Abstract: A water-abrasive suspension cutting facility includes a high-pressure source (3) for providing (301) water at a high pressure, a high-pressure conduit (5) which is connected to the high-pressure source (3), a pressure tank for providing (303) a water-abrasive agent suspension (13) which is at a high pressure, a lock chamber (21) which is designed to temporarily be at a high pressure and temporarily at a low pressure, and a filling valve (23) for filling (311) the lock chamber when this is at a low pressure. A pump (31) at the suction side is fluid-connected to the lock chamber in a manner capable of being shut off, in a manner such that given high pressure in the lock chamber (21) the pump is shut off from this and given low pressure in the lock chamber (21) the pump is in the position of sucking an abrasive agent suspension through the filling valve (23) into the lock chamber (21).

Abstract: A wet media blasting system with a water injection system that provides more uniform distribution of the water, air and media components for achieving better application of the mixture while minimizing the amount of water required to contain and minimize or eliminate airborne particulate matter such as dust produced during the blasting operation. By more thoroughly mixing the water into the abrasive/water mix, the amount of water required is reduced. The abrasive feed is placed and shaped to optimize spray coverage and minimize abrasive flow into injection space thus mitigating water nozzle clogs. The abrasive flow is shaped as it is released from the metering valve in order to tighten the abrasive flow before it enters into the blast air stream. The shaped and tightened abrasive flow is maintained at the lower portion of the blast air stream. This positions the abrasive flow in optimum placement for spray wetting the abrasive as it flows into and through the nozzle.

Abstract: An abrasive slurry delivery system configured to discharge a high pressure mixture of water (30) and abrasives (54, 54?) for further admixture with a flow of high pressure water (30) to generate an abrasive slurry and ultimately an abrasive slurry jet is provided. The delivery system includes a storage chamber (56), a discharge chamber (58) and a shuttle chamber (60) positioned therebetween. The shuttle chamber (60) is configured to intermittently receive abrasives (54) from the storage chamber (56) and intermittently supply the abrasives (54, 54?) mixed with high pressure water (30) to the discharge chamber (58) to be selectively discharged therefrom. High pressure abrasive slurry cutting systems and related methods are also provided.

Abstract: An independent safety warning and notification system for sandblasting operations that require an operator of a blasting hose to be remotely positioned to the blasting pot operator. A dedicated activation switch assembly is secured to an existing sandblast hose with a separate dead man switch or alternately with an integrated dead man switch allowing the blast nozzle operator to communicate critical information to the pot operator. A warning notification light display and audible alarm assembly with a remotely positional warning light alarm is selectively secured near the pot operator for notification that a prescribed predetermined action has been requested by the blast nozzle operator or an emergency situation by activation of the switch assembly.

Abstract: There is described a media metering valve (18) comprising a main body (21) having a media inlet (26), a central bore (24) extending through the main body (21), said media inlet (26) being in communication with the central bore (24) and a chamber (28) formed in communication with the central bore (24). A base member (23) attachable to the main body (21), the base member (23) having a central passage (27) extending therethrough, said central passage (27) extending orthogonal to the central bore (24) of the main body and being in fluid communication with said central bore (24). A cap member (22) is mounted to the main body (21) so as to substantially enclose the chamber (28). A piston (30) is movably mounted within the chamber (28). The piston (30) having a plunger member (31) rigidly connected thereto, the plunger member (31) being positioned within the central bore (24) to move in a reciprocal manner therein under action of the piston (30).

Abstract: A combined spray and vacuum nozzle includes a nozzle housing containing a powder supply passage and a vacuum withdrawal passage, where the powder supply passage and the vacuum withdrawal passage are arranged in a side-by-side relationship. The nozzle housing has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion features a spray port in communication with the powder supply passage and a vacuum port in communication with the vacuum withdrawal passage. The spray port is positioned adjacent to the vacuum port. The proximal end portion of the nozzle housing adapted to communicate with a source of aspirated powder and a vacuum source so that the powder supply passage communicates with the source of aspirated powder and the vacuum withdrawal passage communicates with the vacuum source.

