Inside Patents (Class 15/104.05)
  • Patent number: 8011052
    Abstract: A trailing pig cleaning device is adapted to be dragged by a pig towing device. The cleaning device collects a predetermined quantity of debris. The cleaning device has a continuous outer surface portion of variable diameter urged into normal contact with the internal wall of the pipeline. The continuous outer surface portion presents a continuous upstream or leading edge portion for scraping debris from the cylindrical internal wall in advance of the outer surface portion. The device has a debris collecting surface portion extending radially inward from the outer surface portion for collecting the predetermined quantity of debris scraped from the cylindrical internal wall. The device has at least one debris and pipeline media bypass opening passing through the debris collecting surface portion permitting excess scraped debris to pass therethrough back into the pipeline and permitting media to pass thereby to propel the pig towing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: PII (Canada) Limited
    Inventors: Eugene Kapustin, Sergei Filippovitch
  • Publication number: 20110203063
    Abstract: Work string-mounted cleaning tool and a method of assembling such tools using a quick release for the cleaning element. Oblong pad element has a curved upper surface with slots to receive work surface segments. Opposite edge has a part-circular recess with part-circular peripheral lip around an upper edge of the recess. A retainer fastening component in the recess has a core with socket adapted to receive a driving tool. The retainer is sized to permit it to rotate when mounted within the recess. Roll pins are provided for use in locating the fastener component in predetermined rotational configurations in relation to the recess. Shear pin is provided to inhibit unintended rotation of the fastener component, and to lock the retainer for normal use of the cleaning tool. Shearing of the shear pin permits disassembly of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: SPECIALISED PETROLEUM SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
    Inventors: James Edward Atkins, James Linklater, George Telfer
  • Patent number: 7979943
    Abstract: A cleaning brush which is inserted into a conduit of the endoscope, includes a long and flexible shaft, and a brush part provided at a leading end of the shaft. The brush part includes brush bristles, a strand, etc. A part of the shaft that overlaps the brush bristles in a state where the brush bristles are bent toward the leading end of the shaft, is provided with a small diameter part that is smaller in external diameter than the other part of the shaft. The dimension obtained by adding the external diameter of the small diameter part and twice the external diameter of the brush bristles is smaller than the internal diameter of a conduit into which this cleaning brush is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichi Arai, Motohiro Kuroda
  • Patent number: 7979944
    Abstract: One or more tubular cleaning devices and methods for cleaning a tubular are provided herein. The tubular cleaning device can include an inner tubular member having an inner tubular member inner bore formed therethrough. The inner tubular member can include a stop formed on a first portion thereof, a first connection end adjacent the stop, and a second connection end opposite the first connection end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Bluewater Pipeline Solutions LLC
    Inventors: John C. Martin, III, Louis P. Vickio, Jr., Harold Wilson, Jr., James V. Young, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110154591
    Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a coagulator has a housing defining an interior chamber with a prong extending along a central axis to receive a coagulator bore. An insertion guide with an opening along the central axis guides insertion of the tip of the coagulator onto the prong. Pliable wipers extend inward from the sidewalls of the chamber toward the prong, so that the wipers deform by contact to wipe against the coagulator in operation. The wipers can be formed as part of a pliable tubular member that is inserted into the chamber in the housing and held in place by an end cap that incorporates the insertion guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Joel A. Ernster
  • Patent number: 7958664
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a gun barrel having striations, which includes a cleaning device that comes in contact with the inner surface of the gun barrel as it is moved by a drive device installed inside a cylindrical main body. The cleaning device includes (i) a plurality of divided plates that fit atop the striations as a saddle and are slanted to correspond to a slope of the striations, (ii) cleaning members fixed to outer peripheries of the respective divided plates that come in contact with the inner surface of the gun barrel, and (iii) a cam device that converts a rotation of a drive motor installed inside the main body into a rectilinear movement in order to move the respective divided plates upward and downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Soosung Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Jin An
