Inside Patents (Class 15/104.05)
  • Publication number: 20090118586
    Abstract: In laparoscopic or thorascopic surgery, a trocar is used to provide an passage into the body cavity of a patient for injecting an inert gas to inflate it. A laparoscope or thorascope is passed through a sealing membrane of the trocar so the patient may be observed without releasing a large quantity of the inert gas. If the scope lens is clouded with body liquids or tissue, the scope is removed from the trocar and its lens cleaned. The trocar cannula is cleaned by running a swab through the sealing membrane into the cannula and removing body liquids, tissue and/or check valve lubricant from the inside of the cannula. The swab includes radiopaque markers on the sorbent end, measuring marks on the swab handle and an enlargement on the swab handle. The enlargement is positioned so it may be grasped and the swab pushed into the cannula a distance which is insufficient to push the sorbent end out of the end of the cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Glenn A. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20090113644
    Abstract: A trocar cleaning device includes a connecting rod having a first end and a second end. A first sponge is coupled to the first end of the connecting rod, and a second sponge is coupled to the second end of the connecting rod. An X-ray detectable element is coupled to at least one of the connecting rod, the first sponge, and the second sponge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: New Wave Surgical
    Inventor: Sandy Heck
  • Publication number: 20090100619
    Abstract: A conduit cleaning method and apparatus for connection to a fluid inlet feed line and an outlet drain line utilizes a housing assembly having an inlet portion, an outlet portion, and a bight portion. The inlet and outlet portions have sloped leg sections which provide increased fluid flow through the bight to disperse accumulated debris. Rotatable shafts inside the housing accommodate paddles or jets to facilitate in retrieval or dispersal of obstruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Jeffery D. Baird, Kent Beck
  • Patent number: 7520082
    Abstract: An automatic cleaning apparatus for a gun barrel, which includes a wheel contacting an inner surface of the gun barrel and a brush or non-woven fabric rotating against the inner surface of the gun barrel which is applied with a cleaning solution or anti-corrosive oil, and moves forward by rotation of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Soosung Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Jin An
  • Patent number: 7516509
    Abstract: The present application relates to a pneumatic device for cleaning ventilation ducts, which includes a guiding air hammer, a turning conduit, an air-supply pipe and a slewing mechanism for the conduit. The guiding air hammer has a hollow spherical or hemispherical shape and is connected to the turning conduit. A cleaning fumarole and a guiding fumarole are provided on the rear arc wall of the guiding air hammer. When in operation, the air-supply pipe stretching means retracts and stretches the air-supply pipe, which enables the guiding air hammer to clean out the dust on the inner walls and in the corners of a ventilation duct without the need of an operator entering the ventilation duct. The air-supply pipe stretching means may be controlled by manual operation or program composition. The device may be used for cleaning ventilation ducts with a polygonal section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Jiang Yu
  • Patent number: 7513957
    Abstract: A hole cleaning apparatus includes a handle, mandrel, spool holder, cleaning material, and cutting edge. The handle having a first end and a second end. The handle having a bore extending from the first end to the second end. The mandrel having a first end and a second end mounted to the first end of the handle. The mandrel having a central bore that extends therethrough. The spool holder connected to the second end of the handle. The cleaning material attached to the spool holder. The cutting edge is disposed on the mandrel. The cleaning material extends from the spool holder through the bore of the handle and through the central bore of the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Christopher D. Condliff
  • Patent number: 7506395
    Abstract: A pipe cleaning tool comprises a rod slidably retained in a housing. The housing is affixed to a pipe in the area of the blockage so that, when affixed, the rod slides through the housing and through the blocked pipe. The end of the rod is pushed into and through the blockage, allowing free flow of fluid through the pipe to resume. A blowout port on the housing is in fluid communication with a rod bore in the housing through which the rod slides so that, when the blockage is removed, fluid flows out through the rod bore and out the blowout port. Fluid flowing out through the blowout port can then be controlled and directed by coupling a hose to the blowout port. The pipe cleaning tool is particularly useful to remove blockages in the test cocks of backflow prevention valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Odie Mfg.
    Inventor: Odis Mason Eldridge
  • Patent number: 7505063
    Abstract: A mount for traveling within a pipe to center a tool, such as a camera, within the pipe. Inner and outer concentric cylinders are slidably nested. Pivoted leg pairs have one end connected to the outer cylinder and another end connected to the inner cylinder. The pivoted leg pairs move radially inward or outward as the inner and outer cylinder move axially with respect to each other. A spring biases wheels attached to the distal end of the pivoted leg pairs radially outward. The mount centers the inner and outer cylinder within the pipe and automatically adjusts to different diameters of pipes. The mount overcomes obstructions within the pipe and is easily retrievable. The interior of the pipe may be inspected or worked upon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignees: Cavallero Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Bastedo, Dario L. Cavallero, William D. Knowles, Brian D. Brazeau
  • Publication number: 20090049627
    Abstract: Disposable endoscope cleaning device and method, where the device comprises an elongate member, preferably a monofilament and a wiper, or plurality of wipers, formed from a resiliently deformable elastomeric material integrally moulded with the member. The elongate drives the typically disc shaped wiper axially along the lumen axial direction while the wiper remains oriented in a lumen radial plane from adjacent the axial direction to adjacent the lumen wall. The wiper prior has a diameter greater than said lumen internal diameter but is resiliently deformable, preferably not of uniform stiffness in the radial direction, so that it bends in the trailing direction at or near the lumen wall so that a peripheral margin of the wiper contacts the wall in a band extending through 360 degrees of arc. The device allows for cleaning of multiple lumens of differing diameters in an endoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Novapharm Research (Australia) Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven Kritzler
  • Publication number: 20090044353
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Ferenc (Frank) Galantai, Roderick Francis Galantai
  • Publication number: 20090007833
    Abstract: A marine through hull fitting (50) includes a cleanout housing (80, 204) attached thereto. The clean out housing (80, 204) is configured with a mechanical cleaning implement (94, 218) supported for movement through a first fluid conduit (59) that passes through a vessel hull (54) for scrapping debris from the side walls of the first fluid conduit when the conduit becomes fowled. The cleaning implement (94, 218) is attached to an actuator rod (92) which may be used to hand push the cleaning implement (94, 218) through the conduit (57).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Robert D. Olenio
  • Publication number: 20080319403
    Abstract: An actuating medical device and methods for making and using the same. The actuating medical device may include a proximal shaft portion having a distal end region, an actuating shaft portion attached to the distal end region, one or more actuating members coupled to or otherwise disposed adjacent the actuating shaft portion, and a distal shaft portion attached to the actuating shaft portion. The actuating shaft portion may include a shape memory material and may be adapted to shift between a first configuration and a second configuration. Using the actuating medical device may include positioning the actuating medical device in a blood vessel and shifting the actuating shaft portion between the first and second configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: AJITKUMAR B. NAIR, ALAIN F. SADAKA
  • Patent number: 7454812
    Abstract: A cleaning device, or projectile, cleans the inside surface of a tube as it is propelled by a liquid through the tube by mechanically scraping and cleaning soft and hard deposits, such as sludge and manganese, from the inner surface of the tube, such as those found in condensers and heat exchangers. The tube cleaning device, or projectile, is propelled forward by a high-pressure fluid spray injected into a tube. This high-pressured fluid injection is sufficient to advance the device through the tube, allowing the device to scrape or otherwise dislodge incrustations or other accumulations from the interior wall of the tube. The tool cleans the inside surface of a tube as the tool travels through the tube and includes a compressible bushing and a series of cutters secured to a split support that defines a cavity for receiving the bushing, the support being adapted to be opened and closed to receive and contain the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel C. Lyle
  • Publication number: 20080276366
    Abstract: Provided is a seal for sealing a sink or other overflow drain in fluid communication with a sink drain system. The seal is used in conjunction with a pressure-based drain-opening device. The seal is configured as a releasable adhesive tape that includes water-resistant, flexible, conformable sheet material having pressure-sensitive adhesive layer adhered to one surface of the sheet material. Optionally, a protective layer may overlie the adhesive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Bruce Bitowft
  • Publication number: 20080250588
    Abstract: A multi-purpose apparatus used for cleaning and removing debris from plumbing comprising a handle assembly having first and second ends, the first end includes a handle section for grasping by an operator. A trigger assembly is operatively located within the handle section for actuation by the operator and a receiving assembly is located within the handle assembly at the second end. The receiving assembly includes a pair of gripping arms. The multi-purpose apparatus further includes a working head having an attachment end and a working end. The attachment end has a head including a reduced diameter, chamfered portion for engagement by the gripping arms to hold the working head and the handle assembly portion in a locking connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Robinson, Michael J. Maczuzak, Aaron D. Marshall, Bryan Neidert, Mary K. Vieram
  • Patent number: 7430779
    Abstract: A tool for both plunging and cleaning plumbing fixtures and drains includes a handle with a plunger and a cleaning brush both connected to the same end of the handle. The plunger is removable by way of a connector between the brush handle and the plunger head. The brush and handle may be released from the plunger head and used for scrubbing and cleaning a toilet bowl. The plunger may be reconnected to the brush and handle, allowing the plunger head to be operated by use of the brush handle. When the plunger, brush and handle are connected, the tool is also in a storage form and may be easily and aesthetically stored. Exemplary embodiments are particularly useful for cleaning and plunging toilets using the combination toilet brush and toilet plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Steven Garry
  • Publication number: 20080201876
    Abstract: A pipe maintenance method and device is particularly suited for maintaining a pipe of a gas-insulated high-voltage line with a particle trap system extending along the pipe. The novel method enables poorly accessible sections to be reached. To this end, a maintenance unit is displaced along the particle trap system, and it is guided thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Hermann Koch
  • Patent number: 7398736
    Abstract: A vehicle (1) for travelling along a conduit (2) such as a pipeline having fluid flowing therein is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a first body carrying a first set of retractable bristles (12) for engaging an internal wall of the conduit such that the bristles resist movement of the first body in a first direction more than in a second direction, and a second set of retractable bristles (13) for engaging the internal wall of the conduit such that the bristles resist movement of the first body in the second direction more than in the first direction. A thread follower (16) carries a third set of resilient bristles (18) for engaging the internal wall of the conduit such that the bristles resist movement of the thread follower in the first direction more than in the second direction. A turbine (5) is actuated by fluid flow in the conduit to cause rotation of a reverse traverse screw (14) to move the first body and thread follower towards and away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Durham Pipeline Technology Limited
    Inventor: Ernest Appleton
  • Patent number: 7398785
    Abstract: A tool for cleaning a culvert comprises a rod having a center longitudinal axis, a housing having a center longitudinal axis and coupled coaxially to the rod, the housing having an interior chamber, the housing has an outside dimension that can be accommodated within the culvert, and at least one paddle operable to rotate about the center longitudinal axis of the rod inside the interior chamber of the housing, the at least one paddle operable to dislodge and loosen debris inside the culvert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Harr Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert E. Harr
  • Publication number: 20080141473
    Abstract: A cleaning brush which is inserted into a conduit of the endoscope, includes a long and flexible shaft, and a brush part provided at a leading end of the shaft. The brush part includes brush bristles, a strand, etc. A part of the shaft that overlaps the brush bristles in a state where the brush bristles are bent toward the leading end of the shaft, is provided with a small diameter part that is smaller in external diameter than the other part of the shaft. The dimension obtained by adding the external diameter of the small diameter part and twice the external diameter of the brush bristles is smaller than the internal diameter of a conduit into which this cleaning brush is inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Keiichi Arai, Motohiro Kuroda
  • Publication number: 20080141474
    Abstract: A trailing pig cleaning device is adapted to be dragged by a pig towing device. The cleaning device collects a predetermined quantity of debris. The cleaning device has a continuous outer surface portion of variable diameter urged into normal contact with the internal wall of the pipeline. The continuous outer surface portion presents a continuous upstream or leading edge portion for scraping debris from the cylindrical internal wall in advance of the outer surface portion. The device has a debris collecting surface portion extending radially inward from the outer surface portion for collecting the predetermined quantity of debris scraped from the cylindrical internal wall. The device has at least one debris and pipeline media bypass opening passing through the debris collecting surface portion permitting excess scraped debris to pass therethrough back into the pipeline and permitting media to pass thereby to propel the pig towing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Eugene Kapustin, Sergei Filippovitch
  • Publication number: 20080127438
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Robert E. Harr
  • Patent number: 7377981
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for delivering a cleaning and inspection device to an appropriate position on a backplane having an optical connector. A set of tubes corresponding to the number of optical connectors is attached to the rear of a connector assembly or some other similar device capable of being coupled to a connector housing containing the optical connector. The diameter of the hollow tube large enough to accommodate the insertion of several types of cleaning and inspection devices including optical cleaning swabs and scopes. After the connector assembly is mated with the connector housing, the tubes can provide direct access to each optical connector for cleaning and inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Pivotal Decisions LLC
    Inventor: Marvin R. Young
  • Patent number: 7367151
    Abstract: A gun bore cleaning system for efficiently cleaning a bore of a gun. The gun bore cleaning system includes a cleaning member having a spiral groove and a length of cord positionable within the spiral groove. The cord is extended through a bore of a gun with the cleaning member cleaning the bore of the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: New Producst Marketing Corporation
    Inventors: Wesley F. Black, Charles D. Black, Robert J. Black
  • Patent number: 7360271
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for dislodging contaminants from a surface of a machine tool. A machine tool has a spindle and a housing disposed around the spindle. The apparatus includes a support plate, an arbor, and a cleaning member. The arbor is disposed on the support plate and is adapted to be attached to the spindle. The cleaning member is disposed on and extends from the support plate. The cleaning member contacts a surface of the machine tool to remove contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: George Nordstrom, David Bednarek, Alexander Stoll
  • Patent number: 7361079
    Abstract: A pipe deburring tool (1) comprises a deburring means (2) arranged to deburr the inside surface of a pipe and a cleaning means (3) arranged to simultaneously prepare the outside surface of the pipe upon relative rotation of the tool and pipe. The deburring means (2) comprises a prism having rounded longitudinal edges. The cleaning means (3) comprises a plurality of brushes (21) arranged in a housing (4) round the outside of the deburring means (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Cable Management Products Ltd.
    Inventors: John Michael Pryce, Kathleen Wigley
  • Publication number: 20080047578
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for cleaning exhaust lines from a reaction chamber used in manufacturing semiconductor devices. In particular, an apparatus is disclosed for receiving an exhaust gas from a semiconductor processing reaction chamber, mixing said exhaust gas with a cleaning gas, exciting the mixture to a plasma state, and pumping the mixture away via an exhaust line. A vacuum pump is provided for pumping the mixture, and a scrubber may be provided to remove particulate and other matter from the gas mixture. Radio-frequency or microwave energy may be used to excite the gas mixture, and the cleaning gas may comprise argon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Feng Yoo, Jean Wang, Jyh-Cherng Sheu
  • Patent number: 7328475
    Abstract: There is described a novel apparatus for use in connection with pipe cleaning and monitoring systems. The apparatus is a suspension system adapted to fit a pipeline pig shaft, the pig being provided with a plurality of wheels. The wheels are concentrically mounted around a biasing means which is operable in a direction coplanar with the pig shaft. There is also described a pipeline pig comprising the suspension system and a method of cleaning a pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: FLT Seals Technology Limited
    Inventors: Steve Smith, Simon Sykes
  • Patent number: 7299519
    Abstract: A tool for both plunging and cleaning plumbing fixtures and drains includes a handle and a plunger and a cleaning brush both coupled to the same end of the handle. The plunger is moveable between an extended position in which it covers a majority of the brush, and a retracted position in which it exposes a majority of the brush. The tool may be used for cleaning with the plunger retracted and for plunging with the plunger extended. Exemplary embodiments are particularly useful for cleaning and plunging toilets using a combination toilet plunger and toilet brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Steven Garry
  • Patent number: 7246401
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a hole or bore in a work piece has a reel, a switch, a mandrel, a cutting edge and a cleaning material. The cleaning material is driven by the first reel and extends over the mandrel. The trigger causes the first reel to pull the cleaning material over the mandrel to clean the hole or bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Christopher D. Condliff
  • Patent number: 7231812
