Pipe, Tubing, Hose, Or Conduit Patents (Class 134/22.11)
  • Publication number: 20140348700
    Abstract: A process and system for sterilization of a product pathway of a blow-fill-seal machine. The process comprises steps of: (1) isolating a holding tank from the product pathway; (2) supplying a sterilizing agent to the product pathway of the BFS machine when the holding tank is isolated; (3) stopping the supply of sterilizing agent to the product pathway when a threshold is reached; and (4) supplying filtered compressed air to the product pathway when the supply of sterilizing agent is stopped. The process is preferably executed automatically without human intervention once initiated. Also described is a system for carrying out the process including a processor, valves and temperature and/or pressure sensors which provide information to the processor to determine when to open and close the valves to supply sterilizing agent and/or compressed air to the product pathway or holding tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: James Michael Foreman, Arthur Baran
  • Publication number: 20140345651
    Abstract: A water deluge system cleaning apparatus and method of cleaning a water deluge system which does not require the water deluge system to be offline while it is being cleaned. This is achieved by a packing device that provides an annular seal within the water deluge system, and a cleaning device for cleaning the water deluge system that extends through the packing device. Arrangements of inlets and/or outlets comprising safety valves also provide for additional functionality such as debris extraction or fluid flushing while still allowing the water deluge system to remain online.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: PARADIGM FLOW SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventor: Hugh MacKenzie
  • Patent number: 8894772
    Abstract: An intelligent pig for pipeline monitoring comprises a single body containing signal transmitters and receivers provided with replaceable rings for centering the body within the pipeline, the rings may be provided with brushes which help center the pig within the pipeline and also aid its passage through pipelines which may contain bends and/or be of variable diameter, the pig may be used in combination with a cleaning pig to provide combined activities using a common driving force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Cokebuster Ltd.
    Inventors: John Phipps, Hugh Lewis
  • Patent number: 8888922
    Abstract: A drain cleaner may be used on a periodic basis to clean soil residues from residential and commercial waste drains. The drain cleaner may chemically self-foam to fill a waste drain with the foam. For example, the drain cleaner may be provided in two or more parts that are physically intermixed during use of the drain cleaner. One part may include hydrogen peroxide and water while another part may include a catalase, an amylase, a protease, and an enzyme stabilizer. The drain cleaner may also include a surfactant present in at least one of the first part and the second part. Additionally, in some examples, the drain cleaner includes a sanitizing agent present in either of the two parts or in yet a third physically separate part. During use, the different drain cleaner parts can be dispensed simultaneously into a drain to generate a cleaning and/or sanitizing foam in-situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan R. Ortmann, Anthony Erickson, Thomas R. Mohs
  • Publication number: 20140318582
    Abstract: An endoscope lens cleaning apparatus used for removing surgical debris from an objective lens of an endoscope. The endoscope lens cleaning apparatus includes an elongated sheath and a connection assembly. The elongated sheath includes an endoscope lumen and an irrigation channel, configured in parallel and adjoining, each extending between an inlet end and an outlet end. At least one stand-off is formed within the elongated sheath along the outlet end. The endoscope lumen and the irrigation channel are fluidly open to one another when the endoscope lumen is in an empty state and the irrigation channel is fluidly sealed from the endoscope lumen between the at least one stand-off and the inlet end when the endoscope lumen is in an occupied state. A fluid passageway extends from a fluid port of the connection assembly and is configured to align and fluidly connected with the irrigation channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani
  • Patent number: 8858721
    Abstract: A drain cleaner may be used on a periodic basis to clean soil residues from residential and commercial waste drains. The drain cleaner may chemically self-foam to fill a waste drain with the foam. For example, the drain cleaner may be provided in two or more parts that are physically intermixed during use of the drain cleaner. One part may include hydrogen peroxide and water while another part may include a catalase, an amylase, a protease, and an enzyme stabilizer. The drain cleaner may also include a surfactant present in at least one of the first part and the second part. Additionally, in some examples, the drain cleaner includes a sanitizing agent present in either of the two parts or in yet a third physically separate part. During use, the different drain cleaner parts can be dispensed simultaneously into a drain to generate a cleaning and/or sanitizing foam in-situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan R. Ortmann, Anthony Erickson, Thomas R. Mohs
  • Publication number: 20140261547
    Abstract: A multi-lance reel assembly comprising a plurality of reel assemblies received onto and disposed to rotate about an axle. Each reel assembly rotates independently of the others. Each reel assembly further comprises a plurality of spokes separating a rim from a hub. Each hub provides a hub groove on each internal hub surface, and a hub aperture connecting each external hub surface with the hub groove. When the reel assemblies are received onto the axle, axle grooves on the axle align with the hub grooves to form a continuous ring aperture for each reel assembly. Separate axle apertures connect either one of the end faces of the axle with each axle groove, providing a separate passageway from each external hub surface to an axle end face. Hoses, electrical conduits, conductors or other similar carrier hardware deployed within hollow lances spooled on each reel assembly may connect to the hub apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: EXTREME HYDRO SOLUTIONS, L.L.C.
