Pipe, Tubing, Hose, Or Conduit Patents (Class 134/22.11)
  • Patent number: 8066817
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing deposits from a petroleum flow line are disclosed. An embodiment of an apparatus for removing deposits from a petroleum flow line may include a pipe capable of being attached to a petroleum flow line. The pipe may have a pipe axis that defines a direction for fluid flow in the petroleum flow line. The apparatus may also include a first and a second field winding circumferentially disposed around the pipe, and an electric wave generator adapted to electrically communicate an electric wave to the first field winding and the second field winding. In response to the electric wave, the first field winding is adapted to produce a first magnetic field having a first magnetic axis and the second field winding is adapted to produce a second magnetic field having a second magnetic axis. The first magnetic axis may be noncollinear with respect to the second magnetic axis, and at least the first magnetic axis may be noncollinear with respect to the pipe axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Qi Ning Mai
  • Publication number: 20110277480
    Abstract: This system for supplying a turbine with liquid fuel comprises a liquid fuel inlet (3), a piping assembly (4) connecting the inlet to the turbine, and draining means for draining at least a portion of the said piping assembly. The draining means comprise water inlet means (9) and a system of controllable valves suitable for injecting water into at least one of the said portions of the piping assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: GE ENERGY PRODUCTS FRANCE SNC
    Inventors: Maher Aboujaib, Daniel Deloge
  • Publication number: 20110265826
    Abstract: A method and system for cleaning foreign material from a fluid reservoir of an implantable medical device, the fluid reservoir being substantially enclosed in an interior portion of the implantable device and accessible from an environment exterior of the implantable device through a penetrable septum. An elongated member having a first end and a second end is engaged with a source of ultrasonic energy capable of imparting vibrations to the first end. The septum is penetrated by the elongated member in a manner such that the first end extends into the fluid reservoir, and the second end does not extend into the reservoir. The ultrasonic energy source is activated to impart vibrations into the reservoir via the elongated member first end, in an amount sufficient to break up the foreign material into particulates, which can then be removed from the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Cook Incorporated
    Inventor: Cleve S. Koehler
  • Publication number: 20110265820
    Abstract: A cleaning process is provided for a test apparatus that has a switch, external connections and internal volumes that can come into contact with a fluid from a filter to be tested or a container to be tested. The cleaning process includes selecting one or more internal volumes to be cleaned, cleaning the selected internal volumes with a cleaning fluid by a corresponding switching of the switch, at least partially draining the cleaning fluid left in the selected internal volumes after cleaning, and flushing the selected internal volumes with a flushing fluid different from the cleaning fluid. Also provided are a computer program product for performing the cleaning process, a cleaning apparatus, and a test apparatus for testing filters and containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Dahlberg, Hartmut Langer, Jens Meyer, Sven-Oliver Otto
  • Patent number: 8048233
    Abstract: A device for clearing obstructions from a medical tube, such as a chest tube, is disclosed in various embodiments. The device features a clearance member in the form of a loop. The loop desirably has a diameter that substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the medical tube. Also desirably, the loop presents a substantially unobstructed pathway therethrough for the flow of material from a location in the medical tube distal to the loop to a location in the medical tube proximal to the loop regardless whether the clearance member is being translated or is at rest in the medical tube. Methods of utilizing such a device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignees: Clear Catheter Systems, Inc., The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: Edward M. Boyle, Jr., Nathan J. Dale, Paul C. Leonard, Alan Marc Gillinov, Sam Kiderman, William E. Cohn
  • Patent number: 8048234
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of cleaning a pipe (12) by action of a fluid under very high pressure. It is characterised in that the fluid under very high pressure is caused to pass in a flexible tube (14); said tube is subjected to the action of motorisation means (5) for longitudinal advance, and means for driving the tube (14) in rotation around its longitudinal axis; these motorisation means (50) are regulated by management means (48) and rotation detection means (47) and/or pinpointing longitudinal advance, and these means of driving in rotation; the tube (14) is guided near the entrance of the pipe (12). The invention also relates to a device for implementing this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Application Lorraine des Techniques Nouvelles - Technilor SAS
    Inventor: Rene Jacquinet
