nozzle to reduce the water to minute droplets which absorb/encapsulate the dust particles and deposit them on the floor surface under the influence of gravity. A manual or automatic pressure regulator coupled to the outlet of the compressed air tank allows for selecting the air velocity and the size of the water droplets to match the size of the dust particles to increase the extent of dust removal. This dust removal approach can be used with virtually any type of generally flat surface and the compressed air has a siphoning effect to increase the water droplets produced and the dust particles removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to filter cleaning in a vacuum having a switchable flap element, the cleaning of the filter or of parts of the filter being carried out by supplying a secondary air flow to the interior of the filter to be cleaned, and air being able to flow through the filters separately from each other from the outside to the inside in the vacuum container in a sealed manner, and a flap element disposed in a chamber housing being pivotable, by means of the pivoting of which openings may be closed and released, the secondary air flow reaching the surface of the filter to be cleaned from the inside toward the outside in pulses, characterized in that the flap element comprises at least two partial flaps, the pivoting of which is actuated by a pivot drive, the respective partial flap optionally closes the outflow opening of the respective filter chamber in the direction of the intake opening of the suction turbine, the blow-out side of the suction turbine delivers the created overpressure air into an overp

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for cleansing a glass substrate and a device for performing the method.

Abstract: Spray apparatus and uses thereof are described herein. A vacuum spray nozzle apparatus may include a first tube in fluid communication with a fluid source, a rotor coupled to the tube, a conduit in fluid communication with the passages of the first tube, and a second tube coupled to the conduit, the second tube being in fluid communication with a vacuum source. The rotor is in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source. The conduit is substantially arched or angled such that an outlet of the conduit is offset a radial distance in a radial direction from the rotor axis, and when pressurized fluid is ejected from the outlet, during use, rotates the conduit. The vacuum spray nozzle apparatus is configured to remove components from a material through the second tube when a pressure of the system is reduced using the vacuum source.

Abstract: A portable vacuum includes a container having a sidewall, an open bottom portion, an opposing, open top portion and an attachment opening in the sidewall. A bucket is detachably coupled to the container. A vacuum unit is detachably coupled to and closes off the top portion of the container, the vacuum unit having at least one air inlet and at least one air exhaust port. The vacuum unit is operable to selectably generate an air stream entering the air inlet and exiting the air exhaust port. The portable vacuum also includes an elongate, generally hollow suction tube having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end being detachably coupled to the attachment opening of the container. The air stream generates a vacuum at the second end of the suction tube operable to draw waste material into the suction tube, the waste material being deposited in the bucket.

Abstract: A wafer carrier purge apparatus, an automated mechanical handling system, and a method of handling a wafer carrier during integrated circuit fabrication are provided. The wafer carrier purge apparatus includes a purge plate adapted for insertion into a carrier storage position. The purge plate includes a gas port and a gas nozzle in fluid communication with the gas port. The gas port receives a gas flow. The gas nozzle is adapted to contact an inlet port of a wafer carrier. The purge plate further includes a vacuum port and a vacuum nozzle in fluid communication with the vacuum port, spaced from the gas nozzle. The vacuum nozzle is adapted to capture gas that escapes from the wafer carrier through an outlet port of the wafer carrier. The purge plate is separate and removable from the carrier storage position.

Abstract: A sweeping broom apparatus for use with a vehicle comprises a main body with a debris receiving inlet, and a broom shroud with an open bottom. Airflow obstructing flaps are disposed around the bottom edge of the broom shroud. A forwardly facing debris outlet in the broom shroud permits the directed egress of debris therefrom as a forwardly propelled stream of debris. A main sweeping broom is mounted within the broom shroud for propelling debris forwardly, thereby creating a stream of debris propelled forwardly through the forwardly facing debris outlet. An air blast nozzle is connected in fluid communication to a source of compressed air for receiving compressed air therefrom. There is a nozzle mount for mounting the air blast nozzle for movement between a lower position whereat the air blast nozzle is disposed adjacent the surface being cleaned and to emit air in a forward and downward direction to impact on the surface being cleaned, and a raised impact-absorbing position.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus is provided. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a fluid flow path extending from a dirt inlet to a clean fluid outlet, and a fluid flow motor positioned in the fluid flow path. The surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a first cyclonic cleaning stage comprising a cyclone chamber. A dirt chamber is in fluid communication with the cyclone chamber and positioned below the cyclone chamber. The dirt chamber has a dirt chamber inlet that is off-center.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning device comprises a unit (1) in which an oscillating airflow is generated which substantially zero net flow and an asymmetry between the suction and the blowing phases, such that in the blowing phase a jet is generated. A generator (31) which is needed for generating the oscillating airflow comprises a movable surface (30) which is integrated in a wall (12) of a housing (10) having an internal space (11) and at least one opening (13) for allowing air to flow to and from the internal space (11). The jet can be generates when the so-called Strouhal number, being the frequency of the movement of the movable surface (30) multiplied by a characteristic dimension of the opening (13) and divided by the velocity of the air in the opening (13), is not higher than a predetermined maximum.

