With Movable Means To Cause Fluid Motion (e.g., Pumps, Followers) Patents (Class 134/169R)
  • Patent number: 5094158
    Abstract: A diaphragm press comprises a cylindrical vessel (7) rotating about its longitudinal axis and divided into two diametrically opposing parts by a flexible diaphragm (8). A series of perforated longitudinal channels (10) is fixed to a part of the inner surface of the vessel and connected at one end to an external manifold (12) for collecting the juice. At their other end, the channels (10) are connected to at least one further manifold (15) which is connected to a pumping unit (99) for feeding water under pressure by way of valves (160). The flexible diaphragm (8) is of such dimensions as to perfectly mate with the wall to which the channels (10) are connected and with the channels themselves so as to perfectly close the holes (100) of these channels (10) when the diaphragm is thrust from its rear by the pressurized fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Diemme S.p.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Melandri, Primo Melandri
  • Patent number: 5093079
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for cleaning and disinfecting medical instruments such as laryngoscope blades are provided. The apparatus includes a container body having exterior walls and interior partitions defining a plurality of chambers defining a soaking area, a scrubbing area, and a pair of rinsing chambers. The container, preferably constructed of plastic, is also formed with integrally hinged covers for the respective chambers. Flexible brush means are provided within the scrubbing chamber. A pair of injection ports are provided in the soaking area of one chamber for receiving a pair of syringes for injecting buffer and activating components of a cleaning and disinfecting solution into the soaking area. A partition extending between the soaking area and the scrubbing area of the one chamber permits the solution to pass freely therebetween. An additional cover is provided to shield the syringes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Inventors: Teresa L. Bakaitis, Brian S. Bakaitis
  • Patent number: 5086949
    Abstract: An improved plural component dispensing apparatus having a chemical flow stream separator to ensure separation of the isocyanate and polyol plural components is disclosed to permit solventless operation and the cleaning by an aqueous cleaning medium followed by a gaseous drying purge stream to prevent the reaction of water and the isocyanate component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony C. Vulpitta, William P. Dwyer, Thomas P. Patrosh
  • Patent number: 5078164
    Abstract: A microtiter plate washer comprising multiple upward-directed nozzles, each nozzle comprising a body member with an internal cavity and an orifice; fluid distribution means capable of connecting an external reservoir of liquid or gas to the internal cavity of the nozzles; and clamping means for engaging the nozzles to the fluid distribution means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Elcatech, Inc.
    Inventor: George J. Doellgast
  • Patent number: 5066336
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning delivery probes used for dispensing protein-containing reagents. The apparatus includes: a bath of a cleaning solution for a protein-containing reagent; a device for lowering the probe into the cleaning solution for aspirating cleaning solution into the probe and for coating the outside of the probe; a device for raising the probe from the cleaning solution; a device for forcing primer liquid through the probe for expelling aspirated cleaning solution followed by primer liquid from the probe for washing the inside of the probe; and a device for deflecting cleaning solution and primer liquid expelled from the probe onto the outside of the probe for washing the outside of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Akzo N.V.
    Inventors: Julie F. Hoffman, Lionel D. Jones, II
  • Patent number: 5052422
    Abstract: A mobile apparatus for supply and collection of cleaning fluids used in field cleaning of pipe threads preparatory to oil field drilling operations is described. The apparatus includes a moveable cart structure defined by a chassis with wheels. An upper frame member is connected to the chassis by a plurality of scissor jack assemblies which may be independently extended or contracted to raise and lower the upper frame with respect to the chassis. A basin for receiving pipe thread cleaning solution is affixed to the movable upper frame member and depends therefrom. A flow control cover including a pair of pivotable panels interleaved at their inner ends over the central portion of the basin is provided to substantially cover the basin. The panels are movable to an inwardly sloping position to collect and funnel cleaning fluid back into the basin for periods of active use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Safety Kleen Corporation
    Inventors: Oskar Franz, John P. Kusz, Rene G. Laude, Donald Racquet
  • Patent number: 5050995
    Abstract: A jet agitation system for preparation of agricultural seeding and other fluids ensures breakdown of mulch clumps and complete mixing of the seed-mulch-water mixture. The jet agitation system includes a tank with an access port at the top, a non-clogging pump coupled to withdraw the mixture from the bottom of the tank, a spray head and control valves terminating supply and return hoses and a manifold for distributing fluid to a plurality of nozzles or jets disposed within the tank. The jets are preferably positioned above the fluid level and expel liquid under pressure which breaks down the paper mulch and circulates the fluid in the tank, thereby fully mixing it. Fluid may be supplied to the nozzles or jets during spraying in order to maintain the mixture in a fully mixed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: High Pressure Technology Corp.
