Pipe, Tubing, Hose, Or Conduit Patents (Class 134/22.11)
  • Patent number: 7857913
    Abstract: A cleaning compound for cleaning surfaces in a food processing environment includes at least one container, with each container including a peroxide and/or an alkaline reactant therein. The alkaline reactant is selected to raise the pH of the cleaning compound into the alkaline range when the peroxide and the alkaline reactant are mixed together. The cleaning compound may be a liquid or dry compound, which is applied to the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: William E. Spindler
  • Publication number: 20100313913
    Abstract: A physical-chemical method for cleaning a secondary chamber of a heat exchanger in a nuclear facility, includes drying the secondary chamber and introducing a cleaning solution into the secondary chamber to treat deposits present in the secondary chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Areva NP GmbH
    Inventors: Ursula Hollwedel, Franz Ammann
  • Patent number: 7828903
    Abstract: A method for removing pipe tuberculation includes the initial step of preparing an access point in the existing pipe by digging to the pipe and sawing a section from the pipe or creating an access port. The section of the pipeline to have its tuberculation removed is isolated by closing valves or creating another access point and sealing the end. Then, a reaming tool is introduced to the interior of the pipe. The reaming tool is attached to a hollow rod string capable of producing moderate thrust and pullback force, and must also produce sufficient torque when rotated. A horizontal directional drilling or “HDD” machine on the surface or in a pit dug out for this purpose applies the aforementioned forces to the rod string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Earth Tool Company LLC
    Inventor: Steven W. Wentworth
  • Patent number: 7824608
    Abstract: An apparatus washes/disinfects, at a time, a plurality of endoscopes having a plurality of channels with different diameters, and dewaters the channels at a time. For the dewatering, the apparatus includes plural ports for receiving air supply, and a plurality of tubes for connecting between each of the plurality of ports and each of the plurality of channels in each of the plurality of endoscopes. The apparatus also includes an on-off valve for intermittently supply air to the ports, and a control unit for opening/closing the valve a plurality of times at a predetermined ratio. Water droplets remaining in a large-diameter channel are mainly moved by wind pressure of continuously flowing air while the valve is open, and discharged. Water droplets in a smaller-diameter channel are mainly moved by hammer effect of high-pressure air caused while the valve is closed, and discharged. The valve opening/closing is repeated for complete dewatering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Hisashi Kuroshima, Akio Ogawa, Kojiro Kotani, Takayoshi Iwanami, Hideto Onishi
  • Patent number: 7815744
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of moving a pig through pipeline, the method comprising the steps of: a) introducing the pig into the pipeline; b) causing a chemical reaction between two or more reagents to produce at least one reaction product that would be in a gaseous state at STP, wherein the reagents would be in a non-gaseous state at STP; and c) introducing the gaseous reaction product into the pipeline. The invention also provides a method of moving a pig through a pipeline, the method comprising the steps of: a) introducing the pig into the pipeline; b) introducing into the pipeline two or more reagents capable of chemically reacting to produce at least one reaction product that would be in a gaseous state at STP, wherein the reagents would be in a non-gaseous state at STP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence J. Abney, Steve Arrington
  • Patent number: 7799144
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a filter component comprises subjecting the component to an atmosphere of superheated steam at a pressure of a least 0.5 bar in a vessel and subsequently decompressing the vessel to achieve a pressure reduction of at least 0.5 bar in at most 5 seconds. The method is particularly useful for the cleaning of filter components that have been used for the filtration of molten polymer (e.g. polyester) and which are at least partially blocked by solidified polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Longworth Engineering Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter John Norris, John Norris, Christopher Reid, James Peter Millington
  • Patent number: 7794785
    Abstract: To provide a pattern formation method capable of forming a pattern by cleaning a liquid droplet ejection head without causing problems during the liquid droplet ejection operation, when the liquid droplet ejection head stored with a storage solution is used again, a pattern formation method includes: filling a passage including a liquid droplet ejection head and a conduit to feed a functional solution to the liquid droplet ejection head with purified water; filling the passage with a solvent dissolving both the purified water and a solvent contained in the functional solution, filling the passage with the solvent contained in the functional solution, surface treating a substrate by forming a lyophobic film on a region surrounding a pattern formation region defined on the substrate; and disposing liquid droplets on the pattern formation region with the liquid droplet ejection head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hidekazu Moriyama
  • Patent number: 7789970
    Abstract: Means for obtaining accurate knowledge of location and amount of fouling inside a heat exchange system, such as a boiler of a power plant, are provided. According to the invention this knowledge can be used to optimize cleaning of a heat exchange system. The system of the invention comprises: Means for measuring particles in the exhaust gas stream of the heat exchange system. These particles are at least partly released when cleaning a certain part of the heat exchange surface of the heat exchange system. Means for creating information of the fouling in an electronic memory by linking together coordinates of the part of the heat exchange surface being cleaned and the measurement data created during the cleaning of said part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler North America Corp.
