With Movably Or Flexibly Mounted Spray Or Jet Applying Conduits Or Nozzles Patents (Class 134/172)
  • Patent number: 5570712
    Abstract: In a first embodiment, a high pressure fluid blaster includes a rotating nozzle which has a plurality of separate fluid jet orifices. The fluid jet orifices are geometrically configured such that rotation of the nozzle in a single direction, i.e. clockwise, results in the desired metal cleaning or stripping. The plurality of jets are divided into two or more sets, each set having at least one jet therein, with the jets in each set oriented at a different angle from the jets in the other sets. This configuration will produce tubular streams of fluid as the nozzle rotates such that the streams first converge, then intersect, and finally diverge. As the jet streams are applied to a surface after the streams have diverged, they score the surface with concentric circular grooves due to the force of the high pressure fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: George J. Mathieus
  • Patent number: 5551458
    Abstract: A process for cleaning pipelines and especially ventilation pipes and ducts in buildings, and includes a nozzle connected to a supply conduit through which a pressurized medium can flow. The arrangement includes a nozzle opening directed forward away from the supply conduit. The nozzle opening is in the form of a large continuous annular gap which extends along the periphery of the nozzle and is connected to the supply conduit and the source of a pressurized medium. The gap directs the medium toward the inner walls of the pipe or duct and effects a cleaning of the inner walls. The nozzle is moved into the pipe or duct by moving a rigid supply conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: Johan Faxon
  • Patent number: 5509607
    Abstract: A lance tube for a sootblower device for cleaning internal surfaces of large scale combustion devices. The lance tube includes two sets of nozzles for ejecting fluid cleaning media. A readily accessible fluid flow restriction device is positioned between the two sets of nozzles and accommodates interchangeable plug elements providing different fluid flow restrictions. One set of nozzles is optimized for steam as the cleaning media whereas the other is designed for ejecting water. This lance tube configuration is especially adapted for selectively ejecting steam or water blowing medium as cleaning requirements dictate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Joel H. Booher, Cevdet G. Koksal, Ronald E. Sherrick
  • Patent number: 5502881
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing surface layers from workpieces, especially for descaling hot rolled stock moved with respect to the apparatus, by spraying highly pressurized fluid, especially pressurized water on both sides of the rolled stock from rows of nozzles extending across the workpiece width and each including a plurality of nozzle heads is characterized in that the nozzle heads rotate and each nozzle head comprises at least one nozzle, preferably a plurality of nozzles uniformly distributed around its circumference. The number of nozzles, the rotary speed of the nozzle heads, and the speed of relative motion between the rolled stock and the apparatus are tuned such that desired average intensity and depth of removal are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Jurgen Gaydoul
  • Patent number: 5494227
    Abstract: A shower system comprising a header having a fluid inlet port, a plurality of substantially vertically aligned spray nozzles attached consecutively to said header and arranged in a substantially arcuate formation, and a drive system for laterally reciprocating said header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Dorr-Oliver Incorporated
    Inventor: John J. Costantini
  • Patent number: 5482061
    Abstract: A wash system using a biodegradable chemical in a water solution for the degreasing of items such as automobile parts, machine parts or medical parts. The fluid is recirculated, can be heated, is filtered and any oils or greases lighter than water are separated and reclaimed from the top of the solution. The solution is held in a reservoir tank pumped through a filter and a goose neck pipe to a nozzle in the sink. The oils or greases are removed by a skimming system into flexible tubing which empties into buckets for later recycling. The filter removes particles, metal filings and is recycled as scrap metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Jack W. Bell
  • Patent number: 5464482
    Abstract: An improved wash arm construction includes a primary wash arm having at least one secondary wash arm rotatably mounted to one of its ends. During the rotation of the primary wash arm within a substantially square chamber, the secondary wash arm is rotated so as to extend into the corners of the chamber during the rotation of the primary wash arm so as to create a generally square spray pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Daryl A. Michael, Rodney M. Welch
