Brushing – scrubbing – and general cleaning – Machines – With air blast or suction
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-15
2001-08-07
Moore, Chris K. (Department: 1744)
Brushing, scrubbing, and general cleaning
Machines
With air blast or suction
C015S383000, C015S395000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06269519
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to a device for cleaning ducts. More specifically, this invention pertains to a duct cleaning device with a vacuum activated rotating whipper.
BACKGROUND OF TH INVENTION
U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,256 is directed to a stationary rectangular brush for cleaning ducts that is attached to the terminal end of a vacuum hose. This brush loosens debris as die vacuum hose is moved within the duct. U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,667 discloses a duct cleaning device having a rotatable brush mounted in a helical configuration around the outer surface of a vacuum hose. The helical configuration of the brush causes rotation of the brush as it is advanced within a duct, however, there is no independent rotation of the brush if the vacuum hose is not moving within the duct, U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,941 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,363 describe a rotating brush positioned at the front of a vacuum hose for cleaning a duct interior. The brush rotates about a drive shaft that extends through the vacuum hose to a power source. An alternate external drive means is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,093 where the brush is rotated by incoming air pressure supplied by an air supply source through a hose mounted on the vacuum hose U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,567 teaches a duct cleaning device having rotating tubes disposed at the leading end of a vacuum hose. The tubes are connected to a compressed air source and the pressure caused by forcing compressed air through the tubes causes rotation of the tubes within the duct. A similar approach and device is taught in CA U.S. Pat. No. 2,221,385.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,107,568 relates to a duct cleaning device having a single brush extending from the leading end of a vacuum hose. The brush is attached to a flexible drive shaft that passes through the vacuum hose to a turbine located within the vacuum hose, but outside of the duct being cleaned. As air passes through the vacuum hose the turbine and drive shaft rotate.
These prior art devices disclose the use of a rotatable brush set in motion either manually or by a drive shaft attached to a drive means. The debris loosened by the action of the brush against the internal surfaces of ducts are then aspirated by the vacuum hose. These arrangements necessitate long drive shafts or other external sources to power the brush which rub against the interior of the vacuum hose losing poser; and reduce the effective vacuum hose cross sectional area.
Accordingly there is a need for an improved device for cleaning the internal surfaces of ducts.
It is an object of the invention to overcome disadvantages of the prior art.
The above object is met by the combinations of features of the main claims, the sub-claims disclose further advantageous embodiments of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for cleaning ducts. More specifically, this invention pertains to a duct cleaning device with a vacuum activate rotating whipper.
The present invention pertains to a cleaning head comprising a tubular housing having a bore, a first end and a second end, where pr second end is attached to flexible hose. The housing comprises one or more openings at or near the first end, and a shaft having a proximal and a distal end. The shaft axially located within the bore of the housing, and rotatably attached to the housing. The proximal end of the shaft extending out from the first end of tile housing. The cleaning head farther comprises a whipper coupled to the proximal end of the shaft, and a drive means coupled to the shaft and located within the housing. The cleaning head also comprises at least one radially extending brush attached to the housing and located behind the one or more openings of the housing. Preferably, the drive means comprises a screw auger.
The present invention also includes the cleaning head as described above further comprising a dolly. The dolly preferably comprising at least two wheel assemblies.
The present invention also embraces a duct cleaning device, comprising, a flexible hose operational connected with the cleaning head as described above.
The duct cleaning device of the present invention loosens and removes debris from the internal surface of air ducts. The duct cleaning device comprising a flexible conduit having an interior, first and second ends, said first end capable of being inserted into a duct for cleaning purposes. Inlet means at the first end and outlet means at the second end ate provided to allow air to circulate through the conduit. A drive shaft means within the conduit at the first end has a proximal end, coupled to a debris-loosening rotary circular whipper located at the first end of the conduit, and a second end coupled to an air-activated drive means located behind the rotary whipper, within the conduit. The drive shaft means is rotatable upon flow of air through the air-activated drive means. A sweeper element extends circumferentially around a portion of the conduit, and sweep debris from an internal surface of a duct.
In another aspect of the present invention, the second end of the conduit is attached to an air pump means, located outside the duct, for reducing the pressure within the conduit causing air to flow through the conduit for effecting the rotation of the air-activated drive means, and for removing matter loosened within the duct by the rotary whipper and sweeper element.
This summary of the invention does not necessarily describe all necessary features of the invention but that the invention may also reside in a sub-combination of The described features.
Advantageously, the air-activated drive means of the present invention is positioned within the leading portion of the vacuum hose, immediately adjacent with the rotatory whipper assembly. The air-activated drive means is powered by the air flow through the vacuum hose when a vacuum is applied through the vacuum hose. With such an arrangement, there is no need for lengthy drive shafts, which rub against the interior of the vacuum hose losing poser and reduce power and reducing the effective vacuum hose cross sectional area, or other external sources to power the rotating whipper, for example high pressure hoses.
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Goodman Frank
Harvey Dave
Esteam Manufacturing Ltd.
Moore Chris K.
Morgan & Lewis & Bockius, LLP
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