Abstract: A self-contained, single-use hose and tubing cleaning module which utilizes available water supplies without requiring access to precision cleaning facilities. The module is attached to the water source at the inlet side and to the hose or tubing to be cleaned at the outlet side. The water flows through a water purification zone, a detergent dispensing zone and a filtration zone before the detergent-laden water flows into the tubing to clean the tubing walls. The module contains an embedded pad which is impregnated with a pH indicator to indicate to the user when the detergent has dissolved and rinsing of the tubing begins.

Abstract: There is provided a self cleaning drainage channel, particularly a drain gutter or pipe, wherein any solid material particles deposited therein and clogging the same may be removed by a nozzle system distributed along the length of the drainage channel provided with injection nozzles oriented in the drainage direction to which a rinsing medium is supplied.

Abstract: A double seat valve includes a valve housing and two valve closure members movable in the housing co-axially and relative to each other between an open and closed position. A leakage space defined between the closure members by a drain outlet. One of the closure members is a slide piston having an end portion sealingly received in a recess provided in the other closure member. The wall of the recess has an annular groove which permits a seal cleaning flow of liquid between the surfaces of the seal provided on one of the closure members and the annular groove into the leakage space.

Abstract: A packing resistant valve has a gate rotatably mounted within an angled valve body and an inlet face of the gate defines a concave recess for inducing eddy currents in fluid flow impinging thereon. The eddy currents direct fluid flow away from the valve body, reducing the tendency of the fluid to accumulate within the valve body. Because the valve body is angled, material tends to drain from the body under the influence of gravity. Also, the angled configuration results in the formation of an air pocket within the valve body, precluding packing therein. In one embodiment, a mechanical seal is provided to preclude fluid leakage across the valve stem. In a further embodiment of the invention, a diverter valve assembly is disclosed, which includes a diverter plate for preventing the impingement of fluid against the closed valve disk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device permitting the cleaning of at least one filling head (3) containing a movable nonreturn valve (13) adapted to be held in the open position by a control rod (19) carried by a grid carrier sleeve (15), a fixed collector member (4) being disposed around each filling head, each collector member having an opening disposed plumb with the filling head and adapted to receive a closure member (9) having an annular collar (30) adapted to bear against the bottom part of the movable sleeve (15) in order to effect the opening of the valve, while an annular member (26) provides a seal against the inside wall (27) of the collector member (4). The device has application in particular to a turntable for filling by weight.

Abstract: A beverage tube cleaner especially applicable as a permanent installation for cleaning draft beer distribution systems includes automatically controlled valves and a centrifugal pump for sequentially draining, cleaning, rinsing and draining conduits along the full length from their pressurized beverage sources to their spigots. The standardized fittings normally connecting the conduits to the kegs or other beverage sources are removed from the sources and connected end-to-end in pairs via unions mounted directly on the cleaner casing. Water pressure and pump vacuum force the cleaning and rinsing solutions through the conduits and the connecting unions, and under control of a sequence controller, treat the entire length of each conduit.

Abstract: An improved sootblower nozzle assembly adapted for cleaning heat exchange surfaces or the like comprising a lance tube having at least one nozzle affixed thereon. The nozzle comprises a tubular body formed with a centrally extending discharge throat and a plurality of second apertures arranged around the central discharge throat. A pressurized fluid blowing medium introduced into the lance tube during a cleaning cycle is discharged from the nozzle in the form of a composite stream including a central directionally oriented stream surrounded by a plurality of secondary streams forming an encircling protected shroud to maintain the integrity of the central stream and to increase its impact pressure on the surfaces to be cleaned.