Abstract: An abrasive jet cutting system may include a differential pressure measurement apparatus configured to measure a differential pressure between points in an abrasive supply system. The differential pressure may be used to determine one or more conditions of the jet and the abrasive delivery. The measured differential pressure may be used in a feedback control system, feed forward control system, and/or an alarm or safety system.

Abstract: A water jets cutting machine includes a first rotating seat driven by a first motor to rotate about a first rotation axis, a second rotating seat driven by a second motor to rotate about a second axis, a water jets cutting head, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for detecting an inclination angle of the water jets cutting head, and a controller connecting the first and second motors and the IMU. The controller is able to control the first and second motors to instantaneously conduct compensation for angular deviation of the water jets cutting head according to attitude and position signals which are fed back to the controller by the IMU.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a mobile wet-abrasive blasting system used for cleaning, preparing surfaces, removing coatings, and other abrasive blasting applications. The wet abrasive basting system has a blast pot that includes pilot-controlled pneumatics to control the loading, pressurizing, de-pressurizing, and wash down functions. The wet-abrasive blasting system also uses a floating bung in conjunction with a vent mechanism to further automate the pressurizing steps in setting up the system. The wet-abrasive blasting system also uses pilot-controlled pneumatics to decide the blasting function options of just water, just air, or water/abrasive mix and air. Wet-abrasive blasting systems mix an abrasive media with water and convey the mix to meet compressed air and direct through a blast hose and nozzle.

Abstract: A method of polishing includes polishing a layer of a substrate, monitoring the layer of the substrate with an in-situ monitoring system to generate signal that depends on a thickness of the layer, filtering the signal to generate a filtered signal, determining an adjusted threshold value from an original threshold value and a time delay value representative of time required for filtering the signal, and triggering a polishing endpoint when the filtered signal crosses the adjusted threshold value.

Abstract: An abrasive jet system for producing an abrasive cutting jet is provided. The system includes a source of abrasive suspension connected via a conduit to a cutting head. A source of displacement fluid is provided to flush abrasive suspension in the conduit towards the source of abrasive suspension, when the pressure at the source of abrasive suspension is below the pressure at the source of displacement fluid and no water jet is present in the cutting head. Also provided is a method for suspending a settled or partly settled bed of abrasive.

Abstract: A water-abrasive suspension cutting facility with at least one high-pressure source (2) which provides a carrier fluid at a high pressure, with at least one exit nozzle (6), with a high-pressure conduit (4) connecting the high-pressure source (2) to the exit nozzle (6), as well as with an abrasive agent feed lock (16). The abrasive agent feed lock (16) is connected to the high-pressure conduit (4) and includes an entry side shut-off element (26) and an exit-side shut-off element (24). A lock chamber (18) is arranged between the entry side shut-off element (26) and an exit-side shut-off element (24). A suction device (30) is configured for producing a reduced pressure in the lock chamber (18) and is connected to the lock chamber (18).

Abstract: A polishing system and method for polishing a channel formed within a component is disclosed. The polishing system may include a tooling element operable to be positioned within a recess formed partially through a component. The tooling element may include an outer surface having a geometry corresponding to a geometry of the recess formed in the component. The tooling element forms a channel between the recess of the component and the tooling element when positioned in the recess. The system may also include a first member in fluid communication with a first opening of the channel, and a second member in fluid communication with a second opening of the channel. The second opening may be in fluid communication with the first opening via the channel. Additionally, the first and second member may be configured to continuously vary a pressure within the channel to move an abrasive slurry within the channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dispensing dry ice snow, comprising a storage container (10) for receiving dry ice snow and vibrating means (102) and/or scraping means (103). An insert plate (105) with through-openings (106) is provided. The insert plate is located in the interior of the storage container (10), divides the storage container (10) into two regions, and can be set vibrating by means of the vibrating means (102) and/or scraped by means of the scraping means (103).

Abstract: A method of shot peening according to the present invention includes: placing a jig having an appropriate dimension at one face side of a stamped workpiece; and performing shot peening on another face side of the workpiece in a state where the jig is placed at the one face side of the workpiece, and conforming the workpiece to the jig. At this time, the shot peening may be performed in such a way that residual stresses in the inner side and the outer side of the curved part of the workpiece will become compressive stresses.

Abstract: A containment system the operator to contain, see, blast, and reclaim the grit or abrasives used to strip external surfaces of a pipe, rod, or substantially cylindrical object. The containment chamber or housing is constructed of sections that can be quickly assembled to encapsulate such objects. The grit reclamation or recovery system of the invention is operable to be used in connection with objects that are positioned in a vertical, horizontal, or angled orientation. The containment housing is assembled from sections to encapsulate pipe to contain the dust and grit while blasting. The containment housing has inflatable seals that seal and grip around the pipe. Nozzle control and access as well as vision access are provided to allow the operator to control where the pipe will be blasted and the intensity of the blast. The containment system has a centrifugal grit reclamation design that will work in vertical, horizontal and angular orientation.

Abstract: Particle delivery apparatuses for use in abrasive-jet systems and associated apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed. A particle delivery apparatus configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a cutting head, a gas inlet, and a control junction. An abrasive delivery path extends from a particle hopper toward the cutting head. A gas flow path extends from the gas inlet toward the cutting head. The control junction is configured to collect abrasive particles in a pile that blocks a flow of abrasive particles along the abrasive delivery path. The pile forms when a gas flow rate through a free space around the pile and a pressure differential between the hopper and the abrasive delivery path downstream from the control junction are insufficient to partially or entirely displace the pile.

Abstract: A waterjet assembly for an entrainment waterjet cutting head device comprises a passaged component adapted to be connected to a source of pressurised water and a waterjet nozzle for converting water pressure energy to kinetic energy to form a high velocity waterjet. The waterjet nozzle comprises superhard material and has a contracting bore. The passaged component and the waterjet nozzle are arranged such that pressurised water from the source flows through the passaged component to and through the contracting bore in the waterjet nozzle to generate the high speed waterjet. In use of the waterjet assembly, the outlet face of the passaged component is sealingly forced against the upstream face of the waterjet nozzle.

Abstract: A method to interrupt the operation of a cutting jet exiting a cutting head having a nozzle is designed such that the cutting jet is laterally supplied with interfering means as needed following the nozzle exit which reduces the energy density of the cutting jet.

Abstract: A blasting system having a pressure control circuit that automatically sets and balances pressures in the system to provide a more efficient blasting process. The pressure control circuits provide the ability and enable an operator to more easily and efficiently set the operating pressures of a wet abrasive blasting system, for example, for various blasting processes and easily obtain a consistent blast stream flow. Embodiments of the invention provide an accurate, simple, and intuitive control of the pressure supply system. In specific embodiments, the pressure control circuit controls both the supply pressure to an air driven water pump and the pressurized air supply to slurry mixer by setting only one of these pressures. In certain other embodiments of the pressure control circuit, both pressures may be set through operation of a single, multi-port selector valve.

Abstract: A dual control shut off system, such as a dead man system for a blasting system, blasting equipment, or other equipment having both pneumatic and electric safety control circuits, may include an electric dead man's switch or a pneumatic dead man's switch. An embodiment of the dual control dead man system is for wet abrasive blasting systems used for cleaning, preparing surfaces, removing coatings, and/or other abrasive blasting operations. Embodiments of the dual control shut off system provide the ability to conveniently switch between an electric and pneumatic shut off system.

Abstract: Wet abrasive systems typically have a combination of equipment, controls, and piping systems that allow various fluid flows to be controlled in order to provide the various operations. A fluid control circuit is used to provide fluid to the correct locations for each operation. A fluid control circuit has a multiport selector valve. The selector valve allows selective fluid communication between the fluid inlet and either a first fluid outlet or a second fluid outlet. A first piping system is in fluid communication with the first fluid outlet and a second piping system is in fluid communication with the second fluid outlet. The fluid control circuit may also have jumper piping system between the first piping system and the second piping system. The combination of a multiport selector and the piping systems provide a convenient blast system to operate.