    Inventor: James C. Lucore, II
  • Patent number: 5042516
    Abstract: To provide an inexpensive, portable, and easy to use apparatus for applying a detergent to a used hot tub or other filter, a tank is provided with a submersible pump and has a large perforated tube affixed to its bottom. The filter to be cleaned is placed over this large tube. A readily disconnectable arrangement of tubing terminates in a small perforated tube at a first end and is connected to the outlet of the submersible pump at a second end. The large perforated tube is provided with a collar to keep the filter from floating and to prevent undesirable current flows around rather than through the filter. The small perforated tube fits within the large perforated tube after the filter and collar are in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Inventor: Wayne Chaney
  • Patent number: 5024245
    Abstract: The Pneumatic desedimentation machine improvement is designed to provide a continuous recirculating system by which a fixed volume of solvent or acid solution can be recirculated through a closed remote system such as machinery, equipment, or any other system where sedimentation occurs, for the purpose of removing the sedimentation in a safe and efficient manner which is accomplished by the controlled and compensated flow of solvents or solutions out of the reservoir and through any remote system by applied air pressure in a controlled recirculating manner and at a controlled temperature for maximum efficiency of the solution being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventors: Jerry L. Jay, Sr., William R. Holifield, III
  • Patent number: 5017242
    Abstract: A rinser for a gravity feed can conveyor system includes a plurality of nozzles for directing high pressure water into the cans as they pass by the rinser. At least some of the nozzles are angular oriented with respect to the cans in the conveyor system so that some water impinges on side surfaces of the cans in such a manner as to urge the cans through the conveyor. A rotator following the rinser rotates the cans from a downward angle to a vertical position for filling in at least three succeeding sections of conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Inventor: Jon V. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4971087
    Abstract: In packing machines which have a filling pipe with two or more ducts, a rinsing of the filling pipe with cleaning fluid may lead to only one duct being properly cleaned. In order to prevent this, an arrangement is provided on packing machines which have a coupling part provided with valves with passages which are coupled in series with respective ducts in the filling pipe. The valve is adapted so that it is acted on towards the closed position by the cleaning fluid flowing past and thus limits the flow through the one duct so that the other duct too is assured of an adequate flow for effective cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Tetra Dev-Co
    Inventors: Paolo Benedetti, Fausto Filippi
  • Patent number: 4967776
    Abstract: An oil filter cleaning system includes a piercing apparatus for cutting openings in a used oil filter to allow drainage of excess dirty oil therefrom. A rinsing and cleansing mechanism is provided atop a chamber containing liquid solvent and includes one or more nozzles upon which the original bottom opening of drained oil filters are mounted following which, a pump is actuated to inject solvent into the filters and which is expelled from the pierced openings. Thereafter, pressurized air is injected into the filters from the same nozzles to remove all residual solvent and oil therefrom. Separate piercing and rinsing and cleansing stations may be provided for treating one filter at a time or alternatively, these stations may be combined into one station operable to simultaneously treat a plurality of filters. In the latter instance, it is proposed to include a sorting device to facilitate the accumulation of several filters having the same diameter in order to accommodate a gang piercing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Inventor: Gordon Folmar
  • Patent number: 4945933
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the interior of 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 a hollow housing, liquid agitation means including a plurality of nozzled outlet jets laterally rotatably mounted on the housing in fluid communication with the hollow interior thereof, connecting means comprising an independently rotatable tubular casing rotatably mounted on the housing in fluid communication with the interior thereof, the tubular casing having a kelly mounted therein and being operatively connected with the nozzled outlet jets, and multi-joint support pipe means rotatably joined to the connecting means in fluid communication with the interior of the tubular casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Serv-Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Krajicek, Robert R. Cradeur
  • Patent number: 4941493
