JP2009505901A - How to separate material from exposed surfaces - Google Patents

Abstract

  A method of treating an exposed surface. The processing apparatus is provided with an elongated support, and further provided with at least one flexible surface contact member at the tip region of the elongated support. In order to arrange the flexible surface contact member on the exposed surface to be processed, the elongated support is operated from the proximal end region of the elongated support. The exposed surface is treated by repeatedly moving the flexible surface contact member.

Description

  The present invention relates to an exposed surface to which a separable discrete material is attached, and more particularly to a method of separating the material from such an exposed surface and possibly removing it in a controlled manner.

  Cargo ships, especially dry and liquid bulk cargo ships, are used in waterways around the world to transport a wide variety of products and raw materials. In the construction of a known dry bulk cargo ship, a plurality of cargo holds are formed in the hull in order to accommodate a large amount of particulate raw materials. Each cargo hold is delimited by an iron wall structure and has an elevated via for loading and unloading raw materials. A typical cargo hold is about 100 feet long (about 30 meters) long and about 60 feet high (about 18 meters), and the exposed inner surface area exceeds 220,000 square feet (about 20,000 square meters). is there.

  To illustrate some of the problems that have plagued the industry, we will discuss powder cement transport in dry bulk cargo ships. In a typical operation, the cargo hold is packed with cement at the loading port. Cement is unloaded at the destination port. Cement loading and landing is done using any of a number of different well-known techniques and devices. These technologies are designed to remove most, but not all, bulk cargo. Residual cargo remains at the same or different loading port, as well as previous cargo residue, other debris, stripped rust, flakes, stripped paint, and other possible contaminants (stains, etc.) It must be removed before loading another cargo.

  If the cargo hold is refilled with cement, preparation of the hold for reloading will be minimal. However, if the next shipment is different, the entire inner surface, including the cargo hold wall, will be thoroughly cleaned and the cement residue attached to the wall, overhead frameworks, cargo hold accessories and hatch cover will contaminate the new product. You have to make sure not to.

  Conventionally, the cleaning of the walls and other surfaces in the cargo hold has been time and labor intensive and requires relatively expensive equipment. In order to clean the lower part of the cargo hold, a ladder is often used, and in order to clean the upper part, an elevator structure is often introduced for each cargo hold. The elevator comprises a power source built-in type carrier having a support that can be repositioned for a bucket (gondola) into which an operator enters during a cleaning operation. Skillfully move the vehicle to various locations so that the operator can reach all over the wall of the cargo hold.

  Due to the fact that the shipping industry has been using the above technology for decades and no better alternative technology has been obtained, many of the technologies associated with it, especially for cleaning inaccessible areas of hatch covers and cargo holds. Has been fighting the problem. First, this type of cleaning tool is relatively expensive for a number of reasons, including transport time and cost from the abutment. Cleaning a ship is very slow because there are only a few operators who can get on the elevator and clean the ship at a time. Working with a ladder requires additional effort to support the base of the ladder, and usually uses unoccupied labor personnel to delay all cleaning work. Therefore, the transshipment and arrangement of ships are delayed, resulting in a loss of profit.

  Secondly, with these conventional transporters, it is necessary to lift the operator to an inherently dangerous height. Personnel responsible for these transports must be trained and licensed to operate them, and therefore must have a relatively high technical level and must be careful to avoid injury. Don't be. Such personnel generally have high labor costs and are often not available in demanding cleaning areas. Using the ladder at this height also puts workers next to danger.

  Third, the size and shape of the cargo hold limits the number of vehicles that can be worked on simultaneously. Using one transporter in a storehouse will delay the cleaning process for days, and in the meantime, bear the cleaning and mooring costs without any profit.

  Fourth, working with multiple carriers at the same time in a single storehouse allows for more sophisticated operations to efficiently and safely adjust workers' labor and to place additional elevators in the cargo hold of a swaying vessel with a crane. A technical level is required. In addition to danger to the operator, the lifting equipment often breaks during its operation. Safety and efficiency are even more challenging. This is because the removal of particulate cement entraps particulates in the air, spreads throughout the space in the cargo hold, obstructs visibility, and exposes workers to the health risks associated with inhalation of these particulates. become.

  Fifth, since these vehicles are usually operated by fuel, they cause discharge of by-products that are trapped in the cargo hold. This poses additional health risks to the operator and limits the number of times the ship is cleaned. During rainfall, the cargo hold cannot be cleaned due to the dangerous emissions that accumulate when covering the cargo hold to prevent it from getting wet.

  Since the shipping industry is highly competitive, efficiency is paramount in this industry. A moored ship only incurs costs and does nothing for its owners, managers, charterers. Crew who are not participating in the cleaning process are paid for downtime. Docking, fuel and other costs are incurred on a days basis. Charter time is usually calculated every 6 minutes. Therefore, it is the owner's or manager's benefit to quickly, safely and efficiently clean the cargo hold, refill, transport the raw material and generate revenue after the ship is cleaned and ready to rent. It is clear that this is true. Unfortunately, emphasizing efficiency can jeopardize safety in cleaning operations. However, no matter how much the schedule is packed, it takes 3-5 days or more to prepare 5-9 separate cargo holds.

  The cleaning process is not limited to individual deposits, but also includes removing stains, rust, and exfoliated deposits that cannot be easily removed by rubbing with a brush. Therefore, it is necessary to take other measures to remove the sort of potential contaminants. In a vast space with a surface area to be treated of over 220,000 square feet (about 20,000 square meters), this kind of cleaning work represents an enormous amount of downtime when crews work, leaving the ship in port Use appliances that need to be anchored at.

  Another task that is commonly performed is to apply components that are ready for storage of a particular type of raw material. Ideally, the additive would be applied to each side that the raw material contacts. This is a labor intensive process, especially in large spaces where workers need to be close to the surface on which the additive is applied. Conventional coating techniques are insufficient to apply additives to complex surfaces, surfaces in narrow spaces, and surfaces that are not easily accessible.

  The shipping industry is largely tackling these challenges, most notably the significant downtime, the costly cleaning process, and the cleaning of the ship's cargo hold that is unlikely. There remains a need for the industry to remove foreign objects from such surfaces and to improve the methods and apparatus for treating such surfaces.

  In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of treating an exposed surface. The processing method includes a processing apparatus preparation step of preparing a processing apparatus having an elongated support, and the elongated support has a proximal end region and a distal end region, and further includes at least one in the distal end region. A long support that has two flexible surface contact members and operates the long support in the proximal region so that the flexible surface contact member is disposed on the exposed surface to be processed. It further includes an operation step and a surface contact member moving step of repeatedly moving the flexible surface contact member on the exposed surface in order to process the exposed surface.

  In one form, the exposed surface is associated with a device that encloses the space for storing the material and / or carries the material between locations remote from each other.

  In one form, the elongate support body operating step includes a step of pressing the guide surface of the processing apparatus against the exposed surface, and the guide surface is moved while being guided against the exposed surface to be moved to the exposed surface. And a guide surface moving step for selectively arranging the flexible surface contact member at different positions.

  The guide surface may be on a wheel that rotates by being pressed against the exposed surface.

  The position of the flexible surface contact member may be changed by moving the guide surface so as to slide on the exposed surface.

  In one form, the surface contact member moving step includes a step of moving the flexible surface contact member in a whipping state.

  In one form, the flexible surface contact member is in the form of a tube member.

  In one form, the surface contact member moving step includes a step of introducing a pressurized fluid from a supply source through the tube member.

  The fluid may be a liquid and / or a gas.

  The guide surface may be formed by a wheel having a rotation axis, and the processing method may further include a step of changing a relationship between the elongated support and the rotation axis of the wheel.

  In one form, the said wheel is attached to the base | substrate, The said processing method further includes the process of guide | inducing a pressurized fluid from a supply source through a part of said base | substrate.

  In one form, the said base | substrate may change a direction relatively with respect to the said elongate member.

  In one form, the flexible surface contact member is attached to the substrate.

  The processing method may further include a pressurized fluid introducing step of introducing a pressurized fluid from a supply source to the tip region of the elongated support.

  The pressurized fluid may be guided through the elongated support or may be supplied independently.

  In one form, the processing apparatus comprises a plurality of flexible surface contact members.

  In another form, a plurality of flexible surface contact members are provided at each of the first and second positions separated from each other in the tip region of the elongate support.

  In another embodiment, a cleaning portion is provided in the tip region of the elongated support. The processing method may further include a step of sliding the cleaning unit on the exposed surface when operating the support.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, a curtain is provided in the tip region of the elongated support. The curtain is suspended in one form so as to direct the substance separated from the exposed surface downward.

  The curtain may have a tube shape.

  In one form, a frame is provided. A flexible sheet material is attached to the frame to form the curtain.

  In one embodiment, the processing apparatus further includes a pad unit. The processing method further includes a step of pressing the pad portion against the exposed surface, and a step of repeatedly bringing the flexible surface contact member into contact with the exposed surface by repeatedly applying an impact to the pad portion. May be.

