Abstract: Apparatus for removing coked refractory from the inside of a cylindrical structure used in a fluid catalytic converter. A body is received within the structure and movable along its length. A rotatable nozzle assembly delivers jets of water under high pressure to the surface of the coked refractory to disintegrate it by hydrodemolition.

Abstract: The invention disclosed and claimed herein relates to a subterranean pipe tractor for moving and controlling a pipe scarifier. The subterranean pipe tractor comprises a scarifier connector that reversibly connects a scarifier to the pipe tractor; a drive mechanism for propelling the scarifier through the pipe when the scarifier is connected to the pipe tractor; and a power source that powers the drive mechanism. The power source of the pipe tractor may be an on-board power source or an external power source. The pipe tractor may include a hydraulic pump and an on-board electric generator powered by the power source. The subterranean pipe tractor may include local controls for controlling local functions and remote controls used to control remote components, such as a high-pressure fluid source. The subterranean pipe tractor may optionally include a scarifier lift mechanism for lifting one end of the scarifier.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is provided a concrete removing apparatus for removing concrete from an inclined wall of concrete having a frame with a front region. The frame may be supported on either a platform or from the wall with the front region adjacent to the wall. A carriage assembly is coupled to the frame assembly proximate a front region thereof, the carriage assembly extending from one side of the frame to another. A nozzle assembly is mounted on the carriage assembly and operative to move laterally of the frame assembly in response to activation of the carriage assembly. A nozzle on the nozzle assembly is operative to emit a jet of fluid against the wall of sufficient velocity to remove concrete from the wall. A transporting assembly is coupled to and operative to raise and lower the carriage assembly.

Abstract: A machine and method are disclosed for deconstructing walls and other substantially vertical surfaces. The machine comprises a static, stand-alone support-frame. A carriage is movably mounted on the support-frame, which carriage is operable to be raised and lowered along the support-frame adjacent to a workface. To the carriage are mounted one or more nozzles, preferably the nozzles are mounted to the carriage by means of a nozzle carrier that is operable to move back and forth along the length of the carriage. The nozzles are connected to a high-pressure supply of an erosive material, preferably water. The erosive material, when forced through the nozzles, form jet streams that are directed against the surface of the workface, thereby eroding the surface. Optionally, the invention comprises means of yawing or means of rotating the nozzles in order to access the sidewalls of the opening in the workface produced by the invention.

Abstract: The invention disclosed and claimed herein relates to a subterranean pipe tractor for moving and controlling a pipe scarifier. The subterranean pipe tractor comprises a scarifier connector that reversibly connects a scarifier to the pipe tractor; a drive mechanism for propelling the scarifier through the pipe when the scarifier is connected to the pipe tractor; and a power source that powers the drive mechanism. The power source of the pipe tractor may be an on-board power source or an external power source. The pipe tractor may include a hydraulic pump and an on-board electric generator powered by the power source. The subterranean pipe tractor may include local controls for controlling local functions and remote controls used to control remote components, such as a high-pressure fluid source. The subterranean pipe tractor may optionally include a scarifier lift mechanism for lifting one end of the scarifier.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a waste boiler, comprising mounting a robot adjacent an interior surface of a wall of the boiler, the robot operative to emit a high pressure jet of fluid against an interior surface of the wall of the boiler. The robot is moved over the interior surface of the wall to clean the interior surface; and then moved over another wall of the boiler to cleaning that wall. These steps are repeated for each remaining uncleaned wall of said boiler.

