With Movable Means To Cause Fluid Motion (e.g., Pumps) Patents (Class 134/168R)
  • Patent number: 6155277
    Abstract: This application relates to an apparatus for containing and filtering rinse water, sediment and aggregate resulting from washing the hopper and discharge chute components of a concrete truck at a construction site following use. The apparatus comprises a container removably mountable on the end of the discharge chute, the container having an open upper end, a screen removably positionable within the container and an outlet located in a lower portion of the container below the screen. The apparatus further includes a pump mountable on the truck, the pump having a suction hose extending between the container outlet and the pump; and a discharge hose extending from the pump to an open end discharging into the mixing drum. When the pump is operating, rinse water and relatively small particle size sediment flushed down the chute and into the container is automatically conveyed through the suction and discharge hoses into the mixing drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Ocean Construction Supplies Limited
    Inventor: C. Marvin Barry
  • Patent number: 6142160
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the interior of the storage tanks of the type used for storing large volumes of liquids, such as crude oil, wherein hydrocarbon sludge accumulates with the passage of time, such apparatus comprising concentric hallow pipes, a spray nozzle for injecting a flushing fluid, and connecting means including a packing gland which allows the concentric pipes to be movably oriented inside a storage tank through a manway. With this construction, a flushing fluid can be sprayed into a sludge layer in the storage tank through the inner pipe and sludge/flushing fluid withdrawn through the annular region between the concentric pipes. The packing gland in the connecting means, and a second packing gland between the inner and outer pipes allows for independent movement of the pipes within the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: BetzDearborn Inc.
    Inventors: M. Craig Winslow, Larry J. Weber
  • Patent number: 6132509
    Abstract: A self-contained, trailer-mounted, portable wash and paint facility particularly useful to retrieve a grease disposal container having a removable lid, wash dirt and grease from the container, repaint the container, and return it to service. The facility contains an extendable boom and winch to handle the container and bring it into the facility. A vat agitated with compressed air is provided containing a heated caustic solution wherein lids are soaked as part of the cleaning process. A trolley mounted winch is provided which assists in removing the container lid and moving it to and from the soaking vat. A circulating high pressure wash system is provided for high pressure spraying of heated soapy cleaning solution. The cleaning system has a high-pressure washer and tank with a delivery hose and nozzle for the operator to employ when washing the grease container. The floor of the facility contains a grate where used cleaning solution is collected in a catch tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Gene L. Kuschnereit
  • Patent number: 6105590
    Abstract: In order to remove deposits in feed nozzles (20), which serve to recycle exhaust gas into the furnace of a firing installation, a lance (27) can be inserted into the feed nozzles (20) and is held in such a way as to be displaceable in its longitudinal direction. The lance (27) has a nozzle head (28) at its front end for the spraying of water and is connected at its rear end to a valve device (29), which can be adjusted via a control device (32) with regard to the water quantity, the water pressure and the opening and closing times. By means of the lance (27), water is sprayed in a finely distributed manner onto deposits (34) in the interior of the feed nozzle (20), as a result of which the water penetrates into these deposits and causes these deposits to be blasted off due to the development of vapour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Martin GmbH fur Umwelt-und Energietechnik
    Inventors: Johannes Martin, Peter Spichal
  • Patent number: 6105593
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning and maintaining Biologically Accelerated Treatment ("BAT") support media disposed within a fixed wastewater treatment tank is disclosed. The cleaning apparatus includes a hollow shaft and a perpendicularly placed diffuser having a plurality of orifices, which may also include nozzles. An air blower or a water pump is attached to the hollow shaft. The cleaning apparatus is inserted into a wastewater treatment tank, and either air or water is forced through the orifices or nozzles of the diffuser, respectively. The air or water generates a force that is directed toward the BAT support media to effect cleaning. In one embodiment, a hinge is provided between the shaft and diffuser to enable the diffuser to pivot downward, to a position close to parallel with the hollow shaft, so that the cleaning apparatus can be inserted through multiple risers that provide access to an underground wastewater treatment tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Jet, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. MacLaren, Daniel Smartt, Don Murauskas
  • Patent number: 6068005
    Abstract: A washing system for cans in which interior washing nozzles move in synchronization with the cans and are axially centered with the cans and in which a washing jet impinges directly on the interior bottom of a can and exits by flowing along the interior side wall surface of the can parallel to the centerline of the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Dispensing Containers Corp.
