Abstract: A tool for cleaning a culvert comprises a rod having a center longitudinal axis, a housing having a center longitudinal axis and coupled coaxially to the rod, the housing having an interior chamber, the housing has an outside dimension that can be accommodated within the culvert, and at least one paddle operable to rotate about the center longitudinal axis of the rod inside the interior chamber of the housing, the at least one paddle operable to dislodge and loosen debris inside the culvert.

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.

Abstract: By providing a gear assembly employing drive gears which engage at least two associated gears for simultaneous rotation, with the gear assembly being constructed for axially driving the bush-bearing shaft/cable member, a new fully automatic, portable tube/conduit cleaning system is attached, with the components forming the system being capable of being easily held and carried to any desired job site. By employing this construction, the cleaning system of the present invention enables the shaft/cable carrying the rotating brush to be driven in both a forward and reverse direction, along the axis of the tube or conduit, making it easier for an operator to clean extremely difficult pipes and conduits, while also controlling the relative speed of the brush rotation. In the present invention, the elongated flexible shaft/cable is controllably fed at a low rate of speed, while the cleaning brush is rotated at a relative very high rate of speed, thereby achieving superior cleaning results.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning a drainage structure comprises a rod having a center longitudinal axis, a barrel housing having a proximal opening and a distal opening, the barrel housing having a center longitudinal axis and coupled coaxially to the rod, the barrel housing having an outside dimension that can be accommodated within the drainage structure, the distal opening of the barrel housing having a sinusoidal tearing contour. The tool further comprises a plurality of cutting implements radially coupled to and between the rod and the barrel housing, the cutting implements having a distal cutting edge and being angularly oriented to facilitate sweeping debris in a selected direction, and the barrel housing and cutting implements operable to rotate about the center longitudinal axis of the rod to dislodge and loosen debris inside the drainage structure.

Abstract: A pipe deburring tool (1) comprises a deburring means (2) arranged to deburr the inside surface of a pipe and a cleaning means (3) arranged to simultaneously prepare the outside surface of the pipe upon relative rotation of the tool and pipe. The deburring means (2) comprises a prism having rounded longitudinal edges. The cleaning means (3) comprises a plurality of brushes (21) arranged in a housing (4) round the outside of the deburring means (2).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for dislodging contaminants from a surface of a machine tool. A machine tool has a spindle and a housing disposed around the spindle. The apparatus includes a support plate, an arbor, and a cleaning member. The arbor is disposed on the support plate and is adapted to be attached to the spindle. The cleaning member is disposed on and extends from the support plate. The cleaning member contacts a surface of the machine tool to remove contaminants.

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.

Abstract: A gravity pressure vessel (GPV) for processing a fluid stream containing organic materials provides several improvements to the art. In one embodiment, a GPV of the present invention sustains the heat energy requirements of a hydrolysis GPV by including therein, a first reaction chamber for conducting an exothermic reaction, and subsequently providing a second reaction chamber for hydrolysis of certain organic materials refractory to the exothermic reaction. Another embodiment provides for the perpetual cleaning of the heat transfer surfaces of the GPV. Still another embodiment provides for selective alteration of a hydrolysis reaction within a GPV independent of the flow of the fluid stream through the GPV.

Abstract: A tube cleaning machine for industrial smooth bore tubes and enhanced tubes in which the machine includes a rotary brush with means for selecting brush rotary speed for optimum cleaning of the smooth bore and enhanced tubes, and in which the machine includes a water side and a chemical side for supplying a cleaning medium to tubes being cleaned.

Abstract: A spring shaft (1) for cleaning pipelines consists of a coil spring (2) with windings (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) of spring steel and with a rotation axis (RA) and a spiral winding axis (WA). In order to give the spring shaft (1) a particular cleaning function, the windings (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) have at least on their outside (4) a cross section departing from the circular shape, with at least one edge (K) acting on the pipeline. At the same time it is possible to provide the outside (4) with at least one longitudinal groove (8) following the windings (3c), or to configure the cross section of the windings (3a, 3b) as a square whose outside edge (4a) runs parallel to the rotation axis (RA) or whose surface diagonal (4b) runs radially to the rotation axis (RA). Lastly, it is possible to provide the outside (4) with a profile (5) in which projections and grooves alternate.

