Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
ROTARY TOOL WITH SMART INDEXING
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The
instant application claims benefit of priority to United States Patent
Application serial number: 16/942,945, filed July 30, 2020, and to United
States Patent
Application serial number: 16/943,032, filed July 30, 2020.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The
present disclosure is directed generally to equipment and a method of
cleaning heat exchanger tubes. More particularly, the disclosure relates to
water-jet
cleaning system and a method of setting up and operating the same using a
smart
indexing controller. Specifically, the disclosure is directed to a rotary tool
having a
lance with at least two degrees of freedom. The lance's movements relative to
openings defined in the heat exchanger face plate are controlled via the smart
indexing
controller. Specifically, an electronic communication device is specially
programmed
to selectively activate various components of the rotary tool and a water
delivery
system.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0003] Heat
exchangers typically include a tube bundle, i.e., a plurality of individual
tubes, encased in a cylindrical outer shell. An end of each tube terminates in
a face
plate that is secured to one end of the cylindrical shell via a flange. The
face plate
defines a plurality of openings therein and each of these openings permits
access to
the bore of one of the tubes in the tube bundle.
[0004] After a
heat exchanger has been used for some time, the bores of the heat
exchanger tubes tend to become partially or completely blocked with material
deposited therein by steam travelling through the heat exchanger tubes. It
becomes
necessary to clean out this accumulated material from the tube bores from time
to time
so that the heat exchanger continues to operate efficiently. The typical way
of cleaning
these tube bores is by directing a high pressure water-jet into the bore and
blasting
away the built-up materials.
1223P-RTW-CAD1
1
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
[0005] One of the issues when cleaning heat exchanger tubes with a high
pressure
water-jet is that the high-pressure stream of water has to be directed
reasonably
accurately into the opening of each tube. If the water-jet is not in the
correct location
relative to the perimeter of the opening, not only will the tube fail to be
scoured clean
of built-up material but the water-jet may be deflected through contacting
part of the
face plate surrounding the tube opening. The deflected water-jet may seriously
injure
the operator of the cleaning system or cause damage to other objects in the
vicinity of
the heat exchanger simply because of the pressure under which the water is
delivered
through the nozzles on the cleaning system.
[0006] The tubes in a heat exchanger tube bundle are typically arranged in
such a
manner that the openings in the face plate tend to form a pattern. The
openings are
spaced horizontally and vertically from each other and may be offset at an
angle
relative to each other and to an X-axis and Y-axis. The pattern and spacing of
these
openings tends to vary from one heat exchanger to another. Additionally, the
diameters of the openings in the face plates (and the diameters of the tubes
in the
shell) may vary from one heat exchanger to the next. It is therefore
problematic to set
up water-jet cleaning system in such a way as to accurately aim the water jets
into the
tube openings. In the past, a substantial amount of time-consuming manual
adjustment had to be undertaken to set up the cleaning system to make sure
that the
tubes would all be adequately cleaned. It has also been even more problematic
in the
past to move cleaning system from one heat exchanger to another without
expending
quite a long time in setting-up the cleaning system on the new heat exchanger.
[0007] In the past, many proposed cleaning systems have included elaborate
structures that are utilized to retain the cleaning system on the heat
exchanger face
plate or flange or to move the lances and nozzles from one tube opening to
another
during a cleaning operation. These elaborate structures are expensive to
manufacture,
time consuming to set up, and time consuming to take down.
[0008] In addition to these aforementioned problems, a human operator has
had to
set up and control the cleaning system and this can be a time consuming and
inaccurate endeavor.
[0009] One solution to these problems has been disclosed in U.S. Patent
Application Serial No. 16/265,387 (Gromes et al.) entitled "INDEXER, INDEXER
1223P-RTW-CAD1
2
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
RETROFIT KIT AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF". Gromes et al discloses an
indexer having two supporting arms that are oriented at right angles to each
other and
are engaged with a heat exchanger face plate. The system utilizes a
communication
device specially programmed to learn the pattern of the heat exchanger tube
openings
and to control the linear movements of a supporting arm and a lance-carrying
carriage
assembly to navigate from one tube opening to another.
SUMMARY
[0010] The following presents a simplified summary of the general inventive
concept(s)
described herein to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the
disclosure.
This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. It is not
intended to
restrict key or critical elements of embodiments of the disclosure or to
delineate their
scope beyond that which is explicitly or implicitly described by the following
description
and claims.
[0011] The presently disclosed cleaning system utilizes a smart indexing
controller
to control rotational motion of a supporting arm upon which a lance-carrying
carriage
assembly is engaged. The smart indexing controller also controls linear motion
of the
supporting arm and linear motion of the carriage assembly. The disclosed
cleaning
system is able to be quickly and easily set up to accommodate differently-
patterned
tube openings in different heat exchangers. The cleaning system is capable of
adequately cleaning substantially all of the tubes in each heat exchanger with
which it
is engaged. The rotary tool of the cleaning system, the smart indexing
controller, and
a method disclosed herein are designed to address at least some of the issues
with
prior art devices.
[0012] A water-jet cleaning system and a method of cleaning a heat
exchanger
therewith are disclosed herein. The equipment includes a rotary tool having a
lance
with at least two degrees of freedom. The lance's movements relative to
openings
defined in the heat exchanger face plate are controlled via a smart indexing
controller.
The smart indexing controller comprises an electronic communication device
which is
specifically programmed to selectively activate various components of the
rotary tool
and a water delivery system. The programming utilizes an observed, learned, or
uploaded pattern of the heat exchanger tube openings. A human operator uses
the
1223P-RTW-CAD1
3
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
communication device to selectively rotate the lance relative to the rotary
tool's
mounting assembly or linearly move the lance towards or away from the mounting
assembly. The smart indexing controller moves the lance to align a nozzle
thereon
with a selected opening in the face plate and then delivers a high pressure
water jet
therethrough.
[0013] The
rotary tool disclosed herein is easy to set up and take down, and the
smart indexing controller used therewith is capable of rapidly learning the
pattern of
tube openings on a heat exchanger face plate. The smart indexing controller is
able
to control the rotary tool and thereby at least one lance engaged therewith
and is able
to move the lance precisely from one opening on a tube bundle to another. The
system
enables a human operator to be located at a safe operating distance from the
face
plate of the heat exchanger and therefor at a safer distance from the high
pressure
water-jet utilized for cleaning. The smart indexing controller comprises an
electronic
device such as a tablet or smart phone that is provided with special
programming that
is used to control the operation of the rotary tool and the movement of the at
least one
lance The human operator may perform a setup procedure where a number of quick
and simple setup maneuvers are undertaken with the rotary tool so that the
programming will learn the pattern of the openings on the heat exchanger face
plate.
Alternatively, the pattern may be uploaded to the electronic device. The
learned or
uploaded pattern from each heat exchanger with which the rotary tool has been
engaged with be stored in the memory of the electronic device. As a
consequence,
that information is available for the operator to access the next time the
same heat
exchanger is cleaned. This reduces the time to setup the rotary tool and begin
a
cleaning operation. In particular, the programming in the electronic device
stores the
relative distance measurements between two adjacent row and column tube
openings
on the face plate. The programming maps out or determines the pattern of the
openings in the face plate and during a subsequent cleaning operation, the
derived
relative distance measurements may be used to react to operator positioning
requests.
In other words, the stored information aids the operator in progressively
moving the
cleaning system's nozzles from one opening in the heat exchanger face plate to
another until all tubes in the heat exchanger have been cleaned. This may all
be
accomplished without putting the operator at unnecessary risk. It is
contemplated that
1223P-RTW-CAD1
4
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
the learned pattern may also be utilized by the smart indexing controller to
automatically move from one tube opening to another during a cleaning
operation.
[0014] The apparatus disclosed herein includes a mounting assembly that is
positionable proximate the face plate or flange on a heat exchanger. A support
arm is
operatively engaged with the mounting assembly in such a way as to be able to
rotate
relative to the mounting assembly. Furthermore, the supporting arm is
operatively
engaged with the mounting assembly in such a way as to move linearly relative
to the
mounting assembly. A carriage assembly is operatively engaged with the
supporting
arm and the carriage assembly supports one or more cleaning lances thereon.
The
smart indexing controller's programming is operable to manipulate the position
of the
cleaning lances. In particular, the lances have at least two degrees of
freedom. The
lances are able to be rotated about an axis that extends through the mounting
assembly and is oriented at right angles to the face plate. The smart indexing
controller
initiates this rotation by activating a rotation motor on the mounting
assembly and
causing the rotation motor to rotate the entire supporting arm with which the
lances
are operatively engaged. The lances are also able to be moved linearly towards
or
away from the mounting assembly. The smart indexing controller initiates this
linear
motion in one of two ways. In a first way, the smart indexing controller
activates a
linear motor and/or translation mechanism that moves the entire supporting arm
relative to the mounting assembly. In a second way, the smart indexing
controller
activates a linear motor and/or translation mechanism that moves the carriage
assembly upon which the lances are mounted, linearly along the supporting arm.
The
human operator manipulates and controls the rotary tool and thereby the lances
via
the smart indexing controller. The ability of the supporting arm to rotate
relative to the
mounting assembly and be moved linearly relative thereto, in conjunction with
the
ability of the carriage assembly to be moved linearly along the supporting
arm, enables
the lances of the cleaning system to be aligned with substantially all of the
heat
exchanger tube openings during a cleaning operation.
[0015] In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may
provide a system for cleaning a heat exchanger utilizing a high-pressure water
jet, said
system comprising a mounting assembly positionable proximate the heat
exchanger;
a lance operatively engaged with the mounting assembly and adapted to be
connected
1223P-RTW-CAD1
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
to a remote water source; wherein the lance has at least a first degree of
freedom and
a second degree of freedom relative to the mounting assembly; and a
communication
device including programming operable to control movement of the lance
relative to
the mounting assembly.
[0016] In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
may
provide a method of cleaning a heat exchanger utilizing a high-pressure water
jet; said
method comprising providing a communication device provided with programming
to
control a cleaning operation of a heat exchanger using a fluid jet cleaning
device;
engaging the cleaning device on the heat exchanger using a mounting assembly;
connecting a lance on the cleaning device to a remote water source;
controlling
movement of the lance relative to openings defined in a face plate of the heat
exchanger using the programming in the communication device; moving the lance
through one or more of a first degree of freedom and a second degree of
freedom
when moving from one opening in the face plate to another opening in the face
plate.
[0017] In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
may
provide a system comprising a fluid jet machine adapted to be positioned
proximate a
heat exchanger to be cleaned, said fluid jet machine including a rotatable arm
provided
with a lance holder, wherein, during performance of a cleaning operation, the
fluid jet
machine operatively connects to a pump which pumps fluid under high pressure
through a lance retained by the lance holder and into openings defined in a
face plate
of the heat exchanger; a computing device; and programming installed in the
computing device and operable to control the fluid jet machine, rotation of
the rotatable
arm, and the cleaning operation; wherein the programming is configured to
learn a
pattern of the openings defined in the face plate and utilizes the learned
pattern to
move the lance progressively from one opening to another during the
performance of
the cleaning operation.
[0018] In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
may
provide a method of cleaning a plurality of tubes of a heat exchanger
comprising
engaging a fluid jet machine on the heat exchanger; operatively linking the
fluid jet
machine to a communication device; installing programming in the communication
device that controls the fluid jet machine and a cleaning operation using the
fluid jet
1223P-RTW-CAD1
6
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
machine; providing a pattern of openings in an face plate of the heat
exchanger to the
communication device; and performing the cleaning operation following the
pattern.
