Patent Publication Number: US-11045846-B2

Title: Hose handling system and methods of use

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 14/559,333, filed Dec. 3, 2014, which is a Continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/000,219, filed Aug. 18, 2013 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,926,764 on Jan. 6, 2015, which entered the US national stage from international application number PCT/US2012/066602, filed Nov. 27, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. application No. 61/568,476, filed Dec. 8, 2011. The above patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to systems for handling and cleaning hoses and lines as they are retrieved from sanitary or storm sewers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Hoses, lines, cables, and similar devices are frequently inserted into sewers in order to clean, repair, inspect, or otherwise maintain the sewer systems. The lines are typically retrieved from the sewer after use, whereupon the hoses can expose personnel and equipment to contamination from sewer contents that accompany the hoses as they leave the sewer. The hoses are typically stored and transported on sewer service vehicles, and contaminated vehicles can transfer contamination to points far removed from the sewer that is the source of the contamination. 
     The contamination can include human or animal excrement, medical waste, blood borne pathogens, antibiotic resistant bacteria, toxins, pathogens, and parasites, all of which are known to inhabit sanitary or storm sewers. The contamination thus presents a health threat to personnel retrieving the hoses, as well as others that come into contact with sewer cleaning and maintenance equipment. 
     Existing devices are adapted to span an open manhole and to help guide a hose during retrieval from a sewer through the manhole. However, the existing hose retrieval guidance devices do not reduce contamination, and moreover block access to the manhole by a sewer vacuum line when the existing device is installed in place over the manhole. Accordingly, a prior art guidance device must be removed or displaced from its operating position in order to insert a vacuum line into the sewer through the manhole. This circumstance necessitates extra handling of hoses, creating additional exposure of personnel to contamination. Removing or displacing prior art retrieval guidance devices from a manhole in order to insert a sewer vacuum line can also be time consuming because the retrieval guidance device is frequently re-installed at the same location after a vacuum operation is performed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top, orthogonal view of a hose handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom, orthogonal view of a hose handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view of a hose handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a hose handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a hose handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a hose handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a hose handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a top, orthogonal view of a hose handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom, perspective view of a hose handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom, perspective view of a hose handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom, perspective view of a hose handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is an end, orthogonal view of a hose handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a top, orthogonal view of a hose handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a hose handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a hose handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is an orthogonal view of a hose handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17A  is a top perspective view of a hose washing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17B  is a bottom perspective view of a hose washing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17C  is a perspective view of a hose washing assembly with a door ajar according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17D  is a side view of a hose washing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18A  is a side sectional view of a hose washing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18B  is a top sectional view of a hose washing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18C  is a side sectional view of a hose washing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  an orthogonal view of a hose washing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a bottom, perspective view of a hose handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention comprise a hose handling system including a hose guide plumbed to a fluid delivery device via a wash line. Embodiments of the hose guide comprise a pulley installed on a frame member, and a spray nozzle adapted to dispense a wash mixture. The hose guide is adapted to guide a hose as the hose is inserted into or withdrawn from a manhole, with the hose traversing the pulley. In some embodiments, the wash mixture is delivered through a wash line to the hose guide, which sprays the wash mixture on the hose in order to reduce or eliminate contamination on the hose. Both gross contamination and microbial contamination are typically reduced through use of the hose handling system during retrieval of a hose from a sewer. The wash mixture typically, but not necessarily, includes: a quaternary ammonium compound; an alcohol or glycol selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, ethylene glycol and propylene glycol; an alcohol ethoxylate; and a fragrance. Some embodiments of wash mixtures include stabilized chlorine dioxide. 
     The fluid delivery device typically comprises a wash concentrate tank for storing a wash concentrate, a variable speed metering pump for delivering the wash concentrate, and a main pump for delivering a wash mixture through the wash line to the hose guide. The wash mixture typically comprises the wash concentrate diluted with water. The fluid delivery device is typically installed on a sewer cleaning vehicle, and can utilize the vehicle&#39;s main water tank to compose and deliver the wash mixture. 
     The hose guide is configured to receive an 8 inch diameter or smaller vacuum line therethrough while the assembly is installed atop a manhole, with a jetter hose or other hose traversing the pulley and extending into the manhole. Accordingly, both the vacuum line and the hose can extend through the hose guide and into the manhole while the assembly is installed above the manhole. 
     One embodiment of the hose handling system can include a hose washing assembly having a housing within which resides a flange surrounding a flange aperture, a fluid inlet fitting, and one or more spray nozzles. The fluid inlet fitting can be in fluid communication with the spray nozzles, and wash mixture or other fluid can be delivered to the spray nozzles through the fluid inlet fitting. Typically, the hose washing assembly can surround a hose after the hose has been received therein. The hose can then be reeled in or otherwise drawn through the hose washing assembly while wash mixture or other fluid is sprayed through the spray nozzles onto the hose. The flange can be implemented to facilitate removal of contamination on the hose by scraping or otherwise rubbing against the hose as it moves through the flange aperture. 
     Terminology 
     The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word&#39;s or phrase&#39;s case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase. 
     The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive; rather the term is inclusive, meaning either or both. 
