Combined Patents (Class 15/4)
  • Patent number: 8966693
    Abstract: A floor cleaning machine is provided that includes a chassis that supports at least one cleaning element and a fluid collection assembly for pooling and retaining cleaning fluids proximate to the at least one cleaning element. A floor cleaning machine is provided that includes a cleaning fluid dispersion apparatus and a cleaning fluid collection assembly for efficiently dispensing fluid on a surface for cleaning the surface, and collecting the dispensed fluid to maximize the cleaning capacity of the fluid and extend the time of a cleaning cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Karcher N. America, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Tucker, Daniel C. Venard
  • Patent number: 8966699
    Abstract: A floor washing-drying machine including a scraping device that is capable of automatic orientation. The scraping device follows changes of direction of the machine by a simple and effective orienting mechanism so as to wipe all the surface washed by a washing mechanism, without leaving any wet portions on the surface. An idle mode mechanism is achieved by a bushing to which the scraping device is connected. The bushing is mounted in an idle and axially slidable mode on the brush rotation shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Nilfisk-Advance A/S
    Inventor: Leonardo Contardi
  • Publication number: 20150047134
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush for use by an operator and capable of being connected to a suction device. The electric toothbrush includes a head with a plurality of bristles, at least one irrigation port, and at least one suction port, and an injection port in fluid communication with the at least one irrigation port. The electric toothbrush also includes a handle with a ventilation port in fluid communication with the at least one suction port, a user interface, and a controller. The ventilation port permits suction from the suction device to the at least one suction port and the controller is configured to actuate at least one of rotation, oscillation, and vibration of the bristles for a preset time period in response to a predetermined feedback from the operator through the user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Virginia Prendergast, Cynthia Kleiman
  • Patent number: 8943637
    Abstract: Multi-directional wiping elements are disclosed. The wiping elements comprise intersecting squeegee segments that provide top wiping squeegee edges and side wiping squeegee edges. Devices utilizing the multi-directional wiping elements of the present invention can include bristles that are configured to simultaneously wipe a working surface with the wiping elements. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the multi-directional wiping elements are utilized in a toothbrush cleaning head that is configured to be operated manually or, alternatively, is motorized and is configured to rotate, oscillate, vibrate and/or move according to a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: James Albert Gavney, Jr., Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-hwe Kim
  • Publication number: 20140311528
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning tool for cleaning and treating an inner surface of a downhole casing. The cleaning tool comprises a tool housing, a mechanical cleaning tool section comprising mechanical cleaning elements for releasing elements of the inner surface of the casing in order to clean the casing to become substantially free from rigid debris and other precipitated materials, and a jetting tool section for ejecting an enzyme-containing fluid onto the cleaned inner surface. The jetting tool section comprises a fluid chamber comprising the enzyme-containing fluid, and a nozzle head comprising at least one nozzle. The invention further relates to a method for treating an inner surface of a casing by means of the cleaning tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventor: Jørgen Hallundbæk
  • Patent number: 8819887
    Abstract: A component for a vehicle wash system includes a frame and a hub portion that is rotatably connected to the frame. The hub portion has an inner surface, an outer surface and an axis of rotation. The hub portion includes a plurality of media elements secured thereto and arranged in a plurality of spaced apart rows that extend in a direction along the axis of rotation. The hub portion includes at least one translucent portion disposed on its outer surface. The translucent portion is disposed between a pair of adjacent rows of the plurality of spaced apart rows. The hub portion includes at least one illumination element for illuminating the at least one translucent portion such that said illuminated translucent portion is configured to be seen while the said hub portion rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Belanger, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, Thomas E Weyandt
  • Publication number: 20140208527
    Abstract: The device of the present invention can carry out floor sweeping and mopping automatically and simultaneously. The automatic floor sweeping and mopping device includes a main body, a rotational sweeping brush unit, a dust collecting unit, two rolling wheels, a mopping unit, a water spraying unit, a squeegee unit and a water storing tank. The mopping unit is made of a soft, water-absorbing material and can remove residual dirt not removed by the rotational sweeping brush unit. The water spraying unit is an innovative feature and is provided above the mopping unit to keep the mopping unit in a clean condition by removing dusts and dirt stuck to it. The squeegee unit can squeeze dirt and dirty water out of the mopping unit and keep the mopping unit in a clean, partially wet condition. Because the device leaves no dirty water behind, such feature is surely superior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: Ching-Chi LIN
  • Publication number: 20140201932
