Patent Document

PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/760,023, filed Feb. 5, 2013, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/660,246 filed Feb. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,434,504, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/218,347 filed Jul. 14, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,790,468, and which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/982,505, filed Nov. 5, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,665,173. All of the foregoing applications and patents are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to cleaning systems, particularly liquid application cleaning apparatus and methods for cleaning windows and walls of structures, such as buildings. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Building structures, particularly tall urban buildings, are typically washed manually. A scaffolding structure is usually suspended from the top of the building to be washed. The scaffolding can be raised or lowered so that a person standing on the scaffolding can wash the windows and exterior surfaces of the building by hand. After a vertical section of the building is washed, the scaffolding is repositioned laterally so that the next adjacent vertical section of the building may be cleaned. This procedure may be repeated until the entire building has been washed. Cleaning windows using scaffolding is extremely time consuming. In an effort to reduce time and cost, therefore being more competitive in the industry, window washers tie a climbing rope to the roof anchors provided for the scaffolding and throw the rope over the side of the building. Then they attach a bosons chair to the rope and a climber&#39;s harness to themselves with repelling hardware. The man goes over the side of the building with his tools and water/soap bucket and cleans 6-8 of horizontal glass width per story. Then repels down to the next level and repeats until that drop is complete. 
         [0004]    Manual washing of buildings has proven to be quite dangerous, especially with respect to tall skyscrapers. Typical wind and air drafts surrounding a building can exert a significant aerodynamic force upon a scaffolding structure or window cleaning laborer, causing them to swing out and away from the building, and placing persons standing on that scaffolding or suspended on a rope in peril. Injuries from manual window washing operations are common, and have caused insurance rates to soar. Typically, the cost of insuring a window washing operation can reach 40% of the labor costs. Furthermore, the manual washing of building exteriors is slow and labor-intensive. 
         [0005]    Effectively removing mineral deposits from building windows has been a problem which has long plagued the industry. Normal water supplies conventionally used for wash water contain some amount of dissolved solids, including calcium, magnesium, and sodium in the form of bicarbonates, carbonates, chlorides, or sulfates. Regardless of the type or form of the dissolved solids, when a water droplet is allowed to dry on a surface, the solids typically remain as deposits on the surface. 
         [0006]    When washing a window, a single water drop left on the surface will typically contain between 300 and 1000 parts per million of dissolved solids, in addition to varying amounts of suspended solids removed from the surface by washing. When water drops evaporate, mineral deposits are left in “spots”. Compounding the spotting problem is the fact that when a window is being cleaned in sunlight, the surface of the window can be elevated to as much as 120 degrees F. Wash water in such circumstances evaporates quickly and can be seen to “steam” off of the window. Heavy and ultimately damaging mineral deposits can result. 
         [0007]    Surface active agents (i.e. cleaning agents), such as polyphosphate and organic detergents, serve to spread adhering water drops over a wider area, making water spotting less noticeable. However, the effect is only cosmetic as the accumulation of hard mineral deposits as a whole is unaffected. 
         [0008]    Although various automatic window washing devices have been described in the art (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,344,454 and 3,298,052), the inventors are not aware of any such devices which have proven to be practical or accepted in use. Such devices typically employ mechanical techniques to scrub the surface and to remove residual water. These cleaners suffer from a combination of several problems. First, many require some form of tracking (e.g., vertical mullions) on the building facade to guide the device up and down and maintain cleaning contact with the surface. Second, many include elaborate mechanical water collection and liquid removal apparatus, adding weight and expense to the overall device. Finally, since it is difficult to completely remove all of the wash water from the surfaces, and since all devices known to the inventor use common tap water (with or without detergents) as the washing medium, they tend to clean ineffectively, leaving mineral deposits from the tap water itself. 
         [0009]    It is desirable to use unmanned, self-propelled vehicles such as robots to perform a variety of functions that would be difficult or dangerous for a person to perform. For example many people frequently use robots to retrieve or dispose an explosive device or inspect or work in an environment that could kill or injure a person. People also frequently use robots to inspect or work in locations that typically are hard to access or are inaccessible by a person such as inspecting a pipeline. 
         [0010]    Unfortunately, because robots typically propel themselves to a work site, use of most conventional unmanned, self-propelled vehicles is typically significantly limited by the ability of the robot to propel itself over a surface. For example, surfaces that include compound curves or three dimensional curves, abrupt inclinations or declinations, steps or gaps can cause conventional robots to become significantly less stable, i.e., more likely to lose their preferred orientation relative to the surface, as they traverse the surface or turn on it. In addition, surfaces that are slippery can cause conventional robots to easily lose a significant portion, if not all, of their traction to the surface. If either happens while traversing an incline or inverted surface such as a ceiling, such a loss of traction could cause the robot to fall. Such a fall could seriously damage the robot, its payload if it has any, or the surface or other components of the structure the robot is traversing. 
