Patents Assigned to NLB
  • Patent number: 7182016
    Abstract: A high pressure fluid jetting system generally includes a fluid cylinder pump, a drive assembly, a pressurized liquid supply and an applicator gun. The drive assembly includes a diesel or electric powered motor which drives a rotatable drive shaft. The drive shaft drives a triple plunger which are reciprocally driven. The plungers communicate fluid from the supply to the gun to selectively jet water from the gun at a pressure of approximately 50,000 psi and 10.0 gallons per minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: NLB Corp.
    Inventor: Jamie A. Forrest
  • Patent number: 7121812
    Abstract: A high pressure fluid jetting system generally includes a fluid cylinder pump, a drive assembly, a pressurized liquid supply and an applicator gun. The drive assembly includes a diesel engine or electric powered motor which drives a rotatable drive shaft. The drive shaft drives a triple plunger which are reciprocally driven. A valve seat assembly and a cylindrical cartridge seal assembly define a cartridge which contains a reciprocating plunger shaft. The primary high wear parts are located therein. The cartridge is retained within the manifold cartridge opening yet is readily accessible by removal of the manifold. The pump output is primarily determined by the diameter of the plunger the length of the stroke, the number of cylinders, and the speed of the pump. A specific cartridge allows replacement of all the components which interface with a plunger shaft of a predetermined diameter such that a change in pump output or repair is readily achieved by straightforward cartridge replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: NLB Corp.
    Inventor: Jamie A. Forrest
  • Patent number: 6889914
    Abstract: A unique shroud assembly covers the outlet nozzle of a high pressure hand held discharge device. The shroud assembly has a stationary tubular sleeve spaced generally circumferentially about the outlet nozzle and a pivotable tubular end cuff that is spaced from and encircles the outlet end of the stationary tubular sleeve. The pivotable tubular end cuff is capable of pivoting along the longitudinal axis of the outlet nozzle of the spray device. This enables the operator to hold the outlet nozzle at a plurality of angles with respect to the surface being treated while maintaining the necessary flush contact of the outlet opening of the discharge device with the treated surface. Additionally, the stationary tubular sleeve is provided with a laterally positioned outlet for attachment to a vacuum source to suction expelled fluid carrying loosened debris from the treated surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: NLB Corp.
    Inventor: Matthew O. Herhold
  • Patent number: 6886832
    Abstract: A high pressure fluid jetting system generally includes a fluid cylinder pump, a drive assembly, a pressurized liquid supply and an applicator gun. The drive assembly includes a diesel or electric powered motor which drives a rotatable drive shaft. The drive shaft drives a triple plunger which are reciprocally driven. The plungers communicate fluid from the supply to the gun to selectively jet water from the gun at a pressure of approximately 50,000 psi and 10.0 gallons per minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: NLB Corp.
    Inventor: Jamie A. Forrest
  • Patent number: 6880767
    Abstract: A two-handle cleaning lance includes a pair of switches which must be held closed by an operator to allow high pressure water to be directed to a discharge nozzle. A dump valve is selectively actuated to dump the high pressure water to a dump nozzle at which it will enter the environment at a much reduced pressure. The dump valve is operated by a control which monitors that the two switches are both held closed. If either switch is released, then the dump valve is moved to a dump position. The present invention ensures that an operator does not disable one of the two switches such as by taping it closed. The dump valve will not move back to its actuated position until both switches have been released and have moved to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: NLB Corp.
    Inventor: Matthew O. Herhold
  • Patent number: 6499510
    Abstract: A valve assembly for use with a high pressure fluid gun includes a valve seat connected to a valve sleeve by a spring. The valve seat and the valve sleeve are crimped around opposing ends of the spring. A valve pin is secured to the valve sleeve, the spring allowing for the movement of the valve pin when a trigger mechanism is actuated. When installed, the valve pin is received and guided by a bore in the body of the fluid gun. When the valve pin is actuated by a trigger mechanism, a seat end of the valve pin sealingly engages an angled seat of the valve seat to direct the flow of fluid through a high pressure outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: NLB Corp.
    Inventors: Matthew O. Herhold, Daniel D. Trunick
  • Publication number: 20020112769
    Abstract: A valve assembly for use with a high pressure fluid gun includes a valve seat connected to a valve sleeve by a spring. The valve seat and the valve sleeve are crimped around opposing ends of the spring. A valve pin is secured to the valve sleeve, the spring allowing for the movement of the valve pin when a trigger mechanism is actuated. When installed, the valve pin is received and guided by a bore in the body of the fluid gun. When the valve pin is actuated by a trigger mechanism, a seat end of the valve pin sealingly engages an angled seat of the valve seat to direct the flow of fluid through a high pressure outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: NLB Corp.
