GB2435610A

GB2435610A - Surface cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2435610A
Application number: GB0604156A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Pittman
Original assignee: PREPTEC SOLUTIONS Ltd; RAIL CAR STRIP TECH Ltd
Current assignee: PREPTEC SOLUTIONS Ltd; RAIL CAR STRIP TECH Ltd
Priority date: 2006-03-02
Filing date: 2006-03-02
Publication date: 2007-09-05
Also published as: GB0604156D0; WO2007099342A2; WO2007099342A3

Abstract

An apparatus for cleaning a surface comprises a nozzle (208, fig 3) for, in use, emitting a gaseous stream having an abrasive blasting media suspended therein and a nozzle moving means 201 for moving the nozzle (208, fig 3) along a predetermined path 202. Preferably the nozzle moving means 201 is arranged to move the nozzle (208, fig 3) in first and second opposed directions along the path 202. The path 202 maybe provided by track or rail means which extend vertically and which include arcuate portions at the top and bottom thereof so that the nozzle (208, fig 3) follows a curved path along the track 202. The nozzle (208, fig 3) is preferably enclosed within a blasting head 205, which in use, makes a sealed contact with the surface being cleaned so that a vacuum is formed between the blasting head 205 and the surface being cleaned. The apparatus is preferably used in the cleaning of automotive, locomotive or aerospace parts or vehicles.

Description

Surface Cleaning Apparatus and Method The present invention relates to

an apparatus and method for cleaning a surface, particularly by abrasive blasting. In particular, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for abrasive blasting automotive, locomotive or aerospace parts or vehicles.

Abrasive blasting is performed to clean a surface of debris. For example, abrasive blasting can be used to clean a surface of oxidant and a previously applied surface finish, such as paint. Frequently, exterior surfaces of vehicles are cleaned, such as trains, aircraft or other vehicles, or parts thereof, prior to applying a surface treatment or finish.

Typically, an operator manually handles and controls a nozzle, through which an abrasive substance is emitted, the abrasive being suspended in a gaseous stream. The abrasive substance may be shot, an industrial abrasive such as a Garnet mineral, for example Almandite, or similar.

A problem arises in that surfaces cleaned in this way have an inconsistent surface profile and, as a result, a subsequent surface treatment or finish, such as paint, is difficult to apply and can become removed from the surface easily. Further, surface cleaning in this way is a time consuming process.

It has also been noted that surfaces cleaned using an abrasive treatment in ambient air oxidise rapidly after cleaning. It is desired to delay the onset of oxidisation.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for cleaning a surface which produces a cleaned surface having a consistent surface profile.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus which increases a speed of surface cleaning.

It is an aim of preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide a method an apparatus for surface cleaning which delays an onset of oxidisation of a cleaned surface.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for cleaning a surface, comprising a nozzle for, in use, emitting a gaseous stream having a blasting media suspended therein, and nozzle moving means for moving the nozzle along a predetermined path.

Advantageously, movement of the nozzle along a predetermined path produces a cleaned surface having a consistent surface profile or finish.

Preferably, the nozzle moving means is arranged to move the nozzle in first and second opposed directions along the path. This adequately cleans a surface by returning the nozzle to a starting position.

Preferably, the nozzle moving means is arranged to reciprocate movement of the nozzle along the path.

Advantageously, reciprocating movement of the nozzle ensures that a surface is cleaned thoroughly.

Preferably, an extent of nozzle movement along the path is adjustable by a user.

Preferably, a speed of movement along the path is adjustable by a user.

Preferably, the orientation of the nozzle remains constant during movement along the path.

A predetermined path is preferably defined by the nozzle following a guide.

The path may be defined by the nozzle following a track.

Preferably, predetermined means that the nozzle is able to repeatedly follow the path.

Preferably, the nozzle is arranged to move along the path within an at least partial enclosure.

Preferably, the enclosure is adapted to contact against a surface to be cleaned.

Preferably, the nozzle is arranged to move within an at least partial enclosure which, in use, may be maintained at a reduced pressure. Advantageously, a vacuum removes ambient moisture from the air around the surface being cleaned. This reduces oxidisation of a cleaned surface.

Preferably, the at least partial enclosure is a blasting head.

Preferably, the blasting head comprises an aperture through which blasting media is emitted in use.

The blasting head may comprise an at least partially open face.

Preferably, the blasting head comprises an open face.