     References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment,” “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “one variation”, “a variation” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or variation, is included in at least an embodiment or variation of the invention. The phrase “in one embodiment”, “in one variation” or similar phrases, as used in various places in the specification, are not necessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment or the same variation. 
     The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and appended claims refers to an indirect or direct physical connection between the identified elements, components, or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact. 
     The term “directly coupled” or “coupled directly,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a physical connection between identified elements, components, or objects, in which no other element, component, or object resides between those identified as being directly coupled. 
     The term “approximately,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 10% of the value given. 
     The term “about,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 20% of the value given. 
     The terms “generally” and “substantially,” as used in this specification and appended claims, mean mostly, or for the most part. 
     The term “sewer,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to storm sewers and sanitary sewers familiar to persons skilled in the art. Manholes typically, but not necessarily, provide access to the sewers. 
     The term “positive pressure,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to pressure above an ambient or atmospheric pressure. Ambient pressure is typically, but not necessarily, about one atmosphere. 
     The terms “hose” or “hoses,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to hoses, cables, lines and the like that are inserted into or withdrawn from manholes. The “hoses” are typically, but not necessarily, used to clean, repair, inspect, or otherwise maintain sewer systems, with access to the sewer systems being through the manhole. As used herein, “hoses” also includes cables, wires, or lines used for fiber optic, telephone, cable television, and similar communication means, which are sometimes accessed through manholes. 
     The term “operating position,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a position of a hose guiding device, where the device sits upright over a manhole, with the manhole cover removed, and a pulley of the guiding device in proper position for guiding a hose as the hose is inserted into or withdrawn from the manhole. 
     Directional or relational terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” “above,” “below,” “inside,” “outside,” “upper,” and “lower,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refer to relative positions of identified elements, components or objects, when a hose guide and its constituent parts reside upright. 
     The term “mixture,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a liquid combination of two or more components. The liquid combination can be a solution, heterogeneous mixture, homogeneous mixture, emulsion, suspension, or combination thereof. 
     The terms “traverse,” “traversing,” “traverses,” and similar terms, as used in this specification and appended claims, refer to interaction of a hose with a hose guide pulley, where the hose runs through a manhole and contacts the pulley. The hose generally changes orientation as it contacts the pulley, changing from a more vertical orientation as the hose comes up through the manhole, to a less vertical orientation as the hose contacts the pulley and extends toward a sewer truck or other device.  FIGS. 4, 6, and 7  show a hose traversing a pulley. 
     The terms “sewer cleaning vehicle,” “sewer cleaning vehicles,” “sewer service vehicles,” and similar terms, as used in this specification and appended claims, refer to relatively large vehicles used by commercial and municipal sewer cleaning personnel, and also to smaller camera inspection vehicles. Sewer cleaning vehicles typically comprise a hose, the hose being adapted to carry water under relatively high pressure (preferably over 100 psi, more preferably 500 to 2500 psi, and most preferably 1500-2000 psi) into sewer lines. Sewer cleaning vehicles typically include about 500 feet of the hose installed on a large reel. The hose is frequently equipped with a jet nozzle adapted to propel the jet nozzle (and hence the hose to which it is attached) into a sewer line when the water under relatively high pressure exits the jet nozzle, thereby providing jet force that propels the jet nozzle. The hose and jet nozzle can be collectively referred to as a jetter. Sewer cleaning vehicles include large water tanks, the large water tanks sometimes having a capacity of about 1000 gallons, and almost always having a capacity over 100 gallons. Examples of sewer cleaning vehicles include, but are not limited to, Vactor® sewer cleaning trucks (including 2100 Plus, 2100 Series Fan, 2100 Series PD, and 2103 models), vehicles and trailers from Sewer Equipment of America® (including model 800-HPRTV, 800-HPR, 800-H, 800-HF, 747-TK and 800 truck jets, and model 747-FR2000TV, 747-FR2000, and 747-4000 trailer jets), and sewer cleaning vehicles from VAC-CON®. Sewer service vehicles include camera inspection vehicles such as, but not limited to, those from Cues, Pearpoint, Aries, and Rapid View. 
     The term “antimicrobial,” “antimicrobial substance,” “antimicrobial agent,” and similar terms, as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a substance (or property thereof) that destroys, kills, or inhibits the growth, development, or pathogenic activity of microorganisms. Antimicrobial substances include, but are not limited to, substances having antibacterial or antifungal properties. Soaps and detergents that reduce microorganism abundance merely by reducing adhesion of the microorganisms, in the absence of other antimicrobial action, do not qualify as antimicrobial substances. 
     A First Embodiment Hose Handling System 
     A hose guide  110  of a first embodiment hose handling system is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2 . The first embodiment hose guide  110  comprises a first frame member  115  and a second frame member  120  coupled to each other with a connecting member  125  and a pulley  130 . The frame members each comprise a base portion  116  and an arm portion  117 . The frame members  115 , 120  of the first embodiment are machined from a solid 6061 aluminum bar. In other embodiments, frame members can be made of materials including, but not limited to, polymers, epoxides, fiber-glass, wood, metals and metal alloys, and composites including carbon fiber/resin composites. Polymers include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyoxymethylene homopolymers and copolymers, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide, polycarbonate, polyaniline, acrylate or methacrylate polymers, or fluorinated polymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene or polyfluoroethylenepropylene, and polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or polybutylene (PB). 