  • Patent number: 7951243
    Abstract: A device for clearing obstructions from a medical tube, such as a chest tube, is disclosed in various embodiments. The device features a shuttle member that is magnetically coupled to a guide wire within a guide tube, through the guide-tube wall, so that translation of the shuttle member induces a corresponding translation of the guide wire within the guide tube, without penetrating or compromising the guide-tube wall. In this manner, when the guide tube is coupled to a medical tube where obstructions have formed, the guide wire and clearance member may be inserted into and withdrawn from the medical tube, via actuation of the shuttle member, to engage and help clear such obstructions from the medical tube without compromising the sterile field. Methods of clearing a medical tube of obstructions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignees: Clear Catheter Systems, Inc., The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: Edward M. Boyle, Jr., Nathan J. Dale, Paul C. Leonard, Alan Marc Gillinov, Sam Kiderman, William E. Cohn
  • Patent number: 7950098
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method for positioning components (3) of a scraper moved through laid pipelines along the inner pipeline wall, the components (3) being located on radially expandable support elements (2) in such a way that with the same spacing between the components and pipe wall for different pipe diameters there is a uniform coverage of the pipe circumference by the components (3). For this purpose in each case at least two support elements (2) succeeding one another in the pipeline circumferential direction are pivotably interconnected by at least one connecting member (4) articulated thereto, so that the support elements (2) are equidistantly spaced in each expansion position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: PII Pipetronix GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Veit
  • Publication number: 20110119845
    Abstract: A gun bore cleaning system is provided. The cleaning system may be easily transported by a user, is convenient to work with, involves virtually no equipment malfunction problems, and is accessibly priced. A cleaning member is provided to be inserted into a gun barrel, a wire is connected to either end of the cleaning member, and the free end of either wire is connected to a wire moving device at the breech and the muzzle, respectively, of the gun barrel. Thus, when a wire is selectively wound at one of either end of the barrel, the cleaning member is moved to remove soots and other deposits from inside the gun barrel to conveniently clean the barrel. Thus, fast and accurate gun bore cleaning can be achieved for the sake of combat readiness, by reducing personnel requirements and the time taken for cleaning gun barrels by about 30%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Han Goo Kim
  • Publication number: 20110107534
    Abstract: An Aerosol salvage tool used for tapping and dispensing, for their intended use, aerosol products that have had their original dispensing actuators or nozzles broken or disabled. This tool comprises two separately formed handles pivotally attached to each other which form an adjustable circular containment for an aerosol container. This allows for multiple size aerosol containers to fit within the tool. One of the handles has a container piercing member mounted thereon. As the handles are pivoted towards each other the inside diameter closes in engaging the piercing member and aerosol container thereby piercing the container allowing it's content to flow through the member into it's spray actuator and nozzle. Simultaneously as the handles are drawn toward each other a staged locking devise and safety lock engages holding the tool in place on the container thereby preventing the tool from being released accidentally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Eugene Hoctor
  • Publication number: 20110099733
    Abstract: A kit for cleaning clogged conduits and thruhole fitting valves in water intake systems of pleasure boats, fishing boats and yacht marine craft includes a hollow, substantially cylindrical male hose coupler connected to a nipple or elbow joined with the valve, and an open-end cap having a flexible, resilient press-fitted inner gasket configured with a central orifice to receive a shaft of larger diameter able to be force-fitted through the cap, the coupler and the valve when opened, and of a strength sufficient to force-free any matter clogging the input hose to the valve from acceptable performance usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Edward J. Del Rosso
  • Publication number: 20110088184
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a gas tube includes an actuator and a plunger head attached to the actuator. The actuator is configured to reciprocate the plunger head along a longitudinal axis of the gas tube between a retracted position and an extended position and to rotate the plunger head from a first angular position to a second angular position. A method of cleaning a gas tube includes positioning a plunger head including a plurality of longitudinally extending tines in the gas tube, rotating the plunger head relative to a longitudinal axis of the gas tube, and scraping deposits from an interior surface of the gas tube using longitudinally extending edges of the tines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Eugene J. Mayer
