Abstract: A device and method for testing for the presence of liquid in a cannula of a medical instrument is described. The device includes a flexible guide member having a first end, a second end and a length extending from the first end to the second end, an elongated member arranged within the flexible guide member, and an absorbent material attached to one of the elongated member. The flexible guide member is inserted into the cannula, the flexible guide member is manipulated to cause the absorbent material to move through the cannula. The absorbent material is analyzed for the presence of liquid.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 8, 2023
Date of Patent:
January 14, 2025
Assignee:
American Sterilizer Company
Inventors:
Michelle M. Nerandzic, Kathleen M. Antloga
Abstract: A declogging assembly (20) is configured for use with a suction conduit (10). The suction conduit has a head (14) at a first end (15) and a vacuum tube connection (16) at a second end (17). The assembly includes a body (30). The body defines a first aperture (32), a second aperture (34), and a third aperture (36). The assembly also includes a plug (40) disposed within the body (30). The plug has a surface (42) configured to contact the head (14) of the suction conduit (10) so as to move the plug from a first position, in which the first aperture (32) is in fluid communication with the second aperture (34), to a second position, in which the first aperture (32) is in fluid communication with the third aperture (36). The assembly (20) also includes a biasing member (50) configured to bias the plug into the first position.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 24, 2021
Date of Patent:
November 14, 2023
Assignee:
MUSC Foundation for Research Development
Abstract: A toilet brush system includes a toilet brush cleaner for cleaning a toilet brush of the type having an elongated handle with a proximal end and a distal end terminating in a brush head having a plurality of projecting brush bristles. The toilet brush cleaner comprises an elongated handle with a proximal end and a distal end that terminates in an open-ended sleeve sized to accommodate the distal end of the brush therein. The sleeve has a plurality of resilient, inwardly-projecting radial nubs, preferably made from an elastomeric material. In use, with the user holding the handle of the brush cleaner in one hand and the handle of the toilet brush in another hand, the user can repeatedly insert and withdraw the brush from the open sleeve, preferably while rotating the brush and within a flow of water in a toilet, to clean the brush head with the nubs.
Abstract: A cleaning device that passively self-adjusts to improve biofoul removal across curved, non-uniform, or irregular underwater surfaces. The cleaning device includes a motor, one or more shafts coupled to the motor and coupled to one another via at least one universal joint, and a cleaning mechanism for removing biofoul from the target surface. The cleaning device includes an alignment mechanism that restricts the cleaning mechanism's movement to improve biofoul removal. The alignment mechanism can include bearings, spring components, dampening material, adhesion components, floatation objects, or a combination thereof.
Abstract: A drain pipe unclogging apparatus for clinging to and removing debris from a drain. The drain pipe unclogging apparatus is attached to a drill and can fit most electric and cordless battery powered drills. The drain pipe apparatus features a wire that is safe to the touch when the drain pipe apparatus is in use, yet still effective for clinging to and breaking apart debris.
Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for an air filter cleaning wand for flushing contaminants from an intake air filter of an automobile engine. The air filter cleaning wand comprises a proximal flange, a conduit, and a distal end portion. The proximal flange is configured to receive a nozzle of a water hose. An interior of the conduit is in fluid communication with the proximal flange. The distal end portion comprises a plurality of longitudinally aligned vents in fluid communication with the interior of the conduit. Upon passing water through the water hose and into the conduit, pressurized water streams exit the vents along the distal end portion so as to flush contaminants from the air filter. The air filter cleaning wand advantageously is comprised of a material which is sufficiently durable and temperature resistant to retain its configuration during operation when coupled to pressurized water sources.