  • Publication number: 20110259366
    Abstract: Cleaning of an ion implantation system or components thereof, utilizing a reactive cleaning reagent enabling growth/etching of the filament in an ion source of the arc chamber, by appropriate control of temperature in the arc chamber to effect the desired filament growth or alternative filament etching. Also described is the use of reactive gases such as XeFx, WFx, AsFx, PFx and TaFx, wherein x has a stoichioimetrically appropriate value or range of values, for cleaning regions of ion implanters, or components of implanters, in in situ or ex situ cleaning arrangements, under ambient temperature, elevated temperature or plasma conditions. Among specific reactive cleaning agents, BrF3 is described as useful for cleaning ion implant systems or component(s) thereof, in in situ or ex situ cleaning arrangements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Sweeney, Sharad N. Yedave, Oleg Byl, Robert Kaim, David Eldridge, Steven Sergi, Lin Feng, Steven E. Bishop, W. Karl Olander, Ying Tang
  • Publication number: 20110259371
    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: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Christian Schlaeper, Martin Joseph Crnkovich
  • Patent number: 8034186
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of cleaning tubes, in which the tube is at least partially filled with a cleaning medium, wherein a cleaning medium is atomized, in which case the droplets of cleaning medium are accelerated, at least in part, essentially in the direction of a center axis of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Schott AG
    Inventors: Peter Elfner, Martin Zoettl
  • Patent number: 8034187
    Abstract: The present invention is a drain adapter for adapting a flushing device to a drainpipe. The adapter has a main body including an indent portion for retaining the flushing device during operation. The main body also includes an enlarged portion. The enlarged portion corresponds to a sink recess and expands under pressure to retain the adapter within the drainpipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Masco Corporation
    Inventor: Randall Paul Schmitt
  • Patent number: 8029625
    Abstract: Illustrated and described are a method and a device for the simultaneous cleaning of a plurality of pipe conduits or pipe conduit systems, particularly in each case having different pipe cross sections, wherein the cleaning takes place with a liquid cleaning medium, which is taken from a reservoir by a feed pump and fed to the systems to be cleaned. The invention makes provision for the cleaning medium stream to be fed to the first system to be cleaned and after leaving the first system to be cleaned, as cleaning medium stream, to be divided into two component streams, one component stream of which is used for cleaning the second or further system and the other component stream is again fed to the reservoir. In addition the second or further system to be cleaned is assigned a feed pump, whose speed and direction of rotation are variable for determining or regulating the cleaning method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: SIG Technology AG
    Inventors: Hanno Geissler, Werner Peters, Wolfram Peters
  • Patent number: 8025738
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method of treating a tubular string using a pigtrain. In one embodiment, a method of treating a tubular string includes injecting working fluid between a lead pig and a trail pig of a pigtrain. A bypass pig of the pigtrain is in a first position between the lead pig and trail pig and closer to the lead pig. The method further includes injecting propellant behind the trail pig, thereby driving the pigtrain through the tubular string. The bypass pig gradually moves from the first position to a second position closer to the trail pig, thereby agitating the working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Misc B.V.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Munden
  • Patent number: 8002900
    Abstract: A method and apparatus 30 are provided for cleaning of bottle filling equipment 10 that has a plurality of elevated valves 18, each valve being in flow communication with filling liquid supply means 14. The method includes storing a manifold 32 that has a plurality of cleaning openings 42 in a configuration resembling that of the valves, in a position that allows clear visibility and access to the operation of the valves. The manifold 32 is lowered relative to the valves 18, so that it is below the valves and is positioned underneath the valves, with each cleaning opening 42 in flow communication with a valve. The valves 18 are rinsed with liquid flowing through the filling liquid supply 14, the valves and the manifold 32. Afterwards, the manifold 32 is removed from the valves 18 and returned to its stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Etienne Le Roux
  • Patent number: 7998276
    Abstract: A method of remediating deposits within a pipeline by a pig within the pipeline which sealingly engages the internal diameter of the pipeline, holding back on the movement of the pig with a wire rope, pumping down the pipeline, providing a first passageway through the pig for pumping through flow restrictions on the pig to increase the velocity of the flow to enhance the effectiveness of the remediation, providing a second passageway through the pig with less flow restriction than the first passageway for flow through the pig during retrieval, and providing a selector valve for alternately directing flow through the pig to the first passageway and to the second passageway each time the flow is stopped and restarted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Benton Frederick Baugh
