Abstract: A system for grit blasting an annular junction portion of a pipeline extending along a longitudinal axis on board a laying vessel, comprises at least one carriage configured to advance along an annular path about the pipeline; at least one centrifugal turbine, which is configured to project grit towards the pipeline, rotates about a rotation axis lying on a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and is supported by the carriage; at least one feed device configured to feed the grit to the centrifugal turbine and comprising a hopper which extends along a respective axis, defines a feed chamber and is coupled to the respective carriage and a guide device configured to act in conjunction with the hopper to feed the grit to the centrifugal turbine at all the operating positions of the carriage.

Abstract: Disclosed are a dry ice cleaning and recycling device and a method a connecting rod. The device includes a dry ice ejector module, a clamping module, and a box, and the dry ice ejector module and the clamp module are both arranged in the box; the dry ice ejector module includes a spray gun guide rail and a cleaning nozzle vertically and slidably connected to the spray gun guide rail; and the clamp module includes a clamp guide rail and a clamp horizontally and slidably connected to the clamp guide rail. The device further includes a dry ice recycling device, the dry ice recycling device includes a dry ice recycling collector and a condenser pipe, and two ends of the condenser pipe are communicated with the box and the dry ice recycling collector respectively.

Abstract: A shot blasting cabinet with adjustable impellers includes a cabinet, a plurality of impeller apparatuses, and a plurality of adjusting devices. A shot-blasting working line is defined between an inlet and an outlet of the cabinet. The impeller apparatuses are symmetrically disposed on upper and lower sides of the cabinet. Each impeller apparatus has a protective housing, a driving device, a pair of rotary plates, and a plurality of impeller blades. The driving device connects one of the rotary plates. The protective housing covers the pair of rotary plates and the impeller blades, and defines a shot-blasting exit surface. The shot-blasting exit surface communicates with an interior of the cabinet. The adjusting devices are used to adjust an angle and a distance of the shot-blasting exit surface relative to the shot-blasting working line.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated system for spraying a wall of a building.

Abstract: Provided is a method executed by a marking device that marks a first pedestrian crossing to be visually recognized by a pedestrian who is going to cross a roadway and a second pedestrian crossing to be visually recognized by a driver of a vehicle on the roadway. The method includes: marking the first pedestrian crossing and the second pedestrian crossing when one or more conditions including at least a condition that a first pedestrian who is going to cross the roadway from a first side to a second side is detected are satisfied; starting to unmark the first pedestrian crossing from the first side to the second side while the first pedestrian is crossing the roadway; and unmarking the second pedestrian crossing when the first pedestrian has finished crossing the roadway.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for improving the performance of a fluid jet cutting system by testing and adjusting characteristics of the system based on the effect of the characteristics on forces imparted by the system to a workpiece being cut. Also disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring and validating the performance of fluid jet cutting systems, and for diagnosing such systems. In some cases, the technologies described herein can be used to determine whether components of a fluid jet system require maintenance, or that characteristics of the system require adjustment.

Abstract: A surface preparation support apparatus includes a creeper and a linear actuator. The linear actuator includes a base-end and a tool-end that is opposite the base-end. The base-end is coupled to the creeper. The tool-end is linearly movable relative to the base-end. A surface preparation tool is coupleable to the tool-end of the linear actuator. The surface preparation support apparatus also includes an actuator-controller. The actuator-controller is coupled to the linear actuator. The actuator-controller is operable to selectively actuate the linear actuator. The surface preparation support apparatus further includes a tool-controller. The tool-controller is configured to be coupled to the surface preparation tool. The tool-controller is operable to selectively energize the surface preparation tool.

Abstract: The temperature of the chamber housing a shot wheel of a shot blaster is controlled by positioning a fan exterior to the chamber that creates air flow across a mounting plate defining the chamber. The air flow created by the fan may also pass around the bearing surrounding the drive shaft that turns the shot wheel.

Abstract: The adverse effects associated with high temperatures and warpage of parts of a shot blaster are ameliorated by providing a telescoping sleeve and valve mount and an orifice adaptor to regulate the area of the flow path from a shot reservoir to a metering valve.

