MX2007009201A - Particle blast cleaning apparatus with pressurized container - Google Patents

Abstract

A particle blast cleaning apparatus incorporates a pressurized container which is pressurized by the transport gas upon start up. A feeder introduces the blast media into the transport stream.

Description

CLEANING APPARATUS WITH ABRASIVE PARTICLES WITH PRESSURE CONTAINER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to cleaning systems with abrasive particles, and is directed particularly to a device that provides improved introduction of particles in a transport gas flow for final delivery as entrapped particles to a workpiece. or another objective or target. The invention will be specifically described in connection with a system of cryogenic abrasive particles, which introduces particles from a pressure vessel via a feeder without a lock between the container and the discharge. Abrasive cleaning systems with particles have existed for several decades. Typically, particles also known as abrasive media, are fed into a transport gas stream and transported as trapped particles, to an abrasive jet nozzle, from which the particles exit, directed toward a workpiece or other objective. Carbon dioxide abrasive cleaning systems are well known and together with various associated component parts are illustrated in US Pat. Nos. 4,744,181, 4,843,770, 4,947,592, 5,018,667, 5,050,805, 5,071,289, 5,109,636, 5,188,151, 5,203,794, 5,249,426, 5,288,028, 5,301,509, 5,473,903, 5,520,572, 5,571,335, 5,660,580, 5,795,214, 6,024,304, 6,042,458, 6,346,035, 6,447,377, 6,695,679, 6,695,685 and 6,824,450, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Many prior art jet systems, such as the one described herein, include rotating elements forming an airlock, which seal between the hopper containing the granules and the pressurized transport stream in which the particles are trapped and transported to the workplace. Other prior art jet cleaning systems use suction created by a Venturi nozzle, typically located in the jet gun, which usually requires a two-hose system. The present invention does not require the use of a lock or venturi nozzle. Although the present invention will be described in connection with a particle feeder for using carbon dioxide jet cleaning, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited in use or application to carbon dioxide jet. The teachings of the present invention can be used in applications utilizing any convenient type or size of particle jet means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the modalities given below, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side view of a particle jet apparatus, constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a hopper and feeder illustrated in Figure 1, showing some components diagrammatically. Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the rotor assembly illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of the discs, spacers and rotor and arrow cleaning arms shown in Figure 3 (Figure 1). side view of the feeder liner, with the surrounding housing illustrated in dotted lines). Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the liner of Figure 4, taken on its central axis, generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotor. Figure 6 is a side view of the liner similar to Figure 5 and the rotor assembly, with the axis illustrated in cross section taken on line 6-6 of Figure 3. Figure 7 is a side view of the liner and the rotor, with the axis or arrow illustrated in cross section, which is taken on lines 6-6 of Figure 3. Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of the pneumatic control connections of the particle jet apparatus illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a liner embodiment and an alternate embodiment of the rotor assembly, which are generally taken in a vertical plane through its central axis. Figure 10 is a side view of one embodiment of the rotor assembly of Figure 9. Figure 11 is a side view of another alternate embodiment of a rotor assembly. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the rotor of Figure 11 and a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the enclosed portion of the liner.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 13-13 of Figure 12. Figure 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the hopper and feeder of an alternate embodiment of the jet or particle cleaning apparatus. . Figure 15 is a sectional perspective view of another embodiment of a particulate cleaning apparatus. Reference will now be made in detail to the current preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Detailed Description of a Modality of the Invention In the following description, similar reference characters designate similar or corresponding parts through the various views. Also, in the following description, it will be understood that terms such as front, back, interior, exterior and similar, are convenient words and should not be considered as limiting terms. The terminology employed in this patent is not intended to limit, since the devices described herein or their portions may be connected or used in other orientations. With reference to the drawings in more detail, one embodiment of the invention will now be described. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the particle jet apparatus 2 includes the container 4, feeder assembly 6, drive assembly 8 and output gate assembly 10. The particle jet apparatus 2 can be mounted on any cart or shelf convenient as illustrated in dotted lines and generally indicated with the number 12 in Figure 1. The container 4 is configured to receive and hold the jet cleaning means such as with particles or carbon dioxide granules, and allow them to be transferred to the feeder assembly 6 for final entrapment in the transport gas flow. It will be appreciated that the container 4 is not limited to the configuration illustrated and described herein, but may have any convenient shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 4 is also configured to contain the internal pressure, by avoiding substantial pressure leakage (with respect to the pressure and flow requirements of the particle jet apparatus 2) out of the container 4. The container 4 can also be to be referred to herein as a pressure vessel 4 or vessel 4. Depending on the internal pressure, vessel 4 may be constructed to comply with the ASME code for pressure vessels. The container 4 is illustrated as having the upper portion 14 which is generally cylindrical and the lower portion 16 which is conical in shape. The cover 18 circumscribes the open end 20, forming therewith a pressure resistant seal. The cover 18 is configured to engage with the annular flange 22 of the end 20. Axially aligned annular grooves 18a and 22a are formed in the cover 18 and flange 22 respectively, with the seal 24 partially positioned in each groove 18a and 22a. The clamp 26 which is configured to engage with the cover 22 and the annular flange 22, is illustrated to have a C-shaped cross section that engages the outer edges of the cover 18 and the annular flange 22, thereby compressing the seal 24. The clamp 26 includes the hinge 28 on one side with the connector on the center 30 positioned generally opposite the hinge 28 that holds the ends of the clamp 26 together. It is noted that the cover 18 can be fastened to the open end 20 in any convenient way and is not limited to the configuration illustrated in the clamp 26. Although similar fastening mounts are used in various places in the embodiment, the interconnection of these components is not Limit to these clamping mounts. The cover 18 includes opening for entry of medium 32 through which the burst means can be introduced into the interior 34 of the container 4. The cover 18 also includes the cap member 36 having the seal 38 configured to sealingly engage the cover 18 in order to seal the opening 32 in order to maintain internal pressure inside the container. The member 36 is transported by the support 40 which is rotated with respect and movable on its axis. The support 40 of the seal 42 can be derived in a resilient manner by the elastic member 44, illustrated as a spring, to hold the member 36 in alignment with the aperture 32. To assist in this alignment, a stop member (not shown) can be positioned extending from the cover 18 to engage the periphery of the member 36 when the member 36 is suitably aligns with the opening 32 so as to prevent the resilient member 44 from overturning the holder 40. The member 36 may but is not required to be elastically displaced in engagement with the cover 18. The member 36 may be located by the support 36. and the resilient member 44 close enough to the opening 32, such that upon introducing the pressurized gas into the interior 34, the member 36 will be forced into engagement with the cover 18 as a result of the gas flow between the member 36 and the opening 32, which reduces the pressure on the upper side of member 36 with the pressure imbalance that is sufficient to move member 36 and seal 38 in seal engagement with the cover 18. As will be described below, this configuration allows the member 36 to reduce the seal coupling with the cover 18, by reducing the internal pressure, when the transport gas stops supplying inwardly 34, leaving the opening unsealed. 32. When the burst medium is carbon dioxide, this opening 32 allows the sublimation gases to exit through the opening 32 and prevents any build-up of pressure to the interior 34. When the member 36 does not move closed against the cover 18 , the holder 40 can be rotated to provide a clearer route between the opening 32 and the interior 34, such as to charge carbon dioxide granules in the container 4. The container 4 acts as a hopper, with the lower portion 16 being configured to promote the flow of jet or burst medium to its outlet 46, which is adjacent to the inlet 48 of the feeder assembly 6. Agitators or stirring rods (not shown) ) can be located inside 34 to assist in promoting the flow of burst medium. These agitators or stirring rods can be mounted and operated through any convenient