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 pipe cleaner assembly is provided for facilitating removal of burrs and debris from an interior surface of a pipe. The pipe cleaner assembly includes an elongated core having a first end and a second end. The first end is configured for attachment to a power tool to selectively rotate the core. A plurality of bristles is provided. Each bristle has a base coupled to the core between the first and second ends. The base of each bristle is coupled to the core so that a free end of the bristle extends from the core. The bristles are aligned along a length of the core.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a gun barrel having striations formed on an inner surface of the gun barrel includes a cleaning means that is in contact with the inner surface of the gun barrel as being moved by a drive means installed inside a cylindrical main body. The cleaning means includes a main member having a circular plate on which a plurality of insertion holes is formed along its circumference; a rotating member formed inside the circular plate and having a motor and a rotating gear interlocking with the motor; and cleaning members formed to be inserted into the insertion holes, respectively, to clean the inner surface of the gun barrel and having lower sides interlocking with the rotating gear, respectively, to be rotated. The apparatus for cleaning a gun barrel is rotated at high speed with an appropriate pressure along the groove part of the gun barrel accurately, and thus a wide area can be cleaned in a short time.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for improved cleaning of a firearm barrel are provided. Generally, a system according to the present invention includes a cleaning head having a cleaning implement coupled to a shank, which provides at least one radial engagement surface and at least one longitudinal engagement surface. The system may further include a cleaning rod adapted to engage the cleaning head in an at least partially overlapping or surrounding engagement. A method according to the present invention includes the steps of inserting a cleaning head into the breech end of a firearm barrel, engaging the head with a cleaning rod, pushing the head through the barrel and retracting the cleaning rod from the barrel, wherein during the retracting step, the head is disengaged from the rod.

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: 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: The present invention provides a standalone cleaning device for cleaning at least a portion of a surgical instrument, especially the scope, within a body cavity during minimal invasive surgical procedure comprising, at least one cleansing mechanism characterized by an un-deployed configuration in which the device is inserted into the body cavity; and, a deployed configuration in which the portion of the surgical instrument is cleaned; the cleaning mechanism are adapted to be reversibly transformed from the deployed configuration to the un-deployed configuration and from the un-deployed configuration to the deployed configuration; wherein the cleaning of the surgical instrument is obtained by wiping motions of the portion of the surgical instrument over the cleansing material within the body cavity, such that the removal of the surgical instrument during the surgical procedure for cleaning necessity is avoided.

Abstract: The invention disclosed and claimed herein relates to a subterranean pipe tractor for moving and controlling a pipe scarifier. The subterranean pipe tractor comprises a scarifier connector that reversibly connects a scarifier to the pipe tractor; a drive mechanism for propelling the scarifier through the pipe when the scarifier is connected to the pipe tractor; and a power source that powers the drive mechanism. The power source of the pipe tractor may be an on-board power source or an external power source. The pipe tractor may include a hydraulic pump and an on-board electric generator powered by the power source. The subterranean pipe tractor may include local controls for controlling local functions and remote controls used to control remote components, such as a high-pressure fluid source. The subterranean pipe tractor may optionally include a scarifier lift mechanism for lifting one end of the scarifier.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a gas tube includes an actuator and a plunger head attached to the actuator. The actuator is configured to reciprocate the plunger head along a longitudinal axis of the gas tube between a retracted position and an extended position and to rotate the plunger head from a first angular position to a second angular position. A method of cleaning a gas tube includes positioning a plunger head including a plurality of longitudinally extending tines in the gas tube, rotating the plunger head relative to a longitudinal axis of the gas tube, and scraping deposits from an interior surface of the gas tube using longitudinally extending edges of the tines.

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. According to some embodiments, a mechanically-actuated non-inflatable cleaning device for scraping debris (e.g., biofilm) from an interior wall of an endotracheal tube is provided. In one embodiment, the cleaning device comprises an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end and a mechanically-expandable scaffold positioned along the distal end of the elongated member. In one embodiment, the mechanically-expandable scaffold comprises one or more removal members configured to engage an interior surface of an endotracheal tube when the scaffold is in a radially-expanded position and to remove debris from the interior surface of the endotracheal tube when the device is withdrawn from the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A hand-operated drain snake is provided. The snake includes a first shaft having a first longitudinal axis, an auger disposed on an exterior surface of the first shaft, a second shaft having a second longitudinal axis, and a transverse member. A proximal end of the first shaft is disposed on one side of the transverse member and a proximal end of the second shaft is disposed on an opposite side of the transverse member such that the first axis is substantially parallel to the second axis, and the first axis is offset from the second axis by an offset distance.

