Planetary Patents (Class 15/35)
  • Patent number: 8185992
    Abstract: A hand-guided device has a housing and a drive component with a drive element that is movable relative to the housing by way of a motor. A tool is releasably connectable to the drive element. In order to achieve a universal usability of the device by equipping it with various tools as well as with a different way of movement each, the drive element is eccentrically mounted in the drive component with an eccentricity and on the housing, a fixed bearing is disposed at a distance from the drive element for an optional cooperation with a tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: QXR Cleaning Products GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Linsbichler, Werner Wolf
  • Publication number: 20100024139
    Abstract: A hand-guided device has a housing and a drive component with a drive element that is movable relative to the housing by way of a motor. A tool is releasably connectable to the drive element. In order to achieve a universal usability of the device by equipping it with various tools as well as with a different way of movement each, the drive element is eccentrically mounted in the drive component with an eccentricity and on the housing, a fixed bearing is disposed at a distance from the drive element for an optional cooperation with a tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Johannes Linsbichler, Werner Wolf
  • Patent number: 6499171
    Abstract: Footwear cleaning apparatus includes a housing with an opening for receiving footwear to be cleaned. A first cylindrical brush is rotatably supported about a horizontal axis for cleaning the bottom of the footwear yielding to its insertion movement into the housing but preventing rotation in the opposite direction. A pair of second cylindrical brushes are rotatably supported about generally upright axes oppositely positioned adjacent the path of movement of the footwear for cleaning the sides of the footwear also in a manner yielding to its insertion movement but preventing rotation in the opposite direction. A third cylindrical brush also positioned in the path of movement of the footwear for cleaning its upper surfaces is rotatably supported about a substantially horizontally disposed axis on an axle extending between upright mounting braces for rotation, yielding to insertion movement of the footwear but preventing rotation in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: John J. Nappi, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6145150
    Abstract: The present disclosure sets forth a pipeline pig which is formed of two primary dimensions and two primary components. It is made with a set of N disks where N is preferably 6, 7, or 8 and the disks are all provided with a common thickness and common diameter. The thickness is about 10% of the pipe ID while the diameter is about 105% to about 110% of pipe ID. The excess size enables wiping of the inside surface of the pipeline. Importantly, when the disks are folded back, they are spaced sufficiently along the pig so that folded back disks each individually flatten and do not overlap so that folded disks are doubled; this avoids building up the diameter excessively during transition through a small ID opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Knapp
  • Patent number: 6139644
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and equipment whereby a pig (11) launched into a gas injection line (5) can be inserted into a hydrocarbon flow line (2) in a position close to the subsea wellhead or manifold (1) without interrupting the flow of hydrocarbons and with minimum interference to the process of gas injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.-Petrobras
    Inventor: Paulo Cesar Ribeiro Lima
  • Patent number: 6082378
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for internal cleaning of pipes or tubes by inserting and propelling a projectile into and through respectively said pipe or tube by means of pressurized fluid, whereby the projectiles are fed one by one, in a direction generally transversal in relation to a firing direction, through an open side (16) of a housing (8) to a chamber (15) of the housing (8), whereupon a pressurized fluid source (50) is brought into communication with the chamber for discharging the projectile from the chamber (15) and for inserting the same into said tube or pipe through a nozzle, whereby the invention is characterized in that when a projectile has been fed into the chamber (15) the housing (8) is pivoted from a loading position to a firing position for bringing its open side (16) into alignment with the nozzle and thereby to coincide with the firing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Eddie Schef
  • Patent number: 6079074
    Abstract: A pig injector has a magazine having a plug at one end and connected to a pig injector valve at the other end. The pig injector valve has a rotatable pig receiving chamber with a length L. Plural pigs of length L between rounded ends are positioned end to end within the elongate interior cavity of the magazine. A method of injecting pigs into a pipe at a pig injector valve comprising: (a) storing plural pigs in a magazine connected to the pig injector valve; (b) rotating the ball of the pig injector valve to be in position to receive a pig and close the pipe; (c) moving a pig from the magazine into the pig injector valve; (d) rotating the ball of the pig injector valve to open the pig injector valve and release the pig in the pipe; (e) moving the pig away from the pig injector valve with fluid pressure in the pipe; and subsequently repeating steps (b)-(e) with a second pig. Steps (b)-(e) may be repeated plural times and at regular intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Argus Machine Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: James Richard Ellett