  • Publication number: 20110088727
    Abstract: An improved system and method for cleaning air ductwork is provided that includes an air flow device and flexible tubing that is attached at one end to the air flow device and has at the other end an end cap designed to allow forced air to exit in a manner such that debris can be blown through an air duct. A vent cover and vacuum for removing the debris as it exits the air duct are also included. In addition, an exhaust extension that can be attached to an exhaust port of a shop vacuum allowing vacuumed particulates to be removed from a building is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel J. Slowe
  • Publication number: 20110088185
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for cleaning a nozzle, which can automatically clean pollutant of the nozzle. The nozzle cleaning apparatus comprises the nozzle in a polluted state, a nozzle cleaning unit to clean a pollutant material from the nozzle by use of an absorbing member, and an absorbing member cleaning unit to clean a pollutant material from the absorbing member. With this configuration, the nozzle cleaning apparatus can clean the polluted nozzle by use of the absorbing member and in turn, can clean the polluted absorbing member by use of cleaning liquid, whereby automatic cleaning of the nozzle can be accomplished. Automatic cleaning of the polluted nozzle has the effect of reducing cleaning labor and time, and improving productivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Joong Mok Lee
  • Patent number: 7886399
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a gutter-cleaning device comprises a housing containing an impeller drive facility, the housing configured to fit into a gutter, an impeller, disposed at an end of the housing and driven by the impeller drive facility, and a transport facility for transporting the housing along the gutter. The impeller may have an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation oriented toward an inside corner of the gutter and the impeller drive facility may be adapted to rotate the impeller on the axis of rotation. Transport of the housing through the gutter may cause the impeller to travel along an axis of motion, the axis of motion differing from the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Umagination Labs, L.P.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Dayton, Sung Park, Karl Eaton Abele, Jason Robinson
  • Publication number: 20110030734
    Abstract: A rigid lance cleaning system includes rigid tubular lances that are movable between retracted and extended positions for delivering a cleaning fluid. Flexible hoses are connected to respective rigid tubular lances for delivering the cleaning fluid. A hose reel is configured to dispense the flexible hose when the rigid tubular lances extend and collect the flexible hoses when the rigid tubular lances retract. A frame movably supports the rigid tubular lances and a drive system is configured to selectively extend and retract the rigid tubular lenses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Matthew S. Marschall
  • Publication number: 20110000038
    Abstract: The present invention is a device for movement within a pipeline (2), as for instance a plug, comprising a main body and gripping means (3) comprising at least two gripping segments arranged movable between a retracted position out of contact with an inner wall (21) of a pipeline (2) and an extended position in contact with an inner wall (21) of a pipeline (2). According to the invention the device comprises at least two protection means (5) arranged extending in a radial direction from a main outer diameter (110) of the main body and arranged around a circumference of the main body, where a distal end (51) of the protection means (5) is extending outside the grip segments (14) in an retracted state of the grip segments (14) but is within an outer diameter (143) of the grip segments (14) in an extended state of the grip segments (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Harald Wittersø
  • Patent number: 7862660
    Abstract: A method for cleaning interior surfaces of a header region of a hemodialyzer includes steps of: introducing an insertion device having an end portion and a shaft through a hemodialyzer plug port so that the end portion of the insertion device is within the header region; rotating the shaft at a speed sufficient to generate mechanical stresses for the removal of contaminants from interior surfaces of the header region; removing the insertion device from the header region; and rinsing and flushing away the removed contaminants from the header region. An apparatus and an insertion device for cleaning a header region of a hemodialyzer are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Princeton Trade & Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Murawski, Yacoob Tabani, Mohamed Eman Labib
  • Patent number: 7845040