Abstract: An abrasive blasting apparatus comprises a blast pot, a blast media valve fluidly connected to said blast media outlet of the blast pot, a source of pressurized gas, a proportional air valve in fluid communication with the blast media valve and the source of pressurized air, a hose having a blast nozzle at a distal end thereof, and a main control unit fluidly connected to the blast media valve and the air valve. The blast media valve comprises a housing having a blasting media intake, a plunger disposed within the housing, a sleeve disposed between the housing and the plunger, a blast media port in the sleeve, a casing fixedly connected to the housing, a piston disposed within the casing and connected to the plunger, and a base member fixedly connected to the housing. The plunger is movable by the piston with respect to the blast media port.

Abstract: A dual control shut off system, such as a dead man system for a blasting system, blasting equipment, or other equipment having both pneumatic and electric safety control circuits, may include an electric dead man's switch or a pneumatic dead man's switch. An embodiment of the dual control dead man system is for wet abrasive blasting systems used for cleaning, preparing surfaces, removing coatings, and/or other abrasive blasting operations. Embodiments of the dual control shut off system provide the ability to conveniently switch between an electric and pneumatic shut off system.

Abstract: A media control valve includes a body, a plunger assembly of multiple components housed in the body with a plunger control valve cap assembly secured to the body for housing a control knob. The body and the plunger assembly include resilient seals between adjacent multiple components of the body and the plunger assembly, respectively, to permit relative movement therebetween. A diaphragm physically isolates and seals the chambers above and below. All of the plunger seals and bushings held within the sleeve. Replacement seals and bushings can be replaced and inspected with relative ease due to the accessibility at both ends of the sleeve. Component parts are assembled using resilient seals to facilitate assembly and repair.

Abstract: The blowdown silencing system includes an initial restrictor in communication with a blast pot vessel for controlling the flow of pressurized air from the vessel into a first expansion chamber. The outlet of the first expansion chamber is in communication with a reducer. The reducer outlet is in communication with a shut-off valve, which may be manually controlled or automatic. The shut-off valve may be upstream or downstream of the reducer. The outlet of the reducer/shut-off valve is introduced into a muffler system which includes an exhaust path and a deflector for absorbing and/or deflecting abrasive particles which may be evacuated from the blast pot vessel during blowdown.

Abstract: Waterjet systems including control valves and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. A waterjet system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a fluid source, a jet outlet, and a fluid conveyance extending from the fluid source to the jet outlet. The system further includes a control valve positioned along the fluid conveyance downstream from the fluid source and upstream from the jet outlet. The fluid conveyance has a first portion upstream from the control valve and a second portion downstream from the control valve. The control valve is configured to controllably reduce a pressure of fluid within the second portion of the fluid conveyance relative to a pressure of fluid within the first portion of the fluid conveyance. The first portion of the fluid conveyance is configured to accommodate movement of the jet outlet relative to the fluid source.

Abstract: Control valves for waterjet systems, control-valve actuators, waterjet systems, methods for operating waterjet systems, and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. A control valve configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a first seat having a tapered inner surface, a second seat having a contact surface, and an elongated pin having a shaft portion and an end portion. The pin is movable relative to the first and second seats between a shutoff position and one or more throttling positions. When the pin is at the shutoff position, the end portion of the pin is in contact with the contact surface. When the pin is at the throttling position, the end portion of the pin is spaced apart from the contact surface and the tapered inner surface and the shaft portion of the pin at least partially define a throttling gap.

