Abstract: 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 hose enclosure for enclosing the high pressure water hose permitting the hose to advance and retract, 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, tube guides to guide and support the lances, and a slide plate on which the manifold is located for preventing the lances from bending and entering the hose enclosure. The apparatus may further include means for positioning and guiding the housing with respect to a heat exchanger tube bundle to be cleaned.

Abstract: A gutter cleaning device (10) including an adjustable handle unit (11) equipped with a shut off valve (70) operatively connected to a garden hose (100) and provided with an elongated nozzle member (50) having a shaft portion (51) and a spray head portion (52) with an elongated aperture (53) wherein the shaft portion (51) serves as an axle for an outer wheel member (40) and an inner hub member (41); wherein the hub member (41) serves as a rolling support for the device (10) and the wheel member (40) serves as a guide as the device (10) is moved along the gutter (101); and, wherein the shaft portion (51) is further provided with a nozzle adjustment disk (54) bearing indicia (55) representative of the orientation of the spray slot (53) in the spray head portion (52).

Abstract: A multi-hose flexible lance tube cleaning apparatus for cleaning the interior of heat exchanger tubes, the apparatus having a spool and means for rotating the spool. A plurality of tubular flexible lances are reeled on the spool assembly. Each flexible lance is in communication with a high pressure fluid source and is adapted to fit within a heat exchanger tube. The flexible lances advance into the interior of the heat exchanger tubes as the spool is rotated to reel out the flexible lances and as the high pressure fluid exits the jetting tips of the flexible lances. The cleaning apparatus also includes tube guides to guide and support the flexible lances and further includes a positioning assembly for positioning the flexible lances in substantial alignment with the heat exchanger tubes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the interior of ductwork or similar conduit from within, the apparatus comprising a small, pneumatically powered and controlled sled 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.

Abstract: A pipeline extending laterally from a main pipeline is cleaned from the main pipeline by utilizing a nozzle with rearwardly oriented exit orifices through which fluid is forced, the jet effect of the escape of the fluid from those orifices providing the impetus to force the nozzle through the lateral pipeline so as to penetrate and physically clear away obstructions, the escaping fluid flowing through and cleaning the lateral pipeline.

Abstract: A mobile sewer cleaning machine comprises an elongated sewer cleaning tool wound upon a reel mounted in a reel compartment of the machine. A reel control motor is coupled to the reel to rotate the reel in one direction to play out the tool into a sewer by unwinding it, and in the opposite direction to retract the tool from the sewer by rewinding it. A rotatably mounted tool sensing drum is frictionally engaged with and rotated by the tool and includes a position indicator adjustably mounted to its side. Two proximity sensors are positioned to sense the position indicator as the drum is rotated by extension or retraction of the tool. To provide improved accuracy and ease of operation, the two proximity sensors are mounted opposite to one another across a diameter of the tool sensing drum.

Abstract: A blasting device for cleaning the inner surface of a hot deformed pipe end has a blast lance of inner and outer coaxially aligned tubes which connect with a blast nozzle head having nozzles. Injectors on the inner tube direct carrier medium and abrasive in an annular chamber between the inner and the outer tubes, through the nozzles. An axial pipe coaxially disposed in the inner pipe carrier further carries medium through the blast nozzle head and a deflector attached to the blast nozzle has radially extending passageways that direct the same through the periphery of the blast nozzle head to provide a gas curtain to protect the undeformed pipe section from abrasive. A removeable heat resistant element is attached to the deflector to further protect the undeformed section of the pipe.

Abstract: A sewer cleaning apparatus having a movable vehicle provided with a hose which is adapted to be fed into a sewer and provided with a nozzle having a back spray for transporting the hose along the sewer. The hose is mounted at its end opposite the nozzle on a reel mounted on the vehicle and the vehicle contains means for rotating the reel to wind the hose back onto the reel. A second hose is connected to the first hose and extends to a remote source of water pressure such as a second vehicle having a water reservoir and a high pressure pump.

Abstract: 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 fastener 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.

