With Movably Or Flexibly Mounted Spray Or Jet Applying Conduits Or Nozzles Patents (Class 134/172)
  • Patent number: 4838492
    Abstract: A spray gun reciprocating device has a pair of tracks which are parallel to one another, each track comprises the surfaces of a square tube which are engaged by independently rotatable rollers of each of at least three roller assemblies, the rollers of each assembly having track engaging surfaces which converge towards one another, and the rollers are freely rotatable so that if one roller engages a track surface closely to its axis of rotation with the other roller, there is no skidding of the engaging surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Inventor: Arnold R. Berry
  • Patent number: 4830033
    Abstract: A wheel washer has first and second applicators which each have a row of plural spaced nozzles for delivering high pressure fluid to the wheels of a vehicle. The first applicator is fixedly mounted adjacent a track which guides the tires at the driver side of the vehicle. The second applicator is mounted by parallelogram support structure for movement toward and away from the tires at the passenger side of the vehicle. This second applicator is shifted to maintain a desired spacing between the nozzles and the wheels being cleaned, regardless of the width of the vehicle. Cleaning fluid is delivered to one nozzle of each applicator and a laterally disposed nozzle of the other applicator at a time. In succession, the pairs of nozzles apply cleaning fluid to the wheels as the vehicle travels through the vehicle wash. Treadle switches, angled relative to the direction of vehicle travel, are utilized to control the flow of fluid to the desired nozzles of the applicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Inventor: Daniel C. Hanna
  • Patent number: 4827953
    Abstract: A system (10) for lancing sludge deposits (12) from within a bundle (14) of vertically extending steam generator tubes (16) of a PWR steam generator secondary side assembly (18) has a flexible lance (28) mounted in a lance guide/housing transporter (30). The transporter (30) is movable along blowdown (20) to position end (32) of the flexible lance opposite one of the inter-tube lanes (26) so that the flexible lance (28) may be inserted along the selected inter-tube lane (26). A rigid lance guide (34) on the transporter (30) has a curved end (36) configured to turn the flexible lance (28) at a chosen angle, such as 90.degree., so that the flexible lance (28) will be fed into the selected inter-tube lane (26). The transporter has a drive (37) for advancing the flexible lance (28) through end (36) of the lance guide (34) and into the inter-tube lane (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. S. Lee
  • 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: 4828626
    Abstract: A cleaning system for a swimming pool which includes a mobile cleaning unit and/or stationary cleaning heads. Manual and automatic modes are included. The system is suitable for both gunnite and polymer liner pools, spas and the like. No energy is required other than that normally required for circulation of water through the conventional filtration apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Crystal Pools, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnathan E. Meincke
  • Patent number: 4809720
    Abstract: A brushless vehicle washing apparatus and process which cleans all four sides and top of any sized vehicle uniformly and in an efficient manner, without touching such vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Inventor: Patrick T. Heraty
  • Patent number: 4807319
    Abstract: A self contained high pressure hot water cleaning system for grocery carts is disclosed in which a trailer mounted fully enclosed system allows the automatic passage of individual grocery carts from one end to the other by the use of a conveyor passing through a wash tunnel having spray nozzles. The wash tunnel also provides a pair of rotating brushes, a spent fluid holding tank, a cleaning fluid supply tank, a sanitizing fluid supply tank, associated pumps as well as a heater for heating the cleaning fluid. The self contained system further provides a hand operated wand at the entrance of the wash tunnel to allow an operator to remove difficult accumulation of grime from the grocery carts. A lifting table and exit ramp is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Inventor: Anton Poitevin
  • Patent number: 4805245
    Abstract: Water fittings for rinsing tables or the like include a hose pipe which is provided with a hose fiting having a casing which accommodates in downstream direction a shut-off valve for controlling the water flow and a fast coupling for providing a connection of the hose fitting with a hand appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe Armaturenfabrik GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: William P. Herring
