For Work Having Hollows Or Passages Patents (Class 134/152)
  • Publication number: 20020029793
    Abstract: A liquid waste disposal and canister flushing system for a medical canister including a press-fit canister lid, features a cabinet with an opening and a sink with a drain positioned therein. A mounting bracket is affixed to the cabinet and includes a shaft connected to the canister bracket for rotating the canister and a shaft connected to the lid removal bracket for removing the canister lid from the canister. The canister is secured within the canister bracket and is rotated from an initial position to a drainage position. The canister lid is positioned on the removal bracket and is rotated from an initial position to a removal position. Once the canister is rotated into the drainage position, the pressurized and diluted cleaning solution source is activated to flush the contents out of the canister and into the sink and drain. After the canister is sanitized it may be removed from the system and reused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: James L. Dunn, Lawrence E. Guerra
  • Patent number: 6267126
    Abstract: A synthetic sponge having a high density is rinsed while changing the hydrostatic pressure of rinsing solution in pore spaces of the sponge to remove chemical residue and particulate matter more completely. The hydrostatic pressure can be changed by varying fluid supply pressure or varying centrifugal force. A rinsing apparatus includes a rotatable container and a fluid supply for supplying rinsing solution to sponge material in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Xomed Surgical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Cercone, F. Barry Bays
  • Patent number: 6263887
    Abstract: A liquid waste disposal and canister flushing system and method for a medical canister including a lid with at least first and second ports features a cabinet with an opening and a sink with a drain positioned therein. A removable lid covers the cabinet opening. A canister holder in the form of a ring or bucket is positioned within the chamber defined between the sink and cabinet opening. The canister holder is supported by a rod that is rotatably positioned in the cabinet. The rod is also connected to an electric motor or lever so that the canister holder, and therefore the canister positioned therein, may be rotated between an initial position and a drainage position. The canister is secured within the canister holder and tubing, which is in communication with a source of pressurized and diluted cleaning solution, is connected to the first canister port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Dornoch Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Dunn
  • Patent number: 6244275
    Abstract: A method and a device for the control of the treatment of the interior of bottles or similar containers, where the introduction of the fluid into the interior occurs by means of a nozzle presenting an exit opening, and a control is performed to determine the presence of a fluid jet in the area after the exit opening and/or the fluid inlet leading to the exit opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Manfred Ziegler, Klaus Plschek
  • Patent number: 6241000
    Abstract: Method for removing a ceramic core from a casting in a relatively rapid manner wherein the casting and a fluid spray nozzle are disposed in a manner to expose a region of the core to a core dissolving fluid discharge of the nozzle and a core dissolving fluid is discharged from the nozzle toward the core region to contact the core region and dissolve core material therefrom and progressively from further regions of the core within the casting as they become exposed as core material is progressively removed. The discharge of fluid from the nozzle can be interrupted periodically to allow dissolved core material and fluid to drain from inside the casting or, alternately, the casting and nozzle can be relatively moved so that the casting can drain and/or forced air can be directed at the casting to this same end at a location spaced apart form the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Howmet Research Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick L. Conroy, Harold C. Pierson, Michael M. McRae
  • Patent number: 6240937
    Abstract: A utilization device for used, stackable receptacles, in particular cups, comprises a guide path arranged at least between a first and a second processing means for the receptacles and supporting said receptacles. Said guide path is formed substantially above a reception opening of the second processing means with a tilting device for tilting each receptacle from the guide path towards said reception opening. For simplifying the structural design of the tilting device and for making said tilting device reliable in use, it is implemented as an area of the guide path in which said guide path is provided with a tilting aperture, which is open substantially towards the reception opening and towards one side of the guide path, and with a rim guide means supporting a rim portion of the receptacle, said rim portion being arranged opposite the reception opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: C.M.S. SpA
    Inventor: Luciano Salda
  • Patent number: 6240934
    Abstract: The treatment, for example the cleaning of holes or recesses in workpieces, is problematic when the holes or recesses have an opening width of below 0.5 mm, and especially when the latter do not penetrate the workpiece (blind bores). In known methods, gas bubbles adhering to the side-walls of holes of this type cannot be removed or liquids situated within the holes cannot be effectively exchanged. With the method according to the invention an effective exchange of the liquid contained in the holes and situated outwith the holes is made possible. For this purpose the liquid treatment means is sprayed as a jet into the holes, said jet having a diameter which is smaller than that of the holes. Furthermore, a device is described for carrying out this method which is characterised by a nozzle with one or several nozzle discharge openings with a diameter below 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Atotech Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Durst, Gunter Brenn, Michael Schafer, Heinrich Meyer, Heribert Streup