configuration. A power assembly 50 can be used to impart energy externally to the container 4, by periodically impacting the outside of the container 4 with the mass 52 which promotes flow and rupture of any clumps of agglomerated media as is known in the case of dioxide granules. carbon. The assembly 50 can be mounted and operated through any convenient configuration, such as mounted on the rack or carriage 12. For example, the mass 52 can be pneumatically operated to reciprocate periodically to impact the container 4, such as repeatedly at a fixed speed or variable, or such as once when the granule flow starts or ends. The container 4 may include but is not required to include, the liner 54 positioned adjacent the walls of the container 4 as illustrated. The liner 54 may have insulating properties and may be held adjacent the walls in any convenient manner, such as adhesive, or such that it is configured to provide its own structural integrity that closely matches the interior wall shape of the container 4. The liner 54 may comprise several pieces or a single piece, and may completely cover the interior of the walls of the container 4. The liner 54 may extend beyond the outlet 46 and into the feeder assembly 6, as illustrated. The liner 54 can be made of polyethylene or any convenient material. In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in Figure 2, the feeder assembly 6 is connected to the lower end 56 of the container 4. The feeder housing 58 is sealable at its upper end 60 to the lower end 56 using a similar arrangement of flange, seal and fastener over the center, indicated generally as 62, as described above between cover 18 and container 4. Alternately, the feeder housing 60 may be integral with the container 4. The feeder housing 60 is generally circular illustrated although any convenient shape may be employed, with the inlet 48 formed complementary to the outlet 46. The feeder housing 60 generally defines cylindrical perforation 64. and the transverse perforation 66 intersecting the perforation 64. The cylindrical perforation 64 receives the complementary lining 68, which includes the transverse perforation 70 aligned with the transverse perforation 66. The liner 68 can be made from UHMW or any suitable material. The rotor assembly 72 is at least partially positioned in the transverse bore 70. Also with reference to Figure 3, the rotor assembly 72 includes the bearing block 74 and the rotor 76 carried by the arrow 78. The arrow 78 includes the bearing 80 which is retained there by the nut 82. The liner 68 includes the bore 84 which locates and supports the bearing 80. The bearing 80 can be a rotary bearing with its outer guide which is held by the bore 84, or it can be a bushing that it is rotatably held by the bore 84. The bearing block can be made from UHMW or any suitable material. The liner 68 defines the feeder throat 86, which is a passage communicating between the inlet 48 and the outlet 88 of the feeder 6. The rotor 76 is placed in the throat 86. The inlet 90 is located immediately upstream of the rotor 76 and the Discharge station 92 is located immediately downstream of rotor 76. Bearing block 74 is placed in transverse perforations 66 and 70. As seen in Figure 3, bearing block 74 includes annular flange 94 which is complementary in shape. to the annular flange 96 of the housing 58. Both flanges 94 and 96 include annular grooves 94a and 96a, which receive the complementary shaped seal 98. The clamp on the center 100, engages the flanges 94 and 96 in the same manner as described previously, retaining and sealing the rotor assembly 72 in place. The seal 102 sealingly couples the arrow 78 to seal between the arrow 78 and the bearing block 78. In the illustrated embodiment, the central portion of the feeder throat 86 has a generally rectangular horizontal cross section with rounded corners, the beginning of which appears in Figure 3 as the arcuate line 86a. The liner 68 includes the generally conical entrance 68a leading to the rectangular area of the groove 86. The general rectangular cross-sectional shape, remains through the discharge station 92, decreasing in area and making a transition starting at the indicated site as 86b to a generally circular shape at the location indicated as 96c adjacent the outlet 88. The outlet gate assembly 10 is connected to the lower end 104 of the feeder 6. The outlet gate assembly 10 includes the member 106, which is it connects to it by a fastening assembly on the center similar to those described above and the outlet pipe 108 which is configured to have a supply hose (not shown) connected. The drive assembly 8 includes the motor 110 which is connected in a displaced manner to the arrow 78 through right angle transmission 112 and coupling 114 which is configured to engage with the arrow 78. The motor 110 is transported by the base 116 through of the clamp 118. The base 115 is attached to the bearing block 74 through threaded fasteners 120 in the bearing block at 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 110 is an electric motor, although it can be any power source, such as pneumatically displaced, suitable for rotating the arrow 78. The right angle transmission 112 may include a reduction, and depending on the orientation of the motor 110, may be omitted. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the rotor 76 is configured to crush or crush the carbon dioxide particles or granules in the process of the jet medium flowing from the inlet 90 to the discharge station 92. Also with reference to Figure 4, the rotor 76 comprises a plurality of generally parallel spaced discs 124 carried by the arrow 78. The discs 124 include openings 126 configured complementary to an end portion of the arrow 78. The openings 126 have respective planes 128 configured complementary to the plane 78a of the arrow 78, to prevent rotational sliding between the disks 126 and the arrow 78, ensuring rotation of the disks 124 under load. Any convenient configuration for mounting the discs 126 on the arrow 78 without rotation therebetween may be employed, such as for example with slots. The disks 124 are separated by spacers 130 having a generally circular outer shape and central opening 132 with the plane 134, configured complementary to the arrow 78 and the plane 78a. The openings 132 and the planes 134 are located spaced 130 at the appropriate central location and prevent slipping with the arrow 78. The spacers 130 may be integral with the disks 126. The arms 136 may be placed between adjacent disks 126 as illustrated in the Figure 3. The arms 136 include openings 138 that are shaped and sized to rotate relative to the outer diameter of the spacers 130, thus being independent of the rotation of the arrow 78. The arms 136 may not be sandwiched between any pair of adjacent discs 124. , as it is omitted from the two end pairs of the discs 124 in Figure 3. In Figure 6, the liner 68 is illustrated in cross section, taken on its central axis generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the arrow 78. Figure 7 is similar to Figure 6, with liner 68 not shown in cross section. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the disks 24 have rough outer peripheries 124a configured in the figure as an endless series of individual teeth defining the outer circumferences of the disks 124. The outer peripheries 124a may also be characterized as toothed. . Any convenient outer perimeter configuration can be employed. In the case of teeth, any convenient configuration, such as triangular having straight or curved sides, can be used. The teeth can be symmetrical or non-symmetrical. As seen in Figures 6 and 7, the rotor grooves 140 (counterclockwise rotation) and 142 (clockwise rotation), the radial space between the perforation 70 and the disks 124 is not necessarily constant through the angular rotation of the disks 124, converging in the applicable direction of rotation. The inlets 140a and 142a of the rotor grooves 140 and 142 respectively are larger than the outlets 140b and 142b respectively of the rotor grooves 140 and 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet 140a has the approximate dimension of 4.76 mm (3 / 16 inch), while output 140b has an approximate dimension of .40 mm (1/64 inch), and input 142a has a dimension of approximately 1.59 mm (1/16 inch) while output 142b has a dimension approximately .40 mm (1/64 inch). As the rotor 76 rotates in the feed direction (counterclockwise as illustrated), the triturable cleaning medium such as carbon dioxide particles or granules flows through the inlet 140a and advances in the direction radially wedged in the narrowed rotor throat, thereby cutting or breaking through the discs 124 and dosed in the discharge station 92 as fine particles trapped in the transport gas flow, which enters through the opening 144 at the end of the inlet gate 146 (which selectively connects to a source of transport gas) and flows out through the outlet tube 108 with the trapped particles. The flow rate of the cleaning medium, such as carbon dioxide particles, produced by the rotation of the rotor 76 may have little dependence on the rotational speed of the rotor 76., and may depend on the dimension of the rotor throat entry. In this way, two flow costs can be obtained by the rotor throat entry 140b having a different dimension to the rotor throat entry 140a. Two different flow rates can be obtained by changing the direction of rotation of the rotor 76. FIG. 6 illustrates that the non-rotating arms 136 extend far enough to engage the liner 68 as illustrated, thus blocking rotation with the arrow 78. The bearing member 136a may but is not required to be included to provide a bearing or bearing surface for the end of the arms 136. The arms 136 function to clean medium particles from the spaces between adjacent discs 124. The lengths of the arms 136 are chosen so as not to interfere with rotor insert 76 in the throat 86 as illustrated. Also with reference to Figure 8, the outlet tube 108 is connected to the jet nozzle 148 by the supply hose, diagrammatically represented by the dotted line 150. The jet nozzle 148 is connected to the handle 