Patent Publication Number: US-7716774-B2

Title: Apparatus for separating matter from an exposed surface

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to exposed surfaces with separable, discrete matter thereon and, more particularly, to an apparatus for separating, and potentially controllably removing, the matter from those surfaces. 
   2. Background Art 
   Cargo ships, especially dry-bulk cargo and liquid-bulk cargo ships, are used to transport a wide range of products and materials on waterways worldwide. In one known dry-bulk cargo ship construction, multiple cargo holds are formed in the ship&#39;s hull to accept bulk quantities of particulate material. Each cargo hold is bounded by a ferrous wall structure and has an overhead access for loading and unloading of the materials. A typical cargo hold may have length and width dimensions on the order of 100 feet, a height on the order of 60 feet, and in excess of 220,000 square feet of exposed, interior, surface area. 
   A description of the transportation of powdered cement in a dry bulk cargo ship will be provided hereinbelow to demonstrate some of the problems that have plagued this industry. In a typical operation, a cargo hold will be filled with the cement at a load port. At the destination port, the cement is discharged. Loading and discharge of the cement is carried out using any of a number of different, well-known techniques and equipment. These techniques are designed to remove the majority, but not all of the bulk cargo. The balance of the residual cargo, as well as residues of previous cargo, other debris, loose rust, scale, loose paint and other potential contaminants such as stains, must also be removed prior to loading another cargo at the same or a different load port. 
   In the event that the hold is refilled with cement, the preparation of the hold for reloading may be minimal. However, if the next cargo is different, all interior surfaces of the hold, including the walls of the hold, may have to be thoroughly cleaned so as to not contaminate the new product with the cement residue that adheres to the walls, overhead and other structures, fittings within the hold, and hatch covers. 
   Heretofore, the cleaning of the walls and other surfaces within a cargo hold has been time and labor intensive and has further required relatively expensive equipment. Ladders are sometimes used to clean the lower areas of the hold, and a lift structure is often introduced to each hold to clean the upper areas. Each lift consists of a self-powered vehicle with a repositionable support for a bucket, within which a worker resides during the cleaning process. The vehicle must be strategically maneuvered into different locations to allow the worker to access the full areal expanse of the cargo hold wall. 
   The shipping industry has utilized the above techniques for decades and has contended with a number of problems associated therewith due to the fact that better alternatives have not been available, especially to clean inaccessible areas of the hold and hatch covers. First of all, this type of cleaning equipment is relatively expensive for a number of reasons, including the necessary delivery time and costs from anchor. The cleaning of the ship is very slow because only a few workers on the lift are able to clean the ship at one time. When working from ladders, additional labor is required to hold the base of the ladder, further depleting the normally available labor pool and slowing the overall cleaning operation. The refilling and deployment of the ships are therefore delayed, with a consequent loss of revenue. 
   Second, these conventional vehicles require that the workers be elevated to heights that are inherently dangerous. Personnel manning these vehicles must be trained and certified in their operation, and thus have a relatively high skill level and must exercise extreme care to avoid injury. This type of labor is generally expensive and often unavailable at cleaning locations to meet demands. The use of ladders at this height also causes workers to be precariously situated. 
   Third, the size and configuration of a hold may limit the number of vehicles that can function at the same time therein. The use of a single vehicle in each hold may delay the cleaning process for days, during which cleaning and docking expenses are incurred without any generation of revenue. 
   Fourth, if multiple vehicles are operated at the same time in a given hold, an even higher level of skill in operation may be required to coordinate the efforts of the workers in an efficient and safe manner and to place additional lifts into the hold of a rocking ship with a crane. In addition to the risk to workers, lift equipment is often damaged during these maneuvers. Safety and efficiency are further challenged by reason of the fact that these operations, to remove fine particulate cement, may cause the particles to be entrained in the air and completely fill the space in the hold, which impairs visibility and additionally exposes the workers to health risks associated with inhalation of these particles. 
   Fifth, these vehicles are generally powered by fuels that cause byproduct emissions that become confined in the hold. This introduces an additional health risk to the workers and limits the times when the ship can be cleaned. During periods of precipitation, the holds cannot be cleaned due to the dangerous emissions which accumulate when the holds are covered to keep them dry. 
   The shipping industry is highly competitive. Consequently, efficiency becomes a primary focus of those in this industry. A ship in port is doing nothing more for its owner/operator/charterer than generating expenses. Any crew that is not participating in the cleaning process is being paid for down time. Docking, fuel, and other fees accrue on a daily basis. Charter times are usually calculated in six minute intervals. Thus, it is clearly in the interest of the owner/operator to quickly, safely and efficiently clean the cargo holds and refill the same to allow transportation of materials and generation of income after the ship is certified clean and placed “on hire”. Unfortunately, an emphasis on efficiency may cause a compromise in safety in the cleaning operations. Even on an expedited schedule, however, the preparation of five to nine separate cargo holds may take as long as 3-5 days, or longer. 
   Many of the above problems are inherent to cargo ship holds by reason of their significant expanse. However, other exposed surfaces in those environments in which discrete, pourable matter is stored and/or conveyed present a particular problem to those that are required to treat them, either by reason of separating matter therefrom or applying a surface preparation product thereto. 
   There are a number of exposed surfaces, both flat and contoured, that exist in cargo holds, on hatch covers, and in other environments, that require special measures to separate adhered matter. The matter may be foreign matter that becomes adhered to a surface by reason of contact with that surface, such as in the event of a separately stored material that contacts the surface. Alternatively, the matter may have been generated from the surface itself, be it by rust, corrosion, loose paint, interaction with a component, or infliction of some damage to the surface. Regardless of the origin of the matter, it is often present in such a manner that it is either a) adhered with a significant tenacity to the surface or b) located at a contour such that is not readily accessible to be dislodged, as by a brush or scraper. 
   As noted above, these conditions may be present in ship cargo holds and other environments, such as silos, storage tanks, barns etc. Further, this condition is not peculiar to environments in which materials are stored. As one example, material conveyors have surfaces which support matter and otherwise come into contact with the matter that must be cleaned during use. For purposes of explanation herein, the number of the field conditions with which the present invention is adapted to address will be described with respect to the shipping industry, with it being understood that the application is not so limited. 
   In a ship&#39;s cargo hold, a number of surface configurations are routinely encountered. In addition, each cargo hold may have its own unique configuration which impairs access and complicates the process of separating matter from exposed surfaces thereon. 
   Typical to ship holds are corners at which side walls, floors, and ceiling surfaces meet. Ladders and stairs for ingress and egress are also common to this environment. A crew cleaning a ship&#39;s cargo hold can also anticipate encountering ledges, hatches with various recessed contours, etc. It is also common in the shipping industry to bound cargo holds with corrugated panels and steel beams. 
   Heretofore, those cleaning ship cargo holds have had essentially two options. The first option is to use currently available equipment to access these hard-to-reach areas directly by the worker on a lift or ladder. This typically involves using lifts for higher surfaces to situate the worker in close proximity to the particular condition. While some such surfaces may be reasonably accessible, most surfaces are not, due in part to their height. At some locations, the matter to be separated, by reason of this inaccessibility due to either height or some obstruction, may be accessed as by a blast of pressurized air, which causes light particles to become entrained in the surrounding area. As previously noted, this creates a health risk to the workers and also potentially obstructs vision. 
   Some structures also create other unique conditions that must be contended with by those cleaning surfaces in these environments. For example, at upwardly facing ledges and other transition areas, a significant accumulation of matter may occur. Breaking up a large accumulation of such matter typically is accomplished by directly accessing the accumulations, potentially at dangerously high locations. Alternatively, blasting such accumulations may aggravate the aforementioned problem of entraining the lighter particles, which creates health risks and obscures workers&#39; vision within the hold. 
   Accordingly, a second option in the industry to avoid these time consuming efforts is to focus the cleaning operation on bulk recovery, without spending the time required to separate matter by accessing these surfaces. This practice may contribute to the deterioration of surfaces over time. The residue may also contaminate subsequently loaded materials. This latter option is almost inevitable in certain environments in which surface intricacies are such that it would be impractical for workers to directly access and/or break loose the matter at a number of different locations. 
   As eluded to above, the cleaning process is not limited to separately adhered matter, but may also involve removing stain and rust and scale that is adhered with a tenacity sufficient that it is not easily broken loose, as by a brush passing thereagainst. Consequently, there is a need to take other measures to remove this type of potential contaminant. In a large volume space, in which there may be over 220,000 square feet of surface to treat, such a cleaning operation may represent an enormous amount of down time as crews maneuver and use equipment that requires that the ship be at rest in port. 
   Another operation that is commonly undertaken is the application of a component preparatory to storage of a particular type of material. Ideally, an additive would be applied to each surface which the material contacts. This may be a labor intensive process, particularly in large spaces wherein workers have been required to be placed in close proximity to the surfaces to which the additive is applied. Conventional application techniques may be inadequate to apply the additive to surfaces that are intricate, in tight spaces, or not readily accessible. 
   The shipping industry has for the most part contended with the above problems, most notable which are significant down time, expensive cleaning processes, and potentially ineffective cleaning of ship cargo holds. The industry continues to be in need of improved methods and apparatus for cleaning foreign matter from, and treating, such surface areas. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention is further directed to an apparatus for treating an exposed surface. The apparatus has an elongate support with a proximal region and a distal region. The proximal region is engagable by a user to controllably reposition the elongate support and thereby situate the distal region at an exposed surface to be treated. At least one flexible tube is provided at the distal region of the elongate support through which a fluid from a pressurized supply can be directed. The at least one flexible tube is repeatedly moved at the distal region to at least one of: a) repeatedly contact an exposed surface at which the flexible tube is situated; and b) discharge pressurized fluid from a source at least one of i) against an exposed surface at which the tube is situated and ii) in a manner to control movement of matter separated at an exposed surface at which the flexible tube is situated as an incident of pressurized fluid from a supply being directed through the at least one flexible tube. 
   The apparatus may be provided in combination with a source of pressurized fluid in communication with the at least one flexible tube. 
   In one form, the elongate support is in the form of a pole made from at least one of a) a metal, b) a composite material, c) fiberglass, d) bamboo, and c) wood. 
   The pole may have a length with a polygonal shape as viewed in cross section transversely to the length of the pole. 
   In one form, a guide surface is provided at the distal region of the elongate support and can be placed and moved guidingly against an exposed surface being treated. 
   The guide surface may at least one of a) roll relative to and b) slide against an exposed surface to be treated. 
   The at least one flexible tube may move in a whipping action as an incident of pressurized fluid from a supply being directed through the at least one flexible tube. 
   The fluid may be at least one of a liquid and a gas. 
   In one form, the guide surface is in the form of a wheel that is rotatable around an axis. The apparatus has a base at the distal end of the elongate support to which the wheel is attached for rotation around an axis. The relationship between the wheel axis and the elongate support may be changed. 
   In one form, the base defines a passage through which a pressurized fluid can be directed. 
   In one form, the at least one flexible tube is mounted to the base. 
   In one form, the elongate support defines a passage through which pressurized fluid from the source is delivered to the distal region of the elongate support. 
   The at least one flexible tube may consist of a plurality of flexible tubes at each of first and second spaced locations at the distal region of the elongate support. 
   The apparatus may further include a curtain at the distal region of the elongate support for directing movement of matter separated from an exposed surface being treated. 
   The curtain may have a tubular shape. 
   In one form, the apparatus includes a frame at the distal region of the elongate support to which a sheet material is attached to define the curtain. 
   The apparatus may further include at least one conduit through which pressurized fluid from a source is directed so as to controllably direct matter separated from an exposed surface that is being treated. 
