CPC Definition - Subclass B08B

Last Updated Version: 2025.01
CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Cleaning agricultural implements

A01B 71/08

Cleaning milking machines or devices

A01J 7/02

Machine for cleaning or greasing baking surfaces of bakers' ovens

A21B 3/16

Apparatus for cleaning systems uses for the production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream

A23G 9/30

Machines for washing fruits or vegetables, e.g. coffee, cocoa or nuts

A23N 12/02, A23N 12/06

Helmet visors with cleaning means, e.g. wipers

A42B 3/26

Devices specially adapted for cleaning shavers or razors

A45D 27/46

Devices for cleaning brushes after use

A46B 17/06

Cleaning devices for beverage-making apparatus

A47J 31/60

Hand tools for cleaning the toilet bowl

A47K 11/10

Domestic washing or cleaning

A47L

Cleaning devices specially adapted for surgical instruments

A61B 90/70

Cleaning devices for bed-pans, urinal or other sanitary devices for bed-ridden purposes

A61G 9/02

Devices for cleaning balls

A63B 47/04

Cleaning or maintenance of golf clubs, putters, shoes or other golf accessories

A63B 57/60

Devices for cleaning handles or grips of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like

A63B 60/36

Apparatus for cleaning bowling balls, pins or alleys

A63D 5/10

Arrangements for cleaning nozzles/dispensers

B05B 15/50

Cleaning for metal-rolling mills

B21B 45/02

Cleaning dies, ducts, containers or mandrels

B21C 3/02, B21C 35/06

Devices for cleaning metal products combined with or specially adapted for use with machines or apparatus provided for in subclass B21C

B21C 43/00

Removing cores from moulds, e.g. by washing

B22D 29/00

Grinding a surface for cleaning purposes, e.g. for descaling or for grinding off flaws in the surface

B24B 27/033

Cleaning of grinding wheels

B24B 53/007

Devices for means for dressing, cleaning or otherwise conditioning lapping tools

B24B 53/017

Abrasive or related blasting with particulate material, e.g. sand-blasting

B24C

Apparatus or processes for cleaning the shaped articles made from clay, other ceramic compositions, slag or cementitious material, e.g. plaster

B28B 11/22

Cleaning of moulds or cores used to shape or join plastics

B29C 33/72

Cleaning of extrusion moulding apparatus used to shape plastics

B29C 48/27

Cleaning of plastic objects made by additive manufacturing

B29C 64/35

Cleaning ink jet nozzles

B41J 2/165

Implements or apparatus for removing dry paint from surfaces, e.g. by scraping or by burning

B44D 3/16

Cleaning of vehicles, not otherwise provided for

B60S

Preventing hull fouling

B63B 59/04

Cleaning devices for hulls

B63B 59/06

Cleaning aircraft

B64F 5/30

Cleaning or disinfecting devices combined with refuse receptacles or refuse vehicles

B65F 7/00

Cleaning devices for conveyor screws and conveyors

B65G 45/00

Concurrent cleaning, filling, and closing of bottles

B67C 7/00

Cleaning beverage-dispensing apparatus

B67D 1/07

Cleaning of fibres or filaments made from glass, minerals or slags, e.g. for reuse

C03C 25/70

Implements or apparatus for removing dry paint from surfaces, e.g. chemical paint-removers

C09D 9/00

Preventing or removing incrustations from coke ovens

C10B 43/00

Detergent compositions; Use of single substances as detergents; Soap or soap-making; Resin soaps; Recovery of glycerol

C11D

Cleaning or de-greasing of metallic material by chemical methods other than electrolysis

C23G

Cleaning fibres

D01G 9/00

Cleaning carding surfaces

D01G 15/76

Cleaning of running surfaces at open-end spinning machines or arrangements

D01H 4/22

Arrangements maintaining drafting elements free of fibre accumulations

D01H 5/60

Auxiliary apparatus combined with or associated with looms for treating warp, e.g. cleaning