    Inventor: Tomas Rosin
  • Patent number: 7767027
    Abstract: A method removes combustion residues from a wall of a chamber which carries combustion gases and/or from at least one component which is disposed in the chamber. The method includes making contact between the combustion residues and a first cleaning medium, and making contact between the pretreated combustion residues and a second cleaning medium. The first cleaning medium and the second cleaning medium differ at least with regard to a physical state. An apparatus for removing the combustion residues has different cleaning appliances and operating areas which at least partially overlap. The method and the apparatus allow, for example, heat exchanging surfaces in steam generators to be cleaned in a particular careful and thorough manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Clyde Bergemann GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Schiffer, Helmut Robiné, Dieter Rüsenberg, Stephan Schwenke, Helmut Dombrowski, Manfred Frach, Frank Völker
  • Publication number: 20100186461
    Abstract: An automatically controlled washing machine having a detergent dispensing facility in an upper machine space of the washing machine, wherein the detergent dispensing facility has at least one chamber for hand-dosed addition of a portion of a powder detergent or a liquid detergent and a supply channel that supplies fresh water to the at least one chamber. At least one storage container in the upper machine space stores a liquid or gel-type detergent aid, which is automatically dosed by an automatic dosing facility assigned to the at least one storage container. The automatic dosing facility has a transfer line to supply a dose of the liquid or gel-type detergent aid to the washing machine tub. The supply channel has a bypass with an inlet side that is fluidly connected to the supply channel and an outlet side that is fluidly connected to the transfer line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventors: Torsten Hasse, Sven Jänicke, Frank-Rüdiger Lüdtke, Ingo Schulze
  • Publication number: 20100175721
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a human-interface cleaning device commonly used for the treatment of sleep apnea. The method involves removing the first end of the hose from an air-flow generator, obtaining a cleaning device having a receiving member with a flexible base at one end and a tube-like member at the other end, inserting the flexible base into a solvent transporting mechanism, inserting the tube-like member into the first end of the flexible hose of the air-flow generator, and engaging the solvent transporting mechanism to transport solvent therefrom and into and through the cleaning device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Bradley A. ELI
  • Patent number: 7736440
    Abstract: A solid product removal method for removing a solid product adhering to a gas exhaust pipe member having a rinsing water inlet pipe member with a tip opening located inside the gas exhaust pipe member for feeding rinsing water into the inside of the gas exhaust pipe member from the tip opening thereof; hence a solid product formed newly upon reaction with the rinsing water and adhering thereto can be rinsed off with the rinsing water introduced from another tip opening located at a different position; and therefore, an adherence of the solid product can be prevented from heating the inner face of the gas exhaust pipe member. A scraping member for scraping the solid product stuck to the inner face of the gas exhaust pipe member may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ikeda, Takashi Kyotani, Takanori Samejima, Kenji Kamimura, Munetaka Kitajima
  • Publication number: 20100139696
    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: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL WIRE SPRING CO.
    Inventors: David Silverman, Michael Silverman, Anton D. Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 7731803
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition, and a process employing same, for descaling, cleaning and inhibiting the corrosion of process equipment made of steel by including an inhibitory effective amount of acridine orange in the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Abdulghani Jaralla
  • Patent number: 7716922
    Abstract: A diesel particulate filter of a motor vehicle is cleaned of ash, typically using equipment already available in a service shop. The method of the invention cleans ash particles from the diesel particulate filter by generating a pressure wave and transmitting the pressure wave into a housing containing the diesel particulate filter. The pressure wave dislodges ash particulates from the filter, which can then be removed from the filter using an ash collecting apparatus, such as a shop vacuum. The method also uses an inflatable bladder in the filter apparatus to close access between the housing and the engine or outside environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Mark S. Ehlers
  • Patent number: 7718010
    Abstract: The present invention related to a method for treating a surface with a gel, as well as to a treatment gel. The treatment may be a decontamination, etching or surface degreasing treatment, for example. The method comprises in this order, the following steps: applying the treatment gel on the surface to be treated, maintaining the treatment gel on the surface to be treated at a temperature and relative humidity such that the gel dries by breaking up and that it has the time to treat the surface before forming a dry and solid residue, and removing the dry and solid residue from the treated surface by suction or brushing. The gel comprises a viscosing agent, a treatment agent and optional an oxidizing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignees: Commissariat a L'Energie Atomique, Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Sylvain Faure, Bruno Fournel, Paul Fuentes, Yvan Lallot
  • Publication number: 20100121361
    Abstract: The invention provides a rotational atherectomy system, device and method comprising a flexible, elongated, rotatable drive shaft with a pre-curved abrasive section disposed within a catheter that deforms the abrasive section to a substantially straight profile and, when the abrasive section is moved distally out of the catheter, the abrasive section resumes its pre-curved profile. Directional ablation is achieved by rotation of the drive shaft along its pre-curved axis as the abrasive section is urged against a portion of the lumen wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles A. Plowe, Jesse C. Darley, David C. Franchino, Matthew D. Cambronne, Jody Rivers, Cassandra A. Piippo, Robert E. Kohler
  • Patent number: 7713357
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating a surface with a gel, as well as to a treatment gel. The treatment may be a decontamination, etching or surface degreasing treatment, for example. The method comprises in this order, the following steps: applying the treatment gel on the surface to be treated, maintaining the treatment gel on the surface to be treated at a temperature and relative humidity such that the gel dries by breaking up and that it has the time to treat the surface before forming a dry and solid residue, and removing the dry and solid residue from the treated surface by suction or brushing. The gel comprises a viscosing agent, a treatment agent and optionally an oxidizing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Sylvain Faure, Bruno Fournel, Paul Fuentes, Yvan Lallot
  • Publication number: 20100108101
    Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample processing apparatus, comprising: a sample processing mechanism which comprises a flow channel to be used for processing a sample, and performs a sample processing operation for processing the sample using the flow channel and a cleaning operation for cleaning the flow channel; and a controller for controlling the cleaning operation by the sample processing mechanism, based on an elapsed time since a previous cleaning operation by the sample processing mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaharu SHIBATA, Daigo Fukuma, Takaaki Nagai
  • Patent number: 7708838
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for dispensing of a microbiologically sensitive fluid, in particular low acid food fluid, in a hygienic manner so as to avoid micro-organism growth in the line dispensing the fluid as well as in any mechanical components of a dispensing unit that may enter into contact with the fluid. The invention hygienically supplies microbiologically sensitive fluid from a removable container that has a terminal connecting portion to a dispensing unit. The unit includes a coupling mechanism adapted to connect the terminal connecting portion and a component for delivering a cleaning or rinsing fluid within the terminal connecting portion. Thus, during cleaning or rinsing, the cleaning or rinsing fluid can be discharged within the terminal connecting portion up to a closing point of the container assembly, thus demarcating a closing point, downstream of which is a part that is maintained clean, and upstream of which is a part of the container that is maintained sterile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Peter W. Carhuff, Edward L. Dickinson, Andrew C. Harvey, Edward M. Kolvek, Takeshi Masu
  • Patent number: 7708839
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pig receiver used in a dewatering method for subsea pipelines. In the dewatering method a pig is placed in one end of the pipeline filled with water and a compressed gas is introduced behind the pig; in addition the water and pig are drawn by a subsea pump operated by a submersible vehicle (SV) operating near the sea floor to a pig receiver of the present invention. A feature of the pig receiver is a gas sensor that shuts the pump off when gas enters the receiver to prevent a gas (vapor) lock of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Valkyrie Commissioning Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles R. Yemington
