Abstract: A device is provided for removing moisture and small particles of debris from windshield breaks and the like. The device includes a nozzle for discharging air. The nozzle has a shirt portion with a planar edge. A compressed air supply is discharged through the nozzle. A method also is provided for removing moisture and small particles of debris from windshield breaks and the like. The method includes positioning the nozzle having a skirt with a planar edge over the windshield break. Then, compressed air is discharged through the nozzle mechanism. The compressed air has an initial pressure and a central core area. The central core area has a pressure substantially equal to the initial pressure of the compressed air. The nozzle mechanism is positioned such that the central core is directed at only a portion of the windshield break.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a gas assisted scraper which provides a wet or dry spray for dispersing debris from the scraper and surface being scraped. The gas assisted scraper comprises a handle, a scraping portion, gas outlet, and means for supplying a gas to the gas outlet. The scraping portion is connected to the handle and has a scraping edge configured in such a manner so as to permit the scraping of a surface by the scraping edge by pushing the handle with a force in a generally forward direction over the surface. The scraping portion, scraping edge and handle are generally aligned in a direction parallel with the force applied to the handle during scraping of a surface. The gas outlet is proximate to the scraping edge and is configured so as to direct gas in a forward direction toward the scraping edge generally parallel to the force applied to the handle. This invention has a multitude of uses and is practical for home and commercial applications involving removal of grease, dirt, paint, etc.

Abstract: A blower attachment for a vacuum cleaner including an attached member disposed over the exhaust air discharge openings that extend around the vacuum cleaner casing. The attached member includes a strap section that extends over and blocks air flow from some of the discharge openings, and a plenum section that extends over and receives the flow of air from the remaining unblocked discharge openings. The plenum section tapers from the inlet port to an air output orifice that may be connected by conventional methods to inflate any of a number of devices that require a high volume of low pressure air. Tabs extending inward from the attached member are received in corresponding discharge openings to secure the attached member to the casing in an aligned position over the discharge openings.

Abstract: A backpack-type power working machine comprising: a carrying frame having side guard sections on both sides thereof, a fan attached to the carrying frame through intermediation of vibration-damping members, an engine connected to the fan, and an air cleaner having side end sections and situated at a position behind the fan and above the engine, the side end sections of the air cleaner being respectively attached to the side guard sections of the carrying frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed that aid an accessory of an automobile wash system in being positioned accurately with respect to a particular automobile's width. The system consists of an abutment that is positioned within the path of the conveyed automobile and which will be pivoted out of the path by contact with the automobile. The extent of the pivoting of the abutment from the path of the automobile will give an indication of the width of the automobile. A hydraulic circuit communicates this information to a hydraulic cylinder that controls the positioning of the accessory and can position the accessory to account for the width of the individual automobile. An electronic sensor system is positioned downstream of the accessory and will sense when the automobile has left the automobile wash assembly, at which time the sensor will initiate a signal that returns the members to their original position.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held blower/vacuum unit has a housing structure defined by an upper engine shroud removably connected to the top wall of a lower impeller housing. Disposed within the shroud is a small internal combustion engine having a vertical crankshaft which extends downwardly through a depending well section formed on the top wall of the impeller housing, the lower shaft end being drivingly connected to a centrifugal fan impeller positioned within the impeller housing and operative to force a flow of ambient air therethrough. The engine is resiliently and floatingly mounted within the shroud by a resilient support system which prevents rigid contact between the engine and the shroud or the impeller housing to thereby substantially reduce engine vibration transmitted to the housing structure, and permit deflection of the engine relative to the housing structure to lessen the possiblity of engine damage caused by impeller impact from ingested objects.

Abstract: A connector is provided for releaseably fastening a vacuum pipe to the body of an implement which is convertible between a blower and vacuum mode. The vacuum pipe is adapted to attach to an intake port formed in the body of the implement. The vacuum pipe is provided with a collar having a series of angularly spaced apart receptacles each having a passage therethrough provided with a locking surface extending part way along the passage and an abutment aligned with the locking surface defining a space therebetween. The body is provided with a plurality of stakes angularly spaced about the intake port aligned with the passages on the collar. Each stake is provided with a locking face disposed and arranged to overhang the locking surface in the collar and has a thickness substantially equal to the spacing between the locking surface and abutment. The collar is adapted to be angularly positioned relative to the body with the passages aligned with the stakes.

