US971042A - Apparatus for cleaning water-pipes. - Google Patents

Description

N. s. HILL, JR. E B. is. HODGMPAN. APPARATUS FOR CLEANING WATER HPI-1S.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 30, 1908.

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N. S..HILL, JR. &`B. B. HODGMAN. APPARATUS FOR CLEANING WATER PIPES. APPLICATION FILED JUNE ao, 190e. 971,042, v. Patented Sept. 27, 1910.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

\ mm u N. s. HILL, JB. `& B. B. HODGMAN. APPARATUS FOR CLEANING WATER PIPES.'

' .LIPPLIUATION FILED JUNE 30, 1908.

Patented sept. 27, 1910.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

NIILAS S. HILL, JR., AND BURT B. HODGMAN, OF EAST ORANGE, NEW JERSEY, AS-

SIGNORS T0 NATIONAL WATER MAIN CLEANING COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF MAINE.

To all 'whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, NICHOLAS S. HILL, Jr., and BURT B. HODGMAN, citizens of the United States, and both residing in East Orange, Essex county, State of New Jersey, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Apparatus for Cleaning VVater-Fipes, of which the following is such a full, clear, and exact description as will enable any one skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, refer* ence being had to the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification.

Our invention relates to apparatus for cleaning the scale, tubercles, mud, silt or any form of deposit from the interior cir cumference of a pipe and particularly a water-main, and the particular objects of our invention are to provide an adjustable mechanism or plow having a knife edge de signed to reduce resistance and to cut deposits or tuberculation from the interior of water-mains without injury to the pipecoating; also conforming to the interior diameter of the pipe to be cleaned, leaving a concentric, cylindrical surface; also enfolding the deposit as cut by means of flared eX- tensions and ensconce a guide-wheel following; and being attached to a removable, resilient steel blade carrying a spacing or guide-wheel, which Xes the distance from the plow to the surface of t-he pipe; the resilient blade, plow and wheel having suficient fiexibility to pass under and not injure corporation cocks, ferrules or other connections attached to or inserted in water-mains, and to protect the pipe cleaning machine and its parts from ar and to insure the passage of' a hydraulically propelled machine without interruption.

lith these and other objects in view, our invention consists in the various novel and peculiar arrangements and combinations of the several different parts of the apparatus, all as hereinafter fully set forth, and then pointed out in the claims.

We have illustrated a type of our invention in the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure lis a central longitudinal section of a pipe or water-main containing our improved cleaning apparatus, which is shown in a side view, and with Scrapers of each set staggered, likewise the cutters. Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of one of the spring carriers APPARATUS FOR CLEANING WATER-PIPES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed .Tune 30, 1908.

Patented Sept. 27, 1910.

serial No. 441,220.

provided with a spacing or guide-roller and a curved scraper blade; the carrier with the respect-ive parts attached thereto, being shownjas detached. Fig. 3 is a plan of one of the spring carriers provided with a spacing or guide-roller and having a pair of cutting blades mounted thereon; the carrier and the attached parts, being shown as detached. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of part of the apparatus shown in Fio'. 1, with a portion thereof in central longitudinal section, showing the knuckle-joint and swivel between the two propelling pistons. Fig. 5 is an enlarged view in cross section, the plane of which is taken on line 5 5, Fig. l, with the Scrapers shown as out of line or staggered. Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail view showing in section one of the swivel joints between the gangs of the Scrapers and the cutting blades. Fig. 7 is a view of the rear plate of the piston showing the valveports together with the slide valves and the manner in which they are mounted. Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view of one of the slide valves. Fig. 9 is a view of the inner face of one of the supporting plates for the spring carriers. Fig. l10 is a cross sectional view of the supporting plate shown in Fig. 9. Fig. l1 is an edge view of one of the spring carriers of the scraper or cutter. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of one of the scraper blades shown as detached.