  • Patent number: 6070652
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ball collector for a device for returning balls for the cleaning of the tubes of cooling systems operated with a fluid, namely water, comprising a casing which is subdivided into an upper chamber with an inlet for the balls and a lower chamber with an outlet for the balls, in which between the upper and the lower chambers is provided an opening which can be closed by a movable flap in the closed position thereof and can be opened in the open position thereof, the upper chamber having a strainer screen being connected to the lower chamber by a bypass line having a pump, through which water can be pumped from the upper chamber into the lower chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Taprogge GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Werner Schildmann, Hartono Widjaja, Peter Schink
  • Patent number: 6029302
    Abstract: The invention concerns a cleanable scraper station which is designed as a dispatch/receive station (1;1*) and through which the product or cleaning agent flows. The aim of the invention is to improve the cleanability of the scraper station compared with prior art devices, as measured by increased throughput, and in particular to ensure through cleaning of the entire scraper surface. This is achieved by virtue of the fact that the scraper (9) is positioned with play in all directions when in the through-flow position (II,II*) by means of a controllable second stop (6a;6a*) acting in conjunction with a displaceable first stop (5a,5a*) or by means of the controllable second stop (6a;6a*) acting in conjunction with a coupling cage (50;50*) connected to the displaceable first stop (5a;5a*) and in which the scraper (9) is positively locked, or only by means of the coupling cage (50;50*) connected to the displaceable first stop (5a;5*) and in which the scraper (9) is positively locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Tuchenhagen GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Robert Coura, Gundar Helge Scholz
  • Patent number: 6022421
    Abstract: A method for sensing and launching pipeline pigs into a pipeline. The method includes pressurizing a pressure accumulator in a pig launching system that includes a pig chamber, a plurality of pigs, a launch tube, and the pressure accumulator. The method further includes sensing a pressure within the pipeline and applying pressure from the pressure accumulator to force a pig through the launch tube and into the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Sonsub International, Inc,
    Inventors: William R. Bath, Charles R. Yemington
  • Patent number: 5974611
    Abstract: A multipurpose air tool (1) having a handle (2) to which a head (3) can be removably attached is disclosed. The head (3) has attached thereto various such tools as a face plate (4) and replaceable nozzles (5). The head (3) is interlocked to the handle (2) by a spigot (19) and bayonet connection (21, 23, 34). A safety interlock (16) prevents operation of the trigger (15) and valve (12) unless the head (3) is correctly positioned on the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Penumatic Systems International Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: David Wayne Casella
  • Patent number: 5926892
    Abstract: A heat exchanger washing apparatus comprises a hopper for accommodating a plurality of washing brushes, a first heat exchanger leading guide having a first guide passage for guiding the washing brushes, a first opening/closing member for opening and closing the first guide passage, a first stopper disposed to the first guide passage, a second stopper, an air introduction passage communicating with the connecting port of the first guide passage downstream of the portion thereof where the first opening/closing member is disposed, a second opening/closing member for opening and closing the air introduction passage, a second heat exchanger leading guide connected to the first guide passage downstream of the connecting port and having a second guide passage for guiding the washing brushes with the extreme end of the second guide passage serving as an inserting portion which will be inserted into the pipe of a heat exchanger, first stopper control means, second stopper control means, first opening/closing control m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Kyokuto Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Fukuhara, Fumitaka Sugishima
  • Patent number: 5927901
    Abstract: An underwater pipeline apparatus for delivering a pig unit through an initially air or gas-containing sea-bed pipeline from an entry point toward an exit point. The apparatus includes an inlet conduit for coupling to a pipeline inlet port at a location behind the pig unit in its intended direction of travel, from the entry point to the exit point, having an opening to the sea to admit pressurised water into the pipeline under the head of water above the pipeline and means to regulate flow of water through the inlet conduit into a pipeline to regulate the speed of delivery of the pig unit along the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Copipe Systems Limited
    Inventor: Leslie John Graves
  • Patent number: 5891260
