Receptacle Cleaners Patents (Class 15/56)
  • Patent number: 11864506
    Abstract: A cannabis trimming assembly includes a pair of conveyors for transporting a cannabis plant. A trimming housing is positioned between the pair of conveyors to receive the cannabis plant. A pair of trap doors is each movably integrated into the trimming housing. A plurality of cameras is each integrated into the trimming housing to view the cannabis plant. A plurality of laser emitters is each integrated into the trimming housing and each of the laser emitters is guided by the cameras to trim shade leaves and buds from the cannabis. A grapping claw is integrated into the trimming housing to hang the cannabis plant in the trimming housing during trimming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventor: Christopher Tamblyn
  • Patent number: 11317782
    Abstract: The present invention is a washing apparatus for induction suitable cookware and also involves the method of washing. The apparatus can be incorporated in restaurants, operated manually or incorporated in automatic cooking systems. The apparatus comprises of an induction heating unit, a replaceable water nozzle, a sink, an induction element, a ceramic glass, a pump, an electric motor, a controller, a manual HMI and a vision system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Kitchen Robotics Ltd.
    Inventors: David Ben-Daviv, Yair Gordin
  • Patent number: 11213119
    Abstract: A cleaning tool utilizes an electrical motor in communication with a power supply secured to a lengthwise adjustable arm secured in turn to a collapsible and foldable cleaning head. The cleaning head comprises a plurality of brush heads perpendicularly secured in a radial array beneath a brush head support plate of the cleaning head. The cleaning tool is particularly suited to clean a cup holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Inventor: Nasir Mohammed
  • Patent number: 11040375
    Abstract: A bunk cleaner assembly for selectively adjusting a pitch, a roll and a height adjustment of a scoop assembly for cleaning a trough of a feed bunk. The bunk cleaner assembly comprises a frame portion, a swinging arm assembly, the scoop assembly, and a utility vehicle. The frame portion is configured in attaching the swinging arm assembly and the utility vehicle to one another. The swinging arm assembly comprise a hinge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Inventor: Willem van Schalkwyk
  • Patent number: 10959509
    Abstract: Embodiments of apparatus for reusable drinking straw cleaning include a flexible central brush and a plurality of external brushes supported by a hand-held handle. The flexible central brush is passed into one end of a drinking straw and the drinking straw is drawn down into concentrically disposed external brushes. The drinking straw is withdrawn, reversed and the process is repeated. A handle or central bore provides external brush pressure onto the straw when it has been drawn into contact with the external brushes. After both ends of the reusable drinking straw are cleaned, the reusable drinking straw is withdrawn from the assembly and placed in a sterilizing solution or dishwasher, and dried. The flexible central brush is replaced without disassembly of the apparatus. Embodiments provide a support stand to receive and hold the assembly in a vertical position from the bottom of a wash sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventor: George W. Conner
  • Patent number: 10827823
    Abstract: Embodiments of apparatus for reusable drinking straw cleaning include a flexible central brush and a plurality of external brushes supported by a hand-held handle. The flexible central brush is passed one end of a drinking straw and the drinking straw is drawn down into concentrically disposed external brushes. The drinking straw is withdrawn, reversed and the process is repeated. A handle central bore provides external brush pressure onto the straw when it has been drawn into contact with the external brushes. After both ends of the reusable drinking straw are cleaned, the reusable drinking straw is withdrawn from the assembly and placed in a sterilizing solution or dishwasher, and dried. The flexible central brush is replaced without disassembly of the apparatus. Embodiments provide a support stand to receive and hold the assembly in a vertical position from the bottom of a wash sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Inventor: George W. Conner
  • Patent number: 10613036
    Abstract: The invention comprises a steam cleaning system that can rapidly handle multiple objects in an efficient and useful way. For example, objects used for shipping or moving food products in the food manufacturing or food services industries must either be new, clean and used once and then discarded, or re-used and thus cleaned to ensure no contamination is present. Layer pad objects or other separating surfaces are often used in these industries and often when these objects are used in stacking and pelletizing large shipments of food products, where the payer pad or other separating or container objects or surfaces help contain or maintain the integrity of the food products during shipment. In an important aspect of the invention, a plastic layer pad cleaning system is described. In other aspects, other surfaces, containers, or other separating objects used in shipping or distribution or food products are efficiently cleaned using a steam cleaning and conveying system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: United Sortation Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Howard Eisenberg, Darius Scott
  • Patent number: 8887342