   In one form, the apparatus includes a pad assembly against which the at least one flexible tube repeatedly impacts as an incident of pressurized fluid from a supply being directed through the at least one flexible tube. 
   In one form, the apparatus includes a frame and the at least one flexible tube is selectively a) attached to the frame so that pressurized fluid directed through the tube is directed in a first direction; and b) detached from the frame so as to be repeatedly moved at the distal region as an incident of pressurized fluid from a supply being directed through the at least one flexible tube. 
   The frame may be reoriented relative to the elongate support. 
   In one form, the flexible tube is movable in a random manner. 
   The apparatus may further include a blocking assembly that restricts movement of the at least one flexible element away from the exposed surface that is being treated. 
   In one form, the apparatus has a tine assembly including a first repositionable tine at the distal region of the elongate support with which at least one flexible tube is associated. 
   The first tine may be repeatedly moved relative to an exposed surface being treated as an incident of pressurized fluid from a supply being directed through the at least one flexible tube. 
   In one form, the first tine bends in moving one of: a) away from and against the exposed surface being treated, and b) generally parallel to an exposed surface being treated. 
   In one form, the apparatus includes a shield assembly at the distal region of the elongate support for controlling movement of fluid discharge through the at least one flexible tube. 
   The invention is further directed to an apparatus for treating an exposed surface, which apparatus includes an elongate support having a proximal region and a distal region and with the proximal region engagable by a user to controllably reposition the elongate support and thereby situate the distal region at an exposed surface to be treated. The apparatus further includes a tube having an outlet through which pressurized fluid is discharged and situated at the distal region of the elongate support so that pressurized fluid from a supply directed through the tube outlet can be controllably directed by a user to control movement of matter separated from an exposed surface being treated by manipulating the elongate support through the proximal region of the elongate support. 
   In one form, the tube outlet has an orientation that is changeable relative to the elongate support. 
   The apparatus may further have a mechanism at the distal region in addition to the tube for separating matter adhered to an exposed surface being treated by at least one of: a) repeatedly impacting; b) directing a fluid under pressure against; and c) scraping an exposed surface being treated. 
   The apparatus may further include a frame at the distal region of the elongate support. In one form, the tube has a flexible portion that is selectively a) attached to the frame to fix the orientation of the tube relative to the elongate support and b) detached from the frame so that a pressurized fluid directed through the tube causes the tube to move in a random manner at least one of i) against and ii) adjacent to an exposed surface being treated. 
   The apparatus may be provided in combination with a pressurized supply of fluid that is directed through the tube that is at least one of: a) a cleaning fluid; and b) a surface preparing fluid that coats an exposed surface being treated. 
   The invention is further directed to an apparatus for treating an exposed surface. The apparatus has an elongate support with a proximal region and a distal region. The proximal region is engagable by a user to controllably reposition the elongate support and thereby situate the distal region at an exposed surface to be treated. At least one elongate element is provided at the distal region of the elongate support. The at least one elongate element is moveable at the distal region to repeatedly contact an exposed surface at which the elongate element is situated to thereby separate matter from an exposed surface at which the elongate element is situated. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of one form of treating apparatus, according to the present invention, in relationship to a surface, to which the treating apparatus is attracted, and which surface is treated with a treating assembly on the inventive apparatus; 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic representation of the inventive treating apparatus in relationship to a ferrous surface to which the treating apparatus is attracted through a magnetic assembly; 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic representation of the inventive treating apparatus with the treating assembly attached to the carriage that acts against a ferrous or non-ferrous surface to be treated; 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic representation of the treating assembly in  FIG. 3  and including a treating element that directly contacts a surface to be treated; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a cargo ship having a cargo hold which can be treated using the inventive apparatus and by a method according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of one of the holds on the cargo ship in  FIG. 5  and with one form of the inventive apparatus being maneuvered by a user to treat a surface bounding a storage space defined by the cargo hold; 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of the inventive apparatus shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 8  is an enlarged, front elevation view of the inventive apparatus in  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 9  is an enlarged, side elevation view of the inventive apparatus in  FIGS. 7 and 8  in relationship to a surface being treated; 
       FIG. 10  is an enlarged, perspective view of the carriage on the inventive apparatus in  FIGS. 7-9 ; 
       FIG. 11  is an enlarged, exploded, perspective view of the carriage in  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of the carriage in  FIGS. 10 and 11 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a schematic, side elevation view of a modified form of treating element for the inventive treating assembly; 
       FIG. 14  is a view as in  FIG. 13  of a further modified form of treating element; 
       FIG. 15  is a schematic representation of the inventive carriage having a generic form of impacting assembly thereon of the type shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIG. 16  is a schematic representation of the carriage, according to the present invention, and including a heat source; 
       FIG. 17  is view as in  FIG. 16  wherein the carriage includes an illumination source; 
       FIG. 18  is a view as in  FIGS. 16 and 17  wherein the carriage includes at least one mirror; 
       FIG. 19  is a view as in  FIGS. 16-18  wherein the carriage includes a video camera; 
       FIG. 20  is a schematic representation of a carriage, according to the present invention, including at least one nozzle for directing pressurized fluid, which may be a liquid or gas, from a supply to against a surface being treated; 
       FIG. 21  is a schematic representation of a carriage, according to the present invention, and including at least one opening in communication with a vacuum source to develop suction at the opening and a receptacle for accumulating foreign material drawn through the opening(s); 
       FIG. 22  is a schematic representation of a cargo hold with a flexible collecting element therein; 
       FIG. 23  is a view as in  FIG. 22  wherein the collecting element, with foreign material accumulated therein, is being reconfigured and elevated towards an opening through a boom structure; 
       FIG. 24  is a view as in  FIGS. 22 and 23  wherein the collecting element is further elevated and reconfigured to allow passage through the opening; 
       FIG. 25  is a schematic representation of a carriage, according to the present invention, including a vibration inducing assembly for part or all of the treating assembly; 
       FIG. 26  is a view as in  FIG. 25  wherein a reciprocating assembly is provided in place of the vibration inducing assembly; 
       FIG. 27  is a schematic representation of a carriage, according to the present invention, including a treating element that is moved through a drive; 
       FIG. 28  is a schematic representation of a carriage, according to the present invention, including at least one wheel that is driven so that the carriage is self-propelled; 
       FIG. 29  is a schematic representation of the inventive carriage having a movable component/function that is operated electrically; 
       FIG. 30  is a schematic representation, corresponding to that in  FIG. 29 , wherein the movable component/function is operated hydraulically or pneumatically; 
       FIG. 31  is a flow diagram representation of one method of treating a surface, according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 32  is a flow diagram representation of another method of treating a surface, according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 33  is a schematic representation of a kit, according to the present invention, including a carriage with interchangeable treating elements; 
       FIG. 34  is a view as in  FIG. 33 , wherein interchangeable treating assemblies are provided; 
       FIG. 35  is a plan view of a treating element, according to the present invention, for accessing a surface at the juncture of two transverse surfaces; 
       FIG. 36  is a schematic, side elevation view of a user operating the inventive apparatus from a bucket on a human lift device; 
       FIG. 37  is a schematic representation of an impact/vibration inducing device for acting against a part of a cargo ship preparatory to treating a surface thereon, according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 38  is an elevation view of a pad, according to the present invention, through which a surface can be treated, and which includes a core element/carriage that is magnetically attracted to a ferrous surface, wherein a magnetic element is embedded in the core element; 
       FIG. 39  is a view as in  FIG. 38  wherein magnetic elements are mounted to an exposed surface of the core element/carriage; 
       FIG. 40  is a view as in  FIGS. 38 and 39  in combination with magnetic elements that can be selectively placed in receptacles to select a desired magnetic attractive force; 
       FIG. 41  is a modified form of treating apparatus, according to the present invention, in the form of a pad with an associated magnetic element for attracting the pad to a ferrous material and including a flexible cord for maneuvering the pad; 
       FIG. 42  is a flow diagram representation of another method of treating a surface, according to the invention, using the pad in  FIG. 41 ; 
       FIG. 43  is a schematic representation of a modified form of apparatus, according to the present invention, including a pivot connection between an elongate operating pole and carriage; 
       FIG. 44  is a fragmentary, schematic representation of a further modified form of elongate pole, according to the invention, which is connected to a carriage with a reciprocating assembly associated therewith to impart a reciprocating action to the carriage; 
       FIG. 45  is a fragmentary, elevation view of a further modified form of treating apparatus, according to the present invention, including rotary treating elements that are operated pneumatically; 
       FIG. 46  is a schematic representation of one form of treating apparatus, according to the present invention, and consisting of an elongate support having at least one repositionable element thereon which interacts with matter on an exposed surface to separate and potentially control movement thereof after separation; 
       FIG. 47  is a schematic representation of another form of treating apparatus, according to the present invention, in which tubes/conduits are provided on an elongate support to route pressurized fluid to direct matter separated from an exposed surface in a controlled fashion; 
       FIG. 48  is a side elevation view of one form of treating apparatus as shown in  FIG. 46 ; 
       FIG. 49  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the elongate support on the treating apparatus taken along line  49 - 49  of  FIG. 48 ; 
       FIG. 50  is a view as in  FIG. 48  wherein a knob is provided at the distal end of the elongate support to facilitate guiding thereof against an exposed surface; 
       FIG. 51  is a view as in  FIG. 50  wherein a wheel is used in place of a knob to guide the elongate support relative to the exposed surface; 
       FIG. 52  is a fragmentary, elevation view, corresponding to that in  FIG. 51 , wherein the guide wheel is movable in a first manner relative to the elongate support; 
       FIG. 53  is a view as in  FIG. 52  wherein the guide wheel is movable in a second manner relative to the elongate support; 
       FIG. 54  is a view as in  FIG. 53  wherein a pair of wheels is used in place of the single wheel in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 55  is a view as in  FIG. 54  wherein three guide wheels are used in place of the two wheels shown in  FIG. 54 ; 
       FIG. 56  is a view as in  FIG. 55  wherein a carriage with four wheels is utilized in place of the three wheels, which carriage communicates fluid from a pressurized supply thereof to surface treating assemblies on the carriage; 
       FIG. 57  is a view as in  FIG. 56 , wherein a base is provided at the distal region of the elongate support, which base supports guide wheels and communicates pressurized fluid to surface treating assemblies on the base; 
       FIG. 58  is an enlarged, fragmentary, elevation view of the base and associated components in  FIG. 57 ; 
       FIG. 59  is a view as in  FIG. 48  wherein surface treating assemblies are provided at spaced locations on the elongate support; 
       FIG. 60  is a view as in  FIG. 59  wherein a different spaced arrangement of surface treating assemblies is shown; 
       FIG. 61  is a view as in  FIG. 48  wherein a manifold is provided at the distal region of the elongate support on which a plurality of surface treating assemblies is provided; 
       FIG. 62  is a view as in  FIG. 48  wherein a plurality of shafts, each having an associated surface treating assembly, is provided at the distal region of the elongate support; 
       FIG. 63  is a fragmentary, elevation view of a portion of the elongate support with a movable carriage thereon and having an associated arrangement of surface treating assemblies; 
       FIG. 64  is a view as in  FIG. 48  wherein a carriage is provided at the distal region of the elongate support, which carriage has a polygonal external shape on which surface treating assemblies are provided and which can be reoriented relative to the elongate support; 
       FIG. 65  is a view as in  FIG. 48  wherein the elongate support has a cleaning assembly thereon in addition to a surface treating assembly; 
       FIG. 66  is a fragmentary, perspective view of the distal region of the elongate support wherein a pad assembly is provided, which pad assembly is impacted by surface treating assemblies at one side thereof; 
       FIG. 67  is a fragmentary, elevation view of the elongate support, pad assembly, and surface treating assembly in  FIG. 66 ; 
       FIG. 68  is a fragmentary, elevation view of a distal region of the elongate support at which a surface treating assembly is provided including repositionable tines which repeatedly impact an exposed surface to be cleaned; 
       FIG. 69  is a view as in  FIG. 48  in which the surface treating assembly of  FIG. 68  is placed against an exposed surface being treated; 
       FIG. 70  is a view as in  FIG. 4  with a blooming assembly at the distal end of the elongate support; 
       FIG. 71  is a view as in  FIG. 70  with a plurality of surface treating assemblies used in conjunction with the blooming assembly; 
       FIG. 72  is a view as in  FIG. 48  of a modified form of blooming assembly with an optional mechanism for separating matter from an exposed surface in addition to the blooming assembly and having a frame upon which combined tubes/conduits can be selectively attached and detached; 
       FIG. 73  is a fragmentary, elevation view of a distal region of the elongate support with the blooming assembly in  FIG. 72  whereas certain tubes/conduits have been detached from the frame; 
       FIG. 74  is a cross-section of a shell frame on a cargo ship hold and including compartments within the shell frame; 
       FIG. 75  is a view as in  FIG. 48  wherein the elongate support has a curtain assembly at the distal end thereof to define a curtain and an accumulating tube for matter separated from an exposed surface within the shell frame compartment of  FIG. 74 ; 
       FIG. 76  is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a modified form of curtain assembly at the distal end of the elongate support; 
       FIG. 77  is a view as in  FIG. 48 , showing a modified form of surface treating assembly wherein repositionable elements, that are confined by a blocking assembly, perform functions of separating matter and blooming; 
       FIG. 78  is a view as in  FIG. 75  wherein a shield assembly is provided to control escape of fluid from the shell frame compartment; 
       FIG. 79  is an enlarged, fragmentary, side elevation view of the shield assembly of the distal end of the elongate support in which treating fluid is allowed to accumulate and controllably discharge; and 
       FIG. 80  is a schematic representation of a remotely controlled surface treating apparatus, according to the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
   In  FIG. 1 , a treating apparatus, according to the present invention, is shown at  10 . The treating apparatus  10  has a treating assembly  12  that is designed to perform a treating function with respect to a surface  14 . The nature of the treating operation is not critical to the present invention. Virtually any treatment process, from cleaning to reconfiguration, is contemplated.  FIG. 1  is shown in schematic form to encompass all types of surface treating operations. 