Abstract: The temperature of the chamber housing a shot wheel of a shot blaster is controlled by positioning a fan exterior to the chamber that creates air flow across a mounting plate defining the chamber. The air flow created by the fan may also pass around the bearing surrounding the drive shaft that turns the shot wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for improving the performance of a fluid jet cutting system by testing and adjusting characteristics of the system based on the effect of the characteristics on forces imparted by the system to a workpiece being cut. Also disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring and validating the performance of fluid jet cutting systems, and for diagnosing such systems. In some cases, the technologies described herein can be used to determine whether components of a fluid jet system require maintenance, or that characteristics of the system require adjustment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a rope traction type grinding, cleaning, and coating integrated operation robot. The operation robot includes a hanging basket, a first traction mechanism connected to the hanging basket, a grinding mechanism arranged in front of the hanging basket, and a cleaning and spraying mechanism and a spring reaction force regulation mechanism arranged in the hanging basket. The first traction mechanism includes first ropes for connecting the hanging basket and first rope winding mechanisms. The cleaning and spraying mechanism includes a first vertical plate and a second vertical plate that are arranged in parallel in a vertical direction. A cleaning nozzle and a spraying nozzle are mounted on the first vertical plate. From the above technical solution, it can be seen that the operation robot adopts a rope traction manner, and has the advantages of large work space, low mechanism inertia, and accurate and reliable location.

Abstract: An omnidirectional blast media dispensing apparatus mounted to an excavator and designed to dispense abrasive media from a blast pot is provided. The apparatus adjusts directional flow of the abrasive media exiting the apparatus to contact a desired target. The apparatus includes a housing coupled to the boom of the excavator, a hydraulic motor assembly coupled to the housing and operably connected to hydraulic lines of the excavator, and a main tubular member rotatably mounted to the housing and operably connected to the hydraulic motor assembly. The first end of the main tubular member is coupled to the blast pot and a nozzle is coupled to the second end of the main tubular member. Fluid flows from the hydraulic lines of the excavator to the hydraulic motor assembly to enable the hydraulic motor assembly to rotatably adjust the main tubular member to direct the nozzle toward the target.

Abstract: A dry-type cleaning chassis for cleaning a cleaning target by colliding the cleaning media with the cleaning target, the cleaning media being blown by an air flow includes an internal space where the cleaning media are to fly; an opening part being in contact with the cleaning target so that the cleaning media collide with the cleaning target; an air inlet duct introducing external air into the internal space; a suction port generating a first air flow caused by a circulating air flow in the internal space by suctioning the introduced external air; an injection port generating at least a second air flow increasing a speed of the cleaning media flown by the circulating air flow; and a porous unit passing objects removed from the cleaning target to a suction port side.

Abstract: A crop sprayer includes a main frame. A product tank is supported by the main frame that is configured to contain a first quantity of fluid therein. A cab is supported by the main frame that includes a trailing wall structure positioned in relation to the product tank so as to define a reservoir space therebetween A hydraulic reservoir assembly is positioned in the reservoir space.

Abstract: A modular abrasive particle blasting system comprises an abrasive blast assembly including at least one blast vessel for delivering blast particles to an abrasive blasting system. The abrasive blast assembly is mounted within a first skid. An abrasive recycling assembly includes at least one vacuum hopper for receiving grit retrieved from an abrasive blasting process. The abrasive recycling assembly is mounted within a second skid. The first and second skids comprise mounting members at a top section and a bottom section of each of the first and second skids to permit mounting of the first and second skids in alternate stacked arrangements whereby the first skid is selective mounted above and below the second skid. The same skid principal may be used to provide a variety of skids, including blast skid, vacuum skid, recycle skid, storage skid, air dryer skid, dust collector skid and or dehumidification skid.

Abstract: The system delivers media blasting material to an interior surface of a large storage tank comprises a substantially upright support structure secured to the surface to be blasted. The upright support structure is preferably vertical. A frame extends across the upright support structure. An extendable arm is affixed to the frame at a section. The section is securely and pivotably attached to the section in such a way to enable the arm to rotate freely inside the large storage tank, so that the blaster secured at the end of the extendable arm can blast the entire interior surface of the large storage tank while the upright support structure remains in place. A robot blaster is positioned at the end of the extendable arm and performs the media blasting. A work station is located nearby the site of the large storage tank and controls the position of the extendable arm relative to the interior surface being blasted via a processor and the operation of the blasting delivery system.

