For Work Having Hollows Or Passages Patents (Class 134/166R)
  • Patent number: 4949739
    Abstract: A wetsuit washing hanger includes a pair of hollow laterally extending arms for supporting a wetsuit by its shoulder area. The hollow interior of the arms communicate with an integral funnel into which water from a shower head from which the device is suspended may be directed. Apertures in the side walls of the hollow arms enable a washing liquid to spray onto the interior of the wetsuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Inventor: Francis D. Ryan
  • Patent number: 4941493
    Abstract: A device for washing and drying the inside tank portion of a tanker truck. The device is adaptable for fitting into a manway located in the tank and comprises a cone-shaped base which fits into a plugs the manway. A washing medium tube passes through the base in an axial direction and extends above and below the base. A drying medium tube also passes through the base in an axial direction and extends above the top of the base and terminates near the bottom of the base. A cone-shaped deflector is located below the bottom of the base and deflects drying medium throughout the entire inside portion of the tank. The device further comprises vent tubes which pass through the base in an axial direction and provides sufficient ventilation of the tank while maintaining a pressure greater than atmospheric in the tank. The positive pressure in the tank allows hoses connected to the tank to be cleaned and dried in an efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Carry Companies of Illinois
    Inventor: Tom Wieringa
  • Patent number: 4923522
    Abstract: Method comprises positioning a spray gun and its cup-connecting means in a stationary support, and its gun cup in a rotatable cup holder in a closed chamber. Then, compressed air and cleaning liquid is passed through the gun and cup-connecting means, while simultaneously rotating the cup holder and spraying the exterior surfaces of the cup, gun, and cup-connecting means and the interior surfaces of the cup. In a preferred embodiment, the spray from the gun rotates the cup holder. The device comprises the chamber, the gun support, a rotatable cup holder, a pool for cleaning liquid, spraying means, internal means for filtering and distributing cleaning liquid to the cup connecting means and the spraying means, and means for introducing compressed air from outside the chamber into a compressed-air manifold and then distributing the compressed-air to the gun and spraying means. The device also includes means for venting air that is exhausting from the chamber and means for absorbing fumes in the exhausting air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: BSD Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Sowers
  • Patent number: 4913179
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for washing off the inner surface of a reaction vessel and/or of the outer surface of at least one spherodial reagent body present in the reaction vessel, the device comprising a small tube (6) connectable to a washing liquid suction device having a suction opening (2) and being pressable by means of a spring (4) in the direction of the bottom of the reaction vessel, a mantle (8) radially surrounding the small tube (6) at an axial distance from its suction opening (2), which mantle bounds between its inner surface and the outer surface of the small tube (6) a washing liquid inlet canal (10) connectable to a washing liquid supply device, holes (12) being provided in an end section of the mantle (8) facing the suction opening (2) for the exit of the washing liquid and two electrodes (14,16) arranged outside the mantle (8) at a distance from one another, axially further remote from the suction opening (2) than the holes (12) in the mantle (8), the electrodes (14,16) being
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Boehringer Mannheim GmbH
    Inventors: Wolf D. Engel, Johann Karl, Friedrich Stabler
  • Patent number: 4913819
    Abstract: A liquid jet manifold arrangement for process separator vessels for removing solids such as sand and sediment which accumulate along the bottom wall of the vessel during operation. A plurality of elongated manifolds are arranged to extend longitudinally along the vessel bottom wall and each manifold is provided with an array of jet nozzles which are arranged along the manifold bottom side and top side, respectively. The nozzles extend in a direction such as to create a substantially vortical flow of liquid to entrain and urge the fluidized solids mixture toward the solid removal outlet opening in the vessel. The manifolds are supported in a standoff position from the vessel bottom wall by adjustable support brackets and a generally arcuate shield is supported above and spaced from each of the jet manifolds to redirect the liquid flow out of the nozzles to enhance the vortical flow pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventor: John C. Patterson
  • Patent number: 4907610
    Abstract: A cleaning system for a swimming pool which includes a mobile cleaning unit and/or stationary cleaning heads. Manual and automatic modes are included. The system is suitable for both gunnite and polymer liner pools, spas and the like. No energy is required other than that normally required for circulation of water through the conventional filtration apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Crystal Pools, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan E. Meincke