     The pulley  130  includes a roller  131  and an axle  132 . The axle typically comprises steel, and inserts into the first and second frame members  115 ,  120  by over an inch. Similarly, the connecting member is typically steel and also inserts into the first and second frame members by over an inch. The connecting member and axle typically include threaded ends that screw into threaded receptacles residing in the first and second frame members. Accordingly, the pulley axle  132  and the connecting member  125  provide rigid connections between the first and second frame members, such that the hose guide is substantially rigid. A space between the base portions  116  of the first and second frame members is typically about three inches. In some variations, the space between the base portions  116  of the first and second frame members is about 1.0-3.0 inches. 
     For each of the first and second from members  115 ,  120  a first angle  118 , where the base portion  116  meets the arm portion  117 , is approximately 135°. Accordingly, the arm portions  117  of each frame member diverge from each other at a second angle  119  of approximately 90°. In other embodiments, the first angles are preferably &lt;180°, more preferably between 158° and 90°, and most preferably about 135°. First angles for first and second frame members are typically, but not necessarily, approximately equal. In some embodiments, the second angle is preferably at least 30°, more preferably between 45° and 180°, still more preferably between 60° and 135°, and most preferably about 90°. 
     The hose guide  110  further comprises an inlet valve  135  and spray nozzles  145  plumbed into a channel system  140 . The pulley  130  is configured to receive, and provide a relatively low friction contact point for, a hose that is being deployed into or retrieved from a sewer. The spray nozzles  145  are configured to direct a spray of fluid onto a hose that traverses the pulley. 
     The channel system  140 , shown in hidden line because its channels reside inside the first and second frame members  115 ,  120  and connecting member  125 , provides paths of fluid communication between the inlet valve  135  and spray nozzles  145 . In some embodiments, the pulley axle  132  is hollow and forms part of the channel system  140  to provide a path of fluid communication between the first and second frame members. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 2 , which provides a view of an underside of the hose guide  110 , the spray nozzles  145  are coupled directly to the frame members and project downwardly therefrom. The spray nozzles of the first embodiment include ¼″ MEG nozzles with a spray angle of 25°, from Spraying Systems Co. (Glendale Heights, Ill.). Variations include other nozzles configured to direct a stream or spray of fluid. 
     The spray nozzles  145  are configured to direct a spray of fluid downwardly from the hose guide. The fluid is typically, but not necessarily, an aqueous wash mixture comprising an antimicrobial agent, a freezing point lowering agent, a surfactant, and a fragrance. The wash mixture is typically delivered under positive pressure to the inlet valve  135 , which opens or closes to allow or block flow, respectively, of the wash mixture into the channel system. The inlet valve of the first embodiment is a typically, but not necessarily, a ball valve. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 1 , which illustrates a first embodiment hose guide  110  upright, in its operating position, over a manhole  176 , the guide assembly  110  spans the manhole with the assembly&#39;s frame members  115 ,  120  extending beyond the manhole perimeter  175 . The frame members  115 , 120  together form a frame  121  that is generally Y-shaped, with the arm portions  117  residing in a common plane and being non-parallel. The arm portions  117  converge to become closest together proximate the pulley  130 . The arm portions  117  typically converge as they approach the base portions  116  and pulley  130 , but the arm portions typically do not actually meet each other. When assembled into the frame  121 , the base portions  116  are typically parallel and reside in the same plane as the arm portions  117 . For the purposes of this specification and appended claims, parallel means within 11.5° of perfectly parallel, and non-parallel means greater than 11.5 degrees from parallel. Collectively, the base portions  116  of the frame members  115 , 120  form a base  112  of the frame  121 . The arm portions  117  diverge from the base  112 , which creates a relatively large open zone  155  between the arm portions  117  of the frame  121 . The open zone  155  provides access through the hose guide  110  and into the manhole while the guide assembly  110  resides in its operating position above the manhole. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 1 , the first embodiment hose guide  110  is typically supported at or proximate the manhole periphery  175  at four points  111 A- 111 D. Embodiments are supported by the ground at or proximate a manhole periphery at preferably at least two points and most preferably at least three points. 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic representation of a first embodiment hose handling system  100 , which includes the hose guide  110  and a fluid delivery device  105 . The fluid delivery device  105  includes a wash concentrate tank  6  plumbed to a variable speed metering pump  5 , which is plumbed to a tee fitting  3 . Plumbing between components of the fluid delivery device  105  includes a fluid path  1  typically comprising ½ inch tubing. The wash concentrate tank  6  contains a wash concentrate that typically, but not necessarily, comprises a relatively small amount of water, a quaternary ammonium compound, propylene glycol or isopropyl alcohol, a surfactant, and fragrance. A main water pump  2  downstream from the tee fitting  3  delivers the wash mixture, comprising the wash concentrate diluted with water, to a wash line  142 . The wash line conducts the wash mixture to the hose guide  135 . The water pump typically, but not necessarily, delivers the wash mixture at a flow rate of up to 2 gallons per minute (gpm) and a pressure of at least 100 pounds per square inch (psi). Embodiments are configured to deliver wash mixture at a pressure preferably at least 25 psi, more preferably at least 50 psi, and most preferably at least 75 psi. The wash line  142  of the first embodiment is ⅜″ water hose, and is stored on a wash line reel  18 . Delivery of wash mixture at a pressure of at least 25 psi, and in some cases at least 50 psi, at least 75 psi, or at least 100 psi, can facilitate delivering a relatively powerful wash spray from the nozzles, which can assist with removal of gross contamination from a hose. 