    Abstract: A product recovery system for recovering product from a pipeline having a supply end and a destination end and having a path of primary product flow from the supply end to the destination end. The product recovery system includes a pig launching station connected to and in communication with one end of the pipeline. The pig launching station has a pig parking chamber which holds a pig outside the primary product flow. The product recovery system has a pig catching station connected to and in communication with the destination end of the pipeline. The pig catching station includes a clean-in-place chamber for housing a pipeline pig while the pig is cleaned without removing the pig from the product recovery system. A valve may be used to push the pig out of the clean-in-place chamber so it may be returned up the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: The Benham Group
    Inventors: Robert A. Streets, Thomas L. Streets
  • Patent number: 5795402
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cleaning the inner wall of a pipeline, which includes providing a pig component, of the type having a pig body, a plurality of spacers around the pig body, the spacers making contact with an inner surface of the pipeline wall, a forward end of the pig having a plurality of pressure nozzles positioned thereon for allowing fluid under pressure to flow therefrom onto the inner wall of the pipeline; a bore through the pig body extending from an opening in a rear end of the pig, to the forward end of the pig; a valving member on the forward end of the pig for moving to the open position to allow the fluid to flow to the pressure nozzles when sufficient fluid pressure is placed on the valving member; providing a fluid under pressure, such as water or chemicals, to the rear and front of the pig, the fluid forcing the pig to move forward under pressure; encountering an obstruction, such as paraffin, formed along the inner wall of the pipeline fo such amount to hinder the forward movement
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventors: Daniel Hargett, Sr., Ernest D. Casey, Ian D. Casey
  • Patent number: 5640734
    Abstract: Apparatus and method of the invention are used for cleaning a hollow member such as a heat exchanger. A cleaning device is formed of a cleaning member holding section having a transfer passage for receiving cleaning members therein, a cleaning member guide, a fluid introduction guide having a passage for introducing a fluid, and a direction changing member. The cleaning member guide has a guide passage for guiding one of the cleaning members into the hollow member, and an inserting portion formed at the front end to be inserted into the hollow member. The direction changing member is connected to the transfer passage, the rear end of the cleaning member guide and the fluid introduction guide and includes a receiving portion therein. The direction changing member selectively takes a first or second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Kyokuto Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kinuji Kuwashima
  • Patent number: 5555585
    Abstract: A hand held pneumatic gun has an airway arranged to be coupled to a source of compressed air, the airway communicating with an air chamber via a trigger valve assembly. The gun includes a detachable breech that is supported in a sealed position against the air chamber by a support ring pivotally secured to the body of the gun. An interlocking assembly is arranged to interlock with the trigger valve assembly if the breech is not supported in its sealed position, so that actuation of the trigger valve assembly is inhibited unless the breech is sealed against the air chamber. The breech incorporates a nozzle that can be secured to an end of a hose or tube and a polymer projectile is placed into the breech to be forced by the air pressure through the hose or tube to clean the interior of the hose or to remove contaminate matter therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Compri Technic Pty., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Fowler
  • Patent number: 5503179
    Abstract: A tapping faucet for dispensing beverages, in particular beer, includes a compensator arranged in a tapping faucet housing provided with a tapping faucet outlet and being a body which is conical at one end, and a closing seal operable via an actuating device, for example, a lever. The tapping faucet is characterized in that the compensator provided with a flow-through duct for the beer is installed in the beer conduit or shaft with its conical end in the direction of the front end of the tapping faucet housing, in which for forming an annular gap for the pressure compensation and for the opening and closing of the tapping faucet, a spring-loaded sealing and adjusting bushing provided with a corresponding conical cavity is arranged. The bushing is capable of being tightly pushed by the actuating device, for example, the lever, over the conical part of the compensator in the longitudinal direction, and away from the part for forming the annular gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Rudolf Till
  • Patent number: 5482111
    Abstract: To impregnate with water the spongy balls (1) that are to be used for cleaning the tubes of a condenser, the balls are put into a tank (2) whose upper portion forms a chamber (10) that is separated from the remainder of the tank by a grid (9) to which the balls cannot pass, the chamber is connected to a pump (17) having a piston (19), and then after the tank and the volumes in communication therewith have been filled with water, all of the valves giving access to the tank are closed, the piston of the pump is pulled back, thereby causing air to be expelled from the balls in the chamber, and the volume is again completely refilled with water so as to evacuate said air and impregnate the balls with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Technos et Compagnie
    Inventor: Andre Bizard
  • Patent number: 5329660
