Hollow Work Internal Cleaning, E.g., Bag And/or Bottle Cleaners Patents (Class 15/304)
  • Patent number: 6240595
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing coatings from all surfaces of a deck tiedown on a marine vessel (ships) using an ultra high pressure waterjetting and a vacuum attachment to contain the effluent water and debris. A rotating ultra high pressure nozzle designed to clean all areas of the tiedown by being manipulated in multiple directions and elevations is enclosed in a pressure receiver that seals to the deck surface. All removed coatings, paint, rust, and deposits are removed to a remote vacuum recovery system. This method cleans all areas of the tiedown with no damage to the substrate and provides a superior surface for the application of coatings with no detrimental effects to surrounding deck areas and eliminating foreign object damage to surrounding equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: UHP Projects, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Kim Dupuy
  • Patent number: 6230359
    Abstract: The present invention provides air intake passage cleaning method and its apparatus for cleaning the air intake passage of intake and exhaust apparatus for conditioning the air in building, ship, aircraft, automobile, train, or other room, to be used in an intake and exhaust apparatus comprising a heat exchanger, and at least one blow-out port for blowing out air conditioning air exchanged in heat by the heat exchanger, comprising supplying means for supplying a cleaning solvent, together with compressed air, to the heat exchanger side from a specific blow-out port through an air intake passage, and moving means for moving cleaning and wiping elements loaded in the air intake passage toward a specific blow-out port side, and hence relates to air intake passage cleaning method and its apparatus capable of securely cleaning and removing dirt deposits in the air intake passage and heat exchanger, and obtaining sanitary environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Yasumasa Akazawa
  • Patent number: 6216710
    Abstract: A method of removing liquid from pores contained in a permeable metal part is disclosed. The part has a tubular construction defining an interior surface and an exterior surface having an upper end opening and a lower end opening at an opposite end thereof. The method includes the step of sealing the upper end opening and the lower end opening of the permeable metal part so as to define an closed interior chamber. The method further includes the steps of injecting a cleaning fluid into the closed interior chamber. The method yet further includes the step of pressurizing the interior chamber with a gas at a pressure sufficient to cause the cleaning fluid to permeate through the pores from the interior surface to the exterior surface. The liquid is forced through the exterior surface and removed from the pores. An apparatus for removing quench oil from a permeable metal part is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. White, Harold E. Winkler
  • Patent number: 6209705
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable apparatus for cleaning containers that can be installed alongside a conventional conveyor belt on which containers are transported. The cleaning apparatus comprises a container pick-up station designed to direct oncoming containers toward a local transport system designed to transport the containers through various container processing stages. The container processing stages include a first station that blasts ionized gas into the container to place contaminants in suspension and a second station that sucks out the suspended contaminants from the container. Once the container processing has been completed, the container is transported to a container return station that directs the container onto the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Kalish Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Hugues Drewitz
  • Patent number: 6189176
    Abstract: A high pressure gas cleaning purge cleaning silicon oxide dust deposits from inside a dry vacuum pump while installed on a crystal grower. The high pressure gas cleaning purge is performed before or after each crystal is grown. The high pressure gas flow is injected into the inlet of the dry vacuum pump and repeatedly turned on and off to create differing turbulent flow patterns within the pump. The differing turbulent flow patterns effectively remove substantial quantities of the silicon oxide dust deposited in the pump during crystal growing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: SEH-America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Ivey, Aaron L. LaBrie
  • Patent number: 6165283