  • Patent number: 4805653
    Abstract: An essentially self-contained mobile tube cleaning machine which is remotely operable so that there is no need for operating personnel to be in close proximity to cleaning nozzles or other high pressure lines during tube cleaning operations. As a consequence, significantly higher water pressures and significantly higher water flow rates can be utilized thereby not only accelerating the rate of cleaning but also the efficiency and the effectiveness of the cleaning operation. Through the provision of a nozzle head at the end of an articulatable boom, it is possible to adjust the location of the nozzle through movement of the boom in order to clean the face of a tube bundle, the shell side of a tube bundle and the interior of the tubes themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Serv-Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Krajicek, Robert R. Cradeur
  • Patent number: 4804421
    Abstract: In a method for removing an aged wax and fur on a vehicle by a washing machine including a gate-type frame which is reciprocally travellable astride the vehicle in longitudinal direction of the latter and which is provided with a rotary brush arrangement, a dryer, a clear water sprayer, a neutralizer-containing rinse water sprayer and an aged-wax/fur removing material spreader, the vehicle is brushed by the rotary brush arrangement during a first advancing movement of the gate-type frame, and an aged-wax/fur removing material is spreaded onto the vehicle by the aged-wax/fur removing material spreader, while at the same time brushing the vehicle by said rotary brush arrangement during a first returning movement and second advancing movement of the gate-type frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Takeuchi Tekko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeo Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 4803979
    Abstract: An upstanding helmet window panel has a pressurized fluid manifold extending along the upper margin of the window panel including longitudinally spaced spray jet outlet structure for spray discharging fluid from the manifold onto the upper margin of the window panel at an acute angle relatively thereto. A combination of cleaning liquid (water) and gas (air) is supplied to the manifold under pressure and the water and air are discharged from the jet outlet structures in a pulsating manner with the pulsating discharges of water serving to increase the cleaning action on the window panel and forming a layer of water flowing over the panel and the pulsating discharges of air serving to form a curtain of air over the layer of water on the window to smooth out and maintain a generally constant thickness of the water layer and thus increase visibility therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Inventor: Edmund C. Fischer
  • Patent number: 4798334
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a closed vessel having a retraction mechanism for extending or retracting a spray mechanism within the vessel. The apparatus includes a housing and door assembly for separating the spraying mechanism from the interior to the vessel when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: New West Engineering, Ltd.
    Inventor: Max G. Harrington
  • Patent number: 4791947
    Abstract: A portable cleaning device for automotive parts. The device contains an asbestos residue compartment and an extendable/retractable catch basin for movement to the desired distance from the work piece. A transparent shield separates the user from the work piece, the shield has corner magnets at one end for attachment to the car wheel well. A hand held cleaning implement, out of which a cleaning fluid is pumped at low pressure, is used to clean the work piece. Magnets centrally located on the shield may be used to secure the shield to the catch basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Inventor: George Holzberger
  • Patent number: 4788993
    Abstract: Vehicle washing apparatus positioned above or at the side of the path followed by a vehicle to be washed. For side washing apparatus, pairs of spaced nozzles are reciprocated in a vertical plane to provide vertical coverage. The nozzles of a pair are angled toward each other, so that one nozzle sprays the front of the vehicle as the vehicle approaches, both nozzles spray the side of the vehicle as the vehicle passes, and the other nozzle sprays the rear of the vehicle as it departs. For top washing apparatus, the pairs of spaced nozzles are reciprocated in a horizontal plane to provide horizontal coverage. The angle nozzles contribute to the washing of the front and rear of a vehicle in addition to washing the top surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Assignee: Sherman Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Carl C. Beer, C. Lee Hewitt, Sherman Larson
