Automated Surface Cleaner

Abstract

An automated cleaning apparatus fashioned for programmed cleaning of a surface wherein the apparatus comprises: a unit housing for an enclosed mechanism, a conductive contact strip provided on a surface, a controller having a processor confirmed to control the output of translational device movement. The apparatus is prompted to travel along the cross-sectional area of the surface in a translational motion, wherein buildup of any undesirable substance is removed from the surface by protruding bristles from the housing of the mechanism that remain in contact with the surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An automated cleaning apparatus comprising:
 a housing for an enclosed mechanism;   a translational arrangement disposed in the housing;   one or more electrical contacts, configured to receive power from one or more electrical contact strips provided on a surface;   a gear arrangement coupled to the translational arrangement, and configured to move the housing across the surface; and   a controller having a processor configured to control the translational movement of the housing.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of protruding cleaning brushes disposed on the underside of the housing. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , each of the plurality of cleaning brushes has a diameter between about 0.05 mm to about 1 mm 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the translational arrangement comprises an electric motor inside the housing that drives rotation of one or more shafts that are coupled to said gear arrangement. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the electric motor contains an internal brake that prevents translational movement of the apparatus when the apparatus is not in use. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the gear arrangement comprises a first and second pinion gears coupled to a driveshaft, a first and second pinion-drive gears each coupled to a corresponding first and second pinion gears, a first and second drive gears each coupled to a corresponding first and second pinion-drive gears, and a first and second rack gears coupled to a corresponding first and second drive gears. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said controller is configured to move the housing from a rest position to a predetermined end position and back to the rest position. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the predetermined position is selective by a selection dial. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising user input for regularity of translational device movement along the surface. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising user input for translational speed.