  • Patent number: 4905325
    Abstract: A waste tank cleaning system in a preferred embodiment includes a flowmeter interposed in the line carrying cleaning fluid to the tank. A pair of solenoid valves are controlled by an electronic counter coupled to the flowmeter. In response to predetermined volumetric flows of fluid, the solenoid valves alternatively deliver fluid to a hydraulically operated drain valve and to a spray/rinse outlet in the waste tank. In one alternative embodiment, a flowmeter is mechanically coupled to a valve structure which alternatively applies fluid to the drain valve and to a spray/rinse outlet in the tank, directly. In other embodiments, the volume of flow can be determined by liquid level sensors in the tank and a predetermined cleaning sequence can be carried out based on the signals sent by the sensors. Power can be furnished by a rechargeable power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Kaiser Aerospace & Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Eugene R. Colditz
  • Patent number: 4903716
    Abstract: The recreational vehicle tank flushing system has associated with each water tank on the recreational vehicle a way of providing multiple rinses and sanitizing material into each of the potable water tank, gray water tank and black water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Inventor: Charles F. Stevens
  • Patent number: 4899769
    Abstract: A paint spray-gun cleaner includes a tank having an upper chamber for receiving the paint spray-gun to be cleaned, and a lower chamber for containing a cleaning solvent. The solvent is forced to flow from the lower chamber to the nozzles in the upper chamber by a solvent pumping unit. Compressed air is intermittently supplied to the solvent pumping unit so as to force the solvent out of the solvent pumping unit. When a cover is placed on the top of the tank to seal the upper chamber, the poppet valve of a switch is opened, thereby permitting compressed air to pass through the switch to the solvent pumping unit. When the cover is opened, the switch is closed and the flow of compressed air into the solvent pumping unit is thus stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Inventor: Mu-Yuan T. Tsai
  • Patent number: 4898327
    Abstract: The invention comprises a self-cleaning injection system for injecting foamable compositions into packaging applications. The system comprises an injection nozzle having an opening in one end from which mixed foam precursors which form foamable compositions may exit. The one end comprises a tip assembly which is porous to gases and to certain liquids, but which is impermeable to other materials such as the foamable compositions which may otherwise exit the housing only through said opening. A pump assembly pumps cleaning solvent from a solvent container to the injection nozzle while maintaining a constant delivery of air or a mixture of air and solvent to the injection nozzle. The pump assembly comprises a solvent container and an air compressor for sending air to the solvent container and for sending a mixture of solvent and air from the solvent container to said injection nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence B. Sperry, Henry J. Ruddy
  • Patent number: 4887624
    Abstract: To permit a uniform treatment of tubular members while avoiding pollution of the environment and preventing impairment of laborers, a treating container (1) is provided with supports (2) for the tubular members (3), also with nozzles (6) for connection to one end of each tubular member (3) and with lines (10) for supplying liquid to the nozzles. A cover (4), which is adapted to be swung up, is provided in the front longitudinal wall of the treating container (1) above the supports (2) for the tubes (3). An exhausting device (5), which extends throughout the length of the treating container (1), is provided in the upper portion of the treating container (1). Nozzles (6) for slidably receiving one end of each tubular member (3) are provided on the inside of a side wall (7) of the treating container (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Metallgesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Detlev Eggers
  • Patent number: 4881561
    Abstract: The invention refers to a process and a device for the fully automatic cleaning of spray guns foulded with paint or varnish, wherein the spray guns are immersed with their paint or varnish reservoir open into a cleaning fluid free of solvents or thinners, during a first cleaning phase the fluid is circulated and a fluid jet is introduced into the open paint or varnish reservoir or into the paint or varnish inlet, during a second phase ultrasonic waves are introduced into the cleaning fluid while the spray guns are moved oscillating up and down in the fluid, the two cleaning phases are repeated at least once and the spray guns are subsequently repeatedly immersed in a rinsing fluid and, if applicable, are moved therein, while the rinsing fluid is circulated and a rinsing fluid stream is introduced into the open paint or varnish reservoir or into the paint or varnish inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Inventor: Gottlob Schwarzwalder