  • Patent number: 4785588
    Abstract: A liquid blasting system for blasting an area, surface, structure, part, item, or member with liquid or with liquid and abrasives, or with a liquid-abrasive mixture. The system has a housing through which are disposed a plurality of inlets or nozzles. Liquid, e.g. water, under pressure is transmitted through the inlets or nozzles to the area, etc. to be blasted. Abrasives, e.g. sand, may be injected with the liquid or separate abrasive injection inlets or nozzles may be employed in connection with the liquid inlets or nozzles. The inlet or nozzle housing can communicate with a collection housing for receiving blasted material, liquid, and abrasives and the collection housing can have ports therein through which these liquids and materials can exit. The ports can be suitable for connecting thereto a vacuum source for sucking materials and liquid from the nozzle housing, to and through the collection housing, and thence out of the collection housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Weatherford U.S., Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Woodward
  • Patent number: 4785841
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Innovac Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond A. Breckner
  • Patent number: 4784166
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit and a wheeled self-propelled moveable frame provides a one-way feed of water under pressure selectively bearing a liquid soap or a liquid rinse chemical via a wind up hose mounted on a spool via a drive motor to axle to belt to clutch to shaft on the moveable frame through a multi-way directional valve to a water powered drive motor for driving the moveable frame forward and reverse relative to an open end of a vehicle body and said spool. A water cylinder changes the angle of inclination of a floor nozzle tube rotatable about its axis horizontally at the front of the moveable frame and bears a series of longitudinally spaced nozzles, when the machine travel reverses towards the open end of the vehicle body. The multi-way directional valve changes the water flow direction upon impact of a sensor operatively coupled thereto and projecting forwardly of the front of the wheeled self-propelled moveable frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Inventors: Douglas R. Brager, Randall J. Kappes
  • Patent number: 4777971
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handling machine designed in such a way that it can move along a surface having a random slope.The machine has a central chamber and at least one adjacent peripheral chamber with an open side, which can be sealingly applied to the surface by means of gaskets. This application is obtained by producing a vacuum in at least one of the chambers. The displacement of the machine on the surface, e.g. with the aid of caterpillars, is improved by producing an overpressure in at least one other chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignees: Service National Electricite de France, Societe de Travaux en Milieu Ionisant (STMI)
    Inventors: Michel Tribout, Bernard Taillez
  • Patent number: 4777972
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel high pressure water cleaning device. The cleaning device of the present invention provides means to mechanically manipulate a high pressure water nozzle. The invention is particularly suitable for cleaning the drier trays of tunnel driers which are used in rubber manufacturing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Polysar Financial Services S.A.
    Inventor: Michel Adam
  • Patent number: 4774975
    Abstract: For removal of the contaminant deposits from a surface such as a tube sheet of a vertical tube heat exchanger, as in a nuclear steam generator, having plural spaced heat exchange tubes connected to the tube sheet, a lance is radially moved along the tube sheet between parallel rows of tubes. The lance carries a nozzle for ejecting a stream of high pressure cleaning fluid toward the sludge deposits, the nozzle acting cyclically to sweep the stream throughout a range of directions centered about the nozzle axis. The nozzle may include diverting streams for deflecting the cleaning fluid stream, with the diverting streams either being generated by a fluidic oscillator or being fed back from the outlet portion of the nozzle. Alternatively, pivoting vane means may be provided in the nozzle to divert the cleaning fluid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: David L. Ayers, Terry Wright, Michael C. Skriba
  • Patent number: 4773113
