Conduit Cleaner Patents (Class 134/167C)
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Patent number: 5383975Abstract: An arrangement is provided for cleaning pipelines and especially ventilation pipes and ducts in buildings, and includes a nozzle connected to a supply conduit through which a pressurized medium can flow. The arrangement includes a nozzle opening directed back toward the supply conduit. The nozzle opening is in the form of a large continuous annular gap which extends along the periphery of the nozzle and is connected to the supply conduit and the source of a pressurized medium. The gap directs the medium toward the inner walls of the pipe or duct and effects a cleaning of the inner walls. The nozzle is moved into the pipe or duct as a result of reaction forces generated from discharge of the pressurized medium through the nozzle opening.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1993Date of Patent: January 24, 1995Inventor: Johan Faxon
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Patent number: 5372154Abstract: A system for cleaning both the box and pin ends of tubular members, recovery of the fluid residue, filtering of the residue to recover the heavy solids, and disposing of each of the components of the residue in an environmentally safe manner. A first housing positionable over the end of a tubular member; a first bladder expandable from the housing to seal around the outer wall of the tubular member; a plurality of jets positioned adjacent the threads of the tubular member, so that as the jets are rotated around the threads, a high pressure fluid spray cleans the threads of the member; a second bladder expandable from the end of the jetting means for sealing the inner bore of the member beyond the threads, so that all fluid jetted into the housing from the jetting nozzles is captured within the housing and flows from the housing, and no fluid flows beyond the threaded pipe end either along the inner or outer walls of the tubular member.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1992Date of Patent: December 13, 1994Assignee: Robert BeeInventors: Robert Bee, Pat Cummins
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Patent number: 5361286Abstract: A method for cleaning inlet mixers while they remain in their operating position within a nuclear reactor. A water-powered cleaning tool is inserted by remote control into the inlet mixer via a secondary inlet opening. Following insertion of the cleaning tool, the internal surfaces of the inlet mixer are cleaned with a waterjet created from an ultra-high-pressure source and directed by controlled positioning of a cleaning head having an nozzle which scans the cleaning waterjet across the surface to be cleaned.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1993Date of Patent: November 1, 1994Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: David O. Monserud, David H. Bothell, Paul H. Tacheron, Michael C. McDonald, David E. Steele, James E. Charnley, Gunnar V. Vatvedt
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Patent number: 5353830Abstract: An apparatus for automatically switching of connection of conduit pipes to clean the pipe lines in a liquid treating plant, to control centrally the automatically switching from a remote place, portions to be washed by a cleaning liquid and the other portions desired to be kept free from a cleaning liquid being separated, the apparatus comprizing a plurality of pipes (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) of pipe lines which have openings on a circle on a fixed plate (10), switching pipes (17a, 17b) connecting the pipes (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) to each other at the openings, nozzles (34) to spray a cleaning liquid toward the switching portions of pipes being located in an axis of the circle, the switching pipes and nozzles being substantially arranged in a body and covered with a cover (45), and on the opposite side of the fixed plate (10) where a spraying cleaning liquid is shut by the fixed plate, a drive mechanism (2) which switches the connection of pipes by linearly reciprocating and rotating the switching pipes and nozzles iType: GrantFiled: March 10, 1992Date of Patent: October 11, 1994Assignee: Tsumura Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigetoshi Mochizuki, Hironori Kitazaki, Masaaki Mori, Michio Nagasawa, Yoshihiko Akiyama, Hiroaki Naruse, Mitsunori Miyazawa, Kiyoshi Mochizuki
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Patent number: 5339846Abstract: A line mole trap used as a safety device in water blasting operations is attachable to the end of a pipe and has a tubular sleeve partially disposed within a housing assembly. A line mole connected to a fluid supply hose and inserted through the sleeve is prevented from exiting the rear of the trap by a yoke placed around the supply hose. In response to the relative movement of the sleeve and housing caused by the action of a compressed spring and air cylinder, a plurality of jaws, each operatively coupled to a linkage coupling the housing and sleeve, either collapse against or retract away from the surface of the pipe being cleaned.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1992Date of Patent: August 23, 1994Assignee: Halliburton CompanyInventors: Robert Q. Shelton, James V. Pratt, Jr.