    Abstract: A mobile vacuum cleaner for removing particulate materials from a chamber of a railcar or container is mounted on a motor truck operable to locate the vacuum cleaner adjacent a railcar. The cleaner has a material pick-up hose connected to a box and a motor driven fan for drawing air through the hose and box to pick up particulate materials from the chamber of the railcar and transport the particulate materials to the box. A lift device mounted on the truck has articulated booms and a work person carrier that can be located in the chamber of the railcar allowing the work person to move the hose adjacent the particulate material in the chamber and visually observe the cleaning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventors: William G. Dahlin, William S. Pladson
  • Patent number: 6143090
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for de-icing an intake opening (2) in an intake duct (1) of a fire alarm system, through which ambient or equipment air is drawn in and supplied to a detector for sensing a fire parameter. To effectively remove an ice deposit on the intake opening (2) there is provided, in or on the intake opening (2), an elastic element having a through-hole (3) coaxial with the intake opening (2) which is adapted to be subjected to a compressed air blast in order to de-ice the intake opening (2) (FIGS. 4a to 4c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Wagner Alarm- und Sicherungssysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Lietz
  • Patent number: 6059892
    Abstract: A conveyor (20) for transporting and inverting strap pans (22) or other pans used for baking. The conveyor includes a closed-loop drive chain (26) to which a number of pan cars (54) are pivotally attached. The pan cars are provided with magnetic bars (36) that create attractive force to hold the strap pans to the pan cars. The conveyor also includes an incline guide (204). When the conveyor is actuated, the pan cars run against the incline guide so as to cause the initial inversion of the pan cars. As the pans cars are inverted they abut against a positioning rail located along side of the drive chain. The positioning rail is shaped to control both the rate at which the pan cars are inverted from their normal upright position and then it is further shaped to force the pan cars to then return to their initial upright position. The inversion of the pan cars causes a like inversion of the strap pans secured to the pan cars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: LeMatic, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale J. LeCrone, Aaron Weaver, Ted Olney, Richard J. Sackman, Steve Bentley
  • Patent number: 6047714
    Abstract: The present invention provides air intake passage cleaning method and its apparatus for cleaning the air intake passage of intake and exhaust apparatus for conditioning the air in building, ship, aircraft, automobile, train, or other room, to be used in an intake and exhaust apparatus comprising a heat exchanger, and at least one blow-out port for blowing out air conditioning air exchanged in heat by the heat exchanger, comprising supplying means for supplying a cleaning solvent, together with compressed air, to the heat exchanger side from a specific blow-out port through an air intake passage, and moving means for moving cleaning and wiping elements loaded in the air intake passage toward a specific blow-out port side, and hence relates to air intake passage cleaning method and its apparatus capable of securely cleaning and removing dirt deposits in the air intake passage and heat exchanger, and obtaining sanitary environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Yasumasa Akazawa
  • Patent number: 6035484
    Abstract: This H.V.A.C. duct cleaning system comprises an air compressor connected to a manifold wherein at least one line is coupled to an air gun with a quick connect device while another line is connected to the duct cleaning system providing a pressurized exhaust to remove debris from the ducts. Fixed lengths of plastic tubing are connected to the air gun and one another by quick connects with the end tubing having an air head to dislodge dirt and other contaminants within the ducts. The duct cleaning system includes a series of filter and blower modules controlled by a variable frequency drive to convert and control power to the various blowers. A primary filter module is connected to the ducts, a main filter module connected to the outlet of the primary filter module or blower and a blower which preferably is a tube axial blower or can be a backwardly inclined centrifugal blower is connected to the outlet of either the primary or main filter module to provide a pressurized exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Industrial Zurich USA, Ltd.
