Abstract: A mechanical/chemical cleaning apparatus for clearing air conditioner reservoir or a drain pan flow lines of algae and other solid material includes a special fitting with an internal flexible conduit which can extend or retract within the drain line for mechanically/chemically treating the flow line to remove solid material therefrom.

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: Cleaning equipment is connected to automatically clean conduits which deliver beer from a keg to a spigot. An operator may manually commence the cleaning operation by controlling valves connected to the keg and to a source of water. The spigot is then manually opened by the operator to permit the water to flow through the conduits being cleaned and dispensed at the spigot. The water pressure at the entrance to the conduits creates a vacuum effect to cause a chemical solution to be mixed with the water in accordance with the amount of water pressure. A gauge measures the water back pressure at the entrance to the conduits. The amount of chemical concentration in the solution may be determined when the cleaning equipment is installed from systems involving different numbers of conduits having different back pressure levels.

Abstract: A pipe system purging assembly (10) is adapted for connection to a blocked pipe system (12) for the purpose of eliminating or reducing blockage therein. The preferred embodiment of the purging assembly (10) includes a internal tubing system (16) which is connected to the blocked pipe system (12) by an adaptive connector (14). A shock producing subassembly (20) then delivers rapid and repeated hydraulic shocks through the fluid into the blocked pipe system (12). Alternate subassemblies for enhancing the operation of the assembly (10) include a backpump subassembly (34), a fluid input subassembly (36) and a visual inspection subassembly (42). An inventive method of purging blockage from pipe systems is also provided with the steps of filling the isolated pipe system with fluid and delivering repeated hydraulic shocks thereto for the purposes of dislodging the blockage. Direct physical shocks may also be provided to the pipe system (12).

Abstract: An ultrasonic drain trap cleaning apparatus for use in a plumbing system. A drain trap is fitted with transducers which receive electrical signals from a signal generator to create vibrations within the trap thereby clearing clogging material. A flow sensor is optionally provided to check fluid flow. If fluid flow is inadequate, the sensor signals the generator to generate signals to the transducers, causing vibrations thereby. A central programmable generator may be provided to generate electrical signals to more than one trap having transducers, or a programmable generator may be provided at each trap.

Abstract: A paint color change system in which the paint flow passage of the paint supply line leading to a paint atomizer is cleaned using a scrubbing medium comprising a compressible carrier containing an atomized solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flushing apparatus for cleaning a piping system (2) internally. The object of the invention is to achieve efficient cleaning without the use of equipment heavily overdimensioned in relation to the nominal flow through the piping system. According to the invention, use is made of a pump (4) having an operational pressure essentially higher than the pressure fall of the piping system at a turbulent flow, in combination with at least one pressure liquid accumulator (21). The flushing circuit includes at least one blocking valve (15, 15a) which is opened upon reaching intended (maximal) pressure, thereby producing a powerful flow pulse through the piping system (2).

Abstract: The pneumatic desedimentation machine, is designed to provide a means of recirculating, reciprocally, a fixed volume of solvent or solution through a closed system such as boilers or equipment, water cooling and/or heating systems on machinery, or any other remote system, for the purpose of removing the calcium and/or mineral deposits which form on the inside of these systems and inhibit efficiency, in an efficient and safe manner, it could also be used, to clean the inside of distribution plumbing where sedimentation is a problem, such as is found in bulk paint systems. This is accomplished by the controlled flow of solvents and/or solutions from one reservoir to another through a remote system, which is the system being cleaned, by applied air and/or vapor pressure in a controlled reciprocating manner and at a controlled temperature for maximum efficiency of the solvent and/or solution used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning device for a piping system of a whirlpool tub where one or more outlet valves supply water and/or air into the interior of the tub. The outlet valves branch off from a cleaning-fluid circulation system using a delivery pump to circulate the cleaning fluid. When the cleaning fluid is circulated the outlet valves are in a closed position, receiving a flow of the cleaning fluid, but preventing the issuance of the cleaning fluid into the tub interior. The outlet valve has a water-supply line connecting into a water-distribution chamber disposed in a valve body, from which a water-outlet channel branches toward the tub interior. The water-outlet channel guides, in a watertight and axially movable manner, a sealing member passing through the water-distribution chamber.