    Inventors: William C. Thomas, William J. Thomas, III, Perry J. DeCuir, JR., Kevin Jude Gerard Bollich
  • Patent number: 8834637
    Abstract: There is provided a biochemical analyzer and a method of cleaning fluid components of the same. The biochemical analyzer includes a reagent adding mechanism, a sample adding mechanism, at least one reaction cup, a cleaning mechanism and a waste pipeline connected to the cleaning mechanism. A control system is employed, wherein the control system has a cleaning mode for cleaning fluid components of the biochemical analyzer, having: a) a water injection step; and b) a water discharge. With the cleaning method, the fluid components such as the water drawing device and waste valve on the waste pipeline may be automatically cleaned without manual intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiang Xueping, Zhang Tao, Shi Xueyuan
  • Publication number: 20140251379
    Abstract: An apparatus for and method of cleaning a fire main associated with a deluge system. The method comprises injecting a chemical treatment fluid into the fire main via a first inlet and causing it to flow along a section of the fire main and out through an outlet while the fire main is in an operative condition associated with a deluge system. In one aspect, the method comprises biociding the fire main with a solution of chlorine dioxide to treat or remove tuberculation from the fire main.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Paradigm Flow Services Limited
    Inventor: Hugh Mackenzie
  • Patent number: 8784570
    Abstract: Method for cleaning a steam nozzle (7) of a beverage preparation machine comprising a rinsing container (12) having a top opening (22) and a draining device (23) for evacuating the liquid contained therein; a feed device for feeding the nozzle with liquid; a device (13) for moving the nozzle vertically so that its free end (7a) enters the container (12); and a control unit for controlling the moving and feeding devices. It includes a rinsing sequence with the following steps: the lowering of the nozzle (7) into the rinsing position inside the container; the filling of the container (12) with liquid by the nozzle; and the draining of the container (12) activated by the control unit connected to the moving and feeding devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Gilles Morin, Laurent Gagnon, Vincent Crosville
  • Patent number: 8784569
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for microsurgical instruments has a flush chamber closed off at one end by a first plug adapted to liquid-tightly grip one end of the instrument, allowing a portion of the instrument to extend past the first plug and out of the flush chamber. The other end of the flush chamber is closed off by a second plug having an inlet port. Liquid injected through the inlet port on the second plug passes through an internal passageway formed in the instrument and exits the instrument through the portion that extends past the first plug. In another embodiment the instrument has an internal passageway and an end cap through which flushing ports are formed which communicate with the passageway. A first plug having an inlet port is liquid-tightly attached to the end cap and liquid injected into the first plug passes through the plug, through the flushing ports and through the passageway to clean detritus from the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: ASICO, LLC
    Inventor: Rolf Meyer
  • Publication number: 20140182629
    Abstract: A treatment machine for a medical apparatus having inner portions and outer portions, contains a hollow vessel for receiving the medical apparatus, a first treatment system for treating the inner portions and a second treatment system for treating the outer portions. The first treatment system includes: an element for connecting at least one end piece of the medical apparatus to circulate treatment liquid in its inner portion, and the second treatment system includes: at least one spray nozzle for receiving and projecting vigorously at least one pressurized treatment liquid into the volume of the vessel to treat the outer portions of the medical apparatus and the inner surfaces of the vessel by spraying while creating a mechanical and chemical effect, and at least one element for filling the vessel with treatment liquid, to treat the outer portions of the medical apparatus and the inner surfaces of the vessel by immersing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: SOLUSCOPE SAS
    Inventors: Tanguy Dromard, Eric Pendaries, Sebastien Ruiz
  • Publication number: 20140166053
    Abstract: Systems and methods of the invention relate to cleaning a portion of a beverage line of a beverage distribution system based upon a signal received from a remote source. An administrative (also referred to as “admin”) system can manage a cleaning system from a remote location in which a remote signal can drive a cleaning system and at least one or more electric valves within the beverage distribution system. A controller component (local to the beverage distribution system) can receive the remote signal from the admin system, wherein a cleaning system (e.g., via a cleaning line) or a dispensing system (e.g., via a hose) can be selected to enable a cleaning mode or a dispensing mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: JC BEERSMART, INC.