Abstract: A road marking removal system creating a blasting mixture by injecting particulate matter from a media hopper into flowing compressed air. The blasting mixture is directed at a road marking via a blasting nozzle. The nozzle discharges the blasting mixture from within a marking removal head housing. A vacuum is applied to an interior of the marking removal head housing for collecting the residual material created by the removal process. The residual material consists of particulate matter, road marking debris, and the like. The collected material can optionally be sorted with material of an acceptable size being reclaimed and forwarded to the media hopper for reuse. The road marking removal system can be manually operated being integrated into a cart, or remotely operated when integrated into a vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of polishing a surface of an object that includes aluminum. The method includes the step of contacting the surface of the object with a soft polishing pad and a polishing composition. The polishing composition includes abrasive particles, an agent that oxidizes aluminum, and a liquid carrier to polish the surface of the object. The polishing composition includes the abrasive particles suspended in the liquid carrier, and is applied at a pH above about 7.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus cuts a lateral wall of a manhole to form a hole on the lateral wall of the manhole. A circular pipe is harmonized with a main pipe and fixedly disposed therein. A rotary ring configured so as to be able to rotate along the periphery of an opening in the manhole about the axial center of the main pipe is mounted on the circular pipe. A pressurized fluid material or pressurized granular material is sprayed from a nozzle held in the rotary ring. The rotary ring is rotated and the lateral wall of the manhole is cut through along the periphery of the opening in the manhole by the fluid material or granular material sprayed from the nozzle. Since the cut portion is shaped as a circle symmetrical about the axial center of the main pipe, it is possible to form a circularly shaped cut-through part centered along the periphery of the opening in the manhole without accidentally breaking or damaging the lateral wall thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of polishing a surface of a substrate comprising aluminum, comprising contacting a surface of the substrate with a polishing pad and a polishing composition comprising an abrasive, an agent that oxidizes aluminum, and a liquid carrier, and abrading at least a portion of the surface to remove at least some aluminum from the substrate and to polish the surface of the substrate, wherein the abrasive is in particulate form and is suspended in the liquid carrier.

Abstract: A centrifugal projecting machine having a house, a driving device disposed at a first side of the housing with a flange, an impeller having a plurality of blades, wherein the impeller is connected to a driving shaft of the driving device with a hub, a distributor disposed in an inner cylindrical space of the impeller so that it is concentrically arranged in relation to the driving shaft, wherein the distributor has slit-like openings that are circumferentially disposed with substantially equal clearances, a control cage having an opening around a distal end for dispersing shot, wherein a proximal end surface of the control cage is connected to the second side of the housing, opposite its first side, around an opening for an intake disposed at its second side, wherein he control cage is disposed with a clearance between inner ends of the blades and an outer surface of the distributor and extends over the length of the impeller, and a nozzle connected to the second side of the housing to supply the opening for

Abstract: An apparatus for generating and manipulating a high-pressure fluid jet includes an assembly coupled to a motion assembly that imparts motion to the assembly along one or more axes. The motion assembly includes two motors coupled together to form a gimbal wrist, each motor having an axis of rotation. The two axes of rotation of the two motors can be perpendicular to each other, but are not necessarily aligned with the manipulator's axes of motion. The high-pressure fluid assembly incorporates a swivel that can rotate about two axes which may be parallel to the two motors' axes of rotation, allowing the high-pressure tubing contained therein to follow the motion imparted by the gimbal wrist of the motion assembly.

