Abstract: A diffusion furnace of semiconductor manufacturing equipment is cleaned efficiently with a cleaning gas (ClF3) by using an auxiliary cleaner. The auxiliary cleaner is inserted into an inner tube of the wafer diffusion furnace. The auxiliary cleaner has a cylindrical body that occupies a central region of the interior of the furnace but is spaced apart from an inner wall surface of the inner tube. Accordingly, the gas is confined to a peripheral region adjacent the inner wall surface. As a result, a relatively small amount of the cleaning gas is comsumed during the cleaning process.

Abstract: A pipe cleaning vacuum sealing apparatus includes an intra piping sealing frustum. The frustum is generally shaped as a frustum of a circular cone with an interior and exterior surface. The interior surface is adapted to releasably receive a plurality of various vacuum suction sources. The exterior surface of the frustum is adapted to be releasably received by a plurality of configurations of pipe openings. Alternatively, the pipe cleaning vacuum sealing apparatus includes an extra piping system sealing boot. The sealing boot releasably seals at the surface surrounding a pipe and is adapted to releasably receive a plurality of various vacuum suction sources. Embodiments of the pipe cleaning vacuum sealing apparatuses include a plurality of annular engaging rings to enhance sealing, fixed and telescoping suction tubes, and varying embodiments of separation and retainage chambers further including separation and retainage chambers with at least one ingress port.

Abstract: The compressor cleaning system includes a track mounted about the inlet of the compressor. A circumferential position assembly mounts an insertion drive assembly which is driven about the track into selected circumferential positions. The insertion drive assembly carries a manipulator arm assembly mounting at its distal end a cleaning head. By using pairs of control cables, the proximal yaw, pitch and distal yaw sections of the manipulator arm can be moved to weave the cleaning head past the multiple stages of blading to locate the cleaning head adjacent a selected blade. By repeated extension and retraction of the cleaning head relative to the compressor inlet and about the compressor blades, each blade can be cleaned without disassembly of the compressor casing or removal of the rotor.

Abstract: A vacuum nozzle assembly is configured to couple to a vacuum hose of a vacuum assembly. The vacuum nozzle assembly includes (i) a cleaning member, (ii) a motor assembly configured such that actuation of the motor assembly causes the cleaning member to move; and (iii) a nozzle having a cylindrical wall. The nozzle couples to the motor assembly and a hose of a vacuum assembly. The nozzle has at least one opening through the wall thereof such that particles contacted by the cleaning member can be suctioned into a hose of a vacuum assembly. The motor of the motor assembly may be a bidirectional motor, for example.

Abstract: The fluid-powered scouring whip is a length of flexible tubing composed of rubber or plastic. One or more scouring members, such as bristles or tines, extend outward from the tubing. These scouring members are molded or tooled as integral parts of the tubing, and may be configured in a variety of angles, densities, patterns or lengths. The fluid-powered scouring whip would be attached to a source of rapidly moving fluid. The whip would be introduced into a remote area in need of cleaning, such as an air duct. When fluid was introduced through the fluid-powered scouring whip, the whip would move about rapidly and randomly, scouring the surfaces of the area into which it had been introduced.

Abstract: Apparatus for dislodging an accretion of a substance from the vicinity of a vessel, includes apparatus for generating gas-borne shock waves in the vicinity of a vessel, thereby to expose a substance accrued on a surface thereof to separation forces causing at least partial separation of the substance from the surface, so as to facilitate removal of the at least partially separated substance therefrom; and support apparatus for supporting the apparatus for generating shock waves in a selected association relative to the vessel.

Abstract: An air filter cleaning device has en elongate, readily gripable handle having a through bore and a connector at one end for coupling to an air supply hose, and a rotary head is rotatably mounted on the other end of the handle. The rotary head has an internal air distribution chamber with small outlet openings in its outer peripheral wall for spraying air from the chamber. Rotor outlet passageways in the peripheral wall are arranged at an angle to cause the head to spin in a turbine-like fashion when air flow is directed from the chamber and out through the passageways. The rotating head sprays air outwardly across the surface of an air filter unit to dislodge dirt from filter paper in a filter unit.