    Abstract: A hand held pneumatic gun has an airway arranged to be coupled to a source of compressed air, the airway communicating with an air chamber via a trigger valve assembly. The gun includes a detachable breech that is supported in a sealed position against the air chamber by a support ring pivotally secured to the body of the gun. An interlocking assembly is arranged to interlock with the trigger valve assembly if the breech is not supported in its sealed position, so that actuation of the trigger valve assembly is inhibited unless the breech is sealed against the air chamber. The breech incorporates a nozzle that can be secured to an end of a hose or tube and a polymer projectile is placed into the breech to be forced by the air pressure through the hose or tube to clean the interior of the hose or to remove contaminate matter therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Compri Technic Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Fowler
  • Patent number: 5289947
    Abstract: A system is provided for the productive utilization of paint in a paint supply line, changing paint colors and cleaning paint lines by inserting and propelling a termination piston or slug having an outer diameter which forms a sliding fit within the supply line to wipe paint off the interior walls of the supply line. Preferably, the supply line is elastic and the termination piston squeegees the paint off the interior walls. A manifold is fitted with various valves to selectively supply pressurized air, solvent and two or more paint colors to the supply line. A process controller controls the timing of the valves of the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: FANUC Robotics North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hadi A. Akeel, Alexander H. Joyce
  • Patent number: 5192595
    Abstract: Method and system are provided for the productive utilization of paint in a paint supply line, changing paint colors and cleaning paint lines by inserting and propelling a termination piston or slug having an outer diameter which forms a sliding fit within the supply line to wipe pair off the interior walls of the supply line. Preferably, the supply line is elastic and the termination piston squeegees the paint off the interior walls. A manifold is fitted with various valves to selectively supply pressurized air, solvent and two or more paint colors to the supply line. A process controller controls the timing of the valves of the manifold. The method and system can also be used to retrofit existing color changers in an economical yet environmentally sound fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: GMFanuc Robotics Corporation
    Inventors: Hadi A. Akeel, Alexander H. Joyce
  • Patent number: 5186757
    Abstract: An apparatus for inserting pigs for the cleaning, purging and dewatering of hydrocarbon conveying pipelines and the like and more particularly to an improved pig launcher or loader for loading a pig into a variety of configuration pipelines. The present invention teaches a portable device configured to affix to various configuration pipes via a unique configured flange coupling system, which adapts to the flange connections for various diameter pipes. The present invention also utilizes a compressed air system for loading the pig into the pipeline, and an automatic system for venting the charged pig loader once the pig has passed from the loader into the pipeline. The present invention teaches a device configured for the loading of several pigs simultaneously, and is not limited to the loading of a single pig at a time. Further, the present apparatus loads the pig(s) well into the pipeline, allowing for less problems during the cutting and welding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventor: Marvin D. Abney, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5139576
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sequential launching a plurality of pipeline pigs in serial manner into a gas transmission pipeline. The pig launching system incorporates a tubular magazine for receiving a plurality of pigs and having a free piston movably disposed therein. A source of hydraulic fluid medium is provided and is injected into the magazine behind the free piston for movement of the free piston and the pigs for pig launching. A gas energized liquid pump is operated by gas pressure from the gas transmission pipeline under the control of a timer operated gas supply valve for selective introduction of hydraulic fluid medium into the magazine. A control panel incorporating control circuitry is programmable to achieve timed launching of the pigs into the pipeline and shuts down the pig launching mechanism after each pig has been launched. The control circuitry is also capable of rendering an alarm signal if pig launching is not achieved within a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Western Gas Processors, Ltd.
    Inventor: Gary W. Davis
  • Patent number: 5137081
    Abstract: For cleaning at least one of the sides of the essentially vertical heat-transmitting walls between two fluids in a heat exchanger, solid particles are introduced into a stream of fluid, which particles are smaller than the distance between opposite walls defining the flow of fluid, said fluid with particles being introduced into part of a collection or distribution space above said walls and said particles being collected below said vertical walls and discharged from the heat exchanger. The particles are so heavy that they move downwards in the fluid even if this has an upward direction of flow between the walls. The particles are introduced above only part of the transverse plane above the vertical walls and switch means allow switching of said introduction to other parts of said transverse plane periodically. Thereby, the normal operation of the heat exchanger can continue with hardly any pressure loss during cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Eskla B.V.