Abstract: The brake drum cleaner assembly includes a water hose, and a unitary spray adapter of plastic or the like releasably connected by a clamp or the like to the water hose. The adapter has a rear tubular stem portion inserted in one end of the hose and connected to a front expended spray head portion defining a plurality of water spray orifices. The front head portion can be cylindrical, spherical or anotehr shape and the orifices can be round, elongated, curved, etc. The exterior of the rear stem portion of the adapter may be convoluted, stepped, etc., to facilitate anchoring in the water hose. A water pulsator can be connected to the rear end of the adapter to cause water passing through the adapter to pulse outer the orifices for improved cleaning. The method includes drilling a hole through a brake backing plate, then passing the rear stem portion of the adapter out therethrough and connecting to the water hose, while leaving the spray front head portion within the drum cavity.

Abstract: In normal washing operation of the beverage glass washer of the invention, detergent solution discharged from a set of washing nozzles is collected in a tank from which a recirculation pump withdraws it and delivers it back to those nozzles for redischarge; and rinsing liquid from another source is delivered to a set of rinsing nozzles for discharge from them. For cleaning and deliming all nozzles, the tank is filled with a cleaning solution and the two sets of nozzles are connected, either by opening a normally closed solenoid valve in a permanent connection between the two sets of nozzles or by slipping opposite ends of a suitably sized hose over a cylindrical nozzle body of each set. The recirculation pump then flushes the solution from the tank through all nozzles of both sets.

Abstract: A spray gun cleaning apparatus having a cleaning basin with an open top portion, a cleaning solvent reservoir, means for circulating solvent from the reservoir to the interior of the basin, and a vapor collection system associated with the basin. The vapor collection system includes a vapor collection manifold positionable adjacent to the periphery of the basin, manifold inlet means extending about the periphery of the basin, an exhaust opening in a portion of said manifold, a vacuum source having its inlet end in communication with the manifold exhaust opening and its outlet end in communication with a vapor discharge line. Upon actuation, the vacuum source evacuates vapors from the manifold interior by inducing air and vapor flow from the interior of the basin through the manifold and into the vapor discharge line.

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: This process permits an inlet/outlet to be established in a liquid filled tank using an underwater diver without the necessity of draining or otherwise putting the tank out of service. The diver enters the tank at the top and places a dry pot against about the center of the back of the manhole cover. A hole is drilled in the manhole cover and a pipe nipple inserted through the hole. A flange is provided on the pipe nipple and if a gasket is not used, it is welded completely around to prevent leakage. A cap or valve is screwed onto the pipe nipple on the outside and the dry pot is removed. Various other ways of placing the pipe nipple through the wall are described. The installed nipple can be used by attaching a suction hose thereto for the purpose of removing sediments from the floor of the tank. If desired a smaller inlet/outlet installed in this manner is used to supply air for a diver working on the inside of the tank.

Abstract: A sanitary control back pressure diaphragm valve employed in a sanitary control system wherein the sanitary valve controls the pressure applied to a fluid in a sanitary contained system, which valve comprises: a valve body having an upper and lower valve member defining a generally conical fluid passageway and a valve seat, the members adapted to move between an open position and a closed position; a diaphragm support between the upper and lower members and a resilient diaphragm on the members on the diaphragm support to provide a seal between the upper and lower members and to provide for relative movement of said valve members between the open and closed valve position, the upper and lower valve members defining a generally conical valve passageway between the valve members, and the valve including a pressurized air inlet to provide controlled air pressure of one member; a sanitary fluid inlet extending in a straight line at an angle into the fluid passageway and a sanitary fluid outlet for the discharge of

Abstract: A cleaning system in which an elongated object having enclosed channels can be inserted in a rotatably mounted container in a tank to coil therein for cleaning by fluids pumped through the object and into the tank.

Abstract: Device for cleaning the instrumentation guide tubes (5) of a pressurized-water nuclear reactor, comprising a pump (18) for injecting demineralized water under pressure into the tubes (5) and an assembly (15, 20, 21, 22) for recovering the radioactive waste. The assembly (15) can take up a position above each of the passages (7) located in the vessel bottom (2) and through which the guide tubes (5) open into the vessel (1). The assembly is put in place at the end of each of the passages (7) in succession, without the need to remove the lower internal equipment (9, 40) of the reactor. All operations are controlled from the platform (17) of the reactor fuelling machine. The invention is used for the maintenance of pressurized-water nuclear reactors during refuelling .

Abstract: A hose reel system for a sewer and catch basin cleaner and the like has a fixed mounted hose reel and a movable hose traction wheel. The hose reel includes a drive motor which rotates the reel in a direction to wind a hose onto the reel and a clutch which permits the reel to freely rotate when the hose is payed out. The hose traction wheel may be attached to a boom movable horizontally and vertically with respect to the reel and is driven by a motor to pay out the hose and a clutch which permits the traction wheel to turn freely during rewind of the hose. A first fairlead assembly mounted to the fixed reel and a second fairlead assembly mounted to the hose traction wheel guides the hose to permit pay out and rewind when the traction wheel is not in the plane of the reel.

