Patent ID: 6195834
Filing Date: 2001-03-06
Classification: B08B,D06G

Abstract:
An apparatus for removing foreign particles from an object, said apparatus comprising:an enclosed chamber for containing the object, said chamber having an inlet port and an exhaust port;a vibrating means attached to said chamber, said vibrating means separating said foreign particles from the object by conveying an agitation motion through said chamber to the object contained therein;a gas pumping means for causing a gas flow, said gas pumping means having an intake port and an output port;a valving means having first, second, third, fourth, and fifth ports, the first port connected to the intake port of said gas pumping means, the second port connected to the output port of said gas pumping means, the third port connected to the inlet port of said chamber, the fourth port connected to the exhaust port of said chamber, the fifth port connected to a source of gas, anda control means for periodic shifting of said valving means between a first position and a second position; the first position characterized by having the first port connected to the fifth port, the second port connected to the third port, the fourth port being closed; the second position characterized by having the first port connected to the fourth port, the second port connected to the fifth port, the third port being closed,whereby said foreign particles are removed from said chamber while suspended in said gas when said valving means are in said second position.