D03J 1/02

Laundry

D06F

Cleaning streets, permanent ways, beaches or land

E01H

Devices or arrangements for removing snow, ice or debris from gutters or for preventing accumulation thereof

E04D 13/076

Cleaning tools for building implements or aids

E04G 19/00

Parts, details or accessories of swimming or splash baths or pools, specially adapted for cleaning

E04H 4/16

Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells

E21B 37/00

Cleaning of, preventing corrosion or erosion in, or preventing unwanted deposits in, combustion engines

F02B 77/04

Cleaning wind motors

F03D 80/55

Devices or arrangements for removing water, minerals or sludge from boilers

F22B 37/48

Cleaning furnace tubes; Cleaning flues or chimneys

F23J 3/02

Stoves or ranges having self-cleaning provisions, e.g. continuous catalytic cleaning or electrostatic cleaning

F24C 14/00

Cleaning or removing snow from solar heat collectors

F24S 40/20

Devices for removing incrustations at furnaces

F27D 25/00

Cleaning heat-transfer conduits, e.g. water tubes of boilers

F28G

Cleaning arrangements for small arms and ordnance

F41A 29/00

Preparing specimens for investigation by cleaning

G01N 1/34

Preventing of contamination of analytical optical means

G01N 21/15

Cleaning of geophysical equipment or seismic cables

G01V 13/00

Cleaning spectacle frames or lenses, sunglasses, goggles or contact lenses

G02C 13/00

Cleaning or inspecting masks, photomasks, reticles, mask blanks or pellicles

G03F 1/82

Machines or apparatus for cleaning watches

G04D 3/08

Cleaning record carriers

G11B 3/58

Cleaning of electric incandescent lamp vessels

H01K 3/22

Process and apparatus for cleaning semiconductors

H01L 21/02, H01L 21/67

Devices for removing snow or ice from lines or cables

H02G 7/16

Cleaning arrangements in combination with PV modules

H02S 40/10

Cleaning the conductive pattern of printed circuits

H05K 3/26

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Manufacture of brushes

A46D

Separation of particles from liquids or gases

B01D

Separation of solid materials

B03, B07

Centrifugal apparatus or machines for carrying-out physical or chemical processes

B04

Turning; Boring

B23B

Soldering

B23K

Hand tools; Portable power-driven tools; Manipulators

B25

Treatment of water in general

C02F

Anti-icing materials

C09K 3/18

Mechanical treatment or processing of skins, hides or leather in general; Pelt-shearing machines; Intestine-splitting

C14B

Inhibiting corrosion or incrustation in general

C23F

Air-conditioning or ventilation

F24F

Preventing or removing electrostatic charges

H05F

Cleaning by methods involving the use of tools (cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto B08B 9/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

The mechanical cleaning of articles by means of mechanical members such as tools, brushes, or analogous members, with or without the application of fluid.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto

B08B 9/00

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

wipe(n)

a piece of cloth or paper, optionally treated with a cleaning agent or solution, for cleaning articles by wiping

wiper

a cleaning element comprising a flexible blade

Brushes
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Brushes per se

A46B

Cleaning of moving articles, e.g. of moving webs or of objects on a conveyor
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of articles while they are travelling past at least one cleaning member.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

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by movement of cleaning members over a surface
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of articles by means of cleaning members comprising guiding means for performing a translatory movement along the articles to be cleaned.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

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using rotary cleaning members
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of articles by means of cleaning members which are arranged to perform a rotary movement over a surface.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

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involving cleaning of the cleaning members
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of articles by methods involving the use of tools, brushes or analogous members, further comprising means to clean or regenerate the cleaning members.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

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Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam (B08B 9/00 takes precedence)
Definition statement

This place covers:

The mechanical cleaning of objects by means of liquid. The cleaning of objects by means of contacting with steam.

{Cleaning involving contact with foam}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of objects by means of contacting with a foam.

{Cabinets or cupboards specially adapted for cleaning articles by hand}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Manual cleaning of objects while these are located within a cabinet such as a parts washer.

Example: EP-A2-1524040

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Cleaning by the force of jets or sprays
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of objects by means of the mechanical action of a liquid or steam jet.