    Abstract: A device with two or more regions configured to clean or treat a working surface is disclosed. Preferably, the device is an oral-care device with a power cleaning head. The power cleaning head comprises two or more regions, wherein at least one of the regions is configured to move and wherein at least one of the regions comprises a squeegee element. Preferably, the regions are configured to independently rotate, oscillate, vibrate or otherwise move while cleaning teeth and gums and can each include bristles, nodules, squeegee elements, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: James Albert Gavney, JR., Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-hwe Kim
  • Publication number: 20140202492
    Abstract: A system and method for cleaning a collector surface of a solar collector. The system includes a first liquid-dispensing unit configured to deliver a first spray of liquid to the collector surface. The system also includes a brush element having a longitudinal side oriented along a first direction and disposed adjacent to the first liquid-dispensing unit. A first squeegee element is oriented along the first direction and adjacent to the brush element. The first squeegee element, the brush element, and the first liquid-dispensing unit define a first cleaning area. A second squeegee element is oriented along the first direction and separated from the first squeegee element by a gap to define a second cleaning area. The system also includes a second liquid-dispensing unit configured to deliver a second spray of liquid to the second cleaning area located between the first and second squeegees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Marc GROSSMAN, Cedric JEANTY
  • Publication number: 20140157531
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cleaning system for a UV disinfection module. In general, the UV disinfection module may have a pair of headers with a multiplicity of UV lamps extending therebetween. The cleaning system may include a cleaning plate having a multiplicity of openings therein, the openings arranged to substantially coincide with positions of the lamps to permit movement of the plate between the headers; a split wiper assembly including a plurality of wiper portions, each wiper portion mounted in a housing, the split wiper assembly connected to the cleaning plate and substantially encircling each opening, sized such that each split wiper assembly has an inner diameter less than the exterior diameter of a corresponding lamp; and a movement device operatively connected to move the plate between the headers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Ozonia North America, LLC
    Inventors: Bruno Ferran, Robert Molter, Manileo Lapugot
  • Publication number: 20140137890
    Abstract: A method for cleaning photomasks includes the following steps: provided a cleansing device having a scrubbing unit. The scrubbing unit having a saturated scrubbing surface is use to clean photomasks with the obliquely dispensed fluids. In such a fashion, loosened contaminants are removed. As least one oblique surface is formed on the peripheries of the scrubbing surface to form a channeling region such that fluids can instantly flow away from photomasks after cleaning to prevent re-contamination. The instant disclosure also provides a system for cleaning photomasks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: YUNG-CHIN PAN
  • Publication number: 20140130826
    Abstract: A system for cleaning a component of a machine is provided. The system includes a cleaning head having a first reel and a second reel to store a cloth. The cleaning head also includes a first idler and a second idler placed in a spaced apart arrangement. The first idler and the second idler are configured to receive the cloth from the first reel. The second reel is configured to store the cloth received from the first idler and the second idler. A spray nozzle is provided to spray a cleaning agent on to the cloth. A robotic arm is attached to the cleaning head. A controller is configured to position the cleaning head relative to the component, activate a movement of the first reel and the second reel to effectuate a dry cleaning cycle, and selectively activate the spray nozzle to effectuate a wet cleaning cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Blair, James McGrew, Adam Barriger
  • Publication number: 20140096796
    Abstract: A motorized lightweight handheld polishing and cleaning apparatus used to clean and polish large and hard to access surfaces and a motorized method for cleaning and polishing large and hard to access surfaces are disclosed. The motorized lightweight handheld polishing and cleaning apparatus includes (a) a body, further comprising a motor used to rotate a cleaning disk, (b) a cleaning disk attached to a rotary axis of a vertical gear of said motor and (c) at least one handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Hanan Frum
  • Publication number: 20140041698
    Abstract: Described herein is a cleaning device for a flat solar panel or a trough reflector panel. The device comprises a cleaning member with a sweeper portion and a scraper portion. The cleaning member is mounted for unidirectional and bidirectional movement over the flat panel or the reflector panel. A rocker bar is connected to the sweeper portion and the scraper portion to rockingly move either the sweeper portion or the scraper portion into contact with the flat panel or the reflector panel as the cleaning member moves over the flat panel or the reflector panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Adler, Harold Russell Baird
  • Publication number: 20140013524
    Abstract: A floor cleaning machine includes a cleaning system, a drive mechanism, and at least one steerable front wheel driven by the drive mechanism. The floor cleaning machine also includes two independently suspended rear wheels. A platform is located along a geometrical center axis between the two rear wheels. The platform is configured to support an operator of the floor cleaning machine in a standing position. A maximum vertical distance between the platform and the floor is 200 millimeters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: DIVERSEY, INC.
