Abstract: These tuned nozzle tip attachments or extension wand modifications are for leaf blowers, workshop or industrial type exhausting vacuums, compressed air guns/extensions, and abatement systems and facilitate a method of dust cloud sweeping. Protection of the operator, coworkers, ventilation systems, and equipment in peripheral areas from most of the back draft, billowing, uncontrollable, peripheral dust that normally occurs with current know art is greatly enhanced. By rapidly aspirating, momentarily retaining, continuously recycling and gripping the billowing peripheral cloud of dust/debris back into the primary cleaning air stream at the nozzle point of egress the associated dust cloud that normally occurs is harmlessly dissipated. The elongated deflecting surface contact area achieves this in a manner that provides the utmost operator control and nozzle aspiration of the airborne dust much the same way the airflow around an airplane wing is controlled and provides lift to an aircraft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning objects having generally irregular surface features, such as reloadable photographic cameras, has a partial enclosure having opposing side walls, and a top wall joining the opposing side walls. An air ionizing element composed of an ion emitter and an air knife is arranged in the enclosure for electrostatically neutralizing the object with ions entrained in a curtain-like stream of air directed onto the object.

Abstract: A device for removing dust from a moving paper web, where the dust is carried in a boundary layer of air that runs with the web, includes a first separating box mounted across the web running direction. The first separating box has a collecting duct extending across the web running direction, a curved guide surface which guides the paper web, and apparatus for deflecting the dust-laden air boundary layer into the collecting duct.

Abstract: A vacuum system is described in which a hollow vacuum housing is provided with an intake plenum leading from an open bottom housing end of the housing to a vacuum line connector. A vacuum pump is attached to the vacuum line to produce suction through the intake plenum. A hot air housing is situated within the hollow vacuum housing and includes a hot air discharge plenum. The hot air discharge plenum is defined by a wall within the intake plenum, leading from an open bottom end that is substantially circumscribed by the intake plenum. A hot air blower on the hot air housing moves hot air downwardly. The hot air moves against the surface being cleaned or dried and is subsequently drawn back upwardly through the intake plenum. At least one and preferably two compressed injection air discharge lines are positioned within the hot air housing.

Abstract: In a method and device for the removal of dirt by means of steam and cleaning agent the cleaning agent is injected in a metered way into the steam and atomized, so that the mixture formed is applied in a gaseous state to the dirt to be removed. Such a gaseous mixture has a higher activity than a mixture of steam and droplets of liquid cleaning agent.

Abstract: A system is used for removing catalyst from a tubular reactor vessel. A power box with a 110 volt to a 12 volt DC transformer is mounted outside the vessel and connected to a 110 volt power supply. An air manifold, also mounted outside the vessel, is connected to a high-pressure air supply and connects to several valves with a separate connection to the power box. Several workstations are placed on the tube sheet within the vessel. The workstation has a frame, a drum and reel assembly mounted on the frame along with a 12 volt DC motor. An air lance hose passes into the drum and reel assembly and, at the other end, connects to an air lance and vacuum assembly. A high pressure air hose connects the drum and reel assembly to one of the valves located outside of the vessel. A controller connects to the 12 volt DC motor to power the drum and reel assembly. The controller is also connected to the power box located outside the vessel and to a foot control. A seat is mounted on the drum and reel assembly.

Abstract: A duct cleaning apparatus having one or more suction hose racks for storing straight lengths of suction tubing. Because the suction hose racks allow suction hose to be stored efficiently within the duct cleaning apparatus, the apparatus may include sufficient storage space for simultaneously storing multiple straight lengths of suction hose, a portable duct cleaning unit, a boroscope, and other tools. The duct cleaning apparatus may also have a plurality of air hoses which may be operated simultaneously to allow users to perform two or more air sweeps simultaneously on a duct.