     A sewer truck air tank  7  and a truck main water tank  17  are also plumbed to the tee fitting  3 . Flow from the main water tank  17  can be turned on and off with a ball valve  16 , and is typically filtered by an 80 mesh strainer  15 . At the tee fitting  3 , the wash concentrate typically mixes with water from the truck main water tank to form the wash mixture. The variable speed metering pump  5  is a peristaltic pump adapted to meter delivery of the wash concentrate in order to control abundance of wash concentrate in the wash mixture. Accordingly, a stronger or weaker wash mixture can be delivered to the wash line  142 , depending on circumstances. For instance, where a sewer back up or other spill has occurred, a stronger wash mixture may be delivered to the wash line, and the wash line can be disconnected from the hose guide  110  in order to hose down the street or other areas contaminated by the spill. Back-flow within the fluid delivery device is typically prevented through use of first, second, and third check valves  4 , 12 , 13 . The main water pump  2  and metering pump  5  are typically controlled with a power control unit  24 , which typically operates on 12 to 24 volts DC power from a power supply  25 . 
     In normal operation, where a hose  150  such as a jetter hose is being withdrawn from a manhole, a wash mixture containing less wash concentrate than the stronger wash mixture described above is typically delivered to the hose guide  110 , and subsequently sprayed onto the hose  150  in close proximity to the pulley  130 . The jetter hose is thus typically washed to reduce or remove contamination just before the jetter hose traverses the pulley during withdrawal of the jetter hose from the manhole. 
     Water from the truck main water tank  17  can also be delivered to the wash line  142  in the absence of wash concentrate, thus facilitating a water rinse of the main water pump, wash line, and hose guide  110 . Similarly, air from the sewer truck air tank  7  can be used to blow liquid from the main water pump, wash line, and hose guide. An air reducer valve  8  and air on/off switch  9  facilitate delivery of air from the air tank  7  to the fluid path  1 . 
     A Second Embodiment Hose Handling System 
     A second embodiment hose handling system  200  is illustrated in  FIGS. 4-7 . The second embodiment hose handling system comprises a hose guide  210  similar to and including the same components as the hose guide  110  of the first embodiment hose handling system  100 . The second embodiment hose handling system  200  comprises a high pressure hose  250  extending from a high pressure hose reel  253  mounted on a sewer cleaning truck  265  down through a manhole  276  into a sewer  277 . The high pressure hose  250  is guided by the pulley  230  of the hose guide  210  as the hose  250  is retrieved onto the high pressure hose reel  253 . The high pressure hose of the second embodiment hose handling system is a jetter hose. Other embodiments include other hoses or lines, including, but not limited to hoses or lines having outside diameters of about ⅜ inch to 2 inches. 
     The second embodiment hose handling system  200  further comprises a wash line  242  that delivers a wash mixture under positive pressure from a fluid control assembly  243  to the hose guide  210 . The wash mixture typically, but not necessarily, includes water, a quaternary ammonium compound or other antimicrobial agent, a freezing point lowering agent, a surfactant, and a fragrance. Variations of wash mixtures include stabilized chlorine dioxide. 
     The wash mixture of the second embodiment hose handling system typically includes a wash concentrate comprising a proprietary formulation from B&amp;B Blending, Inc. (Denver, Colo.) that has a freezing point of about 5° F. The proprietary formulation includes a quaternary ammonium compound, a freezing point lowering agent, a surfactant, and a fragrance. Examples of fragrances include, but are not limited to, vanilla fragrance, pine fragrance, and apple fragrance. Variations of wash concentrate include stabilized chlorine dioxide. 
     The wash concentrate is typically diluted with water to form the wash mixture. 
     Examples of quaternary ammonium compounds used in a typical wash mixture include, but are not limited to, dimethyl ammonium chloride; dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride; alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride compounds such as n-dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, n-hexadecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, n-octadecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, and n-tetradecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride; and alkyl dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride compounds such as n-dodecyl dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride and n-octadecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. 
     Examples of freezing point lowering agents used in the wash mixture include, but are not limited to, propylene glycol and isopropyl alcohol. Other alcohols or glycols, including but not limited to methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, and ethylene glycol, can be used as freezing point lowering agents. Examples of surfactants used in the wash mixture include, but are not limited to, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride compounds, alkyl dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride compounds, and alcohol ethoxylates. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 6 , the wash mixture is forced through spray nozzles, which direct a wash spray  268  sprayed onto the high pressure hose  250  proximate (within 24 inches of) the pulley  230 . Embodiments include wash spray that hits the hose  250  preferably within 16 inches of the pulley  230 , more preferably within 10 inches of the pulley, and most preferably within 5 inches of the pulley. The high pressure hose  250  is thus washed as it is retrieved from the sewer. Where the wash mixture includes an anti-microbial agent and a surfactant, the hose can be disinfected by the wash mixture, and the surfactant can assist with removing gross contamination as well as facilitating disinfection. Channels (not shown in  FIGS. 4-7 ) disposed inside the frame members allow fluid communication between the wash line  242  and the spray nozzles. The spray nozzles are not visible in  FIGS. 4-7  because they are disposed on the underside of first and second frame members  215 ,  220 . 