The blasting media may be directed toward a surface to be cleaned through the open face.

Preferably, the blasting head comprises a substantially flexible skirt arranged around a periphery of the aperture.

Preferably, the skirt is arranged around a periphery of the open face.

Preferably, the skirt is arranged, in use, to contact against a surface to be cleaned.

Preferably, the skirt is arranged, in use, to form an at least partially air tight seal against a surface to be cleaned.

Preferably, the skirt may comprise at least one baffle extending across the aperture. The skirt may comprise a plurality of baffles. The baffle or baffles may extend across the aperture in either a generally horizontal or a generally vertical arrangement.

Preferably, the blasting head comprises an outlet connection to allow air to be drawn from the blasting head in use. Air may be drawn to maintain the blasting head at a vacuum.

Preferably, a vertical orientation of the blasting head may be adjusted by a user.

Preferably, the blasting head is arranged to be pivotable about a vertical mid-point.

Preferably, the blasting head is moveable outward from, or retractable toward the apparatus.

Preferably, the blasting head is arranged upon at least one arm. The arm may be moveable outward from the apparatus. The arm may retract into the apparatus.

Preferably, the blasting head is arranged upon a pair of arms. The blasting head may be supported between the pair of arms.

Preferably, the blasting head is mounted upon a moveable carriage.

Preferably, the carriage is moveable in a generally vertical axis.

The at least one arm may extend from the carriage.

Preferably, the carriage is moveable along a predetermined path.

Preferably, the carriage is moveable along at least one rail.

Preferably, the carriage is moveable along a pair of rails.

Preferably, the carriage is vertically moveable along the at least one track.

Preferably, the at least one track moves outward from the apparatus at at least one point.

Preferably, the at least one track extends outward from the apparatus at an upper end.

Preferably, the at least one track extends outward from the apparatus at a lower end.

The at least one track may extend outward from the apparatus at both the upper and lower ends.

Preferably, the vertical alignment of the carriage changes when the track extends outward from the apparatus, such that the blasting head follows an arcuate path.

Preferably, the carriage is electrically moveable along the at least one track.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises a guard to protect a user during use.

Preferably, the guard is arranged generally between a user and the surface to be blasted.

Preferably, the guard comprises an at least partial enclosure.

Preferably, the user operates the apparatus from within the at least partial enclosure.

Preferably, the at least partial enclosure is a cabin.

The at least one track may be arranged within a recess of the guard.

Preferably, the apparatus is moveably mounted upon wheels.

Preferably, the at least partial enclosure is mounted upon wheels. The cabin may be mounted upon wheels.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of cleaning a surface comprising emitting a blasting media suspended in a gaseous stream through a nozzle and moving the nozzle along a predetermined path.

Preferably, the nozzle is moved in first and second opposed directions along the path.

The nozzle may be reciprocated along the path.

Preferably, the extent of movement along the path is adjustable by a user.

A speed of movement along the path may be adjustable by a user.

Preferably, the orientation of the nozzle is constant during movement along the path.

The nozzle may follow a track.

The method may include a step of creating a vacuum around the nozzle.

The blasting media may be emitted through an aperture in a blasting head.

Preferably, the method includes the step of engaging the blasting head with a surface to be cleaned. The method may include the step of forming a seal around the blasting head.

Preferably, the method includes a step of pivoting the blasting head about a point so as to be parallel to the surface to be cleaned.

The method may include moving the blasting head or retracting the blasting head towards/from the apparatus.

Preferably, movement of the blasting head may be caused by moving at least one arm.

The method may include the step of moving the blasting head upon a carriage. Preferably, the carriage is moveable in a generally vertical axis. The carriage may move along at least one rail.

Preferably, the carriage moves in an arcuate path.

The method may include moving the apparatus alongside the surface being cleaned.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a surface cleaned by a blasting media suspended in a gaseous stream emitted from a nozzle whilst the nozzle moves along a predetermined path For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a close-up perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a carriage of the present invention; Figure 4 is rear-perspective view of a blasting head; Figure 5 is a rear-side view of the blasting head; Figure 6 is a front view of the carriage without the blasting head; Figure 7 is a close-up rear view of the carriage without the blasting head; Figure 8 is a close-up rear perspective view of the carriage; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a flexible skirt; and Figure 10 is a side view of a second embodiment of a flexible skirt.