  • Patent number: 5451002
    Abstract: An assembly for cleaning a tube bundle includes a plurality of elongate tubular lances movable within an outer shell. A flexible fluid hose within the shell extends from an input port in the upper portion of the assembly to the manifold in the lower portion of the assembly, which in turn transmits pressurized fluid to the plurality of lances. The hydraulic motor powers a rack and pinion assembly to reciprocate the lances, while a plurality of spring biased plates each cover a slot in the lance housing. The assembly of the present invention utilizes a receiving manifold and a lance manifold connected by a plurality of nipples for a desirable low pressure drop. A pair of series connected valves allows the hydraulic fluid flow and the pressure to the drive motor to be separated controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: American Mechanical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim E. Amuny
  • Patent number: 5447574
    Abstract: While a portal frame is reciprocated longitudinally of a vehicle body to be washed, a lifting/lowering drum is lifted/lowered to allow an upper nozzle to follow the outer surface of the vehicle body with a predetermined distance and the upper nozzle is laterally moved to inject a washing liquid therefrom, side nozzles are lifted/lowered to inject a washing liquid on the side surfaces of the vehicle body therefrom. In the first going operation of the portal frame, a plurality of photo-sensors disposed vertically which are provided on the front portion of the portal frame detects the vehicle body and information from the photo-sensors is stored in time sequence to perform a comparative operation with the previously set information, thereby controlling the movement of the portal frame, lifting/lowering of the lifting/lowering drum, the lateral movement of the upper nozzle and lifting/lowering of the side nozzles according to each portion of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Nippo Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Inoue
  • Patent number: 5444887
    Abstract: A bladed cylindrical member with high pressure fluid jet nozzles cuts and sweeps aquatic foreign matter from the inside surface of underwater pipes. The method for removing the foreign matter includes reciprocally pulling the device through the pipe and injecting high pressure air into a containment area to force any extricated foreign matter to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Paul G. Rufolo
  • Patent number: 5441063
    Abstract: A high-speed bottle washing machine provides concurrent rotational motion to a workpiece as it is conveyed through a washing treatment zone for internal and external spray treatments. The machine comprises a plurality of moving bottle receiving stations for sequentially receiving and rotating inverted bottles received from a bottle infeed conveyor, a plurality of reciprocating spray nozzles, with at least one spray nozzle moving with each bottle receiving station, wherein each of the spray nozzles reciprocates from a first position below the inverted bottles, to a second position within the bottles, and a manifold assembly for sequentially supplying a caustic wash fluid under pressure to each of the plurality of spray nozzles to clean the bottles by impingement of the wash fluid in a predetermined pattern within the bottles as the bottles are rotated. The washed bottles are finally discharged at a bottle outfeed conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Antonio Fernandez, Attila Soti, Steve Miller
  • Patent number: 5435854
    Abstract: A cleaning module for cleaning sewer pipes including sewer liner, and other types of conduits. The cleaning module may comprise a single hydraulically propelled unit, wedge-shaped and selected to fit pipe size. Pipeline walls are scoured by the slurry agitation produced by hydraulic pressure jets in the module. Alternatively, the module is assembled in situ and the relative size of components is selected depending upon the diameter of the pipeline. The module may comprise a front unit and rear unit or a frame assembly and a drive assembly. The modules contain a motor, preferably a hydraulic motor. The motor drives flails, thereby disintegrating solid waste or generating and propelling a sludge slurry. The slurry scours the pipeline walls by cavitation and abrasion action. Also disclosed are systems for cleaning a sewage line section and methods of their use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Pipeline Sewer Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Derlein
  • Patent number: 5411043
    Abstract: An articulated annular sludge lance and method is described for cleaning sludge from tubes in a steam generator from the annular chamber surrounding the tube bundle. The articulated annular sludge lance is moved around the annular chamber and directs a fluid distribution member between the tubes to effectively clean sludge from the tubes. The articulated annular sludge lance and method can also be used in the no tube lane or in combination with a no-tube lane method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: Frank Kamler