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: The present invention relates to a remote controlled robot for cleaning inner walls of a duct, more specifically, to a remote controlled robot comprising: a cart movable in the duct by remote control; at least one first link pivotally connected to the cart, which is relatively rotatable to the cart; a first driving unit to drive the first link to relatively rotate to the cart; at least one second link pivotally connected to the first link, which is relatively rotatable to the first link; a second driving unit to drive the second link to relatively rotate to the first link; and a cleaning means installed at the second link for separating dusts from the inner walls of the duct, thereby enabling to clean the upper inner-walls and the bottom inner-wall of the duct simultaneously, and to continuously proceed with the cleaning in case of the height change of the duct to reduce cleaning time thereof.

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: One or more tubular cleaning devices and methods for cleaning a tubular are provided herein. The tubular cleaning device can include an inner tubular member having an inner tubular member inner bore formed therethrough. The inner tubular member can include a housing formed on a first portion thereof, a first connection end adjacent the housing, and a second connection end opposite the first connection end.

Abstract: An example sewer preparation from the main (PFM) device provides for the inspection and preparation of the sewer pipe from the main sewer pipe. The PFM device provides for the insertion of one or more individual and separately controllable tools into the sewer pipe. The tools include a clean out tool and a camera.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for improved cleaning of a firearm barrel are provided. Generally, a system according to the present invention includes a cleaning head having a cleaning implement coupled to a shank, which provides at least one radial engagement surface and at least one longitudinal engagement surface. The system may further include a cleaning rod adapted to engage the cleaning head in an at least partially overlapping or surrounding engagement. A method according to the present invention includes the steps of inserting a cleaning head into the breech end of a firearm barrel, engaging the head with a cleaning rod, pushing the head through the barrel and retracting the cleaning rod from the barrel, wherein during the retracting step, the head is disengaged from the rod.

Abstract: A kit for cleaning clogged conduits and thruhole fitting valves in water intake systems of pleasure boats, fishing boats and yacht marine craft includes a hollow, substantially cylindrical male hose coupler connected to a nipple or elbow joined with the valve, and an open-end cap having a flexible, resilient press-fitted inner gasket configured with a central orifice to receive a shaft of larger diameter able to be force-fitted through the cap, the coupler and the valve when opened, and of a strength sufficient to force-free any matter clogging the input hose to the valve from acceptable performance usage.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning cylindrical female electrical terminals comprises a cylindrical shaft portion, a first cleaning extension, and a second cleaning extension. The first cleaning extension extends outward from the cylindrical shaft portion and comprises a first curved and knurled surface region. Likewise, the second cleaning extension extends outward from the cylindrical shaft portion in a direction substantially parallel to the first cleaning extension and comprises a second curved and knurled surface region. The first cleaning extension and the second cleaning extension define a gap therebetween.

Abstract: A cigarette making machine tobacco cleanout mechanism comprising a slide support, a slideable compacting plate disposed on the slide support, a slideable cleanout plate located adjacent the slideable compacting plate, and an engaging mechanism for removeably engaging the slideable compacting plate to the slideable cleanout plate, wherein the slideable cleanout plate is slid by the slideable compacting plate when the slideable compacting plate is slid while removeably engaged to the slideable cleanout plate. Also disclosed is a drum for holding at least one cigarette filling tube and a cleanout container for a cigarette making machine.

Abstract: A rifle chamber cleaning tool comprising a single piece of material with an annular scraping head and a plurality of elongated fingers, comprising debris capturing chambers within the elongated fingers. The scraping head and fingers are shaped so as to fit snugly when inserted between the lug recesses inside the rifle chamber. The distance between the fingers is roughly equivalent to the distance between the locking lugs inside the rifle chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible wire (100), which is inserted in a pipe and rotated in a high speed to remove scale produced in a pipe by striking. A flexible wire (100) for removing pipe scales comprising: a main wire (110) having plural wires twisted in a spiral direction as one body, wherein the main wire (110) has an overall straight shape; and an auxiliary wire (120) having plural wires twisted in a spiral direction as one body, of which a diameter is substantially smaller than a diameter of the main wire (110), wherein the auxiliary wire (120) is secured to the main wire (110) and has an overall repeated S-shape.

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. The devices and methods provide an elongated clearing member having a first end that is coupled to a driving mechanism and having a second working end that is subjected to repetitive motion for clearing blockages within the artificial tube. The 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.

Abstract: A pull through having a filament about which, at least in part, there is carried at least one mass to fulfil a cleaning role, wherein said mass defines a sheath at least in part on the filament and at least two radial fins (A) integral with and/or carried by the sheath or extension thereof, and (B) axially spaced with respect to the sheath axis and the filament axis, and wherein said fins are each substantially radially directed with respect to said axes axis yet are of a profile and are formed in a material such that each, without any substantial interference of the other, can assume a configuration for a conduit to be cleaned smaller than that notionally just touchable by the undeformed fins.

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 flow path switching valve is disclosed that can be operated remotely simply by turning flow on and off. A mid portion of the body has at least one passage therein leading from a central axial bore to one or more external ports each having a tractor nozzle. The valve outlet connects the axial bore to a cleaning nozzle. A poppet member is received in the central axial bore. In a first position, the poppet member directs fluid flow through the outlet to the cleaning nozzle connected to the outlet. The poppet member, when in a second position, closes the central axial bore through the outlet end of the valve body and permits fluid flow through the tractor nozzles. Selection of the different flow paths is made by simply reducing flow through the valve below a predetermined fluid flow threshold and then increasing the flow rate above the threshold.

Abstract: A combination brush and jag comprising a stem, a set of short bristles having first longitudinal length and a first transverse diameter; a set of long bristles having a second longitudinal length and a second transverse diameter; the set of short bristles and long bristles positioned adjacent to each other and secured in between the stem, wherein the first transverse diameter is smaller than the second transverse diameter and a bore diameter and the first longitudinal length is approximately the same as or shorter than the second longitudinal length.

Abstract: A telescoping containment cleanout device for attachment to a cleanout pipe comprising: an inner riser portion and an outer housing, where the inner riser portion and outer housing create a channel; a telescoping portion, where the telescoping portion extends vertically through the channel; a cap at the top of the device, where the cap includes a removable sealing portion for access and cleaning of the sewer line; and stops within the channel and along the telescoping portion, where the stops provide a means to lock the telescoping portion in a vertically elevated position. The telescoping containment cleanout device may further include a plurality of o-rings within the channel, where the o-rings assist in guiding the telescoping portion through the channel. The telescoping containment cleanout device may further include a twisting sealing portion that seals the telescoping portion in a closed position.

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: This is new design assembly consisting of two brackets with a round tube, that is mounted on to the roof fascia, the bracket with a single one sided round tube is mounted at the far end of the fascia, and the bracket with the double sided tube is mounted on the fascia approx. 10 feet apart. Using the hole in the new end caps install the gutter assembly over the round tube on the bracket so that it rotates freely. Install a rain cover over the bracket. The pin is then removed from the bracket and the gutter assembly rotates from a horizontal location to a down position to clean out leaves and debris. After cleaning the gutter is rotated back to its original horizontal location and the pin is reinserted. The rain water will flow trough the bracket tube and out the downspout.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for introducing a pig-like tool into an operating pipeline, such as a fluid pipe. According to the invention the pipeline is drilled during operation and the tool is injected into the pipeline through the drilled hole. During a corresponding tool removal from the pipeline a method is provided for prereconnaissance for the determination of a degree of contamination, cleaning, surveying, inspecting, repairing, etc. of pipelines by means of a corresponding, pig-like tool. The invention also relates to a device and a tool permitting the performance of the inventive method. Thus, otherwise unpiggable pipelines can be worked in a cost-efficient manner.

Abstract: A suction cleaning apparatus is a generally cylindrical vessel for enclosing any suitable cleaning fluid such as water or saline solution. A generally planar cleaning plate with an upper and lower surface is supported a suitable distance from the cup floor by a plurality of legs forming a fluid plenum between the lower surface of the cleaning plate and the cup floor. The upper surface of the cleaning plated has a plurality of bristles extending from the upper surface for mechanically cleaning an obstructed suction tool. In use, an obstructed suction tool is inserted into the cleaning fluid and pushed into engaging the bristles. The bristles are sized such that one bristle extends into the obstructed suction tool to mechanically disengage the obstruction. The bristles may include a central channel for conducting cleaning fluid from the fluid plenum to the tip of the bristle increasing fluid flow into and obstructed suction tool to expedite clearing the obstruction.

Abstract: Plumbing snakes, in-line carriers for sondes, and techniques for using the same are disclosed. Some example in-line sonde carriers may include proximal couplings for releasably connecting to plumbing snakes; elongated sonde carrying sections; distal couplings mounted to the sonde carrying sections; tools including tool couplings configured to releasably engage the distal couplings of the sonde carrying sections; and sonde tether assemblies, including retainers shaped to be received and captured within the proximal couplings, elongated, flexible tethers coupled to and extending distally from the retainers, and sondes coupled to and extending distally from the tethers. In some example embodiments, the tethers and the sondes of the sonde tether assemblies may be received within the sonde carrying sections via insertion through axial through-passages of the proximal couplings.

Abstract: A machine for pipe maintenance, which travels forward through a pipeline and effectively removes foreign substances sticking to the inside of a pipeline, using friction members 70 that are moved along the inside of the pipeline by a rotator assembly 30 and rotated by rotating shaft assemblies 50, which come in contact with the inside of the pipeline is disclosed. Further, rotating shaft assemblies 50 and a rotator assembly 30 are respectively rotated by first and second rotating units 40, 60, such that it is possible to maximize the effect of removing foreign substances in the pipeline by smoothly rotating the friction members 70, and also improve durability by preventing an erroneous operation and damage due to load that is applied during the operation.

Abstract: A heat exchanger tube cleaning assembly and method is provided. The assembly can allow for semi-automated tube cleaning of a heat exchanger or other piping or equipment used in an industrial facility such as, for example, a petrochemical plant or oil refinery.

Abstract: A pipe cleaning apparatus for cleaning pipes or tubes includes a plurality of scrapers and a plurality of spacers secured to a shaft. Each scraper includes a scraper body with an outer perimeter defining a scraper blade adapted to contact an inner surface of a tube and at least one radial slot defined by the body. Each of the scrapers and spacers are inserted onto a cylindrical shaft. Each spacer is sandwiched between two adjacent scrapers. The scrapers are adapted to contact an inner surface of a tube or a pipe.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a friction stir welding tool cleaning method and apparatus for fixed and retractable pin tools. The method and apparatus use a heating component, a temperature indicator component, a controller component, and a rotatable tool cleaner component for cleaning fixed pin tools. An additional bore cleaner component is used for cleaning retractable pin tools. Heat is applied to a friction stir welding tool having a surface with weld process residue material until the process residue material is sufficiently plasticized, and then the tool cleaner component is applied to the heated tool to remove the plasticized residue on the pin and shoulder surfaces of the tool, and for retractable pin tools, the bore cleaner component is applied to the heated tool to remove the plasticized residue in the tool bore.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a device for cleaning a container such as a toilet bowl. The device includes an expandable member which is operable to seal an opening, such as a drain opening, in the container so as to allow a cleaning agent to be retained in the container.

Abstract: Method of removing the contents from a pipe (1)comprising forcing a gas flow through the pipe, the pipe having a pipe volume, an inlet end and an outlet end (9), characterized in that the gas flow is forced into the pipe (1) at the inlet end by applying a gas pressure decreasing from an initial pressure to a lower final pressure to remove at least parts of the contents from the pipe and maintaining that lower final pressure to remove the remaining contents from the pipe and apparatus for removing the contents from a pipe by forcing a gas flow through a pipe (1) having an inlet end and an outlet end (9), comprising gas flow generating means (5) and a container (3) having an inlet and having an outlet connectable to the inlet end of the pipe (1).