  The processing apparatus preparation step may include a step of preparing at least one fluid conduit. The processing method may further include the step of directing a pressurized fluid from a source via the fluid conduit to control and direct the material separated from the exposed surface.

  The processing method may further include the step of generating a controlled pressurized fluid flow at the tip region of the elongate support to control the movement of the material separated from the exposed surface.

  In one form, the said processing apparatus preparation process includes the process of providing a flame | frame in the said front-end | tip area | region of the said elongate support body. The flexible surface contact member is in the shape of a flexible tube member, and the processing method is such that the flexible tube member is connected to the frame, and the processing is guided through the flexible tube member. You may further include the process of guide | inducing a pressurized fluid to a substantially 1st direction with respect to the said flame | frame.

  In order to change the direction and / or position of the air flow, the direction of the frame relative to the elongated support may be changed.

  The processing method may further include a step of processing the exposed surface by repeatedly moving at least another flexible surface contact member on the exposed surface. The step of connecting the flexible tube member to the frame includes directing a pressurized fluid to control movement of material separated by the other flexible surface contact member. A step of connecting a member to the frame may be included.

  The surface contact member moving step may include a step of repeatedly moving the flexible surface contact member directly with respect to the exposed surface or substantially parallel to the exposed surface.

  The flexible surface contact member may be repeatedly moved randomly (randomly or irregularly) on the exposed surface.

  The processing method may further include a step of restricting the flexible surface contact member from moving randomly away from the exposed surface.

  The processing method includes a step of guiding a pressurized fluid through the flexible surface contact member, a release of the pressurized fluid from the flexible surface contact member, and the flexible surface contact member The method may further include a step of controlling the movement of the separated material by repeatedly moving on the exposed surface.

  In one form, the said processing apparatus preparation process includes the process of preparing a tooth-like body part, and the said tooth-like body part has at least the 1st tooth-like body (tine) which can change a position, The said flexible The conductive surface contact member is accompanied by a first tooth-like body. The processing method may further include a step of repeatedly moving the first tooth-like body relative to the exposed surface as the flexible surface contact member repeatedly moves.

  The first tooth-like body may be pressed against the exposed surface and repeatedly moved relative to the elongated support.

  In one form, the first tooth has a free end, and the flexible surface contact member extends near or to the free end or beyond the free end.

  In one form, the said processing apparatus preparation process includes the process of providing a shielding part in the said elongate support body. The processing method further includes a step of discharging a pressurized fluid through the flexible surface contact member, and a step of controlling movement of the fluid discharged from the flexible surface contact member by the shielding unit. May be.

  In one embodiment, the surface contact member moving step includes a step of repeatedly moving the flexible surface contact member to separate a substance on the exposed surface from the exposed surface. The processing method includes the step of determining the type and amount of the substance separated from the exposed surface, and the state of the exposed surface and the specific substance in contact with at least the type and amount of the separated substance. The method may further include analyzing the suitability of the exposed surface for containing a specific substance.

  The present invention is further directed to a method for treating an exposed surface, the treatment method including a treatment device preparation step for preparing a treatment device, wherein the treatment device includes a long support having a proximal end region and a distal end region. A tube member having an outlet at the distal end region, and a step of guiding the pressurized fluid through the tube member to release the pressurized fluid at the outlet; and operating the support in the proximal region And a step of guiding a pressurized fluid at the outlet in order to control the movement of the substance separated from the exposed surface by disposing the outlet on the exposed surface to be processed.

  The processing method may further include a step of changing the direction of the outlet relative to the elongated support.

  The processing method may further include a substance separation step of separating the substance attached to the exposed surface using a mechanism in addition to the pipe member.

  The substance separation step may include a step of separating the substance by applying an impact to the exposed surface.

  The processing apparatus preparation step may include a step of providing a frame at the tip region of the elongated support. In one embodiment, the tube member has a flexible portion, and the flexible portion is attached to the frame in order to fix the direction of the tube member relative to the elongated support. In the processing method, the frame member is pressed against the exposed surface and / or randomly moved in the vicinity of the exposed surface by a pressurized fluid guided through the tube member. A step of removing the pipe member from

  The processing method further includes a step of introducing a surface preparation pressurized fluid through the flexible surface contact member, randomly moving the flexible surface contact member, and applying the surface preparation fluid to the exposed surface. It may be included.

  FIG. 1 shows a processing apparatus 10 according to the present invention. The processing apparatus 10 includes a processing unit 12 and is designed so that the processing unit 12 performs processing on the surface 14. The type of processing operation is not critical to the present invention. Virtually any processing method is envisaged from cleaning to reconfiguration. FIG. 1 is shown in schematic form to encompass all types of surface treatment operations.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the processing apparatus 10 is particularly useful in the marine and bulk cargo (dry bulk and liquid bulk) industries. As described in the background section of this specification, the handling or cleaning of a cargo hold of a cargo ship is a particularly troublesome problem, and the present invention is particularly suitable for that point. In FIG. 5, the cargo ship 28 is of a type that can be used in any navigable water area 30. The cargo ship 28 has a hull 32 in which a plurality of cargo holds 34 are formed. In this particular structure, two such cargo holds 34 are shown. A more typical hull structure currently in use has two or more, typically five cargo holds 34. However, the number and shape of the cargo holds 34 are not important in the present invention.

  In FIG. 6, a part of one cargo hold 34 is schematically shown. The cargo hold 34 is surrounded by an iron surface 14 '. The surface 14 ′ constitutes a floor 36, a peripheral wall structure 38, and a deck wall 40, and an opening 42 is formed. The opening 42 (FIG. 5) communicates with the storage space 44 in the cargo hold 34. The raw material is loaded into the cargo hold 34 through the opening 42 and unloaded from the cargo hold 34.

  The cargo hold 34 is shown schematically and schematically. In practice, the storage space 44 has a number of irregularities that make cleaning the surface 14 'difficult. In addition, the space 44 is usually built with stairs and other structures that interfere with cleaning.

  As described in the background section of this specification, the cargo hold 34 has a length and width of about 100 feet, which are represented by double-headed arrows L and W, respectively. The height H between the floor 36 and the ceiling 46 is about 60 feet (about 18 m).

  6-12, the processing apparatus 10 consists of the carriage (carriage, conveying member) 20, and the process part 12 is attached on it so that it can operate. The carriage 20 is connected to a long rod-shaped body 48, and the processing apparatus 10 changes direction and moves with the rod-shaped body 48 to cover a desired area.

  The rod-shaped body 48 has a certain length L between the operation end 50 and the carriage mounting end 52. More preferably, the rod-like body 48 is composed of a plurality of telescopic long bodies 54 and 56. Although two long bodies 54 and 56 are illustrated, any number of long bodies may be used.

  The type of the rod-like body part is not important in the present invention. The rod-shaped body 48 is lightweight, can be controlled, and the attached processing unit 12 can reach the entire surface 14 (including the surface portion forming the entire peripheral wall structure 38 and the ceiling 46) from the floor 36 by the user 58. desirable. The embedded long bodies 54 and 56 may be made of light metal, plastic, composite material, or the like. At the same time, the rod 48 must be sufficiently controlled to be placed and controlled by the user 58 of the processing apparatus 10 and manipulated over the entire surface 14 '.

  The rod-like body 48 may be linear as shown, or may have a shape that reaches an area with an obstacle. As an example, a “gooseneck (S-shaped portion)” may be provided at the end of the rod-shaped body 48.

  In this embodiment, the processing member 22 is in the form of a rotating brush. The processing member 22 has a central shaft 116 that extends between the end walls 102, 104 and is journaled rotatably about an axis 118 relative to the walls, the axis 118 being It is substantially parallel to the axial centers 90 and 92. Individual bristles 120 extend radially with respect to the axis 118 at equal intervals along the circumferential and longitudinal direction of the shaft 116. The subframe 100 includes an integral protective shroud 122 having an opening 124 from which the hair 120 is exposed.

  The type of the processing unit 12 can be changed greatly depending on the individual processing procedure to be performed. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the hair-like body 120 can be made in various shapes and with various materials. The hair 120 may be made of plastic or metal, for example. The hair 120 may be linear as shown, or may be fabricated in a herringbone shape or other shapes.

  As another variation, as shown in FIG. 14, the ciliary body 120 ″ has a weight 164 attached to the tip thereof, repeatedly impacts the surface 14 ′, and causes a striking action. 14 may be used to destroy free foreign matter that easily adheres to the surface 14'.The structure of Fig. 14 represents one form of the impact portion that can be used. 14 shows a general impact portion 166. Any structure other than that shown in FIG. 14 can be considered as long as it can generate a severe impact that releases foreign matter.

  To assist in processing operations, the carriage 20 can be equipped with a heat source 168 as shown in FIG.

  As yet another option, the carriage 20 may be provided with a light source 170 as shown in FIG.