Abstract: A jet nozzle for use in propelling a trolley or sledge provided with a television or video camera along a conduit, such as a sewer, for use in inspecting the interior of the conduit, the jet nozzle comprising a casing having an end wall provided with a plurality of discharge openings communicating with a chamber formed between said end wall and a transverse wall, an inlet in communication with the chamber and connected to a home, a bearing provided on the casing mounting a connector member for connecting the jet nozzle to the trolley or sledge and allowing the casing to rotate relative to the connector member.

Abstract: Coating with clinging foam the upper interior walls of a generally horizontal pipe. A high-pressure pump, connected to a source of water, delivers jetting water to a nozzle through a normally reeled hose. The nozzle has a body divided by a pressure-actuated valve into two chambers, the first one having a series of high-pressure jet exits. The valve is normally open and, when the high pressure is off, leads into a second chamber having a foam outlet. Two pump and metering devices and a compressor then deliver water, chemical and air mixed into a damp sloppy foam to the hose and then, after working at foam to the desired expansion ratio, to the nozzle. A skid supports the nozzle and has a series of skid rods regularly spaced around it so that at any time two of the skid rods engage the bottom part of the wall of the pipe to be coated and hold the nozzle well above the liquid flow in the pipe's bottom.

Abstract: This is a new apparatus and method for cleaning debris from the inside of a foundation drain tile, the drain tile being in the immediate proximity of the perimeter of a building structure. A rocket nozzle which is in fluid communication with flexible tubing and a high pressure water supply, and a foot pedal control valve is used for starting and stopping the fluid flow. An opening in the tip of the nozzle enables pressurized water to be discharged through the tip in a forward direction. At least two apertures are disposed along a nozzle recess. The tubing is secured to the nozzle and is in fluid communication with the nozzle. An on-off foot pedal control valve is used to start and stop the water flow into the tubing and into the nozzle. As pressurized water is supplied to the nozzle and projected through the apertures, the nozzle is propelled in a forward direction through the drain tile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof gutter cleaning device which enables a person to clean the roof gutter from a ground level. The cleaning apparatus has a stabilizing roller and a supporting roller. The supporting roller rolls along the bottom of the roof gutter, while the stabilizing roller rolls along the lip gutter, stabilizing movement of the cleaning apparatus. An elongated hollow handle delivers water or a treatment liquid to a spray nozzle which sprays the water or the treatment liquid in the gutter, further facilitating cleaning of the gutter.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in delivering fluid under pressure to a drain of a given diameter includes a bladder having an inlet end, an outlet end and an expandable wall having an outer diameter which is smaller than the given diameter of the drain when the bladder is unexpanded. The apparatus includes an orifice at the outlet end of the bladder and may be connected at its inlet to a fluid supply source which supplies fluid under pressure to the bladder. The diameter of the orifice is sized relative to the diameter of the inlet to cause a pressure build-up in the bladder sufficient to cause the expansion of the bladder when fluid is supplied to the bladder, and an inner member is provided for directing fluid flow radially outwardly within the bladder toward the expandable wall to facilitate the expansion of the bladder. The apparatus may alternatively be provided with valve means for covering the orifice when the wall is unexpanded and for uncovering the orifice as the wall is expanded.

Abstract: A hydro-rotary vascular catheter for insertion in a body vessel comprises a tubular outer shell having a fluid-directing head rotatably mounted at its distal end. A plurality of outlet passages are formed about the circumference of the fluid-directing head, including a row of primary outlet passages formed near the base of the fluid-directing head and a row of secondary outlet passages formed forwardly of the primary outlet passages. The primary outlet passages are inclined radially and tangentially with respect to the shell to impart a tangential component of velocity to fluid exiting through the primary openings, while the secondary outlet openings are inclined axially in order to eject fluid in a primarily forward direction. A protective shield surrounds the primary openings to prevent the radially ejected fluid from rupturing the walls of the vessel, and to increase the turbulence of the exiting fluid.