    Abstract: A device for mechanically cleaning a groove used to hold a rotor or a stator winding of an electric machine includes an axially moveable device carrier and at least one cleaning tool connected to the device carrier and extending radially from the device carrier into the groove. In addition, a corresponding method includes the steps of radially moving at least one cleaning tool connected to a device carrier so as to mechanically remove impurities on a wall section of the groove, axial advancing of the device carrier in a manner adapted to the radial movement of the at least one cleaning tool, and setting the dimensional tolerance range for the groove by adjusting the cleaning tool. The device and the method are suitable for cleaning grooves into which a new winding is to be installed in an existing laminated body, for example, in the case of the retrofitting of generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Walter Meier, Ralph Studer
  • Publication number: 20100294316
    Abstract: A tube cleaning device with a shaft having a front end and a rear end defining a length therebetween is provided. The tube cleaning device has a plurality of projections extending from the shaft in a spiral configuration around the length of the shaft. The shaft and the plurality of projections are made of metal and have a polymeric coating thereon. The shaft and the plurality of projections may be composed of stainless steel. The polymeric coating is a natural or synthetic rubber material. A method of making the tube cleaning device and a method of using the tube cleaning device are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: ITC, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Antal, Brian Antal
  • Patent number: 7827646
    Abstract: A pipeline pig—that moves by pressurized gas flow and provides for distribution of treating liquid subsisting in a lower portion of a pipeline—having a longitudinally extending nozzle located at a forward end of the pig, an array of helical-shaped louvers located on the discharge side of the nozzle and arranged circumferentially, and two perforated sealing elements that create a cavity that serves as a low pressure plenum. The louvers create a vortex effect and the perforated sealing elements allow vapor and liquid in front of the pig to be drawn into the cavity and discharged through the ports and back into the discharge of the nozzle. In this manner, liquid subsisting at a bottom portion of the pipeline is dispersed to achieve a complete 360° coating application of the interior cylindrical wall of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick D. Pruett
  • Publication number: 20100251496
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning cylindrical female electrical terminals comprises a cylindrical shaft portion, a first cleaning extension, and a second cleaning extension. The first cleaning extension extends outward from the cylindrical shaft portion and comprises a first curved and knurled surface region. Likewise, the second cleaning extension extends outward from the cylindrical shaft portion in a direction substantially parallel to the first cleaning extension and comprises a second curved and knurled surface region. The first cleaning extension and the second cleaning extension define a gap therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Vinci, Ian R. Vinci
  • Publication number: 20100236002
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for removing scale in a pipe. More particularly, provided is a flexible wire which is inserted in a pipe and rotated in a high speed during operation of an apparatus to remove scale produced in the pipe by striking. The flexible wire for removing scale in pipe includes: a main wire line which is formed by alternately winding a central wire line with clockwise and counterclockwise wires along a longitudinal direction of the central wire line; an auxiliary wire line which is a single line having a diameter smaller than that of the main wire line and extends in a longitudinal direction of the main wire line; and an outermost wire which winds the auxiliary wire line so as to bind the auxiliary wire line and the main wire line. Accordingly, a diameter of rotation becomes large due to a centrifugal force at a high speed rotation, so that scale produced in a large-diameter pipe can be effectively removed. In addition, a scale removing ability can be greatly improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Kwang Ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20100226723
    Abstract: A method and associated vessel for transferring liquids from offshore tankers to an onshore storage facility. The system utilizes a flexible pipe that is heavier than the water it displaces, such that the flexible pipe sinks to the sea floor even when empty. The high weight and relatively small profile of the flexible pipe avoids the need for anchoring the pipe to the sea floor. The flexible pipe has a bending radius of no greater than five feet, such that it can be wound onto spools onboard the vessel, and can be rapidly deployed, retrieved, and reused in another location. The vessel containing the spools of flexible pipe is dynamic positioning capable, and contains the equipment required to establish a position onshore to receive the liquid being transferred; means to deploy, retrieve, and repair the flexible pipe; and means to receive liquid from a tanker vessel and pump that liquid through the flexible pipe to the onshore storage facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Chouest