    Inventor: Dick G. Klaren
  • Patent number: 5113895
    Abstract: A three-way ball valve adapted for connection to a liquid distribution pipe with a pipe cleaning device therein, the valve including a spherical closure element that is located with respect to the pipe to minimize deposition and accumulation of residues in said pipe and to facilitate removal of said residues by movement of said cleaning device past said closure element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Eugene Le Devehat
  • Patent number: 4984629
    Abstract: A ball collecting apparatus for a pipe cleaning system utilizing circulating foam rubber balls includes a cylindrical housing having a rotary ball retaining screen disposed therein which is movable between a ball circulating position, a ball collecting and holding position, and a ball discharging position in a simple and efficient manner. In its recirculating position, a screen is disposed to permit the balls to flow directly from the housing inlet to the housing outlet for recirculation without interruption. When rotated to the collecting and holding position, the screen retains the balls thereon, prevents their passage through the housing outlet and preferably also prevents inadvertent entry of the balls into a ball discharge outlet. The discharge outlet is located near the bottom of the housing and rotation of the screen to the ball discharging position, along with appropriate closure of the flow inlet and outlet oepnings, allows the collected balls to be discharged by gravity and removed the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Water Services of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Voith, David G. Paegelow, John E. Jagodzinski
  • Patent number: 4977921
    Abstract: High gas flow requirements of large size lines are conveniently provided by a series of high pressure tubes connected to header means adapted to control the storage and distribution of gas to the lines at desired flow rates for relatively short periods of time. Gas thus supplied can conveniently be used as a propelling gas stream for the in-situ cleaning of large size lines under high exit velocity conditions requiring the supply of gas at a high flow rate not conveniently supplied by conventional pumpers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Union Carbide Corporation
    Inventors: Larry F. Knight, Daniel K. Ogilvie, Ronny W. Worsham
  • Patent number: 4974277
    Abstract: A hand held pneumatic gun having an airway that is coupled to a source of compressed air, the airway communicating with an air chamber via a trigger valve. The gun includes a detachable breech that is supported in sealed engagement against the air chamber by a support ring pivotally secured to the body of the gun. The breech incorporates a nozzle that is secured to one end of a piece of hose or tube and a polymer projectile is placed into the breech to be forced by the air pressure through the hose or tube to clean the interior of the hose or tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Technic Pty., Ltd.
    Inventor: David W. Casella
  • Patent number: 4865121
    Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning tubing used for conducting a fluid therethrough, which system includes balls circulated with the fluid through the tubing from its upstream side to its downstream side, means for separating the balls from the fluid at the downstream side of the tubing, and recirculating means for recirculating the balls back to the upstream side of the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Inventor: Chaim Ben-Dosa
  • Patent number: 4846895
    Abstract: A rotary tube cleaning system having a rotary cutting tool attached to an elongated flexible drive wire for remotely cleaning the inside of elongated tubes, and method for its use. The tube cleaning system includes a special rotary cutting tool rigidly attached to an elongated flexible drive wire, which are rotatably driven through a slip clutch by variable speed rotary drive means. The tool has dual oppositely-facing cutting edges at its forward end and also has dual longitudinally separated cylindrical guide surfaces provided at the tool forward and rear ends. In the method for remotely cleaning the tubes using the rotating cutting tool, the tool is inserted into a thimble tube, rotated at 150-250 rpm and fed forward at 5-20 ft/min to cut or scrape any deposits from the inner wall of the tube. The tool is then removed and similarly inserted into other tubes in sequence to scrape and substantially remove accumulated material therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation
    Inventor: George B. Rabe
  • Patent number: 4785880
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically dispensing chemicals into the well bore of a hydrocarbon producing well utilizes a double acting cylinder and piston to sequentially operate a plurality of valves associated with the well. The handles of each valve have a spring steel tine secured thereto which engages with a portion of the piston shaft which actuates the operation of each valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Inventor: Robert Ashton
  • Patent number: 4724007