  • Patent number: 6216710
    Abstract: A method of removing liquid from pores contained in a permeable metal part is disclosed. The part has a tubular construction defining an interior surface and an exterior surface having an upper end opening and a lower end opening at an opposite end thereof. The method includes the step of sealing the upper end opening and the lower end opening of the permeable metal part so as to define an closed interior chamber. The method further includes the steps of injecting a cleaning fluid into the closed interior chamber. The method yet further includes the step of pressurizing the interior chamber with a gas at a pressure sufficient to cause the cleaning fluid to permeate through the pores from the interior surface to the exterior surface. The liquid is forced through the exterior surface and removed from the pores. An apparatus for removing quench oil from a permeable metal part is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. White, Harold E. Winkler
  • Patent number: 6152155
    Abstract: A filter cleaning device having a base with a central aperture. A threaded male and female vertical post is coupled together as a single combination post and is mechanically fastened to the base within the central aperture. A filter is insertably retained on the combination post and adjusted vertically by a mechanical coupler which releasably secures the filter for effective cleaning. The filter rests on a rotatable disc which is insertably attached to the combination base and post assembly. The disc has a channel having a number of bearings to produce a rotating interface the filter and the base. The base is a hollow reservoir and has a channel for inserting weighting material such as water or sand to reduce toppling from moment induced forces. The volume of the base is maximized by a minimizing the depth by which the male post in particular is disposed within the base a predetermined distance. A channel cap is fastened to the channel to prevent spillage of the weighting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Lon Milligan
  • Patent number: 6041797
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for cleaning a vacuum drum used for transferring gummed labels. The apparatus operates by sealing the drum and backwashing a cleaning fluid through the vacuum ports to unplug the perimeter holes. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical housing closed on one end by a plate and, on the opposing end, by a detachable lid. A drum seat, the size of which corresponds to the size of the vacuum drum to be washed, is locked to the bottom of the housing. The drum seat has an inlet for receiving the cleaning fluid and means for dispensing the received fluid to the vacuum ports of the vacuum drum under pressure. Initially, the cleaning fluid is heated to dissolve the adhesive. Subsequently, a cooler liquid is flushed through the vacuum drum to cool it for handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: David S Casselman
  • Patent number: 5989419
    Abstract: A cartridge-filter cleaning spinner comprises a handheld spindle rod that can accommodate a variety of filter sizes. The spindle rod has two inward pointing slip-ring hand-tightened hubs. A cartridge filter is loaded on the spindle rod by removing one of the slip-ring hand-tightened hubs, slipping the cartridge filter onto the spindle snug against the other slip-ring hand-tightened hub, and then reinstalling the first slip-ring hand-tightened hub on the spindle rod. The cartridge filter is then free to spin around while the spindle rod handles themselves remain stationary. A water jet from a garden hose is then directed at one end of the cartridge filter to one side so the cartridge filter begins spinning. The water jet is then worked down slowly to the opposite end while keeping the spinning action going. The process is then repeated, but with the water jet directed to the other side so the cartridge filter spins in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventors: David E. Dudley, Joseph D. Robertson
  • Patent number: 5964229
    Abstract: A device for or in a garbage truck, particularly a vehicle for receiving and transporting so-called biological or organic garbage, includes tilting arrangements at the end of the vehicle for tilting a can containing garbage upwardly for emptying the can and for tilting the can backwardly into its initial position after the can has been emptied. The garbage dropped into the hold of the vehicle and the emptied can are sprayed with a disinfecting agent for treating the garbage and cleaning the can. The spraying device includes a spray nozzle which is movable between a first spray position for spraying in the direction of the garbage in the hold of the garbage truck and a second spray position for spraying in a second spray direction in which the spray jet is directed into the interior of the can which is in its upwardly tilted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Baier & Koppel GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Jurgen Brendel
  • Patent number: 5941290
    Abstract: An apparatus and a system for cleaning or sanitizing industrial filling equipment is described. The apparatus is a movable arm spray manifold which is used to position a spray manifold below a filling valve of a filling machine and a clean interior portion of the filling station. The system may couple the movable arm spray manifold with one or more stationary arm spray manifolds to provide a cleaning system for the filling station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Diversey Lever, Inc.
