Abstract: A method for removal of undesirable foreign matter from the interior of existing duct systems. The method comprises the insertion of a plurality of members into a stream of air within the existing duct to loosen the dirt adhering to the duct walls. The members are capable of receiving and holding a static electric charge on their exterior surfaces so that when the members are agitated within the stream of air and against the duct, a static electrical charge is placed thereon. The electrical charge causes a portion of the foreign matter to be attracted to and adhere to the members. The stream of air with the members and loose foreign matter entrained therein is then removed from the duct.

Abstract: A treatment element is provided for treating the inside of pipes, which element is bulged out by a medium flow presence in the pipe (1), while the movement of the element through the pipe can be controlled by a flexible pulling element. This treatment element (2) comprises a radially free compressible bag, the edge (5) of the open edge (6) of which is connected to the flexible pulling element (4). A wall pan (3) running in the peripheral direction of the bag is pressed against the inner wall of the pipe by the thrust of the medium, through which the inner wall is treated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for etching a silicon coat on the inside wall of a tube. The tube may be a product discharge tube associated with a fluidized bed reactor used in the thermal production of silicon from a silicon containing compound, e.g., silane. The process features: a) heating the silicon coat to a temperature within the range of from about 500.degree. to about 750.degree. C., such heating occurring principally with radiant heat from a heating means inserted within the interior of the tube; and (b) contacting the heated silicon coat with a mineral acid which etches the heated silicon coat.

Abstract: A pipe pig is reciprocated through a section of a pipe having deposits of scale. In the case of very hard deposits, each pass through the contaminated sections removes a thin layer each time. The location of the coated section can be located by first running the pig through the pipe. The hydraulic pressure is monitored using pen recorders. At each bend in the pipe, a sharp pressure increase will be recorded. The location of the bends can be determined from a drawing of the pipe installation. When the pig encounters scale, there will be a pressure increase that corresponds to the degree of resistance met by the pig resulting from the scale. Greater pressure means greater scale build up. By running the pig through the pipe, a profile of the scale may be created. The location of the scale can be correlated to the known location of the bends. The scale itself can be flushed out with the hydraulic propellant and analyzed. The pin height and hardness can then be selected for the particular scale encountered.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of cleaning a pipeline using a gel pig of a graft copolymer of a hydroxyalkyl cellulose prepared by a redox reaction with vinyl phosphonic acid. The gel pig is formed by hydrating the graft copolymer in an aqueous liquid. The gel pig is crosslinked by the addition of a Lewis base or Bronsted-Lowry base, to the gel in an amount sufficient to initiate crosslinking of the graft copolymer. Contaminants entrained in the crosslinked gel pig during the cleaning process may be separated by the addition of a pH reducing agent to the pig whereby the viscosity of the gel is caused to decrease. The gel may be used for further cleaning after contaminant separation by addition of an additional quantity of the Lewis base or Bronsted-Lowry base.

Abstract: A dish scrubber has an elongated handle and a cylindrical scrubbing element attached at one end to the handle. The scrubbing element is of laminar configuration having a leading layer of scouring material glued to an underlying layer of foam. The element is longitudinally grooved to provide circumferentially spaced teeth with cutting edges. The scrubber is configured so that the scouring layer contacts the bottom and the cutting edges contact the sides to clean the interior cavity of a coffee mug or similar cylindrical dishware cavity.

Abstract: A method and gelatin pig is provided for scraping and cleaning tubulars. The gelled, cleaning pig has a body comprised of gelled technical gelatin which has a hardened outer layer. The pig is molded in a size sufficient for the periphery of the body to contact the interior wall of the tubular to be cleaned. The outer surface of the gelatin is hardened by merely exposing the outer surface of the gelatin to the atmosphere (i.e. air) or by applying a hardener (e.g. aldehyde) to the outer surface. In operation, the gelatin pig is inserted into and passed through the pipeline to scrap and clean same. The pig is bio-degradable which can be accelerated by adding a bio-reactive agent, e.g. yeast, to the gelatin.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a nitric acid absorption column is provided comprising: (a) cleaning its absorption column coil having an access port and an exit port by inserting a pig in the access port; maintaining pressure against the pig sufficient to force the pig through the coil; and capturing the pig after it passes through the exit port, and (b) cleaning the cooling fluid supply manifold headers and header hoses and the cooling fluid return manifold headers and header hoses by operatively connecting a valve means to a high pressure water or similar fluid supply to control the amount of high pressure water or similar fluid flowing through the valve means and into a flexible hose which has been operatively connected to the valve means to receive the high pressure water, operatively attaching a hollow tube having a nozzle provided with reverse direction orifices to the opposite end of the flexible hose to receive the high pressure water from the flexible hose and to allow the high pressure water to exit from the