Abstract: A flow sensor sub-assembly for sensing flow of a fluidic medicament includes a flow tube having a flow tube inlet and a flow tube outlet, and an acoustical transmission rate. The medicament flows through the flow tube. A first piezo element is arranged at an upstream position of the flow tube and a second piezo element is arranged at a downstream position of the flow tube, such that the first piezo element and the second piezo element are mounted apart a pre-selected distance from each other. An absorber sheath encircles the flow tube. The absorber sheath has an upstream end and a downstream end. The absorber sheath is comprised of a material with an acoustical transmission rate different than the flow tube.
Abstract: A trocar assembly includes a cannula having a proximal portion and an opposing distal portion. The distal portion is configured to extend into a patient body. The cannula defines an access channel between the proximal portion and the distal portion, wherein the access channel is configured to receive a scope such that the scope can be maneuvered through the access channel to a location within the patient body. A cleaning element at the distal portion is configured to contact at least a distal end of the scope.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 30, 2018
Date of Patent:
September 1, 2020
Assignee:
CareFusion 2200, Inc.
Inventors:
Joanna L. Rosenbaum, Jeanny Chung, Patrick Hubbard, Joseph Prybell, Corrie Threlkeld, Sara Tillman, Brandon Toth, Andrew P. VanDeWeghe, Thomas Wilschke, Jesse Charles Darley, Christopher Alan Harris, Curtis B. Irwin, Stephen A. Latham, Daniel J. Lee, Douglas Rodenkirch, Jeffrey R. Staszak
Abstract: A portable cleaner apparatus including a housing member having a compartment configured to store a solvent, a handle portion coupled to a brush member via a flexible member having a guide member, and an absorbent material disposed within the housing member and configured to transfer the solvent to the brush member. The guide member may be configured to include a rounded leading edge to help guide the cleaning brush within narrow and curved pathways within medical devices, tubing, smoking pipes, or other devices, without causing damage.
Abstract: An automatic cleaner for a pressing device has a pressing unit that can reciprocate between a pressing position and an apart position. The automatic cleaner includes a separating structure configured to separate a workpiece from the pressing unit; a cleaning member; and a drive mechanism configured to move the separating structure and the cleaning member back and forth, in accordance with movement of the pressing unit. The drive mechanism is configured to make the separating structure drop the workpiece, after being worked, from the pressing unit, and to make the cleaning member clean the pressing unit, in accordance with the movement of the pressing unit.
Abstract: A cleaning device in the nature of a toilet brush has an external shaft with a gripping handle at one end and an array of bristles, forming a brush, at the opposite end. In internal shaft movable longitudinally within a space inside the external shaft has a chopping blade at one end, which can be made to protrude beyond the brush. The position of the internal shaft is controlled by manually gripping and moving an element that protrudes from the internal shaft though a longitudinal slot in the external shaft. The internal shaft can be locked in its retracted position or in its protruding position by a locking mechanism releasable by pushing inward on the protruding element.
Abstract: A surgical cleaning tool and method of cleaning a surgical tool. The surgical cleaning tool includes a shaft, a handle and an end portion. The shaft has a distal end and a proximal end. The handle is attached to the distal end of the shaft The end portion is connected to the proximal end of the shaft, wherein the end portion has an outer surface, an inner cavity, an inner surface, at least one cleaning element connected to at least a portion of the inner surface, and an opening in a wall portion of the end portion, wherein the opening allows access to the cleaning element in the inner cavity of the end portion.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 24, 2015
Date of Patent:
January 21, 2020
Assignee:
The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma
Inventors:
Nilesh Vasan, Michael Petri, Andrew Stewart, Patrick Stevens, Rannyu Ngoran, Jonathan Schick, Derrick Jones
Abstract: A cleaning device for a mechanical cleaning of a gas nozzle of a protective gas welding burner, provided with a controlled, rotatably driven cleaning head having at least one co-rotating cleaning element, and with a supplying and centering apparatus for a coaxial positioning of the gas nozzle with respect to the axis of rotation of the cleaning head in the region of at least one cleaning element. The cleaning head has two cleaning arms creating a scissors-form with the cleaning arms, which are suspended in a freely swinging manner on a pivot bearing arranged transversely to the axis of rotation in the cleaning head. Respective centrifugal weights are arranged on the cleaning arms on the lower regions facing away from the gas nozzle, so that the cleaning scissors are spread apart with a rotation of the of the cleaning head.