   According to the invention, the treating apparatus  10  is attracted to the surface  14  with a force tending to maintain the apparatus  10  against the surface  14 , yet allow the apparatus  10  to move over the surface  14  to treat a desired area thereof. This force is generated through what is schematically shown as an attractive force generation system  16 , which may take any of myriad different forms. As just one example, the attractive force generation system  16  may use vacuum to generate a suction force between the treating apparatus  10  and the surface  14 . Alternatively, magnetic attraction can be utilized for surfaces  14  that are ferrous in nature. Again, this system  16  is shown generically in  FIG. 1  to encompass virtually any type of structure that attracts the apparatus  10  to the surface  14 , while allowing the apparatus  10  to move therealong to effect treatment of a prescribed area. 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , one preferred form of attractive force generation system incorporates a magnetic assembly  18 , which is attracted to a surface  14 ′ that is ferrous in nature. 
   In one preferred generic configuration for the apparatus  10 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , the carriage  20  acts directly against the surface  14 ,  14 ′. The treating assembly  12  is mounted operably upon the carriage  20  to act against the surface  14 ,  14 ′. 
   As shown in  FIG. 4 , the treating assembly  12  can incorporate any of a virtually limitless number of different treating elements, shown generically at  22 . 
   What is common to the designs shown in  FIGS. 1-4  is that the treating apparatus  10  has an overall configuration to be movable against a surface and controllably reoriented through the application of a maneuvering force upon the apparatus  10  by a user from a location spaced from the carriage  20 . Ideally, the treating apparatus  10  is of such a construction that it can be easily lifted by a user, placed against the surface  14 ,  14 ′, and moved and reoriented without excessive exertion on the part of the user. 
   The designs in  FIGS. 1-4  are shown schematically to incorporate virtually a limitless number of different designs that use the inventive concept(s) described herein. Various, specific designs, and methods of using the apparatus  10 , will now be described, with it to be understood that the specific examples are intended to be representative, but not limiting, in nature. 
   More specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the treating apparatus  10  has particular utility in the shipping and bulk cargo (dry-bulk and liquid-bulk) industry. As noted in the Background portion herein, treating/cleaning of holds in cargo ships is a particularly vexatious problem, for which the present invention is particularly suited. In  FIG. 5 , a cargo ship is shown at  28  and is of the type useable on any navigable body of water  30 . The ship  28  has a hull  32  within which cargo holds  34  are formed. In this particular design, two such cargo holds  34  are shown. In a more typical ship construction that is currently used, more than two, and commonly five, cargo holds  34  are incorporated. However, the number and configuration of the cargo holds  34  is not critical to the present invention. 
   In  FIG. 6 , a portion of one of the holds  34  is shown in relatively schematic form. The cargo hold  34  is bounded by a ferrous surface  14 ′. The ferrous surface  14 ′ defines a floor  36 , a peripheral wall structure  38 , and a deck wall  40 , through which openings  42  are formed. The openings  42  ( FIG. 5 ) are in communication with a storage space  44  within the holds  34 . Materials are introduced to, and withdrawn from, the holds  34  through the openings  42 . 
   The hold  34  is shown in a simplified, schematic form. In actuality, there are a number of contours within the storage space  44  that make cleaning of the surface  14 ′ difficult. Additionally, a staircase and other structure are typically constructed within the space  44  and define obstacles to cleaning. 
   As noted in the Background portion herein, the cargo hold  34  may have length and width dimensions, designated by the double-headed arrows L, W, respectively, on the order of 100 feet. The height dimension H, between the floor  36  and ceiling  46 , may be on the order of 60 feet. 
   In one form of the invention, shown in  FIGS. 6-12 , the apparatus  10  consists of the carriage  20 , with the treating assembly  12  mounted operatively thereupon. The carriage  20  is connected to an elongate pole  48  through which the treating apparatus  10  is reoriented and moved to cover a desired areal region. 
   The pole  48  may have a fixed length L between a manipulating end  50  and a carriage mounting end  52 . More preferably, the pole  48  is made with telescoping lengths  54 ,  56 . While two such lengths  54 ,  56  are shown, any number of lengths can be utilized. 
   The nature of the pole components is not critical to the present invention. It is desirable that the pole  48  be light in weight to allow controlled manipulation thereof and the attached treating assembly  12  by a user at  58  from the floor  36  to access the entire surface  14 ′, to include the portion thereof defining the entire peripheral wall structure  38  and the ceiling  46 . The telescoping lengths  54 ,  56  may be made from a lightweight metal, plastic, composite, etc. At the same time, the pole  48  must have sufficient rigidity to allow controlled placement by the user  58  of the treating apparatus  10  and maneuvering thereof across the surface  14 ′. 
   The pole  48  may be straight, as shown, or shaped to access certain obstructed areas. As just one example, a “gooseneck” may be provided on the end of the pole  48 . 
   In this embodiment, the carriage  20  has a frame  60  consisting of a base element  62 , that is generally flat, with spaced flanges  64 ,  66  projecting substantially orthogonally therefrom. 
   The flanges  64 ,  66  support a pole mounting assembly at  68 , consisting of a crosspiece  70  and a transverse portion defining a receptacle  72  for the carriage mounting end  52  of the pole  48 . The crosspiece  70  has offset ends  74 ,  76  with stub shafts  78 ,  80  projecting oppositely away therefrom. The shafts  78 ,  80  have a like construction. The stub shaft  78  has a larger diameter portion  82  that is journalled for rotation in an opening  84  in the flange  66 . The stub shaft  80  has a larger diameter portion  86  that is journalled for rotation in an opening  88  in the flange  64 . The stub shafts  78 ,  80  have central axes  90 ,  92  that are coincident and about which the pole mounting assembly  68  is pivotable for movement relative to the frame  60 . The stub shafts  78 ,  80  have smaller diameter portions  94 ,  96  that are threaded and define a support for the treating assembly  12 , to allow the treating assembly  12  to pivot about the same axes  90 ,  92  relative to the frame  60 . 
   The treating assembly  12  has a subframe  100 , consisting of spaced end walls  102 ,  104  joined by a mounting wall  106 . Triangularly-shaped mounting brackets  108 ,  110  are connected to the mounting wall  106  and are spaced so as to closely embrace the flanges  64 ,  66 . The smaller diameter portions  94 ,  96  of the stub shafts  78 ,  80  project through the mounting brackets  108 ,  110 , which are secured in place by nuts  112 ,  114 . Through this arrangement, the subframe  100  is pivotable relative to the frame  60  about the same axes  90 ,  92 . 
   In this embodiment, the treating element  22  is in the form of a rotary brush. The treating element  22  has a central shaft  116  which spans between the end walls  102 ,  104  and is journalled for rotation relative thereto around an axis  118 , that is generally parallel to the axes  90 ,  92 . Individual bristles  120  extend radially relative to the axis  118  regularly around the circumference of the shaft  116  and along the length thereof. The subframe  100  includes an integral shroud  122  with an opening  124  through which the bristles  120  are exposed. 
   A drive motor  126  is mounted to the mounting wall  106  on the subframe  100  through a bracket  128 . A belt  130 , extending in an endless path around the motor shaft  132  and central shaft  116  on the treating element  22 , transmits the driving force of the motor to effect rotation of the treating element  22  around the axis  118 . 
   The drive motor  126  is powered through a supply  134 . The power supply  134  can be self-contained and mounted upon the carriage  20 . Alternatively, as shown in dotted lines, a supply line  136  can be directed over and through the hold  48  to a remote location where a power supply  134  is located. For example, the power supply  134  may be a remote generator or a land supply accessed through a receptacle within the cargo hold  34  associated with the power supply  134 . 
   The treating assembly  12  may have a fixed position relative to the carriage  20 . More preferably, the treating assembly  12  is pivotable about the axes  90 ,  92  relative to the carriage  20  such that the treating element  22  is movable towards and away from the surface  14 ′. Preferably, a biasing assembly  138  acts between the carriage  20  and treating assembly  12  to normally bias the treating assembly  12  in the direction of the arrow  140  around the axes  90 ,  92 . With the carriage  20  bearing against the surface  14 ′, this biasing force urges the treating element  22  towards and against the surface  14 ′. 
   The nature of the biasing assembly  130  is not critical to the present invention. For example, the biasing assembly  138  may be defined by one or more tension or compression springs. Alternatively, a torsion spring may be utilized for this purpose. Alternatively, pneumatic cylinders might be utilized to exert a constant force and provide some flexibility in movement of the treating assembly  12  about the axes  90 ,  92 , oppositely to the direction of the arrow  140 . 
   In this embodiment, the carriage  20  is equipped with structure to allow it to be rolled against the surface  14 ′ and also to be attracted thereto, as previously described. More specifically, spaced mounting blocks  142 ,  144  are fixed to the base  62  to support rotary wheels/shafts  146 ,  148 , for rotation around parallel axes  150 ,  152 . The wheels/shafts  146 ,  148  have the same construction. The exemplary wheel/shaft  146  has a core  154  around which axially spaced wheel elements  156  are formed. Each wheel element  156  defines a peripheral surface  158  for rolling against the surface  14 ′. Each wheel element  156  is made from, or incorporates, a magnetic material that is attracted to the ferrous surface  14 ′. The wheel/shaft  148  has corresponding wheel elements  156 ′ with peripheral surfaces  158 ′. 
