Title of Invention

AN IMPROVED PORTABLE DECONTAMINATION APPARATUS

Abstract This invention relates to an improved portable decontamination apparatus. The apparatus has a container assembly and a lance assembly. A piston assembly working as hand-pumping arrangement for generating air-pressure inside the container is housed into said container for pressurizing out the decontaminating solution through said lance assembly.
Full Text AN IMPROVED PORTABLE DECONTAMINATION APPARATUS
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to an improved portable decontamination apparatus.
PRIOR ART
The portable decontamination apparatus are used for decontamination of surfaces contaminated with toxic chemicals like insecticides, pesticides and highly toxic chemicals like organo-phosphorus and organo-sulphur-chlorine compounds. The apparatus is useful for decontaminating horizontal, as well as vertical surfaces, ship compartments, equipments, weapons, vehicles and hard accessible surfaces which are difficult to decontaminate manually. The decontamination apparatus uses the pressure of compressed air to force out decontamination solution from a container and spray it over the contaminated surfaces. The decontamination is essential for reducidng health hazards to personnel who may have to touch such contaminated surfaces.
A type of portable decontamination apparatus known in the art consist of three parts namely mild steel reservoir, air cylinder and lance unit. The cylinder is interphased with reservoir through an adapter. An air-reducer provided between air-cylinder and reservoir, regulates the air-pressure of air-cylinder before allowing it to pass through the reservoir where it forces out the contamination solution through lance unit.
The disadvantage of the above type of decontamination apparatus is that when the air of the air-cylinder is consumed, it needs refilling before assuming the next operation.
Another disadvantage of the above type of decontamination apparatus is that with the gradual

consumption of the air inside the air cylinder, the air pressure gets gradually dropped down which adversely affects the operational efficiency of the apparatus.
Further disadvantage of the above type of
decontamination apparatus is that provision of separate air
cylinder makes the system bulky and inconvenient for
transportation.
Still further disadvantage of the above-mentioned decontamination apparatus is that the interphasing adapter between air cylinder and reservoir is prone to develop leakage due to frequent interphasing actions between the reservoir and the air cylinder.
Yet further disadvantage of the the known portable
decontamination apparatus is that the said reducer
comprising of high pressure reducer, low pressure reducer,
high pressure chamber and low pressure chamber, requires
adjustment/operation by workers and therefore requires
maintenance efforts for sustained performance of the
apparatus.
Still further disadvantage of the known portable decontamination, apparatus is that reservoir used in these apparatus is made of mild steel which poses corrosion problems. As the decontamination solution used are mostly of alkaline nature or chlorine containing chemical formulations, these formulations aggravate corrosion problem. To control corrosion, the apparatus requires cleaning after each usage.
Yet further disadvantage of the known portable decontamination apparatus is that the press-release valve in the lance unit gets spoiled due to corrosion with the result that the desired rate of liquid spray is not achieved unless and until this valve is repaired or replaced.
Still further disadvantage of the present invention is that the usage of decontamination apparatus is limited by

the capacity of the air-cylinder which requires replacement after the air inside the cylinder is consumed.
Further disadvantage of this type of system is that the reservoir has a limited capacity of holding decontamination solution of about 9 litres as providing larger capacity container together with air-cylinder makes the systems bulky.
Another disadvantage of the above systems is that the operation of apparatus by interphasing air-cylinder to the reservoir through air-reducer, needs trained personnel.
Another type of portable decontamination apparatus known in the art consist of reservoir of capacity 1.5-2.0 litres. This apparatus has an advantage over the 9 litre capacity apparatus described above to the effect that the air can be filled-in to the air-cylinder from the vehicle compressor and thus the apparatus can be operated as and when required.
However the disadvantage of the apparatus is that it can be used for detoxifying only limited area due to the limited capacity of the air-cylinder.
Further disadvantage of the above type of apparatus is that the operating switch of the apparatus is a press release type device which is prone to become non-functional after regular usage over a short period of time.
Still further disadvantage of the apparatus is that this apparatus can spray only thin solutions due to small orifice of the nozzle.
Another device known in the art consists of gas cylinder attached in parallel with the reservoir. The lance unit is connected from the bottom of the reservoir.
The disadvantage of the above apparatus is that the system becomes complicated and inconvenient for handling and transportation. The complexity in design of the apparatus makes it an unreliable system.

