Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a gutter-cleaning device comprises a housing containing an impeller drive facility, the housing configured to fit into a gutter, an impeller, disposed at an end of the housing and driven by the impeller drive facility, and a transport facility for transporting the housing along the gutter.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning the bolt and bolt carrier of a firearm and a method using the tool are disclosed. The tool is preferably made from a single piece of rectangular metal having a longitudinal channel cut in one end to define first and second legs. The first leg is sized to fit within the bore a bolt. The channel is of a width to place an edge of the second leg adjacent the surface of the bolt. Rotating the tool in relation to the bolt scrapes an edge of the second leg against the surface of the bolt thereby removing carbon residue from the surface of the bolt.

Abstract: A hole cleaning apparatus includes a member, a brush, and a vacuum source. The brush rotates around a longitudinal axis of the member, or translates in a direction which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the member. The vacuum source provides vacuum suction within the member.

Abstract: Provided is an improved method of removing lint in clothes dryers utilizing a lint capturing sheet in the lint screen. Also provided is a method of utilizing the lint capturing sheet to clean other internal surfaces of the dryer. The lint capturing sheet includes a non-woven fabric saturated in an aqueous solution of from 90 to 99.999 vol. % water and from 0.001 to 10 vol. % of water soluble ingredients that increase the electrical conductivity of the water. The non-woven fabric is negative on the Triboelectric series and the weight ratio of non-woven fabric to the aqueous solution in the lint capturing sheet ranges from 1:1 to 1:30. Also provided are methods of making the lint capturing sheet and devices including the lint capturing sheet for wiping difficult to clean internal areas of the dryer.

Abstract: Method for dewatering, pressure testing, hydrotreating, suppressing methane hydrate formation and suppressing solution freezing point in pipeline operations have been disclosed, where the solution used in the operations includes an effective amount of a metal formate salt. The metal formate salt solutions have a low viscosity, have a high density, have a low metals corrosivity, are non-volatile, have a low solubility in hydrocarbons, are readily biodegradable, have a low toxicity, are non-hazardous, have a low environmental impact, have a freezing point depression property forming water/formate eutectic point mixtures, and have a water-structuring and water activity modification property.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for the cleaning of an endotracheal tube while a patient is being supported by a ventilator connected to the endotracheal tube for the purpose of increasing the available space for airflow or to prevent the build up of materials that may constrict airflow or be a potential nidus for infection. In one embodiment, a method for cleaning endotracheal tubes comprises inserting a cleaning device within an endotracheal tube while a cleaning member is in a compressed position, radially expanding the cleaning member to an expanded position within the endotracheal tube, and withdrawing the cleaning device from the endotracheal tube with the cleaning member in the expanded position.

Abstract: A combination toilet brush/plunger apparatus for providing both a plunger and a toilet cleaning brush in one unit. The combination toilet brush/plunger apparatus includes a brush assembly including a brush support member. The brush member is attached to the brush support member, and there is an elongate handle member being removably attached to the brush support member. A plunger assembly includes a housing/support member. The plunger member is attached to the housing/support member with the brush support member being removably fastened to the housing/support member. There is a plate with apertures disposed in the housing/support member.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a tube or pipeline, wherein an IP comprising an electronics module arrangement, is driven along the interior of the tube or pipeline by fluid pressure, wherein the IP transmits monitoring signals through the fluid that provides the pressure to the wall of the tube or pipeline, receives signals returned from the wall, analyzes the returned signals and stores data relating to the condition of the wall of the pipeline.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus device for mechanically loosening scale inside a pipe arranged to convey hydrocarbon fluids from a production zone in a well, in which an actuator arranged in a housing includes an axially movable stem which extends through at least part of the housing and is provided with at least one cam, at least one cutting means is arranged radially movable in a recess in the housing, the cam bearing, by the axial movement of the actuator towards a first extreme position, against the cutting means, applying to it a push force directed radially outwards. There is also described a method of mechanically loosening scale inside a pipe arranged to convey hydrocarbon fluids from a production zone by using the apparatus.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning a drainage structure comprises a rod having a center longitudinal axis, a barrel housing having a proximal opening and a distal opening, the barrel housing having a center longitudinal axis and coupled coaxially to the rod, the barrel housing having an outside dimension that can be accommodated within the drainage structure, the distal opening of the barrel housing having a sinusoidal tearing contour. The tool further comprises a plurality of cutting implements radially coupled to and between the rod and the barrel housing, the cutting implements having a distal cutting edge and being angularly oriented to facilitate sweeping debris in a selected direction, and the barrel housing and cutting implements operable to rotate about the center longitudinal axis of the rod to dislodge and loosen debris inside the drainage structure.

