Patent ID: 7591273

Claim:
An apparatus for cleaning a flow control element, the flow control element including a tube-like wall section defining a first flow channel, and an end section defining an outlet, the apparatus comprising: a tubular flow member defining a second flow channel extending between a first end and a second end of the tubular flow member; a tapered fixture fixedly attached to the tubular flow member at the first end of the flow channel, the tapered fixture being sized such that, when inserted inside the tube-like wall section, the tapered fixture becomes frictionally engaged to the inside surface of the tube-like wall section; a pump mechanism, connected to the tubular flow member at the second end of the flow channel, for generating fluid flow in the tubular flow member such that the fluid flows through the tapered fixture and passes through the outlet; a substantially cylindrical mounting structure fixedly connected at a fixed end to the first end of the tubular flow member, the mounting structure having a free end defining an opening; and an annular lip structure mounted on the free end of the mounting structure and surrounding the opening, wherein the tapered fixture further comprises a rail structure attached to the lip structure and extending over the opening.