         [0011]    Another problem with conventional robots is they tend to scrub the surface as they traverse and turn on it. This can cause undesirable scratches on the surface. For example, the exterior surface of the glass may have a reflective or solar coating or film that is more easily scratches than the glass. 
         [0012]    Yet another problem with conventional robots is they tend to bounce or jerk as they propel themselves across a surface. This can be a significant problem during use on glass surfaces. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,326 discloses a washing system comprising a cleaning device for cleaning exterior surfaces of buildings, means for suspending the cleaning device in contact with the building surface to be cleaned, and means for causing the washing unit to traverse the building surface to be cleaned. Means for restraining the cleaning device against the building surface to be cleaned are provided, said restraining means including a restraining cable having a free weight attached thereto, means for attaching the restraining cable to the building at a point above the cleaning device, and a member for attaching the restraining cable to the building at a point below the cleaning device, the member being mounted on a suction cup adapted to engage the building. In use, the restraining cable is attached to the building at a point above the cleaning device, then passes over the cleaning device, and is threaded through the member below the cleaning device, such that the free weight hangs below the member and exerts a downward force on the cable, and the cable thereby restrains the cleaning device against the building surface to be cleaned. Preferably, the member connected to the suction cup comprises a pulley. Alternatively, it may be a loop, a U-shaped piece, or any other structure having a bore or passage through which the restraining cable can pass. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,465,446 discloses a cleaning machine for high-rise buildings having an elevator cage supporting a horizontal brush and a vertical brush. The brushes are mounted on arms which rotate 180 degrees to separately clean a window. A pair of suckers associated with hydraulic piston and cylinder assemblies space a brush adjacent the window. Another pair of hydraulic cylinders mounted on the case are connected to rollers that space a brush adjacent the window. There is no counterforce generator or device connected to the cage to continuously retain a brush in engagement with the window. A pair of cables connected to motor driven lift mechanisms operate to elevate the cage along the outer wall of the building. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,250 describes a robotic apparatus for applying fluids to the exterior surfaces of vertical, nearly vertical, or sloped surfaces with minimum human supervision. The robotic apparatus is designed to apply fluids to surfaces which may include obstacles such as window frames or gaps created by window seams, which the present invention is designed to traverse. The robotic apparatus includes housing, a drive assembly, a sliding vacuum assembly, a fluid spray assembly, and sensor and control systems. The drive assembly includes drive chains, cables, ropes or the like that are connected at one end to a carriage positioned on the top of the structure and to a stabilizing member or members at the other end. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,455 describes an automated cleaning method is provided for an exterior wall of a building. Elongated, water-tight or electrically-insulating hollow members are accommodated within upper and lower sash rails constructing said exterior wall so that said hollow members continuously extend in horizontal directions, respectively. An electrical conductor extends in one of the hollow members. The other hollow member forms a drainage system. A cleaning apparatus main unit is arranged so that said cleaning apparatus main unit is supplied with electric power through said conductor to permit self-traveling in a horizontal direction along said exterior wall and is also supplied with washing water from said drainage system to permit cleaning of a surface of said exterior wall. The washing water is drained into said drainage subsequent to the cleaning by said cleaning apparatus main unit. The washing water can be recirculated for reuse. 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,803 describes a device, including a window cleaning device, comprising a main body, a motor and drive wheels mounted on the main body, a partitioning member mounted on the main body and defining a pressure reduction space in cooperation with the main body and a wall surface, and a vacuum pump for reducing the pressure of the pressure reduction space. The device can suction-adhere to the wall surface by the pressure of an ambient fluid acting on the main body owing to the difference in fluid pressure between the inside and outside of the pressure reduction space and move along the wall surface by the action of the moving member. The partitioning member has an outside wall portion extending from its one end to a contacting portion contacting the wall surface and an inside wall portion extending from the contacting portion to its other end. A stretchable and contractible portion is provided in at least one of the outside and inside wall portions, and the contacting portion moves toward and away from the wall surface by the stretching and contracting of the stretchable and contractible portion. 
         [0018]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,090 discloses a machine for cleaning high rise buildings with motor driven rotating brushes mounted within a case. A pair of plates secured to the top and bottom of the case ride on the outer surface of the building during movement of the machine relative to the building. The machine is hung with a cable from the top of the building. The cable is pulled and shifted to move the machine vertically and horizontally along the outer surface of the building. A motor driven propeller mounted on the back of the case provides a pushing force to the case to retain the plates in engagement with the outer surface of the building during cleaning of the outer surface of the building with the rotating brushes. 
