Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
APPARATUS ADAPTED FOR THE REMOVAL OF FOREIGN MATTER
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus adapted for the
removal of
foreign matter and which contains within itself its own guide for operation to
move a
cleaning agency relative to a work surface, such as classified in USPC Class
Number 15.
2. Description of Related Prior Art
[0002] U.S. Pub. No. 20130081652 discloses an Apparatus and Method for
cleaning Facades on multi-story buildings. That document relates to an
automatic
cleaning apparatus (1) for cleaning facades on multi-story buildings. The
apparatus
comprises a rotating brush (11) arranged rotatable about its longitudinal
axis, a drive
mechanism (16) for rotating the brush, a container (18) for housing a cleaning
fluid, and a
fluid feeding device adapted to feed the rotating brush with cleaning fluid
from the
container by means of capillarity forces. The apparatus is designed to engage
to steering
guides (4) provided on the facade. The apparatus is designed so that a
downward
movement of the apparatus is solely powered by gravity forces acting on the
apparatus.
The drive mechanism for rotating the brush comprises at least one drive wheel
(16)
arranged to be in contact with the surface of the facade and to generate a
friction powered
torque during downward movement of the cleaning apparatus, and a transmission
unit
arranged to transfer the torque of the drive wheel to the rotating brush to
make the brush
rotate during the downward movement. The apparatus further comprises a wiper
device
(22) arranged above the rotating brush and adapted to be in contact with the
facade
during cleaning to wipe off used cleaning fluid from the facade, and a fluid
collecting
member arranged to collect the cleaning fluid wiped off by the wiper device,
and to
transport the collected cleaning fluid to the container for reuse.
[0003] The background description provided herein is for the purpose of
generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently
named
inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well
as aspects of the
description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing,
are neither
expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.
-1-
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
SUMMARY
[0004] An apparatus adapted for the removal of foreign matter from the
exterior
of windows of a building can include a cleaning unit and a positioning unit.
The cleaning
unit can extend a depth between a front side confronting the work surface and
a back side
opposite the front side. The cleaning unit can include a cleaning agency. The
positioning
unit can be engaged with the cleaning unit to move the cleaning unit among a
plurality of
different positions relative to the building.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The detailed description set forth below references the following
drawings:
[0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the
present
disclosure positioned to remove foreign matter from exterior windows of a
building;
[0007] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of an exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure disposed to move vertically between floors of a building;
[0008] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a front side of a cleaning unit
according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0009] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a front side of a cleaning
attachment
assembly of a cleaning unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present
disclosure with an outer housing being transparent to reveal internal
structures;
[0010] Figure 5 is a side view of a truck of a cleaning unit according to
an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure with portions cut away to
reveal internal
structures, wherein the side of the truck illustrated is an internal side;
[0011] Figure 6 is a side view of a truck of a cleaning unit according to
an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure with portions cut away to
reveal internal
structures, wherein the side of the truck illustrated is an external side;
[0012] Figure 7 is a magnified portion of Figure 6 illustrating a side
view of a
tensioning unit and a braking unit of a cleaning unit according to an
exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] Figure 8 is a left-hand view of the structures shown in Figure 7;
- 2 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
[00 1 4] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an upper positioning assembly of
a
positioning unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0015] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a lower positioning assembly of
a
=
positioning unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0016] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a vertical adjustment assembly
of an
upper positioning assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0017] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a lateral adjustment assembly of
an
upper positioning assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0018] Figure 13 is a schematic view of a control system according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a first alternative cleaning
attachment
assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0020] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a second alternative cleaning
attachment assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0021] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a third alternative cleaning
attachment
assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a fourth alternative cleaning
attachment
assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0023] Figure 18 is a perspective view of a fifth alternative cleaning
attachment
assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] A plurality of different embodiments of the present disclosure is
shown in
the Figures of the application. Similar features are shown in the various
embodiments of
the present disclosure. Similar features across different embodiments have
been
numbered with a common reference numeral and have been differentiated by a
singular
or double alphabetic suffix. Also, to enhance consistency, the structures in
any particular
drawing share the same alphabetic suffix even if a particular feature is shown
in less than
all embodiments. Similar features are structured similarly, operate similarly,
and/or have
the same function unless otherwise indicated by the drawings or this
specification.
- 3 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
Furthermore, particular features of one embodiment can replace corresponding
features in
another embodiment or can supplement other embodiments unless otherwise
indicated by
the drawings or this specification.
[0025] Referring
now to Figure 1, an apparatus 10 adapted for the removal of
foreign matter from the exterior of windows of a building 14, such as window
12, can
include a cleaning unit 16 and a positioning unit 18. Referring now to Figure
2, the
cleaning unit 16 can extend a depth 20 between a front side 22 confronting a
work
surface, such as the surface 24 of the window 12, and a back side 26 opposite
the front
side 22. Referring now to Figure 3, the cleaning unit 16 can include a
cleaning agency
28. In Figure 3, the exemplary cleaning agency 28 can be a wiper blade.
Referring again
to Figure 2, the positioning unit 18 can be engaged with the cleaning unit 16
to move the
cleaning unit 16 among a plurality of different positions relative to the
building 14. Each
of the plurality of different positions can be defined by different windows of
the building
14.
[0026] , A
cleaning agency is a structure or mechanism for cleaning. A cleaning
agency can be a flow of air, steam, or equivalent gaseous fluid; liquid fluid;
a brush; a
pad; a scraper or blade (squeegee), or any combination having one or more of
these
agencies. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced with any form
of these
cleaning agencies.
[0027] Referring
again to Figure 3, the exemplary cleaning unit 16 can include a
first truck assembly 30, a second truck assembly 32, and a cleaning attachment
assembly
34. As will be described in greater detail below, the first truck assembly 30
and the
second truck assembly 32 can couple the cleaning attachment assembly 34 to the
positioning unit 18. As will be described in greater detail below, the first
truck assembly
30 and the second truck assembly 32 can each be engaged with cleaning
attachment
assembly 34 whereby at least a portion of the cleaning attachment assembly 34
can move
relative to the first truck assembly 30 and the second truck assembly 32. The
cleaning
agency 28 can be mounted on the cleaning attachment assembly 34.
[0028] Fluid,
such as fluid at high pressure, can be directed to the cleaning unit
16. The pressure of the fluid directed to the cleaning unit 16 can be any
desired pressure,
such as from eighty pounds per square inch (PSI) to five thousand PSI. The
fluid can be
directed to the cleaning unit 16 through a conduit 36 (referenced in Figures 1
and 6). As
- 4 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
will be described further below, different cleaning attachment assemblies
engageable
with the trucks 30, 32 may be configured to work with fluid at different
levels of
pressure. For example, one or more cleaning attachment assemblies may operate
using
fluid at five thousand PSI. Such a cleaning attachment assembly may use the
fluid itself
to remove foreign matter. Other cleaning attachment assemblies may use fluid
at lower
pressure in combination with a brush or pad. Fluid can be directed through the
conduit
36 with a pump drawing fluid from a reservoir. Such a pump and reservoir (not
shown)
can be disposed on the top of the building 14.
[0029] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can include a sub-
system configured to deliver substantially pure water to the cleaning unit 16
to inhibit the
formation of spots on the windows. A reverse osmosis and deionization unit
with a
possible collection tank can be used to supply substantially pure water. Pure
water can be
water having less than ten parts per million of total dissolved solids. One or
more
cleaning agencies may require some type of lubricant in the fluid, such as a
slight inflow
of detergent.