Example: WO-A1-03/092524

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{Cleaning travelling work (B08B 3/042 takes precedence)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of objects while these are travelling past at least one fluid jet.

{Cleaning by means of spray elements moving over the surface to be cleaned}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of objects by means of fluid jets comprising guiding means for performing a controlled movement along the object to be cleaned.

{Cleaning by making use of hand-held spray guns; Fluid preparations therefor}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of objects by means of hand-held spray guns.

{Spray guns}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Gun lances used in the cleaning of objects by means of hand-held spray guns.

Cleaning involving contact with liquid
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of objects by means of contacting with a liquid.

{Cleaning travelling work}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of objects while these are travelling and in contact with a liquid.

Example: GB-A-2469605

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{the loose articles or bulk material travelling gradually through a drum or other container, e.g. by helix or gravity}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of objects while these are travelling gradually through a

container in contact with a liquid.

{using agitated containers in which the liquid and articles or material are placed (by means of ultrasonic vibrations B08B 3/12; cleaning casks or barrels by agitating B08B 9/0817; mixers with shaking, oscillating or vibrating mechanisms B01F 31/00)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of objects while these are within an agitated container filled with a liquid.

{using perforated containers, e.g. baskets, or racks immersed and agitated in a liquid bath (using perforated drums B08B 3/06)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of objects while these are within a perforated container which is agitated within a liquid bath.

Example: US-A-3794053

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{Containers specially adapted therefor}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Specially adapted perforated containers.

using perforated drums in which the article or material is placed {(B08B 3/042 takes precedence)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of objects while these are within a perforated drum and contacted with a liquid.

Example: US-A1-2010/126537

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the liquid having chemical or dissolving effect
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of objects by means of contacting with a liquid having chemical or dissolving effect in addition to the mechanincal action of the liquid.

with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of objects while these are contacted with a liquid and whereby the liquid or the object is subjected to an additional treatment.

{with means for agitating the liquid (by agitating the container B08B 3/042, B08B 3/044, B08B 3/045, B08B 3/06)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Subjecting the liquid to agitation.

{using propellers}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Subjecting the liquid to agitation by means of propellers.

by sonic or ultrasonic vibrations
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

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The Figure illustrates a cleaning tank (12) containing a cleaning liquid (14) and pieces (16) to be cleaned. Ultrasonic energy is supplied to the cleaning liquid by an ultrasonic transducer (18).

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware using sonic or ultrasonic waves

A47L 15/13

Cleaning of natural teeth, of prostheses using ultrasonic techniques similar to those used for natural teeth

A61C 17/20

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Application of ultrasonic vibrations to chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general

B01J 19/10

{Cleaning travelling work, e.g. webs, articles on a conveyor (conveyors B65G; handling webs B65H)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Subjecting the object or the liquid to sonic or ultrasonic vibrations while the objects are travelling.

Removing waste, e.g. labels, from cleaning liquid
Definition statement

This place covers:

The additional treatment of the liquid by removing contaminants from the liquid after the liquid has been used in a cleaning process, i.e. regenerating cleaning liquids.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

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Figure 1 illustrates a device with three modules: a vertical non-recycling laminar flow extraction hood (a1); a dust-controlled working area (a2) with solvent distribution and recovery, and a filter membrane (b1) with means of evacuation (b2) including or not a particle counter; a manipulating arm (c) for facilitating production and manipulation of large items in the working area.

2.

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References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Treatment of water in general

C02F

Cleaning by methods involving the use of air flow or gas flow (cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto B08B 9/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Processes or apparatus for the cleaning of objects by means of a gas.

Relationships with other classification places

Removing cleaning liquid by means of a gas from an object is not considered cleaning and should not be classified in B08B. The removal of cleaning liquid by means of a gas is considered drying in the sense of subclass F26B.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto

B08B 9/00

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Cleaning by electrostatic means

B08B 6/00

Cleaning by the force of jets, e.g. blowing-out cavities {(airguns or nozzles per se B05B 1/005)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of objects by means of the mechanical action of a gas jet.