         [0019]    U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2003/0106176 discloses an automatic washing system for tall buildings having a winding device at the top of the building connected to a cable secured to a washing device located adjacent the outside surface of a building. The washing device has a pair of brushes that are rotated with an electric motor to clean the outside of the building. A plurality of fans located at the rear side of the washing device discharges air in a direction that is opposite the outside surface of the building so that negative air pressure generated relative to the washing device presses the brushes against the outside surface of the building during the cleaning of the outside surface of the building. 
         [0020]    U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2009/0100618 discloses a cleaning apparatus for the exterior walls of buildings. The cleaning apparatus has a housing rotatably supporting a pair of cleaning brushes and a motor operable to rotate the brushes. A set of external hoisting hangers support the cleaning apparatus adjacent the exterior wall of a building. A gas producer mounted on the housing discharges an airflow which presses the brushes against the exterior wall of the building during cleaning of the exterior wall of the building. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0021]    A cleaning apparatus and method for use to clean upright surfaces without the use of personnel at the specific site of cleaning. The cleaning apparatus has a frame supporting at least one rotatable cleaning element. The cleaning element is a rotatable scrubbing member or brush having flexible vanes that engage a surface to clean foreign materials from the surface. A pair of cleaning elements can be mounted on the frame. A winch mounted on the frame is operably connected to a cable that pendently supports the cleaning apparatus from a davit mounted above the surface, such as the exterior sidewall of a building. An electric motor mounted on the frame operates the winch to move the cleaning apparatus up and down the surface during the cleaning of the surface. A shield mounted on the frame separates the cleaning element from the winch and motor to confine air and cleaning liquid to the area accommodating the cleaning element. A liquid application mounted on the frame or shield is configured to spray a cleaning liquid on the surface during cleaning of the surface with the cleaning element. A counterforce generator mounted on the frame provides a substantially horizontal perpendicular continuous force or thrust on the frame and cleaning element towards the surface to maintain the cleaning element in effective continuous engagement with the surface during movement of the cleaning apparatus relative to the surface. The counterforce generator includes an air mover, such as a motor driven fan or blower. There is constant pressure on the cleaning element to retain the cleaning element in continuous engagement with the surface being cleaned. This prevents separation of the cleaning element from the surface due to wind, air currents and window frames. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a schematic side elevational view of a first embodiment of the cleaning apparatus of the invention pendently supported adjacent the outside wall of a building; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged sectional view taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged side elevational view of the right side of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a schematic side elevational view of a second embodiment of the cleaning apparatus of the invention pendently supported adjacent the outside of a building; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged side elevational view of the right side of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged side elevational view of the left side of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a cleaning brush showing the support body and cleaning vanes attached thereto; 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged cutaway perspective view of section A of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged side elevational view of the right side of a modification of the cleaning apparatus; 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the cleaning apparatus of the invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a front elevational view of the cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a top plan view of the cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  is a side elevational view of the right side of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 15  is a side elevational view of a fourth embodiment of the cleaning apparatus of the invention pendently supported on a building; 
           [0037]      FIG. 16  is a top plan view of the cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 15 ; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 17  is a front elevational view of the cleaning apparatus of  FIG. 15 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0039]    A cleaning apparatus and method according to technology described herein has at least two distinct components that interact to provide a complete cleaning system for the cleaning of surfaces, such as the exterior vertical wall and windows of office buildings, hotels, hospitals and other multistory structures with, by way of non-limiting examples, up to 8 or 10 inches of sharp vertical deviation from flatness between areas of the surfaces (e.g., vertical elevation of panels separating window areas). The apparatus exhibits stability against winds and provides high quality cleaning ability on window surfaces without the use of personnel at the immediate cleaning areas. 
         [0040]    A non-limiting general description of the cleaning apparatus described herein may be considered as a washing system for elevated surfaces comprising: a) a housing having a liquid application cleaning system therein; b) a support element that supports and elevates the washing system; c) a rigid member extending from a surface of the housing that faces away from a surface to be cleaned so that the cable, when supporting the cleaning system against the surface to be cleaned and connected to the housing at a connection point, exerts a rotational force on the cleaning system in respect to the fulcrum point at the roof davit connection point; d) weights provided at a distance and direction from the connection point to at least in part counterbalance the rotational force around the connection point on the extended member. The cleaning apparatus may have the support element comprises a) a cable, b) hose, c) rope, or d) two or more of a rope, cable and hose connected to a davit mounted on top of a building. The cleaning apparatus may include a weight located on a rigid frame. The cleaning system may comprise at least one brush that contacts the surface to be cleaned, or at least two brushes that contact the surface to be cleaned. A counterforce generator mounted on the frame establishes a continuous force or thrust that retains the cleaning in effective engagement with the surface during cleaning thereof. 