  • Patent number: 4872467
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the rinsing of containers, particularly small-size containers of plant-protective or toxic products.The same assembly comprises a rinsing liquid inlet, a channel directed upwards which can penetrate into the container to be rinsed, introduced with the opening downwards, and an ejector fed by a branch from the rinsing liquid supply and capable of removing the draining liquid collected in a funnel surrounding the channel. Preferably, the positioning of the container controls, via a pushing device, the supply of liquid to the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Tecnoma
    Inventor: Patrick Ballu
  • Patent number: 4867186
    Abstract: This invention relates to a cleaning apparatus for cleaning workpieces such as semiconductors and other electronic devices, or automobile parts, hydraulic implement parts and other die-cast products. A workpiece is completely immersed in chloro-fluoro-carbon (R113) liquid acting as cleaning liquid stored in a cleaning tank, and the cleaning liquid is caused to jet out of injection nozzles under pressure against portions of the workpiece to be cleaned. This immersion cleaning effectively removes cutting powder, abrasive materials and other such substances persistently clinging to the workpiece. This apparatus is capable of an efficient cleaning treatment which is achieved by reducing consumption and loss of the cleaning liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Inventor: Shigeo Otsuka
  • Patent number: 4854336
    Abstract: The conventional method of cleaning the teat cups of a milking machine head is to immerse all of the heads in a single container of cleaning fluid. A simple, effective alternative is an open topped casing installed at each milking stall, the casing including a flat top plate, four wells dependent therefrom for receiving the teat cups individually, an inlet duct in the bottom center of each well, an H-shaped manifold for receiving cleaning fluid from a source thereof and for feeding the fluid to the wells, and an outlet in the bottom of each well near one side thereof for discharging cleaning fluid from the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Inventor: Martin Byzitter
  • Patent number: 4838301
    Abstract: A valve arrangement has an outflow seat section defined by at least a tubular side wall. The outflow seat section has a free end with an engaging part extending along the entire periphery of the side wall. The engaging part is adapted for close engagement with an engaging surface of a movable obturating plate. The engaging surface is substantially parallel to a plane of the engaging part and remains substantially parallel to this plane during movement of the obturating plate toward and from the free end of the outflow seat section. During operation of the valve arrangement the engaging surface of the obturating plate simultaneously engages the entire plane of the engaging part of the outflow seat section causing closing of the valve arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: E & M Lamort
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Lamort
  • Patent number: 4838949
    Abstract: A cleaner for a conventional single or double blade shaving razor using an accelerated stream of water fanned out by a deflector plate means for fanning and directing said accelerated stream of water uniformly across the blade edge area of the shaving razo head. The invention has an upper chamber adapted to fit in watertight engagement with a conventional tap water faucet, the invention further comprising a lower or cleaning chamber fluidly communicating with said upper chamber by a constricting passageway wherethrough passes an accelerated stream of water. The accelerated stream of water is discharged into said cleaning chamber against said deflector plate, thereby fanning out and distributing uniformly and energetically against the blade area of the shaving razor head. An opening is provided in the front face of the body member of the instant invention wherethrough can be passed the razor head. Guiderails may be provided upon which the razor head can be slid underneath the fanned stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Inventor: Felipe Dugrot
  • Patent number: 4838325
    Abstract: In an arrangement for a filling valve on a packing machine after-dripping is prevented by providing that the outside surfaces of the valve which can come into contact with the contents are cleaned with the help of a pressure fluid during operation of the machine. An arrangement in accordance comprises a filling valve whose valve body is provided with a channel for the supply of pressure fluid and an outlet opening situated at the lower end of the valve body which conducts the pressure fluid and causes it to flow along the underside of the valve body so that any residue of the contents is effectively flushed away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Tetra Dev-Co
    Inventor: Giorgio Bordini
  • Patent number: 4836420