    Abstract: This invention addresses a cleaning system for the removal of sediments from a tank, the tank being fitted with at least an inspection hatch and/or a cleaning hatch, the cleaning system being fitted with a power system, a traction system, and a cleaning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ice Do Brasil Ltda
    Inventors: Joel Ligiério Vargas Jünior, Robson Jorge das Neves Gomes
  • Publication number: 20140246052
    Abstract: The invention contemplates automatic cleaning of an entire toilet bowel using an electrically powered motor that simultaneously spins flexible, but rigid, circular brushes that are substantially the same length as the height of the bowl in both vertical and horizontal directions, not only around the bowl, but also along the height of the bowl, with special attention to the two parts of the bowl that collect the most rust and debris: at the “water line” and “under the rim”. The longer one waits to clean a toilet bowl, the more likely an anti-rust chemical will be required to soak the water line and under the rim for a few minutes prior to brushing; and before administering chemicals, the toilet should be flushed. Automatically flushing, releasing chemicals, and soaking before cleaning (and then repeating until all debris is removed) requires a programmable microprocessor and debris sensor(s) to truly operate automatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Prince Demond Qualls
  • Patent number: 8678645
    Abstract: Reliably and quickly acting device that can be cheaply employed for monitoring the flow of water vapor, having a water vapor line extending between a switching valve and a cross-section connection, in particular a nozzle, and a temperature sensor monitoring the temperature in the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Josef Hausladen, Hannelore Sollner, Bettina Huber
  • Publication number: 20140000654
    Abstract: A receptacle cleaning assembly for use with electrical connectors includes a receptacle washing fixture having a manifold body with a solution inlet and outlet. A plurality of nozzles, in communication with the solution inlet, are coupled with the manifold body and are arranged in a pattern corresponding to female connector receptacles. An interface seal is coupled with the manifold body. The plurality of nozzles extend through the interface seal, and the interface seal is configured to seal along a face of the connector. At least one solution return passage extends through the interface seal from an exterior of the plurality of nozzles to the solution outlet. An alignment skirt extends from the manifold body, and couples and aligns the connector receptacles with the plurality of nozzles. In another example, the receptacle cleaning assembly includes a receptacle brush fixture including a plurality of reciprocating brushes for use in the female connector receptacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Steven A. Musante
  • Publication number: 20130298831
    Abstract: A cleaning carrier for in-situ cleaning of a process chamber of a material deposition tool and method for in-situ cleaning using a cleaning carrier. The cleaning carrier includes a body formed symmetrically about a central axis and having a geometry generally corresponding to the geometry of the removable wafer carrier for use with the tool, and a tool interface that facilitates mounting of the cleaning carrier body on a portion of the material deposition tool that accepts the removable wafer carrier. A set of deployable and retractable brushes are operatively coupled with the cleaning carrier body via a corresponding set of deployment and retraction mechanisms, the brushes being movable between a retracted position for handling of the cleaning carrier and a deployed position for cleaning an interior surface of the process chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Bassam Shamoun, Alex Gurary, Vadim Boguslavskiy, Matthew King, Lukas Urban
  • Patent number: 8566994
    Abstract: A produce bin washer for washing produce bins of an open-box type may include a housing and a conveyor for advancing a plurality of empty produce bins along a path of travel through the housing. The produce bin washer may include at least one scrubbing brush within the housing adjacent the conveyor and along the path of travel. The produce bin washer may also include a positioner within the housing for sequentially lifting and rotating each empty produce bin from the conveyor onto the at least one scrubbing brush to scrub the interior, and returning the empty produce bin to the conveyor. A sprayer may be within the housing for spraying a cleaning solution onto the empty produce bins, and a collector may also be within the housing for collecting sprayed cleaning solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Clint P. Arrington
  • Patent number: 8479343
    Abstract: A hand-held, collapsible, self-adjusting mechanism, which is an improvement to the Spatula, for removing the remaining contents inside a plurality of containers. The device consists of three attached arms, two lower arms geared around their pivot ends to each other to keep their rotation symmetrical in relation to a drive arm, and pressurized with a double torsion spring to rotate towards said drive arm to apply pressure to a swiveling attachment receiver at the opposite end which makes contact with the inside walls of a container. The drive arm has a foldable crank arm assembly which allows you to quickly rotate and slide the mechanism in and out within a container with one hand while the other hand supports said container thus removing the contents from the walls of the container without difficulty or a mess. References Cited U.S.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew J. Smetana
  • Patent number: 8413283