OBJECTS OF PRESENT INVENTION
The primary object of the present invention is to propose an improved portable decontamination apparatus incorporating a hand-pumping device within the reservoir for generating air-pressure thereby eliminating the need for a separate air-cylinder.
Another object of the present invention is to propose an improved portable decontamination apparatus which is compact and convenient for transportation as it comprises of only two main sub-assemblies namely reservoir and lance unit and eliminates the third sub-assembly namely air cylinder together with its interphasing mechanisms.
Still another object of the present invention is to propose an improved portable decontamination apparatus in which the decontaminating solution in the reservoir can also be pressurised out with certain external devices like handpumping, through vehicle compressors and foot pump.
Still another object of the present invention is to propose an improved apparatus which incorporates syphon tube bent at one end.which enables almost complete discharge of the decontaminating solution from the reservoir through the outlet and the lance assembly.
Further object of the present invention is to propose an improved portable decontamination apparatus with reservoir of enhanced capacity of 12 litres and still retaining the apparatus in the portable category which is made possible due to dispensing-off the third sub-assembly namely air-cylinder.
Yet further object of the present invention is to provide an improved portable decontamination apparatus which incorporates a multipurpose locking pin(32) which facilitates handling of the apparatus as it locks the handle to the apparatus. It also prevents coming out of the

piston due to pressure of residual air inside the barrel(12) and also helps in screwing/unscrewing the piston without use of any tools.
Further object of the present invention is to provide a portable decontamination system which can be used in all climatic conditions including extreme cold conditions.
Still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved portable decontamination apparatus which is easy to handle and can be operated by even semi-skilled personnel.
Yet further object of the present invention is to provide an improved portable decontamination apparatus which is relatively more reliable as it is free from corrosion problems as compared to known systems wherein different parts are prone to failure due to corrosion aggravated by alkaline/chlorine formulations of decontaminating solutions. In the present apparatus lance, nozzle, non-return valve etc are made of 316 stainless steel which is resistance to corrosion by alkaline and acidic solutions.
Further object of the present invention is to propose an improved portable deconatamiriation apparatus which needs minimum number of tools for opening and resetting of the complete assembly within a short time.
Still further object of the present invention is to propose an improved decontamination apparatus which has been made leak-proof by the use of 'O' rings made of neoprene rubber which can withstand wide range of temperature from -30 to +50 degree Celsius.