    Abstract: A device for washing and drying the inside tank portion of a tanker truck. The device is adaptable for fitting into a manway located in the tank and comprises a cone-shaped base which fits into a plugs the manway. A washing medium tube passes through the base in an axial direction and extends above and below the base. A drying medium tube also passes through the base in an axial direction and extends above the top of the base and terminates near the bottom of the base. A cone-shaped deflector is located below the bottom of the base and deflects drying medium throughout the entire inside portion of the tank. The device further comprises vent tubes which pass through the base in an axial direction and provides sufficient ventilation of the tank while maintaining a pressure greater than atmospheric in the tank. The positive pressure in the tank allows hoses connected to the tank to be cleaned and dried in an efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Carry Companies of Illinois
    Inventor: Tom Wieringa
  • Patent number: 4938242
    Abstract: A spray rinsing apparatus carried by a mobile chemical spray apparatus which includes a pair of flexible rinse water storage vessels shaped and adapted to be supported in draped position from the top of a chemical reservoir tank and the sides of the tank. A gasoline engine driven pump is connected to withdraw rinse water from the flexible vessels. The rinse water is pumped at high pressure into a built-in spray head assembly inside the chemical tank and also through a jet spray gun to clean the exterior of the chemical spray apparatus. The system is capable of confining the chemical spray chemicals to the application job site and thus avoid contamination anywhere else.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Inventor: John E. Redmond
  • Patent number: 4931400
    Abstract: A device for forcing liquid into the wells of a multi-well plate, comprising a tank having an interior for holding a liquid, the tank including a bottom portion having multiple fine orifices spaced for registry with each of the multiple wells of the plate, a top portion opposite the bottom portion, and side portions connecting the top portion and the bottom portion, an inlet for supplying rinsing liquid to the interior of the tank, and a pushable surface portion selectively movable towards the interior of the tank for forcing rinsing liquid contained within the tank through the orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Hoechst Japan Limited
    Inventor: Tomofumi Jitsukawa
  • Patent number: 4925496
    Abstract: A method for removing lubricant grease from enclosed gear train housings of motor operated valve, 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: May 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Apex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Jon Stouky, John T. Hayhurst
  • Patent number: 4911832
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically treating a drain system to prevent or at least minimize clogging problems particularly in grease traps of the type provided in restaurants and other food preparation establishments. The apparatus includes a valve for directing fresh water into the grease trap for pretreating the trap in preparation for the injection of bioactive liquid cultures by the pump. The liquid cultures liquify and digest contaminants in the grease trap which are flushed therefrom by fresh water. The apparatus is controlled by a system which cyclically operates the apparatus in accordance with a preferred operational sequence and at adjustably variable time periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Grease Genie, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam C. Miller, Mitchell M. Hazar, William G. Harvey
  • Patent number: 4905325
    Abstract: A waste tank cleaning system in a preferred embodiment includes a flowmeter interposed in the line carrying cleaning fluid to the tank. A pair of solenoid valves are controlled by an electronic counter coupled to the flowmeter. In response to predetermined volumetric flows of fluid, the solenoid valves alternatively deliver fluid to a hydraulically operated drain valve and to a spray/rinse outlet in the waste tank. In one alternative embodiment, a flowmeter is mechanically coupled to a valve structure which alternatively applies fluid to the drain valve and to a spray/rinse outlet in the tank, directly. In other embodiments, the volume of flow can be determined by liquid level sensors in the tank and a predetermined cleaning sequence can be carried out based on the signals sent by the sensors. Power can be furnished by a rechargeable power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Kaiser Aerospace & Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Eugene R. Colditz
  • Patent number: 4895603
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for in-place cleaning and priming of an in-place nozzle assembly which in normal operation receives from a reservoir and discharges to a work area a fluid material which tends to leave behind an accumulation of undesired residue. The apparatus includes control means for sequentially actuating for a selected cleaning time period first selectively actuatable means thereby to deliver an effective quantity of the cleaning substance to the nozzle and for actuating for a selected rinsing time period second selectively actuatable means thereby to deliver an effective quantity of the rinsing substance to the nozzle. The apparatus also includes third selectively actuatable means for drawing fluid material from the reservoir and delivering the same to the nozzle for a selected priming time period first to flush out any remaining rinsing substance from the nozzle and then to leave the nozzle primed with the fluid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventors: Bernard A. Semp, Bernard C. Kiernan, David L. Bilunas, Michael L. Watkins
  • Patent number: 4892112
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hand tool for the care of dental instruments which is connectable at its inlet to a pressurized gas source and at its outlet to the inlet sleeve of the dental instrument to be serviced, which hand tool is provided with at least one container for receiving the agent and connected to the presurized gas line leading form the inlet to the outlet of the hand tool. It is the object of the invention to permit a troublefree metering in of even highly viscous agents for the care of the instrument and the dispensing of various amounts of the agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignee: Ogussa Osterreichische Gold-und Siber Scheideanstalt Scheid und Roessler Gessellschaft M.b.H. & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wilfried Knetsch
  • Patent number: 4869301
    Abstract: The cylinder cabinet piping system of this invention has a system to supply a purge gas continuously to the main line, or to the main line and the branch line, thereby to prevent stagnation of gas in the purge gas line and to supply a super-high-purity gas to a process unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Tadahiro OHMI
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Kazuhiko Sugiyama, Fumio Nakahara, Masaru Umeda
  • Patent number: 4868932
    Abstract: A supplementary self-contained cleaning fluid distribution system provides for the selective flushing and cleaning of the waste fluid holding tanks of a recreational vehicle. From an external connection cleaning fluid is directed to grey water or sewage tanks respectively, by means of a tank selector and backflow prevention system. Components of the system include a pair of normally closed solenoid valves and a normally open pressure switch responsive to the delivered pressure of the cleaning fluid. A predetermined reduction of the cleaning fluid supply pressure automatically isolates the vehicle system from the external fluid supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Swan Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Thoma, J. David Swan
  • Patent number: 4859249
    Abstract: Cleaning process for removing material coated on the inner surface of an enclosed vessel. e.g., photographic emulsion, photopolymer, subbing layer, chemicals, etc., comprisingA. forming a substantially continuous high pressure stream of cleaning liquid, e.g., water, solvent,B. supplying the stream of liquid at a pressure, 4000 to 8000 psi to at least one fixed point in the vessel,C. dividing the stream into at least two opposed paths, andD. directing the liquid onto said surfaces in a 360.degree. solid angle using the fixed point as the angle vertex.The process is particularly useful in cleaning photographic emulsions but is also useful in removing other chemical materials and chemicals from an enclosed vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Jose E. Valentini
  • Patent number: 4858632
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Inventors: Jerry L. Jay, Jr., Ben Cottrell
  • Patent number: 4848381
    Abstract: A system for cleaning cone/shake makers in place. Cone/shake makers have at least one freezer for making ice cream cones or milk shakes. Each freezer has a product inlet, a product pump for pumping product from the inlet into the freezer, and at least one draw valve for dispensing the product in the freezer. The cleaning system has a mixing tank for mixing water with a cleansing chemical, the mixing tank having a capacity of less than one-fourth the volume of the water and cleansing chemical mixture to be used while cleaning a cone/shake maker. The system controllably provides the cleansing chemical to the mixing tank at a rate corresponding to the rate at which water flow into the mixing tank, thereby making a cleansing chemical solution of predefined concentration on the fly as the mixture is being used to clean the cone/shake maker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Diversey Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Livingston, Henry W. Cassady, Jr., Stephen G. Hosking, Thomas J. Warner, Gary D. Moreland
  • Patent number: 4830676
    Abstract: A treating tank which contains a bath of the liquid and a movable support for the tubular members in the bath. An infeeding device having a three-dimensionally sloping chute is disposed on one side of the treating tank above the bath and causes one end of the tubular members to lead as the tubular members enter the bath. A gratelike support is disposed in the treating tank and has a top surface, which slopes down from that side of the treating tank which is provided with the infeeding device to the other side. The gratelike support is provided at either end with a separate, controllable lifting and lowering device. An outfeeding device having a three-dimensionally sloping chute is provided above the bath on the other side of the treating tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Metallgesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Detlev Eggers
  • Patent number: 4827955
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for cleaning paint distributing channels in spray guns, whereby paint distributing channels are adapted to direct paint from a supply (3) thereof to a paint discharge nozzle (5) and cleanable by leading a dissolvent (6) filled into the paint supply (3) from the supply through the paint distributing channels (2) and out from the spray gun (1) through its paint discharge nozzle (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Inventor: Leif E. Stern
  • Patent number: 4828625
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for removal of sludge (26) from a tank (10) having a floating roof (16) floating on the upper surface of oil within the tank (10). Discharge nozzles (58) are received within existing sleeves (22) on the floating roof (16) and positioned adjacent the upper surface of the sludge (26) for the recirculation of the contents of tank (10) directly into the sludge (26) from a position above the sludge (26). A recirculation pump (30) provides pressurized fluid to a manifold (48) on roof (16) for distribution through flexible lines (54) to the discharge nozzles (58).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventor: James J. Moran
  • Patent number: 4817443
    Abstract: A device is provided for cleaning a liquid sample taking needle, mounted fixedly on the frame of a sample taking apparatus, which device includes a mobile mechanism formed of a rinsing case (14) sliding over the sample taking needle (3) between a top position which it occupies during sample taking and a low position which it occupies during cleaning in which it covers the whole of the lower part of the needle, the end of this latter remaining withdrawn inside a cylindrical cleaning chamber (18) provided in the case through which the needle passes and at the lower part of which a depression is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: A.B.X.
    Inventors: Henri Champseix, Serge Champseix
  • Patent number: 4778659
    Abstract: In the invention, reaction raw-materials composed of a plurality of liquids are sequentially scraped with spiral grooves of one line or more provided in the peripheral face of the rotation shaft rotating within the cylinder wall with the discharge openings being formed therein. The reaction raw-materials are uniformly mixed within the grooves by shearing force or twist force through the rotation of the shaft. The reaction raw-material, if small amount, may be precisely mixed uniformly and is sequentially discharged after the mixing operation. This is suitable for reaction raw-materials which are short in the gelatin condition time from the mixing from the hardening. Some mixtures which are discarded without being used after the mixing may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Inoue
  • Patent number: 4773357
    Abstract: A water cannon, having an air gun disposed within its breach, for explosively discharging a quantity of water from the muzzle, which may include a constricted directional nozzle, to dislodge sludge from the tube sheet of a heat exchanger, and a method of cleaning the tube sheet of a heat exchanger are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: Anco Engineers, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry D. Scharton, George B. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4768535
    Abstract: A device for cooling rubber-coated large containers with liquid nitrogen to crack and remove the rubber coating includes at least one annular duct with sprayers for directing the liquid nitrogen against the inside of the container. At least one axially disposed duct is in the container extending from the bottom to the top with a ventilator causing rotation of the evaporated nitrogen from the bottom through the axial duct and to the upper part of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Messer Griesheim GmbH
    Inventors: Bodo Marx, Jurgen Busse
  • Patent number: 4756769
    Abstract: The spaces into which the vessel is divided by means of horizontal perforated partions are successively cleaned from top to bottom. Firstly the uppermost space is cleaned: the cover of the access to the space is removed, through the access a high-pressure lance is equipped with a spray head comprising a body rotatable about the lance axis and spray arms rotatably mounted on said body and liquid is sprayed with a pressure lying between 35 and 50 MPa. Then the middle space is cleaned: the cover of the access to the space is removed, through the access a high-pressure lance is equipped with a fixed spray head provided with spray openings directed in various directions and liquid is sprayed with a pressure lying between 50 to 70 MPa. Finally the lowermost space is cleaned in the same way as the uppermost space. The cleaning liquid is discharged through the outlet in the vessel bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: Innus Industrial Nuclear Services S.A.