  As yet another variation, the carriage 20 can include at least one mirror 172 as shown in FIG. The mirror 172 makes it easy for the user to observe the surface to be processed before and after processing.

  As yet another modification, a video camera 174 is attached to the carriage 20 as shown in FIG. Video camera 174 facilitates remote viewing of the processing area.

  The present invention believes that functions other than polishing, such as with a device with a hair, can also be achieved using the concepts of the present invention. In FIG. 20, the carriage 20 is shown with a pressurized fluid supply 176. The fluid supply source 176 may be provided directly on the carriage 20, or may be provided at a remote location and communicated with the carriage 20 through an appropriate conduit. The carriage 20 has at least one nozzle 178 through which fluid is directed to the surface 14. The type of fluid in the supply source 176 can vary greatly, and may be gas, solvent, vapor, other fluid materials, and in some cases in the form of particulates. For example, the supply of sand used to blast the surface 14 is considered herein “fluid”.

  As yet another option, as shown in FIG. 21, the carriage 20 may be accompanied by a vacuum source 180 that performs suction at an opening 182 of the carriage 20. The vacuum source 180 may also be provided directly on the carriage 20 or may be away from it.

  Various components as described above may be used in any combination deemed appropriate. For example, the vacuum source 180 may be used on the carriage 20 in conjunction with a member having a brush or hair and / or a fluid source 176, with the hair 120 "rotating about the axis 118". In this case, the foreign matter can be sucked away from the surfaces 14, 14 '.

  In FIG. 21, the vacuum source 180 may be accompanied by an appropriate disposal container 184 capable of collecting the collected foreign matter.

  As shown in FIG. 36, the approach may be facilitated by using a human elevator 230. The elevator 230 has a bucket (gondola) 232 into which the user 58 can enter and operate the apparatus 10 from the raised position.

  As noted above, a number of mechanisms and components are shown schematically in the accompanying drawings. That is because, using the concepts of the present invention, the configuration of the apparatus and components may be changed significantly to achieve an optimal design. The depiction structure shown in detail is for the purpose of example only.

  During the transition from bulk cement powder to another bulk cargo, the cleaning process is usually performed in two stages: dry cleaning and wet cleaning. In dry cleaning, an elevator and a ladder are generally used. The devices and methods of the present invention can greatly improve the speed, effectiveness, and safety of both processes, and the need for a dry cleaning step, usually performed during anchoring after the initial unloading of the cargo. It seems that there are many cases where it can be completely eliminated. Instead, after the cargo is unloaded, dry cleaning can be performed while the ship is sailing to the next port.

  In some cases, the present invention can also be implemented in a manner that uses liquid to simultaneously remove foreign matter and rinse the exposed surface, eliminating the need for a separate dry cleaning step. The surface may also be cleaned during wet cleaning to a higher standard than is currently possible. This will also lead to an increase in profits for cargo requiring a higher standard of cleanliness.

  The structure and method of the present invention increases the capacity of relatively unskilled workers in some cases, leaving the rest of the cargo from areas that were previously unattainable except by using elevators and ladders that cannot be used during ship navigation. Not only can the cargo hold be prepared for the next shipment by providing the necessary equipment to remove any paint, rust, flakes, or other potentially contaminated items. In addition, in some cases, it provides the crew with significant improvements in stain removal alternatives and safer chemical application methods previously performed using acids and other hazardous contaminants.

  Another form of processing apparatus 300 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. The processing apparatus 300 includes a long support 302 having a proximal end region and a distal end region held by a user. At least one position changeable member 304 is provided in the distal end region of the elongated support 302. More preferably, a plurality of the members 304 are provided. The position changeable member 304 performs at least one of the following a) and b). a) Repeated contact with the exposed surface 306 where the member 304 is located. b) Accompanied by the pressurized fluid from the source being directed through the member 304, ≡) the material separated from the exposed surface 306 and / or ≡) the exposed surface 306 where the member 304 is located. Releasing pressurized fluid from the source in a manner that controls movement of 308;

  The position-changeable member 304 can take various forms that can be said to be infinite, and further, it can remain stationary even if the elongate member 302 is moved by various mechanisms that can be said to be infinite. However, it can move relative to the elongated member 302. By way of example, the repositionable member 304 can take the form of a tube or conduit through which fluid is pressurized and, as a result, movements such as “randomly” or “repetitive” can be repositioned. Provided to member 304. As yet another option, the repositionable member 304 can be prevented from communicating pressurized fluid so that the member 304 can be reciprocated or randomly generated to generate a whipping action. The desired movement, such as movement, can be provided by another mechanism. As an example, a hinge mechanism may be incorporated to facilitate controlled bending. Alternatively, the fluid may be guided from the outside toward the position changeable member 304 in order to cause a desired action.

  The type of exposed surface 306 is not critical to the present invention, as is the case with others. The exposed surface 306 may actually be any surface as long as the material 308 adheres and the material 308 must be separated. The present invention is particularly suitable for environments where discrete materials such as fine particles in a pouring form are handled. For example, as described above, in a cargo hold, a peripheral wall, a ceiling, and a bottom wall surround a space in which a substance is stored. The entire surface is flat or uneven, and has undulations such as internal and additional structures such as shelves, ladders, stairs, hatch covers, and angle iron protective surfaces, and the material 308 tends to adhere.

  Other environments that have an exposed surface 306 and from which material must be removed include storage, some of which are fixed and others that are movable, the latter being generally Driven by the vehicle. The storage is a long haul truck, railroad, silo, dry or liquid tank, boiler as in a power plant, etc. Another example is in the area of a conveyor where the transport surface carries such material 308 for transport between two locations. Not only the actual transport surface, but also the associated structures used to support and move such a transport surface come into contact with the material by leakage. The structures and methods of the present invention are intended for use in such or other environments.

  The kind of the substance to be separated 308 is not limited. The substance 308 may adhere because it is placed on the exposed surface 306. Alternatively, the material 308 may be generated by rust, corrosion, or chemical interaction. The material 308 may be due to a collision or otherwise due to damage to the exposed surface 306.

  As shown in FIG. 47, in another form of the invention, the processing apparatus 300 ′ involves at least one tube or conduit 310 having an outlet 312. Preferably, a plurality of tubes (conduits) 310 are used. Fluid from the pressurized source 314 passes through the tube (conduit) 310, is released from the outlet 312, and moves the substance 308 separated from the exposed surface 306, either by fluid from the outlet 312 or by the tube (conduit). It can be controlled by a mechanism independent of 310. Controlling the movement of this separated material is commonly referred to in the industry as “blooming”. The term is a combination of brooming or sweeping and blowing. The tube (conduit) 310 is carried on an elongate support 302 ′ that is intentionally placed at a selected position relative to the exposed surface 306. The direction of the outlet 312 can be fixed with respect to the elongated support 302 '. Alternatively, the direction of the support 312 can be changed to facilitate the blooming process.

  The type of fluid used in the devices 300 and 300 ′ may be changed in any way. The fluid may be a liquid or a gas. Air may be used to release the material and to control and guide the separated material 308. Water or other fluids may be used to serve this purpose. In order to facilitate cleaning, a liquid or gas having a chemical component may be used. In another form, a liquid or gas may be used as a preparation medium to be deposited on the exposed surface 306 in preparation for supplying the raw material to be stored or transported to the exposed surface 306. In the present invention, a pressurized fluid and a gas may be combined. For example, pressurized aerated water may be used.

  Details of a particular form of the processing apparatus 300, 300 ′ are described below with respect to FIGS. 48 and 49, the processing apparatus 300 is illustrated with an elongate support 302 that is in the form of a rod, the support 302 having a length of several feet to 50 feet (about 15 m) or more. It is. The elongated support 302 has a proximal end region 316 and a distal end region 318. The proximal end region 316 is a portion that the user 320 has through an appropriate handle 322, and the handle 322 is simply a portion that can be gripped on the outer periphery of the support body (bar-shaped body) 302, or a little more complicated. It may be formed by a structure.

  The front end region 318 is provided with a surface treatment unit 324. The surface treatment unit 324 includes a plurality of position changeable members 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, and 304e. The number of repositionable members can vary from as few as one to more than five as shown.

  As described above, the position changeable members 304a to 304e may be solid or tubular. The members 304a to 304e may be rigid or flexible. For purposes of this description, in the examples described below, the repositionable members, including those identified as 304a-304e, are described as flexible elongated tubes (conduits).

  The position changeable members 304a-304e are mounted on a support or manifold 326 so as to be in fluid communication with a chamber 328 surrounded thereby. The chamber 328 is also in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid supply source 314 via the supply line 330.

  In the present embodiment, the supply line 330 is located outside the elongated support or bar 302. A series of strips 332 surround the support (bar-shaped body) 302 and the supply line 330 at intervals along the length of the support (bar-shaped body) 302. According to this arrangement, the user 320 grasps the processing apparatus 300 in the proximal end region 316 to control the distal end region 318 where the surface treatment unit 324 is located and direct the exposed surface 306 to a desired position. be able to.