Abstract: A machine and method are disclosed for deconstructing walls and other substantially vertical surfaces. The machine comprises a static, stand-alone support-frame. A carriage is movably mounted on the support-frame, which carriage is operable to be raised and lowered along the support-frame adjacent to a workface. To the carriage are mounted one or more nozzles, preferably the nozzles are mounted to the carriage by means of a nozzle carrier that is operable to move back and forth along the length of the carriage. The nozzles are connected to a high-pressure supply of an erosive material, preferably water. The erosive material, when forced through the nozzles, form jet streams that are directed against the surface of the workface, thereby eroding the surface. Optionally, the invention comprises means of yawing or means of rotating the nozzles in order to access the sidewalls of the opening in the workface produced by the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for scarifying an interior surface of a sewer pipe, which includes a vehicle moveable along an interior of the sewer pipe and a scarifying assembly connected to the vehicle having a fluid nozzle assembly. The fluid nozzle assembly has at least one branch with a fluid nozzle coupled to a distal end of the branch. The nozzle is positioned proximate the interior surface of the passageway. The fluid nozzle assembly is operative to rotate or oscillate and to emit a jet of fluid from the one nozzle against the interior surface of the passageway and to scarify the interior surface of the passageway as the vehicle moves along the passageway.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is provided a concrete removing apparatus for removing concrete from an inclined wall of concrete having a frame with a front region. The frame may be supported on either a platform or from the wall with the front region adjacent to the wall. A carriage assembly is coupled to the frame assembly proximate a front region thereof, the carriage assembly extending from one side of the frame to another. A nozzle assembly is mounted on the carriage assembly and operative to move laterally of the frame assembly in response to activation of the carriage assembly. A nozzle on the nozzle assembly is operative to emit a jet of fluid against the wall of sufficient velocity to remove concrete from the wall. A transporting assembly is coupled to and operative to raise and lower the carriage assembly.

Abstract: This application discloses an apparatus for scarifying the interior surface of a sewer pipe, which can remain in the sewer under active flow conditions. The apparatus includes at least one scarifying head, which may transverse back and forth along a rail assembly, which is configured to match the circumferential shape of the sewer pipe. The scarifying head includes a nozzle assembly and driving assembly. The nozzle assembly, located at the outer end of the scarifying head has nozzles. The nozzles emit jets of water under pressure to clean or scarify the interior surface of the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for scarifying an interior surface of a sewer pipe, which includes a vehicle moveable along an interior of the sewer pipe and a scarifying assembly connected to the vehicle having a fluid nozzle assembly. The fluid nozzle assembly has at least one branch with a fluid nozzle coupled to a distal end of the branch. The nozzle is positioned proximate the interior surface of the passageway. The fluid nozzle assembly is operative to rotate or oscillate and to emit a jet of fluid from the one nozzle against the interior surface of the passageway and to scarify the interior surface of the passageway as the vehicle moves along the passageway.

Abstract: A method of scarifying an interior surface of a pipe to remove contaminants and corrosion products, using a vehicle carrying an attached principal arm that is pivotable and that has a nozzle assembly at a distal end thereof. The nozzle assembly has a plurality of nozzles mounted at free ends of associated nozzle branches, the nozzle branches being rotatable or capable of oscillation about a distal end of the principal arm. One of the nozzle branches and the principle arm are extendible to position the nozzle assembly adjacent a first selected region of the interior surface of the pipe. The vehicle moves down the pipe with the nozzle assembly rotating or oscillating, and applying pressurized fluid to the nozzles so that they each emit a jet that scarifies the first selected region. Once the first selected region is scarified, the principal arm is pivoted to position the nozzle assembly adjacent a subsequent selected region to be scarified and the process is in part repeated.

Abstract: This application discloses an automated apparatus for scarifying the interior surface of a pipe or other similar elongated passageway. The apparatus includes a vehicle that propels itself down the inside of the pipe. A scarifying assembly is removably secured to the vehicle and uses arms to reach the walls of the pipe. At the end of each arm there is a fluid nozzle assembly equipped with fluid nozzles. The fluid nozzle assembly rotates or oscillates to scarify the pipe surface. The arms and fluid nozzle assembly interchange with other such scarifying assemblies depending on the shape or type of pipe and the desired scarifying technique. The apparatus is tethered to a source of fluid under pressure and a power source, both of which are located off-board the apparatus at a remote location.