    Inventor: Johannes Booij
  • Patent number: 4753372
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sanitizing beverage dispensing systems of the type using a pump that draws beverage from a single port collapsible container which is otherwise airtight. The system provides a manifold having a main manifold chamber with one input and at least one output and having a secondary manifold chamber with an input and an output, and sanitizing fluid containers. The drink dispensing hoses are attached to the outputs of the main manifold chamber, and either a sanitizing fluid or water is attached to the input of the main manifold chamber. The water may be provided through the secondary manifold chamber. Afterward, sanitizing fluid and water are drawn through the manifold and the dispensing hoses and heads, sanitizing the system. Sanitizing fluid is provided in collapsible containers similar to the beverage containers and having a venting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: Beta Partners Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Richard L. Pocock, Kevin M. Looney
  • Patent number: 4718463
    Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing sterilized prefilled plastic syringes avoiding plastic deformation and distortion. The plastic barrels are subjected to repeated water jet washing steps to remove contaminants and depyrogenate the barrels. Tip seals and pistons are subjected to removal of debris and pyrogens and destruction of microbial contaminants. After the tip is assembled on the nozzle of the barrel, the barrel is filled with contrast media through its open end, after which the piston is assembled in the open end to seal the syringe and its contents. The assembled and sealed syringe is then subjected to autoclaving to sterilize the syringe and its contents, without deformation of the plastic syringe or a loss of integrity to the closed media/syringe system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond W. Jurgens, Jr., Richard G. Johnson, Leroy R. Nadler
  • Patent number: 4708269
    Abstract: A plunger-operated dispensing device for liquids includes a stock container for a liquid, at least one vertical dispensing cylinder with a dispensing plunger therein which can be moved in the axial direction of the dispensing cylinder between two end positions. The lower end of the cylinder is in communication with the stock container via a channel having a movable shut-off valve therein. The outside diameter of the dispensing plunger is smaller than the inside diameter of the dispensing cylinder is that a certain space is present between the wall of the cylinder and the plunger. Near its lower end the dispensing plunger is provided with a sealing ring for sealing the space between the cylinder wall and the plunger. The movement stroke of the dispensing plunger can be displaced in the direction of the lower end of the dispensing cylinder, such that, in the lower end position of the plunger, the sealing ring of the plunger reaches past the lower end of the dispensing cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Stork Bepak B.V.