Referring to Figure 1, an embodiment of the present invention 1 comprises a cabin 100 moveably mounted upon two pairs of wheels 101. The cabin 100 provides a guard for a user during operation of the blasting apparatus 1.

A user operates the apparatus using control provided in the cabin 100. The cabin 100 comprises a plurality of windows which allow a user to monitor operation of the apparatus, whilst providing protection.

The apparatus may be towed upon its wheels along a road or pathway alongside a surface to be cleaned. For example, the apparatus may be towed alongside a train, such that the entire length of the train is cleaned.

Embodiments can be envisaged in which the apparatus is self-moveable. For example, the wheels 101 may be powered by an electric motor. L1

A recess provided generally central in a forward face of cabin 100 has arranged, at least partially therein, a blasting means 200. In use, the blasting means 200 cleans a surface.

The blasting means comprises a carriage 201 moveably mounted upon a pair of rails 202. As shown in Figure 1, the pair of rails 202 comprises two vertically oriented rail members mounted in horizontal spaced-apart relation.

The rails 202 are horizontally separated at either side of the recess in the cabin 100.

A central portion of each rail member is generally linear, whereas the upper and lower rail ends have a predetermined curvature, such that the rails 202 curve outward from the recess provided in the cabin 100. As will be explained, the carriage 201 is arranged to run along the rails 202, such that the carriage 201 is vertically moveable.

Due to the curvature of the rails 202, the carriage 201 moves outward from the cabin 100 at either end of its vertical travel. In addition, the vertical orientation of the carriage 201 is changed by the curvature of the rails 202, such that at the upper and lower ends of the rails the carriage 201 faces generally downward or upward respectively. Advantageously, the path or curvature of the rails 202 is adapted so that the vertical travel of the carriage 201 follows a surface to be cleaned. For example, the apparatus may be arranged to follow a side-profile of a train, such that the carriage closely follows the train body.

As shown in Figure 2, the carriage 201 comprises, at each side thereof, a pair of wheels 203 arranged to run upon an outward face of the rails 202. As will be described later, the carriage 201 further comprises, at each side thereof, a third toothed wheel which is arranged rearward of the first and second wheels 203 to contact a rear of each rail. A chain runs along the rear of each rail such that the rear toothed wheel engages with the links of the chain and, when driven, causes vertical movement of the carriage 201 along the rails 202.

The carriage 201 comprises a pair of arms 204 which extend horizontally outward of the carriage 201 away from the cabin 100. Upon a distal end of the arms 204 a blasting head 205 is pivotally mounted.

The blasting head 205 comprises an enclosure having open front-face. In the preferred embodiment, a flexible skirt 206 is provided around a periphery of the open face.

However, the blasting apparatus 1 may be operated without a skirt 206, or differently shaped configurations of the skirt 206 may be provided, as will be shown later. The skirt 206 is provided to seal the blasting head 205 against an object or surface being cleaned.

The blasting 205 head further comprises a connection or outlet 207 through which air may be drawn to create a vacuum, or reduced pressure, within the blasting head 205 enclosure once a suitable seal has been formed between the open face of the blasting head 205 and a surface being cleaned.

As shown in Figure 3, within the blasting head 205, a nozzle 208 is moveably mounted. In use, a compressed gaseous stream carrying a blasting media is discharged through the nozzle 208. The nozzle 208 is arranged, as will be described, to move in a reciprocating motion within the blasting head 208. In the preferred embodiment, the nozzle 208 is arranged to reciprocate along a vertical path within the head 208, generally to the vertical extent of the blast head 208. The orientation of the nozzle 208 does not change along the vertical path. In other words, the nozzle remains at a fixed horizontal orientation during its travel.

The gaseous stream emitted from the nozzle 208 has suspended therein a blasting media for cleaning a surface.

The blasting media may be any suitable media known to the skilled person. In particular, a Garnet mineral may be used.

The nozzle 208 is arranged to move along an aperture provided in a rear of the blasting head 205. A plate 209, moveably mounted around the nozzle 208, substantially seals the blasting head 205 whilst the nozzle 208 is in motion, such that a reduced pressure can be maintained within the blast head 208 during use when contacting against a surface.

Figure 4 shows the blast head removed from the blasting apparatus 1, the blast head 205 being laid open-face down.

