Combined Patents (Class 15/4)
  • Publication number: 20110296633
    Abstract: A fabric steam towel for mounting onto a steam frame of a steam appliance is provided. The pocket includes two complimentary substantially planar layers of fabric joined at their peripheral edge with an open section for mounting onto the steam frame and allowing the open edges to butt against each other. The fabrics are constructed of an outer terry layer and inner material with an upper jersey layer, padding and a lower mesh layer with a 45 degree quilting pattern to improve performance. The fabric is sealed about the frame a first length of a fastener is secured to the inside face along the open edge of one layer with a complimentary length of fastener secured to the inside face of the second layer and extending beyond the edge to allow the open edges of each layer to abut each other and for the fasteners to engage and secure the fabric pocket about the edge of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventors: Brian F. Kaminer, Charles A. Boulos, James N. Lewiecki, Kathleen V. Jones, Ognjen Vrdoljak
  • Patent number: 8069520
    Abstract: A cleaning tool including one or more of the following features in various embodiments: a mop head that pivots with respect to a handle assembly to dispose a motorized power head between a mopping position and a scrubbing position; a nozzle assembly connected to the handle assembly and in fluid communication with a liquid reservoir, the liquid disposed within the liquid reservoir ejected from the nozzle assembly in response to trigger control by an operator; an absorbent or soil attracting mopping cloth attached to a cartridge support; a mopping cartridge ejection member slidably disposed within the mopping platform and manipulated to eject the mopping cartridge from the mopping platform; and a mopping cloth ejection member disposed on a top surface of the mopping platform and manipulated to eject the mopping cloth from the mopping platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker
    Inventors: Marco Alessandro Mattucci, Joe Rogers, Christopher John Murray, Mark Slobodian, Patrick Marcil
  • Publication number: 20110289699
    Abstract: A head portion for a mouth cleaning device is disclosed. The head portion includes an electrical connecting element; cleaning elements for cleaning teeth; and a tongue cleaning electrode for enabling a current flow into a user's tongue during use. The cleaning elements and the tongue cleaning electrode are arranged on substantially opposing sides of the head portion. The electrical connecting element on the head portion is electrically coupled to the tongue cleaning electrode for establishing an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connecting element located at a handle portion in a connected state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Schaefer, Vladimir Gartstein, Donald James White, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110289700
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a floor washing-drying machine, in particular of the drives-on-board kind, provided with at least a front driving and steering wheel (3), a pair of rear wheels (5), a brush-carrying head (4) positioned between the front driving wheel and the supporting axle of the rear wheels, and a wiping and vacuuming device (6) arranged behind the rear wheels. The brush-carrying head (4) is connected with the machine frame through a support and steering system of four-arm linkage type (X,Y,J,W; 17,19) which is driven by a gear steering device (11,12,14,15). The technical solution allows to solve efficiently the problem of collecting washing liquid and to dampen impacts of the machine against obstacles which it may encounter along its path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: NILFISK-ADVANCE S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Chignoli, Andrea Odoli
  • Publication number: 20110284024
    Abstract: A system and device for assisting with the cleansing of a medical component with a scrub brush is disclosed. In one embodiment, an assistive device for use with the scrub brush is disclosed. The scrub brush includes an insert disposed therein, the insert including a cleansing substance such as CHG or alcohol. The assistive device comprises a housing, a motor, a head removably supporting the scrub brush, and an interface interconnecting the motor and the head. The interface is a shaft that enables back-and-forth rotation or other movement of the head and scrub brush relative to the medical component so as to cleanse the medical component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Trebella, Russell L. Bjorklund
  • Publication number: 20110283468
    Abstract: A powered toothbrush includes a handle having a neck. A head is mounted to the neck and has a first surface and an opposed second surface. At least one fixed tuft block is mounted to the head in a fixed orientation and has a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending outwardly away from the first surface. A movable tuft block is flexibly connected to each fixed tuft block and has a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending outwardly away from the first surface. A drive assembly is operably connected to the movable tuft block to move the movable tuft block with respect to each fixed tuft block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventor: Alan Sorrentino
  • Patent number: 8046860
    Abstract: A system for semiconductor wafer manufacturing, comprises a chamber process path for processing the wafer, and a device operable to remove particles from the wafer by electrostatic and electromagnetic methodologies wherein the device is installed in the chamber process path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Yuan Hsia, Chang-Cheng Hung, Chi-Lun Lu, Shih-Ming Chang, Wen-Chuan Wang, Yen-Bin Huang, Ching-Yu Chang, Chin-Hsiang Lin
  • Patent number: 8020236