    Inventor: Edward A. Jones
  • Patent number: 6032325
    Abstract: This invention is a portable device for cleaning air ducts, other parts of ventilation systems, and similar spaces. The device prevents motor burn-out by providing an adjustable slipping means in the transmission connecting the motor's shaft to a cleaning tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: David A. Smith
  • Patent number: 6026538
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a robot system for duct cleaning, by which it is possible to detach and remove dust, dirt, etc. inside ducts almost completely and to reduce personnel cost and other cost, and which can be applied to any type of duct. The present invention provides a robot system for duct cleaning used for detaching and removing dust, dirt, etc. attached and accumulated inside the duct. The robot system comprises a robot unit for detaching and removing dust inside the duct and a hose of a dust collector connected to the duct and used for sucking the detached dust. By injecting the air from the air hose made of freely flexible material in backward direction, the robot is moved forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: M. T. System Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6021543
    Abstract: A retrieval system including a single tank for placement in communication with an underground storage tank in which waste or sludge is stored, the tank having equipment for lowering a remote controlled sludge removal apparatus into the underground storage tank to dislodge and remove sludge or waste from the underground storage tank and convey the sludge or waste to a storage area remote from the underground storage tank. The system can also be utilized to lower other tools into an underground storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Henry W. Allen
  • Patent number: 6014790
    Abstract: A system for cleaning building ductwork utilizing the equipment generally used to clean carpets. The system utilizes the vacuum unit and liquid waste tank from a carpet cleaning system. A flexible hose runs between the waste tank and the building ductwork. A water injection system is connected to the hose and is used to spray a stream of water into the air flowing through the flexible ductwork which will entrap any particles contained therein. The "dirty" water flowing out of the hose will flow to the waste tank for collection and disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventors: David A. Smith, John D. Crutcher
  • Patent number: 5966773
    Abstract: This H.V.A.C. duct cleaning system comprises an air compressor connected to a manifold wherein at least one line is coupled to an air gun with a quick connect device while another line is connected to the duct cleaning system providing a pressurized exhaust to remove debris from the ducts. Fixed lengths of plastic tubing are connected to the air gun and one another by quick connects with the end tubing having an air head to dislodge dirt and other contaminants within the ducts. The duct cleaning system includes a series of filter and blower modules controlled by a variable frequency drive to convert and control power to the various blowers. A primary filter module is connected to the ducts, a main filter module connected to the outlet of the primary filter module or blower and a blower which preferably is a tube axial blower or can be a backwardly inclined centrifugal blower is connected o the outlet of either the primary or main filter module to provide a pressurized exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Industrial Zurich USA, Ltd.
    Inventor: Edward A. Jones
  • Patent number: 5915439
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for cleaning filters used in air breathing machinery. The apparatus is adapted to clean filters that are either contaminated or dirty on the inside surface of its filter medium or on the outside. For this purpose, the filter is placed in a first chamber of a housing wherein it is rotatably supported and wherein there is a vacuum established if the filter surface is dirty on the outside and wherein alternatively a vacuum is established on the inside of the filter if the filter is dirty on the inside surface. This establishes the fact that cleaning air moves through the filter medium in the direction of its contamination. In order to aid in dislodging any contaminants, vibrating hammers are provided on the outside or on the inside of the surfaces of the filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Harold W. Zaiser
  • Patent number: 5881429
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable apparatus for cleaning containers that can be installed alongside a conventional conveyor belt on which containers are transported. The cleaning apparatus comprises a container pick-up station designed to direct oncoming containers toward a local transport system designed to transport the containers through various container processing stages. The container processing stages include a first station that blasts ionized gas into the container to place contaminants in suspension and a second station that sucks out the suspended contaminants from the container. Once the container processing has been completed, the container is transported to a container return station that directs the container onto the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Kalish Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Hugues Drewitz
  • Patent number: 5866186
    Abstract: A wand for withdrawing fluid from a bag-in-a-box container and for rinsing the bag. A method of withdrawing fluid from a bag-in-a-box container and thereafter rinsing the bag is also disclosed, as is several practical examples of use of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Alberto Bazan
  • Patent number: 5865903
    Abstract: A liquid treatment system for hollow articles having an open end facing downwardly upon a moving conveyor belt includes a vacuum stripper tube connected to a blower for generating a suction force withdrawing excess liquid from the hollow articles and the belts, and a pair of flow splitters for distributing the suction force applied to opposite ends of the vacuum stripper tube. The system is provided with a baffle disposed in the vacuum stripper tube for improving the distribution of suction force in the vacuum stripper tube. The system also includes an excess liquid collection arrangement constructed and arranged to establish a one-way flow of and collect excess liquid evacuated from the vacuum stripper tube. The system further contemplates a blow-off unit operably connected to the blower for supplying dry air to the hollow articles and conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: James W. Duncan
  • Patent number: 5862568
    Abstract: The cleaning apparatus is for cleaning pipes and ducts and comprises a housing having a first end and a second end. A connection for a pressure medium is disposed at the first end and a cleaning member is disposed at the second end of the housing. A chamber is defined in the housing and contains the pressure medium. A drive member is located inside the housing and adapted to rotate the cleaning member. Nozzle openings are defined by the housing and connected with the chamber and a surface of the housing to permit the housing to propel along a duct. A shaft having one end secured to the drive member is rotatably disposed in the housing and adapted to carry the cleaning member at an end that is opposite to the end secured to the drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Jonas Sjoberg
  • Patent number: 5860187
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable cleaning system for ductwork and a method utilizing the cleaning system. The system includes a sound or air pulse generator for producing infrasound air pulses for short duration and introducing the air pulses into an air conduit which causes the air conduit to resonate or vibrate at a given infrasound frequency. The induced vibration causes contaminants in the ductwork to be entrained in the air pulses and carried with the air pulses to an exit of the air conduit where the air is filtered to remove the contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventors: Andrzej Flaszynski, Wilhelm Lilliehook
  • Patent number: 5807359
    Abstract: A medical suction system comprising a medical suction canister used in draining bodily fluid from a patient, and a cleaning station for automatically draining and cleaning the suction canister and for automatically providing a visible indication that the canister has been cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Peter F. Bemis, Amelia H. Newar, Steven J. Kolste, William J. Genett
  • Patent number: 5784803
    Abstract: A pipe coil is heated in the furnace of a heat treatment apparatus. The oil adhered to the inside of the pipe is vaporized by this heating. In this state the oil removing gas is fed at one end into the pipe which gas is in the high temperature enough to maintain the vaporizing condition of the oil. The vaporized oil within the pipe is discharged by the feeding of the gas at the other end of the pipe while the oil is in the vaporized state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Daidotokushuko Kabushikikaisha
    Inventors: Katsumasa Toyoda, Takashi Miyajima, Yoshihiro Umeda
  • Patent number: 5768741
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device and system for cleaning the interior of conduits, gun barrels, or pipes, including drain pipes. The pipe cleaning device of the present invention is capable of (a) penetrating and removing restrictions that block flow, (b) scouring the interior wall of conduits or pipes to remove the buildup of undesirable solids that result in flow restriction, and (c) coating the wall of the pipe with a suitable substance. The present invention comprises a connecting member housed within a bendable or flexible conduit, a retraction handle attached to one end of the connecting member, and elastic or flexible strands attached to the opposite end of said connecting member. The strands are outwardly expandable in a radial dimension when said connecting member is retracted. The system of the present invention further comprises a pressure/suction source coupled to the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventors: Basil C. Leiman, Bruce D. Butler
  • Patent number: 5735016
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of an air duct includes a housing. Brushes are mounted to the housing for sweeping engagement with the interior surfaces of the air duct. A video camera is mounted within the housing for generating an image of the interior of the air duct. A display displays the image generated by the video camera during an air duct cleaning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Clean-Aire International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby L. Allen, Joseph V. Melendres
  • Patent number: 5724701
    Abstract: This H.V.A.C. duct cleaning system comprises an air compressor connected to a manifold wherein at least one line is coupled to an air gun with a quick connect device while another line is connected to the duct cleaning system providing a pressurized exhaust to remove debris from the ducts. Fixed lengths of plastic tubing are connected to the air gun and one another by quick connects with the end tubing having an air head to dislodge dirt and other contaminants within the ducts. The duct cleaning system includes a series of filter and blower modules controlled by a variable frequency drive to convert and control power to the various blowers. A primary filter module is connected to the ducts, a main filter module connected to the outlet of the primary filter module or blower and a blower which preferably is a tube axial blower or can be a backwardly inclined centrifugal blower is connected to the outlet of either the primary or main filter module to provide a pressurized exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Inventor: Edward Ames Jones
  • Patent number: 5713101
    Abstract: A nozzle and container cleaning system for rinsing and washing the interior of a flexible container. The system comprises a bulk bag dispenser having a concentric reducer and a pair of nozzles. The nozzles comprise an inner and outer cylinder, where the outer cylinder penetrates through the wall of the reducer, so that it communicates with the interior of the bag. The inner cylinder has a conduit and is slidably mounted within the outer cylinder and has an extended and retracted position. The conduit is connected to a fluid source which provides a pressurized fluid, either liquid or gas. The fluid is forced through a set of orifices in the inner cylinder and into the interior of the bag when the inner cylinder is between its two positions, thus expanding and rinsing the interior of the bag. The orifices have a notch positioned proximate to where the orifices exit the inner cylinder to better adjust the spray pattern of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Robert L. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5680670
    Abstract: A cleaning device for a powder coating compartment that comprises a tube system that can be moved back and forth under motor drive through the compartment with a conveyor that passes through a longitudinal slot in the compartment roof and that is equipped with nozzles through which compressed air can be blown against the compartment walls, The tube system comprises two tube branches that are respectively arranged at the contour of the compartment roof and the compartment side walls symmetrically relative to a longitudinal center plane; and in that the compartment floor not swept by the tube system is covered by a discharge belt for eliminating excess powder. The belt is cleaned by a belt cleaning mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Wagner International AG
    Inventors: Horst Adams, Mario Hammerle
  • Patent number: 5649338
    Abstract: An automatic interior cleaning system for a powdered material processing device cleans interior surfaces of powdered material processing devices such as silos, mixers, and dust collectors. A compressor and an accumulator tank supply a cleaning gas, preferably air, at a sufficient pressure to dislodge residues of powdered materials that collect on interior surfaces of a powdered material processing device. A valve connecting the accumulator tank to a cleaning nozzle tube opens and closes, supplying a pulse of air to the cleaning nozzle tube. Slits in the cleaning nozzle tube deliver the pulse of pressurized air to an inside surface of the powdered material processing device. The pulse of pressurized air produces a shock wave which dislodges residues from the interior surface of the powdered material processing device. Automatic removal of residues during processing prevents contamination of subsequently processed materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Tsukasa Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumio Kato
  • Patent number: 5638571
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning used bulk or cargo bags enables a worker to vacuum clean the entire outside of the bag without climbing up and down. An air supply/fill clamp assembly attaches to the fill opening. It inflates and supports the bag. An air exhaust discharge clamp attaches to the discharge opening to carry away interior residue. A power elevation mechanism raises and lowers the air supply/fill clamp assembly under operator control to thereby position the bag at whatever level is most useful to the operator as the outside is being vacuum cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Marino-Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Carlos M. Echeverria
  • Patent number: 5594973
    Abstract: Device for cleaning the wall (1, 23) of a silo, comprising a compressed-air gun (12) suspended from two cables (14, 15) which are connected to two separate winches (16, 17), bearing on two pulleys (9, 10) fastened to a frame (6) which is arranged inside the silo and which is fixed to a rotary plate (4) which can move on a circular track (5) above an opening (2) in the silo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Solvay (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Joseph Brusseleers, Jan Claes
  • Patent number: 5584093