    Abstract: A portable, multiple purpose drain cleaning apparatus comprising a payout drum supporting a snake hose wound thereon and supported for rotation on a portable support frame, a plurality of fluid tanks in selective fluid communication with a powered pump connected to the snake hose, and a spray hose assembly for providing a source of high pressure fluid for external cleaning operations. A valve assembly is provided for alternately directing the pressurized fluid to the snake hose or to the spray hose assembly. A pressure sensing unit communicates with the spray hose assembly for selectively activating and deactivating the power source powering the pump in response to the pressure of the fluid in the spray hose assembly. In another embodiment a valve assembly is provided to define an open flow path of the fluid during start-up of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Inventor: V. Lee Russell
  • Patent number: 4765352
    Abstract: A sealed portable isolation enclosure for use in removing asbestos material from ceiling or other elevated asbestos-containing structures including a booth and an adjustable ceiling-contacting plenum for accommodating ceiling of various heights. Disposed between the booth and the plenum is a flexible transparent film for enclosing and sealing the spaced formed therebetween regardless of the elevation of the plenum relative to the booth. The enclosure is equipped with EPA approved vacuum and ventilation systems for filtering and ventilating the contaminated air therein. A disposable bag-trap door system is provided for the disposal of the asbestos-containing materials. In addition, the enclosure may also include a shower system within the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Inventor: Jerome F. Strieter
  • Patent number: 4753256
    Abstract: An improved pool cleaner hose is provided for use in supplying water under pressure to a water-powered in-the-pool cleaner device for swimming pools and the like. The hose is formed from one or more elongated spiral wound strips of flexible plastic material or the like with adjacent turns interconnected by a continuous laser weld to define an elongated, flexible, and relatively buoyant hose construction. The hose is coupled between a supply of water under pressure and the pool cleaner device, with weights of selected mass being mounted upon the hose at selected positions near the cleaner device to cause the hose to trail the cleaner device with a relatively low profile thereby minimizing drag effects upon the cleaner device as it moves throughout the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: Alopex Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Chivens, Greskovics, Paul
  • Patent number: 4750504
    Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus is provided in which two U-shaped frames suspend a rectangular frame in an overhead arrangement. In the rectangular frame is supported a piston and cylinder arrangement which controls the playing out of four lines which are guided by pulleys to a vertical attitude suspending an open frame adapted for being lowered and raised. In lowered position, the frame encircles a vehicle and sprays the same with water and a cleaning fluid. For this purpose, the frame is provided with inwardly directed nozzles which are accommodated in a channel provided in the open frame. The water and cleaning fluid are stored in two tanks connected to two pumps which are connected by two lines to the open frame and the nozzles therein. The piston and cylinder arrangement is operated by compressed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: Hercules Car Wash International
    Inventor: Michael Flaxman
  • Patent number: 4741351
    Abstract: A parts washer and a method of washing parts. The parts washer has a cabinet having a rotatable turntable for carrying parts in a circular path and an oscillating spray manifold has spray nozzles directed toward the top, bottom and side of the parts and is caused to oscillate in an advancing movement counter to the direction of travel of the parts on the turntable and a return movement. The rate of travel of the spray nozzles varies in the two directions of movement with slower travel in the advancing movement and fast return movement to insure that successive sprays delivered by the spray nozzles in the advancing movement overlap on the parts to avoid any striping effect on the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: The Modern Auto Recycling Techniques Corporation
    Inventor: Gary E. Minkin
  • Patent number: 4739781
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a compact top loading dishwasher suitable for fitting inside furniture units or the like, comprising a tub having an openable lid, an internal rotating washing member and one or more removable baskets for carrying articles located in the tub, the tub being supported on a metal base provided to house the mechanical and plumbing parts required for the supply and the operation of the dishwasher, it being possible to position the dishwasher, in a removable way, inside a kitchen unit, or the like, from which it can be removed for use at a different location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: TOP S.r.l.