    Inventors: Justin Carson, Arthur J. Geigel, III, Christopher Armenio
  • Patent number: 8747569
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for cleaning interiors of passageways in endoscopes or other luminal medical devices by flow of liquid and gas therethrough. The liquid flow may include rivulets, droplets or other liquid entities which move on the internal surfaces of the passageways, and may include a three-phase contact interface between liquid and dry solid and gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Princeton Trade & Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohamed Emam Labib, Ching-Yue Lai, Yacoob Tabani, Ziye Qian, Stanislav S. Dukhin, Joseph J. Murawski
  • Patent number: 8747568
    Abstract: A method of cleaning comprising propelling a sublimable media in a first direction through a discharge wand, inserting the discharge end of the wand into coils of a boiler, impinging on inner and outer surfaces the coils with the sublimable media, which subsequently dissipates or is consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: North American Industrial Services Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Bear, Kelly Brannick
  • Patent number: 8741069
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for microsurgical instruments has a flush chamber closed off at one end by a first plug adapted to liquid-tightly grip one end of the instrument, allowing a portion of the instrument to extend past the first plug and out of the flush chamber. The other end of the flush chamber is closed off by a second plug having an inlet port. Liquid injected through the inlet port on the second plug passes through an internal passageway formed in the instrument and exits the instrument through the portion that extends past the first plug. In another embodiment the instrument has an internal passageway and an end cap through which flushing ports are formed which communicate with the passageway. A first plug having an inlet port is liquid-tightly attached to the end cap and liquid injected into the first plug passes through the plug, through the flushing ports and through the passageway to clean detritus from the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Rolf Meyer
  • Patent number: 8715425
    Abstract: An endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus for processing an endoscope in a cleaning tank using a diluted chemical obtained by diluting a chemical with hot water in a dilution tank of the present invention introduces the hot water into the cleaning tank immediately before processing, introduces the hot water into the dilution tank after the temperature of the hot water introduced into the cleaning tank falls within a specified temperature range, generates the diluted chemical, introduces the diluted chemical into the cleaning tank and processes the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Ryuta Sewake, Eiri Suzuki, Masahiko Tomita, Shinichiro Kawachi, Naoya Taya
  • Patent number: 8696819
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning the interior surfaces of tubular members are provided. A flexible conduit having a nozzle disposed on an end can be disposed within the bore of a tubular to be cleaned. The nozzle can have an internal 5-15 degree tapered section with a length-to-diameter ratio of greater than about 2:1. The nozzle can have an outer diameter that is about 80% to 99% of the inner diameter of the tubular. A fluid suspension containing air and solid carbon dioxide can be passed through the nozzle, impinging the surrounding inner surface of the surrounding tubular as the nozzle is disposed within the tubular. The solid carbon dioxide and compressed air suspension can have a solids concentration of from about 0.1% to 10.0% solids. The solids delivery rate through the nozzle can range from about 0.5 lbs/minute to about 5 pounds/minute. The flow of the suspension through the nozzle can be controlled using a remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Arlie Mitchell Boggs
  • Patent number: 8696823
    Abstract: Methods for abrasive cleaning, deburring, providing barrier coatings and sealing leaks in existing pipes, in a single operation, in one pass by intermittent bursts of dry particulates forced and pulled by air throughout the piping system by a generator and a vacuum. Cleaning includes intermittently injecting bursts of abrasive particles into the pressurized gas into the piping system for cleaning pipe interior walls, reducing burrs and interior lips in the pipe interior walls and generating a vacuum suction in the piping system to remove abrasive particles and debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Pipe Restoration Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Gillanders, Steve Williams, John Laborde
  • Publication number: 20140090665
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for performing operations such as cleaning, inspection or data acquisition on an internal surface of a hollow cylindrical tubular. Preferred embodiments include providing at least one reel on which a hollow articulated lance is spooled. Tools or sensors, for example, are installed on a distal end of each lance. Hoses, electrical conduits, conductors or other similar carrier hardware inside each hollow lance supply the tools or sensors as required. A stabbing mechanism causes the reel to spool and unspool the lance so that the tools or sensors reciprocate up and down the inside of the rotating tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: EXTREME HYDRO SOLUTIONS, L.L.C.