  In the present embodiment, the user 320 can manipulate the surface treatment unit 324 in a desired relationship with the exposed surface 306, and the position changeable members 304a to 304e are: a) a position where the exposed surface 306 is separated from the surface 306. Or b) Repeated contact with the exposed surface 306 for processing.

  If the exposed surface 306 is made of iron material, an optional carriage 334 may be used to magnetically attract the tip region 318 of the support (bar) 302 to the surface 306. Otherwise, the carriage 334 may interact with the exposed surface 306 and be guided along the surface 306 in a predetermined manner, such as via a rail structure or another mechanism. Alternatively, the movement of the carriage 334 is entirely instructed by the force applied by the user 320 from the proximal end region 316 of the support (bar-shaped body) 302.

In this embodiment, each position-changeable member 304 is made of a flexible material such as rubber or plastic. In general, using a plastic or rubber tubular body having an inside diameter of 1/16 to 1/8 inch (about 1.6 to 3.2 mm) and an outside diameter of 1/8 to 3/4 inch (about 3.2 to 19 mm). Also good. The lengths of the position changeable members 304a to 304e may be the same or different. The repositionable members 304a-304e may have a length of about 10-30 inches (about 254-762 mm). Longer or shorter ones are possible. In one embodiment, lengths of 14.5 inches (about 368 mm) and 27 inches (about 686 mm) are used. The lengths, materials, inner diameters, and outer diameters of the position changeable members 304a to 304e are determined depending on individual applications and the volume and pressure obtained from the pressurized fluid supply source 314. A commonly available pressurized fluid source 314 is capable of supplying a fluid such as air at a pressure of 90 to 170 pounds per square inch (about 6.2 × 10 ^{5 to} 1.17 × 10 ⁶ Pa).

  If the pressurized fluid is pulsed, the desired action of the position changeable member 304 can be further influenced. Means for accomplishing this are well known to those skilled in the art. This in some cases creates a more intense movement of the repositionable member 304.

  According to the arrangement shown in FIG. 48, fluid from pressurized supply 314 passes through supply line 330 and manifold 326 to each repositionable member 304a-304e, from which its free end discharge port. 336a, 336b, 336c, 336d, and 336e are emitted. Since the fluid is continuously discharged from the discharge ports 336a to 336e, the position changeable members 304a to 304e repeatedly whip at random. Since the surface treatment unit 324 is sufficiently close to the exposed surface 306, the position changeable members 304a to 304e repeatedly impact the exposed surface 306. By repeatedly giving an impact, the foreign matter 308 adhering to the surface 306 is released. This phenomenon is caused by a direct collision of the position changeable members 304a to 304e to the foreign object 308 and / or a localized vibration caused to the surface 306 by repeatedly contacting the colliding position changeable members 304a to 304e. .

  The long support (bar-shaped body) 302 can be manufactured in the same manner as described above for the bar-shaped body 48, for example. The support (bar) 302 may be fabricated as a single piece, or may be fabricated with a telescoping or other extendable component so that the length can be varied. The support (rod-like body) 302 may be made of metal, plastic, or composite material. Metals such as aluminum are desirable because they are lightweight. The same applies to composite materials that use carbon fiber or fiberglass. Fiberglass, bamboo, wood, and other materials are equally suitable. As an example, the support (bar) 302 may be made of a semi-rigid hose material such as polyvinyl chloride. The support body (bar-shaped body) 302 is therefore lightweight and functions to communicate fluid and to support one or more processing units as described below.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the support (bar) 302 is rectangular and a hollow space 338 extends between its ends. A square shape or another polygonal shape was chosen randomly, more easily predicting the bending of the support (bar) 302 associated with that shape and indicated by the force applied to the elongated support / bar. In an aspect, it is desirable because it facilitates placing the surface treatment unit 324 at a desired position and moving the treatment unit 324. However, other cross-sectional shapes such as circular or elliptical are also conceivable. As an alternative to using the supply line 330 outside the elongated support (bar) 302, the supply line 330 can be guided through the space 388. Alternatively, the elongated support / bar may be used as a conduit to allow fluid to pass through the space 388 between the pressurized fluid supply 314 and the manifold 326.

  As an extension of the length of the elongated support (bar) 302, it is desirable to use a supplemental support / guide structure 340. The supplementary guide structure 340 may take any form, and may be operated from above the work altitude of the processing apparatus 300, at a position close to the floor surface 342 where the user 320 is located, or at another position.

  The elongate support body (bar-shaped body) 302 is illustrated as having a linear shape in FIGS. 48 and 49, but may take other shapes. For example, as described above, a “gooseneck (S-shaped portion)” may be provided in the tip region 318. In practice, any shape can be incorporated into the elongated support (bar) 302 at the tip region 318 or elsewhere to facilitate reaching different surfaces.

  In order to make it easy to change the position of the processing apparatus 300, as shown in FIG. 50, a long support (rod-like body) 302 may be provided with a guide surface 344. In FIG. 50, the support (rod-like body) 302 has an extension 346. In this case, the extension 346 has a rounded knob 348 having a curved surface 350 at its free end. Yes. The round knob 348 a) keeps the surface treatment unit 324 at a desired distance from the exposed surface 306, and b) guides the movement of the tip region 318 of the support (bar-shaped body) 302 along the surface 306. In order to facilitate this, it is pressed against the exposed surface 306. The knob 348 can be formed integrally with the support body (bar-shaped body) 302 as described above, or can be attached separately in the form of an extension 346 as shown. Other forms of guide surfaces suitable for specific applications may be used. The surface 350 need not be a curved surface, and in some cases, a supplementary device such as a brush or scraper is attached to the tip of the rod-like body. However, in order to prevent the tip region 318 of the elongated support body (bar-shaped body) 302 from being caught when moving along the surface 306, and in the free direction of the support body (bar-shaped body) 302 relative to the surface 306. In order to facilitate conversion, a curved surface is desirable.

  In FIG. 51, a wheel 352 is provided as an alternative to the round knob 348 in the distal end region 318 of the long support body (bar-shaped body) 302. The wheel 352 has a peripheral guide surface 354, and the guide surface 354 is pressed against the exposed surface 306 to rotate, and guides the surface treatment unit 324 along the surface 306 to a desired position where processing is performed. Can do. In this embodiment, the wheel 352 is designed to rotate relative to the support (rod-like body) 302 around the fixed axis 356.

  In FIG. 52, the change to the long support body (bar-shaped body) 302 is illustrated, and the base 358 can rotate around the axis 360 at the tip region 318 of the support body (bar-shaped body) 302. It is attached. The base body 358 may be constantly urged toward the surface to be processed 306 by a spring structure (not shown) or the like around the axis 360 in one rotation direction. The aforementioned wheel 352 is connected to the base body 358 through at least one arm 362. The wheel 352 rotates relative to the arm 362 about an axis 364 parallel to the axis 360. Accordingly, the arm 362 and the wheel 352 reciprocate in an arc around the axis 360 as indicated by the double arrow 366, and can rotate relative to the long support (rod-like body) 302 together. it can. The peripheral guide surface 354 of the wheel 352 can move against the exposed surface 306 in the same manner as shown in FIG.

  As a further alternative, as shown in FIG. 53, the wheel 352 can be attached to an elongated support (bar) 302 via an arm 368. The arm 368 rotates relative to the support body (bar-shaped body) 302 around an axis 370 extending substantially parallel to the length direction of the arm 368 and the support body (bar-shaped body) 302. Can do. The peripheral guide surface 354 of the wheel 352 can be pressed against the exposed surface 306 and rotated as described with respect to FIGS. To attract the wheel to the exposed surface, a magnet can be attached to the wheel, or the magnet can be suspended from the wheel assembly or axle.

  The structures shown in FIGS. 52 and 53 can be combined so that the relative rotation of the wheel 352 with respect to the elongated support body (bar-shaped body) 302 is multidimensional. As another modification of the structure shown in FIGS. 52 and 53, the surface treatment unit 324 may be provided on the movable part of the wheel mounting structure instead of the fixed position of the distal end region of the elongated support body (bar-shaped body) 302. .

  Multiple wheels can be used in any of the embodiments shown in FIGS. In FIG. 54, the support (rod-like body) 302 is shown together with two guide wheels 352a and 352b disposed at the distal end region 318 at a distance from the surface treatment unit 324 at a distance. The possibility that the wheels 352a and 352b are brought close to the tip end region of the support body (rod-shaped body) 302 and spaced from each other to reduce interference with the surface treatment unit 324 during use can be reduced.

  In FIG. 55, three wheels 352 a, 352 b, and 352 c are illustrated in the same relationship with respect to the surface treatment unit 324 in the distal end region of the elongated support body (bar-shaped body) 302.

