Having Particle Recovery Means Patents (Class 451/87)
  • Patent number: 6099395
    Abstract: A collapsible spray cabinet for containing an abrading device and an article to be abraded includes a flexible cabinet housing having an expanded position for defining an interior blasting chamber and a collapsed position for storage. A folding frame supports the cabinet housing and has an open position in which the cabinet housing is held in the expanded position and a closed position in which the cabinet housing is held in the collapsed position. The frame has a base, vertically disposed support members, horizontal loading members, and spacing members. The spacing members are pivotally connected to the loading members, allowing them to pivot about each other to form a substantially flat unit when in the closed position. Loops suspend the cabinet housing from the loading members of the folding frame. An aperture lets in a current of air into the blasting chamber continuously to clear the area of the blasting chamber between a viewing portal and a member supporting the article to be abraded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Benny Guseman
  • Patent number: 6089955
    Abstract: A method for removing a coating on a surface by applying a treatment composition layer to the coating to be removed. The treatment composition layer is made up of (Is) a first material selected from the compounds of sodium and potassium silicates, sodium and potassium phosphate, calcium silicate, iron and aluminum sulfates. An abrasive is injected against the coating to be removed so that the treatment composition layer and coat to be removed are removed and any hazardous material in the layer to be removed is contained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: NexTec, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Rolle, James C. Wachtel, Gary L. Tinklenberg
  • Patent number: 6083087
    Abstract: A powder beam working system for working a surface to be worked of an object to be worked by dispersing fine particles in high-pressure gas and projecting a solid-gas two-phase flow thus produced to the surface of the object to be worked which comprises means which temporarily stores the fine particles, a dispersing chamber which forms a portion of a flow path for the high-pressure gas and sending means which sends out the fine particles stored in the storing means into the dispersing chamber at a predetermined rate as the fine particles are in a solid phase state, thereby being capable of adjusting a flow rate of the produced solid-gas two-phase flow and an amount of the fine particles contained in the solid-gas two-phase flow easily and individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Akio Mishima, Koji Shimotoku
  • Patent number: 6059640
    Abstract: A cryogenic deflashing apparatus removes residual flash from molded articles. A cryogenic chamber establishes and maintains cryogenic temperatures from an injected cryogenic fluid. A parts basket is removably disposed within the cryogenic chamber for imparting a tumbling action to the molded articles. The basket has an external perforated shell and an open end and a closed end, where the closed end has a conical surface disposed within the perforated shell effective to enhance the tumbling action for the molded articles for exposure to the cryogenic temperature for embrittling the residual flash. A throw wheel directs shot media toward the articles tumbling within the parts basket for impacting and removing the residual flash from the articles that is embrittled by the cryogenic temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: David T. Stearns
  • Patent number: 6059641
    Abstract: A grit tank (1), the inside of which is partitioned into an upper chamber (2), intermediate chamber and lower chamber (5), the intermediate chamber being partitioned into a left intermediate chamber (3) and a right intermediate chamber (4), is connected to a transport pipe (16) via a discharge port (9) of the lower chamber (5). The intermediate chambers (3, 4) are respectively communicated with the upper chamber (2) and the lower chamber (5) via a left upper communicating port (6) and a right upper communicating port (10) and also via a left lower communicating port (8) and a right lower communicating port (12). The communicating ports are respectively provided with a left filling valve (7), right filling valve (11) and changeover type feed valve (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Kyoei Inc.