[0030] The conduit 36 can be arranged to direct the fluid to a fluid
circuit of the
present disclosure with an entry port 38 positioned within the second truck
32, as shown
in Figure 6. The fluid circuit can extend from the entry port 38 to a port 40.
The fluid
circuit can extend from the port 40 by way of a flexible hose 42 exiting the
second truck
32. The hose 42 can extend from the second truck 32 to a housing 44 of the
cleaning
attachment assembly 34. The hose 42 can include a quick-connect fitting to
allow the
user to easily attach and detach the hose 42 from the truck 32. The other end
of the hose
42 can be permanently attached to the cleaning attachment assembly 34 in one
or more
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0031] Figure 3 illustrates the exemplary housing 44 in operation and
Figure 4
illustrates the housing 44 with a portion removed and/or transparent to reveal
internal
structures. The hose 42 can extend to a port 46 within the housing 44. A
portion of the
fluid circuit within the housing 44 can include a plurality of conduits
defining a plurality
of fluid passageways in the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
For
example, the fluid circuit can include a conduit within the housing 44
arranged to deliver
fluid to at least one cylinder that is operable to extend in response to the
delivery of
pressurized fluid. Such a cylinder can be a single-acting cylinder in that the
cylinder
- 5 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
extends in response to the delivery of pressurized fluid and retracts when the
delivery of
pressurized fluid ceases. A biasing device urging the cylinder to a fully-
retracted
configuration can be positioned on the outside of the cylinder or internally.
A schematic
illustration of the cleaning unit 16 when a cylinder is in a fully-retracted
position is
illustrated in solid line in Figure 2. A schematic illustration of the
cleaning unit 16 when
a cylinder is in an extended position is illustrated in dashed line (in
phantom) in Figure 2.
[0032] It is noted that the engagement between the first and second trunks
30, 32
and the cleaning attachment assembly 34 can be modular in that a plurality of
differently-
configured cleaning attachment assemblies can be selectively engagable with
the first and
second trunks 30, 32. In other words, a first cleaning attachment assembly can
be
mounted on the first and second trunks 30, 32; operated to remove debris;
removed
without damage to the first truck 30, the second truck 32, and the first
cleaning assembly;
and replaced with a second cleaning attachment assembly that can be mounted on
the first
and second trunks 30, 32 and operated to remove debris.
[0033] In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning
attachment assembly 34 can include a plurality of cylinders, such as two
cylinders on
each lateral side of the housing 44. For example, the exemplary cleaning
attachment
assembly 34 can include cylinders 48 and 50 extending from a first lateral
side of the
housing 44 and cylinders 52 and 54 extending from a second lateral side of the
housing
44 opposite the first lateral side. All of the cylinders 48 ¨ 54 can receive
pressurized
fluid from the fluid circuit in the exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure to
extend concurrently in response to the delivery of pressurized fluid. The
exemplary
cylinders 48 ¨ 54 are operable to extend to urge the cleaning agency 28 toward
the work
surface 24.
[0034] Each of the exemplary cylinders 48 ¨ 54 can be received in one or
more
sleeves fixedly associated with the first and second trucks 30, 32. Referring
now to
Figure 5, a sleeve 56 can be mounted on the truck 32. A similar sleeve can be
mounted
on the truck 30. The sleeve 56 can have a C-shaped cross-section or any other
shape and
extend from an opening 58 to a base 60. The rod ends of the cylinders 48 and
50 can be
received through the opening 58 and be directed through apertures 62, 64 in
the base 60.
Fasteners such as nuts can be utilized to secure the rod ends to the sleeve 56
and thus
secure the cylinders 48 and 50 to the truck 32.
- 6 -
=
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
[00351 Each of the exemplary cylinders 48 ¨54 can be pivotally engaged
with the
housing 44 and the fluid circuit can include valving to allow the cylinders 48
¨ 54 to be
variably extended. For example, in one or more embodiments of the present
disclosure,
the cylinders 48 and 50 could be extended differently to allow the housing 44
to tilt or
pivot if desired. The cylinders 48 and 50 could thus be controlled to execute
a wiping
motion at the bottom of a window mimicking the movement executed by human
window
washer.
[0036] The plurality of cylinders 48 ¨ 54 can thus define a moving device
operably disposed between the cleaning unit 16 and the cleaning agency 28
whereby a
distance separating at least part of the cleaning unit 16 and the cleaning
agency 28 in a
vertically-extending plane transverse to both of the front side 22 and the
back side 26 is
variable. Figure 2 is an illustration in a vertically-extending plane
transverse to both of
the front side 22 and the back side 26. The distance, for example between the
trucks 30,
32 and the cleaning agency 28 can increase during extension of the cylinders
48 ¨ 54 and
can decrease during retraction of the cylinders 48 ¨ 54. In the exemplary
embodiment,
extension of the cylinders 48 ¨54 can occur along only a horizontal axis in
the vertically-
extending plane.
[0037] Referring again to Figure 4, a portion of the fluid circuit within
the
housing 44 can also include one or more conduits defining one or more fluid
passageways directing fluid to a sprayer manifold 66. The exemplary sprayer
manifold
66 can include a plurality of apertures, such as aperture 68, arranged along
its width for
directing fluid at the surface 24 of the window 12. The apertures 68 can be
evenly spaced
from one another and similarly sized, or can be differently-sized and unevenly
spaced.
[0038] Referring again to Figure 1, the positioning unit 18 can include at
least one
flexible, elongate member. The cleaning unit 16 can be at least partially
suspended from
building 14 by the at least one flexible, elongate member. In the exemplary
embodiment
of the present disclosure, each of the trucks 30, 32 can be suspended from a
top of the
building with a flexible, elongate member. The at least one flexible, elongate
member
can be a rope, a cable, a cord, a wire, or any other structure which can be
wound and
unwound and from which the cleaning unit 16 can be supported. The elongate
member
can be constructed of a braided aramid fiber, thermoset liquid crystalline
polyoxazole
fiber or any other sufficiently strong, flexible and corrosion-resistant
material, able to
- 7 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
withstand tension of up to several hundred pounds, depending upon wall height,
and that
exhibits extremely low to zero stretch and extremely low to zero creep and is
resistant to
ultraviolet light rays.
[0039] The first truck 30 can be suspended with a first flexible, elongate
member
70 extending in a first loop. The second truck 32 can be suspended with a
second
flexible, elongate member 72 extending in a second loop. As the cylinders 48 ¨
54
extend and urge the cleaning agency 28 against the window 12, the trucks 30
and 32 can
be biased outward, away from the building 14. Thus, the elongate members 70,
72 are
also urged away from the work surface 24 by extension of the cylinders 48 ¨
54. This
"compound bow" effect induced in the elongate members 70, 72, best shown in
Figure 2,
can be desirable to keep the cleaning unit 16 against the side of the building
14. An
angular deflection 74 of the cleaning unit 16 during extension of the
cylinders 48 ¨ 54
can vary as desired.
[0040] The positioning unit 18 can also include at least one tensioning
unit
mounted on the cleaning unit 16. The at least one tensioning unit can be
configured to
inhibit slack in the at least one flexible, elongate member. The exemplary
embodiment of
the present disclosure can include first and second tensioning units disposed
on opposite
sides of the cleaning unit 16. A tensioning unit can be mounted on each of the
trucks 30,
32.