    Abstract: A conduit breach location detector for detecting leaks in a conduit is disclosed. The conduit breach location detector includes a shuttle cage for connection to the conduit. A sounding shuttle is provided in the shuttle cage. A sounding cable may be connected to the sounding shuttle. A pressurization system is connected to the shuttle cage for pressurizing the shuttle cage and pushing the sounding shuttle through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Michael E. Lagare
  • Patent number: 7211194
    Abstract: A gravity pressure vessel (GPV) for processing a fluid stream containing organic materials provides several improvements to the art. In one embodiment, a GPV of the present invention sustains the heat energy requirements of a hydrolysis GPV by including therein, a first reaction chamber for conducting an exothermic reaction, and subsequently providing a second reaction chamber for hydrolysis of certain organic materials refractory to the exothermic reaction. Another embodiment provides for the perpetual cleaning of the heat transfer surfaces of the GPV. Still another embodiment provides for selective alteration of a hydrolysis reaction within a GPV independent of the flow of the fluid stream through the GPV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Eau-Viron, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Titmas
  • Patent number: 7194780
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning deposits from the interior surfaces of a kiln. The apparatus utilizes a directed high-pressure fluid jet to remove deposits adhering to elements within a kiln. The pressurized fluid is delivered to the fluid jet through the shaft of a rotary drill. The drill shaft is received in a sleeve permitting rotational and longitudinal displacement of the shaft. The sleeve also defines a plenum surrounding the drill shaft to communicate pressurized fluid to the fluid jet throughout longitudinal and rotational displacement of the drill shaft. The drill further utilizes a boring bit suitable for penetrating encrusted deposits to provide the fluid jet access to the interior surfaces of the kiln. For removing severe encrustations, the drill bit may be used to partially penetrate the encrustation and a linear actuator may then be employed to press large portions of the encrustation from the kiln's refractory lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Halcyon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jefferson L. Shelton
  • Patent number: 7178418
    Abstract: Disclosed is a segment (15) of a sensor-supporting element for a scraper-type device, which comprises at least two pairs of runners (16a, 16b) that are arranged essentially parallel behind each other. A support plate (20) receiving sensors (21) is disposed between at least one pair of runners (16). The segment (15) can be combined with other such segments (15) so as to form a sensor-supporting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: NDT Systems & Services AG
    Inventors: Thomas Richter, Axel Schwarz, Christiane Veit
  • Patent number: 7146674
    Abstract: Foreign material is dislodged from a hard to reach region of an object by passing a rigid elongated tubular guide in close proximity to the hard to reach region. The upper tip of the guide is bent so that it can be directed at the hard to reach region and a wire is passed through the guide into the hard to reach region. The lower portion of the wire that extends outwardly from the bottom of the guide and the wire is rotated at a speed sufficient to dislodge unwanted foreign material from the hard to reach region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ramon M. Velez, Jr., Peter J. Draghi
  • Patent number: 7124882
    Abstract: A cleaning kit operable by a tool for cleaning pipes and fittings to prepare same for soldering. The cleaning kit includes a plurality of sockets including wire bristles attached thereto and for receiving the outer surface of a pipe therealong. The plurality of pipes are maintain in continuous contact with a pipe surface for cleaning same while a tool rotatably engages the plurality of sockets about the pipe. The cleaning kit also includes a shank for receiving the plurality of sockets therein and for removably connecting to a tool respectively. A wire brush including a lower end portion and a second shank connected thereto is removably attachable to a tool so that the wire brush can rotatably engage an interior of a pipe and thereby clean same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Emyr Jadydy
  • Patent number: 7094293
    Abstract: A device for mechanically cleaning a grooves used to hold a rotor or a stator winding of an electric machine includes an axially moveable device carrier and at least one cleaning tool connected to the device carrier and extending radially from the device carrier into the groove. In addition, a corresponding method includes the steps of radially moving at least one cleaning tool connected to a device carrier so as to mechanically remove impurities on a wall section of the groove, axial advancing of the device carrier in a manner adapted to the radial movement of the at least one cleaning tool, and setting the dimensional tolerance range for the groove by adjusting the cleaning tool. The device and the method are suitable for cleaning grooves into which a new winding is to be installed in an existing laminated body, for example, in the case of the retrofitting of generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Walter Meier, Ralph Studer
  • Patent number: 7073286
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for chemo-mechanical cleaning of the barrel of a gun, in which method the barrel is closed tightly from both ends and at least one cleaning chemical is introduced into the closed barrel, the chemical is allowed to react with the impurities on the interior surface of the barrel, the chemically treated residue is loosened mechanically, the residue is removed from the barrel and, if necessary, the barrel is rinsed and dried. According to the invention, at least one of the cleaning chemicals used is a gaseous cleaning chemical. The invention also relates to a device for cleaning the barrel of a gun, comprising end blocks (1,8) sealably fittable to each end of the barrel and a reciprocable mechanical cleaning element to be placed in the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Milfoam Oy
    Inventors: Markku Paananen, Marja Koivuluoma
  • Patent number: 7055203
    Abstract: A tube cleaning machine for industrial smooth bore tubes and enhanced tubes in which the machine includes a rotary brush with means for selecting brush rotary speed for optimum cleaning of the smooth bore and enhanced tubes, and in which the machine includes a water side and a chemical side for supplying a cleaning medium to tubes being cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Goodway Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph J Franzino
  • Patent number: 7036564
    Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning tubing using cleaning balls (20) circulated with the fluid through tubing (8). The system includes a separator (12) having a perforated funnel, which permits the fluid, but not the cleaning balls (20), to pass through. A housing (21) having an apertured partition (28) is used to divide the housing (21) into an first compartment (19) and a second compartment (27). An entrance (2) of a fluid supply pipe (23) and an exit (3) of a ball supply pipe (24) are formed for creating a difference in pressure to create a suction force to recirculate the cleaning balls (20) from the housing (21) via the ball supply pipe (24), back to the tubing (8) for cleaning the walls of the tubing (8). An entrance (13) of a ball return pipe (17) and an exit (14) of a fluid return pipe (16) are formed for creating a difference in pressure to create a suction force to recirculate the cleaning balls (20) from the separator (12) via the ball return pipe (17), into the housing (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Hydroball Technics Holdings PTE Ltd.
    Inventor: Beng Kiat Peter Soh
  • Patent number: 7028361
    Abstract: A cleaning assembly for a pipe. The assembly comprises a sleeve, at least one magnet, and at least one moveable hollow member. The sleeve is moveably disposed on the outer wall of the pipe. The at least one magnet is disposed on the inner surface of the sleeve. The at least one moveable hollow member conforms to the profile of the pipe's interior and is disposed in the interior of the pipe and is metal. When an external force acts on the sleeve along the longitudinal axis of the pipe, the at least one moveable hollow member moves with the sleeve by means of magnetic attraction to clean condensed powder from the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Vanguard International Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Fu-Hsiung Tsai
  • Patent number: 7005012
    Abstract: The device includes a spray system for spraying a fluid against the inside periphery of the tube to be cleaned, and two analogous brushing assemblies, each of which include brushing means and a propelling element which cooperates with the inside periphery of the tube. The device further includes means for moving axially the brushing assemblies towards and away from each other in alternation, which means include a chamber connected to a feed for feeding in fluid under pressure. The spray system includes a reservoir put under pressure by being connected to the chamber. A method of cleaning a tube, in which two brushing assemblies including brushing means are inserted into the tube and are moved towards and away from each other in alteration. A fluid, disposed in a reservoir cooperating with a support system on which the propelling elements are secured, is sprayed against the inside periphery of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: R. Marchal & Cie
    Inventors: Bernard Bourrelly, Jacques Vadot
  • Patent number: 6988468
    Abstract: An indexing style Automatic Port Cleaner for cleaning furnace combustion air ports employs multiple cleaning tips and rods enclosed substantially in a furnace windbox. An extension bar enclosed substantially in a furnace windbox to which the cleaning rods are attached with the extension bar carries the cleaning rods and tips in a translating and indexing motion. An extension bar is supported by two fulcrum rods and in turn supported by two fulcrum tubes and two fulcrum housings, the fulcrum housings being supported by a faceplate and fixed relative to the combustion air ports. The fulcrum rods translate relative to the fulcrum tubes while the fulcrum tubes rotate relative to the fulcrum housings. A linear actuator is disposed to create a reciprocating translating motion of the fulcrum rods, extension bar, cleaning rods, and cleaning tips. Indexing creates rotation of the fulcrum tubes, fulcrum rods, extension bar, cleaning rods, and cleaning tips, in a reciprocating fashion about the fulcrum housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Clyde Bergemann, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Higgins, Ken Pingle, Todd Hill, Mike Kranda, Jim Payne, Alan Clother
  • Patent number: 6986184
    Abstract: A brush device has a plurality of different size annular brushes encircling a single cylindrical brush. All brushes are mounted on a drive shaft associated with an electric motor which can be powered by a battery pack or by utility power. The cylindrical brush will fit into a water jet, while the annular brushes will clean the outside of the water jet. A brush head encircles the annular brushes and is located and shaped to engage a planar surface adjacent to the water jet being cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventors: Rebecca Chamblee, James T. Chamblee
  • Patent number: 6964077
    Abstract: A plastic housing has a front shell with inwardly protruding bristles of an exterior wire brush, and a rear shell which retractably receives the outwardly protruding bristles of an interior wire brush. The interior brush is mounted to a shaft which engages the housing, and which is driven by a motor, such as by a power drill. A ring-like deburring element is mounted to the shell between the front shell and the rear shell, and has an inwardly and frontwardly protruding generally frustoconical first wall forming a deburring element which defines a central opening through which the interior brush may be projected and retracted. The first wall may be planar segments, or may have a circular cross section. The deburring element serves to position a pipe for burnishing by the exterior brush, and also deburrs the end of the inserted pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Red Cedar Plastics, LLC
    Inventors: Kelly K. Kadinger, Theodore Schonebaum
  • Patent number: 6961974
    Abstract: A pipe prepping tool for cleaning the ends of copper pipes and fittings to prepare their surfaces for soldering. The pipe prepping tool includes a hand-held housing member having an elongate handle portion and a head portion; and also includes a first brush support member being rotatably mounted to the hand-held housing member; and further includes a second brush support member being mounted to the first brush support member; and also includes a plurality of brushes being supported by the first and second brush support members for prepping threads and interior surface of a pipe; and further includes an assembly of rotating said brush members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Lloyd E. Goolsby, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6960018
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and method for removing build-up on such measurement gauges. The inventive device and method involve a movable scraper that fits around a cylindrical shield of a measurement gauge and continuously removes the build-up on the shield. Movement of the scraper is accomplished by a magnetic coupling between a magnetic core attached to the scraper, which is inside a pipe or other piece of equipment, and solenoids that are installed on the outside of the pipe. The device and method of the invention ensure instantaneously correct readings from the measurement gauge and improve control and operation strategies of heat exchanges, with significant economic advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: ConAgra Grocery Products Company
    Inventors: Constantine Sandu, Liviu V. Popa, John J. Mercurio
  • Patent number: 6939411
    Abstract: A method and tool for cleaning a watercraft speedometer are disclosed. The tool comprises a body, an extraction tip extending therefrom, and at least one edge on the extraction tip that can catch matter in the cavity. The extraction tip is attached to the body and is approximately the size and shape to fit into an intake cavity of a speedometer mechanism so as not to damage the intake cavity. The extraction tip edge is used for extracting debris from the intake cavity. Twisting the extraction tip into the intake cavity and pulling the extraction tip out of the intake cavity results in catching and withdrawing debris from the intake cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: SVM Machining, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Serpa
  • Patent number: 6928686
    Abstract: A washing apparatus for an endoscope includes a wire brush, a region for housing the wire brush and a driver adapted to advance and retract the wire brush. The wire brush is received in a pipe section of the wire housing region so that the wire brush may be selectively advanced out or retracted in this pipe section which is, in turn, provided along its front end portion and a rear end portion with position sensors to detect a position of a wire component of the wire brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Koken Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Tomooka, Masao Suzuki, Yoshinobu Oyama, Taketo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6920663
    Abstract: A tool for removing hair and other debris from a basin drain is disclosed. The tool comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end and a mid-section. The first shaft end forms a handle and the second shaft end forms a hook. A method of using the tool is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Steven M. Petit