Abstract: A self-powered pipeline pig includes a housing defining a trailing end, a leading end and a longitudinal axis. The plurality of internal flow channels extend longitudinally through the housing between the trailing end and the leading end. A power generation device is disposed in a first one of the plurality of internal flow channels. The power generation device generates electric power from a pipeline fluid flowing through the first flow channel during a pigging operation. A battery is disposed on the self-powered pipeline pig to provide electric power during the pigging operation to operate one or more components installed on the self-powered pipeline pig. The power generation device is electrically coupled to the battery to recharge the battery using the generated electric power.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an aqueous gellable composition that includes water; 10 to 45 composition wt. % of a crosslinkable water-soluble polymer including at least one functional group selected from the group of carboxylic acid and carboxylic acid derivative; 1 to 10 composition wt. % of an organic or inorganic crosslinking agent for the crosslinkable water-soluble polymer; 10 to 40 composition wt. % of a polyurethane polymer; and 0.1 to 5 composition wt. % of a natural polymer. The organic crosslinking agent includes at least one compound from the group of: polyalkyleneimines, polyalkylene polyamines, phenolic compounds combined with formaldehyde, and hydroquinone combined with hexamethylenetetramine. Also, the inorganic crosslinking agent includes at least one metal compound M, wherein M is from the group of: aluminum(III), chromium(III), iron(III), zirconium(III), and any mixture thereof.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning electrodes of an ion optical multipole device comprises at least one substantially longitudinal cleaning section, at least one handling section extending axially from the at least one cleaning section and at least one direction section extending axially from the at least one cleaning section. The at least one cleaning section has a larger cross section than the at least one handling section. The at least one direction section is capable of allowing a longitudinal movement of the cleaning device in a first axial direction and resisting a longitudinal movement of the cleaning device in a second, opposite axial direction.

Abstract: A tube cleaning system and method including a nozzle holder operable to secure nozzles in a nozzle arrangement, the nozzle arrangement corresponding to an arrangement of tubes of a tube bundle, and a nozzle positioning system operable to move the nozzle holder and nozzles secured therein, to cause the nozzles to engage a set of tubes of the tubes of the tube bundle, the nozzles configured to direct cleaning fluid into the set of tubes.

Abstract: A drinking straw sanitizing appliance includes an exterior housing defining an interior having an adjustable heating element configured to covert a unit of water into steam. The interior is configured to also removable secure drinking straws therein thereby subjecting the same to sanitizing steam when the device is activated. The exterior of the device has a plurality of controls and a lid of the device has a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A subsea processing system has a lattice frame made up of structural members and at least one fluid-processing device. At least one of the structural members effects fluid communication to or from the or each fluid-processing device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for treating the tail gas stream of a sulfur recovery plant. The methods including generating a tail gas stream from a sulfur recovery plant, treating the tail gas stream with a hydrogen sulfide absorption unit and a hydrogen selective membrane unit, generating a stream low in hydrogen sulfide and a stream rich in hydrogen. The hydrogen sulfide rich stream is recycled to the sulfur recovery unit. The hydrogen selective membrane unit includes a glassy polymer membrane selective for hydrogen over hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Methods and devices for actuating a clearance device to clear obstructive debris from medical tubes are disclosed. More particularly, a shuttle that includes a first primary magnetic element that is adapted to magnetically engage and translate a magnetic guide within a tube is disclosed. The first primary magnetic element is aligned so that a first primary magnetic field emanating therefrom is aligned substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tube when viewed from a side of the shuttle.