    Inventors: Matthew O. Herhold, Daniel D. Trunick
  • Patent number: 6431214
    Abstract: A valve assembly for use with a high pressure fluid gun includes a valve seat connected to a valve sleeve by a spring. The valve seat and the valve sleeve are crimped around opposing ends of the spring. A valve pin is secured to the valve sleeve, the spring allowing for the movement of the valve pin when a trigger mechanism is actuated. When installed, the valve pin is received and guided by a bore in the body of the fluid gun. When the valve pin is actuated by a trigger mechanism, a seat end of the valve pin sealingly engages an angled seat of the valve seat to direct the flow of fluid through a high pressure outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: NLB Corp.
    Inventors: Matthew O. Herhold, Daniel D. Trunick
  • Patent number: 6413323
    Abstract: An improved method for cleaning vertical walls includes providing a vacuum source to adhere the system to the vertical wall. The vacuum source removes fluid and removed material from the wall, and also adheres the system to the wall. A rotating fluid jet is positioned radially inwardly of the vacuum source and impinges high pressurized fluid off of the surface to be cleaned to remove material. In a preferred embodiment, a central portion is provided that mounts both the fluid source and the vacuum source. A base portion mounts motors for driving the system along the wall. The base portion rotates relative to the central portion such that the central portion does not move as the base portion turns on the wall to drive the system along the wall. In a further feature, an additional air flow system is provided to provide supplemental air flow to assist the vacuum when moving the fluid and removed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: NLB Corp.
    Inventors: Forrest A. Shook, Matthew O. Herhold
  • Patent number: 6189177
    Abstract: An improved system for cleaning vertical walls includes a vacuum source to adhere the system to the vertical wall. The vacuum source removes fluid and removed material from the wall, and also adheres the system to the wall. A rotating fluid jet is positioned radially inwardly of the vacuum source and impinges high pressurized fluid off of the surface to be cleaned to remove material. In a preferred embodiment, a central portion mounts both the fluid source and the vacuum source. A base portion mounts motors for driving the system along the wall. The base portion rotates relative to the central portion such that the central portion does not move as the base portion turns on the wall to drive the system along the wall. In a further feature, an additional air flow system is provided to provide supplemental air flow to assist the vacuum when moving the fluid and removed material. In addition, a second embodiment of a seal for contacting the surface to be cleaned includes a plurality of brush bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: NLB Corp
    Inventors: Forrest A. Shook, Matthew O. Herhold
  • Patent number: 6081960
    Abstract: An improved system for cleaning vertical walls includes a vacuum source to adhere the system to the vertical wall. The vacuum source removes fluid and removed material from the wall, and also adheres the system to the wall. A rotating fluid jet is positioned radially inwardly of the vacuum source and impinges high pressurized fluid off of the surface to be cleaned to remove material. In a preferred embodiment, a central portion mounts both the fluid source and the vacuum source. A base portion mounts motors for driving the system along the wall. The base portion rotates relative to the central portion such that the central portion does not move as the base portion turns on the wall to drive the system along the wall. In a further feature, an additional air flow system is provided to provide supplemental air flow to assist the vacuum when moving the fluid and removed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: NLB Corporation
    Inventors: Forrest A. Shook, Matthew O. Herhold
  • Patent number: 5904297
    Abstract: A pressurized fluid discharge gun is used to spray high pressure fluid against various types of surfaces for cleaning purposes. To operate the gun two handles, each with a separate trigger, must be firmly held by the operator. When both triggers are compressed firmly towards the handle, highly pressurized fluid exits the gun. If either one of the triggers is released then the fluid is dumped to a low pressure discharge, i.e. high pressure fluid is not permitted to exit the gun. The gun has a high pressure pipe and a low pressure pipe connected to a main body. A valve assembly, located in the main body, controls whether the fluid from the inlet goes to the high pressure pipe or the low pressure pipe. The valve assembly has a high pressure path and a low pressure path interconnected by two passages. Two pin valves, each controlled by one of the triggers, block the two passages when the triggers are compressed resulting in high pressure fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: NLB Corporation
    Inventors: Dewey L Kendrick, Jr., Matthew O. Herhold
  • Patent number: 5636789
    Abstract: The high pressure water cleaning lance or apparatus has a main channel with a high velocity nozzle at one end and a water dumping channel provided with a dump valve. The apparatus also includes a trigger control valve mechanism which is operated to direct water under extremely high pressure to the nozzle. A removable quick release pin connects the valve housing to the trigger housing. Removal of the release pin permits the operator to remove the valve assembly including a valve pin from the valve housing for repair or replacement purposes. The apparatus includes a trigger actuating lever carried on one end by the trigger housing for actuating the valve pin. The trigger actuating mechanism or assembly includes a lip and a cam surface which are spaced apart and are selectably engageable with a pair of opposed surfaces provided on the head of the valve pin. The trigger assembly also features a manual shut-off feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: NLB Corp
    Inventor: Forrest A. Shook
  • Patent number: 5217163
    Abstract: A rotating head mounts a nozzle which creates cavitation in a pressurized fluid such that a surface may be quickly and efficiently cleaned. The rotation of the nozzle ensures a relatively wide cleaning path. The cavitation allows cleaning using only the pressurized fluid jet without any necessary abrasives, while still fully utilizing high rotational speeds. A preferred cavitating jet nozzle is also disclosed for producing cavitation in the pressurized fluid. The cavitating jet nozzle includes a pin received at a central position which lowers the pressure of the pressurized fluid such that cavitation bubbles form in the fluid. The pin is self-centering within the nozzle since it is free floating relative to a securing member which retains the pin in the nozzle. In addition, the pin preferably has an end face upstream of an outlet portion of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: NLB Corp.
