Abstract: A hood for a mechanized sweeper comprises an upper surface, an adjustable front flap, an adjustable rear flap, and end skirts. The adjustable front flap is configured to extend perpendicularly downward from the upper surface. The adjustable rear flap is configured to extend perpendicularly downward from the upper surface. The end skirts are configured to extend perpendicularly downward from the upper surface and further configured to extend perpendicular from the front flap and the rear flap such that the adjustable front and rear flaps are adjusted to maintain a depth equal to the depth of the end skirts.

Abstract: A hood for a mechanized sweeper has dual portions connected via a mating surface and includes several downward depending flaps for increasing volumetric efficiency of defined vacuum plenum. The three flaps consist of a front flap, a middle flap, and a rear flap, and are of a cartridge type to facilitate replacement. The front and rear flaps are adjustable to allow for lowering of these two flaps in the event of wear due to friction against a paved road surface. A mechanism for raising the leading edge of the hood is also provided.

Abstract: An upright-type electric vacuum cleaner including a vacuum cleaner main body with at least a dust collector and an exhaust outlet, and a suction body provided at a lower front of the vacuum main body. The dust collector is disposed on a rearward side of the vacuum cleaner main body and wherein the exhaust outlet is disposed on a front surface side of the dust collector. The area of the exhaust outlet can be made large without being interfered by the dust collector.

Abstract: An apparatus for collection and reduction of yard debris combining a frontally facing vacuum pick up with a chipper-shredder-blower unit to induce airflow for entraining debris collected at the vacuum pick up; reduce the entrained debris to a more manageable volume; impel the reduced debris to a high-efficiency free-flow-separator device for removing the debris from the air in which it is entrained; and deposit the debris in a detachable accumulator for subsequent dumping.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner of the present invention includes: a base plate connected to the lower face of a cleaner body so that the base plate is freely movable up and down, and having an exhaust hole formed in a surface facing the surface to be cleaned for blowing exhaust air; an extensible air duct, interposed between the base plate and the cleaner body, for guiding the exhaust air from an intake fan to the base plate; a dust suction nozzle supported on a part of the base plate and connected to the suction side of the intake fan; and wheels, mounted on the lower face of the cleaner body, for supporting the cleaner body on the surface to be cleaned when the base plate is moved up.

Abstract: A simple yet effective system for cleaning fans and air circulators facilitates the cleaning of ceiling and hard-to-reach units without having to remove the blades or other parts to be cleaned. A flexible bag encloses parts of a fan to be cleaned. A source of compressed air is used for inflating the bag, and a source of vacuum is used for collecting particulates used for cleaning. A user-controlled nozzle is used for spraying particulates against parts of the fan to be cleaned. The user-controlled nozzle terminates in a narrow tube operative to puncture the bag, which is preferably a transparent plastic bag. The source of compressed air and the source of vacuum may share a common vacuum unit with particulate filter such as a “shop-vac” type of equipment. The particulates used for cleaning may include any suitable abrasive though, in the preferred embodiment, granulated walnut or other nut shells are used. In contrast to devices that clean with liquids, the enclosure may envelope the motor and blades.

Abstract: An automatic air-blown cleaning apparatus for cleaning a liquid crystal display (LCD) component in an LCD assembly process. The automatic air-blown cleaning apparatus has an assembly station for receiving and assembling the liquid crystal display component, a conveying device for delivering the liquid crystal display component to the next assembly station, and an air filtering blower provided on the conveying device. The air filtering blower sends an air flow toward the liquid crystal display component to remove residual matter from the liquid crystal display component.

Abstract: A spot cleaning apparatus comprises a fluid distribution system, a fluid recovery system, an agitation system, and a controller system to automatically monitor and control inputs and outputs to said systems for removal of spots and stains from a surface without attendance by a user. A suction nozzle and agitation device are mounted to the housing for movement over the surface to be cleaned relative to a stationary housing. Optionally, the spot cleaning apparatus can be operated in a manual mode. In one embodiment, the spot cleaning apparatus comprises a controller for continuously reversing the agitation direction of the agitatation system. In another embodiment, the spot cleaning apparatus comprises a modular strain relief assembly. In yet another embodiment, working air is recirculated to the surface to be cleaned through internal ducting.