Abstract: A method of disinfecting the circulating system of a whirlpool bath tub installation comprising blanking off or capping a nozzle or nozzles of the bath tub in such manner that a circulating pump and the nozzle(s) together with associated pipework form a closed path. A small supply of disinfecting solution is connected through a valve to the closed path around which the disinfectant solution is circulated by the pump during a disinfection period in order to disinfect the pump, nozzle(s) and associated pipework. A whirlpool bath tub which incorporates a nozzle or nozzles which can be blanked off or capped, thereby providing a closed path and allowing disinfection thereof, by the foregoing method. A whirlpool bath tub installation comprises a tub, nozzles which can be capped, and a disinfectant supply tank.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for cleaning sewers or the like and more particularly to apparatus which is fast, thorough and otherwise effective in cleaning sewers and which is very inexpensive in construction and operation, requiring no supply of electrical, mechanical or fluid power thereto and requiring minimal effort and manpower for operation. The apparatus is readily controlled to obtain optimum performance under varying conditions, is highly reliable and is relatively light in weight and readily transported from one place to another.

Abstract: A process gas controller, connected to a sources of purging and process gas, includes five valves and a pressure regulator between the process gas source and the equipment. Operating the valves provides process gas to the equipment and allows the controller to be vented of process gas and purged using the purging gas. A novel pneumatic valve controller, used to control the opening and closing of the valves, provides seven different valving combinations to supply process gas to the equipment, vent process gas and purge the system. The valve controller includes a program member having a number of passageways, each connected to one of the valves and to a program surface via program ports. A movable valve selection member overlies the program surface and includes an inlet passage coupled to a compressed source so that when the inlet passage becomes aligned with one of the various sets of program ports, compressed air is provided to the corresponding valves to actuate them.

Abstract: A double seat valve, preferably a multi-way valve having two valve disks movable independently one against the other and against the valve seats, defines an annular space between the two valve disks which is connected to the outer atmosphere by a discharge conduit. According to the invention, at least three nozzles project axially in the discharging conduit to eject jets of cleaning liquid along the inner wall of the conduit, then the jets are bent radially outwardly along the lower surface of the upper valve disk, spread into circular segments which mix together along the boundary lines and then the mixed cleaning liquid is returned along the inner surface of the lower valve disk and discharged through the opposite wall of the discharge conduit.

Abstract: A faucet repair system is provided for the removal of loose or broken faucet components, debris or other material which may be lodged in a faucet body or water feed line. A hollow coupling having threads identical to the bonnet or stem nut of the defective faucet includes a collar over which an outlet tube is connected. The bonnet or stem nut and stem are removed and the coupling is screwed into the faucet body. A bend in the tube directs water flow into a lavatory or sink basin when the water feed line shutoff valve is then opened. The water flow carries with it the loose material. A modified outlet tube includes a trap which retains the dislodged article and is suitable for elongate objects.

Abstract: Capacitance cells comprising concentric tubes are maintained clean of sediment in the space between the inner and outer tubes where capacitance is measured by (1) suspending fibrous strands in the fluid flow outside the inner tube and/or (2) partially plugging the inner tube to increase flow outside the inner tube.

Abstract: A shear valve obtaining selective fluidic communication between fluid ports formed in a first member and fluid ports formed in a second member comprises a first seal with means for providing a fluidic seal between aligned ports and which separates the first and second members to form a passage, and a second sealing means to obtain a fluidic seal between the first and second members and enclose the passage. A fluid port is provided to introduce wash solution into the passage formed between the first and second members and a drain port is provided to remove the wash solution introduced between the first and second members, so that a wash and purge operation may be performed to cleanse the sealing surfaces of the valve.

Abstract: A device for cleaning an endoscope includes a communication member which is inserted into an air and water supply cylinder of the endoscope after removing a changeover piston from the cylinder. The communication member is movable between first and second positions and has a through-hole. Through the through-hole, the upper side portion of a water supply passage is communicated with the lower side portion of an air supply passage when the communication member is in the first position, and the upper side portion of the air supply passage is communicated with the lower side portion of the air supply passage when the communication member is in the second position.