Abstract: A system for vacuuming out sediment when installed on the inside of a gravity feed, elevated potable water tank or tower holding water at a pressure head of the kind having a riser serving as a water inlet and outlet. The system having a manifold installed along the bottom wall of the tank or tower connected to a plurality of downwardly directed nozzles. The manifold is connected to a drain pipe passing down through the riser and is supported so that the nozzles are positioned above the bottom wall in the vicinity of the sediment. When water is allowed to flow through the drain pipe, the pressure head causes sediment which may otherwise be a health risk and promote electrolytic corrosion to be vacuumed out by the nozzles.

Abstract: A machine for cleaning a head-disk assembly (HDA) of a hard disk drive (HDD) includes a nest that seals the HDA between an upper and lower portion during cleaning. An inlet port receives a gas and an exhaust port exhausts the gas and entrained particles. A shock drive delivers mechanical shocks to the nest and the HDA while the gas is flowing through the HDA. A blower may circulate the gas from the exhaust port to the inlet port. A filter may be coupled to the inlet port. The HDA nest may be movable along an axis of the mechanical shocks delivered by the shock drive. A blow tube may deliver gas to a screw hole and a coaxial vacuum tube may rest against a surface around the screw hole to encapsulate the blow tube during cleaning and remove the gas and particles from the screw hole.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a device for dispensing atomized liquid, the device having a reservoir for holding liquid and an ultrasonic transducer arranged to atomize the liquid in the reservoir. An airflow is created through the reservoir via the exhaust gasflow from the vacuum cleaner, the airflow carrying the atomized liquid via an elongate tube to dispensing outlet provided on a cleaning head of the vacuum cleaner. The ultrasonic transducer is simple and inexpensive, yet is able to reliably atomize the liquid for dispensing.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an article may include a cleaning head. The cleaning head may have a lower edge and may include an annular steam chamber and a steam nozzle. The annular steam chamber may define a vacuum chamber that may be configured to receive the article therewithin. The annular steam chamber may have a plurality of discrete apertures positioned in vertically spaced relation to the lower edge. The steam nozzle may be configured to provide steam to the annular steam chamber for discharge through the apertures into the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.

Abstract: An air gun in combination with a vacuum source is powered by pressurized gas that is received through a gas inlet. The air gun and the vacuum source are configured to be simultaneously operable using the pressurized gas, which provides a method for conveniently air cleaning various objects.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for drying a material or, more generally, flash evaporating a target substance having a vapor pressure threshold. The methods and systems include a conveyor conduit that receives material. The material moves through the conveyor and is expelled into a pressure drop zone created by one or more venturi nozzles. As the material encounters the pressure drop zone, the targeted substance in the material experiences a rapid and extreme pressure drop and simultaneously a rapid temperature increase. This causes the target substance in the material to flash evaporate virtually immediately. The resulting vapor is separated from the remaining material and the now dry material is collected for further processing or use. The vapor can be collected, condensed, exhausted, or otherwise treated depending upon the goals of a particular installation or process.

Abstract: A home cleaning appliance comprises a housing, an airstream suction source, a cyclone main body, and a dirt cup. The housing includes a main suction opening. The airstream suction source is mounted to the housing and includes a suction airstream inlet and a suction airstream outlet. The suction source selectively establishes and maintains a flow of air from the main suction opening, via the airstream inlet, to the airstream outlet. The cyclone main body is supported by the housing and is in communication with the main suction opening. The cyclone main body has a uniform outer circumference and includes a first stage separator, and a plurality of downstream second stage separators. The first stage separator has a longitudinal axis offset from a longitudinal axis of the cyclone main body in order to accommodate the second stage separators. The dirt cup is connected to the cyclone main body. The dirt cup includes a first particle collector and a second particle collector.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is disclosed for processing a moving surface. The cleaning apparatus includes a pad that is attached to a support structure, wherein the pad includes a plurality of pad apertures and the support structure includes a plurality of support structure apertures. A vacuum is provided proximate the plurality of support structure apertures for removing debris from a moving surface during use as well as for facilitating cooling of the pad during use.

Abstract: A dry-type cleaning chassis includes a chassis part including an opening part in contact with a cleaning target, an air inlet duct provided to blow external air into the internal space; a suction port provided for generating a circulating air flow in the internal space by suctioning air having been introduced into the internal space via the air inlet duct; a porous unit configured to pass objects removed from the cleaning target to a suction port side; and a path limiting member formed of a cylindrical shape extended in an axis center direction of the circulating air flow and configured so that an inside of the cylindrical shape is in communication with the suction port as a suction path.