         [0041]    The cleaning apparatus for the surfaces is generally designed for glass or coated glass (e.g., surfaces having abrasion-resistant coatings, light filtering coatings, enhanced cleanable surfaces, etc.) surfaces, but any structure having a relatively flat surface can be cleaned by the present technology. The actual cleaning is done by the application of a cleaning liquid to the surface with sufficient forces involved in the time frame immediate with the liquid application or subsequent to the application to assist in removal of dirt, film, particles, soil age, salt, caked material, deposits, and the like from the surface. Although many systems use jet spray or hand application, especially in conjunction with personnel at the cleaning site (e.g., handling applicators, squeegees, brushes, hoses, buckets, sprays, etc., as opposed to merely being on the roof directing the equipment), jet spray application is less preferred because of its tendency under Newton&#39;s Second Law of Motion to push the cleaning apparatus from the wall and make it more susceptible to displacement by ambient air currents and wind. Jet spray application, even with the assistance of heat and chemical, fails to clean the film coating on the surface being cleaned. A preferred application cleaning apparatus comprises brush application, sponge application, strip application, foam finger application, sheet application and the like, where physical elements exert a physical force such as a rubbing action against the surface to be cleaned in the present of a cleaning liquid (which may be water, alone). The second component therefore usually may comprise a frame for support of a motor, liquid delivery system, physical contact system for applying force against the surface to be cleaned while the surface is in contact with the liquid, and a counterforce generator that assist in keeping the physical contact system in cleaning orientation with respect to the surface to be cleaned. Each of these elements will be discussed in greater detail in a review of the Figures of the described technology. 
         [0042]    A first embodiment of the cleaning apparatus  2 , shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , pendently supported adjacent the outside of a building  4  is operable to cleaning the outside wall or windows  5 . A support or davit  6  located on the building&#39;s roof  3  has a generally horizontal arm  7  extended outwardly from the top of building  4 . A plurality of counterweights  8  mounted on the inner end of davit  6  maintain arm  7  in a generally horizontal position and counter the weight of cleaning apparatus  2  connected thereto with a cable  13 . The upper end of cable  13  is secured to the outer end of arm  7 . Davit  6  has wheels  9  that permit movement of davit  6  along roof  3  during cleaning of wall  5 . Other types of davits can be used to pendently support cleaning apparatus adjacent the side of a building or an upright structure. 
         [0043]    Cleaning apparatus  2  has a frame  11  having horizontal and vertical interconnected members or beams. A housing or shield  12  is secured to frame  11 . Shield  12  has a back wall and side walls with an opening facing the outside wall  5  of building  4 . A grip style winch  14  drivably connected to an electric motor  15  is mounted on frame  11 . Cable  13  is operatively connected to winch  14  whereby winch  14  operated by motor  15  winds and unwinds cable  13  to selectively move cleaning apparatus  2  up and down relative to wall  5  of building  4 . An elongated chain, web or strap can be used to pendently support cleaning apparatus  2  from davit  6 . An electric cable  21 , shown in  FIG. 2 , extends to ground and a source of electric power. A manual control connected to cable  21  is used to control the operation of motor  15 . A remote control unit can alternatively be used to control the operation of motor  15 . 
         [0044]    A pair of generally horizontal cleaning members or brushes  16  and  18  are rotatably mounted within housing  12 . Circumferential portions of each brush  16  and  18  extend outwardly from housing  12  to allow brushes  16  and  18  to engage wall  5  and clean wall  5 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , electric motors  17  and  19  drivably connected to brushes  16  and  18  rotate brushes  16  and  18  in opposite directions during cleaning of wall  5 . Motors  17  and  19  are connected with electric cables to a source of electric power. Manual controls joined to the cables are used to control the operation of motors  17  and  19 . 
         [0045]    A hose  22  connected to housing  12  delivers cleaning liquid, such as water, to liquid dispensers  23  mounted on housing  12 . Cleaning liquid is sprayed onto wall  5  above brush  16  whereby brush  16  scrubs the wet surface of wall  5 . Hose  22  is attached to a liquid supply system, such as a pump and deionized water tank (not shown). A plurality of liquid applicators can be associated with housing  12  to dispense cleaning liquid onto wall  5 . Excess liquid is drained from the bottom of housing  12  with a drain hose  24 . 
         [0046]    Cleaning apparatus  2  is counterbalanced with a counterbalancing weight  26  mounted on the outer end of a rod or pole  27 . Pole  27  is secured to frame  11  and extends outwardly horizontally from frame  11 . The counterbalancing weight  26  provides a downward pivotal force that balances the weight of cleaning apparatus  2  and maintains an inward force on brushes  16  and  18  and stabilizes the cleaning apparatus. 