    Inventor: Naoki Okamoto
  • Patent number: 6048256
    Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous slurry delivery system for use with a polishing apparatus employing a slurry. The continuous slurry delivery system comprises a mixing chamber, slurry component tanks, a chemical parameter sensor system, and a control system. Each of the slurry component tanks contains a different slurry component and is in fluid connection with the mixing chamber to deliver a required rate of the different slurry component to the mixing chamber. The chemical parameter sensor system is coupled to the mixing chamber and configured to sense a chemical property of the slurry. The control system is coupled to the chemical parameter sensor system and is configured to introduce at least one of the slurry components at a given rate to the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Yaw S. Obeng, Laurence D. Schultz
  • Patent number: 6012975
    Abstract: A particle blasting nozzle has a nozzle body having an outlet opening and a suction connection with an acceleration tube extending at least partly within the nozzle body. The front end of the acceleration tube is arranged in the region of the outlet opening and its rear end has a further suction connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: Anton Jager
  • Patent number: 6004190
    Abstract: A method and an associated apparatus for cleaning an inner wall of a mold part includes forming a chamber between displaced mold parts by introducing a casing between the mold parts. The casing enclosures a blasting device for introducing a blasting nozzle which directs a cleaning jet at the inner wall. The chamber encapsulates noise and particles which are produced during the cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour E'tude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Berthold Trampusch
  • Patent number: 5983763
    Abstract: A deflector device is provided for a liquid-jet cutter wherein the cutting element is mounted upon an assembly which moves the cutting element between cutting and idle positions. A deflector disk is located on the lower end of this support assembly as maintained in a stationary position immediately below the idle position. During operation, the cutting element is moved to a cutting position immediately adjacent the product support surface which provides products to be cut to the cutter. When it is desirable to halt cutting, the cutting element is moved to a position remote from the product support surface and above the deflector disk. The assembly utilized to control movement of the cutting element positions the cutter at a remote distance from the deflector disk when in an idle state to minimize wear upon the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Koch Supplies, Inc.
    Inventor: Hervy A. Morris
  • Patent number: 5980372
    Abstract: A compact catcher assembly (20) for an abrasive waterjet having a nozzle assembly (22) and a jewel orifice (not shown) for producing a high velocity fluid jet (26) to cut a workpiece within a small area in which to receive the catcher assembly, such as between the upper and lower flanges (28) and (30) of an I-beam (32). The catcher assembly includes a deflector block (42) having an upper surface (62) defining a perimeter, a lower surface (64), and a cylindrical side surface (60) vertically spacing the upper surface from the lower surface. The upper surface has a vertically extending first inlet port (68), while the side surface defines a first exhaust port (74) extending horizontally through the side surface. The deflector block includes an inlet channel (66) extending normally from said entry port to a predetermined distance within the deflector block to define a bottom surface (70) opposite the entry port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Noel A. Spishak
  • Patent number: 5971999
    Abstract: This invention is related to an apparatus for microdermoabrasion by means of a jet of a mixture of air and reducing crystals, and the associated handle. The apparatus is used in cosmetic surgery and/or dermatology and utilizes microdermoabrasion wherein a jet of reducing crystals is applied to human tissue. The jet of reducing crystals is, in particular, a jet of corundum crystals (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Moreno Naldoni
  • Patent number: 5971837
    Abstract: A blasting cabinet for use in cleaning a workpiece with a dry abrasive has a horizontally arranged cylindrical housing, a hopper affixed to the lower sidewall of the housing, openings provided in the sidewall through which a user can insert his hands and can view the interior of the housing, a door at one end which covers a portion of one end of the housing, and means for establishing a lateral airflow through the housing. The blasting cabinet can also be equipped with a blasting means, such as a nozzle and associated hoses, which draws the abrasive from the hopper under a vacuum and subjects it to elevated pressure, which is then directed to the workpiece. Preferably, a retaining means is provided on the door, such as with a metal strip and external latch. Preferably, a grate for supporting the workpiece is provided inside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Michael J. McDavid
  • Patent number: 5957761
    Abstract: A blast head for abrasive blasting has a nozzle for directing a blast media at a surface being treated and a housing for containing the blast media after it passes through the nozzle and for facilitating recirculation of the blast media. An adjustment mechanism facilitates varying of the orientation of the nozzle with respect to the surface being treated, so as to facilitate enhanced blasting thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond E. Miller, James J. Allard, David B. Tracy, David J. Hancock, Brent R. Meredith, Gregory N. Stein