    Inventor: Clifford Elmer Vaughn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5915452
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing a ceramic core from a casting in a relatively rapid manner wherein the casting and a fluid spray nozzle are disposed in a manner to expose a region of the core to a core dissolving fluid discharge of the nozzle and a core dissolving fluid is discharged from the nozzle toward the core region to contact the core region and dissolve core material therefrom and progressively from further regions of the core within the casting as they become exposed as core material is progressively removed. The discharge of fluid from the nozzle can be interrupted periodically to allow dissolved core material and fluid to drain from inside the casting or, alternately, the casting and nozzle can be relatively moved so that the casting can drain and/or forced air can be directed at the casting to this same end at a location spaced apart form the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Howmet Research Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick L. Conroy, Harold C. Pierson, Michael M. McRae
  • Patent number: 5915397
    Abstract: A printing screen cleaning and reclaiming apparatus comprises a cleaning device defining a cleaning and reclaiming path and a plurality of low pressure-high volume water washoff stations, in series, along the path. An ink degradent, an emulsion remover, and a degreaser are each applied successively along the path, and an ink removal station, an emulsion removal station, and a degreaser removal station are positioned successively along the path to provide the low pressure-high volume water washoff. Each station is capable of delivering washoff fluid to the screen of up to 20 feet in height and any length in the range of approximately 40-400 psi, and in the range of approximately 10-250 gallons per minute for efficient and inexpensive cleaning of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Intercontinental Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Albert B. Cord, Cameron W. Cord, Ted K. Parr, Gregory N. Jensen
  • Patent number: 5875800
    Abstract: A cleaning device for cutlery, includes a cleaning chamber with a spraying device acting in the cleaning chamber, the cleaning chamber being disposed so that it can be removed from the cleaning device. Also in a method for cleaning and disinfecting cutlery, the disinfecting and the cleaning are carried out consecutively in this or in the reverse order in the same cleaning chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Jan Hendrik Hulskotte
  • Patent number: 5863408
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing high speed chemical treatment of v type cylinder blocks. First the cylinder bores of one bank are treated. Then those of the other bank are treated. This permits a simple but compact treating plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirohiko Ikegaya
  • Patent number: 5836101
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for harvesting brine shrimp from an aquatic environment includes a separator having a containment vessel having a perforated sidewall and a drive assembly for agitating the containment vessel, preferably in a rotational motion about a horizontal axis. A first liquid spray assembly positioned outside of the containment vessel is disposed to direct a spray of liquid over a portion of the exterior of the containment vessel to dislodge shrimp which may be lodged in the perforations of the containment vessel. A second liquid spray assembly, positioned within the hollow interior of the containment vessel, is positioned to drive shrimp eggs contained in the vessel outward through the perforations of the vessel sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Charles Tze-An Tuan
  • Patent number: 5799679
    Abstract: A device for washing the teat cups in a milking head, comprising an axially displaceable milking-head holder and a fitting therefor having rinsing nipples over which teat cups fit, wherein the milking-head holder has an axis which is eccentric to an axis of the fitting, and wherein the milking-head holder has an alignment rod mounted for sliding movement back and forth axially in a guide sleeve and whereas the device operates in a specific position wherein the axes of the milking-head holder and the milking-head fitting deviate from the vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventor: Heinrich Bucker
  • Patent number: 5678581
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning an air pump silencer is disclosed. The cleaning apparatus comprises a closed housing. In the closed housing, at least one rotary part, each including a fixing plate and a support base for fixing the silencer is provided. Water from a water tank is injected into the silencer by first and second pipe sets. The first pipe set includes a straight pipe and a bent pipe mounted on the fixing plate. The second pipe set includes a straight pipe and a bent pipe mounted on the support base. During cleaning, these pipes enter the silencer and inject water to clean the inner walls of the silencer. A driving portion including a motor for driving the rotary parts is provided in the closed housing and is driven by a control circuit. When the rotary parts rotate, all the inner walls of the silencer can be completely cleaned by the pipes. Wash water is collected in an acid tank in the lower portion of the closed housing to isolate hazardous materials cleaned from the silencer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corporation