Abstract: A gate valve assembly for controlling flow of fine particulate solids, utilizing dual seating surfaces and a slidable gate which are either or both purged by an outflowing gas. The valve body is constructed in two split parts, and the body seat surface contains a conduit spaced outwardly from the seat and having a plurality of spaced openings oriented radially inwardly. The gate contains multiple passageways and is connected to a stem adapted for supplying a flow of pressurized purge gas to the passageways arranged to prevent deposits of the particulate solids passing therethrough on the valve seating surfaces. The valve is usually used for high temperature service, e.g. at 300.degree.-1000.degree. F., the valve body and gate are cooled by a vent gas, and the valve body is covered with thermal insulation material. The valve assembly is usually located within the lower end of an insulated container and controls the flow of particulate solids from the container.

Abstract: An automatic beverage tube cleaner especially applicable to beer distribution coils includes controllable valves for isolating individual pressurized beverage sources from their respective conduits and for connecting the conduits together to a discharge pump, the pump being of a type which defines an open discharge path whether or not the pump is operating, a vacuum fitting connected to a source of cleaning solution for drawing the cleaning solution into the conduits, and a system of supply valves for sequentially flushing the conduits with cleaning solution and clean rinse water. An automatically-actuated controller initiates operation in off-hours, providing a self-cleaning maintenance-free beverage delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a double poppet valve comprising two independently movable valve heads cooperating with a valve seat located in a valve housing between an inlet duct and an outlet duct for a liquid product, and enclosing therebetween in the open position as well as in the closed position a leak control space adapted to be sealed in the open position of the valve to reduction of the distance between the two valve heads caused on opening of the valve by one of the valve heads being advanced so as to engage the other valve head at the end of a predetermined stroke, whereafter the two valve heads are forced into mutual sealing engagement by a spring force, the advancing valve head being affixed to a hollow actuating rod adapted to have supplied therethrough a cleaning liquid for said leak control space, a drain pipe communicating with said leak control space being provided for draining said cleaning liquid to the exterior.

Abstract: A valve for injecting fluid into a conduit carrying a slurry subject to separation to form deposits capable of plugging openings into the conduit. The valve comprises a valve body that is sealed to the conduit about an aperture formed through the wall of the conduit to receive the fluid to be injected and the valve member of the valve includes a punch portion that extends through the injection aperture to the flow passage, when the valve is closed, to provide a clear channel into the conduit, when the valve is opened, through deposits which might have formed on portions of the valve adjacent the conduit.

Abstract: A solid surface is eroded by directing a liquid axially through a converging passage in a nozzle toward the surface, then deflecting the liquid in a lateral direction parallel to the surface while the liquid is subject to cavitation.

Abstract: A double-block and vent valve having an improved actuator mechanism to allow one part of a composite valve member to be lifted separately from another. The actuator mechanism overlies the valve housing and is connected to the two valve member parts via coaxial rod and tube members. Hold-down cams normally block the upward movement of the tube member to positively lock the upper valve member part against its seat when it is desired to lift only the lower valve member part. A pair of pivotal cams are spring-biased to this blocking position where they bear against lug means carried by the tube member. A small, horizontal, fluid-actuated cylinder pivots the hold-down cams to a non-interfering position whenever it is desired to lift only the upper valve member part or to lift the composite valve member.

Abstract: A device for removing encrusted marine growth from submerged structures and for Non-Destructive testing of welds and the like is disclosed. The device includes a flexible transparent sleeve or housing for encapsulating an area of the structure to be cleaned and a reservoir for admitting a corrosive chemical into the housing to dissolve the marine growth. The housing may also contain embedded conductors forming a magnetic yoke which, when coupled to a source of electric energy, will subject to area to desired AC and DC fields. Magnetic particle can then be admitted through the reservoir for magnetic particle testing.