Abstract: A method and gelatin pig is provided for scraping and cleaning tubulars. The gelled, cleaning pig has a body comprised of gelled material, preferably technical gelatin, which has a hardened, frozen outer layer. The pig is molded in a size sufficient for the periphery of the body to contact the interior wall of the tubular to be cleaned. The frozen outer surface of the gelatin is formed by merely exposing the outer surface of the gelatin to (1) the atmosphere if the ambient temperature is above the freezing temperature of the gelatin or (2) artifical refrigeration. In operation, the gelatin pig is inserted into and passed through the pipeline to scrap and clean same. The gelatin pig is bio-degradable which can be accelerated by adding a bio-reactive agent, e.g. yeast, to the gelatin.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting compressible pigs into a pipeline. The apparatus includes a conical chamber that fits into the end of the pipeline. A plurality of spring tensioned hooks hold the conical chamber in place. The pig is inserted into the conical chamber, a cover having a threaded rod is then secured to the chamber and the pig is pushed through the chamber into pipeline by turning the threaded rod.

Abstract: A process for blast cleaning an article having internal passageways that produces a clean, weldable, and brazable article that is free of blast media residue. The process includes blasting the internal passageways of the article with a soluble blast media, rinsing the article with a solvent in which the blast media is soluble, and removing the solvent from the internal passageways of the article using a stream of air.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of a vessel which includes a cleaning head supported and guided into the vessel by a rigid air shaft. The cleaning head is supplied with a process fluid and directs and removes the process fluid from a cleaning zone located on the interior surface of the vessel. The process fluid is heated by a heat exchanger hose assembly that is connected to the air shaft. The apparatus utilizes turbulent fluid flow, thermal shock, ultrasonic vibration and/or piezoelectric vibration to dislodge particulates from the inner surfaces of the vessel. The apparatus is useful for cleaning chemical vapor deposition reactors and other similar vessels.

Abstract: A method of treating blocks of waste paraffin wax entailing initially subdividing the wax into particles less than one cubic inch in size, and preferably in elongated string or rod form, then intimately mixing the particles with a viscous hydrocarbon liquid in a first mixing zone by agitation. The mixture is passed through a centrifugal pump where further mixing and further comminution of the wax particles occurs as a result of cavitation and pump impeller impact. A slurry of wax in hydrocarbon is discharged from the centrifugal pump and recycled at least once back through the first mixing zone and then back to the pump.

Abstract: An apparatus is shown for cleaning a pipe. The apparatus includes a rigid stem and a motor stationarily mounted on the stem. An outer body surrounds the motor and is rotatably mounted on the rigid stem. A fluid conduit is connected to the stem and to a source of fluid under pressure for supplying fluid to the motor for driving the motor. The fluid conduit also connected to a pulling unit for pulling the apparatus through the pipe to be cleaned. Fluid supplied through the fluid conduit to the stem and through the stem to the fluid powered motor provides rotational propulsion to turn the outer body as the apparatus is moved through the pipe to be cleaned.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning and flushing a conventional garbage disposal unit. A flow restricting valve replaces a conventional valve in the water seal trap in a kitchen drain line. The flow restricting valve is actuated by a pull-push plunger from outside the pipe. To clean the garbage disposal, the valve is closed and water back flows into the disposal unit for cleaning. When the valve is opened the garbage disposal unit can be flushed. Accordingly, the garbage disposal unit is easily cleaned and flushed, eliminating undesirable odors, without the need for a plumber's intervention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning photoreceptor substrates where at least one substrate is rotated in a bath of moving dry ice particles. The dry ice particles contact the outer surface of the substrate, melt locally upon contact and refreeze to capture particulate contaminants on the outer surface of the dry ice particles. An inert gas counter current to the flow of moving dry ice particles is supplied to enhance cleaning efficiency and assist in removing carbon dioxide, contaminants and small dry ice particles.