Abstract: A portable and highly maneuverable nozzle dryer for assisting in the drying of vehicles and for covering difficult-to-reach areas and surfaces of the vehicle. The dryer includes a free standing support and a self-contained air nozzle assembly which is rotatably mounted to the support by a universal joint assembly. By combining the blower and nozzle housing into a one-piece design, efficient air movement is made possible. The booster dryer is portable and may be positioned at any location along the wash line to add drying power during high volume wash days. Moreover, the maneuverability of the dryer permits the positioning of the air outlet at any desired location to reach difficult drying areas or surfaces thereby reducing manpower requirements.

Abstract: A suction cleaner for use in sucking relatively large refuse, the cleaner including a suction chamber, a dust chamber communicating with the suction chamber, the dust chamber including a plurality of edged agitators having first blades, to which a second blade is faced so as to shred the refuse to small pieces, the second blade being retainable either at an operative position or at an inoperative position at which the second blade is kept away from the first blades.

Abstract: A hand-held implement selectively usuable as a blower or a vacuum. A power-driven impeller moves an airstream through an impeller chamber from an intake port to an outlet port. A pair of coaxial rims surrounds the intake port to form a peripheral groove that can receive the end of a pipe and restrain it from lateral movement. An axial pull device can draw the pipe to hold it in the groove.

Abstract: A portable rechargeable battery-operated slender tubular blower for removing relatively light debris from hard surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, decks or workbench surfaces. The blower uses an axial flow blower fan arranged for noise minimization and energy efficient operation. Blower tube inlet and outlet portions are arranged debris removal effectiveness by optimizing airflow volume and velocity parameters.

Abstract: An elongated flexible metal channel is adapted to surround a pair of engaging overlapped inner and outer cylindrical member with opposite ends of the channel overlapping one another to provide an adjustable clamp for the cylindrical members. Spaced opposed looped anchor strips overlay the respective ends and adjacent intermediate portions of the channel. Each anchor strip, which is secured to the adjacent intermediate portion, loosely engages one channel end. Adjustable fasteners interconnect the anchor strips to variably draw up the intermediate portions while extending the overlap of the channel ends.

Abstract: A portable rechargeable battery-operated slender tubular blower for removing relatively light debris from hard surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, decks or workbench surfaces. The blower uses an axial flow blower fan arranged for noise minimization and energy efficient operation. Blower tube inlet and outlet portions are arranged for debris removal effectiveness by optimizing airflow volume and velocity parameters.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel system for removing foreign particles from a machine part, and, more particularly, to a system for cleaning meat by-products from meat processing rollers or other equipment.

Abstract: The cleaning apparatus is formed by a housing member adapted to be inserted into an air duct and which has two spaced apart ports for providing an air flow path through the housing member. A flexible hose has one end coupled to one of the ports and is employed for moving the housing member in the air duct and for providing a passage for the flow of air from or to the housing member. A turbine formed by blades fixedly connected to a shaft is supported within the housing member for rotation about the shaft upon passage of air through the housing member by way of the two ports. An off centered weight is coupled to the shaft for rotation with the turbine for causing the turbine and hence the housing member to vibrate upon rotation of the turbine whereby the housing member may vibrate against the inside wall of the air duct to loosen dust and other matter from in the duct and to facilitate movement of the housing member in the duct.

Abstract: A blower comprises a unit blower housing of molded plastic material having a circular outer wall and laterally spaced front and rear walls, defining an impeller chamber and a tangential outlet upon a first axis adapted to receive a flexible hose. The outlet defines with an end portion of the outer wall a reverse curved cut off edge extending between the side walls. An opening in the front wall is arranged upon a second axis at right angles to the first axis and receives an air inlet cone secured to the housing by a plurality of threaded inserts molded into the housing. An electric motor upon a support has a drive shaft extending through the rear wall. The rear wall is mounted upon and secured to the motor and an impeller is positioned within the housing and axially mounted upon the motor shaft and has an air intake receiving the air inlet cone.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a protective cover for the air intake opening in a blower-vacuum apparatus. The cover contains opening defined in the cover having a large cross sectional area relative to the area of the air intake opening. The openings in the cover are in the vertical wall of the cover to force the air to enter the apparatus radially.

Abstract: There is provided a portable blower. The portable blower comprises a casing including an engine chamber and a fan chamber. The engine chamber accommodates an engine, and the fan chamber a fan. The engine comprises an engine cylinder, a crankcase, a cantilever-type crank shaft, a carburetor, and a muffler, in which the crankcase is disposed in front of the engine cylinder, the crank shaft extending downwardly from the crankcase into the fan chamber, the carburetor being disposed above the crankcase and connected thereto, the muffler being disposed above the engine cylinder and connected thereto, and the fan being fixed to a lower end of the crank shaft and driven by the engine to suck air from atmosphere and blow air to atmosphere.