Abstract: A vacuum sweeper includes a blower for pulling debris in a stream of air through a vacuum duct, past the blower, out a blower discharge duct and into a hopper. Debris settles to the bottom of the hopper and the air exits the hopper through a return air duct having a discharge opening. The discharge opening is positioned near a vacuum nozzle inlet of the vacuum duct such that dust and debris in the return air stream is pulled back into the vacuum duct. The air discharge opening and the return air duct are sized to be larger than the vacuum nozzle inlet. The speed of the air exiting the discharge opening is thereby reduced increasing the percentage of the return air pulled back through the vacuum nozzle inlet instead of being blown out of the vacuum chamber and into the atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel design for a recirculating vacuum cleaner nozzle that addresses the problem of pluming by venting some internal fluid to the atmosphere. The nozzle guides fluid flow around an inner shroud within a housing. The distal end of the nozzle is exposed to the atmosphere such that air passes rapidly across its face from the outside edges to the inner duct. This rapidly moving airflow picks up dust and debris and carries it to the interior of the inner duct. Dusty air within this duct is preferably cleaned with a separator. After the fluid is cleaned, it may be sent back to the nozzle to pick up more debris. Use of the nozzle of the present invention in conjunction with a separator allows sufficient air to enter the nozzle to prevent pluming and allows the same amount of air to exit via shaped vent holes while retaining dust in the system.

Abstract: An automatic air-blown cleaning apparatus for cleaning a liquid crystal display (LCD) component in an LCD assembly process. The automatic air-blown cleaning apparatus has an assembly station for receiving and assembling the liquid crystal display component, a conveying device for delivering the liquid crystal display component to the next assembly station, and an air filtering blower provided on the conveying device. The air filtering blower sends an air flow toward the liquid crystal display component to remove residual matter from the liquid crystal display component.

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

Abstract: A robot vacuum cleaner comprises a cleaner body having a wheel disposed at a lower portion and a suction port through which contaminants are drawn in from a cleaning surface; and an air circulating mechanism for filtering out contaminants from the contaminant-laden air drawn in through the suction port and then jetting the contaminant-free air to an air jet opening to help dislodge contaminants from the cleaning surface. The air jet opening is adjacent to the suction port; and the two elements are surrounded by a sealing member for sealing off a portion between the cleaning surface and the cleaner body to prevent dislodged contaminants from being dispersed outwardly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to upright and cannister vacuum cleaners. The improved vacuum cleaners utilize toroidal vortex technology to provide efficient airflow in a sealed system. The sealed system prevents dust from escaping into the atmosphere and retains kinetic energy of flowing air. The present invention is also quieter, lighter, and simpler than conventional designs.

Abstract: Pressurized filtered exhaust air from a motorized fan in a vacuum cleaner body passes on an exhaust path to a floor suction tool. The exhaust air is directed by the floor suction tool generally parallel to the surface to be cleaned to agitate dust and thus to improve cleaning performance. An electric motor in the floor suction tool drives a rotation brush. The exhaust air is also directed toward the rotation brush in the floor suction tool in a direction to add rotation force to the rotation brush. Feeder lines to the electric motor pass through the exhaust path so that the feeder lines are exposed only to filtered air. Passing the feeder lines through the exhaust path avoids the necessity to make special provision for the feeder lines. The exhaust path passes along a hose, and may optionally pass along one or more extension pipes on its way to the floor suction tool.