Abstract: A collision detection sensor for a waterjet system provides a signal in the event the device approaches to within a selected distance of an obstruction in the plane of the working surface. An annular pressure switch lying in a first plane provides the signal when radial pressure is applied to a perimeter of the pressure switch via an annular trigger skirt, the trigger skirt applying the radial pressure in response to a collision of the device with an obstacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating and manipulating a high-pressure fluid jet includes an end effector assembly coupled to a manipulator that imparts motion to the end effector. The end effector assembly includes a cutting head coupled to a source of high-pressure fluid and to a source of abrasive. A motion assembly is coupled to the cutting head via a clamp positioned around the cutting head. A nozzle body assembly is removably coupled to the cutting head assembly, which may be separated from the cutting head assembly to allow access to the orifice, without removing the cutting head assembly from the clamp. The clamp has a quick release mechanism and an alignment member. The motion assembly includes two motors coupled together to form a gimbal wrist, each motor having a horizontal axis of rotation. The two axes of rotation are perpendicular to each other, but are not necessarily aligned with the manipulator's axes of motion.

Abstract: A particulate blasting apparatus includes a blast vessel having an interior for storing abrasive particulate. The blast vessel has an inlet for introducing a pressurized gas into the interior of the blast vessel and an outlet for allowing the passage of the pressurized gas and particulate. A flexible blast hose is coupled at one end to the outlet for directing particulate flow from the outlet and a blast nozzle is coupled to an opposite end of the blast hose. A metering valve regulates different amounts of particulate flow from the blast vessel through the outlet. A flow actuator is coupled to the metering valve for actuating the metering valve. A controller associated with the blast nozzle in communication with the actuator controls the actuator from the blast nozzle during blasting operations. The blasting apparatus may be used as part of a blasting system that includes a compressor unit for providing the pressurized gas.

Abstract: A contour follower includes a plurality of sensors spaced around a waterjet nozzle, each of the sensors being configured to measure a distance between a working surface and a first plane, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle. The sensors may include hall-effect sensors lying in the first plane and magnets lying in a second plane, parallel to the working surface. A detecting circuit processes signals from the sensors to determine an angle of the working surface, relative to the first plane, and a distance between an aperture of the nozzle and the working surface. A collision detection sensor provides a signal in the event the device approaches to within a selected distance of an obstruction in the plane of the working surface. A shield plate blocks and dampens secondary spray-back of cutting fluid occurring at low angles above the working surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blasting apparatus for an outer surface of a pipe which ejects a blast material to an outer side of a pipe and grinds the outer surface, comprising: a blast head containing a nozzle which ejects the blast material and a suction port which sucks a blast material used for grinding and dust particles; a guide member which is provided along a longitudinal direction of the outer surface of the pipe, and guides the blast head along the longitudinal direction of the outer surface of the pipe; and a ring member which is a ring member constructed by connecting at least two half-split members and having an inside diameter larger than an outside diameter of the pipe, and which is disposed to have the pipe inserted through the ring member, holds the guide member, and guides the blast head in a circumferential direction of the outer surface of the pipe by turning in the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the pipe.

Abstract: A method and a system for cleaning the glass surface of an object, such as a surface light, a run way guide light, or a reflector, installed on various pavements or roads, by propelling a cleaning agent from a blast nozzle to the glass surface. The blast nozzle is installed on the front end of an arm of a working robot mounted on a truck. A truck mounted with a cleaning agent blaster and a working robot (21) provided with a blast nozzle (23) and a CCD camera (24) at the forward end of a manipulator is stopped at a specified position in the vicinity of an object to be cleaned, i.e. surface light or a reflection mirror (30). Based on an image of the object taken by the CCD camera (24), dimensions are recognized from distance information through processing by a vehicle-mounted computer, the image shape of the object is collated with a stored shape and recognized, and then positional information of the recognized object is searched.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lasting apparatus which is provided with an ejection device, which ejects blast media, and a recovery device, which sucks and recovers ejected and used blast media, on a traveling carriage, ejects the blast media to a surface to be treated by the ejection device while causing the traveling carriage to travel on the surface to be treated, and recovers the used blast media by the recovery device, and comprising: roughness measuring device that is provided at the traveling carriage and measures roughness of an uneven surface of the surface to be treated which is treated by ejection of the blast media; and control unit which performs a feedback control of an ejection amount of the blast media, ejection pressure, ejection speed, an ejection air amount, a suction air amount by the recovery device, and a speed of the traveling carriage so that the roughness which is measured by the roughness measuring device is within a range of predetermined roughness.