    Inventor: Francesco Casoli
  • Patent number: 4735222
    Abstract: A spray system is disclosed for forming directed streams of liquid under pressure. A supply conduit having an open end and a manifold communicating with a plurality of spray nozzles and having an inlet conduit with an open end cooperate for insertion of the inlet conduit into the supply conduit to connect the manifold to the supply conduit, the manifold is placed near the supply conduit in a predetermined but misaligned position. A plate having a slot defines at least a portion of a pair of cam surfaces and a wash arm formed on the manifold defines a cam follower. Rotation of the inlet conduit about its central axis causes the cam follower to contact and cooperate with the cam surfaces to produce lateral force along the inlet conduit, thereby forcing the same into fluid-tight engagement with the supply conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: Hobart Corporation
    Inventors: Herbert R. Crane, Richard D. Valentine
  • Patent number: 4732186
    Abstract: An automobile servicing apparatus according to the present invention is basically defined as a unit module and it includes a turntable having a diameter suitable for placing thereon an automobile to be serviced and provided with a lift mechanism for lifting the automobile above the turntable. A washing unit for washing the bottom of automobile is also provided and it is normally located outside of the turntable. When the turntable is set in orientation such that the guide groove provided in the turntable becomes aligned with the guide groove provided outside of the turntable, the washing unit may be moved along the aligned guide grooves in a reciprocating manner. Also provided is a main motor for driving to rotate the turntable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Inventor: Koichi Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 4723564
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning both the interior and exterior of a paint dispensing roller that has a water inlet attachable to a faucet with a one-way valve to prevent reverse water flow through the inlet, a first water outlet from which water is supplied through a conduit into the inside of the roller flushing it clean, and a ring holding the roller having a second water outlet communicating with the water inlet to supply water to clean the exterior of the paint roller. The ring snugly fits around the roller in order to hold it in place, and also functions to wipe the water from the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Wagner Spray Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel T. West, Gary C. Polk
  • Patent number: 4719932
    Abstract: An automatic vehicle washing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a single support column, a boom assembly cantileverly supported on and hinged to pivot horizontally about the support column and mounted to move up and down on the support column. The boom assembly includes a magnetic catch to prevent the boom from pivoting during normal operation. Mounted on the boom are fluid dispensing nozzles and a photoelectric assembly which senses the relative position of the boom assembly and the contour of a vehicle being washed. The photoelectric assembly includes a plurality of pairs of photoelectric emitters and detectors, set such that the beam between each pair is at an angle with both the horizontal plane of vehicle movement and vertical plane containing the ends of the boom assembly. The photoelectric assembly is connected to a control means which controls a drive mechanism to raise and lower the boom assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: PDQ Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Forrest R. Burton
  • Patent number: 4716916
    Abstract: The system for cleansing exterior surfaces of vehicles has horizontal arrays of plural zero degree solid stream nozzles in spaced relationship along the linear length of the arrays. The zero degree nozzles are at an angular orientation with respect to the linear length of each array such that the solid streams emitted from them are form 40.degree. up to about 80.degree. from the linear length. Each array is equipped with elements for oscillating the array in a direction transverse to the linear length thereof. The system includes elements for effecting relative linear motion, lengthwise between a vehicle undergoing treatment and the horizontal oscillatable arrays, with each array laterally parallel to a side of the vehicle. Ends of a vehicle as well as sides can be cleaned with the angularly impacting solid streams from the arrays during the relative linear motion even though the arrays are laterally parallel to the length of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Grace-Lee Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Hodge
  • Patent number: 4715324
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing from the tube sheet and transfer tubes of a nuclear steam generator sludge deposits which occur from the use of all volatile treatment water chemistry. A continuously activated suction apparatus maintains at a low level the water/sludge inventory on the tube sheet. A high pressure first water lance is oscillated and stepped inwardly along the central tube lane of the generator to dislodge the sludge from the tube plate and heat exchange tubes. After this lance has been stepped inwardly to a predetermined position, a low pressure second water lance is activated and periodically advanced to a position just short of the first lance and functions both to dislodge sludge and to form a water barrier which prevents redeposition of sludge in the clean area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: Apex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Muller, Scott M. Theiss, James E. Brown, Jr., Bobby R. Lawson