   The magnetic material is incorporated depending upon the overall weight and configuration of the treating apparatus  10 , including the pole  48 . That is, the size, strength, and location of the magnetic material can be appropriately selected so that the attractive force between the treating apparatus  10  and the surface  14 ′ will urge the carriage  20  against the surface  14 ′ during the treating of all regions of the surface  14 ′ within the cargo hold  34 . 
   In the absence of this attractive force, the maintenance of the carriage  20  in contact with the surface  14 ′ is dependent upon the user&#39;s ability to generate an adequate applying force. This is particularly a problem with overhead surfaces, such as the ceiling/overhead  46 , and also with the treating assembly  12  manipulated through the pole  48  to the upper regions of the cargo hold  44 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , in the absence of this attractive force, the pole  48  has a tendency to bow at extreme lengths such that the treating assembly  12  tends to move out of contact with the surface  14 ′. Selecting an appropriate magnetic attraction force overcomes this problem. 
   Even with the magnetic attraction, the treating assembly  12  may be difficult to manipulate through the pole  48  at extreme heights. To facilitate this manipulation, and additionally for purposes of added safety and avoiding user fatigue, a supplemental support system can be provided, as shown at  160 . The supplemental support system  160  may be attached, as to the deck wall  40 , and extends to the treating assembly  12  and/or the pole  48 . The supplemental support system  160  may include flexible elements, such as cables, ropes, bungees, etc., and use pulleys, etc., to produce a vertical and/or horizontal locating force upon the treating apparatus  10 . As one example, horizontal wires may be permanently or temporarily affixed to encircle the inner perimeter of the hold. These wires can be used to support the flexible elements. The supplemental support system  160  may be fixed, or may be reconfigurable, as through the operator, or through a remote operator  162 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , during a cleaning operation. 
   The nature of the treating assembly  12  can vary considerably depending upon the particular treating procedure that is being carried out. For example, in the embodiment described above, the bristles  120  can be made with different configurations and from different materials. The bristles  120  may be made, for example, from plastic or metal. The bristles  120  may have the straight configuration shown, or may be made with a herringbone configuration, or otherwise. 
   Additionally, while the bristles  120  are shown to extend with their lengths radially aligned with the axis  118 , by exposing like bristles  120 ′ at an angle to the corresponding axis  118 ′, shown in  FIG. 13 , the associated treating assembly  12  tends to advance itself by reason of the interaction between the bristles  120 ′ and the surface  14 ′ as the bristle support is rotated around its operating axis. This action thus assists the user in advancing the associated treating assembly  12  relative to the surface  14 ′. This facilitates treatment of the surface  14 ′ and reduces user fatigue associated with operating the apparatus. 
   As a further variation, as shown in  FIG. 14 , the bristles  120 ″ may have discrete weights  164  at the ends thereof to cause a repetitive impacting of the surface  14 ′, to produce a hammering action, thereby to break lose foreign material tending to adhere to the surface  14 ′. The structure in  FIG. 14  represents one form of impacting assembly that can be utilized. In  FIG. 15 , a more generic disclosure of an impacting assembly is shown at  166  for attachment to the carriage  20 , as to produce a hammering action. Structures, other than that shown in  FIG. 14 , are contemplated, so long as the structure is capable of producing a jarring impact that breaks loose foreign materials. 
   To assist the treating operation, a heat source  168 , shown in  FIG. 16 , can be provided on the carriage. 
   As a still further alternative, an illumination source  170 , shown in  FIG. 17 , can be provided on the carriage. 
   As a further variation, as shown at  FIG. 18 , at least one mirror  172  can be provided on the carriage  20 . The mirror(s)  172  facilitates observation by a user of a surface being treated either before or after treatment thereof. 
   As a still further variation, in  FIG. 19 , a video camera  174  is shown mounted to the carriage  20 . The video camera  174  facilitates remote viewing of the treating location. 
   The invention contemplates that functions other than abrasion, as through a device with bristles, be accomplished using the inventive concepts. In  FIG. 20 , the carriage  20  is shown associated with a supply of pressurized fluid  176 . The fluid supply  176  may be directly on the carriage  20  or, alternatively, may be provided at a remote location and communicated to the carriage, as through an appropriate conduit. The carriage  20  has at least one nozzle  178  through which the fluid is directed against the surface  14 ,  14 ′. The nature of the fluid in the supply  176  could vary significantly, and may be air, a solvent, steam, or other flowable material, potentially in particulate form. For example, a supply of sand that is used to blast the surface  14 ,  14 ′ is considered to be a “fluid” for purposes herein. 
   As a still further alternative, as shown in  FIG. 21 , the carriage  20  may be associated with a vacuum source  180  that generates suction at an opening  182  on the carriage  20 . The vacuum source  180  again may be directly on the carriage  20  or remote therefrom. 
   The various components, described above, may be used in any combination, as deemed appropriate. For example, the vacuum source  180  may be used on the carriage  20  in conjunction with a brush/bristled element and/or with the fluid supply  176  to thereby draw, through suction, foreign matter away from the surfaces  14 ,  14 ′, as the bristles  120 ″ are pivoted about the axis  118 ″. When the bristles of a cleaning layer are “tilted” as they are, for example, in the commercially available 3M® Brushlon™ products, and then vibrated, the magnetic force urging the apparatus against the wall prevents the assembly from falling and the tilted brushes tend to move it in a direction against the direction of the tilt. 
   In  FIG. 21 , the vacuum source may also be associated with a receptacle  184 , which allows accumulation of the foreign material that is collected, for appropriate disposal thereof. 
   As an alternative to having a discrete receptacle  184 , as shown in  FIG. 21 , a reconfigurable collection element  186  may be provided as shown in  FIGS. 22-24 . In  FIG. 22 , the collection element is shown as a reconfigurable, tarp-like structure that covers all or a portion of the floor  36  in the vicinity of where foreign material is broken loose from the surface  14 ′. As this occurs, the foreign material falls downwardly to against the collection element  186 . At a certain point in the procedure, a draw cord  188  is lifted through a boom structure  190  outside of the cargo hold  34 . Continued lifting causes the collection element  186  to be reconfigured under the weight of the collected foreign matter to the point that it can pass through the opening  42  for appropriate disposal. 
   Additional structure is contemplated for enhancing the ability of the treating apparatus  10  to break loose foreign material from the surfaces  14 ,  14 ′. As shown in  FIG. 25 , a vibration inducing assembly  192  may be provided on the carriage  20  to induce vibration to part or all of the treating assembly  12  on the carriage  20 . This makes possible a scrubbing action, which adds another dimension to the movement of the treating assembly  12  relative to the surface  14 ,  14 ′. 
   As shown in  FIG. 26 , as an alternative to the vibration inducing assembly  192 , a reciprocating assembly can be provided, as shown at  194 , to reciprocatively move at least a part of the treating assembly  12  to provide an additional surface treating capability. The reciprocating and vibration inducing assemblies  194 ,  192  can be used in conjunction with other treating structure on the carriage  20 , such as the structure in  FIG. 20 , wherein nozzles  178  direct pressurized fluid against the surface  14 ,  14 ′. In short, the invention contemplates virtually any single or multiple dimensional movement of the treating element  22  on the carriage  20 . This generic concept is shown schematically in  FIG. 27 , wherein a drive  196  is associated with the treating element  22  to effect single or multi-dimensional movement i.e. vibrational and translational movement, or otherwise. 
   To assist operation of the apparatus  10 , and avoid user fatigue, the wheels  156 ,  156 ′ on the carriage  20  may be driven, as through a drive  198 , to make the apparatus  10  either full time, or selectively, self-propelled. 
   As shown in  FIG. 29 , it is contemplated that any movable component/function associated with the carriage  20 , shown generically at  200 , could be operated electrically through an appropriate supply  202 , that may be self-contained or otherwise designed. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 30 , the same function can be accomplished pneumatically or hydraulically using a pressurized fluid supply  204 . 
   A method of using the above-described apparatus will now be described with respect to a flow diagram, shown in  FIG. 31 . As shown at block  208 , the treating apparatus is provided. The treating apparatus has a carriage with a treating assembly on the carriage. As shown at block  210 , the apparatus is caused to be attracted to the surface to be treated. This may be accomplished magnetically, in the event of a ferrous surface, or otherwise, as by suction, in the event that the surface to be treated is non-ferrous in nature. As shown at block  212 , the apparatus is moved over a surface, to effect treatment thereof, through manual orientation of the apparatus through application of a maneuvering force by a user from a location spaced from the carriage, that allows controlled movement of the apparatus over the surface. The step of causing the apparatus to be attracted to the surface may involve initially placing the apparatus against the surface using an elongate pole. Alternatively, a pole can be connected after the apparatus is placed against the surface. As shown at block  214 , any foreign matter removed from the surface  14 ,  14 ′ can be accumulated and disposed of appropriately, as shown in block  216 . The accumulation may be carried out, as by using a receptacle  184 , as shown in  FIG. 21 , utilizing the collecting element  186 , as shown in  FIGS. 22-24 , or otherwise. 
   The invention also contemplates that the attractive force, as effected through a magnetic element, may be varied, as shown in the flow diagram of  FIG. 32 . The treating apparatus is provided with a magnetic element, as shown at block  218 . With an apparatus as shown in  FIGS. 7-12 , wheels/shafts  146 ,  148  may be provided with different configurations, as by using a different number of magnetic wheel elements  156 ,  156 ′, and/or by using magnetic elements having different strengths. Depending upon the application, and the weight of the apparatus, an appropriate magnetic force is selected, as shown at block  220 . After installation of the appropriate wheel/shaft, the apparatus is moved over a surface to be treated, as shown at block  222 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 33 , kits can be provided, including treating elements  22 ,  22 ′ having different configurations. Treating elements  22 ,  22 ′ can be interchangeably mounted into an operative position on the carriage. 
   Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 34 , a kit can be provided wherein entire treating assemblies  12 ,  12 ′ are interchangeably mounted on the carriage  20 , depending upon the particular job application or configuration of a surface being treated. 
   As an example, as shown in  FIG. 35 , a treating element  22 ′ is shown as having a base  224  with a V-shaped surface  226  with bristles  228  thereon to facilitate cleaning a juncture of transverse surfaces, such as at an inside corner. Myriad other treating element configurations are contemplated by the invention for treating contoured surfaces or surfaces that may be difficult to access. 
   Access may also be facilitated by using a human lift device, as shown in  FIG. 36  at  230 . The lift device  230  has a bucket  232  within which the user  58  can be situated to operate the apparatus  10  from an elevated position. 
   The invention also contemplates that an additional step may be carried out preparatory to using the apparatus  10 , as described above. As shown in  FIG. 37 , an impact/vibration inducing device  234  may be used and placed against the cargo ship  28  strategically, as at an external location on the hull, or internally of the cargo hold  34 . This action provides a preliminary breaking up of the foreign material adhered to the surface  14 ′, after which the aforementioned cleaning steps may be carried out. 
   As shown in  FIG. 38 , the invention also contemplates that, as an alternative to using a bristled treating element, a pad, as shown at  236 , may be utilized. The pad  236  consists of a core element  238 , that is preferably made from a non-ferrous material. At least one exposed surface  240  of the core element  238  has a surface treating layer  242  applied thereto. At least one magnetic element  244  is provided on the core element  238 . In this construction, the magnetic element  244  is embedded in the core element  238 . The surface treating layer  242  can be provided on any or all exposed surfaces on the core element  238 . 
   In one form, the surface treating layer  242  is at least one of a) sandpaper; b) an absorbent pad; c) a bristled layer; d) a layer of a hook component of a hook and loop fastener system; e) a non-skid layer; f) a squeegee) and g) an absorbent pad. In operation, the surface with the surface treating layer  242  is then applied to the surface  14 ′ to be treated. The pad  236  may be manipulated through the aforementioned pole  48 . 