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of an air duct includes a housing. A conduit having an intake opening at one end thereof and an exhaust opening at the opposite end thereof is coupled to the housing. Brushes are mounted to the housing for sweeping engagement with the interior surfaces of the air duct. A vacuum supply is provided to the conduit, such that dust and foreign matter which is loosened by the brushes is drawn into the conduit at the intake opening for transport to the exhaust opening. A video camera is mounted within the housing and spaced forward of the brushes for generating an image of the interior of the air duct. A display displays the image generated by the video camera during an air duct cleaning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Clean-Aire International, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph V. Melendres
  • Patent number: 5572766
    Abstract: An in-duct cleaning apparatus characterized by comprising a traveling truck, an ejection nozzle body for ejecting compressed air, a cleaning brush body, and a remote-control portion; the ejection nozzle body being attached to the front part of the traveling truck and made to rotate, the cleaning brush body being attached to the circumferential part of the ejection nozzle body, and the remote-control portion being able to control remotely the traveling of the traveling truck and the rotation of the ejection nozzle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignees: Ataka Construction & Engineering Co., Ltd., Kobe Machatronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Matsuura, Katsumi Toritani
  • Patent number: 5561883
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for cleaning storage containers used in petrochemical or oil refineries. A remotely controllable dual tracked robotic vehicle is placed in a container to be cleaned. A cleaning fluid diluent material is directed against waste material in the container causing a portion of it to form a slurry which is vacuumed out by a nozzle and hose carried by the vehicle. A separator system exterior to the tank processes the removed slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Landry, Paul Borg
  • Patent number: 5546631
    Abstract: A monitoring system for use in a waterless container cleaner of the type having a pressure blower, a pressurized air line having a pressurized air line filter, a vacuum blower, a vacuum air line having a vacuum air line filter, a compressed air line having a compressed air line filter, and a compressed air line regulator having a reservoir for collecting condensation within the compressed air line, is described. The monitoring system comprises: a digital controller, a visual display unit, and three pressure differential sensor switches. Preferred embodiments of the waterless container monitoring system include: a dew point monitor, a container gap sensor switch, a flow rate sensor switch, and a level detector mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Michael D. Chambon
  • Patent number: 5524356
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for low-cost extraction of oil residues from oil filters. The apparatus of the invention has a mounting structure or plate to which a number of oil filters can be strapped. Over 95% of the oil in each filter can be drained therefrom under the influence of gravitational forces. Oil draining from the oil filters is allowed to gather in a pan, bucket, container or well located below the mounting plate. Connected to the mounting structure is a mechanical or electrical oscillator for imparting a vibratory oscillation to the mounting structure and, hence, to the mounted oil filters. The weak surface tension and molecular forces between the residual oil molecules and the paper filter materials will be overcome by the vibration, and the residual oil will run off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: George H. Lutz
  • Patent number: 5487200
    Abstract: A container cleaner apparatus is provided, wherein containers are conveyed to stations for cleaning consisting of a first assembly for supplying ionized air to the interior of the containers at the stations to neutralize static electricity therein. A second assembly is for vacuuming the interior of the containers at the stations, wherein dust, dirt, carton lint and other foreign matter is removed from the interior of the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Herzog
  • Patent number: 5478406
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a flexible bulk container includes a dust collector having a negative pressure chamber connected through a vacuum hose to a fill spout support chamber to which a dirty container is connected in a substantially dust tight relationship. An exhaust blower of the dust collector is connected through a pressure hose to the fill spout support chamber. An alternating valve connected to the two hoses alternately disrupts fluid flow through one hose while allowing fluid flow through the remaining hose to alternately inflate and evacuate the dirty container connected to the fill spout support chamber. The alternate inflating and evacuation of the dirty container is repeated a predetermined number of times to remove the desired amount of particulate material from the dirty container. A third hose is connected to the dust collector for vacuuming the exterior of the dirty container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Better Agricultural Goals Corp.