  • Patent number: 5957759
    Abstract: A slurry distribution system for distributing slurry to a polishing machine that polishes a semiconductor wafer is disclosed. The slurry distribution system includes a storage tank for storing the slurry, a mixing device for mixing the slurry in the storage tank, a distribution loop with an inlet and outlet in fluid communication with the storage tank, a valve in fluid communication with the distribution loop for dispensing the slurry to the polishing machine, and a pump for circulating the slurry from the storage tank through the distribution loop and into the storage tank regardless of whether the slurry is dispensed to the polishing machine. In this manner, the slurry is agitated and efficiently used during polishing and during intervals between polishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Cardenas, Alexander P. Plevich, Timothy C. Kinsey
  • Patent number: 5951369
    Abstract: An improved system for increasing the effectiveness of magnetorheological finishing of a substrate. An inline flowmeter is close-loop linked to the rotational speed of a pressurizing pump to assure that the flow of magnetorheological fluid (MRF) to the work zone is constant. A simplified capillary viscometer is disposed in the fluid delivery system at the exit thereof onto the wheel surface. Output signals from the flowmeter and the viscometer pressure sensor are sent to a computer which calculates the viscosity of MRF being delivered to the work zone and causes replenishment of carrier fluid to the work-concentrated MRF to return the viscosity to aim to assure that a constant concentration of magnetic solids is being provided to the work zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: QED Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William I. Kordonski, Donald Golini, Stephen Hogan, Paul R. Dumas
  • Patent number: 5882246
    Abstract: In a wet agitating ball mill, a shaft 5 rotated and driven by a motor is hollow at its axial center at an upper portion, a discharge route 9 communicating with a slurry discharge port is provided, and a rotor 11 is affixed at the lower portion of the shaft. A separator 4 is composed of a pair of disks 21 and a blade 22 for coupling both disks to form an impeller, and by its rotation, a centrifugal force is applied to the slurry and media getting in the separator 4, and by the difference in specific gravity of the two, accordingly, the media having the heavier specific gravity is expelled and separated in the radial direction, while the slurry of the lighter specific gravity is discharged through the discharge route 9 of the shaft 5 in a state free from kinetic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Kotobuki Eng. & Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsugu Inkyo, Toshiya Kitakaze, Takashi Tahara
  • Patent number: 5833521
    Abstract: A blast head has an air cushion device that directs a flow of relatively high velocity air inwardly and toward the surface being blasted from around the periphery of the blast head. This air flow creates a barrier preventing the escape of particles and debris from the blast head and also creates a so-called ground effect; i.e. the air flow between the head and the surface creates a force that lifts the head off the surface being blasted so that the head floats on cushion of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: LTC Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: William S. McPhee, Anh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 5827114
    Abstract: A slurry blasting process employing a liquid carrier medium such as water contains a dispersed water-soluble particulate abrasive to enhance blast cleaning efficiency. Slurry blasting is performed at liquid pressures below 500 psi with an air to slurry mass ratio of generally at least about 0.05. The slurry can be recovered and continuously reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Benny S. Yam, Andrew Logan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5823860
    Abstract: A containment system for containing media and contaminants within an area adjacent a surface to be treated, comprising a barrier located proximate the surface and an elongate flexible member defining a perimeter of the area. An access port is provided in the barrier to allow application of a media to the surface, and an exhaust device is provided to create a negative pressure within the contaminant area and remove the media and/or contaminants from the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Integrated Foam Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Randall Lynn, Elliott Henry Felker
  • Patent number: 5795212
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for finishing a workpiece surface using MR fluid is provided wherein the workpiece is positioned near a carrier surface such that a converging gap is defined between a portion of the workpiece surface and the carrier surface; a magnetic field is applied substantially at said gap; a flow of stiffened MR fluid is introduced into said converging gap such that a work zone is created in the MR fluid to form a sub-aperture transient finishing tool for engaging and causing material removal at the portion of the workpiece surface; and the workpiece or the work zone is moved relative to the other to expose different portions of the workpiece surface to the work zone for predetermined time periods to selectively finish said portions of said workpiece surface to predetermined degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignees: Byelocorp Scientific, Inc., University of Rochester