Abstract: Method and means for solidifying nuclear waste for permanent disposal are disclosed. A storage container, in the preferred form of a drum or barrel, is charged with a predetermined amount of liquid polymer resin in an uncatalyzed state. Catalyst-containing frangible ampoules are also positioned in the drum with a rotatable mixer mechanism. At a waste filling station, the mixer is rotated to break the ampoules so as to mix the catalyst and the resin. The catalyzed resin is then mixed with added waste material to completely encapsulate the waste prior to solidification of the resin. Monitoring of the filling and mixing process is provided by continually sensing the torque force being applied to the rotating mixer mechanism. Where the waste is a dust-like, dry particulate material, dust control means and method are also provided.

Abstract: An improvement in drain cleaning machines comprising a removable drum containing a length of coiled spring snake in which is inserted a flexible tube for carrying a flow of water to the free end of the snake. The hub of the drum is designed to mount upon a powered shaft adapted to injecting water at house pressure into the center of the hub, and thus into the tube, without leakage. In one embodiment, a swivel is formed inside the free end of the snake, to allow differential twisting between the tube and the snake, thus avoiding kinking of the tube.

Abstract: The invention comprises an injection tank for cleaning boilers and heat exchangers. The tank is pressurized by connection to a potable city water supply. The filling, pressurization and injection of cleaning of treatment materials are carefully controlled by the provision of control and check valves on the inlet and outlet of the tank. An interior perforated tank baffle assures that the treatment materials are fully cleared from the tank during injection and thoroughly mixed with pressurized incoming water. The tank is light and portable without requiring separate powered pressurization means.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning the longitudinal bore in the barrel of a flintlock muzzleloading type rifle without removing the barrel from the stock and wherein the barrel has a touchhole formed in its breach end normally covered by the lock assembly. The apparatus includes a tubular drain member having a radial flange on which is mounted an annular seal adapted for sealing engagement with the barrel circumferentially of the touchhole opening after removal of the lock assembly. A mounting clip attached to the drain member facilitates releasable mounting of the apparatus on the barrel. In cleaning the bore, the lock assembly is removed from the stock to expose the touchhole, the drain member is mounted on the rifle by the mounting clip so as to seal about the touchhole opening, and a flushing liquid or solvent is poured down the barrel bore and discharged through the touchhole and drain member to a receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for periodically rinsing a water cock countersunk in the ground. A drainpipe is connected between the water cock and a closing member of an extension piece. The drainpipe includes a valve body which is opened by the water pressure prevailing in the extension pipe when the water cock is initially opened. After a predetermined period of time the valve body is closed. Thus, the present invention ensures that after the water cock is opened dirt is flushed away through the drainpipe which is subsequently automatically closed after a predetermined time. After the drainpipe is closed, a valve member connected to the extension pipe can be opened and only pure water will be supplied.

Abstract: A gas regulation device to delay for a predetermined time the closing of a gas actuated main valve of the type having a main valve conduit connected to the main valve for carrying the gas which actuates the main valve. The regulation device comprises a first conduit which can be disposed in the main valve conduit to form a portion thereof and a check valve which is disposed in the first conduit so that gas can pass through the first conduit only in one direction. A bypass conduit is connected to the first conduit across the check valve such that gas can pass from the first conduit on one side of the check valve through the bypass conduit to the first conduit on the other side of the check valve. A flow regulation device is disposed in the bypass conduit to limit the flow of gas through said bypass conduit such that the pressure drop or increase required to open or close the main valve is delayed for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A gate valve having a top inlet and bottom outlet is provided with a horizontally disposed head slidable between closed and open positions. The valve body includes a seat concentric with an inlet passage and adapted to cooperate with a sealing surface on the head. An annular sleeve is provided within the inlet passage with one end of the sleeve being in contact with the sealing surface on the head. The sleeve and seat cooperate with the valve body and head to define an annular space. A means is provided to pressurize the space immediately prior to contact between the head and the seat. The head is biased to a closed position in the event of power failure. The valve is particularly designed for controlling downward flow of high temperature particulate material under high pressure.