Abstract: Coating with clinging foam the upper interior walls of a generally horizontal pipe. A high-pressure pump delivers jetting water to a nozzle through a normally reeled hose. The nozzle has a body divided by a pressure-actuated valve into two chambers, the first one having a series of high-pressure jet exits. The valve is normally open and, when the high pressure is off, leads into a second chamber having a foam outlet. Two pump and metering devices and a compressor then deliver water, chemical and air mixed into a damp sloppy foam to the hose and thence to the nozzle. A skid supports the nozzle and has a series of skid rods regularly spaced around it. A gravity-operated device at the outlet is connected to the foam outlet from the nozzle's second chamber and causes expulsion of the foam toward the walls of said pipe lying along a predetermined upper sector only.

Abstract: An operator protection device for use in connection with the operation of a sewer and/or catch basin cleaner containing a pressurized water hose, wherein the device comprises a first protective enclosure portion and a second enclosure member comprising a tubular sleeve of tough, flexible material slidably containing an exposed portion of the pressurized hose for protection of the lower extremities of an operator in the event of hose rupture or disconnection of a coupling member used to join sections of the pressurized water hose, and for ease in access and visiblity to the sewer and/or catch basin.

Abstract: A vacuum refuse collecting vehicle has a tank divided into two hermetically sealed compartments by an internal sloped wall. The forward compartment functions as a water tank and the rear compartment as a waste containment tank. The capacity of the compartments can be increased by the addition of spacers to the cylindrical tank to make the tank longer, by changing the angle of the internal sloped wall, or by changing the depth of the concave end walls of the tank. The rear compartment is equipped with an upwardly tilting hinged concave tail gate for emptying the waste therefrom. The airstream which deposits the waste material in the tank is directed out of the tank into one or more bag filter housings, through an air pump, a silencer, and then to the surrounding atmosphere. The bag filters are so mounted and constructed that they may be removed through the bottom of the housings, thereby maintaining the upper portions of the housings substantially free of waste material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for selective generation of pulses at water jets of a jet nozzle terminating a high pressure cleaning hose of a sewer cleaning machine. A ball valve is connected as a pressure bleeder to the high pressure side of the sewer cleaning machine pump and hence, the cleaning hose, for relieving pressure from the hose when the valve is open. A motor is connected to operate a rotatable element of the ball valve to automatically cycle the valve and generate a series of high pressure pulses at the water jets to thereby generate a hammering action to assist in penetration of blockages in a sewer being cleaned. The amplitude of the pulses is controlled by a second valve connected to the ball valve and the pulses preferably are generated at a frequency of approximately 3 hertz. The motor may be activated and deactivated by a blockage sensor which detects engagements of the nozzle with blockages formed by concentrations of refuse and debris within a sewer being cleaned.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for securement onto one end of a continuous length of remedial tubing which is introduced into a subterranean well concentrically through production tubing previously positioned within the well, with the well having a deviated configuration which includes an entry portion communicating with a curved portion extending downwardly in the well from the entry portion and a generally linear end portion traversable with a production formation. The apparatus includes a cylindrical housing and an element for securement of the housing to the tubing. A fluid passageway chamber is defined exterior of the housing with fluid passageways communicating between the interior of the housing and the expansion chamber. Turbulating elements are carried exteriorly around the housing and immediate the expansion chamber and are freely rotatable relative to the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleansing the upper interior surfaces of a concrete sewer conduit, the apparatus including the concrete sewer pipe and a plurality of spray nozzles spaced apart and adapted to be introduced into and disposed in and along a length of concrete sewer to enable continuous or intermittent spraying of the upper interior surfaces or, alternatively, to be permanently mounted along the length of the concrete sewer conduit when newly constructed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in delivering fluid under pressure to a drain of a given diameter includes a bladder having an inlet end, an outlet end and an expandable wall having an outer diameter which is smaller than the given diameter of the drain when the bladder is unexpanded. The apparatus includes an orifice at the outlet end of the bladder and may be connected at its inlet to a fluid supply source which supplies fluid under pressure to the bladder. The diameter of the orifice is sized relative to the diameter of the inlet to cause a pressure build-up in the bladder sufficient to cause the expansion of the bladder when fluid is supplied to the bladder, and an inner member is provided for directing fluid flow radially outwardly within the bladder toward the expandable wall to facilitate the expansion of the bladder. The apparatus may alternatively be provided with valve means for covering the orifice when the wall is unexpanded and for uncovering the orifice as the wall is expanded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for selective generation of pulses at water jets of a jet nozzle terminating a high pressure cleaning hose of a sewer cleaning machine. A ball valve is connected as a pressure bleeder to the high pressure side of the sewer cleaning machine pump and hence, the cleaning hose, for relieving pressure from the hose when the valve is open. A motor is connected to operate a rotatable element of the ball valve to automatically cycle the valve and generate a series of high pressure pulses at the water jets to thereby generate a hammering action to assist in penetration of blockages in a sewer being cleaned. The amplitude of the pulses is controlled by a second valve connected to the ball valve and the pulses preferably are generated at a frequency of approximately 3 hertz. The motor may be activated and deactivated by a blockage sensor which detects engagements of the nozzle with blockages formed by concentrations of refuse and debris within a sewer being cleaned.