         [0047]    A counterforce generator  28  mounted on frame  11  establishes a counterforce or thrust that continuously maintains brushes  16  and  18  in effective cleaning engagement with wall  5 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , force generator  28  comprises a rotatable fan  29  driven with an electric motor  31 . Fan  29  is positioned within a cylindrical shroud  32  mounted on frame  11  outwardly of winch  14 . A screen shield  33  secured to shroud  32  is located over the air outlet of shroud  32 . Fan  29  when rotated by motor  31  discharges air, shown by arrows  34  in  FIG. 1 , in an outwardly lateral direction. The moving air establishes a continuous counterforce or thrust on generator  28 , frame  11 , housing  12  and brushes  16  and  18 , as shown by arrows  36 , that maintains brushes  16  and  18  in continuous effective cleaning engagement with wall  5  during movement of cleaning element relative to wall  5 . Generator  28  is mounted on frame  11  in a location to apply substantially equal counterforce on brushes  16  and  18  to maintain both brushes  16  and  18  in cleaning engagement with wall  5 . Counterforce generator  28  can be a plurality of motor driven fans mounted on frame  11 . Blowers, air pumps and air and gas movers can be used as a counterforce generator to provide a substantially perpendicular continuous force on cleaning brushes toward wall  5  to maintain the brushes in continuous effective contact with wall  5  during cleaning of wall  5 . This presents separation of brushes  16  and  18  from wall  5  due to wind, air currents, mullions, window frames and other building structures. The counterforce also reduces vertical and horizontal swinging movements of cleaning apparatus  2 . 
         [0048]    Counterforce generator  28  can be provided with one or more movable air outlets, vanes, rudders or nozzles to direct air in selected lateral, horizontal, and vertical directions to adjust the direction of the counterforce on brushes  16  and  18  to maintain brushes  16  and  18  in effective continuous cleaning engagement with wall  5 . 
         [0049]    The method for cleaning the exterior surface of wall  5  including windows thereon is characterized by providing cleaning apparatus  2  and locating cleaning apparatus  2  with brushes  16  and  18  facing wall  5 . The cleaning apparatus  2  is pendently supported adjacent wall  5  with cable  13  attached to davit  6  supported on top of building  4 . Brushes  16  and  18  are rotated in opposite directions with motors  17  and  19 . The cleaning apparatus operator with a control unit regulates the speed and ON and OFF conditions of motors  17  and  19  A cleaning liquid is dispensed from one or more applicators  23  onto wall  5  adjacent brush  16  during cleaning of wall  5 . The cleaning apparatus  2  is moved up and down relative to wall with winch  14  operated by motor  15 . The cleaning apparatus operator with a control unit controls the speed, direction of operation and ON and OFF operation of motor  15 . A counterforce established with force generator  28  biases brushes  16  and  18  continuously in a generally horizontal direction perpendicular to the outer surface of wall  5  during cleaning of wall  5  as cleaning apparatus  2  is moved relative to wall  5 . The counterforce maintains brushes  16  and  18  in surface engagement with wall  5 . 
         [0050]    The second embodiment of the cleaning apparatus  100 , shown in  FIGS. 4 to 6 , pendently supported adjacent the outside of a building  202  is operable to cleaning the outside wall or windows  203 . A support or davit  103  located on the building&#39;s roof  109  has a generally horizontal arm  104  extended outwardly from the top of building  101 . A plurality of counterweights  108  mounted on the inner end of davit  193  maintain arm  104  in a generally horizontal position and counter the weight of cleaning apparatus  100  connected thereto with a cable  111 . The upper end of cable  111  is secured to the outer end of arm  104 . Davit  103  has wheels  106  and  107  that permit movement of davit  103  along roof  109  during cleaning of wall  102 . Other types of davits can be used to pendently support cleaning apparatus adjacent the side of a building or an upright structure. 
         [0051]    Cleaning apparatus  100  has a frame  112  having horizontal and vertical interconnected members or beams. A housing or shield  113  is secured to frame  112 . Shield  113  has a back wall and side walls with an opening facing the outside wall  102  of building  101 . A grip style winch  114  drivably connected to an electric motor  116  is mounted on frame  112 . Cable  111  is operatively connected to winch  114  whereby winch  114  operated by motor  116  winds and unwinds cable  111  to selectively move cleaning apparatus  100  up and down relative to wall  102  of building  101 . An elongated chain, web or strap can be used to pendently support cleaning apparatus  100  from davit  103 . An electric cable  119 , shown in  FIG. 5 , extends to ground and a source of electric power. A manual control connected to cable  119  is used to control the operation of motor  114 . A remote control unit can alternatively be used to control the operation of motor  116 . 
         [0052]    A pair of generally horizontal cleaning members or brushes  117  and  118  are rotatably mounted within housing  113 . Circumferential portions of each brush  117  and  118  extend outwardly from housing  113  to allow brushes  117  and  118  to engage wall  102  and clean wall  102 . As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , electric motors  132  and  133  are drivably connected to brushes  117  and  118  rotate brushes  117  and  118  in opposite directions during cleaning of wall  102 . Motors  132  and  133  are connected with electric cables to a source of electric power. Manual controls joined to the cables are used to control the operation of motors  132  and  133 . 