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning-in-place valve actuator (23) for cleaning a soft serve shake machine (10). The valve actuator (23) is mounted upon the front of the soft serve shake machine (10), and a motor (20) moves a series of mechanical linkages (15, 11) so that a shifting fork (8) pivotally and reciprocally rotates. The forked ends (64) of the shifting fork (8) attach to levers (42) on the soft serve shake machine (10) and cause the lever (42) to move back and forth. The movement of the lever (42) opens and closes a draw valve (40) which controls flow to the machine's outlet nozzle (31), so that the cleaning solution can flow to all parts of the soft serve shake machine (10) for thorough cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Edward P. Kromrey
  • Patent number: 4828626
    Abstract: A cleaning system for a swimming pool which includes a mobile cleaning unit and/or stationary cleaning heads. Manual and automatic modes are included. The system is suitable for both gunnite and polymer liner pools, spas and the like. No energy is required other than that normally required for circulation of water through the conventional filtration apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Crystal Pools, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnathan E. Meincke
  • Patent number: 4822428
    Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning air ports in a chemical recovery furnace includes a plurality of rods, each having a cleaning tip thereon, mounted on a wind box adjacent the furnace. The rods are longitudinally slidable to insert the cleaning tips into the air ports, and are rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rods so as to index the cleaning tips to a new point of insertion into the air port opening. An air cylinder actuator is employed to insert the cleaning tips into the openings in a ramming motion to dislodge residual buildup in the air port opening, retract the cleaning tips from the air port openings, and index the tips to a new point of insertion. Successive invocation of the actuating means results in removal of residual buildup along the entire length of the air port openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Inventor: Byron L. Goodspeed
  • Patent number: 4819677
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for hazardous detergents which is adapted to permit withdrawal of the hazardous detergent (73) and recovery thereof in polluted state, the hazardous detergent (73) preferably being a solvent which can be pumped out of the container (9), is useful for internal and/or external cleaning of spray guns (1) or other polluted implements and recoverable in the container (9) in polluted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Inventor: Leif E. Stern
  • Patent number: 4819280
    Abstract: A handheld urinal and remote flush system for the same is adapted for use by the handicapped. The system comprises a portable bottle and a complementary water closet. The bottle has an upper inlet opening and a lower drain. The lower drain is normally fluid-tightly closed by a valve. The remote closet includes manually operated plumbing that detachably receives the bottle to effect its draining and flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Inventor: Paul Rickard
  • Patent number: 4820351
    Abstract: A method for washing and vacuum drying long necked laboratory flasks. The apparatus includes a cabinet which presents a washing and drying compartment and a pump and rotary spray arm. A special rack which can be rolled into and out of the compartment includes a central manifold and a plurality of distribution arms extending radially from the manifold. Upright spindle tubes extend from the distribution arms to receive the inverted flasks such at that the tubes extend through the narrow necks of the flasks with the open ends of the tubes located within the bodies of the flasks. A diaphragm coupling allows water to be pumped to the manifold for delivery to the spindle tubes during washing and rinsing cycles. The tubes spray the water directly inside of the flask bodies for thorough washing and rinsing. A vacuum conduit extending from the manifold carries a seat which engages a gasket to couple the manifold with a vacuum blower when the rack is moved into the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Labconco Corporation
    Inventors: Larry G. Hambleton, Claude L. Sears, Elmer B. Offutt
  • Patent number: 4805652
    Abstract: A wash station for receiving, clamping, inverting, and washing a tank and pallet assembly consists of a stationary frame having a pair of idler rollers and a pair of drive rollers, and a rotatable carriage mounted on the rollers. The carriage includes two separate vertical arcuate wheel members resting on the rollers, a transverse tank support platform extending transversely between the wheel members, transverse support struts, horizontal and vertical wheel support members, and a movable hold down clamp with an integral nozzle assembly. The hold down clamp and nozzle assembly is movable to a clamped position engaging a tank and pallet assembly resting on the support platform. When the assembly is clamped, spray nozzles are inserted within the tank. The carriage containing the tanks to be washed is then rotated 180.degree., inverting the tanks. Wash fluid is then supplied via the spray nozzles into the interior of the tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Hoover Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Hartley, Duane R. Greenquist
  • Patent number: 4800907
