Patent Grant
11045846
The present invention relates generally to systems for handling and cleaning hoses and lines as they are retrieved from sanitary or storm sewers.
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.
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 The hose guide is adapted to guide a hose as the hose is inserted into or withdrawn from a manhole, with the hose traversing the pulley.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'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.
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's or phrase'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.
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 hose guide 110 of a first embodiment hose handling system is illustrated in
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 <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
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
As best shown in
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 200 is illustrated in
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&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
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
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
A hose guide 310 of a third embodiment hose handling system is illustrated in
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
A top side of the third embodiment hose guide 310 is illustrated in
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
As best shown in
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
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 multiple frame members of a hose guide is illustrated in
A fourth embodiment of a hose handling system is illustrated in
The hose washing assembly 591 is adapted to split into two sections, as best seen in
As shown in
A fifth embodiment of a hose handling system is illustrated in
Referring to generally to
As shown in
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
Referring to
Referring to
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20090089968 | Davis, Jr. | Apr 2009 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2493794 | Feb 2013 | GB |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20190076893 A1 | Mar 2019 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61568476 | Dec 2011 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14559333 | Dec 2014 | US |
| Child | 16188276 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14000219 | US | |
| Child | 14559333 | US |