    Inventor: Heinrich-Tito Mayer
  • Publication number: 20130264296
    Abstract: A filtering apparatus removes solid material from a fluid in a channel. The filtering apparatus comprises a housing that comprises a substantially vertical passage, a substantially horizontal passage connected to the vertical passage, and an outlet connected to the substantially horizontal passage; a filter medium comprising a plurality of transverse rods and a plurality of filter plates rotatably disposed along each of the transverse rods; a guide track system configured to guide the endless belt from the channel to the outlet; and a drive mechanism configured to convey the filter medium around the closed loop. The guide track system comprises two or more release points where the bearing portions of the filter plates can rotate about the transverse rods so as to permit dislodgement of the solid material from the filter plates. The two release points are located in a portion of the closed loop in the substantially horizontal passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Alejandro Mejia, Jesus Rodriquez, David Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20130232702
    Abstract: There is provided a cleaner including an agitator, and a mounting portion on which the agitator is rotatably mounted. The agitator includes a brush assembly having brushes, a frame that includes a first opening into which the brush assembly is inserted, an installation space for receiving therein the brush assembly, and a second opening through which the brushes protrude, and first and second side caps that are connected to the frame and support the brush assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ohhyun Baek, Mingyu Kang
  • Publication number: 20130212813
    Abstract: A surface maintenance vehicle with quick release squeegee assembly and a method of connecting a squeegee assembly to the brush deck of a floor surface maintenance vehicle. A single release latch may be used to connect and disconnect the squeegee assembly and the brush deck. When engaged, corresponding locating structures on the brush deck and a frame of the squeegee assembly align the brush deck and the frame and provide points where the relative movement between the brush deck and frame are restricted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: TENNANT COMPANY
    Inventor: TENNANT COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20130185876
    Abstract: A component for a vehicle wash system includes a frame and a hub portion that is rotatably connected to the frame. The hub portion has an inner surface, an outer surface and an axis of rotation. The hub portion includes a plurality of media elements secured thereto and arranged in a plurality of spaced apart rows that extend in a direction along the axis of rotation. The hub portion includes at least one translucent portion disposed on its outer surface. The translucent portion is disposed between a pair of adjacent rows of the plurality of spaced apart rows. The hub portion includes at least one illumination element for illuminating the at least one translucent portion such that said illuminated translucent portion is configured to be seen while the said hub portion rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, Thomas E Weyandt
  • Patent number: 8474083
    Abstract: A device to encourage hand washing which provides visual feedback to a user who can control a video game, blow bubbles, or view other visual feedback device while washing their hands. The device in one mode features at least one controller configured to operate when wet or continually doused with water while the user is washing their hands. The user may view a video or other means for visual interaction while washing their hands, and control a portion of the display with the controller. A video game or the like may thus be played by washing their hands thereby providing user encouragement to wash their hands. In a hand powered mode of the device, a compressible shell is employed to blow bubbles while squeezed and concurrently washing the user's hands. The controller or the shell may be employed with components providing a dermabrasive action against the palm of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Reiter, Thomas A. Arnold
  • Publication number: 20130160225
    Abstract: A floor washing-drying machine including a scraping device that is capable of automatic orientation. The scraping device follows changes of direction of the machine by a simple and effective orienting mechanism so as to wipe all the surface washed by a washing mechanism, without leaving any wet portions on the surface. An idle mode mechanism is achieved by a bushing to which the scraping device is connected. The bushing is mounted in an idle and axially slidable mode on the brush rotation shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Nilfisk-Advance A/S
    Inventor: Leonardo Contardi
  • Patent number: 8468633
    Abstract: A cleaning device includes a base body, a rotatable brush roller disposed on the base body, a dirt container disposed on the base body, a cloth holder attached removably to the base body, and a cleaning cloth attachable to the cloth holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg
    Inventor: Peter Arnold
  • Publication number: 20130139849
    Abstract: A device for removing dirt from a floor includes a carrier frame moveable over the floor, a motor mounted on the carrier frame, and a rotating body drivable by the motor and connected with the carrier frame. Several shovel-holders for shovelling dirt from the floor are mounted on the rotating body spaced apart from each other in the peripheral direction, are moveable along a path along the floor, and each have an open end in the rotation direction of the rotating body. A sweeper device for sweeping dirt out of one of the shovel-holders is arranged along the path of the shovel-holders on the carrier frame at a position substantially stationary in relation to the carrier frame, and is fitted with a sweeper element which, on rotation of the rotating body, moves between the shovel-holders and sweeps through one of the shovel-holders in order to sweep out dirt therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventor: LELY PATENT N.V.