     The high pressure hose  250  generally changes orientation as it contacts the pulley  230 , changing from a more vertical orientation as the hose  250  comes up through the manhole  276 , to a less vertical orientation as the hose  250  contacts the pulley  230  and extends toward the sewer truck  265  or other device. The change in orientation of the hose  250  as it contacts the pulley  230 , best seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , can be referred to as a change in angle of retrieve. 
     The sewer cleaning truck  265  includes a sewer vacuum line  266  having an outside diameter of approximately 8 inches, which will not fit past a prior art hose retrieval guidance device installed atop a manhole. Sewer vacuum lines have an outside diameter preferably at least 4 inches, more preferably at least 6 inches, and most preferably at least 8 inches. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 7 , the hose guide  210  of the second embodiment hose handling system includes an open zone  255 . The open zone is large enough to receive the 8 inch outside diameter sewer vacuum line  266  while the hose guide  210  is installed in operating position over a manhole  276 , with the high pressure hose  250  traversing the pulley. The hose guide  210  can be configured to direct wash spray  268  onto the vacuum line  266  while the vacuum line extends through the open zone  255   
     A Third Embodiment Hose Handling System 
     A hose guide  310  of a third embodiment hose handling system is illustrated in  FIGS. 8-12 . The third embodiment hose guide  310  comprises a first frame member  315  and a second frame member  320  coupled to each other with a connecting member  325  and a pulley  330 . The pulley comprises a roller  331  and a steel axle  332 . The steel axle typically threads about 1-1.5 inches into each of the first and second frame members  315 , 320 , thereby providing a rigid connection between the frame members. The connecting member  325  typically provides another rigid connection between the frame members. The hose guide is thus substantially rigid. The frame members each comprise a base portion  316  and a arm portion  317 . A distance of about 3 inches typically, but not necessarily, separates the base portions  316  of the first and second frame members  315 ,  320 . The frame members of the third embodiment are machined from a solid 6061 aluminum alloy bar. A width  355  of each frame member is typically 2 inches, plus or minus 1/16 inch. The hose guide exhibits bilateral symmetry, with the first frame member  315  and the second frame member  320  being mirror images of each other, save for minor details. For each of the first and second frame members, a first angle  318  where the base portion  316  meets the arm portion  317  is approximately 135°. 
     The hose guide  310  further comprises a ball valve  335  and four spray nozzles  345  plumbed into a channel system (not shown—channels are typically drilled into the frame members and are not visible in the views shown in  FIGS. 8-12 ). The spray nozzles of the third embodiment include ¼″ MEG nozzles with a spray angle of 25°, from Spraying Systems, Co. Other embodiments comprise other spray nozzles, including, but not limited to, flat spray nozzles, full cone spray nozzles, hollow cone spray nozzles, and fine spray nozzles. The spray nozzles typically, but not necessarily, thread into ¼ inch holes machined into the frame members  315 ,  320 . 
     A top side of the third embodiment hose guide  310  is illustrated in  FIG. 8 , and an underside is illustrated in  FIGS. 9-11 . As best seen in  FIGS. 9 and 11 , the hose guide further comprises four positioning stubs  350  projecting downwardly from the first and second frame members  315 ,  320 . The positioning stubs are stainless steel, and are coupled directly to the frame members by use of threaded fasteners that thread into threaded holes residing in an underside of the frame members. When oriented in an operating position over a 24 inch diameter manhole, the positioning stubs  350  project into the manhole just inside an outer perimeter of the manhole. The positioning stubs thereby help hold the hose guide in operating position. The positioning stubs typically project downwardly about 1 inch, and reside on the perimeter of a circle having a diameter of approximately 22 inches. Manholes typically have a ledge just inside the manhole opening, which supports a manhole cover that resides just inside the manhole opening. The ledge has an outside diameter that is equivalent to the manhole opening diameter, and an inside diameter that is slightly smaller than the manhole opening diameter. For the purposes of this specification and appended claims, a diameter of a manhole refers to the diameter of the manhole opening, which should be equivalent to the outside diameter of the inside ledge, but not to the inside diameter of the inside ledge. 