Abstract: A pipe joint between welded exposed metal end sections of coated pipe being formed into a pipeline is cleaned before a corrosion resistant film is applied. A cleaning head of a cleaning mechanism is placed with a mounting frame on the pipe in the area of the pipe ends to be cleaned. The cleaning head moves in a succession of longitudinal cleaning passes in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pipe area being cleaned. The frame also moves the cleaning head rotatably with respect to the pipe joint to positions for the longitudinal cleaning passes. A control mechanism defines the extent of the longitudinal cleaning passes, and also controls movement of the cleaning head to successive cleaning passes until the pipe joint is cleaned. The control is programmed and automatic, and there is no need for contact with the mechanism while it is in operation. The number of cleaning heads and cleaning material supply and exhaust hoses or tubes, as well as the number of crew required, is reduced.

Abstract: A dry-ice blast device (A) includes an air compressor (2) of a low pressure type as a source of the compressed air, the delivery pressure being 1.2-2.5 atm. Dry-ice particle feeder (5), (6) is provided for mixing dry-ice particles (D) into the air flow in the air flow path upstream from a nozzle (32). This enables low pressure blasting, which suppresses the abrasion of the dry-ice particles (D), decreases the noise, reduces the overall size and weight of the device and makes easy the handling of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for removing an abradable material from an interior surface (16) of a fan containment case (14), without requiring removal of the fan containment case (14) from its engine (12). The apparatus (10) and method generally involve adjusting the elevation of a blast head (40) and centering a horizontal axis of rotation thereof with the fan containment case (14) to position the blast head (40) adjacent the abradable material on the case surface (16). An erosion media is then sprayed with the blast head (40) in a substantially radial direction relative to the horizontal axis of rotation of the blast head (40), such that the erosion media impacts and erodes the abradable material. The blast head (40) is rotated about the horizontal axis of rotation thereof so that the erosion media is sprayed at the abradable material along the entire circumference of the fan containment case (14).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods allow difficulty accessible sites of a structure to be sand-blasted. Preferred sand-blasting systems are provided which include a sand-blasting fixture to support the a sand-blasting nozzle and a distal portion of the supply hose in such a manner that the spray of grit particulates may be directed against the difficultly accessible site of the structure. The fixture most preferably includes rigid proximal and distal support tubes joined to one another so as to establish an angle therebetween (most preferably about 90°), and a rigid back-lash support member extending outwardly from the distal support tube. In such a manner, the distal portion of the supply hose is movably supported within the proximal and distal support tubes such that the nozzle positioned adjacent to the back-lash support member may be adjustable by means of the distal portion of the supply hose being further advanced into or retracted from within the proximal and distal support tubes.

Abstract: A mobile articulable cutter apparatus for the cutting and dismemberment of a building structure to permit the environmentally safe removal of such structure from a building site. The apparatus comprises a mobile base support having an articulable lift arm extending therefrom. The arm has a distal end thereon. A guidable cutter head is arranged on the distal end of the lift arm. A fluid jet is nozzle arranged in the cutter head. A pressurizable fluid source is arranged in fluid controlled communication with the nozzle. The nozzle is arranged to be in closely positioned guided travel adjacent the surface of the structure to be cut by a jet of fluid under pressure from the nozzle.

Abstract: A device for working a surface, especially a lifting platform, includes boom or a platform, a working means, which can be placed against the surface to be worked, and a means which is arranged between the boom or the platform and the working means and which provides an application force that acts on the working means. The working means is suspended on a suspension such that it can move freely around two axes, which preferably form a right angle. The means which provides the application force engages with the suspension.