  • Publication number: 20130098698
    Abstract: A utility vehicle can comprise a wheeled platform, a motor coupled to the platform and configured to propel the platform, at least one cleaning element coupled to the platform, wherein the at least one cleaning element is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, and one or more controls configured to move the at least one cleaning element between the collapsed position and the expanded position. The at least one cleaning element can also be movable between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the wheeled platform, and the one or more controls can further be configured to move the at least one cleaning element between the raised position and the lowered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel T. Johnson, Andrew L. Dvorak
  • Publication number: 20130067665
    Abstract: A hands-free simultaneous whole-mouth teeth cleaner is disclosed for brushing a user's teeth all at once, without requiring manual manipulation, thereby enabling the user to engage in other activities while his teeth are being brushed. The hands-free simultaneous whole-mouth teeth cleaner includes top and bottom brush trays which include tooth-brushing material (such as bristles) for contacting the user's teeth, a motor housed within a motor case located in the space formed by the brush trays, and a switch for actuating the motor. In some embodiments the hands-free simultaneous whole-mouth teeth cleaner includes a handle for easy insertion and removal. In some embodiments, the tooth-brushing material is capable of contacting all sides of a user's teeth, as well as the gum line. Other embodiments include an external surface capable of providing non-irritating frictional contact to soft tissue of a user's mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Erik Sowinski
  • Publication number: 20130048022
    Abstract: An arrangement and method for mechanical cleaning of an active surface (4,17-20) of an instrument (5) in touch with liquid. The active surface of the instrument is exposed to cleaning media (11), which consists of separate, moving particles, enclosed into an instrument container. The motion of the cleaning media is rotational and achieved and maintained by directing an influx (9) parallel to the direction of motion (8) of the cleaning media. The influx may contain gas, liquid or mixture of gas and liquid. The cleaning media wipes clean the at least one active instrument surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: CLEWER OY
    Inventors: Juho Roine, Gennadi Zaitsev
  • Publication number: 20130031732
    Abstract: A cleaning appliance is provided having a housing which has a placement surface for setting down a container, and having travel wheels for moving the cleaning appliance. To improve the cleaning appliance in such a way that a container may be easily fixed to the placement surface, it is proposed that at least one retaining element which protrudes from the placement surface is situated at a first edge of the placement surface, the retaining element having, on its front face that faces away from the placement surface, a concave receptacle for a carrying handle which is hinged on a side of the container that is set down on the placement surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Alfred Karcher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Alfred Karcher GmbH & Co. KG
  • Patent number: 8359693
    Abstract: An oral care device includes an electrical toothbrush with integral tongue scrapers. The device includes an electrical tooth cleaning device and an electrical tongue cleaning device operated by a single motor. Cleaning gears disposed in a head portion of the device include both bristles for cleaning teeth and nodules for scraping the surface of the tongue. The bristles protrude from a first end of the cleaning gears and the nodules are formed on an opposite second end of the cleaning gears such that rotation of the cleaning gears provides movement of both the bristles and the nodules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Wang Ken Lee
  • Publication number: 20130007967
    Abstract: A device with two or more regions configured to clean or treat a working surface is disclosed. Preferably, the device is an oral-care device with a power cleaning head. The power cleaning head comprises two or more regions, wherein at least one of the regions is configured to move and wherein at least one of the regions comprises a squeegee element. Preferably, the regions are configured to independently rotate, oscillate, vibrate or otherwise move while cleaning teeth and gums and can each include bristles, nodules, squeegee elements, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: James A. Gavney, JR., Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-hwe Kim
  • Publication number: 20120311799
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning surfaces, having a cleaning head which includes at least one base part and at least one brush arrangement, in particular a cylindrical brush roller, attached to the base part; and a fluid drive for the brush arrangement which is at least partly integrated into the base part and which is designed to convert the flow energy of a fluid supplied to the base part under pressure into a cleaning movement of the brush arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Anton Jaeger
  • Publication number: 20120305331