Abstract: Apparatus for removing debris includes an elongated hollow structure with at least a portion of the elongated structure extends in a curved configuration and the elongated hollow structure includes a sidewall which defines an opening which extends within and along the elongated structure and defines a first and second apertures spaced apart from one another in communication with the opening wherein the first and second apertures face in the same direction. An elongated insert member includes a width dimension smaller than a width dimension of the opening which extends within and along the elongated structure; a rod; and a ram component constructed of a flexible conduit connected to the rod. The rod has a stiffer construction than the ram component.
Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments for a paintball swab. For example, a disk is pivotably and slidably attached to the distal end of a rod so there is a proximal and distal limit along the rod. When the disk is at the distal limit, it is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod. When the disk is at the proximal limit, it is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rod.
Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for an air filter cleaning wand for flushing contaminants from an intake air filter of an automobile engine. The air filter cleaning wand comprises a proximal flange, a conduit, and a distal end portion. The proximal flange is configured to receive a nozzle of a water hose. An interior of the conduit is in fluid communication with the proximal flange. The distal end portion comprises a plurality of longitudinally aligned vents in fluid communication with the interior of the conduit. Upon passing water through the water hose and into the conduit, pressurized water streams exit the vents along the distal end portion so as to flush contaminants from the air filter. The air filter cleaning wand advantageously is comprised of a material which is sufficiently durable and temperature resistant to retain its configuration during operation when coupled to pressurized water sources.
Abstract: Devices and methods for sewer system cleanouts such as provide increased cross bore safeguard during sewer system cleanouts. A sewer system cleanout safety device includes a housing for placement at a sewer cleanout opening to prevent passage of gas out through the sewer cleanout opening during the sewer system cleanout. The housing includes opposed inner and outer cleanout opening surfaces, and a peripheral surface extending between said inner and outer cleanout opening surfaces. The housing includes a cavity extending between the inner and outer cleanout opening surfaces to permit passage of a sewer system cleanout implement therethrough. The housing further includes a cavity lining surface to seal with the sewer system cleanout implement passing therethrough.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 17, 2015
Date of Patent:
January 29, 2019
Assignees:
Gas Technology Institute, Washington Gas Light Company
Abstract: A work string assembly for an oil or gas well has a first and second tubulars, and a torque limiting device connected in the work string. The torque limiting device has a body with an axial bore and two interconnected members that can disconnect to be relatively rotatable. The interconnected members can be repeatedly re-engageable when the torque levels drop below a torque threshold value, or can be connected by a frangible member that is broken when the interconnected members disconnect. A selectively actuable circulation port provided in the string adjacent to and above the torque limiting device allows the annulus between the work string and the casing to be flushed with fluid from the port.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 20, 2016
Date of Patent:
July 31, 2018
Assignee:
WEATHERFORD UK LIMITED
Inventors:
Michael Keith Sullivan, Shane Paul Hart, Mark Christopher Glaser, Ruairidh Cooper
Abstract: A gun cleaning kit comprising a handle, an elongate rod, a cylindrical brush comprising radially outwardly projecting metal bristles and a cylindrical wiping element, wherein the handle defines a first part of a two-part coupling and a first end of the rod defines a second part of the two-part coupling such that the handle is capable of being detachably coupled to the first end of the rod via the first two-part coupling; a second end of the rod defines a first part of a second two-part coupling; and each of the cylindrical brush and cylindrical wiping element defines a second part of the second two-part coupling, such that the cylindrical brush and the cylindrical wiping element are each separately capable of being detachably coupled to the second end of the rod via the second two-part coupling.
Abstract: A drive shaft coupling for connecting a rotating tube cleaning shaft to a tube cleaning machine wherein high pressure fluid is pumped through the coupling, wherein the coupling is sealed to contain the high pressure fluid, and wherein a machine driven rotary flexible shaft passes through the coupling.
Abstract: A pipe cleaning apparatus for cleaning the insides of pipes, tubes, and conduits having a pipe support assembly. The pipe support assembly having a plurality of cradles positioned side-by-side to support oilfield pipe. The pair of cradles has C-shaped clamping members, engaging the opposite sides of a pipe and locking the pipe within the pair of cradles. A pipe feeder delivers the oilfield pipe to a plurality of cradles and a pipe receiver receives the oilfield pipe from the plurality of cradles. The pipe cleaning apparatus has a plurality of lances positioned side by side to penetrate the oilfield pipe. The plurality of lances are affixed to a mill, an air-driven tube cleaner, and a water jet nozzle. A pair of pipe conveyors moves the oilfield pipe from one pair of cradles to another pair of cradles.
Abstract: A suction cleaning apparatus or suction cleaning horn is a generally cylindrical barrel or sleeve with an insertion cone to control and direct the distal tip of a suction tool into the bore of the barrel. A stylet is secured within the suction cleaning barrel and aligned on the longitudinal axis of the bore such that insertion of the suction tool into the cleaning barrel inserts the stylet into the channel of the suction tool to mechanically clear any obstructions of the suction tool. The distal end of the suction cleaning horn may also include one or more holes or vents to permit cleaning liquid to be drawn into the bore of the cleaning horn and into the suction tool channel to help clear obstructions in the suction tool.
Abstract: A tube cleaning machine in which cleaning interior tube surfaces occurs by a forward non-cleaning pass of cleaning implement through work tube followed by reverse cleaning pass where implement engages and cleans interior surface. Cleaning implement has first position for forward pass producing minimum engagement of interior fire-tube surface, and a second position for reverse pass of full cleaning engagement with interior fire-tube surface. A distance indicator enables operator to select distance of forward pass of cleaning implement to correspond with tube length.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 12, 2015
Date of Patent:
December 13, 2016
Assignee:
Crossford International, LLC
Inventors:
Timothy J. Kane, George Cruz, David L. Walsh
Abstract: A self propelled blower cleans debris from a gutter and has a housing with rear inlet and front outlet, an electrically powered air mover for moving air into the inlet and blowing it out of the outlet, a guide track laying along a channel of the gutter, an electrically powered housing mover engaged to the track for moving the housing along the guide track and a power circuit electrically connected to the air and housing movers for powering them at the same time to blow air forwardly along the gutter as the housing moves forwardly along the gutter.
Abstract: A unified bolt and bolt carrier cleaning tool comprising a cylindrical body having a bolt scraper arrangement formed at a first end and a bolt carrier scraper arrangement formed at an opposite end. The bolt scraper arrangement includes a well having two scraper blades shaped to conform to the outer surfaces of the bolt face of a bolt assembly of a weapon. The bolt carrier scraper arrangement includes three longitudinal scraper blades formed in the outer surface and end of the body, the blades being shaped to conform to an inner surface of a bolt-receiving chamber of the bolt carrier. Preferably the tool further comprises a first transverse bore threaded for receiving an auxiliary cleaning tool. Preferably, the tool further comprises a second transverse bore and associated circular recess having scraper blades for cleaning the surfaces of a firing pin extracted from the bolt.
Abstract: A pull through gun cleaning device includes a plurality of cylindrical double coned pressure sections having a longitudinal tunnel disposed therein. A cable member is threaded through the tunnel of each cylindrical double coned pressure section. A tubular woven sheath is disposed over each cylindrical double coned pressure section disposed along the cable member, and the cable member to form a pull cord. A total length of the pull cord is configured such that where the plurality of cylindrical double coned pressure sections are inserted into one end of a barrel, the pull cord extends past another end of the barrel. Each of the plurality of cylindrical double coned pressure sections provides a radial force pressing the tubular woven sheath of each cylindrical double coned pressure section of the plurality of cylindrical double coned pressure sections against an inside surface or a rifling of the barrel.