Parallel to a rear wall of the blast head 205, a 500mm rodless pneumatic cylinder bore 210 is arranged. Rodless cylinders are known in the art and are available from companies such as Univer Group, Milan.

The pneumatic cylinder bore 210 comprises a pair of internal pneumatic cylinders and an externally mounted cylinder carriage 211 which is actuated along the body of the cylinder 210 by compressed gas, fed into either end of the cylinder through a pair of supply ports. Unequal gas pressure in the pair of cylinders causes the cylinder carriage 211 to travel to the opposed end of the cylinder bore 210.

In spaced-apart parallel relation to the pneumatic cylinder 210 there is provided a support frame 212 having mounted thereon, at distal ends, a pair of pneumatic valves 213. The valves are Univer CL 102A valves, available from Univer Group, Milan.

The valves 213 are ball-push valves operated by contact with the cylinder carriage 211, such that when the cylinder carriage 211 reaches a predetermined position along the cylinder 201, the corresponding valve 213 is operated to open and charge an opposing cylinder with compressed gas, thus causing the cylinder carriage 211 to return in the opposite direction. The pneumatic valves 213 are moveably mounted upon the support frame 212, such that a user can adjust the relative position of each vale 213 to control the extent of travel of the cylinder carriage 211.

Further, by controlling a pressure or volume of air supplied to the cylinder 210, a speed of movement of the cylinder carriage 211 may be controlled. The user may desire and adjust the speed at which the nozzle 208 moves according to a surface being cleaned.

As shown in Figure 5, the cylinder carriage 211 has mounted thereon the nozzle 208 and the nozzle plate 209.

In use, the cylinder carriage 211 reciprocatingly moves along the pneumatic cylinder 210, carrying the nozzle 208 and plate 209 therewith.

Figure 6 shows the carriage 201 with the blasting head 205 removed. As shown, the arms 204 are formed by a U-shaped member arranged in horizontal orientation. At a forward end of each arm 204, a pair of opposed support members 214 are provided to support the blasting head 205 there-between. An inner end of each support member 214 comprises a bracket 215, which is rotatably mounted on the respective support member 214.

In use, the blasting head 205 is able to rotate upon the support members 214, such that its vertical orientation can be adjusted. A position fixing bracket 216 is provided adjacent to one of the support members 214, the bracket 216 having an arcuate slot provided therein. A fastener may be provided which extends outward from the blasting head 205 through the arcuate slot, thereby enabling the vertical orientation of the blasting head 205 upon the support arms 214 to be fixed by a user.

To adjust the vertical orientation of the blasting head 205, for example to tilt the blasting head 205 forward, the fastener can be released to allow movement of the blasting head 205 upon the support members 214.

Advantageously, the orientation can be adjusted by movement of the fastener through the arcuate slot. The arms 204 are moveably mounted within the carriage 201, such that a forward extension of the arms 204 can be changed during use. The arms 204, and blasting head 205 carried thereon, may be moved between a forwardly extended position and a retracted position. Each arm 204 is arranged to move between a roller 217, arranged to contact an upper surface of each arm, and a toothed driving wheel 227, which engages with a lower surface of each arm. Each toothed wheel-roller pair 217, 227 is arranged upon an inward side of the carriage 201.

An arm-drive motor 218 having an integral gearbox is provided to drive a first drive-shaft 219 which traverses the carriage 201. The arm-drive motor 218 provides drive to the first drive-shaft 219 which is carried to a chain-drive connection to a second drive-shaft 220 traversing the carriage 201. The chain-drive connection (not shown) present upon an outer-side of the carriage 201 allows a drive ratio between the first and second drive-shafts 214, 220 to be changed.

At either end of the second drive shaft 220, at an inward side of the carriage 201, the previously mentioned toothed arm-drive wheels 225 are arranged to engage with a plurality of teeth protruding from a lower surface of each arm 204. The arm-drive motor 218 drives the first drive-shaft 219, which in turn drives the second drive-shaft 220 via the chain-drive and the second drive-shaft 220 engages with the arms 204, such that rotational movement of the second drive shaft 220 causes horizontal movement of the arms 204 in either an extending or a retracing direction.

The wheels 203 which run upper on the forward our outer surface of the tracks 202 are visible in Figure 6.