  In FIG. 56, a base body 372 is shown in the distal end region 318 of the elongated support body (bar-shaped body) 302. The base 372 supports four wheels 352a, 352b, 352c, 352d in this embodiment. The base 372 is formed at least in part by a tube member 374, and the fluid is supplied from the pressurized supply source 314 through the tube member 374 and is spaced along the base 372 in this embodiment. The two surface treatment units 324 are supplied. In this embodiment, one of the surface treatment portions 324 is at the tip, and the other two treatment portions 324 protrude from the manifold 326 ′ at the center position 376 in opposite directions.

  According to the arrangement in FIG. 56, a cumulative treatment effect can be obtained by simultaneously using the three surface treatment units 324 arranged at intervals. The number, spacing, and position of the surface treatment units 324 need not be exactly as shown in FIG.

  57 and 58 show a modified wheeled base 372 ′ in the tip region 318 of the elongated support (bar) 302. In this embodiment, the base 372 has a T-shaped member 378, the “T” horizontal bar 380 forms a support or axle, and the wheels 352 a and 352 b are relative to the axle about the axis 382. Rotate. The base 372 ′ is formed such that fluid from the pressurized supply source 314 is introduced into the “T” vertical bar 384 via the supply line 330. From there, as shown by an arrow 386, the fluid flows in a branched manner, flows in opposite directions through the horizontal bar 380, and communicates with the surface treatment unit 324 at both ends 388 and 390 of the horizontal bar 380. Further fluid flows in the direction of arrow 392 from the vertical bar 384 toward the surface treatment section 324 at approximately the midpoint between the ends 388 and 390 of the horizontal bar (axle) 380. Accordingly, the fluid from the pressurized supply source 314 flows in the opposite directions relative to the axis 382, is discharged at both ends 388 and 390 through the surface treatment unit 324, and is substantially supplied to the axis 382. It flows vertically and is discharged through the surface treatment section 324 at the midpoint between both ends 388 and 390 of the horizontal bar (axle) 380.

  In the present invention, it is considered that the plurality of surface treatment parts 324 can be arranged at other intervals. As an example, as shown in FIG. 59, a long surface support (bar-shaped body) 302 has one surface treatment portion 324 at the front end 392, and the base end region of the support (bar-shaped body) 302 extends from the front end. An elongate support body (bar-shaped body) 302 having another surface treatment portion 324 that protrudes radially from the support body (bar-shaped body) 302 with an interval in the direction of 316 is illustrated.

  In FIG. 60, two separate surface treatment portions 324 protrude radially from the support (rod-like body) 302 at the tip 392 of the support (rod-like body) 302 in the opposite directions, and the third surface treatment portion 324. Projecting radially from the support (bar-shaped body) 302 at an interval from the distal end 392 of the support (bar-shaped body) 302 toward the proximal region 316.

  In FIG. 61, a first manifold 394 is provided at a tip 392 of a long support (rod-like body) 302, and the manifold 394 has an internal space 396 surrounded by a spherical wall 398. Three supports or manifolds 326 a, 326 b, 326 c are in fluid communication with the internal space 396, and the internal space 396 is supplied with fluid from a pressurized supply source 314. In this embodiment, the fluid passes through the support (bar) 302 and is guided through the space 338. Manifolds 326a, 326b, and 326c are attached to spherical wall 398 at intervals. In one form, the manifolds 326a, 326b, 326c can be strategically repositioned on the first manifold 394 to accommodate specific applications.

  The spherical wall 398 may serve to support the manifolds 326a, 326b, and 326c, or may include a peripheral guide surface 400 that is pressed against the exposed surface 306 to be processed.

  Another structure for attaching a plurality of surface treatments 324 at intervals and / or in a desired direction is shown in FIG. In FIG. 62, a plurality of, in this case, five shafts 402 a, 402 b, 402 c, 402 d, 402 e are attached to the distal end 392 of the elongated support body (bar-shaped body) 302. Each shaft 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d, 402e is in fluid communication with the manifold 404, and fluid from the pressurized supply 314 is passed through each shaft 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d, 402e to a free end 406a. , 406b, 406c, 406d, and 406e communicate with the surface treatment unit 324. A manifold 326 on the processing unit 324 is attached at the free ends 406a, 406b, 406c, 406d, and 406e.

  The shafts 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d, and 402e may be preset to a certain shape, for example, a linear shape or a curved shape. Alternatively, the shafts 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d, and 402e are made of a material that can be molded and maintained in virtually any desired shape by the end user.

  In FIG. 63, a carriage 408 is illustrated, and the carriage 408 is located at the distal end 390 of the elongated support body (bar-shaped body) 302, and the shape thereof is substantially linear or substantially coincident with the flat portion of the exposed surface 306. It is a planar shape. The carriage 408 forms an angle θ (theta) with the length direction of the support (bar-shaped body) 302, and the angle θ may be fixed or changed. A plurality of surface treatment units 324 are installed on the carriage 408 at intervals.

  In FIG. 64, a carriage 410 is illustrated, and the carriage 410 can rotate around the axis 412 relative to the elongated support (bar-shaped body) 302. In this embodiment, the carriage 410 has a polygonal shape. More specifically, the carriage 410 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the direction of the axis 412, and has a plurality of side surfaces 414 a, 414 b, 414 c, and 414 d. The surface treatment unit 324 described above is provided. The carriage 410 can be fixed and held in one relative direction with respect to the support body (bar-shaped body) 302, but can rotate relative to the support body (bar-shaped body) 302 around an axis 412. It may move, such as moving.

  FIG. 65 illustrates a processing apparatus including a cleaning unit 416 at the tip 390 of a long support (bar-shaped body) 302. The cleaning unit 416 may take a virtually unlimited number of different forms, such as a pad or a bristle component for wiping, cleaning, or polishing the exposed surface 306. Good.

  The elongate support body (bar-shaped body) 302 includes a surface treatment section 324 between a distal end 390 and a proximal end section 316. The cleaning unit 416 and the surface treatment unit 324 may be designed complementarily in view of their functions. As an example, the cleaning unit 416 may be used to release a strongly attached substance 308 that cannot be separated from the surface 306 by the surface treatment unit 324.

  66 and 67 show a surface treatment apparatus provided with a pad portion 420 at the tip 390 of a long support (bar-shaped body) 302. The pad portion 420 may take any of a number of different shapes. The pad portion 420 has a surface 422 that contacts the exposed surface 306. The surface 422 may include a hair, a hook, an abrasive, a chemical, or the like as in a constituent part of the surface fastener. The pad portion 420 may be made of a relatively thin polycarbonate sheet or carbon fiber sheet.

  At least one, in this case, a plurality of surface treatment portions 324 are provided in the vicinity of the tip 390 of the elongated support (rod-like body) 302. During operation, the position changeable members 304 a, 304 b, 304 c, and 304 d on each surface treatment unit 324 repeatedly impact the surface 424 of the pad unit 420 facing the opposite side of the surface 422. Thereby, the impact force is distributed to a considerable area of the processing surface 306 via the pad portion 420. The region is defined by the shape of the surface 422.

  Depending on the application, it may be necessary to pull the separated material 308 away from the specific exposed surface 306 in a controlled manner other than by blooming. As an example, as shown in FIG. 74, the exposed surface 306 may be the inner surface of the cargo ship outer wall 462 in the cargo hold 464. A reinforced shell frame 466 is formed on the wall surface 462 and typically extends vertically and then downwardly near the base of the hull at an angle. Each shell frame 466 has a web 468 and a flange 470 that borders individual, generally rectangular sections 472. The section 472 can have an opening 474 between adjacent flanges 470 and can reach the section 472 from the opening 474. The compartment 472 is easy to capture the material 308 stored in the cargo hold 464. According to the present invention, the various processing devices described herein can be introduced into the compartment 472 from the opening 474. If the material 308 separated from the exposed surface 306 is not moved, it accumulates at the bottom of the compartment 472 and is likely to be trapped in the compartment 472.

  According to the present invention, as further shown in FIG. 75, a curtain portion 476 is provided in the distal end region 318 of the elongated support body (bar-shaped body) 302. The curtain portion 476 includes a frame 478, and a flexible sheet material 480 is suspended and attached to the frame 478 so as to seal the opening 474. A tubular portion 482 is formed under the frame, and the portion 482 has an upper inlet 484.

  The surface treatment unit 324 is positioned away from the other side of the frame 478 and is guided into the compartment 472. The substance 308 separated by the surface treatment unit 324 is blocked by the sheet material 480 from leaking from the opening 474, guided to the tubular portion by the sheet material 480 at the inlet 484, and further passed through the portion to the outside of the partition 472. And down to the appropriate collection or discharge outlet 486.

  An attached vacuum source 488 may be used to enhance the flow of material 308 to and through the tubular portion 482 between the inlet 484 and outlet 486.

  FIG. 76 shows a curtain portion 476 ′ having a modified mode. The curtain portion 476 ′ has a frame 478 ′ attached to the distal end region 318 of the elongated support body (bar-shaped body) 302. The frame 478 ′ may be fixedly attached like the frame 478, or may be attached so that the direction can be selected and changed relative to the support (bar-shaped body) 302. Alternatively, an air nozzle (not shown) can be attached to a rod or frame to form an “air curtain”.