Abstract: An improvement in a pipe flushing device is provided. The device includes a hollow, elastomeric tubular member expandible by water pressure and having open opposite ends. A hose connector is connected to the inlet end thereof and a valve connected to a transverse groove in the outlet end thereof. The valve includes a hollow cylindrical cage with open sides and front and a rear transverse closure plate sealing the rear end thereof. The plate may have a peripheral flange and in any event seats in the transverse groove. An elastomeric sheath which is both flexible and resilient forms the improvement. The sheath removably covers the exterior of the rear closure plate and helps seal the valve in the groove to prevent fluid by-pass except when the tubular member is expanded. The sheath may have a roughened slip-resistant exterior surface or striations in the exterior thereof to improve the seal and may enclose a portion of the sides of the cage.

Abstract: A bleed valve assembly for use in a double block and bleed valve system having first and second block valves comprising a body which is disposed between the block valves which forms a chamber, a flowway having a generally smooth flowway surface defined by the body and partially defining the chamber, the body having a cavity which is in open communication with the chamber and a drain outlet in open communication with the cavity, there being disposed a valve assembly in the cavity which has a rotatable valve element which can be moved between a first open position permitting flow through the drain outlet and a second closed position preventing flow through the drain outlet, the valve assembly having a portion which partially defines the flowway surface when the valve element is in the second or closed position.

Abstract: A cleaning device for heat exchangers having tube bundles includes a lance with nozzles to be introduced through an opening in a heat exchanger into a tube bundle in the heat exchanger. A hollow cylinder guides the lance. A flange connected to the hollow cylinder fastens the hollow cylinder at the opening of the heat exchanger. The lance is incrementally advanced. A pivot device for moving the lance includes a motor disposed on the hollow cylinder, a pendulum gear connected to the motor, and a carrier engaging the pendulum gear. The carrier has wheels guided in longitudinal grooves formed in the lance.

Abstract: A fluid pump system whose output can be varied by converting it from maximum output to a lesser output and in between by dumping or varying one of its pumping elements or pistons to the inlet side of the pump. More specifically, a pump is provided with two opposed pistons, both of which are connected to inlet and outlet for maximum capacity. The piston chamber of one piston is equipped with a converter line for leading that chamber back to the inlet, whereby only the remaining piston furnishes the pump discharge. Variations in the adjustable mode of the valve is reflected in the action of the pump relief valve to cause increased effectiveness of a jetter line supplied by the pump output.

Abstract: An improvement in a pipe flushing device is provided. The device includes a hollow, elastomeric tubular member expandible by water pressure and having open opposite ends. A hose connector is connected to the inlet end thereof and a valve connected to a transverse groove in the outlet end thereof. The valve includes a hollow cylindrical cage with open sides and front and a rear transverse closure plate sealing the rear end thereof. The plate may have a peripheral flange and in any event seats in the transverse groove. An elastomeric sheath which is both flexible and resilient forms the improvement. The sheath removably covers the exterior of the rear closure plate and helps seal the valve in the groove to prevent fluid by-pass except when the tubular member is expanded. The sheath may have a roughened slip-resistant exterior surface or striations in the exterior thereof to improve the seal and may enclose a portion of the sides of the cage.