  • Patent number: 5409025
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for cleaning and removing particulates from underground liquid fuel storage tanks which typically have restricted access openings to the interior thereof. The apparatus is provided with a main fuel pump having an inlet and outlet, an inflow passage communicating with the pump inlet for conducting fuel to the pump from an underground liquid storage tank, and an outflow passage communicating with the pump outlet for returning fuel from the pump to the same underground tank. The inflow passage is provided with protective strainer and a jet pump for increasing and maintaining the rate and velocity of fuel flowing therethrough to the main pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Semler Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Loren H. Semler, Jon Clegg, Joseph Palm, William E. Schulz
  • Patent number: 5387313
    Abstract: An etching system for etching openings in a metal web including multiple etching station for etching a metal web from opposite sides, with each of the etching stations including a set of first bank of oscillatable nozzles located in a first chamber in the etching station, with the first bank of oscillatable nozzles having predetermined spacings from one another and operable for directing etchant at a first side of a metal web and a second bank of oscillatable nozzles located in a second chamber in the etching station, with the second bank of oscillatable nozzles having a predetermined spacing substantially identical to the first bank of oscillatable nozzles, with the second set of oscillatable nozzles laterally offset from the first set of nozzles, so they do not spray on directly opposite regions located on the metal web, with the banks of the nozzles in adjacent etching stations offset from each other with the oscillation axis of the nozzles at an angle off normal, so that etchant is sprayed in elliptical p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: BMC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Roland Thoms
  • Patent number: 5386765
    Abstract: A spray ring is cycled back and forth along the longitudinal axis of a finisher to allow a high pressure cleaning stream of water or solvent to be directed against the surface of the finisher. A linear rodless cylinder is attached to the spray ring and is sequenced to move the spray ring, responsive to, among other possible inputs, flow measured by a flow switch or flow sensor as a control input to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Olusczak, Michael L. Suter
  • Patent number: 5383975
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided for cleaning pipelines and especially ventilation pipes and ducts in buildings, and includes a nozzle connected to a supply conduit through which a pressurized medium can flow. The arrangement includes a nozzle opening directed back toward the supply conduit. The nozzle opening is in the form of a large continuous annular gap which extends along the periphery of the nozzle and is connected to the supply conduit and the source of a pressurized medium. The gap directs the medium toward the inner walls of the pipe or duct and effects a cleaning of the inner walls. The nozzle is moved into the pipe or duct as a result of reaction forces generated from discharge of the pressurized medium through the nozzle opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Inventor: Johan Faxon
  • Patent number: 5378308
    Abstract: An etching system for etching openings in a metal web including multiple etching station for etching a metal web from opposite sides with each of the etching stations including a set of first bank of oscillateable nozzles located in a first chamber in the etching station, with the first bank of oscillateable nozzles having predetermined spacings from one another, and operable for directing etchant at a first side of a metal web and a second bank of oscillateable nozzles located in a second chamber in the etching station, with the second bank of oscillateable nozzles having a predetermined spacing substantially identical to the first bank of oscillateable nozzles with the second set of oscillateable nozzles laterally offset from the first set of nozzles, so as not to spray on directly opposite regions located on the metal web with the banks of the nozzles in adjacent etching stations offset from each other with the oscillation axis of the nozzles is at an angle off normal so that etchant is sprayed in elliptic
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: BMC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Roland H. Thoms
  • Patent number: 5368653