  The frame 478 ′ forms at least a partial annular body or a protective cover (shroud) in the vicinity of a region where the surface treatment portion 324 provided at the tip 390 of the support (rod-shaped body) 302 is located. That is, the frame 478 ′ forms an inlet 484 ′, and at least a part of the surface treatment unit 324 is near or inside the inlet 484 ′, so that the substance 308 separated from the exposed surface 306 can be captured more reliably. it can. At the inlet 484 ′, the accumulated material 308 is guided downward through a tubular member 482 ′ formed of a flexible sheet material 480 ′.

  A further variation of the present invention is shown in FIG. FIG. 77 shows a state where the blocking portion 490 is acting between the blooming portion 440 ″ and the elongated support body (rod-like body) 302. The blooming portion 440 ″ is illustrated by the elongated support body (rod-like shape). Attached to the tip 390 of the body 302, and relative to the support 302 in a direction indicated by a double-headed arrow 494 relative to the support 302. It can move relatively around the axis 492. The blooming portion 440 ″ has one or more tubes or conduits 444 that guide the pressurized fluid in the direction of arrow 496 substantially parallel to the surface of the exposed surface 306 to be processed. Has been placed.

  The same type of blocking portion 490 may be used to limit the movement of the tines 432a-432d moving across or parallel to the exposed surface to be processed.

  In this embodiment, the tube (conduit) 444 'is flexible and produces a whipping action. In accordance with the present invention, the blocking portion 490 prevents the tube (conduit) 444 'from substantially turning from the arrangement shown in FIG. 77 (thereby allowing the effluent fluid to flow in the direction of arrow 496). Limit the whiplash action. This creates a controlled hammering action. The blocking portion 490 acts on the tube (conduit) 444 'or other structure that is used to generally define the direction of the tube (conduit) 444' (generally indicated at 432). May be. Therefore, the movement of the same tube (conduit) 444 ′ that gives an impact to the exposed surface 306 by the beating action is limited to a range where the blooming function is exerted in addition thereto.

  As shown in FIGS. 78 and 79, in another modification, the shield 498 is connected to the elongated support (bar) 302 at its tip region 318 and combined with one or more surface treatments 324. use.

  The shield 498 is particularly effective when cleaning the section 472 as shown in FIG. A fluid such as a liquid sent to the compartment 472 is prevented from flowing out of the opening 474 by the shield 498. The rebounded fluid hits the barrier 500 of the shield 498 and is collected in the bottom accommodating portion 502, from which the fluid can be recovered via the drain pipe 504. With this arrangement, the shield 498 controls the release of fluid and facilitates its collection.

  The barrier 500 may be rotatable relative to the elongated support (bar) 302 about the axis 506, so that the barrier is pressed tightly against the flange 470 and the opening between the flanges 470. It becomes easy to seal the part 474 effectively. The lower portion 508 of the barrier may be narrower than the other portions of the barrier 500 so that it can pass through the opening sealed by the barrier 500.

  Using the structure and method according to the present invention, the material 308 exiting the exposed surface in a myriad of different environments can optionally be liberated and its movement controlled. This can be done by directly or indirectly impacting such surfaces, causing vibrations, or flowing a fluid toward such surfaces. Using the concepts of the present invention, various means can be implemented, including a number of things not specifically mentioned above.

  As an example, the structure described above for flowing a processing fluid to the exposed surface 306 to remove material from the surface 306 can be used to apply a surface preparation component to the exposed surface 306 in a similar manner. Application of such components to the exposed surface is preferably or required before introducing certain materials such as cargo hold and contacting such surfaces. The structure of the present invention allows application to surfaces that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to achieve using conventional means.

  As a further example, a stain treatment component may be applied. Oily stains from coal and petroleum coke may be treated by hitting or rubbing the surface after applying a pressurized baking soda solution. The abrasive may be applied mixed with pressurized liquid and / or gas.

  As another example, the structure of the present invention can be used to grind a large amount of particulate matter deposited vertically. While fluids pressurized in a conventional manner are poured against such deposits, one or more repositionable members 304 are placed in the deposits to obstruct visibility and are inhaled by the operator. The deposits may be dispersed without causing the light particulates known to rise.

  More particularly, materials such as cement may accumulate in the transition zone between 4 and 14 meters from the floor of the ship cargo hold and between the sheet frames. Usually, by climbing a ladder or using an elevator, it is possible to reach such an area by placing the worker in the immediate vicinity of the pile so that the worker can reach directly with a shovel or the like. This is inherently dangerous because the height is required for the operator to skillfully operate.

  According to the present invention, the rod is “pierced” into the bottom / bottom of the deposit. In this way, the deposition is controlled and broken down, and it is guided to be pressed against the surface in the vicinity, or it proceeds to a lower deposition area freely from the protruding portion. One or more repositionable members at the end of the inserted rod will facilitate this process. Since the position changeable member is allowed to enter the deposit, the generation of dust is suppressed. Thus, the deposition is gradually broken down and can be removed in a controllable, safe and convenient manner.

  Furthermore, the present invention can be used to stir a wet mixture such as a slurry. As an example, an undried cement mixture can be stirred and treated by introducing additives such as sugar or other cure retardants.

  In all the embodiments, the force of the whiplash action by the position changeable member 304, the frequency of repeated strikes, and the like can be selected by changing the type and interaction of the components. For example, when the position changeable member 304 is a pipe (conduit), the nature of “whipping” is determined by the size of the pipe, the thickness of the wall, the material, the length, the flow rate and pressure of the pressurized fluid, and the like. Those skilled in the art having the above inventive concept will be able to change the components of the device to achieve the desired goals that a particular environment or application may require or determine. Various surface interactions may be caused by controlling the pressurized flow such as changing the pressure of the flow or changing the pressure intermittently to cause vibrations.

  Further, it is contemplated that various components described in different embodiments within this specification may be combined. As an example, to reduce weight, the external supply line 330 is used in each embodiment using the space 338 in the elongated support (bar) 302 as part of the means for communicating pressurized fluid. It can also be partially removed. In this way, in some cases, the entire apparatus can be simplified and its weight can be reduced.

  As a further example, the repositionable member 304 may be processed, such as by using a coating, to change its performance. The coating may increase hardness and / or incorporate an abrasive such as silica sand or silica carbide. Alternatively, each position changeable member 304 may be formed by a plurality of pipes of different types or dimensions and integrated. For example, a harder material with a shorter length may be provided at the free end of the position changeable member to enhance the bending and impacting action on the surface 306. Alternatively, each repositionable member 304 can branch into one or more separate processing arms. A weight such as a bead may be attached to the member 304 at or near its free end.

  A notable aspect of the present invention is that it is possible to perform surface treatment such as in a cargo hold by opening or closing a hatch while a ship is sailing in the open sea. In this way, in some cases, the expense of dry cleaning during anchorage can be avoided. The accumulated residue can be discharged conventionally during the cleaning process offshore 25 nautical miles.

  In addition, a relatively lightweight rod-like body or support is equipped with an interactive device to hold the brush under the pressure on the surface to be treated, which is typical when using a conventional brush or the like. In addition, the surface treatment can be performed quickly without causing the operator to get tired in such a manner that the user must repeatedly perform manual operations to perform the squeezing operation.

  The system of the present invention can also be used as a diagnostic device and standard for examining the condition of the surface on which the raw material will be placed. By observing the type and amount of material separated from the surface by the repositionable member 304, the inspector can perform “debriding” that is likely to occur as a result of introducing the raw material in contact with such a surface. Make predictions easy and fast. That is, an objective qualitative and quantitative analysis of the state of the cargo hold is made, and in particular, it is possible to determine the suitability of the surface in contact with and confining the next loaded cargo.

  As yet another variation, a surface treatment apparatus of the present invention (generically indicated as 520) that includes all the different components (collectively indicated as 522) described within this specification may be modified by an exposed surface to be processed. The position may be selectively changed by the moving mechanism 524 in the entire enclosed space. The movement mechanism 524 and, in some cases, the processing member 522 of the apparatus 520 may be selectively operated by the control device 526. The control device 526 may be connected to the respective receivers 528 and 530 of the surface treatment member 522 and the moving mechanism 524 by wire or wirelessly. This facilitates remote processing at high locations that are difficult to reach and possibly dangerous. The movement mechanism 524 may interact with the surface or may be controlled in other ways, for example via an independent support.