Abstract: A fluid recirculating cleaning device includes an exhaust port defining an exhaust port longitudinal axis, a fluid source end and an exhaust end defining a first cross-sectional area. A suction port includes a suction port longitudinal axis, a fluid exit end and a fluid entrance end defining a second cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area. The suction port includes a second outer surface that extends from the entrance end toward the fluid exit end. A vacuum blower motor sucks fluid in through the suction port to create fluid flow away from the vacuum motor and toward the exhaust port exhaust end. The exhaust port exhaust end is recessed from the suction port fluid entrance end and the two ports are located with respect to one another so that fluid flow from the exhaust port will be effectively drawn into the suction port.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved vacuum cleaning apparatus that utilize toroidal vortex air flow in order to establish a pressure differential capable of attracting debris. These systems and its derivatives are essentially closed systems; there is no constant intake and exhaust of fluid. Included in the debris collection apparatus is a compaction means that captures debris caught in the toroidal vortex flow, and deposits it in a desired chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved vacuum cleaning apparatus that utilize toroidal vortex air flow in order to establish a pressure differential capable of attracting debris. These systems differ significantly from prior vacuum cleaners in that they are essentially closed systems; there is no constant intake and exhaust of fluid. Disclosed herein are toroidal vortex vacuum cleaner nozzles that function with a fluid delivery system, which, in combination, yield a toroidal vortex that is split between the extreme ends of the nozzle. Also disclosed is a complete toroidal vortex vacuum system employing a centrifugal dirt separator. The present invention excels in being more efficient, lighter weight and quieter than the prior art.

Abstract: A mobile litter pickup vehicle has a pair of forward corner brushes independently mounted on articulated arms so that the brushes may be moved in the event an obstacle is encountered to avoid damage to the brushes or to the object. An air recirculating system is employed for prolonging the life of the final outlet filter, and an impermeable trash bag may be used for disposing of the contents of a primary scrim collection bag.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes an electric blower generating the suction force; a suction port body on which the suction force of the electric blower acts and which sucks in the dust on the surface to be cleaned; and a centrifugal force dust collection section to collect the dust from the suction port body. The electric blower includes a fan section and a low input type motor to drive the fan section.

Abstract: A robot vacuum cleaner comprises a cleaner body having a wheel disposed at a lower portion and a suction port through which contaminants are drawn in from a cleaning surface; and an air circulating mechanism for filtering out contaminants from the contaminant-laden air drawn in through the suction port and then jetting the contaminant-free air to an air jet opening to help dislodge contaminants from the cleaning surface. The air jet opening is adjacent to the suction port; and the two elements are surrounded by a sealing member for sealing off a portion between the cleaning surface and the cleaner body to prevent dislodged contaminants from being dispersed outwardly.

Abstract: A fluid recirculating cleaning device includes an exhaust port defining an exhaust port longitudinal axis, a fluid source end and an exhaust end defining a first cross-sectional area. A suction port includes a suction port longitudinal axis, a fluid exit end and a fluid entrance end defining a second cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area. The suction port includes a second outer surface that extends from the entrance end toward the fluid exit end. A vacuum blower motor sucks fluid in through the suction port to create fluid flow away from the vacuum motor and toward the exhaust port exhaust end. The exhaust port exhaust end is recessed from the suction port fluid entrance end and the two ports are located with respect to one another so that fluid flow from the exhaust port will be effectively drawn into the suction port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved upright and cannister vacuum cleaners. The improved vacuum cleaners utilize toroidal vortex technology to provide efficient airflow in a sealed system. The sealed system prevents dust from escaping into the atmosphere and retains kinetic energy of flowing air. The present invention is also quieter, lighter, and simpler than conventional designs.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner which includes a closed loop air system is disclosed. The closed loop air system has an entering chamber, a fan in communication with the chamber, an electrical motor which drives the fan, a filtering unit connected to the entering chamber via a hose, an air jet nozzle located adjacent the chamber, and a hose connecting the nozzle to the filtering unit. Air laden with dirt and debris is picked up from the surface being cleaned and is sucked into the chamber via the fan. The air is directed to the filtering unit where it removes the dirt and debris. The cleaned air is returned to the nozzle. The air stream is again polluted by dirt and dust and is immediately sucked into the cleaner by the fan into the entering chamber. In a further embodiment, an additional fan or blower is employed to increase the air pressure at the nozzle.