    Inventor: Chien Lai Hsu
  • Patent number: 5660196
    Abstract: A quick disconnect supply riser for the nozzles of a can washing apparatus includes a bayonet connector and a riser support which provide inherent nozzle alignment when the risers are locked in connected position. Operator access to the capped opposite ends of the risers allows easy disconnection and reconnection via convenient openings in one side wall of the housing. The demountable connectors are attached to riser supply manifolds adjacent the opposite side wall thereby eliminating a large amount of excess piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Oven Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Bein
  • Patent number: 5598859
    Abstract: Bottles to be cleaned are fed in succession to an infeed starwheel from which they are transferred to a rotor on which there are circumferentially spaced apart cam operated bottle inverting devices that grip the bottles and invert them with their mouths over a nozzle that injects cleaning fluid into them. The gripping devices have on them gripper fingers which are V-shaped and are molded, respectively, of a resilient and deflectable synthetic resin such as a polyamide. There is an upper gripper having finger tips spaced apart to engage the neck of a bottle and a lower gripper having finger tips or the like that grip or support the cylindrical body of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Krones AG Hermann Kronseder Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Hermann Kronseder
  • Patent number: 5577590
    Abstract: The machine comprises an identification device for accepting suitable or ejecting unsuitable used cups, which on being accepted are conveyed through an inlet mouth towards a bin, following a journey whereon are situated one or more operative groups, through which the cups pass and are treated such as to render them easier to contain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: C.M.S. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Salda
  • Patent number: 5564448
    Abstract: A container washing apparatus for washing containers such as beverage cans. An elongated liquid supply pipe includes a plurality of angled fittings connected along opposite sides of the pipe. Each fitting includes quick connect and disconnect structure on its outer end for mating with like structure of a fan spray nozzle. The fan spray nozzles may be turned onto the ends of the angled fittings in a quick twisting bayonet motion to align each of the elongated fan spray patterns parallel to one another and to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the container washing apparatus is used in a washing system including a liquid permeable conveyor for moving a plurality of containers, such as beverage cans, past a plurality of elongated spray pipes of the invention which are mounted adjacent upper and lower sides of the conveyor in a perpendicular orientation relative to the movement of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Lincoln
  • Patent number: 5560380
    Abstract: A method for safely cutting hollow bodies filled with metallic Na for disposal comprises the steps of cutting the hollow bodies with plasma jet so as to oxidize metallic Na while conveying said hollow bodies in a hermetically sealed housing, throwing the cut hollow bodies into a neutralizing aqueous solution tank, then taking out said cut hollow bodies from the tank, collecting a fume produced while cutting the hollow bodies, spraying water over the fume and recovering the fume. An apparatus for carrying out the above method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryomyo Hamanaka, Makoto Kondo
  • Patent number: 5542442
    Abstract: An oil filter cleaning system having a used oil and water receiving tank and a water supply tank. A used oil filter is secured to the top end of a pipe connected to a submersible water pump in the water supply tank and when operated will drive water under pressure up through the aperture in the bottom of the water filter and drive the used oil remaining therein out an aperture that has been formed in the side of the oil filter adjacent its bottom end. This flow of water and used oil that exits the oil filter is then directed into a filtration system located adjacent the top end of the used oil water receiving tank. The water filtration system has a large debris catching screen acting as a first phase and a fine mesh nylon filter acting as a second phase of filtration. The used oil passing through the fine mesh nylon filter floats on top of the water in the used oil and water receiving tank. The water at the bottom of the used oil and water receiving tank is free to pass to the water supply tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Gary W. Gorman, Sr.