    Abstract: A light weight floor sweeper having a very low profile sweeper head that uses a sweeping brush and cleaning pad to slide across the surface to be cleaned. The floor sweeper head is mounted to an elongated handle by means of a universal pivot or universal joint which allows the floor sweeper head to easily pivot about the handle in any direction to pick up debris under over hanging cabinets or under furniture. A sweeping brush is mounted on the bottom of the sweeper head to provide sweeping action as the floor sweeper is moved in any direction. Furthermore there is a soft cleaning pad releasably mounted adjacent to the brush to entrap dust and particles that the brush does not pick up. The brush is powered by a small electric motor. A removable dust-receiving tray is mounted in the sweeper head to receive debris swept by the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventors: Bryan Kaleta, Mark Kaleta
  • Publication number: 20110162155
    Abstract: A toothbrush for providing germicidal UV-C radiation to a users mouth. The tooth brush has a main body portion arranged along a longitudinally aligned axis. The main body portion includes a power source, a controller board, a power switch mechanism; and is interoperability attached to a longitudinally aligned neck/head portion. The longitudinally aligned neck/head portion has a replaceable/detachable brush head and a medial neck portion. The neck/head portion further includes a neck cavity for operably receiving a germicidal UV-C lamp. The germicidal UV-C lamp is arranged along a longitudinally aligned axis to provide ultraviolet radiation in 360° radiating illumination about the longitudinally aligned axis. The germicidal UV-C lamp provides ultraviolet radiation between the range of about just less than 100 nm to about just greater than 280 nm. The replaceable/detachable brush head includes a transparent base and a plurality of vertically aligned bristles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 1, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: King C. Wai
  • Publication number: 20110107528
    Abstract: A floor cleaner has a base assembly which comprises a body composed of an upper casing and a lower casing, a sweeping member mounted on the front side of the body, a steam generating member mounted at the rear side of the body, a pad tray with protrusions formed thereon to which a pad is attached, the protrusions made of a material that is softer than the material of the pad tray, and an attachment/detachment member that attaches and detaches the pad tray to and from the bottom face of the lower casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Gyung-hee Haan
  • Publication number: 20110070632
    Abstract: This invention relates to open or close top photobioreactor apparatus for improved productivity with a small footprint, that can be placed in varied temperature zones, above or below ground on land or in water or use in space-station for conducting aqueous aerobic or anaerobic; continues or batch wise cultivation and harvesting of photoautotrophic organism's. More particularly this invention concerns with a novel means and process for uniform optical dispersion and optical enhancement by utilizing a solar energy collection unit attached to a photo-emitting system which emits full spectrum or specific wavelength light substantially uniformly and radially along its length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: BioCetane Inc.
    Inventors: Anand Swarup Katoch, Rakhi Anand Katoch
  • Publication number: 20110030163
    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. One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a floor cleaning machine that includes cleaning fluid dispension 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: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: KARCHER N. AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Steven W. Tucker, Daniel C. Venard
  • Patent number: 7884336
    Abstract: Sponge sanitizing enclosure with a front cover, a rear cover, an inner back plate, a base housing, a push plate, a push button, a UV lamp, electronics to support the UV lamp, a battery power supply, a translucent sponge, and a hinge member. The front and rear cover each being dish shaped and forming a hollow housing and being joined at their base by the hinge member. The inner back plate forms a bisection of the front cover and the rear cover. The UV light is located between the rear cover and the inner back plate. The front cover includes a centrally located aperture that accepts the push button which is fixedly attached to the push plate. The space between the push plate and the inner back plate accommodates the translucent sponge. The base housing encloses the electronics and the battery power supply that support the UV lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Brent Gibson
  • Publication number: 20110023248
    Abstract: A floor cleaning machine is provided that includes a chassis that supports at least one cleaning element. The chassis is supported by a plurality of wheels, one which is steerable via a steering wheel that is interconnected to a housing also associated with the chassis. The chassis provided includes a plurality of movable housing members, one of which is associated with the steering wheel. To access the internal components of the floor cleaning machine, the front housing is rotated or moved away from the other housings wherein the steering wheel does not require disconnection to allow this movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Tucker, Daniel C. Venard
  • Publication number: 20110010873