   To enhance treatment, a vibration-inducing assembly  246  may be provided to vibrate the core element  238 . This produces a scrubbing action. 
   In  FIG. 39 , a modified form of pad is shown at  236 ′ with a core element  238 ′ having magnetic elements  244 ′ attached on an external surface  240  thereon. A surface treating layer  242  is applied to at least one surface of the core element  238 ′. 
   In all embodiments, the distance between the magnetic elements and ferrous surface can be changed/selected to controllably vary the attractive force to that surface. 
   In  FIG. 40 , a further modified form of pad is shown at  236 ″ with a core element  238 ″ having a series of receptacles  250  into which magnetic elements  244 ″ can be placed. The magnetic elements  244 ″ can be placed in one or all of the receptacles  250  to select the desired attractive force between the pad  236 ″ and the surface  14 ′. A surface treating layer  242  is provided on the core element  238 ″. 
   It should be understood that the use of a pad can be practical to treat a non-ferrous material. Attraction can be generated between the pad and surface  14 , as by the use of suction. 
   In  FIG. 41 , a further modified form of treating apparatus, according to the present invention, is shown at  10 ′. The apparatus  10 ′ consists of a pad  252  with a core element  254 , made preferably from a non-ferrous material, and having a series of flat sides. In this embodiment, the core element  254  has a squared block shape with six, flat, exposed surfaces  256 ,  258 ,  260 ,  262 ,  264 ,  266 . On each of the exposed surfaces  256 - 266 , a surface treating layer  242 ′ is applied, corresponding to the surface treating layer  242 . 
   A magnetic element  268  is embedded in the core element  254  and has a strength, configuration, and location within the core element  254 , so as to support the weight of the core element  254  against a ferrous surface. 
   With the pad  252 , the user can place any of the surfaces  256 - 266  against a ferrous surface, to be attracted thereto. Through a flexible cord  268 , the user can draw the pad  252  over the surface to effect treatment thereof. A fitting, such as a ring  270  can be provided to facilitate maneuvering of the pad  252 , by drawing the same through the flexible cord  268 . 
   For purposes of consistency in the claims, the core elements  238 ,  238 ′,  238 ″,  254  will be considered a “carriage”. The “carriage” is maneuvered by the user in all embodiments to effect treating of a surface  14 ,  14 ′. 
   Using the pad  252 , a treating process can be carried out, as shown in flow diagram form in  FIG. 42 . As shown at block  272 , a pad is provided. As shown at block  274 , the pad is caused to be attracted to a ferrous surface by either placing the pad against such a surface or by propelling the same towards the surface, wherein it becomes magnetically attracted thereto. As shown at block  274 , the pad is then maneuvered to treat the surface. 
   With this embodiment, the pad  252  can be made to be sufficiently light in weight that it can be propelled/thrust at a surface, such as a high ceiling or difficult to reach location. The user can then simply maneuver the pad  252  through the flexible core  268  to effect the desired treatment of the surface  14 ′. 
   A still further variation, according to the present invention, is shown in  FIG. 43 . In  FIG. 43 , an elongate pole  48  is shown attached to the carriage  20  through a pivoting pole mount  276 , that allows at least two degrees of movement of the pole  48  relative to the carriage  20 . As seen in  FIG. 7 , the pole  48  is mounted to the carriage  20  for movement relative thereto about a single pivot axis. By adding another dimension of movement, the treating assembly  12  on the carriage  20  is allowed to conform more readily to surfaces when applied from potentially awkward angles. In one preferred form, the pivoting pole mount permits universal pivoting of the mounting end  52  of the pole  48  relative to the carriage  20 . 
   In  FIG. 44 , a modified form of elongate pole  48 ′ is shown and includes separate sections  278 ,  280 , which are movable, each relative to the other. Through a reciprocating assembly  282 , the section  278  is moved reciprocatingly in the line of the double-headed arrow  284  relative to the section  280 . This produces a repeating force against the carriage  20  to which the section  280  is connected. Alternatively, the reciprocating assembly  282  may act between the elongate pole  48  and a mount upon the carriage  20 . The structures in  FIGS. 43 and 44  may be used on any of the embodiments described above. 
   In  FIG. 45 , a modified form of treating apparatus is shown at  10 ″. The apparatus  10 ″ has an elongate pole  48 ″ with a shaft  286  extending substantially orthogonally to the length of the pole  48 ″. Separate treating elements  288 , of like construction, are attached to the shaft  286 , where it projects oppositely from the connection to the pole  48 ″. The treating elements  288  may have bristles, abrasive material, etc. The shaft  286  is rotated by an air motor  290 , which is driven through air from a pressurized supply  292 . An air outlet  294  is provided in the pole  48 ″. 
   Magnetic wheels  296  are provided on opposite sides of the pole  48 ″. The wheels  296  are preferably made from a magnetic material or incorporate magnets to produce an attractive force with respect to a ferrous surface. 
   As noted previously, many of the mechanisms and components are shown schematically in the attached figures. That is because, using the inventive concept, the form of the apparatus and components may vary significantly to achieve an optimal design. The depicted structures that are shown in detail are intended only to be exemplary in nature. 
   During the transition from bulk cement powder to another bulk cargo, the process of cleaning usually takes place in two stages: dry cleaning and wet cleaning. Lifts, or ladders, are commonly used during the dry cleaning. The tools and methods of this invention have the potential to significantly improve the speed, efficacy and safety of both processes, and may often entirely eliminate the need for the dry cleaning phase, typically conducted at anchor after initial discharge of cargo. Instead, dry cleaning may be carried out after the cargo is unloaded and while the ship is en route to the next port. 
   Potentially, the invention can be practiced in such a manner that a liquid can be used to simultaneously break loose foreign matter and effect rinsing of the exposed surfaces, thereby eliminating the separate dry cleaning process. Also, the surfaces may be cleaned to a higher standard than currently possible during wet cleaning. This could translate into increased revenues for cargoes requiring higher standards for cleanliness. 
   The inventive structure and method potentially extend the ability of relatively unskilled workers to further prepare the holds for subsequent cargo by giving them the tools they need to remove not only residual cargo, but also loose paint, rust, scale, and other potential contaminants from areas, previously inaccessible, except by using manlifts or ladders, which cannot be used with the ship underway. Further, they potentially provide crews with an alternative method of stain removal, which has previously been accomplished with the use of acids and other dangerous and polluting chemicals, and a much improved method of protective chemical application. 
   In  FIG. 46 , another form of treating apparatus, according to the present invention, is shown at  300 . The treating apparatus  300  has an elongate support  302  with a proximal region, that is engageable by a user, and a distal region. At least one repositionable element  304  is provided at the distal region of the elongate support  302 . More preferably, a plurality of said elements  304  are provided. The repositionable element  304  is designed to at least one of: a) repeatedly contact an exposed surface  306  at which the repositionable element  304  is situated; and b) discharge pressurized fluid from a source at least one of i) against the exposed surface  306  and ii) in a manner to control movement of matter  308  separated at the exposed surface  306  at which the repositionable element  304  is situated, as an incident of pressurized fluid from a supply being directed through the repositionable element  304 . 
   The repositionable element  304  may take virtually a limitless number of different forms and may be moved likewise through virtually a limitless number of different mechanisms. As one example, the repositionable element  304  may be in the form of a tube or conduit through which a fluid can pass under pressure as an incident of which movement is imparted to the repositionable element  304 , as in a random or repetitive manner. As a further alternative, the repositionable element  304  could be designed so as not to communicate pressurized fluid, whereby the desired movement can be imparted by another mechanism, such as one that randomly moves or reciprocates the repositionable element  34  to produce a whipping action. As one example, a hinge mechanism may be incorporated to facilitate controlled bending. Fluid might alternatively be directed against the repositionable element  304  externally thereof to produce the desired action. 
   The nature of the exposed surface  306  is likewise not critical to the present invention. The exposed surface  306  can be virtually any surface upon which matter  308  is adhered and from which the matter  308  is to be separated. The invention is particularly adapted to environments in which discrete matter, such as particulate in pourable form, is handled. For example, in a cargo ship hold, peripheral, top, and bottom walls bound a space within which such matter is stored, as described above. All of the surfaces, which may be flat or contoured as with corrugations, their transition locations, together with additional structures therein, such as shelves, ladders, stairs, hatch covers, angle iron protecting surfaces, etc. are prone to having the matter  308  adhered thereto. 
   Among the other environments in which exposed surfaces  306  are encountered, and from which matter must be separated, are storage containers, including those that are stationary and those that are mobile, with the latter commonly moved through a wheeled vehicle. These storage containers may be over-the-road hopper trucks rail cars, silos, dry or liquid tanks, boilers such as in power plants, etc. Another exemplary environment is in the conveyor area, wherein conveying surfaces bear such matter  308  for transportation between first and second locations. Aside from the actual conveying surfaces, spillover causes contact by matter with associated structure used to support and advance such conveying surfaces. The inventive structure and method are contemplated for use in these environments, and others. 
   Further, the nature of the matter  308  to be separated is not limited. The matter  308  may adhere by reason of being placed against the exposed surface  306 . Alternatively, the matter  308  may be generated by reason of rust, corrosion, or chemical interaction. The matter  308  may be generated through impact or may otherwise result from damage inflicted upon the exposed surface  306 . 
   In another form of the invention, as seen in  FIG. 47 , a treating apparatus  300 ′ is provided having at least one associated tube/conduit  310  with an outlet  312 . Preferably, a plurality of tubes/conduits  310  is employed. Fluid from a pressurized supply  314  is directed through the tube/conduit  310  and discharged at the outlet  312  to thereby control movement of the matter  308  separated from the exposed surface  306  by either the fluid from the outlet  312  or by a mechanism independent of the tube/conduit  310 . This controlled movement of separated matter is commonly referred to in this industry as “blooming”, which is a combination of brooming/sweeping and blowing. The tube/conduit  310  is carried on an elongate support  302 ′ that can be strategically located at selected locations with respect to the exposed surface  306 . The outlet  312  can have a fixed orientation relative to the elongate support  302 ′ or may be capable of being reoriented relative thereto to facilitate the blooming process. 
   The nature of the fluid used with the apparatus  300 ,  300 ′ may vary considerably. The fluid may be in liquid or gaseous form. Air might be used to break loose and controllably direct separated matter  308 . Water and other fluids may be used for this purpose. Liquids or gases with a chemical component may be used to facilitate cleaning. In another form, a liquid or gas may be used as a preparing medium that is adhered to the exposed surface  306  preparatory to placing thereagainst a supply of material to be stored/conveyed. The invention also contemplates that pressurized liquid and gas may be combined. For example, aerated water under pressure may be used. 
   Details of specific forms of the treating apparatus  300 ,  300 ′ will now be described with respect to  FIGS. 48-79  In  FIGS. 48 and 49 , the treating apparatus  300  is shown with the elongate support  302  in the form of a pole having a length that may be in the range of several feet to fifty feet, or more. The elongate support  302  has a proximal region at  316  and a distal region at  318 . The proximal region  316  is engageable by a user  320 , as through an appropriate handle  322 , which may be defined simply by a graspable part on the periphery of the elongate support/pole  302 , or by some more intricate structure. 
   At the distal region  318 , a surface treating assembly is provided, as shown at  324 . The surface treating assembly  324  consists of a plurality of the repositionable elements  304   a ,  304   b ,  304   c ,  304   d ,  304   e . The number of the repositionable elements can vary from as few as one to greater than the five shown. 
   As noted above, the repositionable elements  304   a - 304   e  may be solid and tubular. The repositionable elements  304   a - 304   e  can be rigid or flexible. For purposes of illustration herein, in the embodiments described hereinbelow, the repositionable elements, including those identified as  304   a - 304   e , will be described as flexible, elongate tubes/conduits. 