  • Publication number: 20100199448
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for the cleaning of an endotracheal tube while a patient is being supported by a ventilator connected to the endotracheal tube. According to some embodiments, a mechanically-actuated non-inflatable cleaning device for scraping debris (e.g., biofilm) from an interior wall of an endotracheal tube is provided. In one embodiment, the cleaning device comprises an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end and a mechanically-expandable scaffold positioned along the distal end of the elongated member. In one embodiment, the mechanically-expandable scaffold comprises one or more removal members configured to engage an interior surface of an endotracheal tube when the scaffold is in a radially-expanded position and to remove debris from the interior surface of the endotracheal tube when the device is withdrawn from the endotracheal tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: ENDOCLEAR, LLC
    Inventors: Brad E. Vazales, Arthur Bertolero, Ken Watson, James M. Gracy, Clifton P. Colwell, Craig B. Berky, Alan Davidner
  • Publication number: 20100186769
    Abstract: A firearm cleaning tool and method of use is disclosed in which multiple firearm components may be cleaned using a single tool. The tool includes cutting or scraping edges to ream residue, such as carbon deposits through a scraping action. The proximal end includes a scraping head with a scraping edge, and the distal end includes pivotable scraper arm and longitudinally extending insertion pin. A method of use is also contemplated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel B. Jaquish, Erik F. Bauer
  • Patent number: 7752699
    Abstract: A tubing preparation machine is an electrically powered mechanical device housed in one convenient housing assembly. A cutoff assembly is provided that virtually eliminates the need for the reaming and deburring of the cut end of tubing and a cleaner assembly is provided that has a tubing alignment guide to accept tubing to the correct depth for cleaning while stabilizing the tubing during the cleaning process. A quick release chuck allows the operator to easily attach the correct size fitting cleaner brush. The tubing preparation machine is portable, lightweight and easily hand carried by use of a handle provided on the housing assembly cover. The tubing preparation machine provides for unparalleled, safe, convenient and efficient preparation of tubing and related fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventors: Francis Paul Fruzzetti, Jr., Robert James Frerking
  • Publication number: 20100163074
    Abstract: A device for cleaning channels including a rod-shaped carrier element, at least one cleaning element that is connected with the carrier element, and at least one additional cleaning element that can be detached from the carrier element. A method for cleaning instrument channels wherein the cleaning device is moved in the axial direction in the instrument channel as far as an end point; after reaching the end point the cleaning device is moved back in the opposite axial direction in the instrument channel. Owing to the reverse motion of the cleaning device, the detachable cleaning element is released from the carrier element and thereafter is no longer part of the cleaning process of the previously cleaned instrument channel and can no longer soil the channel. The device and method removes from the instrument channel the substances that are to be removed and produces an efficient and good cleaning result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Norbert Hansen
  • Patent number: 7743450
    Abstract: A cleaning bullet for use in a pipe or track includes a compressible body. In one embodiment, a sheet draped over the body is engageable with interior walls of the pipe or track to clean small contaminants. In another embodiment, the body is formed from an absorbent material that absorbs a fluid, such as a cleaning solution, that can clean and/or disinfect the interior walls of the pipe or track. In yet another embodiment, an alignment key extends radially from a body axis for guiding the cleaning bullet in an air conveyor track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Carol A. Rouillard, Ronald R. Dir, James M. Scolaro, David Gennrich, Dan Bullis, Aaron Kurth
  • Publication number: 20100154153
    Abstract: A pipeline pig, brush and method of assembly of the pipeline pig brush is provided. The pipeline pig brush has a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has a plurality of recesses provided in a rear face. The second plate has a plurality of recesses provided in a front face that can be substantially aligned with the plurality of recesses in the back face of the first plate. A number of brushes, each brush having a ferrule and a tuft of bristles, can be clamped between the first plate and the second plate where they are held in place between the first plate and the second plate by the recesses with their tuft of bristles extended beyond the sides of the first plate and second plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: 766089 ALBERTA LTD.