Referring to the accompanying drawings in which like numbers of reference designate like parts throughout, l is a. pipe through which the cleaning apparatus is adapted to travel. This apparatus comprises one or more pistons 2, 2, which are arranged at the rear end of the apparatus and are designed to fit within the pipe so as to slide readily therethrough and to be forced along by the water in the pipe. These pistons are constructed substantially alike, each having a stem or shaft 3 on which is mounted a pair of plates 4 and 5, the plate l being rabbet-ed at 6, at one of its peripheral edges in order to form a clamping groove for receiving and holding the soft piston rings 7, three of which are here shown and which are preferably made of leather. These rings are clamped between the two plates so as to make a. snug fit against the interior wall of the pipe, as particularly indicated in Fig. 4. These piston plates are held in place on the stem 3 by means of a fixed flange 8 and a nut 9 which works on a. screw-thread 10 on the stem 3. Vhere two pistons are used, such as here shown, there is provided between them a` connection 1l and a swivel-joint 12, the latter comprising a socket 13 and a ball 14, this knuckle and swivel-joint being formed vat the respective ends of a connecting part or fitting 15 arranged between the stems 3 of the pistons, and the ball 14 being retained in its socket by a retainingplate 16. which is attached to the part 15 by suitable bolts and nuts 17.

Each piston 2 is provided with a set of ports 1S extending through the piston at suitable points and each of these ports is controlled by a sliding valve or gate 19, mounted in slides 20 on the face of the rear plate 5, of the piston and formed with guide-slots 21, working on guide pins 22. These slide valves 19 are adjustable to regulate the size of the opening of the valve ports, as desired, in order to let more or less water pass through the piston in the direction in which it travels.

in the front of the forward piston 2 is arranged one or more substantially duplicate sections, each comprising a set of spring carriers 23 each consisting in a resilient metallic strip, forked at its outer end, for receiving a spacing or guide-roller 24 which is mounted thereon by means of bearingbrackets 25, the inner end of the strip 23 being bent at 26, for insertion in the slots 27 formed in a disk 28 which is mounted on a shaft or stem 29 and against which disk there is forced a second disk 30, by means of a nut 31 and a lock-nut 32, both of which nuts work on a thread on the stem or shaft 29. The bent end 26 of the carrier 23 is provided with an inwardly projecting lug 33 which takes in a corresponding recess 34 in the slot 2T, in order to securely retain the spring carrier in place, when once the clamping` disk 30 is forced into place.

Upon each carrier 23 is mounted a peculiarly shaped scraping blade 35, the shank of the blade being attached to the carrier by means of suitable bolts and nuts 36 which bolts pass through elongated slots 37 in the carrier 23 to permit of the blade being adjusted longitudinally on the carrier. As the carrier 23 is inclined from its supporting disk 2S outwardly, toward the wall of the pipe, the longitudinal adjustment of the blade 35 on the carrier serves to regulate the distance between the scraping edge of the blade and the wall of the pipe. These spring carriers 23 are mounted at equal distances apart on the supporting disks and there are several of them, six being indicated in the construction here shown.

The scraper blades 35 are each substantially alike and are of a novel and peculiar shape being bent laterally, somewhat at right angles to the stem of the blade, which is curved over forwardly upon itself, as iri-4 dicated at 38, while the cutting edge 39 lis also curved ,on its length to conform to the curvature of the interior of the pipe. This disposition of the scraper blades at an angle, serves to impart a rotating movement to the group or of blades, which is permitted by the swiveljoint 40 located at the rear of the group of scraper blades between the same. and the set of propelling pistons. In addition to the swivel 40, there is also a knuckle-joint 41 between the swivel and the pistons and a knuckle-joint 42 between the swivel-joint 40 and the supporting disks 28 and 30 of the set of carriers 23. This perT mits the gang of scraper blades of one section not only to rotate in respect to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus but also enables it to be flexed laterally in practically any direction.

The spacing or guide-wheel or roller 24 mounted at the end of each of the carriers 23 is formed with a double bevel on its periphery so as to form an acute angle which will cut through the scale or silt without injuring the lining of the pipe. These rollers are so adjusted as to maintain the Scrapers a slight distance from the inner surface of the pipe, so that they can remove the incrustation without at the same time injuring or cutting the coating on the interior of theI pipe. These rollers also reduce the friction and permit the apparatus to move more rapidly through the main or pipe.

rlhe second section of the scraper blades which is indicated by the numerals 23 to 39', comprises substantially duplicate parts to those just described from 23 to 39, but there is no swivel-joint between these gangs or sections of Scrapers, there being merely two oppositely working knuckle-joints 43 and 44 which permit the second section or gang of Scrapers to be flexed laterally in most any direction while moving through the pipe. It is,vhowever, to be noted that the scraper blades of the two sect-ions or gangs are preferably not set in the same plane containing the longitudinal axis of the apparatus, (as shown in Fig. l) but are shifted, so that the Scrapers of one gang move over a different path from the Scrapers of the gang ahead, (as shown in Fig. 5) in order that all of the interior of the pipe may be acted upon by the scrapers of both gangs or sections taken together.