    Abstract: A parts washer (5) for cleaning mechanical parts with a liquid cleaning solvent includes a sink (7) mounted upon a reservoir (8). The sink has a bottom wall (10) in which a filter cartridge opening (20) is defined for removably receiving a filter cartridge (80) depending downwardly toward said reservoir and mounted upon said bottom wall. Pump (41) draws liquid cleaning solvent from reservoir (8) and circulates the liquid cleaning solvent into sink (7) and back into reservoir (8). Hose (50) mounted in sink (7) may be connected directly to filter cartridge (80), and pump assembly (41 ) is operated so that liquid cleaning solvent is circulated directly, under pressure, into filter cartridge (80) for clarifying and reclaiming the liquid cleaning solvent in order to maintain its cleaning efficiency and prolong its service life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Layfield Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Russell
  • Patent number: 5361791
    Abstract: Apparatus for the cleaning of the exterior surface of a pipeline or the like includes a frame defining a longitudinal passage of a size sufficient to permit the pipeline to extend longitudinally therethrough. A first cleaning unit and a second cleaning unit are mounted on the frame. Each cleaning unit includes a plurality of jet modules. In turn, each jet module includes a rotatable jet nozzle mounted to deliver a jet of cleaning liquid toward the pipeline exterior surface. A high pressure cleaning liquid source is also provided and is connected to the rotatable jet nozzles to provide high pressure cleaning liquid to the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: CRC-Evans Rehabilitation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Chapman, Charles M. Reid, James B. Seale, Donald R. Andruik
  • Patent number: 5341828
    Abstract: An apparatus for washing tires mounted on a vehicle includes a vehicle supporting frame to support a vehicle as it passes over the frame. Right and left frame portions support right-side and left-side tires on the vehicle. A plurality of nozzles connected to a pressurized supply of a cleaning liquid are oriented to direct pressurized cleaning liquid toward the tires of the vehicle as the vehicle passes over the frame. The plurality includes upwardly- and forwardly-directed nozzles to direct cleaning liquid upward at a tread faces of the tires, respectively as the vehicle passes over the frame, and mounted in the frame for reciprocation fore-and-aft in the direction of motion of the vehicle. Inner and outer laterally- and forwardly-directed nozzles are mounted inwardly and outwardly of the left and right tires, respectively, for reciprocation fore-and-aft in the direction of motion of the vehicle as the vehicle passes over the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: John H. Ferguson, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5341406
    Abstract: A sliding lance guide flexible lance system (10) is attached to a hand hole (12) of a nuclear power plant steam generator by means of flange (14) of tilt module (16). A rail (18) extends from the tilt module (16) to a support stand (20) and is attached to the stand (20) by a pivot (22) so that the rail (18) is free to rotate with the tilt module (16). A tilt drive motor (24) is attached to the tilt module (16). A flexible lance (26) extends into the rail (18) for extension through a lance guide shoe (27). The lance guide shoe (27) deflects the lance from the rail (18) into the tube gap of the steam generator. The lance guide shoe (27) is slideably mounted in the rail (18), and is attached to a lance guide belt (30), which extends within and along the rail (18). Similarly, the flexible lance (26) extends within and along the rail (18). A lance guide belt sprocket drive (40) is mounted on support (33) to engage the lance guide belt (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jens, Bernard Sawaf, deceased, Paul F. Viola, Paul R. Belkus, Robert A. S. Lee
  • Patent number: 5336331
    Abstract: A continuous condenser backflush system includes a hollow wand attached perpendicularly to a hollow shaft. The wand is moved in lateral increments across the condenser face. The wand is retracted from the condenser face for moving laterally to a new position before again being extended to the condenser face to collect and dispose of the trash caught under the wand. Trash caught on the condenser face is flushed by a stream of water back through the shaft to a mesh basket where it is separated from the water. A pump may be provided on the shaft for injecting and circulating cleaning fluids (such as chemical and/or abrasive fluids) through the condenser. A similar wand system may be provided on the remote face of the condenser to receive the fluids and return them to a recovery tank for recycling. The pump may also circulate dehumidified air through the system to keep the condenser dry when the cooling water circulating pump is shut down. A method of using the system is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: Jerry Y. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 5329949