Each wheel 203 is rotatably mounted on an axle which extends through an arcuate aperture in the carriage 201 side or wall. The inward end of each axle adjoins to an axle support member 221 which pivots at an end distal from the axle. The pivoting movement of the axle support member 221 changes the position of each wheel 205 relative to the forward surface of the respective rail. In other words, the pressure exerted by each wheel onto 203 the forward surface of each rail is changed with movement of the axle support member 220 about its pivot.

An axle bias spring 222 is attached to the axle support member 221 and to a predetermined, fixed, position upon the carriage 201. In use, each axle bias spring 222 exerts a bias upon the respective axle support member 221 and, in consequence, of each wheel 203 upon the respective rail.

A carriage drive motor 224 is provided within the carriage 201 to drive the carriage 201 along the rails 202. The carriage drive motor 224 comprises a gearbox and drives a third drive-shaft 223 traversing the carriage 201.

At an end of the third drive shaft 225 distal from the motor 224, a chain-drive is arranged to cause rotation of a fourth drive-shaft 226 traversing the carriage 201. The chain-drive between the third and fourth drive shafts 225, 226 allows a change in drive ratio there-between. At either end of the fourth drive-shaft 226 a tooth-drive wheel is arranged to engage with the chain running along the rear of each rail. Rotation of the fourth drive-shaft 226 causes the toothed wheel engaging with the chain along the rear of each rail to cause vertical movement of the carriage 201 along the rails 202.

Figure 7 shows a view from a rear of the carriage 201 and shows the engagement of the arms 204 with the corresponding toothed drive wheels 227. As described previously, rotation of the second drive-shaft 220 causes horizontal extension or retraction of the arms 204 from the carriage 201.

Figure 8 shows a rear view of the outer-side of the carriage 201. An end of the fourth drive-shaft 226 comprises a toothed drive wheel which engages with a drive chain 228. The drive chain 228 drives a second toothed wheel 228 which engages with a chain 230 provided along the rear of each rail. In this way, the drive motor 222 generates vertical movement of the carriage 201 along the rails.

Figure 9 shows a side view of a blasting head having a first arrangement of flexible skirt 231 mounted around a periphery of the open face. As can be seen, a lower extremity of the skirt 231 comprises an outwardly curved lower region enabling the blasting head 205 to seal against a surface having a corresponding curved profile.

Figure 10 shows a second embodiment of a flexible 30,skirt 232 having a linear outer of profile.

Advantageously, this allows the blasting head 205 to substantially seal against a surface having a flat profile. Other designs of flexible skirt will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The blasting apparatus described is suitable for use with blasting compressor or any type. In particular, the apparatus is suitable for use with a compressor capable of supplying a gaseous stream containing blasting media suspended therein and for providing suction to the blasting head. Such an apparatus is described in In use, a gaseous stream having a pressure of around 75psi at the nozzle has been found effective. Further, removal of approximately 1400 cubic feet per minute or 40 cubic meters of air from the blasting head has been found effective to collect used blasting media and debris removed from a surface being cleaned.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification

(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. An apparatus for cleaning a surface, comprising: a nozzle for, in use, emitting a gaseous stream having a blasting media suspended therein; and nozzle moving means for moving the nozzle along a predetermined path.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nozzle moving means is arranged to move the nozzle in first and second opposed directions along the path.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the nozzle moving means is arranged to reciprocate movement of the nozzle along the path.

4. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an extent of nozzle movement along the path is adjustable by a user.

5. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a speed of nozzle movement along the path is

adjustable by user.

6. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the orientation of the nozzle remains constant during movement along the path.

7. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the path is defined by the nozzle following a guide.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the guide is a track.

9. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle is able to repeatedly follow the path.

10. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle is arranged to move along the path within an at least partial enclosure.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the enclosure is adapted to contact against a surface to be cleaned.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the at least partial enclosure, in use, is maintained at a reduced pressure.

13. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 10, 11 or 12, wherein the at least partial enclosure is a blasting head.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the blasting head comprises an aperture through which the blasting media is emitted in use.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the blasting head comprises an at least partially open face.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the blasting head comprises an open face.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein the blasting media is directed toward a surface to be cleaned through the open face.

18. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the blasting head comprises a substantially flexible skirt arranged around a periphery of the aperture.

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the skirt is arranged around a periphery of the open face.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein the skirt is arranged, in use, to contact against a surface to be cleaned.

21. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the skirt is arranged, in use, to form an at least partially air tight seal against a surface to be cleaned.

22. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 18 to 21, the skirt comprising at least one baffle extending across the aperture.

23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, the skirt comprising a plurality of baffles.

24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein the or each baffle extends across the aperture in a generally horizontal arrangement.

25. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein the or each baffle extends across the aperture in a generally vertical arrangement.

26. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 15 to 25, wherein the blasting head comprises an outlet to allow air to be drawn from the blasting head in use.

27. The apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the air is drawn through the outlet in use to maintain the blasting head at a vacuum.

28. The apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein a vertical orientation of the blasting head is adjustable by a user.

29. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 15 to 28, wherein the blasting head is arranged to be pivotable about a vertical mid-point.

30. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 15 to 29, wherein the blasting head is moveable outward from, or retractable toward, the apparatus.

31. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 15 to 30, wherein the blasting head is arranged upon at least one arm.

32. The apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the arm is moveable outward from, or retractable toward, the apparatus.

33. The apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein the arm is retractable into the apparatus.

34. The apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the blasting head is arranged upon a pair of arms.

35. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34, wherein the blasting head is supported between the pair of arms.

36. The apparatus as claimed in claims 13 to 35, wherein the blasting head is mounted upon a moveable carriage.

37. The apparatus as claimed in claim 36, wherein the carriage is moveable in a generally vertical axis.

38. The apparatus as claimed in claim 36 or 37, wherein the at least one arm extends from the carriage.

39. The apparatus as claimed in any of the claims 36, 37 or 38, wherein the carriage is moveable along a predetermined path.

40. The apparatus as claimed in claim 39, wherein the carriage is moveable along at least one rail.

41. The apparatus as claimed in claim 39 or 40, wherein the carriage is moveable along a pair of rails.

42. The apparatus as claimed in claim 39, wherein the carriage is moveable along at least one track.

43. The apparatus as claimed in claim 42, wherein the at least one track moves outward from the apparatus at at least one point.

44. The apparatus as claimed in claim 43, wherein the at least one track extends outward from the apparatus at an upper end.

45. The apparatus as claimed in claim 43 or 44, wherein the at least one track extends outward from the apparatus at a lower end.

46. The apparatus as claimed in claim 43, 44 or 45, wherein the at least one track extends outward from the apparatus at both an upper and lower ends.

47. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 43 to 46, wherein the vertical alignment of the carriage changes when the track extends outward from the apparatus, such that the blasting head follows an arcuate path.

48. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 42 to 47, wherein the carriage is electrically moveable along the at least one track.

49. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a guard to protect a user during use.

50. The apparatus as claimed in claim 49, wherein the guard is arranged generally between a user and the surface to be blasted.

51. The apparatus as claimed in claims 49 or 50, wherein the guard comprises an at least partial enclosure.

52. The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the user operates the apparatus from within the at least partial enclosure.

53. The apparatus as claimed in claim 51 or 52, wherein the at least partial enclosure is a cabin.

54. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 49 to 53, wherein the at least one track is arranged within a recess of the guard.

55. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is moveably mounted upon wheels.

56. The apparatus as claimed in claim 55, wherein the at least partial enclosure is mounted upon wheels.

57. The apparatus as claimed in claim 55 or 56, wherein the cabin is mounted upon wheels.

58. A method of cleaning a surface comprising: emitting a blasting media suspended in a gaseous stream through a nozzle; and * moving the nozzle along a predetermined path.

59. The method as claimed in claim 58, comprising moving the nozzle in first and second opposed directions along the path.

60. The method as claimed in claim 58 or 59, comprising reciprocating the nozzle along the path.

61. The method as claimed in any of the claims 58 to 60, wherein an extent of movement along the path is adjustable by a user.

62. The method as claimed in any of the claims 58 to 61, wherein a speed of movement along the path is adjustable by a user.

63. The method as claimed in any of the claims 58 to 62, wherein an orientation of the nozzle remains constant during movement along the path.

64. The method as claimed in any of the claims 58 to 63, wherein the nozzle follows a track.

65. The method as claimed in any of claims 58 to 64, comprising creating a vacuum around the nozzle.

66. The method as claimed in any of claims 58 to 65, comprising emitting the blasting media through an aperture in a blasting head.

67. The method as claimed in claim 66, comprising engaging the blasting head with a surface to be cleaned.

68. The method as claimed in claim 66 or 67, comprising forming a seal around the blasting head.

69. The method as claimed in any of claims 66 to 68, comprising pivoting the blasting head about a point so as to be parallel to the surface to be cleaned.