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus including a main body, a dust collection unit detachably installed on the main body and provided with a plurality of inlets, through which foreign substances are introduced into the dust collection unit, and a connection hole, to which an external instrument is connected, a shutter to open and close one inlet, and a cap to open and close the connection hole. The shutter opens and closes the inlet in cooperation with one of whether or not the dust collection unit is attached to or detached from the main body and whether or not the connection hole is opened or closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Won Kim, Hwl Chan Jang, Jae Man Joo, Jun Pyo Hong, Jun Hwa Lee, Woo Ram Chung, Jae Young Jung, Kyung Hwan Yoo, Jang Youn Ko, Jeong Gon Song, Sam Jong Jeung
  • Publication number: 20110004342
    Abstract: A floor cleaning device that is manually trainable for subsequent automatic operation. Prior to automatic operation, a user trains the cleaning device by manually manipulating the device through one or more desired cleaning paths. After training of the device, the device is configured to automatically initiate subsequent cleaning operations in accordance with the trained routine(s). Preferably, the training routine includes user specification of one of a number of cleaning modalities that are supported by the flooring cleaning device. In addition to automatic navigation, the floor cleaning device is configured to initiate a desired cleaning modality as a function of the device's position with respect to one or more of the trained routine(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Jeremy F. Knopow, David Curtis, Everett F. Carter, JR., Ted Larson, Bob Allen
  • Patent number: 7861347
    Abstract: A vehicle for removing an accumulation of particles comprises a vehicle body, a system configured to remove the particles in bulk, and an arm coupled to and extending from the vehicle body. The arm comprises a first sweeping element and a second sweeping element. Each sweeping element includes a shaft member rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and a set of bristles projecting away from the axis along the shaft member. The first and second longitudinal axes are a distance apart, and the sweeping elements define a concerted sweeping area. The arm may be movably coupled to the vehicle body and may be configured to move the sweeping element around the vehicle body by rotating the arm about a horizontal axis. When a sweeping element rotates in proximity to the ground, the longitudinal axis is substantially vertical. The vehicle may further include a computer system for tracking the location of an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: 3rd Millennium Solutions Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephen Lyle McKeown, Daniel Andrew Faux
  • Publication number: 20100326468
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning metal debris from a magnetic tool (some tools of which have magnetic properties) is disclosed. For one embodiment, the magnetic cleaner comprises a magnetic element suitably sized to interface with a surface of a tool associated with metal debris. A housing comprising a magnetic interface constructed of magnetically transparent material surrounds the magnetic element wherein the remainder of the housing is optionally constructed from material that forms a magnetic barrier. The magnetic element may be movably associated with the housing allowing the magnetic element to be associated/disassociated with the housing magnetic interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Earl H. Parris, John Michael Kay
  • Publication number: 20100325820
    Abstract: A powered sweeper includes a housing, a brushroll chamber disposed in the housing, a brushroll mounted in a brushroll chamber, a dirt chamber disposed in the housing, a drive motor disposed in the housing, and a driven wheel operatively connected to the drive motor. The brushroll rotates in the brushroll chamber and the dirt chamber communicates with the brushroll chamber such that debris is propelled by the brushroll into the dirt chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Mark E. Reindle
  • Publication number: 20100313364
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a robot cleaner having an improved travel pattern and a control method thereof. The robot cleaner performs cleaning using zigzag travel as a basic cleaning traveling manner, and then performs cleaning using random travel as a finishing cleaning traveling manner so as to clean areas skipped during the zigzag travel. The robot cleaner performs the zigzag travel while maintaining a designated interval with a travel route proceeding to a wall regardless of a direction proceeding to the wall, and employs an improved zigzag travel method to maintain a zigzag travel pattern, if the robot cleaner senses an obstacle during the zigzag travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Woo Ram Chung, Jae Man Joo, Dong Won Kim, Jun Hwa Lee, Jun Pyo Hong, Jae Young Jung, Kyung Hwan Yoo, Hwi Chan Jang
  • Publication number: 20100306933
    Abstract: A self-rolling cleaning device is generally disclosed comprising a battery operated and remotely controlled electric motor with power supply (3) located inside the hollow spherical body (1) or a hollow cylindrical body (2) and ensuring rotation thereof, and attached litter collector (7) with sticky, bristly, magnetic, or any other surface capable of collecting small-sized litter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Bakhytbek Z. Ussen, Zhaniya B. Ussen, Timur B. Ussen
  • Publication number: 20100287716
    Abstract: An upright bare floor cleaner with a handle assembly pivotally mounted to a base assembly. The base assembly has a sweeper that includes a rotatably driven brush adapted to sweep dust and dirt particles into a removable dirt receptacle. The handle includes a water tank to store a quantity of water and a fluid distribution system that includes a heater and a spray nozzle. Steam is generated by the heater and is distributed to a removable mop cloth that applies the steam to the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: BISSELL HOMECARE, INC.