Abstract: A property assessment system is provided to assess a property for various purposes. The system includes a property assessment apparatus configured to be inserted into any space of a property and retrieved therefrom once necessary information is collected from the space. The property assessment apparatus operates to monitor various conditions in the space, which is used to assess the property.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the inside of a monocrystalline pulling apparatus includes a main tube unit to be inserted into a pull chamber and an inner surface cleaning mechanism that is provided at an upper part of the main tube unit and cleans the inner surface of the pull chamber. The main tube unit includes a retreat/housing section into which a seed chuck provided at the lower end of a wire retreats and which houses the seed chuck therein, and a continuous extension mechanism that is provided at the lower part of the main tube unit and to which a plurality of extension rods are capable of being added and joined. Accordingly, the inner surface of the pull chamber is efficiently cleaned.

Abstract: A system for determining the position of a pig located inside a pipe including a magnetic field source attached to the pig; at least one magnetic field sensor provided on the outside of the pipe and configured to measure magnetic field parameters; and a processor configured to receive magnetic field parameters from the at least one magnetic field sensor and computing a position of the magnetic field source relative to a given reference position. The method includes: establishing a magnetic field representation of the magnetic field provided by the magnetic field source; in-situ measuring at least two magnetic field parameters outside the pipe with a magnetic field sensor at a measuring position relative to the reference position; computing the source position of the magnetic field source relative to the reference position based on data comprising the in-situ measured magnetic field parameters and the magnetic field representation.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning or defogging a surgical scope during minimally-invasive surgery, including a casing which houses a sponge and a heating element configured to be accessible to the surgical scope and the casing is configured to removably attach to a trocar during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to automated cleaning systems for vehicles. In one example, a vehicle is provided that includes a drive system, a passenger cabin, and a vehicle cleaning system. The vehicle cleaning system includes a vacuum unit and a robotic manipulator. The robotic manipulator includes an arm including a plurality of arm sections and a gripper unit positioned at a distal end of the arm. The robotic manipulator is connected to the vacuum unit such that the arm provides a vacuum path between the vacuum unit and the gripper unit.

Abstract: Provided among other things is a sampling system for determining an amount or type of contamination a narrow, elongated passageway in a medical device, said sampling system comprising: (a) a fluid supply system that supplies to said passageway a sampling liquid for flowing through said passageway and a gas for flowing through said passageway; and (b) a receiving container that receives liquid from said passageway, wherein said sampling liquid is sterile, wherein said sampling liquid is configured to allow recovery of viable pathogens from the passageway, and wherein said sampling liquid comprises an amount and selection of surfactant effective to enhance the dislodgement of Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria from the narrow passageways.

Abstract: A downhole cleanout tool includes a tool housing have a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and a filter between the inlet and the outlet. The tool includes a pump that is fluidly coupled to at least the fluid inlet to motivate fluid across the filter. The tool also includes a rotatable housing having a nozzle that is fluidly coupled to the pump outlet. The rotatable housing may rotate about a longitudinal axis of the rotatable housing, and the filter and pump may be disposed within the rotatable housing. Each nozzle may include a nozzle outlet oriented at an angle (a) from a radial axis extending from the longitudinal axis of the rotatable housing to a location where the nozzle outlet intersects the periphery of the rotatable housing such that motivation of fluid through the nozzle results in rotation of the rotatable housing.

Abstract: Described herein is a first method of forming a hole in a workpiece, having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The method includes forming a first hole, having a first diameter, in the workpiece by passing a first cutter through the workpiece from the first surface to the second surface. Additionally, the method includes forming a chamfer in the second surface of the workpiece concentric with the first hole using a second cutter. The chamfer has a second diameter larger than the first diameter. The method further includes forming a second hole, having a third diameter larger than the first diameter, in the workpiece concentric with the first hole by passing a third cutter through the workpiece from the first surface to the second surface.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for in-pipeline maintenance, delivery and management of sensors are provided herein. A multi-component, in-pipeline sensor management system includes a self-propelled sensor explorer component comprising (i) one or more communication sub-components and (ii) one or more navigation assistance sub-components, wherein the self-propelled sensor explorer component is configured to move through a liquid within a pipeline; a sensor coupling unit comprising one or more attachment structures, wherein the one or more attachment structures enable the system to attach to one or more sensors within the pipeline; and a sensor maintenance unit comprising (i) a cleansing unit, wherein the cleansing unit comprises (a) an inlet valve for one or more cleaning liquids and (b) an outlet valve for one or more waste liquids, (ii) a cleaning liquid storage component coupled to the inlet valve, and (iii) a waste liquid collector coupled to the outlet valve.

Abstract: A retention device for restraining movement of a clapper arm used in a clapper valve during removal of a clapper valve shaft that extends through the clapper arm. The device includes an adapter plate mounted to a wall of a clapper valve casing wherein the adapter plate includes a hole having an internal thread. The device also includes a retaining element having an outer thread that threadably engages the internal thread. Further, the device includes a retaining end that is formed on an end of the retaining element, wherein the retaining end includes a circumferential contact surface that abuts against the clapper arm to restrain movement of the clapper arm during removal of the clapper valve shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a housing defining a trailing end, a leading end and longitudinal axis extending therebetween, at least one relief channel extending longitudinally through the housing between the trailing end and the leading end thereof, the at least one relief channel defining an annular wall, a closure member disposed within the annular wall, the closure member operable to engage a first seat to prohibit fluid flow through the relief channel and operable to disengage the first seat to permit fluid flow through the relief channel, and an annular space defined between the closure member and the annular wall, the annular space exhibiting a smaller cross-section than regions of relief channel upstream and downstream of the closure member such that the annular space represents a constriction for fluid flow and the relief channel defines a venturi.

Abstract: A wax control element for subsea processing of well fluids in a wellstream comprises a bundle of flowlines within an elongate tensile structure. That structure defines inlet and outlet ends and has cooling and heating provisions that act on the flowlines, in use, to promote deposition of wax in the flowlines and subsequent entrainment of wax in the wellstream.

Abstract: An air-cooled heat exchanger includes a housing having an intake for air flowing through the housing and at least one outlet for the air flowing through the housing. A set of segmented fins extend within the housing between the intake and the at least one outlet, configured to direct the air flowing through the housing. Each segment of the segmented fins has a length selected based on a throw distance for an environmental protection coating process employed to apply an environmental protection coating to surfaces of the fin segments. Access ports extend through at least one wall of the housing at locations allowing connection, when the access ports are unblocked, of electrical conductors used in the environmental protection coating process to both ends of each of the fin segments. Access port covers block each of the access ports during operation of the air-cooled heat exchanger.

Abstract: Contamination of surfaces of polysilicon rods removed from a Siemens reactor in a polysilicon production facility is reduced by cleaning the production facility at least every other week with a cleaning liquid containing water, optionally also containing neutral surfactants.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of depositing a plasma resistant ceramic coating onto a surface of a chamber component using a non-line-of-sight (NLOS) deposition process, such as atomic layer deposition (ALD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The plasma resistant ceramic coating consists of an erbium containing oxide, an erbium containing oxy-fluoride, or an erbium containing fluoride. Also described are chamber components having a plasma resistant ceramic coating of an erbium containing oxide, an erbium containing oxy-fluoride, or an erbium containing fluoride.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for regasifying gas hydrate pellets that includes: a cylinder; a piston coupled to an inside of the cylinder and configured to reciprocate up and down; a pellet providing part coupled to an one side of the cylinder in such a way that supply of gas hydrate pellets to the cylinder is adjusted by having one end thereof opened and closed by reciprocation of the piston; a pressure adjusting space having one end thereof coupled to a lower portion of the cylinder; a door formed in the pressure adjusting space and configured to define the pressure adjusting space; a transfer part having one end thereof coupled to the other end of the pressure adjusting space and configured to transfer the gas hydrate pellets; and a regasification part coupled to the other end of the transfer part and having heating water therein to allow regasification of the transferred gas hydrate pellets.

Abstract: The descaling device (100) of the interior of a tube (1) comprises a supporting structure (9), a conveyor (2) for conveying the tube (1) with an inclinable stretch to arrange the tube in an inclined position by an angle with respect to the horizontal plane, a lance (3) with nozzles (4) to spray a fluid inside the tube (1) to carry out the operation of descaling the inner surface. The lance (3) is fixed to guides (7) above the conveyor (2) in an inclined position with respect to the horizontal plane, and may axially slide within the tube (1) during the descaling operation by spraying water into the tube.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a drive unit configured to generate a suction air stream, a vacuum attachment, a separator device disposed between the vacuum attachment and the drive unit and a control unit. The control unit is configured to influence an input power to the drive unit as a manipulated variable so as to control the suction power at the vacuum attachment as the controlled variable. The suction power at the vacuum attachment is controllable at a predefined level.

Abstract: A pig receiver and method retrieve pigs in pipeline pigging operations. In one embodiment, a pig receiver includes a pig receiver unit. The pig receiver also includes a pig gate valve assembly disposed on the pig receiving unit. The pig gate valve assembly includes a gate valve. The pig gate valve assembly also includes a first actuator and a second actuator. The pig gate valve assembly further includes a cylinder guide. In addition, the pig gate valve assembly includes a tie bar. Actuation of the tie bar actuates the gate valve. An end of the tie bar is attached to the first actuator, and an opposing end of the tie bar is attached to the second actuator. The pig receiver also includes a system for removing contaminants from the pig receiver.

Abstract: Devices and methods for keeping an internal cavity of an implant or specifically an internal cavity provided in a fixture constituting an implant in a clean state by a simple operation without injuring the gingiva around the fixture is provided. A brush for cleaning the inside of an implant provided with a twisted brush part in which helical brush bristles are formed around the wire rod by arranging a large number of resin fibers in parallel in a direction perpendicular to a wire rod and then, by twisting the wire rod, an intermediate columnar part to which the twisted brush part is fixed, and a main columnar part to which the intermediate columnar part is fixed, where a length in a major axis direction of the intermediate columnar part is within a range of 0.8 to 2.0, assuming that a length in a major axis direction of the twisted brush part is 1.

Abstract: A pipeline cleaning system can include a pipeline cleaning apparatus with at least one fluid director that causes fluid which flows through the fluid director to repeatedly change direction. A method of cleaning a pipeline can include inserting a pipeline cleaning apparatus into the pipeline, flowing a fluid, thereby causing the fluid to be discharged from the pipeline cleaning apparatus into the pipeline, and a fluid director of the pipeline cleaning apparatus repeatedly changing a direction of discharge of the fluid from the pipeline cleaning apparatus. A pipeline cleaning apparatus can include a housing adapted for insertion into a pipeline, and at least one fluid director that repeatedly changes a direction of discharge of fluid from the pipeline cleaning apparatus, in response to flow of the fluid through the apparatus.

Abstract: A process tapping point clearing apparatus (10) has a ram housing a piston (25) in a cylinder (12). A piston shaft (22) has a threaded first end (30) threadingly engaged with the piston. A second end of the shaft retains a clearing head extending from the cylinder, the clearing head adapted to pass through a process tapping point for removing scaling and/or debris material therefrom. The threaded first end of the shaft has an outer thread (36) diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the adjacent intermediate portion of the shaft. The piston can have a threaded aperture (44) to receive an release tool (45) to retract the piston and tapping point clearing toll (34) if stuck in an extended position.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to milling machines and milling techniques, and more particularly, to devices, integrated circuits, computer readable media, apparatuses, milling machines and methods to automatically load and/or unload work pieces in relation to the adverse milling machine environments. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a loader member configured to impart a loading force unto a work piece to position the work piece in a milling region. The apparatus can also include an effector configured to transfer the loading force from the loader member to the work piece and is configured further to apply a cleaning force to a path that the work piece traverses to the milling region. In some cases, the apparatus can include an ejector configured to remove a milled work piece from the milling region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipeline pig (10) comprising an elongate body (12) and annular front and rear supports (26,30) projecting radially from the body (12). Each support (26,30) has an upstream side and a downstream side, with the front support (26) including at least one first fluid passage (18) permitting fluid flow from the upstream side to the downstream side. and the rear support (30) including at least one second fluid passage (22) permitting fluid flow from the upstream side to the downstream side. The pig further comprises a launch valve (50) adapted to move from an open position to a closed position to close the at least one first fluid passage (18), and a control means adapted to control the closing of the launch valve (50). A launch trap for launching pigs into a pipeline is also provided.