70. The method as claimed in any of claims 66 to 69, comprising moving the blasting head.

71. The method as claimed in claim 70, comprising retracting the blasting head towards, or extending the blasting head from the apparatus.

72. The method as claimed in claim 70 or 71, comprising moving the blasting head upon at least one arm.

73. The method as claimed in any of the claims 70 to 72, comprising moving the blasting head upon a carriage.

74. The method as claimed in claim 73, wherein the carriage moves in a generally vertical axis.

75. The method as claimed in claim 73 or 74, wherein the carriage moves along at least one rail.

76. The method as claimed in any of claims 73 to 75, comprising moving the carriage along an arcuate path.

77. The method as claimed in any of claims 58 to 76, comprising moving the apparatus alongside the surface being cleaned.

78. A surface cleaned by a blasting media suspended in a gaseous stream that is emitted from a nozzle whilst the nozzle moves along a predetermined path.

79. An apparatus for cleaning a surface substantially as described hereinbefore with reference to the accompanying drawings.

80. A method of cleaning a surface substantially as described hereinbef ore with reference to the accompanying drawings.

81. A surface cleaned by an apparatus substantially as described hereinbef ore with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

CLAIMS

1. An apparatus for cleaning a surface, comprising: an at least partial enclosure moveably arranged for contacting against a surface to be cleaned; a nozzle arranged within the enclosure f or, in use, emitting a gaseous stream having a blasting media suspended therein; and nozzle moving means for moving the nozzle along a predetermined path within the enclosure.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nozzle moving means is arranged to move the nozzle in first and second opposed directions along the path.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein :: 20 the nozzle moving means is arranged to reciprocate movement of the nozzle along the path.

4. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an extent of nozzle movement along the path is adjustable by a user.

5. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a speed of nozzle movement along the path is

adjustable by user.

6. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the orientation of the nozzle remains constant during movement along the path.

7. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the path is defined by the nozzle following a guide.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the guide is a nozzle track.

9. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle is able to repeatedly follow the path.

10. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least partial enclosure, in use, is maintained at a reduced pressure.

11. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least partial enclosure is a blasting head.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the blasting head comprises an aperture through which the blasting media is emitted in use.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the blasting head comprises an at least partially open face.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the blasting head comprises an open face.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the blasting media is directed toward the surface to be cleaned through the open face.

16. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the blasting head comprises a substantially flexible skirt arranged around a periphery of the aperture.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the skirt is arranged around a periphery of the open face.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein the skirt is arranged, in use, to contact against a surface to be cleaned.

19. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the skirt is arranged, in use, to form an at least partially air tight seal against a surface to be cleaned.

20. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 16 to 19, the skirt comprising at least one baffle extending 20 across the aperture.

21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, the skirt comprising a plurality of baffles.

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein the or each baffle extends across the aperture in a generally horizontal arrangement.

23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein the or each baffle extends across the aperture in a generally vertical arrangement. 3"

24. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 13 to 23, wherein the blasting head comprises an outlet to allow air to be drawn from the blasting head in use.

25. The apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein the outlet allows air to be drawn from the blasting head to maintain the blasting head at a vacuum.

26. The apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein a vertical orientation of the blasting head is adjustable by a user.

27. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 13 to 26, wherein the blasting head is arranged to be pivotable about a vertical mid-point.

28. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 13 to 27, wherein the blasting head is moveable outward from, or retractable toward, the apparatus.

29. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 13 to 28, wherein the blasting head is arranged upon at least one arm.

30. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the arm is moveable outward from, or retractable toward, the apparatus.

31. The apparatus as claimed in claim 30, wherein the arm is retractable into the apparatus.

32. The apparatus as claimed in claim 30 or 31, wherein the blasting head is arranged upon a pair of arms. (2X

33. The apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein the blasting head is supported between the pair of arms.

34. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the blasting head is mounted upon a rnoveable carriage.

35. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34, wherein the carriage is moveable in a generally vertical axis.

36. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34 or 35, wherein the at least one arm extends from the carriage.

37. The apparatus as claimed in any of the claims 34, or 36, wherein the carriage is moveable along a second predetermined path.