    Inventors: William C. Thomas, William J. Thomas, III, Perry J. DeCuir, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140093347
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for handling cylindrical tubulars in a process that, in preferred embodiments, also performs cleaning, inspection and other operations on the tubular. The tubular is held stationary while it is rotated. During rotation of the tubular, internal and external cleaning systems, and data acquisition systems, pass up and down the length of the rotating tubular. In preferred embodiments, a first tubular is loaded onto the handling machine, whereupon it is indexed and then rotated. Cleaning, inspection and other operations may be performed during rotation. Once operations are complete, the handling system ejects the first tubular while queuing up a second tubular to be loaded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Extreme Hydro Solutions, L.L.C.
    Inventors: William C. Thomas, William J. Thomas, III, Perry J. DeCuir, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140090667
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning, treating and inspecting tubular goods including, without limitation, continuous tubing. Tubing is fed through a box-like housing having an inner chamber. As the tubing proceeds through the housing, the exterior surface of the tubing passes through an initial squeegee wiper to remove moisture, debris and environmental contaminants. Thereafter, the external surface of the pipe is washed using a high pressure liquid spray followed by another wiper squeegee and gas (typically air) dry station. After the pipe is sufficiently dry, liquid rust inhibitor and/or other treating fluid can be applied to the outer surface of the pipe before the pipe exits the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: WILLIAM C. THOMAS, WILLIAM J. THOMAS, III, GRANT E. THOMAS
  • Patent number: 8673088
    Abstract: A device for combining multiple components into a foam mixture and dispensing the foam mixture into a pipe is described. The multiple components are combined immediately prior to dispensing, which maximizes activity for labile, biologically active components whose degradation accelerates upon combining components. Embodiments of the device are relatively light weight and adapted to removably couple to sewer cleaning vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas P. Suiter, II
  • Patent number: 8668779
    Abstract: A method of simultaneously cleaning and disinfecting an industrial water system is described and claimed. The method involves the addition to the water of the industrial water system of a Compound selected from the group consisting of the alkali salts of chlorite and chlorate and mixtures thereof; and an acid, followed by allowing the water in the industrial water system to circulate for several hours. The reaction of the alkali salts of chlorite and chlorate and acid produces chlorine dioxide in-situ in the water of the industrial water system. The chlorine dioxide kills microorganisms and the acid acts to remove deposits upon the water-contact surfaces of the equipment. This cleaning and disinfecting method works in a variety of industrial water systems including cooling water systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Cooper, Jasbir S. Gill, Amit Gupta, Robert F. Kelly, Douglas G. Kelley, Eric R. Myers
  • Patent number: 8663393
    Abstract: A method for operating a dishwasher that includes a plurality of water circuits in which rinsing liquid is circulated according to a program control unit. In an exemplary method, the circulation of the rinsing liquid results in the passage of the rinsing liquid through at least one filter element that captures dirt entrained with the rinsing liquid. In response to a selected one of a program command provided by the program control unit and a detection of a defined degree of soiling of the filter element with dirt, the method includes circulating the rinsing liquid in a second water circuit in coordination with disposing the filter element in a second operating state thereof in which dirt can be dislodged from the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Egbert Classen, Helmut Jerg
  • Publication number: 20140020189
    Abstract: A system for treating a garment with a pre-treatment solution includes a fluid application assembly configured to dispense pre-treatment solution onto pre-determined target areas of the garment. A fluid supply and delivery assembly is coupled with the fluid application assembly and configured to provide a supply of pre-treatment solution to the fluid application assembly for dispensing onto the garment at fluid pressures of between about 5 and about 30 psig. A garment movement assembly is configured to move the garment with respect to the fluid application assembly so that the target areas of the garment can receive the pre-treatment solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: BelQuette Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Weibel, Mark Mombourquette
  • Patent number: 8632639
    Abstract: A mobile cleaning device for cleaning parts of a burner is provided. The mobile cleaning device includes a closable pressure vessel, wherein a nozzle end of the burner is located inside the pressure vessel. An end of the burner, which is used for supplying fuel and is arranged opposite from the nozzle end, is located outside the pressure vessel. Further, a method for cleaning parts of the burner is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Böttcher, Andre Kluge, Sabine Tüschen
  • Publication number: 20130341023
    Abstract: A method of hydraulic fracturing is provided which uses metal silicides to generate significant pressure inside a wellbore. The method comprises injecting a fracturing fluid and an aqueous or reacting fluid into the wellbore to react with the fracturing fluid. The fracturing fluid comprises metal silicide, which may be uncoated or coated, and hydrocarbon fluid. The aqueous fluid comprises water. The reacting fluid comprises water or a solvent. A method of removing buildup in pipelines such as subsea pipelines which uses metal silicides to generate heat and pressure inside the pipeline is also provided. The method comprises injecting an organic slug and an aqueous slug. The organic slug comprises metal silicide and hydrocarbon fluid. The aqueous slug comprises water. Alternatively, there is also provided a method for purifying flowback water produced from a hydraulic fracturing process comprising adding metal silicide to the flowback water produced from a hydraulic fracturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Paul H. KRUMRINE, III, James S. FALCONE, JR., Michael Lefenfeld
  • Publication number: 20130340793
    Abstract: A bi-directional pig apparatus for removing wax and hydrate deposits in subsea hydrocarbon production flowlines including a pig arranged for movement inside a pipe, the pig having a tubular body and one or more magnets arranged in a circumferential wall of said body, each of the one or more magnets includes an elongated bar having a succession of teeth and slots, arranged such that the succession of teeth are facing radially outwards. The apparatus having a through-going opening between opposite ends of said tubular body to allow fluids (F) in the pipe to flow through and propulsion means arranged and configured for imparting a motive force to the pig, whereby the pig is movable inside the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: EMPIG AS
    Inventor: Fredrik Lund
  • Patent number: 8608863
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a component comprises a first stage including the steps of: (i) loading a component into the cleaning chamber of a flush station, (ii) directing a deionized water stream through first filter means, (iii) introducing carbon dioxide into the filtered water stream, (iv) directing the carbonated water stream into a fluid passage to be cleaned in the component, and (v) collecting the dirty water stream after it passes through the component and directing the collected dirty water stream through second filter means for reuse. The method can further include a second stage including the steps of: (vi) loading the component into a testing chamber of a testing station, (vii) directing a deionized water stream through third filter means, (viii) directing the filtered water stream into the fluid passage in the component, and (ix) collecting the water stream after it passes through the component and directing the collected water stream into a particle counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Jerome Francis Stremel, III
  • Patent number: 8603254
    Abstract: A method for the in situ clearing of blockages in artificial tubes completely or partially disposed within a living being is described. The method includes coupling a first end of a releasably-securable flexible clearing member to a controller, inserting a second working end of the flexible clearing member into an opening in the artificial tube, energizing the controller such that said flexible clearing member experiences repetitive motion, and positioning the flexible clearing member such that the second working end of the flexible clearing member comes into repetitive contact with the blockage for clearing the blockage therein. The controller remains outside of the living being and the flexible clearing member clears the blockage when positioned within a straight portion or within a curved portion of the artificial tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Actuated Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger B. Bagwell, Paul L. Frankhouser, Maureen L. Mulvihill, Josue R. Crespo, Brian M. Park, Dana B. Mallen, Gabriela Hernandez Meza, Debora L. Demers
  • Patent number: 8580043