  • Patent number: 4712573
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for movably washing, rinsing and drying a stationary article positioned within a housing defining a washing chamber therein. A support strut extends horizontally through the housing and a carriage means is movably mounted thereon to allow reciprocal lateral movement back and forth along the support strut. A support wheel structure rotably movable with respect to the carriage is mounted thereto and is in engagement with the support strut to facilitate this reciprocal movement. The carriage includes mounted thereon means for washing, rinsing and drying of the article positioned within the washing chamber. A drive is included including three rotatably movable pulleys and a driven sprocket. An air extractor is secured with respect to the housing to exhaust air from the washing chamber when drying air is being fed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Inventor: Henry Y. Kuhl
  • Patent number: 4709714
    Abstract: An apparatus for exposing the fibrous reinforcements of a fiber reinforced resin body comprises at least one stage in which a portion of the resin body is brought into contact with a heated resin removing liquid while the resin body is vibrated. According to this apparatus subsequent processing of the resin body, e.g., connecting to another similarly treated resin body, can be advantageously conducted by utilizing the exposed fibrous reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Assignee: Hitachi Zosen Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Nishino, Masahiko Yamamoto, Tadayoshi Uda, Kiyoshi Kondo, Yutaka Kondo, Kazuo Kondo
  • Patent number: 4709715
    Abstract: A pre-rinse unit incorporates a normally closed water shutoff valve connected to the lower end of a vertical riser pipe carrying a source of water. An outer tube is rotatably and longitudinally slidable on the riser pipe. A pair of rotatable arms are mounted for rotation at one end to the upper end of the vertical riser pipe above the outer tube for rotation about a horizontal axis and the arms carry cams contacting a cam follower ring whose lower surface abuts the outer tube. A concentric coil spring surrounding the vertical riser pipe and interiorly of the hollow tube, abuts a lower collar fixed to the riser pipe, interiorly of the tube, at its lower end and its upper end abuts the cam follower ring. Stop means carried by the riser pipe limits pivoting of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Assignee: Hayes-Ivy Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Silsby H. Knight
  • Patent number: 4705057
    Abstract: A device for cleaning the heat-exchanging surface of a storage medium of a regenerative heat exchanger which has a rotatably driven hood. The device utilizes rinsing or cleaning fluid which is discharged from at least one spray nozzle essentially parallel to the planes of the heat-exchanging surfaces. The spray nozzles are movable relative to the storage medium. In order to provide a structurally simple, light-weight cleaning device which can be housed in a space-saving manner, the spray nozzle is disposed at the end of an at least two-part, telescopic nozzle holder which is mounted on the hood of the regenerative heat exchanger and is connected by a supply line with a transfer mechanism disposed in the center of rotation of the hood. The transfer mechanism includes a tubular piece which rotates with the hood, and a stationary housing which is sealed off relative to the tubular piece. The adjustment movement of the movable part of the nozzle holder can be derived from the rotational movement of the hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Balcke-Durr Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Mohr, Manfred Tratz
  • Patent number: 4691723
    Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning radioactive tube banks which have open ends contained in a plane, preferably for cleaning the tube banks of tube bank condensers, includes a high-pressure hose, which is pushed through each of the tubes and which at its free end carries a spray nozzle for discharging a cleaning liquid. The hose is disposed between and positively or non-positively coupled to two feed wheels and is advanced and retracted by the feed wheels in a direction which is parallel to the tubes. The feed wheels are provided with a hose drive and mounted in a cleaning carriage, which is movable by a carriage drive in a plane which is defined by a frame. The cleaning carriage is fixed in cleaning positions, and the frame is provided with a device for fixing the frame to the tube bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Ernst Schmutz GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Mierswa, Friedrich Schmutz
  • Patent number: 4690159