Abstract: A pipeline treating apparatus (10) is disclosed which is used to clean the exterior of a pipeline (12) with high pressure air with entrained abrasive. The apparatus has an improved classifier and separator to separate the abrasive grit from lighter debris which includes a classifier and separator within a manifold duct (56) which returns the grit to a collection pan (40) for recovery and causes the lighter airborne dust to be removed through a return duct (58). A series of pressure relief filters (82) reduce the air pressure within a blast chamber (28) and resist debris escaping from the blast chamber past the triple seals (76, 78, 80). The blast nozzle assemblies (834) are attached to the nozzle oscillating frames by snap fittings (74) which avoids threaded connections which may become contaminated by the debris.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the inner walls of vulcanizing molds that are divided into upper and lower partial molds by means of a blasting device/nozzle and a manipulating device, with the blasting device and the manipulating device being accommodated and encapsulated in an isolation hood that is provided with an adapter ring, and with the isolation hood being suspended on a movable boom and connectable to the outer circumference of a partial mold by means of the adapter ring.

Abstract: An ultra high pressure abrasive waterjet cutting apparatus for underwater cutting of structural components of a nuclear reactor is described. The cutting apparatus includes a multi-axis manipulator, an ultra high pressure abrasive waterjet (UHP) cutting nozzle coupled to the manipulator, a collection stand assembly, a collection hood movably coupled to the collection stand assembly, and a turntable having a non-movable center portion. The multi-axis manipulator is configured to mount on the non-movable center portion of the turntable or on the floor of the pool of water in which the structural component is positioned for cutting. The collection stand assembly is configured to mount on at least one of the floor and the wall of the pool of water. The cutting nozzle and collection hood are positioned on opposite sides of the structural component to be cut.

Abstract: A cleaning and restoration system 10 for floors 11 and other hard surfaces is disclosed. The system 10 has an cleaning head 12 which can be moved across a floor 11 or other hard surface. The cleaning head 12 impinges particulate media upon the floor 11 to remove soils and provide a slip-resistant surface. The media is entrained into the air by a pressure tank 17 which includes a classifier 18 for reclaiming a portion of the media for reuse. The pressure tank 17 has a series of dispersion bars 68 for separating the heavy particles to be re-used. The dust, soils, and other undesirable materials are filtered in a dust collector 57 having a cyclonic filter 71. A compressor 20, a vacuum/blower 22, and other components of the system are mounted on a truck 19. A method for utilizing the restoration system 10 is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved high-capacity apparatus for rapidly pressure treating a large surface area, such as the hull of a cargo ship or a large storage tank, using high-pressure spray. The apparatus conforms to the surface to be treated and provides the treating power of multiple rotating nozzles.

Abstract: A cleaning and restoration system 10 for floors 11 and other hard surfaces is disclosed. The system 10 has an cleaning head 12 which can be moved across a floor 11 or other hard surface. The cleaning head 12 impinges particulate media upon the floor 11 to remove soils and provide a slip-resistant surface. The media is entrained into the air by a pressure tank 17 which includes a classifier 18 for reclaiming a portion of the media for reuse. The pressure tank 17 has a series of dispersion bars 68 for separating the heavy particles to be re-used. The dust, soils, and other undesirable materials are filtered in a dust collector 57 having a cyclonic filter 71. A compressor 20, a vacuum/blower 22, and other components of the system are mounted on a truck 19. A method for utilizing the restoration system 10 is also disclosed.

Abstract: The machine consists of a blast housing, a reclaim duct, a reclaim hopper and a support framework. In use, the machine is supported on a horizontal surface over which it is driven and carries out a shot blasting or other operation on an adjacent vertical surface. The blast housing contains a centrifugal throwing wheel which is driven by an electric motor, whereby particulate material introduced into the cage is projected at high speed onto the surface. The reclaim duct receives particulate material, together with debris produced by the action of the material on the surface which rebounds from the surface, and feeds the debris and particulate material to the reclaim hopper. The central axis of the reclaim duct follows a three-dimensionally curved path which describes an upward turn through approximately 90.degree. and also an arc of about 145.degree. in an imaginary horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical surface. The upper end of the reclaim duct is connected to the reclaim hopper.

