Power Source Outside Tube End Patents (Class 15/104.095)
  • Patent number: 12102299
    Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor includes: a treatment tank; a transmission panel made of a transmitting material that allows an observation wave to transmit through the transmitting material, the transmission panel being disposed such that the observation wave is allowed to transmit from a reprocessor outer surface to an inside of the treatment tank; and at least one terminal holding member disposed on the reprocessor outer surface, and configured to hold an observation terminal at a position that allows the observation terminal to observe the inside of the treatment tank through the transmission panel, the observation terminal including a receiver that receives the observation wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yumiko Awau
  • Patent number: 12092415
    Abstract: A bore guide comprised of a rear housing, an adjustable shaft having a proximal and a distal end, a tip on the distal end of the adjustable shaft, a spring housing connected to the proximal end of the adjustable shaft, a spring located inside the spring housing, and a lock insertable into a portion of a firearm to lock the spring in a compressed state. The rear housing may have a rear opening on a proximal end of the rear housing and a solvent port on a circumferential portion of the rear housing. Transition of the adjustable shaft toward the rear opening can cause compression of the spring. The lock can secure the bore guide in place and create a seal within the bore of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: New Revo Brand Group, LLC
    Inventors: Mike Rhode, James Hofman, Daniel Zaleskas, Ryan Jacobson
  • Patent number: 12048371
    Abstract: A brush for cleaning the interior of a bottle or container is provided. The brush includes at least one cleaning element installed on the distal end of a shaft. The proximal end of the shaft is shaped to be gripped by a hand of a user. The distal end of the shaft includes at least one notch formed therein, where the notch has a proximal side wall, a distal side wall oppositely disposed from the proximal side wall, and a middle section disposed between the proximal side wall and the distal side wall. Each cleaning element is installed in a corresponding notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: Christian Kirikian
    Inventor: Christian Kirikian
  • Patent number: 12044497
    Abstract: A device for cleaning an interior surface of a firearm includes a housing, an expandable scraping assembly, a control knob, and a drive rod. The housing extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis. The housing has a forward end and a rear end longitudinally opposite the forward end. The expandable scraping assembly is located at the forward end of the housing. The control knob is located at the rear end of the housing. The drive rod is received within the housing and coupled to the scraping assembly and the control knob. Rotation of the control knob in a first direction expands the scraping assembly toward an open position. Rotation of the control knob in a second direction opposite the first direction contracts the scraping assembly toward a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Inventor: Tanner S. Sprinkel
  • Patent number: 11782063
    Abstract: A method to detect local antibodies such as antigen-specific IgE via a brush biopsy specimen of a mucosal surface of a subject is disclosed. The method is easily performed in an office setting on both adult and pediatric patients. Also disclosed is a brush device specially designed for harvesting materials from a mucosal surface such as the medial surface of the inferior turbinate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: CORNELL UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: William Reisacher
  • Patent number: 11702834
    Abstract: The group of inventions can be used for removal of deposits in sewers and the simultaneous removal thereof in various pipelines, providing mechanization of the cleaning process in a sewage pipeline and eliminating the need for disassembling the drain system and manually cleaning it. A movable element and a cleaning tool mounted thereon, both arranged within the sewage pipeline, are moved along the sewage pipeline by means of a drive mounted outside the sewage pipeline and connected to the movable element. In the initial position, the cleaning tool is located at the end of the sewage pipeline, outside the sewage pipeline portion connecting the drain pipe with a riser. When the cleaning tool reaches the end position at the junction of the sewage pipeline and the riser, the drive and the movable element move the cleaning tool to its initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Inventor: Yevgeniy Ruslanovich Davletshin
  • Patent number: 11598081
    Abstract: A drain cleaner including a cable configured to be inserted into a drain, a drum supporting the cable, a first motor operable to rotate the drum, and a cable feed control mechanism configured to feed the cable in a linear direction along a first axis. The cable feed control mechanism includes a second motor, a drive wheel rotatable by the second motor about a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis, and a driven wheel rotatable about a third axis that is parallel to the second axis. The drive wheel and the driven wheel are configured to engage the cable to feed the cable along the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Justin Miller, Ryan James Denissen
  • Patent number: 11300981
    Abstract: Water-jet cleaning system and a method of cleaning a heat exchanger. The equipment includes a rotary tool having a lance with at least two degrees of freedom. The lance's movements relative to openings defined in the heat exchanger face plate are controlled via a smart indexing controller. The controller includes an electronic communication device that is specifically programmed to selectively activate various components of the rotary tool and a water delivery system. The programming utilizes an observed, learned, or uploaded pattern of the heat exchanger tube openings to selectively rotate the lance relative to the rotary tool's mounting assembly or linearly move the lance towards or away from the mounting assembly. The controller moves the lance to align a nozzle thereon with a selected opening in the face plate and then delivers a high pressure water jet therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: TERYDON, INC.