Abstract: An upright-type vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body having a dust collecting chamber and a motor driving chamber, a suction brush, and a cyclone dust collecting device removably mounted on the dust collecting chamber. The cyclone dust collecting device includes a cover, first and second cyclone bodies for centrifuging and collecting contaminants entrained in the air, a lower door, and an outlet pipe. The second cyclone body includes a grill having a plurality of perforations formed therein to filter out small particle contaminants. The lower door is removably mounted on a lower end of the first cyclone body, and the outlet pipe discharges the clean air. The cyclone dust collecting device prevents a backflow of contaminants, thereby, collecting contaminants are more effectively.

Abstract: A gumming applicator (1) rotatable about a central axis (A) is cleaned by a device (4) comprising a nozzle (13) connected to a source (11) of pressurized fluid (50) and calibrated so as to deliver an atomized jet (14) which is directed at the gumming applicator (1) to the end of removing residues (60) of the gumming adhesive (2) from the applicator (1); the nozzle (13) is also capable of movement in a direction (D) parallel with the axis (A) of rotation of the applicator (1).

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner that generates an output air stream to agitate dirt and other debris on the surface being cleaned.

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

Abstract: A fluid recirculating cleaning device includes an exhaust port defining an exhaust port longitudinal axis, a fluid source end and an exhaust end defining a first cross-sectional area. A suction port includes a suction port longitudinal axis, a fluid exit end and a fluid entrance end defining a second cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area. The suction port includes a second outer surface that extends from the entrance end toward the fluid exit end. A vacuum blower motor sucks fluid in through the suction port to create fluid flow away from the vacuum motor and toward the exhaust port exhaust end. The exhaust port exhaust end is recessed from the suction port fluid entrance end and the two ports are located with respect to one another so that fluid flow from the exhaust port will be effectively drawn into the suction port.

Abstract: An air circulation type vacuum cleaner having a casing with a suction port and an exhaust port, a suction blower placed to intake air with impurities through the suction port, a suction fan having a dust collecting filter placed on the outlet side of the suction blower to filter the impurities from the air. The vacuum cleaner also has at least one reflux pipe with an inlet portion placed on an outlet side of the suction fan in order to return the air discharged from the suction fan to an inlet side of the suction fan and at least one ejector installed on an outlet side of the reflux pipe. The suction force generated by the suction fan and the suction force generated by the vacuum pressure from the redirection of air in the reflux pipe are used together to improve the suction ability of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner containing an air passage system which is modified to increase the amount and speed of air drawn into the vacuum cleaner without increasing the capacity of the motor, whereby the performance of the vacuum cleaner is enhanced.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved vacuum cleaner nozzle. The vacuum cleaner nozzle comprises two concentric tubes which guide fluid flow into toroidal vortex. The fluid flow creates a low pressure region such that dust, dirt, and a variety of other objects may be sucked up. The nozzle is designed to be used in conjunction with a vacuum cleaning system. The entire system is closed such that airflow is contained. Thus, the vacuum cleaner system is highly efficient and prevents dust from escaping into the atmosphere. Additionally, the toroidal vortex nozzle may be fitted with an additional sleeve to allow the nozzle to be placed against surfaces without impeding fluid flow. Furthermore, by venting the nozzle, undesired pluming in front of the nozzle can be prevented.

Abstract: An electric cleaning device circulates exhaust air from an electric blower to a floor intake tool. The exhaust air passes through an exhaust guide, formed as one element, in a main cleaning device unit from the electric blower through a hose to the floor intake tool. The exhaust guide is a resilient unitary resin part with sufficient resilience to permit compression for installation. The springback of the exhaust guide seals the exhaust path against leakage.