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Patent number: 5337441Abstract: The present invention relates to an extraction/insertion type soot blowing apparatus in which a lance tube is inserted into a combustion chamber, and a high-pressure gas is blown from a nozzle provided at the tip end of the lance tube against a deposit adhered onto the inner surface of the combustion chamber to remove the deposit. A rack adapted to be advanced and withdrawn along with the lance tube, and a long shaft for rotating the lance tube, are driven due to connection thereof with two output shafts of a differential gear device, and rotation and linear motion of the lance tube are respectively restrained within predetermined ranges. Thereby, at first the lance tube is inserted into the combustion chamber at a high speed without being rotated, and thereafter the advance is stopped and a gas is discharged while the lance tube is being rotated.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1993Date of Patent: August 16, 1994Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masaaki Miyamoto, Yoshinori Yuzaki, Kunihisa Fujihara
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Patent number: 5336333Abstract: A method for cleaning waste collection systems of solid materials using normal and injected water flow to suspend the solids in a slurry. A submersible pump moves the slurry from a collection point in the waste collection system up to a pressurized container where the water content of the slurry is decanted and reused as injection water while the particulate material settles to the bottom of the pressurized container. When the container is filled with solid material it may be removed for emptying at a waste dump.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1991Date of Patent: August 9, 1994Inventors: Sheron R. Sheppard, Henry B. Polston
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Patent number: 5323797Abstract: A rotating hose device for rotating and helically thrusting a high pressure hose and biased nozzle into a pipe for the purpose of cleaning the interior surface of the pipe. The rotating hose device is powered by converting linear torque from a rotating high pressure hose into linear thrust, forcing the high pressure hose and biased nozzle into the pipe, where the high pressure hose and biased nozzle travel through the pipe in a helical manner. The present invention more effeciently cleans conduit, pipe and other tubular members, by constantly positioning the biased nozzle against the interior surface of the pipe and avoiding the "streaking" effect left by prior art nozzles. The helical pitch of the rotating high pressure hose, speed and direction of travel of the high pressure hose are controlled through the alignment of the drive wheels in the rotary hose drive.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1992Date of Patent: June 28, 1994Inventor: George J. Rankin
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Patent number: 5322080Abstract: A retractable rotating hose device for rotating and helically thrusting a high pressure hose and biased nozzle into a pipe for the purpose of cleaning the interior surface of the pipe. The retractable rotating hose device is powered by converting linear torque from a rotating high pressure hose into linear thrust, forcing the high pressure hose and biased nozzle into the pipe, where the high pressure hose and biased nozzle travel through the pipe in a helical manner. The retractable rotating hose device remains generally stationary during the pipe cleaning operation and includes a spring-operated spool which automatically rewinds the high pressure hose at the termination of pipe cleaning operations. The present invention more effeciently cleans conduit, pipe and other tubular members, by constantly positioning the biased nozzle against the interior surface of the pipe and avoiding the "streaking" effect left by prior art nozzles.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1992Date of Patent: June 21, 1994Inventor: George J. Rankin
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Patent number: 5320073Abstract: A retractable sootblower is provided with means for preheating the sootblower lance prior to introduction of blowing medium into the lance to prevent condensation of the blowing medium which would be subsequently discharged from the lance against internal boiler surfaces accelerating surface erosion. The sootblower of the present invention preheats the lance by only providing blowing medium to the lance after at least a portion of the lance has been extended into the boiler and heated by hot boiler gases to thereby prevent condensation of the blowing medium within a cooled lance.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1993Date of Patent: June 14, 1994Assignee: The Babcock and Wilcox CompanyInventors: Edward O. Silcott, Robin R. Dunnette, Robert L. Irelan
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Patent number: 5307866Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the inside of pipes in a heat exchanger is disclosed, which includes an aggregate having the provision of high-pressurized water and, at least, one hose leading from said aggregate for directing the high-pressurized water. The hose is wound around a reel or a retractable feeding device in the aggregate when in a non-operational mode. An operating tube for at least partially containing the hose and being suitable for handling during operation by a user and for directing the high-pressurized water emitted from the hose is further provided. A flexible guide hose is located between the reel of the aggregate and the operating tube with a mounting device for fixing the operating tube in all directions on a frontal side of, at least, one pipe of the heat exchanger allows for a convenient and safe operation by personnel.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1993Date of Patent: May 3, 1994Inventor: Bernd Weigel
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Patent number: 5296038Abstract: There is mentioned a process and an arrangement for cleaning of pipelines, and especially ventilation pipes and ventilation ducts in buildings, by means of a largely spherical cleaning means (1) which is connected via a supply conduit (2) with a source of pressure medium, and which exhibits a nozzle opening in the form of a largely continuous annular gap (6) which extends along the periphery of the cleaning means (1) and which is connected to the supply conduit (2) and the source of pressure medium. The medium is made to discharge through the annular gap (6) in order partly to clean inner walls of the line, and partly, as a result of the forces of reaction from the discharging medium, to make the cleaning means (1) move into the pipeline. The cleaning means (1) is brought into contact with an inner wall of the line in that a reduced pressure is established between the cleaning means (1) and the inner wall and it is made to move around about the cross-section of the line by twisting of the supply conduit.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1992Date of Patent: March 22, 1994Inventor: Johan Faxon
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Patent number: 5265671Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for projecting a stiffly flexible conduit or cable through a bore of a tube to be cleaned, surveyed or otherwise processed, said apparatus comprising a drum enabling the conduit or cable to be stored therein in a plurality of wound coils with a distal or free end of the conduit or cable to be projected from the apparatus and into the bore of the tube to be cleaned, surveyed or the like, the drum being mounted for simultaneous axial and rotary motion and drive means being provided to effect the axial and rotary motion of the drum, restraining means being provided to prevent radial expansion of the wound coils on the drum.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1991Date of Patent: November 30, 1993Assignee: Barry Brothers Specialised ServiceInventor: Robert W. Vowles
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Patent number: 5264042Abstract: An apparatus for washing pellets of magnetic particles magnetically bound to the bottom of a test tube employs a liquid handling probe having an aspiration channel with a forked inlet for positioning the probe onto the periapical region of the test tube for optimizing both the aspiration and expression of liquids. While contacting the periapical region of the test tube, the forked inlet may aspirate liquid adjacent to the pellet without contacting the magnetic particles. Furthermore, the contact between the forked inlet and the periapical region of the test tube, serves to position the outlet of the liquid channel directly over the pellet for dislodging and resuspending the magnetically bound pellet with a forceful stream of wash liquid.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1992Date of Patent: November 23, 1993Inventors: John R. Wells, Jack R. Uren, Jr.
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Patent number: 5253664Abstract: A fluid jet cleaning system, particularly adapted for household use, comprises an elongated flexible hose coupled at one end through a quick-operating on-off valve to a source of pressurized water and whose other end contains a jet nozzle assembly including a head having an ejector opening for discharging a high velocity jet stream for dislodging collected debris and a rotatable spinner sleeve containing tangential openings for emitting additional jet streams that rotate and that flush the debris and provide a secondary cleansing of the drain wall surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1992Date of Patent: October 19, 1993Assignee: Jet Blast Products CorporationInventor: Timothy J. Wilson
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Patent number: 5246502Abstract: A valve bushing cleaning device for cleaning a valve bushing while the bushing is situated in a valve bore of a valve body, such as in a railway vehicle brake apparatus and a method for cleaning such valve bushing. The cleaning device comprises a hollow cylindrical conduit having a first open end attachable to a source of pressurized fluid and a second closed end. The conduit has a recessed portion with fluid passageways through the wall thereof and structure for securing a sealing member on each side of the fluid passageways. In the method, the closed end of the cleaning device is inserted into a valve bushing disposed in a valve bore of a valve body, with pressurized fluid forced through the conduit, out of the fluid passageways, and through apertures in the valve bushing, with any solids picked up and carried by the fluid through passages formed in the valve body.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1992Date of Patent: September 21, 1993Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake CompanyInventors: Alvin J. Matthews, Thomas M. Hartzell, Ronald M. Markos, Richard H. Gumbert
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Patent number: 5241723Abstract: A nozzle assembly for discharging jets of cleaning fluid from the end of a sootblower lance tube. The nozzle assembly includes a conduit within the lance tube. The conduit includes an inlet end, a discharge end and has a bore extending generally centrally therethrough. The conduit exhibits a length which is greater than the diameter of the lance tube and produces a discharged jet of improved coherency.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1991Date of Patent: September 7, 1993Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox CompanyInventor: Michael A. Garrabrant
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Patent number: 5235963Abstract: A cleaning system for exhaust ducts of cooking hoods. A hot water cleaning liquid is introduced at high pressure to a spray manifold in an exhaust duct. The manifold conforms to the internal perimeter of the exhaust duct and has nozzles for directing the cleaning fluid. The manifold is moved along the length of the duct to cover the internal surface area of the duct.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1992Date of Patent: August 17, 1993Inventor: James F. Strause
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Patent number: 5222533Abstract: A nozzle is provided for use in discharging a controlled stream of fluid into a reactor tube of a catalyst unloading apparatus for removing non-packed, non-bridging, and packed bridging flowable catalyst and bead material from within the reactor tube. The nozzle has a main channel running medially along its length for entry and exit of the controlled fluid, and a plurality of unevenly spaced smaller fluid discharge openings positioned around the circumference of the nozzle at such an angle to the central axis of the nozzle so as to discharge some of the controlled fluid in an upward and sideward thrusting manner, such that a sideward and downward thrust is exerted against the nozzle, thereby forcing the nozzle to position itself in a downward manner against the side of the reactor tube. This action allows both the catalyst and the bead material to be removed in one continuous operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1990Date of Patent: June 29, 1993Assignee: BASF CorporationInventor: Troy G. Porter, Jr.
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Patent number: 5217167Abstract: A tube jetting apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of tubes such as those in heat exchangers. The jetting apparatus includes a hydraulically actuated lance and piston assembly in a housing. High pressure fluid is directed through ports in the lance and also directed across the piston to actuate the lance and piston assembly while providing high pressure fluid to a jetting nozzle on the lance. The speed of the lance and piston assmbly is controlled and jetting action occurs on both the outward and return strokes. On the return stroke, a pressure relief system is provided to relieve the system pressure through a differential pressure relief valve. A stroke limiter is provided which utilizes a collet for grippingly engaging the lance at a predetermined location thereon while minimizing damage to the surface of the lance.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1992Date of Patent: June 8, 1993Assignee: Halliburton CompanyInventor: John T. Allen
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Patent number: 5213120Abstract: A foam generator is provided for generating a treatment foam within a pipe, such as a sewer pipe, in need of treatment. The foam generator includes a foam generating head having a first perforated conduit for carrying a fluid such as compressed air and a second perforated conduit surrounding said first conduit for carrying a fluid such as a liquid which contains a foaming agent and a treatment chemical. A wicking material surrounds the first and second conduits in the foam generating head and receives the compressed air and liquid from the conduits and causes the production of a foam. A pressure casing can surround the foam generating head for delivering the foam under increased pressure to coat an inner wall surface of the pipe.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1992Date of Patent: May 25, 1993Inventor: Michael A. Dickson
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Patent number: 5205174Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method of preparing and inspecting a submerged surface of a fluid reservoir. The apparatus includes a chassis sized and shaped to provide an optimally low center of gravity, a propulsion system comprising two independently controllable motor and track means, a scrubbing/vacuuming system disposed at the front of the chassis which includes a scrubbing system designed to mechanically break up sediment on the surface beneath the apparatus and a vacuuming system to remove sediment and sediment-containing fluid from beneath the apparatus, and an inspection system located immediately behind the scrubbing/vacuuming system with respect to the direction of apparatus travel and operative to inspect the freshly cleaned surface with either ultrasonics, optics, or a combination of both.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1991Date of Patent: April 27, 1993Inventors: Eugene B. Silverman, Seymour R. Kotler, Harry T. Roman
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Patent number: 5205305Abstract: A color changing system for spray dyeing comprises a pair of washing tubs and a pair of spraying units. Each of the spray units includes a nozzle/nozzles, a feed pipe and a movable pipe. The spraying units are alternately operated to spray dye liquid onto a fabric strip, and are washed in the washing tubs to prepare for spraying new dye liquid onto the fabric strip.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1991Date of Patent: April 27, 1993Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.Inventor: Yoshimichi Yamakita
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Patent number: 5203361Abstract: A cleaning and storage implement for cleaning and storing sewer hoses used to discharge the contents of holding tanks of recreational vehicles. An elongated plastic tube has a length and first and second ends, with a water supply conduit fitting on the first end and a nozzle that sprays in a conical spray pattern on the second end. An adjustable positionable stop on the tube near the first end in the form of a disk has a hole sized so as to receive the tube in an adjustable friction fit. A hand grip on the tube is located between the fitting and the stop, and a retainer hook on the tube is located near the second end. A compressible hose may be cleaned and stored by connecting a cleaning water supply conduit to the first end of the tube, supplying water through the tube from the supply while passing the second end of the tube into a first end of the hose to clean the hose by a spray of water from the nozzle at the second end of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1991Date of Patent: April 20, 1993Assignee: Camco Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: David P. Tickle
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Patent number: 5188134Abstract: Each of the washing units A and B comprises an openable and closable pinch valve unit 4 branchwise connected to a pipeline C, an autofeeder unit 5 for controlling the feed for advance and retraction movement of a high pressure hose 6 having rotatable nozzle unit connected to the front end thereof, and a hose reel unit 7 for winding and unwinding the high pressure hose. During washing operation, the nozzle unit enters the pipeline C through the pinch valve unit 4 now opened to wash the inner surface of the pipeline. During nonwashing period, the nozzle unit is moved rearward and completely isolated from the pipeline by the pinch valve unit 4 now closed. Therefore, the washing units A and B are completely separated from the pipeline C during nonwashing period.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1991Date of Patent: February 23, 1993Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha POWREX, Kabushiki Kaisha Arikawa SeisakushoInventors: Katsuhiko Satoh, Itsuo Muto, Shigeki Takeda, Mamoru Miyamoto
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Patent number: 5184636Abstract: Cleaning lance device for cleaning pipe bundles of heat exchangers comprising a frame, an elongate guiding carried by the frame, a hose drum rotatably mounted on the frame close to a rear end of the guiding, a high pressure hose which is connected at one end to the hose drum and which carries at its other end a coupling element co-acting with the guiding and movable therealong, a bundle of spray lances which are connected to the coupling element in the line of the hose and which carry spray heads at their free end, and drive means for driving the hose drum in the unwinding and winding sense, for unwinding the hose from the hose drum and winding it thereon respectively and for driving the coupling element synchronously therewith along the guiding at least during unwinding, such that therein the portion of the hose extending between the coupling element and the hose drum is substatially free of tensile and pressure loads in lengthwise direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1991Date of Patent: February 9, 1993Inventor: Meino Jan van der Woude
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Patent number: 5179753Abstract: A jet thruster for attachment to the outlet end of a high-liquid-pressure hose for use, among other things, in clearing drain lines or the like. The jet thruster comprises a body formed of at least hemi-spherical shape about a fore-and-aft axis that is substantially an extension of the hose. The hemi-spherical shape gives the frontal area of rearwardly and radially outwardly sloping configuration over which liquid jets stream in close proximity to that area to augment the forward thrust action against the walls of the drain line which facilitates advance of the thruster through the drain line. Ahead of the frontal area a spinner head is coaxially journalled for rotation via thrust exerted by liquid existing laterally from another jet in the spinner head. The spinner head jet(s) further create forces that are utilized for clearing the drain line of sludge, roots and the like. Further, the spinner head may carry blades or the like for increasing the clearing action of the thruster.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1992Date of Patent: January 19, 1993Inventors: William J. Flaherty, Matthew J. Flaherty
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Patent number: 5178684Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for cleaning water pipe. The pipe is preferably connected to a source of water which normally flows through the pipe to an outlet. A valve is positioned at the outlet and is rapidly opened and closed. When the valve is closed a pressure pulse is created in the pipe and travels towards the source of fluid. This wave is reflected back from the source towards the outlet. The alternate waves expand and contract the pipe wall, and cause pressure fluctuations within the pipe. The combined action removes scale from the wall of the pipe, and when the valve is opened the removed scale passes out of the pipe.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1991Date of Patent: January 12, 1993Inventor: Danny T. Hutchins, Sr.
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Patent number: 5172653Abstract: An angularly adjustable rotary cleaning device for an array of boiler tubes includes a base which is laterally displaced along a row of the tubes and a rotary cleaning mechanism connected with the base for angular adjustment with respect thereto. The rotary cleaning mechanism includes a rotating nozzle for delivering a high pressure fluid stream against and between the exterior surfaces of the spaced tubes of the array. The cleaning mechanism can be adjusted to direct the fluid stream for deepest penetration into the tube array to remove slag deposits from previously inaccessible locations within the array.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1992Date of Patent: December 22, 1992Assignee: Vadakin, Inc.Inventor: Thomas C. Vadakin
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Patent number: 5154198Abstract: A tube jetting apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of tubes such as those in heat exchangers. The jetting apparatus includes a hydraulically actuated lance and piston assembly in a housing. High pressure fluid is directed through ports in the lance and also directed across the piston to actuate the lance and piston assembly while providing high pressure fluid to a jetting nozzle on the lance. The speed of the lance and piston assembly is controlled and jetting action occurs on both the outward and return strokes. On the return stroke, a pressure relief system is provided to relieve the system pressure through a differential pressure relief valve. A stroke limiter is provided which utilizes a collet for grippingly engaging the lance at a predetermined location thereon while minimizing damage to the surface of the lance.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1988Date of Patent: October 13, 1992Assignee: Halliburton CompanyInventor: John T. Allen
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Patent number: 5146939Abstract: A valve bushing cleaning device for cleaning a valve bushing while the bushing is situated in a valve bore of a valve body, such as in a railway vehicle brake apparatus and a method for cleaning such valve bushing. The cleaning device comprises a hollow cylindrical conduit having a first open end attachable to a source of pressurized fluid and a second closed end. The conduit has a recessed portion with fluid passageways through the wall thereof and structure for securing a sealing member on each side of the fluid passageways. In the method, the closed end of the cleaning device is inserted into a valve bushing disposed in a valve bore of a valve body, with pressurized fluid forced through the conduit, out of the fluid passageways, and through apertures in the valve bushing, with any solids picked up and carried by the fluid through passages formed in the valve body.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1990Date of Patent: September 15, 1992Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake CompanyInventors: Alvin J. Matthews, Thomas M. Hartzell, Ronald M. Markos, Richard H. Gumbert
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Patent number: 5143105Abstract: A cleaning device for a tube of this invention comprises a nozzle supporting body fixedly attached to the insertion end portion of a cleaning hose adapted to be inserted into the tube in order to allow the cleaning device to be self-propelled and to allow a nozzle to be easily guided along the inner peripheral wall of the tube, the nozzle supported by the nozzle supporting body and having a first injection hole directed toward the inner wall of the tube, and an elongated nozzle guide member one end portion of which is fixedly to the nozzle, wherein second injection holes are formed in an oblique direction at the tubular portion of the nozzle supporting body so as to permit the cleaning device to be self-propelled.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1991Date of Patent: September 1, 1992Inventor: Shinzou Katayama
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Patent number: 5129455Abstract: An improved multi-lance cleaning apparatus for cleaning the interior of heat exchanger tubes, the apparatus having a lance housing, a slidable manifold within the lance housing, a single conduit connecting the manifold with a high pressure, high volume fluid source, a spool for storing the conduit permitting it to be advanced and retracted, means for moving the manifold within the housing, a plurality of lances removably attached to the manifold and adapted to fit within a heat exchanger tube and tube guides to guide and support the lances. The lances include a plurality of flexible lances attached to rigid lances and adapted to fit within a heat exchanger tube which are capable of traversing a curved path within the tube bundle.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1990Date of Patent: July 14, 1992Assignee: Ohmstede Mechanical Services, Inc.Inventor: Thomas B. Boisture
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Patent number: 5129957Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning sewers of solid materials using normal and injected water flow to suspend the solids in a slurry. A submersible pump moves the slurry from the bottom of the sewer up to a pressurized container where the water content of the slurry is decanted and reused as injection water while the particulate material settles to the bottom of the pressurized container. When the container is filled with solid material it may be removed for emptying at a waste dump.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1991Date of Patent: July 14, 1992Assignee: Ray Harvey Company, Inc.Inventors: Sheron R. Sheppard, Henry B. Polston
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Patent number: 5125425Abstract: A nozzle (10) with lateral slots (16, 17 and 18) for discharging a high pressure liquid for treating a work material (30) is described. The nozzle has a constriction orifice (15) between an enlarged or main orifice (13) and restriction orifice (14) leading to the slots which increases the velocity of the liquid issuing from the slots. The nozzle is particularly adapted for deburring transmission fluid channels in transmission main control valve bodies.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1991Date of Patent: June 30, 1992Inventors: Michael E. Folts, Mahammed Abdo
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Patent number: 5122193Abstract: A sewer cleaning module for cleaning sewer pipes in preparation for relining. The module is assembled in situ and the relative size of components is selected depending upon the diameter of the pipeline. The module may comprise a front unit and rear unit or a frame assembly and a drive assembly. The modules contain a motor, preferably a hydraulic motor. The motor drives flails, thereby disintegrating solid waste or generating and propelling a sludge slurry. The slurry scours the pipeline walls by cavitation and abrasion action. Also disclosed are systems for cleaning a sewage line section and methods of their use.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1990Date of Patent: June 16, 1992Assignee: Albuquerque Underground, Inc.Inventor: Donald A. Derlein
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Patent number: 5113885Abstract: An improvement in a pipe cleaning apparatus for cleaning pipe lines of accumulated deposit utilizing high pressure fluid disbursing nozzles carried on a movable platform. The improvement is directed to the platform which has multiple guide and spacing elements allowing the cleaning apparatus to transverse arcuate curves within the pipe line while maintaining proper alignment of the fluid dispensing nozzles.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1991Date of Patent: May 19, 1992Inventor: Donald G. Ramsey
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Patent number: 5114685Abstract: A catalyst trough containing multiple guide tubes in registry with the tubes of a multi-tube catalytic reactor is utilized to unload catalysts therefrom with maximum dust containment and maximum catalyst recovery. The catalyst recovery trough contains an outlet collar connected to an outlet line and a positive fastening system whereby the trough is fixedly but detachably connected to the tube sheet of the reactor. The guide tubes extend vertically upwardly from the bottom of the trough and are open in the bottom so as to allow the provision of flexible steel rods or "fish tapes", which may or may not be equipped with high-fluid pressure tubes as air-lances for feeding into the tubes of the reactor, which are on center with the guide tubes of the trough. In this manner any catalytic material which is stuck or bridged across the catalytic tubes may be dislodged so as to fall by gravity into the recovery trough and into an outlet line for recovery.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1990Date of Patent: May 19, 1992Assignee: Catalyst Technology, Inc.Inventor: Paul C. Sapoff
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Patent number: 5099911Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for projecting a stiffly flexible conduit or cable through a bore of a tube to be cleaned, surveyed or otherwise processed, said apparatus comprising a drum enabling the conduit or cable to be stored therein in a plurality of wound coils with a distal or free end of the conduit or cable to be projected from the apparatus and into the bore of the tube tot be cleaned, surveyed or the like, the drum being mounted for simultaneous axial and rotary motion and drive means being provided to effect the axial and rotary motion of the drum, restraining means being provided to prevent radial expansion of the wound coils on the drum.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1990Date of Patent: March 31, 1992Assignee: Barry Bros. Specialised Services Pty. Ltd.Inventor: Robert W. Vowles
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Patent number: 5086842Abstract: According to one significant characteristic of this invention, the device includes a nozzle (38) for projecting cleaning fluid and connected to a deflector (44) which directs the fluid jet in the direction of the wall of the drain and in particular towards the lower wall of said drain where solid sediments or deposits accumulate. In one embodiment the fluid jet projected by the nozzle (38) and loaded with particles removed from the drain is sucked in via a Venturi effect and the fluid and particles are brought back to the surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1990Date of Patent: February 11, 1992Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventor: Henri Cholet
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Patent number: 5080720Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an annulus (13) formed between two generally concentric pipes (11, 12) includes a cleaning head (14) carried by feed tubes (15, 16) which position the head (14) at selected vertical positions within the annulus (13). The feed tubes (15, 16) carry fluid under pressure to the head (14). A valve (40) controls which of the feed tubes (15, 16) is receiving fluid under pressure. When valve (40) provides fluid through the tube (16), fluid is emitted through nozzles (18, 22, 25) in the head (14) to move the head (14) in one direction around the annulus (13) and clean the annulus (13). When valve (40) alternatingly provides fluid through the tube (15), fluid is emitted through nozzles (31, 32, 33) in the head (14) to move the head (14) in an opposite direction around the annulus (13). The head (14) may be simultaneously moved vertically within the annulus (13).Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1990Date of Patent: January 14, 1992Assignee: Titmas and Associates IncorporatedInventor: James A. Titmas