Forwardly of the second section of the Scrapers 23 to 39, are arranged two gangs or sets of cutting blades which are alike, so that a description of one will serve for both gangs. The shaft of the first set of cutter blades is provided with a knuckle-joint 41, a swivel 40, a second knuckle-joint 42', similar to the joints 41, 40 and 42, respectively, previously described, and a second set of cutter blades likewise has its shaft provided lwith knuckle-joints 43 and 44, similar to thev joints 43 and 44, previously de scribed in reference to the scraper blades. A set of resilient metal carriers 45 having spacing rollers 46 is provided, vthe carriers being supported by disks 47, 48, on the shaft, which disks are held in position by nuts 49, 50, similar to the parts 23 to 34, as hereinbefore described in reference to the scraper blades. The cutter blades 51, 52, form a plow as indicated more particularly in Fig. 3, and this device is adj ustably mounted on the spring carrier 45 by means of bolts 53 and slots 54. The cutter blades 51 and 52 are arranged so as to diverge from each other in a rearward direction and have their cutting edges 55 and 56, respectively, curved to conform to the curvature of the interior of the pipe, and these cutting edges are brought together and join a single cutting edge 58, of considerable length, and this plow acts to cut into the deposit which it is desired -to remove from the interior of the pipe, the cut by the straight portion of the blade being made generally in a forward direction while the curved flaring extension of the blade makes a shearing cut. This arrangement also serves to enfold the deposit as cut by the flaring blades which at the same time ensconce the guide-wheel. The longitudinal adjustment of these cutting yblades on the carriers 45 serves to vary the distance between the blades and the interior of the pipe, while the guide or spacing wheel 46 serves to sufficiently space the blades from the lining of the pipe to prevent injuring the same. The second section or gang of cutting blades and their adjuncts, are indicated by the reference numerals 45 to 56, respectively, and they are arranged an equal distance apart, six being indicated in each group. These are so arranged that a pair of blades of the first group does not pass over the same path on the surface of the pipe as the corresponding pair of blades of the other group, in order that all parts of the surface of the pipe may be acted upon, as indicated in Fig. 5, in respect to the Scrapers. By virtue of the swivel-joint 40, both gangs of cutter-blades may revolve freely in respect to the gangs of scraper-blades, and the various knuckle-joints of the cutter-blade shaft permit the same to be flexed laterally in all directions, thus giving perfect flexibility to the group of cutter-blades, the same as in reference to the Scrapers. The swivel 40 is somewhat different in specific construction from the knuckle-joint 41. It comprises a swivel-post 60, the under-cut head 6l of which is provided with a bearing-plate 62 which is itself mounted in the ball-bearing 63 arranged between the two disks 64, 65, which are held together by the screws 66. (See Fig. 6).

While we have illustrated two pistons and two groups each of the Scrapers and cutters, it will, of course, be understood that the number of each may be varied as desired, the number of each or any of the parts being increased or decreased as the case may require. In using two sections with gangs of cutting-blades and two with the Scrapers, the pipe may be cleaned by a single operation. The apparatus as it passes through will cut off the scale and scrape the entire surface of the pipe. The cutter-blades are preferably formed of manganese steel which is very hard and at the same time very elastic and resilient. The Scrapers are made of spring steel bent over to conform to the inner surface of the pipe and also at an angle with the alinement of the pipe to impart a movement of rotation to the section to which they are attached. The rotation of the sections, besides more effectively cleaning the pipe, also permits the scrapers and cutters to pass obstructions without damage as, for instance, a corporation cock which projects a slight distance within the main. The springs on which the cutting blades and rollers and scrapers are mounted are removable and larger or smaller springs may be inserted for mains of different sizes.