    Inventors: Stephen David Jacobs, William Kordonski, Igor Victorovich Prokhorov, Donald Golini, Gennadii Rafailovich Gorodkin, Tvasta David Strafford
  • Patent number: 5795626
    Abstract: An environmentally compliant triboelectric applicator and process for coating or ablating a substrate and for retrieving excess or ejected material from the substrate. The applicator comprises an inner supersonic nozzle for accelerating triboelectrically charged projectile particles entrained in a supersonic gas to speeds sufficiently high to coat or ablate a substrate and an outer evacuator nozzle coaxially surrounding the inner supersonic nozzle for retrieving excess projectile particles, ablated substrate powders, or other environmentally hazardous materials. A fluid dynamic coupling uses the efficacy of the Mach turning angle associated with a supersonic boundary layer of carrier gas to aspirate the central core of the supersonic two-phase jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Innovative Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Gabel, Ralph M. Tapphorn
  • Patent number: 5782677
    Abstract: A workpiece cleaning mill that is useful for cleaning castings includes a hollow housing that is established by arranging plural elongated manganese flights side-by-side to establish a cylinder, and attaching the flights to opposed entrance and exit rings. A feed conveyor feeds workpieces into the entrance end, and an exit conveyor conveys the workpieces away from the exit end. Media throwers are disposed at each end to throw high-speed cleansing media, such as shot, into the housing. The housing is rotated as the workpieces move, under the influence of gravity and/or following workpieces being fed into the housing, from the entrance end to the exit end while being bombarded with shot. Steel mesh curtains at each end block the media from passing outside of the mill. Spent media falls through perforations in the flights, and the spent media is conveyed back to a media hopper and thence to the media throwers for reuse. Magnetic valves regulate the amount of media thrown by the throwers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Richard C. Kanouse
  • Patent number: 5775979
    Abstract: An enclosed abrasive blasting apparatus for a ship hull or other working surface comprises a movable and adjustable boom and an enclosed operator containment mounted on the end of the boom. The containment has a top, sides, back, bottom, and an adjustable angle open front with a peripheral gum rubber seal that is placed against the working surface. The outlet nozzle for the abrasive blasting system is positioned within the containment where the operator directs the abrasive stream against the working surface. A waste collection system creates a negative pressure in the containment that seals the containment against the working surface, while at the same time directing an airflow stream from an inlet in the top of the containment downwardly across the working surface, entraining waste particles proximate to the working surface into the airflow stream, and further directs the waste particles to a sealed collection container below the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventors: Dan A. Coke, Douglas R. Coke
  • Patent number: 5735730
    Abstract: A cleaning machine operating with granules having a pump for ejecting liquid optionally with or without granules which are heavier than the liquid, through nozzles against the goods to be cleaned in a treatment space (10) connected to the suction side of the pump via a bottom outlet (11). A granule valve having a socket (38) open at each en thereof is associated with the bottom outlet, said socket being guided for vertical displacement between the upper position with an opening at the lower end of the socket for drawing liquid with granules entrained therein by the pump from the treatment space at a lower level, and a lower position with the opening at the lower ned of the socket closed for drawing liquid only by the pump from a higher level at the upper end of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: GS Development AB
    Inventors: Per Jonemo, Rolf Lindqvist
  • Patent number: 5716260
    Abstract: A cleaning and restoration system 10 for floors 11 and other hard surfaces is disclosed. The system 10 has an cleaning head 12 which can be moved across a floor 11 or other hard surface. The cleaning head 12 impinges particulate media upon the floor 11 to remove soils and provide a slip-resistant surface. The media is entrained into the air by a pressure tank 18. The media is reclaimed in a classifier 17; and the dust, soils, and other undesirable materials are filtered in a dust collector 57. A compressor 20 and a vacuum blower 22, and other components of the system are mounted on a truck 19. A method for utilizing the restoration system 10 is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Ellis L. Griffin, Terry J. Klos, John J. Rolando, Arthur F. Luedtke, Paulette D. Stolte
  • Patent number: 5709590
    Abstract: In a blast head for a vacuum blasting operation, abrasive particles in a stream of compressed air are directed against a work surface and removed by vacuum. Ambient air is directed into the blast head upstream of the work surface to reduce frictional forces between the blast head and the work surface due to the vacuum. The ambient air is admitted through a one-way spring biased valve. The flow of ambient air into the blast head is controllable by adjusting the spring force in the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: LTC Americas Inc.