    Abstract: An improved rotary cleaning device for cleaning the inner surface of a cylindrical housing is disclosed, characterized by a unique mounting and fluid distribution shaft. A flixed support is axially arranged within the housing and the shaft is mounted on the support for longitudinal displacement along the housing axis. A swivel device is rotatably connected with the shaft and a pair of cleaning lances are connected with the swivel. High pressure cleaning fluid is delivered to the lances via the shaft and the swivel to abrasively clean the inner wall surface of the cylindrical housing. A drive mechanism is connected with the swivel to rotate the swivel and cleaning lances about the shaft. When the drive mechanism is operated to rotate the swivel and when the shaft is axially displaced along the support, the cleaning lances traverse both orbital and linear paths to direct the cleaning fluid against th entire interior surface area of the cylindrical wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Assignee: Vadakin, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Vadakin, Thomas A. Hoenigman
  • Patent number: 4677998
    Abstract: Bituminous and other coatings are removed from a pipe surface by directing powerful water jets, e.g. under a pressure of 300-600 bars, and preferably under an acute angle of incidence, against such pipe surface. The apparatus has one or more nozzles, each provided with water supply means, in a frame that can be mounted around the pipe to be treated. In a preferred embodiment, the nozzles are arranged in groups on rotatable annular discs which surround the pipe with some clearance and which receive a reciprocating rotary movement during operation, while the frame carrying such discs is adapted for travelling in longitudinal direction of the pipe. If both movements are coordinated, i.e. effected simultaneously then, each nozzle will follow a zigzag path along the pipe surface, thereby covering a vast area and removing bituminous or other coatings in a fast and efficient way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Inventors: Dirk F. van Voskuilen, Frans van Voskuilen
  • Patent number: 4676201
    Abstract: A sludge lancing method comprises providing a lancing nozzle and a barrier nozzle for respectively emitting cleaning and barrier streams of fluid along two channels between columns of heat exchange tubes in a nuclear steam generator vessel, the two channels being spaced apart by at least two columns of tubes. The barrier stream prevents dislodged sludge from being moved laterally past it into previously cleaned areas. The streams may be rotated between the center and the periphery of the tube sheet. The barrier nozzle comprises three jets angularly disposed with respect to one another for increased coverage of the barrier channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Edward J. Lahoda, David A. Eckhardt
  • Patent number: 4674521
    Abstract: Rinsing methods and apparatus employ a rotatable work support to spray rinsing liquid against a surrounding wall of a processing station. The rinsing liquid washes residual processing liquid from the surrounding wall of the processing station, whereby the work support performs a cleaning function in addition to its conventional processing function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Machine Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard Paulfus
  • Patent number: 4672988
    Abstract: A conduit flushing device comprising an elastomeric tubular body having one end thereof to be connected to a suitable source of water under pressure with the opposite end of the tubular body being connected to a valve. The valve is normally closed by an integral portion of the tubular body being in watertight contact with an elongated sealing member of the valve. Supplying of water within the tubular body causes the body to expand spacing the seat assembly from the sealing member permitting flow of water from the internal chamber of the tubular body and through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Inventor: George Tash
  • Patent number: 4659465
    Abstract: A washing apparatus for filter presses which is used for washing filter cloths on filter plates upon completion of filtration comprises a carriage disposed above the filter plates, a pantograph attached to the carriage, a fluid cylinder having its rod connected to the intermediate pivot of the pantograph, a washing liquid spraying pipe connected to the lower link overlap region of the pantograph and having nozzles, multiple extensible pipes disposed between the carriage and opposite sides of the pantograph attaching region of the washing liquid spraying pipe for holding the washing liquid spraying pipe horizontal, and a flexible conduit connected to the washing liquid spraying pipe and adapted to move to follow the expansion and contraction of the pantograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Kurita Machinery Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Mitsugi Makinoda
  • Patent number: 4658749
    Abstract: An autonomous and semi-submerged station for cleaning the hulls of pleasure craft, comprising a floating ballasted pontoon or a wharf and principally a mobile cabin, ballasted, in unbreakable transparent material, with an open roof, having on its forward wall (40) two openings provided with sealed rotary bearings (1) by which enter and exit, while sweeping, tubes (2) for water under pressure fed with fresh or salt water through an autonomous pump. The work is performed under visual surveillance. Secured to the cabin, a mechanism of pulley and externally grooved wheels, controlled from the interior of the cabin permits the longitudinal displacement on the tubes secured to the floating pontoon or to the wharf. The externally grooved wheels enclose the tubes that mate the cabin to the floating pontoon or to the wharf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Inventor: Charles L. Penalba