Abstract: An ablating gelatin pig for use in tubulars which can easily negotiate the bends, etc in a tubular. Due to the properties of gelatin, the pig will ablate thereby depositing a protective layer onto the wall of the tubular. The pig can be molded outside the tubular or it can be formed in situ. The pig is formed by mixing common gelatin with a heated liquid and then allowing the mixture to cool to ambient temperature. Preferably, the liquid includes a treating solution (e.g. corrosion inhibitor, drag reducer, etc ) which is to be used to treat the pipeline. In some applications, a slug of the treating solution is also passed through the pipeline between two ablating gelatin pigs. For high temperatures applications, a hardener may be added to the pig to increase the melting temperature of the pig and/or a slug of the hardener can also be passed through the pipeline between two ablating gelatin pigs if necessary.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a nitric acid absorption column cooling coil having an access port and an exit port comprising the steps of closing the access port, inserting a pig in an operative position within a sealable cavity of a launching assembly that is operatively attached to the access port to allow the pig to enter the coil, pressurizing the launching assembly with a fluid to a pre-determined level, opening the access port while maintaining pressure against the pig during its passage through the coil by a fluid pump sufficient to force the pig into and through the coil, and capturing the pig after it passes through the exit port.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting compressible pigs into a pipeline. The apparatus includes a conical chamber that fits into the end of the pipeline. A plurality of spring tensioned hooks hold the conical chamber in place. The pig is inserted into the conical chamber, a cover having a threaded rod is then secured to the chamber and the pig is pushed through the chamber into pipeline by turning the threaded rod.

Abstract: An apparatus for flushing a workpiece including a passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the apparatus comprising structure adapted to communicate with the inlet and with the outlet for circulating only a fluid through a fluid flow loop including the workpiece passageway, and structure located downstream of the outlet and upstream of the inlet for removing from the fluid substantially all relatively large particles flushed from the passageway and for allowing relatively small particles flushed from the passageway to remain in the fluid so that the relatively small particles are recirculated through the passageway to act as the sole cleaning medium other than the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting pigs for the cleaning, purging and dewatering of hydrocarbon conveying pipelines and the like and more particularly to an improved pig launcher or loader for loading a pig into a variety of configuration pipelines. The present invention teaches a portable device configured to affix to various configuration pipes via a unique configured flange coupling system, which adapts to the flange connections for various diameter pipes. The present invention also utilizes a compressed air system for loading the pig into the pipeline, and an automatic system for venting the charged pig loader once the pig has passed from the loader into the pipeline. The present invention teaches a device configured for the loading of several pigs simultaneously, and is not limited to the loading of a single pig at a time. Further, the present apparatus loads the pig(s) well into the pipeline, allowing for less problems during the cutting and welding process.

Abstract: A method of decoking the inside walls of a hydrocarbon steam-cracking installation by means of solid particles of very small size, which particles are injected into the hydrocarbon feedstock flowing through tubes (12) of the steam-cracking furnace (10) and through indirect quench means (16). A cyclone (28) at the outlet from said indirect-quench means serving to separate the solid particles from the gaseous products and enabling the solid particles to be recycled through the installation after being mixed with a liquid or a gas and after their pressure has been raised. The invention also relates to a steam-cracking installation enabling the method to be performed.

Abstract: A cleaning cartridge and method for cleaning the electrical contacts of a connector block of a computer or video game having a cartridge receptacle and wherein the cleaning cartridge has a housing to be inserted into the cartridge receptacle and the housing contains a board having a one and the other end, the other end of the board having on at least one planar surface a cleaning material adapted to clean the electrical contacts of a connector bar, the other end extending outwardly of the housing, and wherein the board is adapted to move in a slidable manner between by the user grasping the other end of the board between an outwardly extending, non-cleaning position and inwardly extending, cleaning position.

Abstract: A method of steam cracking hydrocarbons in a steam cracking furnace (10) having tubes (12) connected to indirect quench menas (16) for the gaseous effluent leaving the furnace, the method consisting in allowing a layer of hard coke to form on the inside walls of the furnace tubes (12) and then in injecting a small quantity of solid erosive particles into the steam and hydrocarbon feedstock to be cracked, with the particles being separated from the gaseous effluent in a cyclone (28) provided at the outlet from the indirect quench means. The invention serves in particular to enable a steam cracking installation to operate continuously.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment is directed to a system for freeing obstructions formed in a hollow surgical suction implement having first and second open ends. The system includes a fluid container having at least one opening for receiving the first open end of the hollow surgical suction implement. A plurality of bristles are formed in the fluid container. The bristles are tapered to facilitate insertion in the hollow surgical suction implement and provide greater stability. Level identifying indicia is formed on the fluid container to identify the amount of fluid therein. A vacuum suction system is adapted to be operably connected to the second open end of the hollow surgical suction implement to direct fluid in the fluid container through the surgical suction implement at a predetermined time after the first end of the surgical suction implement is inserted in the fluid container. The vacuum suction system directs fluid passing therethrough into a reservoir.

Abstract: A method for cleaning the interior wall of a tube with a slurry and a tubular lance. The method includes the steps of inserting an end of the tubular lance into the tube and pumping a fluid through the tubular lance into the tube. A slurry is pumped into the interior of the tube between the tubular lance and the interior of the tube. The slurry mixes with the fluid at the end of the tubular lance in the tube and the slurry and fluid mixture is propelled against the interior tube wall at the end of the tubular lance to clean the interior wall of the tube.

Abstract: A sweeper for sweeping the interior space of a pipe by passing the sweeper through the pipe to remove scale from the inner surface of the pipe. The sweeper includes a body made of a resilient material, such as foamed polyurethane, and a plurality of pins projecting radially outward from the body. Each of the pins includes a head portion located outward the body and stem portion for holding the pin on the body. The head portion of the pin includes a plurality of fingers having tip end surfaces which are inclined in opposite directions relative to the direction of movement of the sweeper in the pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sequential launching a plurality of pipeline pigs in serial manner into a gas transmission pipeline. The pig launching system incorporates a tubular magazine for receiving a plurality of pigs and having a free piston movably disposed therein. A source of hydraulic fluid medium is provided and is injected into the magazine behind the free piston for movement of the free piston and the pigs for pig launching. A gas energized liquid pump is operated by gas pressure from the gas transmission pipeline under the control of a timer operated gas supply valve for selective introduction of hydraulic fluid medium into the magazine. A control panel incorporating control circuitry is programmable to achieve timed launching of the pigs into the pipeline and shuts down the pig launching mechanism after each pig has been launched. The control circuitry is also capable of rendering an alarm signal if pig launching is not achieved within a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment is directed to a system for freeing obstructions formed in a hollow surgical suction implement having first and second open ends. The system includes a fluid container having at least one opening for receiving the first open end of the hollow surgical suction implement. A plurality of bristles are formed in the fluid container. The bristles are tapered to facilitate insertion in the hollow surgical suction implement and provide greater stability. Level identifying indicia is formed on the fluid container to identify the amount of fluid therein. A vacuum suction system is adapted to be operably connected to the second open end of the hollow surgical suction implement to direct fluid in the fluid container through the surgical suction implement at a predetermined time after the first end of the surgical suction implement is inserted in the fluid container. The vacuum suction system directs fluid passing therethrough into a reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of a vessel which includes a cleaning head supported and guided into the vessel by a rigid air shaft. The cleaning head is supplied with a process fluid and directs and removes the process fluid from a cleaning zone located on the interior surface of the vessel. The process fluid is heated by a heat exchanger hose assembly that is connected to the air shaft. The apparatus utilizes turbulent fluid flow, thermal shock, ultrasonic vibration and/or piezoelectric vibration to dislodge particulates from the inner surfaces of the vessel. The apparatus is useful for cleaning chemical vapor deposition reactors and other similar vessels.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for the cleaning of the inner surfaces of a chemical vapor deposition reactor used in the production of polycrystalline silicon. The process comprises impacting the surfaces to be cleaned with solid carbon dioxide pellets. The carbon dioxide pellets dislodge silicon deposits from the surface of the reactor without damaging the surface of the reactor and without providing a source for contamination of polycrystalline silicon produced in the cleaned reactor. The present process is particularly useful for the cleaning of the inner surfaces of chemical vapor deposition reactors used in the production of semi-conductor grade silicon.

Abstract: A detergent resin composition is provided which is, in a small quantity, capable of very effectively deterging the inside of molding machines in a short period of time at the time of change-over of chlorine-containing resins inside the machines, which composition is obtained by blending 50 to 95% by weight of a polystyrene resin, 0.1 to 15% by weight of a polymethyl methacrylate, 2 to 30% by weight of a neutral salt of a sulfonic acid and 0.1 to 10% by weight of basic magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, zinc carbonate or a mixture thereof, the respective proportions being based upon the weight of the composition.

Abstract: An apparatus is shown for cleaning a pipe. The apparatus includes a rigid stem and a motor stationarily mounted on the stem. An outer body surrounds the motor and is rotatably mounted on the rigid stem. A fluid conduit is connected to the stem and to a source of fluid under pressure for supplying fluid to the motor for driving the motor. The fluid conduit also connected to a pulling unit for pulling the apparatus through the pipe to be cleaned. Fluid supplied through the fluid conduit to the stem and through the stem to the fluid powered motor provides rotational propulsion to turn the outer body as the apparatus is moved through the pipe to be cleaned.

