Wiping Patents (Class 15/97.1)
  • Patent number: 7707674
    Abstract: A hand-held motorized household cleaning apparatus that includes a housing, a battery located in the housing, a motor located in the housing and connected to the battery, an output drive shaft connected to the motor, a cleaning attachment coupled for movement with the output drive shaft and a liquid delivery system with a pressurized reservoir. A flexible adapter is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Schonewille, Richard P. Rosa, Sean D. Wilkinson, Corey D. MacTavish, Jacob R. Prosper, James D. Marshall, Alex P. Sergyeyenko, Vincent P. Cooper, David M. Shaver, Patrick Marcil
  • Patent number: 7703165
    Abstract: A portable cleaning apparatus includes a handle and a wheel rotatably mounted to the handle having a plurality of scrubbing elements. A nozzle delivers fluid to the scrubbing elements to effect rotation of the wheel. The scrubbing elements can be secured to the wheel to limit pivoting movement of the scrubbing element in a direction of rotation of the wheel while permitting greater pivoting movement of the scrubbing elements in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the wheel. A dispensing system mounted to the handle is remotely operable to position a dispenser of treatment material in the rotational path of the scrubbing elements to apply treatment material to the scrubbing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Larry C. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 7698770
    Abstract: A system is provided for providing automated washing for debris removal from the skin of a user's hands. At least some embodiments of the present include a friction enhancing structure such as a brush. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the system includes an RFID capability for identifying when at least one component, such as a removable brush, is due to for replacement for sanitation reasons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Resurgent Health & Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Barnhill, James Glenn, Timothy Prodanovich
  • Publication number: 20100083450
    Abstract: A magnetic stripe cleaning unit includes a base unit with a cleaning slot and a cleaning material positioned in the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Arieh NAIDER
  • Patent number: 7669939
    Abstract: A surface finishing ball of compressible material, adapted to be driven on a rotational axis is made from a layered body of compressible material that is formed in multiple disk-like layers that are separated in planes generally perpendicular to the rotational axis. Layers are also slit on circumferentially spaced planes that extend generally radially from an outside surface to define a plurality of foam fingers. A clamping system is used to compress and hold a center portion of the layered body in a direction along the axis of rotation such that the uncompressed outer ends of the fingers define a generally spherical ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Lake Country Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott S. McLain
  • Publication number: 20100043159
    Abstract: An optical connector cleaning tool which wipes to clean a joining end face of an optical connector by a feeding movement of a cleaning body. It includes a tool body which incorporates a feeding mechanism that supplies and takes up the cleaning body, and an insertion part which inserts into a connector housing hole of a positioning housing for connectors. The insertion part has a head member on which is formed a pressing face that presses the cleaning body against the joining end face within the connector housing hole, and is capable of moving in a direction of extension or contraction relative to the tool body. Movement of the tool body in an insertion direction relative to the insertion part in a state where the cleaning body is in contact with the joining end face causes the head member to axially rotate while the state of contact is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Kunihiko Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20090307856
    Abstract: A mopping device includes a mopping head having at least one of a mopping cloth, a mopping cover, a mopping bundle, and a mopping pad. The mopping device further includes a handle and a multi-turn actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Leifheit AG
    Inventors: Klaus-Juergen Fischer, Markus Klotz, Benjamin Schramm
  • Publication number: 20090293910
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a fluidic system of a flow cytometer having a sheath pump to pump sheath fluid towards an interrogation zone and a waste pump to pump the sheath fluid and a sample fluid as waste fluid from the interrogation zone, wherein the sheath pump and/or the waste pump draw sample fluid into the flow cytometer through a drawtube towards the interrogation zone. The method includes controlling the sheath pump and the waste pump to cooperatively flush a fluid out through the drawtube, thereby cleaning the fluidic system of the flow cytometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Jack T. Ball, Aaron Kehrer, Nathaniel C. Bair, Collin A. Rich