Abstract: There is provided a portable blower. The portable blower comprises a casing including an engine chamber and a fan chamber. The engine chamber accommodates an engine, and the fan chamber a fan. The engine comprises an engine cylinder, a crankcase, a cantilever-type crank shaft, a carburetor, and a muffler, in which the crankcase is disposed in front of the engine cylinder, the crank shaft extending downwardly from the crankcase into the fan chamber, the carburetor being disposed above the crankcase and connected thereto, the muffler being disposed above the engine cylinder and connected thereto, and the fan being fixed to a lower end of the crank shaft and driven by the engine to suck air from atmosphere and blow air to atmosphere.

Abstract: A combination vacuum cleaner and blower is described which is particularly adapted for use as an accessory to a fireplace. The apparatus of this invention is a portable hand-held vacuum/blower which is controlled by a reversible fan motor. When operating in a first direction, air is sucked into the vacuum preferably to clean up ashes around the fireplace. A valve is provided to prevent air from being sucked in the blower. When operated in a second direction air is blown out the blower exhaust and can be used to blow air on a fire. A second valve is provided to prevent air from being blown out of the vacuum inlet.

Abstract: A dual mode hair vacuum and dryer unit includes a cabinet with separate upper and lower compartments. An air pump in the cabinet has its suction inlet in the lower compartment and pressure outlet in the upper compartment for creating airflow through the air pump from the lower to the upper compartment. An air filter is disposed across the suction inlet of the air pump. A vacuum attachment connects to an air inlet nozzle on the cabinet for communicating vacuum airflow from a vacuum nozzle to the suction inlet of the air pump, via the lower compartment, which entrains hair cuttings in the vacuum airflow. A dryer attachment connects to an air outlet nozzle on the cabinet for communicating positive pressure airflow from the pressure outlet of the air pump to a drying nozzle, via the upper compartment, to dry hair.

Abstract: A convertible vacuum-blower which includes a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet is disclosed. A motor and an impeller are supported in the housing. The impeller is supported for rotary motion and is driven by the motor. The impeller is in fluid communication with both the air inlet and the air outlet. The air inlet is selectively covered by an apertured, removable air inlet cover. A mechanism removably secures the air inlet cover to the housing. A switch mechanism is carried by the housing and allows the motor to operate when the air inlet is covered, but not when the air inlet is uncovered. A first switch actuator is carried by the air inlet cover for actuating the switch mechanism when the cover is secured to the housing covering the air inlet. A removable vacuum nozzle also includes a second switch actuator for actuating the switch means when the vacuum nozzle is secured to the housing covering the air inlet.

Abstract: The waste fiber removing device of the present invention is provided with at least one air jet nozzle and a fluttering motion is imparted to the free outer end of the air jet nozzle so that the air is directed over a relatively wide area of the knitting machine. The air jet nozzle is either stationary or may be rotated to prevent the accumulation of lint on various adjacent parts of the knitting machine. The fluttering motion of the air jet nozzle is preferably accomplished by forming the area adjacent the free end of an elastic or other type of flexible material. Various types of adjusting devices are provided for limiting the fluttering motion of the air jet nozzle so as to vary the area of the knitting machine against which the air is directed to blow away lint and the like.

Abstract: A hand held portable blower/vacuum assembly includes a gasoline engine mounted on a blower housing that is interchangeably operable as a blower or vacuum unit and is symmetrically arranged for right or left hand use. A U-shaped carrying handle is secured to an upper housing enclosing the engine by means of a mounting structure that includes anti vibration elements. For eliminating the effect of both gyroscopic and centrifugal forces, the engine is arranged with the piston and crankshaft in horizontal and vertical orientations respectively, while both exhaust and cooling air are discharged from the front of the unit away from an operator so as to provide a balanced unit operable with either the right or left hand. A multi-position throttle located on the backside of the unit removed from the handle is incrementally settable for operating the unit at preselected fixed speeds.

