Method and apparatus for cleaning tubular structures
AssigneeBell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated
InventorRobert Patrick Guenther
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Removal of foreign objects from tubular structures is accomplished by inserting a pressurizable tube with an expandable end chamber into the tubular structure past the position of the foreign object, forming a seal within the interior of the structure by expanding the end chamber, and withdrawing the tube to remove the obstruction. If desired, cleansing of the inner surface of the structure can be achieved by feeding a cleaning substance into the tube as it is being withdrawn.
Claims22
Apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of a tubular structure, comprising:
- first means adapted to expand into close fitting relationship with said interior surfaces of said tubular structure and to act as a wiper when so expanded;
- a hollow pressurizable tube connected to said first means for positioning said first means at a desired location within said structure;
- a source of fluid;
- and
- second means operative in response to a predetermined sequence of changes in pressure of a fluid within said hollow tube for releasing fluid from said source into said first means to expand said first means.
Apparatus for removing a contaminant from the interior of a tubular structure, comprising:
- a hollow tube;
- a chamber adapted to expand into tight fitting relationship with said interior of said tubular structure upon the application of pressurized fluid thereto;
- a source of pressurized fluid positioned within said chamber;
- a housing defining an internal cavity and having a distal end connected to said expandable chamber and a proximal end connected to said hollow tube;
- and
- means within said housing adapted to release fluid from said source into said expandable chamber in response to a predetermined sequence of changes in pressure of a fluid in said hollow tube.
Apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of an elongated structure from a remote location, including:
- an expandable cleaning element adapted for easy insertion in said structure when unexpanded and for cleaning of said surfaces when withdrawn in an expanded state;
- a pressurizable tube having a hollow interior for positioning said cleaning element at a desired location within said structure;
- means connecting said pressurizable tube and said cleaning element and being operative for expanding said cleaning element;
- and
- means responsive to a predetermined sequence of changes in pressure of a fluid applied to said interior of said tube at said remote location for operating said expanding means.
Apparatus for removing a liquid from the interior of a tubular structure, comprising:
- an expandable wiper element adapted for insertion into said structure,
- a pressurized tube connected to said element for positioning said element at a desired location within said structure;
- and
- means communicating with said element and said tube for expanding said element when said tube is depressurized, whereby said liquid may be removed from said structure by withdrawal of said apparatus therefrom.
A method of cleaning the interior surfaces of a tubular structure, comprising the steps of:
- pressurizing a hollow tube having connected at its distal end a housing and a chamber adapted to expand upon reduction of said pressure;
- inserting said tube into said structure so as to position said chamber past the surface to be cleaned;
- reducing said pressure in said hollow tube whereby said chamber is expanded;
- and
- withdrawing said tube from said structure whereby said interior surfaces are cleaned by wiping action of said chamber.
Apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of a tubular structure, comprising:
- first means adapted to expand into close fitting relationship with said interior surfaces of said tubular structure and to act as a wiper when so expanded;
- a hollow tube connected to said first means for positioning said first means at a desired location within said tubular structure;
- a source of fluid including a container of pressurized fluid sealed with a pierceable diaphragm positioned within said first means;
- and
- second means operative in response to a predetermined sequence of changes in pressure of a fluid within said tube for releasing fluid from said source into said first means.
Apparatus for removing a contaminant from the interior of a tubular structure, comprising:
- a hollow tube;
- a chamber adapted to expand into tight fitting relationship with said interior of said tubular structure upon the application of fluid thereto;
- a source of fluid including a container having a frangible seal;
- a housing defining an internal cavity and having a distal end connected to said expandable chamber and a proximal end connected to said hollow tube;
- and
- means within said housing including a piston assembly adapted to break said seal for releasing fluid from said source into said expandable chamber in response to a predetermined sequence of changes in pressure of a fluid in said hollow tube.
Apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of an elongated tubular structure from a remote location, comprising:
- an expandable cleaning element including a flexible, balloon-like chamber and being adapted for easy insertion in said tubular structure when unexpanded and for cleaning of said surfaces when withdrawn in an expanded state;
- a tube having a hollow interior for positioning said cleaning element at a desired location within said tubular structure;
- means connecting said element and said tube and being operative for expanding said cleaning element including a container of pressurized fluid positioned within said cleaning element;
- and
- means responsive to a predetermined sequence of changes in pressure of a fluid applied to said interior of said tube at said remote location for operating said expanding means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.