Device to catch and retrieve foam pellets
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorWilliam Walters
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for the rapid loading, launching and retrieval of foam pellets for tube cleaning. The apparatus uses a block configuration to allow gravity feed and rapid firing of pellets into tubes. The apparatus includes a hopper feeder attachment, which is self-adjusting during pellet jams.
Claims21
An apparatus for the retrieval and inspection of a spent pellet used in cleaning a tube comprising:
- a transfer tube comprising a first end and a second end, said first end connected to said tube;
- and
- a chamber comprising an input opening, output opening and an exit opening, said input opening attached to said second end of said transfer tube,
- wherein when said spent pellet enters said first end of said transfer tube under air-pressure from said tube, said spent pellet is transferred to said chamber through said input opening of said chamber;
- and
- wherein said spent pellet exits said output opening of said chamber when said air-pressure is removed.
An apparatus for feeding pellets used in tube cleaning comprising:
- a cylinder having a floor and a removable top;
- a first tube exiting through the cylinder floor;
- a second tube located within said first tube;
- and
- a piston encircling said first tube and said second tube resting on said piston.
A method of loading cleaning pellets used in a tube cleaning process and correcting said pellet alignment comprising:
- (a) introducing said pellets in a cylinder;
- (b) providing first and second tubes, whereby said first tube is disposed in said cylinder;
- (c) attaching a piston to said second tube and encircling said first tube;
- and
- (d) introducing a jet stream into said cylinder and allowing said pellets to exit through said first tube.
A method of retrieving spent cleaning pellets used in a cleaning process for cleaning a tube, comprising:
- (a) introducing said pellets via a jet stream into one end of said tube;
- (b) attaching a fitting over the other end of said tube allowing said pellets to pass to a transfer tube;
- (c) providing a slide valve in a chamber attached to said transfer tube and collecting said pellets;
- and
- (d) stopping said jet stream and allowing said pellets to exit said chamber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.