  • Patent number: 4653518
    Abstract: A washing apparatus for containers used to hold urine wherein a retaining member for retaining a plurality of urine containers arranged laterally in parallel is supported inside a body rotatably in one step or in a plurality of steps and a cover capable of closing a top opening of each urine container is disposed so as to be opened and closed in synchronism with the rotation of the retaining member, the cover and the urine container are rotated by a required angle by rotation transfer means so the urine may be discharged from the opening at a position where the top opening of the urine container faces downward, simultaneously the urine containers are cleaned successively or all at once automatically by cleaning agent and water ejected from a cleaning agent nozzle and a washing water nozzle provided at the positions corresponding to the opening and returning to the original state after the completion of the cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Inventor: Shiro Adachi
  • Patent number: 4646768
    Abstract: An extendable and retractable cleaning apparatus includes a multi-stage extendable and retractable arm assembly formed of a plurality of cylindrical members assembled in a telescopic manner, an ejection nozzle provided at a tip end of the innermost cylindrical member of the arm assembly, a mount housing surrounding a substantially central portion of the arm assembly to rotatably support the arm assembly and a casing integrally formed at a base end of the outermost cylindrical member of the arm assembly to form a pressure chamber in cooperation with the assembly. A rotational driving device is provided within the housing for rotationally driving the arm assembly. A washing liquid feed hose is connected to the ejection nozzle. A compressed air feed pipe has one end mounted to the casing to communicate with the pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukio Tanaka, Toshiya Miyatake, Takuya Kitera, Isamu Miyamae
  • Patent number: 4643209
    Abstract: Car washing apparatus which provides for multiple uses of washing fluid and an improved vehicle washing structure utilizing a single multi-nozzle manifold that is configured to be operable to vary the spacing of the manifold from the vehicle to thereby increase the washing efficiency at areas of greatest accumulation of bugs and dirt and the like on an automobile. The spring biasing effect of a high pressure hose, connecting the manifold to a source of washing fluid under high pressure, is utilized in the operation of the apparatus. The conjoint operation of a contour following, two-wheeled assembly provides for tilting of the manifold and nozzles to tend to retain the direction of high pressure washing fluid spray perpendicular to the surface of the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Ronald D. Fast
    Inventor: Benjamin Fast
  • Patent number: 4637413
    Abstract: A low profile parts washer with a central solvent storage well, a pair of side walls subdivided into upper and lower portions, intermediate wall supporting wheels with the wheel axle lined above the well bottom, a safety cover positioned by a pair of supports and held above the well by fusible link means, a solvent pump and motor and a parts retainer screen covering the opening formed by the intermediate walls and the center solvent well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: Safety-Kleen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Llewellyn, Stephen Holden
  • Patent number: 4635666
    Abstract: An apparatus that cleans printed wiring assemblies. A plurality of assemblies are positioned in a rack on their respective edges so that each of them is maintained in a substantially vertical plane. A spray header member mounted for reciprocation between an uppermost and a lowermost position has a plurality of horizontally disposed support members that are positioned in staggered relation to the assemblies to be cleaned so that when the header member travels downwardly, the support members enter into the spaces between the rows of assemblies. A plurality of nozzles are formed on the support members, and direct a fan-shaped spray onto the assemblies both during the downward travel time of the spray header member and its upward travel time. The spray impinges the assemblies at a forty five degree angle. Depending upon the cycle being undergone, the nozzles discharge a caustic cleaning solution, domestic potable water, or a dionized water rinsing solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Inventors: Frank E. Daley, Richard H. Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 4635665
    Abstract: This washing apparatus comprises holding a pipe assembly by means of a holding means. Said pipe assembly is consisted of a pouring pipe which acts to pour a wash liquid in micro wells of a container and a suction pipe which acts to suck said waste wash liquid from said micro wells. Said pipe assembly is formed of a dual-pipe consisting of a suction pipe and a pouring pipe disposed inside said suction pipe. The forward end opening portions of said both pipes are located on the substantially same plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Eisai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuzaburo Namba, Shigenari Kukisaki