[0041] Figure 6 shows a tensioning unit 76 mounted on the truck 32. It is
noted
that Figures 5 and 6 show opposite sides of the truck 32. The inner cavity of
the truck 32
can be divided so that the sleeve 56 is positioned in a first portion of the
interior of the
truck 32, as shown in Figure 5. In Figures 5 and 6, the outer walls of the
truck 32 are
cutaway. The first portion can be facing inwardly, toward a center of the
cleaning unit
16. The elongate member 72 can pass through a second portion of the interior
of the
truck 32, as shown in Figure 6. The sleeve 56 is not shown in Figure 5 to
allow the
second portion of the interior of the truck 32 to be shown in greater detail.
The second
portion can be facing outwardly, away from the center of the cleaning unit 16.
An
interior panel referenced at 33 can separate the first and second interior
portions of the
truck 32. The interior of the truck 30 can be similar to the interior of the
truck 32.
[0042] Referring now to Figure 8, the tensioning unit 76 can include a rod
78.
The elongate member 72 can extend through the rod 78. The tensioning unit 76
can also
- 8 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
include at least one ratchet 80 fixed to the rod 78. The tensioning unit 76
can also
include a pawl 82 mounted on the truck 32 and positioned to engage the ratchet
80. The
tensioning unit 76 can also include a cylinder 84 and a lever arm 86. The
cylinder 84 can
be in fluid communication with the conduit 36 through the fluid circuit. In
response to
fluid pressure, cylinder 84 can be urged to extend. If slack exists in the
elongate member
72, the cylinder 84 can extend. Extension of the cylinder 84 moves the lever
arm 86,
which causes the ratchet 80 and rod 78 to rotate. Rotation of the rod 78 winds
the
elongate member 72 further about the rod 78. Winding the elongate member 72
further
about the rod 78 takes up and/or inhibits slack in the elongate member 72.
After the slack
has been taken-up, the pawl 82 locks the ratchet 80 and prevents reverse
rotation of the
rod 78. A tensioning unit similar to tensioning unit 76 can be positioned on
the truck 30.
A portion of the fluid circuit within the housing 44 can also include one or
more conduits
defining one or more fluid passageways directing fluid to the truck 30.
[0043] The positioning unit 18 can also include an emergency brake unit 88
disposed on the cleaning unit 16. As best shown in Figure 7, the elongate
member 72 can
be wound over a brake shoe clevis 90 of the emergency brake unit 88. The brake
shoe
clevis 90 can be mounted on a pivot shaft 92 for free rotation. The pivot
shaft 92 can be
moveable relative to the truck 32 and biased toward a brake shoe 94 of the
emergency
brake unit 88 by a spring 96 of the emergency brake unit 88. The elongate
member 92,
when in tension, can urge the brake shoe clevis 90 away from the brake shoe
94. If the
elongate member 72 is severed, the tension is lost and the brake shoe clevis
90 can be
pressed against the brake shoe 94 by the spring 96, capturing the elongate
member 72.
[0044] The positioning unit 18 can also include an upper positioning
assembly 98
mountable proximate to or at the top of the building 14, above the highest row
of
windows. Referring now to Figure 9, the upper positioning assembly 98 can
include a
track 100 fixed to the building 14 and a carriage 102 moveable along the track
100,
laterally back and forth across the building 14. The carriage 102 extends a
width between
a right carriage side 122 and a left carriage side 124. The upper positioning
assembly 98
can also include a vertical adjustment assembly 104 mounted to the carriage
102. The
vertical adjustment assembly 104 can be operable to rotate the elongate member
72,
which is arranged as a loop. As will be detailed below, the elongate member 70
can be
rotated by a vertical adjustment assembly of a lower positioning assembly of
the
- 9 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
positioning unit 18. When the loops defined by the elongate members 70, 72 are
rotated
in a first rotational direction, the cleaning unit 16 is moved vertically
upward. When the
loops defined by the elongate members 70, 72 are rotated in a second
rotational direction
opposite to the first rotational direction, the cleaning unit 16 is moved
vertically
downward. The upper positioning assembly 98 can also include a lateral
adjustment
assembly 106 mounted to the carriage 102. The lateral adjustment assembly 106
can be
operable to drive the carriage 102 in movement along the track 100. The
vertical
adjustment assembly 104 and the lateral adjustment assembly 106 are
interconnected
with respect to one another through the carriage 100. The vertical adjustment
assembly
104, the lateral adjustment assembly 106, and the elongate members 70, 72 can
thus
move together, back and forth across a side of the building 14. The components
of the
upper positioning assembly 98 can be enclosed in an enclosurei 118; portions
of the
enclosure 118 have been removed in Figure 9 to reveal internal structures.
[0045] The
positioning unit 18 can also include a lower positioning assembly 108
mountable at the bottom of the building 14 or at some point on the building 14
below the
top of the building 14. Referring now to Figure 10, the lower positioning
assembly 108
can include a track 110 fixed to the building 14 and a carriage 112 moveable
along the
track 110, laterally back and forth across the building 14. The carriage 112
extends a
width between a right carriage side 126 and a left carriage side 128. The
lower
positioning assembly 108 can also include a vertical adjustment assembly 114
mounted to
the carriage 112. The vertical adjustment assembly 114 can be operable to
rotate the
elongate member 70. The lower positioning assembly 108 can also include a
lateral
adjustment assembly 116 mounted to the carriage 112. The lateral adjustment
assembly
116 can be operable to drive the carriage 112 in movement along the track 110.
The
vertical adjustment assembly 114 and the lateral adjustment assembly 116 are
interconnected with respect to one another through the carriage 110. The
vertical
adjustment assembly 114, the lateral adjustment assembly 116, and the elongate
members
70, 72 can thus move together, back and forth across a side of the building
14. As set
forth in greater detail below, the movement of the upper positioning assembly
98 and the
lower positioning assembly 108 can be coordinated such that the lateral
movement of the
upper positioning assembly 98 and the lower positioning assembly 108 is the
same. The
components of the lower positioning assembly 108 can be enclosed in an
enclosure 120;
- 10 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
portions of the enclosure 120 have been removed in Figure 10 to reveal
internal
structures.
[0046] Referring now to Figure 11, the vertical adjustment assembly 114
can
include a motor 130, a drive shaft 132, and a drive sheave 134. The motor 130
can be
positioned on the carriage 112. The drive shaft 132 can extend from the motor
130 and
be driven in rotation by the motor 130. The motor 130 can be operable to
selectively
rotate the drive shaft 132 in first and second opposite rotational directions.
The drive
sheave 134 can be mounted on the drive shaft 132 for concurrent rotation with
the drive
shaft 132. The elongate member 70 can extend around the drive sheave 134. When
the
drive sheave 134 is rotated in a first rotational direction, the cleaning unit
16 is moved
vertically upward. When the drive sheave 134 is rotated in a second rotational
direction
opposite to the first rotational direction, the cleaning unit 16 is moved
vertically
downward.