  • Patent number: 7578884
    Abstract: A device made of flexible material for cleaning sharp-tipped dental instruments. The device contains a) a finger rest, b) a stem, and c) an open container having a textured exterior surface, an interior surface, and a top. The exterior surface may have a girth near the top. The interior surface may be rough and contain a plurality of prongs and ribs. The top has a protective rim. For use, gauze is put into the container and the gauze is contacted with the sharp tip of the dental instrument. Pressure is applied to the container to help create a firm contact between the gauze and the instrument. The prongs help to keep the gauze in place while the instrument is being removed. The use of this device helps prevent puncture wounds or cuts caused by the dental instrument and the accompanying possibility of infection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Regina A. Cetrangelo
  • Patent number: 7555814
    Abstract: A cleaner is disclosed, by which a floorcloth is attached to a correct position on a bottom of the cleaner, and by which a floorcloth can be attached to a correct position without turning a cleaner body upside down, thereby preventing a hazardous condition. The present invention includes a body configured as a cleaner head, an electric magnet provided adjacent to one side of a bottom of the body to generate a magnetic field during application of an electrical signal, and a floorcloth having a conductive body provided at a position opposing the electric magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jeong Ho Lee, Jay Ho Choi, Hyoung Jun Kim, Sung Il Park
  • Patent number: 7552499
    Abstract: A cleaning implement is provided for cleaning surfaces with a cleaning substrate. The cleaning implement includes a handle connected via a universal joint to a mop head. A portion of the universal joint forms a handgrip which allows a user to hold the mop head independently from the handle. The cleaning implement has a quick-disconnect mechanism which includes a male element located at a distal end of the handle and a female element located on the universal joint and which allow a user to easily disconnect the handle from the mop head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Adrian Benton James, Bryan Thomas White, Michael Joseph Shawver, Jan Hendrik Maria Verbiest, Virginia Pankratz, Paulus Antonius Augustinus Höfte
  • Publication number: 20090144918
    Abstract: An assembly structured to clean the head portion of a stethoscope comprising a housing including a path of travel along which the head portion passes during cleaning. A supply of cleaning fluid is associated with a dispenser assembly which is cooperatively disposed relative to an activating assembly. The activating assembly is manually operated due to moveable engagement with the head portion as it travels along the path of travel. The activating assembly is thereby operatively positioned to activate the dispenser assembly when engaged by the head portion as it passes along the path of travel. The dispenser assembly delivers the cleaning fluid to an applicator assembly which distributes the cleaning fluid to the head portion and facilitates the cleaning thereof and removal of excess cleaning fluid there from.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Perlman, James M. Sellers, Keith Rubin, Mathew Cardinali, Michael R. Cole, Sidney Perlman
  • Patent number: 7544252
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a contact surface on an integrated circuit module using a slotted, complementary-dual-housing mechanical cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus includes a spring-actuated device and a replaceable cleaning cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Scea, Alex R. Jorge-Ortiz, Paul Drake, John Chang
  • Publication number: 20090142115
    Abstract: A cleaning unit includes a cleaning member, an ejection member, a delivering member, and a flicker. The cleaning member contacts an object to be cleaned moving in a given direction, and removes waste material from the object to be cleaned. The ejection member, disposed in an area distanced from the object to be cleaned, transports the waste material removed from the object to be cleaned to outside of the cleaning unit. The delivering member delivers the waste material to a transport-effective area of the ejection member. The delivering member includes a vane rotating device including a rotation axis and a vane attached on the rotation axis. The vane rotating device rotates to deliver the waste material to the ejection member. The flicker contacts a free end of the vane to cause a flicker movement to the vane at a position over the transport-effective area of the ejection member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Takaya MURAISHI, Takeshi Shintani, Yasushi Akiba, Satoshi Hatori, Akio Kosuge, Kaoru Yoshino
  • Patent number: 7536743