152 having a pneumatic trigger 154. The pneumatic tube 156 is connected to a source of pressurized gas, generally indicated at 158. Although any convenient gas can be employed as the transport gas at any convenient pressure, in the illustrated embodiment, the compressed air is employed. as the transport gas at a pressure of 7.03 to 8.79 kg / cm2 gauge (100 to 125 psig). It may be, but it is not necessarily required to be dry. The line 156 places the source 158 in fluid communication with the flow control valve 160 and the blow control valve 162. The pneumatic control line 164 connects the source 158 to the trigger 154. When the trigger 154 is actuated, the The source is placed in communication with the pneumatic control line 166, thereby pressurizing the valve control port 160a and the pneumatic motor control switch 168. The flow control valve 160 then places the inlet port 146 in fluid communication with the source 158, allowing transport gas to flow through the opening 144. Concomitantly, the switch 168 activates the motor 110, although the switch 168 can be configured to provide delayed activation. Alternatively, the motor 110 may be pneumatic, and the switch 168 may be replaced by a valve controlled by the pneumatic control line 166. The pneumatic control line 166 also presses the valve control port 162a of the valve blow control 162, which presses the cylinder 170 of the source 158, in the illustrated embodiment, spacing the mass 52 of the container 4. The cylinder 170 can be configured with a return spring which causes the mass 52 to impact the container 4 when the pressure is removed to cylinder 170. Relief valves / silencers 172 and 174 can be connected to valves 160 and 162 to relieve pressure, when falling by a predetermined pressure level, from the control side of valves 160 and 162 when the switch 154. is released. With reference to Figures 2-7, when the trigger 154 is pressed, the transport gas initially flows through the opening 144. The transport gas is will flow through the outlet tube 108 and ascending through or beyond the rotor 76. The reduction in cross-sectional area of the feeder throat 86 to the outlet tube 108 presents resistance to flow, creating back pressure in the station of discharge 92. The counter pressure helps in causing flow through or around the rotor 76. As can be seen in Figures 3, 6 and 7, the transport gas can flow upwards into the interior 34, through the spaces between the discs 124 as well as around the periphery of the rotor 76 through the throat of the rotor. This upward flow can lift any cleaning medium, burst or jet, such as carbon dioxide granules, detaching them from the rotor 76 at the time when the motor 110 starts rotating the rotor 76, a high starting torque can be avoided. The transport gas flows through the space between the member 36 and the cover 18, forcing it into seal coupling with the cover 18 and the seal opening 32. Initially, the initial pressure and volume of the transport gas reaching the nozzle of cleaning 148, are initially sized, as a result of the accumulating effect of the gas flow in the container. It results in a "soft ignition" in the nozzle, reaching full pressure once it is completely sub- jected to interior pressure 34. Once the interior 34 is subjected to substantial pressure, the upward flow through and around the rotor 76 will cease substantially, although the interior 34 will act as an accumulator smoothing many fluctuations in pressure. Optionally, to continuously promote the upward flow, a small valve (not shown) such as a needle valve, can be placed in fluid communication with the interior 34, such as in and through the cover 18. When the trigger 154 is releasing, the rotor 76 stops rotating by stopping the supply of the cleaning medium, and the transport gas ceases to be supplied through the opening 144. The pressurized gas from the interior 34 of the container 4 flows downward through and around of the rotor 76 and out through the cleaning nozzle 148, releasing the supply hose 150 and the jet nozzle 148 from the jet medium such as carbon dioxide granules. When the pressure in the pneumatic tubes between the control valves and the inlet gate 146 falls below the predetermined set point for relief valves / silencers 172 and 174, they will open, releasing the pressure and decreasing the time required for it to vent. the pressure. When the pressure inside 34 falls sufficiently, the member 36 will release the seal against the cover 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the feeder. 6 does not function as an air lock, which would normally be between the interior 34 and the environment, typically between the entrance 90 to the feeder 6 and the discharge station 92. The interior 34 remains in fluid communication with the environment through the supply hose and nozzle at all times, even during operation. This, together with the opening 32, which is open when not in operation, allows the sublimation gas to escape into the container 4, substantially reducing or preventing sublimation to liquid and any accumulation of pressure.