Abstract: This invention includes systems and methods for cleaning ventilation ducts using a dry ice blasting system that is adapted to blast debris from the interior surfaces of ventilation ducts. This invention employs either existing or artificial duct ventilation airflow to evacuate dislodged debris and a filter or filtration system attached to the ventilation system to capture the dislodged debris.

Abstract: Device to clean air ducts which, as it includes a header connected to a compressed air generator by means of a supply hose, is characterised because the header has a front part (5) which can be connected in an adjustable fashion, to a back part (4) provided with many compressed air outlets formed by flexible bands (6) which make random movements owing to the reaction forces originated by the compressed air outlet through them, and which lash the walls of the duct.

Abstract: A drain opening device for clearing and opening a slow or clogged drain using a blower unit. The drain opening device includes a tubular assembly including an elongate tubular member having open top and bottom ends and a bore extending therethrough, and also including a collar being securely attached about the elongate tubular member at said bottom end thereof with the top end of the elongate tubular member being adapted to be connected to a hose from a blower unit and with the bottom end and the collar being adapted to be received in a drain pipe; and also includes a valve assembly being disposed in the bore of said elongate tubular member for preventing a back-flow of air.

Abstract: Clogged openings of a developer dispenser nozzle are unclogged utilizing a pressurized gas, such as nitrogen. An embodiment includes passing a solution of alcohol and water under gas pressure through the developer dispenser nozzle to unclog the nozzle openings.

Abstract: A portable vacuum cleaner for attaching to a can of compressed gas having an output for creating a suction. The cleaner includes a body, a nozzle attached to one end of the body, and a receptacle attached to the other end of the body. The body includes a cap for attaching to the can of compressed gas, and which has a throughbore. The body further includes an external tube that has an intermediate portion, a forward portion, and a rear portion. The receptacle includes a tube and an air permeable bag. The body further includes an internal tube, a valve, and a trigger, which when pressed, opens the valve which allows compressed gas in the can of compressed gas to exit through its output and flow through the internal tube into the rear portion of the external tube and thereby create a suction in the external tube which causes dirt to be drawn through the nozzle, through the external tube, through the tube of the receptacle, and be captured in the air permeable bag.

Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning drinking straws and the like that includes a flexible, tubular brush structure having a tubular cavity formed therein between a closed insertion end and an open ended, threaded squeeze bulb reservoir connecting end, a number of cleaning solution dispensing orifices provided along the length of the flexible tubular brush structure and a number of multi-length bristles extending radially outward from the flexible tubular brush structure; a resilient, spherical squeeze bulb reservoir having an internal cleaning solution reservoir cavity in connection with a threaded fitting companionately threaded to engage and connect with the threaded squeeze bulb reservoir connecting end of the flexible tubular brush structure; and a straw end sealing cap securable over an open end of a drinking straw for maintaining cleaning solution within a straw passageway formed through the drinking straw during a period of brushing with the flexible tubular brush structure.

Abstract: A plunger includes an upper base, a pressure ball under the upper base, a correlative tubular shaft extending vertically through the pressure ball, a handle pivotally connected with an upper end of the correlative tubular shaft, a connecting rod connects to the correlative shaft, and a lower end stopper threadably connected with the lower end of the connecting rod. The pressure ball can store air supplied by an air pump or compressor through an air inlet. The handle can be operated to let the air stored in the pressure ball flow through the correlative shaft, the connecting rod and the lower end stopper into a clogged pipe or drain for clearing passage with a large force of pressured air.

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.

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.

Abstract: A readily transportable, compact and self-contained drain cleaning apparatus includes a hand-held control housing that is provided with an internal passage into which a release member and an adjustable regulating unit extend at spaced intervals such that a fluid chamber is defined between the release member and the regulating unit within the internal passage. The control housing includes a cartridge housing portion for attaching a miniature cartridge, containing a pressurized gaseous medium and preferably either a drain cleaning or algaecide fluid, thereto with an interior of the cartridge opening into the internal passage downstream of the regulating unit. Upstream of the release member, the control housing has an elongated tube attached thereto and the tube has an end, remote from the control housing, provided with a terminal discharge member that is adapted to be sealingly engaged with an open portion of a clogged drain conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for using compressed air to dislodge a clog from a drain. The system includes a main housing defined by a handle component and a minor housing component. The handle component includes a rod and piston for use in delivering compressed air to the minor housing. The device further includes a spring-biased trigger for use in selectively delivering compressed air from the device into a clogged drain. Furthermore, the system of the present invention includes a plurality of drain closure members of various sizes adapted to fit into various sized drains. Thus, the user may select the appropriate sized drain closure depending on the specific application of the device.

Abstract: Condensation line purging devices and assemblies. The present invention relates to devices and assemblies for purging HVAC condensation lines. Such lines are relatively delicate, as opposed, for instance, to drain lines and plumbing systems. Accordingly, devices of the present invention include a body which is adapted to contain a conventional gas cylinder such as a 12 gram CO.sub.2 cylinder. The body is adapted to connect to a nozzle which in turn is connected to a connector that is attached to the condensation line. The body may be rotated onto the nozzle in a manner that controllably releases gas pressure from the gas cylinder into the condensation line so as to cause a pressure buildup that effectively purges the condensation line without breaching its seals or other discontinuities. Such control may occur by virtue of the shape of a pin protruding from the interior portion of the nozzle and adapted to penetrate the gas cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening drains and the like includes a suitable vacuum/pressure source such as the inlet/outlet ports of an enclosed motor driven fan, together with a control mechanism for selectively applying vacuum/pressure pulses to a partially or completely blocked drain for loosening and purging the blockage. A lightweight portable unit including vacuum/pressure sources, control mechanism, collection receptacle, and associated air pressure/vacuum ducts is disclosed.

Abstract: There is mentioned an air nozzle/flexible whip cleaning means for ductwork which is connected to a source of high pressure air using at least a plurality of connectable lengths of semi rigid plastic pipe 8. The means comprises at least one primary air nozzle 1 to which a flexible tubing whip 4 may be attached. At least one round headed reverse air nozzle 11 and at least one round headed forward air nozzle 12 may be included, the purpose of the nozzle heads and flexible tubing whip being to direct air in different directions as helpful for the purpose of removing dust, debris and unwanted foreign matter from the interior of ductwork.

Abstract: A device for unclogging pipes or other lines. The device includes a canister adapted to receive a pressurized gas, the canister having at a first end a first valve adapted to be coupled to the pipe or line that is to be unclogged. The canister has at a second end a closure element, the closure element having a second valve attached thereto, the second valve adapted to connect to a source of pressurized gas. The canister further has a pressure gauge coupled thereto for indicating the pressure in the canister. The pressurized gas is fed into the canister through the second valve, and pressurized gas in the canister is fed to the pipe or line to be unclogged by means of the first valve. A method and device for providing an additive, such as a cleaning product, to a tank or line is also disclosed.

Abstract: A condenser cleaner, for cleaning a condenser tube having a condenser tube opening using high pressure medium supplied from a high pressure source, comprising a high pressure gun, a penetrator tube, and a sealing mechanism. The penetrator tube has a penetrator tube opening on one end and a threaded socket on another end. The penetrator tube opening is in communication with the threaded socket. The high pressure gun has a central conduit connected to the high pressure source at a primary conduit through a central conduit valve. The high pressure gun has a nozzle head in communication with the central conduit. The nozzle head is attached to the threaded socket, bringing it into communication with the central conduit. The sealing mechanism includes an expandable seal which is in communication with the primary conduit to expand the expandable seal against the condenser tube wall, creating a tight seal therewith.

Abstract: The interior of a gas cylinder is cleaned using a supercritical fluid. A treating material, such as carbon dioxide, is injected into the cylinder, and the pressure in the cylinder is increased until the pressure of the treating material exceeds its critical pressure. Then, the cylinder is heated until the temperature of the treating material exceeds its critical temperature. The treating material therefore becomes a supercritical fluid. The treating material is maintained in its supercritical state while the cylinder is rolled for a period of time, while the supercritical fluid dissolves contaminants on the interior surface of the cylinder, and on objects within the cylinder. Then, the supercritical fluid is vented from the cylinder, preferably while the fluid in the cylinder is maintained in its supercritical state.

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.

Abstract: A disengageable, portable, self-contained fluid conduit cleaning device for unclogging fuel lines, plumbing lines or similar fluid conduits has a pneumatic pump, and a pressure delivery tank chamber. Controls alternatively connect the pump to supply either a pressure charge or a partial vacuum to the chamber. A delivery valve connects the chamber to the fluid conduit, to provide sudden pneumatic or hydraulic shocks to impact and break loose clogging material from the fluid conduit.

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.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly which comprises nozzle duct having inlet and discharge ends is provided with a tubular support. The support has a first end in fluid communication with the nozzle duct adjacent the discharge end thereof. The second end of the support extends to a location where it is accessible, to enable a source of cleaning fluid to be coupled thereto, and is normally capped.

Abstract: A reducer cannon cleaning device is provided having a hollow handle connected to a hollow conduit, wherein the handle is connected to a source of pressurized air such that the air may flow through the handle and the conduit. Attached to the conduit opposite the handle is a generally circular plate. A gasket is disposed against the plate and the cleaning device is then placed against a filter cage and bag unit. Bursts of air can then be blown through the cleaning device and into the filter cage and bag. Several attachments can also be used with the cleaning device, some of which may be attached to the cleaning device and placed within the filter cage and bag. The various attachments may include holes therein, positioned at pre-determined locations and angles. The attachments direct and focus the air exiting the conduit and entering the filter caging unit. Another attachment is a mechanical hand unit, which can be connected to the distal end of the conduit.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus as for inside surfaces in residential air ducts, employing a baffle that locally increases air velocity at the surface of the duct to the entrainment velocity that will remove dust and detritus with the help of reaction driven scouring elements for the mechanical dislodgement of dirt and dust. The dirt and dust can then be carried to a collection point by an induced flow of air through the duct. The invention also contemplates a method of cleaning a duct utilizing the above apparatus.

Abstract: A system cleans or dusts devices, such as optical or photographic equipment or the like, with pressurized air from a chamber. The chamber is filled with air through an air inlet valve which may be connected to an air pressure source, such as a conventional tire pump, or may have a built-in pump connected thereto. As a result, when air is depleted from the chamber, the chamber may be re-filled for repeated use of the system.

Abstract: A system including an apparatus for cleaning an inside surface of a duct. The system includes a traveling portion and a remote-control monitor portion. The traveling portion includes a traveling truck and the truck carries a compressed air ejector and a video camera, and the remote-control monitor portion receives images from the video camera to control remotely the traveling portion while monitoring a front view of the traveling portion in accordance with the signal coming from the video camera. The compressed air ejector is equipped with a rotating nozzle for ejecting compressed air toward the duct inside surface in an oblique direction in front of the traveling truck. An air compressor can be carried by the truck or the compressed air can be fed to the nozzle ejector via a hose from outside the duct.

Abstract: An in-duct searching apparatus characterized by comprising a traveling truck, a video camera for in-duct observation on board the traveling truck, a singular or plural compressed air ejecting nozzle, and a monitor/remote-control portion for remotely controlling the traveling truck and the video camera and the compressed air ejecting nozzle; wherein the compressed air ejecting nozzle ejects compressed air toward the alien substances inside the duct which have been observed by the video camera, for grasping their properties.