    Abstract: A cleaning implement is provided for cleaning surfaces with a cleaning substrate. The cleaning implement includes a handle connected via a universal joint to a mop head. The mop head includes a bumper pad, which is made of a deformable and nonabsorbent material. The bumper pad can be deformed in the Z direction and within the X-Y plane. The cleaning implement can also include a motor for causing a portion of the mop head to move relative to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jerome Joo Ge Goh, Christine Marie Kurjan, Jennifer Ellen Davis-Wilson, Leo Kopelow, Jan Hendik Maria Verbiest, Arthur Bryon Stackpole, Jr., Thomas George Crowe, Elizabeth Ann Rohrbaugh, Tracey Ann Wurzelbacher, Matthew Lloyd Newman, Erin Meredith Lang, Ramona Zenkich, Jeffrey Thomas Halter, Anthony John Watkins
  • Patent number: 7534302
    Abstract: Provided is a method of cleaning a flexible substrate. The method includes the steps of: preparing a flexible substrate and detaching an impurity adhered to both surfaces of the flexible substrate using rotating first rollers disposed on the both surfaces of the flexible substrate; and removing the impurity by transferring the impurity from the first roller to a second roller using the rotating second roller having a relatively higher adhesion than the first roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Gi Heon Kim, Kyung Soo Suh, Kyu Ha Baek, In Kyu You, Seung Youl Kang, Seong Deok Ahn, Chul Am Kim
  • Publication number: 20090094784
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for cleaning or otherwise treating a floored surface that includes a platform adapted to support the weight of an operator. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is capable of generally performing 360° turns to facilitate the treatment of difficult to access portions of the floored surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: KARCHER FLOOR CARE, INC.
    Inventors: Roger Pedlar, Brian J. Doll, Rusty Simmon, Nevin Green, Daniel Pearson, Loi X. Tran, Robert S. Gorsky, Eric L. Shark, Daniel C. Venard
  • Patent number: 7516508
    Abstract: A motorized cleaning implement is provided for cleaning surfaces with a cleaning substrate. The motorized cleaning implement includes a bumper pad that is connected to a motor capable of providing a reciprocating motion to the bumper pad. A cleaning substrate which includes a pocket is attached to the bumper pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: A. Bryon Stackpole, Jr., Thomas George Crowe, Matthew Lloyd Newman, Ramona Zenkich, Tracey Ann Wurzelbacher, Eric Young Park, Ildefonso Mendoza Resuello, Jr., David John Sayler
  • Patent number: 7517411
    Abstract: A surface treatment device, including a body, at least one actuable vibration component associated with the body, and a contact component associated with the body, the contact component configured to contact a target surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: James Russell Hornsby, Marcellus Rambo Benson, James Augustus Keefe, III, Joseph Lee McGowan
  • Patent number: 7513957
    Abstract: A hole cleaning apparatus includes a handle, mandrel, spool holder, cleaning material, and cutting edge. The handle having a first end and a second end. The handle having a bore extending from the first end to the second end. The mandrel having a first end and a second end mounted to the first end of the handle. The mandrel having a central bore that extends therethrough. The spool holder connected to the second end of the handle. The cleaning material attached to the spool holder. The cutting edge is disposed on the mandrel. The cleaning material extends from the spool holder through the bore of the handle and through the central bore of the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Christopher D. Condliff
  • Publication number: 20090025160
    Abstract: After a liquid sample is dropped onto a sample-holding platform 11, a window plate 22 is moved closer to the sample-holding platform 11 to hold the liquid sample between them. Measurement light is delivered onto the liquid sample, and the light transmitted through the sample is measured. After the measurement is completed, a window plate holder 23 is raised, and a hear 14 is moved from a standby position into the gap between the window plate 22 and the sample-holding platform 11. Then, the window plate holder 23 is lowered so as to press the window plate 22 onto the head 14 until the head 14 touches the sample-holding platform 11 below. From this state, the head 14 is swung back to the original position, whereby a wipe material 40 fitted on the head 14 simultaneously wipes off the liquid sample from both the lower surface of the window plate 22 and the upper surface of the sample-holding platform 11.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eiji IKEDA, Takashi Inoue
  • Patent number: 7483356