Abstract: A device for cleaning channels of an endoscope has its main body in which a first check valve for permitting merely suction of a liquid detergent into said main body, a syringe for effecting suction and discharge of the liquid detergent and a second check valve for permitting only discharge of the liquid detergent from said main body are provided so that the channels can be cleaned by feeding the liquid detergent thereinto through liquid feed tubes. Further including a transfer valve, a pluraltiy of channels can be selectively and switchably cleaned. In addition, a filter apparatus is provided in the device so as to be able to prevent foreign matters contained in the liquid detergent from entering the channels of the endoscope.

Abstract: A beverage tube cleaner especially applicable as a permanent installation for cleaning draft beer distribution systems includes automatically controlled valves and a centrifugal pump for sequentially draining, cleaning, rinsing and draining conduits along the full length from their pressurized beverage sources to their spigots. The standardized fittings normally connecting the conduits to the kegs or other beverage sources are removed from the sources and connected end-to-end in pairs via unions mounted directly on the cleaner casing. Water pressure and pump vacuum force the cleaning and rinsing solutions through the conduits and the connecting unions, and under control of a sequence controller, treat the entire length of each conduit.

Abstract: Method for unplugging a pipeline filled with fluid and solid material by blocking the pipeline below the plugged portion, injecting pressure pulses into the pipeline on both sides of the plugged portion until the plugged portion becomes fluidized and then forcing water into and through the plugged portion to remove the plug. The method further contemplates controlling the frequency and the phase of the injected pressure pulses to best match the length of the pipeline between the injected pulses so that the pulse applied to each side of the plug is out of phase.

Abstract: A shear valve obtaining selective fluidic communication between fluid ports formed in a first member and fluid ports formed in a second member comprises a first seal with means for providing a fluidic seal between aligned ports and which separates the first and second members to form a passage, and a second sealing means to obtain a fluidic seal between the first and second members and enclose the passage. A fluid port is provided to introduce wash solution into the passage formed between the first and second members and a drain port is provided to remove the wash solution introduced between the first and second members, so that a wash and purge operation may be performed to cleanse the sealing surfaces of the valve.

Abstract: An automatic beverage tube cleaner especially applicable to beer distribution coils includes controllable valves for isolating individual pressurized beverage sources from their respective conduits and for connecting the conduits together to a discharge pump, the pump being of a type which defines an open discharge path whether or not the pump is operating, a vacuum fitting connected to a source of cleaning solution for drawing the cleaning solution into the conduits, and a system of supply valves for sequentially flushing the conduits with cleaning solution and clean rinse water. An automatically-actuated controller initiates operation in off-hours, providing a self-cleaning maintenance-free beverage delivery system.

Abstract: For washing a milker unit, the teat cups are inserted in respective flexible receivers which seal around the enlarged end portions of the teat cups and communicate with a distributor having an inlet connected to a vacuum line for washing liquid. During washing, a high vacuum in the milk pipe line raises a valve in the distributor, while closing a drain opening therefrom, and draws washing liquid through the distributor, the receivers, the teat cups therein, the milk claw connected to the teat cups, and then into the milk pipe line for washing the latter. After washing, atmospheric pressure prevailing in the milker unit and distributor allows the valve to drop to a position where excess washing liquid can drain through said opening. For milking, the teat cups are applied to the cow after removing them from the receivers, which are then stored by simply pushing them upwardly onto respective holders where they are automatically closed against entrance of dirt.

Abstract: A plurality of elongated tube cleaning element capturing cages of different lengths are mounted within the heat exchanger chamber. The cages are so constructed and positioned so that fluid discharging outwardly from the cages flows laterally in a plurality of transverse planular layers. Fluid discharging laterally through the openings of the shorter cages impinges against closed wall portions of the longer cages, with the openings of the longer cages being disposed axially beyond the openings of the shorter cages. The longer and shorter cages may be arranged in substantially alternating relationship. In the event that some longer or shorter cages are disposed directly adjacent each other, openings of adjacent similar length cages are disposed in generally facing relationship with imperforate portions of the adjacent similar length cage.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing deposited matter, such as silicon and contaminants, from the interior of quartz diffusion tubes including an acid holding tank; a quartz-tube support for vertically holding the tube, neck down; a flexible seal for connecting the neck of the tube to the holding tank; an immersion pump and associated tubing for circulating the acid; and a spray head, connected with the pump and tubing, to spray the acid against the inside surface of the quartz tube to clean off the deposited matter. In order to prevent the acid sprayed on the inside surface from forming channels in the silicon or other deposited matter, two groups of nozzles are provided in the spray head--one group with its nozzles arranged at about 30.degree. from vertical, the other group with its nozzles arranged at about 60.degree. from vertical--so that the jets sprayed from each of the two groups are directed 90.degree.