Abstract: Methods of pressure cleaning a target surface of an article comprising one or more passageways include fluidly connecting a pressure masker comprising pressurized masking fluid to a first side of at least one passageway, passing the pressurized masking fluid through the at least one passageway from the first side to a second side comprising the target surface, and, cleaning the target surface using a cleaning material, wherein the pressurized masking fluid passing through the at least one passageway prevents the cleaning material from permanently altering a cross sectional area of the at least one passageway.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the interior of tubes. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A cleaning bullet for use in a track can include a compressible body to clean the track, and a motorized device to propel the body through the track. In some embodiments, the motorized device includes wheels rotatably coupled to the device, a motor to drive the wheels, and a power source to supply power to the motor. Also, in some embodiments, one or more wheels engage an inner or outer surface of the track to move the motorized device along the track.

Abstract: A firearm cleaning device comprises a flexible cable and threaded coupling assembly, to which a plurality of components may be attached individually or in combination for optimal configuration based on cleaning need and firearm type. A spear-point piercing adapter may be threadably attached to a cable with a coupling portion fixed thereto. The piercing adapter includes a threaded shank with a sharp tip, on which a cleaning patch is speared and a jag is threadably attached thereto, thereby sandwiching the cleaning patch between a body of the piercing adapter and the jag. The cleaning device and various components and attachments can be packaged and sold as a single compact device, which provides mobility for field use, configurability for use with a wide range of firearm types, and cost savings due to fewer components and reduced packaging size.

Abstract: A method for tracking a scraper within a pipeline has the steps of moving the scraper along a path in the pipeline such that the scraper produces an acoustic signal, sensing the acoustic signal as produced by the scraper by at least a pair of acoustic sensors positioned in spaced relation along the pipeline, time-stamping the sensed acoustic signal, and calculating a location of the scraper based on the time-stamped acoustic signal. The acoustic signal can be a transient pressure wave produced by the movement of the scraper or a pressure signal produced by a mechanism positioned on the scraper.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing waste from a soiled container that houses laboratory animals and has an opening is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conveyor having a receiving end for receiving containers from a stack of containers. The stack is disposed such that the openings are upwardly oriented. The apparatus also includes a manipulator that aligns with and engages an uppermost container of the stack and causes the uppermost container to be separated from the stack and to be flipped over onto the receiving end of the conveyor such that the opening is downwardly disposed. Waste discarded from the container falls through openings in the conveyor, and a waste receptacle disposed below the conveyor collects the discarded waste. The conveyor advances to transport the container away from the receiving end toward a discharge end of the conveyor.

Abstract: Flash vortex brush cleaning apparatus is provided which comprises a device and method for cleaning inner channels of boreholes which have been drilled or cored within solid substrates, particularly, concrete, masonry, grout, where the boreholes are to be used to bond adhesive anchors therein. Flash vortex brush device comprises a straight tubular shaft; a coil cleaning brush. Tubular shaft includes a first end including an open inlet; opposing second end including an open outlet; first end including a connector element. Coil cleaning brush includes bristles secured in channel affixed wound proximate to second end of shaft developed of pitch to form an open wound coil. Connector element provides removable attaching means to a variety of pre-existing nozzles. For rapid efficient cleaning, first embodiment for use includes flash vortex brush removably attached with air nozzle; second embodiment for use includes flash vortex brush removably attached with water nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotor housing for a milling device for soil processing, in particular, for a road milling machine, a recycler, or a stabilizer, having a cleaning apparatus, with an interior open toward the ground for receiving a milling rotor, comprising two side walls, one front wall, and one rear wall, the side walls, the front wall, and the rear wall delimiting the interior to the outside, comprising an internally arranged cleaning strip. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a milling device with a rotor housing having such a cleaning apparatus and a method for cleaning a rotor housing.