    Inventors: Norwin C. Derby, Michael D. Tipton
  • Patent number: 5464483
    Abstract: A method for removing exterior material from vials following a serpentine path through various steps of cleaning and drying. The movement of the vials may be limited to a predetermined path formed as an elongated opening in a sheet of material. The sheet may be replaced with a similar sheet with a different width of opening for bottles of differing sizes. The vials are rotated as they move along the path which may be accomplished by slight deviations in the straight sections of the elongated slot such as a zig-zag or sinusoidal wave. Changing the sheet can alter the number of straight path segments and thus the overall path of the vials through the equipment. The cleaning of the vials may include a washing with detergent, water rinsing, and air and vacuum drying. Air is drawn through the paths to produce a completely dry product. Liquid is removed from the vials' bottoms by a vacuum underneath the paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: McBrady Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Julian P. Avelis, Garrett W. McBrady, William J. McBrady
  • Patent number: 5444892
    Abstract: The wet cleaning of filter cartridges (4) in fluidised-bed apparatuses and similar process units, without their being dismantled, is carried out by means of cleaning fluid sprayed out of nozzle orifices (10) arranged in the form of a ring, the nozzle orifices (10) being installed in the filtered exhaust-gas space (7) and the filter cartridge (4) being moved through this ring of nozzle orifices (10) by a lifting device (17). In a preceding flushing cycle, the filter cartridge (4) is filled with cleaning fluid and is then subjected to an ultrasonic transmitter (26) and with pressure pulses. The nozzle orifices (10) are designed and arranged in such a way that the issuing cleaning jets strike the filter casing (5) tangentially at an angle of inclination .alpha. and thus set the filter cartridge (4) in rotation. The best possible cleaning effect is achieved by the rotation and lift of the filter cartridge (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Niro-Aeromatic AG
    Inventors: Jurg Ris, Hugo Eglin, Mikael Bonde, Urs Frey, Francois Bubendorf
  • Patent number: 5438729
    Abstract: A cleaner for air distributing duct systems of buildings has a motor driven fan for developing a vacuum for the suction of contaminants and air from the interior of the ducts and for forcing the obtained contaminated air stream under positive pressure, relative to the ambient, through multiple stages of filtration. The filtered air is discharged locally within the building. Measurement and display of the vacuum and prefilter air pressures indicate to an attendant the status of the cleaner operation and the condition of the air filters. A viewing window allows observation of the contaminated air stream and the prefilter. A pneumatically driven agitator of multiple whips is introduced into the duct system to dislodge adhering contaminants from the interior walls of the ducts. The vertical stacking of modular subunits gives access for servicing each stage of filters and provides roll-about portability of the cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Samuel O. Powell
  • Patent number: 5431823
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for supporting and cleaning a mesh anode bag of the type having one open end, one closed end, and being sealed along its lateral sides, the bag containing particles of discharged active zinc therein along its inner surfaces after the separation thereof from a discharged zinc anode, the process comprising placing the bag over a device comprising a hollow body having a liquid inlet at a first end and a plurality of liquid outlets at a second opposite end, the device being contoured and sized to be overridden by the bag, with the inner surfaces of the bag being in proximity to the outer surfaces of the body, and the plurality of outlets adjacent to the closed end of the bag, causing a flow of liquid via the inlet and through the body to the outlets, whereby liquid passing through the outlets flows around the outer surface of the body and along the inner surfaces of the bag, to entrain and remove therefrom the particles of zinc, and separating the bag from the device, as well as p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Electric Fuel(E.F.L.) Ltd.
