Brushing – scrubbing – and general cleaning – Implements – Adhesive lint remover
Reexamination Certificate
1997-09-02
2001-01-23
Warden, Sr., Robert J. (Department: 1744)
Brushing, scrubbing, and general cleaning
Implements
Adhesive lint remover
C015S209100, C015S210100, C015SDIG001
Reexamination Certificate
active
06175984
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to the cleaning of precision components, and more particularly to a cleaning apparatus and method of use particularly suited for cleaning precision components without leaving harmful residue on the component surface.
2. Description of the Related Art
One problem which affects manufacturers of precision components such as medical instruments, electronic components, disk drive systems, etc. is particulate contamination of the device or component. In particular, the manufacturers, service providers or users of these devices need a cleaning apparatus and method for using that allows the operator to easily remove particles from the surface of these parts or devices. Typically, these components cannot be washed in aqueous or solvent cleaners, and the only way to remove the particles is by wiping the components with cloths or swabs, which is inefficient and relatively ineffective.
One approach found in the prior art to address these problems is the gumstick described in IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin Vol. 30, No. 7. The cleaning or gumstick described includes an acrylic rod with a rubber based transfer material. The problem with this approach, however, is that the transfer material itself may contaminate the device it is intended to clean. Although the existing particles on the component are lifted by the gumstick, a harmful residue may be left behind which may adversely affect the operation of the component. For example, in a disk drive system, the gumstick could leave a residue on the component that would volatilize by heating of the component during operation of the disk drive and subsequently condense on the surface of the disk where the temperature is cooler. This effect, referred to as outgassing, can lead to a head crash in operation of a disk drive system.
Other small object pick up devices found in the prior art include U.S. Pat. No. 5,251,943 issued to Dalbo et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,116 issued to DeWoskin which describe various devices for handling small components. However, these devices are not suited for use in cleaning precision components where the degree of cleanliness is of critical importance.
As can readily be seen there is a need for a cleaning apparatus that is particularly useful for cleaning precision components without leaving harmful residue on the surface of the component. It can further be seen that the apparatus should be simple to manufacture, has to be adequately packaged to avoid contamination before use, and should be able to conform in size and shape based on the component or device to be cleaned.
For the foregoing reasons, it becomes necessary to engineer a new apparatus for addressing the problems of cleaning precision components without further complications arising from harmful residue left behind by the cleaning apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, it is the object of the present invention to provide a cleaning apparatus particularly suited for cleaning precision components such as those found in the electronics, disk drive and medical instruments industry.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning apparatus of the present invention is comprised of an adhesive tip mounted on a handle. The adhesive tip may be fixedly or rotatably mounted on the handle, and is further comprised of an adhesive film which may be wrapped about the handle or an adhesive layer formed over a more compliant or more resilient surface. The adhesive is preferably a low residue, low out gassing material which may easily remove particles from the surface of precision components without further contaminating the component.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning apparatus is manufactured by winding or rolling the thin film adhesive material onto a non-particulating dowel similar to a swab handle. In another embodiment, the film may be applied over a compliant surface attached to the end of the handle, or alternatively a more resilient surface on the end of the handle. The adhesive may also be applied directly to a substrate while it is still in a liquid, uncured state.
Optionally, the surface of the adhesive tip of the cleaning apparatus may be cross-linked to further reduce the possibility of residue.
Once manufactured, the adhesive tip of the cleaning apparatus has to be protected prior to use. In one embodiment, a coated Mylar or similar release film would be used to protect the adhesive prior to use. The choice of the release film is critical to avoid siloxane (methyl silicone) contamination.
These and various other advantages and features of novelty which characterize the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described specific examples of a system and method in accordance with the present invention.
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“Cleaning Stick”, IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 30, No. 7, Dec. 1987, p. 418.
Prime Robert Bruce
Weaver Ronald Lee
Bluestone Randall J.
International Business Machines - Corporation
Krall Noreen A.
Snider Theresa T.
Warden, Sr. Robert J.
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