    Inventor: Gary W. Gorman, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5507060
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically cleaning baby bottles inside and out comprising a base in a generally rectangular configuration having a floor, a drain thereabove and offset from parallel therewith for water run off and parallel side walls therebetween; a centrally-located cylindrical manifold extending upwardly through the drain to a location thereabove; a plurality of baby bottle holders rotatably mounted for rotation above the drain, the bottle holders being annular in configuration with an upstanding cylindrical side wall and internal threads for receiving the upper extent of inverted baby bottles to be washed, the holders having apertures in the lower extents of their walls for the draining of water therefrom; a peripheral tube extending upwardly for rotation and with apertures therein for spraying the insides of bottles; and a drive gear beneath the drain, the drive gear including a central gear for acting through a motion imparting assembly for rotating the manifold and a plurality of upper peripheral g
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventor: Lester A. Quimpo
  • Patent number: 5487399
    Abstract: A hollow tubular housing is provided having a freely rotatable support frame for holding a paint roller pad while cleaning. The housing is closed at one end and includes a series of openings down one side. A movable spray-tube is provided on the outside of the housing and includes a series of spray jets which correspond to the openings to spray water into the housing. The movability of the spray tube allows the user to change the direction of the water spray before or during cleaning in order to vary the speed and/or direction of the rotating roller pad inside. A second spray tube having a series of spray-openings therein is fixedly provided as the center shaft of the rotating internal support frame. A closable valve on the outside spray tube allows the user to adjust the flow of water to the sprayers. A specially formed gapped end piece is provided in the support frame to allow water from the inside spray tube to escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Inventor: Dale A. Hannah
  • Patent number: 5444892
    Abstract: The wet cleaning of filter cartridges (4) in fluidised-bed apparatuses and similar process units, without their being dismantled, is carried out by means of cleaning fluid sprayed out of nozzle orifices (10) arranged in the form of a ring, the nozzle orifices (10) being installed in the filtered exhaust-gas space (7) and the filter cartridge (4) being moved through this ring of nozzle orifices (10) by a lifting device (17). In a preceding flushing cycle, the filter cartridge (4) is filled with cleaning fluid and is then subjected to an ultrasonic transmitter (26) and with pressure pulses. The nozzle orifices (10) are designed and arranged in such a way that the issuing cleaning jets strike the filter casing (5) tangentially at an angle of inclination .alpha. and thus set the filter cartridge (4) in rotation. The best possible cleaning effect is achieved by the rotation and lift of the filter cartridge (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Niro-Aeromatic AG
    Inventors: Jurg Ris, Hugo Eglin, Mikael Bonde, Urs Frey, Francois Bubendorf
  • Patent number: 5425385
    Abstract: A control system for a high-speed rotary washer spraying system designed particularly for plastic returnable bottles automatically regulates each process of the wash spraying system, namely, sequentially feeding bottles from an infeed conveyor means, inverting them by a worm/inverter means, receiving and simultaneously rotating each bottle in an inverted position through a plurality of washing, neutralizing and sanitizing treatment zones, and inverting each bottle to its original neck-up orientation for further processing. During the entire process, a programmable logic controller maintains, manages, and controls all pumps, valves, solenoids, and drive motor speeds as required by the process, and also provides for monitoring and adjusting fluid levels, alkalinity/acidity concentrations, and temperatures of the wash and neutralizing solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: PepsiCo. Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Kuta, Antonio Fernandez
  • Patent number: 5400812