Abstract: Dust collection apparatus is disclosed adapted for both vacuuming and blowing/sweeping functions. The apparatus consists of a single, self-contained unit comprising a blower, a cleaning hose, an engine, a collecting area, inlet and outlet passages, and a switching valve which can switch the internal airflow so as to convert the cleaning hose from a vacuuming function to a blowing/sweeping function.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an internal combustion engine-powered, blower/vacuum device. The device has an air chamber with an axial air inlet and a tangential air outlet. The engine rotatably drives the impeller, and is controlled by a throttle. A handle is located above the air chamber and the motor, and includes a first section having an axis generally parallel to the axis of the air outlet, and an adjoining section having an axis which extends at an angle of about 15.degree. to 60.degree. to the first section. When the first section of the handle is gripped by an operator the device will be in the vacuum position with the air outlet in a generally horizontal position. When the second section of the handle is gripped, the device will be in the blower position with the air outlet facing ahead of the operator at a downward angle. The impeller and housing of the device is designed to minimize debris hangup within the housing.

Abstract: An integral valve and tank assembly (12) for a pulse-jet air cleaner includes a discharge pipe (22) connected to and extending directly into a tank (14). The inlet end (28) of the discharge pipe (22) terminates adjacent to a relatively larger opening (30) in the tank wall (14b), over which a diaphragm assembly (32), cover (34), and compression spring (38) are mounted so as to provide improved constructional and operational efficiency.

Abstract: Apparatus for stripping rinse water from a vehicle in a car wash has a nozzle with an inlet, an elongated body portion and an outlet. The body portion converges inwardly longitudinally from the inlet to the outlet and terminates in a straight section adjacent the outlet. The nozzle provides a highpressure, high-volume air flow at low horsepower.

Abstract: An improved pulse-jet air cleaner (10) includes an aspirator (32) with a tube (34) extending between a point in the tank (12) where moisture tends to collect, and a point in predetermined spaced relationship adjacent the tank outlet (20) where the airflow is of high velocity and low pressure upon actuation of the pulse valve (24) so that any moisture is automatically discharged through the valve and nozzle (26) on a substantially continuous basis without operator attention or interruption of operation of the air cleaner system.

Abstract: A debris collecting apparatus includes a debris conduit (2) one end of which is an operating end (4) and the other end of which is a collecting end with a collecting bag (6) attached thereto. An impeller (8) discharges air into a straight part of the conduit. A switch arrangement is provided to switch the air flow between first "vacuum" flow in which air discharged from the impeller induces an air flow in the debris conduit (2) from the operating end (4) to the collecting end and a second "blowing" flow in which air is discharged from the impeller through the operating end.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining close proximity between a vehicle surface and a forced air water stripper but without contacting the vehicle surface. A sonar detector is connected into a closed loop control system for maintaining close proximity between a Venturi type forced air outlet nozzle and the vehicle surface. Both horizontal vehicle surfaces and vertical vehicle surfaces may be treated. A novel support arm made of one or more plastic panels is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pivotally mounted overhead drying apparatus uses the weight of the blower motor as a counterbalance. The drying apparatus including the blower, ductwork and discharge nozzle comprises an integrated structure which can be slidably positioned lengthwise to vary the position of the pivot axis to achieve a substantially balanced condition. The drying apparatus has a self-positioning means whereby the apparatus pivotally moves to provide clearance in accordance with the profile of the upper surface of a vehicle advancing therebelow. The nozzle is adapted to discharge a high velocity airstream substantially vertically throughout the drying operation.

Abstract: A flexible tube is suspended from a support arranged to be mounted adjacent a vehicle light surface to be cleaned. The support has an inlet for admitting compressed air to the tube whereby upon selected pressured flow of air through the tube, the tube whips back and forth in a flogging action to clean foreign material from the surface. The support also has an inlet for a cleaning solution used in combination with the whipping tube. The tube has a shape in cross section that tends to maintain it in the plane of the surface being cleaned. In modifications of the invention, a guide is provided to hold the tube in close to the surface being cleaned, and apertures are provided in the tube so that air pressure urges the tube toward the surface.

Abstract: A pivotally mounted overhead drying apparatus uses the weight of the blower motor as a counterbalance. The drying apparatus including the blower, ductwork and discharge nozzle comprises an integrated structure which can be slidably positioned lengthwise to vary the position of the pivot axis to achieve a substantially balanced condition. The drying apparatus has a self-positioning means whereby the apparatus pivotally moves to provide clearance in accordance with the profile of the upper surface of a vehicle advancing therebelow. The nozzle is adapted to discharge a high velocity airstream substantially vertically throughout the drying operation.