    Abstract: An automated cleaning system for an aircraft fuselage interior is provided. The system has a movable assembly designed to fit within an aircraft fuselage interior to be cleaned. The movable assembly has a removable track assembly and an automated transport mechanism mounted on the removable track assembly, the automated transport mechanism being a guided cart that travels on the removable track assembly. The movable assembly further has a manifold and frame assembly mounted on the automated transport mechanism and a fluid dispensing assembly coupled to the manifold and frame assembly for dispensing fluids onto an aircraft fuselage interior surface. The system further has a fluid management system coupled to the movable assembly for supplying the fluids to the fluid dispensing assembly. The system further has a control system that communicates with and controls the movable assembly and the fluid management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Todd S. Tiffany, Robert Neth
  • Patent number: 8574372
    Abstract: A nozzle cleaning method includes cleaning an outer wall of a dispenser nozzle after liquid is sucked and before the liquid is discharged and cleaning at least an inner wall of the dispenser nozzle after the liquid is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Akihisa Kuroda, Mitsuhisa Kobayashi, Yoshihiro Kase, Tamotsu Okawa
  • Patent number: 8551254
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a gutter-cleaning device comprises a housing containing an impeller drive facility, the housing configured to fit into a gutter, an impeller, disposed at an end of the housing and driven by the impeller drive facility, and a transport facility for transporting the housing along the gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas C. Dayton, Sung K. Park, Karl Eaton Abele, Jason Robinson
  • Publication number: 20130230661
    Abstract: The invention provides an intermediate storage device of an electrostatic coating system that can clean efficiently, a method for cleaning the same, and a method for coating. An intermediate storage device 10 comprises: a first hole 141 which is open to a cylinder chamber 14 and is connected to a paint supply source; a second hole 142 which is open to the cylinder chamber 14 and is connected to a coating gun; and a switch means which switches between a first cleaning which cleans the cylinder chamber 14 by supplying cleaning fluid W from the first hole 141 and discharging from the second hole 142 waste fluid that has undergone cleaning and a second cleaning which cleans the cylinder chamber 14 by supplying cleaning fluid W from the second hole 142 and discharging from the first hole 141 waste fluid that has undergone cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masashi Takebe, Takayuki Ueki, Naoki Kishimoto, Takashi Wakimoto, Toshiyuki Kokubo
  • Patent number: 8524008
    Abstract: In the case of a device and a method for cleaning substrates on a carrier, to the underside of which the substrates are fastened so as to be parallel to and slightly apart from one another, the carrier has in its interior a plurality of longitudinal channels, which run parallel to one another. As a result of the sawing of the wafers, they merge, via openings, into interstices between the substrates. As a result of a relative movement, an elongate tube, from which cleaning fluid is let out, is introduced into one of the longitudinal channels, the relative movement being achieved substantially through moving of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Gebr. Schmid GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Worm, Reinhard Huber
  • Publication number: 20130213440
    Abstract: An ink jetting ink set includes an ink composition for recording supplied to and used in an ink flow path and containing at least one of a glitter pigment and a metal oxide as a coloring material, and an auxiliary ink composition used in cleaning of the ink flow path, in which, in cases where a dynamic viscosity at 20° C. in the ink composition for recording is ?1 (mm2/s) and a surface tension at 20° C. is ?1 (mN/m), and the dynamic viscosity at 20° C. in the auxiliary ink composition is ?2 (mm2/s) and the surface tension at 20° C. is ?2 (mN/m), the following formula (1) and the following formula (2) are satisfied at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Seiko Epson Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130213439
    Abstract: A holder assembly comprises a first and a separable second part, the first part detachable from the second part, the first part comprising a tube and an environmental cell interface and the second part comprising an electron microscope interface, as a result of which the first part can be cleaned at high temperatures without exposing the second part to said high temperature. By forming the holder assembly from detachable parts, one part can be cleaned by heating it to a high temperature of, for example, 1000° C., clogging in the tubes can be removed by reduction of carbon, while keeping the other part (often comprising mechanical fittings, ball bearing, sliders, or such like) cool. The cleaning can be enhanced by blowing, for example, oxygen or hydrogen through the tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicants: Delft University of Technology, FEI Company