[0047] The vertical adjustment assembly 104 associated with the upper
positioning assembly 98 can be substantially similar to the vertical
adjustment assembly
114. The vertical adjustment assembly 104 can include a motor 136, as
referenced in
Figure 9. Although not referenced by number in the drawings, the vertical
adjustment
assembly 104 can also include a drive shaft and a drive sheave. In the
exemplary
embodiment, the vertical adjustment assembly 104 is arranged to mirror the
arrangement
of the vertical adjustment assembly 114; the drive sheave of the vertical
adjustment
assembly 104 is positioned to the left of the motor of the vertical adjustment
assembly
104. The motor can be positioned on the carriage 102. The drive shaft can
extend from
the motor and be driven in rotation by the motor. The motor can be operable to
selectively rotate the drive shaft in first and second opposite rotational
directions. The
drive sheave can be mounted on the drive shaft for concurrent rotation with
the drive
shaft. The elongate member 72 can extend around the drive sheave of the
vertical
adjustment assembly 104. When the drive sheave is rotated in a first
rotational direction,
the cleaning unit 16 is moved vertically upward. When the drive sheave is
rotated in a
second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the
cleaning unit 16 is
moved vertically downward. As will be set forth in greater detail below, the
motor 130
and the motor 136 of the vertical adjustment assembly 104 can be jointly
controlled to
coordinate and harmonize the movement of the elongate members 70, 72.
- 11 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
[00481 In the arrangement of the exemplary embodiment, each of the
positioning
assemblies 98, 108 defines a moving arrangement for rotating only one of the
first loop
defined by the elongate member 70 and the second loop defined by the elongate
member
72 and a guiding arrangement for guiding rotation of the other of the first
loop and the
second loop.
[0049] Referring now to Figure 12, the lateral adjustment assembly 116 can
include a motor 138, a drive shaft 140, and a drive sheave 142. The motor 138
can be
positioned on the carriage 112. The drive shaft 140 can extend from the motor
138 and
be driven in rotation by the motor 138. The motor 138 can be operable to
selectively
rotate the drive shaft 140 in first and second opposite rotational directions.
A worm gear
144 can be mounted on or defined by the drive shaft 140. A spur gear 146 can
be
mounted on or defined by the drive sheave 142. The spur gear 146 and the worm
gear
144 can be meshed such that the drive sheave 142 and the drive shaft 140 are
arranged
for concurrent rotation.
[0050] The exemplary lateral adjustment assembly 116 can also include an
idler
sheave 148 and belts 150, 152 extending around the sheaves 142 and 148. It is
noted that
in Figure 12 portions of the sheaves 142 and 148 have been cut away to reveal
other
structures. The belts 150, 152 can be positioned between the sheaves 142, 148
and the
track 110. When the drive sheave 142 is rotated in a first rotational
direction by the drive
shaft 142, the belts 150, 152 (like vehicle tracks) rotate and the carriage
112 is moved
rectilinearly in a first lateral direction. When the drive sheave 142 is
rotated in a second
rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction by the drive
shaft 142, the
belts 150, 152 rotate and the carriage 112 is moved rectilinearly in a second
lateral
direction opposite to the first lateral direction.
[0051] The lateral adjustment assembly 106 associated with the upper
positioning
assembly 98 can be substantially similar to the lateral adjustment assembly
116. Each of
the lateral positioning assemblies 106, 116 defines a shifting arrangement for
shifting the
respective carriage 102, 112 laterally across the building 14. The lateral
adjustment
assembly 106 can include a motor 154, as referenced in Figure 9. Although not
referenced by number in the drawings, the vertical adjustment assembly 104 can
also
include a drive shaft and a drive sheave. The motor 154 can be positioned on
the carriage
102. The drive shaft can extend from the motor 154 and be driven in rotation
by the
- 12 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
motor 154. The motor 154 can be operable to selectively rotate the drive shaft
in first and
second opposite rotational directions. A worm gear can be mounted on or
defined by the
drive shaft. A spur gear can be mounted on or defined by the drive sheave. The
spur
gear and the worm gear can be meshed such that the drive sheave and the drive
shaft are
arranged for concurrent rotation.
[0052] The exemplary lateral adjustment assembly 106 can also include an
idler
sheave and belts extending around the drive and idler sheaves of the assembly
106. The
belts of the assembly 106 can be positioned between the drive and idler
sheaves of the
assembly 116 and the track 100. When the drive sheave is rotated in a first
rotational
direction by the drive shaft of the assembly 106, the belts (like vehicle
tracks) rotate and
the carriage 102 is moved rectilinearly in a first lateral direction. When the
drive sheave
of the assembly 106 is rotated in a second rotational direction opposite to
the first
rotational direction by the drive shaft of the assembly 106, the belts of the
assembly 106
rotate and the carriage 102 is moved rectilinearly in a second lateral
direction opposite to
the first lateral direction. As will be set forth in greater detail below, the
motor 138 and
the motor 154 of the lateral adjustment assembly 106 can be jointly controlled
to
coordinate and harmonize the movement of the carriages 102 and 112.
[0053] Referring again to Figure 11, the vertical adjustment assembly 114
can
also include idler sheaves 156 and 158. It is noted that in Figure 11 portions
of the
sheaves 156 and 158 have been cut away to reveal other structures. The
vertical
adjustment assembly 114 can also include belts 160 and 162. The belts 160, 162
can
extend around the sheaves 156 and 158. The belts 160, 162 can be positioned
between
the sheaves 156, 158 and the track 110. Lateral movement of the carriage 112
can be
effectuated by the lateral adjustment assembly 116 and the sheaves 156, 158
and belts
160, 162 of the vertical adjustment assembly 114 can guide the movement of the
carriage
112. The vertical adjustment assembly 104 can also include idler sheaves and
belts
similar to the sheaves 156, 158 and belts 160, 162.
[0054] Referring again to Figure 12, the lateral adjustment assembly 116
can also
include an idler sheave 164. The idler sheave 164 can be mounted for free
rotation on a
shaft that abuts the shaft 140. There can be double bearings between the idler
sheave 164
and the shaft 140 with a divider between. Distinct, adjacent shafts can be
desirable to
inhibit the encoder 172, during lateral movement, from giving false readings.
The shaft
- 13 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
140 can therefore rotate without inducing rotation in the idler sheave 164.
The elongate
member 72 can extend around the idler sheave 164. Rotation of the loop defined
by the
elongate member 72 can induce rotation of the idler sheave 164. The lateral
adjustment
assembly 116 can also include an idler sheave similar to the idler sheave 164.
[0055] It is noted that in some embodiments of the present disclosure, an
adjustment assembly can include structures to function as both a lateral
adjustment
assembly and a vertical adjustment assembly. For example, the shaft 140
referenced in
Figure 12 could drive the sheave 164 as well as the sheave 142 if desired.
[0056] It is also noted that each adjustment assembly can include an
emergency
brake unit similar to the emergency brake unit 88. An emergency brake unit
disposed on
an adjustment assembly 104, 106, 114, and/or 116 can include a brake shoe
clevis and a
brake shoe. The respective elongate member 70 or 72 can be wound over the
brake shoe
clevis of the emergency brake unit associated with the respective adjustment
assembly
104, 106, 114, or 116. The brake shoe clevis can be mounted on a pivot shaft
for free
rotation. The pivot shaft can be moveable relative to the respective
adjustment assembly
104, 106, 114, or 116 and biased toward the brake shoe by a spring of the
emergency
brake unit. The respective elongate member 70 or 72, when in tension, can urge
the
brake shoe clevis away from the brake shoe. If the respective elongate member
70 or 72
is severed, the tension is lost and the brake shoe clevis can be pressed
against the brake
shoe by the spring, capturing the respective elongate member 70 or 72. An
emergency
brake unit is referenced in Figure 11 at 202. An emergency brake unit is
referenced in
Figure 12 at 204.