Different configurations of the rotor, feeder throat and rotor throat can be used to practice the teachings of the present invention. With reference to Figure 9, an alternate embodiment of the rotor 174 is illustrated positioned on the liner 176. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotor groove 178 of the feeder throat 180 is substantially constant with respect to portions of the periphery of the rotor 174. rotor 174 includes a plurality of cavities 182 that receive the cleaning medium or jet, such as carbon dioxide granules, at the input or receiving station 184 and transports the medium radially to the discharge station 186, wherein the medium it is discharged into the flow of transport gas flowing out of the opening 188 which is connected to a source of transport gas. The rotor throat 178 with a substantially constant separation dimension can be employed with most any rotor configuration, whether the rotor and rotor throat are configured to transport the medium or are configured to grind, cut or break the medium, such as rotor 76 and rotor throat 140 described above. With reference to Figure 9, the rotor 174 may comprise a plurality of spaced discs, similar to the disks 124 described above, each with individual openings aligned with individual apertures of the other discs, to form transversely extending cavities 182. Configuration can result in grinding or cutting the jet medium in addition to radial transport. Alternatively, arms (not shown) may be included, interspersed between discs as described above, but configured to shred or cut the jet means while in the cavities 182. For example, these arms may extend from surrounding the arrow of rotor and coupling a wall of the feeder throat below the rotor, such as against a bearing member and configured to include a portion extending through the cavities 182 after the openings of the cavities 182 are completely occluded by the liner, such as corresponding to 9 o'clock in the hands of the clock in Figure 9. With reference to Figure 10, the rotor 174 can form a solid body, identified in Figure 9 as 1741, having continuous transverse cavities. 182A there formed. The rotor 174a is supported by the arrow 190 which is piloted by the pad block 192 and couples to a rotary power source, such as the motor 110 described above. The motor 174a is moved by the date 190, configured to rotate with it, such as by a plane, pin, slots or any convenient configuration. The arrow 190 includes the bearing 194, which can be supported by the liner 176 in a manner similar to that described above for the bearing 80, attached to the arrow 190 by the retainer 196 illustrated as a nut. The rotor 174a, bearing block 92 and associated components can be configured to be interchangeable with the rotor assembly 72. For breakable (e.g. crushing, grinding, cutting) jet means, such as carbon dioxide, this capacity of Exchange allows a single device to use a range of particle types, such as whole granules, fragmented granules or snow. Figure 11 illustrates another embodiment of the rotor, wherein the rotor 198 includes a plurality of spaced cavities 200 arranged in any convenient pattern. The illustrated pattern comprises circumferential rows of cavities 200, which are also aligned in rows generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor 198. The axial and circumferential rows are arranged in such a way that the axial and circumferential widths of the cavities 200 overlap, but they do not intersect each other, the cavities in adjacent circumferential rows are angularly spaced cavities of the cavities in the adjacent circumferential row. The rotor 198 and the date 202 can be constructed similar to the construction of the doctor 174a and the arrow 90 described above or can be of unit construction, as seen in Figure 12. It is noted that the rotor 174a and the arrow 90 can also be of unitary construction. As seen in Figure 11, the cavities 200 may include openings 204 that are in fluid communications with a source of pressurized gas such as transport gas. Also with reference to Figures 12 and 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the cavities 200a and 200c are exemplary of cavities in alternating circumferential rows that are axially aligned with each other, as are the cavities 200b and 200d. The axial passages 206 are formed in the rotor 198 for groups of adjacent cavities. The axial passages 206 communicate with cavities 204a, 200b, 200c and 200d, the cavity passages 208, which terminate in the openings 204 of the cavities 200. The axial passages are illustrated terminating in respective openings 210 at the end 212 of the - rotor 198, forming a generally circular pattern of openings 210 similar to the arrangement of passages 206 seen in the cross section of Figure 13. End 212 buttresses liner 214, which includes arched opening 216 in the lining surface butt confinement end 212. Arcuate opening 216 is in fluid communication with passage 220 which is connected to a source of pressurized gas. In the illustrated embodiment, passage 220 is connected via external pipe to the transport gas source. As seen in Figures 12 and 13, the arched opening 216 is located to place a plurality of openings 210 in fluid communication with the source of pressurized gas for those cavities 200 in the discharge station, thereby assisting the