  The foregoing disclosure of specific embodiments is intended to illustrate the broad concepts grasped by the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of one form of a processing apparatus according to the present invention, in which the processing apparatus is attracted and associated with a surface to be processed by a processing unit of the processing apparatus according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the processing apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the processing apparatus is associated with an iron surface attracted by a magnetic part. 1 is a schematic view of the processing apparatus having the processing unit attached to a carriage acting on a ferrous or non-ferrous treated surface. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the processing unit of FIG. 3 having a processing member that directly contacts the surface to be processed. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cargo ship having a cargo hold processed by the method according to the present invention using the apparatus. FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial perspective view of one of the cargo holds of the cargo ship of FIG. 5, one form of the processing device being operated by a user to process a wall that is a boundary of a storage space formed by the cargo hold. Indicates. FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the processing apparatus shown in FIG. 6. It is an enlarged front view of the said processing apparatus of FIG. It is an expanded side view of the said processing apparatus of FIG.7 and 8 linked | related with the to-be-processed surface. FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a carriage of the processing apparatus of FIGS. FIG. 11 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the carriage of FIG. 10. 12 is a front view of the carriage of FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. It is a schematic side view of the deformation | transformation aspect of the process member of the said process part. It is a figure similar to FIG. 13 of the further deformation | transformation aspect of a process member. FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the carriage having an impact portion of a general embodiment of a processing member of the type shown in FIG. 14. 1 is a schematic illustration of a carriage having a heat source according to the present invention. FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16 wherein the carriage has an illumination light source. FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIGS. 16 and 17, wherein the carriage has at least one mirror. FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIGS. 16-18, wherein the carriage has a video camera. 1 is a schematic illustration of a carriage having at least one nozzle for directing a liquid or gaseous pressurized fluid from a supply source to a surface to be treated according to the present invention. 1 is a schematic illustration of a carriage according to the present invention having at least one opening and a receiving part. The opening communicates with a vacuum source for performing suction through the opening, and the storage portion is for accumulating foreign matter sucked from the opening. 2 is a schematic view of a cargo hold having a flexible recovery member therein. FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 22, showing a state where the collection member in which foreign matter is accumulated inside is deformed and lifted from the opening by a boom. FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIGS. 22 and 23, showing a state in which the recovery member is further lifted, deformed, and passes through the opening. 1 is a schematic view of a carriage according to the present invention having a vibration inducing portion in part or in whole of the processing portion. It is the same figure as FIG. 25 provided with the reciprocating part instead of the said vibration induction part. 1 is a schematic illustration of a carriage according to the present invention having a processing member operated by a drive. 1 is a schematic illustration of a carriage according to the present invention having at least one wheel and self-propelled by driving the wheel. 1 is a schematic illustration of the carriage having an electrically operated movable member or function. 30 is a schematic diagram corresponding to FIG. 29 in which the movable member or function is operated by hydraulic or pneumatic pressure. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method for treating a surface according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of another method of treating a surface according to the present invention. 1 is a schematic representation of a kit including a carriage having a plurality of compatible processing members according to the present invention. It is a figure similar to FIG. 33 provided with the some processing part which is compatible. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a processing member for reaching a plane where two surfaces intersect at a right angle according to the present invention; It is a schematic side view which shows the user who is operating the said apparatus from the bucket (gondola) of a human lift. 1 is a schematic illustration of an impact or vibration inducing device acting on a part of a cargo ship, in preparation for treating a surface, according to the invention. 1 is a front view of a pad according to the present invention used to treat a surface. FIG. The pad includes a main body or a carriage that is magnetically attracted to an iron surface, and a magnetic member is embedded in the main body. FIG. 39 is a view similar to FIG. 38 showing a state in which a magnetic member is attached to the exposed surface of the main body or carriage. FIG. 40 is a view similar to FIGS. 38 and 39 in combination with a magnetic member selectively disposed within the container so that a desired magnetic attraction can be selected. Fig. 5 is a variation of the processing apparatus according to the present invention, in the form of a pad with a magnetic member, including a flexible cord for operating the pad. The magnetic member is for attracting the pad to the iron material. FIG. 42 is a flow diagram of another method of treating a surface according to the present invention using the pad of FIG. 41. 2 is a schematic view of a variant of the device according to the invention, in which an elongated operating rod and a carriage are pivotally connected. It is a fragmentary figure of the further deformation | transformation aspect of the elongate rod-shaped object by this invention, and the said rod-shaped object is connected to the carriage which has a reciprocating part for making a carriage reciprocate. FIG. 6 is a partial front view of a further variant of the processing device according to the invention, including a rotary processing member operated pneumatically. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a processing apparatus according to the present invention comprising an elongated support. The support has at least one position-changeable member that separates by interfering with the substance on the exposed surface, and in some cases controls the movement of the substance after separation. 2 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a processing apparatus according to the present invention in which a tube or conduit is provided on an elongated support. The tube or conduit delivers pressurized fluid to control and direct material separated from the exposed surface. 47 is a side view of one aspect of the processing apparatus shown in FIG. 46. FIG. It is an expanded sectional view of the elongate support body of the said processing apparatus cut along 49-49 of FIG. FIG. 49 is a view similar to FIG. 48 provided with a knob at the tip of the long support to facilitate the guidance of the long support relative to the exposed surface. FIG. 52 is a view similar to FIG. 50 wherein wheels are used instead of knobs to guide the elongated support relative to the exposed surface. FIG. 52 is a partial front view corresponding to FIG. 51 in which the guide wheel is movable relative to the elongated support in a first manner. FIG. 53 is a view similar to FIG. 52, wherein the guide wheel is movable relative to the elongated support in a second manner. FIG. 54 is a view similar to FIG. 53, wherein a pair of wheels are used instead of the single wheel of FIG. 1. FIG. 55 is a view similar to FIG. 54, but using three guide wheels instead of the two wheels shown in FIG. 54. FIG. 56 is a view similar to FIG. 55, wherein a four-wheel carriage is used instead of the three-wheel, and the carriage communicates fluid from a pressurized fluid supply source to the surface treatment unit of the carriage. It is a figure similar to FIG. 56 which equips the front-end | tip area | region of the said elongate support body with a base | substrate, the said base | substrate supports a some induction | guidance | derivation wheel, and connects a pressurized fluid to the some surface treatment part on a base | substrate. FIG. 58 is an enlarged partial front view of the base body and the parts associated therewith of FIG. 57. It is a figure similar to FIG. 48 in which the said elongate support body was equipped with the several surface treatment part at intervals. FIG. 60 is a view similar to FIG. 59, wherein the arrangement intervals of the plurality of surface treatment units are different. It is a figure similar to FIG. 48 provided with the manifold in the front-end | tip area | region of the said elongate support body which has a some surface treatment part. FIG. 49 is a view similar to FIG. 48, comprising a plurality of shafts each having a corresponding surface treatment portion at the distal end region of the elongated support. It is a partial front view of a part of the elongate support body that includes a movable carriage and has a positional relationship associated with a surface treatment unit. It is a figure similar to FIG. 48 provided with the carriage in the front-end | tip area | region of the said elongate support body. The carriage has a polygonal outer shape, and includes a surface treatment unit on the polygonal outer shape, and the polygonal outer shape can change its orientation relative to the support. It is a figure similar to FIG. 48 in which the said elongate support body has a cleaning part in addition to a surface treatment part. It is a fragmentary perspective view of the front-end | tip area | region of the said elongate support body which is equipped with the pad part and the said pad part receives an impact on the single side | surface by the surface treatment part. FIG. 67 is a partial front view of the elongated support, pad portion, and surface treatment portion of FIG. 66. It is a partial front view of the front-end | tip area | region of the said elongate support body provided with the surface treatment part which has a tooth-like body which can change the position which repeatedly gives an impact to a to-be-cleaned exposed surface. FIG. 49 is a view similar to FIG. 48 in which the surface treatment portion of FIG. 68 is arranged on the exposed surface to be treated. It is a figure similar to FIG. 4 which has a blooming part in the front-end | tip of the said elongate support body. It is a figure similar to FIG. 70 which has several surface treatment part used in connection with the said blooming part. FIG. 48 is a view similar to FIG. 48 of a variation of the blooming portion having an optional mechanism for separating the substance from the exposed surface in addition to the blooming portion and having a frame in which a plurality of coupled tubes or conduits can be selectively attached and detached. It is. FIG. 73 is a partial front view of the distal end region of the elongated support with the blooming portion of FIG. 72 with some tubes or conduits removed from the frame. It is sectional drawing of the shell frame of a cargo hold, and the division inside the shell frame. FIG. 49 is a view similar to FIG. 48, wherein the elongated support has a curtain portion at the tip thereof to form a curtain and an integrated tube. The collecting tube is for material separated from the exposed surface in the shell frame section of FIG. It is a fragmentary sectional view of the deformation | transformation aspect of the curtain part of the front-end | tip of the said elongate support body. It is a figure similar to FIG. 48 which shows the deformation | transformation aspect of a surface treatment part, In the said process part, the position changeable member restrict | limited by the blocking part functions to isolate | separate and bloom a substance. It is a figure similar to FIG. 75 which provided the shielding part so that the outflow of the fluid might be controlled from the division of a shell frame. It is an expanded partial side view of the shielding part of the front-end | tip of the said elongate support body which accumulate | stores a process fluid and controls and discharge | releases it. 1 is a schematic diagram of a remotely operable surface treatment apparatus according to the present invention.