Abstract: The device includes a spray system for spraying a fluid against the inside periphery of the tube to be cleaned, and two analogous brushing assemblies, each of which include brushing means and a propelling element which cooperates with the inside periphery of the tube. The device further includes means for moving axially the brushing assemblies towards and away from each other in alternation, which means include a chamber connected to a feed for feeding in fluid under pressure. The spray system includes a reservoir put under pressure by being connected to the chamber. A method of cleaning a tube, in which two brushing assemblies including brushing means are inserted into the tube and are moved towards and away from each other in alteration. A fluid, disposed in a reservoir cooperating with a support system on which the propelling elements are secured, is sprayed against the inside periphery of the tube.

Abstract: A plastic housing has a front shell with inwardly protruding bristles of an exterior wire brush, and a rear shell which retractably receives the outwardly protruding bristles of an interior wire brush. The interior brush is mounted to a shaft which engages the housing, and which is driven by a motor, such as by a power drill. A ring-like deburring element is mounted to the shell between the front shell and the rear shell, and has an inwardly and frontwardly protruding generally frustoconical first wall forming a deburring element which defines a central opening through which the interior brush may be projected and retracted. The first wall may be planar segments, or may have a circular cross section. The deburring element serves to position a pipe for burnishing by the exterior brush, and also deburrs the end of the inserted pipe.

Abstract: A washing apparatus for an endoscope includes a wire brush, a region for housing the wire brush and a driver adapted to advance and retract the wire brush. The wire brush is received in a pipe section of the wire housing region so that the wire brush may be selectively advanced out or retracted in this pipe section which is, in turn, provided along its front end portion and a rear end portion with position sensors to detect a position of a wire component of the wire brush.

Abstract: The compressor cleaning system includes a track mounted about the inlet of the compressor. A circumferential position assembly mounts an insertion drive assembly which is driven about the track into selected circumferential positions. The insertion drive assembly carries a manipulator arm assembly mounting at its distal end a cleaning head. By using pairs of control cables, the proximal yaw, pitch and distal yaw sections of the manipulator arm can be moved to weave the cleaning head past the multiple stages of blading to locate the cleaning head adjacent a selected blade. By repeated extension and retraction of the cleaning head relative to the compressor inlet and about the compressor blades, each blade can be cleaned without disassembly of the compressor casing or removal of the rotor.

Abstract: A metal-debris magnetic scavenging tool useable inside a buried, horizontal metallic pipeline through an access opening which has been cut into the upper wall portion of the pipeline overhead where the resulting debris has collected. A raiseable/lowerable and rotatable array of magnets, surface exposed, and operating moveably as a unit, agitate and collect debris principally within an area-footprint which allows for clearance lifting and removal of collected debris through the access opening.

Abstract: A multi-module pipe inspection and repair device. The device includes a base module, a camera module, a sensor module, an MFL module, a brush module, a patch set/test module, and a marker module. Each of the modules may be interconnected to construct one of an inspection device, a preparation device, a marking device, and a repair device.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning pipe ends. The tool includes a de-burring assembly for de-burring pipe ends with different inside diameters. The de-burring assembly includes a plurality of frustuconical bit members, each having a different outside diameter. Each of the bit members has blade portions for engaging inner and bottom edges of the pipe ends. An elongate support structure supports the members of the de-burring assembly, while a securing member secures the de-burring assembly to the support structure. The assembly is then positionable in a drill to rotate the de-burring assembly. Each bit member is designed for a specific diameter pipe, and is replaceable if the blade portions become dull.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a well casing and a method for its use. The apparatus includes: a coupling having first and second ends, the first end constructed and arranged for connection to a drill stem of a drilling rig having vertical and rotational motion and means for pumping liquid therethrough to the coupling, the coupling having a central passageway therethrough connected to the means for pumping liquid; a drill collar tube having first and second ends, the first end of the drill collar tube connected to the second end of the coupling, the drill collar tube having a central passageway therethrough connected to the central passageway of the coupling, an outer surface, a plurality of nozzles disposed between the central passageway and the outer surface, and closure means for closing the second end of the drill collar tube; and a plurality of brushes disposed generally perpendicularly to the outer surface of the drill collar tube.