Abstract: A blast head for abrasive blasting has a nozzle for directing a blast media at a surface being treated and a housing for containing the blast media after it passes through the nozzle and for facilitating recirculation of the blast media. An adjustment mechanism facilitates varying of the orientation of the nozzle with respect to the surface being treated, so as to facilitate enhanced blasting thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for abrasive blasting of the bottom of a ship in a drydock includes a blast head mounted on a vertically swinging boom on a vehicle. The blast head has freedom of movement about two pivot axes which are not parallel to each other. One of the pivot axes is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the boom. The center of gravity of the blast head is below the pivot axes when the blast opening normally faces upwardly. The boom and blast head are raised by double acting hydraulic cylinders which hold the blast head against the ship with a constant force. The blast head has a side edge which extends laterally at least to the side edge of the vehicle to facilitate blasting adjacent to obstacles under the hull. An overhung load adapter connects the blast wheel to its motor to minimize radial loads on the blast wheel motor. In the blast head, a stream of blasting material falling toward a main hopper is subjected to a transverse air stream which laterally deflects lighter particles into a debris channel.

Abstract: A surface treating device includes a tubular blasting case member having a main open face and a sub-open face. A suction-adhering seal engages the blasting case to seal a space defined between the blasting case and the surface of the object being treated. Sand, water, or other abrasive material is ejected through a nozzle and the blasting case, toward the surface being treated. A flat belt or plate, which includes a nozzle opening, engages the sub-open face of the blasting case and covers the blasting case opening. A surface of the flat belt member is brought into sealing contact with a surface of the sub-open face due to a difference in pressure between an inside and an outside of a pressure reduction space such that the blasting case opening is completely covered and sealed while the flat belt member reciprocatingly moves along with the nozzle.

Abstract: A self-drive blast apparatus in accordance with the present invention surrounds a area wherein two wall surfaces intersect at a specified angle, to form a substantially sealed space between the apparatus and the wall surfaces, and the body of the blast apparatus adheres by suction onto the wall surfaces by reducing the pressure in the space, so that the apparatus can move along the two wall surfaces and conduct blast cleaning by projecting blast material onto the wall surfaces. The apparatus is capable of moving along the wall surfaces in retaining suction-adhered condition by driving wheels held in positions generally perpendicular to the corresponding wall surface. And, while the apparatus is moving, a blast cleaning process is performed on the wall surfaces in the space. The projected blast material, the dirt removed by the blast material, and the like are blown up in the space and recovered through a depressurization path by the air which introduced into the space during the depressurization of the space.

Abstract: An apparatus for blast cleaning a generally vertical surface is disclosed. The device features a blast cabinet containing a blast wheel rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis. The blast wheel is positioned adjacent to an opening in the cabinet through which it propels abrasive material against the vertical surface being cleaned. Rebounding abrasive again contacts the rotating blast wheel. This contact deflects the particulate through a rebound corridor, to the side and into-a filter. The abrasive then falls into a storage hopper for reuse. A conveyor is rotatably mounted so as to catch leaked particulate matter. The conveyor features a pair of opposing feed screws that meet in the middle of the conveyor so that leaked particulate matter is projected up to the blast wheel in a manner similar to a water fountain. The particulate matter is then propelled by the blast wheel to the rebound corridor.

Abstract: The self-contained device for cleaning and coating hold surfaces in a bulk carrier includes four major components, namely a horizontally mobile vertical tower (e.g., with walking beams for permitting the device to move into the four corners of the hold into which it has been lowered), a vertical trolley for permitting the workers to reach with their equipment all elevations within the hold, a horizontal trolley for permitting the workers to achieve optimum proximity to a wall surface, and cleaning and coating support equipment and systems.

Abstract: The disclosed method relate to a cleaning nozzle which, in multiple embodiments, is rotated in a circle or in an ellipse, being one nozzle in one embodiment and multiple nozzles in alternate embodiments so that the surface of a pipeline can be clean with high pressure water or other fluids. Furthermore, the rotating nozzle is supported in a carriage in one embodiment which encircles and travels along a pipeline. The carriage is supported by drive wheels which cooperate with separate drive motors and a control circuit to assure that the carriage remains upright. Multiple rotating nozzles are supported in the carriage to clean adjacent portions of the pipeline. Alternate embodiments are shown for cleaning a horizontal surface with a hand pushed or motorized version, and another version is disclosed supported on a moveable boom, thereby enabling cleaning of an upstanding vertical surface such as the hull of a ship.