[0057] Referring again to Figures 9 and 10, the positioning unit 18 can
also
include a master processor 166 and a slave processor 168. While one processor
is
illustrated for each of the master processor 166 and the slave processor 168,
it should be
appreciated that the term "processor" can include two or more processors that
operate in
an individual or distributed manner. In the exemplary embodiment, the master
processor
166 can be disposed on the upper positioning assembly 98 and the slave
processor 168
can be disposed on the lower positioning assembly 108. The master processor
166 can
control the motors 136 and 154. The slave processor 168 can control the motors
130 and
138. The exemplary master processor 166 and/or the exemplary slave processor
168 can
be a STM32F205 120Mhz ARM Cortex M3 processor from ST Microelectronics with a
- 14 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
Broadcom BCM43362 Wi-Fi chip or a Hope RFM69HW transceiver. There are any
number of processors and RF radios that could be utilized in one or more
embodiments of
the present disclosure. Many of them can be purchased as a single unit. The
processors
166, 168 can be an RF device with high RF output power and channelized
operation that
is compliant with ETSI and FCC regulations over a wide frequency range,
including the
315, 433, 868 and 915MHz license-free ISM frequency bands.
[0058] Referring
again to Figure 11, the vertical adjustment assembly 114 can
include a sensor disposed to sense movement of the idler sheave 158 and emit a
signal in
response to the sensed movement. Movement of the idler sheave 158 corresponds
to
lateral movement of the lower positioning assembly 108. The sensor can be a
quadrature
encoder 170. The encoder 170 can track the motion of the idler sheave 158. The
encoder
170 may be any quadrature encoder that is capable of delivering a pulse
resolution
matching the step resolution of the lateral drive motor 154 of the upper
positioning
assembly 98. The vertical adjustment assembly 104 of the upper positioning
assembly 98
can also include a sensor similar to the encoder 170.
[0059] Referring
again to Figure 12, lateral adjustment assembly 116 can include
a sensor disposed to sense movement of the idler sheave 164 and emit a signal
in
response to the sensed movement. Movement of the idler sheave 164 corresponds
to
rotational movement of the loop defined by the elongate member 72. The sensor
can be a
quadrature encoder 172. The encoder 172 can track the motion of the idler
sheave 164.
The encoder 172 may be any quadrature encoder that is capable of delivering a
pulse
resolution matching the step resolution of the vertical drive motor 136 of the
upper
positioning assembly 98. The lateral adjustment assembly 106 of the upper
positioning
assembly 98 can also include a sensor similar to the encoder 172.
[0060] In
operation, when the cleaning unit 16 is to be moved vertically, the
master processor 166 can calculate the amount of rotation required of the
drive shaft of
the motor 136 and also determine the direction of rotation required to
accomplish the
desired movement. The master processor 166 can then send a command to the
slave
processor 168 to begin vertical movement. The slave processor 168 can respond
with a
"ready" response or a "busy" response. When the slave processor 168 transmits
the
ready response to the master processor 166, the master processor 166 controls
the motor
- 15 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
136 to commence rotation of the drive shaft extending from the motor 136. This
induces
rotation of the loop defined by the elongate member 72.
[0061] The idler sheave 164 of the lateral adjustment assembly 116
commences
rotation, driven by the elongate member 72. The encoder 172 senses movement of
the
sheave 164 and transmits a signal corresponding to the movement to the slave
processor
168 in the form of electronic pulses. The slave processor 168 reads each pulse
and in
response transmits a corresponding pulse to control the motor 130 to rotate
the shaft 132.
The drive shaft 132 rotates the drive sheave 134. Rotation of the drive shaft
132
therefore induces rotation of the loop defined by the elongate member 70. Thus
rotation
of the loop defined by the elongate member 70 is responsive to rotation of the
loop
defined by the elongate member 72 and in lock step with rotation of the loop
defined by
the elongate member 72.
[0062] A rotary encoder associated with an idler sheave of the lateral
adjustment
assembly 106 is disposed to sense rotation of that idler sheave. This encoder
is
referenced at 194 in Figure 13. As the loop defined by the elongate member 70
rotates,
the rotary encoder 194 associated with an idler sheave of the lateral
adjustment assembly
106 senses the rotation and transmits a signal corresponding to the rotation
to the master
processor 166. The master processor 166 can then determine the rate of
rotation of loop
defined by the elongate member 70. A closed loop feedback system is thus
defined to
insure the rotation of both loops is synchronized so that both sides of the
cleaning unit 16
are moved similarly. The processors 166, 168 can be configured to take
corrective
action, such as slightly moving only one of the drive sheaves of the vertical
adjustment
assemblies 104, 114 to bring the elongate members 70, 72 back into
synchronization.
Also, at least one of the processors 166, 168 can be configured to emit a
warning message
to a user if the elongate members 70, 72 are determined to be out of
synchronization.
Such a warning message can be done in conjunction with corrective action,
prior to
corrective action, or if one or both of the processors 166, 168 determine that
corrective
action has not been successful.
[0063] In operation, when the cleaning unit 16 is to be moved laterally,
the master
processor 166 can calculate the amount of rotation required of the drive shaft
of the
motor 154 and also determine the direction of rotation required to accomplish
the desired
movement. The master processor 166 can then send a command to the slave
processor
- 16 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
168 to begin lateral movement. The slave processor 168 can respond with a
"ready"
response or a "busy" response. When the slave processor 168 transmits the
ready
response to the master processor 166, the master processor 166 can control the
motor 154
to commence rotation of the drive shaft extending from the motor 154. This
induces
rotation of the sheaves associated with the motor 154 and belts encircling
those sheaves.
Concurrently, the slave processor 168 can control the motor 138 to commence
rotation of
the drive shaft 140, which induces rotation of the sheave 142 and belts 150,
152.
[0064] During lateral movement, the slave processor 168 can monitor
signals
from the encoder 170, the signals indicative of the movement of the carriage
112.
Similarly, the master processor 166 can monitor signals from an encoder
associated with
the vertical adjustment assembly 104, the signals indicative of the movement
of the
carriage 102. This encoder is referenced at 196 in Figure 13.
[0065] The master and slave processors 166, 168 can monitor the motion of
the
respective carriages 102, 112 to ensure synchronized motion. The slave
processor 168
can transmit the signals from the encoder 170 to the master processor 166. The
master
processor 166 can compare the signals from the encoder 170 to the signals of
the encoder
196, which is associated with the vertical adjustment assembly 104. If the
carriages 102,
112 are determined to be out of synchronization, the master processor 166 can
control the
motor 154 and the slave processor 168 to cease. The processors 166, 168 can
also be
configured to take corrective action, such as slightly moving only one of the
carriages
102, 112 to bring the carriages 102, 112 back into synchronization. Also, at
least one of
the processors 166, 168 can be configured to emit a warning message to a user
if the
carriages 102, 112 are determined to be out of synchronization. Such a warning
message
can be done in conjunction with corrective action, prior to corrective action,
or if one or
both of the processors 166, 168 determine that corrective action has not been
successful.
[0066] Referring now to Figure 13, a control system according to an
exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure. The control system can include the
master
processor 166 and the slave processor 168. The control system can also include
limit
switches 174. A limit switch 174 can be associated with each elongate member
70, 72.
Each limit switch 174 can communicate signals to the master processor 166.