    Inventor: J. Willerding
  • Patent number: 4705575
    Abstract: A process for separating ceramic nuclear fuels out of metallic support mers or support member parts in which there adhere the nuclear fuels, especially subsequent to the burning down of the nuclear fuels in nuclear reactors. The ceramic nuclear fuels are washed off from the support member or carrier member part by means of a liquid jet which stands under a high pressure. The liquid jet is directed against the nuclear fuel, and the pressure of the liquid is set so high, that the nuclear fuel which adheres to the support member is completely removed. The liquid jet finds the transition from the ceramic nuclear fuel to the metallic support member material such that, even at a swelling of the fuel rod, and deformation of the support member part, there is achieved an efficient detaching of the nuclear fuel. The metallic support members or support member parts hereby remain intact and are segregated after the washing off of the nuclear fuel. Only the nuclear fuel fragments are introduced into the chemical solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Kernforschungsanlage Julich Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventor: Rudiger Koch
  • Patent number: 4691724
    Abstract: An ultrasonic device comprises at least one transducer and a probe having a first active part adapted to be immersed in a medium, an adapter part for matching the impedance of the probe to the medium and an end surface on the adapter part adapted to emit ultrasonic waves longitudinally into the medium. The first active part lies between the end surface on the adapter part, at which is located a peak of the longitudinal ultrasonic waves, and a limiting part at which is located a node of the longitudinal ultrasonic waves. It comprises a second active part adapted to emit ultrasonic waves radially into the medium and at which is located one or more peaks of the radial ultrasonic waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: SCP Biscornet
    Inventors: Raoul Garcia, Daniel Michaux, Andre Sales
  • Patent number: 4628969
    Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing sterilized prefilled plastic syringes avoiding plastic deformation and distortion. The plastic barrels are subjected to repeated water jet washing steps to remove contaminants and depyrogenate the barrels. Tip seals and pistons are subjected to washing, autoclaving and rinsing steps to remove contaminants and depyrogenate. After the tip is assembled on the nozzle of the barrel, the barrel is filled with contrast media through its open end, after which the piston is assembled in the open end to seal the syringe and its contents. The assembled and sealed syringe is then subjected to autoclaving to sterilize the syringe and its contents, without deformation of the plastic syringe or a loss of integrity to the closed media/syringe system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond W. Jurgens, Jr., Richard G. Johnson, Leroy R. Nadler
  • Patent number: 4606476
    Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and a method for sanitizing beverage dispensing systems of the type using a pump that draws the beverage from a single port collapsible container which is otherwise air tight. The system consists of a manifold having a main manifold chamber with one input and at least one output, and a secondary manifold chamber having an input and an output. The drink dispensing hoses are attached to the outputs of the main manifold chamber, and either a sanitizing fluid or water is attached to the input of the main manifold chamber. The water may be provided through the secondary manifold chamber. Before connecting to the sanitizing fluid, the main manifold chamber is opened to the atmosphere, and remaining beverage in the dispensing hoses is drawn out by the pumps to the dispensing heads. Afterward, sanitizing fluid and water are drawn through the manifold and the dispensing hoses and heads, sanitizing the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1986
    Inventors: Richard L. Pocock, Kevin M. Looney
  • Patent number: 4591873
    Abstract: A cleaning system for ink jet printing orifices includes cooperative elements which provide varying pressure differentials across the orifice plate that oscillate ink into and out of the orifices. In one embodiment the pressure differentials are implemented by varying the impedance to ink cross-flow through a print head cavity while pressurizing a region around the exterior of the orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1986
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: James D. McCann, Michael J. Piatt, Theodore F. Williams
  • Patent number: 4587985
    Abstract: Solids material remaining on the bottom of a vessel after discharge of solids material therefrom is washed by a pressurized jet of washing fluid from a washing apparatus through an aperture in the vessel bottom and into entrainment with a pressurized jet of fluid located beneath said aperture, produced by a jet entrainment arrangement, with the entrainment jet being projected in a direction which is substantially parallel to the vessel bottom and being exposed to the interior of the vessel through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Assignee: Si-Jet Limited
    Inventor: Raymond Flanagan
  • Patent number: 4407315