    Abstract: Pipes or tubes, for example, in heat exchangers, can be cleaned internally using a water hammer shock wave with a relatively incompressible pig which travels at high velocity and a flushing liquid. FIG. 1 illustrates the use of launcher (14) to apply a very rapid pressure build-up by means of a liquid to one end of a pig located in a tube (11) to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Lacress Nominees Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter L. Barry, Robert W. Vowles
  • Patent number: 4716611
    Abstract: Pipes, tubes and the like, for example, in heat exchangers, can be cleaned internally using sonic energy, a relatively incompressible pig and a flushing liquid.The flushing liquid is supplied via a pressure outlet from a quick operating valve to one or more launchers for launching pigs. The launchers are mounted on either an x-y frame movable support or a rotary axis adapter and radially movable support for positioning the launchers with respect to the ends of the tubes to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Lacress Nominees Pty., Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter L. Barry
  • Patent number: 4666531
    Abstract: A cleaning system is provided for an air conditioner or heater of the type having an air duct for conveying air with a fin-type heat exchanger transversely mounted in the air duct for heat exchange with the air conveyed in the duct. The cleaning system comprises a pair of tubes mounted horizontally across the air duct on opposite sides of and parallel to the heat exchanger adjacent the upper end of the sides of the heat exchanger. The pair of tubes each have a plurality of longitudinal slots therein for fan-shaped spraying of cleaning liquid from each of the slotted holes toward the heat exchanger. A cart with a tank of cleaning liquid can be rolled to a location adjacent the air duct. The cart has a pump for pumping liquid from the tank to the tubes and a hose for quick connection to either of the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Inventor: Gary A. Minard
  • Patent number: 4660592
    Abstract: The disclosure is of a gate-like valve wherein a gate or carrier plate has upper and lower through bores movable into alignment with flow passages in the body. In the upper through bore is received a valve disc that is rotatable on the carrier between a closed position wherein it is in the plane of the gate to seal around the through bore and an open position wherein it is disposed along the axis of the through bore. A valve stem is coupled to the butterfly disc so that partial rotation of the stem operates the butterfly valve, and the stem is also engageable with the carrier plate so that when the stem is raised and lowered it raises and lowers the carrier plate to move the butterfly disc out of alignment with the flow passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Inventor: Mack H. Williams
  • Patent number: 4661848
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for cleaning a pipe. The apparatus is constructed by connecting a grinding device which has an election pipe which is connected to an abrasive material supplying hose and ejects the abrasive material against the inner surface of the pipe, an electric motor for rotating the ejection pipe, a video signal device having a television camera, and an ejection device connected to a dust discharge air supplying hose for ejecting the air forwardly, in the stated order and in a line so as to be passed through the pipe. The apparatus is advanced in the pipe by pulling on the abrasive material supplying hose and is able to be moved rearwardly by pulling on the dust discharge air supplying hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Inventor: Shinichi Matsuda
  • Patent number: 4659391
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing flash and other excess material from sand cores in which the cores are showered with impact particles of relatively soft material and contained in moving air streams issuing from a plurality of nozzles directed against opposite sides of cores being cleaned. Low pressure air from a blower is used at the nozzles to obtain a high density of particles in the moving air stream and provide for engagement of the particles in a gentle manner with the sand cores so as to minimize surface erosion of the cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: B & U Corporation
    Inventor: Udo Kuehn
  • Patent number: 4598735
    Abstract: A rotatable swivel adapted for assuring the passage of a scraper pig or a separator pig through a conveyance system of which and the swivel is a part is disclosed. The swivel includes a guide vane pivotally mounted in an inner ring of a swivel body to enable movement between a retracted position for assembling the inner ring with an outer ring and an operating position for insuring the passage of the pig from an inlet to an outlet communicating with a toroidally shaped conduit chamber of the rotatable swivel. A removable locking pin secures the guide vane in the operating position to assure the passage of the pig. A retracted position port and an operating position port are disposed in an outer ring of the swivel body to enable movement of the guide vane between the retracted and operating positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Assignee: Sofec, Inc.