  • Publication number: 20100095986
    Abstract: To improve cleansing quality of wall surfaces of micro-flow channels in a micro-flow channel cleansing method. During cleansing of wall surfaces of micro-flow channels having at least one branching channel, by causing cleansing fluid to flow therethrough, the cleansing fluid is caused to flow through the at least one branching channel such that there is no residual fluid on the wall surfaces thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Seto, Luc Bousse, Chen Li
  • Publication number: 20100051060
    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: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Akihisa KURODA, Mitsuhisa Kobayashi, Yoshihiro Kase, Tamotsu Okawa
  • Patent number: 7662238
    Abstract: Prepackaged cleaning compositions are described which are suitable for on-site dilution, and for cleaning substrates such as air conditioner coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Germany Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Garner, Joseph Raible
  • Publication number: 20100031973
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an industrial cleaning system and related methods. The system and methods utilize propelled media to clean equipment and facilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Philip Bear
    Inventors: Philip Bear, Kelly Brannick
  • Patent number: 7655096
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for substantially cleaning fill from a borehole is described variously including running a coiled tubing assembly into the wellbore, creating a fluid vortex by circulating cleaning fluid through the coiled tubing, and pulling the coiled tubing and coiled tubing assembly out of the hole at a speed sufficient to substantially clean the particulate solids from the wellbore. An apparatus for substantially cleaning fill from a hole, including vertical, horizontal, or deviated wells also is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Scott A. Walker, Jeff Li, Graham Wilde
  • Patent number: 7651672
    Abstract: An endoscope processor, according to the present invention, provides for cleaning and sterilizing an endoscope having a body, and a first flexible tube attached to the body. It includes an operational housing and an enclosure which is attachable to and detachable from the operational housing, the enclosure being sealed from ingress of potentially contaminating microorganisms when detached from the operational housing. The enclosure is shaped, sized and oriented to receive the endoscope in an orientation with the first flexible tube depending vertically downwardly from the endoscope body. The enclosure includes a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Szu-Min Lin, Robert C. Platt, Jr., Vinod Mirchandani
  • Publication number: 20100000577
    Abstract: A water-conducting household appliance and a method for disinfecting a conduit system of a water-conducting household appliance. The method feeds a gaseous disinfectant into a liquid circulating in the conduit system. The water-conducting household appliance includes a conduit system for circulating liquid, and a disinfector with a gas injector for injecting a gaseous disinfectant into a liquid circulating in the conduit system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventors: Caroline Heiligenmann, Helmut Jerg
  • Publication number: 20100000576
    Abstract: A method for cleaning exchangers including providing a heat exchanger with a liquid contact side and a vapor contact side, providing acid to clean the liquid contact side, and providing caustic to clean the vapor contact side is provided. In the method, the exchanger may be a beer preheater. In the method, the acid may be sulfamic acid. In the method, the liquid contact side may be the beer side. In the method, the exchanger may be a plate-in-frame heat exchanger or a a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. In the method, the acid may be provided from a central storage tank. In the method, there may be a recirculation pump. In the method, the acid may be provided from a local storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: Lurgi PSI, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Christopher Romer, Richard Hopkins
  • Patent number: 7624743
    Abstract: Methods are provided for increasing the temperature of a section of conduit used for the production or transmission of hydrocarbon. According to one aspect, the method includes the steps of: (a) forming a treatment fluid comprising: (i) a carrier fluid; and (ii) a first reactant and a second reactant; and (b) introducing the treatment fluid into a section of conduit used for the production or transmission of hydrocarbon. The first reactant and second reactant are selected for being capable of reacting together in an exothermic chemical reaction; and the first and second reactant are in at least sufficient concentrations in the carrier fluid to generate a theoretical heat of reaction of at least 1,000 kJ/liter of the treatment fluid. At least some of at least one of the first reactant and the second reactant is suspended in the carrier fluid in a solid form that is adapted to help control the release of the reactant into the carrier fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Diptabhas Sarkar, Stephen T. Arrington, Ronald J. Powell, Ian D. Robb, Bradley L. Todd
  • Patent number: 7617940
    Abstract: A device in connection with a separator for cleaning or reaming such a separator. The separator includes a tank or a body (2) with an inlet and at least one outlet (5, 6). A transport pipeline (3) is connected to the inlet for the supply of fluid that is to be separated in the separator. The transport pipeline (3) extends from the inlet through the separator body (2). Part (6) of the line that is located inside the separator body (2) is provided with perforations or slits (7) so that fluid that arrives in the transport pipeline (3) flows into the tank through the perforations/slits (7). Mechanical equipment for cleaning the transport pipeline (3) is designed to be sent from a magazine through the separator body (2) and on via a pipe loop back to the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Per Eivind Gramme, Gunnar Hannibal Lie