    Abstract: A service platform (1), typically for servicing (including cleaning) wind turbine blades (200), comprising a cradle (2) having at least one mounting point (6) by means of which the cradle (2) can be lifted, and a plurality of elongate brushes (3) mounted from the cradle (2) so as to extend vertically from the cradle (2) when the service platform (1) is lifted using the or each mounting point (6). Typically, the service platform (1) will be lifted on an extendable boom (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: EXTREME ACCESS HIRE LIMITED
    Inventor: Anthony Rowell
  • Publication number: 20120284936
    Abstract: A post-CMP wafer cleaning apparatus includes a chamber; a plurality of rollers adapted to hold and rotate a wafer within the chamber; at least one brush adapted to scrub a surface of the wafer to be cleaned; and a liquid spraying device adapted to spray a liquid on the wafer, the liquid spraying device comprising two spray bars jointed together via a joint member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Li-Chung Liu, Yi-Nan Chen, Hsien-Wen Liu
  • Publication number: 20120266395
    Abstract: Floor cleaning machine 1, comprising a cleaning system 2, 3, 4, at least one front wheel 5; 5?; 5a, 5b as well as two rear wheels 6a, 6b; 6a?, 6b? and a drive mechanism 7; 7a, 7b, wherein the drive mechanism is an electric mono wheel drive and wherein the operator 8 is placed on the machine, characterized in that the operator is standing on a platform 9 which is located above the geometrical axis Z between the two rear wheels, wherein the maximum vertical distance between the platform and the floor is 200 mm. The front wheel can be a castor wheel 5 and the rear wheels 6a, 6b can be independently driven by drive motors 7a, 7b—instead of one castor wheel, two independent castor wheels 5a, 5b can be provided. The front wheel can also be a steered wheel 5? which is powered by a drive 7 and the rear wheels 6a?, 6b? can be independently suspended and not driven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: DIVERSEY, INC.
    Inventor: Heinrich-Tito Mayer
  • Publication number: 20120266394
    Abstract: The utility model relates to the technical field of driving structure, and provides a linear reciprocatingly movement-type driving structure and a cleaning tool. The linear reciprocatingly movement-type driving structure comprises of: a driving gear and a crown gear engaged with said driving gear; an eccentric cam that is set eccentrically on the crown gear, a first connecting shaft is set on said eccentric cam, a crankshaft is sleeved on the said first connecting shaft, while the crankshaft is connected to an output shaft. In the utility model, the driving method of the motor 16 could be changed from a 360-degree rotation into a linear reciprocating motion through the driving gear, the crown gear, the eccentric cam, the first connecting shaft, the crankshaft and the output shaft. Therefore the wear and tear is reduced and the service life is prolonged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Ruiyu HE, Weilin Hu
  • Publication number: 20120260440
    Abstract: The utility model relates to a technical field of eccentric structure, which is about an eccentric component and a cleaning brush. The eccentric component comprise of: an axle and a cylinder connected coaxially with such axle, a wedge is set eccentrically on a bottom surface of the cylinder. Said wedge has a convex curved cylindrical surface. The utility model can improve the antiwear property of the eccentric component and prolong its service life through the convex cruved cylindrical surface, which applies the force by linear contact onto the driving block on the application end to make it move reciprocatingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: TRULY INSTRUMENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Ruiyu HE, Weilin Hu
  • Publication number: 20120247520
    Abstract: A portable cleaning apparatus may include a handle and a wheel rotatably mounted to the handle. Pressurized fluid may enter the apparatus, and a fluid flow director directs the fluid to scrubbing elements to rotate the wheel. The scrubbing elements may be secured to the wheel, and different types of treatment material dispensing systems are operable to apply treatment material to the scrubbing elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Larry C. WILKINS
  • Patent number: 8276233
    Abstract: Multi-directional wiping elements are disclosed. The wiping elements comprise intersecting squeegee segments that provide top wiping squeegee edges and side wiping squeegee edges. Devices utilizing the multi-directional wiping elements of the present invention can include bristles that are configured to simultaneously wipe a working surface with the wiping elements. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the multi-directional wiping elements are utilized in a toothbrush cleaning head that is configured to be operated manually or, alternatively, is motorized and is configured to rotate, oscillate, vibrate and/or move according to a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventors: James A. Gavney, Jr., Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-hwe Kim
  • Publication number: 20120192366