    Abstract: A radio remote-controlled automatic vehicle wash system is activated by an infrared motion sensor. A hand-held transmitter activates an optional garage door mechanism of the system to open and activate the wash system. Within a controller is housed a micro-controller programmed to process inputs from the garage door, an RF transmitter, a thermistor and an infrared motion sensor. When predetermined specified conditions are met, the controller activates a solenoid valve to allow pressurized water to flow through distribution pipes at each side of the vehicle, and under it. Nozzles connected to the distribution pipes spray water in a high velocity 45.degree. fan-like pattern to remove dirt, salt and debris from the surface of the vehicle and the undercarriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventors: Lane Moncourtois, Stephen Cook
  • Patent number: 5323797
    Abstract: A rotating hose device for rotating and helically thrusting a high pressure hose and biased nozzle into a pipe for the purpose of cleaning the interior surface of the pipe. The rotating hose device is powered by converting linear torque from a rotating high pressure hose into linear thrust, forcing the high pressure hose and biased nozzle into the pipe, where the high pressure hose and biased nozzle travel through the pipe in a helical manner. The present invention more effeciently cleans conduit, pipe and other tubular members, by constantly positioning the biased nozzle against the interior surface of the pipe and avoiding the "streaking" effect left by prior art nozzles. The helical pitch of the rotating high pressure hose, speed and direction of travel of the high pressure hose are controlled through the alignment of the drive wheels in the rotary hose drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Inventor: George J. Rankin
  • Patent number: 5320121
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided which enables an operator to wash vehicles of various shapes, sizes and configurations efficiently and thoroughly. A pair of spaced longitudinally extending rails is suspended along either side of a vehicle washing station. A carriage beam extends transversely between the rails and is mounted for back and forth movement longitudinally therealong. A traversing carriage is mounted upon the carriage beam, and a travelling scaffold is suspended from the traversing carriage for movement therewith. A washing unit is mounted upon the travelling scaffold for movement up and down therealong. The washing unit includes a cantilevered boom upon which spray nozzles are mounted for discharging selected washing fluids under high pressure. The boom is pivotable upwardly and downwardly in a vertical plane, and is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The nozzles are mounted upon the boom for oscillating pivoting movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignees: Harry Alexanderian, Vahan Alexanian
    Inventor: Vahan Alexanian
  • Patent number: 5305713
    Abstract: An improved rotary cleaning device for removing slag deposits from the surfaces of pendant tubes in a steam generator boiler is characterized by a controlled rotary actuator mechanism which alternately rotates a cleaning lance in opposite directions through an angle less than 90.degree.. By limiting rotation of the lance, the cleaning fluid from the lance is directed only upon a limited tube surface area, thereby reducing the time required to clean the tube surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Vadakin, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Vadakin
  • Patent number: 5296038
    Abstract: There is mentioned a process and an arrangement for cleaning of pipelines, and especially ventilation pipes and ventilation ducts in buildings, by means of a largely spherical cleaning means (1) which is connected via a supply conduit (2) with a source of pressure medium, and which exhibits a nozzle opening in the form of a largely continuous annular gap (6) which extends along the periphery of the cleaning means (1) and which is connected to the supply conduit (2) and the source of pressure medium. The medium is made to discharge through the annular gap (6) in order partly to clean inner walls of the line, and partly, as a result of the forces of reaction from the discharging medium, to make the cleaning means (1) move into the pipeline. The cleaning means (1) is brought into contact with an inner wall of the line in that a reduced pressure is established between the cleaning means (1) and the inner wall and it is made to move around about the cross-section of the line by twisting of the supply conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventor: Johan Faxon
  • Patent number: 5293887