[0019] In one embodiment, the pattern of openings is provided to the
communication device by learning, by initiating the programming of the
communication
device, a pattern of the plurality of tubes of the heat exchanger. In one
embodiment,
the learning of the pattern of the plurality of tubes includes determining a
pattern of
openings to the plurality of tubes in the face plate of the heat exchanger. In
one
embodiment, the determining of the pattern of openings is accomplished using a
camera to locate the openings in the face plate. In one embodiment the
determining
of the pattern of openings is accomplished using a laser to locate the
openings in the
face plate. In one embodiment, the determining of the pattern of openings is
accomplished during a manual operation by the operator manually aligning the
nozzle
(or lance) on the fluid jet machine with a sample number of openings in the
face plate.
In one embodiment, the manually aligning of the nozzle includes controlling
movement
of the nozzle with the communication device. In one embodiment, the
controlling of
the movement of the nozzle with the communication device is accomplished by
manipulating icons on a user interface of the communication device. In one
embodiment, the determining of the pattern of openings is accomplished by
uploading
the pattern to the communication device. In one embodiment, the method further
includes storing the learned or uploaded pattern of openings in a memory of
the
communication device.
[0020] In one embodiment, the programming in the communication device
controls
a position of a lance/lance holder/nozzle on the rotary tool by controlling
rotation of a
supporting arm of the rotary tool relative to a mounting assembly of the
rotary tool. In
one embodiment, the programming in the communications device controls a
position
of a lance/lance holder/nozzle on the rotary tool by controlling linear motion
of a
supporting arm of the rotary tool relative to a mounting assembly of the
rotary tool. In
one embodiment, the programming in the communications device controls a
position
of a lance/lance holder/nozzle on the rotary tool by controlling linear motion
of a
carriage assembly along a longitudinal axis of a supporting arm of the rotary
tool. In
one embodiment, the programming in the communications device controls a
position
1223P-RTW-CAD1
7
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
of a lance/nozzle on the rotary tool by controlling rotational motion of a
lance holder
relative to a carriage assembly mounted on a supporting arm of the rotary
tool.
[0021] In one embodiment, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
may provide a system comprising a fluid jet machine positionable proximate a
heat
exchanger to be cleaned, said fluid jet machine including a rotatable arm
provided with
a lance holder, wherein, during performance of a cleaning operation, the fluid
jet
machine operatively connects to a pump which pumps fluid under high pressure
through a lance retained by the lance holder and into openings defined in a
face plate
of the heat exchanger; a computing device; programming installed in the
computing
device and operable to control the fluid jet machine, rotation of the
rotatable arm, and
the cleaning operation; wherein the programming is configured to follow a
pattern of
the openings defined in the face plate and utilizes the pattern to move the
lance
progressively from one opening to another during the performance of the
cleaning
operation.
[0022] In one embodiment, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
may provide a method of cleaning a heat exchanger utilizing a high-pressure
water
jet; said method comprising providing a communication device provided with
programming to control a cleaning operation of a heat exchanger using a fluid
jet
cleaning device; positioning the fluid jet cleaning device proximate a face
plate of the
heat exchanger; providing a pattern of openings defined in the face plate of
the heat
exchanger, where each opening provides access to a bore of a heat exchanger
tube;
connecting a lance on the fluid jet cleaning device to a remote fluid source;
controlling
movement of the lance relative to the openings defined in the face plate of
the heat
exchanger using the programming in the communication device; following the
pattern
of openings in the face plate with the lance; and sequentially delivering a
cleaning fluid
under pressure through the lance and into each opening.
[0023] In one embodiment, the providing of the pattern of openings may
include
learning, with the programming provided in the communication device the
pattern of
openings. In one embodiment, the providing of the pattern of openings may
further
include storing the pattern of openings in a database of the communication
device. In
one embodiment, the method may further include mounting the lance on a
rotatable
1223P-RTW-CAD1
8
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
arm; and rotating, with the programming of the communication device, the
rotatable
arm to follow the pattern of openings in the face plate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] A sample embodiment of the disclosure is set forth in the following
description, is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly
pointed out and
set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings illustrate various
examples, methods, and other example embodiments of various aspects of the
disclosure. It will be appreciated that the illustrated element boundaries
(e.g., boxes,
groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the
boundaries. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in some
examples one
element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be
designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal
component of another element may be implemented as an external component and
vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale.
[0025] FIG.1A is a diagrammatic front elevation view of a first embodiment
of a
cleaning system in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the
cleaning
system includes a water delivery system, a communication device, and a rotary
tool;
[0026] FIG.1B is a diagrammatic front elevation of the cleaning system of
FIG.1A
shown engaged with a heat exchanger and being controlled by an operator via
the
communication device;
[0027] FIG.2 is a diagrammatic cross-section of the first embodiment of the
cleaning system engaged with the heat exchanger and viewed in the direction of
line
2-2 of FIG.1B;
[0028] FIG.3 is a diagrammatic front elevation view of the first embodiment
of the
cleaning system performing a cleaning operation;
[0029] FIG.4A is a top plan view of a lance-mounting assembly of the
carriage
assembly shown on its own and showing the lance holders and actuators that
enable
movement of the lances, and further illustrating lateral motion of the lance
holders and
lances relative to each other;
1223P-RTW-CAD1
9
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
[0030] FIG.4B is a side elevation view of the lance-mounting assembly of
FIG.4A
showing the lance actuators pivoting the lances upwardly or downwardly
relative to
the lance-mounting assembly;
[0031] FIG.5 is a diagrammatic front elevation view of the first embodiment
of the
rotary tool with a smart indexing controller where the mounting assembly is
engaged
with a central region of the face plate of the heat exchanger;
[0032] FIG.6 is a diagrammatic front elevation view of a second embodiment
of a
rotary tool with a smart indexing controller in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0033] FIG.7 is a diagrammatic front elevation view of a third embodiment
of a
rotary tool with a smart indexing controller in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0034] FIG.8A is a diagrammatic front elevation view of a fourth embodiment
of a
rotary tool with a smart indexing controller in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0035] FIG.8B is a diagrammatic front elevation view of a variant of the
fourth
embodiment of the rotary tool shown in FIG.8A, where the linear motor on the
carriage
assembly has been omitted;
[0036] FIG.8C is a diagrammatic front elevation view of a second variant of
the
fourth embodiment of the rotary tool shown in FIG.8A, where the linear motor
that
operatively engages the supporting arm to the mounting assembly is omitted;
[0037] F I G.9 is a diagrammatic front elevation view of a fifth embodiment
of a rotary
tool with a smart indexing controller in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0038] FIG.10 is a diagrammatic front elevation view of a sixth embodiment
of a
rotary tool with a smart indexing controller in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0039] FIG.11 is a diagrammatic front elevation view of a seventh
embodiment of
a rotary tool with a smart indexing controller in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0040] FIG.12 is a diagrammatic front elevation view of an eighth
embodiment of a
rotary tool with a smart indexing controller in accordance with the present
disclosure;
and
[0041] FIG.13 is a diagrammatic front elevation view of a ninth embodiment
of a
rotary tool with a smart indexing controller in accordance with the present
disclosure.
1223P-RTW-CAD1
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
[0042] Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] Referring to FIGS.1A-4B, there is shown a first embodiment of a
water-jet
cleaning system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure,
generally
indicated at 10. Cleaning system 10 includes a water delivery system 12 for
providing
water for a cleaning operation, an electronic communication device 14, and a
rotary
tool 16 in accordance with the aspect of the present disclosure. As will be
described
later herein, an operator "P" is able to use communication device 14 to
control the
various components of the water delivery system 12 and of the rotary tool 16.
[0044] Water delivery system 12 is exemplified in the attached figures as a
hose
reel assembly that is connected by a first hose 18 and a second hose 20 to
rotary tool
16 and by a third hose 22 to a remote water source 24. Hydraulic lines 26
operatively
engage the hose reel assembly to a remote hydraulic source (not shown). Water
delivery system 12 is utilized to deliver water or any other suitable cleaning
fluid to
rotary tool 16 under high pressure. Although not illustrated herein, the hose
reel
assembly of the water delivery system 12 may include a hose reel, one or more
motors, one or more pumps, and one or more valves. The hose reel, motors,
pumps,
and valves in the hose reel assembly may be actively controlled by the
operator "P"
using communication device 14. The valves may include shut-off valves that are
actively controlled by the operator "P" using communication device 14. In some
embodiments, the shut-off valves may be activated if the operator "P" breaks
physical
contact with communication device 14.
[0045] Suitable water delivery systems 12 that are able to be utilized in
cleaning
system 10 include the hose reel assemblies disclosed in U.S. Patent 9,040,921
(Gromes) and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/713,544 filed May 15, 2015
(Gromes). It should be understood, however, that any other suitable water
delivery
system 12 may be utilized in cleaning system 10.
[0046] It should be understood that although the substance being delivered
by
water delivery system 12 is described herein as "water", the term "water"
should be
understood to also encompass any fluid or any liquid other than actual water
that is
1223P-RTW-CAD1
11
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
able to be delivered at high pressure to rotary tool 16 to perform a cleaning
operation.
The term "water" should therefore be understood to also include liquids and
fluids that
include particulate solids therein, if that is desired. For example, a gas
including
abrasive particles may be provided by the water delivery system 12 to rotary
tool 16
to perform a cleaning operation.
[0047] Although not illustrated herein, cleaning system 10 may include a
hub
similar to that described in the Applicant's co-pending U.S. Patent
Application Serial
No. 16/464,279, filed July 29, 2019, and entitled "Indexer, Indexer Retrofit
Kit and
Method of Use Thereof'. The hub may include a plurality of receptacles that
are utilized
to connect sensor cables, air sources, lubricants etc. to rotary tool 16.
[0048] Communication device 14 may be any one of a variety of programmable
electronic computing devices. These devices include, but are not limited to, a
smart-
phone, a tablet, a lap-top computer, and a control table. Communication device
14 is
provided with special software/programing that enables communication device 14
to
be used to control and operate water delivery system 12, rotary tool 16, and a
hub, if
provided. Communication device 14 may control water delivery system 12 and
rotary
tool 16 wirelessly. Wireless communication will enable the operator "P" to be
positioned a distance away from rotary tool 16 and therefore a distance away
from the
water-jet cleaning operation performed thereby. Wireless operation from a
remote
distance increases safety for the operator as the high pressure water-jets
delivered by
rotary tool 16 are less likely to contact the operator "P" if deflected. In
other instances,
communication device 14 may be directly wired to rotary tool 16. Communication
device 14 may be operated in the vicinity of the heat exchanger and rotary
tool 16 or
may be located at a remote location a distance from the heat exchanger and
rotary
tool.
[0049] A particularly suitable communication device 14 and a software for
this
purpose may be a handheld tablet or smartphone that is provided with
programming
marketed under the tradename "THE LUNCH BOXTM" (Terydon, Inc. of Navarre,
Ohio,
US). A wireless communication device and a method for controlling water
cleaning
system utilizing the communication device and THE LUNCH BOXTM programming is
disclosed in several patent applications all commonly owned by Terydon, Inc.
These
patent applications include U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/204,264
filed March
1223P-RTW-CAD1
12
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
11,2014 entitled "ADAPTIVE CONTROLLER", now U.S. Patent No. 10,864,834; U.S.
Patent Application Serial No. 14/204,344 filed March 11, 2014, entitled
"SYSTEM AND
METHOD FOR WIRELESS CONTROL USING A DEADMAN SWITCH", now U.S.
Patent No. 10,040,169; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/204,451, filed
March 11,
2014, entitled "MECHANISM FOR REMOTELY CONTROLLING WATER-JET
EQUIPMENT"; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/204,555 filed March 11, 2014
entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USING AN APPLICATION TO CONTROL
WITH A DEADMAN'S SWITCH"; and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/997,035
filed January 15, 2015 entitled "MECHANISM FOR REMOTELY CONTROLLING
EQUIPMENT".