  • Patent number: 7618495
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a work string which may have been used to inject drilling muds, cement slurries, cement displacement materials and the like into a well where the work strong may contain drilling mud residues, cement slurry residues, cement slurry displacement materials, pipe thread lubricants, pipe dope and the like, as well as corrosion on the inside of the work string by injecting a dispersion slug into and recovering the dispersion slug from the work string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Albert F. Chan
  • Patent number: 7611588
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for removing metal oxide soils from surfaces. The compositions include an anionic surfactant and a pH adjuster at an acidic pH. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method of removing a metal oxide soil from a surface by (1) applying a use composition to the surface, the use composition having a pH adjuster in an amount sufficient to provide a use pH at or below 7, an anionic surfactant in an amount to remove a portion of the metal oxide soil, and a carrier, (2) removing the metal oxide soil from the surface with the use composition, and (3) rinsing the surface to remove the use composition and the metal oxide soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Peitersen, Robert D. Hei, Richard K. Staub, Rick O. Ruhr
  • Publication number: 20090266380
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for reducing cumulative deposition and unwanted secondary thermal reactions in pyrolysis and other thermal conversion processes. In an embodiment, a system comprises a device, referred to as a reamer, for removing product deposits between thermal conversion and condensation operations of a pyrolysis process. The reamer may comprise, but is not limited to, a mechanical reciprocating rod or ram, a mechanical auger, a drill bit, a high-temperature wiper, brush, or punch to remove deposits and prevent secondary reactions. Alternatively or in addition, the reamer may use a high-velocity curtain or jet (i.e., a hydraulic or pneumatic stream) of vapor, product gas, recycle gas, other gas jet or non-condensing liquid to remove deposits. Preferably, the reamer removes deposits during the pyrolysis process allowing for continuous operation of the pyrolysis process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Barry Freel, Geoffrey Hopkins
  • Patent number: 7591271
    Abstract: Method for removal of fouling (14) and/or plugging (13) out of a bundle (11) of channels (12) by treatment with a liquid (2), in particular out of firmly interconnected channels (12), oriented in parallel to each other, as a catalyst module, which can be carried out very quickly and cost effectively, by filling the channels (12) repeatedly and alternately with the liquid (2) from their ends, and draining at least part of the filled in liquid off the same ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Envirgy Environment Energy Engineering and Construction GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Rabitsch, Krzysztof Krotla
  • Publication number: 20090229632
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning passageways and the like with a two-phase mixture of gas under pressure and an aqueous cleaning solution. The two-phase cleaning mixture is generated in a module and is passed out of the module at a predetermined rate that determines droplet size, velocity and droplet density at the pipeline surface to be cleaned. The droplets impact the walls of the passageway to be cleaned, thereby fragmenting, eroding and removing contaminants in said passageway. These are then flushed out of the passageway by the two-phase flow. The flow of cleaning solution can be steady or pulsed. The apparatus and process include a clean-in-place system that is useful in food, beverage, pharmaceutical and similar process industries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Princeton Trade and Technology
    Inventors: Mohamed Emam Labib, Chung-Yue Lai, Yacoob Tabani
  • Publication number: 20090217947
    Abstract: A method for providing rinsing of a nebulizer comprises directing a second rinsing liquid followed by a nebulizing gas to a gas receiving port of the nebulizer through a valve assembly, the valve assembly being connected to a gas transport line configured to transport at least one of the nebulizing gas and the second rinsing liquid to the gas receiving port; rinsing the sample transport line and an interior portion of the nebulizer with the first rinsing liquid; and rinsing an interior portion of the nebulizer with the second rinsing liquid transported through the gas transport line into the interior portion of the nebulizer via the gas receiving port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel R. Wiederin, Patrick Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20090211608
    Abstract: A liquid injection device (11) for injecting cleaning liquids into an airflow, comprises: an airflow duct (12); a jacket (13) surrounding the airflow duct, in two parts (13a, 13b), axially separable, and having liquid infeed and drain openings (15); at least one nozzle unit (16) having an inlet opening (16a) onto the jacket, and its nozzle outlet opening (16b) into the airflow duct; the parts of the jacket being sealingly juxtaposed for use, and separable for access to said nozzle unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Keith Roscoe
  • Publication number: 20090205675
    Abstract: An improved method and system for removing blockage from hydrocarbon transfer conduits. An apparatus and methods for cleaning a hydrocarbon transfer conduit is disclosed whereby a laser head is placed in a hydrocarbon transfer conduit to be cleaned and supplied with a laser beam. The laser head applies the laser beam to an area in the hydrocarbon transfer conduit to be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Diptabhas Sarkar, Lewis Norman, Laurence Abney
  • Patent number: 7575642