Abstract: A cleaning assembly for cleaning surfaces includes a tank and motor housing with a fluid pump assembly, a blower assembly and a vacuum assembly located within the tank and motor housing. The tank and motor housing is adapted to contain a fluid. The fluid pump assembly includes a pump motor configured to pump the fluid in the tank and motor housing through a sprayer hose and onto the surfaces. The blower assembly includes a blower motor configured to blow air through a blower hose and onto the surfaces for directing movement of the fluid on the surfaces. The vacuum assembly includes a recovery tank and a vacuum motor configured to vacuum the fluid with the vacuum motor off of the surfaces, through a separate vacuum hose and into the recovery tank for cleaning the surfaces.

Abstract: There is disclosed a dry cleaning technology in which the particles left on the surface of the ultra-fine structure such as a semiconductor device and the like can be cleaned and removed totally in a vacuum environment without being dependent on a wet cleaning method performed in the surrounding atmosphere. In the dry cleaning device of the present invention, the pad is approached to the surface of the wafer such as a semiconductor wafer and the like, cleaning gas is injected into a fine clearance formed between both members to generate a high-speed gas flow along the surface of the wafer and the particles left on the surface of the wafer are physically cleaned and removed with the high-speed gas flow. In addition, in order to assist this physical cleaning action, either a chemical or an electrical cleaning method such as a plasma or the like can be used together.

Abstract: An improved method for cleaning vertical walls includes providing a vacuum source to adhere the system to the vertical wall. The vacuum source removes fluid and removed material from the wall, and also adheres the system to the wall. A rotating fluid jet is positioned radially inwardly of the vacuum source and impinges high pressurized fluid off of the surface to be cleaned to remove material. In a preferred embodiment, a central portion is provided that mounts both the fluid source and the vacuum source. A base portion mounts motors for driving the system along the wall. The base portion rotates relative to the central portion such that the central portion does not move as the base portion turns on the wall to drive the system along the wall. In a further feature, an additional air flow system is provided to provide supplemental air flow to assist the vacuum when moving the fluid and removed material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vertical drop, multi-pass product cleaner with air flow control on the outlet side of the cleaner, wherein the air flow control includes dampers movable between open and constricted positions disposed within at least one of a plurality of air outlets of the product cleaner.

Abstract: A method and system for cleaning a reticle. There is provided a clean chamber and a reticle having a pair of opposing edges and a pair of opposing surfaces which is to be cleaned disposed in the clean chamber. A gas inert to the reticle is directed in a direction tangential to each of the surfaces of the reticle and along one the edge of the reticle. The gas is exhausted from a location spaced from the other of the pair of opposing edges and remote form the one edge. An optional monitor monitors the particles in the exhausted gas. The gas is preferably applied in pulses which have a pulse length of from about 0.05 second to about 1 second and a pulse repetition rate of from about 0.5/second to about 40/second. The gas is preferably ionized and preferably is applied at a pressure of from about 20 psi to about 120 psi. The stepper chamber is vibrationally isolated from the blow-off chamber.

Abstract: A surface cleaning and material removal system allows for the cleaning of applied or built-up coatings, debris, and any other matter from a surface. The surface cleaning and removal system includes a housing having a base with a wall extending obliquely therefrom. The base and wall define a cavity which covers the specific portion of the surface to be cleaned at that very moment, although the system is typically on wheels or portably movable so as to clean a very large surface in incremental portions. The system also includes a high-pressure-fluid mechanism for providing a high or ultra high pressure fluid flow against the surface to be cleaned where the mechanism includes either brushes or high pressure jets from which ultra high pressure water flows. In addition, the system includes a vacuum for moving all of the cleaning fluid and coatings, debris and any other matter from the cavity.