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Patent number: 5072487Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the interior of ductwork or similar conduit from within, the apparatus comprising a small, pneumatically powered and controlled carriage of a size maneuverable inside the duct, with nozzle means provided for directing cleaning and disinfecting fluids, under pressure, at the walls of the duct, to execute a method of cleaning and disinfecting.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1990Date of Patent: December 17, 1991Assignee: J. F. Walton & Co., Inc.Inventor: James F. Walton
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Patent number: 5069172Abstract: A process and system for removing sludge deposits from a tube sheet of a steam generator having at least one handhole provided adjacent the tube sheet is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1990Date of Patent: December 3, 1991Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Ray A. Shirey, David E. Murray
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Patent number: 5068940Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning sewers of solid materials using normal and injected water flow to suspend the solids in a slurry. A submersible pump moves the slurry from the bottom of the sewer up to a pressurized container where the water content of the slurry is decanted and reused as injection water while the particulate material settles to the bottom of the pressurized container. When the container is filled with solid material it may be removed for emptying at a waste dump.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1990Date of Patent: December 3, 1991Assignee: Ray Harvey Company, Inc.Inventors: Sheron R. Sheppard, Henry B. Polston
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Patent number: 5067558Abstract: A multi-lance cleaning apparatus for cleaning the interior of heat exchanger tubes, the apparatus having a lance housing, a slidable manifold within the lance housing, a single conduit connecting the manifold with a high pressure, high volume fluid source, a spool for storing the conduit permitting it to be advanced and retracted, means for moving the manifold within the housing, a conduit securing and supporting assembly, a plurality of lances removably attached to the manifold and adapted to fit within a heat exchanger tube and tube guides to guide and support the lances. The apparatus further includes a means for positioning the housing with respect to a heat exchanger tube bundle to be cleaned.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1990Date of Patent: November 26, 1991Assignee: Ohmstede Mechanical Services, Inc.Inventor: Thomas B. Boisture
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Patent number: 5042515Abstract: A device for use in connection with the operation of high pressure equipment, such as a sewer and/or catch basin cleaner which has a hose reel for the water hose, and includes a protective shield which can be located in at least two positions. A first position is an operator protection position used when the machine is pumping fluid. A second position is a position in which access may be had to a hose reel or other machine components. An interlock coupled to the shield prevents high pressure fluid from being passed through the hose when the enclosure is in its second position. The shield of the present invention can be used in conjunction with a second, flexible tubular sleeve to provide head-to-toe protection for the operator of such equipment.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1990Date of Patent: August 27, 1991Assignee: Super Products CorporationInventor: Bruce M. Boczkiewicz
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Patent number: 5038810Abstract: The present invention relates to a boom operated chute cleaning device including a boom assembly with a reel designed to store and pay out a fluid conduit from which is hung a chute cleaning device. The chute cleaning device includes a frame assembly with guide structure designed to guide the travel of the cleaning device within a chute and a rotatable spraying assembly mounted on the frame assembly and supplied with fluid through the fluid conduit. As the chute cleaning device is moved up and down within the chute, fluid pressure supplied through the fluid conduit will flow out the rotatable spraying assembly causing rotation thereof to allow complete cleaning or other treatment of the interior walls of the chute.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1990Date of Patent: August 13, 1991Inventors: Daniel Pacheco, Jerry Andrews
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Patent number: 5035796Abstract: A liquid chlorine injection line cleaner is provided and consists of a cylindrical housing with a built-in cleaning mechanism between a pipe line from a liquid chlorine metering pump and a water main line so as to prevent liquid chlorine chemical build up and line blockage.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1990Date of Patent: July 30, 1991Inventors: Robert F. Saylor, George Spector
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Patent number: 5033545Abstract: The device employs the jet pump principle to bring a power fluid to sedimented solids and the like plugging a conduit, and it includes at least one nozzle which directs the power fluid in a high-velocity jet against the solids to bring the solids into suspension for subsequent removal thereof using the jet pump principle.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1988Date of Patent: July 23, 1991Inventor: Tad A. Sudol
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Patent number: RE34585Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a hose storage reel and mounting it to a vehicular platform to allow a high degree of rotational and lateral positioning alignment of hose dispensal to and retrieval from a selected dispatch point. .Iadd.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1992Date of Patent: April 19, 1994Assignee: Peabody Myers CorporationInventors: Ronald L. Schmidt, Jr., Timothy G. Mayer