    Inventor: Terry L. Henshaw
  • Patent number: 5086974
    Abstract: A cavitating jet nozzle is disclosed for producing cavitation in a pressurized fluid such as a water used to clean a surface. The cavitating jet nozzle includes a pin received at a central position which lowers the pressure of the pressurized fluid such that cavitation bubbles form in the fluid. The pin is free-floating relative to a securing member which retains the pin in the nozzle, and is thus self-centering. The inventive cavitating nozzle is easily maintained since the pin is self-centering and need not be repeatedly centered. The pin preferably has an end face upstream of an outlet portion of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: NLB Corp.
    Inventor: Terry L. Henshaw
  • Patent number: 5024382
    Abstract: The self-rotating nozzle has a hollow shaft adapted for connection to a source of pressurized fluid. A body has an axial bore upon a central axis secured over one end of the shaft and has a counterbore. The shank with an end portion extends from the body into which the counterbore extends with the counterbore terminating in a pair of radial ports. A head bears against the body and is journaled upon the shank. A fastener upon the end portion retains the head against axial movement in one direction relative to the body. A fluid pressure chamber acts upon the head in the other direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: NLB Corp.
    Inventors: Forrest A. Shook, Terry L. Henshaw
  • Patent number: 4821961
    Abstract: The self-rotating nozzle has a hallow shaft adapted for connection to a source of pressurized fluid. A body has an axial bore upon a central axis secured over one end of the shaft and has a counterbore. The shank with an end portion extends from the body into which the counterbore extends with the counterbore terminating in a pair of radial ports. A head bears against the body and is journaled upon the shank. A fastener upon the end portion retains the head against axial movement relative to the body. A pair of spaced jet flow orifices are mounted upon outer portions of the head extending generally parallel to the central axis but on oppositely extending axes inclined at a small acute angle to axes parallel to the central axis to provide a balanced rotational reactive power torque to the head, there being a pair of fluid passages in the head communicating with the ports and with the orifices respectively, the orifices adapted to provide high velocity streams of pressurized fluid to a surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: NLB Corp.
    Inventor: Forrest A. Shook
  • Patent number: 4793734
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing structural concrete comprises an elongated hood having an inner generally non-accessible zone, an outer zone accessible for performing maintenance functions and an elongated slot between the zones. A reciprocal feed carriage is guidably mounted within the hood in the inner zone and mounts a seal support housing within the outer zone. Portions of the housing extend through the slot into the inner zone and are pivotally mounted upon the carriage. A rotating shaft and seal assembly is mounted upon the seal support housing in the outer zone, including a body having a water inlet adapted for connection to a source of water under pressure. An elongated tubular shaft and nozzle assembly is axially connected to the rotatable seal and shaft assembly and extends from the seal support housing through the slot into the inner zone of the hood, through the carriage and into the bottom of the hood for directing water under pressure against the structural concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: NLB
    Inventors: Forrest A. Shook, Gerard J. DeSantis
  • Patent number: 4753549
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for removing structural concrete from a road bed includes a vehicle having a frame on wheels movable along a road bed and mounting a pivotal hood having a lowered use position adjacent the road bed and a raised position. A pressure water manifold upon the frame is connected to a source of pressurized water up to 25,000 p.s.i. A feed carriage is reciprocally mounted within the hood and supports a rotating seal and shaft assembly having a body with a water inlet connected to the manifold and a power rotated tubular shaft journaled upon the body receiving pressure water for delivery to a depending nozzle block connected to and depending from the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: NLB Corporation
    Inventors: Forrest A. Shook, Gerard J. DeSantis
  • Patent number: 4736805
    Abstract: A tool for a hydraulic breaker having a pressurized fluid system which coacts with the impact tool to break objects such as rocks or aggregate sections. The impact tool has a bore extending through a work engaging end. A conduit is routed into the bore and includes a nozzle at its terminal end adjacent the work engaging end of the tool through which high pressure water is directed at the object to be broken. The tubing extends through the sidewall of the tool and into the bore through a radially extending slot. The tubing is mounted on the housing of the hydraulic hammer by means of an elastomeric vibration-dampening mounting block. The tubing is connected by high pressure hose to a valve and pump capable of developing fluid pressure in the range of about 20,000 psi. The slot is elongated to permit indexing of the tool relative to the hammer. The tool is retained in the hammer by means of a tool retainer or socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: NLB Corp.
    Inventors: Forrest A. Shook, Gerard J. DeSantis