Abstract: Fluid pressure discharge device includes a handle, a fluid conduit in the handle, and a slidable fluid conduit tube movable relative to the fluid conduit for discharging a pressurized fluid near a clog in a clogged pipe. A pressurized gas for being discharged from the discharge end of the slidable fluid conduit can be supplied by a standard gas cartridge. An auxiliary handle is provided in another preferred embodiment for enhancing the manipulation of the fluid pressure discharge device, and for storing spare, unspent gas cartridges.

Abstract: Cleaning means having at least one blast pipe (8) which ensure uniform falling conditions inside return conduits (6) are arranged on a squeezing roll mill (1, 2) having lateral return conduits (6).

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and apparatus for opening drains and the like, and includes a suitable vacuum/pressure source such as a household or industrial wet/dry vacuum cleaner with a control mechanism fitted to the vacuum cleaner or an intermediate receptacle for sequentially applying vacuum/pressure pulses to a clogged drain for loosening and purging the blockage occurring in the drain. The disclosure includes several fittings for applying the method and apparatus to a variety of drains.

Abstract: Means and method to reconstruct the terminal end of the fluid line adjacent the pump of an oil furnace to provide a coupling that may be opened to receive the delivery end of a pressure fluid gun to substantially eliminate oil seepage and the necessity of twice closing and reopening the normally open valve adjacent the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning clogged dental equipment lines, such as water and air lines and drains, for a wide variety of dental equipment such as cuspidors and handpieces. One embodiment has an air hose connected to a connector for a handpiece for a drill, etc., wherein the connector has an interior plastic insert which closes off air to the holes in the drill for drive and exhaust air and allows air through two holes which connect with the spray air and water ports of the handpiece for the drill whereby the air blows out the clogged slits. Another embodiment uses the air hose with a rubber nozzle to blow clogged suction lines. Another embodiment has a rubber element with a hole in its middle which fits over the discharge hole in the cuspidor, whereby the air blows out the debris clogging the cuspidor hole and connecting lines.

Abstract: A main hose has one end which supports a hub and outward extending tubular members for rotation. Said one end of the main hose has inlet openings and the other end is coupled to a vacuum blower. A second smaller diameter hose extends into the main hose and has one end connected to the hub and the other end connected to a compressor. The compressor is operated to inject air through the second hose and through the rotatable tubular members for rotating the hub and the tubular members and for injecting air outward through the tubular member onto the walls of the duct to be cleaned. The vacuum blower is operated to form reduced air pressure in the main hose to withdraw the loosened material by way of the inlet openings at said one end and through the main hose by way of the vacuum blower.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for opening drains and the like, and includes a suitable vacuum/pressure source such as a household or industrial wet/dry vacuum cleaner with a control mechanism fitted to the vacuum cleaner or an intermediate receptacle for sequentially applying vacuum/pressure pulses to a clogged drain for loosening and purging the blockage occurring in the drain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the interior of ductwork or similar conduit from within, the apparatus comprising a small, pneumatically powered and controlled carriage of a size maneuverable inside the duct, with nozzle means provided for directing cleaning and disinfecting fluids, under pressure, at the walls of the duct, to execute a method of cleaning and disinfecting.

Abstract: Metal castings, having a number of internal passageways which open at different surface portions of the castings, are mounted upon a horizontal axis wheel-like frame. The frame is intermittently rotated and momentarily stopped so that castings are rotated at times and stationary at times. During the times that the castings are stationary, they are simultaneously subjected to either an externally applied vibration or to a momentary, several millisecond long, high pressure burst of air through their respective passageways. The alternating vibrations and momentary bursts of air loosen and remove the sand and other casting debris contained within the passageways. Additionally, the changing angularity of the castings, due to the rotation, coupled with the vibrations and bursts of air, dislodge such sand and debris from the walls and, also, downwardly out of the passageways.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the interior of ductwork or similar conduit from within, the apparatus comprising a small, pneumatically powered and controlled sled of a size maneuverable inside the duct, with nozzle means provided for directing cleaning and disinfecting fluids, under pressure, at the walls of the duct, to execute a method of cleaning and disinfecting.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for opening drains and the like, and includes a suitable vacuum/pressure source such as a household or industrial wet/dry vacuum cleaner with a control mechanism fitted to the vacuum cleaner or an intermediate receptacle for sequentially applying vacuum/pressure pulses to a clogged drain for loosening and purging the blockage occurring in the drain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in cleaning residue from boiler tubes including a housing having an upper chamber and a lower chamber separated by a wall having a plurality of openings permitting airflow from the lower chamber into the upper chamber. A vacuum is generated in the upper chamber and filter bags surround the openings for filtering air flowing through said openings. A vacuum hose is connected to the lower chamber and is adapted to be connected to one end of the boiler tube. An air driven tool is inserted into the opposite end of the boiler tube to remove material from the inside of the boiler tube. The bottom of the lower chamber defines a trough adapted to receive particulate material cleaned from the elongated tubes. An auger is housed in the trough for selectively discharging the particulate material from the trough. A spray nozzle is also provided for wetting soot as it is discharged from the trough.