evacuation of medium from the cavities 200. The arched opening 216 can be dimensioned to be in fluid communication with only one passage 206 at a time, communicating with an endless succession of passages 206 (while the rotor 198 rotates) one at a time. Or, as illustrated, passage 206 can be dimensioned to function as a manifold in communication with a plurality of passages 20-6 in succession, providing a continuous flow of gas through cavities 200 only rotation range of each cavity 200 in the station of download. The exact configuration of the rotors, cavity size and location are not limited to those described here. The rotors may be made from any convenient material, such as stainless steel, such as for the discs 124 or anodized aluminum for the rotors 174a and 198. Referring to FIG. 14, another embodiment is illustrated. The particle burst apparatus or jets 222 is constructed in the same way as the particle jet apparatus 2 described above, except that the outlet gate assembly 224 is different. The output assembly 224, although illustrated as being integral with the feeder 226, shares the common housing 228, may be constructed separately and connected to the feeder 226 through any convenient configuration, such as the fastener arrangement above the center described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the exit door assembly 224 comprises the chamber 228, configured to receive burst medium from the receiving station 230, transport gas inlet 232, converging portion 234 and outlet tube 236 which is connected to the supply hose (not shown). The feeder 226 discharges the burst medium from the discharge station 230, which is trapped in the transport gas flow in the chamber 28, and flows out of the outlet 236 to the supply hose. The cross-sectional area of reduction of the convergent portion 234 exhibits resistance to flow, causing flow through or around the rotor 238, as described in the previous embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the transport gas inlet 232 is generally aligned with the flow direction through the outlet pipe 236. Figure 15 illustrates another embodiment. The particle jet apparatus 240 includes the container 242, drive assembly 244 and outlet gate assembly 246. Container 240 includes top portion 248 that is configured to receive and support bulk jet medium 250, such as a carbon dioxide block. The scraping assembly 252 engages the lower end of the medium 250, while the member 252 resists rotation of the medium 250 and together with the weight of the medium 250 moves the medium 250 towards the scraping assembly 252. In the embodiment illustrated, the assembly of Scraping 252 includes inclined blades 256 mounted on the rotating disk 258. The disk 258 is moved by the arrow 260 which is driven by the drive assembly 244. Scraping can produce very small snow-like particles, when the medium 250 is carbon dioxide, In the illustrated embodiment, the container 242 is also configured to maintain internal pressure, preventing substantial pressure leakage from the container. 242. As with the container 4 described above, depending on the internal pressure, the container 242 can be constructed to comply with the ASME code for pressure vessels. The cover 262 circumscribes the open end of the container 242, thereby forming a pressure resistant seal, by any convenient configuration, such as by a fastening arrangement on the center as described above or by a two-piece band 264 as shown in FIG. illustrate The transport gas is introduced into the container 242 at any convenient location. As the embodiment shown is illustrated, transport gas inlet 266 is formed in cover 262 and connects a transport gas source. The gas flows past the scraping assembly 252 while the scraped particles of the medium 250 are trapped in the transport gas flow, circulating through the conically shaped lower portion 268, through the outlet pipe 270, through of the supply hose 272 and finally out of the jet nozzle 274. It will be appreciated that the container 242 is not limited to the configuration illustrated and described herein, but may have any convenient shape. In the embodiment of Figure 15, the container interior 276 remains in fluid communication with the environment through the supply hose 272 and nozzle 274. As with the previous embodiments, an air lock is not present. At the start, the interior 276 is subjected to pressure, with the accompanying delay at maximum flow of the nozzle 274 until the interior 276 is completely pressurized. Upon releasing the trigger 278, the rotation of the disc 258 is stopped, in this way the production of particles from the jet medium ceases, and the transport gas will flow out of the interior transporting any trapped particles as well as releasing the hose 272 from any particles. The above description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration illustrations. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the previous teachings. The modality ee chose and described in order to better illustrate the principles of the invention and its practical application in this way will allow a person with ordinary skill in the art to better use the invention in various modalities and with various modifications that are appropriate to the private use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the appended claims.