[0050] Communication device 14 may be Bluetooth enabled and may be paired
to multiple devices via a master/slave relationship. For example, the
communication
device 14 may be connected via THE LUNCH BOXTM to pump(s) and valves in water
delivery system 12 and/or to various components on rotary tool 16, as will be
described
later herein. A user interface on communication device 14, such as a
touchscreen,
may include a "Connect button" that allows communication device 14 to scan for
other
devices or components of cleaning system 10 with which to pair. A listing or
menu of
Bluetooth enabled devices may appear on the user interface and the operator
may
then select which devices or components to link with communication device 14.
Appropriate security codes may be required to enable the pairing and, once
connected, the Bluetooth connectivity may not be severed from an outside
source.
If Bluetooth connection is lost then all operations of the water delivery
system 12 and
rotary tool 16 will cease automatically and substantially immediately, i.e.,
with only the
delay required to break communication and shut-off operations (around a few
seconds).
[0051] FIGS.1B, 2, and 3 illustrate an exemplary heat exchanger 28 that may
be
cleaned using cleaning system 10. Heat exchanger 28 comprises a plurality of
tubes
30 (FIG.2) arranged in a tube bundle and encased in a hollow cylindrical shell
32. The
tubes 30 in the tube bundle are arranged side-by-side and one above another.
Each
tube 30 of the tube bundle terminates in heat exchanger face plate 34 that is
provided
at one end of shell 32. A plurality of openings 34a is defined in face plate
34 and each
opening 34a provides access to a bore 30a of one of the tubes 30 in the tube
bundle.
1223P-RTW-CAD1
13
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
Because the tubes 30 in the tube bundle are arranged in a particular manner
relative
to each other, the openings 34a in face plate 34 tend to be arranged in a
pattern. The
pattern corresponds to an arrangement of the tube openings 34a defined in face
plate
34. An exemplary pattern of openings 34a is shown in FIG.1B. It will be
understood
that other different patterns of openings 34a may be presented on face plate
34 since
these patterns are the result of the specific arrangement and configuration of
the tubes
30 in the tube bundle of a specific heat exchanger. Typically, face plate 34
will tend to
show a honeycomb pattern of openings 34a or a straight line pattern of
openings 34a
but the spacing and angle between the various openings 34a tends to differ
from one
heat exchanger to another. Face plate 34 may be secured to one end of shell 32
by a
flange 36. Flange 36 may define a plurality of apertures 36a therein.
Apertures 36a
are located at intervals around a circumference of flange 36.
[0052] FIGS.1A to 4B show a first embodiment of the rotary tool 16 in
accordance
with the present disclosure. Rotary tool 16 comprises a mounting assembly 38,
a
supporting arm 40, and a carriage assembly 42.
[0053] Mounting assembly 38 includes a mounting plate 44 that is secured to
face
plate 34 of heat exchanger 28 by a plurality of fasteners 44a. Each fastener
44a is
received through one of the openings 34a defined by face plate 34. Fasteners
44a
may be any suitable component that is useful for securely mounting plate 44 to
face
plate 34. For example, each fastener 44a may be an expansion bolt. Mounting
plate
44 is illustrated in FIG.1B as being offset from a center point of the face
plate 34. One
edge of mounting plate 44 is located proximate flange 36 of heat exchanger 28.
[0054] Mounting assembly 38 further includes a rotation motor 46 provided
on an
upper surface of mounting plate 44. Rotation motor 46 includes a drive shaft
46a which
extends outwardly and upwardly from rotation motor 46 and is oriented at right
angles
to the upper surface of mounting plate 44. For the purposes of the following
discussion,
face plate 34 is shown as having a horizontal axis "X" and a vertical axis "Y"
that are
oriented at right angles to each other and intersect at a center line of drive
shaft 46a.
[0055] Mounting assembly 38 further includes a trolley housing 48
operatively
engaged with the drive shaft 46a of rotation motor 46. When rotation motor 46
is
actuated, trolley housing 48 is selectively rotated by drive shaft 46a about
an axis "Z"
(FIG.2) extending along drive shaft 46a. The axis "Z" is oriented at right
angles to the
1223P-RTW-CAD1
14
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
horizontal axis "X" and vertical axis "Y". The axis "Z" is additionally
oriented at right
angles to the upper surface of mounting plate 44. Rotation motor 46 may be
actuated
to selectively rotate trolley housing 48 in one of a clockwise direction and a
counter-
clockwise direction about axis "Z". The possible directions of rotation of
trolley housing
48 are indicated by the arrow "A" in FIGS.2 and 3.
[0056] As shown in FIG.2, supporting arm 40 extends through an interior
bore 48a
defined by trolley housing 48. Bore 48a is oriented generally parallel to a
longitudinal
axis "Xl" of supporting arm and at right angles to axis "Z". Mounting assembly
38
further includes a first linear motor 50. A translation mechanism 52
operatively
engages supporting arm 40 and trolley housing 48 to each other. Translation
mechanism 52 is operatively linked to first linear motor 50. The translation
mechanism
52 may be any suitable mechanism that retains the supporting arm 40 and
trolley
housing 48 in engagement with each other and also selectively enables the
supporting
arm 40 to move linearly relative to trolley housing 48. One suitable type of
translation
mechanism is a rack and pinion system. This type of translation mechanism is
illustrated in FIG.2. The translation mechanism includes a toothed gear (or
pinion) 52a
that is operatively engaged with first linear motor 50 and a rack 52b that is
provided
on supporting arm 40. Linear motor 50 is actuated to cause the gear 52a to
rotate in
one of a first direction or a second direction depending on the direction in
which
supporting arm 40 is to be moved. Gear 52a is interlockingly engaged with the
pinion
52b. When gear 52a rotates in a first rotational direction it will cause
supporting arm
40 to be moved in a first linear direction relative to mounting assembly 38.
When gear
52a rotates in a second rotational direction, it will cause supporting arm 40
to be moved
in a second linear direction relative to mounting assembly 38, where the
second linear
direction is opposite to the first linear direction. Translation mechanism 52
engages
supporting arm 40 and trolley housing 48 in such a manner that, in a first
instance, the
entire supporting arm 40 will move in unison with trolley housing 48 and in a
second
instance, the entire supporting arm 40 will move relative to the trolley
housing 48 and
thereby to the mounting assembly 38.
[0057] As best seen in FIG.3, the first instance referred to above occurs
when
trolley housing 48 is rotated about axis "Z" in either direction indicated by
arrow "A".
This occurs when rotation motor 46 is actuated by the operator "P" using
1223P-RTW-CAD1
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
communication device 14. Since supporting arm 40 extends through the interior
bore
48a of the trolley housing 48, as trolley housing 48 is rotated in either
direction
indicated by arrow "A", supporting arm 40 will be rotated in unison with
trolley housing
48 in the same direction. In other words, when rotation motor 46 is actuated,
the entire
supporting arm 40 is rotated about axis "Z" and relative to mounting assembly
38 in
either direction indicated by arrow "A".
[0058] The second instance referred to above occurs when first linear motor
50 is
actuated and the translation mechanism 52 causes supporting arm 40 to move
through
bore 48a of trolley housing 48 in one or the other of a first direction and a
second
direction. This movement of supporting arm 40 is indicated by arrow "B" in
FIGS.2 and
3 and is a linear motion that is parallel to the longitudinal axis "X1" of
supporting arm
40. The linear movement of supporting arm 40 is relative to the trolley
housing 48 and
thereby relative to the mounting assembly 38. The entire supporting arm 40 is
moved
linearly relative to the mounting assembly 38 when first linear motor 50 is
actuated and
thereby the first translation mechanism is actuated.
[0059] When rotation motor 46 is switched off, rotational motion of trolley
housing
48 and thereby of supporting arm 40 ceases and supporting arm 40 remains in a
fixed
orientation relative to mounting assembly 38. When first linear motor 50 is
switched
off, linear motion of the supporting arm 40 relative to mounting assembly 38
ceases
and supporting arm 40 remains in a fixed position relative to mounting
assembly 38.
The operator "P" is able to utilize communication device 14 to selectively
rotate the
entire supporting arm 40 from a first orientation (such as in FIG.1B) to a
second
orientation (such as in FIG.3), moving supporting arm 40 through an angle a
(FIG.3),
for example. The operator "P" is also able to utilize communication device 14
to
selectively linearly move the entire supporting arm 40 relative to mounting
assembly
38 and thereby change the length of a portion of the supporting arm 40 that
extends
outwardly beyond a first side edge 48b (FIG.3) of trolley housing 48.
[0060] Supporting arm 40 includes a first stop 40a at a first end and a
second stop
40b at a second end. The first and second stops 40a, 40b are provided to limit
the
extent of linear travel of supporting arm 40 relative to trolley housing 48
and thereby
to mounting assembly 38. For example, if supporting arm 40 moves linearly in a
direction generally toward the operator "P", first stop 40a will eventually
contact first
1223P-RTW-CAD1
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
side edge 48b of trolley housing 48 and then continued motion of supporting
arm 40
in that direction will cease. In some embodiments a limit switch (not shown)
or another
similar mechanism) may be provided on side edge 48b of trolley housing 48 and
contact of first stop 40a therewith will deactivate linear motor 50 and
further linear
motion of supporting arm 40 will be halted. Any other mechanisms may be
provided
on cleaning system 10 to selectively limit the extent of rotational motion of
trolley
housing 48 and/or limit the extent of linear motion of supporting arm 40.
[0061] Mounting assembly 38 further includes one or more sensors that are
operatively linkable to communication device 14. These sensors may be in the
form of
wireless transmitters and/or receivers 54 that are operatively engaged with
one or
more of the rotation motor 46, first linear motor 50, and/or translation
mechanism 52
and are able to be utilized to switch these components on or off. Position
sensors may
also be provided on mounting assembly 38 (and on other components of rotary
tool
16) to provide information to communication device 14. The transmitters and/or
receivers and other sensors utilized in cleaning system 10 will be referred to
hereafter
as "transceivers" but it should be understood that these components may
perform both
a transmitting function and a receiving function, a position sensing function,
or only
one of a transmitting function, a receiving function, and a positioning
sensing function
depending on what is required to activate or deactivate the associated
component.
[0062] Transceivers 54 are operatively linked to communications device 14
by way
of a transceiver 14a provided in communications device 14. Transceivers 54 and
14a
may send and/or receive signals wirelessly or in any other suitable manner
that
enables the programming in communication device 14 to control rotation motion
46,
first linear motor 50, and/or translation mechanism 52. The programming
uploaded
into communications device 14 is configured to cause the rotation motor 46,
the first
linear motor 50 and/or the translation mechanism 52 to be selectively switched
on or
off in order to cause rotational or linear motion of supporting arm 40 or to
cause such
motion to cease.
[0063] As indicated previously herein, cleaning system 10 further includes
a
carriage assembly 42 mounted on supporting arm 40 between mounting assembly 38
and second stop 40b. Carriage assembly 42 includes a carriage housing 56, a
lance-
mounting assembly 58, a second linear motor 60, and one or more transceivers
62.
1223P-RTW-CAD1
17
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
Supporting arm 40 extends through an interior bore 56a defined by carriage
housing
56 and is operatively engaged therewith in a similar fashion to the way
supporting arm
40 is engaged with trolley housing 48. Carriage housing 56 is able to be
selectively
moved along supporting arm 40 by the second linear motor 60 and the
translation
mechanism 52. In particular, a second gear 52c is operatively engaged with
second
linear motor 60 and with pinion 52b. Second linear motor 60 is activated to
selectively
rotate second gear 52c in one of a first rotational direction and a second
rotational
direction depending on which direction it is desired to move carriage assembly
42
relative to supporting rail. Translation mechanism 52 may be actuated to move
carriage housing 56 linearly along the length and along the longitudinal axis
"X1" of
supporting arm 40. In particular, translation mechanism 52 is operable to move
carriage housing linearly along the supporting arm 40 (parallel to
longitudinal axis "X1")
in a first direction towards the mounting assembly 38 or in a second direction
away
from the mounting assembly 38. This linear motion is indicated by the arrows
"C" in
FIGS.2 and 3.
