Oscillating Blast Cleaner

Author:  Robert B Watkin, Peachtree City, GA
Source:  US Patent 5,730,646
Doc ID:  1998021
Year of Publication:  1998
Abstract:  
The cleaning apparatus of the invention consists of a blast machine mounted on a support structure for oscillating motion relative thereto. In one embodiment, the blast machine consists of a blast wheel for projecting abrasive onto the surface, a hopper for collecting the spent abrasive and debris, a screw conveyor for returning the spent abrasive and debris to a separator where the debris is separated from the abrasive and the abrasive is returned to the blast wheel. The support structure is supported against the surface being cleaned on sleds or wheels. On a vertical surface the cleaning apparatus is raised by a winch and on a horizontal surface the wheels can be power driven. The blast machine is arranged with its axis of rotation perpendicular to the path of travel of the apparatus and is simultaneously oscillated relative to the support structure in a direction perpendicular to the path of travel of the support structure by a fluid cylinder and cable arrangement. As a result, the blast machine is able to clean or otherwise treat a path as wide as the range of oscillation with minimum overlap of adjacent paths.