Abstract: A tube cleaning device is presented having a brush including a magnetically attracted component incorporated therein and a magnetic base unit positioned about a tube. The magnetic base unit cooperates with the magnetically attracted component of the brush to advance the brush through the tube. The magnetic base unit may include a housing for accommodating either a single magnet or a pair of opposed magnets or any number of magnetic elements. The magnets may be configured to slidably engage a length of an exterior portion of the tube while positioned within a housing of the magnetic base unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for cleaning the annulus chamber of forward combustion cans of a gas turbine. The method comprises the steps of feeding a cable through at least half the annulus chamber in a first direction and then rotating the cable. The annulus chamber is then aerated to remove dislodged debris.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning a personal care applicator, particularly an applicator for a product that is subject to dry out. In some embodiments, the invention is implemented as a reusable cleaning tool. In other embodiments, the invention is implemented as a disposable, single-use or limited use cleaning tool. The tool comprises a relatively flat body having first and second exterior surfaces, and one or more cleaning regions that extend through the body. As an applicator is drawn through the cleaning region, dried out product is scraped off the applicator.

Abstract: A fastenable air delivery conduit includes a body portion having a supply end and a delivery end and a fastener that substantially extends from the supply end to the delivery end. The fastener, when engaged, forms the body portion into a fastened configuration, and when disengaged, forms the body portion into an unfastened configuration. The body portion defines a longitudinal axis when in the fastened configuration, and the fastener extends from the source end to the delivery end of the body portion at an angle that is non-parallel with the longitudinal axis of the conduit.

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: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for the cleaning of an endotracheal tube while a patient is being supported by a ventilator connected to the endotracheal tube for the purpose of increasing the available space for airflow or to prevent the build up of materials that may constrict airflow or be a potential nidus for infection. In one embodiment, a method for cleaning endotracheal tubes comprises inserting a cleaning device within an endotracheal tube while a cleaning member is in a compressed position, radially expanding the cleaning member to an expanded position within the endotracheal tube, and withdrawing the cleaning device from the endotracheal tube with the cleaning member in the expanded position.

Abstract: A system for maintaining production flow in a subsea pipeline having a proximate and a distal end, the pipeline being in fluid communication with a production facility on a distal end, the system comprising a flow loop comprising an inlet in fluid communication with at least one subsea well adapted to receive a hydrocarbon production flow, and an outlet in fluid communication with the proximate end of the pipeline; a pig launching system, adapted so that a pig may be selectively placed into the flow loop inlet; and a pig receiving system, adapted so that a pig may be removed from the hydrocarbon production flow from the flow loop outlet; wherein the flow loop has an inner surface roughness less than about 1000 micro-inches.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing polymeric fouling on process equipment surfaces to restore the efficiency of such equipment. This is accomplished by contacting the fouled equipment with a solvent comprising at least one non-aromatic hydrocarbon compound, or a mixture of one or more non-aromatic organic compounds and one or more aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, for a period of time sufficient to remove the polymeric fouling.

Abstract: A tool (10) for cleaning a drilled hole (12), including a tool shank (14) that, relative to the shank axis (A), has an axial attachment end (16) and an opposite axial cleaning end (18), as well as at least one conveying element (20) for removing drilling dust (22) from the drilled hole (12). The conveying element (20) is attached to the tool shank (14) and arranged in the axial direction like a helix around the tool shank (14). The conveying element (20) is configured as a channel (24) that is open in the direction of the attachment end (16). A method for cleaning a drilled hole by such a tool (10) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes at least a holder, a lance with a fluid distributing device, a drive unit for a translatory movement of the lance in the holder, a first fluid conducting system with a first feed, a first return and at least one first flow path proceeding from the first feed toward the first return for cooling the cleaning apparatus, and a second fluid conducting system with a second feed and at least one second flow path proceeding from the second feed toward the fluid distributing device.

Abstract: A cleaning bullet for use in a track can include a compressible body to clean the track, and a motorized device to propel the body through the track. In some embodiments, the motorized device includes wheels rotatably coupled to the device, a motor to drive the wheels, and a power source to supply power to the motor. Also, in some embodiments, one or more wheels engage an inner or outer surface of the track to move the motorized device along the track.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for cleaning an interior surface of a chemical vapor deposition reactor bell used in the production of polysilicon.