Abstract: As shown a carrier module (2) includes a magazine (9) having five chambers (10) each adapted to receive a pipeline pig, rotatably mounted on a blind hub (8) attached to a frame (7). A hanging eye 14 allows the module to be lowered to an undersea location where, guided by a ROV via a grab handle, its frame member (16) is received by guides (17) of a launcher module (1). The magazine passes through a large connector (4) which engages the blind hub. The ROV operates a bucket drive (22) causing the connector to engage the blind hub in sealing fashion thus enclosing the magazine in a launch chamber (3). A hydraulic ram (11) indexes the magazine to select a chamber from which a pig is to be launched or an empty chamber to receive a pig. Indexing is achieved by a roller on the free end of the ram shaft engaging in a cusped track (26) on the magazine. A pressure connection (12) for launching fluid goes through the center of the magazine, through the blind hub and back into a selected chamber.

Abstract: A porous material for insertion cleaning of instruments is provided, such porous material including an at least partially open-cell foam body and a surface configured to enable an instrument having contaminants to be inserted into the body. The body may be configured to substantially grip the instrument to remove a substantial portion of the contaminants from the instrument.

Abstract: A bucket cleaning apparatus is provided. The bucket cleaning apparatus includes a frame. One or more primary support members is coupled individually to the frame. A corresponding secondary support member is coupled to each primary support member. A scraper is coupled to one or more of each of the primary support members and secondary support members, wherein each scraper is adjustable with respect to the primary support member or secondary support member to which the scraper is coupled. A bucket may be inserted over the top of the primary support members such that the scrapers on at least the primary support members engage interior surfaces of the bucket to clean out the bucket as the bucket is rotated about the primary support members.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the effective clearing of artificial tubes, especially in-situ clearing of artificial tubes in a living being are covered in this disclosure. An elongated clearing member includes either a fixed or an adjustable element that selectively defines the portion of the elongated clearing member that is insertable within the artificial tube. The proximal end of the clearing member is releasably secured to the driving mechanism and the driving mechanisms may comprise a wide variety of repetitive motion drivers such as voice coil motors, piezoelectric actuators, pneumatic actuators, DC motors, etc. These devices/methods may comprise a free-standing console for hands-free operation or may comprise hand-held versions. The distal working end of the clearing member may comprise tips of differing functions, including an irrigation/aspiration feature.

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.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sealing surface of a container for application of a seal. A lip of the container may be heated, rinsed, and dried to establish the sealing surface. Then the seal may be applied to the sealing surface.

Abstract: A method for cleaning quartz reaction tube is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: introducing a quartz reaction tube to a cleaning chamber, wherein the quartz reaction tube comprises a first end and a second end; sealing the first end and the second end of the quartz reaction tube with a first sealing element and a second sealing element respectively, wherein the first sealing element is coupled to an input pipe and a cleaning rod, and the second sealing element is coupled to an output pipe; supplying a first cleaning agent into the quartz reaction tube from the input pipe; utilizing the cleaning rod to perform a cleaning process; and expelling the first cleaning agent from the output pipe.