    Inventors: George B. Diamond, Ralph Helmrich
  • Patent number: 6041793
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting crude oil tank bottoms in the cargo tanks of a ship to a liquid state is provided. The method comprises subjecting crude oil sludge contained in the tanker cargo tank to a collection system to facilitate extracting the sludge mixture from the bottom of the tank; comminuting the sludge mixture to reduce the size of sludge globules contained therein to produce a homogeneous mixture; optionally adding crude oil from the cargo tank to increase the homogeneity of the mixture; optionally adding an additional quantity of cutter stock and/or other selected additives to the sludge mixture, either before, during or after comminution, to form a blend stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Mace T. Miyasaki
  • Patent number: 6032870
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for fitting a gas-injecting nozzle in the wall of an installation. The process is characterized in that an external supporting surface (11) whose shape matches the so-called internal supporting surface (12) of the passage (6) provided in the bedding brick is associated with the nozzle (2); the nozzle is placed opposite the passage (6) in the bedding brick: the nozzle (2) is moved in axial translation so as to adjust the position thereof along the longitudinal axis of the passage and move the front face of the nozzle into a desired initial position; the nozzle is locked in this desired initial position; and, at least periodically, the nozzle is inserted further forwards into the passage in the bedding brick in order to compensate the wear in the front face of the nozzle. The invention can be used to prevent clogging, such as in a cement producing plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Herve Simoens
  • Patent number: 6021793
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and rinsing the interior surfaces of a railway tank car with a single, high-pressure fluid spray. The apparatus is inserted into a tank car through its manway and secured using a lockdown assembly. The swivel assembly includes a swivel shaft which is disposed longitudinally through a swivel housing and is interconnected with a rotor motor and with a hollow spindle assembly. A fluid channel communicates the fluid to the spindle assembly where the fluid is sprayed through a single nozzle onto the interior surfaces of a tank car. Control of fluid spray orbit is accomplished by two perpendicular axes for causing rotation and actuation of the nozzle affixed to the spindle assembly, through the cooperation of an idler gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ernest Moulder
  • Patent number: 6021787
    Abstract: An improved system for removing solids such as sand from hydrocarbon liquid and water separation vessels. A nozzle discharges a fluid stream for displacing the solids within the vessel interior through a valve or exit port. The nozzle can be manipulated to selectively control the fluid stream discharge placement. A controller positions the nozzle below the vessel to clear a port and valve above the nozzle. The controller can also position the nozzle within the vessel interior and can control the placement of the nozzle liquid discharge stream. This directional control efficiently directs the solids toward a discharge port and reduces inadvertent movement of the solids into oil buckets and other defined spaces within the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Production Management Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert P. Luke
  • Patent number: 5979471
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing a liquid (2) containing suspendible solid matter from a tank (1) comprises a plurality of nozzles (47) located at the lower region of the tank. A pump (10) removes the liquid and ejects it through the nozzles (47) to cause resuspension of settled solid matter. When sufficient resuspension has occurred, the tank (1) is emptied by opening a valve to remove a portion of the liquid being transferred to the nozzles (47). The nozzles (47) are arranged as oppositely facing pairs ofjet nozzles at the lower end of a rotatable vertical pipe (46). The pump (10) is suspended by a cable (13) connected to a drum (19) which can be rotated to raise or lower the pump. A pump outlet (12) is connected to a flexible hose (27) which is wound around the drum (19) or around a separate drum (110). A movable containment flask (14) houses the drum (19) and accommodates the pump (10) when withdrawn from the tank (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels plc
    Inventors: David K Wilby, Charles R B Lee, Mark A Knight
  • Patent number: 5975096
    Abstract: A liquid waste disposal and canister flushing system includes a cabinet with a sink for receiving the canister and a subsink for receiving a lower portion thereof. The subsink is connected to a drain line. A plunger subassembly includes a stopper which functions as a drain valve for the canister. An injection jet is connected to water and cleaning solution sources and discharges diluted cleaning solution into the canister for flushing same. The injection jet engages the plunger subassembly for ejecting the stopper from a canister drain opening. A control system includes a programmable microprocessor which can be programmed to provide drain and flush cycles of predetermined duration. A method of liquid waste disposal and canister flushing utilizes the microprocessor for delaying the flush cycle until completion of the drain cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Dornoch Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Dunn, Timothy A. Carty