Abstract: Self propelling jet nozzles especially suited for cleaning sewer pipes and the like are formed from a tubular body member and a nose cap by machining parallel inner and outer ledges or shoulders inboard from the leading end of the tubular member at a rearwardly inclined angle, drilling a ring of circumferentially spaced bores diverging outwardly from the inner to the outer ledges and tapered toward the outer ledge, securing wear resisting nozzle tubes in the bores in mated relation with the tapered portions thereof and welding the nose cap on the leading end of the tubular body. The trailing end of the body is threaded to receive a water conduit, the nozzle tubes in the bores discharge rearwardly and outwardly around the trailing end of the body to propel the nozzle forwardly. The nose can be provided with one or more passageways discharging forwardly and these passageways can also be provided with rear resisting tubular nozzle inserts.

Abstract: 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 means 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 manmner 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.

Abstract: A long retracting sootblower for boiler cleaning of the type having a lance tube which is advanced into and out of a boiler and simultaneously rotated, and having one or more nozzles discharging a jet of blowing medium which trace helical paths. An indexing mechanism is provided to change the positioning of the helical paths traced by the nozzles between successive actuation cycles to minimize boiler erosion and mechanical stress caused by repeated blowing medium impact against surfaces within the boiler. the indexing mechanism includes relatively slidable longitudinal advancement rack sections which cause the engaging pinion gears to index by one or more teeth upon each actuation cycle. A movable rack portion is biased by a compliant element to remain in a normal position until initial advancement of the lance carriage which causes the movable portion to be indexed with respect to the fixed portion of the rack.

Abstract: Apparatus for pressurized cleaning of flow conductors. The apparatus has a first mandrel and a second mandrel telescoped therein. A cleaning tool can be attached to the second mandrel. Changes in fluid pressure flowing through the mandrels will cause the second mandrel to rotate relative to the first mandrel. Rotation is used to direct fluid jets in the cleaning tool towards different portions of the interior of the flow conductor. Rotation of the cleaning tool can also be used for hydraulic drilling of deposits within the flow conductor.

Abstract: The drain pipe plug device for drain testing includes an elongated elastomeric, flexible, resilient, hollow, generally cylindrical tube which has a central passageway running its length and in communication with a rear portion bearing an inlet and front portion bearing an outlet. These two portions are joined to a middle portion of the same external diameter as the front and rear portions. The inlet is fitted with a connector adapted to receive water and air hoses. The outlet is fitted with a pressure relief valve. The sidewall thickness of the device uniformly tapers down from the front portion through the middle and rear portions. The front tube portion collapses first after the device has been radially expanded under fluid pressure, so as to prevent backflow of fluid through the device. The front and rear ends of the device are tapered down externally to facilitate sliding the device through drain pipes.

Abstract: A self clearing bladder valve is provided by concentric flexible and expandable bladder sleeves, the inner sleeve defining the passage through the valve. Flushing fluid is directed into an annular chamber between the bladder sleeves and through apertures through the inner sleeve into the passage for material passing through the valve to lubricate the passage and tend to force material out of the passage. The flushing fluid is delivered to the chamber between the bladder sleeves more quickly than it escapes through the apertures to the pressure in the annular chamber increases forcing the inner sleeve into the passage to restrict same as it is being flushed by fluid. Normally the flushing fluid will be directed into the annular chamber and through the apertures into the passage immediately before the valve is fully closed.

Abstract: Apparatus for pressurized cleaning of flow conductors. The apparatus has a first mandrel and a second mandrel telescoped therein. A cleaning tool can be attached to the second mandrel. Changes in fluid pressure flowing through the mandrels will cause the second mandrel to rotate relative to the first mandrel. Rotation is used to direct fluid jets in the cleaning tool towards different portions of the interior of the flow conductor. Rotation of the cleaning tool can also be used for hydraulic drilling of deposits within the flow conductor.