    Abstract: Cleaning apparatus 10 comprises an enclosed washtank 12 and a screen loading unit 13. A pump is arranged to deliver high pressure heated water to an internal screen cleaning nozzle arrangement 14 and a ring-shaped external screen cleaning nozzle arrangement 15 which nozzle arrangements 14, 15 are arranged in a gap 19 between a screen support skid 16 and an entry screen support skid 17. The nozzle arrangement 14 is arranged to direct a spray of water outwardly; the nozzle arrangement 15 is arranged to direct a spray of water inwardly. In use, a cylindrical printing screen to be cleaned is pushed into the apparatus whilst high pressure heated water is being delivered by the internal and external nozzle arrangements 14, 15. As each portion of the screen is disposed opposite the gap 19, between support skids 16 and 17, that portion of the screen is washed on its inside and outside by water directed from the nozzle arrangements 14 and 15 respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Technijet Limited
    Inventor: David W. MacFarlane
  • Patent number: 5384045
    Abstract: A dirty swimming pool filter is journaled for rotation about a vertical array of nozzles and spun about a vertical axis by the action of the spray. The rotation can be fast enough that centrifugal forces aid in the cleaning operation by sloughing dirt off the outside of the filter. One version of the apparatus includes a second vertical array of nozzles external to the filter and directing a spray against the outer face of the filter, which aids in sloughing dirt off it. This second array is rotatable about its own vertical axis and can be used to control the rate of rotation of the filter being cleaned. A sealed bearing is provided at the base of the filter to allow free rotation about the first vertical array of nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Inventors: Jerry Chmielewski, Doreen M. Chmielewski
  • Patent number: 5361790
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus which has the capability of cleaning a waste or used filter assembly with a broad spectrum of chemical agents in an automated fashion. The cleaning apparatus comprises a cleaner vessel for accommodating the filter assembly to carry out triethylene glycol cleaning, sodium hydroxide cleaning, nitric acid cleaning and water washing in a predetermined cleaning sequence. First to fourth reservoirs communicate with the cleaner vessel through their corresponding pipelines to feed such chemical detergent liquids as triethylene glycol solution, sodium hydroxide solution, nitric acid solution and pure water into the vessel. The detergent liquids will circulate within the cleaning vessel by means of a stream generator, whereby the filter assembly can be cleaned to a higher degree of detergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: SKC Limited
    Inventors: Jong-Mun Park, Chan-Sik Jeong, Uk-Hwan Oh, Taek-Jong Yu
  • Patent number: 5298079
    Abstract: A process for removing residual oil from used oil filters. The process includes washing the oil filters with a wash water while simultaneously crushing the oil filters. The wash water has a carefully selected and limited surfactant to effectively remove the residual oil while reducing emulsification of the removed residual oil into the wash water. The oil is recovered and the wash water is recirculated after having been amended with surfactant and/or water to assure that the surfactant remains within the desired limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: E. Park Guymon
  • Patent number: 5240686
    Abstract: An arrangement for the emptying and cleaning, and when required, for the disinfecting of hygienic vessels which are employed in the health care or nursing sector, without contamination of the external portions of the arrangement. The arrangement for the emptying and cleaning of hygienic vessels, consists of a rinsing chamber with a conical lower portion, with an odor trap, as well as with cleaning nozzles in the rinsing chamber and with a horizontal or vertical trap door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: S I C AG
    Inventor: Jan Harlegard
  • Patent number: 5226973
    Abstract: A plurality of liquid jet nozzles are positioned in spaced apart relation to each other about a portion of the exterior surface of a pipe to be cleaned. High pressure liquid is supplied to the nozzles to cause liquid jets to be emitted, with the liquid jets being directed toward the exterior surface of the pipe. Each nozzle can be rotated about an axis which is at least substantially normal to the exterior surface of the pipe, while the nozzles are being moved longitudinally relative to the pipe. The liquid jets from the nozzles simultaneously impinge on the exterior surface of the pipe along prescribed paths located in an annular region extending around the circumferential extent of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: CRC-Evans Rehabilitation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Chapman, Charles M. Reid
  • Patent number: 5197500