Abstract: To clean the inside of a pipe length a swabbing machine is provided at a first end of the pipe length, the swabbing machine includes a pneumatic motor and is propelled along the inside of the pipe length in a first direction away from the first end of the pipe length by the pneumatic motor. A swabbing machine and a swabbing machine system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and a device for cleaning an open airway ended tube. The tube being designed for attachment to a continuous positive airway apparatus. The device includes a cleaning element for cleaning the inside of the open ended tube and a support member. The cleaning element attached to the support member. The support member including means for attaching the cleaning element to the support member and for retaining the cleaning element to the support member during cleaning. Additionally, one end of the support member capable of being secured during cleaning.

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.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for cleaning a grating disc used for cutting food. The grating disc has two sets of parallel blades, the blades delineating quadrilateral-sectioned spaces in a main plane of the grating disc, a main plane of each blade being substantially perpendicular to the main plane of the grating disc. The device has at least one tooth, the tooth being sized such that it is able to be inserted into the spaces delineated by the blades. The device including a pin aligned with the tooth or teeth, an end of the pin protruding relative to one end of the tooth or teeth. The pin being capable of sliding into a space delineated by the blades at the same time that the tooth or teeth are inserted into one or more spaces delineated by the blades. This invention also relates to a set for cleaning a grating disc, comprising such a device. Finally, this invention relates to a method for cleaning a grating disc used for cutting food.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for integrating tissue processors and embedding systems. An apparatus, of one aspect, includes a robot. The robot has a work envelope that encompasses a location having a tissue holder and an input of an embedding system. The tissue holder has at least one processed tissue. The robot is configured to transfer the tissue holder from the location to the input of the embedding system. A method, of one aspect, may include moving a robot to a location having a tissue holder. The tissue holder may have at least one processed tissue. The robot may engage with the tissue holder at the location. The robot may move the tissue holder from the location to an input to an embedding system. The robot may disengage from the tissue holder at the input to the embedding system. Other methods, apparatus, and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for microsurgical instruments of the type having screw-type mechanisms used to advance or retract a plunger has a hollow sleeve into which the injector is liquid-tightly inserted, the sleeve being configured to hold the plunger in a fixed position when the plunger is disengaged from the injector body. A cap having an inlet port is liquid-tightly attached to the sleeve and cleaning liquid is forced from a syringe into and through the inlet port, flushing detritus from the injector. Various sizes and shapes of sleeves are used to accommodate different injectors.

Abstract: A wiping device including a resilient body having a wiping surface. A support member is convertible between a first shape defined by a first center line of the support member and a second shape defined by a second center line of the support member. The support member is disposed relative to the resilient body to enable the resilient body to take a first set of dimensions when the support member is in the first shape and a second set of dimensions when the support member is in the second shape. A method of using a wiping device is also included.

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.

Abstract: The vibratory firearm barrel cleaning tool of this invention is a device to clean firearm barrels more thoroughly, quickly and efficiently than that with prior art devices. It employs the conventional cleaning rod, brush and cleaning fluid, but is powered by a vibratory source on the cleaning rod to more effectively remove fouling elements from the barrel interior.

Abstract: An HVAC pipe cleaning system includes a pipe cleaning adapter attached to the upstream end of a pipe and a catch device attached to the downstream end of the pipe k cylindrical wiper is closely fitted into the interior of the pipe cleaning adapter and is propelled from the pipe adapter into the pipe by means of gas pressure behind the cylindrical wiper. A flushing solvent fitting is used to inject flushing solvent into the pipe cleaning adapter ahead of the wiper.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for removing deposits in thermal conversion processes are provided herein. In one example, a method comprises advancing a hot vapor through a hot vapor inlet tubular section to a low temperature zone inlet nozzle of a longitudinal tubular section. The hot vapor inlet tubular section has a first inner diameter and the longitudinal tubular section has a second inner diameter that is greater than the first inner diameter. A ram head with a net open cross-sectional flow area is moved between a retracted position and an extended position to remove the deposits in the low temperature zone inlet nozzle.