[0064] Lance-mounting assembly 58 and second linear motor 60 are provided
on
carriage housing 56. Consequently, when carriage housing 56 moves linearly
along
the length of supporting arm 40, lance-mounting assembly 58 and second linear
motor
60 will move in unison with carriage housing 56.
[0065] Lance-mounting assembly 58 is shown diagrammatically on its own in
FIGS.4A and 4B. Assembly 58 is shown as including two actuators 66a, 66b that
are
operatively engaged with one of the transceivers 62 via wiring 63. Although
not
illustrated herein, it should be understood that actuators 66a, 66b, and the
transceiver
62 in assembly 58 are also operatively engaged with second linear motor 60.
Each
actuator 66a, 66b includes a connector 68a, 68b that operatively engages a
lance
holder 70a, 70b to the actuator 66a, 66b. As illustrated, but by way of
example only,
each connector 68a, 68b comprises a ball-and-socket type connector. Each lance
holder 70a, 70b may include a sleeve 72a, 72b, respectively, into which a
lance 74a,
74b is received. Each lance 74a, 74b is connected to one of the first and
second hoses
18, 20 (FIG.1B) and terminates in a nozzle, such as nozzle 76 (FIG.4B). The
nozzle
76 is selectively insertable into one of the openings 34 in the face plate 34
of heat
exchanger 28.
1223P-RTW-CAD1
18
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
[0066] Second linear motor 60 is configured to drive actuators 66a, 66b in
order to
move lance holders 70a, 70b relative to lance-mounting assembly 58 and
relative to
each other. The operator "P' is able to move the lance holders 70a, 70b by
activating
the associated actuator 66a, 66b using communication device 14 and
transmitting
appropriate signals to transceiver 62 and second linear motor 60, thereby
activating
actuators 66a, 66b. FIG.4A shows a first type of motion of the lance holders
70a, 70b
that may be initiated by the operator "P" using communication device 14. In
this
instance, the operator "P" is able to pivot the two lance holders 70a, 70b
laterally
relative to each other and relative to the lance-mounting assembly 58. This
pivotal
motion is indicated by the arrows "D" in FIG.4A. The operator "P" is able to
selectively
cause the two lance holders 70a, 70b to pivot inwardly toward each other or to
pivot
outwardly away from each other. In other words, the operator "P" is able to
decrease
or increase the lateral distance between the two lance holders 70a, 70b. The
operator
"P" is also able to select to pivot both of the two lance holders 70a, 70b in
a first
direction towards a first side edge 58a of lance-mounting assembly 58, or to
pivot both
of the two lance holders 70a, and 70b in a second direction towards a second
side
edge 58b of lance-mounting assembly 58. The lance holders 70a, 70b may be
pivoted
independently of one another to a greater or lesser degree, or they may be
moved in
unison. The manipulating of the position of the lance holders 70a, 70b and
thereby of
the lances 74a, 74b may be undertaken to enable the nozzles 76 thereon to be
properly aligned with openings 34a in face plate 34 of heat exchanger 28.
[0067] FIG.4B shows that actuators 66a, 66b are also able to be activated
by the
operator "P" to pivot lance holders 70a, 70b vertically upwardly or downwardly
relative
to lance-mounting assembly 58. This up or down movement is indicated by the
arrow
"E" in FIG.4B. The vertically-oriented pivotal motion may be utilized if the
carriage
assembly 42 is to be moved linearly along the supporting arm 40 from a first
position
to a second position and the operator "P" does not want the nozzles 76 to
accidentally
contact face plate 34 of heat exchanger 28. In this instance, the operator "P"
may then
use communication device 14 to send one or more signals to transceiver 62 and
thereby activate second linear motor 60 and the actuators 66a, 66b to pivot
the lance
holders 70a, 70b vertically upwardly away from the face plate 34. This motion
will lift
the nozzles 76 clear of the face plate 34. The carriage assembly 42 is then
moved
linearly along the supporting arm 40 to its new position by the operator "P"
using the
1223P-RTW-CAD1
19
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
communication device 14 to activate one or both of the second translation
mechanism
65 or the second linear motor 60. When carriage assembly 42 arrives at the
desired
position on supporting arm 40, the operator "P", using communication device
14, will
activate the actuators 66a, 66b to pivot the lance holders 70a, 70b downwardly
so that
the nozzles 76 are oriented correctly to introduce high pressure fluid into
the openings
34a in the face plate 34. It will be understood that because ball-and-socket
connectors
68a, 68b are utilized on lance-mounting assembly 58, a variety of other
different
motions of lance holders 70a, 70b are possible.
[0068] It will be understood that lance-mounting assembly 58 may be
provided with
only one lance holder and associated lance or, in other embodiments, may be
provided
with more than two lance holders and associated lances. It will further be
understood
that any suitable type of connector other than the ball-and-socket connectors
68a, 68b
illustrated herein may be provided on lance-mounting assembly 58.
[0069] The operator "P" is able to control the linear movement of carriage
housing
56 along the length of supporting arm 40 by utilizing the programming provided
in
communication device 14. As mentioned earlier herein, the possible linear
movement
of carriage assembly 42 relative to supporting arm 40 is indicated by the
arrows "C"
shown in FIG.3. In a first scenario, the operator may elect to keep carriage
assembly
42 in a particular location relative to the length of supporting arm 40 (where
the length
is measured between the first stop 40a and second stop 40b). In this first
scenario, the
operator "P" does not activate the second linear motor 60 using communication
device
and therefore the carriage assembly 42 remains in a fixed position relative to
supporting arm 40. In other words, carriage assembly 42 will be located a
first distance
away from the mounting assembly 38. In a second scenario, the operator "P"
actuates
the second linear motor 60 and causes the carriage assembly 42 to selectively
move
either towards mounting assembly 38 or away from mounting assembly 38. Moving
the carriage assembly 42 along the supporting arm 40 helps the operator "P"
correctly
position the lances 74a, 74b so that the nozzles 76 thereon are properly
aligned with
particular openings 34a on the face plate 34 of heat exchanger 28.
[0070] The operator "P" is therefore able to use communication device 14
and the
programming provided therein to select whether to perform one or more movement
operations to align the nozzles 76 with a selected particular openings 34a on
the face
1223P-RTW-CAD1
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
plate 34. In other words, the operator "P" selects whether to perform one or
more of
rotating the supporting arm 40 relative to the mounting assembly 44, linearly
moving
the supporting arm 40 relative to the mounting assembly 44, or linearly moving
the
carriage assembly 44 along the supporting arm 40 in order to access any
particular
opening 34a on the face plate 34.
[0071] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16/265,387 describes in detail
how the
operator "P" is able to initially setup the communication device 14 and rotary
tool 16 in
such a way for the programming in the communication device 14 to learn the
pattern
of the openings 34a in the face plate 34 of the heat exchanger 28. U.S
16/265,387
discloses the use of two supporting arms oriented at right angles to each
other and
moving the trolleys and carriages in such a way that the communication
device's
software will learn the pattern of the openings. In this presently disclosed
cleaning
system 10, the operator "P" will utilize the communication device 14 to
control the
rotational and/or linear motion of the supporting arm 40, and/or the linear
motion of the
carriage assembly 42 relative to the supporting arm 40, and/or the rotational
motion of
the lance holder relative to the carriage assembly. These various controlled
motions
may be utilized to locate the positions of a sample of openings 34a in face
plate 34.
The software will track and learn the pattern of the openings 34a in the face
plate 34
and will store the same in the memory of the communication device 14. The
pattern
that is stored in the communication device corresponds to the arrangement of
the
openings 34a in the face plate 34. The learning of the pattern may occur in a
substantially similar manner to the method disclosed in the parent
application.
[0072] The learning of the pattern of the openings 34a may also be
accomplished
using one or more cameras, lasers, distance sensors, or other sensors or
equipment
provided on the fluid jet machine or on the heat exchanger itself that can map
out or
determine the pattern of openings 34a in the face plate 34 and store that
information
in the communication device's memory. In other instances, the pattern of
openings in
the face plate of any number of different heat exchangers may be uploaded to
the
communication device 14 and the operator will simply select which pattern of
openings
applies to the heat exchanger to be cleaned at that time.
[0073] After the pattern of the openings 34a in the face plate 34 has been
learned
and stored in the communication device's memory (or uploaded and accessed),
the
1223P-RTW-CAD1
21
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
operator "P" is able to initiate a cleaning operation. Using The LUNCHBOX
program
disclosed in the parent application, the operator "P" will move the supporting
arm 40
and/or carriage assembly 42 to successively bring the lances 74a, 74b into
alignment
with different openings 34a in the face plate 34. The operator will
furthermore use THE
LUNCHBOX program to cause a high pressure water jet to be delivered through
each nozzle 76 and through the openings 34a and into the bores 30a of the
associated
tubes 30 in the heat exchanger 28. The high pressure water jets will scour
deposits of
material from the interior surfaces of the tubes 30 with which the lances 74a,
74b are
aligned. In other instances, the operator of the communication device will
initiate the
cleaning operation and the programming will automatically and progressively
move
the lances 74a, 74b from one opening in the face plate 34 to the next until
the heat
exchanger tubes 30 have all been cleaned. In other words, in some instances,
the
programming in the communication device will be manually used by the operator
to
control the cleaning operation. In other instances, the programming in the
communication device will automatically and systematically control the
cleaning
operation, once initiated by the operator.
[0074] FIGS. 1B
shows supporting arm 40 of rotary tool 16 in a first position and
first orientation that has the longitudinal axis "X1" of supporting arm 40
orientated along
horizontal axis "X", a first length "L1" (FIG.2) of supporting arm 40 extends
outwardly
beyond first side edge 48b of trolley housing 48, and lance-mounting assembly
58 is
located proximate second stop 40b on supporting arm 40. Additionally, lance
holders
70a, 70b are located a first distance away from each other. FIG. 3 shows
supporting
arm 40 of rotary tool 16 moved to a second position and second orientation
relative to
face plate 34. In particular, the entire supporting arm 40 has been rotated
through an
angle a relative to the first position shown in FIG.1B. The longitudinal axis
"X1" of the
supporting arm 40 is now oriented at the angle a relative to the horizontal
axis "X".
Additionally, the entire supporting arm 40 has been moved linearly relative to
mounting
assembly 38 such that a second length "L2" of supporting arm 40 extends
outwardly
beyond first side edge 48b of trolley housing 48. The second length "L2" is
greater
than the first length "Ll". Furthermore, the carriage assembly 42 has been
moved
linearly along the longitudinal axis of the supporting arm 40 in a direction
away from
second stop 40b. As a consequence, carriage assembly 42 is no longer proximate
second stop 40b. Still further, lance holders 70a, 70b have been pivoted
laterally away
1223P-RTW-CAD1
22
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
from each other so that they are now further apart from each other. All of
these
movements have been initiated and controlled by the operator "P" utilizing the
communication device 14.
[0075] FIG.5 shows the cleaning system 10 of FIGS.1A-4B where the mounting
assembly 38 is engaged with a central region of face plate 34 of the heat
exchanger
28 instead of being mounted to face plate 34 proximate flange 36. All
components of
cleaning system 10 shown in FIG.5 are identical to the components shown and
described with respect to FIGS.1-4B.