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes an elongated housing bounding a chamber with a motor disposed therein. A drive shaft is at least partially disposed within the chamber of the housing, the drive shaft being coupled with the motor such that during selective operation of the motor the drive shaft is rotated continuously. A brush head having a scrubbing element is removably coupled with the drive shaft such that rotation of the drive shaft facilitates rotation of the brush head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Aaron D. Cobabe, Kenneth W. Thiess, David J. Lowe, David O. Meyers
  • Publication number: 20120151696
    Abstract: A mat surface cleaner of the walk-behind type, comprising a wheeled housing having a forward roller brush cleaner, a rear squeegee device, user hand controls and an internal cavity for housing the device power means and cleaning elements. The cavity is accessed through flip-open hatch along the housing upper surface, which provides access to a cleaning solution reservoir attached thereto. Along the base of the cavity is a gel cell battery, electric motor and a pulley system for powering the device. Rear hand controls provide the user control over the cleaning spray application and vehicle speed, while a rearward A/C power plug is provided for recharging the battery. The forward roller brush is adapted to provide soft-contact bristles for the particular goal of sanitizing and cleaning athletic and wrestling mats after their use without causing damage thereto, while the lightweight design of the device allows improved handling and everyday use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Colter Hamblin, Stacie Hamblin
  • Patent number: 8186009
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly having a suction inlet and a rotary agitator. A canister assembly is pivotally connected to the nozzle assembly. The vacuum cleaner also includes a suction generator and a dirt collection vessel. Still further, the vacuum cleaner includes a clutch assembly for controlling power transmission from the drive motor of the suction generator to the rotary agitator. The clutch assembly includes a pulley driven by the drive motor, a first clutch element connected to the pulley, a second clutch element connected to the rotary agitator and an actuator for displacing the second clutch element between a first, engaged position and a second, disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventors: Shawn M. Smith, Shannon D. Phegley
  • Publication number: 20120125367
    Abstract: The invention relates to a service device for maintenance of a solar panel arrangement, comprising a service unit for maintenance of at least one surface of the solar panel arrangement, a guiding unit for guiding the service unit with respect to the solar panel arrangement, and a driving unit for moving the service unit with respect to the solar panel arrangement, wherein the service unit comprises a first engagement section and a second engagement section, wherein the guiding unit is attachable to the first engagement section, the guiding unit being configured for direct engagement with an edge of the solar panel arrangement, wherein the driving unit is attachable to the second engagement section, and wherein the second engagement section is displaceable with respect to the first engagement section by the driving unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Fachhochschule Regensburg
    Inventors: Gareth Monkman, Christian Baar, Arthur Fischer, Stefan Jaeger, Sebastian Kilbertus, Adrian Patzak, Michael Schumm, Daniel Treiber
  • Publication number: 20120118319
    Abstract: A random orbit scrubber comprises a main body having a front end and a rear end, a squeegee assembly coupled to the rear end of the main body, and a cleaning head assembly coupled to the front end of the main body. The cleaning head assembly can include a cleaning element structured for contact with a floor surface. The cleaning head assembly can further include a motor that is operable to impart rotational and orbital movement on the cleaning element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: William Randall Stuchlik, Donald Joseph Legatt
  • Publication number: 20120066847
    Abstract: The present invention uses rotating cleaning rollers with cleaning fabric carrying cleaning liquid to clean shoe soles. The cleaning fabric, after wiping the shoe soles, is squeezed by a scraper so the used cleaning liquid is separated from the cleaning fabric to be filtered before reusing. The cleaning fabric can be made of different materials to fit the various types of building entrances. After the shoe soles are cleaned by the wet rollers, they may be dried by the drying rollers next to the cleaning rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Shousong Bai
  • Patent number: 8136192
    Abstract: A head for a denture brush that is detachably connected to a powered handle and a denture brush incorporating the same. The head includes a housing having a first set of bristles extending outwardly from a first side and a second set of bristles extending outwardly from a second side. The first and second sets of bristles are mounted such that they are movable in response to rotation of a camshaft in the head. Some of bristles on each side of the head may be linearly pulsed toward and away from the housing substantially orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the head. Additionally, some of the bristles on each side of the head may be rotated about a horizontal axis that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Harrison Hygiene Inc.