    Inventor: Kristen I. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 4556102
    Abstract: A tube-type heat exchanger having inlet and output conduits and tubes connected therebetween, and a return conduit extending from the output to the inlet conduit is, as is known, traversed by a coolant liquid from the intake to the output conduit through the tubes. Balls are released into the intake conduit from the return conduit and pass with the coolant through the tubes to clean same. These balls are trapped in the output conduit and introduced back into the return conduit where each ball's momentum is measured and outputs corresponding thereto are generated. These outputs are compared with a set-point signal corresponding to minimum acceptable ball momentum and all of the balls from the conduits are withdrawn and replaced with fresh balls when in a predetermined period of time a predetermined number of the outputs fall below the set-point signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1985
    Assignee: Taprogge Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Rolf Bochinski, Klaus Eimer, Alois Lange, Xuan L. Nghiem
  • Patent number: 4554965
    Abstract: A tube-type heat exchanger having inlet and output conduits and tubes connected therebetween, and a return conduit extending from the output to the inlet conduit is traversed by a coolant liquid from the intake to the output conduit through the tubes. Balls are released into the intake conduit from the return conduit and pass with the coolant through the tubes to clean same. These balls are trapped in the output conduit and introduced back into the return conduit where each ball's momentum is measured and an output corresponding thereto is generated. This output is compared with a set-point signal corresponding to minimum acceptable ball momentum, and any ball whose momentum is below the minimum momentum is withdrawn from the return conduit and replaced in the conduits with a fresh ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignee: Taprogge Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Rolf Bochinski, Klaus Eimer, Alois Lange, Xuan L. Nghiem
  • Patent number: 4467488
    Abstract: An apparatus for inserting cleaning plugs into the ends of tubes to be cleaned including a tool, a handle on the tool capable of being held by an operator, a chamber having an open end capable of being aligned with the open end of the tube to be cleaned, a first ram opposite the open end, a first piston-cylinder capable of moving the ram through the chamber and retracting it therefrom thereby forcing a cleaning plug into the tube, a magazine opening laterally from the first ram and open end into the chamber, a second ram positioned so as to move cleaning plugs from the magazine into the chamber, a second piston-cylinder capable of moving the second ram through and retracting it from the magazine, a housing for a chain of cleaning plugs, the housing opening into the magazine, a gas source maintaining a constant pressure on the chain of cleaning plugs so as to force a cleaning plug into the chamber when nothing else occupies it, and a trigger on the handle which in a first position pressurizes the second piston
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1984
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald B. Creek
  • Patent number: 4441522
    Abstract: A fluid swivel is described, of the type which includes an annular chamber formed at the interface between the stationary and rotatable parts of the swivel, which facilitates the passage of a pig through the chamber. A pig diverter device lies beside the outlet formed in one of the parts through which fluid normally exits the chamber, to divert a pig moving through the chamber into the outlet. The diverter device can include a projection lying on the downstream side of the outlet. The projection can extend radially only up to the interface between the two swivel parts, to facilitate disassembly of the swivel. The diverter device can also include a valving mechanism that can shut off fluid flow immediately downstream of the outlet, to direct the fluid stream and pig into the outlet, and the upstream end of the outlet can extend tangent to the chamber to facilitate pig entry therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1984
    Assignee: Amtel, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Griffin
  • Patent number: 4439954
    Abstract: The spin blast tool includes a housing having a tubular member rotatably disposed on bearings in the housing. A nozzle is mounted on one end of the tubular member and the other end of the tubular member is connected to a pressurized air and sand source. That end of the tubular member adjacent the presurized air and sand source includes a counterbore for receiving a tungsten carbide throat insert. The throat insert has an inner diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of the tubular member. The insert has an annular radial flange juxtaposed with the end of the pressurized air and sand source. A polyurethane seal washer circumscribes the throat insert and is housed between the radial flange and the end of the tubular member. A wafer spring section is compressed between the outboard surface of the radial flange and the end of the pressurized air and sand conduit. The wafer spring section provides constant pressure on the throat insert as the throat insert wears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Assignee: Clemtex, Inc.