    Inventors: MICHAEL HOOPER, WENG CHEE FOONG
  • Publication number: 20100139018
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning wick for a channel of a medical instrument, particularly an endoscope. Said cleaning wick supports at least one, preferably several wiping elements (9) on the elongate, flexible wick (1) that can be inserted into the instrument channel. The wiping elements (9) are designed as flock coating that adheres to the wick (1) in a section of the length thereof. Unflocked zones (11) that are left between the wiping elements (9) absorb substances which are to be discharged from the instrument channel during the cleaning process. An unflocked final region (13) located at the longitudinal ends (3, 5) of the wick (1) makes it easier to introduce the cleaning wick into the instrument channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Herbert Maslanka
  • Publication number: 20100132101
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing a clog from a drain pipe, the apparatus having: (a) a container comprising a product chamber; (b) a pressurization assembly in fluid communication with the inlet; (c) a shaft coupled to the container, the shaft comprising a proximal end and a distal end; and (d) projections extending outwardly from the shaft. The product chamber is adapted to receive a drain cleaning composition and the product chamber has an inlet and an outlet. The pressurization sub-assembly has a canister of pressurized fluid and an adapter coupled to the container and including a socket defining a receptacle configured to receive at least a portion of the canister. The shaft has an exterior surface sized for insertion into the drain pipe. The shaft also has a channel that provides fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Julie L. Bates, Steven A. Zach, John C. Taylor, Ronald J. Schmidt, Marc B. Frosch, J. Gabriel Cleek
  • Patent number: 7725978
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a culvert includes a rod pushing and pulling machine, a rod string made from a series of extension rods coupled end to end, which rod string is mounted at a proximal end to the rod pushing and pulling machine. A debris removal tool is mounted on a distal end of the rod string. The debris removal tool may comprises a rod having a center longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end, the rod having a coupling at its proximal end. A bucket is mounted at the distal end of the rod, which bucket has an end opening positioned so that movement of the bucket along the culvert scoops debris into the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Harr Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert E. Harr
  • Publication number: 20100122424
    Abstract: A spout opening cleaner for cleaning smelt spouts of recovery boilers and the like includes an actuation arm and self-aligning cleaning head. The cleaning head employs open bail designs for enabling continued flow of smelt during a cleaning cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: CLYDE BERGEMANN, INC.
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Pingel
  • Patent number: 7707675
    Abstract: A pipe-cleaning device (1) comprising a cutting head (2) for cutting away material on the interior of a pipe, a body (111) on which the cutting head is rotatably mounted and drive means (3, 4) for driving the rotation of the cutting head (2) with respect to the body (111). In a first aspect the cutting head (2) is provided with one or more inwardly collapsible cutting elements (21) and the body (111) has a plurality of arrays of inwardly collapsible support elements (30) extending in longitudinal direction of the body (111) for supporting the body (111) on the interior of a pipe. In a second aspect the cutting head (2) comprises at least one first collapsible cutting element (21) which extends radially from a rigid central part (11), ends in a first cutting block (22) and is provided with at least one mass increasing element (22) at an intermediate location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Rafaël Van Bogaert
  • Patent number: 7694376
    Abstract: A cleansing method of fluid-supply apparatus and cleansing module using the same is disclosed. First, a cleansing module is fixed to the fluid-supply apparatus to be cleansed for disposing the nozzles of the fluid-supply apparatus in the cleansing tank of the cleansing module. Second, a liquid used for cleansing is supplied inside the cleansing tank, and ultrasonic-wave vibration of the liquid is provided to remove plug stuck on the nozzles. Later, plug remained on the nozzles is scraped down and meanwhile the waste liquid is drawn out of the cleansing tank for further improving cleansing efficiency of the cleansing method. By using the cleansing method of the present invention, plug on the nozzles of the fluid-supply apparatus can be effectively removed and consequently lifetime of the fluid-supply apparatus is extended. Additionally, the cleansing method is capable of dramatically reducing working time required and of increasing efficiency of cleansing fabrication process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiun-Ming Wang, Yu-Cheng Lo, Ching-Chun Chien
  • Publication number: 20100083987