Abstract: A hard surface cleaning appliance includes a hood separating an interior space within the hood from an exterior space outside the hood. The hood includes a top wall as well as a solid outer side wall and an inner side wall depending from the top wall. The outer side wall includes a lower edge that is adapted to contact a surface to be cleaned, while the inner side wall includes a lower edge spaced inwardly of the outer wall that is elevated above the surface to be cleaned. A vacuum passage is formed between the inner side wall and the outer side wall, and a vacuum source is fluidly connected to the vacuum passage. A spout within the interior space is fluidly connected to a cleaning liquid source. The appliance may include a vacuum relief passage extending through the hood and thereby fluidly connecting the interior space with the exterior space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning generally hard-to-reach or inaccessible areas uses a turbine blower attached to at least one duct for blowing debris located in the hard-to-reach or inaccessible area into an accessible area. The apparatus is most typically mounted on a street-cleaning machine that collects debris as the machine is driven over the debris. The duct can be directionally adjusted from a driver's position of the street-cleaning machine. Air flow volume per unit time can be adjusted from the driver's position. The debris is moved using the apparatus from the inaccessible or hard-to-reach area into an area that permits the street-cleaning machine to be driven over the debris to collect the debris.

Abstract: A device for reversing and modifying air flow created by a suction device. The device has a housing, two fans, two pairs of inlet holes and a dividing wall. The fans are connected by a shaft, so that when the first fan rotates, the second fan rotates in the same direction. The fans are alike but have opposite blade orientations, so that though the fans rotate in the same direction, they output air flow in opposing directions. The fans and air regions they manipulate are separated by the dividing wall. The first pair of air inlet holes provides air to the first fan and then to the suction device. The second pair of air inlet holes provide air to the second fan, which expels that air through a nozzle. The nozzle restricts and directs the expelled air for a specific use such as an air pump or blower. The device for modifying air flow can be fitted with a cowl that collects and directs air particles, disturbed by the nozzle expelled air, through the first pair of inlet holes and to the suction device.

Abstract: A system is used for removing catalyst from a tubular reactor vessel. A power box with a 110 volt to a 12 volt DC transformer is mounted outside the vessel and connected to a 110 volt power supply. An air manifold, also mounted outside the vessel, is connected to a high-pressure air supply and connects to several valves with a separate connection to the power box. Several workstations are placed on the tube sheet within the vessel. The workstation has a frame, a drum and reel assembly mounted on the frame along with a 12 volt DC motor. An air lance hose passes into the drum and reel assembly and, at the other end, connects to an air lance and vacuum assembly. A high pressure air hose connects the drum and reel assembly to one of the valves located outside of the vessel. A controller connects to the 12 volt DC motor to power the drum and reel assembly. The controller is also connected to the power box located outside the vessel and to a foot control. A seat is mounted on the drum and reel assembly.

Abstract: An improved system for cleaning vertical walls includes a vacuum source to adhere the system to the vertical wall. The vacuum source removes fluid and removed material from the wall, and also adheres the system to the wall. A rotating fluid jet is positioned radially inwardly of the vacuum source and impinges high pressurized fluid off of the surface to be cleaned to remove material. In a preferred embodiment, a central portion mounts both the fluid source and the vacuum source. A base portion mounts motors for driving the system along the wall. The base portion rotates relative to the central portion such that the central portion does not move as the base portion turns on the wall to drive the system along the wall. In a further feature, an additional air flow system is provided to provide supplemental air flow to assist the vacuum when moving the fluid and removed material. In addition, a second embodiment of a seal for contacting the surface to be cleaned includes a plurality of brush bristles.

Abstract: The steam cleaning device contains a steam cleaning head with several steam pressure chambers connected to a steam generator, as well as suction regions connected to a vacuum source. The suction regions are constantly supplied with fresh air from a fresh air chamber connected to the outer surroundings of the cleaning head, in order to improve transport of the steam/water/dirt/air mixture to a backward vacuum lock in the steam cleaning head. Suction slits around the periphery of the steam cleaning head ensure completely stripe-free cleaning of, for example, window surfaces. The steam cleaning head can be part of an automatic cleaning machine used for cleaning windows and skyscraper facades.

Abstract: A steam-sterilizing vacuum cleaner, having a vacuum cleaner body 30, a suction hose 31 connected to the vacuum cleaner body 30, and a suction unit provided at an end of the suction hose 31, includes a steam-generating unit for generating steam by a chemical reaction between two electrode plates 21 and 21′ and an electrolytic solution.