    Abstract: The invention concerns a storage space for liquids, especially a rain-basin or sewer-backup space, with at least one flushing chamber that is positioned at the maximum height of the bottom of the storage space, that can be filled with storage liquid, and that emits the storage liquid in the form of a torrent of flushing water through at least one flushing opening when the storage space empties.The object of the invention is accordingly a storage space for liquids with a flushing device wherein the storage space fills automatically and wherein the flushing process is automatically initiated subsequent to each storage process without outside energy.This object is attained in that the flushing chamber automatically fills with storage liquid as the level of storage liquid rises, means of retaining the storage liquid in the flushing chamber once it has arrived therein are provided, and the flushing opening is closed off and opened up by a closure controlled by the level of storage liquid in the storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Inventors: K. Ulrich Giehl, Lothar Steinhardt
  • Patent number: 4770196
    Abstract: A vacuum metallizing chamber cleaning procedure isolates the vacuum pumping system from the chamber, closes the chamber, sprays the interior of the closed chamber with water, then sprays the chamber with a caustic solution for a predetermined period dissolving aluminum deposits, then sprays with a neutralizer, and then sprays to rinse with water. Hydrogen is exhausted outside the building. The chamber is constantly drained during spraying. Caustic and neutralizer are recirculated. The sludge generated and removed during the cleaning operation is pumped from the bottom of a caustic holding tank to a settling tank for settling and subsequent re-use of the clear caustic solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Inventor: Hannes E. Osswald
  • Patent number: 4762671
    Abstract: Injection device used when a reactor is shut down to remove radioactive substances from within the gap between the internal piping and the inside of the nozzles of a RPV by injecting fluid towards the inside of these nozzles. The injection device is equipped with an injection nozzle that injects fluid towards the end of the gap, a casing that supports this injection nozzle, a suspension mechanism whereby the casing is movably suspended from above the RPV, a water feed device that supplies high-pressure fluid to the injection nozzle, a sensor or the like that senses when the casing is positioned directly above the internal piping and a fixing mechanism that temporarily fixes the casing to the inside wall of the RPV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Masahiro Kobayashi, Masaru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 4753256
    Abstract: An improved pool cleaner hose is provided for use in supplying water under pressure to a water-powered in-the-pool cleaner device for swimming pools and the like. The hose is formed from one or more elongated spiral wound strips of flexible plastic material or the like with adjacent turns interconnected by a continuous laser weld to define an elongated, flexible, and relatively buoyant hose construction. The hose is coupled between a supply of water under pressure and the pool cleaner device, with weights of selected mass being mounted upon the hose at selected positions near the cleaner device to cause the hose to trail the cleaner device with a relatively low profile thereby minimizing drag effects upon the cleaner device as it moves throughout the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: Alopex Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Chivens, Greskovics, Paul
  • Patent number: 4753257
    Abstract: An arrangement for cleaning components by a close ultrasonic field, particularly for cleaning of cylindrical filter inserts provides a strong ultrasonic field in a relatively small space enabling the cleaning of contaminations sticking to the filters. Means are provided for eliminating the influence of a varying strength of the ultrasonic field at different parts of an ultrasonic tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: SKODA Koncernovy podnik
    Inventors: Karel Gabriel, Frantisek Smolik, Eduard Steif, Vaclav Sabek
  • Patent number: 4748993
    Abstract: A dishwasher nipple rack for holding baby bottle nipples has a base on which the bottom of the nipples rests. The base has enough openings under each nipple so that water can enter and clean the nipples. Nipple hold-down members are spaced above the base and contact the upper portion of the nipple to limit the freedom of movement of the nipples. In one embodiment, the hold-down members are parallel arms. One end of the hold-down members pivot on one end of the base and the other end of the hold-down members locks to the other side of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Inventor: Scott Llewellyn
  • Patent number: 4730631
    Abstract: For use with an apparatus for performing biological fluid assays, the apparatus having a probe assembly that includes a tubular probe, a probe wash station for washing the tubular probe with a washing fluid. The probe wash station comprises a probe washing receptacle that is adapted to receive the tubular probe, the receptable having an anti-splash mechanism therein for preventing the splashing of the washing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Sequoia-Turner Corporation