    Abstract: A permanently mounted tank cleaning apparatus cleans interior surfaces of a bulk milk storage tank using a plurality of cleaning cycles, each cycle characterized by a separate cleaning step. The tank includes a device for dispersing fluid against the interior surfaces of the tank and an outlet proximate its bottom interior surface. A pump is fixedly associated with the dispersing device by a conduit and pumps fluid to the dispersing device through the conduit. A three-way valve assembly is fixedly attached to the outlet of the tank and is positionable in a closed position, a milk removal position, and a tank cleaning position. A solenoid drain valve is positioned between the pump and the tank cleaning position of the three-way valve and below the bottom interior surface of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1983
    Inventor: Merle D. Haberer
  • Patent number: 4324173
    Abstract: Frying apparatus including a fry pot and a filter system operable during a cleaning cycle for dislodging food particles which cling to the fry pot and for removing food particles suspended in the cooking oil is disclosed. The filter system includes a shower apparatus which discharges jets of cooking oil along the interior side surfaces of the fry pot to dislodge food particles clinging thereto. The cooking oil is drained into a drain pan, strained through a filter and means are provided for pumping the filtered cooking oil back to the fry pot where it is discharged through the shower apparatus. Food particles are continuously separated from the cooking oil as it is conveyed from the fry pot through the filter into the drain pot. In a preferred embodiment, a control circuit is provided for automatically turning off the fry pot heaters when the cooking oil is drained during the filter cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1982
    Assignee: The Frymaster Corporation
    Inventors: L. Frank Moore, George M. Price
  • Patent number: 4305759
    Abstract: A washing head, having two annular compartments, includes a plurality of ported posts in fluid communication with one of the annular compartments; each of the posts being respectively aligned with a first aperture in one of a plurality of radially oriented dual apertured chambers of a rotor to inject a washing fluid into each of the chambers. Each of the second apertures in each of the plurality of chambers is in fluid communication with and discharges the washing fluid to the other of the annular compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Southwest Veterinary Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Westhoff, Robert C. Bartsch
  • Patent number: 4238892
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning containers which comprises a head assembly securable to an opening in the container. The head assembly has means for introducing cleaning vapor into the container, means for removing condensate from adjacent the bottom of the container, and means which include a cooler for receiving vapor from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1980
    Inventor: Horst Geiss
  • Patent number: 4237912
    Abstract: A cleaning tub having therein a holding basket mounted for rotation about a vertical axis. The basket has a lower section with circumferentially aligned holding and partition members to contain tubular-like members to be cleaned in circumferential alignment. There is also an upper section having radial partitions to contain other objects to be cleaned. During a first washing and rinsing cycle, the basket is caused to oscillate throughout the filling period, the washing period, the emptying period, and also through a final "shake-off" period. There is also a transfer tub to hold either a pasteurizing liquid (i.e. hot water) or a disinfect liquid. Subsequent to the washing cycle, the liquid in the transfer tub can be moved over to the cleaning tub either to pasteurize or disinfect the articles in the basket. Heat control means are provided to bring the transfer liquid to the proper temperature in the transfer tub, and also to maintain this proper temperature in the cleaning tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1980
    Assignee: H & R Incorporated
    Inventors: Eleanor S. Hill, William J. Hill, Ralph C. Hill
  • Patent number: 4208219
    Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the addition of liquid in the cleaning of containers, especially of milk tanks, has a circulating pump operative for circulating a cleaning liquid withdrawn from a lower part of the container and again sprayed into the container at a higher part thereof, a measuring path flanked by two measuring electrodes directly introduced into the measuring path and incorporated into the circulating arrangement, so that the continuous variations of the electric resistance of the liquid column flowing through the tubular measuring path during the circulation are sensed by the measuring electrodes and transmitted as signals to a control element which converts the signals to a further signal which actuates a closing valve arranged at a liquid inlet conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1980
    Assignee: Hermann Etscheid oHG
    Inventor: Hermann Etscheid
  • Patent number: RE31659
    Abstract: A sanitary backwashing system for an automatic milking machine having a milking unit and a source of vacuum, the system including a valve having a first port connected to the milking unit and a pair of second ports alternately connected to the first port, one of the second ports being connected to the source of vacuum; and a source of sanitizing fluid under pressure connected to the other of the second ports and the valve having a first position in which the valve connects the milking unit to the source of vacuum while blocking off the other of the second ports and a second position in which the valve connects the milking unit to the source of sanitizing fluid while blocking off the source of vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1984
    Inventor: Michael J. Brown