Abstract: A pull through gun cleaning device includes a plurality of cylindrical double coned pressure sections having a longitudinal tunnel disposed therein. A cable member is threaded through the tunnel of each cylindrical double coned pressure section. A tubular woven sheath is disposed over each cylindrical double coned pressure section disposed along the cable member, and the cable member to form a pull cord. A total length of the pull cord is configured such that where the plurality of cylindrical double coned pressure sections are inserted into one end of a barrel, the pull cord extends past another end of the barrel. Each of the plurality of cylindrical double coned pressure sections provides a radial force pressing the tubular woven sheath of each cylindrical double coned pressure section of the plurality of cylindrical double coned pressure sections against an inside surface or a rifling of the barrel.
Abstract: A self cleaning inlet head for use on a shunt. The head has a tube with openings disposed in predetermined positions in its wall, and a cleaning element installed inside the tube. The cleaning element may comprise a central shaft with a number of bristles protruding therefrom, preferably in locations substantially identical to the positions of the openings in the wall of the tube. Mutual vibratory motion between the cleaning element and the tube causes at least some of the bristles to enter the openings, thereby keeping them clear, and preventing tissue growth into them. The vibratory motion may be generated by the action of an external field on a responsive part of the cleaning element, such as an external magnetic field operating on a magnetic or magnetized part of the cleaning element or the bristles. Alternatively, the external field may be an ultrasound field operating on the bristles.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 19, 2011
Date of Patent:
July 19, 2016
Assignee:
Technion Research & Development Foundation Ltd.
Inventors:
Or Samoocha, Menashe Zaaroor, Moshe Shoham
Abstract: A hydrogen generating fuel cartridge includes a case having a perforated opening layer. A hydrogen producing fuel is disposed within the case. A hydrogen permeable membrane is disposed between the hydrogen producing fuel and the perforated opening layer in the case. A spring loaded slideable valve plate is positioned adjacent the perforated opening layer such that the slideable valve plate and perforated opening form a valve that is biased in a closed position to prevent hydrogen from escaping from the fuel cartridge.
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: A device for cleaning channels including a rod-shaped carrier element, at least one cleaning element that is connected with the carrier element, and at least one additional cleaning element that can be detached from the carrier element. A method for cleaning instrument channels wherein the cleaning device is moved in the axial direction in the instrument channel as far as an end point; after reaching the end point the cleaning device is moved back in the opposite axial direction in the instrument channel. Owing to the reverse motion of the cleaning device, the detachable cleaning element is released from the carrier element and thereafter is no longer part of the cleaning process of the previously cleaned instrument channel and can no longer soil the channel. The device and method removes from the instrument channel the substances that are to be removed and produces an efficient and good cleaning result.
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: The present invention provides a residue removing device for removing residues in a partition plate, and a related 3D printer for use on a working platform. The partition plate e.g. of a 3D printer has a plurality of openings arranged in an array, and residues may be filled in the openings. The residue removing device includes a base plate and a plurality of jutting pins disposed on an upper side of the base plate. The jutting pins are arranged in an array corresponding to the openings array such that the jutting pins are capable of being inserted into the openings, in order to easily remove the residues in the openings of the partition plate.
Abstract: A multi-segment cleaning device used in the tobacco industry to clean the channels transporting rod-shaped articles, comprising at least two cleaning members (20, 30) characterised in that at least one of the cleaning members (30) is made of a material ensuring a greater deformation of a cleaning member (30) contacting the wall (51, 52) of the transport channel (50) that the deformation of a cleaning member (20) contacting, at the same point, the wall (51, 52) of the transport channel (50).
Abstract: The device according to the invention for cleaning the inside of the barrel of a firearm consists of a pulling element (A) and a cleaning element (B) connected thereto. In this case, the cleaning element (B) has a first wetting and cleaning unit (BI), particularly for precleaning the barrel, a wiping unit (B2) and a second wetting and cleaning unit (B3), particularly for preserving the barrel. The device according to the invention has many advantages. The advantageous construction of the device means that only little expenditure of force is required during use, and so it can be pulled through the barrel of a firearm quickly in one go without stopping to put it down.
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.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 14, 2013
Date of Patent:
December 9, 2014
Assignee:
Actuated Medical, Inc.
Inventors:
Roger B Bagwell, Brian M Park, Maureen L Mulvihill, Gabriela Hernandez Meza, Dana B Mallen, Paul L Frankhouser, Josue R Crespo, Debora L Demers
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: A water deluge system cleaning apparatus and method of cleaning a water deluge system which does not require the water deluge system to be offline while it is being cleaned. This is achieved by a packing device that provides an annular seal within the water deluge system, and a cleaning device for cleaning the water deluge system that extends through the packing device. Arrangements of inlets and/or outlets comprising safety valves also provide for additional functionality such as debris extraction or fluid flushing while still allowing the water deluge system to remain online.
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: A pipeline pig for performing service operations in a pipeline having a pig body, guides on the pig body which are adapted to slide along the bore of the pipeline, one or more seals which are each a composite of a metal seal carrier and a resilient sealing cup which are adapted to sealingly engage the bore of the pipeline and the metal seal carriers are adapted to sealingly engage the pig body and have radial freedom relative to the pig body such that when the pig body moves to an eccentric position relative to the pipeline such that the guides engage the bore of the pipeline bore the one or more seals are free to remain substantially concentric with the bore of the pipeline.
Abstract: A universal gun cleaning patch assembly comprising a support frame having a hub and hub bore, a plurality of resiliently deformable legs, and a swab. The assembly is radially compressible to effectively wipe the bores of weapons having a wide range of bore diameters. The swab material is preferably made integral with the support frame and may include natural or synthetic fibers and/or laminates of natural and/or synthetic fibers and a metal or plastic mesh embedded in a fabric to effectively scrub the inner bore of the firearm and remove gunpowder residues and excess solvents or oils during the cleaning process. The hub bore may sized to be self-tapping on male threads of a cable or rod that is pulled and/or pushed through the bore, or the bore may be tapered and include a plurality of deformable fingers to received a quick-disconnect stem.
Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a cartridge chamber of artillery, including: a rotary member having a power supply part mounted thereinto and a motor rotated by receiving the power from the power supply part; a cleaning member having a rotary body operated cooperatively with the rotation of the motor, slant cleaning parts coupled slantly to the front portion of the outer periphery of the rotary body, and parallel cleaning parts coupled to the rear portion of the outer periphery of the rotary body; and a handle member coupled to the rear portion of the rotary member in such a manner as to be adjusted in length in a telescoping manner, whereby the slant portion and the parallel portion formed on the internal peripheral surface of the cartridge chamber are all cleaned at the same time.
Abstract: The remote controlled chemical pigging apparatus includes a housing and an inflatable device. The inflatable device contains chemicals to dissolve hardened or fossilized materials or contaminants contained within the interior portion of a pipeline, such as an oil or gas pipeline. At a specific location in the pipeline, such as at a pig apparatus receiver portion of the pipeline, the inflatable device is inflated and exploded to disperse the pipeline chemicals contained therein onto the hardened materials or contaminants that have fossilized within the pipeline. The hardened, fossilized materials or contaminants are then dissolved to liquefy the contaminants and, subsequently, to discharge the liquefied contaminants through a drain located in the pipeline. A method of cleaning a pipeline with a remote controlled chemical pigging apparatus having an inflatable device is also provided.