  • Patent number: 5951783
    Abstract: A universal washing apparatus for use in washing wells provided in reaction containers such as wells of microtiter plates and the like. The washing apparatus has separate dispense and aspirate manifolds positioned one on top of the other which may be independently lowered or raised with respect to a microtiter plate for performing various wash operations. The washing apparatus uses an indexing mechanism for indexing the well plate relative to the manifolds in the horizontal plane so that the washing apparatus is compatible for washing different well plate configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Bio-Tek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Kontorovich, Jonathan S. Trefry, Daniel J. Venditti, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5944036
    Abstract: A high pressure liquid sludge cutter for pulverizing sludge in a sludge storage area to enable the sludge to be removed by pumps on a remote controlled sludge removal apparatus. The invention includes a plurality of nozzles located on a rotating and oscillating header. The nozzles are aligned to spray high pressure water onto the sludge, and the rotation and oscillation of the header enables rapid and thorough removal of the sludge located at the bottom of a sludge storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Henry W. Allen
  • Patent number: 5941258
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a disposal chute in a building, the chute having a chute wall, includes a crane and cable assembly; a cleaning fluid spraying assembly suspended from the crane and cable assembly for lowering and raising within the chute; a flexible fluid delivery line suspended from the spraying assembly; and a fluid pump assembly connected to the flexible fluid delivery line. The spraying assembly preferably additionally includes a guide cage having resilient and outwardly bowed vertical support ribs interconnected by lateral support hoops extending substantially parallel to the mounting plate. The apparatus preferably additionally includes at least one cage wheel having an axial wheel port and being rotatably mounted on at least one support hoop for rolling against the chute wall as the spraying assembly is raised and lowered within the chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Charles Flenniken
    Inventors: Charles Flenniken, Robert G. Johnston
  • Patent number: 5932026
    Abstract: A method for cleaning an inner wall of a mold part includes forming a chamber between displaced mold parts by introducing a casing between the mold parts. The casing enclosures a blasting device for introducing a blasting nozzle which directs a cleaning jet at the inner wall. The chamber encapsulates noise and particles which are produced during the cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide
    Inventor: Berthold Trampusch
  • Patent number: 5887606
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a purifying device for cleaning the nozzle of combustion chamber of car engine and carbon accumulated in the valve, which is to use an inlet tube connecting fuel oil pump of car for feeding fuel oil into a provision oil reservoir and mixing with an additive. An oil pump of the present invention is connected with the car power supply and starting oil pump, and a solution of oil and additive extracted from the oil reservoir are fed into an oil spraying system by a filter for cleaning the nozzle and valve. The oil spraying system has an oil return tube for returning a part of the oil back into the provision oil reservoir for cycling use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: John Tsou
  • Patent number: 5884642
    Abstract: A remotely controlled pressurized liquid dispensing mobile unit having a pair of magnetic tracks by which the unit is attracted to and moved along a metallic body to which the pressurized liquid is dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Broadbent Spray Rentals
    Inventor: James D. Broadbent
  • Patent number: 5884842
    Abstract: A tubular tank cleaning tool for use in an R.V. waste storage tank or the like is provided with a rotating nozzle affixed to a tubular body for connection at its opposite end to a conventional garden hose. The improvement includes a flexible section of the tubular body having a coil spring within to allow the tool to be easily bent around corners and tight angles. The coil spring prevents the flexible section from kinking while a nozzle guard at the distal end of the tubular body prevents the nozzle from catching as the tool is inserted or withdrawn from a waste storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: CAMCO Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Caine, Norman P. Geible, Anthony D. Moore
  • Patent number: 5788850
