US4898197A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cleaning of tubes using projectiles
Assignee: Barry Brothers Specialised Services Pty Ltd
•
Filing: 1987-11-16
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Granted: 1990-02-06
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Expires: 2007-11-16
Abstract
Abstract Tubes are cleaned using projectiles propelled by the more or less instantaneous release of liquid cleaning medium at high pressure acting upon one face of the projectile. Projectiles travel at a velocity of at least about 10 m sec -1 inducing a cavitation-like process to the rear of said projectile.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter L. Barry
- 👤 Robert W. Vowles
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 13:43
CPC Classifications
F; F28; F28G; F28G7/00; B; B08; B08B; B08B9/00; B08B9/02; B08B9/027; B08B9/04; B08B9/053; B08B9/055; B08B9/0555; B08B9/0556; F28G1/00; F28G1/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
A method of cleaning tubes, using at least one solid substantially incompressible projectile having an outer diameter no greater than that which forms a loose sliding fit within a tube to be cleaned, wherein said projectile is propelled through said tube by a substantially instantaneous release of a flow of a pressurized cleaning liquid against one surface of said projectile, said projectile being propelled through said tube ahead of substantially all of the cleaning liquid at a speed of at least ten meters per second, such that cavitation-like turbulence is produced rearwardly of the projectile to effect cleaning of said tube as the projectile travels along said tube, and said projectile is propelled without substantial mechanical scraping contact with the inner walls of said tube.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
125 words
A method of cleaning tubes, using at least one solid substantially incompressible projectile having an outer diameter no greater than that which forms a loose sliding fit within a tube to be cleaned, wherein said projectile is propelled through said tube by a substantially instantaneous release of a flow of a pressurized cleaning liquid against one surface of said projectile, said projectile being propelled through said tube ahead of substantially all of the cleaning liquid at a speed of at least ten meters per second, such that cavitation-like turbulence is produced rearwardly of the projectile to effect cleaning of said tube as the projectile travels along said tube, and said projectile is propelled without substantial mechanical scraping contact with the inner walls of said tube.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the projectile is simple, unitary and not fitted with scraping, abrading or brushing elements.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the projectile is simple, unitary and cylindrical in shape.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the projectile is simple, unitary and spherical in shape.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said liquid is water.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said projectile is of ice.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method of cleaning tubes according to claim 1 wherein the diameter of the projectile is dimensioned to conform with an average lumen diameter defined by deposits on the inner wall of said tube.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein the projectile is simple, unitary and not fitted with scraping, abrading or brushing elements.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein the projectile is simple, unitary and either cylindrical or spherical in shape.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein said liquid is water.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method as claimed in claim 7 wherein said projectile is of ice.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-02-05 | 1993-08-07 | 1994-02-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-02-05 | 1997-08-07 | 1998-02-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-02-05 | 2001-08-07 | 2002-02-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |