Patent Application
20050028306
This invention pertains to an apparatus for cleaning and clearing debris from pipes. More particular, the invention is directed toward rotary cutters that remove blockages and debris from pipes and a method for improving the operation of rotary cutters.
A major area of maintenance associated with water supply pipes, sewer pipes or other pipelines is maintaining the flow of fluid through the pipes by preventing blockages. For example, over the lifespan of a sewer pipe, the flow through a sewer pipe is restricted by numerous blockages within the pipe, including roots and material deposits, such as grease, lime, crusts and scales. Removal of blockages has been accomplished by the use of apparatus often known as “chain root cutters” such as those commercially available from Cloverleaf Tool Company of Sarasota, Fla., and shown and described in literature entitled Pipeline/Sewer Clearing & Maintenance Equipment available therefrom. As provided in the Chain Root Cutter model set forth therein, chain root cutters are typically centered in pipes using skid fins and/or water jets. Steel chains, as in the Chain Root Cutter model, attached to the chain root cutter are rotated to centrifugally cut and grind away the blockages. The chains are rotated by a motor, which is typically a water driven motor or nozzle. Alternatively, the chains are replaced with a relatively rigid cable linkage. A problem with chain root cutters, which will be appreciated once the present invention is understood, is that the chains are not particularly sharp and have a limited wear life. By failing to provide sharp edges, the chains tend to pulverize the roots rather than cutting and removing them. A problem with rigid cable versions is that the cable frays, reducing the rigidity of the cable which significantly reduces its cleaning ability.
It is a general aspect of the present invention to provide a rotary cutter which provides an increased wear life.
It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a rotary cutter that more effectively removes debris and blockages from pipes.
In accomplishing its aims and objectives, the disclosed invention provides a rotary cutter, comprising a support housing having a plurality of radially extending skid fins, which help position the rotor cutter in the center of the pipe. The support housing carries a rotor, and the rotor rotates relative thereto. A motor also carried by the support housing is adapted to rotate the rotor. A plurality of linkages extend radially from the rotor and attach at least one end bit to the rotor. The end bit comprising a hard wear resistant material that faces radially outward and increases the wear life of the end bit. According to a preferred embodiment, the hard wear resistant material comprises carbide chips that provide sharp edges adapted to engage and dislodge debris and roots within the pipe more effectively. The carbide chips provide the sharp edges throughout the life of the end bit.
It is a further aspect according to a preferred embodiment that the end bit is self-sharpening. The end bit is self sharpening because new carbide chips are uncovered to provide new sharp edges as the carbide chips on the outer surface wear or break.
The present invention also provides a method for improving the operation of a rotary cutter for use in cleaning pipes. The method includes providing an end bit to a rotary cutter. The cutter comprises a support housing, radially extending skid fins, a rotor and a motor for rotating the rotor. The method comprises providing a surface engaging end bit comprising a plurality of chips of a wear resistant material, and linking the end bit to the rotor of the cutter with a linkage.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.
The following disclosed embodiments further illustrate the invention, but of course, should not be construed as in any way limiting its scope.
Referring to
A rotor 30 is carried by and rotates relative to the support housing 28. The support housing 28 is generally angularly stationary within the pipe 24. The rotor 30 is positioned such that it is generally centered about the central axis of the pipe 24. Adapted to rotate the rotor 30 and propel the chain root cutter 20, a motor 32 or other rotation device, which may include but is not limited a water driven motor, a rotating water driven nozzle, or the like, is also carried by the support housing 28. High pressure water jets in the motor 32 propel the chain root cutter 20 through the pipe 24. The force provided by the water jets assist the skid fins by facilitating centering the chain root cutter 20 within the pipe 24.
A plurality of linkages 34, which may include chains (as illustrated in
The end bits 36 attached to the plurality of linkages 34 increase the durability, wear resistance and cleaning ability of the chain root cutter 20. The end bits 36 are adapted to face radially outward as the rotor 30 rotates, thereby extending the linkages 34 radially outward by way of centrifugal force. Having the end bits 36 facing radially outward allows the chain root cutter 20 to present the end bits 36 to the inner surface of the cylindrical pipe 24 to more effectively contact and remove material deposits and roots from the pipe 24.
The cross-sectional view of an end bit 36 in
As illustrated in
All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