    Abstract: A portable, hands-free device for cleaning a cooking utensil includes a motor, a battery electrically coupled to the motor, and scrub brushes mechanically coupled to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Brent McNair Estep
  • Patent number: 8397334
    Abstract: A device for cleaning a container, a tank or a silo, is provided with a cleaning unit suspended by rope sections and between winding units comprising a wound supply of rope. By changing the length of the sections by the winding devices under control of a controller the cleaning unit can be lifted and lowered, tilted and pressed against the inside wall of said container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Straintec AG
    Inventor: Martin Ryffel
  • Publication number: 20110220145
    Abstract: A produce bin washer for washing produce bins of an open-box type may include a housing and a conveyor for advancing a plurality of empty produce bins along a path of travel through the housing. The produce bin washer may include at least one scrubbing brush within the housing adjacent the conveyor and along the path of travel. The produce bin washer may also include a positioner within the housing for sequentially lifting and rotating each empty produce bin from the conveyor onto the at least one scrubbing brush to scrub the interior, and returning the empty produce bin to the conveyor. A sprayer may be within the housing for spraying a cleaning solution onto the empty produce bins, and a collector may also be within the housing for collecting sprayed cleaning solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: JOHN BEAN TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Clint P. Arrington
  • Patent number: 8011051
    Abstract: A toilet bowl cleaning assembly includes an elongated housing that has a first end and a second end. A cleaning brush apparatus is rotatably coupled to the housing and extends downwardly from the second end of the housing. A drive apparatus is mounted in the housing and is mechanically coupled to the cleaning brush apparatus and turns the cleaning brush apparatus when the drive apparatus is turned on. A shroud is coupled to the housing between the first end of the housing and the cleaning brush apparatus. The shroud has a bottom edge is engageable with an upper edge of a toilet bowl. The cleaning brush apparatus is placed in the toilet bowl and the drive apparatus turned on to clean the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventors: Omar A. Ba-Akeel, Shahrzad Ghaemi
  • Patent number: 7979941
    Abstract: A produce bin washer for washing produce bins of an open-box type may include a housing and a conveyor for advancing a plurality of empty produce bins along a path of travel through the housing. The produce bin washer may include at least one scrubbing brush within the housing adjacent the conveyor and along the path of travel. The produce bin washer may also include a positioner within the housing for sequentially lifting and rotating each empty produce bin from the conveyor onto the at least one scrubbing brush to scrub the interior, and returning the empty produce bin to the conveyor. A sprayer may be within the housing for spraying a cleaning solution onto the empty produce bins, and a collector may also be within the housing for collecting sprayed cleaning solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Clint P. Arrington
  • Patent number: 7610645
    Abstract: A filter cartridge cleaning apparatus includes a housing, a brush mechanism for cleaning a filter cartridge passing through the housing, a guiding mechanism for feeding the filter cartridge toward a filter cartridge outlet of the housing, a water supply mechanism for supplying water to the filter cartridge, and a transmission mechanism for driving the brush mechanism and the guiding mechanism. The housing has a drain for draining sewage resulting from the cleaning process. The filter cartridge cleaning apparatus may be used with a water recycling apparatus to eliminate waste of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Ji-Ding Gau
  • Publication number: 20090255071
    Abstract: A rotatable scrub brush having particular application for removing dried residue from a bucket or similar container. The scrub brush includes a shaft, one end of which can be coupled to a conventional drill. The opposite end of the shaft is connected to a hollow bulb having cleaning bristles projecting outwardly therefrom. Openings through the bottom of the hollow bulb communicate with respective water inlet ducts. When the bulb is dipped in water standing in the bucket to be cleaned, the water will flow upwardly through the inlet ducts to be collected inside the bulb. A rotational force generated by the drill is imparted to the bulb by way of the shaft to cause the bulb to spin at high speed. As the spinning bulb is lifted out of the standing water and moved along the sides of the bucket, the water collected at the interior of the bulb will be expelled therefrom through outlet ports in order to moisten the cleaning bristles and the residue on the bucket to be removed by the bristles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Grant Jones
  • Patent number: 7566366
    Abstract: A coverslipping machine (1) for applying coverslipping agent and a coverslip onto a specimen slide is described. A hollow needle (2), which is embodied to be movable via a guide (4) into a working position for application of the coverslipping agent from a reservoir (3) onto the specimen slide, is additionally movable via the guide (4) into a parked position. A cleaning device (5) for the hollow needle (2) is arranged at the parked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventor: Uwe Kiene
  • Publication number: 20090144917
    Abstract: A device for cleaning a container, a tank or a silo, is provided with a cleaning unit suspended by rope sections and between winding units comprising a wound supply of rope. By changing the length of the sections by the winding devices under control of a controller the cleaning unit can be lifted and lowered, tilted and pressed against the inside wall of said container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Straintec AG
    Inventor: Martin Ryffel
  • Patent number: 7543354
    Abstract: Brush head for cleaning a vessel and use in an automatic dissolution vessel cleaning apparatus which includes a rotatable shaft defining a through passage, an upper end of which is operatively connected to a vacuum source, an inflow housing having at least one channel through which cleaning fluid is pumped and to which the shaft is rotatably mounted, and a brush assembly mounted on the shaft below the housing such that a lower end of the passage is situated below the brush assembly. In use, when the brush head is inserted into the vessel, cleaning fluid is directed through the channel(s) into the vessel while the shaft rotates causing the brush assembly to rotate and clean an inner wall of the vessel with fluid in the vessel being drawn into the passage via its lower end upon coupling of its upper end to the vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Logan Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Luke Lee, Yu Sheng Zhang
  • Publication number: 20090044322
    Abstract: The present invention generally comprises of a main body having a frame that attaches to a rim of a toilet bowl; a container coupled to the main body capable of holding a cleaning solution; a dispenser coupled to the container to spray the cleaning solution; an electric motor coupled to the main body; at least one brushing arm attached to the main body, a power source for powering the electric motor; and at least one moving wheel driven by a motor such that when the main body is attached to the rim, the wheel is in engaging contact with a surface of the rim. The dispenser is positioned and angled in a manner to spray the cleaning solution onto an inside wall of the toilet bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Bolivar Nunez, Isabel Chavez
  • Publication number: 20080250584
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning containers on a construction site comprises an armature having a cylindrical body with an end wall. The armature is covered with a scrubbing material and is constructed for attachment to a shaft rotated by a power source such as a hand-held power drill. The armature includes keying structure that precludes rotation relative to the shaft. In one embodiment, the legs of a stirring paddle at the distal region of the shaft are inserted into corners of a square cylindrical armature to key them together. In another embodiment, the armature is constructed of a circular cylindrical body with identical end caps attached thereto, and the end caps are keyed to the shaft. A user handle may be mounted on the shaft to provide better control of the apparatus during a cleaning operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Robert J. Farkas, Robert J. Farkas, Glenn D. Farkas
  • Publication number: 20080089764
    Abstract: A combined truck and garbage container sanitizing system includes a truck with a rearwardly positioned collection bin provided with a support platform nested therein. Such a collection bin has an open top end. The system further includes a controller seated within a driver compartment of the truck, and a mechanism for selectively biasing the garbage container between an upright position from the curbside to an inverted position located partially within the collection bin of the truck while a driver of the truck remains seated within the truck. A mechanism is included for cleaning an interior surface of the garbage container while situated at the inverted position such that fluids and debris are channeled directly into the collection bin during cleaning procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Felix Vistro
  • Patent number: 7003843
    Abstract: A garbage can cleaning system for cleaning a garbage can after garbage has been removed from the garbage can. The garbage can cleaning system includes a platform assembly being designed for being positioned on a vehicle, such as a flatbed trailer. The platform assembly is designed for storing fluid to be used for cleaning the garbage can. At least one fluid distribution assembly is coupled to the platform assembly. The fluid distribution assembly is designed for being in fluid communication with the fluid stored by the platform assembly whereby the fluid distribution assembly is for spraying the fluid into the garbage can to facilitate cleaning of the garbage can. At least one scrubbing assembly is coupled to the platform assembly. The scrubbing assembly is designed for scrubbing an interior of the garbage can to remove debris from the interior of the garbage can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Mitchell Moore
  • Publication number: 20040194239
    Abstract: Washing apparatus for cleaning shipping containers or similar constructions. A rotating sprayer or brush unit is provided along with at least two other sprayer units so as to enable a container to be cleaned on all faces including the twist-lock cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald Anthony MacDonald
  • Patent number: 6779317