Abstract: Wafers (12), including those in the solid state electronics industry, are demounted from an adherent surface (79). A respective passageway (90) is extended from a fluid supply device (92), through the adherent surface (79) to and in communication with, the mounting surface (16) of a respective wafer (12). The fluid is applied via the passageway (90) to and between the mounting surface (16) of the wafer (12) and the adherent surface (79) with sufficient pressure to dislodge the wafer (12). In an advantageous embodiment, the passageway (90) extends to a location between about the centerline (98) and the periphery of the wafer (12). The fluid is thereby applied in an off-center manner with leveraged force to break the seal between the adherent surface (79) and the wafer (12).

Abstract: A power shovel generally consisting of a support unit, a stiffleg operatively connected to the support unit for pivotal movement about a stiffleg pivot axis, a handle operatively connected to the stiffleg for pivotal movement about a handle pivot axis, a dipper mounted on the handle, a crowd system operatively connected to the handle for crowding and retracting the dipper and a hoist system for hoisting and lowering the dipper comprising at least one upper fluid actuated rod and cylinder assembly operatively connected at a lower end to the stiffleg and operatively connected at an upper end thereof to the handle on one side of the handle pivot axis, at least one lower fluid actuated rod and cylinder assembly operatively connected at a lower end thereof to the stiffleg and operatively connected at an upper end thereof to the handle on a side opposite to the operative connection of the upper end of the upper fluid actuated assembly to the handle, relative to the handle pivot axis, and apparatus for selectively s

Abstract: A sonic cleaning device and method for removing accumulated fine particles from surfaces such as in heat exchangers using sonic energy vibrations. In the invention, a gas is passed through a tube having internally corrugated walls and having the tube outlet end attached to the inlet end of an expanding horn. The gas flows past the corrugations at high velocity and produces high intensity sonic vibrations within the tube, and the vibrations are amplified by passage through the horn. The horn outlet is directed at a surface to be cleaned and the accumulated particles are fluidized by the sonic energy and removed from the surface by the flowing gas and/or by gravity.

Abstract: A portable sweeping device which operates with an air-blast flow, and comprises a housing having a handle arranged at the upper end, and a fanwheel blower or impeller arranged in the housing and driven by an internal combustion engine arranged in the direction of the axis of rotation of the blower; the blower generates an air flow which exits through an air discharge outlet of the housing. The axis of rotation of the fanwheel blower is arranged at least substantially vertically during use.

Abstract: A wet carpet cleaning apparatus having a nozzle movable over the surface to be cleaned. Structure is associated with the nozzle for selectively delivering cleaning liquid to a cleaning portion of the nozzle. A suction apparatus is removably mounted to the nozzle for removing liquid including dirt-laden water from the surface being cleaned. The suction apparatus comprises a removable suction fan or blower module which may be employed to advantage in a number of other applications. A jet pump is associated with the nozzle for discharging removed dirt-laden liquid as to a drain. The cleaning liquid is obtained from a pressurized water supply through an elongated flexible duct and the discharge to drain is through an elongated flexible duct which may be of similar construction. Manually controlled structure is provided for selectively introducing detergent into the cleaning liquid to permit selective cleaning and rinsing operations with the supplied pressurized water.

Abstract: An engine driven blower/dust collector in which the suction opening and the discharge opening are arranged in the same plane in a side-by-side relation, and an air-switching slide pipe is provided to slide on the plane of these openings so as to permit the blower/dust collector to operate selectively as desired as a blower for blowing off and drifting together dust or the like and as a vacuum dust collector for collecting the dust or the like.

Abstract: A lightweight air blower attachment for a portable power unit such as a hand held internal combustion engine. The blower attachment includes a generally tubular shaped housing adapted for close coupling of the blower to the power unit. The housing provides a shroud and a support for an axial flow impeller having a shaft which extends through a mounting boss on the housing and includes a drive tang adapted to be drivably connected to a power takeoff shaft. The blower includes an elongated nozzle having a handle portion and being rotatably mounted on the housing to provide for changing the direction of the exit air flow without rotating the entire power unit and blower attachment. The nozzle is provided with a conical portion which converges to a throat and transitions to a somewhat flat circular sector shaped air exit portion providing for an air flow pattern particularly adapted for sweeping and dusting operations.

Abstract: An air-filler adapter is provided wherein an outer shell is adapted to fit various large diameter air supply hoses such as vacuum cleaner hoses, and a smaller diameter stem portion fits a variety of low pressure and medium pressure air filler openings used to inflate various inflatable consumer goods. The stem portion extends beyond the outer shell and has an outer tip which is adaptable to various air filler valves which are smaller than the vacuum cleaner hoses.The adapter comprises a pair of concentrically disposed tubes, the inner of which fits schrader air chucks on one end and fits the air filler openings for the consumer goods on the other end. The outer tube is sized to fit low-pressure pressurized air sources such as vacuum cleaner hoses and has an end wall which seals against the outside of the inner tube.