  • Patent number: 7998278
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a concentrate for use in a cleaning and/or washing process comprising a) an alkyl glycoside having the general formula R1OGn whereby G is a saccharide residue and n is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 and R1 is an alkyl group or alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and b) a nonionic alkylene oxide adduct, wherein the concentrate has a pH value of less than 6.5, as well as to a solution obtained by diluting the concentrate and to a process of cleaning objects using the concentrate and/or solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Tanja Hackenberger, Claudia Caussin De Schneck, Annett Lossack
  • Publication number: 20110192424
    Abstract: Device for collecting paint, lacquer and adhesive residues out of paint, lacquer, and adhesive guns, in particular guns connectable to a hose. The device having a receptacle for collecting the residue, and the receptacle configured in such a way that during an interior rinsing of the guns using a rinsing flow for interior cleaning of the guns with a solvent, the degree of interior cleaning of the guns can be controlled optically by the user of the device. The indicator element for displaying the degree of interior cleaning may be made removable from the device. The device for collecting the residue out of paint, lacquer, and adhesive guns may likewise be used when the guns are connected to a hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Bellroth, Hans-Joachim Bödrich
  • Publication number: 20110192425
    Abstract: A method and system for the spray application of epoxy materials is provided. The system includes a dual walled tank structure as a reservoir for containing and preheating the epoxy materials in preparation for mixing and spray application. Each component of the epoxy material is preheated before the components are mixed. After preheating, the components are then mixed together and spray applied. The method and system of the present invention provides a high quality spray applied epoxy coating while reducing equipment down time and cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: WARREN ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.
    Inventors: Danny Warren, David Allen Smith
  • Patent number: 7993469
    Abstract: Methods and tools for cleaning pipes or pipe networks based on characteristics of pipes and debris in the pipes. A mobile platform includes a cleaning head and a sensor head. The platform implements a cleaning plan and senses characteristics of the pipe and debris. The cleaning plan is incrementally updated based on the sensed characteristics, and can be automatically updated using software. Many different cleaning tasks can be accomplished using the present platforms including agitation of sediment, pulverization of large debris, and movement of debris to facilitate removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: RedZone Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Subramanian Vallapuzha, Scott M. Thayer, Eric C. Close, Brian Bannon, Sam E. Cancilla, Adam Slifko, Carlos Felipe Reverte, Prasanna Kumar Velagapudi
  • Patent number: 7993468
    Abstract: A method for altering an initiation time of an apparatus sanitation cycle based upon a base line flow rate. The method may include determining an actual flow rate through the apparatus, comparing the actual flow rate to the base line flow rate, and delaying the initiation time of the apparatus sanitation cycle if the actual flow rate exceeds the base line flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: Richard C. Staten
  • Patent number: 7987821
    Abstract: A detonation combustor cleaning device includes at least one combustion chamber having combustion flow path and including a deflection member. An ignition device is operatively connected to the at least one combustion chamber is selectively activated to ignite a combustible fuel within the at least one combustion chamber to produce a shockwave that moves in a first direction along the combustion flow path, impacts the deflection member, reverses direction and passes into a vessel to dislodge particles clinging to inner surfaces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Anthony John Dean, David Michael Chapin, Donnell Eugene Crear
  • Publication number: 20110168210
    Abstract: A micro-nano bubble generating method comprises: introducing a liquid into a microchannel, in which the microchannel is defined by a microchannel wall an entirety or a portion of which is formed by a porous wall having through pores with radii of 10 to 1,000 nm; and supplying a gas directly into the microchannel from outside the porous wall by a pressurized-gas supplying section, to allow micro-nano bubbles to be contained in the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuaki TABATA, Masato MIKAMI, Masaki HIROTA
  • Patent number: 7976640