   The repositionable elements  304   a - 304   e  are mounted upon a support/manifold  326  to be in fluid communication with a chamber  328  bounded thereby. The chamber  328  is in turn in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid supply  314  through a supply line  330 . 
   In this embodiment, the supply line  330  is located on the outside of the elongate support/pole  302 . A series of straps  332  surrounds the elongate support/pole  302  and supply line  330  at spaced locations along the length of the elongate support/pole  302 . With this arrangement, by grasping the treating apparatus  300  at the proximal region  316 , the user  320  can controllably direct the distal region  318 , at which the surface treating assembly  324  is located, to a desired location with respect to the exposed surface  306 . 
   In this embodiment, the user  320  can manipulate the surface treating assembly  324  into a desired relationship with the exposed surface  306  so that the repositionable elements  304   a - 304   e  either a) treat the exposed surface  306  from a location in spaced relationship therewith or b) so that the repositionable elements  304   a - 304   e  repeatedly contact the exposed surface  306  to effect treating thereof. 
   An optional carriage  334  may be used to magnetically attract the distal region  318  of the elongate support/pole  32  to the exposed surface  306 , in the event that there is ferrous material at the surface  306 . The carriage  334  might otherwise interact with the exposed surface  306  to be guided therealong in a predetermined manner, as through a rail structure or other mechanism. Alternatively, the movement of the carriage  334  is dictated entirely by forces applied by the user  320  from the proximal end  316  of the elongate support/pole  302 . 
   In this embodiment, the individual repositionable elements  304  are made from a flexible material, such as rubber or plastic. Plastic or rubber tubing, typically with an inside diameter of 1/16 to ⅛ inch, and outside diameter of ⅛ to ¾ inch may be used. The lengths of the repositionable elements  304   a - 304   e  may be the same or different. The lengths of the repositionable elements  304   a - 304   e  may be on the order of 10 inches to 30 inches in length. Longer and shorter lengths are also contemplated. In one embodiment, lengths of 14.5 inches and 27 inches are used. The lengths of the repositionable elements  304   a - 304   e , their materials of construction, and the inside and outside diameters thereof, are dictated by the particular application and the volume and pressure available from the pressurized fluid supply  314 . Commonly available pressurized fluid supplies  14  may deliver fluid, such as air, at a pressure of 90 to 170 psi. 
   A desired action of the repositionable elements  304  can be further affected by causing a pulsed delivery of the pressurized fluid. Means are well known by those skilled in the art to accomplish this. This potentially produces a more violent movement of the repositionable elements  304 . 
   With the arrangement as shown in  FIG. 48 , fluid from the pressurized supply  314  communicates through the supply line  330  and the manifold  326  to each of the repositionable elements  304   a - 304   e  from where the fluid is discharged through outlets  336   a ,  336   b ,  336   c ,  336   d ,  336   e  at the free ends thereof. As the fluid is continuously discharged through the outlets  336   a - 336   e , the repositionable elements  304   a - 304   e  repeatedly whip in a random manner. With the surface treating assembly  324  in close enough proximity to the exposed surface  306 , the repositionable elements  304   a - 304   e  repeatedly impact the exposed surface  306 . This repeated impacting breaks loose the foreign matter  308  adhered to the surface  306 . This may occur by either the direct impacting of the matter  308  by the repositionable elements  304   a - 304   e , and/or by reason of the localized vibration induced at the surface  306  by the repeated contact by the impacting repositionable elements  304   a - 304   e.    
   The elongate support/pole  302  can be made, for example, as described previously for the pole  48 . The elongate support/pole  302  may be made as a single piece or with telescoping or otherwise extendable components so that it has a variable length. The elongate support/pole  302  may be made from metal, plastic, or a composite material. Metal, such as aluminum, is desirable for its light weight, as are certain composites, among which is a material utilizing carbon fiber or fiberglass. Fiberglass, bamboo, wood and other materials are suitable as well. As one example, the elongate support/pole  302  may be made from a semi-rigid hose material, such as PVC. The elongate support/pole  302  is thus light in weight and performs the function of communicating fluid and supporting one or more treating assemblies as hereinafter described. 
   In the embodiment shown, the elongate support/pole  302  has a square shape with a hollow chamber  338  extending between the ends thereof. The square shape, or another polygonal shape, is desirable since the bending of the associated elongate support/pole  302  therewith is more predictable, to facilitate placement of the surface treating assembly  324  at a desired location. However, a circular or other cross-sectional shape, such as elliptical, etc., is contemplated. As an alternative to using the supply line  330  at the exterior of the elongate support/pole  302 , the supply line  330  can be directed through the chamber  338 . Alternatively, the elongate support/pole can be used as a conduit, with the fluid passing through the chamber  338  between the pressurized fluid supply  314  and the manifold  326 . 
   For extended lengths of the elongate support/pole  302 , it may be desirable to use a supplemental support/guide structure, shown at  340 . This supplemental support/guide structure  340  may take any form and may be operable from above the operating height of the treating apparatus  300 , at a location near the floor surface  342  on which the user  320  is situated, or at another location. 
   While the elongate support/pole  302  is shown having a straight configuration in  FIGS. 48 ,  49 , the elongate support/pole  302  may have other configurations. For example, as noted previously, a gooseneck may be provided at the distal region  318 . Virtually any shape can be incorporated into the elongate support/pole  302 , as at the distal region  318 , or elsewhere, to facilitate access to different surfaces. 
   To facilitate repositioning of the treating apparatus  300 , a guide surface  344  may be provided on the elongate support/pole  302 , as shown in  FIG. 50 . In  FIG. 50 , the elongate support/pole  302  has an extension  346  which, in this case, incorporates a rounded knob  348  with a curved surface  350  at its free end that can be borne against the exposed surface  306  to a) maintain the surface treating assembly  324  at a desired spacing relative to the exposed surface  306  and b) facilitate guided movement of the distal region  318  of the elongate support/pole  302  therealong. The knob  348  can be formed integrally with the elongate support/pole  302 , as previously described, or be separately attached in the form of the extension  346  shown. Any other type of guide surface appropriate to the particular application may be used. There is no requirement that the surface  350  be curved, and in some cases a supplemental tool, such as a brush or scraper, will be attached to the end of the pole. However, this is desirable for purposes of avoiding hangup of the distal region  318  of the elongate support/pole  302  as it is moved along the surface  306  and to facilitate universal reorientation of the elongate support/pole  302  relative to the surface  306 . 
   In  FIG. 51 , as an alternative to the rounded knob  348 , a wheel  352  is provided at the distal region  318  of the elongate support/pole  302 . The wheel  352  has a peripheral guide surface  354  that can be rolled against the exposed surface  306  to guide the surface treating assembly  324  therealong to a desired location at which treating is to occur. In this embodiment, the wheel  352  is designed to rotate around a fixed axis  356  relative to the elongate support/pole  302 . 
   In  FIG. 52 , a modification to the elongate support/pole  302  is shown wherein a base  358  is mounted to the distal region  318  of the elongate support/pole  302  for pivoting movement around an axis  360 . The base  358  may be normally biased, as by a spring structure (not shown) in one pivoting direction around the axis  360  towards the surface  306  to be treated. The aforementioned wheel  352  is connected through the base  358  through at least one arm  362 . The wheel  352  rotates relative to the arm  362  about an axis  364  that is parallel to the axis  360 . Accordingly, the arm  362  and wheel  352  are pivotable together relative to the elongate support/pole  302  about the axis  360  back and forth in an arc, as indicated by the double-headed arrow  366 . The peripheral surface  354  of the wheel  352  is movable against the exposed surface  306  in the same manner as shown in  FIG. 51 . 
   As a further alternative, as shown in  FIG. 53 , the wheel  352  can be mounted to the elongate support/pole  302  through an arm  368  that is pivotable relative to the elongate support/pole  302  about an axis  370  that extends generally parallel to the length of the arm  368  and the elongate support/pole  302 . The peripheral guide surface  354  on the wheel  352  can be borne and rolled against the exposed surface  306 , as described with respect to  FIGS. 51 and 52 . The wheels can be fitted with magnets or magnets can be suspended from the wheel assembly/axle, etc. to cause the wheels to be attracted to the surface. 
   The structures shown in  FIGS. 52 and 53  can be combined so that there are multiple dimensions of pivoting of the wheel  352  relative to the elongate support/pole  302 . As another variation of the structure shown in  FIGS. 52 and 53 , the surface treating assemblies  324  might be provided on a movable portion of the wheel mounting structure, rather than at a fixed location at the distal region of the elongate support/pole  302 . 
   Multiple wheels can be used in any of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 51-53 . In  FIG. 54 , the support/pole  302  is shown with two guide wheels  352   a ,  352   b  at its distal region  318  spaced beyond the surface treating assembly  324 . The wheels  352   a ,  352   b  could be spaced closer to the proximal region of the elongate support/pole  302 , to reduce the likelihood of interference with the surface treating assembly  324  in use. 
   In  FIG. 55 , three wheels are shown in the same relationship to a surface treating assembly  324  at the distal region  318  of the elongate support/pole  302 . 
   In  FIG. 56 , a base  372  is shown at the distal region  318  of the elongate support/pole  302 . The base  372  supports in this embodiment four guide wheels  352   a ,  352   b ,  352   c ,  352   d . The base  372  is defined at least in part by tubing  374  through which fluid from the pressurized supply  314  is delivered to, in this embodiment, three different surface treating assemblies  324 , at spaced locations along the base  372 . In this embodiment, one of the surface treating assemblies  324  is at a leading end, with the other two surface treating assemblies  324  projecting oppositely from a manifold  326 ′ at a central location  376 . 
   With the arrangement in  FIG. 56 , there is a cumulative treating effect resulting from the simultaneous use of the three surface treating assemblies  324  at the spaced locations. There is no requirement that the number, spacing or locations of the surface treating assemblies  324  be precisely as shown in  FIG. 56 . 
   In  FIGS. 57 and 58 , a modified form of wheeled base is shown at  372 ′ at the distal region  318  of the elongate support/pole  302 . In this embodiment, the base  372  has a T-shaped body  378  with the cross bar  380  of the “T” defining a support/axle relative to which wheels  352   a ,  352   b  rotate around an axis  382 . The base  372 ′ is configured so that fluid from the pressurized supply  314  is introduced through the supply line  330  into the stem  384  of the “T”, from where the fluid flow branches, as indicated by the arrows  386 , for communication oppositely through the cross bar  380  to surface treating assemblies  324  at the ends  388 ,  390  of the cross bar  380 . Additional fluid flows from the stem  384  in the direction of the arrow  392  to a surface treating assembly  324  approximately midway between the ends  388 ,  390  of the cross bar/axle  380 . Accordingly, fluid from the pressurized supply  314  flows oppositely relative to the axis  382  for discharge through the surface treating assemblies  24  at the ends  388 ,  390  and generally orthogonally to the axis  382  through the surface treating assembly  324  midway between the ends  388 ,  390  of the cross bar/axle  380 . 
   The invention contemplates that surface treating assemblies  324  can be provided in other arrangements at spaced locations. As one example, as shown in  FIG. 59 , the elongate support/pole  302  is shown with one surface treating assembly  324  at the distal end  392  of the elongate support/pole  302 , with a separate surface treating assembly  324  projecting radially from the elongate support/pole  302 , spaced from the distal end of the elongate support/pole  302  toward the proximal region  316  thereof. 
   In  FIG. 60 , separate surface treating assemblies  324  project radially oppositely away from the elongate support/pole  302  at the distal end  392  thereof, with a third surface treating assembly  324  projecting radially from the elongate support/pole  302  at a location spaced from the distal end  392  of the elongate support/pole  302  toward the proximal region  316  thereof. 