    Inventor: Percy J. Bennett
  • Patent number: 4391298
    Abstract: A piggable fluid swivel comprising a first element on which a second element is rotatably mounted. Grooves in both the first and second elements align to form a continuous flow passage between the elements. Openings are provided through the first and second elements and into the flow passage whereby fluid can enter through one element, flow through at least a portion of the flow passage, and then exit through the other element. A flow barrier means similar to a gate valve is provided on one of the elements and includes a baffle plate that is extendable between an open position and a closed position. In an open position, the elements can be easily assembled and disassembled. In a closed position, the baffle plate blocks backflow in the fluid passage which allows pressure to build behind any pig that may become stuck in the flow passage to free the pig and carry it from the swivel. The swivel may be coaxially stacked to provide a multiline piggable fluid swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1983
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Co.
    Inventor: John E. Ortloff
  • Patent number: 4269264
    Abstract: A heat exchanger of the steam condenser type or the like includes a plurality of bundles of tubes through which cooling water is pumped. The downstream ends of the tubes open into a chamber and these ends have basket-brush assemblies thereon. A water back-flow cover traverses progressively across the tube ends, with the cover being fluidically connected to a pump. The pump inlet receives water from the chamber and pumps it back through the tubes at a high pressure, carrying the cleaning brushes with it. When the said cover has passed particular tubes, the brushes in the latter are reversed in direction and carried downstream and back to their original position. The pump may be disposed to suck the water upstream through the tubes, or may be disposed to supply water from upstream of the condenser to the downstream tube ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Assignee: Water Services of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Goeldner
  • Patent number: 4252255
    Abstract: A gun for mixing and dispensing plural component plastic materials, for example, polyurethane foam, is provided with a purging device operable independently of the foam mixing and dispensing mechanism. The purging device comprises a rod, normally positioned rearwardly of the foam component inlet orifices and mixing chamber, the rod being selectively actuable independently of the foam mixing and dispensing operations, by a two way air cylinder controlled by the gun operator. Purging elements, for example, compressible spheres or plugs of a plastic material such as styrene are fed under pressure to seat in a position rearwardly of the foam component inlet orifices and mixing chamber. Upon selective actuation of the rod, one of the spheres is forced through the mixing chamber to purge any residual foam components by a scraping action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1981
    Inventor: David Henderson
  • Patent number: 4231689
    Abstract: A pipeline transportation system for wheeled vehicles which are moved therethrough by air. The vehicle functions as a pipeline sweeper to remove debris from the pipeline through one or more openings provided in the bottom of the pipeline. In one embodiment, the vehicle is self-righting whereby the vehicle will maintain an upright attitude and the vehicle wheels will straddle the openings in the pipeline and pass over the openings without the wheels being caught in the openings. In another embodiment, the vehicle includes loading wheels adjacent the bottom of the vehicle and side wheels on either side of the loading wheels, and the opening in the pipeline is positioned in the path of movement of the load wheels but out of the path of movement of the side wheels whereby debris will fall out of the opening but the vehicle will roll over the openings on the side wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1980
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Institute
    Inventor: Marion R. Carstens
  • Patent number: 4229852
    Abstract: A portable pipe cleaning apparatus is provided which comprises a tank capable of withstanding pressures of at least about 200 psi. A plurality of outlet valve means are in communication with the tank, with the valves adapted to be opened independently of each other. The valves function to allow a variable discharge from the tank. Means are provided for directing the discharge from the tank regulated by, and in communication with the outlet valve means. Means are also provided for charging an aggregate to dispense with the discharge. The apparatus is particularly adapted to be used with air and water under pressure by the alternate opening and closing of the valves providing a variable discharge of highly aerated water at a variable velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1980
    Inventor: Glenn H. Brobeck
  • Patent number: 4180948
    Abstract: A device adapted to move through a pipeline for cleaning the inner periphery thereof and comprising a rotatable central hub member constructed of an abrasive resistant material and having a chamber therein for receiving a supply of abrasive material, a plurality of radial passageways extending outwardly from the chamber at an angle deviating from the perpendicular of the longitudinal axis of the hub, the radial passageways being in communication with the chamber for receiving the abrasive material therefrom whereby upon rotation of the device the abrasive material will be impinged against the inner periphery of the pipeline at an angle with respect to the perpendicular of the longitudinal axis of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1980
    Inventor: Woodrow W. Stoltz