    Abstract: A method for the on-line cleaning of a heat exchanger used with petroleum process fluids which create coke deposits of asphaltenic origin on the exchanger tubes. The asphaltenes are removed by re-dissolution in a solvent oil of high solubility power for the asphaltenes. Certain asphaltenic crudes are useful as solvents in view of their chemical similarity to the asphaltene coke precursors; also useful are refined petroleum fractions such as gas oils which are also characterized by their solvency for asphaltenes. The solvent oil may be admitted to the heat exchanger following withdrawal of the process fluid and then allowed to soak and dissolve the asphaltene coke precursors after which the resulting solution may be withdrawn and the exchanger returned to use without being at any time disconnected from its associated process unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Company
    Inventors: Douglas S. Meyer, Glen B. Brons, Ryan E. Vick, Douglas P. Bryant, Gary L. Novosad
  • Patent number: 7964040
    Abstract: An exhaust foreline for purging fluids from a semiconductor fabrication chamber is described. The foreline may include a first, second and third ports independently coupled to the chamber. A semiconductor fabrication system is also described that includes a substrate chamber that has a first, second and third interface port. The system may also include a multi-port foreline that has a first, second and third port, where the first foreline port is coupled to the first interface port, the second foreline port is coupled to the second interface port, and the third foreline port is coupled to the third interface port. The system may further include an exhaust vacuum coupled to the multi-port foreline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Muhammad M. Rasheed, Dmitry Lubomirsky, James Santosa
  • Patent number: 7956137
    Abstract: A polymerisation reactor comprising one or more circulation loops with one or more inlets for raw material, one or more outlets, and a circulation pump for circulating a reactor charge within the circulation loop. A by-pass line for by-passing the circulation pump connects a point of the loop upstream of the pump with a point downstream of the pump, both points being provided with a three way valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventor: David Charles Adams
  • Patent number: 7951243
    Abstract: A device for clearing obstructions from a medical tube, such as a chest tube, is disclosed in various embodiments. The device features a shuttle member that is magnetically coupled to a guide wire within a guide tube, through the guide-tube wall, so that translation of the shuttle member induces a corresponding translation of the guide wire within the guide tube, without penetrating or compromising the guide-tube wall. In this manner, when the guide tube is coupled to a medical tube where obstructions have formed, the guide wire and clearance member may be inserted into and withdrawn from the medical tube, via actuation of the shuttle member, to engage and help clear such obstructions from the medical tube without compromising the sterile field. Methods of clearing a medical tube of obstructions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignees: Clear Catheter Systems, Inc., The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: Edward M. Boyle, Jr., Nathan J. Dale, Paul C. Leonard, Alan Marc Gillinov, Sam Kiderman, William E. Cohn
  • Publication number: 20110120498
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process of purging an extrusion apparatus. The purging process is improved by adjusting the type of polymer material used to purge the extrusion apparatus and by adjusting the purging flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: TOTAL PETROCHEMICALS RESEARCH FELUY
    Inventor: Christophe Samaras
  • Patent number: 7938909
    Abstract: An automated method for determining the cleaning operation of a water treatment or water distribution apparatus or system to which one or more substances are added, the method comprising the steps of: (a) conducting one or more measurements of a property of the or an added substance; (b) comparing the property measurement s) from step (a) with at least one reference value for that property; and (c) determining when the comparison in step (b) is within, above or below a pre-determined range or level for that property. The determination in step (c) can consider whether the cleaning operation has been successfully carried out. The present invention automates and therefore optimizes the cleaning operation of the water treatment or distribution apparatus or system such that expensive periods of non-operation during sanitization or cleaning are minimized both in terms of frequency and duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Veolia Water Solutions & Technoloiges Support
    Inventors: Alan Denton Mortimer, Lee Underwood
  • Patent number: 7935192
    Abstract: A rotatable, portable drum auger drain cleaning device includes a rotational control which is biased towards the off position. The rotational control device is utilized in conjunction with a motor and the drum to direct drum rotation. The rotational control is typically biased in the off position making it the default position. The rotational control must therefore be manually moved to either a forward or reverse position. When in the forward position, the rotational control can be locked, and when in the reverse position, the switch must be manually held in position or the switch will return to the off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: General Wire Spring Co.