    Inventors: William S. McPhee, Anh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 5695389
    Abstract: A blasting device for directed air with entrained blast media at a work surface includes a frame supporting a reciprocal valve, and an adjustable valve limit switch. A shaft is attached to the reciprocal valve at one end, and is supported via a bearing assembly at the other end with a blast nozzle mounted thereto. Rotation of the reciprocal valve causes rotation of the interconnected blast nozzle such that air with entrained blast media exiting the blast nozzle travels along a path beneath the frame. The frame is supported on wheels, and is moved along a work surface by an operator. A vacuum port is positioned adjacent the work surface for removing spent blast media with entrained debris from beneath the blasting device. The handle may be rotated from end to end for ease of operation to assure that the user may move the blasting device in either the forward or rearward direction along a work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Inventive Machine Corporation
    Inventors: J. Christian Bartel, William A. McGee, Anthony P. Duracensky
  • Patent number: 5695388
    Abstract: A self-contained mobile painting and maintenance platform for recovery of steel grit blast media used in the pressurized cleaning of bridge structures prior to repainting. The painting and maintenance platform is positioned on vehicle with deck extensions that expand to form a large barrier free support and recovery surface and collection troughs to recover spent grit and shot via gravity collection chutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Corcon Industrial Painting
    Inventors: Gus G. Lyras, Steve G. Lyras
  • Patent number: 5674108
    Abstract: A method for removing a coating on a surface by applying a treatment layer to the coating to be removed. The treatment layer is made up of (i) a first material selected from the compounds of sodium and potassium silicates, sodium and potassium phosphate, calcium silicate, iron and aluminum sulfates and (ii) an alkali metal salt. An abrasive is injected against the coating to be removed so that the treatment layer and coat to be removed are removed and any hazardous material in the layer to be removed is contained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Nextec, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Rolle
  • Patent number: 5667430
    Abstract: A blast head for a vacuum-blasting machine has a deflecting surface oriented at an angle to the direction in which particles under pressure are sent through the blast head. The blast head has an inner, blast jacket, an outer, vacuum jacket, and a blast head body connected to the vacuum jacket by a flexible bellows. The blast head body is secured to the blast jacket to permit axial movement of the blast jacket relative to the vacuum jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: LTC Americas Inc.