    Abstract: A cleaning device (1) for hose filters comprising a cleaning head (5) having at least one nozzle (11) rotating about a longitudinal axis (L), is characterised in that the cleaning head (5) comprises a fixed jacket (15) having a smooth outer surface which surrounds the at least one rotating nozzle (11) at a distance and in which a series of through holes (17) are formed, said holes being distributed over the circumference of the jacket (15) and being arranged with respect to each nozzle (11) such that a jet emerging from each nozzle (11) during operation can pass through a through hole (17) at least intermittently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Christian Reining
  • Patent number: 7685668
    Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning the ferrule end surface of an optical fiber that has been installed in a connector, such as a connector coupler or bulkhead receptacle, comprises a cleaning head (22a, 22b, 22c). The cleaning head is made from thermally sintered polymers, e.g., thermally sintered particles and/or thermally sintered strands and provides a matrix of open-celled multi-directional pores. The cleaning head has zones (26, 28, 32) of increasing polymer densities from compression zone (26) to sidewall cleaning zone (28) to base zone (32). The cleaning head serves to lift, absorb, trap and remove contamination from the ferrule end faces (14a, 14b, 14c) and the end face of the optical fiber therein. The open-celled structure of the cleaning head (22a, 22b, 22c) allows the contact surface to compress both laterally and radially where it contacts the ferrule end, thus permitting effective cleaning for all ferrule end designs. The cleaning head may be used either dry or with a cleaning solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Zynon Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jay S. Tourigny
  • Patent number: 7676878
    Abstract: Improvements are provided to an apparatus for cleaning a tubular. One set of improvements is provided by a nose shaft extending from the motor, a cone positioned on the shaft, and a brush positioned on the shaft between the nose cone and the vibratory motor. Another set of improvements is provided by a new passage and port arrangement on the piston and sleeve for the vibratory motor. Another improvement is provided by a set of passages and ports to provide oil flow to the area being cleaned. Another improvement is provided by capturing exhaust gas from the motor and exhaust of same at a location away from the operator of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Steven Charles Merrix Parker-Smith
  • Publication number: 20100017980
    Abstract: A pig towing device is adapted for movement through a conduit having bends and open T intersections. The pig has a front leading cup and a rear trailing cup adapted to seal with the conduit for propelling the device through the conduit. The leading and trailing cups are spaced apart a predetermined distance to maintain the seal with the conduit as the pig towing device negotiates past the open T intersections. The pig towing device has a flexible body interconnecting the front leading cup and the rear trailing cup. The flexible body is urged normally into a straight position extending along a central axis thereof to maintain the front leading cup and the rear trailing cup spaced apart by the predetermined distance. The flexible body has predetermined limited flexibility permitting it to bend relative to the central axis as the pig towing device negotiates through the bends in the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Sergei FILIPPOVITCH
  • Patent number: 7647666
    Abstract: Attachment apparatus and method for interlocking attachment of a scraper blade with a drive shaft of a scraped surface heat exchanger includes a blade having dual attachment beams and a central locking member, and at least one pin having dual fingers each for interlocking with a respective attachment beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Hardy, Drew Van Norman
  • Patent number: 7644465
    Abstract: A component brush system for use with a drive shaft, including at least two connectable-disconnectable members. Each connectable-disconnectable member has a top surface, a bottom surface and a middle sandwiched between the top and bottom surfaces. At least one of the connectable-disconnectable members has at least one groove disposed in at least a portion of at least one of its top or bottom surfaces. The groove is located between the connectable-disconnectable members when they are connected together. The system includes at least one elongate flexible cleaning member. At least a portion of the cleaning member is located within the groove and is secured in place between the connectable-disconnectable members and a remainder of the cleaning member extends away therefrom. At least one the connectable-disconnectable members includes a drive shaft joint where the drive shaft is removably connectable with the connectable-disconnectable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: John F Bently
  • Publication number: 20100000035
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible wire (100), which is inserted in a pipe and rotated in al high sped to remove scale produced in a pipe by striking. A flexible wire (100) for removing pipe scales comprising: a main wire (110) having plural wires twisted in a spiral direction a one body, wherein the main wire (110) has an overall straight shape; and an auxiliary wire (120) having plural wires twisted in a spiral direction as one body, of which a diameter is substantially smaller than a diameter of the main wire (110), wherein the auxiliary wire (120) is secured to the main wire (110) and has an overall repeated S-shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: E2ST INC.