Abstract: In the invention, a brush body 30 that is rotated and driven by a motor 32 is disposed in a suction unit 2, and dust is sucked from the suction unit 2 by a blower 4, while exhaust of the blower 4 is sent to the suction unit 2 side through an exhaust passage 27. While the exhaust of the blower 4 is blown to the motor 32 exhaust is blown to the floor for lifting the dust from the floor to enhance the dust collection efficiency, and moreover, if the output of the motor 32 for driving the brush 30 is increased, temperature rise of the motor 32 can be suppressed, and thus durability may be enhanced.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner that generates an output air stream to agitate dirt and other debris on the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved vacuum cleaning apparatus that utilize a toroidal vortex within the apparatus housing in order to establish a pressure differential between outside the device and inside. These systems differ significantly from prior vacuum cleaners in that they are essentially closed systems there is no constant intake and exhaust of fluid. Disclosed herein are toroidal vortex vacuum cleaner nozzles that function with a fluid delivery system, which, in combination, yield a toroidal vortex that is split between the extreme ends of the nozzle. Also disclosed is a complete toroidal vortex vacuum system employing a centrifugal dirt separator. The present invention excels in being more efficient, lighter weight and quieter than the prior art.

Abstract: In the invention, a brush body 30 that is rotated and driven by a motor 32 is disposed in a suction unit 2, and dust is sucked from the suction unit 2 by a blower 4, while exhaust of the blower 4 is sent to the suction unit 2 side through an exhaust passage 27. While the exhaust of the blower 4 is blown to the motor 32 exhaust is blown to the floor for lifting the dust from the floor to enhance the dust collection efficiency, and moreover, if the output of the motor 32 for driving the brush 30 is increased, temperature rise of the motor 32 can be suppressed, and thus durability may be enhanced.

Abstract: In an electric blower, exhaust air discharged radially from a centrifugal fan is redirected to a motor drive section by a diffuser and a fan cover. The air passes from a ventilation opening on a motor frame and through a bracket to cool the motor drive section. A portion of the air from the centrifugal fan is bled off through exhaust openings without passing over the motor, whereby this portion remains cooler and cleaner than the air that passes over the motor. Air flows up a wand and then passes over the motor to cool the motor. This air passes through filters before being discharged. The portion of air that is bled off passes along a parallel path in the wand to agitate dirt, and to maintain the wand relatively cool. In one embodiment, some of the bled-off portion is discharged directly without passing along the wand.

Abstract: In a vacuum cleaner, a suction side of an electric fan contained in a cleaner main body is connected to a suction port body via a suction air passage and an exhaust side of the electric fan is connected to the suction port body via an exhaust air passage. Air, passage connecting portions for removably connecting the suction port body to the cleaner main body are provided between both air passages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air circulation type vacuum cleaner comprising a casing having a suction port and an exhaust port separately, a suction blower placed so as to be consecutive to the suction port of the casing in order to suck impurities with surrounding air, a suction fan having a dust collect filter placed so as to be consecutive to the outlet side of the suction blower in order to filter the impurities from the sucked air and a fan motor for generating suction force, at least one reflux pipe arranged its inlet portion is placed on the discharge side of the suction fan having the fan motor in order to return the discharge air discharged from the suction fan to the suction side, and at least one ejector installed on the outlet side of the reflux pipe in order to jet the discharge air with high speed.

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: An electric cleaning device circulates exhaust air from an electric blower to a floor intake tool. The exhaust air passes through an exhaust guide, formed as one element, in a main cleaning device unit from the electric blower through a hose to the floor intake tool. The exhaust guide is a resilient unitary resin part with sufficient resilience to permit compression for installation. The springback of the exhaust guide seals the exhaust path against leakage.

Abstract: A utility type surface cleaning vehicle comprises a unitary frame utility type tractor defining a longitudinal axis and having a front end and a back end, left and right driven rear wheels and at least one steerable front wheel and a trailer connecting mechanism. A debris hopper is removably connectable to the utility type tractor via the trailer connecting means. A main surface cleaning apparatus is operatively mountable on the unitary frame utility type tractor between the front end and the back end thereof, and is connected in debris depositing relation via a debris transfer mechanism to the debris hopper.

Abstract: System for drying printed circuit boards in a liquid cleaning apparatus. The liquid cleaning apparatus includes a series of air knife dryers enclosed within two drying modules. The first drying module houses a first set of top and bottom air knife dryers which includes at least one top air knife dryer, positioned above a conveyor belt carrying printed circuit boards through the liquid cleaning apparatus, and at least one bottom air knife dryer, positioned below the conveyor belt. The air knife dryers may be symmetrically opposed and aligned above and below the conveyor belt. The liquid cleaning apparatus further includes side air knife dryers disposed along the conveyor belt between the first drying module and the second drying module.