Each limit
switch 174 can be tripped if one of the loops defined by the elongate members
70, 72 is
rotated beyond a desired range. In response to one of the limit switches 174
being
- 17 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
tripped, the master processor 166 can control the motor 136 and the slave
processor 168
to cease. The slave processor 168 can also communicate with limit switches
175. There
can also be lateral limit switches located on either side of the upper
carriage 102 and of
the lower carriage 112 that can be tripped if either carriage reaches the end
of the track
100, 110 on either side. Such switches can communicate with the respective
processors
166, 168.
[0067] In one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure,
the
control system can also include a managing processor 176. The managing
processor can
also be a 5TM32F205 120Mhz ARM Cortex M3 processor from ST Microelectronics
with a Broadcom BCM43362 Wi-Fi chip or a Hope RFM69HW transceiver. In one or
more embodiments, the managing processor 176 can be remote from the building
14.
The managing processor 176 can be cloud-based. The managing processor 176 can
direct
movement commands to the master processor 166. In one or more embodiments of
the
present disclosure, the processors 176, 166, and 168 can communicate with one
another
over a mesh network. The control system can also include one or more power
sources,
such as power source 178. In one example, the power source 178 can be a source
of
electrical power and the managing processor 176 can control the flow of
electrical power
to any device requiring electrical power. Source of power other than
electrical power can
be a part of the control system of one or more embodiments of the present
disclosure and
the distribution of such power can be controlled by a managing processor.
[0068] In one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure,
the
control system can also include a memorY 180. Memory 180 can be any suitable
storage
medium (flash, hard disk, etc.). System programming can be stored in and
accessed from
memory 180. Building data can also be stored in memory 180. For example, the
managing processor 176 can retrieve dimensional data associated with the
building 14
from memory 180 and transmit the dimensional data to the master processor 166
when
sending a movement request to the master processor 166. Equipment usage data
can also
be stored in memory 180. The managing processor 176 can alert a user when any
particular component requires scheduled maintenance or replacement based on
usage data
stored in memory 180. A cleaning schedule can also be stored in memory 180.
The
managing processor 176 can automatically initiate window cleaning based on the
cleaning schedule can also be stored in memory 180. It is noted that in one or
more
- 18 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
embodiments of the present disclosure, the master processor 166 can store and
control the
cleaning schedule, allowing each apparatus 10 to act independently of every
other
apparatus on the building 14. It is noted that one or more processors can be
mounted on
any of the cleaning attachment assemblies. An exemplary processor 220 is
illustrated as
being mounted on the cleaning attachment assembly 34 in Figure 4. Such
processors can
be responsive to any one or all of the processors 166, 168, and/or 170. Such
processors
can be configured to control solenoid valves for directing fluid flow, or some
other
purpose.
[0069] Any
combination of one or more computer-usable or computer-readable
media may be utilized in various embodiments of the invention. For
example, a
computer-readable medium may include one or more of a portable computer
diskette, a
hard disk, a random access memory (RAM) device, a read-only memory (ROM)
device,
an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory) device, a
portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), an optical storage device, and
a
magnetic storage device. Computer program code for carrying out operations of
this
invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming
languages.
[0070] In one or
more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the
control system can also include one or more valves 182. A valve can be
disposed at each
=
of the cylinders 48 ¨ 54. A valve can be disposed along the conduit 36. One or
more
valves can be positioned within the fluid circuit to selectively permit flow
to a cleaning
agency or portions of a cleaning agency. The managing processor 176 can
control valves
182 within the system as desired.
[0071] In one or
more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the
control system can also include one or more pumps 184. A pump can be disposed
at
intake of the conduit 36 and be operable to deliver pressurized fluid to the
cleaning unit
16. A pump can be disposed on the cleaning unit 16. The managing processor 176
can
control pumps 184 within the system as desired.
[0072] In one or
more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the
control system can also include one or more motors 186 in addition to the
motors already
disclosed. A motor can be disposed on one or more of the cleaning attachment
assemblies. The managing processor 176 can control motors 186 within the
system as
desired.
- 19 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
[00731 In one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the
power source 178 can be based on solar power and the control system can also
include a
charger 188. The charger 188 can include one or more solar panels. The solar
panels can
be mounted on the upper and/or lower positioning assemblies, and/or on the
cleaning unit
16. Alternatively, if solar panels were used to power the system, such panels
would most
likely be positioned on the roof of the building 14 and feed a bank of
batteries. The power
source 178 can include one or more batteries. The solar panels can transmit
electrical
power for storage in the one or more batteries. The charger 188 can apply a
charging
algorithm in controlling the flow of electrical power from the solar panels
(or from an
electrical grid) to the one or more batteries. The managing processor 176 can
control the
charger 188 as desired.
[0074] In one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the
control system can also include a camera 190 and a camera mover 192. This
camera 192
can be a self-contained unit about 0.76 inch in diameter by about 3.15 inches
long that
contains its own battery and 2.4GHz wireless transmitter. The battery could be
rated at
280mAH with a working time of 1.2 hours. The camera 190 could also draw power
from
batteries external to the camera, such as batteries mounted inside the
cleaning unit or
truck. The camera 190 could be mounted on the trucks to inhibit overspray on
the lens,
as shown in Figure 3. The lens of the camera 190 could be hydrophilic-coated
glass to
inhibit overspray of fluid and facilitate a clear image and higher resolution.
The camera
190 can transmit image data to the managing processor 176. The camera mover
192 can
change the orientation of the camera 190 to change the field of view of the
camera 190.
The camera mover 192 can be integral with the camera 190.
[0075] The image data can be processed to assess the effectiveness of the
cleaning process. The image data can also be processed to detect structural
problems of
the building 14 and inspect the building. For example, the image data can be
stored and
analyzed visually by a qualified technician or engineer, or processed by a
computer
program to analyze and identify defects or anomalies in the building structure
or facade.
Some items that can be searched for and/or visually inspected during the
examination of a
building include weather-tightness of the facade; cracks; displacement
(outward shifting
of facade unit); mold; mildew; rust; rot; cracks in masonry; water stains;
spalls (sections
where materials come apart); and the condition of flashing, sealant, weather
stripping,
- 20 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
and caulking. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can include
software
configured to identify such items in image files. If a problem is detected, at
least one of
the processors 166, 168, 176 can be configured to emit a warning message to a
user.
[0076] It is
noted that one or more embodiments of the present disclosure could
omit the cleaning attachment assembly 34 and utilize the trucks 30, 32 and
some structure
interconnecting the trucks 30, 32 to support a camera. Such a system could be
operated
as a device for inspecting the building 14. Further, one or more embodiments
of the
present disclosure could utilize a single one of the trucks 30, 32 to support
a camera for
building inspection.
[0077] In one or
more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the
control system can also include one or more meteorological sensors 198. A
meteorological sensor can be operable to detect the direction and velocity of
wind. A
meteorological sensor can be operable to detect rain/moisture. A
meteorological sensor
can be operable to detect temperature. The managing processor 176 can receive
signals
from the meteorological sensors 198 and control devices of the control system
in
response to signals from the meteorological sensors 198.
[0078] In one or
more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the
control system can also include one or more fluid sensors 200. A fluid sensor
can be
operable to detect a rate of fluid flow and/or a pressure of fluid. A fluid
sensor can be
positioned in the conduit 36 and/or along the fluid circuit. The managing
processor 176
can receive signals from the fluid sensors 200 and control devices of the
control system
in response to signals from the fluid sensors 200.
