Reversibly switchable (transformable) surface layer changeable from (super)hydrophobic to (super)hydrophilic surface states are described. Methods of decontamination of surfaces exposed to contaminate are provided. The reversibly switchable properties of the surface layer can be controlled by an external stimulus.

A vehicle cleaning system includes a vehicle having a substantially flat cabin floor from which a plurality of seats of the vehicle extend, and a robotic cleaning device. The robotic cleaning device includes wheels configured to propel the cleaning device along the cabin floor and selectively clean the cabin floor.

An apparatus for cleaning a semi-rigid, three-dimensional vehicle mat can include a first set of compliant rollers spaced from one another and a second set of compliant rollers spaced from one another that cooperatively grab and advance the mat toward one or more brushes that scrub debris from above and/or below the mat. One or more of the compliant rollers can deform a distance radially toward an axis of rotation when contacting the mat to accommodate the contours of the mat and still grab the mat for advancing. The apparatus can include a holding pan that supports the mat so it is accessible through a second opening below the brushes and a first opening of a frame that supports the rollers and brushes. A deflector can be included to reroute the mat downstream of the brushes along a pathway toward the pan. A related method of use also is provided.

An apparatus for cleaning a semi-rigid, three-dimensional vehicle mat can include a first set of compliant rollers spaced from one another and a second set of compliant rollers spaced from one another that cooperatively grab and advance the mat toward one or more brushes that scrub debris from above and/or below the mat. One or more of the compliant rollers can deform a distance radially toward an axis of rotation when contacting the mat to accommodate the contours of the mat and still grab the mat for advancing. The apparatus can include a holding pan that supports the mat so it is accessible through a second opening below the brushes and a first opening of a frame that supports the rollers and brushes. A deflector can be included to reroute the mat downstream of the brushes along a pathway toward the pan. A related method of use also is provided.

An automated wash rig is disclosed for cleaning the interior of a freight container. The wash rig may be transported atop a mobile platform or carriage and inserted into the interior of the freight container. During the cleaning process, the wash rig may travel along the length of the floor of the freight container. Washers (e.g., spray nozzles) on the wash rig may be used to direct cleaning fluid at the surfaces of the interior of the freight container, while dryers (e.g., air knives) on the wash rig may be used to dry off those surfaces. As the wash rig traverses the entire length of the freight container, the entire interior of the freight container is washed and dried. The wash rig may also have ultraviolet (UV) lamps which can provide UV light to sanitize the interior of the freight container during this process.

The invention relates to the use of a suction-cleaning attachment of a cleaning device for cleaning the interior of motor vehicles by means of a suction airflow, having a housing which has a suction duct for conducting the suction airflow, there being in the housing in addition to the suction duct a compressed air duct for conducting a compressed airflow, and/or the housing being assigned in addition to the suction duct a compressed air duct for conducting a compressed airflow, and a grip region for gripping the suction-cleaning attachment with one hand being provided on the outside of the housing. According to the invention, a switch for controlling the compressed airflow is provided, and the switch is arranged on the grip region such that the switch can be operated by the hand holding the grip region.

The invention relates to an internal washing device for containers including a base with a structure including telescopically extendable sections and in which at least one cleaning element is housed. The base includes a drive shaft, each section includes at least one toothed longitudinal segment configured to engage with at least one pinion fastened to the drive shaft. The sections include a push pawl. The initial section incorporates a support element on the forward end, and the additional sections incorporate a pull pawl and a recess for the fastening of the corresponding push pawl, such that the drive shaft has the ability to operate all the sections without needing to move.

An apparatus and method for cleaning a large object such as a tractor-trailer. The apparatus is a cleaning vehicle including a frame with a plurality of wheels mounted thereon that allow the frame to move from one location to another across the ground. An arm mounted on the frame includes arm portions that may be telescoped to longitudinally, transversely, or vertically adjust the length of the arm portions. At least one rotatable brush is operatively engaged with the arm. The vehicle is positioned adjacent the large object and the arm is adjusted to position the at least one brush adjacent a surface to be cleaned. The arm portions are actuated to change length and thereby move the brush across the object's surface to clean the same. If two brushes are provided on the arm they may be moved toward or away from each other to clean two surfaces simultaneously.

A vacuum cleaner configured to be mounted in a vehicle. The vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum module configured to draw a vacuum, and a collector module configured to collect debris, the collector module having an accessible portion and a liner. A duct operatively couples the vacuum module to the collector module. In addition, a release member is disposed on the top portion of the collector module and is moveable between a resting position and a release position. A locking bar is in contact with the release member and has a portion adapted to engage the liner of the collector module when the release member is in a resting position. Upon actuating the release member towards the release position, the release member moves the portion of the locking bar out of engagement with the liner and the collector module is disengaged from the vacuum module.

An apparatus for cleaning a semi-rigid, three-dimensional vehicle mat can include a first set of compliant rollers spaced from one another and a second set of compliant rollers spaced from one another that cooperatively grab and advance the mat toward one or more brushes that scrub debris from above and/or below the mat. One or more of the compliant rollers can deform a distance radially toward an axis of rotation when contacting the mat to accommodate the contours of the mat and still grab the mat for advancing. The apparatus can include a holding pan that supports the mat so it is accessible through a second opening below the brushes and a first opening of a frame that supports the rollers and brushes. A deflector can be included to reroute the mat downstream of the brushes along a pathway toward the pan. A related method of use also is provided.