    Inventors: James Harrison, Robert G. Dickie
  • Publication number: 20120047676
    Abstract: A robot cleaner having a static-charge removal device to prevent deterioration in performance or damage to an interior circuit of the cleaner due to static charge. The robot cleaner includes a conductive trap member to trap frictional static charge, a discharge member electrically connected to the trap member to discharge the static charge, trapped by the trap member, into another kind of energy, for example, light, sound, or kinetic energy, and a ground member located on the robot cleaner while being connected to the discharge member. The robot cleaner prevents adherence of dust, loose debris, etc. as well as damage to an interior circuit thereof due to static charge, thereby efficiently performing a cleaning operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Soo Jung, Dong Won Kim, Seung Il Han, Hwi Chan Jang, Jun Hwa Lee
  • Patent number: 8099814
    Abstract: The disclosure details a device for cleaning and scrubbing that has a tub and a cylindrical brush rotatably mounted within its interior. The tub has a bottom, side walls, a front wall, back wall, and an open top. The device also includes a cover positioned within the tub; the cover has a shroud portion positioned over at least a portion of the brush as well as a generally planar portion that extends from the shroud to a location adjacent the bottom of the tub. The inventive device is well-suited for cleaning and scrubbing tools and implements that may be commonly used in the construction and/or remodeling industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Tube Scooter, LLC
    Inventors: Randy L Harwerth, Bernard Harwerth
  • Publication number: 20120005846
    Abstract: A board cleaning apparatus is provided which removes foreign substances sticking to the surface of a board for fabricating precast concrete articles using a brush which rotates in a horizontal direction, and in which a suction duct is provided to suck dust particles generated when the foreign substances are removed. The board cleaning apparatus includes a feeder unit that feeds a board, a power generator that generates power, and a power transmission that transmits power generated by the power generator, wherein a brush is disposed at a lower end portion of the power generator in a vertical direction from the board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Hi-Man Lee
  • Publication number: 20120000486
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an emitter electrode in electrohydrodynamic fluid accelerator and precipitator devices via movement of a cleaning device including complementary contoured cleaning surfaces positioned to frictionally engage and elastically deform the emitter electrode. The opposing cleaning surfaces laterally distort an otherwise linear longitudinal extent of the electrode under tension. The opposing cleaning surfaces are subject to wear, but maintain frictional engagement despite wear depths that exceed a radius of the electrode due at least in part to the at least partially complementary surface contours engaging the electrode under tension. The cleaning device causes respective cleaning surfaces to travel along a longitudinal extent of the emitter electrode to remove detrimental material and optionally to condition the electrode to at least partially mitigate ozone, erosion, corrosion, oxidation, or dendrite formation on the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: TESSERA, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Braunstein, Peter Bates, Guilian Gao, Ron Goldman, Elizabeth Kneen, Matt Schwiebert, Zach Traina
  • Patent number: 8079156
    Abstract: A glove holder is disclosed for coupling a glove to an air vent. The glove has a body defining an interior cavity. The body has an aperture for accessing the interior cavity. The air vent discharging an air flow. The air flow dries the glove. The glove holder comprises a cylinder having an intake end, an exhaust end, an interior surface, and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines an interior bore extending from the intake end to the exhaust end. The cylinder is insertable through the aperture and into the interior cavity of the body for positioning the exterior surface of the cylinder adjacent to the body of the glove. A support arm extends from a first end to a second end. The first end of the support arm is secured to the interior surface of the cylinder. The second end of the support arm is positioned within the interior bore. A clamp secures the second end of the support arm to the air vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Jarrett P. Parish
  • Publication number: 20110302729
    Abstract: A barbeque grill cleaning device including a soaking container, in which the grill may be submerged in a cleaning liquid, and a rotary scrubbing head for scrubbing the grill while positioned in the soaking container. The barbeque grill cleaning device includes: a container defining a cavity shaped and sized for receiving a barbeque grill therein; and a scrubbing head for scrubbing the barbeque grill, the scrubbing head is rotatable relative to the container; such that the cleaning of the barbeque grill is aided by a scrubbing action as a result of contact between the barbeque grill and the rotating scrubbing head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Bernard Micael Peacocke