     Other manholes have diameters larger or smaller than 24 inches. Hose guide assemblies adapted to fit the other manhole diameters typically, but not necessarily, include multiple positioning stubs that reside on a circle having a diameter about 2 inches less than the diameter of a manhole for which the hose guide is designed, such that the positioning stubs fit just inside the manhole when the hose guide is in operating position atop the manhole. Generally, the multiple positioning stubs reside on a positioning stub circle that has a diameter less than a diameter of a manhole on which the hose guide is designed and adapted to be used, a difference between the positioning stub circle diameter and the manhole diameter being preferably at least ½ inch, more preferably between 1 inch and 6 inches, and most preferably about 2 inches. Variations of positioning stubs include one or more steps, the one or more steps of the stepped positioning stubs being configured to sit just inside manhole perimeters of various sizes. It is understood that the positioning stub circle is a mental construct and is typically not an actual physical structure. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 9-11 , the frame members  315 ,  320  include cavities 352 machined into their arm portions  317 . The cavities reduce the mass of the hose guide  310  without compromising functional strength. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 12 , the first frame member  315  typically has a width  355  of 2 inches plus or minus 1/16 inch, and a depth  357  of 1.75 inches plus or minus 1/16 inch. The second frame member (not shown in  FIG. 12 ) typically has width and depth dimensions identical to the first frame member. The dimensions of the third embodiment are merely exemplary; other embodiments include frame members with width and depth dimensions that differ from those of the third embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
     The third embodiment hose guide is typically, but not necessarily, made entirely in the United States of America. Some embodiments of aluminum frame members are hard anodized, and colors may be imparted to the frame members. 
     In one embodiment, as best seen in  FIG. 20 , the hose guide can include a pair of positioning steps  360  projecting downwardly from the first and second frame members  315 ,  320 . The positioning steps  360  can generally include a stair like structure having three steps. In one embodiment, the first step can generally be approximately an inch tall, with each succeeding step 0.375 inches above the previous step. For instance, the positioning steps can have a 1.75 inch height at a tallest point. In some embodiments, each of the steps can have a different length and/or height. It is to be appreciated that a variety of different configurations and sizes of the positioning steps  360  are contemplated. 
     In one embodiment, the positioning steps  360  can be manufactured from stainless steel, and can be coupled directly to the frame members by use of threaded fasteners that thread into threaded holes residing in an underside of the frame members. In another embodiment, the position steps  360  can be manufactured from aluminum. 
     Generally, the positioning steps  360  can be implemented to fit the hose guide to manholes ranging in size from 22 inches to 26 inches. For instance, when oriented in an operating position over a manhole, at least one of the steps of the positioning steps  360  can project into the manhole just inside an outer perimeter of the manhole. The positioning steps  360  can thereby help hold the hose guide in operating position. 
     A middle of the positioning steps  360  may typically reside on the perimeter of a circle having a diameter of approximately 22 inches. In some embodiments, the first and second frame members  315 ,  320  may have threaded holes along a length of the frame members to allow the positioning steps  360  to be moved along a length of the frame members. For instance, the positioning members  360  may be moved closer to the pulley  330  so that the positioning steps  360  reside on the perimeter of a circle having a diameter of 18 inches. It is to be appreciated that the positioning steps  360  may be moved to fit manholes having a diameter of approximately 12 inches to 34 inches. 
     A Method of Making Frame Members 
     A method of making multiple frame members of a hose guide is illustrated in  FIG. 13 . Multiple nascent frame members  421 ,  422 ,  423 ,  424  are typically cut from a single 6061 aluminum billet  460 .  FIG. 13  illustrates how cut  421 B creates an edge for both nascent frame member  421  and nascent frame member  422 . The aluminum billet is typically 1.75 inch thick, so each of the nascent frame members is also 1.75 inch thick. Each of the multiple nascent frame members can be machined to form either of a first or a second frame member. The nascent frame members are typically identical to each other prior to machining. 
     A Fourth Embodiment Hose Handling System 
     A fourth embodiment of a hose handling system is illustrated in  FIGS. 14-16 . The fourth embodiment can include a hose washing assembly  591  comprising a housing  592  within which resides a flange  593  surrounding a flange aperture  595 , a fluid inlet fitting  535 , and spray jets  545 . The fluid inlet fitting  535  can be in fluid communication with the spray jets, and wash mixture or other fluid can be delivered to the spray jets through the fluid inlet fitting. The flange aperture typically, but not necessarily, has a diameter of about 1.5 inches. Variations of the hose washing assembly further comprise a tether  594 . The housing  592  typically comprises expanded polyethylene foam, and the flange  593  comprises synthetic rubber including polymers such as, but not limited to, 1,3 butadiene and substituted butadienes, chloroprene, methylpropene, and isoprene. Some flange embodiments comprise natural rubber, vulcanized rubber, natural polymers, synthetic polymers, or other resilient, pliant material adapted to conform about a hose received through the flange aperture  595 . 