    Inventors: Terry D. Gromes, Sr., Terry D. Gromes, Jr., Kristen E. Griffin, Jon M. Shockey, Jr., Gordon W. East, William C. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11294399
    Abstract: Water-jet cleaning system and a method of cleaning a heat exchanger. The equipment includes a rotary tool having a lance with at least two degrees of freedom. The lance's movements relative to openings defined in the heat exchanger face plate are controlled via a smart indexing controller. The controller includes an electronic communication device that is specifically programmed to selectively activate various components of the rotary tool and a water delivery system. The programming utilizes an observed, learned, or uploaded pattern of the heat exchanger tube openings to selectively rotate the lance relative to the rotary tool's mounting assembly or linearly move the lance towards or away from the mounting assembly. The controller moves the lance to align a nozzle thereon with a selected opening in the face plate and then delivers a high pressure water jet therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: TERYDON, INC.
    Inventors: Terry D. Gromes, Sr., Terry D. Gromes, Jr., Kristen E. Griffin, Jon M. Shockey, Jr., Gordon W. East, William C. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11292034
    Abstract: A hand-held rotary cleaning tool includes a housing that encloses an electric motor and a gear set that connects the motor to an output shaft. The rotary cleaning tool includes at least one cleaning accessory that is detachably connected to the output shaft, and a flexible splash guard. The splash guard surrounds the output shaft and cleaning accessory so as to prevent liquid splash during tool use. The splash guard includes a reinforcing ring that is formed of a material that is less flexible than the material used to form the splash guard body. The reinforcing ring prevents the splash guard from excessive deformation, whereby interference of the splash guard with the cleaning accessory or the output shaft is minimized or avoided. The reinforcing ring may also include other features which enhance the cleaning function of the rotary cleaning tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignees: Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Christopher Crowell, Jeremy Rubens
  • Patent number: 11143480
    Abstract: The Arms Power Cleaning Lubrication Coupler and Method enables gun barrel cleaning implements to be rotated by attachment to a chock of a motorized device such as to an electrical or battery powered drill. The coupler includes a body member having a tubular and linear configuration that defines an interior space. A first end of the body member is open and configured to receive and engage a drill chuck of the motorized device. A second end of the body member is open and includes an inner surface that is threaded and operable to receive and engage a cleaning implement such as a brush. In use, the motor may be engaged to rotate the wheel chuck which, in turn, rotates the body member, drill chuck and cleaning implement. The rotating cleaning implement provides enhances cleaning of an inside of a firearm barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventor: Alfred Tucker Randolph Wilson
  • Patent number: 10987708
    Abstract: A drain cleaning apparatus is described that uses a FlexShaft type drain cleaning cable. The drain cleaning apparatus includes a drum housing, a rotatable cable carrier mounted within an interior of the drum housing and a transmission assembly for transferring rotary power to an end of a FlexShaft cable residing in the interior of the drum housing. Also described are systems using these apparatuses in combination with a rotary power source such as a drill. In addition, various methods of use are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Ridge Tool Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Szucs, Alex Michael Cole, Nicholas Christopher Mavros, Billy Odon M. Yrad, Jr., Ken Beyer
  • Patent number: 10953442
    Abstract: A culvert cleaner for cleaning clogged culverts using pressurized water having a self-contained water pump and maneuvering capabilities is described. The culvert cleaner includes a frame, a water pressurizing system, and a control system. The culvert cleaner may be used on a number of different machineries (e.g. truck, excavator, and rail equipment). The culvert cleaner is positioned in front of a clogged culvert using the hydraulic excavator that is on the railway. Once the culvert cleaner is position, the water pressurizing system of the culvert cleaner is engaged and high pressure water is used to clean the culvert. During cleaning alterations may be made to nozzle in the x-axis and y-axis due to the integrated positioning of the nozzle as a part of the water pressurizing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Jeff Bartek
  • Patent number: 10746494