Abstract: Apparatus for the hydrodemolition of concrete layer including a movable vehicle, a bed having a guideway extending transversely to a direction of movement of the vehicle, a nozzle assembly having a guide slidably engaging the guideway and a plurality of nozzles spaced apart in a direction transverse to the guideway, separate fluid flow controllers coupled between a pressurized source of fluid and respective nozzles, the nozzles being oriented to spray a fluid jet onto the concrete surface and means for moving the nozzle assembly along the guideway transversely across the direction of travel.

Abstract: Apparatus for scarifying an interior surface of a pipe both of round and non-round cross section. The apparatus, which has a nozzle for discharging fluid under pressure against the interior surface of the pipe, also has a vehicle moveable along an interior of the pipe in a direction substantially parallel to an axis of the pipe, a principal arm coupled to the vehicle and a scarifying assembly rotatably coupled to the principal arm having a fluid nozzle assembly with at least one fluid nozzle. The fluid nozzle assembly is operative to one of rotate and oscillate, one of the scarifying assembly and the principal arm being extendible to place the fluid nozzle at a location adjacent the interior surface of the pipe and operative, as the vehicle moves along the interior of said pipe, to remove contaminants and corrosion along a selected region along the interior surface of pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus for scarifying an interior surface of a pipe both of round and non-round cross-section. The apparatus, which has a nozzle for discharging fluid under pressure against the interior surface of the pipe, also has a vehicle moveable along an interior of the pipe in a direction substantially parallel to an axis of the pipe, a principal arm coupled to the vehicle and a scarifying assembly rotatably coupled to the principal arm having a fluid nozzle assembly with at least one fluid nozzle. The fluid nozzle assembly is operative to one of rotate and oscillate, one of the scarifying assembly and the principal arm being extendible to place the fluid nozzle at a location adjacent the interior surface of the pipe and operative, as the vehicle moves along the interior surface of said pipe, to remove contaminants and corrosion along a selected region along the interior surface of pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus for the hydrodemolition of concrete layer including a movable vehicle, a bed having a guideway extending transversely to a direction of movement of the vehicle, a nozzle assembly having a guide slidably engaging the guideway and a plurality of nozzles spaced apart in a direction transverse to the guideway, separate fluid flow controllers coupled between a pressurized source of fluid and respective nozzles, the nozzles being oriented to spray a fluid jet onto the concrete surface and means for moving the nozzle assembly along the guideway transversely across the direction of travel.

Abstract: This application discloses an automated apparatus for scarifying the interior surface of a pipe or other similar elongated passageway. The apparatus includes a vehicle that propels itself down the inside of the pipe. A scarifying assembly is removably secured to the vehicle and uses arms to reach the walls of the pipe. At the end of each arm there is a fluid nozzle assembly equipped with fluid nozzles. The fluid nozzle assembly rotates or oscillates to scarify the pipe surface. The arms and fluid nozzle assembly interchange with other such scarifying assemblies depending on the shape or type of pipe and the desired scarifying technique. The apparatus is tethered to a source of fluid under pressure and a power source, both of which are located off-board the apparatus at a remote location.

Abstract: Apparatus for the hydrodemolition of concrete layer including a movable vehicle, a bed having a guideway extending transversely to a direction of movement of the vehicle, a nozzle assembly having a guide slidably engaging the guideway and a plurality of nozzles spaced apart in a direction transverse to the guideway, separate fluid flow controllers coupled between a pressurized source of fluid and respective nozzles, the nozzles being oriented to spray a fluid jet onto the concrete surface and on actuator for moving the nozzle assembly back and forth along the guideway.

Abstract: This application discloses an automated apparatus for scarifying the interior surface of a pipe or other similar elongated passageway. The apparatus includes a vehicle that propels itself down the inside of the pipe. A scarifying assembly is removably secured to the vehicle and uses arms to reach the walls of the pipe. At the end of each arm there is a fluid nozzle assembly equipped with fluid nozzles. The fluid nozzle assembly rotates or oscillates to scarify the pipe surface. The arms and fluid nozzle assembly interchange with other such scarifying assemblies depending on the shape or type of pipe and the desired scarifying technique. The apparatus is tethered to a source of fluid under pressure and a power source, both of which are located off-board the apparatus at a remote location.