    Abstract: A robotic tank cleaning system is provided, comprising a light-weight, collapsible, and robotically controllable frame having an articulatable washing nozzle for spraying a petroleum-based solvent on a surface to be cleaned. Hydraulic power and control units are also provided which allow an operator to control the motion of the frame and washing nozzle from outside the tank, as well as a solvent supply system for delivering solvent to the washing nozzle. A hoisting mechanism is included to allow placement and retrieval of a waste removal pump, and a clearing blade is attached to the frame to assist movement of waste material to the waste removal pump. Waste material comprising dislodged oil sludge and expended solvent is collected in waste fractioning tanks where the collected oil sludge is allowed to settle below the expended solvent. The separated solvent in the waste fractioning tanks is redirected through the solvent supply system and is reused for further spraying of the tank interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Inventor: Ray Thibodeaux
  • Patent number: 5291906
    Abstract: An automatic vehicle cleaning system in which a spray bar is mounted on a trolley which moves on an overhead track around a vehicle stopped at a cleaning location. Rotating spray nozzles are mounted on the spray bar to spray the top and sides of the vehicle as the trolley advances around the vehicle. An indexing mechanism is provided for adjusting the spacing between the sides of the vehicle and the nozzles which spray the sides for accommodating different size vehicles with optimal cleaning efficiency. The spray bar may be indexed to any of four positions using two different length pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders connected end to end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: S.N.M. Manufacturing , Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth P. White
  • Patent number: 5284327
    Abstract: Apparatus for cooling a metal extrusion, such as an aluminum extrusion, may include a carriage which houses the cooling liquid delivery system and is relatively movable with respect to the extrusion press in order to provide the desired amount of air cooling prior to quenching. The quenching apparatus may have a plurality of generally parallel cooling liquid delivery tubes, each having a plurality of nozzles which are preferably independently adjustable as to volume and spray pattern. The cooling liquid delivery tubes may be axially rotated and flow of the cooling liquid within each tube may be independently adjusted. The housing of the quenching unit may have an upper portion which is rotatable generally upwardly and is provided with a transparent window to facilitate viewing of the spraying action. A method of quenching an aluminum extrusion employing such apparatus is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: William R. Arthur, Douglas T. Bozich, Richard B. Jacobus, Thomas J. Rodjom, Joseph R. Sikora
  • Patent number: 5282485
    Abstract: A jet pickling apparatus for pickling the surfaces of continuously moving sheet material (12) has tips of the nozzle headers (41-43) for discharging a pickling fluid (19) on the surfaces of the sheet and into a pickling tank (31) formed into a slit shape (41a-43a), and the nozzles (41,42) at the entrance side are installed to eject pickling fluid in the same direction as the running direction of sheet while the nozzle (43) at the exit side ejects the pickling fluid in the direction opposite to the running direction of the sheet. Therefore, there is no gas in the pickling tank (31) and the tank is filled with the pickling fluid (19), which eliminates the problems of floating of the sheet (12) and insufficient contact of the pickling fluid (19) with the sheet surfaces, allowing thorough pickling and improving the pickling effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Etsuro Hirai, Keiji Tanizaki, Tadanori Miyamoto, Shoji Nagai, Yoshinobu Nakane, Muneki Kita, Yoshinori Matsumoto, Kiyohiro Tani
  • Patent number: 5282575
    Abstract: A shower system for a screening machine or unit. The shower system includes a spray nozzle connected to a movement arm, a driver for longitudinally moving the movement arm in a reciprocal path, and an indexing system adapted to allow limited axial rotation of the movement arm at predetermined longitudinal positions of the movement arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Dorr-Oliver Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas G. Krulick, Gregory Georgalas, John P. Skitka, Daniel R. Connors
  • Patent number: 5279357
    Abstract: A coil cleansing assembly for automated cleaning of dirt and debris from within banks of heat exchanger coils is disclosed. The cleansing assembly is mounted above, below and between banks of such coils to enable focused jets of high velocity spray to impinge upon the surfaces of the coils and, thus, dislodge particles. It can be used with either individually finned tubes or plate fin coves of aluminum, galvanized steel or copper.Alternative embodiments for the cleansing spray assembly include a rotating arm system with spray ports mounted on a spray supply tube and a longitudinal track arrangement upon which a plurality of wand-type spray bars are mounted for reciprocating travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: The King Company