yet further object of the present invention is to propose an improved portable decontamination apparatus in which the sprayer is provided with nozzle of special design which enables jet or fine spray depending upon the nature of the surface to be decontaminated.,
Further object. of the present invention is to propose an improved decontamination apparatus which uses control valve to regulate the flow of solution through
nozzle instead of squeeze qrxp system used in
conventional systems, which is not durable as the spring gets corroded and broken due to corrosion.
According to this invention there is provided an i m p r o v e d p o r t a b 1 e d e c o nta m i n a t i o n a p p a r a t u s c o m p r i s i n g of a container assembly and a lance assembly wherein the container assembly houses a piston assembly working
as hand pumping arrangement for generating air pressure
inside the c on t ainer „
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention is an improved portable decontamination apparatus for detoxification of contaminated surfaces by spraying decontaminating solution from a distance of 10-15 metres. The apparatus mainly comprises of two parts namely stainless steel container and lance assembly as compared to the portable decontamination apparatus known in the art which have three parts namely container (reservoir), lance assembly and a gas(air) cylinder joined to the container through an interphasing mechanism. In the present invention, therefore, the need for separate gas cylinder and connecting adapter arrangement has totally been eliminated. Instead, the apparatus of the present invention incorporates a hand-pumping arrangement for generating air pressure into the reservoir for pressurising out the dcontaminating solution through the lance unit. This handpumping arrangement is provided with a non-return valve which ensures only the unidirectional forward flow of air into the container. The elimination of air-cylinder makes the device compact and convenient for transportation as well as makes the system more reliable and easy to operate and maintain due to elimination of complex interphasing mechanism between the air-cylinder and the reservoir. Besides, the proposed apparatus removes the drawback of existing apparatus which require replacement of the air-cylinder after few operations . It also removes the drawback of declining spraying range with declining air-pressure which is encountered in the apparatus known in the art.
The hand-pumping arrangement incorporated in the present invention comprises of a stainless steel barrel inside which a piston moves to and fro by working up and
down the handle welded to the top-end of the piston rod. The air pressure inside the container can easily be built upto 75 psi by just about 40 up and down strokes of the piston rod by working the handle. The pressure inside the container can be maintained by observing the pressure on the manometer fitted in the pressure gauge and operating the handle according to the pressure requirements. By maintaining the pressure in this manner, the spraying range of the jet is not allowed to reduce and the jet, through the nozzle of the brush can effectively decontaminate a contaminated surface from a distance of 10-15 metres. The piston rod is fitted at the lower end with the metallic grooved washer with 'O' ring mounted on the groove of the washer. This metallic washer is more durable than the plastic, rubber or leather washer which wear out at relatively faster rate.
The present apparatus is easy to operate and can be operated by untrained personnel as compared to the known apparatus which need trained personnel for interphasing the air cylinder to the main cylindrical container through reducer attachment which in turn consists of sophisticated valves requiring appropriate adjustments.
In the preaent invention, the cylindrical container is made of stainless steel which enables resistance against corrosion by decontaminating solutions of various origins. This reduces the maintenance of the apparatus. The barrel is argon welded to the central part of the container which makes the joint durable. The joints of the apparatus have been provided with '0' rings made of neoprene rubber which can withstand wide range of temperature varying from -30° C to +50° C and therefore makes the apparatus leak proof against air leakage under extreme environmental conditions.
Another notable feature of the present invention is that piston assembly has been provided with a locking pin which locks the handle and thus prevents the automatic coming up of the piston rod due to pressure of the residual air inside the barrel. Besides, this locked handle also enables easy carrying of the apparatus by individuals by
holding the locked handle. The locking pin can also be used to open the cap of the piston without any tool. The lance assembly has n control valve which enables to control the rate of flow of the discharge of the decontaminating solution through the nozzle of the brush assembly which in turn enables to control the spraying range of the jet through the nozzle. The nozzle fixed inside the brush has also a novel feature that by rotating the brush the -jet or fine spray can be achieved depending upon the requirements of the nature of the surface to be decontaminated.
Description of figures:-
Fi'g It- shows the complete assembly of the portable
decontamination appairatus . Fig 2:- shows the container assembly
Fig 2 (c) : - snowr; non return value
Fig 3:- shown l.lu' pinton a.ssombly
Fig 3 (a) :- shows UK* locking arrangement
Fig 4:-- shown t he lance aMUMiibJy
-•
Fig 5:- shows the sprayer nozzle assembly
Description drawings
The following description rend in conjuction with enclosed drawing, illust, rates, a preferred ebodimnnt of the
proposed portable decontamination apparatus .and is not
intended to limit" in any way on the scope of , the present invention.
The fig 1 shows thecomplete assembly of the
portable decontamination apparatus thecylindrical