Abstract: Wet abrasive systems typically have a combination of equipment, controls, and piping systems that allow various fluid flows to be controlled in order to provide the various operations. A fluid control circuit is used to provide fluid to the correct locations for each operation. A fluid control circuit has a multiport selector valve. The selector valve allows selective fluid communication between the fluid inlet and either a first fluid outlet or a second fluid outlet. A first piping system is in fluid communication with the first fluid outlet and a second piping system is in fluid communication with the second fluid outlet. The fluid control circuit may also have jumper piping system between the first piping system and the second piping system. The combination of a multiport selector and the piping systems provide a convenient blast system to operate.

Abstract: A system and a method for removing a coating from a substrate. The system provides a compressed air source, a heated water source, a particulate cleaning medium source, and a mixing valve including an air input, a water input, and a particulate cleaning medium input. The inputs are positioned on the valve so that the water input is positioned downstream of the compressed air input, and the particulate cleaning medium input is positioned downstream of both the compressed air and water inputs. The method of mixing the air, water, and particulate cleaning medium provides a coating removal mixture having a volumetric ratio of air to water of at least 100:1 and a volumetric ratio of air to particulate cleaning medium of at least 70:1.

Abstract: A blasting device includes a flow passage (14) for a carrier gas, the flow passage (14) forming a blasting nozzle (12) at its downstream end, and a supply line (22) for liquid CO2, the supply line opening out into an expansion chamber (26) that is coaxially accommodated in the flow passage (14), the expansion chamber (26) being formed by a pipe (20) that is held at its upstream end by a holder (18) which is passed by the flow of carrier gas in the flow passage, and in that the supply line (22) extends through the holder (18) in transverse direction of the flow passage and opens into an expansion valve (24) that extends in parallel with the axis of the flow passage (14).

Abstract: An abrasive blasting apparatus comprises a blast pot, a blast media valve fluidly connected to said blast media outlet of the blast pot, a source of pressurized gas, a proportional air valve in fluid communication with the blast media valve and the source of pressurized air, a hose having a blast nozzle at a distal end thereof, and a main control unit fluidly connected to the blast media valve and the air valve. The blast media valve comprises a housing having a blasting media intake, a plunger disposed within the housing, a sleeve disposed between the housing and the plunger, a blast media port in the sleeve, a casing fixedly connected to the housing, a piston disposed within the casing and connected to the plunger, and a base member fixedly connected to the housing. The plunger is movable by the piston with respect to the blast media port.

Abstract: A machine has a head with a nozzle, a pipe for supplying water under pressure to the nozzle, and a duct for supplying an abrasive agent, and adding it to the jet of water under pressure. The duct has a first duct portion, fixed with respect to the head in the movements of rotation about a main axis, and a second duct portion, which is fixed with respect to the movements of rotation. A rotating distributor connects the first rotating portion with the second fixed portion of the duct for supplying the abrasive agent. The distributor's stator and rotor are rotatably mounted on one another without the interposition of seal rings and define between them an internal chamber that is substantially at atmospheric pressure and from which the abrasive agent drops by gravity to a duct outlet that converges into the pipe for supplying water under pressure.

Abstract: A system and a method for removing a coating from a substrate. The system provides a compressed air source, a heated water source, a particulate cleaning medium source, and a mixing valve including an air input, a water input, and a particulate cleaning medium input. The inputs are positioned on the valve so that the water input is positioned downstream of the compressed air input, and the particulate cleaning medium input is positioned downstream of both the compressed air and water inputs. The method of mixing the air, water, and particulate cleaning medium provides a coating removal mixture having a volumetric ratio of air to water of at least 100:1 and a volumetric ratio of air to particulate cleaning medium of at least 70:1.

Abstract: An abrasive water jet processing machine for jetting a fluid and performing a cutting includes a fluid supply device, an abrasive supply device, an injection pressure controller, wherein the abrasive supply device includes a reservoir hopper consisting of a pressure vessel for reserving the abrasive, an abrasive supply tube for communicating with the reservoir hopper and the nozzle, and an air purge device for supplying compressed air to the abrasive supply tube and the reservoir hopper; the injection pressure controller performs a two-stage control of controlling injection pressure in a piercing; and the air purge device includes a flow pressure controller for controlling flow pressure of compressed air passing through the abrasive supply tube, wherein the flow pressure controller controls the flow pressure in the piercing to be higher than that in the cutting.