Abstract: The aero-acoustic duster invention disclosed herein provides for high particle removal rate from surfaces with low energy expenditure relative to competing vacuum-based devices. The device removes particulate matter from a surface using a two-step process: 1. Acoustic radiation is used to break the adhesive bonds between dust and the surface, forcing particles into a mode where they continuously bounce up and down on the surface; and, 2. A bounded vortex is generated over the surface, with suction in the vortex center and jets for blowing air along the periphery. The jets are tilted in the tangential direction to induce vortex motion within the suction region. The vortex is said to be bounded because streamlines originating in the downward jets are entrained back into the central vortex.

Abstract: A device installation and methods for extracting dust during the transfer of pulverulent products from a first container to a second container, the combination of the first container and of the second container forming, with the dust extraction device, a closed containment volume with connection between the two containers. A hollow connector with a side wall between its two ends defines an external wall and an internal wall so that the connector is pierced with several inlet pipes connected to hoses fed with a stream of pressurized fluid and also pierced with at least one fluid discharge pipe. The pipes projecting from said external wall of the connectors and opening onto the internal wall via orifices allows fluid to be introduced, the orifices being oriented relative to one another in such a way as to cause the fluid to flow in a cyclone within the connector, carrying with it any pulverulent product that remains on the internal wall and/or upstream and/or downstream of said connector.

Abstract: A device to clear a blockage from an HVACR condensate drain line. A piston connected to a rod with a handle is inserted directly into the distal or outlet end of a condensate drain pipe and then rapidly withdrawn to create a vacuum or suction within the drain line. When sufficient suction pressure is created, it will dislodge a blockage in the drain line. Typically the piston has a proximal end with a diameter slightly greater than the inside diameter of the condensate drain pipe. Upon removal of the device from the drain pipe, the proximal end is caused to expand to its full diameter, creating an airtight and fluid tight seal with the inner diameter of the drain pipe, allowing for the creation of negative pressure and/or suction upstream to dislodge the blockage.

Abstract: A system including a shuttle movable along a shuttle path, the shuttle being operable to support a sheet; a pick-up assembly including a yoke and a detection plate located above the shuttle path, the detection plate being freely supported by the yoke and movable in a vertical direction relative to the yoke with an upper limit and a lower limit defined by the yoke, wherein the yoke is operable to pick and place the sheet, and wherein the detection plate is used to detect the presence of a piece of debris on a surface of the sheet or a surface of the shuttle; and a cleaning device located adjacent to the pick-up assembly and above the shuttle path, wherein the cleaning device is operable to remove the piece of debris located on the surface of the sheet or the surface of the shuttle.

Abstract: Handheld portable devices for dislodging and capturing particulate matter that has accumulated on various surfaces or structures are provided. The devices create opposing airflows that can intimately interface with each other during use. A vacuum airflow is drawn into the device, defining a vacuum affected zone upon the surface being cleaned. A high pressure airflow is emitted that penetrates through or passes adjacent to the opposing vacuum airflow and contacts the surface being cleaned, dislodging particulate matter therefrom. The high pressure airflow can be emitted from multiple nozzles as a series of airflow bursts that discretely contact the surface being cleaned. The configuration of each nozzle, as well as the overall arrangement and positions of all the nozzles together, are selected to impart the desired particulate matter dislodging characteristics to the device.

Abstract: Portable devices for dislodging and/or capturing particulate matter that has accumulated on various surfaces or structures are provided. The devices include a body segment and a nose segment extending away therefrom. A high-pressure assembly generates a high-pressure airflow that is directed to a nozzle assembly in the nose segment. From the nozzle assembly, the high-pressure airflow can be emitted from multiple nozzles as a series of airflow bursts that discretely contact the surface from which the particulate matter is being dislodged. The configuration of each nozzle, as well as the overall arrangement and positions of all the nozzles together, is selected to impart the desired particulate matter dislodging characteristics to the device, and the device may incorporate a vacuum airflow to remove the particulate matter after such matter has been dislodged.

Abstract: A vacuum nozzle for removing liquid from surfaces includes a nozzle body defining an internal enclosed vacuum chamber wherein the chamber is of a size and shallow depth so as to enhance water flow therethrough, the nozzle body also having a vacuum source connector in fluid communication with the chamber and adapted to receive a vacuum source conduit, and the nozzle body also having a hard outer bottom surface and defining a plurality of vacuum suction ports opening between the chamber and the bottom surface. The vacuum nozzle also includes at least one injection member, wherein the at least one injection member is configured to inject a fluid below the nozzle body, whereby the nozzle, when connected to a suction source is placed on a saturated surface effects removal of water therefrom through the ports and chamber to the vacuum source.