container assembly (1)contains the decontaminating soluton
This cylinderical container (1) preferably made of 316 (.
grade stainless steel is connected to the lance assembly(2)
through the flexible hose pipe (4). The one end of the hose pipe(4) is connected to the discharge valve(20) (Fig 2) of the container at the socket joint: (5) and the other end of the hose pipe (4) in connected to the inlet of the lance assembly(2) with a socket joint(6). The lance assembly(2) has a lance pipe (7) at one end to which a sprayer assembly(8) is weldpd. A scrapper(9) is fixed to lance pipe(7) with the help of a scrapper holder ( 1.0). The container (1) houses a piston assembly which comprise.' of a pump handle (3) welder) to the pint on (11) which moves to and fro inside the barrel (12) made of 316 grade stainless steel. The belt with buckle assembly (13) is used to clamp the apparatus to a vehicle or wall etc through a hook. Foot rest (14) is used to hold the apparatus in position while pumping the air for pressurising the container (1) through an external pressurising device:; Uke vehicle compresssor, foot pump etc.
Referring to fig 2, the container assembly ( 1.) is a
metallic cylindrical container with a dome shaped top and a
dish shaped bottom etui. The periphery of the dome has a
liquid filling hole (IB) threaded from inside, for charging
the container(1) with the decontamination solution. After
charging the container, this hole(15) is cloned with a
cap(16) . threaded from outside which
gets screw-fixed into t he fill ing hole(15) . Also on the
periphery of the dome, there is a air charging valve(JV) for
charging the air into the container by external devices like
a foot pump or the compressor line of the vehicle. The
periphery of the dome has also a hole (18) in which the
pressure gauge(19),can be screw-
fixed. The pressure gauge(19) is fitted with
manometer for rneasui ing the pressure of ait into the container. The discharge valve(20), which is also on the periphery of container(I), in welded onto the top-end of syphon pipe (21) which has a bend at its lower end. This discharge valve (20) is connected to lance assembly(2) through a socket arrangement and is meant to regulate the flow of decontamination solution through hose pipe(4) to the lance assembly(2). The two clamps (22) & (23) are welded to the outer side of the container(1) for holding the
lance assembly (2) in position when not in use. The hooks (24) & (25) are provided for strapping the equipment by personnel on to their back for carrying it to the site where required.
The barrel(12) made of 316 'G' grade stainless steel is argon-welded centrally inside the cylindrical body of the container(1). Inside this barrel(12), piston(11)(fig 1) moves to and fro. This arrangement of barrel (12) with piston(11) moving to and fro inside it, together constitute the hand-pumping arrangement for pressurising the decontamination solution through the lance assembly(2)(fig 1) . The metallic ring(26) of stainless steel with threaded top portion(27) is screw-fitted to the neck of the container. The non-threaded portion of the metallic ring(26) has three holes to facilitate its screwing and unscrewing. On to the threaded portion (27) of the metallic ring(26), the cap(28) of the piston(ll) is screw-fitted.
At the bottom of barrel (12) there is a Non-Return valve(NRV) (52) which operates unidirectionally to allow the pumped air to pass into the container but does not allow the air/liquid to flow back into the barrel. The non-return valve (52) has high tension stainless steel spring(53) to allow the compressed air to go into the container and push the decontamination solution in upward directions.
Fig 3 shows the details of piston assemmbly. The piston rod (11) is welded to the handle (3) at the top. The lower end of the piston rod has a metal washer (30) . This metallic washer(30) has a groove on which is mounted '0' ring(31) made of neoprene rubber capable of withstanding wide range of the temperature from -30° to +50° C. The piston rod(ll) has a spring(29) in between the cap(28) and metal washer(30) for smooth pumping. A locking arrangement(32) is welded on to the upper side of the cap (28) . This locking arragement(32) locks down the handle to ensure that the piston does not automatically move up due to pressure of the residual air inside the barrel . This locking arrangement(32) facilitates carrying of the apparatus as after locking the handle (3) with this locking