Abstract: A device for cleaning opposing surfaces (13, 14) of concentric columns (11, 12) is formed from a strip of material (20) configured as a spiral having inside and outside edges (21, 22) such that each edge (21, 22) forms a helix. The device (10) is utilized by introducing it between the concentric columns (11, 12). The strip (20) inside edge (21) abuts the opposing surface (13) of the inner column (11), and the outside edge (22) abuts the opposing surface (23) of the outside column (12). The device (10) is forced to travel along the lengths of the columns (11, 12) by an hydraulic fluid downflow thereby scraping deposits from the opposing surfaces (13, 14).

Abstract: Process and apparatus are provided for the removal of a deposit from the inner surface of a rotating cylinder having a horizontal or inclined longitudinal axis, which comprises introducing a body having a substantially symmetrical concavo-convex silhouette into the cylinder, the body being slidable in the axial direction in the cylinder either by the rotational movement of the cylinder or by means for axial propulsion of the slidable body within the cylinder, the surface of the body being in frictional engagement with the interior surface of the cylinder, the body being adapted to ride up to a point on the wall of the cylinder due to the frictional engagement, and then when the effect of the weight the body becomes greater than the frictional force of the engagement the body slides back in a generally radial direction toward the bottom of the cylinder while wearing away at least a part of the deposit within the cylinder by scraping action of the surface of the said sliding body against the interior wall of th

Abstract: A sterilizing method is provided for use with a container filling machine having components defining passages through which a fluid product flows. In one method aspect, sterilizing steam is passed through the components unitl the components have been sterilized. As the system cools and the steam condenses, the system is pressurized with gas to prevent the internal pressure in the system from decreasing below the ambient atmospheric pressure. In a further method aspect, the sterilizing process is controlled in response to sensing the temperature of one or more of the components. In yet another aspect, a common source of sterilizing steam is provided for being directed into the product filling system and simultaneously into an associated process gas supply system to sterilize both systems generally concurrently in a single pass.

Abstract: A cleaning composition includes a liquid vehicle having dispersed therein, a particulate, organic, polymeric material. This composition is used for cleaning encrustations from the interior surface of tubes or other vessels, particularly those of paint delivery systems. Such cleaning is accomplished by maintaining a flow of the cleaning composition through the vessel. The vehicle may comprise organic or inorganic solvent mixtures and may include detergents, surfactants and similar ancillary ingredients.

Abstract: Tubes are cleaned using projectiles propelled by the more or less instantaneous release of liquid cleaning medium at high pressure acting upon one face of the projectile. Projectiles travel at a velocity of at least about 10 m sec.sup.-1 inducing a cavitation-like process to the rear of said projectile.

Abstract: A method of cleaning the interior of a pipe includes introducing a group of small spheres into the interior of the pipe, each small sphere having a number of pins driven therein in such a manner that respective heads of the pins are left exposed, applying hydraulic pressure to the group of small spheres from one side thereof, and causing the group of small spheres to flow through the interior of the pipe substantially along a hydromechanic velocity distribution curve. The small spheres form a mass within the pipe and undergo motion in accordance with a velocity distribution curve that conforms to the pipe diameter, thus making it possible to clean the interior of a pipe the diameter of which varies along its length.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for removing synthetic residues from rotating parts of plastics processing machines includes a heatable tubular container which contains a dry powder or granular filling and is provided with an upper axial opening through which the part to be cleaned is introduced into the container. The part is clamped at its one end by a chuck which cooperates with a double-acting piston/cylinder unit so as to be movable upwardly and downwardly for introducing the part to be cleaned in the container and removing it therefrom after the cleaning cycle.

Abstract: This is a new apparatus and method for cleaning debris from the inside of a foundation drain tile, the drain tile being in the immediate proximity of the perimeter of a building structure. A rocket nozzle which is in fluid communication with flexible tubing and a high pressure water supply, and a foot pedal control valve is used for starting and stopping the fluid flow. An opening in the tip of the nozzle enables pressurized water to be discharged through the tip in a forward direction. At least two apertures are disposed along a nozzle recess. The tubing is secured to the nozzle and is in fluid communication with the nozzle. An on-off foot pedal control valve is used to start and stop the water flow into the tubing and into the nozzle. As pressurized water is supplied to the nozzle and projected through the apertures, the nozzle is propelled in a forward direction through the drain tile.