Abstract: A pipe cleaning apparatus for cleaning large diameter pipe comprises a frame coaxially supported within the pipe. A plurality of legs and arms are mounted to the frame and are extendible to engage the interior surface of the pipe. The legs include drive wheels for advancing the apparatus through the pipe. The arms include attachments mounted on the distal end thereof for cleaning and inspection of the interior surface of the pipe. Multiplexing and electrical power is provided to the apparatus from a remote control facility. A hydrolift assembly suspended from the bottom of the apparatus is provided to remove debris accumulated in the pipe. A one atmosphere detachable vessel may be mounted to the frame for transporting divers to the work site within the pipe.

Abstract: A device adapted to clean well screens and to open aquifer formations including high pressure water jets directed at the formation through the screen and including a pumping device to extract the water forced from the jets and to create turbulence to cause washing action, and the method of cleaning the screen comprising directing jets of water through the screen and causing a turbulent washing action by which the screen is washed.

Abstract: Self propelling jet nozzles especially suited for cleaning sewer pipes and the like are formed from a tubular body member and a nose cap by machining parallel inner and outer ledges or shoulders inboard from the leading end of the tubular member at a rearwardly inclined angle, drilling a ring of circumferentially spaced bores diverging outwardly from the inner to the outer ledges and tapered toward the outer ledge, securing wear resisting nozzle tubes in the bores in mated relation with the tapered portions thereof and welding the nose cap on the leading end of the tubular body. The trailing end of the body is threaded to receive a water conduit, the nozzle tubes in the bores discharge rearwardly and outwardly around the trailing end of the body to propel the nozzle forwardly. The nose can be provided with one or more passageways discharging forwardly and these passagways can also be provided with wear resisting tubular nozzle inserts.

Abstract: A movable hydrodynamic nozzle which removes deposits of sand, soil, sludges etc. in a pipe system. The nozzle is connected to a pressurized water pipe and pulls the pressurized water pipe into the pipe system. When known movable hydrodynamic nozzles are used, the cleaning efficiency is lower due to strong turbulence and frothing and to the fact that the resistance of the nozzle to the water flow is large. In accordance with the present invention this problem is solved by shaping the channels which guide the pressurized water from the main inlet portion of the nozzle to the outer back portion of the nozzle, in such a way that the pressurized water is entering the channels in the same direction as it has when it enters the main inlet portion. Additionally, the inlet openings and outlet openings of every channel are preferably diametrically opposed in order to give the channel an optimally large curve radius.

Abstract: An improved method for cleaning inner surfaces of heat-transfer tubes in a heat-exchanger of a multi-tube type is disclosed, in which each of the heat-transfer tubes on its inlet end is provided with a washing head including a combination of an ejecting nozzle with an ultra-sonic generator, which washing head may eject a high pressure liquid or gas to produce a turbulent flow in the heat-transfer tubes and further generate an ultra-sonic wave against the liquid in the tubes, thereby to achieve efficient release and removal of deposit, such as scales of incrustation and rust, from the inner surfaces of the heat-transfer tubes.

Abstract: Pipes, tubes and the like, for example, in heat exchangers, can be cleaned internally using sonic energy, a relatively incompressible pig and a flushing liquid.The flushing liquid is supplied via a pressure outlet from a quick operating valve to one or more launchers for launching pigs. The launchers are mounted on either an x-y frame movable support or a rotary axis adapter and radially movable support for positioning the launchers with respect to the ends of the tubes to be cleaned.

Abstract: A swirl jet nozzle as a hydraulic work tool is to be capable of operating reliably as a structurally simple tool, with smooth outer surfaces as far as possible, requiring neither bearings nor seals, so that it is also suitable for cleaning clogged, narrow tubular parts, in particular pipes, with a high-pressure medium and for drilling holes in soft materials. This is achieved by a sleeve-shaped rotor (1), arranged directly above a tapered neck (5) of a stator (2), being provided, which is supported on the stator side on a face (7) of an extended region (8) of the stator (2), preferably via a washer (6) of plastic or the like pushed over the neck (5) of the stator (2), and is axially secured by means of at least one pin (11) engaging tangentially into a circular groove (9) in the neck (5) and borne in a cross bore (10) in the rotor (1).