    Abstract: A universal media disc cleaning/repairing device including: a main body having a receptacle for snugly receiving a universal media disc; a driving motor mounted in the main body; a disc driving mechanism rotationally drivable by the driving motor, the disc driving mechanism having a disc driving tray upward protruding from a carrier board section of the main body for rotationally driving the universal media disc placed in the carrier board section; a cleaning/repairing tray pivotally mounted on the main body and rotationally drivable by the driving motor. The cleaning/repairing tray is adapted to contact with lower side of a read/write window of the cartridge of the universal media disc placed in the carrier board section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Jean Chin Chu Lee
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7386906
    Abstract: The brushhead attachment system includes a hub member which is secured to a drive shaft of a personal care appliance for oscillating action. The hub member includes a number of spaced locking elements in the form of protrusions around the periphery thereof. An annular outer brushhead portion with a first group of bristles includes a plurality of spaced grooves in the outer surface thereof which mate with extending pins in the body of the appliance for insertion and removal of the outer brushhead portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Pacific Bioscience Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Dane M. Roth, Stephen M. Meginniss, III, Kenneth A. Pilcher, Richard A. Reishus, David Giuliani
  • Publication number: 20080132438
    Abstract: A cleansing composition is described. The cleansing composition generally contains an antimicrobial agent, a heating agent, and a thermochromic agent. During use, the heating agent heats the composition so that the antimicrobial agent becomes more effective. The thermochromic agent, on the other hand, changes the color of the composition as it is heated in order to indicate to a user that the composition is at a desired temperature. In an alternative embodiment, instead of containing a heating agent, a heating source can be used to heat the composition. The heating source can be, for instance, an electrical resistance heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Douglas Robert Hoffman, David William Koenig, Scott W. Wenzel, Philip E. Kieffer
  • Patent number: 7373684
    Abstract: This device is used to clean and dry lens of eyewear. The entire device is contained in one unit and will provide the appropriate motion or movement to accomplish the cleaning of the eyewear using brushes and drying pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Warren L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080109997
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handle (1) for a cleaning device (2), which comprises at least one telescope part (4) which is lengthwise variable in the longitudinal direction (3) of the handle (1) and at least one part (5, 6) which is stationary in the longitudinal direction (3) of the handle (1), whereby the telescope part (4) and the stationary part (5, 6) are linked with each other in such a manner that they can be detached without sustaining any damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventor: Miguel Angel Toral Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20080083079
    Abstract: A novel portable waxing and buffing tool is disclosed whereby a tool portion comprising a waxer/buffer is connected to a power supply portion by a power cord. The waxer/buffer is sized to be held by the palm of a user and can be fitted with working discs for the waxing or buffing of surfaces. The power supply portion is attachable to the belt of a user and includes accessible and replaceable rechargeable batteries. The power supply portion has a power socket for interconnecting with the waxer/buffer for supplying power or to an A.C. battery charger for recharging the batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Reuben H. Starrette
  • Patent number: 7346954
    Abstract: An arrangement (1) for cleaning surfaces (2), particularly curved or arched or wavy surfaces and/or surfaces (2) with varying direction of curvature, for example on vehicle chassis, metal strip or unflat plates. The arrangement has a cleaning device (3) having a tension resistant carrier band or belt with an upper section and a lower section and also at least two reversing rollers or rolls (4), which device acts with a section as a cleaning belt section (6) on the surface to be cleaned (2) with its inner side facing the reversing rollers or rolls (4). The device (1) has a presser device (8) with a guide (9) for the cleaning belt section (6), through which the cleaning belt section (6) can be pressed. It is provided that the presser device (8) includes at least one flexible cushion or buffer (10), and that the guide (9) acted on thereby is deflectable or bendable transversely to, or at right angles to, the surface to be cleaned (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Wandres GmbH micro-cleaning
    Inventors: Martin Weber, Claus G. Wandres
  • Patent number: 7331077