The apparatus is constructed with a View to its being forced through the main by the water pressure behind the pistons. When the apparatus is sent through a suction main, the pistons are removed. When there is very little suction or in cases where it goes through a pressure main and the pressure is very light, a cable which is first put through the main, may be tied to the eye 57 at the forward end of the shaft of the apparatus, and the same drawn through the pipe.

An important advantage which we found in the use of this apparatus is the ease with which it may be drawn through curves in pipes, owing to the character and the arrangement of the several different joints in the device. We have found that the apparatus readily passes through a curve of 90.

Having thus described our invention what we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is l. In a pipe-cleaner, the combination of a shaft, a set of rearwardly extending and outwardly inclined resilient carriers, and a tool for acting upon the deposit in the pipe mounted on each of said carriers with capacity of adjustment lengthwise the carrier on its inclined part, whereby the edge of the tool may be adjusted relatively to the interior of the pipe.

2. In a pipe-cleaner, the combination of a shaft, a set of rearwardly extending and outwardly inclined resilient carriers, a tool for acting upon the deposit in the pipe mounted on each of said carriers with capacity of adjustment lengthwise the carrier on its inclined part, whereby the edge of the tool may be adjusted relatively to the interior of the pipe, and a roller mounted on the free end of each of said carriers and adapted to engage the interior surface f the pipe.

3. In a pipe-cleaner, the combination of a shaft, a set of rearwardly and outwardly extending resilient carriers each having a tool mounted thereon for acting upon the deposit in the pipe, each of said tools being adjustable relatively to the interior of the pipe, and a roller mounted on each of said carriers for engaging the interior surface of the pipe.

4. In a pipe-cleaner, the combination of a shaft, a set of scrapers each comprising a shank having a blade extending practically at right angles therefrom and with substantially the entire edge of the blade curled or bent forwardly and the cutting' edge thereof adapted to act upon the deposit in the pipe on a line substantially transverse to the length of the pipe.

5. In a. pipe-cleaner, the combination of a shaft, a set of rearwardly extending and outwardly inclined resilient carriers, a scraper mounted on each of said carriers and comprising a shank having ablade extending practically at right angles therefrom and with substantially the entire edge of the blade curled or bent forwardly7 and the cutting edge thereof adapted to act upon the deposit in the pipe on a line substantially transverse to the length of the pipe, eachl of said Scrapers having' capacity of adjustment. along the length of its carrier on its inclined part.

6. In a pipe-cleaner, the combination of a shaft, a set of rearwardly extending and outwardly inclined resilient carriers, a scraper mounted on each of said carriers and comprising a shank having a blade extending practically at right angles therc from and with substantially the entire edge of the blade curled or bent forwardly and the cutting` edge thereof adapted to act upon the deposit in the pipe on a line substantially transverse to the length of the pipe, each of said Scrapers having capacity of adjustment along" the length of its carrier on its inclined part, the said carriers being each provided with a roller at its outer end and to the rear of the scraper and adapted to engage the interior surface of the pipe.

7. In a pipe-cleaner, the combination of a shaft, plow-shaped cutters having capacity of adjustment relatively to the interior surface of the .pipe and each having a cutting blade extending a considerable distance substantially in the direction of the line of travel and forked cutting edges diverging rearwardly from said single cutting edge, and a set of Scrapers each comprising a shank having a blade extending practically at right angles therefrom and with substantially the entire edge of the blade curled or bent forwardly and the cutting edge thereof adapted to act upon the deposit in the pipe on a line substantially transverse to the length of the pipe.

8. In a pipe-cleaner, the combination of a shaft, resilient carriers each having a tool mounted thereon for acting upon the deposit in the pipe, and each carrier provided with a spring mounted roller adapted to engage the interior surface of the pipe.

9. In a pipe-cleaner, the combination of a shaft, a set of spring carriers having their inner ends detachably mounted on said shaft and their outer ends projecting outwardly and rearwardly toward the circumference of the pipe and provided with a tool for acting upon the deposit in the pipe, the outer end of each of the said carriers being' forked, and a roller mounted in the forked end of each carrier and adapted to engage the interior of the pipe under the spring pressure of said carrier.

In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands in the presence of the two subscribing witnesses.

NICHOLAS S. HILL, Jn. BURT B. HODGMAN.

Witnesses A. M. HAYES, R. G. MONROE.

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