arrangement(32), the handle gets fixed and the apparatus can be easily carried by holding the handle with hands.
The locking arangement(32) as shown in fig 3(a) comprises of two grooved thick metal plates (33) and (34) which are welded to the upper side of the metal cap (28) in such a way that their grooves are in opposite direction. A cylindrical metallic pin(35) passes through a hole in the upper part of the piston rod(ll), near the handle end, and is welded at the middle. The metallic pin(35) has its axis at right angle to the handle axis. Between the two metal plates(33) and (34), there is a metallic spring(36) between the metallic cap(28) and the locking pin(36). This spring(32) is meant for smooth pumping operation.
Referring to fig 4, the lance assembly has a hose pipe (4) and a metallic tube (37) which is bent preferably around 130 degree angle, near its upper end. The one end of the hose pipe(4) is joined to the discharge valve(20) (fig 2) with socket arrangement(38) and bent nipple(39). This bent nipple(39) is tightly held inside the hosepipe (4) by a metallic strip arrangement(48). The other end of hose pipe(4) has a nipple (49) connected to valve to which the hose pipe (4) is fixed tightly with the help of metallic strip arrangement(50). The lower end of lance pipe(37) is joined to the hose pipe (4) with socket arrangement (40) through the needle valve(41). This needle valve (41) controls the flow of the discharge of the decontamination solution through the threaded nozzle (42) which is screw-fixed at the centre of brush assembly (43) . The lance pipe has a plastic grip (51) for monoeuvring the spraying. The needle valve(41) is operated by turning the nob(44) in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. The other end of the lance pipe (37) has a threaded portion to which the brush assembly (43) is screw-fixed. This brush assembly(43) consists a thick flat plastic base with hard nylon bristles (45) and nozzle(42) at the centre. The top view of the brush assembly is shown in Fig4(a) The scrapper(46) is joined(45) to the scrapper holder(lO) with a metallic rod(47). This metallic rod(47) which is threaded at one end, is screw-fixed at one end to scrap holder(10)

The fig. 5 shows assembly of the sprayer nozzle (42) . The decontamination solution enters through the sprayer tube
(54) which is designed to have total eight holes out of which four holes are made specially of slot types to enable the fine spray of the solution and the other 4 holes are straight and allow the solution to come out in the form of jet. Both the jet and fine spray modes of nozzle functions are important for economical and effective decontamination of surfaces contaminated with toxic chemicals. The three important systems sprayer cap (55), sprayer body (56) and check nut (54) embedded parts of the nozzle are attached with threaded portion of the sprayer tube (54). The sprayer cap acts (55) as reservoir for the solution coming out the tube which on being rotated clockwise provides fine spray and anticlockwise rotation gives rise to jet spray. The spray body (56) is mainly to hold the brush assembly (43) ( fig 4) and bristles (45) (fig 4) and also rotates alongwith sprayer cap (55) during spraying operations. The check nut
(57) is another important attachment with the nozzle system which is meant for checking the reverse flow of the solution towards the operator.
Operating Procedure
According to the preferred operating procedure, the apparatus is cleaned and the cylindrical container(1) is charged to about three-fourth of its capacity, with the decontamination solution through the filling hole(15) (fig 2). The filling hole(15) is closed with the cap(16). It is then pressurised to about 75 psi (pounds per sq. inch) by working the hand-pumping arrangement by moving to and fro the piston(ll) inside the barrel(12). Alternately the decontamination solution can be pressurised from the compressor line of the vehicle through the air charging vlave(17). The non return valve(52) allows the air to flow in the forward direction only and prevents back flow of air. The decontaminating solution can also be pressurised by working a foot pump through this air charging valve(17). The air charged into the container, exerts pressure on the surface of the decontamination solution and expells out the

decontamination solution through nozzle (42) via syphon(21) (fig 2), hose pipe(4) and lance metallic tube(37) (fig 4). The discharge is obtained only when the knob (44) (fig 4) is turned on to anti-clockwise direction. The decontaminating solution is sprayed on to the contaminated surface in the form of jet or a fine spray by adjusting the brush assembly (43) merely by turning. The decontaminating solution is allowed for sometime to completely react with the contaminant. The decontamination solution forms frothy layers which are then brushed briskly with the help of brush(45) fitted to the end of lance pipe (37) in the lance assembly (fig4) . The surfaces are then washed with a forceful jet of plain water. The painted surfaces are normally resistant to decontamination due to contaminant embedded inside the painted surface. Therefore, scrapper(46) is used for scratching out the painted surfaces so that the bare metal surface comes in close contact with the decontaminating solution and is decontaminated.
It is to be understood that the present invention is subject to changes, modifications, adaptations etc by the persons skilled in the art. Such modifications are intended to be covered within the scope of the present invention which is set forth by the following claims:-