    Abstract: A motorized telescoping cleaner with a plurality of varied attachments that removably attach to the top of the telescoping joints, the joints progressively telescoping such that the length of the invention can extend and contract, a top joint which also features a pivot which bends to 90 degrees from the plane of the remaining joints, the top pivot containing a motor coupled to a flexible drive rod, thereby enabling pivoted drive of attachments. The motor is connected via electrical wire to batteries in the base of the invention. Batteries are both rechargeable and replaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Mary Henry
  • Publication number: 20080034518
    Abstract: A buffer rotates counterclockwise and is used in automobile finishing jobs. The buffer is pneumatic and is especially useful for professional finish technicians.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Eric D. Lindroth
  • Patent number: 7325268
    Abstract: An automatic wheel cleaner apparatus providing cleaning of the inner side of a motor vehicle wheel having an inflated tire mounted thereto (a mounted wheel) prior to attachment of adhesively attached balancing weights. The apparatus includes: a main frame, a rollers set composed of driven and non-driven rollers rotatably connected to the main frame for receiving a mounted wheel, a rotation assembly horizontally translatable on the main frame for providing rotation of the mounted wheel, and a cleaner head vertically translatable on the main frame and having a cleaner stocking for cleaning the inner side of the wheel of the mounted wheel during rotation of the mounted wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas J. Curcuri
  • Publication number: 20080000037
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning an optical fiber supported by a fiber optic connector. The cleaning apparatus may include a housing, a cleaning tip supported by the housing and a cleaning wipe advanceable along at least a portion of the cleaning tip to clean an optical fiber when the cleaning wipe engages the optical fiber. The apparatus may include one or more automated features which may enhance the effectiveness of the apparatus. The apparatus may include a fluid dispenser to wet at least a portion of the cleaning wipe with a cleaning fluid. The apparatus may be configured to automatically control the force exerted by the cleaning tip against the optical fiber and/or to automatically control tension in the cleaning wipe. Aspects of the invention are directed to a method of cleaning an end face of an optical fiber by advancing a wet portion of a cleaning wipe across the end face, and thereafter advancing a dry portion of the cleaning wipe across the end face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: KSARIA Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony J. Christopher, Mark S. Aude
  • Publication number: 20070289076
    Abstract: A motorized fluid dispenser is disclosed that provides a reservoir for retaining fluid, a dispensing end of the reservoir that opens onto an applicator, and a motor which provides movement to the applicator while the fluid is dispensed. The motor does not power fluid dispensing but provides movement of the applicator which, depending on the intended use of the fluid dispensed, may move the surface upon which the fluid is dispensed or may move the applicator relative to the surface. A cap is provided that physically prevents fluid from being dispensed while the cap is in place. The reservoir is adapted to withstand variations in temperature to permit immersion of the reservoir in a heated or cooling atmosphere or bath, and to withstand fluids that may be exothermic or endothermic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: David J. Richmond, Howard Richmond
  • Patent number: 7279050
    Abstract: A one-piece sponge cleans and removes coating material from the bottom edge, inside and outside surface of a photoreceptor drum. The one-piece sponge has an inner sponge section and an outer sponge section, both with internal channels to remove solvent and dissolved coating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Jean D. Van Epps, Jr., Michael J. Duggan, James R. Lee, Steven D. Bush
  • Patent number: 7275429
    Abstract: A conductance probe is provided for adapting in a device having a container for holding a fluid therein. The a conductance probe is installed therein for providing a conductance signal indicating whether it is in contact with the fluid. The conductance probe features a conductance probe cleaner having a temperature sensitive element arranged on a tip thereof that is responsive to a change in the temperature of the fluid, for wiping the conductance probe to keep deposits from building up thereon. The scope of the invention includes any and all bi-metal configurations using temperature changes to create probe cleaning. The device may be a boiler or other suitable device having a heating element for boiling water contained therein. The temperature sensitive element is arranged on a metal tip of the conductance probe so as to move axially when wiping the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Branzell, Christopher J. Thomson
  • Patent number: 7246401