[0076] Referring now to FIG.6, there is shown a second embodiment of a
cleaning
system 110 in accordance with the present disclosure. Cleaning system 110
comprises the water delivery system 12, communication device 14, and a second
embodiment of a rotary tool in accordance with the present disclosure,
generally
indicated at 116. Rotary tool 116 is substantially identical to rotary tool 16
except for
the mounting plate that is utilizing to secure rotary tool 116 to heat
exchanger 28. FIG.6
shows a mounting plate 144 configured to enable rotary tool 116 to be secured
to the
flange 36 of the heat exchanger 28 instead of to the face plate 34. Fasteners
144a are
used to secure the differently configured mounting plate 144 to flange 36.
Fasteners
144a may simply be bolts that are inserted into the apertures 36a of flange 36
and
secured in place by nuts. All of the other components of the rotary tool 116
other than
mounting plate 144 are identical to the components of rotary tool 16 and
therefore will
not be further described herein. Rotary tool 116 functions in the identical
manner to
rotary tool 16 and the functioning thereof will not be described further
herein.
[0077] Referring now to FIG.7, there is shown a third embodiment of a
cleaning
system 210 in accordance with the present disclosure. Cleaning system 210
comprises the water delivery system 12, communication device 14, and a third
embodiment of a rotary tool in accordance with the present disclosure,
generally
indicated at 216. Rotary tool 216 comprises a mounting assembly 238, a
supporting
arm 240, and a carriage assembly 242.
[0078] Mounting assembly 238 includes a mounting plate 244 that is
substantially
identical in structure and function to mounting plate 44 and therefore will
not be
described further herein. Suffice to say that mounting plate 244, like
mounting plate
44, can be secured at any location on face plate 34 of heat exchanger 28. The
location
1223P-RTW-CAD1
23
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
of mounting plate 244 on face plate 34 in FIG.7, like the location of mounting
plate 44
on face plate 34 in FIG.1B, should be considered to be exemplary.
[0079] Mounting assembly 238 includes a rotation motor 246 provided on an
upper
surface of mounting plate 244. Rotation motor 246 engages supporting arm 240.
Mounting assembly 238 further includes a transceiver 254 to operatively link
rotation
motor 246 to communication device 14. Rotation motor 246 is substantially
identical
in structure and function to rotation motor 46 and transceiver 254 is
substantially
identical in structure and function to transceiver 54. Rotation motor 246
includes a
drive shaft 246a which extends outwardly and upwardly from rotation motor 246
and
is oriented at right angles to the upper surface of mounting plate 244.
Mounting
assembly 238 further includes a trolley housing 248 operatively engaged with
the drive
shaft 246a of rotation motor 246. Operator "P" activates rotation motor 246
utilizing the
programming of communication device 14 through transceivers 14a. Upon
activation
of rotation motor 246, trolley housing 248 is selectively rotated by drive
shaft 246a
about an axis extending along drive shaft 246a in a substantially identical
manner to
how trolley housing 48 is rotated by drive shaft 46a, previously described
herein.
Rotation motor 246 may be actuated to selectively rotate trolley housing 248
in one of
a clockwise direction and a counter-clockwise direction about axis. The
possible
directions of rotation of trolley housing 248 are indicated by the arrows "A"
in FIG.7.
[0080] Although not shown herein, supporting arm 240 extends through an
interior
bore defined by trolley housing 248, substantially identical to the way
supporting arm
40 extends through interior bore 48a of trolley housing 48. Supporting arm 240
includes a first stop 240a at a first end and a second stop 240b at a second
end. The
first and second stops 240a, 240b are provided to limit the extent of linear
travel of
supporting arm 240 relative to trolley housing 248 and thereby to mounting
assembly
238 and serve a similar purpose to stops 40a and 40b on supporting arm 40.
Carriage
assembly 242 is mounted on supporting arm 240 in a location between second
stop
240b and mounting assembly 238. (Carriage assembly 242 will be described in
greater
detail later herein.)
[0081] Cleaning system 210 further comprises a first translation mechanism
252
and a second translation mechanism 264 that are provided on supporting arm.
Both
of the first translation mechanism 252 and second translation mechanism 264
are
1223P-RTW-CAD1
24
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
operatively engaged with the single linear motor 278 via a drive assembly 265
and
switching mechanism 280. Each of the first and second translation mechanisms
252,
264 is illustrated as comprising a rotatable threaded rod that is provided
within/on
supporting arm 240. Each threaded rod is operably engaged with a chain and
sprocket
system provided in drive assembly 265. Linear motor 278 is operably engaged
with a
first set of chains and sprockets and a second set of chains and sprockets of
drive
mechanism 265. The first set of chains and sprockets are operably linked to
the
threaded rod of the first translation mechanism 252. The second set of chains
and
sprockets are operably linked to the threaded rod of the second translation
mechanism
264. Selective actuation of linear motor 278 will drive the rotation of the
threaded rod
of first translation mechanism 252 or selectively drive the rotation of the
threaded rod
of second translation mechanism 264. The first or second translation mechanism
252,
264 will be actuated depending on whether the supporting arm 240 is to be
moved
linearly relative to the mounting assembly 238 or the carriage assembly 242 is
to be
moved linearly relative to the supporting arm 240. A transceiver 282 provided
on linear
motor 278 operatively links linear motor 278 and switching mechanism 280 to
communication device 14 via transceiver 14a. Switching mechanism 280 may be
utilized to selectively activate either the first set of chains and sprockets
or the second
set of chains and sprockets in drive assembly 265. When first translation
mechanism
252 is activated, linear motion of supporting arm 240 relative to mounting
assembly
238 is produced. This linear motion is indicated by the arrows "B" in FIG.7.
When
second translation mechanism 264 is activated, linear motion of carriage
assembly
242 relative to supporting arm 240 is produced. This linear motion is
indicated by the
arrows "C" in FIG.7.
[0082] It will
be understood that any other suitable types of translation mechanism
and drive mechanism may be utilized as first translation mechanism 252 and
second
translation mechanism 264 and the drive mechanism 265. For example, one or
both
translation mechanism 252, 264 may be a rack and pinion system or a rotating
screw
and gear mechanism. In some embodiments, the first and second translation
mechanisms 252, 264 may comprise a single translation mechanism that is
independently engaged with supporting arm 240 and carriage assembly 242 and is
separately activated.
1223P-RTW-CAD1
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
[0083] The programming uploaded into communications device 14 is configured
to
cause the rotation motor 246, the linear motor 278, the first translation
mechanism
252, and second translation mechanism 264 to function. As with the rotary tool
16, in
rotary tool 216, the entire supporting arm 240 is selectively rotated relative
to the
mounting assembly 238 by rotation motor 246; the entire supporting arm 240 is
selectively linearly moved relative to the mounting assembly 238 by the first
translation
mechanism 252 and linear motor 278, and the carriage assembly 242 is
selectively
moved along the longitudinal axis of supporting arm 240 toward and away from
the
mounting assembly 238 by the second translation mechanism 264 and the linear
motor 278.
[0084] Carriage assembly 242 includes a carriage housing 256, a lance-
mounting
assembly 258, and one or more transceivers 262. Supporting arm 240 extends
through an interior bore (not shown but similar to bore 56a) defined by
carriage
housing 256 and is operatively engaged therewith in a similar fashion to the
way
supporting arm 240 is engaged with trolley housing 248. Carriage housing 256
is able
to be selectively move linearly along the supporting arm 240 (parallel to the
arm's
longitudinal axis) in a first direction towards the mounting assembly 238 or
in a second
direction away from the mounting assembly 238 by linear motor 278 and second
translation mechanism 264. Lance-mounting assembly 258 is provided on carriage
housing 256 and includes one or more lance holders 284 thereon. Each lance
holder
284 is configured to receive a lance that is connected to one of the hoses 18,
20 of the
water delivery system 12. When carriage housing 256 moves linearly along the
length
of supporting arm 240, lance-mounting assembly 258 and therefore lance holders
284
and the associated lances will move in unison with carriage housing 256. The
lance
holders 284 may be substantially identical to lance holders 70 described
earlier herein.
In this instance, an additional motor may be required on carriage assembly 242
to
drive movement of the lance holders relative to lance-mounting assembly 258.
In other
instances, lance holders 284 may be static components that remain in a fixed
orientation relative to lance-mounting assembly 258.
[0085] The operator "P" will utilize communications device 14 and the
specialized
programming therein to perform a cleaning operation on the heat exchanger 28
using
cleaning system 210 in a substantially identical manner to the method of
performing a
1223P-RTW-CAD1
26
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
cleaning operation utilizing the cleaning system 10.
[0086] Referring now to FIG.8A, there is shown a fourth embodiment of a
cleaning
system 310 in accordance with the present disclosure. Cleaning system 310
comprises the water delivery system 12, communication device 14, and a fourth
embodiment of a rotary tool in accordance with the present disclosure,
generally
indicated at 316. Rotary tool 316 comprises a mounting assembly 338, a
supporting
arm 340, and a carriage assembly 342.
[0087] Rotary tool 316 is substantially identical to rotary tool 216 except
that
instead of providing the single linear motor 278 on supporting arm 240, a
first linear
motor 360 is provided on the carriage assembly 342 and a second linear motor
378 is
provided on mounting assembly 338. A single translation mechanism 352 is
provided
in supporting arm and each of the first linear motor 360 and second linear
motor 378
is engaged with translation mechanism 352. A drive mechanism 365 operatively
engages translation mechanism 352 and second linear motor 378. The drive
mechanism 365 is substantially similar to drive mechanism 265 except that only
one
set of sprockets and chains is provided in drive mechanism 365. Consequently,
no
switching mechanism similar to switching mechanism 280 is required in cleaning
system 310 but a transceiver 382 (similar to transceiver 282) is provided for
communication with communication device 14. Linear motor 378 is utilized to
selectively cause linear motion of the entire supporting arm 340 relative to
mounting
assembly 338. Linear motor 360 is utilized to cause linear motion of carriage
assembly
342 along supporting arm 340. A rotation motor 346 is provided as part of
mounting
assembly 238 to selectively rotate the entire supporting arm 340 relative to
the
mounting assembly 238. The structure and function of all other components of
cleaning system 310 are substantially identical to the components of cleaning
system
10, 110, or 210.
[0088] FIG.8B shows a variant of the fourth embodiment cleaning system 310a
in
accordance with the present disclosure. In this variant, the structure of the
cleaning
system 310a is substantially identical to the cleaning system 310 shown in
FIG.8A
except the linear motor 360 is omitted. In the variant fourth embodiment shown
in
FIG.8B, carriage assembly 342 is fixedly engaged with the supporting arm 340
and
does not move along the longitudinal axis relative to the supporting arm 340.
Instead,
1223P-RTW-CAD1
27
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
the carriage assembly 342 remains in a fixed position on the supporting arm
340. The
carriage assembly 34s is therefore only movable relative to the mounting
assembly
338 when the entire supporting arm 340 rotates relative to the mounting
assembly 338
(as indicated by the arrows "A") or moves linearly relative to the mounting
assembly
338 (as indicated by the arrows "B"). Other than the lack of motion of the
carriage
assembly 342 along the supporting arm 340, all other structures and functions
of the
cleaning system 310a are identical to the cleaning system 310 disclosed in
FIG.8A
and discussed above.
[0089] FIG.8C is a diagrammatic front elevation view of a second variant of
the
fourth embodiment of the rotary tool shown in FIG.8A. In this second variant
the
cleaning system 310b is substantially identical to the cleaning system 310
shown in
FIG.8A except that the translation assembly 352, drive assembly 365, and
linear motor
378 are omitted. The supporting arm 340 is pivotally engaged with the mounting
assembly 338 and is able to be rotated relative to the mounting assembly 338
by the
rotation motor 346 but the supporting arm 340 does not move linearly relative
to the
mounting assembly 338. Carriage assembly 342 is able to be moved linearly
along
supporting arm 340 by linear motor 360. All other structures and functions of
the
cleaning system 310b are as described with respect to the cleaning system 310
shown
in FIG.8A.
[0090] Referring now to FIG.9, there is shown a fifth embodiment of a
cleaning
system 410 in accordance with the present disclosure. Cleaning system 410
comprises the water delivery system 12, communication device 14, and a fifth
embodiment of a rotary tool in accordance with the present disclosure,
generally
indicated at 416. Rotary tool 416 comprises a mounting assembly 438, a
supporting
arm 440, and a carriage assembly 442.
[0091] Mounting assembly 438 is illustrated as being substantially
identical in
structure and function to mounting assembly 38 and therefore will not be
described in
any further detail herein. Similarly, supporting arm 440 is substantially
identical in
structure and function to supporting arm 40 and therefore will not be
described in
further detail herein. At least one translation mechanism is provided in
rotary tool 416
that may be substantially identical to any of the translation mechanisms
described
herein.
1223P-RTW-CAD1
28
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
[0092] It will be understood that in other embodiments, mounting assembly
438
may be substantially identical in structure and function to mounting assembly
238 or
338 and in either instance a complementary supporting arm 240 or 340 will be
utilized
to function with the particular mounting assembly 238, 338.
[0093] In the fifth embodiment rotary tool 416, carriage assembly 442
includes a
carriage housing 456, a lance-mounting assembly 458, a second linear motor
460,
and one or more transceivers 462. The carriage housing 456 and second linear
motor
460 provided on carriage assembly 442 are substantially identical in structure
and
function to carriage housing 56 and second linear motor 60. Second linear
motor 60 is
able to be activated by the operator "P" using communications device and via
signals
passing wirelessly from transceiver 14a to transceiver 462. Carriage assembly
442
differs from carriage assembly 42 in the structure of lance-mounting assembly
458 and
its associated lance holder 470. In rotary tool 416, an arm 486 extends
outwardly from
lance-mounting assembly 458 and is operatively engaged with second linear
motor
60. Arm 486 is rotatably mounted to lance-mounting assembly 458 and is able to
be
rotated about an axis that extends along pivot 486a, and is parallel to the
axis
extending along the drive shaft 446a of the rotation motor 446. The rotational
motion
of the arm 486 is indicated by arrows "F" in FIG.9. Arm 486 will rotate in
response to
activation of second linear motor 460. Lance holder 470 is fixedly mounted
proximate
a free end of arm 486 and is configured to receive a lance therein such that a
nozzle
on the lance extends downwardly from lance holder 470 in a similar manner to
the
nozzles 76 in FIG.2.
[0094] The operator "P" is able to control the position of lance holder 470
using
communication device 14 and the specialized software stored therein. In
particular,
the operator and programming is able to control rotation of the entire
supporting arm
440 relative to mounting assembly 438, to control linear motion of the entire
supporting
arm 440 relative to mounting assembly 438, to control linear motion of the
carriage
assembly 442 along the length of supporting arm 440. The operator and
programming
are also able to control the rotational motion of the arm 486 about the axis
486a on
the lance-mounting assembly 458. The operator "P" thereby controls the
position of
the lance relative to the carriage assembly 442 and mounting assembly 438.
Using
communications device 10 and by selecting to perform the various motions of
1223P-RTW-CAD1
29
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
supporting arm 440, carriage assembly 442, and arm 486, the operator "P" is
able to
teach the software the pattern of the openings 34a in the face plate 34. The
operator
"P" is thereby also able to correctly position the nozzle of the lance in
order to deliver
a high-pressure jet of water therethrough during a cleaning operation.
[0095] It will be understood that in other embodiments, more than one lance
holder
470 may be fixedly engaged with the free end of the rotatable arm 486.
[0096] Referring now to FIG.10, there is shown a sixth embodiment of a
cleaning
system 510 in accordance with the present disclosure. Cleaning system 510
comprises the water delivery system 12, communication device 14, and a sixth
embodiment of a rotary tool in accordance with the present disclosure,
generally
indicated at 516. Rotary tool 516 comprises a mounting assembly 538, a
supporting
arm 540, and a carriage assembly 542.
[0097] Rotary tool 516 is substantially identical to rotary tool 416 and
functions in
substantially the same manner as rotary tool 416 except in the structure and
functioning of a rotatable arm 586. Arm 586 is engaged with carriage assembly
542 in
the same manner as arm 486 is engaged with carriage assembly 442 and is
rotatable
(as indicated by arrows "F") about an axis 586a that is oriented parallel to
the axis
extending along the drive shaft 546a of rotation motor 546. The free end of
arm 586
differs from the free end of arm 486. In particular, arm 586 includes an
actuator 588,
a connector 590, and a lance holder 592 that are substantially identical in
structure
and function to one of the actuators 66a, 66b, and respective connector 68a,
68b and
lance holder 70a, 70b shown in FIGS.4A and 4B. The actuator 588 is operatively
engaged with second linear motor 560 and is manipulated thereby in order to
pivot
lance holder 592 relative to arm 586. Several motions of components of rotary
tool 516
are therefore able to be controlled by the operator "P" using the
communication device
14 and the special programming therein. The entire supporting arm 540 is able
to be
rotated relative to mounting assembly 538 as indicated by arrow "A" in FIG.10.
Additionally, the entire supporting arm 540 is able to be moved linearly
relative to the
mounting assembly 538 in the directions indicated by the arrows "B"; the
carriage
assembly 542 is able to be moved linearly along the longitudinal axis of the
supporting
arm 540 in the directions indicated by the arrows "C"; the arm 586 on carriage
assembly 542 is able to be rotated relative to the lance-mounting assembly 558
in the
1223P-RTW-CAD1
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
directions indicated by the arrows "F", and the lance-holder 592 is able to be
pivoted
relative to the actuator 588 on the lance-mounting assembly 558. The pivotal
motion
of the lance-holder 592 relative to the lance-mounting assembly 558 is
indicated by
the arrows "G" in FIG.10.
[0098] Again, all of the various possible motions of the components of
rotary
system 516 are able to be utilized by the operator "P" controlling the
communication
device 14 in order to teach the software the pattern of openings 34a in the
face plate
34 of the heat exchanger. The software is then able to accurately maneuver the
nozzle
on the lance held in the lance holder 592 to perform a cleaning operation.
[0099] Referring now to FIG.11, there is shown a seventh embodiment of a
cleaning system 610 in accordance with the present disclosure. Cleaning system
610
comprises the water delivery system 12, communication device 14, and a seventh
embodiment of a rotary tool in accordance with the present disclosure,
generally
indicated at 616. Rotary tool 616 comprises a mounting assembly 638, a
supporting
arm 640, and a carriage assembly 642.
[0100] Rotary tool 616 is substantially identical to rotary tool 516 and
functions in
substantially the same manner as rotary tool 516 except in the structure and
functioning of the arm 686. A first end of arm 686 is rotatably engaged with
lance-
mounting assembly 658 on carriage assembly 642 in the same manner as arm 586
is
engaged with lance-mounting assembly 558 on carriage assembly 542. Arm 686 is
selectively rotatable about an axis 686a that extends through the first end of
arm 686
and is oriented parallel to the drive shaft 646a of the rotation motor 646
provided on
mounting assembly 638. In particular, the arm 686 is selectively rotatable in
the
directions indicated by the arrows "H" in FIG. 11. The free end of arm 686
remote from
the first end thereof differs from the free end of arm 586. In particular, the
free end of
arm 686 includes an actuator housing 694 that houses two laterally spaced
actuators
(not shown), associated connectors 690a, 690b, and associated lance holders
692a,
692b that are substantially identical in structure and function to the
actuators 66a, 66b,
connector 68a, 68b and lance holders 70a, 70b shown in FIGS.4A and 4B. The
actuators in actuator housing 694 are operatively engaged with second linear
motor
660 and are manipulated thereby in order to pivot the associated lance holders
692a,
692b relative to actuator housing 694 and thereby to arm 686. Several motions
of
1223P-RTW-CAD1
31
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
components of rotary tool 616 are therefore able to be controlled by the
operator "P"
using the communication device 14 and the special programming therein. The
entire
supporting arm 640 is able to be rotated relative to mounting assembly 638 as
indicated by arrow "A" in FIG.11. Additionally, the entire supporting arm 640
is able to
be moved linearly relative to the mounting assembly 638 in the directions
indicated by
the arrows "B"; the carriage assembly 642 is able to be moved linearly along
the
longitudinal axis of the supporting arm 640 in the directions indicated by the
arrows
"C"; the arm 686 on carriage assembly 642 is able to be rotated relative to
the lance-
mounting assembly 658 in the directions indicated by the arrows "F", and the
lance-
holders 692a, 692b are able to be pivoted relative to the actuator housing 694
and
relative to each other. The pivotal motion of the lance-holders 692a, 692b
relative to
each other and to actuator housing 694 is indicated by the arrows "J" in
FIG.11.
[0101] Again, all of the various possible motions of the components of
rotary
system 616 are able to be utilized by the operator "P" controlling the
communication
device 14 in order to teach the software the pattern of openings 34a in the
face plate
34 of the heat exchanger. The software is then able to accurately maneuver the
nozzle
on the lance held in the lance holders 692a, 692b to perform a cleaning
operation.
[0102] Referring now to FIG.12, there is shown an eighth embodiment of a
cleaning
system 710 in accordance with the present disclosure. Cleaning system 710
comprises the water delivery system 12, communication device 14, and an eighth
embodiment of a rotary tool in accordance with the present disclosure,
generally
indicated at 716. Rotary tool 716 comprises a mounting assembly 738, a
supporting
arm 740, and a carriage assembly 742.
[0103] Mounting assembly 738 is substantially identical in structure and
function to
the mounting assembly 238 shown in FIG.7. Additionally, supporting arm 740 is
substantially identical in structure and function to supporting arm 240 shown
in FIG.7.
Rotary tool 716 includes first and second translation mechanisms 752 and 764
that
are identical in structure and function to first and second translation
mechanisms 252,
264 shown in FIG.7. Mounting assembly 738, supporting arm 740, first and
second
translation mechanisms 752, 764 will therefore not be discussed further
herein.
[0104] Rotary tool 716 differs from rotary tool 216 shown in FIG.7 in that
the
carriage assembly 742 differs from carriage assembly 242 in a number of ways.
1223P-RTW-CAD1
32
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
Carriage assembly 742 comprises a carriage housing 756 that is substantially
identical
in structure and function to carriage housing 56 shown in FIG. 1. Carriage
assembly
742 further includes a leg 796, a lance holder 797, and a motor 798 that
causes
rotation of leg 796. Leg 796 is pivotally engaged with carriage housing 756
via a pivot
rod 796a and is selectively rotatable about pivot rod 796a as indicated by the
arrows
"K" in FIG.12. Pivot rod 796a is substantially parallel to the axis that
extends along
drive shaft 746a of rotation motor 746. A first end of lance holder 797 is
pivotally
engaged with leg 796 in such a way that lance holder 797 is able to pivot away
from
and towards leg 797. In particular, lance holder 797 remains in a same plane
as the
leg 797 when the lance holder 797 pivots. This pivotal motion is indicated by
the arrows
"M" in FIG. 12. Motor 798 is operable to rotate leg 796 about pivot rod 796a
and/or to
pivot lance holder 797 relative to leg 796.
[0105] Lance holder 797 is configured to receive a pair of lances therein,
each
lance being engaged with one of the first hose 18 and second hose 20 of water
delivery
system 12. One or more transceivers 799 are provided on carriage assembly 742
to
enable communication between communication device 14, second linear motor 798
and an actuator (not shown) that operatively engages leg lance holder 797 and
leg
796.
[0106] Several motions of components of rotary tool 716 are therefore able
to be
controlled by the operator "P" using the communication device 14 and the
special
programming therein. The entire supporting arm 740 is able to be rotated
relative to
mounting assembly 738 as indicated by arrow "A" in FIG.12. Additionally, the
entire
supporting arm 740 is able to be moved linearly relative to the mounting
assembly 738
in the directions indicated by the arrows "B"; the carriage assembly 742 is
able to be
moved linearly along the longitudinal axis of the supporting arm 740 in the
directions
indicated by the arrows "C"; and the lance holder 797 is able to pivot
relative to leg
796 and thereby relative to carriage assembly 742 as indicated by the arrows
"J" in
FIG.12. Again, all of the various possible motions of the components of rotary
system
716 are able to be utilized by the operator "P" controlling the communication
device
14 in order to teach the software the pattern of openings 34a in the face
plate 34 of
the heat exchanger. The software is then able to accurately maneuver the
nozzle on
the lances held in the lance holder 797 to perform a cleaning operation.
1223P-RTW-CAD1
33
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
[0107] In rotary tool 716, first linear motor 778 may move supporting arm
740
linearly relative to mounting assembly 738 utilizing first translation
mechanism 752.
Alternatively, first linear motor 778 may selectively move supporting arm 740
linearly
relative to mounting assembly 738 using first translation mechanism 752 and
selectively move carriage assembly 242 linearly relative to supporting arm 740
utilizing
second translation mechanism 764.
[0108] Additionally, in rotary tool 716, second linear motor 798 may
linearly move
carriage assembly 742 relative to supporting arm 740 using second translation
mechanism and may also selectively actuate the pivotal motion of lance holder
797.
Alternatively, second linear motor 798 may only actuate the pivotal motion of
lance
holder 797. Still further, the pivotal motion of lance holder 797 may be
actuated only
by receiving a signal directly from communications device 14.
[0109] Referring now to FIG.13, there is shown a ninth embodiment of a
cleaning
system 810 in accordance with the present disclosure. Cleaning system 810
comprises the water delivery system 12, communication device 14, and a ninth
embodiment of a rotary tool in accordance with the present disclosure,
generally
indicated at 816. Rotary tool 816 comprises a mounting assembly 838, a
supporting
arm 840, and a carriage assembly 842.
[0110] Mounting assembly 838 is substantially identical in structure and
function to
the mounting assembly 38 shown in FIG.1A. Additionally, supporting arm 840 is
substantially identical in structure and function to supporting arm 40 shown
in FIG.1A.
Rotary tool 816 includes a first and a second translation mechanism 852 and
864 that
are substantially identical in structure and function to first and second
translation
mechanisms 252, 264. In other embodiments, first translation mechanism 852 and
second translation mechanism 864 may be a rack and pinion system or one of the
mechanism 852, 864 may be a rack and pinion system and the other may be a
rotating
threaded rod/ drive assembly system. Any other suitable type of translation
mechanism may be utilized instead of the rack and pinion or rotating threaded
rod/drive assembly systems. Mounting assembly 838, supporting arm 840, first
and
second translation mechanisms 852, 864 will therefore not be discussed further
herein.
[0111] Rotary tool 816 differs from rotary tool 16 shown in FIG.1A in that
the
1223P-RTW-CAD1
34
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
carriage assembly 842 differs from carriage assembly 42 in one or more ways.
Carriage assembly 842 includes a carriage housing 856 that is substantially
identical
in structure and function to carriage housing 56. Carriage assembly 842 also
includes
a second linear motor 860 that is substantially identical in structure and
function to
second linear motor 60. Carriage assembly 842 differs from carriage assembly
42 in
that the lance-mounting assembly 858 is mounted, via a shaft 858a, to carriage
housing 856. Shaft 858a is oriented substantially parallel to the axis that
extends along
drive shaft 846a of rotation motor 846. A wall of lance-mounting assembly 858
proximate second linear motor 860 is arcuate in shape. Lance-mounting assembly
858
may be pivoted by second linear motor or some other actuating mechanism to
rotate
about shaft 858a. This pivotal motion is indicated by the arrows "N" in
FIG.13. All other
components of lance-mounting assembly 58 are found on lance-mounting assembly
858. In particular, there are actuators, connectors, and lance holders that
are
substantially identical to actuators 66a, 66b, connectors 68a, 68b, and lance
holders
70a, 70b shown in FIGS.4A and 4B. As a result of this configuration, lance-
mounting
assembly 858 is pivotable relative to the rest of carriage assembly 838 and
lance
holders 870a, 870b are pivotable relative to lance-mounting assembly 858, as
indicated by the arrows "P" in FIG.13.
[0112] Several
motions of components of rotary tool 816 are therefore able to be
controlled by the operator "P" using the communication device 14 and the
special
programming therein. The entire supporting arm 840 is able to be rotated
relative to
mounting assembly 838 as indicated by arrow "A" in FIG.13. Additionally, the
entire
supporting arm 840 is able to be moved linearly relative to the mounting
assembly 838
in the directions indicated by the arrows "B"; the carriage assembly 842 is
able to be
moved linearly along the longitudinal axis of the supporting arm 840 in the
directions
indicated by the arrows "C". Additionally, the lance-mounting assembly 858 is
able to
pivot relative carriage housing 858 and thereby relative to carriage assembly
842 as
indicated by the arrows "K" in FIG.13. Still further, the lance holders 870a
and 870b
are able to pivot relative to lance-mounting assembly 858 as indicated by the
arrows
"M" in FIG.13. All of the various possible motions of the components of rotary
system
816 are able to be utilized by the operator "P" controlling the communication
device
14 in order to teach the software the pattern of openings 34a in the face
plate 34 of
the heat exchanger. The software is then able to accurately maneuver the
nozzle on
1223P-RTW-CAD1
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
the lances held in the lance holders 870a, 870b to perform a cleaning
operation.
[0113] While cleaning system 10 is illustrated and described herein as
being useful
for cleaning heat exchanger tubes, it will be understood by those skilled in
the art that
cleaning system 10 may be used to clean a wide variety of other pieces of
equipment.
Furthermore, it should be understood that while the system 10 is referred to
herein as
a "cleaning system", the system 10 may be used for any of a variety of
purposes other
than "cleaning".
[0114] A method of cleaning a heat exchanger 28 utilizing a high-pressure
water
jet includes providing a communication device 14 provided with programming to
control a cleaning operation of the heat exchanger 28 using a fluid jet
cleaning device
16; engaging the cleaning device 16 on the heat exchanger 28 using a mounting
assembly such as mounting assembly 38; connecting a lance 74a, 74b on the
cleaning
device 16 to a remote water source 24; controlling movement of the lance 74,a,
74b
relative to openings 34a defined in a face plate 34 of the heat exchanger 28
using the
programming in the communication device 14; moving the lance through one or
more
of a first degree of freedom "A" and a second degree of freedom "B", or "C" or
"D", or
"E", or "F", or "G", or "H", or "J" when moving from one opening 34a in the
face plate
34 to another opening in the face plate 34. The moving of the lance 74a, 74b
through
the first degree of freedom "A" comprises rotating the lance 74a, 74b about an
axis
46a on the mounting assembly 38, where the axis 46a is oriented at right
angles to the
face plate 34. The moving of the lance 74a, 74b through the first degree of
freedom
"A" includes operatively engaging the lance 74a, 74b on a supporting arm 40
(via
carriage assembly 420 and rotating the entire supporting arm 40 about the axis
46a
on the mounting assembly 38.
[0115] The moving of the lance 74a, 74b through the second degree of
freedom
"B" comprises linearly moving the lance 74a, 74b along a longitudinal axis
"X1' that is
oriented parallel to an outer surface of the face plate 34. The moving of the
lance 74a,
74b through the second degree of freedom "B" includes operatively mounting the
lance
74a, 74b on a supporting arm 40, engaging the supporting arm 40 with the
mounting
assembly 38; and moving the supporting arm 40 linearly with respect to the
mounting
assembly 38. The moving of the supporting arm 40 linearly with respect to the
mounting assembly 38 may include moving the entire supporting arm 40 linearly
with
1223P-RTW-CAD1
36
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
respect to the mounting assembly 38.
[0116] The moving of the lance through another degree of freedom "C"
includes
operatively mounting the lance 74a, 74b on a carriage assembly 42 engaged on a
supporting arm 40, operatively engaging the supporting arm 40 with the
mounting
assembly 38; and moving the carriage assembly 42 linearly along the supporting
arm
40.
[0117] A method of cleaning a plurality of tubes 30 of a heat exchanger 28
includes
engaging a fluid jet machine 16 on the heat exchanger 28; operatively linking
the fluid
jet machine 16 to a communication device 14; installing programming in the
communication device 14 that controls the fluid jet machine 16 and a cleaning
operation using the fluid jet machine 16; providing a pattern of openings 34a
in a face
plate 34 of the heat exchanger 28 to the communication device 14; and
performing the
cleaning operation following the pattern.
[0118] In one embodiment, the pattern of openings 34a is provided to the
communication device 14 by learning the pattern. This is done by initiating
the special
programming of the communication device 14, such as "THE LUNCHBOVD". In one
embodiment, the learning of the pattern of the plurality of tubes 30 includes
determining a pattern of openings 34a to the plurality of tubes 30 in the face
plate 34
of the heat exchanger 28. In one embodiment, the determining of the pattern of
openings 34a is accomplished using a camera (not shown but provided at any
suitable
location on the mounting assembly 38, supporting arm 40, and carriage assembly
42,
the communication device 14, or an independent camera operated by the
operator, or
on the heat exchanger itself) to locate the openings 34a in the face plate 34.
In one
embodiment the determining of the pattern of openings 34a is accomplished
using a
laser (not shown but provided at any suitable location on the mounting
assembly 38,
supporting arm 40, and carriage assembly 42, or operated separately by the
operator,
or on the heat exchanger itself) to locate the openings 34a in the face plate
34. In one
embodiment, the determining of the pattern of openings 34 is accomplished by
manually aligning a nozzle 76 on the fluid jet machine 16 with a sample number
of
openings 34a in the face plate 34 (as has been described in the priority
patent
application U.S. 16/265,387). In one embodiment, the manually aligning of the
nozzle
76 includes controlling movement of the nozzle 76 with the communication
device 14.
1223P-RTW-CAD1
37
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
In one embodiment, the controlling of the movement of the nozzle 76 with the
communication device 14 is accomplished by manipulating icons on a user
interface
of the communication device 14. In one embodiment, the determining of the
pattern of
openings 34a is accomplished by uploading the pattern to the communication
device
14. In one embodiment, the method further includes storing the learned or
uploaded
pattern of openings 34a in a memory of the communication device 14. The
pattern of
openings in multiple different heat exchangers may be provided to the
communication
device 14 in any of the above-described ways (or in any other way not
described herein
but known to one of ordinary skill in the art) and then the operator will
simply select
the appropriate pattern of openings 34a from a menu on the communication
device
user interface.
[0119] In one embodiment, the programming in the communication device 14
controls a position of a lance/lance holder/nozzle 74a, 74b, 72a, 72b, 70a,
70b, 76 on
the rotary tool 16 by controlling rotation "A" of a supporting arm 40 of the
rotary tool 16
relative to a mounting assembly 38 of the rotary tool. In one embodiment, the
programming in the communications device 14 controls a position of a
lance/lance
holder/nozzle 74a, 74b, 72a, 72b, 70a, 70b, 76 on the rotary tool 16 by
controlling
linear motion "B" of a supporting arm 40 of the rotary tool 16 relative to a
mounting
assembly 38 of the rotary tool. In one embodiment, the programming in the
communications device 14 controls a position of a lance/lance holder/nozzle
74a, 74b,
72a, 72b, 70a, 70b, 76 on the rotary tool 16 by controlling linear motion "C"
of a
carriage assembly 42 along a longitudinal axis "X1" of a supporting arm 40 of
the rotary
tool 161. In one embodiment, the programming in the communications device 14
controls a position of a lance/nozzle 74a, 74b, 76 on the rotary tool 16 by
controlling
rotational motion "D", "E", "F', 'G", "H", "J" of a lance holder 70a, 70b,
72a, 72b relative
to a carriage assembly 42 mounted on a supporting arm 40 of the rotary tool
16. It will
be understood that in the controlling of the movement of the lance/lance
holder/nozzle
74a, 74b, 72a, 72b, 70a, 70b, 76, the programming in communication device
follows
the learned or provided or stored pattern that corresponds to the arrangement
of
openings 34a in the face plate 34.