Abstract: The blowdown silencing system includes an initial restrictor in communication with a blast pot vessel for controlling the flow of pressurized air from the vessel into a first expansion chamber. The outlet of the first expansion chamber is in communication with a reducer. The reducer outlet is in communication with a shut-off valve, which may be manually controlled or automatic. The shut-off valve may be upstream or downstream of the reducer. The outlet of the reducer/shut-off valve is introduced into a muffler system which includes an exhaust path and a deflector for absorbing and/or deflecting abrasive particles which may be evacuated from the blast pot vessel during blowdown.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program product for modifying a surface of a component is provided. In use, a surface of a component is translated relative to at least one jet for a period of time to form a plurality of features thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blasting device for premixed abrasive slurry jet. The device comprise a cylinder, in which defines a hydraulic oil side and a slurry side separated from each other hermetically, and the hydraulic oil side and the slurry side have ports for oil or slurry entry in and out respectively; hydraulic medium feeding system which is connected to the port of the cylinder for oil entry in and out through oil pipe; slurry jet system which is connected to the port of the cylinder for slurry entry in and out through slurry pipe; said cylinder has a sealed bladder to separate the hydraulic oil side and the slurry side. Friction between bladder and body become very little, as the slurry is ejected from the nozzle by utilizing the transformation of the bladder. So service life of the blasting device becomes longer. Furthermore, if the bladder mangles due to wear for use a long time, bladder can be renewed only. It is not necessary to renew the whole cylinder.

Abstract: A system and a method for removing a coating from a substrate. The system provides a compressed air source, a heated water source, a particulate cleaning medium source, and a mixing valve including an air input, a water input, and a particulate cleaning medium input. The inputs are positioned on the valve so that the water input is positioned downstream of the compressed air input, and the particulate cleaning medium input is positioned downstream of both the compressed air and water inputs. The method of mixing the air, water, and particulate cleaning medium provides a coating removal mixture having a volumetric ratio of air to water of at least 100:1 and a volumetric ratio of air to particulate cleaning medium of at least 70:1.

Abstract: A fluid jet system providing a hydraulic induction manifold for at least two valves. The manifold is positioned “upstream” of an abrasives holding tank, so that no abrasive material flows through the valves and the manifold. The valves and the manifold provide pressurized fluid for at least two different flows: (1) a primary fluid flow and (2) an abrasive material flow through the abrasives holding tank. The two flows are merged again at a junction to provide a fluid flow having a predetermined abrasive-to-fluid mixture ratio. The manifold balances the pressure of the two different flows using a preset geometric relationship between the two different output flow paths associated with the valves.

Abstract: A fluid jet assembly includes a non-pressurized lance barrel through which a high pressure hose (“a lance hose”) is threaded and anchored at the distal end of the lance barrel relative to an operator's position. The other end of the lance hose is coupled to a high pressure fluid source. The fluid is fed into the lance hose and transported to the output of the lance barrel, where it is discharged as a fluid jet stream. A nozzle is mounted at the output of the lance barrel to control the characteristics of the fluid jet flowing out of the lance hose. When infused with an abrasive material, the fluid jet stream exits the nozzle in a focused jet capable of cutting through most structural surfaces.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for implementing LDPC codes in an IEEE 802.11 standard system configured to operate in a Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MIMO) schema. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises defining a base LDPC code, having a length equal to an integer number of data carriers in an ODFM symbol, transmitting the base LDPC code over a plurality of sub-carriers, wherein the base code is transmitted at an expected phase on sub-carriers specified by the IEEE 802.11 standard system, and transmitting the base LDPC code on other sub-carriers than those specified by the IEEE 802.11 standard system, wherein the base LDPC code on the other sub-carriers is transmit offset in phase from the base LDPC code on the specified sub-carriers.