    Inventor: Henry L. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 4718465
    Abstract: Apparatus for attachment to a can filler unit which apparatus functions to properly locate a can in relation to a filling apparatus so as to minimize any possible damage to a can and to provide a support for a sealing and pressure relief member when the can filling system is being cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: Adolph Coors Company
    Inventor: Larry M. Dugan
  • Patent number: 4718441
    Abstract: A decorator tip cleaning device includes a pair of planar sheets of heat resistant plastic material are hinged together at one corner and moveable with respect to each other between an overlying position and an open position. The sheets each define a plurality of apertures sized to receive a plurality of decorator tips. Once the tips are positioned within the apertures of one of the sheets, the other sheet is pivoted to the overlying position to captivate the tips between the sheets. The entire assembly is then placed into a dishwasher for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Inventors: Harry C. Daum, Marlene K. McKeown
  • Patent number: 4714053
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a residential water heater 10 or the like without the need for draining and re-filling the tank. The water heater is generally vertically disposed and has a cylindrical side wall 12, a top 14, and a bottom 16. A water supply tube 20 terminates in a nozzle 22 which permits entry of a stream of water 24 in a generally horizontal spray pattern along the bottom to flush and agitate any foreign matter 38 along the bottom. A drain cock 28 is provided within the heater side wall and opposite the nozzle, the drain cock being opened upon flushing of the bottom of the water heater so that any foreign matter is removed through the drain cock. In lieu of a simple, single-orificed nozzle, a multiple-orifices nozzle 22b or a plurality of nozzles may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Inventor: Richard C. Perry
  • Patent number: 4711259
    Abstract: A spray assembly for a milk tank, where there is an elongate water pipe positioned in the tank, and a plurality of spray nozzle assemblies mounted to the pipe. Each spray nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle member having radially inwardly directed openings leading to a middle impact chamber which in turn leads directly to an upper discharge opening. The water flows radially inwardly to the impact chamber to provide a random expanding spray pattern that washes upwardly against the interior surface of the tank. The nozzle member is retained by a member having an expanded head and a shank that extends downwardly through a second opening in the pipe. A releasable retaining member retains the connecting member in place. In operation, the water flows against substantially all of the surface portions of the nozzle assembly to provide a self-cleaning action. The assembly can be easily disassembled for maintenance or possibly further cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Assignee: Light Industrial Design Company
    Inventors: Timothy J. Martin, Jr., Richard T. Henry
  • Patent number: 4708153
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for washing and vacuum drying long necked laboratory flasks. The apparatus includes a cabinet which presents a washing and drying compartment and a pump and rotary spray arm. A special rack which can be rolled into and out of the compartment includes a central manifold and a plurality of distribution arms extending radially from the manifold. Upright spindle tubes extend from the distribution arms to receive the inverted flasks such at that the tubes extend through the narrow necks of the flasks with the open ends of the tubes located within the bodies of the flasks. A diaphragm coupling allows water to be pumped to the manifold for delivery to the spindle tubes during washing and rinsing cycles. The tubes spray the water directly inside of the flask bodies for thorough washing and rinsing. A vacuum conduit extending from the manifold carries a seat which engages a gasket to couple the manifold with a vacuum blower when the rack is moved into the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Labconco Corporation
    Inventors: Larry G. Hambleton, Claude L. Sears, Elmer B. Offutt
  • Patent number: 4703767
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for maintaining pneumatic tools comprises applying, in an automatically timed sequence, to the tool to be maintained, compressed air mixed with diesel oil; flushing air and compressed air mixed with lubricating oil; the tool being secured during maintenance by the combination of a pneumatically operated clamp and a slope-walled lower-end cup and being totally enclosed to prevent escape of maintaining oil-mist to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Inventors: Jack H. Spitler, Elden L. Goodenow, Lawrence E. Jones
  • Patent number: 4702267