    Abstract: A system for sweeping a surface of a body of water includes a sweep, water supply lines and a controller. The sweep has a basket that is interposed between two lateral floats. There is also a float located rearwardly of the basket. The floats are coupled to the basket by way of a housing or frame. The water supply lines extend through the housing, down through the lateral floats and out to rearwardly facing nozzles. The water supply lines extend out a rear end of the housing to the controller. The controller is connected to a source of pressurized water. The controller has two valves, one valve for each water supply line. By alternately opening and closing the individual valves, the flow of pressurized water to the individual nozzles can be controlled, thereby steering the sweep as it is propelled along the surface of the pool. In another embodiment, the sweep can be automatically propelled, wherein a backup valve is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Scott D. Tuomey
  • Patent number: 5727732
    Abstract: An aerosol delivery wand has an elongated hollow tube with proximal and distal ends. A compressed air valve is provided for selectively delivering a stream of compressed air from a compressed air source to the proximal end of the tube. A tubular injector extends through the wall of the hollow tube and into the interior thereof adjacent the distal end of the hollow tube. The interior portion of the injector has sides that are contoured in the shape of an airfoil to define spaced air passageways with the interior walls of the hollow tube. The end of the injector within the hollow tube is cut to be substantially parallel to and spaced from the distal end of the hollow tube so as to define a mixing chamber between the end of the injector and the distal end of the hollow tube. Compressed air flowing through said hollow tube causes liquid to be drawn through the injector and into the mixing chamber where it is entrained in the air flow and projected from the wand as an uniformly distributed aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Myron Stein
  • Patent number: 5715869
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for thawing frozen pipes or for cleaning pipes, for use with a source of warm thawing water or cleaning water, a source of compressed air, and a flexible tube suitable for being inserted into the end of a pipe through guide means to feed the water into the pipe while the tube is being advanced into the pipe. The apparatus comprises a valved water conduit having an inlet for connection to the source of water and an outlet for connection to the flexible tube, this conduit having a movable valve. A compressed air powered drive, usually a rotator, connectable to said source of compressed air, is arranged to move the valve in such manner as to continually interrupt the flow of water in the conduit and so to produce a pulsating flow of water in the tube for thawing ice in the frozen pipe or cleaning the pipe. The rotator for the valve may be a compressed air driven ratchet drive. A valve may also be provided for injecting air into the pipe to clear out ice or dirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventor: Kelly J. Patterson
  • Patent number: 5645232
    Abstract: A knockdown tank-cleaning apparatus that is easily broken down and reassembled is provided. The tank-cleaning apparatus, when knocked down, easily fits through a standard man-way opening in the side of the tank. The tank-cleaning apparatus includes a knockdown frame having wheels releasably attached thereto. A header assembly is releasably attached to the front of the knockdown frame. The header assembly includes a cutter head releasably and rotatably disposed in the header assembly. The header may optionally include a throat portion, in which a cross-chopper assembly is disposed. Bottom-deposited materials are broken up by rotation of the cutter head. The loosened material is fed to the cross-chopper assembly where it is further reduced and formed into a slurry. The slurry is pumped from the tank to the exterior of the tank where reclamation of valuable materials from the slurry is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventors: Wesley A. Staples, Russell E. Staples
  • Patent number: 5642746
    Abstract: A flushing system for a recreational vehicle grey water holding tank including a water supply line having a upright air containing line with a closed outer end and with its inner end confluent with the supply line, an on-off valve downstream of the air containing line and a one way valve in the supply line. The inner end of the supply line extending into the tank confluently connected to an upright pipe with a spray nozzle on the top end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: Norman C. Sayce
  • Patent number: 5557819
    Abstract: An improved pool cleaner hose assembly is provided for use in drawing water under a negative pressure from a manually operated pool cleaner device to a water filtration system for swimming pools and the like. Improvements relate to enhancements in the view of the operator on debris at the bottom of the swimming pool during cleaning operation. The hose assembly is coupled between the cleaner device and filtration system. An improved cleaner hose assembly comprising a conventional extruded plastic hose and a plurality of weights attached along the length of the hose to orient the hose at the lowest profile on the pool floor whereby imparting minimum disturbance to the water surface and enhancing the view of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Innovating Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony E. Krolikowski
  • Patent number: 5524655