     The hose washing assembly  591  is adapted to split into two sections, as best seen in  FIG. 15 , in order to receive a hose. In typical use, the hose washing assembly is reassembled into a single unit surrounding a hose after the hose has been received therein. The hose can then be reeled in or otherwise drawn through the hose washing assembly while wash mixture or other fluid is sprayed through the spray jets  545  onto the hose. The flange  593  can facilitate removal of contamination on the hose by scraping or otherwise rubbing against the hose as it moves through the flange aperture  595 . The tether  594  is typically fastened to a secure sewer truck part in order to restrain the hose washing assembly as a hose is drawn through the wash assembly. The hose washing assembly illustrated in  FIGS. 14-16  can be used with or without a hose guide. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the hose washing assembly  591  can be used to wash a high pressure hose  550  as the hose is withdrawn from a manhole  576  onto a hose reel  553 . The hose reel typically resides on a sewer cleaning vehicle. The hose washing assembly  591  is coupled to a reel positioner  596  that orients the high pressure hose  550  properly as the hose  550  is wound onto the hose reel  553 . The reel positioner  596  typically travels laterally, back and forth across a positioner bar  597  as the hose  550  is wound onto the reel  553 . Embodiments of the hose washing assembly  591  further comprise a wash line  542  configured to conduct a liquid from a fluid delivery device to the fluid inlet fitting  535 , and an inlet valve  536  configured to modulate delivery of the liquid through the wash line. The liquid is typically a wash mixture comprising an antimicrobial agent or a surfactant. 
     A Fifth Embodiment Hose Handling System 
     A fifth embodiment of a hose handling system is illustrated in  FIGS. 17A-19 . The fifth embodiment can include a hose washing assembly  602  comprising a housing  604  within which resides one or more flanges  606 , a flange aperture  608 , a fluid inlet fitting  610 , and one or more spray nozzles  612 . In a typical implementation, the hose washing assembly  602  can be located below a manhole inside a sewer. 
     Referring to generally to  FIGS. 17A-19 , a plurality of views of the hose washing assembly  602  are illustrated. As shown generally in the figures, the hose washing assembly  602  can include the housing  604 , the one or more flanges  606 , the fluid inlet fitting  610 , the one or more spray nozzles  612 , the channel  614 , the door  616 , and the attachment structure  618 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 17A-17B , the housing  604  can include a top member  607  and a bottom member  609 . In one embodiment, the top member  607  and the bottom member  609  can each be removably coupled to the housing  604 . For instance, one or more fasteners  611  can be implemented to couple the top member  607  and the bottom member  609  to the housing  604 , as shown in  FIGS. 17A-17B . In one example, a plurality of screws can be implemented to couple the top member  607  and the bottom member  609  to the housing  604 . In some embodiments, the housing  604  may be one structure or member. 
     In one embodiment, the housing  604 , the top member  607 , and the bottom member  609  can each comprise expanded polyethylene foam. In another embodiment, the housing  604  can comprise a first material and the top member  607  and the bottom member  609  can each comprise a second material. For instance, the housing  604  can comprise metal and the top member  607  and the bottom member  609  can each comprise expanded polyethylene foam. In one embodiment, the housing  604 , the top member  607 , and the bottom member  609  can comprise an aluminum alloy. As shown generally in the figures, edges of the top member  607  and the bottom member  609  can generally be rounded or beveled to minimize fraying hoses. 
     Generally, the flanges  606  can be coupled between sections of the housing  604 , as shown in generally in  FIGS. 17A-18C . For instance, a first flange  606  can be located between an interface of the housing  604  and the top member  607  and a second flange  606  can be located between the housing  604  and the bottom member  609 , as shown in  FIGS. 17C, 18A, and 18C . In one embodiment, the flanges  606  can be integrated into the housing  604  where the housing  604  is one structure. The one or more flanges  606  can include synthetic rubber including, but not limited to, polymers, 1,3 butadiene, substituted butadienes, chloroprene, methylpropene, and isoprene. In some embodiments, the one or more flanges  606  can include natural rubber, vulcanized rubber, natural polymers, synthetic polymers, or other resilient, pliant material adapted to conform about a hose received through the flange aperture  608 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18A-18C , a plurality of sectional views of the hose washing assembly  602  are illustrated. As shown in  FIG. 18A , the housing  604  can include a bore  605 . In one embodiment, the housing  604  can generally have a substantially cylindrical shape and the bore  605  can have a substantially circular cross-section. In another embodiment, the housing  604  can have a substantially rectangular shape. It is to be appreciated that the housing  604  can have one of a plurality of shapes without exceeding a scope of the present invention. Typically, the bore  605  can be defined by a substantially circular cross-section. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18B , a top sectional view of the hose washing assembly  602  showing a channel  614  is illustrated. Typically, the fluid inlet fitting  610  can be in fluid communication with the spray nozzles  612 . For instance, the channel  614  can be implemented to fluidly connect the spray nozzles  612  to the fluid inlet fitting  610 .  FIGS. 18A and 18C  each show side sectional views of the channel  614 . Typically, a wash mixture or other fluid can be delivered to the spray nozzles  612  through the channel  614  from the fluid inlet fitting  610 . In one embodiment, the top member  607  can generally include the fluid inlet fitting  610  which is fluidly connected to the channel  614  of the housing  604 .  FIG. 18A  shows a spray nozzle  612  in communication with the channel  614 . 
     The one or more spray nozzles  612  can generally be located between a pair of flanges. In one embodiment, three spray nozzles  612  can be located on an interior of the housing  604  and spaced equidistantly from one another, as shown in  FIG. 17D . Generally, the spray nozzles  612  can be oriented to direct a wash spray downwardly. In a typical implementation, three spray nozzles  612  can be implemented to substantially spray an entire outer surface of a hose being cleaned. 
