Abstract: A control apparatus for an apparatus that cleans the drum of a ready mixed concrete truck includes a CAN-bus control system that includes a nozzle lance position encoder, a boom position encoder, a human-machine interface, a programmable logic controller, and monitors for an engine, hydraulic valves, and pressure sensors. The nozzle lance position encoder includes a rotary encoder, a bi-directional motor, a nozzle lance including a nozzle adapted to discharge water under high pressure, and a swivel assembly to which the nozzle lance is mounted for reciprocating motion. The programmable logic controller enables an operator to control the range of oscillation of the nozzle lance by inputting a desired range of oscillation into the programmable logic controller. An operator can also control extension and retraction of an elongate boom by inputting a desired rate of extension and retraction into the programmable logic controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the interior sidewall of a large diameter tube includes a centrally-apertured circular brush plate adapted to fit within a lumen of the tube. A fluid conduit is mounted in the aperture so that an upper part of the fluid conduit is positioned above a plane of the circular brush plate and a lower part is positioned below the plane. A nozzle assembly is disposed in radial relation to the lower part of the fluid conduit. A hose provides fluid communication between a remote source of water under pressure and the fluid conduit. The circular brush plate is inserted into the lumen of the tube and is gradually advanced through the tube. The nozzle assembly is rotated about an axis defined by the fluid conduit as the circular brush plate is advanced through the tube so that water under pressure cleans the interior sidewall of the tube.

Abstract: Residual concrete in the drum of a ready mixed concrete truck is removed by high-pressure water. A nozzle is mounted on the leading end of a torpedo-shaped nozzle housing that is hingedly mounted to an elongate boom. The boom enters the mouth of the drum at an angle that matches the angle of the drum. The hinge allows the nozzle housing to pivot with respect to the elongate boom so that the nozzle is close to the residual concrete. The boom is retracted toward the mouth with the drum rotating in the mix direction and the nozzle oscillating so that it cuts through a swath of concrete. As the boom retracts, the torpedo-shaped nozzle housing maintains the nozzle close to the residual concrete on the drum and both sides of the helical fins. The nozzle sweeps an arc from about eighty to one hundred twenty degrees as it oscillates.

Abstract: The following disclosure relates generally to methods and systems that have the ability to deliver information to users wherein the timing and content of the information delivered is based upon the location and acts of the user and wherein participating parties may benefit if the user acts upon the information delivered and, more particularly, to advertising methods and systems wherein a merchant's advertisement is delivered to a user's mobile computer based on the user's commercial act at a neighboring merchant and if the user acts upon the advertisement the merchant pays the neighboring merchant a bounty.

Abstract: Residual concrete in the drum of a ready mixed concrete truck is removed by high-pressure water. A nozzle is mounted on the leading end of a torpedo-shaped nozzle housing that is hingedly mounted to an elongate boom. The boom enters the mouth of the drum at an angle that matches the angle of the drum. The hinge allows the nozzle housing to pivot with respect to the elongate boom so that the nozzle is close to the residual concrete. The boom is retracted toward the mouth with the drum rotating in the mix direction and the nozzle oscillating so that it cuts through a swath of concrete. As the boom retracts, the torpedo-shaped nozzle housing maintains the nozzle close to the residual concrete on the drum and both sides of the helical fins. The nozzle sweeps an arc from about eighty to one hundred twenty degrees as it oscillates.

Abstract: A machine for surface preparation of a pipeline includes a vacuum shroud that encircles the pipeline. Three manifolds, each housing a plurality of ultra high pressure water nozzles, are mounted in the vacuum shroud at circumferentially spaced intervals. A carrier assembly advances the vacuum shroud along the pipeline at a rate that avoids contact between the water jets and uncoated pipe. The shroud also oscillates about a longitudinal axis of the pipeline so that a short extent of the pipeline is subjected to the force of the water for each oscillation. The vacuum in the shroud carries away all debris created by the coat-stripping process to a closed loop filtration and recycling system. The nozzles are mounted a constant stand-off distance from the pipeline to avoid creation of hot spots during the stripping process. All motions are electronically monitored and detection of any movement failure results in system shutdown.

Abstract: A machine for surface preparation of a pipeline includes a vacuum shroud that encircles the pipeline. Three manifolds, each housing a plurality of ultra high pressure water nozzles, are mounted in the vacuum shroud at circumferentially spaced intervals. A carrier assembly advances the vacuum shroud along the pipeline at a rate that avoids contact between the water jets and uncoated pipe. The shroud also oscillates about a longitudinal axis of the pipeline so that a short extent of the pipeline is subjected to the force of the water for each oscillation. The vacuum in the shroud carries away all debris created by the coat-stripping process to a closed loop filtration and recycling system. The nozzles are mounted a constant stand-off distance from the pipeline to avoid creation of hot spots during the stripping process. All motions are electronically monitored and detection of any movement failure results in system shutdown.

Abstract: A machine for surface preparation of a pipeline includes a vacuum shroud that encircles the pipeline. Three manifolds, each housing a plurality of ultra high pressure water nozzles, are mounted in the vacuum shroud at circumferentially spaced intervals. A carrier assembly advances the vacuum shroud along the pipeline at a rate that avoids contact between the water jets and uncoated pipe. The shroud also oscillates about a longitudinal axis of the pipeline so that a short extent of the pipeline is subjected to the force of the water for each oscillation. The vacuum in the shroud carries away all debris created by the coat-stripping process to a closed loop filtration and recycling system. The nozzles are mounted a constant stand-off distance from the pipeline to avoid creation of hot spots during the stripping process. All motions are electronically monitored and detection of any movement failure results in system shutdown.