    Inventor: Alexander Gofer
  • Patent number: 5428862
    Abstract: An appliance adapted to be introduced into the interior of a pipe comprises a suction head arranged at the end of a flexible hose for suction air, which at the end adjacent to the hose has suction openings connected with the hose, carries a plurality of support wheels arranged in two planes perpendicular to the direction of insertion, and extending in a radial direction past the suction head, and is provided with a seal which is biased resiliently in a radially outward direction and is arranged between the suction openings and the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Johann Sailer
  • Patent number: 5428861
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a processing tube is performed by an apparatus providing a vacuum and a flow of an inert gas. The flow of the inert gas dislodges particles from the tube surface and assists in carrying the particles to the vacuum. The vacuum is centered in the tube, thus preventing the sides of the tube from being scraped. Wheels are attached to the vacuum means to facilitate cleaning of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Motorola
    Inventors: Kim A. Heard, Anatoly Leef, Eldean N. Dyslin, James E. Skinner
  • Patent number: 5383975
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided for cleaning pipelines and especially ventilation pipes and ducts in buildings, and includes a nozzle connected to a supply conduit through which a pressurized medium can flow. The arrangement includes a nozzle opening directed back toward the supply conduit. The nozzle opening is in the form of a large continuous annular gap which extends along the periphery of the nozzle and is connected to the supply conduit and the source of a pressurized medium. The gap directs the medium toward the inner walls of the pipe or duct and effects a cleaning of the inner walls. The nozzle is moved into the pipe or duct as a result of reaction forces generated from discharge of the pressurized medium through the nozzle opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Inventor: Johan Faxon
  • Patent number: 5377381
    Abstract: A cleaning system includes a vehicle with a drive subsystem comprising a fluid-powered drive motor drivingly connected to a pair of drive wheels. A brush/air jet boom assembly is removably mounted on the vehicle and includes a fluid-powered brush subassembly drivingly connected to a brush including a plurality of radially-extending flexible line segments. The brush/air jet boom assembly also includes an air jet subassembly with inboard and outboard nozzles. A spray boom assembly is mountable on the vehicle interchangeably with the brush/air jet boom assembly and includes a spray head for spraying a liquid spray material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Edward G. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5351354
    Abstract: To improve dust removing performance and to prevent re-adhesion of dust in dust cleaner for removing dust adhering to the surface of an object such as a timepiece component by effecting blow-off dust removal and charge elimination by the use of a clean compressible fluid and an electric static ion eliminator. A clean compressible fluid is discharged from a clean compressible fluid nozzle to an object. When the object is an electro-statically charged article, an electric static ion mix clean compressible fluid containing electric static ions generated from an electric static ion eliminator is discharged to the object. It is possible to employ the structure wherein the object is set into a blow washing tray, and is moved up and down by the emission of the clean compressible fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuo Hasumi, Mamoru Kato, Isaburou Omori
  • Patent number: 5332448
    Abstract: An air filter cleaning system comprises a support plate mounted on a frame with a clamping system for clamping an end face of the filter against the underside of the support plate. A supply tank can be filled with air up to a predetermined pressure. A duct communicates from the supply tank to an opening in the support plate. The valve can be opened to substantially instantaneously release the air into the interior of the filter to explode through the filter wall. A collection bag is engaged around the lip on the underside of the support plate to collect the material exploded from the filter wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Inventor: Larry H. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5305493
    Abstract: Pneumatic device for cleaning air filters, and industrial filters in general, particularly filters mounted on endothermic engines such as motor vehicle engines, comprising a casing 1, provided with a water tight door 1b; the casing 1 communicates with a compressed air duct 7, and contains one or more supports 2, 5 which can be adjusted; each support for receiving a filter -F-, to be cleaned, said filter being of any known shape or size; kinematic means 4 are provided for setting into angular motion each support and relative filter while a second jet of compressed air, ejected by a mobile branch of the duct 8 frees the surface not hit by the first jet of air from the particles of dust. The dust removed is directed to a collector 1g connected to a duct in depression which provides for sending the air-dust mixture to known separating means, FIG. 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Nuova Camp S.r.l.
    Inventor: Josef Prenn
  • Patent number: 5305494
    Abstract: An airbrush vacuum system for removing paint particulate from the air that results from an airbrush painting operation. The airbrush paint vacuum system includes a vacuum chamber designed to fit interiorally of the garment being painted. A vacuum source is connected to the vacuum chamber, and in operation, a vacuum is generated in the vacuum chamber. This vacuum results in paint particulate being induced from the surrounding air through the garment itself into the vacuum chamber. Thereafter, the captured paint particulate is conveyed to a collection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Teresa Candler