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.
Type:
Application
Filed:
December 9, 2013
Publication date:
September 25, 2014
Applicant:
ENDOCLEAR LLC
Inventors:
Brad E. Vazales, Arthur Bertolero, Ken Watson, James M. Gracy
Abstract: An endoscope cleaning system comprises a sheath and a window cleaning feature. The sheath is configured to receive a shaft of an endoscope. The window cleaning feature is configured to clean the window of the endoscope. The window cleaning feature may include an absorptive material that is configured to soakingly wipe liquids and/or debris from the window when the absorptive material is passed over the window. The window cleaning feature may also include a hydrophilic wiper that is configured to drivingly wipe liquids and/or debris away from the window when the wiper is passed over the window. The lends cleaning feature may also include a fluid washing feature, a suction feature, and/or a pressurized gas feature to assist in cleaning the window of the endoscope.
Abstract: A multi-lance reel assembly comprising a plurality of reel assemblies received onto and disposed to rotate about an axle. Each reel assembly rotates independently of the others. Each reel assembly further comprises a plurality of spokes separating a rim from a hub. Each hub provides a hub groove on each internal hub surface, and a hub aperture connecting each external hub surface with the hub groove. When the reel assemblies are received onto the axle, axle grooves on the axle align with the hub grooves to form a continuous ring aperture for each reel assembly. Separate axle apertures connect either one of the end faces of the axle with each axle groove, providing a separate passageway from each external hub surface to an axle end face. Hoses, electrical conduits, conductors or other similar carrier hardware deployed within hollow lances spooled on each reel assembly may connect to the hub apertures.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 15, 2013
Publication date:
September 18, 2014
Applicant:
EXTREME HYDRO SOLUTIONS, L.L.C.
Inventors:
William C. Thomas, William J. Thomas, III, Perry J. DeCuir, JR., Kevin Jude Gerard Bollich
Abstract: A single-lance reel assembly comprising a reel assembly received onto and disposed to rotate about an axle at a rotary union. The reel assembly further comprises a plurality of spokes separating a rim from a hub. Hoses, electrical conduits, conductors or other similar carrier hardware deployed within hollow lances spooled on the reel assembly may be supplied via the rotary union and by further hose connection structure deployed on the hub and/or the rim. Embodiments of the reel assembly are powered by either a direct or indirect drive.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 15, 2013
Publication date:
September 18, 2014
Applicant:
EXTREME HYDRO SOLUTIONS, L.L.C.
Inventors:
William C. Thomas, William J. Thomas, III, Perry J. DeCuir, Jr., Kevin Jude Gerard Bollich
Abstract: The present invention relates to coating of tubes, and more particularly to a system and method for coating and/or renovating deteriorated or pitted tubes to extend tube life and enhance performance. Using this system and method a thin coating is applied to the interior of a tube such that the coating is uniform in thickness and covers all regions of the tube. The coating material may be selected to minimize changes in heat transfer or may be selected to provide for the change in working fluid within the tube such that the working fluid does not negatively interact with the tube material.
Abstract: A cleaning device includes a cap having an opening and that defines an inner cavity, and a channel that extends from a bottom of the inner cavity to a bottom of the cap. A plunger includes a domed top surface, a shoulder, and a rod member. The plunger moves toward the bottom of the cap as the domed top surface is contacted by a male protrusion of a male medical implement, to push the rod member and piercing end further into the channel. The crush ribs contact an inner surface of the channel to inhibit reverse movement of the plunger. A cleaning material contains a cleaning agent and is positioned around the rod member and compressed between the bottom of the inner cavity and the shoulder of the plunger to release the cleaning agent around the shoulder to contact the male protrusion.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 19, 2012
Date of Patent:
September 16, 2014
Assignee:
Ivera Medical Corporation
Inventors:
Bobby E. Rogers, Paul DiPerna, Gino Kang, Christine Arme