    Inventors: David Silverman, Michael Silverman, Anton D. Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20110094541
    Abstract: A device (1) comprises an intake duct (11) for taking in milk, an intake duct (15) for taking in a cleaning fluid, a central duct (13) in which both intake ducts (11, 15) are merging, and a pump (31) which is arranged in the central duct (13). Cleaning the device (1) involves filling both the central duct (13) and the milk intake duct (11) with the cleaning fluid. In particular, the pump (31) is a bi-directional pump, wherein filling the central duct (13) with the cleaning fluid is realized by operating the pump (31) in one direction while blocking the milk intake duct (11), and wherein filling the milk intake duct (11) with the cleaning fluid is realized by opening the milk intake duct (11) and operating the pump (31) in a reversed direction, wherein cleaning fluid is displaced from the central duct (13) to the milk intake duct (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Sipke T. Douma
  • Patent number: 7931877
    Abstract: A device for disinfecting a portion of an implement such as a needleless hub or injection port. The device includes a body shaped to engage the implement with the portion to be disinfected exposed. A disinfectant area is located on the body so as to permit pivotal displacement of the area relative to the body such that in a first orientation the portion to be disinfected is exposed and in a second orientation the portion to be disinfected is covered and the disinfectant area engages the portion to be disinfected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Sage Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Steffens, Gregory T. Davis, Paul H. Hanifl
  • Patent number: 7931753
    Abstract: A method to remove deposits containing magnetite and copper from a container, particularly from a steam generator of a nuclear power plant. In a first step, the container is treated using an alkaline cleaning solution containing a complexing agent forming a soluble complex with iron ions, a reducing agent, and an alkalizing agent. In a second step a further complexing agent forming a more stable complex with iron III ions than the complexing agent used in the first step and an oxidant are added to the cleaning solution of the first step present in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Areva NP GmbH
    Inventors: Konrad Bitter, Ursula Hollwedel, Enkhtsetseg Batchuluun
  • Publication number: 20110083703
    Abstract: Disclosed are a nozzle cleaning apparatus and a nozzle cleaning method, which are capable of effectively cleaning a nozzle for discharging a process liquid to a substrate, with a simple structure and a low cost. A nozzle 30 is accommodated in a cleaning container 2 having a funnel-shaped portion 2b. A solvent T as a cleaning liquid is supplied along an inner surface of the funnel-shaped portion 2b. The solvent T forms a vortex flow whirling around the nozzle 30. By exposing the nozzle 30 to the vortex flow, the nozzle 30 can be effectively, thoroughly cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Takeshi HIRAO, Akihiro FUJIMOTO, Yasutaka SOUMA
  • Publication number: 20110083702
    Abstract: Disclosed are a nozzle cleaning apparatus and a nozzle cleaning method, which are capable of effectively cleaning a nozzle for discharging a process liquid to a substrate, with a simple structure and a low cost. A nozzle 30 is accommodated in a cleaning container 2 having a funnel-shaped portion 2b. A solvent T as a cleaning liquid is supplied along an inner surface of the funnel-shaped portion 2b. The solvent T forms a vortex flow whirling around the nozzle 30. By exposing the nozzle 30 to the vortex flow, the nozzle 30 can be effectively, thoroughly cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Takeshi Hirao, Akihiro Fujimoto, Yasutaka Souma
  • Publication number: 20110083561
    Abstract: A device (1) comprises an intake duct (11) for taking in milk, an intake duct (16) for taking in a cleaning fluid, a central duct (13) in which both intake ducts (11, 16) are merging, and a pump (31) which is arranged in the central duct (13). Cleaning the device (1) involves filling both the central duct (13) and the milk intake duct (11) with the cleaning fluid. In particular, the device (1) also comprises a pump (32) which is arranged in the cleaning fluid intake duct (16), wherein filling the central duct (13) with the cleaning fluid is realized by operating both pumps (31, 32) while blocking the milk intake duct (11), and wherein filling the milk intake duct (11) with the cleaning fluid is realized by opening the milk intake duct (11) and only operating the pump (32) which is arranged in the cleaning fluid intake duct (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Sipke Theo Douma, Peng Chau Quah
  • Publication number: 20110083701
    Abstract: A method for conveying a chemical solution containing a phosphonic acid as an iron dissolving agent through the quaternary annulus chambers in forward combustion cans of a gas turbine to dissolve the iron oxide deposits and thereby facilitate cleaning of the internal fuel pathways. The method uses a cleaning flange attached to the quaternary fuel flange that has a flow directing baffle that enters the quaternary fuel orifice and directs the flow of cleaning solution in one direction in the quaternary annulus chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Mel Joseph Esmacher, James Lee Standard, Roy Nelson Mckean, Martin John Spalding, Eric Thomas Hendrickson