Abstract: The invention comprises a drain cleaning apparatus having a flexible forward tubular portion and a rigid real-ward tubular portion. The flexible portion is coupled to a drain pipe of a building connected to the sewer line, after the elbow connection between the drain pipe section and the drain in a sink in the building has been removed. The rearward tubular portion has a bowl with an open top and a spout is mounted over the bowl with a fluid connection connecting the spout to a spout of the faucet to fill the bowl and apparatus and drain pipe up to any blockage in the drain pipe.

Abstract: A well cleaning tool adapted for connection to a drill string for removing debris and residues from the inner wall of a well casing, comprises an elongate generally cylindrical member (1) having a plurality of scratching elements (2) in the outer surface thereof. First and second helical channels or grooves (3 and 4) are defined in the outer surface of the cylindrical member (1) between the scratching elements (2), the second helical channel or groove (4) running in the counter direction to the first helical channel or groove (3).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing plumbing installations including a tool for making an opening through a test cap or other blockage in a fluid-carrying line of a plumbing system. The tool and cap make the testing method possible. During the rough-in plumbing phase of construction, a test cap welded in the drain pipe seals the drain line from the sewer line at the location of the clean-out. Thereafter, the rough-in plumbing system is tested by pressurizing the system through the clean-out on the building side of the cap. Following successful completion of this test, the top-out plumbing is completed, leaving the test cap welded in place. After the roof vents are in, the top-out test of the plumbing system is made, also through the clean-out. After final test and inspection, a special tool constructed in accordance with the present invention is inserted down the clean-out to penetrate and ream-out the test cap.

Abstract: A casing scraper for cleaning the internal wall of a tube 26 such as a well casing has at least three, rigidly connected, axially and angularly spaced scraper bodies 12, 14, 16 each with a scraping surface 13, 15, 17. The radial dimension of the scraper at each scraping surface is slightly greater than the internal radius of the tube which it will scrape. When the scraper is fully inserted in the tube bore, the scraping surfaces are deflected inwardly and the axial connection 20, 22 between the bodies is accordingly elastically deformed. Th energy stored through this elastic deformation produces a radially outwardly acting force which presses the scraping surfaces 13, 15, 17 against the wall of the tube 26. The eccentric arrangement of the scraping surfaces, and the axial spacing between the surfaces causes the parts of the scraper connecting the scraping surfaces to be placed in bending when the scraper is in place within the tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reaction chamber cleaning apparatus comprising a chamber, a blade apparatus comprising at least one annular mounting member, at least four scraping blades attached peripherally about the annular mounting member, and a reciprocal movement unit for rotating said scraping blade(s) circumferentially back and forth along the interior surface of said chamber to scrape the interior surface of said chamber; said reaction chamber cleaning apparatus also comprising a vortex unit comprising a generally conical outer shell attached to and extending downwardly from the top plate top plate, and a liquid inlet arranged in relation to the outer shell to tangentially introduce liquid into the outer shell, thereby forming a laminar sheet of fluid on the inner surface of the outer shell; said vortex unit further comprising a baffle and a concentric chamber bounded by the outer surface of the baffle, the inner surface of the outer shell, and the bottom surface of the top plate.

Abstract: A copper pipe cleaning assembly has an interior cleaning member and an exterior cleaning member, which are easily joined or separated as required, depending on the area of the pipe to be cleaned.

Abstract: A drill rod for clearing obstructing material from the interior of a tapping pipe used for evacuation of aluminium from a reduction cell of an aluminium smelter by drilling, wherein the drill rod is flexible, whereby it may drill obstructing material from said tapping pipe, through a bend in the tapping pipe.

Abstract: A tube scrubber comprises an elongate body symmetrical about its longitudinal axis, having a central core with threaded stem for connection to a rotary driving device, and a plurality of flexible arms or webs extending outward from the central core and terminating in longitudinally extending cutting edges which scrub the inner surface of a boiler tube and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning culverts and the like, and the apparatus has a longitudinal beam having a first end and a second end, adjustable support legs secured to said first and second ends of the beam, a carriage movably mounted on the beam between the support legs, a means for moving the carriage along the beam, a motor having a rotatable shaft secured to the carriage beneath the beam, and the rotatable shaft is configured to receive a removable coupling, at least one drive link having a first end and a second end and the first and second ends are configured to receive removable couplings and the drive link is joined to the rotatable shaft by means of a removable coupling and a culvert cleaning tool having a shaft configured to receive a removable coupling and the shaft is secured to the drive link by means of a removable coupling.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing deposits from the internal surface of a substantially cylindrical tube comprises a cap adapted to cover a first end of the tube and defining a hole. A shaft is slidably and rotatably mounted in the hole and a plurality of cutters extend outward from an inside end of the shaft, spaced about the exterior of the shaft, each cutter movable from a retracted position outward from the shaft to an extended position. A bias force supplied by a pressurized fluid source acts on each cutter toward the extended position. A drive is operative to rotate the shaft as the shaft slides along the hole. A channel can be provided to supply pressurized fluid to an interior of a tube to blow debris out.