    Abstract: A combustion cleaning machine for removing coatings on the interior of combustion chambers for jet engines is provided and includes a rotatable turntable for carrying a plurality of the generally cylindrical combustors to and from at least one work station where a fluid, liquid or mixture is projected at a combustor under high pressure to remove the interior coating.The machine includes a revolvable main turntable or wheel having a plurality of individual minor turntables for supporting the combustor cylinders and rotating them. A computer or microprocessing control means is provided for monitoring and controlling various machine functions including the means for indexing the main turntable, the means for rotating the individual turntables and the combustors mounted thereunder, and the means for directing or spraying the material at the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Northwest Airlines, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward M. Diamond
  • Patent number: 5135580
    Abstract: An apparatus for washing cylindrical filters has a tiltedly-mounted main housing in which is provided a plurality of rotatable shafts each mounting thereabout one cylindrical filter for rotation therewith. The tilted mounting causes the wash water, after cleaning the filters, to fall by gravity therebelow, and exit from the apparatus at a lower exit corner thereof. From the exit corner of the apparatus, the effluent wash water passes through a cloth filter provided on a portable container before the effluent wash water is carried away by a drain grate formed in the floor. The cloth filter removes the sold waste from the effluent wash water, so that the potentially hazardous waste material may be disposed of in a suitable dump site. A plurality of high-pressure, water-spray nozzle heads are mounted for reciprocal translation above the shafts for directing the high-intensity water spray to the cylindrical filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Union Underwear Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Henry L. Cantrell, Glenn M. Wethington
  • Patent number: 5135014
    Abstract: Apparatus for washing bottles, in which a transfer conveyor define an endless loop belt between an inlet end and outlet end. A plurality of cups are carried along the endless loop. An inlet elevator adjacent the inlet end supplies a quantity of bottles in an open end down orientation to the cups. Fluid injectors are movably mounted on the conveyor to position a nozzle into each open end down oriented bottle to supply fluid to inside of the bottles. An outlet elevator is adjacent outlet end for removing bottles from the apparatus in an open end up orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: The West Company, Incorporated
    Inventor: Frank Beswick
  • Patent number: 5129956
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the aqueous cleaning of a printed circuit board having surface mounted components assembled thereon. The invention involves a heated aqueous solution sprayed under high pressure through a helically-vaned nozzle that is moving rotationally about the plane of a moving printed circuit board. The apparatus accomplishes a thorough cleaning of all components and areas of the printed circuit board with the use of a water based cleaning solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Digital Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond E. Pickering, Patricia E. Waitkus, Delmar R. Parsons, Lincoln Soule, William T. Walker, Robert E. Bedaw
  • Patent number: 5078162
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and process for removing lube and other contaminants from the inside of a tube, the apparatus comprising a flexible hose having a nozzle at one end thereof which is conveyed by a pair of pinch rollers through the length of the tube to be cleaned. A high pressure cleaning fluid is supplied to the nozzle and the pressurized fluid removes the lube and other contaminants from the inside of the tube. The apparatus seals both ends of the tube to be cleaned and provides drainage of the cleaning fluid from the interior of the tube. The apparatus can be used for automatic cleaning of tubes manufactured from a pilger reduction mill or other similar manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry L. Moody
  • Patent number: 5051136
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a procuedure for washing off flux residues subsequent to soldering from a circuit board or equivalent component. The circuit board washing procedures of prior art have either been detrimental to the environment or poor in their washing result. These problems have in the present invention been solved by including at least one step in the procedure in which steam is sprayed on the circuit board or equivalent. The steam spraying step is advantageously combined with preceding water washing and rinsing steps. A circuit board or equivalent component rinsed with hot steam is recovered in a cleaner condition than before, and moreover, entirely dry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd.