    Inventors: Gary A. Kasper, Joseph M. White, John L. Jansen, Aaron P. Griffith
  • Publication number: 20100282272
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a method for the treatment of a transport support (1) for the conveyance and storage of semiconductor substrates, with said support (1) possibly having first undergone a cleaning operation using a liquid. The method includes a treatment stage in which the transport support (1) is placed in a sealed chamber (4) connected to a vacuum pump (5) and said transport support (1) is subjected to the combined action of a subatmospheric pressure and infrared radiation to favor the removal of foreign bodies on the walls of the transport support (1). The invention also concerns a treatment station for a transport support (1) for implementation of the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Erwan Godot, Remi Thollot, Amaud Favre
  • Publication number: 20100281636
    Abstract: A personal care system having personal hygiene products and a display for assisting the user is described. The personal care system can include a personal care product (e.g., an electric toothbrush), an interactive display in data communication with the personal care product. The display provides information associated with a plurality of characteristics of a personal care regimen to the user. The display is in data communication with a network and operable to receive information from the network, and the display is operable to run one or more applications to display the information received from the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Marc Philip Ortins, Alexander Timothy Chenvainu, Mark Edward Farrell, Elizabeth Jane Wenzel, Jose Tadeo Vergara Decastro
  • Publication number: 20100269274
    Abstract: A washing device has a washing cloth for removing contaminants, ink, etc. from a surface and an ultrasound device for assisting a cleaning operation. The washing device includes one or more ultrasound generators and one or more resonators each in the form of an oscillating flat metal body, from which sound energy is output onto a substantially linear region on the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: HEIDELBERGER DRUCKMASCHINEN AG
    Inventors: Helge Steckmann, Irina Karpel
  • Publication number: 20100263141
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning tool for a cleaning device, the cleaning tool being subject to wear during operation. In order to make it easier to identify wear, the invention proposes that the cleaning tool comprise a sensor device with a sensor element which has a physical characteristic variable which changes as a function of the degree of wear of the cleaning tool. The invention also proposes a cleaning device having such a cleaning tool, the cleaning device having a detector device which is coupled to the sensor device for the purpose of sensing the change in the physical characteristic variable of the sensor element, and having an indicator device which is connected to the detector device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Schuetz, Juergen Walz, Wilhelm Eisenmann, Alexander Fuchs, Markus Duenne, Ruwantha De Silva, Andreas Van De Ven, Rainer Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20100242192
    Abstract: A device for a liquid treatment unit includes a UV generating element, arranged inside a compartment, which compartment is arranged in a liquid treatment enclosure, which enclosure is arrange with an inlet and an outlet, wherein the compartment includes UV light permeable material, and wherein the liquid to be treated surrounds the compartment. The invention is characterised in that the device includes a mechanical cleaning element arranged to and capable of cleaning outer surface of the compartment when the unit is in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: WALLENIUS WATER AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventors: Lennart Backman, Magnus Carlsson
  • Patent number: 7788757
    Abstract: The invention is a fun shower brush. The brush has a bubble-making device on its top part. Different kinds of brush can be fitted into the front of the shower brush to meet the needs of the user. This design makes the brush suitable for use by the general public and the bubble-making device makes showering more fun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Chia-Ho Lei
  • Publication number: 20100218322
    Abstract: An oral care implement with an oral care region having cleaning elements for engaging oral tissue and a body for gripping the implement including a handle with a front and a removable faceplate is described. The removable faceplate may be transparent or translucent and may also include design features. The faceplate may provide protection to a user inscription surface on one of the surfaces of the handle which is may be configured to receive user indicia that may later be removed and further indicia provided. A method for marketing the oral care implement and various features of the oral care implement including one or more thematic faceplates is also contemplated and described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: John Gatzemeyer, Jimenez Eduardo
  • Publication number: 20100115717