  • Publication number: 20110083707
    Abstract: Devices for cleaning drains and/or conduits and methods of using the same. In one example, an overflow drain cleaning device (7) includes a tube (9), a connecting adaptor (8) connected to one end of the tube (9), and a spray tip (23) connected to another end of the tube (9). The spray tip (23) may include an internal cavity or lumen and at least one (aperture 16) configured to spray or project liquid away from the spray tip. In one example, the connecting adaptor (8) can be threadably coupled to a faucet and establishes fluid communication between the connecting adaptor (8) and the spray tip (23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: German Beltran
  • Patent number: 7918281
    Abstract: The annular surface between the tubing and casing of an oil or gas well as well as flow conduits and vessels may be contacted with a foamed treatment composition containing a gas, a foaming agent and a treatment agent. The treatment agent may be an inhibitor or removal agent for scales, corrosion, salts, paraffins or asphaltenes. The foam, upon destabilization, renders a thin film of concentrated treatment agent on the external surfaces of the tubing, inside the casing and in the perforations of the oil or gas well or on the flow conduits or vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James Michael Brown, John Gregory Darby
  • Publication number: 20110073137
    Abstract: An improved shower or plumbing sanitizing system is provided by a showerhead adapter and/or tap port configured to mount between a water supply stub and an outlet such as a showerhead, hose or faucet and which delivers and imparts a cleansing or sanitizing agent, particularly liquid sanitizer, to the plumbing components prone to infestation with opportunistic bacteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: John James Dvorak, Mildred Blanche Mendelson
  • Patent number: 7913614
    Abstract: An object is to provide a milk foamer capable of smoothly and securely managing hygiene of a suction tube which sucks milk from a milk storage section. The milk foamer sucks the milk from a milk pack via the suction tube and mixes the milk and air with the milker to produce milk foam. The milk foamer includes a control unit which controls the production of the milk foam, and a cleaning unit which executes a cleaning operation of a route extending from the suction tube to the milker. The control unit prohibits the production of the milk foam and instructs the cleaning unit to execute the cleaning operation, in a case where a predetermined time elapses from the previous production of the milk foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoto Fukushima, Hiroshi Yamamoto, Takeshi Ishii
  • Patent number: 7909935
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of cleaning an interior surface of a fluid delivery system. The method comprises introducing a first liquid into the fluid delivery system and contacting the interior surface with the first liquid; forming a slurry by introducing a particulate into the first liquid and contacting the interior surface with the slurry; introducing a second liquid into the fluid delivery system and contacting the interior surface with the second liquid; and introducing a third liquid into the fluid delivery system and contacting the interior surface with the third liquid. The first liquid is substantially soluble or substantially insoluble in the second liquid, the second liquid is substantially insoluble in the third liquid, and the particulate is substantially insoluble in the first and second liquids and substantially soluble in the third liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan N. Warren, Phillip J. Beauchamp, Finn Bergishagen, Denise A. Palumbo
  • Publication number: 20110048462
    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: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Gilles Morin, Laurent Gagnon, Vincent Crosville
  • Patent number: 7892360
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing deposits from a petroleum flow line are disclosed. An example of one method includes generating an electric wave that includes a high frequency component having a high frequency in a range from approximately 25 kHz to approximately 65 kHz. The method further includes applying the electric wave to at least two field windings circumferentially disposed around a petroleum pipe while a petroleum fluid is flowing in the petroleum pipe. The method also includes generating, in response to the applied electric wave, magnetic fields in the at least two field windings. The magnetic fields in the at least two field windings can have magnetic axes that are not collinear with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Qi Ning Mai
  • Patent number: 7887641
    Abstract: The present invention relates to medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid compositions of neutral or alkaline pH, to methods of making these compositions, and to methods employing these compositions. The methods include methods of cleaning. The compositions include cleaning compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Gina Marie Fasching, Nathan Daniel Peitersen, Mark Raymond Altier
  • Patent number: 7886826
    Abstract: A method for treating a subterranean wellbore. More specifically, a method for removing wellbore solids. A first, polymer containing fluid is placed in the solids bed. A second, viscosifying fluid is then placed into the solids bed thereby agitating the solids in the bed and causing the formation of a gel capsules when mixed with the biopolymer fluid. These gel capsules are capable of trapping or entraining the agitated solids. The gel capsules typically have a relatively high volume and a relatively low density, thereby making their removal from the wellbore easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Geoff Robinson, Radovan Rolovic, Philip F. Sullivan, Golchehreh Salamat
  • Patent number: 7883674
    Abstract: A coke removal system removes coke deposits from the walls of a high temperature passage in which hydrocarbon fuel is present. The system includes a carbon-steam gasification catalyst and a water source. The carbon-steam gasification catalyst is applied to the walls of the high temperature passage. The water reacts with the coke deposits on the walls of the high temperature passage to remove the coke deposits from the walls of the high temperature passage by carbon-steam gasification in the presence of the carbon-steam gasification catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: He Huang
  • Publication number: 20110017238
    Abstract: The present invention provides a nozzle cleaning method and a nozzle cleaning device which allow to surely perform cleaning of a dispensing nozzle and which allow reduction in cleaning time. For this purpose, a nozzle cleaning method for cleaning a dispensing nozzle (50) for suctioning and discharging a liquid includes: a first cleaning step in which, after termination of dispensing, an inner wall surface of the dispensing nozzle (50) is cleaned in an upper portion of a storage tank (62) overflowed with a cleaning liquid (L2) by discharging a liquid for preload (L1); and a second cleaning step in which at least an outer wall surface is cleaned by lowering and immersing the dispensing nozzle (50) into the storage tank (62) overflowed with the cleaning liquid (L2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Akihisa Kuroda
  • Patent number: 7874306
    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: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Stokely-Van Camp, Inc.
    Inventors: Rei-Young Amos Wu, Ashok Shashikant Dhruv, Paul Konopacki, Michael J. Mastio, Richard Schutzenhofer
  • Patent number: 7862774
    Abstract: An analyzer system has an instrument holder that can hold at least two instruments and is movable along a vertical guide. At least one washing device is provided for the instruments, with one or more jet orifices fed by a supply conduit to spray wash fluid at the instruments. The washing device comprises one or more wash rings surrounding the instruments. The washing device is separate from and movable in relation to the instrument holder, and the one or more jet orifices are aimed at the instruments positioned inside the one or more wash rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Karl Lang
  • Publication number: 20100326474
    Abstract: A resin removal tooling system for electric generator parallel rings including: a non-rotating sheath; a shaft mounted in the non-rotating sheath; a cleaning ball attached to the shaft, the non-rotating sheath positioning the cleaning ball; a high speed motor coupled to the shaft for rotating the shaft; a variable power supply connected to the high speed motor; and a tachometer for measuring a rotational speed of the high speed motor and the cleaning ball. A process of cleaning resin out of an electrical generator parallel ring including the following steps: inserting a cleaning ball mounted on a shaft into the parallel ring; verifying a location of the cleaning ball; rotating the shaft; measuring a rotational speed of the cleaning ball with a tachometer; and removing resin with the cleaning ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: AREVA NP INC
    Inventors: Bruce William Schafer, Joseph Anthony Crockett
  • Publication number: 20100326473
    Abstract: A method for cleaning components of a system for filling holes in a printed circuit board with a fluid fill material includes removing the components being a dispensing head and a manifold connected to the dispensing head preferably as a single unit. The single unit is retained in that format. Excess fluid material from the dispensing head and manifold is evacuated preferably by passing air through the dispensing head and manifold. Then the dispensing head and manifold is placed in a cleaning tub, and the manifold is attached to a solvent pump line. The dispensing head and manifold is flushed with a flow of solvent from the solvent pump line; and excess solvent from the dispensing head and manifold is evacuated, by passing air through the dispensing head and manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: TTM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Tadd Hohlfelder, Brad Moran, Rubin Matthews, Thomas Gannon