         [0053]    A hose  144  connected to housing  113  delivers cleaning liquid, such as water, to liquid dispensers  143  mounted on housing  113 . Cleaning liquid is sprayed onto wall  102  above brush  117  whereby brush  117  scrubs the wet surface of wall  102 . Hose  144  is attached to a liquid supply system, such as a pump and deionized water tank (not shown). A plurality of liquid applicators shown in  FIG. 7  are associated with housing  143  to dispense cleaning liquid onto wall  102 . Excess liquid is drained from the bottom of housing  113  with a drain hose  146 . 
         [0054]    A section of brush  117 , shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , has a support body comprising a cylindrical rim  121  having adjacent transverse slots  122  and  123  separated with transverse bars  124 . A plurality of radial spokes  126  and  127  secure rim  121  to a cylindrical clamp or sleeve  128  attached to the axial shaft of brush  117 . A plurality of flexible plastic vanes or brush members  129  mounted rim  121  extend radially outward from rim  121 . A single strip of vane material forms two vanes by looping  131  the material through adjacent openings in rim  121 . This facilitates removal and replacement of vanes from rim  121 . An arcuate retainer  131  fastened to spokes  126  and  127  holds vanes  129  in assembles relation with rim  121 . A plurality of rims are attached end to end to provide a complete brush. Brushes  16 ,  18 , and  118  has the same structure as brush  117 . 
         [0055]    A counterforce generator  134  mounted on frame  112  establishes a counterforce or counter thrust that continuously maintains brushes  117  and  118  in effective cleaning engagement with wall  102 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , force generator  134  comprises a rotatable fan  136  driven with an electric motor  137 . Fan  136  is positioned within a cylindrical shroud  138  mounted on frame  112  outwardly of winch  114 . A screen shield  139  secured to shroud  138  is located over the air outlet of shroud  138 . Fan  136  when rotated by motor  137  discharges air, shown by arrows  141  in  FIG. 4 , in an outwardly lateral direction. The moving air establishes a continuous counterforce on generator  134 , frame  112 , housing  113  and brushes  117  and  118 , as shown by arrows  142 , that maintains brushes  117  and  118  in effective cleaning engagement with wall  102  during movement of cleaning elements relative to wall  102 . Generator  134  is mounted on frame  112  in a location to apply substantially equal counterforce on brushes  117  and  118  to maintain both brushes  117  and  118  in cleaning engagement with wall  102 . Counterforce generator  134  can be a plurality of motor driven fans mounted on frame  112 . Blowers, air pumps and air and gas movers can be used as a counterforce generator to provide a substantially perpendicular continuous force on the cleaning brushes toward wall  102  to maintain the brushes in continuous contact with wall  102  during cleaning thereof. This prevents separation of brushes  117  and  118  from wall  102  due to wind, air currents, mullions, window frames and other building structures. The counterforce also reduces vertical and horizontal swinging movements of cleaning apparatus  100 . Counterforce generator  134  can be provided with one or more movable air outlets, vanes, rudders or nozzles to direct air in selected lateral, horizontal, and vertical directions to adjust the direction of the counterforce on brushes  117  and  118  to maintain brushes  117  and  118  in effective continuous cleaning engagement with wall  102 . 
         [0056]    A modification of the cleaning apparatus  100  is shown in  FIG. 10 . Cleaning apparatus  200  is attached to a cable  201  that pendently supports cleaning apparatus  200  adjacent an upright wall or window of a structure for cleaning thereof. Cleaning apparatus  200  has a frame  202  supporting a housing or shield  203  accommodating one or more rotatable brushes or cleaning elements. A counterforce generator  204  mounted on frame  202  generates a counterforce that continuously maintains the cleaning brushes in continuous effective cleaning engagement with the wall or window during cleaning thereof. Generator  204  has a plurality of motor driven fans  206 ,  207  and  208  surrounded with cylindrical shrouds  209 ,  210  and  211 . The counterforce created by rotation of fans  206 ,  207  and  208  biases the cleaning brushes continuously in a generally horizontal direction perpendicular to the surface during cleaning of the surface as the cleaning apparatus  200  is moved relative to the surface of the structure. 
         [0057]    A third embodiment of the cleaning apparatus  300 , shown in  FIGS. 11 to 14 , is pendently supported with a cable  306  from a davit located on a building. Cleaning apparatus  300  has a frame  301  comprising horizontal frame members  302  and  303  connected to upright frame members  304  and  305 . An arcuate shield  307  secured to frame member  302  is located adjacent an inside circumferential portion of a cleaning element or brush  308 . Brush  308  has a plurality of outwardly extended vanes  309  mounted on a cylindrical body  311 . The structure of brush  117  shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  is the same as brush  308 . Brush  308  is rotatably mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis on bearings  312  and  313  secured to upright members  304  and  305 . An electric motor  314  drives a power transmission or gear box  316  operatively connected to brush  308  whereby on operation of motor  314  brush is rotated. 