    Abstract: A machine for cleaning the soles of shoes, in particular for personnel locks (entries) in hygienic exclusion areas such as clean rooms, includes a wiping grid (4) composed of grate bars (5) as well as a trough (2) which is arranged below the wiping grid (4) and inside which two rotatably driven roller brushes (3) are arranged that reach between the grate bars (5) of the wiping grid (4) with the top circumferential areas (3.1) thereof to wipe the soles of shoes. The machine is equipped with a wetting apparatus (7, 8) in the area of the trough (2) in order to apply water and liquid cleaners in order to clean soles of shoes and is also equipped with a liquid discharging device (15) at the bottom area of the trough (2). A cleaning device (12) for the roller brushes (3) and the interior of the trough is additionally arranged in the area of the trough (2) that automatically cleans the interior of the trough including the roller brushes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Itec-Ingenieurbüro für Hygiene Und Lebensmitteltechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Hermann Vogt
  • Publication number: 20100114372
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a surface using an automatic cleaning device may include learning, by an automatic cleaning device, one or more cleaning methods. Each cleaning method may be associated with a code corresponding to a radio frequency identification tag positioned in a vicinity of a surface to be cleaned. The method may also include receiving, by the automatic cleaning device, a target code from a target radio frequency identification tag positioned in a vicinity of a target surface to be cleaned, determining the cleaning method associated with the target code and applying the associated cleaning method to the target surface when the target radio frequency identification tag is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: INTELLIBOT ROBOTICS LLC
    Inventors: David M. Knuth, JR., Henry L. Hillman, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100062697
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning the peeling section of a roller-type peeling machine. The apparatus includes an x-y robot disposed above the peeling section of the peeling machine. The robot has a cleaning tool, such as a liquid spray nozzle, as an end effector. A controller commands the robot to control the movement of the cleaning tool along a predetermined cleaning path to clean the peeling section. One such cleaning path follows each of the insert rollers in the peeling section of a peeling machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Lars Vedsted, Soren Vedsted
  • Publication number: 20100050364
    Abstract: A washing device capable of stably washing a substrate is disclosed. The washing device includes a substrate entry guiding unit which guides a substrate supplied from the outside to be entered in a correct direction, a dirt removing unit supplied with the substrate from the substrate entry guiding unit to remove dirt formed on the substrate, a dirt washing unit supplied with the substrate from the dirt removing unit to wash off residual dirt remaining on the substrate, and a position controlling unit controlling position of the substrate being discharged from the dirt washing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Tae Young Oh, Hui Jae Lee, Geon Yong Kim, Eun Ha Lee
  • Publication number: 20100000034
    Abstract: A device and method for coupling a floor cleaning implement to a floor cleaning machine. The device and method selectively couple a floor cleaning implement, such as a pad or brush, in manner that can be easily released and connected. In one embodiment the coupling device comprises a plate having a first and second channel coupled to opposite edges of the plate. The channels are dimensioned and configured to receive edges of the cleaning implement. At least one channel has projecting members that selectively prevent the cleaning implement from leaving the channel. In some embodiments, the plate has a plurality of recesses dimensioned and configured to selectively receive projections extending from the cleaning implement. The projections of the cleaning implement only fully engage the recesses of the coupling device when an actuator presses the cleaning implement against a floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: JohnsonDiversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Heinrich-Tito Mayer, Franz Oberhaensli
  • Publication number: 20090260180
    Abstract: A device for cleaning a chimney preferably includes a cleaning head having a hub with brush arms extending from the hub, a cable assembly connected to the cleaning head and having a flexible cable surrounded by a casing, with the casing being sized to allow the cable to rotate in the casing without rotating the casing, at least one positioning assembly for holding the cleaning head a desired distance from the interior walls of a chimney, a motor attached to one end of the cable, and a positioning rod effective for pushing said cleaning head and cable assembly up a chimney for a distance of at least eight feet. A camera may be attached to the casing to allow observation and/or recording of the chimney while the cleaning head is working. The device may further include an air knife for dislodging debris when the device is used to sweep a chimney, and/or a vacuum for removing waste dislodged by the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: John E. Meredith, Thomas J. Urban
  • Patent number: 7599758