38. The apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein the 20 carriage is moveable along at least one rail.

39. The apparatus as claimed in claim 33 or 38, wherein the carriage is moveable along a pair of rails.

40. The apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein the carriage is moveable along at least one carriage track.

41. The apparatus as claimed in claim 40, wherein the at least one track moves outward from the apparatus at at least one point.

42. The apparatus as claimed in claim 41, wherein the at least one carriage track extends outward from the apparatus at an upper end.

43. The apparatus as claimed in claim 41 or 42, wherein the at least one carriage track extends outward from the apparatus at a lower end.

44. The apparatus as claimed in claim 41, 42 or 43, wherein the at least one carriage track extends outward from the apparatus at both an upper and lower ends.

45. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 41 to 44, wherein the vertical alignment of the carriage changes when the carriage track extends outward from the apparatus, such that the blasting head follows an arcuate path. ( (

46. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 40 to 20 45, wherein the carriage is electrically moveable along the at least one carriage track.

47. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a guard to protect a user during use.

48. The apparatus as claimed in claim 47, wherein the guard is arranged generally between a user and the surface to be blasted.

49. The apparatus as claimed in claim 47 or 48, wherein the guard comprises an at least partial guard enclosure.

50. The apparatus as claimed in claim 49, wherein the user operates the apparatus from within the at least partial guard enclosure.

51. The apparatus as claimed in claim 49 or 50, wherein the at least partial guard enclosure is a cabin.

52. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 47 to 51, wherein the at least one track is arranged within a recess of the guard.

53. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is moveably mounted upon wheels.

54. The apparatus as claimed in claim 53, wherein the at least partial guard enclosure is mounted upon wheels.

55. The apparatus as claimed in claim 53 or 54, 20 wherein the cabin is mounted upon wheels.

56. A method of cleaning a surface comprising: emitting a blasting media suspended in a gaseous stream through a nozzle arranged within an at least partial enclosure moveably arranged for contacting against a surface to be cleaned; and moving the nozzle along a predetermined path within the enclosure.

57. The method as claimed in claim 56, comprising moving the nozzle in first and second opposed directions along the path.

58. The method as claimed in claim 56 or 57, comprising reciprocating the nozzle along the path.

59. The method as claimed in any of claims 56 to 58, wherein an extent of movement along the path is adjustable by a user.

60. The method as claimed in any of claims 56 to 59, wherein a speed of movement along the path is adjustable by a user.

61. The method as claimed in any of claims 56 to 60, wherein an orientation of the nozzle remains constant during movement along the path.

 20 62. The method as claimed in any of the claims 56 to 61, wherein the nozzle follows a track.

63. The method as claimed in any of claims 56 to 62, comprising creating a vacuum around the nozzle.

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64. The method as claimed in any of claims 56 to 67, comprising emitting the blasting media through an aperture in a blasting head.

65. The method as claimed in claim 64, comprising engaging the blasting head with a surface to be cleaned.

66. The method as claimed in claim 64 or 65, comprising forming a seal around the blasting head.

67. The method as claimed in any of claims 64 to 66, comprising pivoting the blasting head about a point so as to be parallel to the surface to be cleaned.

68. The method as claimed in any of claims 64 to 67, comprising moving the blasting head.

69. The method as claimed in claim 68, comprising retracting the blasting head towards, or extending the blasting head from the apparatus.

70. The method as claimed in claim 68 or 69, comprising moving the blasting head upon at least one arm.

71. The method as claimed in any of the claims 68 to 70, comprising moving the blasting head upon a carriage. 20

72. The method as claimed in claim 71, wherein the carriage moves in a generally vertical axis.

73. The method as claimed in claim 71 or 72, wherein the carriage moves along at least one caii.

74. The method as claimed in any of claims 71 to 73, comprising moving the carriage along an arcuate path.

75. The method as claimed in any of claims 56 to 74, comprising moving the apparatus alongside the surface being cleaned.

76. A surface cleaned by a blasting media suspended in a gaseous stream emitted from a nozzle whilst moving along a predetermined path within an at least partial enclosure moveably arranged for contacting against the surface.

77. An apparatus for cleaning a surface substantially as described hereinbefore with reference to the accompanying drawings.

78. A method of cleaning a surface substantially as described hereinbefore with reference to the accompanying drawings.

79. A surface cleaned by an apparatus substantially as described hereinbefore with reference to the accompanying drawings.