    Inventors: FEI Company, Delft University of Technology
  • Publication number: 20130192640
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, the disclosure provides a system for removal of deleterious chemicals from a fiber optic line. The system may a fiber optic line having two ends, an outer tube, an optical fiber, and an inner volume, a fluid operable to move through the inner volume, the fluid operable to remove at least one deleterious chemical other than hydrogen from the fiber optic line, and a fluid controller connected to at least one end of the fiber optic line and operable to control movement of the fluid through the inner volume. According to another embodiment, the disclosure provides a method of removing a deleterious chemical from a fiber optic line. According to a third embodiment, the disclosure provides a method of removing a deleterious chemical from a fiber optic line by introducing a vacuum in an inner volume of a sealed fiber optic line in a static or cyclical manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Neal G. Skinner, John L. Maida, JR., Etienne M. Samson, David P. Sharp, Kari-Mikko Jaaskelainen, Michel LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 8491722
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a tube or pipeline, wherein an IP comprising an electronics module arrangement, is driven along the interior of the tube or pipeline by fluid pressure, wherein the IP transmits monitoring signals through the fluid that provides the pressure to the wall of the tube or pipeline, receives signals returned from the wall, analyzes the returned signals and stores data relating to the condition of the wall of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Cokebusters Ltd
    Inventor: John Phipps
  • Publication number: 20130174875
    Abstract: The disclosure shows a device and method for automating the cleaning/sanitizing of the water and ice making system on a blended ice machine. The method eliminates the need to disassemble the unit in order to gain system access points to introduce cleaning and or sanitizing solutions. The method also automates the sequence of events required to insure cleaning is done according to a proven method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: THE DELFIELD COMPANY LLC
    Inventor: The Delfield Company LLC
  • Publication number: 20130152972
    Abstract: A self-flushing small volume prover apparatus, method and system for removing foreign materials. A piston can be configured with a valve arrangement located within a cylindrical object in order to permit fluid to pass through an annular passage when the piston travels from a downstream position to an upstream position. An inlet port and an outlet port can be located at the bottom of the cylindrical object. The outlet port can be welded at the bottom of the bore cylinder so that foreign material can flow directly out of the prover bore cylinder via the outlet port. The velocity of the piston can remove the collected foreign material from the bore cylinder via the outlet port, thus creating a self-flushing prover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Darren Paul Heath
  • Patent number: 8454755
    Abstract: An assembly tool is provided. The assembly tool comprises a body, a first vacuum channel defined within the body, and a first locating pin attached to the body. The first locating pin has a shaft portion arranged within a surrounding portion of the body. The first locating pin is configured to engage a first alignment feature of a hard drive component at a first contact area to align the hard drive component with the assembly tool. The body is configured to couple the first vacuum channel to a vacuum source and to facilitate particle evacuation from the first contact area via the first vacuum channel when a vacuum is applied by the vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jit Han Tan, Wai Khuen Yee
  • Publication number: 20130133698
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for microsurgical instruments has a flush chamber closed off at one end by a first plug adapted to liquid-tightly grip one end of the instrument, allowing a portion of the instrument to extend past the first plug and out of the flush chamber. The other end of the flush chamber is closed off by a second plug having an inlet port. Liquid injected through the inlet port on the second plug passes through an internal passageway formed in the instrument and exits the instrument through the portion that extends past the first plug. In another embodiment the instrument has an internal passageway and an end cap through which flushing ports are formed which communicate with the passageway. A first plug having an inlet port is liquid-tightly attached to the end cap and liquid injected into the first plug passes through the plug, through the flushing ports and through the passageway to clean detritus from the instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: ASICO LLC
    Inventor: Rolf Meyer
  • Patent number: 8449686