Abstract: A rotary tube cleaning system having a rotary cutting tool attached to an elongated flexible drive wire for remotely cleaning the inside of elongated tubes, and method for its use. The tube cleaning system includes a special rotary cutting tool rigidly attached to an elongated flexible drive wire, which are rotatably driven through a slip clutch by variable speed rotary drive means. The tool has dual oppositely-facing cutting edges at its forward end and also has dual longitudinally separated cylindrical guide surfaces provided at the tool forward and rear ends. In the method for remotely cleaning the tubes using the rotating cutting tool, the tool is inserted into a thimble tube, rotated at 150-250 rpm and fed forward at 5-20 ft/min to cut or scrape any deposits from the inner wall of the tube. The tool is then removed and similarly inserted into other tubes in sequence to scrape and substantially remove accumulated material therein.

Abstract: System and method for controlling flow rate of a fluid through a tube of a heat exchanger, such as through condenser or evaporator tubes disposed within a respective condenser or evaporator in a refrigerator. Flow direction of fluid through the tube is reversed, e.g. by way of a directional control valve, which can move a brush disposed within the tube therethrough, to automatically clean the same. The system and method is capable of increasing the flow rate of the fluid through the tube at or during the flow directional change, to ensure, e.g., that a minimum velocity required to move the cleaning brush through the tube is reached.

Abstract: A process for removing radioactive species such as technetium from surfaces of components such as those formed from aluminum, and a process of treating the resulting effluents. For example, technetium trapped under an oxide layer present on an aluminum component is removed by removing the oxide layer with sulphuric acid, and treating the exposed technetium with a complexing agent such as citrate in the presence of an oxidizing agent. An oxide scavenger may be added to prevent reformation of the oxide layer. Actinides can be removed from the effluent by use of a chelating ion exchange material, and technetium by oxidation and use of a basic ion exchange material.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for cleaning polymeric processing equipment. The process comprises purging the polymer processing equipment with a composition comprising a polymer, a mild abrasive and a sulfonated surfactant.

Abstract: A pipline bulk residue remover and method for efficiently removing such residue. The apparatus includes a cable passing through the length of a pipeline potentially thousands of feet in length and connected to a device at each end to enable the cable to be moved in opposite linear directions together with a unique pipe cleaning device consisting of a central tubular structure provided with a plurality of radially extending pivotal plates in staggered sets with the plates being freely swingable in one direction and prevented from free swinging in the other direction so that the periphery of the plates can be located adjacent the internal periphery of the pipline for removing residue therefrom in one direction of movement and passing freely through the pipeline in the other direction of movement.

Abstract: A method for obtaining access to the end of a valve stem of a valve in a buried water main having a gate can extending from the valve to the surface. The gate can may be filled with debris or other material which has become solidified so that it cannot be removed with a known type of tool. An additional or accessory tool is provided having a blade which can be inserted into the gate can and utilized to break up, granulate or pulverize the material in the gate can. The accessory tool is operated by a manual operating tool. After the material has thus been broken up, a second tool is used which is of a type which can be inserted into the gate can and operated to collect the granulated or pulverized material and to remove it from the gate can. Both of the tools can be operated by a single manual operating tool or instrumentality having an extensible handle and which is also usable to operate a nut at the end of the valve stem after access has been obtained.

Abstract: A sewer cleaning device having an inlet nozzle assembly at one end for securing to a sewer jet and a sealed nozzle assembly oppositely disposed therefrom with water flowing from the sewer jet through each nozzle assembly and cables secured to a central housing between the nozzle assembly provides for a scraping and water jet action to clean a sewer pipe thoroughly.

Abstract: Adherent foreign matters such as metal powders and sludges are removed from the surface of work pieces of metal, ceramics or the like in a treating process thereof. Work pieces where foreign matters adhere and a granules composed of a heat-resisting inorganic substance such as sand are put together into a container. The inside of the container is heated to raise the temperature to the melting point of the adherents or to a temperature near it, and an external force is applied; to the container so that the work pieces will move in the container, for example, to rotate the container.

Abstract: A vent cleaning system for removing dust from a vent has a brush that substantially occludes the vent, and is rotated by a flexible shaft that is concentrically disposed in a flexible tubular vacuum conduit, so that dust is dislodged from the vent wall and vacuumed into the vacuum conduit.