Abstract: A hand-held scraping device for de-icing frozen car windows utilizing the exhaust fumes emitted through the car's tail pipe for softening or melting the layer of ice wherein a flexible hose is clamped over the free end of the tail pipe, the exhaust fumes conducted through the flexible hose to a scraper head attached to a handle section of the flexible hose, in which the exhaust fumes distributed through either a number of frontal circular outlets over a flat plastic scraping strip, or through a narrow continuous rectangular outlet behind an inclined front wall equipped with a plastic scraping strip, with optional vertical outlet strips or openings through the bottom wall of either version of the scraper head for additional distribution of the hot gases onto the windshield.

Abstract: A tool pot cleaning system for use by installing in a tool magazine of an automatic tool exchanger in machine tool. The tool pot cleaning system, installed in a tool magazine, equipped with a number of tool pots supported radically with an angle of elevation along the outer circumference of said tool magazine, comprises an air connection port disposed at the inside of the tool cradle and an air passage formed in the base of the tool pot. When the tool pot is tilted for exchanging tools, the air passage is channeled through to the said air connection port and the air jets into the tool pot to perform the cleaning of the inside of the tool pot.

Abstract: A centrifugal air blower unit includes a casing comprising two separable sections which enclose a centrifugal impeller. The impeller has a hub including a threaded bore for attaching the impeller to the distal end of a drive shaft extending from a support of a portable power unit. The casing is adapted to mount on a support housing for the drive shaft. The hub of the impeller includes a portion extending in a direction opposite to the threaded portion and through an opening in the bottom wall of the casing whereby the impeller may be threaded onto and off of the drive shaft for connecting and disconnecting the blower unit to the bearing housing without disassembly of the casing. The casing includes a mounting pad formed integral with one of the casing parts and supported by a plurality of spaced apart radially projecting webs forming an air inlet opening and also forming combination inlet guide vanes and a trash guard for the impeller.

Abstract: A beach or other surface cleaning method and apparatus is disclosed, wherein low density debris, particularly oil and tar residues, are removed for subsequent separation and disposal. The apparatus employs hydraulic principles to float the debris from the surface, propel the floated debris into a scoop, and lift the floated debris into a receiving trough for subsequent separation. Water employed to provide the hydraulic actions may be recirculated for continuous reuse.

Abstract: A portable frost and snow removing appliance for use in removing ice and snow from the surfaces of vehicle windows includes an elongated housing having a pistol handgrip at one end and containing an electrically operated two-speed blower and a resistance heater arranged to produce a high speed jet of unheated air or a slower stream of heated air through a discharge nozzle shiftably mounted on the other end of the housing and movable between first and second positions. The housing includes a lateral air outlet in a side wall between the heater and nozzle. The nozzle includes as a unitary one-piece structure therewith valve members within the housing and nozzle and cooperatively associated with the housing other end and the lateral air outlet to inversely open and close the lateral outlet and housing other end in response to shifting of the nozzle to its first and second positions, respectively, to permit air to be selectively discharged from either the nozzle or lateral air outlet.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing dust from the flat surfaces of stationary or moving sheets, webs, plates or similar objects has a unit which converts a low-pressure laminar air stream into a pulsating air stream. The pulsating stream contacts the surface of an object simultaneously with ultrasonic radiation. The direction of flow of the pulsating air stream, which can be ionized, may be parallel with or at right angles to the direction of propagation of ultrasonic radiation.

Abstract: A hand-held buffing pad cleaning tool providing both a plurality of spaced star wheels and an operator-activatable air nozzle for simultaneously drying finishing material in the fibers of a buffing pad, loosening the dried material and blowing it away.

Abstract: A hand held portable blower/vacuum assembly includes a gasoline engine mounted on a blower housing that is interchangeably operable as a blower or vacuum unit and is symmetrically arranged for right or left hand use. A U-shaped carrying handle is secured to an upper housing enclosing the engine by means of a mounting structure that includes anti vibration elements. For eliminating the effect of both gyroscopic and centrifugal forces, the engine is arranged with the piston and crankshaft in horizontal and vertical orientations respectively, while both exhaust and cooling air are discharged from the front of the unit away from an operator so as to provide a balanced unit operable with either the right or left hand. A multi-position throttle located on the backside of the unit removed from the handle is incrementally settable for operating the unit at preselected fixed speeds.