    Inventor: Aulis Tuominen
  • Patent number: 5034066
    Abstract: A process for washing and rinsing substrate sheets, in particular of nonwoven fabric or needle-punched felt sheets, is used after previously carried out activation and electroless chemical metallization. The pores or the surfaces of the substrate sheets are adequately freed from the salt residues of the metallizing solution. In this process, the textile material is wound spirally onto the rotor of a drum, and the washing or rinsing water is fed into the textile material via a hollow shaft of the rotor. The washing, rinsing, and spinning operations proceed in one apparatus, resulting in an appreciable savings in the amounts of water supplied. The entire washing and spinning operations in the drum lends itself to complete automation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Deutsche Automobilgesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Otwin Imhof, Holger Kistrup
  • Patent number: 4953575
    Abstract: The invention relates to a washing device for cuvette sets. The cuvette set is placed into a holder (11) in a rotor (10). The washing liquid is removed from the cuvettes by rotating the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Labsystems Oy
    Inventor: Jukka Tervamaki
  • Patent number: 4834123
    Abstract: A bottle washer removing bottles from a conveyor, rotating them about 360 degrees, and using paddles of extended length and a stationary guide to replace the bottles on the conveyor. The washer may sit over the conveyor transporting the bottles. The conveyor moves the bottles between paddles which will rotate them through a circle of 360 degrees. At the very end of that arc, however, an obstructing guide rail directs the bottles out of the rotational plane to avoid their colliding with the entering bottles. The paddles that move the bottles about the arc have extensions lying in the direction that the conveyor moves. These extensions control the motion of the bottles as they move out of their plane of rotation so that they will return to the conveyor. The bottle washer, to work at greater length upon the bottles, may in fact move the bottles about two circles of approximately 360 degrees each. As the bottles complete the first rotation, the obstructing guide moves them out of the plane of the first rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Inventor: William J. McBrady
  • Patent number: 4723377
    Abstract: A drum-cleaning machine having a casing with an indexing mechanism to move drums therethrough at a 45-degree angle, such indexing mechanism including wheels spinning the drums at stations between such wheels; at least one upper shotblast wheel positioned on the casing above the drum whose shotblast pattern is directed downward and is adapted to clean the bottom and sides of the drum; at least one side-mounted shotblast wheel positioned on the casing aligned with the upper shotblast wheel such side-mounted shotblast wheel's shotblast pattern being directed substantially horizontal and adapted to clean the bottom of each drum and if the drum has an open bottom, is adapted to clean the inner sides and inside of the closed end of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Inventor: W. David Watts
  • Patent number: 4694846
    Abstract: A garbage truck for handling large trash bins has a system incorporated therein for cleaning and deodorizing the bins after they have been emptied. Immediately after a bin has been emptied into the garbage truck trash compactor and while it is in an inverted position, the bin is sprayed with hot water ejected from nozzles mounted on the truck to the rear of the compactor. This spraying operation is controlled from the cab of the truck and is continued long enough with a large enough volume of water to insure thorough cleaning of the bin. After the bin has been washed it is returned to its original position on the ground and sprayed with deodorant from jet nozzles mounted on the top of the truck cab, this operation also being controlled by an operator in the cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Inventor: Roland D. Bouchard
  • Patent number: 4635662
    Abstract: An inline bottle rinser having quick bottle size changeover capabilities is disclosed. The bottle rinser has a linear bottle path therethrough with spray heads synchronized to the bottles for accurately directing rinse water through the open neck of the inverted bottles. The bottle carriers are mounted so as to be automatically snapped off the transport system so that bottle carriers for other size bottles may be snapped onto the transport system for changeover purposes. The rinser includes a rinse water spray system which may be raised and lowered in accordance with the bottle size in such a manner as to assure proper synchronization of the rinse water spray system for various bottle sizes. For particularly large containers, that smaller bottle carriers may be automatically removed and half that number of larger bottle carriers mounted on the transport system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Industrial Automation Corporation
    Inventor: Roger W. Totten
  • Patent number: 4585019
    Abstract: A spray cleaning apparatus for tubular filter elements, comprises a spray chamber in which a filter element is mounted between opposed rotary turntable discs. The chamber is provided with liquid sprays for spraying both the inner and outer surfaces of the element as it is rotated by the turntable. The sprays are reciprocated vertically so as to traverse the height of the filter element. Particular features of the invention reside in the turntable construction; a control system for accurately reversing the up-and-down movement of the sprays dependent on the height of a filter being cleaned; and a particular form of spray nozzle structure useful for cleaning pleated filter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1986
    Inventor: Dwight W. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 4554936
    Abstract: Apparatus for selectively coupling a source of pressurized fluid to washing machine containers which hold items during wash cycles where there are first containers adapted for preventing the flow of fluid and second containers adapted for receiving the fluid when the containers are placed in their normal positions in the washing machine. The apparatus includes a member having a contoured passage therethrough and which defines an inlet and an outlet and means slidably disposed within the member for controlling the flow of fluid through the outlet to the containers. The flow control means has a first portion, which may include a body and a flange and a second portion which may be an elongate pin. The first portion is adapted for such engagement with the contours of the passage that the flow control means can assume a first position for preventing the flow and a second position for permitting the flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventor: James E. Tingley