i CLAIM :_
1 An improved portable decontamination apparatus comprising of a container assembly (1) and a lance assembly (2) wherein the container assembly (1) houses a
piston assembly working as hand pumping arrangement for
generating air pressure inside the container (1}
2,. Am improved portable decontamination apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said container assembly comprises of a container (1)., containing a decontam i n a t i on s o 1 u t i on 1 i q u i d filli i n q ho 1 e (15) f o r charqina decontamination solution, air charging valve (.1.7) for charging air for discharge of the contaminant into said lance assembly (2), a discharge valve (20) pis tor1: assembly within said container assembly, a pressure qusqe (19) fitted with manometer,, siphon pipe (21) with upper end welded to the discharge valve (20) and having bent at the lower end.
3. An improved portable decontamination apparatus as
claimed in claims 1 to 2 wherein the said piston
assembly is disposed within the container assembly (.1.)
comprises of hand pumping arrangement comprise a barrel
(12) insi.de which a piston (11) is made to move to and fro by working handle (3) for charging air into the container ,, t h e b a r r e 1 (12) being fitted with a n o n -r e t u r \ ~\ v a 1 v e (52) f o r u n i. d i r e c t i. o n a 1 f o r w a r d f 1 o w o f a i r .1. n t o the co n t. a i. n e r „
4. An improved portable decontamination apparatus as
claimed in claims 1 to 3 wherein the said lance
assembly ("2) comprises of hose pipe (4),, metallic tube
(37) having a bent upper end brushs assembly (43) to support scrapper (46), nozzle (42) held to said tube ( 37) „
5,, An improved portable decontamination apparatus as claimed in claim i to 4 wherein the said container assembly (1) has a siphon pipe (21) near upper end to allow a discharge of the decontamination solution from the container to the sprayer assembly (8) through lance
assemb1y f 2) „
6,, An improved portable decontamination apparatus as claimed in claims .1 to 5 comprising a locking arrangement (32) which enables screwing/unscrewing of the piston and also locks the handle thereby enabling handling of apparatus as well as preventing automatic CD nil no out of the handle due to pressure of residual air inside the barrel (1.2),,
7,. An improved portable decontamination apparatus substantially as herein described and illustrated.


Documents:

2601-del-1997-abstract.pdf

2601-del-1997-claims.pdf

2601-del-1997-correspondence-others.pdf

2601-del-1997-correspondence-po.pdf

2601-del-1997-description (complete).pdf

2601-del-1997-form-1.pdf

2601-del-1997-form-19.pdf

2601-del-1997-form-2.pdf

2601-del-1997-form-3.pdf

2601-del-1997-form-4.pdf

2601-del-1997-form-5.pdf

2601-del-1997-gpa.pdf


Patent Number 238644
Indian Patent Application Number 2601/DEL/1997
PG Journal Number 8/2010
Publication Date 19-Feb-2010
Grant Date 15-Feb-2010
Date of Filing 12-Sep-1997
Name of Patentee THE CHIEF CONTROLLER RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, GOVERMENT OF INDIA
Applicant Address B-341, SENA BHAWAN, DHQ P.O. NEW DELHI 110 011, INDIA
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 DR. PURNANAND INDIAN NATIONALS AND SUBJECTS OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA
2 BALWANT SING BATRA KRASHAN MURARI SONI INDIAN NATIONAL AND SUBJECTS OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA
3 RAJENDRA KUMAR DANIKHEL INDIAN NATIONAL AND SUBJECTS OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA
4 DR. NANDURI BALA SURYA NAGESHWAR RAO INDIAN NATIONAL AND SUBJECTS OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA
PCT International Classification Number A61L 2/18
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 NA