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for effecting the formation of a packaged food product with the food being contained within a receptacle having a cover adhered to the receptacle. Prior to securing the cover to the receptacle, the surface that is to be sealed to the cover is cleaned by wiping with towel material. The towel material is advanced from a supply to a cleaning position to wipe a cover engaging surface to remove at least a portion of contaminants or foreign material present on the container, thereby improving adhesion of the cover to the receptacle. Towel material can be advanced from time to time from the supply to a take-up mechanism to present clean or fresh towel material at predetermined intervals. A method for cleaning container-sealing surfaces is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Wilhelm, John E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6769150
    Abstract: An optical connector cleaning device for cleaning a ferrule end surface of an optical or fiberoptic connector is described. The device includes a cleaning rod, a drive mechanism, and a cleaning media, such as a swab, a brush, a pad, or a foam, connected to an end of the cleaning rod and having a thickness past the end of the cleaning rod of at least about 0.125 inches. A mating connector housing the cleaning rod may be provided for connecting with the optical connector. The drive mechanism may be housed in a handheld body or may be mounted on a dummy card connector physically compatible with a slot in a card-cage. The dummy card connector may include an adjustable frame which can be adjusted to modify card size in order for the same dummy card connector to be physically compatible with more than one physical slot configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Alcatel, Societe Anonyme
    Inventors: Kechuan Liu, Shawn Legas
  • Patent number: 6530104
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus suitable for cleaning pots comprising a drive, a shaft assembly, and at least one (1) pad attached to the shaft assembly. The drive rotates the shaft assembly which rotates the at least one (1) pad which is capable of scouring a pot surface held against the rotating pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Jerome T. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6336239
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a bin includes an elongate rotatable stem locatable within the bin, the stem provided with a number of nozzles for spraying cleaning fluid onto the inside of the bin. The stem also includes an array of brushes along a portion of its length for contacting the inside surface of the bin. A laterally extending arm is provided at one end of the stem and carries a number of brushes to contact the inside of bottom wall of the bin. A hydraulic motor is located at an opposite end of the stem for providing motive force to cause the stem to rotate about an axis coincident with its length. In use, the bin is held in an inverted state over the stem. As the stem rotates cleaning fluid is sprayed through nozzles and the brushes scrub the inside surface of the bin to clean the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Norman William Cooper
  • Patent number: 6047432
    Abstract: A disposal brush includes a plate having a hub and a handle for manipulating the disposal brush secured to the hub. Depending from the plate is a support frame carrying elongated bristles thereon. The support frame, which is made at least in part from a resilient material, includes a central portion secured to the plate and side arm portions extending downwardly and outwardly from the central portion. The ends of the side arm portions are each bent inwardly. In use, when the bristles on the side arms engage the inner side wall of the disposal unit, the side arms are urged inwardly. The reaction of the resilient side arms is to urge the bristles thereon more firmly against the inner wall of the disposal unit so as to enhance the cleaning thereof. The bristles on the inwardly bent portions will engage the top wall of the disposal as the disposal brush is withdrawn from the disposal so as to help clean the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Sode
  • Patent number: 5384931
    Abstract: An apparatus dislodges material from a rotating brush having a brush axis and elongated bristles extending outwardly therefrom. The apparatus includes an obstruction device for temporarily obstructing free rotation of the bristles about the brush axis such that the bristles are placed in spring tension as the brush rotates. The obstruction device releases the bristles when sufficient spring tension exists therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Bake Star, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas R. Hanson
  • Patent number: 5371911
    Abstract: A drum processing apparatus serves to purge and decontaminate successive product-containing storage drums. The drum processing apparatus includes a drum deheading station, a drum emptying station, and at least one drum cleaning station. The drum deheading station includes high frequency torch or non-flammable cutting device for removing a lid of the drum to provide an opening at one end of the drum. The drum emptying station includes a drum invertor for emptying the contents of the drum through the opening in the drum. The drum cleaning stations are located downstream of the drum emptying station, and function to remove contaminants from the interior and exterior surfaces of the drum. A drum table moves the successive drums downstream from the drum deheading station to the drum emptying station and the drum cleaning station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Industrial Piping, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles H. Mullinax
  • Patent number: 5354542
    Abstract: In the manufacture of chemical products, foods, pharmaceuticals and the like, a movable tank (201) mounted on a conveying vehicle (100) movable along conveyance courses (1, 1') between a plurality of stations (11-16) for unit processes such as mixing and reaction is transferred between relative stations by a transferring device provided on the conveying vehicle, to thereby successively perform necessary processes, thus meeting the needs of a multi-product/small-lot production. An automatic connection device is provided for supplying electric power and fluid to the movable tank. Furthermore, when necessary, a traverser device (2) for transferring the movable tank is provided between one conveyance course (1) and another conveyance course (1'). Further, a washing device is provided for washing the movable tank after the completion of the processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Asahi Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Tanaka, Kaneo Masuda, Mituo Eziri, Mamoru Sindome, Yositomo Hujiwara, Tomohiro Kiyoda
  • Patent number: 5286301
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of a vessel which includes a cleaning head supported and guided into the vessel by a rigid air shaft. The cleaning head is supplied with a process fluid and directs and removes the process fluid from a cleaning zone located on the interior surface of the vessel. The process fluid is heated by a heat exchanger hose assembly that is connected to the air shaft. The apparatus utilizes turbulent fluid flow, thermal shock, ultrasonic vibration and/or piezoelectric vibration to dislodge particulates from the inner surfaces of the vessel. The apparatus is useful for cleaning chemical vapor deposition reactors and other similar vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: C.V.D. System Cleaners Corporation
    Inventor: John W. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 5239722
    Abstract: A pan scrubber apparatus is provided that cleans bakery pans with displaced brush bristle action. The pan scrubber includes a moveable frame that is attached to a stationary frame. A brush is mounted to the moveable frame and has elongated bristles extending outwardly. An oscillatory drive is connected to the movable frame to oscillate the brush toward and away from the outer surfaces of the pan causing the bristles to be moved in a substantially longitudinal direction of the bristles so ends of the bristles are moved against the outer surfaces of the pan intermittently. A rotational drive is further connected to the brush to rotate the brush. A bristle contact bar placed adjacent the brush temporarily impedes rotation of the bristles to effectuate cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Bake Star, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas R. Hanson
  • Patent number: 5222269
    Abstract: A mac provided for cleaning a propane tank or the like during rotation of the same about its axis while being rotated upon a carriage when the carriage is reciprocated into and out of a cleaning chamber, the cleaning is achieved by two brushes which clean an end of the tank and a peripheral wall thereof by rotating about generally parallel horizontal axes, the brushes are driven from a single reversible electric motor, and appropriate drive connections are provided from the motor to reciprocate the carriage and rotate rollers which rotate the tank during the cleaning thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Inventor: Reid W. Walker
  • Patent number: 5116183
    Abstract: An unloading apparatus comprises a supporting frame, a railroad disposed on the bottom of the supporting frame for an open freight car with freight, a pair of belting members hung on the upper portion of the supporting frame, and a moving member including pivotal rods with a shoveling member, whereby when the moving member moves forward and backward along the pair of belting members, the freight are automatically unloaded through a plurality of outlets of the open freight car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventor: Sang H. Lee
  • Patent number: 5109562
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of a vessel which includes a cleaning head supported and guided into the vessel by a rigid air shaft. The cleaning head is supplied with a process fluid and directs and removes the process fluid from a cleaning zone located on the interior surface of the vessel. The process fluid is heated by a heat exchanger hose assembly that is connected to the air shaft. The apparatus utilizes turbulent fluid flow, thermal shock, ultrasonic vibration and/or piezoelectric vibration to dislodge particulates from the inner surfaces of the vessel. The apparatus is useful for cleaning chemical vapor deposition reactors and other similar vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: C.V.D. System Cleaners Corporation
    Inventor: John W. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 4979255
    Abstract: An apparatus for scrubbing and scraping the surface of a grill or the like utilizes a rotating head having a first member to which a scrubbing pad is attached and a second member to which a scraper is attached. The second member is movably attached to the first member for movement between a first position at which rotation of the head engagably moves both the scrubbing pad and the scraper across the surface being cleaned and a second position at which rotation of the head engagably moves only the scrubbing pad across the surface being cleaned. The apparatus also includes a detergent application system for dispensing liquid detergent over the region of the grill surface being cleaned and a vacuum system for removing spent detergent and materials, such as grease and grime, loosened from the surface by the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Inventor: Kamal M. Buchnag
  • Patent number: 4884958