[0120] It will be understood that instead of engaging the mounting assembly
on the
face plate, or on the flange or rim of the face plate, or on any other part of
the heat
1223P-RTW-CAD1
38
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
exchanger, in other embodiments, the mounting assembly may be a stand-alone
unit
or may be provided on another piece of equipment that is positioned proximate
the
heat exchanger and holds the cleaning device in a suitable position to perform
a
cleaning operation.
[0121] Various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods,
of
which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method
may
be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in
which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may
include
performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in
illustrative embodiments.
[0122] While various inventive embodiments have been described and
illustrated
herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of
other means
and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results
and/or one or
more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or
modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments
described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that all
parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are
meant to
be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or
configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for
which the
inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or
be able to
ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the
specific
inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood
that the
foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within
the
scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments
may
be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive
embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature,
system,
article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any
combination of
two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods,
if such
features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually
inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present
disclosure.
[0123] The above-described embodiments can be implemented in any of
numerous
ways. For example, embodiments of technology disclosed herein may be
implemented
1223P-RTW-CAD1
39
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. When implemented in
software,
the software code or instructions can be executed on any suitable processor or
collection of processors, whether provided in a single computer or distributed
among
multiple computers. Furthermore, the instructions or software code can be
stored in at
least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium.
[0124] Also, a computer or smartphone utilized to execute the software code
or
instructions via its processors may have one or more input and output devices.
These
devices can be used, among other things, to present a user interface. Examples
of
output devices that can be used to provide a user interface include printers
or display
screens for visual presentation of output and speakers or other sound
generating
devices for audible presentation of output. Examples of input devices that can
be used
for a user interface include keyboards, and pointing devices, such as mice,
touch pads,
and digitizing tablets. As another example, a computer may receive input
information
through speech recognition or in other audible format.
[0125] Such computers or smartphones may be interconnected by one or more
networks in any suitable form, including a local area network or a wide area
network,
such as an enterprise network, and intelligent network (IN) or the Internet.
Such
networks may be based on any suitable technology and may operate according to
any
suitable protocol and may include wireless networks, wired networks or fiber
optic
networks.
[0126] The various methods or processes outlined herein may be coded as
software/instructions that is executable on one or more processors that employ
any
one of a variety of operating systems or platforms. Additionally, such
software may be
written using any of a number of suitable programming languages and/or
programming
or scripting tools, and also may be compiled as executable machine language
code or
intermediate code that is executed on a framework or virtual machine.
[0127] In this respect, various inventive concepts may be embodied as a
computer
readable storage medium (or multiple computer readable storage media) (e.g., a
computer memory, one or more floppy discs, compact discs, optical discs,
magnetic
tapes, flash memories, USB flash drives, SD cards, circuit configurations in
Field
Programmable Gate Arrays or other semiconductor devices, or other non-
transitory
medium or tangible computer storage medium) encoded with one or more programs
1223P-RTW-CAD1
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
that, when executed on one or more computers or other processors, perform
methods
that implement the various embodiments of the disclosure discussed above. The
computer readable medium or media can be transportable, such that the program
or
programs stored thereon can be loaded onto one or more different computers or
other
processors to implement various aspects of the present disclosure as discussed
above.
[0128] The terms "program" or "software" or "instructions" are used herein
in a
generic sense to refer to any type of computer code or set of computer-
executable
instructions that can be employed to program a computer or other processor to
implement various aspects of embodiments as discussed above. Additionally, it
should
be appreciated that according to one aspect, one or more computer programs
that
when executed perform methods of the present disclosure need not reside on a
single
computer or processor, but may be distributed in a modular fashion amongst a
number
of different computers or processors to implement various aspects of the
present
disclosure.
[0129] Computer-executable instructions may be in many forms, such as
program
modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally,
program
modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc.
that
perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.
Typically the
functionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed as desired
in
various embodiments.
[0130] Also, data structures may be stored in computer-readable media in
any
suitable form. For simplicity of illustration, data structures may be shown to
have fields
that are related through location in the data structure. Such relationships
may likewise
be achieved by assigning storage for the fields with locations in a computer-
readable
medium that convey relationship between the fields. However, any suitable
mechanism may be used to establish a relationship between information in
fields of a
data structure, including through the use of pointers, tags or other
mechanisms that
establish relationship between data elements.
[0131] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to
control
over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents, and/or ordinary
meanings of the
defined terms.
1223P-RTW-CAD1
41
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
[0132] "Logic", as used herein, includes but is not limited to hardware,
firmware,
software, and/or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or an
action(s), and/or
to cause a function or action from another logic, method, and/or system. For
example,
based on a desired application or needs, logic may include a software
controlled
microprocessor, discrete logic like a processor (e.g., microprocessor), an
application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmed logic device, a memory device
containing instructions, an electric device having a memory, or the like.
Logic may
include one or more gates, combinations of gates, or other circuit components.
Logic
may also be fully embodied as software. Where multiple logics are described,
it may
be possible to incorporate the multiple logics into one physical logic.
Similarly, where
a single logic is described, it may be possible to distribute that single
logic between
multiple physical logics.
[0133] Furthermore, the logic(s) presented herein for accomplishing various
methods of this system may be directed towards improvements in existing
computer-
centric or internet-centric technology that may not have previous analog
versions. The
logic(s) may provide specific functionality directly related to structure that
addresses
and resolves some problems identified herein. The logic(s) may also provide
significantly more advantages to solve these problems by providing an
exemplary
inventive concept as specific logic structure and concordant functionality of
the method
and system. Furthermore, the logic(s) may also provide specific computer
implemented rules that improve on existing technological processes. The
logic(s)
provided herein extends beyond merely gathering data, analyzing the
information, and
displaying the results. Further, portions or all of the present disclosure may
rely on
underlying equations that are derived from the specific arrangement of the
equipment
or components as recited herein. Thus, portions of the present disclosure as
it relates
to the specific arrangement of the components are not directed to abstract
ideas.
Furthermore, the present disclosure and the appended claims present teachings
that
involve more than performance of well-understood, routine, and conventional
activities
previously known to the industry. In some of the method or process of the
present
disclosure, which may incorporate some aspects of natural phenomenon, the
process
or method steps are additional features that are new and useful.
[0134] The articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the specification and
in the
1223P-RTW-CAD1
42
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean
"at least
one." The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and in the
claims (if at
all), should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so
conjoined, i.e.,
elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively
present in
other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and/or" should be construed in the
same
fashion, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may
optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the
"and/or"
clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically
identified. Thus, as
a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B", when used in conjunction
with
open-ended language such as "comprising" can refer, in one embodiment, to A
only
(optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only
(optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to
both A and
B (optionally including other elements); etc. As used herein in the
specification and in
the claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as
defined
above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and/or" shall be
interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also
including more
than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional
unlisted items.
Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only one of" or
"exactly one of,"
or, when used in the claims, "consisting of," will refer to the inclusion of
exactly one
element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used
herein shall
only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. "one or the
other but not
both") when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of,"
"only one of,"
or "exactly one of." "Consisting essentially of," when used in the claims,
shall have its
ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.
[0135] As used
herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase "at least
one," in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to
mean at
least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of
elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element
specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any
combinations of
elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements
may
optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within
the list of
elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related or
unrelated to
those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at
least one
1223P-RTW-CAD1
43
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B," or, equivalently "at
least one of
A and/or B") can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally
including more
than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than
B); in
another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B,
with no A
present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another
embodiment,
to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one,
optionally
including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.
[0136] When a feature or element is herein referred to as being "on"
another feature
or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening
features
and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is
referred to as being "directly on" another feature or element, there are no
intervening
features or elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature
or element
is referred to as being "connected", "attached" or "coupled" to another
feature or
element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other
feature or
element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when
a
feature or element is referred to as being "directly connected", "directly
attached" or
"directly coupled" to another feature or element, there are no intervening
features or
elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment,
the
features and elements so described or shown can apply to other embodiments. It
will
also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a
structure or feature
that is disposed "adjacent" another feature may have portions that overlap or
underlie
the adjacent feature.
[0137] Spatially relative terms, such as "under", "below", "lower", "over",
"upper",
"above", "behind", "in front of', and the like, may be used herein for ease of
description
to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or
feature(s)
as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially
relative terms are
intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation
in
addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device
in the figures
is inverted, elements described as "under" or "beneath" other elements or
features
would then be oriented "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the
exemplary
term "under" can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device
may
be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the
spatially
1223P-RTW-CAD1
44
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms
"upwardly", "downwardly", "vertical", "horizontal", "lateral", "transverse",
"longitudinal",
and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless
specifically
indicated otherwise.
[0138] Although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to
describe
various features/elements, these features/elements should not be limited by
these
terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to
distinguish
one feature/element from another feature/element. Thus, a first
feature/element
discussed herein could be termed a second feature/element, and similarly, a
second
feature/element discussed herein could be termed a first feature/element
without
departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.
[0139] An embodiment is an implementation or example of the present
disclosure.
Reference in the specification to "an embodiment," "one embodiment," "some
embodiments," "one particular embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," or
"other
embodiments," or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic
described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some
embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the disclosure. The
various
appearances "an embodiment," "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "one
particular embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," or "other embodiments," or
the
like, are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments.
[0140] If this specification states a component, feature, structure, or
characteristic
"may", "might", or "could" be included, that particular component, feature,
structure, or
characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim
refers to "a" or
"an" element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the
specification
or claims refer to "an additional" element, that does not preclude there being
more
than one of the additional element.
[0141] As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in
the
examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as
if
prefaced by the word "about" or "approximately," even if the term does not
expressly
appear. The phrase "about" or "approximately" may be used when describing
magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or position described
is within
a reasonable expected range of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric
value
1223P-RTW-CAD1
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
may have a value that is +/-0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/-
1% of
the stated value (or range of values), +/-2% of the stated value (or range of
values),
+/-5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/-10% of the stated value (or
range
of values), etc. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all
sub-ranges
subsumed therein.
[0142] Additionally, the method of performing the present disclosure may
occur in
a sequence different than those described herein. Accordingly, no sequence of
the
method should be read as a limitation unless explicitly stated. It is
recognizable that
performing some of the steps of the method in a different order could achieve
a similar
result.
[0143] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all
transitional phrases
such as "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing,"
"involving,"
"holding," "composed of," and the like are to be understood to be open-ended,
i.e., to
mean including but not limited to.
[0144] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for
brevity,
clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied
therefrom
beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for
descriptive
purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0145] Moreover, the description and illustration of various embodiments of
the
disclosure are examples and the disclosure is not limited to the exact details
shown or
described.
[0146] While the present disclosure describes various embodiments for
illustrative
purposes, such description is not intended to be limited to such embodiments.
On the
contrary, the applicant's teachings described and illustrated herein encompass
various
alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, without departing from the
embodiments,
the general scope of which is defined in the appended claims. Except to the
extent
necessary or inherent in the processes themselves, no particular order to
steps or
stages of methods or processes described in this disclosure is intended or
implied. In
many cases the order of process steps may be varied without changing the
purpose,
effect, or import of the methods described.
1223P-RTW-CAD1
46
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-07-26