    Inventors: Douglas D. Kennon, Robert G. Anhorn
  • Patent number: 5277209
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus is provided with at least two identically configured reservoirs, each of which may be functionally adapted to serve as the washer portion or the collecting portion of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Gene R. Olson
  • Patent number: 5273059
    Abstract: Lacquer coatings are stripped from a large surface, e.g. aircraft and vehicle body surfaces, and the surface is simultaneously cleaned by a spraying device that carries at least three spraying units, each with at least one, preferably two, spray heads arranged in a row. Two outer spraying units flank one central spraying unit. The spraying device is secured to a free end of an outrigger arm on a mobile carriage, by a wrist mechanism, by a rod linkage, and by a mounting member (20a) tiltable by the rod linkage. The central spraying unit is directly secured to the tiltable mounting member while the two outer spraying units are secured by lazy tongues operable to track the contour of the large surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: MBB Foerd-und Hebesysteme
    Inventors: Ernst-Peter Gross, Rolf Haak
  • Patent number: 5265634
    Abstract: Apparatus for the cleaning of the exterior surface of a pipeline or the like includes a frame defining a longitudinal passage of a size sufficient to permit the pipeline to extend longitudinally therethrough. A first cleaning unit and a second cleaning unit are mounted on the frame. Each cleaning unit includes a plurality of jet modules. In turn, each jet module includes a rotatable jet nozzle mounted to deliver a jet of cleaning liquid toward the pipeline exterior surface. A high pressure cleaning liquid source is also provided and is connected to the rotatable jet nozzles to provide high pressure cleaning liquid to the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: CRC-Evans Rehabilitation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Chapman, Donald R. Andruik
  • 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: 5263504
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a coating of undesirable material from a substrate of desired material by impacting the coating with narrowly focused streams of fluid discharged at high velocity from nozzle tips rotated rapidly by a nozzle head during linear, relative movement between the nozzle head and the coated substrate. The nozzle head may be rotated by a motor or self-actuated by tilting the tips out of the plane of the spin axis. The nozzle tips also may be canted radially to undercut and peel away the coating. The nozzle assembly may be continuously or intermittently actuated, fixedly or movably mounted, and used singularly or in plural array. Specific applications are described for descaling metal, cleaning electrolytic bath deposits from electrodes, and removing resinous materials from metal surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Carolina Equipment and Supply Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C. Bailey, Richard E. Cruzan
  • Patent number: 5261600
    Abstract: A tube bundle cleaner capable of cleaning vertical tube bundles by remote actuation by an operator is provided. To prevent binding of the flexible fluid supply conduit which supplies hydroblasting fluid to the manifold upon which the cleaning lances are mounted, a bight portion of the conduit extends toward the open end of the housing which slidably carries the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Serv-Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert R. Cradeur
  • 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: 5246578
    Abstract: In order that higher demands on the purity of the separated liquid can be satisfied, a cleaning plant (12) having wash chambers (13a,b) for the cleaning of the filter plates (8) is arranged in longitudinal direction alongside of a filter press (1). By means of a transport device (30) having a displacement device (32) which is moveable along rails (31a) and is equipped with a raisable and lowerable gripper (37) which can be engaged via pawls with filter plates (8), the filter plates, after the opening of the filter press (1), are transported one after the other into the cleaning plant (12), sprayed in one of the wash chambers (13a, b) with simultaneous drawing off of the air or subjected to an immersion bath, possibly disinfected or impregnated, dried and transported back. By the development of the cleaning plant (12) with two wash chambers (13a, b), idle paths of the displacement device (32) are substantially avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Von Roll AG
    Inventors: Peter Spiegel, Hans Kach
  • Patent number: 5238502