    Abstract: A sewage collection and disposal system for a passenger transport vehicle comprises a sewage collection tank having a sewage inlet connected to a sewer pipe of the vehicle and a sewage discharge outlet for draining sewage from the sewage collection tank under control of a drain valve. A cleaning liquid supply pipe connects a source of cleaning liquid under pressure to a cleaning liquid supply connection for introducing cleaning liquid into the sewage collection tank. A precharge tank that is in fluid communication with the sewage collection tank is also connected to the cleaning liquid supply pipe, whereby cleaning liquid is supplied to the precharge tank when cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning liquid supply member. A blower establishes a partial vacuum in the sewage collection tank when the drain valve is closed, whereby pressure difference between the precharge tank and the sewage collection tank forces cleaning liquid present in the precharge tank into the sewage collection tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Envirovac Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore C. Powers, George T. Beatty, William P. Mulligan
  • Patent number: 5522410
    Abstract: This single portable single-cup washer comprises a container having a locking cover. A water driven elongated member has a plurality of water-spray nozzles there along and at its base radial blades defining radial water-spray nozzles, and water passages for the water-spray nozzles. The elongated member is rotatably mounted at its base, inside the container and has a water inlet joining the water passage for revolving that member. The container has at the bottom a water-outlet. A cup holder is mounted onto the container above and adjacent the radial blades, for receiving a cup upside down and a spring fasten to the locking cover to urge against the bottom of the cup and thereby the top of the cup is pressing against the cup holder and thereby frictionally holding the cup and counteracting the water against the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Michel Meilleur
  • Patent number: 5467789
    Abstract: A system which enables removal of phosphor from a CRT front panel flange. The system includes an air operated valve connected between a water supply and a nozzle. The air operated valve may be incrementally opened and closed, which enables a continuous stream of water to be discharged from the nozzle onto the phosphor to remove the phosphor. In addition, the system includes an air supply and a pair of speed controllers which control the rate at which the air operated valve opens and closes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Haruki Takahashi, Bill Lin
  • Patent number: 5352298
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for cleaning and stripping residue, contaminants, debris. etc. from all of the interior spaces in a railway tank car and the like. The present invention may be conveniently lowered into a tank car through its manway and, after quick assembly thereof, pneumatically configured to accommodate the physical dimensions of the tank car, and then be preset for automatic cleaning and/or stripping operation. A means is provided which inherently coordinates and synchronizes the cleaning and stripping of virtually every internal surface contained in a tank car. The preferred embodiment comprises a X-frame assembly having a pair of corresponding X-members which are attached by an axle disposed therebetween. Pivotally attached to this X-fame assembly is a swivel support assembly which receives a K-frame assembly comprising a plurality of arm means, linkage means and spray means spraying all of the interior surfaces of a tank car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Moulder
  • Patent number: 5322081
    Abstract: A paint roller cleaner, for water based paints, that is inserted through a specially designed paint roller and that is attachable to the standard garden hose with the purpose of cleaning the nap of the paint roller. The structure is made of a sixteen-inch plastic tube with one end closed and the other end with a hose attachment. The first nine inches from the closed side has eight rows of twenty-four one-sixteenth holes, evenly spaced, and a raised handle that keeps the paint roller in place. Structural means are provided for directing the water flow in such a manner that water sprays perpendicularly outward through the holes and through the nap with equal intensity from the top to bottom of the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Inventor: Raphael Isaac
  • Patent number: 5279675
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning a storage or transport tank by spraying a cleaning agent against the interior wall using at least one spray nozzle, said nozzle making a rotating movement in a plane, while said plane is simultaneously revolved around an axis which makes an angle with the axis of rotation of the nozzle, the point of impingement of a jet cleaning agent delivered by the nozzle describing a track over the interior wall of the container, said track passing a plurality of times a closed circumferential line on the wall of the tank, which line is chosen as a reference, wherein the nozzle or each nozzle is so controlled that passages of the impingement track that is being described substantially occur in the greatest as yet unintersected portion of said circumferential line, which portion is located between earlier points of intersection of the impingement track and said circumferential line namely, at distances from said earlier points of intersection which substantially bear a ratio of 1:(1/2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Technische Universiteit Delft
    Inventor: Diederik S. Verbeek
  • Patent number: 5264042
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventors: John R. Wells, Jack R. Uren, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5246502
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventors: Alvin J. Matthews, Thomas M. Hartzell, Ronald M. Markos, Richard H. Gumbert
  • Patent number: 5174828
    Abstract: A system described herein that provides for the opening, emptying and rinsing of the interior of a chemical container. The present system allows an operator to destructively perforate the bottom of a container, empty its contents into a vessel, rinse its interior and collect the drained chemical and rinse water in a suitable receptacle, such as a sprayer tank. This system provides for maximum efficiency, and the total use of the chemical within the container, as well as a safe means for rinsing a container prior to disposal. The system provides for a minimal contact of the contents of the container by the operator. The cutting arrangement includes a plurality of elongate blades inclined upwardly to an apex and a plurality of intervening bars for opening the slit base of the container. The cutting arrangement is provided in a vessel with a transportation duct and venturi at the bottom for carrying the contents in mixed condition away from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Inventor: Reginald Roth
  • Patent number: 5107873
    Abstract: A chamber cleaning apparatus and method includes a conduit for conducting fluid into the chamber; a nozzle assembly, connected to the conduit, for creating one of an axial fluid spray to clean the interior surfaces of the first and second end walls of the chamber and a transverse fluid spray to clean the interior surfaces of the side walls of the chamber; a rotational drive assembly for rotating the nozzle means about a rotational axis generally parallel or coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the chamber; an axial drive assembly for moving the nozzle means a preselected distance toward or away from the first end wall of the chamber for each rotation of the nozzle assembly; a transverse drive assembly for moving the nozzle assembly a preselected transverse distance toward or away from the rotational axis for each rotation of the nozzle assembly. A swivel is provided having an outer sleeve body and an inner sleeve body with the inner sleeve body coaxially and rotatably positionable in the outer sleeve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: David C. Clinger
  • Patent number: 5106428
    Abstract: Reusable containers such as totes for paint, chemicals and the like are cleaned to exacting standards by apparatus which includes a spray booth and at least an internal spray head. The spray head is moved along a vertical axis to a plurality of different positions within the tote. In addition, the spray head is tiltable about a horizontal axis. In such manner, the spray head can be tilted so that its nozzles are brought very close to the side walls of the container to thereby concentrate the spray of solvent thereon to remove paint residue and the like. An external spray head is also provided for cleaning the external sides of the container while it is being rotated relative to both internal and external spray heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Automated Cleaning Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Goerss, William J. Farrah
  • Patent number: 5087294
    Abstract: A method and device are provided for cleaning a storage tank for petroleum products of the type having a closed sidewall and a floating roof which floats upon the top of the petroleum products. Additionally, a plurality of downwardly depending legs are removably secured to the floating roof which engage the bottom of the storage tank when it is nearly empty thereby preventing the floating roof from contacting the bottom of the storage tank. The device includes an elongated nozzle having an upper end and a lower end with at least two spray jets adjacent its lower end. One of the legs is removed from the floating roof of the storage tank thereby forming an opening into which the nozzle is inserted so that its lower end is positioned adjacent the bottom of the storage tank. Thereafter, petroleum products under high pressure are pumped through the nozzle and thus through the spray jets. In doing so, the spray jets emulsify dirt, waxes, and other petroleum distillates which accumulate at the bottom of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Inventor: Allen Rechtzigel
  • Patent number: 5056716
    Abstract: A washer is described for cleaning the interiors of tanks that hold milk, beer, chemicals and so on. A body 2 reciprocates relative to a substantially surrounded and relatively fixed piston 19. The body 2 oscillatably supports three nozzles 7 each of which is movable through an arc of 60.degree. and which arc is angularly spaced from those corresponding to the other two nozzles 7 by further angles of 60.degree.. However, the body 2 and nozzles 7 are also indexed, during operation, in steps, around a further axis which is perpendicular to, and offset from the axis of oscillation and which substantially corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the tank washer itself. Thus, each nozzle 7 cleans not only an arc of 60.degree. but rotates that arc through 360.degree. so that the whole of the interior of a tank is both washed and substantially rinsed by the three nozzles 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Breconcherry Limited