    Inventors: William S. McPhee, Anh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 5667429
    Abstract: A floor surface blasting apparatus is used for removing rustproof coating (blasting) on a tank bottom surface to inspect weld lines on the bottom surface of high-capacity fuel tank. The floor surface blasting apparatus comprises a work arm which has weld line detecting sensors for detecting a weld line at the tip end and also has a blast head incorporating a suction nozzle; a work carriage which has the work arm and magnet devices incorporating a magnetic substance and travels arbitrarily on the floor surface; a transfer carriage which has a blast device for supplying blasting material to the blast head and travels arbitrarily on the floor surface; and a control device which controls the blast head so that the blast head is positioned on a weld line in accordance with the detection signal from the weld line detecting sensors and the signal of a position detecting device for detecting the position of the blast head and also makes the transfer carriage follow the work carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignees: Chubu Electric Power Company, Inc., Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Uchida, Yoshikazu Miyachi, Kengo Hamanaka, Yoichiro Ban, Nagio Minami, Tadashi Nobushige
  • Patent number: 5658185
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving planarity of chemical-mechanical polishing of substrates are provided. The apparatus includes a platen having a planar surface upon which a polishing pad is removably affixed. The pad has an exposed planar surface, and a carrier removably holds the substrate against the planar surface. The apparatus includes a slurry distribution system and a slurry removal system. The slurry distribution system provides slurry to an instantaneous interface area of the substrate and planar surface through the platen and pad, while the slurry removal system removes slurry from the instantaneous interface area through the pad and the platen, notwithstanding rotation of the platen and/or substrate, as well as linear movement of the substrate relative to the rotating platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Clifford Owen Morgan, III, Dennis Arthur Schmidt, Philip Nicholas Theodoseau
  • Patent number: 5651723
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a substrate in preparation for thin film coating. The invention involves cleaning the substrate in a cleaning chamber under controlled conditions by a blast of carbon dioxide pellets suspended in and transported by a compressed gas medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Viratec Thin Films, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik J. Bjornard, Eric W. Kurman, David A. Shogren, Jeffrey J. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5649850
    Abstract: A self-contained mobile painting and maintenance platform for recovery of steel grit blast media used in the pressurized cleaning of bridge structures prior to repainting. The painting and maintenance platform is positioned on vehicle with deck extensions that expand to form a large barrier free support and recovery surface and collection troughs to recover spent grit and shot via independent auger systems within the troughs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Corcon Industrial Painting
    Inventors: Gus G. Lyras, Steve G. Lyras
  • Patent number: 5605491
    Abstract: A blast media for use in wet blasting to clean contaminants from a substrate surface comprises abrasive particles, at least one surfactant and a defoaming agent so as to reduce the amount of foam which is produced during the wet blasting process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Benny S. Yam, Andrew Logan
  • Patent number: 5601479
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for decontaminating structures which utilizes abrasive blasting in conjunction with a reverse air flow to remove contaminants from a structure. The apparatus comprises an abrasive blasting device for projecting abrasive material through a nozzle onto a structure at a high velocity. An enclosure is connected to the blasting device which surrounds the nozzle and forms a vacuum envelope around the nozzle and a portion of the structure being decontaminated. A vacuum apparatus is connected to the enclosure for providing a reverse air flow from the enclosure to a collection chamber in the vacuum. A high pressure pump/motor assembly delivers abrasion material at high pressure from a hopper to the blasting device. As contaminants are abraded from the structure, the reverse air flow provided to the enclosure causes the abrasive material and the material abraded from the structure to be collected in the collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: Eugene W. Santos
  • Patent number: 5588900
    Abstract: A surface treating device comprising a swivel bearing mechanism, an oscillating tube connected to the swivel bearing mechanism so as to be free to pivot about the axis center of the swivel bearing mechanism and such that with respect to the axis center, an end portion thereof is positioned on the side facing the object surface and the other end portion thereof is positioned on the side opposite to the object surface, a nozzle connected to the one end portion side of the oscillating tube, and a self-revolving/else-revolving mechanism connected to the other end portion side of the oscillating tube and making the nozzle self-revolve and else-revolve about the axis center of the swivel bearing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignees: Urakami Research & Development, Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Fukashi Urakami