    Inventor: Kwang Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 7635010
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unique portable system of washing out and cleaning the inside and outside of pipes and hoses along with the other equipment used when dealing with cement and mortar at a construction site where the residue and water must be contained and removed from the site. The system consisting of a base frame unit with a pivoting waste holding basin and one or more washout trays can easily pass through a three foot doorway and be used on the upper floors of high-rise buildings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph J. Manno, Tullio J. DeCollibus
  • Publication number: 20090293214
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing drain clog material from a drain pipe assembly. The assembly has: (a) a container, and (b) a shaft. The container defines a reservoir adapted to receive a drain cleaning composition. The container also has an outlet. The shaft is attached to the outlet of the container and is in fluid communication with the container. The shaft also has an X-direction, a Y-direction perpendicular thereto, and a Z-direction perpendicular to both the X- and Y-directions, in addition to a plurality of barbs extending outwardly. The barbs have a force to remove of less than 20 lbs.; and a peak bend force of less than 4 lbs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Bryan L. Ackerman, Julie L. Bates, Marc B. Frosch, Jose Porchia, David A. Smith, John C. Taylor, Steven A. Zach
  • Publication number: 20090283115
    Abstract: An assembly for cleaning a bore that contains a body and a cleaning material located over the body. At least one resilient cleaning material is located between the body and the cleaning material. When the assembly is inserted into a bore, the resilient material extends outwardly towards to the bore, thus insuring contact of the cleaning material with the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: David J. Dentico
  • Patent number: 7610924
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the interior sidewall of a large diameter tube includes a centrally-apertured circular brush plate adapted to fit within a lumen of the tube. A fluid conduit is mounted in the aperture so that an upper part of the fluid conduit is positioned above a plane of the circular brush plate and a lower part is positioned below the plane. A nozzle assembly is disposed in radial relation to the lower part of the fluid conduit. A hose provides fluid communication between a remote source of water under pressure and the fluid conduit. The circular brush plate is inserted into the lumen of the tube and is gradually advanced through the tube. The nozzle assembly is rotated about an axis defined by the fluid conduit as the circular brush plate is advanced through the tube so that water under pressure cleans the interior sidewall of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Blasters Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Frederick A. Boos, Scott F. Boos, Michael W. Charo
  • Publication number: 20090249567
    Abstract: A nozzle cleaner having a configuration for centering a cutter thereof with respect to a welding nozzle. The nozzle cleaner peels off sputter from an inner peripheral surface of a welding nozzle by inserting the cutter toward the inner peripheral surface of the welding nozzle, and then rotating the cutter. The nozzle cleaner includes a guide mechanism to center the welding nozzle with respect to the cutter. The guide mechanism includes an insertion-side roller unit and a cutter-side roller unit, each having a pair of guide rollers having a smaller diameter portion and a pair of enlarged diameter portions. The enlarged diameter portions guide the welding nozzle to the vicinity of the central position of the corresponding smaller diameter portion. The facing guide rollers of the cutter-side roller unit and of the insertion-side roller unit are arranged in arrangement directions orthogonal to each other, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: KYOKUTOH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kotaro NAKAZIMA
  • Publication number: 20090223335
    Abstract: A main pipe is lined using a pipe lining material that blocks the opening of a lateral pipe branching from the main pipe. An in-pipe work robot is provided with a cutting nozzle for spraying a pressurized fluid material or pressurized granular material onto the pipe lining material of the main pipe. The cutting nozzle is moved to a predetermined position inside the main pipe and rotated about a vertical axis by a rotary mechanism to cut the lining material between the first and second pipes by the pressurized fluid material or pressurized granular material sprayed from the cutting nozzle in order to form an opening for communicating the main pipe with the lateral pipe. The cutting nozzle can be moved in desired positions to drill holes accurately without damaging the internal peripheral surface of the lateral pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Takahiko Tsujisama, Takao Kamiyama, Masao Ueno
  • Patent number: 7562556
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a continuous emissions monitor system that is in fluid communication with a flue stack conducting exhaust gas from a combustion source. The apparatus comprises a housing and a probe mounted in the housing. The probe is tubular and in fluid communication with the flue stack to acquire a sample of gas from the flue stack. The probe tends to have deposits from the exhaust gas accumulate on the inner walls of the probe. A device imparts cleaning energy to the probe for dislodging accumulated deposits from the inner walls of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David F. Johnston, Jennifer Lynn Molaison, Terry Farmer, William Eberhardt, Mark Holt