Abstract: A media control valve includes a valve body having a media inlet and a media outlet with the valve body being adapted to be mounted on a flow device for providing communication between the media outlet and the flow device. A pressure balance flow line is provided in communication with the valve body and also with the flow device at a point upstream of the media outlet for balancing the pressure in the valve. A check valve may be included in the balance flow line for assuring that flow generally flows from the flow device to the valve body. A cleanout port may be provided for permitting clean out of the valve without disassembly when not in use.

Abstract: A slurry supply system with multiple supply modules and a flushing module concurrently coupled to the multiple supply modules is provided. Each supply module includes a slurry reservoir and at least one delivery line connecting to the slurry reservoir, wherein each delivery line is oriented toward a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus. The flushing module includes a flushing liquid reservoir and multiple flushing lines connecting to the flushing liquid reservoir, wherein each flushing line is coupled to each delivery line thereby the flush module can selectively flush one of the delivery lines.

Abstract: A cylindrical rotary valve to control or affect fluid flow in processes where the fluid temperature must be maintained within a target range, the fluid pressure is varied and/or the amount of fluid flow is controlled comprising one or more of the following elements alone or in combination: (i) the use of a temperature control core in the valve shaft, (ii) the contoured or tapered shapes or the conduits (iii) the use of the valve to create predictable pulses or waves in the fluid being controlled, (iv) a modular system of valves where the valve body is fixed and the valve shaft is replaceable with a second valve shaft of different conduit shape, (v) a rotary valve with multiple inputs or multiple outputs for either mixing or diverting of input fluids, and (vi) the use of the valve in abrasive particulate blasting and in particular dry ice blasting.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a valve assembly is provided that includes a valve assembly output adapted to output at least one of DI water and a chemical. A first valve of the valve assembly includes (1) a first input adapted to receive the chemical; (2) a first output adapted to circulate the chemical to a chemical return; and (3) a second output adapted to output the chemical to the valve assembly output. The valve assembly also includes a second valve positioned downstream from the first valve. The second valve includes (1) an input adapted to receive deionized (DI) water; and (2) an output adapted to output DI water to the valve assembly output. A check valve is coupled between the second output of the first valve and the output of the second valve, and the first valve, second valve and check valve are included in a single manifold.

Abstract: The present invention is related to valves for the controlling the flow of media. For example, the valves of the present invention may control the flow of solid media into a fluid stream. More, specifically, the valves of the present invention may be used to control the flow of a blasting media into an air stream as part of a blasting apparatus for treatment of a surface. The valve body houses a sleeve for accepting a plunger for opening and closing a media opening in the valve. The sleeve includes a hardened liner and a softer outer jacket. The plunger engaging portion of the jacket is of a larger diameter than the plunger engaging portion of the liner to create a gap between the plunger and the soft jacket portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: The flow of media in shot peening, blast cleaning, and similar equipment is improved by applying a time varying magnetic field to the media to thereby degauss the media, allowing the media to flow through equipment without clogging and clumping due to magnetic attraction between the media.

Abstract: A flow of fluid is switched on and off by diverting the flow to an alternative path. In a preferred application an abrasive cutting jet, formed by a flow of abrasive slurry fed via a conduit to a cutting jet nozzle, is switched on and off by diverting the flow at a three way changeover valve to a conduit and bypass nozzle. Valves control the connection to a flow of clean auxiliary water to respective outlet ports of the changeover valve to reduce pressure differentials during operation of the changeover valve and to provide clean backflows which hydraulically divert the flow of abrasive slurry at the changeover valve and allow the changeover valve to open and close on a clean, largely abrasive-free flow.

Abstract: A hand held abrasive blaster includes a tubular wand housing and an abrasives conduit which extends into the wand housing. The abrasives conduit includes a fixed portion at the rearward end and a rotatable portion at the forward end. A motor rotates the rotatable portion. A pair of spaced apart handles on the exterior surface of the wand housing. The handles are positioned along the exterior of the wand housing at a center of gravity for the wand housing.