         [0058]    A liquid applicator  317  mounted on frame member  302  above brush  308  operates to dispense cleaning liquid onto the surface to be cleaned. Applicator  317  includes an elongated tube  318  supporting a plurality of nozzles  319  operable to spray liquid, such as deionized water, to the surface to be cleaned with brush  308 . Application  317  is connected to a source of liquid under pressure, such as a pump. A second liquid applicator  321  is mounted on bottom frame member  303 . 
         [0059]    The cleaning apparatus  300  is moved up and down relative to an upright surface of a structure with a grip style winch  322  connected to cable  306 . A DC electric motor  323  coupled to winch  322  operates winch  322  to selectively wind and unwind cable  306  to move cleaning apparatus  300  along the surface during cleaning of the surface. Other types of winches and cable pulling devices can be used with cable  306 , a chain or strap to move cleaning apparatus  300 . Winch  322  and motor  323  are mounted on frame members  324  whereby the motor driven winch  322  on frame  301  is operable to move cleaning apparatus  300  relative to a surface during cleaning of the surface. Motor  323  is coupled to a source of electric power with an electric cord and a manually operated control unit to regulate the speed, direction of operation and ON and OFF conditions of motor  323 . A remote control can be used to regulate the operation of motor  323 . 
         [0060]    A counterforce generator  326  mounted on frame members  303  and  324  generates a counterforce or counter thrust, shown in  FIG. 14  by arrow  327  that continuously maintains brush  308  in effective cleaning engagement with the surface being cleaned. As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , force generator  326  comprises a rotatable fan  328  driven with an electric motor  329 . Fan  328  is positioned within a cylindrical shroud  331  mounted on frame  301 . A screen  332  attached to shroud  331  is located over the air outlet of shroud  331 . Fan  328  when rotated by motor  329  dispenses air outwardly from cleaning apparatus  300  as shown by arrows  333  in  FIG. 14 . The air moved by fan  328 , shown by arrows  333 , establishes a continuous counterforce, shown by arrow  327  opposite the direction of movement of the air discharged by fan  328  on brush  308 . This counterforce is generally horizontal and perpendicular to the surface being cleaned with brush  308 . The counterforce is a counter thrust that maintains brush  308  in continuous effective cleaning engagement with the surface being cleaned during movement of cleaning apparatus  300  along the surface being cleaned. The axis of rotation of fan  328  is located in substantially the same horizontal plane as the axis of rotation of brush  308  whereby the counterforce does not alter the perpendicular cleaning engagement of brush  308  relative to the surface being cleaned. Counterforce generator  326  can include a plurality of motor driven fans mounted on frame  301  as shown by generator  204  in  FIG. 10 . A remote wireless signal receiver  334  mounted on frame  301  is part of a wireless remote control system used by the operator of cleaning apparatus  300  to control the operation of motors  314  and  329 . The operator can change the speed and direction of rotation of winch motor  314  to alter the rate and direction of movement of cleaning apparatus  300 . The operator can also change the speed of operation of motor  329  to regulate the counterforce established by counterforce generator  326 . 
         [0061]    Blowers, air pumps, and air and gas movers can be used as a counterforce generator to provide a substantially perpendicular continuous force on a cleaning brush to maintain the brush in continuous effective contact with the surface being cleaned. This prevents separation of the brush  308  from the surface being cleaned due to wind, air currents, mullions, window frames and other building structures. 
         [0062]    Counterforce generator  326  can be provided with one or more movable air outlets, vanes, rudders or nozzles to direct air in selected lateral, horizontal and vertical directions to adjust the direction of the counterforce on brush  308  to maintain the brush  308  in an effective continuous cleaning engagement with the surface being cleaned. Generator  326  can be mounted on frame  301  in adjustable horizontal and vertical locations with adjustable brackets. 
         [0063]    A fourth embodiment of the cleaning apparatus  400 , shown in  FIGS. 15 to 17 , is pendently supported with a cable  401  from a davit  402  located on a building  403  including an upright wall  404  and a roof  406 . Cleaning apparatus  400  has a frame  407  comprising horizontal frame members  408  and  409  connected to upright frame members  411  and  412 . An arcuate shield  413  secured to frame member  407  is located adjacent an inside circumferential portion of cleaning elements or brushes  414  and  416 . Each brush  414  and  416  has a plurality of outwardly extended vanes  417  mounted on a cylindrical body  418 . The structure of brush  117  shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  is the same as brushes  414  and  416 . Brush  414  is rotatably mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis on bearings  419  and  421  secured to upright frame members  411  and  412 . An electric motor  422  drives a power transmission or gear box  423  operatively connected to brush  414  whereby on operation of motor  422  brush  414  is rotated about a horizontal axis. Brush  416  located generally parallel and below brush  414  is also rotatably mounted on frame  407 . The rear sections of brushes  414  and  416  are located adjacent shield  413  to confine air and liquids to the areas around brushes  414  and  416 . An electric motor  424  drivably coupled to a power transmission or gear box  426  mounted on frame  407  is operable to rotate brush  416  about a generally horizontal axis. Motors  422  and  424  are operable to rotate brushes  414  and  416  in opposite rotational directions or the same rotational directions. 