    Abstract: Applicant has disclosed a handheld tool and related method for cleaning and lubricating: the entire star chamber in a firearm (e.g., AR-15 and M-14 rifles), including the top lands, bottom lands, and canted faces of the locking lugs forming a star inlet to the chamber in a rifle; and the remaining headspace of the firearm. One tool embodiment comprises: a paddle grip; a midsection shank; and a generally T-shaped foam swab affixed over an end portion of the shank, wherein the swab has two wings and a stem. The wings are designed to fit, simultaneously or contemporaneously, between and against opposing faces of different pairs of successive locking lugs and against bottom lands of those different pairs. Afterwards, the swab can be pushed through the star inlet to clean the chamber portion behind the inlet, including the backside of the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Super Brush, LLC
    Inventor: Brian David Crawford
  • Patent number: 10627038
    Abstract: Example aspects of a pipe repair device and a method for repairing a pipeline are disclosed. The pipe repair device can comprise a body; a sensor attached to the body for detecting the leak in the pipe; a transport mechanism attached to the body for transporting the pipe repair device along the pipe; and a repair mechanism comprising a repair material for repairing the leak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Cody Badger, Clifton Braun, Adam Tank
  • Patent number: 10495345
    Abstract: A tank cleaning tool is disclosed for cleaning sediments and debris out of a tank. The tool has housing with an inlet end to connect to drain hole of the tank, and an outlet end to discharge slurry out of the tool. An agitator is present at the inlet end, and can be inserted through drain hole of the tank to agitate sediments and debris inside the tank to pull sediments and debris into the inlet end when the agitator is spun. The tool may preferably include an auger connected to lower end of said agitator where the auger grinds sediments and debris inside the housing to form slurry. The tool may also include a grinding chamber between said outlet end and said inlet end to grind the sediments and debris inside said housing to form slurry. A drill can be used to rotate the auger and the agitator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: MUEHLEIP INVENTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Craig Muehleip
  • Patent number: 10358881
    Abstract: An assembly can include a filter body having an open end and a closed end. The filter body can also include a plurality of perforations. A fan may be positionable within the filter body. The fan may include a mount that extends along a length of the fan. A blade may be coupled to and extend from the mount. The fan may also include an outer edge of the blade for contacting an inner surface of the filter body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bo Gao, Nicholas Budler, Linda Xin
  • Patent number: 10239100
    Abstract: A drain cleaner includes a shroud with a closed end and an open end opposite the closed end, a drum assembly positioned within the shroud and rotatable relative to the shroud, a flexible cable stored within the drum assembly, and a handle assembly coupled to and extending rearwardly from the shroud. The handle assembly includes a motor, a grip, and an actuator to selectively energize the motor. The actuator is enclosed between the grip and the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hans T. Banholzer, Nikos A. Gainacopulos, Jacqueline J. Beierle, Sean T. Kehoe, Ryan James Denissen, Justin Miller
  • Patent number: 10184081
    Abstract: A process for multistage thermal treatment of rubber waste, in particular scrap tires, is proposed. The process comprises several steps of transferring a product granulate of rubber waste into three different sequencing heating zones of a reactor (10). In the heating zones (11a, 11b, 11c) the product granulate is heated at a first temperature between 100° to 200° C., preferably 150° to 180° C., then at a second temperature between 200° to 350° C. and at a third temperature between 300° to 600° C. The temperature is maintained until such time that no further oil is emitted within the respective heating zone. As a final step, the product granulate is removed from the reactor (10) and the desirable solid materials are separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Pyrolyx AG
    Inventors: Fikret Dülger, Niels Raeder
  • Patent number: 10119368
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cultivating a surface of a wall of a subterranean well bore, conduit or cable by scraping and furrowing the surface using a string hoistable shaft carrying a flexible arrangement of a laterally extendable and retractable arcuate engagement linkage dragging a cutter and scraper member, wherein said engagement linkage arcuately engages and aligns the cutter and scraper member during one or more scraping engagements: along said surface and longitudinal to a well axis to form and use said furrow, across said surface and transverse to said well axis using a filament linkage to form and use said furrow, or along and across said surface and longitudinal and transverse to said well axis to form and use a lattice of said furrows, separating a plane of the surface into a plurality of planes that comprise separate surface regions, usable by an ancillary apparatus or a spreadable substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: Bruce A. Tunget
  • Patent number: 10052736