    Abstract: This invention provides a fluid conducting device suitable for rinsing the interior of the bottom of pesticide containers. The device comprises a body having opposed ends with a fluid passage in the body, fluid inlet means in communication with a passage at one end of the body, container rupturing means at the other end of the body and extending therefrom and an abutment means separating the body from the container rupturing means. The fluid passage in the container rupturing means is in communication with the passage of the body, and the fluid discharge means in the container rupturing means is in communication with the fluid passage of the body. When the container is inverted and the container rupturing means is inserted into the bottom of the pesticide container to the stop provided by the abutment means, the fluid discharge means is disposed just slightly below the bottom of the container and is effective to discharge the fluid primarily against the interior of the bottom of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Inventor: M. Ahmed Ashraff
  • Patent number: 4684040
    Abstract: A rotary volumetric piston dispenser is provided which receives material from a manifold assembly, portions that material while it traverses a path to a dispensing location, and dispenses the portioned material at the dispensing location. The rotary volumetric piston dispenser is suitable for timed communication with a movable belt or the like in order to deposit the portioned material according to a predetermined sequence. A camming assembly is also provided which is suitable for use within the rotary volumetric piston dispenser, the camming assembly including a cam track assembly having an adjustable camming pathway in order to vary the radial position of a radially movable element such as a piston while the element moves in a pattern that generally corresponds to the cam track assembly. The rotary volumetric piston dispenser is especially suitable for use in dispensing condiments, whether they be wet or dry, onto a moving surface, such as a plurality of proteinaceous patties spaced along a conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Jonovic, Bruce W. Stengel, Timothy G. Mally
  • Patent number: 4683009
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for high speed drying of the interior surfaces of a plurality of plastic bottles without causing heat deterioration of the bottles. Bottles to be dried are heated through application of a heated liquid to the exterior surface thereof while a gas jet is simultaneously directed into the bottle interior. Method and apparatus for continuously moving and rotating the bottles during the drying process is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Adolph Coors Company
    Inventor: Frank L. Shriver
  • Patent number: 4667351
    Abstract: A spray flushing attachment for vehicle holding tanks, installed during initial manufacture or subsequently installed, is used to effectively and thoroughly clean out a vehicle holding tank, during the emptying of the holding tank. It is positioned in part through a hole in a holding tank end wall and secured from the outside, at a location opposite to the other end wall, in which a standard holding tank drain has been factory installed. When cleaning water under pressure is supplied through a hose to standard PVC pipe fittings attached to the spray flushing attachment, its interior horizontally diverging spray nozzle pointed toward the drain creates a wide spray across the bottom of this vehicle holding tank, which effectively cleans out the tank so no residue remains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Inventor: Frank M. Williams
  • Patent number: 4657616
    Abstract: An apparatus for the in-situ cleaning of Low Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition tube chambers (32) or Reduced Pressure Epitaxy bell jar chambers (42) having a base member (22) to create a vacuum seal upon engagement with the loading end of the chamber, at least one powered electrode (62) which protrudes from the base member into the chamber, at least on grounded electrode (60) which also protrudes from the base member into the chamber, a means for introducing gas (92) into the chamber, and an electrical network (16) that creates a radio frequency electrical field between the powered electrode and the grounded electrode. A plasma is created in the chamber by the interaction of the gas and the RF field, and the plasma etches unwanted deposits from the inner wall of the chamber. Several different configurations of electrode structures are shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: Benzing Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Benzing, Jeffrey C. Benzing, Arthur D. Boren, Ching C. Tang
  • Patent number: 4629128
    Abstract: An apparatus for discharging a high pressure burst of air against a column of standing water behind an obstruction in a drain line to create shockwaves in the water column to remove the obstruction, including a hollow gun body having a discharge opening and a pistol grip handle connected to the gun body. A discharge valve is connected to a piston dividing the interior of the gun body into two chambers, the pressurization and de-pressurization of which is controlled by a trigger operated pilot valve. Air is quickly exhausted from a rearward chamber by depressing the trigger and pilot valve, causing the piston and valve to snap rearwardly to open the discharge opening and direct a burst of pressurized air from a forward chamber to exit through the discharge opening and into a drain line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: The Scott & Fetzer Company