[0079] Referring
now to Figure 14, a first alternative cleaning attachment
assembly 34a according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
can
include a non-rotating brush 28a as a cleaning agency. The cleaning attachment
assembly 34a can include a housing 44a. A hose 42a can extend from a first
truck (not
shown) to the interior of the housing 44a. A hose 43a can extend from the
housing 44a to
a second truck (not shown). The cleaning attachment assembly 34a can include a
plurality of cylinders 48a ¨ 54a. The cylinders 48a ¨ 54a can be pivotally
engaged with
the housing 44a. The cleaning agency 28a in the form of a non-rotating brush
can be
mounted on the housing 44a. The cleaning attachment assembly 34a can also
include
sprayer manifolds 66a and 66aa.
- 21 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
[00801 In operation, pressurized fluid (about eighty to one hundred and
twenty-
five PSI) can be directed to the cleaning attachment assembly 34a and be
distributed
through the fluid circuit within the housing 44a. The fluid can be equally
distributed
among the cylinders 48a ¨ 54a and the sprayer manifolds 66a and 66aa. One or
more
solenoid valves can be positioned on the cleaning unit and opened to release
the
pressurized fluid to the cylinders 48a ¨ 54a. Each cylinder or pairs of
cylinders can have
a dedicated solenoid valve so that the cylinders can be selectively extended
and retracted.
The cylinders 48a ¨ 54a can extend and press the brush 28a against the window
surface.
The one or more solenoid valves can be controlled by one of the processors
166, 168,
176. The positioning unit can move the cleaning unit supporting the cleaning
attachment
assembly 34a vertically the height of the window surface. At the bottom of the
window,
the solenoid valve can be closed, resulting in retraction of the cylinders 48a
¨ 54a. The
processors of the positioning unit can agitate the brush 28a back and forth by
moving the
upper and lower carriages 102, 112 laterally to clean the top and bottom of
the window
frame, or can agitate the brush 28a back and forth in a zigzag motion as the
brush 28a is
descending along the window surface. This attachment 34a can be particularly
useful in
cleaning walls, trim and windows.
[0081] Referring now to Figure 15, a second alternative cleaning
attachment
assembly 34b according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
can
include a microfiber pad assembly 28b as a cleaning agency. The microfiber pad
assembly 28b can include microfiber pad pressed against the window and a
microfiber
pad support being an ultra-highly absorbent material such as sponge or super-
absorbent
polymer. The cleaning attachment assembly 34b can include a housing 44b. A
hose 42b
can extend from a first truck (not shown) to the interior of the housing 44b.
A hose 43b
can extend from the housing 44b to a second truck (not shown). The cleaning
attachment
assembly 34b can include a plurality of cylinders 48b ¨ 54b. The cylinders 48b
¨ 54b can
be pivotally engaged with the housing 44b. The cleaning agency 28b in the form
of a
microfiber pad assembly can be mounted on the housing 44b. The cleaning
attachment
assembly 34b can also include sprayer manifolds 66b and 66bb.
[0082] In operation, pressurized fluid (about eighty to one hundred and
twenty-
five PSI) can be directed to the cleaning attachment assembly 34b and be
distributed
through the fluid circuit within the housing 44b. The fluid can be equally
distributed
- 22 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
among the cylinders 48b ¨ 54b and the sprayer manifolds 66b and 66bb. One or
more
solenoid valves can be positioned on the cleaning unit and opened to release
the
pressurized fluid to the cylinders 48b ¨ 54b. Each cylinder or pairs of
cylinders can have
a dedicated solenoid valve so that the cylinders can be selectively extended
and retracted.
The cylinders 48b ¨ 54b can extend and press the microfiber pad assembly 28b
against
the window surface. The one or more solenoid valves can be controlled by one
of the
processors 166, 168, 176. The positioning unit can move the cleaning unit
supporting the
cleaning attachment assembly 34b vertically the height of the window surface.
At the
bottom of the window, the solenoid valve can be closed, resulting in
retraction of the
cylinders 48b ¨ 54b. The processors of the positioning unit can agitate the
microfiber pad
assembly 28b back and forth by moving the upper and lower carriages 102, 112
laterally
to clean the top and bottom of the window frame, or can agitate the microfiber
pad
assembly 28b back and forth in a zigzag motion as the microfiber pad assembly
28b is
descending along the window surface. This attachment 34b can be particularly
useful in
cleaning the glass surface of the window.
[0083] Referring now to Figure 16, a third alternative cleaning attachment
assembly 34c according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
can
include a rotating brush 28c as a cleaning agency. An alternate embodiment
might also
include a rotating drum covered in microfiber instead of the brush. The
cleaning
attachment assembly 34c can include a housing 44c. A hose 42c can extend from
a first
truck (not shown) to the interior of the housing 44c. A hose 43c can extend
from the
housing 44c to a second truck (not shown). The cleaning attachment assembly
34c can
include a plurality of cylinders, such as cylinders 48c and 52c. The cylinders
48c, 52c
can be pivotally engaged with the housing 44c. The cleaning agency 28c in the
form of a
rotating brush can be mounted on the housing 44c. The cleaning attachment
assembly
34c can also include a sprayer manifold 66c.
[0084] The cleaning attachmegt assembly 34c can also include hydraulic
motors
206c and 208c. An alternate embodiment might include electric motors driven by
batteries. The motors could be switched by a hydraulic-actuated relay that
closes when
pressure is applied through the hose. The motors 206c and 208c can rotate the
brush 28c.
One or more solenoid valves can be positioned on the cleaning unit and opened
to release
the pressurized fluid to the motors 206c and 208c to rotate the brush 28c. The
one or
- 23 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
more solenoid valves can be controlled by one of the processors 166, 168, 176.
Alternatively, the motors 206c, 208c, can be powered by the fluid pressure
without
solenoid valves such that when pressure is released, rotation stops.
[0085] In operation, pressurized fluid (about eighty to one hundred and
twenty-
five PSI) can be directed to the cleaning attachment assembly 34c and be
distributed
through the fluid circuit within the housing 44c. The fluid can be equally
distributed
among the cylinders 48c, 52c, any other cylinder, and the sprayer manifold
66c. One or
more solenoid valves can be positioned on the cleaning unit and opened to
release the
pressurized fluid to the cylinders 48c, 52c, and any other cylinder. Each
cylinder or pairs
of cylinders can have a dedicated solenoid valve so that the cylinders can be
selectively
extended and retracted. The cylinders 48c, 52c, and any other cylinder can
extend and
press the rotating brush 28c against the window surface. The one or more
solenoid
valves can be controlled by one of the processors 166, 168, 176. The
positioning unit can
move the cleaning unit supporting the cleaning attachment assembly 34c
vertically the
height of the window surface. At the bottom of the window, the solenoid valve
can be
closed, resulting in retraction of the cylinders 48c, 52c, and any other
cylinder. The
processors of the positioning unit can agitate the rotating brush 28c back and
forth by
moving the upper and lower carriages 102, 112 laterally to clean the top and
bottom of
the window frame, or can agitate the rotating brush 28c back and forth in a
zigzag motion
as the rotating brush 28c is descending along the window surface. This
attachment 34c
can be particularly useful in cleaning walls, trim and windows.