Abstract: Pressurized filtered exhaust air from a motorized fan in a vacuum cleaner body passes on an exhaust path to a floor suction tool. The exhaust air is directed by the floor suction tool generally parallel to the surface to be cleaned to agitate dust and thus to improve cleaning performance. An electric motor in the floor suction tool drives a rotation brush. The exhaust air is also directed toward the rotation brush in the floor suction tool in a direction to add rotation force to the rotation brush. Feeder lines to the electric motor pass through the exhaust path so that the feeder lines are exposed only to filtered air. Passing the feeder lines through the exhaust path avoids the necessity to make special provision for the feeder lines. The exhaust path passes along a hose, and may optionally pass along one or more extension pipes on its way to the floor suction tool.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner wherein a hose, a pipe and a suction nozzle, which are connected to a vacuum cleaner main body incorporating therein a motor fan, are formed with a suction air passage as well as an exhaust air passage for making air exhausted from the motor fan circumfluently flow. The pipe is composed of an inner cylindrical portion having a substantially circular section and forming the suction air passage, and an outer cylindrical portion a part of which is uniformly formed with the inner cylindrical portion and which covers the inner cylindrical portion to form the exhaust air passage. There can be achieved for a light-weighted and slim-sized arrangement of the pipe through which the suction air passage and the exhaust air passage extends without the fear of dust plugging, and a vacuum cleaner of exhaust circumfluently flowing type can be easily put into to practice.

Abstract: A suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner is designed so that exhaust from a motor blower in the body of the vacuum cleaner is provided into a suction port of the suction nozzle. The exhaust provided into the suction nozzle is prevented from being discharged to the atmosphere at the point where the suction nozzle meets the to-be-cleaned surface.

Abstract: A mechanical surface sweeping vehicle has a cylindrically-shaped rotating sweeping broom to propel forwardly debris disposed on a contacted portion of a surface being cleaned, thereby creating a forwardly propelled stream of debris. A mechanical debris elevator is disposed to receive and retain the forwardly propelled stream of debris and to deposit the received and retained debris into the hopper. A deflector flap is disposed forwardly of the rotating sweeping broom and immediately rearwardly of the debris accepting lower end portion of the mechanical debris elevator, to receive at least a portion of the forwardly propelled stream of debris and to deflect it upwardly and forwardly onto the mechanical debris elevator.

Abstract: A closed-loop Regenerative.RTM. air sweeper is provided which constitutes an improvement of that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,512,206. The sweeper of the latter patent is provided as an integral portion thereof, whereas a conversion, a "dustless" mechanism having first and second chambers into the first chamber of which is directed a portion of the air stream from a pressure conduit associated with a pickup head of the sweeper. Particles of debris are separated by cyclone separators and thereafter by membrane filters after which substantially clean air is discharged to atmosphere. Air entrained particles separated by the cyclone separators and the cartridge filters are returned to a vacuum side of the pickup head thereby maintaining substantially closed-loop air flow of the sweeper. Clean air is controllably exhausted to atmosphere by flue vanes which can be selectively moved under pressure differential sensing means associated with the cyclone separator.

Abstract: A negative pressure ring is formed around the surface to be cleaned and an air flow loaded with solid particles is directed onto the surface, which based on its kinetic energy treats the surface without mechanical support means such as brushes. At overpressure the air flow creates an air-cushion-like volume flow, rotating or travelling along predetermined paths, at negative pressure a volume flow is continuously guided over the surface to be cleaned. By admixing solid particles and cleaning and maintenance agents to the air flow, the substrate can be cleaned and maintained. With the process of the invention it is possible to perform several treatment steps in a single operation. The overpressure process works periodically, the negative pressure process in a complete closed cycle, wherein the solid particles are cleaned in an environmentally friendly manner and recycled into the process.