Abstract: A brush for cleaning a trailer hitch receiver that comprises an elongated stem attached to a handle at one end and a cleaning head at the opposite end. The brush is configured so that a person can grasp the handle of the device and ream the cleaning head having at least two flat abrasive sides into the trailer hitch receiver so as to clean out accumulated salt, asphalt, rust debris from the receiver hitch. A method for cleaning a substantially square trailer hitch receiver using the aforementioned cleaning device.

Abstract: A novel firearm pull-through cleaning tool with an integrated foldable handle. The handle is pivotable at a first tool end between a closed position wherein a portion of the handle occupies a longitudinal well in the tool body and an open position wherein the handle is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of body. When in closed position the diameter of the tool is less than the bore diameter of a weapon to be cleaned. In use, the handle is pivoted in a first direction to place the tool in the closed position; the tool is inserted into the firearm bore; a cleaning tool is attached to the attachment portion; the tool is passed through the bore; the handle is pivoted in a second direction to place said tool in the open position; and the handle is pulled to cause the cleaning tool to be passed through the bore.

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 pressure equalization system that adjusts the pressure downstream of the gate valve when the gate valve is in a closed position.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus (10) comprises a drive arrangement (16). A discrete holding means (12) is mountable on the drive arrangement. The holding means comprises a flexible elongate cleaning member (14) and a housing (18) for housing at least a portion of the elongate cleaning member. The cleaning apparatus further includes a transmission arrangement (20) for transmitting drive from the drive arrangement to the elongate cleaning member.

Abstract: An apparatus for clearing tubing includes a grip assembly connected to the pair of rollers. The grip assembly is operable to move the rollers to engage the tubing therebetween. The movement of the grip assembly is limited such that a minimum tubing gap between the rollers is equal to approximately twice a wall thickness of the tubing. The rollers are moved along the tubing to clear obstructions. The apparatus can also include a clamp assembly having one or more plates that limits movement of the grip assembly to bring the rollers no closer than the minimum tubing gap. Alternately, the grip assembly can include first and second shell halves movable between open and closed positions with a channel defined therebetween, and the rollers are mounted in the grip assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for cleaning an inner surface of a film growth reaction chamber, including a supporting unit, a cleaning unit, an electric motor and a power supply apparatus. The cleaning unit includes a surface facing the inner surface of the reaction chamber, and the surface is provided with a plurality of scraping structures. The electric motor is provided on the supporting unit and includes a driving shaft. One end of the driving shaft is connected to the cleaning unit so as to drive the cleaning unit to move. The power supply apparatus is connected to the electric motor. The cleaning apparatus of the present application provides a method for cleaning the inner surface of the reaction chamber, which is highly automatic, effective and timesaving, and may ensure the quality and consistency of cleaning process.

Abstract: A cleaning pig for a pipeline for long-distance transportation of a fluid material is advanced in the pipeline in a travel direction by the fluid material transported in the pipeline. The cleaning pig has a pig body and two collars connected to the pig body and spaced apart from one another. The pig body and the collars fill a pipe cross-section of the pipeline. An intermediate space is delimited between the two collars. A pressure opening is arranged at a trail end of the pig body in the travel direction. A pressure conduit connects the pressure opening to the intermediate space. A suction device is arranged in the intermediate space. A suction outlet is connected by a suction conduit to the suction device. The pressure conduit is connected to at least one jet opening directed with a jet action against an inner wall of the pipeline.

Abstract: A multi-surface bathroom cleaning system is described that allows for easier cleaning of all bathroom surfaces from all angles, especially under the rim of a toilet bowl, and which comprises an acid/nonionic composition contained in and dispensable from a package comprising an angled-neck sprayer bottle fitted with an invertible trigger sprayer assembly, wherein the cleaning system may be used in an entirely upside-down orientation to spray upwards at an acute angle.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a workpiece support that includes using a workpiece that has been coated on its bottom surface with a suitable material is disclosed. This specially coated workpiece is placed on the support, and some time later, it is removed, taking with it particles from the support. In certain embodiments, the workpiece undergoes an ion implantation process to increase its temperature, and to increase the tackiness of the coating on the bottom surface. The material used to coat the bottom can be of variable types, including photoresists, oxides and deposited glasses.