    Inventor: Michael Robinson
  • Patent number: 5037486
    Abstract: A self-propelled, sludge cleaning machine including a sludge auger, a sludge pump, crawler tracks and hydraulic motors for propulsion, steering and pumping is assembled at a job-site and inserted into the storage tank through a top access opening. A tether line is connected between the cleaning machine and a control assembly temporarily installed near the access opening to sense tether line length and angle. A sludge discharge hose, hydraulic lines, and an electric wire for an ultrasonic sludge-depth sensor on the machine extend outwardly through the access opening. The hose discharges sludge through a filter and into a sludge-collection tank on a first truck. The hydraulic lines are connected to a control valve assembly located on a second truck and controlled by a preprogrammed job-site computer located in the second truck. Length, angle and sludge-depth data from the sensors are fed to the job-site computer which provides a visual display showing cleaning machine position and sludge-depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Subaqueous Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert H. Sloan
  • Patent number: 5001805
    Abstract: A method for removing lubricant grease from enclosed gear train housings of motor operated valves, having one or more ports. First, bulk lubricant grease in the housing is removed by suction through an evacuation wand inserted into the housing. Second, remaining lubricant grease in the housing is mechanically dislodged and physically dissolved by flushing the housing with a solvent for the lubricant grease delivered through a fluid lance inserted into the housing. Third, any lubricant grease/solvent residue in the housing is removed by evacuation through one or more ports in the housing. The method can include rinsing the housing interior and partially drying the housing interior prior to any relubrication. The method can optionally include measuring and analyzing quantities of lubricant grease removed from the housing. A variety of flexible evacuation wands for use in the method can be easily attached to the source of the suction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Apex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Jon Stouky, John T. Hayhurst
  • Patent number: 4986293
    Abstract: A mixing and dispersion vessel is provided with an agitator blade shaped to conform to the cross-sectional shape of the vessel, and for the purpose of cleaning the agitator has a passage extending along its length with a number of orifices opening from the passage, and is supplied with solvent through a supply pipe extending to the exterior of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Netzsch Mastermix Limited
    Inventor: Peter Schertenleib
  • Patent number: 4941971
    Abstract: A horizontally mounted cylindrical container is adapted to mount through demountable end plates a cartridge filter in the container through demountable end plates for rotation around a lower axis than the center axis of the container. The combination of container and filter is connected in an aqueous system through a top inlet pipe and hand controlled valve and a lower front end plate outlet, and to a source of pressure cleaning media through an upper quadrant valve controlled turnable tube slidably mounted through a rear plate inlet and supported in the container by a combination track and baffle member fixed to the container top. A nozzle fixed to the free end of the pressure media tube jets cleaning media against the filter to rotate it alternately in both directions of rotation and for its full length. A second inlet pipe and valve is fixed to the top inlet pipe a chemical cleaning soak in baffled minimum amounts because of the baffling and filter mounting below the center of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Inventor: Alva Z. Albright
  • Patent number: 4941491
    Abstract: Reusable containers such as totes for paint, chemicals and the like are cleaned to exacting standards by apparatus which includes a spray booth and at least an internal spray head. The spray head is moved along a vertical axis to a plurality of different positions within the tote. In addition, the spray head is tiltable about a horizontal axis. In such manner, the spray head can be tilted so that its nozzles are brought very close to the side walls of the container to thereby concentrate the spray of solvent thereon to remove paint residue and the like. An external spray head is also provided for cleaning the external sides of the container while it is being rotated relative to both internal and external spray heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Automated Cleaning Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Goerss, William J. Farrah
  • Patent number: 4941131
