Device and method for removing fine particles from parts
First Claim
1. A parts cleaning device, comprising:
- a first rotor assembly having a first axis of rotation;
at least one microfiber cloth arranged to rotate with said first rotor assembly; and
a means for rotating said first rotor assembly together with said microfiber cloth about said first axis so that centrifugal forces cause said microfiber cloth to extend radially outwardly from said first rotor assembly for wiping fine particles from a surface of a part to be cleaned;
further comprising a vacuum chamber having an inlet positioned in a path of movement of said microfiber cloth, said vacuum chamber providing a means for removing fine particles from said microfiber cloth as the cloth rotates past and impinges on said vacuum chamber.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A parts cleaning device has at least one rotor assembly with an axis of rotation, and a plurality of microfiber cloths arranged at spaced locations along a length of each rotor assembly. The microfiber cloths each have an opening through a center portion thereof, and a shaft of the rotor assembly extends through the opening. A plurality of spacers are arranged so that each microfiber cloth is squeezed between two spacers. The rotor assembly is rotated together with the microfiber cloths so that centrifugal forces cause the microfiber cloths to extend radially outwardly from the rotor assembly and wipe surfaces of parts that pass within a path of movement of the microfiber cloths. A vacuum chamber has an inlet positioned in the path of movement of the cloths for removing fine particles from the cloths as the cloths rotate past the inlet.
7 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A parts cleaning device, comprising:
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a first rotor assembly having a first axis of rotation; at least one microfiber cloth arranged to rotate with said first rotor assembly; and a means for rotating said first rotor assembly together with said microfiber cloth about said first axis so that centrifugal forces cause said microfiber cloth to extend radially outwardly from said first rotor assembly for wiping fine particles from a surface of a part to be cleaned; further comprising a vacuum chamber having an inlet positioned in a path of movement of said microfiber cloth, said vacuum chamber providing a means for removing fine particles from said microfiber cloth as the cloth rotates past and impinges on said vacuum chamber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15)
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13. A parts cleaning device, comprising:
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a first rotor assembly having a first axis of rotation; at least one microfiber cloth arranged to rotate with said first rotor assembly; and a means for rotating said first rotor assembly together with said microfiber cloth about said first axis so that centrifugal forces cause said microfiber cloth to extend radially outwardly from said first rotor assembly for wiping a surface of a part to be cleaned; further comprising a second rotor assembly having a second axis of rotation, said second rotor assembly being arranged parallel to said first rotor assembly, and said at least one microfiber cloth comprises a plurality of microfiber cloths arranged at spaced locations along each of said first and second rotor assemblies; further comprising a vacuum chamber having an inlet positioned in a path of movement of the microfiber cloths arranged on each of said first and second rotor assemblies, said vacuum chamber providing a means for removing fine particles from said microfiber cloths as the cloths rotate past and impinge on said vacuum chamber; wherein said first and second rotor assemblies are arranged side-by-side in a substantially horizontal configuration for use with a flat conveyor line, and wherein said vacuum chamber is substantially centered over said first and second rotor assemblies. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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16. A parts cleaning device, comprising:
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a first rotor assembly having a first axis of rotation; at least one microfiber cloth arranged to rotate with said first rotor assembly; and a means for rotating said first rotor assembly together with said microfiber cloth about said first axis so that centrifugal forces cause said microfiber cloth to extend radially outwardly from said first rotor assembly for wiping a surface of a part to be cleaned; further comprising an adjustable support stand for supporting said rotor assembly relative to a part to be cleaned, said support stand comprising a base supported by wheels, an upright member extending above said base, and an arm pivotally attached to said upright member, said rotor assembly being connected to and supported by said arm. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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Specification