Abstract: A system for purging the aperture and surrounding portions of a blood cell counter of dirt, debris, and previous sample liquid. A sample tube extends from a source of either sample liquid or cleansing solution to a small gap between the aperture and housing assembly. A purge line is connected between an annular portion surrounding the gap and a pump which supplies negative pressure. Due to the geometry of the sample tube, gap, annulus, and purge line, a high pressure drop occurs across the gap and the liquid flows at relatively high velocity past the aperture to facilitate cleaning.

Abstract: A bottle filling machine is adapted for circulating cleaning liquid through its combination gas and liquid storage tank and conduits, filler valves and other fluid passageways communicating therewith at high velocity by partitioning the tank into input and output chambers with a float that is urged into sealing relation by buoyancy and by pressure differential developed on its opposed sides as a result of the pressure drop produced in components that communicate between the chambers.

Abstract: Storage means receives a particulate material and conduit means are provided for receiving an inert pressurized fluid medium. The conduit means is connected with a conduit such as a pipeline to be cleaned and includes by-pass conduit means for communicating a portion of the inert pressurized fluid medium into the storage means to maintain the particulate material under predetermined pressure. Branch conduit means connected to the conduit means communicates with the storage means for receiving particulate material therefrom and discharging it along with the inert pressurized fluid medium from the inert pressurized fluid medium conduit into the pipeline to be cleaned. Moveable barrier means are mounted in the pipeline against which the inert pressurized fluid medium and the particulate material is propelled. The barrier means includes a deflector for impinging such particulate material against the interior of the conduit thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleansing endoscopes, comprises a holder device, a cylindrical cleaning container, time control means for placing said holder device under timed control, a rotatable mounting for said holder device, said holder device being arranged for directing the barrel of the endoscope to be cleaned towards the interior of said cleaning container, said cleaning container being provided, for a substantial part of its length and around its circumference, with first nozzles which are connectable to a hot water line and which are orientated radially and/or at an angle to the axis of the container, with at least one succeeding circumferential series of second nozzles which are connectable to a pressurized container for containing a disinfecting liquid, and following these, with at least one further circumferential series of third nozzles to which compressed air can be applied. The cleaning container has a controllable return line to said pressurized container and an outlet having a controlled valve.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for injecting foam into a pipeline. Foam is produced and delivered under pressure to the inlet of a flexible foam-conducting tube. An inflatable plug slidably encircles the tube, so that the tube can be adjusted to extend any desired distance beyond the plug. The plug can be enlarged by inflation to bear against the wall of the pipe and also against the wall of the tube, so as to prevent the foam from flowing back beyond the plug.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for attachment to a bearing housing through an access conduit, which provides means for allowing observation of the lubricating oil in the bearing housing, ascertaining the level of oil in the lubricating housing, and maintaining a desired fluid level in the bearing. The apparatus provided has an upper chamber and lower chamber, separated by a partition. An opening in the partition allows fluid communication between the upper and lower chambers with a tube connected to the opening and extending a distance into the lower chamber. An aperture through the housing in the lower chamber above the lower end of the tube allows ambient pressure in the lower chamber. Lubricating oil in the two chambers may be pushed from the chambers through the access conduit by a plunger in the upper chamber when the aperture is covered by the hand to remove any blockage of the conduit and then upon withdrawal of the plunger bringing fluid back into the lower and upper chamber.

Abstract: The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is directed to apparatus for mixing various kinds and quantities of fluids to produce an admixture of beverages which is to be delivered to a filling station wherein the beverage is used to fill a plurality of receptacles, such as bottles and cans. The various stations of the apparatus include flow control valve means which allow the appropriate flow of fluid for producing the admixture of beverage during one instance and which closes off the flow of such fluids of the syrup and admixture for allowing the flow of a cleaning flud through the apparatus during another instance, this flow of cleaning fluid taking place without the need of disconnection of various fluid flow conduits or the like. Heating means, integrated in the system, elevates the temperature of the cleaning fluid sufficient to provide a sterilizing effect within the system.