Communications – electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices – Signal transducers – Underwater type
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-14
2001-07-10
Lobo, Ian J. (Department: 3662)
Communications, electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices
Signal transducers
Underwater type
C114S222000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06259653
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to cleaning devices for underwater surfaces. More particularly, the cleaning device of this invention is portable by a diver and uses ultrasonic energy to clean contamination from surfaces underwater.
Underwater surfaces are cleaned, or otherwise prepared by a number of methods. Many of these methods use brushes, scrapers and/or water-jets for abrasive cleaning and surface preparation that include rust and scale removal, paint and coating removal, and marine growth removal. The support systems for these methods are too large and heavy to be carried by a single diver, and they usually require operational support from equipment located on the surface. Consequently, they are not truly portable and their use may attract unwanted attention. In addition, the systems consume large quantities of power and are expensive.
Ultrasonic energy has been widely used commercially in baths in open sinks at surface installations for measurement, protection, and cleaning operations. Ultrasonic energy is transmitted through the unsealed open baths that may include cleaning, or abrasive solutions to effectively clean parts; however, the sinks are inefficient and relatively bulky fixed structures and by their very nature cannot be used to clean surfaces underwater.
A commercially available tool marketed under the trademark SONICATOR by MISONIX Incorporated of 1938 New Highway, Farmingdale, N.Y., 11735 has shown promise for underwater cleaning of some contaminants (grease, dirt, grime, hardened thread locking compound, etc.) from parts. It has a one-half inch diameter probe-like tip that is brought about one-half inches from or in contact with contaminated surfaces on the parts. Compared to topside standard sinks that use ultrasonic energy, the power (550 watts at 20 kHz) of the probe-like tool was found to clean the parts about ten times faster, but it did not remove marine barnacle and mollusk shell growth except to clean the surfaces of the growth. In addition, the mid-frequency noise levels that were generated by cavitation bubble formation on the tip of the probe were appreciable and are likely to be unacceptable when used near some sensors and ordnance.
Thus, in accordance with this inventive concept, a need has been recognized in the state of the art for an ultrasonic cleaner portable by a diver-operator that seals a surface to be cleaned from ambient water and retains ultrasonic energy to clean the surface underwater.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an underwater tool that includes a source of ultrasonic energy in a shell-shaped housing having an opening to engage and fit around a surface to clean the surface with the ultrasonic energy. The shell retains the ultrasonic energy inside of it and a compliant portion around the opening seals the source of ultrasonic energy, the surface, and some water from the ambient water. The invention also includes a method of cleaning a surface underwater using the underwater tool.
An object of the invention is to provide a method of and device for using ultrasonic energy to clean a surface underwater.
Another object is to provide a method of and portable device for cleaning an underwater surface that seals the surface and an ultrasonic energy source from ambient, or surrounding water.
Another object is to provide a method of and portable device for cleaning an underwater surface that seals the surface, an ultrasonic energy source and some liquid from ambient water.
Another object is to provide a method of and device for cleaning an underwater surface that diminishes transmission of energy to ambient water.
Another object is to provide a method of and portable device for cleaning an underwater surface having a housing made from material absorptive of ultrasonic energy to reduce the level of energy transmitted to ambient seawater.
Another object is to provide a method of and portable device for cleaning an underwater surface having a housing with an internal coating to reduce the level of energy transmitted to ambient seawater.
Another object is to provide a method of and portable device for cleaning an underwater surface having a housing with an internal reflective coating to reflect energy in a chamber to enhance cleaning.
Another object of the invention is to provide a method of and device for cleaning a surface underwater using a dish-shaped shell having at least a compliant portion around an opening to retain ultrasonic energy and seal a source of ultrasonic energy, the surface and some water in a chamber from ambient water.
These and other objects of the invention will become more readily apparent from the ensuing specification when taken in conjunction with the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3068829 (1962-12-01), Nuissl
patent: 3673555 (1972-06-01), Raudsep
patent: 4444146 (1984-04-01), De Witz et al.
patent: 4890567 (1990-01-01), Carduff
patent: 5540172 (1996-07-01), Goldbach et al.
Courson Billy
Shelburne John
Gilbert Harvey A.
Lobo Ian J.
Peck Donald G.
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of
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