Cleaning by suction, with or without auxiliary action
Definition statement

This place covers:

Processes or apparatus for the cleaning of objects by means of the mechanical action of suction.

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Suction cleaners

A47L

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Cleaning by the force of jets, e.g. blowing-out cavities

B08B 5/02

Cleaning internal surfaces by suction

B08B 9/035

Cleaning by electrostatic means
Definition statement

This place covers:

Processes and apparatus for the cleaning of objects by means of electrostatic action on the contaminants.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

media11.png

The Figure illustrates a cleaning roller (11) brought into contact with the surface (S1) of a material to be cleaned (S), and the foreign materials which are adhered on the surface (S1) are removed using an electrostatic force.

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Domestic cleaning implements functioning electrostatically

A47L 13/40

Electrostatic separation of solid materials

B03C

Cleaning of grooved record carriers

G11B 3/58

{by explosions}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of objects by means of subjecting the objects to an explosion.

Example: US-A1-2004216698

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{by incorporation in a layer which is removed with the contaminants}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of objects by means of applying a layer to a contaminated surface, into which layer contaminants become incorporated, and removing the layer with the contaminants.

Example US-A-6123777

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{by liquid gases or supercritical fluids}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of objects by means of subjecting the objects to the washing action of a liquid gas or a supercritical fluid.

{by adhesive surfaces}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of objects by means of applying a tacky layer to a contaminated surface, onto which layer contaminants become attached, and removing the layer with the contaminants.

Example: JP-A-8274059

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{by radiant energy, e.g. UV, laser, light beam or the like}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of objects by means of subjecting the objects to the action of radiant energy.

Example: WO-A1-02/052347

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{by laser}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of objects by means of subjecting the objects to laser radiation.

Example: US-A1-2011/007308

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{by temperature changes}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of objects by means of subjecting the objects to temperature changes.

by distortion, beating, or vibration of the surface to be cleaned {(B08B 7/0007 takes precedence)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Example: GB-A-2336428

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Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of hollow objects by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto, the objects being other than containers or pipes.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Cleaning by sonic or ultrasonic vibrations

B08B 3/12

Cleaning by methods involving the use of air flow or gas flow

B08B 5/00

Cleaning by electrostatic means

B08B 6/00

Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes (apparatus for cleaning metal pipes by chemical methods C23G 3/04)
References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Apparatus for cleaning metal pipes by chemical methods

C23G 3/04

Removing obstructions in waste pipes or sinks

E03C 1/30

Cleaning sewer pipes

E03F 9/00

Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells

E21B 37/00

Cleaning furnace tubes; Cleaning flues or chimneys

F23J 3/02

Cleaning heat-transfer conduits, e.g. water tubes of boilers

F28G

{Cleaning pipe ends or pipe fittings, e.g. before soldering}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Machines or devices designed for grinding end-faces of tubes

B24B 9/007

{using pressurised, pulsating or purging fluid (E04F 17/126 takes precedence)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Example: WO-A-97/15406

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Special rules of classification

In this group "Purging" is to be understood as "flushing". The concept of the group is that the pipe is being flushed.

The idea of the parent group B08B 9/032 is to cover subject-matter involving mechanical action with a cleaning fluid which is not classifiable in any of the subgroups.

{by purging the pipe with a gas or a mixture of gas and liquid}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Cleaning by the force of jets, e.g. blowing-out cavities

B08B 5/02

by suction
Definition statement

This place covers:

Example: WO85/02565

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moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes
Definition statement

This place covers:

Example: WO-A1-03/095792

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having self-contained propelling means for moving the cleaning devices along the pipes {, i.e. self-propelled}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Example: US-A1-2008/001005

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moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction
Definition statement

This place covers:

Example: US-A1-2010/012151

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the cleaning devices conforming to, or being conformable to, substantially the same cross-section of the pipes, {e.g. pigs or moles (pigs or moles per se F16L 55/26; their launching and detection F16L 55/46; separating pigs in pipelines F17D 3/00)}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Pigs or moles in general, i.e. devices movable in a pipe or conduit with or without self-contained propulsion means

F16L 55/26

Launching or retrieval of pigs or moles

F16L 55/46

Separating pigs in pipelines

F17D 3/00

Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of inner and/or outer surfaces of containers by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto.

{Cleaning containers having tubular shape, e.g. casks, barrels, drums (B08B 9/20 take precedence)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of containers, whereby the tubular shape of the container is essential to the definition of the cleaning method or apparatus.

{by methods involving the use of tools, e.g. by brushes, scrapers}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of containers by means of mechanical members, whereby the shape of the container is essential to the definition of the mechanical member used.

Example: EP-A1-1236521

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{by the force of jets or sprays}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of containers by means of a fluid jet, whereby the shape of the container is essential to the definition of the fluid jet applied.

by methods involving the use of tools, e.g. brushes, scrapers ({B08B 9/0808} , B08B 9/20 take precedence)
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of containers by means of mechanical members, whereby the shape of the container is not essential to the definition of the mechanical member used.

Example: DE-C1-3311117

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by the force of jets or sprays ({B08B 9/0813} , B08B 9/20 take precedence)
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning of containers by means of a fluid jet, whereby the shape of the container is not essential to the definition of the fluid jet applied.

{Removing sludge or the like from tank bottoms}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The removal of sludge, sediment or the like from container bottoms, using a fluid jet to fluidize the sludge, sediment or the like.

by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought {(washing or rinsing crockery or tableware A47L 15/00)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Methods and apparatus for the cleaning of series of bottles.

Example: WO-A1-2009/124688

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{Conveying containers to or from the cleaning machines}
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning method or apparatus being characterized by the method or apparatus for conveying the bottles to or from the cleaning machine.

the means being for loading or unloading the apparatus
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning method or apparatus being characterized by the method or apparatus for loading or unloading the bottles.

Inspecting cleaned containers for cleanliness
Definition statement

This place covers:

The cleaning method or apparatus being characterized by the method or apparatus for inspecting cleaned bottles.

Cleaning flexible or delicate articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Cleaning by sonic or ultrasonic vibrations

B08B 3/12

Cleaning by electrostatic means

B08B 6/00

specially adapted for plate glass, e.g. prior to manufacture of windshields
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Cleaning the gap between permanently secured panes

E06B 3/677

Preventing escape of dirt or fumes from the area where they are produced; Collecting or removing dirt or fumes from that area
References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Parts, details or accessories of cooking-vessels for withdrawing or condensing cooking vapours from such vessels

A47J 36/38

Removing cooking fumes from domestic stoves or ranges

F24C 15/20

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Refuse disposal

B65F

Devices for conducting smoke or fumes, e.g. flues

F23J 11/00

Air-conditioning or ventilation

F24F

{using a central suction system, e.g. for collecting exhaust gases in workshops (removing dust from textile machines D01H 11/00; ventilation of mines, galleries or tunnels, e.g. traffic tunnels, E21F 1/00)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Collecting or removing dirt or fumes from the area where these are produced using a central suction system to which a plurality of collecting or removing devices are connected.

{comprising a stationary main duct with one or more branch units, the branch units being freely movable along a sealed longitudinal slit in the main duct}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Branch units configured to move along a sealed longitudinal slit in a main duct, the branch units travelling with a source of dirt or fumes.

Example: EP-A1-0174481

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{Fume suction nozzles arranged on a closed or semi-closed surface, e.g. on a circular, ring-shaped or rectangular surface adjacent the area where fumes are produced (B08B 15/04 takes precedence)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Example: DE-A1-102004031881

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by giving articles subject to fouling a special shape or arrangement
Definition statement

This place covers:

Preventing fouling or deposition of fouling or of dust by means of giving articles subject to fouling a shape or arrangement such that fouling or deposition of fouling or of dust will be minimized or eliminated, e.g. by application of the lotus effect.

Example: DE-A1-102005013560

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