Centrifugally Pivoted Patents (Class 15/104.14)
  • Patent number: 11142470
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for disinfecting water mains using ultraviolet (UV) light and advanced oxidation processes. One or more UV light sources are provided and secured to a movable device that moves axially in a pipe. The frequency and intensity of the UV light is determined based on characteristics of the pipe, such as its material and size. The rate at which the movable device moves through the pipe is also determined so that the interior surface of the pipe is properly disinfected. The movable device is remotely caused to move through the pipe. An oxidant supply component having a dispensing portion dispenses an oxidizing agent into the pipe. A portion of the emitted UV light may convert the dispensed oxidizing agent into additional oxidizing agents that further disinfect the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: American Water Works Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin L. Robison, Zia Bukhari, Yunjie Tu, Chandan Venkatesh
  • Patent number: 8726443
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for reducing cumulative deposition and unwanted secondary thermal reactions in pyrolysis and other thermal conversion processes. In an embodiment, a system comprises a device, referred to as a reamer, for removing product deposits between thermal conversion and condensation operations of a pyrolysis process. The reamer may comprise, but is not limited to, a mechanical reciprocating rod or ram, a mechanical auger, a drill bit, a high-temperature wiper, brush, or punch to remove deposits and prevent secondary reactions. Alternatively or in addition, the reamer may use a high-velocity curtain or jet (i.e., a hydraulic or pneumatic stream) of vapor, product gas, recycle gas, other gas jet or non-condensing liquid to remove deposits. Preferably, the reamer removes deposits during the pyrolysis process allowing for continuous operation of the pyrolysis process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ensyn Renewables, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Freel, Geoffrey Hopkins
  • Patent number: 8650696
    Abstract: A sanitary sewer cleaning apparatus for removing roots and debris with a segmented circular brush attached to a rodder root removal tool. As the apparatus travels through a sewer line, the segmented brushes, which are mounted on hinges, fold back to reduce drag and facilitate movement through obstructed sewers. As the rodder pulls back the apparatus, the brushes engage the walls of the pipe to pull roots and debris to the sewer access point. The preferred embodiments comprises rodder coupler, an extension arm for coupling a plurality of brushes in a radial configuration, a plurality of brushes for collecting the root infiltration debris, and a plurality of hinges for angularly altering the plurality of brushes relative to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Nathaniel Morales, Cody White
  • Patent number: 8607395
    Abstract: A device for cleaning carboys, kegs, and similar containers is disclosed. The device includes a pair of cleaning pads pivotally attached to a rod. Each pad has a fabric exterior, a stiffening insert, and the absorbent sponge. The insert and sponge are placed on one side of the fabric exterior. The opposite side of the fabric exterior is folded over the stiffening insert and the sponge and then sewn together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Ryan F. Karasek
  • Patent number: 7526827
    Abstract: A drain pipe cleaning apparatus includes a drive apparatus that includes a housing having a front end, a back end and a peripheral wall extending between the front and back ends. A drive shaft extends outwardly of the front end of the housing. The drive shaft is rotated about its axis when the drive apparatus is actuated. A pair of tethers is provided. Each of the tethers is attached to the drive shaft and extends to opposite directions with respect to each other. Each of a pair of cleaning members is attached to one of the tethers opposite of the drive shaft. The cleaning members scrape an inside surface of a pipe when the drive shaft is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Edward L. Bitterman
  • Patent number: 7361077
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a portion of a tubular member comprises a platform; a motor operatively connected to a shaft; a first sliding base driven by the shaft to revolve generally parallel to the platform; a first pinch thumb, including an outer surface, mounted onto the first sliding base to revolve with the first sliding base; a first pinch finger, including an outer surface, mounted onto the first sliding base; and an adjustable clamp arm adapted to secure a tubular member above the platform and adjacent the first sliding base; wherein, after the adjustable clamp arm secures the tubular member above the platform, the first sliding base revolves to urge the first pinch thumb to move radially outward to contact an inner diameter of the tubular member and the first pinch finger moves radially inward to contact an outer diameter of the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Steve Mardero, Don Girard, Miguel Guzzi, Wayne Miller, Mathew Shewfelt, Gary Tarapacki, Dave McDougall
  • Patent number: 6467121
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Goodway Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph J. Franzino, William W. Coville