Claims (42)

A method for treating an exposed surface,
Including a processing apparatus preparation step of preparing a processing apparatus having an elongated support, wherein the elongated support has a proximal region and a distal region, and at least one flexible surface in the distal region A contact member,
An elongate support operation step of operating the elongate support in the proximal region so as to dispose the flexible surface contact member on the exposed surface;
A surface contact member moving step of repeatedly moving the flexible surface contact member on the exposed surface to perform the exposed surface processing. The method for treating an exposed surface according to claim 1, wherein the exposed surface is at least one of the following (a) and (b).
(A) Enclose a space for storing a substance.
(B) Accompanies a device that transports material between locations separated from each other.   The long support operation step is different from the step of pressing the guide surface of the processing apparatus against the exposed surface and the guide surface while moving while guiding the guide surface against the exposed surface. The exposed surface processing method according to claim 1, further comprising: a guide surface moving step of selectively arranging the flexible surface contact member on the surface.   The exposed surface processing method according to claim 3, wherein the guide surface has a surface on a wheel that rotates while being pressed against the exposed surface.   The exposed surface processing method according to claim 3, wherein the guide surface moving step includes a step of moving the guide surface to slide on the exposed surface.   The exposed surface processing method according to claim 1, wherein the surface contact member moving step includes a step of moving the flexible surface contact member in a whipping state.   The exposed surface processing method according to claim 1, wherein the flexible surface contact member comprises a tube member.   The exposed surface processing method according to claim 7, wherein the surface contact member moving step includes a step of introducing a pressurized fluid from a supply source through the tube member.   The exposed surface processing method according to claim 8, wherein the fluid includes a liquid and / or a gas. The wheel has an axis of rotation;
The said processing method is a processing method of the exposed surface of Claim 4 which further includes the process of changing the relationship between the said elongate support body and the said rotation axis. The wheel is attached to a substrate;
The exposed surface processing method according to claim 4, wherein the processing method further includes a step of introducing a pressurized fluid from a supply source through a part of the substrate.   The exposed surface processing method according to claim 11, further comprising a step of changing a direction of the base body relative to the elongated member.   The exposed surface processing method according to claim 12, wherein the flexible surface contact member is attached to the substrate.   The method for treating an exposed surface according to claim 1, further comprising a pressurized fluid introducing step of introducing a pressurized fluid from a supply source to the tip region of the elongated support.   The exposed surface processing method according to claim 14, wherein the pressurized fluid introduction step includes a step of guiding the pressurized fluid through the elongated support.   The exposed surface processing method according to claim 1, wherein the processing device preparation step includes a step of preparing a processing device including a plurality of flexible surface contact members.   The step of preparing the processing apparatus includes a processing apparatus including a plurality of flexible surface contact members at first and second positions separated from each other in the distal end region of the elongated support. The processing method of the exposed surface of Claim 1 containing this. The processing apparatus preparation step includes a step of providing a cleaning unit in the tip region of the elongated support,
The said processing method is a processing method of the exposed surface of Claim 1 which further includes the process of sliding the said cleaning part on the said exposed surface, when operating the said elongate support body.   The curtain preparation step of providing a curtain in the tip region of the elongated support, and the curtain suspension step of hanging the curtain and directing the substance separated from the exposed surface downward. The processing method of the exposed surface of description.   The exposed surface processing method according to claim 19, wherein the curtain hanging step includes a step of hanging the curtain in a tube shape.   The exposed surface processing method according to claim 19, wherein the curtain preparation step includes a step of preparing a frame and a flexible sheet material attached to the frame to form the curtain. The processing apparatus preparation step includes a step of preparing a pad portion,
The processing method further includes a step of pressing the pad portion against the exposed surface, and a step of repeatedly bringing the flexible surface contact member into contact with the exposed surface by repeatedly applying an impact to the pad portion. The processing method of the exposed surface of Claim 1. The processing apparatus preparation step includes the step of providing at least one fluid conduit;
The processing method includes a step of guiding a pressurized fluid from a source through the fluid conduit, and controlling and guiding the separated substance by repeatedly moving the flexible surface contact member on the exposed surface. The processing method of the exposed surface of Claim 1 which further contains these.   Controlling the movement of the separated material by generating a controlled pressurized fluid flow at the tip region of the elongate support and repeatedly moving the flexible surface contact member on the exposed surface; The exposed surface processing method according to claim 1, further comprising: The processing apparatus preparation step includes a step of providing a frame in the tip region of the elongated support,
The flexible surface contact member has at least one flexible tube member;
The processing method further includes a step of connecting the flexible tube member to the frame and guiding a pressurized fluid guided through the flexible tube member in a substantially first direction with respect to the frame. The processing method of the exposed surface of Claim 1.   26. The exposed surface processing method according to claim 25, further comprising a step of changing a direction of the frame with respect to the elongated support. Further comprising the step of repeatedly moving at least another flexible surface contact member on the exposed surface to treat the exposed surface;
The step of connecting the flexible tube member to the frame includes applying a pressurized fluid to control the movement of the separated material by repeatedly moving the another flexible surface contact member on the exposed surface. 26. The method of treating an exposed surface according to claim 25, comprising the step of connecting the flexible tube member to the frame to guide.   The exposure according to claim 1, wherein the surface contact member moving step includes a step of repeatedly moving the flexible surface contact member directly with respect to the exposed surface or substantially parallel to the exposed surface. Surface processing method.   The exposed surface processing method according to claim 1, wherein the surface contact member moving step includes a step of randomly moving the flexible surface contact member on the exposed surface.   30. The exposed surface processing method according to claim 29, further comprising a step of restricting the flexible surface contact member from moving randomly away from the exposed surface.   The step of guiding the pressurized fluid through the flexible surface contact member, and the release of the pressurized fluid from the flexible surface contact member are controlled, and the flexible surface contact member is repeatedly moved on the exposed surface. The method for treating an exposed surface according to claim 28, further comprising the step of controlling the movement of the separated material. The processing apparatus preparation step includes a step of preparing a tooth-like body portion, the tooth-like body portion includes at least a first tooth-like body whose position can be changed, and the flexible surface contact member includes With a single tooth,
The processing method further includes a first tooth-like body moving step of repeatedly moving the first tooth-like body relative to the exposed surface as the flexible surface contact member repeatedly moves. The processing method of the exposed surface as described in any one of.   33. The exposed surface according to claim 32, wherein the first tooth-like body moving step includes a step of repeatedly moving the first tooth-like body relative to the elongated support body by pressing the first tooth-like body against the exposed surface. Processing method.   33. An exposed surface according to claim 32, wherein the first tooth has a free end, and the flexible surface contact member extends near or to the free end or beyond the free end. Processing method. The processing device preparation step includes a step of providing a shielding portion on the elongated support,
The processing method further includes a step of discharging a pressurized fluid through the flexible surface contact member, and a step of controlling movement of the fluid discharged from the flexible surface contact member by the shielding unit. The processing method of the exposed surface of Claim 1.   2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of directing a surface preparation fluid through the flexible surface contact member, randomly moving the flexible surface contact member, and applying the surface preparation fluid to the exposed surface. Processing method of the exposed surface. The surface contact member moving step includes the step of repeatedly moving the flexible surface contact member to separate the substance on the exposed surface from the exposed surface;
The processing method includes the step of determining the type and amount of the substance separated from the exposed surface, and the state of the exposed surface and the specific substance in contact with at least the type and amount of the separated substance. The method of treating an exposed surface according to claim 1, further comprising analyzing the suitability of the exposed surface for containing a specific substance. A method of treating an exposed surface,
Including a processing apparatus preparation step of preparing a processing apparatus, the processing apparatus includes a long support having a proximal end region and a distal end region, and further includes a tube member having an outlet in the distal end region;
Directing pressurized fluid through the tube member to release at the outlet;
In order to control the movement of the substance separated from the exposed surface by manipulating the support in the proximal end region, placing the outlet on the exposed surface to be treated, the user can apply pressurized fluid at the outlet. A method of treating an exposed surface, further comprising the step of guiding.   The exposed surface processing method according to claim 38, further comprising a step of changing a direction of the outlet relative to the elongated support.   39. The exposed surface processing method according to claim 38, further comprising a material separation step of separating the material attached to the exposed surface using a mechanism in addition to the tube member.   41. The exposed surface processing method according to claim 40, wherein the material separation step includes a step of separating the material by applying an impact to the exposed surface. The processing apparatus preparation step includes a step of providing a frame in the tip region of the elongated support,
The tube member has a flexible portion, and the flexible portion is attached to the frame to fix the direction of the tube member relative to the elongated support;
In the processing method, the frame member is pressed against the exposed surface and / or randomly moved in the vicinity of the exposed surface by a pressurized fluid guided through the tube member. 39. The method for treating an exposed surface according to claim 38, further comprising the step of removing the pipe member from the surface.

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