Abstract: A system (10) is disclosed for cleaning a vertical furnace (12) pedestal (34) and cap (36) including at least one inlet conduit (40) in fluid communication with a pressurized cleaning medium source (46). The system also includes at least one exhaust conduit (42) in fluid communication with a negative pressure source (48). A boat assembly (30) may be positioned such that the at least one conduit (40) is operable to direct cleaning medium at the boat assembly (30) to dislodge contaminate particles associated with the boat assembly. The exhaust outlet (42) then evacuates the cleaning medium and any dislodged contaminate particles. The system may operate automatically within a closed processing environment and after each process cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a combination vacuum cleaning apparatus. The apparatus includes, in combination, means for sealing an area to be cleaned against the passage of dirt therefrom, such as a skirt; a vacuum source for creating a high-pressure zone within the area enclosed by the skirt and a low-pressure zone within the area enclosed by the skirt; and an intake manifold positioned at the low-pressure zone and operationally connected to the vacuum source to conduct dirt away from the area to be cleaned.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for removing fine particles from an uneven surface and a method for using such apparatus are disclosed. The cleaning apparatus can be used on any uneven surface, and is particularly suitable for use on a grooved surface such as that of an exposure table in a stepper. The apparatus includes a cleaning head having a head portion with a front surface for contacting the uneven surface to be cleaned. The front surface is equipped with a plurality of vacuum openings and blown air openings. When the cleaning apparatus is suitably connected to a vacuum source and a clean dry air source, fine particles can be dislodged from the grooved surface first by the blown air and then sucked away by the vacuum source through the plurality of vacuum openings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing coatings from all surfaces of a deck tiedown on a marine vessel (ships) using an ultra high pressure waterjetting and a vacuum attachment to contain the effluent water and debris. A rotating ultra high pressure nozzle designed to clean all areas of the tiedown by being manipulated in multiple directions and elevations is enclosed in a pressure receiver that seals to the deck surface. All removed coatings, paint, rust, and deposits are removed to a remote vacuum recovery system. This method cleans all areas of the tiedown with no damage to the substrate and provides a superior surface for the application of coatings with no detrimental effects to surrounding deck areas and eliminating foreign object damage to surrounding equipment.

Abstract: A bun pan cleaner having a pair of counter rotating brushes for scrubbing the bottom of the baking pan. The bun pan cleaner also includes one air jet, under a hood, for directing compressed air under the surface of the pans to help blow seeds and other debris into the air beneath the hood for evacuation. There is also one or more augers beneath the hood which, when rotated will help sweep seeds and other debris out from under the hood.

Abstract: A mobile, motorized washing and drying apparatus is described which includes a mobile cart or base which is formed for the attachment of both a motorized washing device and a motorized drying device. The motorized washing device is attached to the base and has a motor capable of pressurizing and discharging washing fluids for the washing and cleaning of something, for example, an automobile. The motorized drying device is also attached to the base and has a housing formed with an inlet and an outlet and a motor therein. The motor of the drying device has a shaft with a blade means attached thereto for producing an air flow. The drying device further has a hose extending from it to direct the produced airflow for drying something, for example, a freshly washed automobile. In some embodiments, the motor of the washing device and the motor of the drying device are both electric; and, in other embodiments the motor of the washing device and the motor of the drying device are both internal combustion type.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrostatic air blower which is preferably intended for use in cleaning optofibers without risking the contamination of said fibers with, e.g., metal particles that may have been loosened from electrodes used in a cleaning process. The ends of optofibers can be cleaned simply and reliably prior to welding said ends together, with the aid of said electrostatic air blower. The electrostatic air blower includes two ceramic plasma caoons (11, 12) which face towards one another at a given distance apart. Each plasma cannon includes a ceramic tube which houses an electrode. Repeated discharges between the electrodes in the tubes causes pressure waves to be generated in the air present between the tube orifices.

Abstract: An air blower apparatus is described which has a blower unit, an attached base and a length of flexible hose used in combination to move volumes of air at speeds for the purpose of accelerating drying processes, for example, the drying of a freshly washed automobile. The apparatus is designed for operation with the blower unit remotely located from the user proximate ground level. The blower unit has a housing formed with an inlet and an outlet, and a motor inside having a shaft with blade means attached thereto for producing an air flow. The present invention also includes a base which is formed to attach the blower unit thereon for use close to or proximate ground level, and the base is also formed to position the blower unit thereon so that the inlet of the blower unit does not draw in debris close to or from the ground. The present invention also includes a hose which is flexible and attached to the blower housing outlet.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for removing foreign particles such as dust from an object of complex shape is disclosed. An object is placed in an enclosed chamber and agitated by mechanical vibration means and by pulsed air jets while rotating, all to separate the dust particles from that object. Periodic injection of compressed air causes the dust particles to be suspended in that air and subsequently removed when the air is aspirated. The method and an apparatus can be used in combination with a household vacuum cleaner for cleaning of large household items such as clothing, pillows, linens, etc. In industrial use, the method of invention can be used for cleaning of electronic components from foreign particles.

Abstract: A method of cleaning tissue webs in a rewinder utilize the Coanda effect to produce an improved tissue product. The Coanda effect web cleaner utilizes the smooth flow of a thin layer of air to scrub off dust and lint embedded and entangled in the web surface while stabilizing the web in its travel. Two of these Coanda effect web cleaners arranged on opposite sides of a multiple-ply web in a rewinder are effective when operated according to the method of the invention to produce a rewound tissue with an unexpectedly low loose dust and lint count on its surfaces.

Abstract: An improved system for cleaning vertical walls includes a vacuum source to adhere the system to the vertical wall. The vacuum source removes fluid and removed material from the wall, and also adheres the system to the wall. A rotating fluid jet is positioned radially inwardly of the vacuum source and impinges high pressurized fluid off of the surface to be cleaned to remove material. In a preferred embodiment, a central portion mounts both the fluid source and the vacuum source. A base portion mounts motors for driving the system along the wall. The base portion rotates relative to the central portion such that the central portion does not move as the base portion turns on the wall to drive the system along the wall. In a further feature, an additional air flow system is provided to provide supplemental air flow to assist the vacuum when moving the fluid and removed material. In addition, a second embodiment of a seal for contacting the surface to be cleaned includes a plurality of brush bristles.

Abstract: An electric motor is operatively connected to a reel for selectively storing, paying out, and rewinding an air lance of a device for unloading catalyst from tubular reactors. The electric motor powered reel provides improved on/off control of the air lance mounted on the reel, a braking force during withdrawal of the air lance from the reel, constant speed operation during rotation of the reel, and avoids the problem of lubricant contamination of the catalyst and reactor tubes.

Abstract: An electric cleaner head including a first bank of a plurality of spaced apart nozzles each including an interior passage having a narrower width than length slit. Sources of air flow including at least one suction source are connected to spaces between the subnozzles to generate air flow around a lowest edge of the subnozzles between the subnozzles and spaces between the subnozzles wherein the interior passages of the subnozzles are isolated from the suction source.

Abstract: A particulate removal and lens bond test device includes a base for receiving a waffle pack holding a plurality of optical subassemblies (OSAs) to be tested and an associated applicator for applying a predetermined flow of gas across the OSAs to remove loose particulates and to test the bond strength of the lens on the OSA. The applicator includes a flow regulator and a plurality of orifices arranged to direct the flow of gas onto each individual OSA in the waffle pack.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a web by removing dust and other particles therefrom in which a blowing is directed at a web to cause the separation of dust from the web and a suction effect is applied to the web to remove the dust separated from the web. A vortex flow may be produced before the dust separating blowing in the running direction of the web to prevent carriage of the dust into the environment and to compensate for the suction effect on the runnability of the web.

Abstract: A semiconductor cleaning method for removing particles that have adhered to the back side of a semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor wafer is placed on a support. Inert gas is blown against the back of the semiconductor wafer by a plurality of nozzles, each of which is positioned at a predetermined angle to the back of the semiconductor wafer and inclined in a first direction. An air exhaust is located near the periphery of the semiconductor wafer and arranged so as to suck in the particles removed from the semiconductor wafer with the nozzles.