  • Patent number: 5571043
    Abstract: A self-contained mobile painting and maintenance platform for recovery of steel grit blast media used in the pressurized cleaning of bridge structures prior to repainting. The painting and maintenance platform is positioned on vehicle with deck extensions that expand to form a large barrier free support and recovery surface and collection troughs to recover spent grit and shot via independent auger systems within the troughs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Corcon Industrial Painting
    Inventors: Gus G. Lyras, Steve G. Lyras
  • Patent number: 5556324
    Abstract: An abrasive blast cabinet includes a housing defining a blast chamber, a blast nozzle disposed in the blast chamber and connected to a source of an abrasive blast media for directing a flow of the blast media against a surface of an article to be cleaned, an elongated chute supported in the interior of the housing and having a first open end in fluid communication with a gas supply, a rotatable second open end in the vicinity of a work place for the article and an opening placed adjacent a window in the housing so that an operator located outside the blast chamber can direct his or her line of sight through the window and second rotatable open end and observe the article in the work place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Shank, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5549506
    Abstract: Apparatus for supporting and containing a dental prosthesis during the micro-etching thereof is disclosed. The apparatus includes a framework, a holding mechanism carried by the framework for holding the prosthesis in a position which permits micro-etching, and a flexible hood, for example, a disposable plastic bag, which has an open end sized to slidably receive the framework into the hood while holding the prosthesis. The open end is sealable while the framework is so received, and the hood is transparent to permit viewing of the prosthesis within the hood. The hood is sliceable with a knife edge to provide a small slit which permits the tip of a micro-etching tool to extend into the hood. Alternately, the hood may be pre-slit for the same purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventors: Jack Higa, Lawrence R. Higa
  • Patent number: 5545074
    Abstract: A closed-environment wet-abrasive blasting system includes a vacuum device for recovering a waste stream of water, abrasive particulate and surface debris. The waste stream is filtered resulting in cleaned water recycling through the system. During operation, water is pumped from a water holding tank to a blast head. Also, abrasive particulate is forced from canister to the blast head. The abrasive material and water form a blast stream which impacts on a surface to treat the surface. The blast head is held to the surface during use by the suction force and defines a work volume over the surface under treatment. In effect, the blast head defines a closed environment in which abrasive particulate water and surface debris do not escape into the surrounding environment, but instead is captured. The vacuum force pulls the surface debris, abrasive particulate and water (i.e., waste stream) from the blast head along a vacuum hose into a recovery tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Patrick T. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 5529530
    Abstract: A vacuum blasting machine with a sealed waste transfer system has a collapsible sleeve that provides a containment interface between the waste chamber and the waste collection drum. The periphery of one end of the sleeve is secured around the periphery of the opening in the waste collection drum. In the transfer operation, the other end of the sleeve is pulled over the dump housing, providing an impervious containment barrier between the dump housing and the interior of the collection drum. The drum has a vent opening with a bushing to which a vent line is attached. A vent line connects the collection drum to the interior of the waste chamber via a valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: LTC Americas Inc.
    Inventors: William S. McPhee, Stephen B. Mudd, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5512005
    Abstract: The present invention relates to process and apparatus for automatically engraving stone memorial markers comprised of granite or marble. The markers have their polished facing surfaces covered with a cut-out blast-resistant stencil having prescribed lettering, numerals, decorative patterns and the like. The markers are conveyed through a sand blast chamber at a uniform rate and plural direct-air-feed nozzles are moved uniformly transversely thereover to effect precisely uniform engraving of the facing surfaces. The engraving is more precisely defined to a prescribed uniform depth with finer detail than heretofore possible by manual or other automated single-nozzle methods. The plural nozzles are essentially continuously fed with pressurized air and blast cutting media to obtain faster and more accurate engraving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Michael P. Short
    Inventor: Robert L. Gulling
  • Patent number: 5489234