    Abstract: An apparatus for setting up a concrete form for the subsequent forming of a concrete member therein. The apparatus for setting up the concrete form includes a deck brush for cleaning the deck portions of an elongated concrete form, stem brushes for cleaning the stem portions of the concrete form, nozzles for spraying pressurized lubrication fluid onto the form, strand pulling and placing devices for placing reinforcing strands in the stem portions of the concrete form, rams for depressing the strands down into the stem portions after tensioning thereof, and a deck reinforcing material dispensing system which simultaneously straightens and dispenses deck wire onto the deck portion of the concrete form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: Lowndes Corporation
    Inventors: William Lowndes, III, Francis V. Gay, II, Benjamin A. Gay
  • Patent number: 4835811
    Abstract: A mobile washing machine for washing vertical surfaces includes a brush rotatable about a vertical axis mounted on a framework adapted to be carried on the forks of a fork lift truck. The framework carries a tank for the washing fluid and a pump to pump the fluid to a series of spray nozzles. The brush is driven by a hydraulic motor supplied with hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic system on the fork lift truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Inventor: Arthur G. Crowhurst
  • Patent number: 4791693
    Abstract: A corn silking apparatus designed to remove the silk from ears of corn, which is characterized by a housing containing a drive gear and a driven, or idler gear. The drive gear is driven by an electric motor and carries a drive shaft and the idler gear carries an idler shaft, which drive shaft and idler shaft are spaced from each other in parallel relationship and each receive a pair of brushes that rotate in different directions. The silk is removed from individual ears of corn by placing the ears on top of and between the rotating brushes. In a first preferred embodiment, the drive shaft and idler shaft extend through the housing and are journalled for rotation in bushings located in a removable front plate and a rear end plate and the motor is located externally of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Inventor: Billy J. Kvaternik
  • Patent number: 4774737
    Abstract: A tray scrubber for plastic baked product trays or pans which automatically scrubs and cleans the bottom and sides of the tray, both on the interior and the exterior. A first pair of sides is cleaned in a first station as the tray travels along the machine and the interior of the tray is then brushed and subjected to a water spray. The tray is automatically rotated 90.degree., about an upright axis so that the sides that were originally leading and trailing in direction of movement are now along the edges of the conveyor moving the trays, and can be scrubbed on the exterior as well. The process is very rapid, and because it is fully automatic, can process a large number of trays for complete scrubbing in a short period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: Oliver Products Company
    Inventor: Douglas R. Hanson
  • Patent number: 4718137
    Abstract: A cargo container wall and top lid washing machine has multiple rotating cylindrical sweeper brushes which are hydraulically rotated by detergent-water solution pumped throughout one or more water turbines, powered by electric motors, and water pumps. The multiple rotating sweeper brushes are planarly do-disposed and secured in a planar frame means, providing simultaneous scrubbing of the inside and outside walls of the multiple container lids and the inside and outside walls of the cargp container. The multiple rotating sweeper brushes can be simultaneously lowered around the set of open lids and into and outside of the cargo container walls. Multiple throttle valves control the flow rate of detergent cleaning solution to each cylindrical brush, the brushes being rotated by centrifugal rotating water turbine motors, whose hollow central shafts are extended to bearing journals disposed in paired, opposed, pivoted long, hollow tubular support mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Inventor: John L. Jones
  • Patent number: 4635312
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning containers which includes a tank for holding a cleaning fluid. A rack which includes clamps for clamping the containers to be cleaned is movable from a loading position in an upper portion of the tank by sliding engagement with a track to a cleaning position in a lower portion of the tank wherein the brushes are in cleaning engagement with the containers. The rack is pivotable whereby the containers may be loaded in an upright position in the rack and may thereafter be pivoted to a sliding position wherein the rack slides downwardly along the track to its cleaning position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Inventor: William L. Byers
  • Patent number: 4578837
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus (10) is disclosed for cleaning the leg sections (16) of forms such as a double leg form (12). A plurality of individual cleaning brushes (76) are positioned along the length of a brush shaft (64). The brush shaft (64) and cleaning brushes (76) are rotated and the cleaning brushes (76) are urged against the sloping sides (24) of the leg section (16) to clean the sides. As the brushes wear, they can be moved along the shaft in the direction where the sides slope together to obtain maximum use from the brushes. When a brush has become too worn to be effective, it is removed from the section of the brush shaft adjacent the end plate (84). Replacement brushes can be added to the brush shaft adjacent the locking nut (88).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Assignee: Hamilton Equipment Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward P. Baer