Abstract: A vacuum system is described in which a hollow vacuum housing is provided with an intake plenum leading from an open bottom housing end of the housing to a vacuum line connector. A vacuum pump is attached to the vacuum line to produce suction through the intake plenum. A hot air housing is situated within the hollow vacuum housing and includes a hot air discharge plenum. The hot air discharge plenum is defined by a wall within the intake plenum, leading from an open bottom end that is substantially circumscribed by the intake plenum. A hot air blower on the hot air housing moves hot air downwardly. The hot air moves against the surface being cleaned or dried and is subsequently drawn back upwardly through the intake plenum. At least one and preferably two compressed injection air discharge lines are positioned within the hot air housing.

Abstract: Dust extraction equipment for looms includes a plurality of suction manifolds disposed adjacent to a dust-generating zone of a loom. Ducting communicates with each of the manifolds, a filter cabinet, and a motorized suction fan for drawing dust-contaminated air from the manifolds by way of the ducting and delivering it to the cabinet.

Abstract: An apparatus for dry-leaning dust-contaminated auxiliary objects for handling and storing semiconductor wafers is disclosed and comprises a housing having a receiving opening and a closable lid for closing the opening. The housing further includes a receiving space for receiving an auxiliary object and a collecting space spatially separated therefrom, gas inlet nozzles having corresponding gas outlet openings in the receiving space for injecting a cleaning gas into the receiving space, and a gas draw-off opening in the collecting space for receiving the injected cleaning gas flowing from the receiving space to the collecting space. As the injected cleaning gas flows over the auxiliary object from the receiving space to the collecting space, the dust particles are removed from the auxiliary object by the flow of injected cleaning gas over the auxiliary object and delivered to said gas draw-off opening for disposal.

Abstract: A tissue web cleaner and method of cleaning tissue webs in a rewinder utilize the Coanda effect to produce an improved tissue product. The Coanda effect web cleaner utilizes the smooth flow of a thin layer of air to scrub off dust and lint embedded and entangled in the web surface while stabilizing the web in its travel. Two of these Coanda effect web cleaners arranged on opposite sides of a multiple-ply web in a rewinder are effective when operated according to the method of the invention to produce a rewound tissue with an unexpectedly low loose dust and lint count on its surfaces.

Abstract: A surface cleaning and material removal system allows for the cleaning of applied or built-up coatings, debris, and any other matter from a surface. The surface cleaning and removal system includes a housing having a base with a wall extending obliquely therefrom. The base and wall define a cavity which covers the specific portion of the surface to be cleaned at that very moment, although the system is typically on wheels or portably movable so as to clean a very large surface in incremental portions. The system also includes a high-pressure-fluid mechanism for providing a high or ultra high pressure fluid flow against the surface to be cleaned where the mechanism includes either brushes or high pressure jets from which ultra high pressure water flows. In addition, the system includes a vacuum for moving all of the cleaning fluid and coatings, debris and any other matter from the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for cleaning industrial and commercial operations hard surfaces, e.g., concrete and asphalt slabs, walls, tanks, grates, and ship hulls, contaminated by oil and chemical spills or barnacles. The methods and apparatus of the present invention produce a high velocity airflow about only the periphery of the area being cleaned by the device to provide improved entrainment and removal of cleaning fluid and dislodged debris. High velocity streams of cleaning fluid are directed against the surface from nozzles disposed on rotating arms of a hub suspended within the portable housing of the slab cleaner. The spent cleaning fluid and dislodged debris are removed by the application of a vacuum to a chamber extending about the periphery of the housing to create the high velocity airflow. Thus, high velocity airflow is developed without fear that the slab cleaner will be sucked down and become temporarily stuck on the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: A doctor system (20) and an associated method for cleaning the moving surface (30) of a papermachine component (22) which is begrimed or wetted by a paper web (28) moved around the surface utilizes an air nozzle (54) supportable in a stationary condition adjacent the surface of the papermachine component for directing a stream of air in the form of a knife from a source generally toward the surface to dislodge grime and water from the surface. The system also includes a collection receptacle (68) positionable adjacent the nozzle for collecting grime and water which are dislodged from the surface by the air knife for disposal.