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a hole or bore in a work piece has a reel, a switch, a mandrel, a cutting edge and a cleaning material. The cleaning material is driven by the first reel and extends over the mandrel. The trigger causes the first reel to pull the cleaning material over the mandrel to clean the hole or bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Christopher D. Condliff
  • Patent number: 7243390
    Abstract: A join end face of an optical connector is easily and reliably cleaned when the optical connector has been inserted into a connector housing, by using an optical connector cleaning unit comprising a cleaning member which wipes clean a join end face of an optical connector inside a connector housing by relative motion against the join end face, a drive mechanism which drives the cleaning member, and a connection section which enables a drive auxiliary mechanism for applying a moving force to the drive mechanism to be connected, and an optical connector cleaning tool in which a drive auxiliary unit comprising the drive auxiliary mechanism has been connected to the connection section of the optical connector cleaning unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Fujiwara, Takaaki Ishikawa, Yuwa Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7222679
    Abstract: A random orbital sander including an adjustable contoured hand grip that is removably coupled to the sander housing. The hand grip is repositionable with respect to the housing to provide various contour griping services engageable by an operator's hand. The adjustable hand grip, when used in combination with a random orbital sander, provides various contoured gripping surfaces that can be adjusted to fit the hands of various users. The perimeter of the hand grip includes a contoured irregular surface that can be rotated or repositioned with respect to the housing to provide various shaped gripping surfaces. The random orbital sander includes a housing with an internal cavity arranged to accept a motor within the housing. The motor includes an output shaft that can be coupled to a sanding pad or other structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventor: Dennis A. Dohogne
  • Patent number: 7210185
    Abstract: A vibratory cleaning/polishing head secured to manually operated handle includes a detachable cleaning/polishing pad secured to the head, and a rechargeable battery and vibratory unit including a motor. In one embodiment, the vibratory unit and battery are substantially contained within the head housing. In another embodiment the vibratory unit and battery are situated atop of the housing. The motor contains a driveshaft to which an eccentric element is secured. The driveshaft extends substantially parallel to the horizontal upper surface of the head, wherein vibration of the head in a vertical plane is induced for enhancing efficacy of cleaning/polishing. In one embodiment, the device has two vibratory units secured to the head, each spaced from the other on laterally opposed sides of attachment yoke. The units operate in the 2,500 to 8,000 RPM range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward L. Paas
  • Patent number: 7203986
    Abstract: A cleaning tool having a clamp-on handle assembly. The clamp-on handle assembly includes a slidable locking element which can be moved from an open position, wherein the handle assembly can be placed over a handle portion of the cleaning tool, to a locked position wherein the locking element clamps the handle assembly securely onto the handle portion of the cleaning tool. Advantageously, no external tools or fastening implements are required to secure the handle assembly to the handle portion of the cleaning tool. The handling assembly allows the user to use the cleaning tool to reach elevated areas or other areas that would be difficult to reach with the user holding directly onto the handle portion of the cleaning tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Pears, Cheung Wun Yau
  • Patent number: 7203989
    Abstract: A buffing and polishing ball made of a compressible polymeric foam material is formed by slitting a body of foam material in a substantially uncompressed state (1) from an outside surface of the body in a direction generally perpendicular to the rotational axis and (2) on circumferentially spaced planes that extend generally radially from the outside surface of the body to define a plurality of foam fingers. A fastening system is used to compress and hold a center portion of the foam body in a direction along the rotational axis such that the uncompressed outer ends of the finger assume a generally spherical ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Lake Country Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott S. McLain
  • Patent number: 7181799
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Eegee, LLC
    Inventors: James A. Gavney, Jr., Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-hwe Kim
  • Patent number: 7155767
    Abstract: There is disclosed a scrub cleaning device which can reduce cleaning time and which requires no large-scaled device for transferring a substrate to the next cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kouno, Masahumi Kanahara
  • Patent number: 7089624