    Abstract: A continuous condenser backflush system includes a hollow wand attached perpendicularly to a hollow shaft. The wand is rotated in angular increments around the condenser face. The wand is retracted from the condenser face for rotation to a new angular orientation before being reextended to the condenser face to collect and dispose of the trash caught under the wand. Trash caught on the condenser face is flushed by a stream of water back through the shaft to a mesh basket where it is separated from the water. A pump may be provided on the shaft for injecting and circulating cleaning fluids through the condenser. The pump may also pump dehumidified air through the system to keep the condenser dry when the cooling water circulating pump is shut down. A method of using the system is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Inventor: Jerry Y. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 5235963
    Abstract: A cleaning system for exhaust ducts of cooking hoods. A hot water cleaning liquid is introduced at high pressure to a spray manifold in an exhaust duct. The manifold conforms to the internal perimeter of the exhaust duct and has nozzles for directing the cleaning fluid. The manifold is moved along the length of the duct to cover the internal surface area of the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventor: James F. Strause
  • Patent number: 5228467
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning filter media in dewatering apparatus in situ includes an applicator which sprays a mixture of water and a cleaning agent onto a filter media as the applicator and media undergo relative movement. The cleaning solution contains selected oxidizers and dispersants to break the polymer bond and remove polymeric residues from the media without the need for removing the media from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventors: Clyde H. Gilliam, Jr., James A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5226436
    Abstract: Wheel sensor treadleplates are provided in both wheel tracks of a car wash and the outermost depressed treadleplates send signals to a programmable controller which moves the spray head to a predetermined spacing from the vehicle side for optimum washing and safety as the spray head moves along both sides of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Ryko Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Benjamin L. Kirby
  • Patent number: 5195548
    Abstract: The invention relates to a washing device for an apparatus comprising a tank having a wall defining an interior chamber for holding a liquid and partitions dividing the interior chamber, the partitions having parts which are not immersed in the liquid and are susceptible to becoming fouled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: FCB
    Inventor: Tanguy Roger
  • Patent number: 5193446
    Abstract: The spray ring is cycled back and forth along the longitudinal axis of the finisher to allow the high pressure cleaning stream of water or solvent to be directed against the surface of the finisher. A linear rodless cylinder is attached to the spray ring and is sequenced to move the spray ring from one end of the finisher to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Olusczak, Michael L. Suter
  • Patent number: 5193442
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing and agitating objects to be treated in a liquid is described in terms of the use of the apparatus in the processing of potato chips in cooking oil. The apparatus comprises an automated kettle rake (100) for use in the processing of potato chips or other objects (101) in a kettle (102) filled with cooking oil or other desired liquid (103), involving an agitation manifold (104) movably mounted above the kettle (102) and a dispersal manifold (106) positioned inside the kettle (102). The agitation manifold (104) disperses the chips or other objects by injecting fluid through at least one nozzle onto the liquid in the kettle (102) while passing over the length of the kettle (102). Optionally, the cooked chips or other objects may be swept onto a removal conveyor (110) after processing is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Moscowitz, James Teng, John H. Dokos, David E. Bishop
  • Patent number: 5188293
    Abstract: Fluid applicating and vehicle washing apparatus and processes are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a plurality of fluid delivery nozzles directed to spray fluid in a clustered pattern in parallel directions toward the vehicle. The nozzles are mounted on a central pipe that is made to rotate about an axis generally parallel to, but at an angle with, the direction of fluid delivery. In a preferred embodiment, the nozzles are zero degree nozzles, mounted on 90.degree. elbows arranged helically on a central pipe. The central pipe is fixed to an extension pipe which has an axis making a fixed angle of 5.degree. to 20.degree. with the axis of the central pipe. The use of a clustered spray of zero degree nozzles is found to produce a synergistic cleaning effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: P.D.Q. Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Forrest R. Burton