    Abstract: A recovery system (10) is disclosed for recovering a treating material (12) for treating a surface (20) with a vacuum source (25). The treating material (12) may be a cleaning material such as sand, water or may be a coating material such as a paint or a plasma coating. The apparatus (10) ,comprises a housing (16) having a housing opening (18) for projecting the treating material (12) from a nozzle (14) through the housing opening (18) onto the surface (20). A fluid seal means (30) provides a seal between the housing (16) and the surface (20). The vacuum source (25) is connected to the housing (16) for withdrawing the treating non-adhering material (12A) from the housing (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Sandroid Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne B. Hockett
  • Patent number: 5481832
    Abstract: A series of large bins which can be raised and lowered on lifts in order to reach a bridge that is to be sand blasted. A skirt is attached to the upper outside edges of the bins. This skirt is raised and attached to the bridge so that the entire work area is completely enclosed. An air inlet and an air outlet are provided at either end of the enclosed work area. Air is pumped in to the work space through the inlet and is evacuated through the outlet. The outlet pressure is maintained at a higher level than that of the inlet in order to maintain a negative air pressure inside the work area relative to the outside air pressure. A grate covers each bin, providing an area on which workers can stand. As the bridge is sand blasted, all paint debris and blasting sand falls through the grates and into the bins. Smaller particles of dust are removed from the work area through the air outlet and are collected by a dust filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Steven M. Tirikos
  • Patent number: 5468175
    Abstract: A dishwasher for washing with granules heavier than liquid, comprises a washing chamber (1), a device (7) for spraying washing liquid with or without granules against dishes in the washing chamber, a tank (10) which is connected to an outlet (11) from the washing chamber, and a circulation pump (5), the suction side of which is joined to an outlet (4) from the tank, and the pressure side of which is joined to a manifold (6) for conducting liquid sucked in from the tank, with or without granules, to the spray device (7). According to the invention, the dishwasher comprises a dividing wall (8), defining an upwardly open tank chamber (12) in the tank. The upper edge of the wall is disposed beneath the upper limit of the tank. Furthermore, the outlet opening (11) of the washing chamber is disposed above the tank chamber (12) defined by the dividing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Viptop AB
    Inventor: Bengt Nilen
  • Patent number: 5445557
    Abstract: An improved hopper and conveyance tube combination which is resistant to clogging and more easily loaded. Material is delivered from the hopper and into the conveyance tube through an inlet opening in the side of the conveyance tube. Because the inlet opening is in the side of the conveyance tube, the tube can not become completely clogged. Air or conveying fluid is always able to move through the conveyance tube and eventually conveys all of the materials to the desired destination. A ramp connected to the rim of the hopper permits materials on the floor to be easily swept up the ramp and into the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Stripping Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Gramm, Gerald L. Overby
  • Patent number: 5431593
    Abstract: In a machining device for machining precision, in particular dental, workpieces in a machining chamber surrounded by a housing, having an inspection window with two gripping holes arranged to the two sides of the inspection window, the machining chamber is preferably connected or connectable to a suction device and arranged in the machining chamber is at least one blasting nozzle for blasting and/or a demolding tool for demolding and/or an air nozzle for blowing off the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Georg Puschner
  • Patent number: 5396738
    Abstract: A system to gather particular matter in sandblasting work operates to contain, wet and lead away particles of matter when sandblasting tanks. It consists of four separately operating airtight sub-systems: a first sub-system consisting of a containing tower raised on scaffolding resting on the pavement of the tank, rising above tank bracing and extending down inside the wall of a tank; a second sub-system held against the inside of the tank wall above the roof and consisting of a mobile holding chamber moved by means of pulleys and held against the tank wall by tighteners; a third sub-system to operate on the outside of the tank roof and consisting of a holding chamber; and a fourth sub-system to operate on the inside of the tank roof and on the inside of the tank wall below the roof, and in which particles of matter are contained by the shape of the area itself that is to be sandblasted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras
    Inventor: Jeferson F. Vianna
  • Patent number: 5367841
    Abstract: A portable containment structure for abrasive blasting equipment is designed for particular application in the cleaning of large storage tanks and for bridges. The unit includes a portable blasting room which fully encloses the blasting apparatus and operating personnel, in a secure environment having ventilating and vacuum means for the safe removal and containment of particulate materials and contaminates. The unit is supported by cables and includes rigging which provides for both horizontal and vertical movement along the surface being treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventors: Michael D. Smith, George F. Wells