   In  FIG. 61 , a primary manifold  394  is provided at the distal end  392  of the elongate support/pole  302  and has an internal chamber  396  bounded by a spherical wall  398 . Three supports/manifolds  326   a ,  326   b ,  326   c  are in fluid communication with the internal chamber  396 , which is supplied with fluid from the pressurized supply  314 . In this embodiment, fluid is directed through the chamber  338  through the elongate support/pole  302 . The manifolds  326   a ,  326   b ,  326   c  are mounted at the spherical wall  398  at spaced locations. In one form, the manifolds  326   a ,  326   b ,  326   c  can be repositioned strategically upon the primary manifold  394  as a particular application may dictate. 
   The spherical wall  398  may function to support the manifolds  326   a ,  326   b ,  326   c  as well as potentially provide a peripheral guide surface  400  that can bear against the exposed surface  306  that is being treated. 
   Another structure for mounting multiple surface treating assemblies  324  at spaced locations and/or at desired orientations is shown in  FIG. 62 . In  FIG. 62 , multiple, and in this case five, shafts  402   a ,  402   b ,  402   c ,  402   d ,  402   e  are mounted at the distal end  392  of the elongate support/pole  302 . Each of the shafts  402   a ,  402   b ,  402   c ,  402   d ,  402   e  is in fluid communication with the manifold  404  so that fluid from the pressurized supply  314  is communicated through each of the shafts  402   a ,  402   b ,  402   c ,  402   d ,  402   e  to surface treating assemblies  324  at the free ends  406   a ,  406   b ,  406   c ,  406   d ,  406   e  at which manifolds  326  on the surface treating assemblies  340  are mounted. 
   The shafts  402   a ,  402   b ,  402   c ,  402   d ,  402   e  may be preset in a fixed shape i.e. straight, curved, etc. Alternatively, the shafts  402   a ,  402   b ,  402   c ,  402   d ,  402   e  are made from a material that can be formed by the end user to virtually any desired shape and maintained. 
   In  FIG. 63 , a carriage  408  is shown at the distal end  390  of the elongate support/pole  302  and has a generally straight/flat configuration to conform to a flat portion of the exposed surface  306 . The carriage  48  is disposed at an angle θ to the length of the elongate support/pole  302 , which angle θ may be fixed or variable. Surface treating assemblies  324  are provided at spaced locations upon the carriage  408 . 
   In  FIG. 64 , a carriage  410  is shown that is rotatable about an axis  412  relative to the elongate support/pole  302 . In this embodiment, the carriage  410  has a polygonal shape, and more specifically a squared shape, as viewed along the axis  412 , with multiple sides  414 ,  414   a ,  414   b ,  414   c ,  414   d  at which one or more surface treating assemblies  324  are provided. The carriage  410  can be maintained in one orientation relative to the elongate support/pole  302 , or may be moved, as by pivoting relative thereto around the axis  412 . 
   In  FIG. 65 , a treating apparatus is shown including a cleaning assembly  416  at the distal end  390  of the elongate support/pole  302 . The cleaning assembly  416  may take virtually a limitless number of different forms, and may be, for example, a pad, a bristled component, etc. for wiping, cleaning, scraping, etc. the exposed surface  306 . 
   A surface treating assembly  324  is provided on the elongate support/pole  302  between the distal end  390  and the proximal region  316  of the elongate support/pole  302 . The cleaning assembly  416  and surface treating assembly  324  may be designed to be complementary in terms of their functions. As one example, the cleaning assembly  416  may be used to break loose more tenaciously held matter  308  that may not be separable from the surface  306  through the surface treating assembly  324 . 
   In  FIGS. 66 and 67 , a surface treating apparatus is shown including a pad assembly  420  at the distal end  390  of the elongate support/pole  302 . The pad assembly  420  may take any of a number of different shapes and has a surface  422  to engage the exposed surface  306 . The surface  322  may be provided with bristles, hooks such as on a component of a hook and loop fastener, an abrasive, chemicals, etc. The pad assembly  420  may be made from a relatively thin polycarbonate sheet or a carbon fiber sheet. 
   Adjacent to the distal end  390  of the elongate support/pole  302 , at least one, and in this case multiple, surface treating assemblies  324  are provided. In operation, the repositionable elements  304   a ,  304   b ,  304   c ,  304   d  on each surface treating assembly  324  are caused to repeatedly impact against the side  424  of the pad assembly  420  facing oppositely to the surface  422 . With this arrangement, the impact forces are distributed through the pad assembly  420  and therethrough over a substantial area of the treated surface  306 , as determined by the configuration of the surface  422 . 
   In  FIGS. 68 and 69 , a modified form of surface treating assembly is shown at  324 ′ at the distal end  390  of the elongate support/pole  302 . The surface treating assembly  324 ′ consists of a manifold  426  with a housing  428  that is secured at the distal end  390  either fixedly or for movement relative thereto, as around an axis  430  and/or a transverse axis  431 . 
   A plurality of tines  432   a ,  432   b ,  432   c ,  432   d  project in diverging fashion from one region  434  of the housing  428 . A guide arm  436  projects from the housing  428  diametrically oppositely to the direction of projection of the tines  432   a ,  432   b ,  432   c ,  432   d  at the region  434 . The guide arm  436  and tines  432   a - 432   d  have surfaces that reside in a reference plane P and can be simultaneously placed against the surface  306  and slid guidingly therealong. The guide arm  436  stabilizes the surface treating assembly  324 ′ in use. 
   Repositionable elements  304   a ,  304   b ,  304   c ,  304   d  are associated, one each, with the tines  432   a ,  432   b ,  432   c ,  432   d . The repositionable elements  304   a ,  304   b ,  304   c ,  304   d  project to beyond the free ends  438   a ,  438   b ,  438   c ,  438   d  of the tines  432   a ,  432   b ,  432   c ,  432   d  and are connected thereto whereby fluid from the pressurized supply  314  directed through the repositionable elements  304   a ,  304   b ,  304   c ,  304   d  tends to cause the repositionable elements  304   a - 304   d  to whip. This tendency is confined by the stiffness of the tines  432   a - 432   d . The forces induced on the tines  432   a - 432   d  causes the tines  432   a - 432   d  to bend and thereby to repeatedly lower and raise so as to produce a repeated impacting/hammering of the exposed surface  306 . This action potentially induces vibrations to the structure defining the surface  306  to further enhance treatment. The tines  432   a - 432   d  can also be oriented to move generally parallel to the exposed surface whereby they may contact the exposed surface to effect scraping thereof, or may be operable in spaced relationship therewith. 
   The repositionable elements  304   a - 304   d  may alternatively extend to, or near, but short of, the free ends  438   a - 438   d.    
   The lengths of the tines  432   a - 432   b , their cross-sectional configurations and their materials of construction are chosen to produce the desired flexing action in use. Preferably, the tines  432   a - 432   d  do not bend significantly as a result of which the pattern of fluid departing from the outlets  336   a - 336   d  is relatively constant and generally parallel to the place of the surface  306 . As a result, a flow of a fluid results that moves the matter  308  separated from the exposed surface  306  in a controlled matter. This “blooming” action is complemented by the hammering of the exposed surface  306  through the tines  432   a ,  432   b ,  432   c ,  432   d  and scraping action produced by translating the tines  432   a ,  432   b ,  432   c ,  432   d  against and relative to the surface  306 . 
   In  FIG. 70 , a treating apparatus  300 ′ is shown with another form of blooming assembly at  440  at the distal end  390  of the elongate support/pole  302 . The blooming assembly  440  consists of a frame  442  made of tubing that communicates pressurized fluid from the supply  314  to and through at least one, and this case a plurality of, tubes/conduits  444   a ,  444   b ,  444   c ,  444   d . These tubes/conduits  444   a - 444   d  function as nozzles to generate a controlled pressurized fluid flow layer moving in the direction of the arrows  446 , generally parallel to the length of the elongate support/pole  302  in a direction towards the proximal region  316  thereon. The frame  442  is pivotable relative to the elongate support/pole  302  around an axis  448  to facilitate alignment of the apparatus to the surface and for surface treatment from different attack angles. 
   The tubes/conduits  448   a ,  448   b ,  448   c ,  448   d  have extensions  450   a ,  450   b ,  450   c ,  450   d , which, in conjunction with the fluid directing portions of the tubes/conduits  444   a ,  444   b ,  444   c ,  444   d , define a substantial contact area to stabilize and guide the frame  442  along the exposed surface  306  so as to maintain the line of the air flow indicated by the arrows  446  generally parallel to the plane of the surface  306 , from the outlets  452   a ,  452   b ,  452   c ,  452   d  at which the fluid is discharged. 
   In  FIG. 71 , a hybrid blooming and surface treating apparatus is shown consisting of the previously described blooming assembly  440  at the distal end  390  of the elongate support/pole  302 . Additionally, at least one surface treating assembly  324 , and in this case two such surface treating assemblies  324 , are provided projecting diametrically oppositely from the elongate support/pole  302  at a location spaced from the distal end  390  towards the proximal end  418 . With this arrangement, the surface treating assemblies  324  break loose matter  308  from the exposed surface  306 , which matter  308  is then controllably directed in the line of the arrows  446  by the pressurized fluid discharging from the blooming assembly  440 . 
   A further modified form of blooming assembly is shown at  440 ′ at the distal end  390  of the elongate support/pole  302 . The blooming assembly  440 ′ consists of a frame  454  that may be fixed to the elongate support/pole  302  or be movable relative thereto by either rotation around the length of the elongate support/pole  302 , pivoting about an axis transverse to the length of the elongate support/pole  302  and/or by lengthwise movement relative to the elongate support/pole  302 , as indicated by the double-headed arrow  456 . The frame  454  has a series of straight sleeve receptacles  458   a ,  458   b ,  458   c ,  458   d ,  458   e ,  458   f , each with a length aligned generally parallel to the length of the elongate support/pole  302 . Additional tools such as brushes, scrapers can also be attached. 
   At least one surface treating assembly  324  is provided at the distal end  390  of the elongate support/pole  302  with repositionable elements  304   a ,  304   b ,  304   c ,  304   d ,  304   e ,  304   f  through which pressurized fluid from the supply  314  passes and is discharged. In this embodiment the repositionable elements  304   a ,  304   b ,  304   c ,  304   d ,  304   e ,  304   f  can be selectively attached to the frame  454  by being directed, one each, into the sleeve receptacles  458   a ,  458   b ,  458   c ,  458   d ,  458   e ,  458   f . The repositionable elements  304   a ,  304   b ,  304   c ,  304   d ,  304   e ,  304   f  can be selectively detached from the frame  454  by being withdrawn from the sleeve receptacles  458   a ,  458   b ,  458   c ,  458   d ,  458   e ,  458   f , whereupon the detached repositionable elements  304   a ,  304   b ,  304   c ,  304   d ,  304   e ,  304   f  produce the aforementioned repeated whipping action. With the repositionable elements  304   a ,  304   b ,  304   c ,  304   d ,  304   e ,  304   f  attached to the frame  454  by being extended into the sleeve receptacles  458   a ,  458   b ,  458   c ,  458   d ,  458   e ,  458   f , the pressurized fluid from the supply  314  directed through the repositionable elements  304   a ,  304   b ,  304   c ,  304   d ,  304   e ,  304   f  is caused to be discharged as indicated by the arrows  446 , generally parallel to the length of the elongate support/pole  302  towards the user to thereby create an air flow pattern that performs the blooming function, described previously. 