Abstract: A purging apparatus having a process gas connector wherein a purging gas is injected into the connector so that trapped process gas is thoroughly purged from the connector. Tubing in the shape of a double helix is connected to the process gas connector. One tube of the double helix is connected to a purge valve for providing purging gas to an injection port of the process gas connector. The other tube of the double helix provides a flow path for the process gas which then flows through a filter, a vacuum pump valve, a high pressure process valve, a regulator, a low pressure process valve, and then out to the process equipment. In order to purge the process gas from the purging apparatus, the high pressure process valve is set to direct a gas flow to a vent valve which is connected to a scrubber. The low pressure process valve may also be set to direct gas flow to a low pressure vent valve which is also connected to a scrubber.

Abstract: A plurality of elongated tube cleaning element capturing cages of different lengths are mounted within the heat exchanger chamber. The cages are so constructed and positioned so that fluid discharging outwardly from the cages flows laterally in a plurality of transverse planular layers. Fluid discharging laterally through the openings of the shorter cages impinges against closed wall portions of the longer cages, with the openings of the longer cages being disposed axially beyond the openings of the shorter cages. The longer and shorter cages may be arranged in substantially alternating relationship. In the event that some longer or shorter cages are disposed directly adjacent each other, openings of adjacent similar length cages are disposed in generally facing relationship with imperforate portions of the adjacent similar length cage.

Abstract: A fail-safe valve (10) for precluding contamination of fluid, such as milk, having passed through a main fluid flow line (12) from an input end, such as a milking claw, to a collection and storage tank is the subject of this application. A flushing conduit (46) through which flushing water or a sanitizing agent flows intersects the main fluid flow line (12).A pinching element (54) is provided with a first arm (56) for pinching closed the main line (12) at a resilient portion thereof down-flow from the intersection (48) of the conduit (46) with the main line (12). The element (54) also includes a second arm (58) which is angularly spaced from the first arm (56). The pinching element (54) is mounted for pivoting about an axis so that, when the element (54) is in its first position, the main line (12) will be pinched closed. With the element (54) in this first position, the flushing conduit (46) will not be occluded.

Abstract: A double-seat valve unit with leakage control has a greater valve plate located below a smaller valve plate, adjusting bars connected with the valve plates and arranged so that the adjusting bar of the greater valve plate extends through the interior of the adjusting bar of the smaller valve plate and both valve plates move to an open position from above downwardly, a leakage conduit having a portion located inside a valve housing and movable outwardly, an annular gap formed between the adjusting bars for flowing of cleaning fluid, and a return valve formed by the lower valve plate.

Abstract: A self-cleaning orifice assembly, for draining unacceptable accumulations of water from pipes and vessels associated with a turbine, is herein presented and claimed. The invention includes a two-position, movable stem having therein a plurality of ducts and the orifice. Their relative diameters and the flow itself are utilized to prevent blockage of the flow path.

Abstract: An arrangement for aseptically discharging flowable media, especially sterilized feed solutions for use in microbiology, includes a discharge valve which has a ball-shaped valve member having a through passage in which there is accommodated an insert that carries a coupling member to which there is connected a sterilized hose in the open position of the valve member. The valve member is rotatably accommodated in a chamber of a valve housing and the flowable medium flows through the insert and the coupling member into the hose in the open position, while the coupling member is accommodated in a compartment of the housing in the closed position of the valve member. A stream of sterilizing medium, preferably steam, is admitted into the compartment in the closed position to sterilize the coupling member. The admission of the sterilizing medium is throttled as the valve member is rotated toward its open position, but maintained until the hose is connected to the coupling part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the spraycoating of the interior of a hollow body, one region of which, e.g. a seam, must receive a heavier coating than the remainder of the surface to be sprayed. A single spray coating operation is performed, in which a relatively heavy spray jet is concentrated on the seam and a relatively thin cloud of coating material is used to coat the entire interior surface of the body. Preferably, a cloud of electrostatically charged coating material is formed by an atomizer fed by a feed conduit from which a certain amount of coating material is diverted to be formed into the relatively highly concentrated spray jet directed at the seam. The relatively high-velocity particles of material of the spray jet which is concentrated onto the seam and the relatively low-velocity particles of material of the coating cloud together produce on the seam a thinner layer of material than would normally suffice and which, nonetheless, adheres well.