    Inventor: Bobby L. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 4599173
    Abstract: A vessel for immersion of cartridge-type filter media in a cleaning fluid. The vessel conforms to the external periphery of the cartridge-type filter media thereby minimizing the amount of cleaning fluid required to immerse the cartridge-type filter media. The vessel also features an automatic centering device which locates the cartridge-type filter media within the vessel thereby assuring uniform exposure of the cartridge-type filter media to the cleaning fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Inventor: Dirck V. Berger
  • Patent number: 4583691
    Abstract: A spray gun for dispensing plural component foam forming materials includes a mixing chamber having a plurality of entry ports for the individual components. A sliding rod is used to open and close the entry ports and a solvent tank is disclosed for cleaning the mixing chamber to prevent clogging of the gun. The tank includes a tube which fits within the mixing chamber to force solvent therethrough as the gun is inserted into the tank. Slots in the gun body may also be provided to insure further cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Assignee: Freeman Chemical Corporation
    Inventor: Gary L. Smith
  • Patent number: 4573490
    Abstract: Apparatus for automatically purging the primary reservoir in an evaporative cooler which utilizes a secondary reservoir supplied with a portion of the output flow of the recirculating pump. The primary and secondary reservoirs each contain drain valves actuated when the fluid level therein exceeds a predetermined level. The normal operating fluid level in the primary reservoir is established below the drain level. When the secondary reservoir is filled and drains, its flow is directed into the primary reservoir causing it to exceed its fluid drain level and thus automatically purge the primary reservoir of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Inventor: Robert B. Kaletsky
  • Patent number: 4559961
    Abstract: A sanitizing method and a sanitizer system to be attached to a conventional circular beverage can filling machine, the system including a plurality of collector manifolds, each manifold being adapted to collect sanitizing liquid from a plurality of adjacent can filler valve centering bells, there being sufficient number of manifolds with plural bell sealing rings to accommodate every filler valve of a particular machine; the manifolds are connectable by flexible hoses to a rotating collector which is preferably permanently installed at the top of the can filler machine; the entry ports of the collector rotate with the rotating conveyor table of the machine and the exit port of the collector is from a stationary portion thereof. There is a provision for passage of carbon dioxide gas through the center of the collector to maintain carbonation in the beverage in the filler bowl. Clamps are provided for the manifolds to hold their sealing rings firmly up against the taper of the filler valve centering bells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Inventors: Frank E. Anderson, Robert A. Martin
  • Patent number: 4552728
    Abstract: A decontamination apparatus comprising a decontamination chamber for holding and treating articles to be decontaminated, a lid arranged to provide access to the chamber for installing articles to be decontaminated and for removal therefrom, an ancilliary chamber containing decontamination fluid supply and control means for the decontamination chamber, the decontamination chamber comprising at least two regions so as to provide one relatively deep region wherein elongate articles such as elongate flexible breathing tubes can be suspended, and a second relatively shallow region wherein smaller articles such as breathing masks can be held or suspended, at least a lower portion of the deep region being defined by a trough into which decontaminating fluid can drain from the decontamination chamber, the decontamination chamber further including support devices for holding articles to be decontaminated, spray devices arranged in both decontamination regions for spraying decontamination fluid into or over articles ar
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Assignee: Hal Johnston Pty. Limited
    Inventor: William R. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4550453
    Abstract: A compact and portable drain having particular application to recreational vehicles such that sewage contained within a holding tank thereof can be relatively easily and efficiently emptied and disposed of at a sewage dump. The drain is connected between a drain hose and a receptacle at the exterior of the recreational vehicle. The flow of sewage through the drain is controlled by a manually operated, reciprocating valve plate which is positioned to either block or open a flow path through the drain. Thus, the valve plate can be opened so that sewage may be drained from the holding tank to a sewage dump by way of the drain and drain hose. A water inlet is also connected to the drain, so as to permit the holding tank to be flushed and cleaned via the drain once the sewage is removed from the holding tank and the valve plate is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: Marion E. Norman
    Inventor: Howard M. Norman