     The one or more flanges  606  can be implemented to form the flange aperture  608 . Generally, a hose can be fed thru the flange aperture  608 . For instance, the one or more flanges  606  can facilitate removal of contamination on a hose by scraping or otherwise rubbing against the hose as the hose moves through the flange aperture  608 . Generally, the flange aperture  608  can have a substantially circular cross-section. The flange aperture  608  can generally be sized to fit a plurality of common high pressure hoses. For instance, the flange aperture  608  can have a diameter of approximately 1.5 inches. It is to be appreciated that the flange aperture  608  can have a diameter of approximately 1 inch to 2 inches. Typically, the flange aperture  608  can be sized approximately smaller than an implemented hose. 
     As shown in  FIG. 17C , the housing  604  can generally include the door  616 . The attachment structure  618  can be implemented to keep the door  616  shut. In one embodiment, the attachment structure  618  can include a pair of magnets. In another embodiment, the attachment structure  618  can include a hook patch and a loop patch. It is to be appreciated that the housing  604  would include a portion of the attachment structure  618  and the door  616  would include another portion of the attachment structure  618  and two portions would mate. It is further appreciated that other means of keeping the door closed are contemplated. 
     The door  616  can typically include a top member  615  and a bottom member  617  similar to the housing top member  607  and bottom member  609 . The door top member  615  and bottom member  617  can typically be removably coupled to the door  616 . For instance, the one or more fasteners  611  can be implemented to couple the door top member  615  and bottom member  617  to the door  616 . It is to be appreciated that the door  616  can be a single member or structure similar to embodiments of the housing being a single member or structure. 
     In one embodiment, the door  616  can have a hinged connection to the housing  604 . The housing  602  can be opened via the hinged door  616 , as best seen in  FIG. 17C , in order to receive a hose. Generally, the opening created by the door  616  when the door  616  is opened can be smaller than a hose being received therein. For instance, the opening can be approximately smaller than a diameter of the flange aperture  608 . By having the opening generally smaller than a hose being cleaned, if the door  616  were to unexpectedly open during operation, the hose can be retained in the hose washing assembly  602 . 
     In typical use, the hinged door  616  can be opened to receive a hose therein and then closed to surround the hose after the hose has been received therein. The hose can then be reeled in or otherwise drawn through the hose washing assembly  602 . As the hose is drawn through the assembly  602 , the wash mixture or other fluid can be sprayed through the spray nozzles  612  onto the hose. The one or more flanges  606  can be implemented to facilitate removal of contamination on the hose by scraping or otherwise rubbing against the hose as the hose moves through the flange aperture  608 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , a hose washing system  660  is illustrated. The hose washing system  660  generally includes the hose washing assembly  602 , a wash line  620 , an inlet valve  622 , and a fluid tank  624 . As shown, the hose washing system  660  can be implemented to wash a high pressure hose  630  as the hose  630  is withdrawn from a manhole  640  onto a hose reel  650 . The hose reel  650  typically resides on a sewer cleaning vehicle. 
     As shown, the hose washing assembly  602  generally resides below surface inside the manhole  640 . Typically, the hose washing assembly  602  can be weighted such that the hose washing assembly  602  can remain below the manhole  640  as the hose  630  is withdrawn. For instance, the housing can be weighted to overcome any friction between the hose  630  and the hose washing assembly  602 . Generally, the hose washing assembly can weigh approximately between 1 and 5 pounds. In one embodiment, the hose washing assembly  602  can weigh approximately 2 pounds. 
     Generally, the hose washing assembly  602  can be implemented to keep a surrounding area of the manhole mostly contamination free. For instance, as the hose  630  is cleaned, contamination can be directly deposited inside the sewer since the hose washing assembly  602  resides below the manhole in the sewer. 
     The wash line  620  can be configured to conduct a liquid from the fluid tank  624  to the fluid inlet fitting  610 . The inlet valve  622  can be configured to modulate delivery of the liquid through the wash line  620 . The liquid can typically be a wash mixture comprising an antimicrobial agent or a surfactant. In some embodiments, the wash line  620  can be implemented to keep the hose washing assembly  602  from falling further into the sewer. Generally, a length of the wash line  620  can determine how deep the hose washing assembly  602  sits below the manhole  640 . It is to be appreciated that other means of keeping the hose washing assembly  602  from falling into the sewer are contemplated. 
     In some embodiments, the hose washing system  660  can include a fluid delivery device similar to the previously described first embodiment fluid delivery device  105 . In these embodiments, the hose washing assembly  602  can be in fluid communication with the fluid delivery device via the wash line  620 . 
     In one embodiment, a tether similar to the tether  594  described in the previous embodiment can be implemented to secure the hose washing assembly  602  to a sewer truck in order to restrain the hose washing assembly  602  as a hose is drawn through the wash assembly  602 . In another embodiment, the tether can be attached to the fluid delivery device described previously. 
     ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS AND VARIATIONS 
     Various embodiments and variations thereof, illustrated in the accompanying Figures and/or described above, are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous other variations of the invention have been contemplated, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art given the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the invention that read upon appended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention. 
     In an alternate embodiment, a hose guide includes no nozzles or valve, and is thus not adapted to dispense a wash mixture or other fluid onto a hose. Variations include hose guide assemblies without channels in the frame members.