    Abstract: A method for processing an edge of a tube using an abrading apparatus is disclosed. The abrading apparatus includes a rotational symmetry axis and a chassis comprising an input side, an output side opposite the input side, and an input coupler on the input side of the chassis. The input coupler is coaxial with the rotational symmetry axis. The abrading apparatus also includes a centering member, coupled to the output side of the chassis and coaxial with the rotational symmetry axis, and abrasive members, coupled to the output side of the chassis. The abrasive members define an abrasive face radially spaced outwardly from and generally symmetric about the rotational symmetry axis and facing in a direction generally parallel to the rotational symmetry axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Mark E. McGeary
  • Patent number: 9987702
    Abstract: A system for cleaning a weld gun nozzle includes a guide module and a reaming module. The guide module includes a holder assembly that includes a plurality of elongate skid bars. The reaming module includes a rotatable reamer. The skid bars are generally non-rotatable and define an opening into which the weld gun nozzle can be inserted to align the nozzle with the rotatable reamer. The nozzle is guided by the skid bars and inserted over the reamer, which rotates within the nozzle to clean debris from the nozzle. The skid bars are non-rotatable, and can be installed within the holder assembly to be resiliently move radially inward and outward to accommodate the nozzle during insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: ELCO ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Edward L. Cooper, Steven J. Hayes
  • Patent number: 9901358
    Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument comprises a body, a shaft assembly, an ultrasonic blade, and a pivoting member. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The ultrasonic blade is positioned distal to the shaft assembly. The pivoting member is pivotable with respect to the blade from an open position to a closed position to thereby clamp tissue between the pivoting member and the blade. The shaft assembly comprises a feature to provide for the removal of surgical debris (e.g. tissue, coagulated blood, etc.), body fluid, etc. from the shaft assembly. The feature may remove the surgical debris, body fluid, etc. from a cavity within the shaft assembly. The feature may also prevent the collection of surgical debris, body fluid, etc. within the shaft assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Craig N. Faller, JoAnn M. Stegeman, Patrick A. Weizman, Cory G. Kimball, Tamara S. Vetro Widenhouse, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, William D. Kelly, Brian D. Bertke, Karalyn R. Tellio
  • Patent number: 9827067
    Abstract: A linear member transfer apparatus includes: a linear member housing portion having a bottomed cylindrical shape and including: a bottom portion; an opening; a side wall; a restriction portion that is a diaphragm disposed on a position at a predetermined distance from the bottom portion and that has an inner diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the bottom portion; a first chamber configured to house a linear member in a wound state; and a second chamber configured to house the linear member in an extended state; a transfer portion configured to transfer the linear member; and a guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomokazu Iwasaki, Hideto Onishi, Akihisa Ogawa, Masahiko Tomita, Young Chung Kim
  • Patent number: 9687871
    Abstract: Provided that a process for manufacturing an elastic roller having a mandrel and a coating film. The process comprise a first step of forming a coating film on an outer peripheral surface of a first mandrel, and a second step of forming a coating film on an outer peripheral surface of a second mandrel. The process further comprises a cleaning step between the steps. The cleaning step comprising: making a cleaning member arranged coaxially with the central axis of a circular coating head, in a downstream side in a moving direction of the first mandrel with respect to the circular coating head, making the cleaning member relatively approach the circular coating head; bringing a surface to be cleaned into contact with the cleaning member; rotating the cleaning member while the surface comes in contact with the cleaning member; and inserting the cleaning member into the center hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akinori Sato, Katsumi Otani, Yosuke Ata, Masahiro Inami, Hironori Mori
  • Patent number: 9683356
    Abstract: An auger type device for unclogging a clogged plumbing system is disclosed. The device includes a housing defining an inner cavity and having a side wall, an end wall, an opening, a rotatable shaft, and a handle. The opening provides a passageway for the wire in an extended condition. The housing has a multi-functional adaptor structured on the outside of the housing. In one condition, the adaptor adapts the device to engage a plumbing system, wherein a unified plumbing cleaning system is created. In another condition, the adaptor adapts the device to an introducer cap wherein the nozzle-shaped protrusion of the cap directs the wire of the device into the drain. The multi-functional adaptor is sized and shaped to engage a normal plumbing system and the introducer cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Inventor: Leslie Sau Selius
  • Patent number: 9657524
    Abstract: The invention relates to a small drilling apparatus for producing bores in the ground, comprising, a main carrier 4, a telescopic mast 7 with an adjustable length, a rotating device 6, by which the telescopic mast 7 is pivotable relative to the main carrier 4 around a vertical axis A1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Keller Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Kuno Klein, Alexandra Baumert
  • Patent number: 9380859
    Abstract: A cleaner assembly includes a main body having a first end with a handle portion and a second end with a removable cleaner head; a pneumatic motor contained with in said main body; an actuator operatively associated with said motor; a rotational shaft operatively associated with said motor and with a rotational cleaner head support; and a cleaner head removably attached to said rotational shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventor: David Pender
  • Patent number: 9332831
    Abstract: A cleaner assembly includes a main body having a first end with a handle portion and a second end with a removable cleaner head; a motor contained with in said main body; an actuator operatively associated with said motor; a rotational shaft operatively associated with said motor and with a rotational cleaner head support; and a cleaner head removably attached to said rotational shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventor: David Pender
  • Patent number: 9238292
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for producing a golf club head with an ultra-thin crown, relating to a method for processing a golf club head. A grinding rotor, with an abrasive (2) on the surface, is placed in a to-be-grinded area inside a cavity of the golf club head (1). The outside of the golf club head (1) is provided with a rotary working shaft (6) of high-speed rotation, one end of which corresponding to the grinding rotor is provided with driving magnets (4). The driving magnets of the rotary working shaft (6) are driven by a driving device to make the grinding rotor rotate synchronously so that the grinding rotor that is rotating performs multi-point thinning and grinding to the cavity within the to-be-grinded area of the golf club head (1). The present invention, with advantages of uniform thinning of a golf club head and automation control, is applicable to mass industrial production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: LUOYANG SUNRUI TI PRECISION CASTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhiqiang Chen, Hongqiang Zhou, Shujuan Bao, Changhao Fu
  • Patent number: 8887343
    Abstract: A system and method for propelling a hose, including: a system housing and a tractor element disposed in the housing. The tractor element includes: a tractor housing with a through-bore; and a protrusion extending into the through-bore. The system includes: a hose assembly including a substantially helical coil disposed about a hose; and an actuator for rotating the tractor housing with respect to the system housing. The tractor element is fixed in the system housing with respect to axial movement; and the hose assembly can be disposed in the through-bore so that the protrusion contacts a portion of the coil. As the tractor housing is rotated in a rotational direction: the protrusion exerts a displacement force on the coil; and the hose assembly reacts to the displacement force by displacing in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Stoneage, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald P. Zink
  • Publication number: 20140033456
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning bleeder valves is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rigid casing and a flexible casing rotatably connected to the rigid casing. The flexible casing is adapted to provide fluid-tight coupling of the flexible casing to a bleeder valve. Within the flexible casing, a flexible shaft is rotatably mounted and extended from one end of the flexible casing to a position outwardly of an opposite end of the flexible casing. Connected to the flexible shaft is a drill bit adapted for engagement to breakdown sediments. The drill bit includes a tip, a first and second flutes. The first and second flutes are extended longitudinally along the length of the drill bit, and are relatively straight. The first flute includes a first cutting edge, and the second flute includes a second cutting edge. Also connected to the rigid casing is a valve adapted for selective venting of an interior of the rigid casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: ARTHUR DOTY
  • Patent number: 8584296
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning bleeder valves is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rigid casing and a flexible casing rotatably connected to the rigid casing. The flexible casing is adapted to provide fluid-tight coupling of the flexible casing to a bleeder valve. Within the flexible casing, a flexible shaft is rotatably mounted and extended from one end of the flexible casing to a position outwardly of an opposite end of the flexible casing. Connected to the flexible shaft is a drill adapted for engagement to effect rotation and reciprocation thereof. Also connected to the rigid casing is a valve adapted for selective venting of an interior of the rigid casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Arthur W. Doty
  • Patent number: 8573889
    Abstract: A milling robot used to process the internal walls of inaccessible pipelines with a milling robot arm. The milling robot arm supports a milling head that is deflectable via remote control in the direction of the inner wall of the pipe. The milling robot arm stiffens and bends more or less depending on the controlled pressure feed; the eccentric, torsionally rigid, fixed-length core that can only be deflected in one plane provides a high level of torsional rigidity and the outer casing that is stiffened by the controlled internal pressure provides for a high level of stiffness in the longitudinal and bending directions. The milling robot arm can be swiveled all the way around in the inner pipe to be processed with the aid of a supply hose that is rigid in terms of shear or a pneumatically controllable slew ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: IMS Robotics GmbH
    Inventor: Jens Bauer
  • Patent number: 8561243
    Abstract: A cleaning tool device (1) for a pipe (10), the cleaning tool (1) being moved internally in the pipe (10) while rotating about substantially the center axis (12) of the pipe (10), and the cleaning tool (1) being provided with a leading cleaning body (2) at its free end portion (4), and there being arranged, close behind the free end portion (4), a tool support (6) which is arranged to bear on the internal jacket surface (16) of the pipe (10), the tool support (6) being provided with at least one rotatable support cleaning body (8?, 8?, 8?? and 8??).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Aker Well Service AS
    Inventor: Espen Osaland
  • Patent number: 8495783
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cleaning a burner by a burner cleaner. The method comprises removing a burner nozzle, partly inserting the burner cleaner into the burner, connecting a threaded guide of the cleaner to the burner at a thread of an inlet pipe, bringing a shaft being a part of the burner cleaner and partly surrounded by the guide to rotate by a motor, thereby bringing a flare brush connected to the other end of the shaft to hit inner surface of the burner and remove deposit from it, and moving the shaft with the flare brush in the guide enabling the flare brush to clean the inner surface of the burner. The invention further provides a burner cleaner, comprising a shaft, an annular, threaded guide mounted around and co-axially with the shaft, and being shorter than the shaft, a flare brush connected at one end of the shaft, and a motor connected to other end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/S
    Inventors: Erwin Bos, Niels Kristian Nielsen, Sven Erik Lyse-Petersen
  • Patent number: 8434185
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Charles W. Beaver, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20130019422
    Abstract: The sunroof genie turbo; a vehicle sunroof drain tube snake, generally contains a housing; a unspecified length of snake, that rotates outwardly with respect to the housing; a coupling member for securing the snake to a rotating shaft which can be controlled by a switch. The housing encloses the internal components that operate the snake, including, but not limited to, a motor, a power source, and a switch. The sunroof genie turbo; a vehicle sunroof drain tube snake, which can be built in a great variety of shapes and sizes, is designed to penetrate and dislodge dirt and debris that clog or obstruct a vehicles sunroof drain tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Sandra Nilene Miller, Paul Arnold Miller, Jamacca Valene Larman, Cole Ryan Larman, Chase Anthony Valentine
  • Patent number: 8347446
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Harr Technologies, Inc
    Inventor: Robert E. Harr
  • Patent number: 8192559
    Abstract: An assembly for rotating and axially directing a high pressure spray hose and spray head to clean residue from tubing bores. Modular, remotely controlled subassemblies are concentrically aligned and mounted to a hose drive framework to rotate in synchrony and direct a high-pressure water hose and spray head. A hose drive assembly controls hose rotation and axial hose movement via biased pinch wheels. A resilient, eccentric linkage controls pinch wheel pressure. A layering arm uniformly layers the hose at a hose reel. Rotational sensors and/or a pneumatic booster and a disk brake assembly facilitate non-kinking hose collection and release without spillage. A re-configurable hose support framework contains a driven walking beam having drive assemblies that laterally and vertically index a hose support and control the inclination of the walking beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel T. Garman
  • Publication number: 20120036673
    Abstract: An automatic cleaning assembly for an analytical furnace is detachable from the filter chamber above the combustion tube. The cleaning assembly includes a rotating brush which is lowered through the filter chamber and into the combustion tube while a vacuum is drawn through the lower seal of the combustion tube. This results in a higher vacuum pressure differential and improved flow rate for removing dust from the filter of the furnace and the combustion tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Leco Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon C. Ford, Joshua N. Wetzel, Kevin R. Brushwyler
  • Patent number: 8101026
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Maurice Dale Brooks
  • Publication number: 20110154594
    Abstract: A tool for working on a repaired underground pipe that has a working end, a driving end, and a plurality of flexible shaft capable of transmitting a rotary force from the driving end to the cutting end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Ira Kozak
  • Publication number: 20110146711
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning culverts or pipes employing an extendable mechanism for generally horizontal cleaning of a culvert or pipe that might be blocked by debris. The apparatus may be powered by tractor-like devices and insertable into a debris filled culvert or pipe and rotated to dislodge debris. The apparatus may include one or more tines or screw-like blade that bites into and dislodges debris. A pull-out device and brush tool is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Howard J. GILLS, Robert H. Gills
  • Patent number: 7941888
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning a woodwind instrument including a housing and a motor mounted within the housing, the motor having a rotatable drive shaft extending outwardly from the housing. An elongated cleaning tool is coupled to the drive shaft and insertable into the tube portion of a woodwind instrument for cleaning the inner wall of the tube. The apparatus further includes an instrument support attached to the housing adjacent the cleaning tool. The instrument support defines a length aligned substantially parallel with the length of the cleaning tool for supporting the instrument during a cleaning process. The cleaning tool being rotatable via the drive shaft for cleaning the interior of an instrument positioned over the cleaning tool and supported by the instrument support. A strap is provided to secure the instrument to the instrument support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Bridget Bertoldi
  • Patent number: 7935192
    Abstract: A rotatable, portable drum auger drain cleaning device includes a rotational control which is biased towards the off position. The rotational control device is utilized in conjunction with a motor and the drum to direct drum rotation. The rotational control is typically biased in the off position making it the default position. The rotational control must therefore be manually moved to either a forward or reverse position. When in the forward position, the rotational control can be locked, and when in the reverse position, the switch must be manually held in position or the switch will return to the off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: General Wire Spring Co.
    Inventors: David Silverman, Michael Silverman, Anton D. Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 7926141
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method of a gutter cleaning system comprises providing a housing configured to fit into a gutter, disposing at least one impeller at an end of the housing, driving the impeller with an impeller drive facility, the impeller drive facility being disposed within the housing, and attaching the housing to a placement facility for guiding the housing along the gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Umagination Labs, L.P.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Dayton, Sung Park, Mark R Florence
  • Patent number: 7886399
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a gutter-cleaning device comprises a housing containing an impeller drive facility, the housing configured to fit into a gutter, an impeller, disposed at an end of the housing and driven by the impeller drive facility, and a transport facility for transporting the housing along the gutter. The impeller may have an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation oriented toward an inside corner of the gutter and the impeller drive facility may be adapted to rotate the impeller on the axis of rotation. Transport of the housing through the gutter may cause the impeller to travel along an axis of motion, the axis of motion differing from the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Umagination Labs, L.P.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Dayton, Sung Park, Karl Eaton Abele, Jason Robinson
  • Patent number: 7865995
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene J. Mayer
  • Patent number: 7845040
    Abstract: A device for mechanically cleaning a groove 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 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Walter Meier, Ralph Studer