Claims (16)

1. CLAIMS 1. A cleaning apparatus with a particle jet, characterized in that it comprises: a. a container having a container outlet, the container defines an internal cavity, the internal cavity is configured to maintain the internal pressure and to have the particles there placed; b. an internal passage in fluid communication with the exit of the container, the internal passage includes: i. a feeder assembly having a feed inlet in which the particles are received from the internal cavity and a discharge station downstream of the feeder inlet in which the particles are discharged, the feeder inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet container, the feeder does not include a lock; and ii. an outlet configured to be placed in fluid communication with a supply hose; and c. an inlet gate that is connected to a source of pressurized gas, the inlet gate is configured to supply pressurized transport gas in the internal passage downstream of the feeder inlet. The particle jet cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the feeder assembly comprises a rotor interposed between the feeder inlet and the discharge station. 3. The particle jet cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the rotor is configured to grind or grind the particles. The particle jet cleaning apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the rotor comprises a plurality of spaced discs carried by a rotating shaft. The particle jet cleaning apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that each of the plurality of spaced discs includes a respective outer periphery, the respective periphery of each of the plurality of spaced discs is configured as a series of teeth. The particle jet cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the rotor comprises a circumferential surface and a plurality of cavities placed on the circumferential surface. The particle jet cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the inlet gate is configured to supply transport gas adjacent to the rotor. The particle jet cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the input gate is configured to supply transport gas downstream of the rotor. 9. The particle jet cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the container comprises a sealing opening configured to receive particles. 10. Method for trapping particles in a transport gas flow under pressure, the method comprises the steps of: a. providing an internal cavity configured to sustain the internal pressure and having the particles there disposed, the internal cavity has an internal cavity outlet; b. provide an internal passage in fluid communication with the internal cavity outlet, the internal passage includes an outlet configured to be placed in fluid communication with a supply hose; c. initiate and continue the flow of internal passage transport gas, including the stages of: i. to circulate the transport gas from the internal passage to initiate the flow of transport gas to the internal passage for an initial period of time until the time that the pressure within the internal cavity inhibits greater flows of transport gas from the internal cavity; and ii. circulating the transport gas from the internal passage through the outlet. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the internal passage comprises a feeder assembly having a feed inlet in which particles are received from the internal cavity and a discharge station downstream of the feeder inlet in which particles are discharged, the power inlet is in fluid communication with the internal cavity outlet. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the step of circulating the transport gas from the internal passage at the start of the flow of transport gas to the internal passage, comprises the step of circulating the transport gas first to through the feeder before the transport gas flows into the internal cavity. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises the step of placing particles to be trapped in the flow of the pressurized gas of the internal cavity, and wherein the step of circulating transport gas through the feeder , comprises the step of driving the particles away from the feeder assembly. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that upon expiration of the initial time period, the step of pushing the particles away from the feeder assembly ceases to occur substantially. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the feeder assembly comprises a rotor and further comprises the step of rotating the rotor starting substantially concurrently with the step of pushing the particles away from the feeder assembly. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the step of rotating the rotor starts after starting the step of pushing the particles away from the feeder assembly.