    Abstract: A composition comprising a polypropylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol ester, an amine, and optionally an alcohol. The composition can be used as a purge solution to clean paint equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: David Law, Gregory W Drewno, Robert Ball, Michael J Anchor
  • Publication number: 20090199872
    Abstract: A system using electrochemically-activated water (ECAW) for manufacturing, processing, packaging, and dispensing beverages including: (a) using ECAW to neutralize incompatible residues when transitioning from the production of one beverage to another; (b) using ECAW to rehabilitate and disinfect granular activated charcoal beds used in the feed water purification system; (c) producing a carbonated ECAW product and using the carbonated ECAW for system cleaning or disinfecting; (d) using ECAW solutions in the beverage facility clean-in-place system to achieve improved microbial control while greatly reducing water usage and reducing or eliminating the use of chemical detergents and disinfectants; (e) further reducing biofilm growth in the processing system, and purifying ingredient water without the use of chlorine, by adding an ECAW anolyte to the water ingredient feed stream; and/or (f) washing the beverage product bottles or other packages with one or more ECAW solutions prior to packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Robin Duncan Kirkpatrick
  • Publication number: 20090188531
    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: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Edward M. Boyle, JR., Nathan J. Dale, Paul C. Leonard, Alan Marc Gillinov, Sam Kiderman, William E. Cohn
  • Publication number: 20090145464
    Abstract: A proximity head including a head surface. The head surface including a first flat region and a plurality of first conduits. Each one of the plurality of first conduits being defined by corresponding one of a plurality of first discrete holes. The plurality of first discrete holes residing in the head surface and extending through the first flat region. The head surface also including a second flat region and a plurality of second conduits. The plurality of second conduits being defined by a corresponding plurality of second discrete holes that reside in the head surface and extend through the second flat region. The head surface also including a third flat region disposed between and adjacent to the first flat region and the second flat region and a plurality of third conduits. The plurality of third conduits being defined by a corresponding plurality of third discrete holes that reside in the head surface and extend through the third flat region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Ravkin, John M. de Larios, Fred C. Redeker, Mikhail Korolik, Erik M. Freer
  • Publication number: 20090114247
    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: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: James Michael Brown, John Gregory Darby
  • Publication number: 20090107529
    Abstract: A method and device provide for delivering fluid for cleaning and/or decontamination to a lumen in a medical device. A tube having a plurality of openings therethrough is inserted into the lumen of the medical device the fluid is flowed through the tube, out of the openings and into the lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Szu-Min Lin, Robert C. Platt, Peter C. Zhu
  • Publication number: 20090107532
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning plant components of a power station, wherein a medium is continuously passed through one or more plant components for cleaning a closed circuit and a check of the medium for degree of purity is carried out in at least one operating plant component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Rolf Lonne, Jan Elsen
  • Patent number: 7521083
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for treatment of a surface of a rotor blade of a windmill, the apparatus being placed in such a manner to be moveable in relation to the surface of a rotor blade, and the apparatus being caused to move depending on a form of treatment determined by means for treatment mounted on, in or next to the apparatus. In this manner, various forms of treatment of a rotor blade may be carried out such as for instance washing, finishing, sealing, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: PP Energy APS
    Inventor: Paul Teichert
  • Patent number: 7513260
    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: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: He Huang
  • Patent number: 7513261
    Abstract: A method and a device for washing a drain pipe allowing a nozzle to be rotated along the inner peripheral surface of a pipe even in a lateral pipe, wherein the positions of a plurality of injection holes (10, 11, 12, and 13) formed in the nozzle (1) are formed and the amount of high pressure water jetted from each of the injection holes (10, 11, 12, and 13) are regulated so that the specific injection hole (10) only among the plurality of injection holes is set so as to be opposed always to the inner peripheral surface (5a) of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Kimasaru Ura
  • Patent number: 7507298
    Abstract: By constructing tank cleaning equipment according to the invention such that it comprises a cleaning jetting part (7, 9) as well as a suction part (4), the equipment can work with the same cleaning medium which is recirculated. This saves supply of fresh cleaning medium, and since used medium is thus not discharged, it is not necessary to establish deposit facilities to avoid pollution. Furthermore, this equipment according to the invention may advantageously be used for keeping so-called drilling mud in a mixed and thus ready-to-use state, even when left to stand for an extended period of time in a tank. The nozzle jets (10) thus keep the mud in the tank in a constantly mixed state, and the mud can therefore be sucked through the suction pipe (20) for pumping in the drill pipe, it being ensured that the mud is homogeneous and has a suitable viscosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Tank Equipment A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Falster-Hansen, Ib René Vinther Elgaard