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a height adjust mechanism disposed on the housing and a height adjust motor, disposed within said housing that controls a height of the height adjust mechanism. A position element is mounted to said housing. A sensor processor, mounted to said housing, is in communication with the position element to provide a signal that relates to a position of the height adjust mechanism based at least in part upon data received from the position element. A controller processor, mounted to said housing, is in communication with the sensor processor for selectively controlling a height of the height adjust mechanism relative to a subjacent surface on which the vacuum cleaner is positioned. A height adjust mechanism height motor controller is in communication with the controller processor, for driving the height adjust motor to locate the height adjust mechanism in an appropriate position relative to the subjacent surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Mark E. Reindle, Norman Siegel
  • Publication number: 20090199355
    Abstract: An ozone toothbrush is comprised of a main body, a brush head which is provided on one end of the main body and a power connection device which is provided on the other end of the main body. An ozonizer and a gas-pressurized device which can supply ozone generated by the ozonizer to the brush head through a transmission channel are provided in the main body. The brush head can be axially connected to the main body by spiral engagement or insertion, or can be radially connected to the main body by spiral engagement or insertion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: SHENZHEN JINGRUI INDUSTRY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Jian Yuan
  • Publication number: 20090183323
    Abstract: A device for cleaning an artificial “infill turf” field includes a rotating brush assembly and a basket for receiving waste and infill material. The basket has a bottom with openings that allow infill material to be returned to the field, and a vibrator to promote separation of infill from waste. The device may include wheels connected to the brush assembly in a manner effective to rotate the brush when one or both of the wheels rotate, and a magnet for picking magnetic waste material from the field. The device may include an actuator for adjusting the height of the brushes, and a tow bar that allows the device to be positioned in an “active” orientation to sweep a field, or an “uplifted” orientation to transport the device across curbs or rough terrain. Multiple brushes and/or baskets may be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Michael E. Davis, John Kitterman
  • Publication number: 20090178228
    Abstract: A floor-cleaning machine comprising a support trolley (2), on which support trolley (2) at least a floor-cleaning group (7) is installed, which floor-cleaning group (7) is provided with at least a flexible blade (70) and is mobile on board the support trolley (2) between a work position, in which the flexible blade (70) is in contact with a floor, and a rest position, in which the flexible blade (70) is distanced from the floor, the floor-cleaning machine comprising magnetic means (26) which are destined to block the floor-cleaning group (7) in the rest position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: IP CLEANING S.P.A
    Inventor: Francesco RECCANELLO
  • Publication number: 20090177125
    Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method for treatment of skin conditions which includes a brushhead member which comprises a first portion which includes a plurality of rings of bristle tufts, the first portion oscillating in operation through a selected angle at a selected frequency and a second portion which also includes a plurality of rings of bristle tufts concentric with the first portion, the second portion remaining stationary in operation. At least one monochromatic light source is included, providing light directed from the brushhead in a direction substantially the same as the bristle tufts, such that the light impinges on the area of skin of the user acted on by the oscillating brushhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Pacific Bioscience Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Pilcher, Robert E. Akridge
  • Publication number: 20090007802
    Abstract: A machine for automating manual labor has a portion to house the motor and at least three interchangeable head fittings for different applications. Applications include cleaning surfaces, cleaning vessels, mixer, blender, chopper, slicer, shredder, vibrator, massager, semi and fully automatic milk cream maker. The machine is driven by an electric motor that can perform different motions and actions, one at a time or simultaneously, depending on the head piece attached to the motor piece. Two such motions are rotary and linear. The machine is powered by battery or mains electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Isaac Taitler
  • Publication number: 20080295265
    Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to the remote cleaning of outer surfaces of windows or facades of high rise buildings without the need for workers located outside the building wall. In fact, the cleaning operation effectively duplicates the conventional manual cleaning operation, such that a minimum of cleaning liquid is used, and no means is required for removal of excess cleaning liquid. The apparatus comprises a rectangular master frame and a parallelogram sub-frame contained therein, suspended from the top of the building to a position opposite a window to be cleaned. A novel cleaning tool, including mechanical scrubbing means e.g a brush and mechanical scraping means e.g. squeegee and a washing liquid spray means, is carried on an insertion tool attached to the parallelogram sub-frame, and brought to bear against the window outer surface to be cleaned, as required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel J. Gorman