    Abstract: A cleaner is provided for cleaning the end surface area of a ferrule of a fiber optic connector. The cleaner includes a housing having a mating portion for mating the cleaner with the connector. A cleaning head is movably mounted on the housing for movement across the end surface area. A motor is mounted on the housing and is coupled to the cleaning head for moving the cleaning head in response to operation of the motor. An air jet is mounted on the housing for directing a stream of a cleaning medium toward the cleaning head to remove residue from the end surface area. An exhaust is provided on the housing for removing and evacuating residue from the end surface area. A plurality of the cleaners are mounted on a dummy circuit board for cleaning the end surface areas of the ferrules of a plurality of fiber optic connectors mounted in a given pattern on a backplane of a chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Vyacheslav Malevants, Igor Grois
  • Patent number: 7059005
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the slider air bearing surface of a head gimbal assembly is disclosed. A plurality of carriers may position and hold a plurality of head gimbal assemblies to be polished. A cloth strip may be rubbed against the slider air surface. A movable cylinder unit coupled to the plurality of carriers may move the carriers. A polish tank may provide cleaning solution to the movable cylinder unit. A pump may recirculate the cleaning solution. A filter canister with a filter cartridge may filter the cleaning solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Sae Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Mingbing Wong, Fuhong Yu, Liang Qian, Feng Xie
  • Patent number: 7055201
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surface treating machine which comprises a frame (1) and an undercarriage (2, 3) to enable the machine to move over a surface (S). A head (5) is supported by the frame and includes a drive motor (13) and a tool (6) for directly contacting, scrubbing or treating said surface (S). The tool is rotatably drivable by means of the motor. Cardanic drive and coupling means (16) is connected to the tool (6) in a rotationally fixed manner on one end and connected to the drive motor (13) on the other end. Support and spring means (8, 9, 17) for the tool (6), are forcing the tool (6) against the surface (S) with an controlled uneven pressure distribution around the circumference of the tool (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: JohnsonDiversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Max Buchegger, Rene Principe, Dieter Windmeisser
  • Patent number: 7047585
    Abstract: A power tool in accordance with the invention includes a housing having a handle connected to the housing in at least one position and extending about the rear of the housing with first and second end portions positioned at least in part off the sides of the housing such that the handle allows an operator a range of locations about the housing to facilitate an effective two-handed grip to maintain control over the power tool. The power tool may include an actuator, such as a switch, to regulate power supplied to the tool's motor, and may automatically shift to deactivate the power tool when an unintentional impact above a predetermined magnitude is received by the power tool. The power tool may also include a recess for maintaining an accessory tool and may be designed so that it is both statically and dynamically balanced in order to provide a balanced tool both at rest and during operation, and in order to reduce the amount of vibration experienced by an operator during use of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: WMH Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher T. Boyer, John T. Gerritsen, Mark R. Lytell, Joel G. Delman, Peter J. Kopec
  • Patent number: 7004182
    Abstract: Ultrasonic cleaning devices comprise a sonotrode and a power supply adapted to supply current to the sonotrode, and further include one or more features which facilitate use of the ultrasonic cleaning devices by consumers, improve the safety of the ultrasonic cleaning devices when used by consumers, and/or improve the cleaning efficiency of the ultrasonic cleaning devices when used by consumers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dean Larry Duval, Tim Van Hauwermeiren, Sonia Gaaloul, Lieven Richard Deketele, Michael Ray McDonald
  • Patent number: 6981291
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a handle, a support rotatably coupled to the handle for rotation by a drive motor mounted in the handle and a cleaning element mountable on the support. The cleaning element a flexible mat fixed about the support or about a core mountable on the support. An auxiliary cleaning element attachment may be mounted on the end wall of the support. A liquid container may be mounted in the support or used to form the support to dispense fluid to the cleaning element disposed about the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: The Hartz Mountain Corporation
    Inventor: William D. McKay