    Abstract: A film processing fluid mixing and dispensing apparatus is disclosed having means for flushing residual chemicals from surfaces of the apparatus. The apparatus has a reservoir for mixing chemicals and a structure for delivering water under pressure to the reservoir. The apparatus also includes several bottles each containing film processing chemical components. The bottles each have a mouth which is sealed with a piercable septum. A stationary template is provided for stationarily engaging and supporting the inverted bottles so that fluid from them drains into the reservoir. Movable piercers are provided for piercing the septa. The piercers are tubular. An elongated nozzle is fitted into each piercer core for delivering water under pressure to the inside of the reservoir and to the piercer surfaces. The nozzles are equipped with defusers to deliver the water in a divergent spray. The nozzles are held stationary, while the piercers are mounted for relative longitudinal movement with respect to the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Picker International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Daly, Clifford E. Sloan, Armisticio Z. Sanidad
  • Patent number: 4905871
    Abstract: When using containers of agricultural chemicals, such as herbicides, pesticides and the like, it is desirable to transfer the contents to the sprayer tank by pump means rather than physically lifting the container to the tank inlet and then pouring the contents manually into the tank. It is also essential to rinse out the container prior to disposing of same as most of the chemicals used are concentrated and can cause environmental damage if the majority of the contents are not removed prior to disposal. The present device allows the operator to transfer the chemical to the tank by means of a pump and then wash or rinse out the container with water which is then also transferred to the sprayer tank. A control valve portion connects to a concentric tube assembly which includes a container piercer on the lower end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Inventor: Donald F. Dutertre
  • 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: 4881284
    Abstract: The self-cleaning restroom includes at least one non-rotatable wall portion associated with a fixed toilet and at least one rotatable wall portion supporting a restroom fixture such as a lavatory or a urinal. The rotatable portion is adapted to move between an open position in which the toilet and the fixture are accessible for use and a closed position in which all of the wall portions are nested in close proximity to each other to define a cleaning space for automatic cleaning of the self-cleaning restroom. Spray nozzles are provided for cleaning the walls, toilet, lavatory, urinal, and other accessories such as a mirror in the closed position with a fluid solution. One of the wall members is formed with its wall panels at right angles to form a single angle wall; and at least one other of the wall members has a zig-zag double angle configuration, recessed with respect to the one wall member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Self-Cleaning Environments, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenwood L. Garvey
  • Patent number: 4872225
    Abstract: A cleaning device in a bath enclosure connected to a water supply pipe and to a shower head and operable to direct water flow through either the shower head or a spray head disposed in an upper portion of the bath enclosure. The spray head has a plurality of discharge openings arranged to direct streams of fluid in a spread pattern so as to wash down substantially the entire inside surface of the bath enclosure. An injector assembly permits a container to introduce a cleaning fluid into the water to be sprayed through the spray head. One form disclosed has a diverter valve between the shower head and water supply pipe and the other form has a diverter valve at the hot and cold water control valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Inventor: John C. Wagner
  • Patent number: 4863555
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing the interiors of elongated hollow tubes having open opposite ends, such as by acid etching, water rinsing, steam cleaning or air drying the tube interiors, includes a pair of tube clamping mechanism being operable between tube clamping and unclamping conditions. The clamping mechanisms when in their clamping conditions support the tubes in stationary side-by-side spaced positions for processing and at locations on the tubes displaced inwardly from their opposite ends. The apparatus also has a pair of fluid supply manifolds each being displacable between disengaged and engaged positions with respect to the open opposite tube ends and having nozzles for engaging the respective tube ends to seal off the interior of the tube from the external atmosphere when the manifolds are in their engaged positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Clarence D. John, Jr., Francis C. McNerney
  • Patent number: 4859276
    Abstract: In a fuel rod tube manufacturing system, a tube processing subsystem and method include the steps of arraying, flush etching and rinsing, drying, inspecting and plugging groups of the tubes. At an inlet stage, the tubes are dispensed one at a time from a bundle thereof numbering in the hundreds of such tubes. The dispensed tubes are arrayed in a side-by-side relationship at an assembling stage into a group thereof numbering in the fives of such tubes. Successive groups of the arrayed tubes are delivered to succeeding etch and rinse, drier, and inspection stations where the groups of arrayed tubes are respectively flush etched and rinsed, dried, and inspected. After inspection, accepted tubes are separated from rejected ones and conveyed one at a time to a plug stage where the tubes are plugged to seal the interiors thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Clarence D. John, Jr., Francis C. McNerney, Thomas M. Sanders