Abstract: A spring shaft (1) for cleaning pipelines consists of a coil spring (2) with windings (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) of spring steel and with a rotation axis (RA) and a spiral winding axis (WA). In order to give the spring shaft (1) a particular cleaning function, the windings (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) have at least on their outside (4) a cross section departing from the circular shape, with at least one edge (K) acting on the pipeline. At the same time it is possible to provide the outside (4) with at least one longitudinal groove (8) following the windings (3c), or to configure the cross section of the windings (3a, 3b) as a square whose outside edge (4a) runs parallel to the rotation axis (RA) or whose surface diagonal (4b) runs radially to the rotation axis (RA). Lastly, it is possible to provide the outside (4) with a profile (5) in which projections and grooves alternate.

Abstract: A coupling particularly suited for brushes for tube cleaning operations includes interfitted shaft and brush coupling members retained by a locking mechanism in axial alignment for rotation in tube cleaning operations. The shaft and brush coupling interfit and the locking mechanism are suited for rapid mounting and replacement of the brush coupling. In a preferred form the locking mechanism comprises a sleeve and spring in nested relation to each other mounted axially of the coupling. A brush coupling adapter may form part of the coupling for receiving a standard brush element.

Abstract: A pipeline and tubular structure renovation apparatus facilitates rapid and economical removal of protrusions into the interior of pipelines and other tubular structures, particularly gas pipelines having excess weld or devices such as nipples, etc. The apparatus consists of a generally cylindrical carriage mounted on wheels or skids which substantially center the apparatus within a pipeline; a clamping device to clamp the carriage in position; and a centrifugal tool head which may perform grinding, cleaning, polishing and other operations. Grinding may be accomplished in both radial and plunge cutting modes. The apparatus is robust and of simple and economical construction. Weld removal speed is considerably faster than that achieved by conventional precision grinding tools.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a water tight vehicular body of a low profile. A user controls the vehicle from a forward cockpit. The cleaning apparatus further includes both forward and rearward booms. The forward boom has a slurry trap interconnected to its forward extent. Additionally, a brush is secured to the rearward boom. Both the booms can be elevated and lowered to selectively bring the trap and brush into contact with the ground. Thus, the cleaning apparatus is adapted to be driven into the interior of a drain pipe. Thereafter, the booms are lowered such that the trap and bush come into contact with the surface to be cleaned. The vehicle can then be driven rearwardly. During the rearward travel, the brush serves to agitate floor contaminates into a slurry. Further rearward travel causes the slurry to become contained within the trap. Through this method, floor contaminates can be removed from an enclosed region such as a storm drain.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a conduit including a downpipe by removing deposits from a removal area in the downpipe, comprising the steps of introducing a milling cutter into the conduit below the removal area and rotatingly driving the milling cutter by a flexible shaft, feeding the rotating milling cutter through the conduit including the removal area in the downpipe by drawing the milling cutter in an upward direction above the removal area, removing the deposits with the rotating milling cutter, permitting flushing water to flow into the conduit from above the removal area for carrying away the removed deposits, and injecting flushing water into the conduit under pressure below the removal area in an outflow direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the internal surface of pipes mainly from solid sediments, according to which a cleaning element is inserted into the pipe cavity and rotated at a high speed while fluid is simultaneously supplied to the pipe cavity. The cleaning element comprises a plurality of roller heads with annular grooves coupled to a housing and the roller heads are shifted relative to each other in the axial direction. During cleaning, the roller heads and the housing rotate around their respective longitudinal axes in a manner such that the rotation of the roller heads is opposite in direction relative to the rotation of the housing. While rotating, the cleaning element creates spiral grooves in the sediment and cuts off the sediment along the spiral path.