Abstract: An endoscope washing apparatus in which the optical-fiber tube of an endoscope is submerged in flowing water into which a multiplicity of air streams are injected to produce a myriad of foams, which impinge upon the outer peripheral surface of the tube for removing contaminants or stains from the surface in cooperation with the flow of water. By preferance, water may be passed through the conduits in the optical-fiber tube and further through the conduits in a light-guide tube of the endoscope and, subsequently, the optical-fiber tube and the conduits in the optical-fiber and light-guide tubes may be treated with a disinfectant or sterilizing solution.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for cooling heat exchanger tubes at controlled conditions. The apparatus comprises a housing sealingly connected to each heat exchanger tube. There are water and air inlets to the housing. A means to generate mist is located within the housing and directed to spray a jet of mist from the housing into the heat exchanger tube. During operation, air is injected into each heat exchanger tube at controlled conditions. The air is followed by a water mist under controlled flow conditions into each tube. Carrier air accompanies the water mist. A controlled flow of water is injected into each heat exchanger tube after the water mist.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for prevention of clogging of exhaust systems, especially the exhaust hoods and ducts above fused salt baths onto which salts splatter as they are being added by spraying from aqueous solutions. A fluid tight jacket surrounds a portion of the exhaust pipe and hood and a cooling fluid, preferably the aqueous solution of the salt being added is flowed through the jacket. This will condense the water of the solvent onto the inside of the hood and duct dissolving and washing away any splattered salt.

Abstract: There is disclosed a purging system for removing foreign matter from a fluid conducting conduit in which a sensor detects the presence of the foreign matter and produces an electrical signal which activates a timer which, in turn, connects a pump to the conduit for a given time duration to purge the conduit of the foreign matter. A counter also maybe connected to periodically activate the timer and purge the conduit, whether or not the sensor has detected foreign matter.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for cooling heat exchanger tubes at controlled conditions. The apparatus comprises a housing sealingly connected to each heat exchanger tube. There are water and air inlets to the housing. A means to generate mist is located within the housing and directed to spray a jet of mist from the housing into the heat exchanger tube. During operation, air is injected into each heat exchanger tube at controlled conditions. The air is followed by a water mist under controlled flow conditions into each tube. Carrier air accompanies the water mist. A controlled flow of water is injected into each heat exchanger tube after the water mist.

Abstract: A flushing fitting for attachment into the heater hoses of an automotive engine and having a base conduit telescopically connected to the heater hose, a connecting duct protruding at one side of the base conduit and defining an out-turned flange against which the threaded insert end of a garden hose may bear for sealing, a sleeve embracing the connecting duct and threaded onto the threaded insert end of the garden hose and drawing the garden hose tightly against the stationary connecting duct, and a circular closure with external threads thereon and turned into the sleeve and against the flange of the connecting duct for sealing and closing the fitting in closed condition.

Abstract: For use in a combustion furnace for analytical apparatus in which a specimen is combusted in a combustion chamber and gases therefrom are withdrawn for analysis, a cleaning apparatus mounted at one end of the combustion chamber. The cleaning apparatus includes a housing sealably mounted to the combustion chamber and containing a movable cleaning element for abrading the interior walls of the combustion chamber. A shield is positioned between the cleaning element and the combustion chamber such that during combustion of a specimen, the cleaning element is effectively shielded from the high temperature combustion. In one embodiment, the housing also includes a filter between gas supply and exhaust passages and apparatus for self-cleaning of the filter.