  • Patent number: 7448106
    Abstract: A motorized scrubbing implement for cleaning a surface with contours is disclosed. The scrubbing implement includes a resilient base that includes a plurality of resilient fingers, each of which extend radially away from center of the base. A rigid cap comprises an inside upper end and a wider open lower end. The cap preferably includes a handle receiving means pivotally fixed to the cap for receiving a threaded end of an elongated handle. A flexible pad is included that comprises a cleaning surface on a lower side thereof. The pad has a peripheral lip forming an aperture in the pad for receiving the distal ends of each finger of the base. A rotational scrubbing surface driven by a motor projects through a central aperture in the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Sanjay Aiyar
  • Publication number: 20080209647
    Abstract: A cleaning device includes a length adjustable handle with a traditional cleaning device selectively attached to one end and a scuff removal device attached to an opposed end. The traditional cleaning device may be a light or heavy duty broom, wet mop, dust mop, squeegee, or the like. The scuff removal device may include a motor connected to a battery and a scuff removal tip operatively coupled to the motor. When the motor is selectively energized, the tip is caused to vibrate for efficiently removing a scuff mark from a surface. Thus, the cleaning device may be converted from a traditional cleaning tool to a scuff mark removal tool merely by inverting the elongate handle in the user's hands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Paul D. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20080201877
    Abstract: In order to provide a hand-held cleaning/polishing machine, comprising a holding device for holding the cleaning/polishing machine, a drive motor, a tool head for one or more cleaning tools and/or polishing tools, which has a tool drive shaft driven by the drive motor, and a transmission device for transmitting torque from the drive motor to the tool drive shaft, which is universally usable, it is provided that at least one coupling for connecting at least one first fluid line is arranged on the holding device and that at least one second fluid line leads to the tool head from the at least one coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Flex-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Sengewald, Bernd Augustin
  • Publication number: 20080178412
    Abstract: This patent discloses a cleaning system for shopping carts. The cleaning system may include a prewash station, a wash station, a rinse station, a drying station, a physical disinfecting station, a conveyor, and a recovery tank. The wash station may include brushes. The drying station may include a fan configured to blow a thin sheet of air downward and onto the shopping cart. The physical disinfecting station may include an ultraviolet light generator. The conveyor may include a track system having hooks attached to chains that are configured to be moved by a conveyor motor. A frame may surround and support the stations. The cleaning system additionally may include a water recovery/supply system and an external spray wash hose attached to a reservoir to pre-prewash the shopping carts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: MICHAEL A. KITER
  • Publication number: 20080155768
    Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Ziegler, Duane Gilbert, Christopher John Morse, Scott Pratt, Paul Sandin, Nancy Dussault, Andrew Jones
  • Publication number: 20080135061
    Abstract: A system and method for cleaning wooden pallets comprises conveying the pallets through a first stage area having regions for brushing a top exterior, a bottom exterior, all four side exteriors, a top and bottom interior and at least one pair of side interiors. Preferably, these brushes are treated with a non-stick coating and retract into separate ridged chambers when not in use to deter pallet cross-contamination. Each scoured pallet is then conveyed to a second stage area for a non-chemical, germicidal treatment, preferably including ultraviolet light irradiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Adam J. Madgar
  • Publication number: 20080134458
    Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Ziegler, Duane Gilbert, Christopher John Morse, Scott Pratt, Paul Sandin, Nancy Dussault, Andrew Jones
  • Patent number: RE40761
    Abstract: An apparatus 10 for compacting and baling leaves, grass clippings, sticks, pine straw and other debris on lawns, yards, or fields is provided. The apparatus 10 may have diagonal brushes 26 to gather debris for processing though a crusher 28, a conveyor belt 30 to transport the crushed debris, and a baler 32 to compact and bale the debris. The baler 32 may compact the debris by rotating the debris in a continuous band 52, into which baling material 72 may be inserted to bale the debris. Alternatively, the debris may be gathered and feed into a crusher 28 that deposits the crushed debris directly into the baler 32 for compacting and baling. Further still, the apparatus 10 may gather the debris with brushes 26 and feed it onto a conveyor mechanism 30 that then introduces it into a crusher 28. The crushed debris may then be feed into a baling mechanism 32 that compacts and bales the debris for easy removal and disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Bobby L. Truitt