   In  FIG. 72 , the blooming assembly  440 ′ is shown at the distal end  390  of the elongate support/pole  302 . A mechanism, in addition to the repositionable elements  304   a ,  304   b ,  304   c ,  304   d ,  304   e ,  304   f , may be utilized to separate matter  308  from the exposed surface  306 . The mechanism is shown generically at  460  in  FIG. 72  and in  FIG. 73  as a pair of surface treating assemblies  324  projecting diametrically oppositely with respect to the elongate support/pole  302  at the distal end  390  thereof. 
   With the arrangement in  FIGS. 72 and 73 , the user has the option of using the apparatus as a dedicated blooming structure by attaching all of the repositionable elements  304   a - 304   f  to the frame  454 . Alternatively, the blooming assembly  440 ′ can be converted to both separate matter  308  from the exposed surface  306  and controllably direct separated matter  308  along/away from the exposed surface  306  by selectively detaching the repositionable elements  304   a - 304   f  from the frame  454  in a manner to produce the desired action. In addition, the optional mechanism  460  can be utilized to add another dimension to the matter separating process, as by utilizing surface treating assemblies  324  or other mechanism described herein, or as otherwise devised, to separate matter  308  from an exposed surface  306 . 
   In certain applications, it may be necessary to direct separated matter  308  controllably away from a particular exposed surface  306  other than by blooming. As one example, as shown in  FIG. 74 , the exposed surface  306  may be the inside surface of the external wall  462  of a cargo ship in the hold  464 . Reinforcing shell frames  466  are formed on the wall  462  and typically extend vertically and then angularly downwardly near the base of the ship hull. The frames  466  each have a web  468  and flange  470  which bound discrete, generally rectangular, compartments  472  with an opening  474  defined between adjacent flanges  470  through which the compartment  472  is accessible. The compartments  472  have a tendency to trap matter  308  stored in the hold  464 . According to the invention, the various treating apparatus described herein can be introduced to the compartments  472  through the openings  474 . If not re-directed, matter  308  separated from the exposed surface  306  tends to accumulate at the bottom of the compartment  472  and become trapped therein. 
   According to the invention, as shown additionally in  FIG. 75 , a curtain assembly is provided at  476  on the elongate support/pole  302  at the distal region  318 . The curtain assembly  476  consists of a frame  478  upon which a flexible sheet material  480  is mounted in depending fashion to block the opening  474 . A tubular portion  482  is defined below the frame and has an upper inlet  484 . 
   A surface treating assembly  324 , spaced beyond frame  478 , can be directed to within the compartment  472 . Matter  308  separated by the surface treating assembly  324  is blocked from escaping from the opening  474  by the sheet material  480  and is guided thereby into the tubular portion at the inlet  484  and directed therethrough out of the compartment  472  and downwardly to an outlet  486  for appropriate accumulation or discharge. 
   An optional source of vacuum  488  can be used to enhance the flow of matter  308  to and through the tubular portion  482  between the inlet  484  and outlet  486 . 
   A modified form of curtain assembly is shown at  476 ′ in  FIG. 75 . The curtain assembly  476 ′ has a frame  478 ′ which attaches at the distal region  318  of the elongate support/pole  302 . The frame  478 ′, as the frame  478 , may be fixedly attached or attached so as to be selectively reoriented relative to the elongate support/pole  302 . Alternatively an “air curtain” can be formed by attaching air nozzles (not shown) to the pole or frame. 
   The frame  478 ′ defines at least a partial ring/shroud near the region at which a surface treating assembly  324  at the distal end  390  of the elongate support/pole  302  is located. That is, the frame  478 ′ defines an inlet at  484 ′ adjacent to, or within, which at least a part of the surface treating assembly  324  resides, so as to more positively capture matter  308  that is separated from the exposed surface  306 . In the inlet region  484 ′, the gathered matter  308  is directed downwardly through a tube  482 ′ defined by a flexible sheet material  480 ′. 
   A further modification of the invention is shown in  FIG. 77 . In  FIG. 77 , a blocking assembly is shown at  490  acting between a blooming assembly  440 ″ and the elongate support/pole  302 . The blooming assembly  440 ″ is attached at the distal end  390  of the elongate support/pole  302  so as to be movable about an axis  492  relative to the elongate support/pole  302  so as to pivot relative thereto in a direction as indicated by the double-headed arrow  494 . The blooming assembly  440 ″ includes one or a plurality of tubes/conduits  444  arranged to direct fluid under pressure in the direction of the arrow  496  generally parallel to the plane of the exposed surface  306  that is being treated. 
   This same type of blocking assembly  490  may be used to limit the movement of the aforementioned tines  432   a - 432   d  moving either transversely, or parallel, to an exposed surface being treated. 
   In this embodiment, the tubes/conduits  444 ′ are flexible to produce a whipping action. According to the invention, a blocking assembly  490  confines the whipping action so that the tubes/conduits  444 ′ do not orient substantially from the alignment shown in  FIG. 76  whereby the discharge fluid is propelled in the direction of the arrow  496 . This produces a controlled hammering action, as for the tines  432   a - 432   d  shown in  FIG. 68 . The blocking assembly  490  may act on the tubes/conduits  444 ′, or any structure, as shown generically at  432 , that may be used to generally fix the orientation of the tubes/conduits  444 ′ in the manner that the tines  432   a - 432   d  do, as previously described. Consequently, the same tube/conduits  444 ′ that impact the surface  306  with a hammering action are confined to an extent that they additionally perform a blooming function. 
   In another variation, as shown in  FIGS. 78 and 79 , a shield assembly at  498  is used in conjunction with the elongate support/pole  302 , at its distal region  318 , in combination with one or more surface treating assemblies  324 . 
   The shield assembly  498  has particular utility in cleaning the compartments  472 , as shown in  FIG. 74 . Fluid, such as a liquid, delivered into the compartments  472  is blocked from escaping from the openings  474  by the shield assembly  498 . The rebounding fluid impacts a wall  500  on the shield assembly  498  and is accumulated in a receptacle  502 , at the bottom thereof, from where the fluid can be recovered through a drain pipe  504 . Through this arrangement, the shield assembly  498  controls the discharge of fluid pressure and facilitates recovery thereof. 
   The wall  500  may be pivotable relative to the elongate support/pole  302  about an axis  506 , thereby facilitating flush placement of the wall, as against the flanges  470  so as to effectively block the opening  474  therebetween. The lower portion of the wall at  508  may be narrowed relative to the rest of the wall  500  to permit passage through an opening that is blocked by the wall  500 . 
   The inventive structure and method can be used to potentially break loose, and control movement of, released matter  308  from exposed surfaces in myriad different environments by directly impacting such surfaces, indirectly impacting such surfaces, inducing vibrations thereto, propelling fluid thereagainst, etc. The inventive concepts can be used to perform many different procedures, including many not specifically described above. 
   As one example, the structures described above to propel a treating fluid at an exposed surface  306  to remove matter  308  therefrom can be used in a similar fashion to apply a surface preparation component to the exposed surface  306 . Application of such a component to an exposed surface may be desirable, or required, before introducing certain matter, as into a ship cargo hold, against such a surface. The inventive structure may permit application to such surfaces that are otherwise difficult or impossible to reach using conventional means. 
   As a further example, stain treating components may be applied. Oily stains from coal or pet coke might be treated by applying a baking soda solution under pressure and then striking or rubbing the surface. An abrasive might also be applied by being mixed with a pressurized liquid and/or gas 
   As just one other example, the inventive structure can be used to break up a significant vertical accumulation of particulate matter. Whereas conventionally pressurized fluid might be propelled against such an accumulation, placement of one or more of the repositionable elements  304  within the accumulation may allow dispersion thereof without causing elevation of light particles that might obscure vision and are proven to being inhaled. 
   More specifically, matter such as cement may accumulate between sheet frames and in transition areas at locations that are 4-14 meters above the floor in a ship&#39;s hold. Most commonly, these areas are accessed by climbing up ladders, or using lifts to situate workers in close proximity to the accumulations so that the same can be directly accessed, as by a shovel. This is inherently dangerous by reason of the height at which workers are required to maneuver. 
   According to the invention, the pole can be “stabbed” into such an accumulation at a base/lower region therein. This causes a controlled collapse of the accumulation and cascading to a lower collection area either guidingly against an adjacent surface or freely as from a ledge. One or more repositionable elements at the inserted pole end may facilitate this process. Dust generation is controlled by reason of the immersion of the repositionable element in the accumulated matter. The accumulations can thus be progressively broken down to controllably, safely, and conveniently eliminate this condition. 
   The invention can likewise be used to agitate a wet mixture, such as a slurry. As one example, a wet cement mixture might be agitated and also treated by introducing an additive, such as sugar or other hardening retardant. 
   With all embodiments, the force of the whipping action of the repositionable elements  304 , the frequency of the repetitive hammering thereby etc., can be selected by varying the nature and interaction of components. For example, in the event the repositionable elements  304  are tubes/conduits, the “whipping” properties are dictated by the tube size, wall thickness, materials of construction, length, flow volume and pressure of the pressurized fluid, etc. Those skilled in the art, with the above inventive concepts in hand, would be able to change system components to achieve desired ends as a particular environment and application may demand or dictate. Different surface interactions may be carried out by controlling pressurized flow, be it by flow pressure variations, intermittently changing pressure, as to cause oscillations, etc. 
   Further, it is contemplated that the various components described in different embodiments herein might be combined. As just one example, for purposes of weight reduction, the external supply line  330  can be partially eliminated in each embodiment in favor of using the chamber  338  in the elongate support/pole  302  as a part of the means to communicate pressurized fluid. This potentially simplifies, and reduces the weight of, the overall system. 
   As a still further example, the repositionable elements  304  may be treated as by using a coating, to alter their performance. The coating may increase hardness and/or embed an abrasive, such as silica sand, silica carbide, etc. Alternatively, each repositionable element  304  may be made up of different types/sizes of tubing that are united. For example, short lengths of harder material may be provided at the free ends of the repositionable elements to increase flexing and impacting effect at the surface  306 . As a further alternative, each repositionable element  304  could branch to one or a plurality of separate treating arms. Weights, such as beads, may be placed on the repositionable elements  304  at or near the free ends thereof. 
   A significant aspect of the present invention is that it may permit surface treatment, as in a ship cargo hold while the vessel is transiting in the open sea with hatches opened or closed. This potentially avoids the expenses of dry cleaning at anchor. The accumulated residue can be conventionally discharged legally  25  nautical miles offshore during the cleaning process. 
   Further, by reason of providing interactive tools on a relatively lightweight pole/support, surface treating can be carried out quickly without exhausting workers in a manner that is typical to using prior art brushes and the like, that must be borne under pressure against a surface to be treated, and repetitively manually moved, as to effect a scrubbing action. 
   The inventive system can also be used as a diagnostic device and standard to test the state of a surface against which material will be placed. Observing the type and quantity of the matter separated from a surface by the repositionable elements  304  allows an inspector to easily and quickly anticipate the debriding that is likely to occur as a result of introducing material against these surfaces. That is, objective qualitative and quantitative analysis of the state of the hold can be made, particularly to determine the suitability for the next loaded cargo. 
   As a still further variation, an inventive surface treating apparatus, shown generically at  520 , to encompass all different components described herein and identified collectively as  522 , may be repositioned through a moving mechanism  524  selectively throughout a space bounded by an exposed surface to be treated. The moving mechanism  524 , and potentially the treating components  522  on the apparatus  520 , may be selectively operated through a control  526  that may be wired to, or in wireless communication with, receivers  528 ,  530  on the surface treating components  522  and moving mechanism  524 , respectively. This facilitates remote treating at hard-to-reach and potentially dangerously high locations. The moving mechanism  524  may interact with the surface or be otherwise controlled, as through an independent support. 
   The foregoing disclosure of specific embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the broad concepts comprehended by the invention.