         [0064]    A liquid applicator  427  mounted on frame member  407  above brush  416 . Applicator  427  includes an elongated tube  428  supporting a plurality of nozzles  429  operable to spray liquid, such as deionized water, to the surface  404  to be cleaned with brush  416 . Applicator  427  is connected to a source of liquid under pressure, such as a pump. A second liquid applicator  431  is mounted on bottom frame member  408 . 
         [0065]    The cleaning apparatus  400  is moved up and down relative to an upright surface of a structure with a grip style winch  432  connected to cable  401 . A DC electric motor  433  coupled to winch  432  operates winch  432  to selectively wind and unwind cable  401  to move cleaning apparatus  400  along the surface  404  during cleaning of the surface  404 . Other types of winches and cable pulling devices can be used with cable  401  to move cleaning apparatus  400 . An elongated strap or chain can be used to pendently support cleaning apparatus  401 . Winch  432  and motor  433  are mounted on frame members  434  whereby the motor driven winch  432  on frame  407  is operable to move cleaning apparatus  400  relative to surface  404  during cleaning of the surface. Motor  433  is coupled to a source of electric power with an electric cord and a manually operated control unit to regulate the speed, direction of operation and ON and OFF conditions of motor  433 . A remote wireless control can be used to regulate the operation of motor  433 . 
         [0066]    A counterforce generator  434  mounted on frame  407  establishes a counterforce or counter thrust, shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , by arrow  436  that continuously maintains brushes  414  and  416  in effective cleaning engagement with the surface  404  being cleaned. As shown in  FIG. 17 , force generator  434  comprises a rotatable fan  437  driven with an electric motor  438 . Fan  437  is positioned within a cylindrical shroud  439  mounted on frame  407 . A screen  441  attached to shroud  439  is located over the air outlet of shroud  439 . Fan  437  when rotated by motor  438  dispenses air outwardly from cleaning apparatus  400  as shown by arrows  442  in  FIG. 15 . The air moved by fan  437 , shown by arrows  442 , establishes a continuous counterforce, shown by arrow  436  opposite the direction of movement of the air discharged by fan  437  on brushes  414  and  416 . This counterforce is generally horizontal and perpendicular to the surface  404  being cleaned with brushes  414  and  416 . The counterforce is a counter thrust that maintains brushes  414  and  416  in continuous effective cleaning engagement with the surface  404  being cleaned during movement of cleaning apparatus  400  along the surface  404  being cleaned. The axis of rotation of fan  437  is located between the horizontal planes of the axes of rotation of brushes  414  and  416  whereby the counterforce does not alter the perpendicular cleaning engagement of brushes  414  and  416  relative to the surface  404  being cleaned. Counterforce generator  434  can include a plurality of motor driven fans mounted on frame  407  as shown by generator  204  in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0067]    A remote wireless signal receiver  443  mounted on frame  407  is part of a wireless remote control system used by the operator of cleaning apparatus  400  to control the operation of motors  422 ,  424  and  438 . The operator can change the speed and direction of rotation of winch motor  433  to alter the rate and direction of movement of cleaning apparatus  400 . The operator can also change the speed of operation of motor  438  to regulate the counterforce established by counterforce generator  434 . 
         [0068]    Blowers, air pumps, and air and gas movers can be used as a counterforce generator to provide a substantially perpendicular continuous force on a cleaning brush to maintain the brush in continuous effective contact with the surface being cleaned. This prevents separation of the brushes  416  and  418  from the surface being cleaned due to wind, air currents, mullions, window frames and other building structures. 
         [0069]    Counterforce generator  434  can be provided with one or more movable air outlets, vanes, rudders or nozzles to direct air in selected lateral, horizontal and vertical directions to adjust the direction of the counterforce on brushes  416  and  418  to maintain the brushes  416  and  418  in an effective continuous cleaning engagement with the surface being cleaned. Generator  434  can be mounted on frame  407  in adjustable horizontal and vertical locations with adjustable brackets. 
         [0070]    The above description and drawings of the several embodiments of the cleaning apparatus may be modified and altered by persons skilled in the art within the scope and context of the invention defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Technology Category: 1