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a drain line of a dialysis machine downstream of a filtration unit. The method includes closing inlet and outlet valves of the filtration unit, and closing a bypass valve along a bypass line that connects a source line to a drain line. The method also includes configuring the balancing chamber such that flow is permitted only via the drain line, flowing an amount of a cleaning agent into the drain line through a cleaning agent valve, and rinsing the cleaning agent from the drain line with a rinse fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Schlaeper, Martin Joseph Crnkovich
  • Patent number: 8449687
    Abstract: Devices, including a wash ring assembly, and methods are provided for the removal of excess fluid or solids from the exterior or interior of a probe used to transfer fluids, for instance, in an automated assay device. Typically, a probe is used to aspirate and dispense a sample fluid material such as whole blood or a reagent. The devices and methods provided herein are useful for removing excess fluid from the exterior or interior of the probe so as to prevent dripping and cross-contamination between samples or reagents. It is also contemplated that, utilizing the devices and methods provided herein, washing and/or drying can be performed simultaneously as the probe is in motion, aspirating a sample and/or dispensing a sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Nasser Jafari, Lawrence Blecka, Chris Tsai
  • Publication number: 20130104937
    Abstract: A purging agent by which excellent cleaning effect is obtained even under severe environment of narrow flow passage and high temperature like a die portion of a melt molding machine is provided. The present invention relates to a purging agent comprising a hydrocarbon resin and at least one of the metal salts of Groups 1 and 2 metals in the short form periodic table, wherein the content of the metal salt based on the hydrocarbon resin is more than 1 wt % in terms of the metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: THE NIPPON SYNTHETIC CHEMICAL INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Kato, Hideshi Onishi
  • Patent number: 8430111
    Abstract: A fluid processing system has a plurality of segments configured to receive flow of a fluid product. Each of the plurality of segments has a line input, a line output, a cleaning input valve, and a cleaning discharge valve. The cleaning input valve connects to the line input and the cleaning discharge valve connects to the line output. A cleaning medium is provided wherein the cleaning medium is injected into a respective cleaning input valve and drained through a respective cleaning discharge valve, such that each segment can be cleaned independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Stokely-Van Camp, Inc.
    Inventors: Rei-Young Amos Wu, Ashok Shashikant Dhruv, Paul Konopacki, Michael J. Mastio, Richard Schutzenhofer
  • Patent number: 8388760
    Abstract: An Improved system for killing roots in sewers without stopping the existing sewer flow, a portable system to eliminate the roots in the sewers, this system makes it possible to treat the roots by treating only the zone concerned and not the overall length of the drain of sewer. The invention enters the sewer by an opening and travels to the problem and inflates in order to retain the poison dispensed by the dispenser. This system makes it possible to more easily deal with problems of roots in the sewers more quickly and, which makes it possible to reduce the cost. All the zones touched by problems of roots can be treated, treatment limits the progression of the roots and destroys them, which makes it possible to prevent the over flow of sewers and the damage of the drains of sewers. The prevention of overflows of sewers makes it possible to protect our wild, aquatic life and our water supply. Basically to help save our environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Raymond Aniban, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE44518
    Abstract: This application discloses an automated apparatus for scarifying the interior surface of a pipe or other similar elongated passageway. The apparatus includes a vehicle that propels itself down the inside of the pipe. A scarifying assembly is removably secured to the vehicle and uses arms to reach the walls of the pipe. At the end of each arm there is a fluid nozzle assembly equipped with fluid nozzles. The fluid nozzle assembly rotates or oscillates to scarify the pipe surface. The arms and fluid nozzle assembly interchange with other such scarifying assemblies depending on the shape or type of pipe and the desired scarifying technique. The apparatus is tethered to a source of fluid under pressure and a power source, both of which are located off-board the apparatus at a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Mac & Mac Hydrodemolition Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard MacNeil, David MacNeil, Gordon MacNeil, Vernon Bose