Abstract: A dispensing head of the kind adapted to be bitted to a container, such as a beer keg, having a plunger with which the dispensing head co-operates to enable liquid in the container to be dispensed through the outlet of the dispensing head under pressure of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the container through the dispensing head. The dispensing head is provided with an inlet for connection to a source of rinsing water and a valve mechanism which can be operated to cut off the flow of liquid from the container through the outlet and to connect the water inlet to the outlet so that rinsing water flows through the outlet and through any pipe and dispensing tape connected to the outlet, which can thus be rinsed without removing the dispensing head from the container. The valve mechanism can be remotely operated, using the pressure of the rinsing water to operate the valve mechanism, the water acting on a piston fixed to a movable valve member of the valve mechanism.

Abstract: A dispensing head of the kind adapted to be fitted to a container, such as a beer keg, having a plunger with which the dispensing head co-operates to enable liquid in the container to be dispensed through the outlet of the dispensing head under pressure of carbon dioxide gas supplied to the container through the dispensing head. The dispensing head is provided with an inlet for connection to a source of rinsing water and a valve mechanism which can be operated to cut off the flow of liquid from the container through the outlet and to connect the water inlet to the outlet so that rinsing water flows through the oulet and through any pipe and dispensing tap connected to the outlet, which can thus be rinsed without removing the dispensing head from the container. In a preferred embodiment, the valve mechanism can be remotely operated, using the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas to operate the valve mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for cooling heat exchanger tubes at controlled conditions. The apparatus comprises a housing sealingly connected to each heat exchanger tube. There are water and air inlets to the housing. A means to generate mist is located within the housing and directed to spray a jet of mist from the housing into the heat exchanger tube. During operation, air is injected into each heat exchanger tube at controlled conditions. The air is followed by a water mist under controlled flow conditions into each tube. Carrier air accompanies the water mist. A controlled flow of water is injected into each heat exchanger tube after the water mist.

Abstract: A method for controlling the coating of ceramic monolithic catalyst supports on a production basis to achieve repeatability of coating utilizing a vacuum system to distribute the coating slurry over the interior surfaces of and purge the excess coating slurry from the support at the same time that plugged tubular passageways through the support are unplugged, comprising the steps of applying the coating slurry to the support and subjecting the support to a vacuum to draw the slurry through the passageways and remove plugging and excess slurry to form a coating on the passageway surfaces. Apparatus for practicing the method is adapted to either dipping the support in the slurry or charging the slurry to the support at its upper end as positioned in the apparatus.

Abstract: Drive unit for internal pipeline equipment, wherein the drive motor which drives the drive unit is disposed parallel to the pipe axis instead of transverse to the pipe axis, thereby to occupy a reduced space transverse to the length of the pipe and enabling a drive motor of given size to be used in a drive unit of smaller diameter than would be possible if the drive motor were disposed transverse to the pipe axis. In this way, drive units may be adapted for use in pipes of relatively smaller diameters than has heretofore been possible.

Abstract: A gas supply system including purge means. A supply conduit having an inlet and an outlet and a downstream direction of flow has within it a purge conduit with an inlet and a discharge port. The discharge port is directed upstream in the supply conduit and discharges adjacent to its inlet, whereby to purge that region of the supply conduit and to sweep gases from the entire supply conduit. The system is also provided with a selector valve able selectively to deliver gas to a delivery conduit or to a vent conduit or to shut them both off.

Abstract: A device for cleaning compacted clay, fine gravels, sand, and other blocking agents from the inside of drill stems or drill bits. The device cleans away the unwanted matter by use of concentrated streams of high pressure liquid traveling at very high velocity aimed at the unwanted matter so as to erode it away. The device has one compressed gas cylinder attached to a liquid reservoir through a pressure regulating valve so as to keep the liquid in the reservoir under a constant pressure. The liquid is emitted through a nozzle containing many small holes through a pressure actuated valve. This assembly is disposed within a casing which forms a part of the drill string with the drill bit at one end of the casing. The nozzle extends to within a short distance of the drill bit.