Abstract: A method of cleaning fiber of dust and particulate matter thereon includes the steps of directing the fiber passage having an entrance end and an exit end; protecting the fiber from abrasion at the entrance end and the exit end; passing the fiber through a vacuum chamber in the fiber passage; directing a fluid spray against the fiber in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the fiber along the passage at a velocity sufficient to dislodge particulate matter from the fiber; and exhausting the fluid and the particulate matter from the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for cleaning filters used in air breathing machinery. The apparatus is adapted to clean filters that are either contaminated or dirty on the inside surface of its filter medium or on the outside. For this purpose, the filter is placed in a first chamber of a housing wherein it is rotatably supported and wherein there is a vacuum established if the filter surface is dirty on the outside and wherein alternatively a vacuum is established on the inside of the filter if the filter is dirty on the inside surface. This establishes the fact that cleaning air moves through the filter medium in the direction of its contamination. In order to aid in dislodging any contaminants, vibrating hammers are provided on the outside or on the inside of the surfaces of the filters.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the outside of a container to remove any adhering liquid, particularly in the region of a fill opening thereof. Adhering liquid is blown off of the container by mean of compressed air.

Abstract: Paint applied to a wheel electrostatically in the dry state is removed subsequently from the hub by a method of which the first step is to block the hub from one side with a plate, offered to a first face of the wheel and of shape such that it combines with the substantially cylindrical bore of the hub to create a chamber which remains accessible from the opposite face of the wheel. A jet of air is then generated close to the hub and introduced into the chamber, investing the cylindrical surface directly or indirectly or obliquely and creating a turbulence sufficient to remove the unwanted layer of paint; at the same time, suction is generated at least in the part of the chamber flooded with air, in such a way as to aspirate and recover the particles of paint removed from the hub and held in suspension by the resulting swirl.

Abstract: An apparatus (5) for renovating synthetic grass playing surfaces (1) which include a layer of particulate material. The apparatus (5) comprises a plenum chamber (20) which directs a fast moving jet of air against the particulate so as to dislodge it and direct the particulate into a collection chamber (40). The plenum chamber (20) may be adapted to effect a reciprocating motion parallel to a playing surface (1) and orthogonal to a direction of conveyance of the apparatus (5) over the playing surface (1). The collection chamber (20) may incorporate a screw conveyor system (44) to displace particulate material directed into the collection chamber (20) to an appropriate container which may be conveyed along side the apparatus (5) by a separate vehicle. The apparatus (5) may further include a particulate dispensing apparatus for applying an evenly spread layer of fresh particulate material in place of that which has been dislodged and removed from the playing surface (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable apparatus for cleaning containers that can be installed alongside a conventional conveyor belt on which containers are transported. The cleaning apparatus comprises a container pick-up station designed to direct oncoming containers toward a local transport system designed to transport the containers through various container processing stages. The container processing stages include a first station that blasts ionized gas into the container to place contaminants in suspension and a second station that sucks out the suspended contaminants from the container. Once the container processing has been completed, the container is transported to a container return station that directs the container onto the conveyor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning a heating, ventilating and air conditioning duct comprising a high pressure air emitting nozzle which is disposable inside the duct and an expansible and contractible draught member, which is responsive to differential pressure being created on opposite sides thereof, for drawing the high pressure air emitting member in a downstream path of travel through the duct. The draught member includes a sheet of fabric which is coupled, at its perimetrical edge portion via a plurality of lines, to the high pressure air emitting nozzle. The perimetrical edge of the fabric sheet, in its expanded condition, is spaced from a confronting portion of the duct via a low pressure, high velocity air zone which causes the draught member to move in a to-and-fro transverse path as it is moved downstream. A strip of abrasive material is provided along the perimeter of the draught member for wiping the inside of the duct as it moves to-and-fro downstream.