Abstract: A head is disclosed for use in cleaning pipes using a technique in which the head projects water backwardly so as to be driven along the pipe pulling a water supply hose with the head following which the supply hose is pulled from the pipe to withdraw the head thus forcing collected debris from the pipe. The head comprises a cylindrical body having a nose and a rear wall in which the jets are positioned. The body is wrapped around by longitudinal skid bars spaced angularly of the cylindrical body and welded to the nose and welded to a coaxial pipe supplying water to the cylindrical body. The jets are inclined outwardly at a shallow angle of the order of 1.degree. to 6.degree..

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning radioactive tube banks which have open ends contained in a plane, preferably for cleaning the tube banks of tube bank condensers, includes a high-pressure hose, which is pushed through each of the tubes and which at its free end carries a spray nozzle for discharging a cleaning liquid. The hose is disposed between and positively or non-positively coupled to two feed wheels and is advanced and retracted by the feed wheels in a direction which is parallel to the tubes. The feed wheels are provided with a hose drive and mounted in a cleaning carriage, which is movable by a carriage drive in a plane which is defined by a frame. The cleaning carriage is fixed in cleaning positions, and the frame is provided with a device for fixing the frame to the tube bank.

Abstract: An improved rotary cleaning device for cleaning the inner surface of a cylindrical housing is disclosed, characterized by a unique mounting and fluid distribution shaft. A flixed support is axially arranged within the housing and the shaft is mounted on the support for longitudinal displacement along the housing axis. A swivel device is rotatably connected with the shaft and a pair of cleaning lances are connected with the swivel. High pressure cleaning fluid is delivered to the lances via the shaft and the swivel to abrasively clean the inner wall surface of the cylindrical housing. A drive mechanism is connected with the swivel to rotate the swivel and cleaning lances about the shaft. When the drive mechanism is operated to rotate the swivel and when the shaft is axially displaced along the support, the cleaning lances traverse both orbital and linear paths to direct the cleaning fluid against th entire interior surface area of the cylindrical wall of the housing.

Abstract: A rotary cleaning device for drain pipes and the like wherein a universal guide is connected to a nozzle provided at a tip of a high-pressure hose, and the tip of the high-pressure hose is drawn out into the pipe and high-pressure water from the nozzle is jetted radiantly in a slant rearward direction of the nozzle, and the tip of the high-pressure hose is arranged to advance along the pipe sequentially while the high-pressure hose is rotated, whereby the direction of the nozzle is changed according to the rotation of the high-pressure hose, and the nozzle is rotated spirally along the inner wall of the pipe by the change.

Abstract: A sewer pipe cleaning apparatus including a sled-like skid means carrying a pipe shaft, which has one end constructed for connection to a source of high pressure fluid and the other end connected to a sewer cleaning nozzle which has a non-rotating base member, a rotatable turbine member rotatably mounted on the base member with a plurality of jet orifices, a bearing means mounted on the base member in abutting engagement with the turbine member, a non-rotating nose cone mounted on the base member for retaining the bearing means and rotatable turbine member in place on the base member, and a plurality of fluid passages are formed through the base member and turbine member for the transmission of high pressure fluid from the pipe shaft and through said passages and out said jet orifices, and also through the bearing means for cleaning the same.

Abstract: A conduit flushing device comprising an elastomeric tubular body having one end thereof to be connected to a suitable source of water under pressure with the opposite end of the tubular body being connected to a valve. The valve is normally closed by an integral portion of the tubular body being in watertight contact with an elongated sealing member of the valve. Supplying of water within the tubular body causes the body to expand spacing the seat assembly from the sealing member permitting flow of water from the internal chamber of the tubular body and through the valve.

Abstract: A cleaner device for cleaning the valve box or cistern which provides remote access to a valve control body of a valve in an underground pipe line, the device having achieving the cleaning by compressed air passing through a tubular body member, and having an upwardly-open basket for catching the debris stirred up by the moving air. A downwardly-opening socket member at the foot of the device, the socket member being slightly oversize as to the valve's control body, both guides the air stream to give a cleaning impingement of the walls of the valve's control body and provides the mechanical component by which the valve-operating torque is applied to the valve's control body; and at the upper end of the tubular body member a deflector disc baffles moving debris back into the valve box or cistern for causing such debris to be collected in the basket.