Apparatus and method for cleaning soiled surfaces with...

Abstract

A method and apparatus for cleaning exterior surfaces, particularly aircraft exteriors, which method and apparatus applies cleaning solution to a soiled surface, scours the surface, squeegees the contaminated solution from the surface and evacuates it through a vacuum manifold for collection and environmentally appropriate disposal. Applicant's method and apparatus are designed principally to alleviate the problem of toxic run-off and ground water pollution as attends present-day wash-rack or bucket and brush type washing operations. Applicant's method and apparatus are also beneficial from a convenience standpoint, as an aircraft may be cleaned in any location without the necessity of removing the aircraft to a maintenance facility. Applicant's method and apparatus are also useful for other exterior surfaces, such as for cleaning skyscraper surfaces.

Description

CITATION TO PRIOR APPLICATION [0001] This is a continuation-in-part application in respect of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 434,439, filed 08 May 2003 from which, as applicable, priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §120 and under provisions of the Patent Cooperation Treaty.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] A. Field of the Invention [0003] Applicant's invention relates to apparatuses and methods for cleaning large, environmentally exposed surfaces and to mitigation of ecological damages from cleaning operations. [0004] B. Background of the Invention [0005] As will be apparent from the discussion to follow, Applicant's invention is directed primarily to the cleaning of aircraft. However, it should be noted that the apparatuses and methods discussed may be equally applicable, although not so direly needed, in other applications, such as the cleaning of building surfaces, non-aircraft vehicles, etc. [0006] Aircraft must be routinely cleaned to remove accumulated dirt, soot, and other pol...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a novel and unobvious apparatus and method for cleaning soiled, exterior surfaces, particularly aircraft exteriors. The apparatus includes a modified squeegee design, cleaning solution application means, and a vacuum apparatus. The method involves applying cleaning solution to the surface, scouring it, and effectively squeegeeing the contaminated solution from the surface through a vacuum manifold for collection and disposal. The apparatus is designed to accommodate the irregular surfaces of aircraft exteriors and to alleviate the problem of toxic run-off and ground water pollution. The invention offers speed and efficiency in aircraft cleaning operations and is also useful for other exterior surfaces, such as motor vehicles, buildings, boats, and skyscrapers."

Problems solved by technology

Allowing debris to accumulate adversely affects economy of operation.

Contaminants on a aircraft's skin creates an uneven surface over which air flows more turbulently, thus requiring greater force (and fuel) to propel the aircraft at desired air speed.

Particularly in the commercial realm, dirty aircraft also present an aesthetics and public image problem.

A serious problem faces the airline and aircraft maintenance industries in connection with their cleaning operations.

The problem arises from the heretofore incompatible needs to minimize pollution of ground surfaces and ground water from the resulting mixtures of removed contaminants and cleaning solutions.

Airlines have spent millions of dollars constructing wash racks for their airplanes, only to find that they produce too much contaminant run-off to be permitted to operate.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the late 1990s actually suspended operation of aircraft wash racks for this reason, at substantial cost to the owners.

Even if modifications to large, commercial airliner sized wash racks are eventually achieved to adequately address the toxic run-off problems (no solutions have surfaced in the decade since open washing became illegal), the problems remain in association with cleaning aircraft of non-major carriers, such as those of smaller, commuter airlines and private planes.

These planes must be cleaned, but in most cases will not likely have access to the wash racks which may have been modified to meet EPA standards, and certainly cannot afford to construct their own acceptable wash racks.

Hand washing of a plane, much in the manner of washing a car in one's front yard, will likely result in EPA fines.

Furthermore, this method of “cleaning” an aircraft is very damaging to aircraft paint.

Because the aircraft is not washed, then waxed, this method of smearing liquid wax onto the dirty airplane, and wiping the dried residue away amounts to very nearly wiping sand paper over the painted surfaces—the abrasive dirt is trapped in the wax residue and abrades the surfaces as it is “buffed” away.

However, experimentation with such concepts in the present form reveals that the use of conventional squeegee blades in any combination with vacuum devices will not work effectively with aircraft with their varying surface textures and contours.

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