Abstract: An airgun impulsive energy source has an elongated shaft bearing surrounding the shaft of the reciprocatable shuttle for guiding the shuttle and preventing its operating or firing pistons from contacting their respective cylinder walls. The illustrative embodiment of this airgun is proportioned to be self-firing with a fast repitition rate. This airgun has an elongated cylindrical housing with discharge ports in a cylindrical wall positioned between the operating and firing chambers. The shuttle-guiding shaft bearing is positioned in the cylindrical housing between the ports and an operating chamber. This shaft-guiding bearing has a length which is more than 1.

Abstract: A gas driven cleaning apparatus for clearing clogged pipe lines or the like. The apparatus is comprised of a gas driven nozzle having specially devised gas passages for aiding the propulsion of the nozzle through and clearing the clogged area. A flexible hose is connected to the nozzle and a high pressure gas cylinder supported on a two wheel hand cart. The hand cart has a main hose reel and handle for a first gas line and a portable hand reel which supports a second gas line connected to the main reel line and the nozzle at opposite ends. The hand reel may be carried apart from the hand cart to difficultly accessible or remote areas not approachable by the hand cart. In a modification the nozzle is provided with a rotary head element powered by the high pressure gas.

Abstract: An apparatus (21) and method is disclosed for keeping interior walls (28) of a reaction vessel (22) free of undesirable deposits of solid materials in gas-to-solid reactions. The apparatus (21) includes a movable cleaning head (36) which is configured to be substantially complementary to the interior contour of the walls (28) of the reaction vessel (22) and which is disposed in close proximity to the walls (28). The head (36) ejects a stream of gas with a relatively high velocity into a narrow space between the head (36) and the walls (28), and in accordance with Bernoulli's principle the head (36) is biased towards the walls (28) by the pressure prevailing in the reaction vessel (22). The gas ejected from the head (36) is of such composition that it does not participate significantly in the chemical reaction conducted in the reaction vessel (22).

Abstract: A filter cleaning device for purging filters made of porous material employs a tank containing pressurized air and a flow conduit communicating with the tank. A shield mounted on the flow conduit is shaped to engage the filter whereby the pressurized air is suddenly released into an interior chamber of the filter upon actuating a flow valve. An extensible member such as a spring is mounted inside the conduit and has a air flow diverter attached to its lower end so that, upon the sudden rush of air, the flow diverter spreads the air outwardly and radially toward the filter medium and the extensible member gradually extends so that dust is purged substantially from all parts of the filter.

Abstract: A sonic cleaning device and method for removing accumulated fine particles from surfaces such as in heat exchangers using sonic energy vibrations. In the invention, a gas is passed through a tube having internally corrugated walls and having the tube outlet end attached to the inlet end of an expanding horn. The gas flows past the corrugations at high velocity and produces high intensity sonic vibrations within the tube, and the vibrations are amplified by passage through the horn. The horn outlet is directed at a surface to be cleaned and the accumulated particles are fluidized by the sonic energy and removed from the surface by the flowing gas and/or by gravity.