Abstract: A multi-surface kitchen cleaning system is described that allows for easier cleaning of all residential and commercial kitchen surfaces from all angles, especially underneath a range hood and up inside an oven, and which comprises an alkaline/nonionic composition contained in and dispensable from a package comprising an angled-neck sprayer bottle fitted with an invertible trigger sprayer assembly, wherein the cleaning system may be used in an entirely upside-down orientation to spray upwards at an acute angle.

Abstract: A method for cleaning cavities in workpieces, a cleaning device for this purpose and a device for the supply of media to a cleaning device of this type. Supercritical carbon dioxide is introduced into the cavity and the cavity is rinsed. The supercritical carbon dioxide located in the cavity is relieved of pressure after rinsing of the cavity, so that carbon dioxide gas and carbon dioxide snow are formed in the cavity and subsequently driven out of the cavity.

Abstract: A method of removing a deposit from a passage extending through a component includes immersing the passage within a liquid, and directing a liquid jet at the passage from a source within the liquid bath and with a sufficient velocity so as to remove at least a portion of the deposit.

Abstract: A device for clearing obstructions from a medical tube, such as a chest tube, is disclosed in various embodiments. In embodiments, the device features a guide wire that extends from a drainage canister and can be advanced and withdrawn through a medical tube, such as a chest tube, via an actuator. The guide wire is actuated so as to maintain the sterile field within the chest tube and the associated suction pathway. Methods of clearing a medical tube of obstructions using such a device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymerization reactor comprising one or more circulation loops with one or more inlets for raw material, one or more outlets, and a circulation pump for circulating a reactor charge within the circulation loop. A by-pass line for by-passing the circulation pump connects a point of the loop upstream of the pump with a point downstream of the pump.

Abstract: A cleaning substrate that can prevent a decrease in the operating rate of a substrate processing apparatus. The cleaning substrate that cleans the interior of a chamber in the substrate processing apparatus has a removal mechanism that removes foreign matter in the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid acidic hard surface cleaning composition having a pH of from 2 to 2.9 and comprising formic acid and an alkaline material.

Abstract: A press cleaning device and method are described for removing coffee grinds from a French or coffee press. The device includes a stem having a handle and a circular disk-shaped declining plane ramp disposed at different ends. The circumference of the ramp is substantially the same as the inner circumference of the press. The ramp includes a radial cut running diametrically from the center of the ramp toward the outer circumference. The cut is fabricated to provide a lower or leading edge paralleling the horizontal floor of the press and trailing the leading edge an upward slanted ramp that follows like a circular inclined plane to an upper or ending edge. When rotated, the lower edge, which parallels the floor of the coffee press while slicing and shoveling, transfers the grinds from the bottom of the press up the ramp whereupon the grinds are stacked and can be removed.

Abstract: A gutter cleaning robot can traverse rain gutters to agitate and remove debris. The gutter cleaning robot is equipped with a debris auger at a front end that contacts and ejects the debris, and has a drive system for propelling the gutter cleaning robot along the rain gutter. The debris auger can include a spiral screw or various other forms of auger, and may be interchangeable by the user so as to enhance the effectiveness of the gutter cleaning robot in various environments or modes of operation.

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide “working device for internal pipe and working method for the same” characterized in that the travelling force in pipe is very large. SOLUTION: The working device for internal pipe is equipped with an annular pressure boundary seal of which the free end part comes into contact with the wall of the pipe and the seal divides the internal space of the pipe into two spaces, that is, a space A and a space B using the seal as a boundary. One end part of the space A close to the seal is connected to a suction pump through a hose and also connected to the space B through a vacuum breaking valve mechanism for adjusting the negative pressure in the space A, while the other end part of the space A far from the seal is closed, and the hose is arranged in the space B.

Abstract: A novel cleaning patch system comprising a novel patch grip for cleaning firearm barrels is disclosed. A patch grip includes an arbor and a plug. The arbor includes a base, a stem extending from the base, and an elongate crest connected to the stem. The plug includes an elongate passage therethrough that generally matches the dimensions of the elongate crest. The plug further comprises relatively recessed and/or protruding structures on the face of the plug adjacent the elongate passage that engage the crest of the arbor and prevent inadvertent rotation of the plug on the arbor during firearm cleaning.