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus (2) comprising a hollow first cylindrical end collar (4), a hollow second cylindrical end collar (6) and a substantially tubular cleaning section, open at each end, extending therebetween, wherein the tubular cleaning section comprises a plurality of elongate strip brushes (8) disposed between the first cylindrical collar (4) and the second cylindrical collar (6) and arranged such that there are radical openings in the tubular cleaning section between said elongate strip brushes (8).

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: The invention is an elongated device which prepares pipes and fittings for bonding in a matter of seconds. This unit attaches to a drill and embodies brushes which clean both the interiors and exteriors of pipes and fittings varying in size. The vertical brush's unique folding assembly allows quick and easy access to the exterior brush without the removal of any parts.

Abstract: A cleaning system used for cleaning up plastic in a nozzle of a molding apparatus, the nozzle including a nozzle opening and a through hole connected with the nozzle opening, the plastic being received in the through hole. The cleaning system includes a bottom fixing sleeve, a top guiding sleeve and a knocking stick. The bottom fixing sleeve is configured for securely fixing the nozzle. The top guiding sleeve is configured for coupling with the bottom fixing sleeve, and the top guiding sleeve includes a guiding hole defined therein. The knocking stick is movable along the guiding hole of the top guiding sleeve such that the knocking stick strikes the plastic in a direction along the central axis of the through hole of the nozzle.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscopic duct cleaning tool which uses elastic porous members to prevent the inside of a duct of an endoscope from being damaged, and which can firmly fix the elastic porous members to a core wire and secure a sufficient thickness in each of the elastic porous members. This endoscopic duct cleaning tool 1 is inserted into a duct 53 of an endoscope 50 to clean the duct 53. The endoscopic duct device 1 includes a core wire 10 consisting of a stranded wire, plural cylindrical elastic porous members 20 disposed at certain intervals and at certain places in an axial direction of the core wire 10 so as to cover an outer circumference of the core wire 10 directly, and resin tubes 30 covering outer circumferences of portions of the core wire 10 which are not covered with the elastic porous members 20. An outer diameter of each of the resin tubes 30 is formed to be larger than an inner diameter of each of the elastic porous members 20.

Abstract: A cleaning element for lumen of surgical instruments includes a brush and a flexible metal leader. The brush has a first end, a second end, and a metal core, the metal core defining a longitudinal axis extending throughout the brush. The flexible metal leader has a first end and a second end, the second end of the flexible metal leader being welded to the first end of the metal core of the brush. The flexible metal leader is adapted to be fed through the lumen of the surgical instruments and pulled by the first end thereof through the lumen, with the brush also being adapted to be pulled through the lumen due to its being welded to the second end of the flexible metal leader.

Abstract: A tube cleaning implement with elongate shaft supporting a brush in a median section and similar scrapers or wipers fitted to opposite ends of the shaft to provide for a scrape-brush-scrape cleaning action of tube interiors, and to provide a reversible implement having extended useful life.

Abstract: Propellable apparatus, assemblies and related methods including a self-enclosed member are disclosed. The self-enclosed member can include an inner surface at least partially defining an enclosed region, and an outer surface that turns outwardly to engage a cavity or lumen wall in addition to turning inward to at least partially encompass a central region defining a longitudinal path. The apparatus can include an internal drive mechanism engageable with the outer surface of the self-enclosed member to provide relative movement between the self-enclosed member and the cavity or lumen wall. A tapered member, positioned on the apparatus adjacent an end of the self-enclosed member, can provide a size transition between an outer surface portion of the self-enclosed member and an outer surface of a payload insertable within the central region. In some examples, one or more reinforcing members can be integrated within the self-enclosed member for increased durability and rotational use.

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: Provided are a simple and inexpensive cleaning apparatus and a method for cleaning capable of effectively cleaning the outer wall surface of a pipette. A pipette to be cleaned is positioned in a concave portion of the cleaning apparatus, and a cleaning liquid passed through inside of the pipette strikes an inner circumferential surface of the concave portion and bounces therefrom to splash against the outer wall surface of the pipette, thereby cleaning the outer surface. With above arrangement, without using an ejection apparatus of cleaning water, effect equivalent to that with the ejection apparatus can be attained. Furthermore, both the inner wall surface and the outer wall surface of the pipette can be cleaned by a single operation using the same cleaning water, thereby attaining easy internal cleaning work and short cleaning time.