[0086] Referring now to Figure 17, a fourth alternative cleaning
attachment
assembly 34d according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
can
include a plurality of cleaning agencies, such as a blade 28d and a brush
28dd. The
cleaning attachment assembly 34d can include a housing 44d. A hose 42d can
extend
from a first truck (not shown) to the interior of the housing 44d. A hose 43d
can extend
from the housing 44d to a second truck (not shown). The cleaning attachment
assembly
34d can include a plurality of cylinders, such as cylinders 48d and 52d. The
cylinders
48d, 52d can be pivotally engaged with the housing 44d. The first cleaning
agency 28d
in the form of a blade and the second cleaning agency 28dd in the form of
brush can be
mounted on the housing 44d. The cleaning attachment assembly 34d can also
include a
sprayer manifold 66d.
- 24 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
[0087] The housing 44d can include side sections 210d, 212d and a center
section
214d. The center section 214d can be supported for rotation on the side
sections 210d,
212d. The range of rotation of the center section 214d relative to the side
sections 210d,
212d can be less than three hundred and sixty degrees. The blade 28d and the
brush 28dd
can be mounted on the center section 214d of the housing 44d.
[0088] The cleaning attachment assembly 34c can also include rotary
actuators
216d and 218d. The rotary actuators 216d and 218d can rotate the center
section 214d.
One or more solenoid valves can be positioned on the cleaning unit and opened
to release
the pressurized fluid to the rotary actuators 216d and 218d to rotate the
center section
214d. The one or more solenoid valves can be controlled by one of the
processors 166,
168, 176.
[0089] In operation, pressurized fluid (about eighty to one hundred and
twenty-
five PSI) can be directed to the cleaning attachment assembly 34d and be
distributed
through the fluid circuit within the housing 44d. The fluid can be equally
distributed
among the cylinders 48d, 52d, any other cylinder, the rotary actuators 216d
and 218d, and
the sprayer manifold 66d. One or more solenoid valves can be positioned on the
cleaning
unit and opened to release the pressurized fluid to the cylinders 48d, 52d,
and any other
cylinder. Each cylinder or pairs of cylinders can have a dedicated solenoid
valve so that
the cylinders can be selectively extended and retracted. The one or more
solenoid valves
can be controlled by one of the processors 166, 168, 176, or by a processor
disposed in
the cleaning attachment assembly 34c itself.
[0090] When the cleaning unit reaches the top of the window surface, the
rotary
actuators 216d and 218d can be controlled to position the brush 28dd toward
the window
surface. The cylinders 48d, 52d, and any other cylinder can then be extended
to press the
brush 28dd against the window surface. The positioning unit can then move the
cleaning
unit supporting the cleaning attachment assembly 34c vertically downward the
height of
the window surface.
[0091] Once the cleaning unit has completed a vertical pass of the window
surface with the brush 28dd engaged, the solenoid valves associated with the
cylinders
48d, 52d, and any other cylinder can be closed, resulting in retraction of the
cylinders
48c, 52c, and any other cylinder. The positioning unit can then return the
cleaning unit
back to the top of the window. The rotary actuators 216d and 218d can be
controlled to
- 25 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
rotate or pivot one hundred and eighty degrees to orient the blade 28d toward
the window
surface. The cylinders 48d, 52d, and any other cylinder can then be extended
to press the
blade 28d against the window surface. The positioning unit can then move the
cleaning
unit supporting the cleaning attachment assembly 34c vertically downward the
height of
the window surface to wipe the window surface with the blade 28d.
[0092] Referring now to Figure 18, a fifth alternative cleaning attachment
assembly 34e according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
can
include a fluid sprayer 28e as a cleaning agency. A hose 42e can extend from a
first
truck (not shown) to fluid sprayer 28e. A hose 43e can extend from the fluid
sprayer 28e
to a second truck (not shown). The cleaning attachment assembly 34e can
include a
plurality of cylinders 48e ¨ 54e. The cylinders 48e ¨ 54e can be pivotally
engaged with
the fluid sprayer 28e.
[0093] In operation, pressurized fluid (about three thousand to five
thousand PSI)
can be directed to the cleaning attachment assembly 34e and be distributed
through the
fluid circuit within the housing 44e. It is noted that all of the components
of the cleaning
attachment assembly 34e can be enhanced to be more robust in view of the
elevated
pressure levels. The pump 184, the hose 36, and any solenoid valves in the
upper
carriage can be more robust as well. The fluid can be equally distributed
among the
cylinders 48e ¨ 54e and the fluid sprayer 28e. The fluid can pass through a
high-pressure
regulator capable of reducing pressure from about three thousand to five
thousand PSI to
about eighty to one hundred and twenty-five PSI before it is distributed to
the cylinders
and back into the truck through the hose 43e. The fluid sprayer 28e can be
similar to the
sprayer manifolds disclosed above, but can be enhanced to be more robust in
view of the
elevated pressure levels. One or more solenoid valves can be positioned on the
cleaning
unit and opened to release the pressurized fluid to the cylinders 48e ¨ 54e.
Each cylinder
or pairs of cylinders can have a dedicated solenoid valve so that the
cylinders can be
selectively extended and retracted. The cylinders 48e ¨ 54e can extend and
position the
fluid sprayer 28e proximate to the window surface. The one or more solenoid
valves can
be controlled by one of the processors 166, 168, 176. The positioning unit can
move the
cleaning unit supporting the cleaning attachment assembly 34e vertically the
height of the
window surface. At the bottom of the window, the solenoid valve can be closed,
resulting in retraction of the cylinders 48e ¨ 54e. The processors of the
positioning unit
- 26 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
can agitate the fluid sprayer 28e back and forth by moving the upper and lower
carriages
102, 112 laterally to clean the top and bottom of the window frame, or can
agitate the
fluid sprayer 28e back and forth in a zigzag motion as the fluid sprayer 28e
is descending
along the window surface. This attachment 34e can be useful in cleaning any
surface.
[0094] It is also noted that in one or more embodiments of the present
disclosure,
a plurality of trucks 32, 32 can be mounted on the same flexible elongate
members 70,
72, each pair supporting a cleaning attachment assembly. The process of
cleaning all of
the windows of a building can be accelerated by having multiple cleaning units
16 (each
with the same cleaning attachment or different cleaning attachments) in use on
the same
set of elongate members 70, 72 at the same time. The present disclosure can be
capable
of allowing for multiple cleaning units in part due the relatively low weight
of the
cleaning unit. Each cleaning unit can be mounted at a fixed position relative
to the
elongate members by having tensioning units on each truck, allowing a cleaning
unit to
rest on clamps fixed to the elongate members, or by clamping the trucks and
elongate
members together.
[0095] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the cleaning
agency
could be mounted on one or more pivoting arms. Such arms could be pivotally
mounted
on the trucks. For example, the cleaning agency could be mounted at first ends
of such
arms and cylinders could be engaged with opposite, second ends of such arms.
The arms
could be connected to the trucks by pivot pins. Extension of the arms could
result in the
cleaning agency being move toward the window. Retraction of the arms could
result in
the cleaning agency being drawn away from the window.
[0096] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to
an
exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
various
changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof
without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many
modifications may
be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
present
disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it
is intended
that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment
disclosed as the
best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the
present
disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the
appended claims.
It is noted that in the apparatus claims, terms preceded "the" are not
elements of the
- 27 -
CA 02955223 2017-01-13
claims; claim elements recited after the initial recitation are preceded by
"said." The
right to claim elements and/or sub-combinations that are disclosed herein as
other present
disclosures in other patent documents is hereby unconditionally reserved.
- 28 -
